The Descendants (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

When people hear the word "Hawaii," they think of the ideal version of paradise--sun, beaches, ocean, palm trees, a place for families and couples, or people just want a break from life. But "The Descendants" doesn't feel like it's set in Hawaii. That's because it focuses more on the people than the place, and because the people are just average, ordinary Americans, they could be living anywhere.

The "ordinary American" at the center of the story is Matt King (George Clooney), a Honolulu-based lawyer and father of two who owns 25,000 acres of land on Kaua'i that has been passed down in his family for generations. Since the trust is about to expire, he has decided to sell the land. But first Matt must settle problems within his family.

His wife, Elizabeth, is in a coma after a boating accident, and we mostly see her in her comatose state in a hospital bed. He has two daughters: 17-year-old Alex (Shailane Woodley) and 10-year-old Scottie (Amara Miller). Scottie knows way too much for her age; she harasses her classmates, throws out some offensive name-calling, and even flips off a couple of people during the course of the film. Alex attends a boarding school after a history of drugs, and is drunk when we first meet her. Matt isn't close to either daughter, leading to miscommunication.

Matt learns that Elizabeth will not wake up from her coma. He breaks the news to Alex, and then Alex drops a bomb of her own: Elizabeth was cheating on Matt. The rest of the film is devoted to Matt trying to find Elizabeth's lover, decide the fate of the land, understand his wife's depression, and reconnect with his daughters.

"The Descendants" is a film about a dysfunctional family with real problems. It works because it is not overtly depressing; like many films nowadays, it throws in some unexpected humor to give us a break from this difficult subject matter, while still managing to pack the appropriate emotional punch. In some ways, it's also unconventional; some of the usual trademarks that are associated with this type of film are not present in "The Descendants," but I'll let you figure them out for yourself.

There are so many great scenes in "The Descendants," thanks in large part to the performances, particularly by Shailane Woodley as Alex. She is at her best in three or four scenes, in which Alex's feelings of anger and disdain toward her family are revealed. It is an injustice that she did not receive an Oscar nomination for her performance. Clooney is less believable; there are several scenes where we feel like we're watching George Clooney, not Matt King. Nonetheless, he does have several strong moments, and his Oscar nomination was deserved.

However, "The Descendants" is far from perfect. The character of Sid, an immature friend of Alex who tags along with the family, at first seems to be in the film for comic relief, and ruins several potential moments of emotion. Later, Matt discovers what Alex sees in Sid, and Sid becomes less obnoxious, but we still wonder what purpose his presence in the film serves. Also, profanity is so overused in this film that it takes believability out of some parts, although in other parts it is necessary.

But something about "The Descendants" makes you want to see it again. It's about real people with real problems in a place considered paradise throughout the world. Yes, Hawaii is a nice place to visit, but in the eyes of Matt King, living there is like living anywhere else.

The King's Speech (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 10 out of 10

In the opening scenes of "The King's Speech," Prince Albert, Duke of York (Colin Firth), is scheduled to conclude the Empire Exhibition's radio broadcast from London. He approaches the microphone, but at his cue, he stands there silently for at least fifteen seconds. When he finally begins to deliver his speech, he delivers it in stammers, with the microphone only making things worse.

Albert's wife, Elizabeth, Duchess of York (Helen Bonham Carter), goes to see Lionel Logue (Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush), a speech therapist who uses a different strategy than other speech therapists. He does his job his own way, requiring Albert to come to his rundown office. Albert is initially cynical toward Logue, but eventually agrees to do therapy sessions to overcome his speech impediment.

However, as the therapy sessions pass, Albert faces a challenge when his father, King George V (Michael Gambon), dies and his brother Edward (Guy Pearce) inherits the throne. Edward may face abdication due to his decision to marry Wallis Simpson (Eve Best), a twice-divorced American socialite, putting tongue-tied Albert in an uncompromising position.

"The King's Speech" features a lot of attention to detail; there are several long, slow-moving scenes, and a detailed, Oscar-worthy set decoration. Logue's office is the epitome of this, with beautifully painted walls and shabby wooden doors that look like they are a hundred years old (but probably aren't). The dialogue is filled with a surprising amount of humor, something that is becoming curiously common in movies.

