Except for pornography, America’s next most unsung pleasures is guns. The Lord of War is an insider account of an international arms trader who supplied all sides in a run of bloody conflicts between 1987 and 2001. Based on actual events – which exact events and who the protagonist represents in real life is unknown – the story follows a first generation Russian immigrant reaching for the American dream, a la Scarface.

From the sale of his first Uzi, to his role as the exclusive supplier to Liberia, Lord of War is the twisted tale of a man who moves contraband from point A to point B, contravenes international regulations and UN embargoes, and looks suave doing it.

His motives as a character are tenuous, and makes relating to him difficult. For this, and other shortcomings, the story suffers a death blow.

What works about this movie:
1) Nicolas Cage is competent as usual.
2) Good to see Jared Leto working again.
3) The story moves quickly.
4) There is little oversell hype surrounding the project. Bad buzz is not necessarily a detractor.

What needs improvement:
1) Voice over narration. With rare exceptions voice overs signal a train wreck in progress. On the plus side, one knows this immediately, as the narration starts in the first scene.
2) Moralizing. Believe it or not, there’s lots of money made selling weapons to individuals one would not invite to a dinner party. Five of the largest arms exporters are the most powerful members in the UN, a point the movie mentions. Thanks for the fifty-year old message, Western Union.

Verdict: DVD rental.

Fight based action movies come in the good, like last year’s Hero, the eh, such as most films starring former football players, and the very ugly, crafted by directors who believe audiences prefer stars in Spandex and perfect hair over blood and respectable body counts. Fortunately, The Transporter lives in the first neighborhood.

Looking for a guy who kicks ass on camera? And legs, and stomachs, and evil women assassins? And pilot a sweet ride like its the last night on earth? Step right up, my friend. Jason Statham is calling collect.

A straightforward plot offers no surprise twists or turns. The simplicity doesn’t detract from the movie at all, because car chases and physical aggression drive this train. Without exception, the stunts are top shelf. Of the characterization, the actors do better than the average punch-em-up-and-kick-ass excursion.

What works about this movie:
1) Fight sequences. Creative, and strongly influenced by masters like Jackie Chan and Jet Li.
2) Situation. For a premise, it delivers as advertised.
3) Jason Statham. Balding openly is cool again.
4) Budget. Wise decisions in location, salaries and direction brought this film in at the bargain sum of 32 million. The results roll on screen like just the right amount. Nothing appears lacking, and what is there works.

Verdict: If you like fights, car chases and explosions, check it out on DVD, or matinee. Definitely a movie for action fans.

A rare breed of thrillers deliver more than the average movie, and deserve greater box office business and word of mouth than they earn. Skeleton Key, staring Kate “Don’t call me Goldie Hawn” Hudson is an excellent example.

Set in the backwoods of New Orleans, the story follows a hospice care worker who develops close – breaching on enmeshed – ties with dying patients. Frustrated with hospital procedures, she responds to an ad for the resident based care of a terminal stroke victim. The clients accept her with as much reluctance as she approaches the job. Much of her unease comes from the strange, plantation home and odd, and some say unnatural, manner of the patient’s wife.

And then there’s the matter of a key that opens every door in the house, save one. But, that’s delving a bit far into the plot. And that’s exactly why Skeleton works: it draws the viewer inside the story, and carries them along, like a good thriller can.

What works about this movie:
1) Cast – the right actors for each role, and all did their job well.
2) Story – a unique take on an old voodoo legend.
3) Plot – well executed and realized.

What needs an improvement:
1) There’s subtleties about the characters that could stand further visual clarification. A few insights about the story hit one in the parking lot of the theater, or the ride home, instead of as they unfold on screen. Nothing so glaring that it makes the movie less enjoyable, however.

Verdict: As Skeleton Key is disappearing from theaters right now, buy the DVD in a few months.

Since the flameout of the American Pie series, few adult oriented comedies have delivered the goods at the back end of the long, dry season. Until the 40 year old Virgin came to town.

The premise echoes the original American Pie movie, with one key twist. Instead of four guys trying to lose their virginity before college, four grown men lead one guy to some action before, well…before he realizes how ridiculous their goal is. All your favorite movie bud types are here; the stoner, the metereosexual, and the smooth, smooth player. Oh yeah, and the hopeless virgin with so much chest hair he resembles a monkey. Or Robin Williams.

As an irreverent comedy, this film works overtime. I couldn’t stop laughing. One of the best surprises about the film was that the trailer betrayed only a fraction of the funny. There’s a ton more laughs.

What works about this movie:

1) It’s funny. Very funny.

2) The direction is tight and consistent. The jokes are relentless, except for that brief moment of seriousness that spares it from farce land.

3) We may have seen the concept before, but we haven’t seen any of these characters lately. Amen.

4) The cast – a good blend of known, lesser known and won’t be seen again after the credits. Al dente!

Verdict: Strictly for adults. Adult situations and adult concepts. Lots of potty mouth. A good fifth date movie. Full price theater, and rent/buy the DVD.