Thanks to the Netflix online service, this weekend's movie choices were diverse and fairly entertaining.
The Messenger (2009) stars Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster. After getting back from a tour in Iraq, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery (Foster) gets assigned to the Army Casualty Notification service where he is paired up with Captain Tony Stone (Harrelson). Throughout the movie, we follow the two as they notify the next of kin that their loved one has died in action. The Messenger is similar to The Hurt Locker, in that it shows another side of the military that rarely gets presented in movies. The Messenger is a beautifully somber and personal film, that tastefully shows the difficult task casualty notification officers have during times of war. By far the best of the films I viewed this weekend, and yet another noteworthy movie from 2009 (***1/2 Stars)
Alice in Wonderland (2010) For someone who would never claim to be a huge fan of director Tim Burton (he's definitely an acquired taste), I have to admit that Alice in Wonderland was a lot more entertaining then I had expected. Impressive visuals and an extraordinarily zany performance by Johnny Depp keeps you involved and entertained. Although not masterpiece, Alice in Wonderland is a fun and imaginative retelling of the classic tale. (***Stars)
The Men Who Stare At Goats (2009) Ewen McGregor, George Clooney, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey star in this satire comedy about a black-ops military project who's goal is to train officers in the use of psychic powers. At times, a fairly entertaining movie, but unfortunately the film is not that funny. Ultimately, even with a spectacular cast, The Men Who Stare At Goats is a forgettable film that doesn't add anything substantial to either the comedy or war genres. (**1/2 Stars)
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