Starring Shia Labeouf as a boy who assaults his teacher and is put under house arrest for three months. To make the time go by faster he starts spying on his neighbors. Pretty soon he realizes that the strange man who lives next door is a cold blooded killer. The movie is a combination of a laid back story of a girl and guy, and a heart pounding horror movie. It's number five on my list of favorite movies.

4. The Long Green Line

Starring York, Illionois' boy's cross country team, The Long Green Line is the story of a group of high schoolers working for what they want. Coached by Joe Newton, the team had won 24 state titles. In the movie they're going for their 25th state title. Everything seems like it's on track until two of the top seven runners are kicked off the team, and the two top runners get sick. It's a very inspiring movie, as it shoes many underdogs coming up and doing things that everybody told them they couldn't.

3. Ocean's Eleven

Starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon and many other stars. This remake movie is about a group of people who come together with one common goal: To rob one of the largest casinos in Las Vegas. Each member of the group has their own reason for doing it, wether it's money, revenge, or just sheer adrenaline. If you're looking for a thriller with a great ending, this is the one to see.

2. Eight Mile

The story of rap artist Eminem, Eight Mile is an amazing movie. It combines aspects of the under-dog theme with modern day music in Detroit. "B Rabbit" as he was originally called lives with his mom and young sister in a trailer park. When the news comes that they're getting evicted, it's up to Rabbit to strike it big. Even under the pressure of racism and poverty, he does just that.

1. Forrest Gump

Not a very original choice as my favorite movie, but I honestly think that this is the greatest movie ever made. Tom Hank's acting as a dumb man from Alabama who makes the most of his bad circumstances is phenomenal. The movie covers many historical events, from the Civil Rights Movement to the Beatles craze. Forrest Gump delivers crying moments, jumping moments, and above all, laughing moments. No matter who you are you can relate to this movie.

1. TOM CRUISE

The diminutive Tom Cruise is far and away number one when it comes to talentless actors who have hit the big time. I always wondered why he walked around with a constant grin on his face. The fact is, he can't believe his luck. He has one acting mode and that's anger. Anyone can act angry. It's all the other emotions, feelings and  facial expressions he fails to master. When I compare the likes of the wooden Tom Cruise to a real actor like Jack Lemmon, there is a chasm between them. Jack Lemmon could REALLY act. Tom Cruise is just a pretty boy who made good.

2. CLINT EASTWOOD

No matter how many of Clint Eastwood's movies you care to watch, you will observe that his facial expression seldom changes. He's made a career out of standing still and looking mean and moody. It's not as if he wasn't given the opportunity to diversify with his acting ability. After the Spaghetti Westerns, he appeared in some high profile films of the day like "Where Eagles Dare", "Dirty Harry" and "Paint Your Wagon". All very different from one another and yet Clint still managed to portray the same old character we see in every one of his movies. They should just have taken a still frame of him and inserted it at different points in the film. No-one would have been any the wiser!

3. BRAD PITT

Another actor in the Tom Cruise mold who rose to stardom on the basis that he looked a bit like a young Robert Redford. He has been given major movie roles on the basis of his looks and definitely not on his ability to act. Comparing him to Robert Redford does Redford a great injustice. He could act a bit as can be seen in films like "Day of the Condor" and those he starred in with Paul Newman. Brad Pitt is a big star with the tacky celebrity magazines but comes nowhere near being considered as a top Hollywood actor. Being a top celebrity and a top actor are two entirely different things.

4. JENNIFER LOPEZ

You have to wonder what some of these casting directors are thinking when they cast people like Jennifer Lopez in starring roles in movies they hope will be box office hits. I can't imagine ANY movie being a hit if it includes Miss Lopez in the line up of so-called stars. Jennifer Lopez couldn't act if her life depended on it and yet, like so many others who are in the public eye for whatever reason, she is hailed as a star who could make a movie into a success. Here's a thought for the casting directors: Why not think about selecting real actors as opposed to glorified celebrities. The viewing public might just appreciate it.

