It’s the book that’s been adapted countless times: a mini-series, radio shows, plays, television shows and, of course, movies. Those born between 1915 and 2011 should have a rough idea what “Jane Eyre,” the 1847 gothic novel by Charlotte Bronte, is all about. The latest storytellers to have a go at the well-known story was director Cary Fukunaga and screenwriter Moira Buffini. In their adaptation, it’s clear they chose to delve into the darker side of the novel. Orphan Jane… Read more

The idea that humans only use a fraction of our brains, whether true or not, suggests an untapped mind power waiting to be harnessed. Using this as its premise, the new action thriller, “Limitless,” shows a world where human potential knows no boundaries. “Limitless,” which will be released in theaters on Friday, March 18, is a fast-paced, action-drama that stars Bradley Cooper, from the unforgettable 2009 bachelor party comedy, “The Hangover” and Oscar winner, Robert De Niro. Based on the… Read more

I was afraid that “The Social Network” (now available on DVD and Blu-Ray) would be just another documentary leeching off of the popularity of the latest big thing. Instead, the film has story substance and character development, although it’s not accurate enough to be a documentary. The film, which has been nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture, is a dark psychological drama loosely based on the court case involving the creation of Facebook, and the people who were involved… Read more

In a world where ballet is serene and beautiful, “Black Swan” portrays a conflicting world of darkness. This thriller, directed by Darren Aronofsky, intensely focuses on the physical and psychological pressures on a ballerina and shows the surreal beauty and tragedy that a performer will endure for their craft. When an opportunity arises for Nina, played by Natalie Portman, to be the soloist for “Swan Lake,” she faces a dilemma: as a fragile perfectionist, she has the ability to play the… Read more

Strong performances by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams highlight a controversial marital story in “Blue Valentine.” Multiple nominations in different film festivals and award ceremonies, including the Golden Globes, made “Blue Valentine” one of the most talked about movies of 2010. Director Derek Cianfrance, who is not well known among most moviegoers, will most certainly put his name on the map of Hollywood’s most promising directors. The movie made the headlines last year when it was announced that it would… Read more

The simplistic subtly showcased in “Somewhere” solidifies Sofia Coppola as a bonafide filmmaker. Rarely does a director rebound so successfully and gracefully from a film like “Marie Antoinette.” Sofia, like her Academy Award winning father Francis Ford Coppola with his gangster films, has created charismatic characters, hopeless human beings who are saved by remarkable women. “Somewhere” feels like a European film- minimalistic, yet mesmerizing. With only four films thus far in her career, Coppola debuted with a spectacular adaptation of… Read more

Very few actors can capture compelling, conniving characters effectively. Yet Kevin Spacey succeeds once more in a memorable performance as Jack Abramoff in “Casino Jack.” Like Humphrey Bogart, Alec Guiness, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Jack Nicholson and Robert De Niro before him, Spacey has seamlessly transitioned from celebrated character actor to Academy Award–winning superstar. “Casino Jack” was inspired by true events as lobbyist Abramoff and his business partner Michael Scanlon (Barry Pepper) sprouted as worldwide-headline sensations after a disastrous scandal… Read more

Bonded brothers overcome all obstacles in “The Fighter” to achieving a solid knockout and persevere in trying to make boxing history. Director of the film “Three Kings,” David O. Russell delivers a haymaker of a hit with a Rocky-like feel, but with a more realistic touch in the sense of capturing the world of the working class. A substantial true story about light welterweight, Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his older half-brother, former boxer Dickie Eklund (Christian Bale), who battles… Read more

Sleek, sexy and sophisticated, Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan” soars as a modern day masterpiece. Aronofsky brilliantly cast charismatic Natalie Portman in the devastating, dark role of ballerina Nina. Once again, Aronofsky has proved his enormous insight and talent for creating compelling dramatic movies and received picture perfect performances from Portman, Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel. ”Black Swan” narrates the story of Nina, a meticulous and talented dancer who relies on perfect technique over pure passion. Nina, an extremely gifted dancer,… Read more