But the relationship between Albert and Lionel becomes more than just doctor-patient. Lionel's strategy involves talking about personal matters, which Albert initially rebuffs but finds helpful. In one of the movie's better scenes, Albert reveals painful childhood memories, all of which are often associated with speech impediment.

The performances are brilliant, with Firth believably portraying Albert's frustration over his stutter, and Rush equally good as the imaginative Lionel. Carter also turns in a good performance as Albert's sympathetic wife.

The biggest strength of "The King's Speech" is realism; it never glosses over the challenges of the characters, and even though it's obviously exaggerated at times, it doesn't feel that way.

Tangled (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

When viewing the film trailer for "Tangled," one would judge the book by its cover and consider the film one of those computer-animated spoof filled with mindless humor, which are abundant these days but are typically not that good. But when viewing the actual film, it becomes clear that it's no spoof.

The story is narrated by Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi), the most wanted thief in the village ("They just can't get my nose right!"). Bumbling, wisecracking, and self-deprecating, he narrates with lightning-fast wit that fits the "spoof" label.

But the story quickly shifts from Flynn Rider to Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), the newborn princess who is born sickly. The king and queen find a magical flower with the ability to heal the sick and hurt, and use it to successfully cure Rapunzel. However, a greedy witch named Gothel (Donna Murphy), who had previously used the flower to prevent herself from aging, discovers that Rapunzel's hair contains the flower's magic.

Gothel kidnaps Rapunzel and raises her as her daughter. Her hair grows astoundingly long as it will lose its magic if it is cut. She keeps Rapunzel cooped up in a tall tower and forbids her from venturing outside. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, she longs to leave the tower, but is denied her request every time she asks.

Then, one day, Flynn is on the run and stumbles upon the tall tower in which Rapunzel lives. Out of sheer curiosity, he climbs the tower, but is knocked out by Rapunzel and awakens to find himself tied up in her hair. Seeing this as her chance to break free, Rapunzel makes a deal with Flynn: she will let him go if he takes her to see the floating lanterns, which (unbeknownst to her) are released by her parents every year on her birthday, in hopes of finding her.

It is during the first scenes with Rapunzel that the film quickly evolves from spoof to Disney-style fairy tale, complete with musical numbers ("When Will My Life Begin," "Mother Knows Best," "I've Got a Dream," "I See the Light"). But this particular film tops other Disney fairy tales such as "Beauty & the Beast," "The Little Mermaid," and "Aladdin."

The reason why this stands out among other Disney fairy tales is that it not only becomes one, but starts leading the viewer in surprising directions. First of all, Flynn starts to soften as he bonds with Rapunzel. It's not that he isn't loveable in the beginning; most viewers wouldn't change him a bit. But as he grows closer to Rapunzel, he becomes more serious, and starts to care for Rapunzel to surprising heights.

Another surprising element is that Gothel doesn't fit the typical Disney villain. She is clearly the "bad guy" of the film, but at first appears to be merely selfish and greedy. When she finds Rapunzel has disobeyed her, she doesn't drag her back to the tower and punish her, but allows her to keep going with Flynn and hatches a plan to glorify herself to make Rapunzel come back to her. It's when Rapunzel defies Gothel that her evil kicks up a notch, but it still doesn't reach the heights one would expect it to, which is a compliment.

Probably the best scene in the whole movie shows Flynn and Rapunzel in a canoe at night, singing a duet of the film's best song, "I See the Light." The animation is at its best here as floating lanterns hover around Flynn and Rapunzel. For these reasons, it is difficult not to get "Tangled" into seeing this movie.

The Genesis Code

SAM'S RANKING: 8.22 out of 10

For many years, science and Genesis have appeared to be in conflict with each other, particularly with the origins of the universe. But what if both creationism and evolution were true?

That appears to be the focus in the trailer for "The Genesis Code," but after seeing the movie, we find out that it isn't.

