[Nick]

Children of Men
Starring: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine
Plot: Set in 2027, when no child has been born for 18 years and science is at loss to explain the reason, African and East European societies collapse and their dwindling populations migrate to England and other wealthy nations. In a climate of nationalistic violence, a London peace activist turned bureaucrat Theo Faron (Owen), joins forces with his revolutionary ex-wife Julian (Moore) in order to save mankind by protecting a woman who has mysteriously became pregnant.
Comments: I really enjoyed this movie for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the filmmaking is simply outstanding. This movie features a lot of long takes with no cuts that really make you appreciate the effort that was put into the film. There are sequences that you start watching and really get into and then minutes later realize you haven't seen a single cut to another shot. Secondly, the acting is fantastic. Owen does a great job playing an unlikely every-man hero, and while Moore is an actress I usually have a hard time enjoying, she wins me over in this film. If I had one complaint about the film, it would be that the ending is a bit abrupt and slightly disappointing in that you don't want it to be over just yet. I would highly recommend this movie to science fiction and drama fans alike.
Rating: 8/10


The Departed
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin
Plot: Two just-graduated officers from Massachusetts State Police Academy follow opposite sides of the law: William Costigan (DiCaprio) is assigned to work undercover with the Irish mobster Frank Costello (Nicholson) to get evidences to arrest him. His true identity is only known by his superiors Dignam (Wahlberg) and Oliver Queenan (Sheen). The protégée of Costello, Colin Sullivan (Damon), is promoted in the Massachusetts State Police and is the informer of Costello. Each police officer gives his best effort trying to disclose the identity of the other "rat".
Comments: Deserving of its Oscar win, in my opinion. The acting in this movie is absolutely incredible. Looking back on some of their career choices, it can be hard to think of guys like DiCaprio and Wahlberg as legitimate actors but this movie will do it for you. The plot was generally outstanding as well. Initially I was confused as to why Costello wasn't more suspicious of Costigan but a scene later in the movie does a solid job tying that concern up. Also, it took me a bit to warm up to the final 8-10 minutes of the movie. But overall, I was very impressed by The Departed and would rank it just slightly behind some of Scorsese's other classics.
Rating: 9/10


Blades of Glory
Starring: Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Jenna Fischer, Craig T. Nelson
Plot: In 2002, two rival Olympic ice skaters (Ferrell & Heder) were stripped of their gold medals and permanently banned from men's single competition. Presently, however, they've found a loophole that will allow them to qualify as a pairs team.
Comments: Another comedy smash from Ferrell that I feel ranks right up there with Anchorman. Heder was excellent as well, and this is coming from someone that wasn't a Napoleon Dynamite fan. Don't expect much substance here in terms of plot and serious acting (breaking news, huh?) but the jokes are non-stop and the first routine that Ferrell and Heder do as a pair nearly had me in tears. Definitely something to check out if you enjoyed Anchorman or Talladega Nights.
Rating: 8/10