5. ANGELINA JOLIE

Mrs Brad Pitt must want to pinch herself every time her agent produces a new film script from movie makers who obviously lack common sense. To cast her in starring roles cannot possibly have anything to do with her ability to act. In some ways, she is like a female version of the aforementioned Clint Eastwood, having the same ability to star in film after film without having to change her facial expression. Look as you might at her movies and you will struggle to find any attemps that could even remotely pass for acting.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Long title and long movie. It probably falls into the category of a “love it or hate it” kind of film and the long running time is partly responsible for this. While there are a few of the great action sequences that you'd expect for a movie about Jesse James, this is more of a study on character and relationships.

Casey Affleck (as “Robert Ford”) gives an outstanding performance but there are many other great actors at work here (notably Brad Pitt as “Jesse James”).

This movie will not be for everyone. It is slow, deliberate and beautifully shot. These are not necessarily attributes that appeal to the modern movie-going audience. There is little action but plenty to consider in this film if you are willing to enjoy the slow and scenic ride.

The Proposition (2005)

When I first read about an Australian “western” written by Nick Cave I have to admit I wasn't particularly interested. I've never been a big fan of his music so I didn't rush to see this film. After reading some positive reviews I eventually checked it out. I'm glad I did as it had since become one of my favorite films from the last few years.

This is a violent and rugged movie that reflects the stark Australian outback and the period that it was set in. It's a great looking film with a genuinely interesting story.

The movie features an excellent cast with a mix of top Australian actors (Guy Pearce, Noah Taylor, David Wenham) and well-known British talent (Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Emily Watson).

The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

Despite having Richard Gere as the lead, or probably because of it, this movie didn't really attract great interest when it was released in 2002. It did a little business at the box office initially but it attracted very mixed reviews and never received significant support.

The story was a bit difficult for people to pigeonhole as it was partly a supernatural thriller and partly based on a true story. It was directed by Mark Pellington (“Arlington Road”) and featured some great visual moments and good pacing. The ever-consistent Laura Linney puts in another solid performance here and works well with Gere in their scenes together.

The Mothman Prophecies is an interesting thriller with a story that is not too predictable and that builds nicely to it's inevitable climactic moment. People looking for a well-made and genuine thriller should enjoy this.

25th Hour (2002)

This is a Spike Lee movie that seems to have gradually built a solid reputation over the years despite little fanfare early on. It features a great lead performance from Edward Norton and some excellent performances from a strong supporting cast that included Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Rosario Dawson, Anna Paquin and Barry Pepper.

25th Hour isn't your typical Hollywood story and this is definitely meant as a compliment. It's about a man who has one day of freedom remaining before he has to begin a seven-year jail term for drug dealing. The realization of his situation makes him reassess the relationships he has with his girlfriend, his father and his closest friends. He also forced to face his own demons and consider how he got into his current situation and how he'll cope with what lies ahead of him.

This film asks plenty of questions and succeeds because it doesn't try to answer them all.

Gone Baby Gone (2007)

Gone Baby Gone received very positive reviews, several award nominations (especially for Amy Ryan as supporting actress), but only had limited success at the box office. The fact that it was directed by Ben Affleck, and starred his brother Casey in the leading role, probably turned some people off seeing this movie at the theater. It's a shame really as the Affleck brothers combined to create an excellent movie that starts as an abduction thriller but later turns into an interesting moral dilemma.

The movie is set in the suburbs of Boston and the performances, most notably from Amy Ryan, give it a genuine feel which helps to engage the viewer with the story. If you haven't seen it, I think you'll be surprised.

Shia LaBoeuf and Michelle Monaghan play two people whose lives are taken on by a mysterious woman who contacts them over the phone. Blackmailed, they are forced to commit crimes against their will. However, are they simply being used as pawns in a much greater game?

Righteous Kill

Pacino and DeNiro together! Two veteran detectives of the NYPD, they are on the hunt for a serial killer cum vigilante. Due for retirement they are called back for one last case when a local pimp is killed and a four line poem is attached to him, justifying the homicide. This just happens to be very similar to a case the two worked on years before. Cue one of the best thrillers of the year?

Burn After Reading

Will this be another great film from Working Title? The Coen Brothers have a track record for producing thought provoking and humorous films and this looks like it will be no exception. Starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney and the unique and irreplaceable Tilda Swinton, this may well make your September! Two gym employees find the memoirs of a retired CIA agent - and chaos ensues when they try to take full advantage of their discovery.