If there is a central character, it would be Blake Truman, a professional college hockey player who is approached by Kerry, a student reporter. We learn relatively quickly that Kerry is a Christian, and the daughter of a reverend. How come it's always a Christian girl teaching a lesson to an arrogant atheist boy?

Blake isn't necessarily an atheist, but he doesn't believe in creationism, which in Christianity is Genesis. He refuses to correctly answer Kerry's interview questions (and the interview is never completed), but he is clearly attracted to her. She invites him to church, an invitation which he accepts with reluctance. As he sits in the chapel listening to her father's sermon, a flashback shown in black and white implies a shattered relationship with his mother, who we mostly see in a present day unconscious state in a hospital bed.

"The Genesis Code" surprised me in a way. It contained a surprising amount of cultural references (which in one case isn't exactly a compliment). Another surprise came at the end, which is too good to reveal but is definitely worth watching.

The biggest surprise was how little the film focused on, well, "The Genesis Code." Basically, the Genesis code is a theory Kerry's super-smart brother comes up with that both creationism and evolution are scientifically accurate. The theory is explained in one long, seemingly never-ending scene in a planetarium, but it's ultimately worthwhile because the conclusion is surprisingly clever. And there's also a reference to my all-time favorite show, "The Big Bang Theory." However, one would expect it to play a greater part in the film, because outside of the one long scene, very little of the theory is spoken of.

Instead, the film focuses more on Blake and his gradual conversion to Christianity, mostly through Kerry. Their relationship isn't necessarily a romantic one (though they do share a predictable kiss at one point), but they clearly are attracted to each other.

There are a few complaints to be lodged in here. The film goes about 10 minutes too long, and one emotional scene toward the end is completely ruined by the goofiness of Blake's friend. Also, Kerry's academic adviser (Catherine Hicks of "7th Heaven" fame) challenging her dogmatic adherence to her faith seems a bit unrealistic, as someone like that typically wouldn't challenge a student's beliefs (and would probably get fired if they did).

On a brighter note, the film features Oscar-winning legends Ernest Borgnine and Louise Fletcher as Blake's grandparents. They are no longer big names in Hollywood, but the fact that the producers cast them is impressive. Overall, the film is a good one, and whether you're a creationist or evolutionist you will ultimately be satisfied by "The Genesis Code."

Inception (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 10 out of 10

Ever since "The Blind Side" left theaters, there hasn't been what you'd call a "good movie." With the disappointment of "Toy Story 3," it looked like the movie industry had gone down the tube.

Then along comes "Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan, with quite a surprise up his sleeve!

"Inception" centers around Dominic Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), who we find washed up on a beach in the opening scene. He's taken to see an old Chinese man, and then he wakes up in what appears to be Iraq, and then he wakes up again.

Gradually we learn Cobb and his loyal companion (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has the ability to enter people's dreams to extract information, presumably from a person suspected of a crime. A high-powered businessman (Ken Watanabe) wants Cobb to perform an "inception"--plant a dream in someone's head. And that someone is the son and supposed successor (Cillian Murphy) of a dying rival businessman.

Cobb hires some new members of the team, including an architecture student (Ellen Page) who takes particular interest in him. She soon learns that Cobb has another motive behind the inception--he's falsely accused of a crime, and performing the inception will somehow clear his name so he can go home to his children.

But it's best to stop there before too much is revealed. Using dazzling visual effects, director Nolan has created a film that is completely in its own category. There's even some humor thrown in. And for once it's not the acting that's the highlight, though the acting is top-notch.

In "Inception" we find the same complexity and creativity that we found in Andrew Davis's "Holes." Director Nolan makes no attempt to simplify the story for the audience, poses questions which are answered during the course of the movie, and leaves the viewer deep in thought at the end.

But there's really no need to simplify the story. One critic suggested that the viewer let the film go over your head, figure it out, and then see it again. But while there are still some confusing elements of the film, the viewer should have most of the film figured out by the end.

Possibly the year's best movie, "Inception" is a mind-blowing phenomenon.

The Fugitive (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

In Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) is falsely convicted of killing his wife. When he escapes from prison, he sets out to find out the real killer, with U.S. Marshall Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) and his team hot on his trail.

