Domino

The daughter of respected matinee idol Lawrence Harvey and model-turned-socialite Sophie Wynn, Domino Harvey was born into a life of wealth and privilege--a lifestyle that did not interest her. Even from her earliest years, Domino rebelled against convention and the jet set.

Man, this movie is bad. I really tried to like it. Keira Knightley as a bounty hunter. What's not to like right? Unfortunately, there is a lot. Typically it takes me at least 45- 60 minutes to get bored in a movie but this movie achieved it in 15. The jumping back and forth between present and past, while done well in other movies, is hard-to-follow and boring. Mickey Rourke, Christopher Walken, Lucy Lui and Keira Knightley's acting skills are all that kept me from walking out of this movie.

The R-rating is well deserved. Lots of language, lots of violence (including blowing off an arm by shooting it multiple times with a shotgun). There is also a scene in a strip club where you see many topless women.

I should have been warned by the poor first trailer for this movie to stay away. Unfortunately, I felt there had to be some redeeming value from this movie but I was wrong. This movie isn't even a renter. The only reason it gets more than one star is the excellent acting mentioned above.

1.5 out of 5

The Exorcism of Emily Rose

In an extremely rare decision, the Catholic Church officially recognized the demonic possession of a 19-year-old college freshman. A lawyer takes on a negligent homicide case involving a priest who performed the exorcism that resulted in the girl's death.

I went into this movie expecting the Exorcist, but I got so much more. I was absolutely amazed at how this movie kept you on the edge of your seat during the flashbacks, yet gave you time to breathe (briefly) during the courtroom scenes and other places. An excellent mix of suspense and relief make this a great movie. That being said, this movie is horrifying. As you watch this movie you begin to realize something that sets this movie apart from the Exorcist: The Exorcism of Emily Rose actually happened. There were some parts in the middle that drag, but other than that, great pace and a great movie.

As this movie deals with demons in general and possession, I highly recommend keeping young children away from this movie. No nudity, some language, plenty of disturbing images.

It's rare that I see two excellent movies back-to-back. However seeing the Corpse Bride and then The Exorcism of Emily Rose a day after gave me a rare treat. The Exorcism is a great film for those who want to remember that there is a spiritual world out there and not everything in it is out for our best interest.

4.5 out of 5

Tim Burton's Corpse Bride

Set in a 19th century European village, young Victor is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride, while his real bride, Victoria, waits bereft in the land of the living. Though life in the Land of the Dead proves to be a lot more colorful than his strict Victorian upbringing, Victor learns that there is nothing in this world, or the next, that can keep him away from his one true love.

Both those looking for another Nightmare Before Christmas and those looking for something better will be satisfied. Corpse Bride is another Tim Burton masterpiece using the same type of animation and style as Nightmare Before Christmas, yet going a completely different direction. The storyline is both fresh and classic. The classic story of love and marriage and the cold feet of the groom. Yet it is told in such a refreshingly different way that, even though you may think you know what will happen at the end, you don't dare guess until it actually happens. One area that is definitely on par with Nightmare Before Christmas is the music. The songs that are sung (especially in the land of the dead) are catchy and fun. It's really not fair to compare the animation between these two movies as Nightmare Before Christmas came out 12 years ago and the age really shows. Suffice to say, Corpse Bride is beautifully done. A true masterpiece of the art form. A big nod to Johnny Depp for his work on this. His voice and personality fits 'Victor' perfectly and I doubt anyone could have done better. Christopher Lee, a living legend himself, predictably stands out as the priest. Helena Bonham Carter does an excellent job voicing the Corpse Bride herself. Carter succeeds in humanizing the Bride and making her seem beautiful and desirable on the inside where on the outside she is not.

I probably would not recommend this movie be shown to very young children as subjects such as murder and death are things they aren't ready to deal with. This movie is geared toward older children (and children at heart) so there is really nothing else in it to be weary of.

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp show once again why they are one of the most potent duos in Hollywood today. From the colorful, fun Land of the Dead to the gray, depressing Victorian-era Land of the Living Corpse Bride is a visual feast with a great story behind it and excellent actors and actresses bringing the characters to life. For a fun, beautiful movie that all older than about 10 will enjoy, the Corpse Bride delivers.

5 out of 5