Blindness

This idea has been done before, in the classic British Science Fiction novel (and later film) The Day of the Triffids. Here, however, we are left without man eating plants (shame!) but the crux of the matter - the sudden loss of site of the greater part of humanity. Julianne Moore, Mark Rufallo, Danny Glover and Gael Garcia Bernal make up the impressive cast of - ok yet another - end of civilization as we know it thriller.

White-Out

A radio DJ gets some bad news on his last night on air - the fact that his fiancée has been sleeping around. He decides to go out with a bang and make his very own reality radio show by confronting his fiancée over the phone. A close and claustrophobic film starring Jonathan C Legat, Eric Lipe and Michelle Higgins in what is essentially a three hander, this film promises raw emotion and an insight in to the human condition.

Miracle At St. Ana

Why did one man kill another in public and in cold blood in 1983? To find the truth this film goes back 39 years to the Second World War when a group of black soldiers help defend an Italian village against the SS. Finding themselves behind German lines they must fight for their lives and those of the villages. This promises to be one of the most touching thought provoking films of the year. It stars Derek Luke and Michael Ealy and is produced by Spike Lee in what many predict will be a stunning return to form.

Lakeview Terrace

A happy couple, played by Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington, move in to what they think is the home of their dreams. Unfortunately they have yet to meet their psycho neighbor from hell, played by Samuel T Jackson. They try to complain to the authorities but they have one thing stacked against them - he is a cop! What looks like a taut thriller, this trailer should prick your interest in this film.

Towelhead

Based on the best-selling novel by Alicia Erian, this is a coming of age movie and, says the trailers, an example of American film making at its best. Starring Aaron Eckhart and the sublime Toni Colette, the film focuses on Jasira (played by newcomer Summer Bishil) who is sent to live with her strict Lebanese father - in the suburbs. Funny and touching, this is a film by the same people who brought us “American Beauty” and “Six Feet Under” so you know what to expect in a way - something funny but angsty and wonderfully acted and filmed.

Taken

Liam Neeson stars as a loving father whose daughter goes to Paris on vacation with a friend. There she is kidnapped by unknown assailants who contact him. Unfortunately they are dealing with the wrong guy as he has no money. Even more unfortunately he has acquired skills over a very long career that will make it a nightmare for her kidnappers.

The Women

The Chick flick continues its rampage in to the mainstream of cinemas with this tales of the lives, the loves and lies of a group of women. Tipped for big things - get a hold of this cast list: Carrie Fisher, Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendez, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chloris Leachman, Bette Midler and Candice Bergen. Who cares about the plot really, it will just be great to see all these fabulous women on screen together!

1. Snatch (2000)

   in this film Brad plays a gypsy hustler named Mickey. This little movie was missed by a lot of people, big mistake; directed by Madonna's husband, Guy Ritchie, Snatch is a fast paced caper film filled with interesting characters. But the gem, the stand out performance is Pitt's Mickey. Mickey is a bare knuckle fighter who manages to take a beating with style. Don't miss the tattoos. (some makeup artist somewhere was very happy on the set of this film)

2. Interview with the Vampire (1994)

   Ah, Louie. Brad plays a misunderstood centuries spanning vampire who is pained at the thought of killing to survive. Despite Ann Rice's dreadful dialogue and even worst plot line, Pitt manages to garner sympathy for his character's plight. And he's so pretty in the period costumes.

3. The Mexican (2001)

   Here Brad is deliciously teamed with America's sweetheart Julia Roberts. He is a bumbling bagman for mob boss, Arnold Margolese played by noneother then Gene Hackman and as Julia says, He manages to “Forrest Gump” his way through a whole mess of trouble and come out without a scratch. The cast of this movie also features James Gandolfini and Number's David Krumholtz. (Julia Roberts met her husband Danny Moder on this film, too.)

4. Legends of the Fall (1994)

   This is the movie that made Brad Pitt a superstar and landed him on the cover of People magazine as the sexiest man, but some how it was not the huge blockbuster, go figure. Brad is beautiful, Julia Ormond is beautiful and the Montana scenery is breath taking.

5. Thelma and Louise (1991)

   Although not his first movie, this is probably the first time Pitt makes an impression on the audience. He plays JD a hitchhiker Thelma and Louise pick up and has steamy sex with Thelma (Gina Davis) before he steals all the money and runs off. Scoundrel though he is, he manages to light up the screen.