Director Andrew Davis combines elements of action, thriller, prison movie, and murder mystery, with a phenomenal result. The plot may seem ordinary, but this movie is far from ordinary! There are suspenseful scenes throughout, as well as well-staged action and stunts.

But the cat-and-mouse game between Ford and Jones (who won an Oscar) is what makes this movie work. It's a rare instance where you're rooting for both sides. Another rarity is that the movie is undeniably long but keeps the viewer occupied every minute.

If you need to escape, rent "The Fugitive."

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

SAM'S RANKING: 4 out of 10

Disappointing sequel has Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) stranded in New York during Christmas after getting on the wrong flight. He comes face-to-face with the two burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), who have broken out of prison, and prepares to defend a toy store.

This is basically an exact duplicate of the first film, as it goes exactly where the last film went. This time Brenda Fricker is in Roberts Blossom's place as a homeless woman who feeds pigeons in Central Park. She manages to keep the story afloat, but it's still a disappointment.

Even the slapstick, while funny, goes extremely over-the-top. In fact, some of it is not funny! This is a sequel you'll want to miss!

Home Alone

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin), the youngest child in his family, is often seen as a pest by his family, and as a result wishes that his family would go away. His wish comes true when his family accidentally leaves him home alone during Christmas. However, with two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) and a creepy old man (Roberts Blossom) in the neighborhood, Kevin soon discovers that being alone is not as fun as he thought.

The world's highest-grossing comedy plays out in an interesting way, keeping the humor at a minimum during the first half of the movie, and then letting it all out toward the end. The final half hour of the movie contains some of the funniest scenes ever filmed, as the kid fends off two burglars with booby traps.

But the movie also sends out a good message. It portrays the youngest child in the family as the victim, as some members of his family say some pretty mean things to him. Probably the best scene is where Old Man Marley, a creepy neighbor, reveals his destroyed relationship with his son to Kevin in a chapel.

Either way, "Home Alone" is a movie that will have you keeling over from laughter.

Frost/Nixon (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

In August 1974, disgraced president Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) resigned to avoid impeachment, becoming the only president ever to do so. Three years later, British talk show host David Frost (Michael Sheen) proposed a series of interviews, which Nixon reluctantly agreed to. Frost's producers want to get a public apology out of Nixon, while the ex-president's loyalists want to rebuild his reputation, and it soon turns into a heated battle of wits.

Director Ron Howard and screenwriter Peter Morgan adapt the play so well that you'd never know it originated onstage. It stays believable and interesting all the way through, and never seems long or boring, something for the future political dramas to follow. It sticks to the facts from beginning to end, and shows no signs of bias or prejudice.

Perhaps Langella wasn't the best choice for the role of Nixon (he doesn't look a thing like him), but at least he turns in a phenomenal performance. By contrast, Sheen was the perfect choice for Frost.

But the film's biggest highlight is the portrayal of the interviews. I've seen the actual interviews, and there were points during the interviews in the movie where I couldn't tell the difference between them, which shows the film's loyalty to the facts. You have to have seen the interviews to truly appreciate, "Frost/Nixon."

Kramer vs. Kramer (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) is a workaholic advertising executive who finds himself taking care of his young son Billy (Justin Henry) when his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) leaves him. Ted finds himself trying to balance work and family, but overtime he makes it work and he and his son begin showing love for each other. Then Joanna returns, and wants her son back.

This landmark film of the late 1970s has been duplicated several times, but none of the films with the similar plot can live up to this. "Kramer vs. Kramer" emotionally portrays a parent trying to make time for work and his child, as well as the effect divorce can have on a child.

Much of the credit goes to the performances. Hoffman, in an Oscar-winning role, gives one of the most defining performances of his career as Ted Kramer. Streep has been nominated for multiple Oscars, but no performance could top her role in "Kramer vs. Kramer."

The film does drag a bit, and has one scene which I thought was pointless and unnecessary, but "Kramer vs. Kramer" is a movie everyone has to see.

