A11

Bob Habes — You Be The Critic

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Eagle Eye

It's man against technology. Shia LaBeouf is framed as a terrorist and threatened by an all-seeing technological entity. He escapes from the FBI, teams up with single mom Michelle Monaghan and goes on the lam. In an environment where street signs, communications and possibly even his toaster are controlled by the entity, there are breathless escapes from one perilous scene to the next, scarcely pausing to fall in love. As an action thriller, it's first rate. As a sci-fi entry, "Eagle Eye" puts some interesting ideas on the table. Comments included: "If you weren't paranoid about technology, you will be now" ... "It hardly ever paused to rest" ... "Not very plausible but good thrills" ... and "Tense."

Choke

Sam Rockwell plays a sex addict who runs a scam pretending to choke in classy restaurants in order to support his mother, Angelica Huston, who resides in a mental hospital. The absurdities are formidable and bring out some good laughs while Rockwell portrays his character with enough compassion to earn recommendations for his fascinating perversion. Viewers said: "Very crude, but that's OK" ... "Not really that funny, just sort of amusing" ... "I read the book and this is disappointing" ... and "Sam Rockwell is goofy, fun to watch."

Miracle at St. Anna

"St Anna" is told through flashbacks as four black soldiers (Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso and Omar Benson Miller) are surrounded by German troops in a Tuscan village during the Second World War. The story tackles issues of racism and war, with each man's character exposed to brutal personal events. A young delusional boy, orphaned during a Nazi massacre, becomes part of the tale as the men bond with village inhabitants and Italian freedom fighters. Audiences concluded: "Good. It made me blue, a little sad" ... "The story was intriguing, well told" ... "Miserable and bloody, some war fans will begin to hate war if they watch this movie" ... and "Too long, but I think it was worth it."

The Lucky Ones

This road odyssey follows three wounded Iraq veterans on a car trip across the United States. Tim Robbins is returning to his wife, Michael Pena seeks to restore his manhood and Rachel McAdams is charged with returning the guitar of a fallen comrade to his parents. Each veteran exposes his or her character's struggle to adjust to post-war life. Audiences concluded: "Gives you an idea about what it's like to come home after Iraq" ... "A comedy that was also very introspective" ... and "Definitely a Hollywood view of Iraq war veterans and their problems."

Nights In Rodanthe

A suffering surgeon (Richard Gere) escapes to a deserted North Carolina Outer Banks bed and breakfast to straighten himself out. Diane Lane is running the establishment for a friend as the couple is blown into each other's arms by a hurricane. What can spoil this perfect affair? Well, that's an easy one: his son, her daughter and husband and a leathery old coot with a secret (Scott Glenn). An unsatisfying cliched tearjerker. Comments included: "Now I'm depressed" (many) ... "I'm very disappointed, I didn't believe any of it" ... and "The romance between Richard Gere and Diane Lane never got going."

Forever Strong

When a me-first rugby star (Sean Faris) lands in jail, he can avoid further penalties by playing for the Highland High School rugby chaps, an organization founded on teamwork and regimen previously unknown to him. Viewers said: "It's a rough sport. They capture that pretty well" ... "Good because it's a true story" ... and "Inspiring story, but it's been done 100 times already."

Fireproof

Kirk Cameron plays a firefighter in a failing marriage. A promise to his father finds him moving closer to God while saving his marriage. Viewers said: "Good religious message" ... "Everyone can benefit when God is in their lives" ... and "Real love."

New on DVD

Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr. plays Tony Stark, the callous millionaire arms dealer, who is ambushed in Afghanistan and taken prisoner by terrorists. Ordered to create weapons, he and fellow prisoner Yinsen (Shaun Toub) create the technology that allows him to escape and eventually turn into Iron Man. Jon Favreau directs with humor and thoughtfulness Downey's interpretation had critics rightfully agog. This is easily one of the best action films (88 per cent approval) of the year. Viewers said: "This movie got applause" ... "Fabulous, definitely the best superhero movie" ... "Better than I expected from the trailer" ... "Nice action, good sci-fi story" (many)... and "It's not just a great action movie, it's a great movie, period."

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Coming from strong lineage (Knocked Up and 40-Year-Old Virgin), FSM returns many of that familiar crew, including Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd and Bill Hader. Peter is a commonplace non-hunk who's just been cast off by his beautiful girlfriend Sarah (Kristen Bell). After some hilarious break-up moments, he heads for Hawaii to get back on track, but instead discovers Sarah at the same hotel with a new lover (Russell Brand). Scoring a reasonable 76 per cent approval earns our DVD recommendation. Viewers said: "Hilarious" (many) ... "This movie could become a legend" ... "Romantic, raunchy and funny all at once" ... "Great cast. I can hardly wait for their next movie" ... and "Excellent date movie."