Scarface
(1983) Rated R

Scarface is coming out on DVD and guys can’t wait. It is one of the most violent, testosterone-y movies. Even rap and rock artists admit to having this movie as a MUST for every man’s DVD collection. This film is about a Cuban immigrant who becomes the most powerful drug dealer in Miami. The Anniversary Edition has excellent extras, including the Making Of as well as the clean television version if your date that you take home thinks it’s too violent and potty mouthed. In my opinion, and me being a girl, I like the original, bloody version best.
  Bridget Jones’s Diary
(2001) Rated R

This movie is about a normal, everyday woman struggling with probably what each and every one of us is trying to overcome. Plus, it has the romance factor in a comedic way. Plus, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth are both hot! How to choose? I could have picked another movie, like a romantic tearjerker, but, when you’re at home, you don’t need an excuse to get depressed and grab the ice cream (You know what I’m talking about!) This movie is a great “chick flick” that a date you take home can like and find funny as well.
 

The Matrix - Revolutions
November 5th

Playas:
Keanu Reeves, Carey-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne

Rated R because of graphic violence (what we live for)

  The gist:
The third and last movie of the Matrix trilogy. The machines are ready to attack Zion and destroy the last human civilization on Earth, and only Neo can save them… that is, if the thousands of copies of Mr. Smiths don’t stop him first. Who wins? You’re going to have to watch and see.
  So, how is it?:
Matrix Revolutions did not deliver as much as it was expected, but this is not true about Revolutions. It is as good and exciting (if not more) than the first movie. It finally explains a lot of what has been happening, and it will blow you away. This movie cost $40 million dollars to make, and it shows: the computer graphics are spectacular. Also, be ready for an unfortunate death of one of the main characters (Gasp!).
  WARNING:
If you have not seen the first 2 Matrix movies, you will not understand what is going on. So, rent them or buy them.

Love Actually
November 7th

Playas:
Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, among others.

Rated R because of nudity (yeah baby!)

The gist:
Love is everywhere, and it takes many forms, from love at first sight to father-and-son relationships.
How is it?:
Sooo romantic and sooo sweet. The ladies will love Hugh Grant and the guys will like Kiera Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean)
WARNING:
Guys, it seems like a chick flick, but there’s a good chance you will like it, and your date will thank you gratuitously for taking her to this movie (Wink! Wink!).

Master and Commander
November 15th

Playas:
Russel Crowe, Paul Bettany

Rated PG – 13 because of combat scenes

The gist:
Russell Crowe plays Patric O’Brian’s “Lucky” Jack Aubrey, the commander of the H.M.S. Surprise and takes his crew to great battles and adventures that take them through the whole ocean.
So, how is it?:
Not only is this film full of action, it is also very intelligent and full of life. Russell Crowe was fantastic, and there’s even talk about Oscar nomination. It’s full of adventure and Russell has long hair, which is real hot (for the girls at least!). It is also interesting and makes you want to read the O’Brian books, even if there are 20 volumes.
ADVICE: Go see the Master and Commander website @ masterand
commandermovie.com . It’s great!

Gothika
November 21st

Playas:
Halle Berry, Penelope Cruz, Robert Downey, Jr.

Rated R because it’s kinda spooky

The gist:
Halle Berry plays a doctor in a psychiatric institute where she becomes a patient after her husband’s mysterious murder.
So, how is it?
This is a good suspense movie and it hooks you to the storyline. Good movie to hang onto your date during the scary parts! I will not tell you because it’s a surprise. Just go see it with someone you want to hug.
WARNING:
Halle Berry is stunning, as always. You might start to really love her or really hate her because she makes looking crazy look good.

The Cat In The Hat
November 21

Playas:
Mike Myers, Dakota Fanning, Spencer Breslin, Kelly Preston

Rated PG because it’s good, clean fun

The gist:
Mike Myers plays the fun-loving, trouble-making Cat in the Hat. Based on the Dr. Seuss book.
So, how is it?
Mike Myers is hilarious and fits the part perfectly in a surreal way. It’s good to watch for the holidays and for the kid in you.
WARNING: This movie is more “take the kids” than “take a date.”

There’s Something About Mary       My Big Fat Greek Wedding       The Godfather Trilogy
Top Gun       An Officer And A Gentleman      American Pie
The Mummy       Gladiator      Shrek
Run Lola Run       Indiana Jones Trilogy       The Graduate
Alfred Hitchcock Movies
Other

Death in Dublin – a Peter McGarr Mystery (Fiction)
By: Bartholomew Gill

Abstract: On his last book before Gill passed away, Chief Superintendent Peter McGarr investigates the robbing of a national treasure from the Irish Trinity College library and the murder of a security guard. On his investigation, he discovers a dangerous group called the New Druids executed the theft and murder, whose goal is to bring the Irish culture back to the ancient pagan state.
Opinion: This book is a thrilling continuation of the McGarr series. It has major twists and turns. The story builds up to a violent resolve. Even though the book is a little confusing at times, it is a good thriller to keep around.

I am a Soldier, Too: The Jessica Lynch Story (Nonfiction)
By: Rick Bragg, Jessica Lynch

Abstract: The most famous P.O.W. in the history of the United States has her story out in November. Private First Class Jessica Lynch and her convoy were ambushed on March 23, 2003. She was the only survivor and treated at an Iraqi hospital. Her rescue was televised and a hero was born.
Opinion: This book tells the story directly from Lynch’s mouth and written down by Pulitzer Prize winner Bragg. It presents how real and violent the war in Iraq was. Family and friends of Lynch were also interviewed and discussed the stress of having a family member captive and probably dead. This biography is a little slow at times, but it presents a personal account for those who were not there to witness it.

Flea Market Finds Before and After: Home Decorating with Makeover Miracles (Nonfiction)
By: Patti Uhiren

Abstract: This book is a must for those who want to redecorate their apartment or home and save money. Uhiren makes flea markets sound like untapped gold mines to create the environment you want. It shows you how to spot the biggest bargains in the flea market.
Opinion: Even guys will like the fact that you can get groovy stuff for the “crib” for less money and not have to go to the mall.