6. Kalifornia (1993)

   Very violent, very dark, very disturbing film, but if those things don't bother you, you will enjoy Pitt's portrayal of Early Grayce a sociopath serial killer bend on causing as much destruction as possible. Also, very good performances by Juliette Lewis, David Duchovny, and Michelle Forbes.

7. 12 Monkeys (1995)

   This film stars Bruce Willis and Madeline Stowe, but the scenes in which Brad Pitt appears as Jeffery Goines are some of the most compelling in the movie. Willis' character is a time traveler sent back to save the world from a runaway virus that kills five billion people. On one of his trips to 1996 he meets Pitt's character, Jeffery Goines, in a mental hospital in Philadelphia.

8. Fight Club (1999)

   Probably my favorite Pitt role, Tyler Durden. This film, I feel is misunderstood, yes it's violent and a little hard to follow, but it's a dark comedy and shouldn't be taken seriously. Lightenup enjoy the ride.

9. True Romance (1993)

   Pitt has a very small role as Floyd the pot smoking room mate of one of the main characters in this ensemble cast populated by some pretty impressive actors, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, James Gandolfini, Gary Oldman, Val Kilmer to name a few (an what a few they are) Pitt's Floyd is much needed comic relief in this violent love story.

10. Sleepers (1996)

    The story centers around four childhood friends who are sent to a juvenile detention home after a boyish prank goes drastically wrong. The boys suffer horrible abuse in the home. Ten years later they get their revenge orchestrated by Pitt's character, Michael Sullivan. Strong performances all around by Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Billy Crudupp, and Kevin Bacon. (And if you're into the six degrees of Kevin Bacon game, this is a great movie to connect with.)

Running time: 2hr 2 mins.

Release Date: June 8, 2007

Also Staring:

• Ellen Barken
• Andy Garcia
• Don Cheadle
• Bernie Mac
• Eddie Jemison
• Shaobo Qin
• Casey Affleck
• Scott Caan
• Eddie Izzard

Go see “Ocean's 13” on matinee

This is an entertaining movie that won't waste your time or money. That being said, there is a ton of talent here and we could expect greater things from them. This movie falls victim to its own huge cast of great stars. They had to leave the women out of this film and keep Rubin (Gould's character) in bed for the whole film. Danny Ocean (Clooney) and Rusty Ryan (Pitt) are duplicates, not of each other, but they fill the same role in the film.

In order to have something to do they manufactured these little scenes that are supposed to be cute, like the crying at Opra thing, that really don't add much to the movie. Virgil and Turk Malloy are also duplicates but at least they have a couple funny scenes.

Carl Riener is still as solid as ever and though nothing really big hinges on his role he stands out amongst the others. Other noteworthy performances were by Ellen Barkin, Michael Mantell, (super) Dave Osborne and Ray Xifo-all small roles which the actors made stand out. My hat's off to them for shining amongst all the bright stars.

Enough about the Acting: What about the Plot?

Like the acting, the plot is good. Not amazing, just good. There isn't anything wrong with this film it just isn't fantastic. Seriously, go see it. You'll have fun.

What about the “PG-13” Rating?

There is nothing to worry about in this film. At its core, it's a movie about people who rip off a casino in Vegas. I don't think you could give it a G rating. Nothing really bad though.

The Larger Story:

It's touching that these guys pull together to defend a senior member of there group. They have always deferred to the two most senior members of their crew. As the baby boomers reach retirement and don't always retire I'm glad people are making movies like this.

The larger story issue is that of aging gracefully. What happens when Rocky gets old? What about the seniors that can't make it on their fixed income? What about industries like nursing where the median age of their workers is 55? What about the high rate of men who die within 2 years of retiring? Moving from the king of your ranch style tract home to sage of the Florida retirement village isn't an easy transition or even what God intends for us.

Aging is at the heart the Ocean movies. Ocean and Ryan are aging out of the role of King and into a Sage role. Linus is trying to earn his parents respect in a field they have excelled in.

In a sequel perhaps the best issue to deal with is this, “What do you do after you've won?” What does it look like to live happily ever after? These are issues close to home for many of us and this movie can stimulate some interesting conversations along these lines.