Mike Vilensky's Mini-Movie Reviews

Superbad
"Arrested Development"'s Michael Cera (George Michael) keeps the laughs coming playing, yet again, a nerdy high school boy in this hilarious and honest (warning: honest and high school might unsettle some older crowds) account of uncool seniors who want to party before graduation. Super good.

The Invasion
German filmmaker and V For Vendetta director Hirschbiegel collaborated on this thriller about a Washington psychiatrist who uncovers the truth about a secret alien epidemic that her own son might be able to stop. Accidentally campy in execution, this Invasion of the Bodysnatchers-esque film is, at least, a fun way to unwind this August. Oh, and Nicole Kidman stars. Wow, with all that industry power this one is sure to pack a punch - but whether it's a knockout or just painful might vary from viewer to viewer.

Death at a Funeral
This dark comedy from England depicts brothers who must stop a blackmailer from exposing their deceased father's secret as their family gathers to mourn him. Death at a funeral is expected, but fun at a funeral - that's relatively original.

The Last Legion
A soldier escapes the crumbling Roman Empire as barbarians take over and he then embarks on an adventure to save the emperor. Color me epic! But a legion of studio problems and a pushed-back release date (into the wastebin of August movies) are foreboding. Expect a 300 rather than a Gladiator.

Arctic Tale
An Inconvenient Truth meets March of the Penguins in this documentary, voiced by the poised and impassioned Queen Latifah, about the ways in which global warming are affecting the lifestyles of walruses and polar bears. The creatures are so fascinating and fun that they might make you turn off the AC.

Drama / Mex
The most beautiful debauched teenager in Mexico has to choose between her aristocratic boyfriend and her Pete Doherty-esque lover while a young Lolita seduces a suicidal middle-aged father in this gritty and well-acted Mexican slice-of-life indie, directed by another worthy Mexican auteur.

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