Bobby- B+

The reason why this movie is rated so high is because of the effect it had on me. In my opinion, it’s a horribly made, badly directed, and poorly acted piece of work, but it left an impression on me. Emilio Estevez directs with his heart in the right place. He’s clearly passionate about this movie, and it shows. He just doesn’t have the vision to write a movie that is not just moving, but also artistic and beautiful. Anthony Hopkins, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Lindsay Lohan, William H. Macy, Martin Sheen, Christian Slater, Joshua Jackson, and Ashton Kutcher all make up this large ensemble cast. The number of characters crammed in the movie makes it feel sloppy, as if Estevez didn’t have the writing chops to really go into depth about one specific person. So instead you learn a little about each person, not enough to care if they live or die. The final sequence of the movie is the best part, and the reason I find it so moving. In my opinion, this makes all the sloppiness worth sitting though.

Casino Royale- A

I’m not a Bond fan. I’ve never liked a Bond movie. I’ve never even liked a Bond song. Casino Royale is a whole different story. I planned to steer clear, but the reviews were too much. Plus, I love Daniel Craig. So I went. Big mistake. Now do I have to say that I’m a Bond fan? Am I required to rent all the previous Bond movies and reevaluate? I sat there thinking to myself "I like this! I really like this!". The big difference that I see here, compared to the other Bonds I’ve seen, is that Bond is human. He’s still super-human, but he’s also vulnerable, loving, and full of rage and fear. Making Craig Bond was the best decision the Bond series has ever made. The minimal use of gadgets is nice also, which eliminates all camp (which I am so thankful for). With stellar effects, and brilliant action sequences, I’m naming Casino Royale the best action movie of the year.

Sherrybaby- B+

Maggie Gyllenhaal was all over the place this year. (Stranger than Fiction, World Trade Center, Monster House) I never get sick of her. She’s honest and daring. If you don’t know who she is, please rent this movie. She won raves for her performance (and some awards) but the Academy still hasn’t awarded her, even with a nomination. Maggie plays Sherry, a tragically unfit mother who was sent to jail at age 19 because due to a heroine addiction. Now after three years, she’s released, and is set out to regain custody of her daughter, who barely knows her. There is nothing obvious or melodramatic about this movie. It’s raw and haunting. Also, keep and eye out for director Laurie Collyer, who has only directed two films, as of Sherrybaby, winning rave reviews and awards for both.

For Your Consideration- C+

This may be the biggest let down of the year for me. “Waiting for Guffman” and “Best in Show” are tow of my all-time favorite movies. (Both made by Christopher Guest and Company) I was slightly let down after seeing “A Mighty Wind”. (also made by Guest) I think my expectations were too high. I went hoping that “For Your Consideration” would be on my top ten-list of all-time favorite movies. This is expecting a lot. But when you combine Christopher Guest, Parker Posey, Catherine O’Hara, etc. who make a mockumentary about The Oscars, how can I not be excited! The majority of the movie was just not funny. It has its moments (Catherine O’Hara particularly) but the amount of times I laughed out loud were minimal. As of yet, the creators haven’t announced their next project, I just hope it’s not downhill from here.

Friends With Money- C+

This dream cast made “Friends with Money” one of the more highly anticipated movies of 2006. With Frances McDormand, Joan Cusack, and Catherine Keener, it’s difficult to go wrong. Unfortunately, Jennifer Aniston was cast in the lead role, and the other three in supporting. Aniston is not a horrible actress, but next to these three she’s boring and unconvincing. I shouldn’t complain, it could be much worse than Aniston. But I just can’t help thinking what the movie could’ve been with Winslet, Gyllenhaal, Balchett, or even Witherspoon as the lead actress. I just hope that Aniston wasn’t the first choice. Ok, I’m over it. The ensemble acting is fantastic, each woman is unique. I did leave the film confused as to why they chose not to reveal how these friends all knew each other.

Thank You for Smoking- A

With a witty script and a brilliant leading actor, Thank You for Smoking is one of the best dark comedies in years. Aaron Eckhart, who was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Independent Spirit Award for this role, is perfect as the phony quick-witted cigarette salesman. He’s funny, and surprisingly endearing in the role. Eckhart plays Nick Naylor, who balances life between being Big Tobacco’s chief spokesman. and a role model to his twelve-year-old son.