The Proposition

Violent, moody Australian western. Structurally unusual because the guy who you think is the hero/protagonist gets taken out of the movie for a while, while another dude drives the plot. Nevertheless, the acting and production design are top-notch. Ultimately a downer, though, but succeeds as a morality tale.

X-MEN 3

More one-liners than the previous 2 movies, and less serious, which is a bad thing. But the Brian Singer movies established enough things that pay-off strongly here. The choices that Ratner makes on his own are a bit clunky. Why do all Magneto's followers, the "bad mutants," have to look like pierced bikers? Aw. I'm nitpicking. It was enjoyable. It just didn't... ROCK.

The DaVinci Code

Jesus! Was this dull. Granted, I didn't read the book. But Hank's character was really passive and just fled from the crooked cops, and it wasn't even clear why they wanted him. I love Audrey Tautou. (If you haven't seen DIRTY PRETTY THINGS, move it RIGHT to the top of the Netflix list.) But Ron Howard dulled her down so badly. This movie is a luke-warm paste. Spiderman 2 was more about Jesus than this movie. Don't get me wrong. I didn't hate it. Those of you who know how I feel about Ron Howard know that's a strong statement. It's just blah.

Ask the Dust

No amount of nudity could keep this movie from being boring. Performances from Salma Hayek and Colin Ferrel are top notch, and the California in the 30's production design was marvelous, but NOTHING HAPPENS. It's a good movie to behold, but tough to get into. So, good luck, video renters.

Stick It

Impressive attempt at fusing a sports movie with a teen drama with a music video. While the Busby Berkely montages are cute, they rob the movie of stakes. The lead, Missy Peregrym, has charisma flying out of her leotard-clad ass, which assures that, although it's forgettable, Stick It is never boring.

Art School Confidential

Had a lot of potential and started out funny, but became less funny as it unfolded. But it didn't become something else. It just became less funny.

Mission Impossible 3

It's almost too obvious to point out, but this is a LOT like an Alias episode. There's even a "Marshall"; a reluctant computer geek in the office ready to help the hero. It's a serviceable action thriller, and though he may be crazy, Tom Cruise has spunk. Keri Russell is memorable as an adrenalin-juiced rescuee with a horrible little bomb in her head. A scary moment in an otherwise fun but suspense-less spy soap opera.