Terminator Salvation – I’m a huge fan of the first two Terminator flicks. Great plots, intense action and plenty of sci-fi elements to pass my greatness quotient. The third movie was a complete disaster and should have never been made. What about the latest incarnation? It’s not in the class of the first two chapters, but it’s not as awful as critics and fans are making it out to be. It has some excellent chase sequences and a good performance from Sam Worthington, who is the star, not Christian Bale. The direction by McG was okay; however, a better director might have been able to cull a little more emotion from the story. Salvation has its moments, but overall it seems rushed. It’s a decent film worth checking out.

Night at the Museum II – It’s the Battle for the Smithsonian. I didn’t see the first movie, which I’m told is better. Ben Stiller excels in popcorn stuff like this, but I dig him more in movies like Something About Mary and Meet the Parents. Talking animals and historical figures fill the screen from start to finish. Basically, the story is about having as much fun in life as you can. It’s designed for kids, although adults might find some redeeming qualities. Amy Adams stands out portraying Amelia Earhart; she’s spunky, adventurous and quite engaging. Hank Azaria lisps his way throughout and culls a few laughs. I wouldn’t rush out to see it, unless your kiddies are pestering you.

Up – Pixar doesn’t produce flops. Up is no exception. The animation it top notch as always and the story is very poignant. Portions play as a silent film, which I thought worked well. Unlike Museum, this one has something for everyone. The narrative is geared toward adults, but the talking dogs and birds will keep the youngsters interested. Great voicework by Ed Asner and Christopher Plummer. Thus far, this is the best of the bunch. I’ve yet to see Star Trek though, so I could change my tune when I get around to checking it out.

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Appaloosa (2008) – This underrated western directed by and starring Ed Harris slipped through the cracks last year. Gritty and well-acted, it tells the story of two hired guns’ attempt to rescue a small New Mexico town from the grips of a murderous rancher. It’s a terrific film about loyalty, friendship and jealousy co-starring Viggo Mortensen, Jeremy Irons and Renee Zellweger.

Reprise (2006) – A nuanced character study about two life-long friends who go their separate ways after becoming published writers. One is a lovelorn genius battling depression. The other a timid nice guy who struggles to step out from his friend’s shadow. This beautifully photographed meditation on the madness of love and the pitfalls of success reflects well on Danish cinema.

Humboldt County (2008) – An appropriate movie to discuss on 4/20. Nebbish med student Peter Hadley checks out of his life for a while and lands smack dab in the middle of marijuana country. The counterculture clashes with the suit and tie crowd in this offbeat comedy. A stand out performance by Brad Dourif as an ex-professor turned pot dealer highlights this below the radar gem.

The Host (2006) – This South Korean horror flick about a mutant creature terrorizing the residents dwelling on the River Han generated some buzz a couple years ago. The Host is more about a distant family coming together than a giant man-eating lizard, which separates itself from most movies in the genre. Credible special effects keep this one from treading into the land of the silly.

The New Guy (2002) – It’s not just another slapstick high school comedy about a nerd becoming popular. Well, maybe it is, but it’s still entertaining. DJ Qualls does his best Patrick Dempsey impression from 1987’s Can’t Buy Me Love and carries the movie on his narrow back. Look for guest apperances from Lyle Lovett, Tony Hawk, Gene Simmons, Tommy Lee, Henry Rollins, David Hasselhoff and Vanilla Ice. Now that’s casting, folks!

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The Movie Loner

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Hoot is a seasoned vet with a calculated gaze and a smooth southern twang. A born soldier dedicated to his duty, Hoot doesn’t let emotion cloud his judgment. Bana brings a calm understanding to a character who kills for a living. Hoot operates without hesitation and without fear – traits that define a true warrior.

In the following scene, Hoot tells a beleaguered Sgt. Eversmann (Hartnett) why he’s willing to put himself in the line of fire. “It’s about the men next to you,” he says. Profound words from a man simply known as Hoot.

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McKnight’s singing ability is matched only by his skills of seduction. Both Frances McDormand and Kate Beckinsale fall under his spell. He possesses the voice, looks and confidence to make women – young and old – weak in their knees. McKnight defines the rocker persona with a “fuck you” attitude and even rides a cool motorcycle.

In the following scene, Ian – portrayed by Alessandro Nivola – and his lover/producer Jane (the brilliant McDormand) ponder the inclusion of a tender ballad on his latest album. Notice how he controls the scene, eventually flipping an irritated and stressed Jane. “No, I’m not fucking kidding,” he says. Carefree, yet persuasive words from the unflappable Ian McKnight.

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Today’s post on great movie characters takes us into deep space aboard the ship Serenity, captained by ex soldier turned smuggler, Mal Reynolds. Mal possesses all the qualities you want in a Captain: he’s clever, charming, tough, relentless and has a biting sense of humor. Mal is on the run from the Alliance, a vindictive regime that rules the galaxy with an iron fist.

He carries a massive chip on his shoulder and leads his crew with a gunslinger’s mentality. He will back down to no one even it means putting his ship in harms way. For all his faults, Mal stands for what’s right and just and will defend these ideals to the death if he has to.

In the following scene Mal – played by Nathan Fillion – confronts his pursuer, a steely eyed government agent known only as the Operative. Mal has just found his friends slaughtered by Alliance forces. Below his blood-streaked face burns the rage of a man who has seen too much death: “You think I care?” he asks with indifference. But Mal does care. In fact, he cares too much, which makes him more dangerous than the Alliance ever imagined.

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We flashback to 1976 for this installment of great movie characters – to the Lone Star State on the campus of Robert E. Lee High School (insert your own joke). There’s a slew of memorable roles in Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused, but one in particular stands out: David Wooderson.

Wooderson, played by Matthew McConaughey, likes hanging with his high school pals, despite the fact that he’s at least four or five years their senior. This uncouth super-cool pothead allegedly works for the city, but  his uncanny ability to throw an impromptu kegger are where his real skills lie. I was quite impressed with the young McConaughey and his natural acting style. However, after watching him for the last fifteen years it seems apparent that Matthew wasn’t really “acting.”

In the following scene, Wooderson stops by the local burger and fries joint to express his affinity for ladies with scarlet locks. Notice how he matter-of-factly insults the two bookworms: “Alright, alright, alright!” The mating cry of one David Wooderson.

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Over the next couple months – in addition to my regular reviews – I’m going to examine some of my favorite film characters and heap much-deserved praise upon the actors responsible for bringing these fictional creations to life.

First up is Danny Archer, as portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in 2006’s Blood Diamond. Archer – a guileful soldier of fortune – works to smuggle conflict diamonds out of the war-torn nation of Sierra Leone. He finds himself in dogged pursuit of a diamond big enough to earn his ticket out of Africa for good. In the following scene, Archer and dedicated photo-journalist Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly) speak of his youth and his evolution from wide-eyed patriot to embittered gun-for-hire.

DiCaprio earned a worthy Best Actor nomination for his memorable performance. Watch his eyes: an obvious sadness conceals a lifetime of pain. “God left this place a long time ago,” he says. Haunting words born within the tortured soul of Danny Archer.

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