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

2 stars out of 5 Previous political commentary films and/or documentaries have endeavored to capture the entertainment market. The essence and excellence of these films have been inconsistent and more importantly, not entertaining. “Gerrymandering” is no exception. “Gerrymandering” was, in essence, a depressing, dismal and dull documentary about political mumbo jumbo. The questions becomes why make these films at all. Concerns and controversy need to be substantiated and supported, otherwise why produce a documentary? Unless, of course, they compose a consistent,… Read more

4 stars out of 5 When someone hears the title, “The Last Exorcism,” comedy is not the first thing that comes to mind. However,  the entire first half of “The Last Exorcism” is filled with sarcasm, wit and comedy to put the audience at ease in the beginning, just to shock and frighten them later. Let’s get to the point: this is not a movie you would take someone to on a first date. The film is shot as a… Read more

By John Michael Simko, contributing reporter Star rating: 5 out of 5 In recent years, graphic novels and comics have captured Hollywood with successful moneymaking films like “The Dark Knight,” “Sin City,” and “300.” As a result, dozens of graphic novels have been developed into highly-anticipated films such as “The Losers” (due out April 23) and “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” (scheduled for August). However, some films have become too hyped and too artsy for mainstream audiences like last year’s… Read more

3.5 stars out of 5 After.Life, in theaters April 9, tackles the question of death with a unique approach. It is a movie about an elementary school teacher, Anna Taylor (Christina Ricci) who wakes up in the prep room of a funeral home. The funeral director, Eliot Deacon (Liam Neeson), tells her that she died in a car crash and is in a state of transition from life to death. After a disastrous dinner where her boyfriend, Paul Coleman (Justin… Read more

Star rating: 4 out of 5 With terrorist attacks, drug busts, romance and gun battles, the new movie from Lionsgate, “From Paris With Love,” has it all. This 90- minute movie will have you at the edge of your seat, and will suck you into the secret life of a CIA agent. Directed by Pierre Morel, known for directing 2008’s box office hit, “Taken,” “From Paris With Love” presents a different twist to elements of an ordinary action thriller, and… Read more

Disney’s “Old Dogs” is a fun-filled movie the whole family can enjoy. With an all-star cast that includes John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston, Seth Green and Lori Loughlin. The movie takes place in New York City, where two best friends who have grown up together and formed a business partnership are hit with an unexpected surprise. The two are placed with the care of two 7-year-old twins while on the verge of the biggest business deal of their entire… Read more

If you’re looking for an action based thriller, then you will be sadly let down. Instead, “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans” is a dark film with humor. Academy Award-nominated German film director, Werner Herzog, creates a story of the struggle of personal demons that many people can connect to. The film stars Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage as Terrence McDonaugh, a New Orleans police lieutenant who is losing himself to a battle with drug addictions to cocaine and… Read more

Ryden Malby (Alexis Bledel) had a plan: study hard, get a college scholarship, avoid the party scene, graduate and get a job at Happerman and Browning. Everything seemed to be going pretty well until she found out that she’d lost the job that she had always dreamed of to her archenemy Jessica Bard (Catherine Reitman). Of course, not getting the job meant not living at a chic apartment in Los Angeles — and moving back home instead. The Malbys are… Read more