Won Oscars for Best Picture, Actor, Director, Supporting Actress, and Adapted Screenplay.

Good Night, and Good Luck

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

In 1954, TV newscaster Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) makes a risky decision to confront Communist-hunting Senator Joseph R. McCarthy on the air, especially having already been suspected of Communist activity himself. However, instead of backfiring, the confrontation is a contributing factor to McCarthy's eventual downfall.

Director George Clooney uses black and white cinematography and 50's makeup, hairstyles, and attire, along with real archival footage of McCarthy to keep the viewer's attention all the way through. Clooney, who also stars in the film, delivers a vivid (if curiously agoraphobic) portrayal of the time and place, even though the '50s appear depressing at times. The ending is a bit unsatisfying, but when you consider that this is based on a true story, you'll cut it some slack.

Strathairn leads an all-star cast as Murrow, with a mastered grim tone that's music to our ears. Clooney is equally good as Murrow's assistant, and Frank Langella is towering as the president of CBS.

The film may not be for all tastes--people who could care less about what happened fifty years ago will likely fall asleep. On the other hand, for history buffs, or for people who remember that time period, it is a vivid recreation of a time when fear gripped the nation. As Edward R. Murrow would say, "Good night, and good luck."

Super Bowl 44 (James)

Since Sam doesn't do sports, I thought I'd share a few thoughts about last night's game. I know just enough about sports to form an educated prediction about a big event, and going into last night my opinion was that the Saints simply would not be able to stop Indianapolis from scoring. New Orleans' defense was risky and aggresive and dependent on the big play, which worked beautifully against Favre and the Vikings but the Colts are a different story. Peyton would be the difference.

In one sense, my theory proved true...the Colts moved the ball easily the entire game. What I didn't anticipate was that Sean Payton would create such a brilliant game plan to limit the amount of times the Colts would HAVE the ball. I think Payton agreed with my theory...his defense would not be able to stop the Colts. That's why he made sure Drew Brees threw short passes in the middle of the field the entire game...keep the clock running. That's why the Saints went for it on 4th down late in the first half...don't give the ball back to Manning. And that's why they risked the onside kick to start the 2nd half...they couldn't afford to go down 17 - 6 right out of the gate.

In the end, Payton's strategy paid off. They wore down the Colts, and Harper's interception return for a touchdown was the one big play they needed. Despite amassing over 400 yards in total offense and outgaining the Saints by 100 yards, the Colts only scored 17 points. The Saints played a flawless game...few penalties, no turnovers and three long field goals backed up the daring plan Payton crafted for his team.

John Wooden once defined competitive greatness as "being at your best when your best is needed." For Super Bowl 44 it was a coach who was at his best in the biggest moment. Somehow I knew Payton would be the difference.

Finding Neverland (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 8 out of 10

In early 20th century London, eccentric Scottish writer/playwright James M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) is drawn to a widowed mother (Kate Winslet) of three boys, and begins to attach to them, despite disapproval from the boys' controlling grandmother (Julie Christie). Overtime, the family becomes Barrie's inspiration for "Peter Pan."

The film is based on a true story, but it differs from most films of its kind. For one, it never drags. Many films of its kind go on too long, and start to get boring, but "Finding Neverland" runs at perfect length, and is still able to reach the emotional heights it should, accompanied by a dazzling, Oscar-winning score and great costume design and set decoration.

Another interesting thing about the film is that it literally shows what is happening inside Barrie's imagination. Many thought it would take a genius to make that work, but the director proves us wrong. Perhaps because he shows Barrie's world versus the real world that the film always seems believable.

But the big highlight is the performances. Depp steals the show in an Oscar-nominated performance as the eccentric Barrie, with a pitch perfect Scottish accent, and Winslet is emotional as the boys' grieving mother. Dustin Hoffman is also effective as Barrie's producer, as is Julie Christie as the boys' controlling grandmother.

If you're tired of the recession, take a break and fly to Neverland. You won't be disappointed.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 2 out of 10

Let's take a look at the forecast, shall we? "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," 0% chance satisfaction.

During a weekend with my grandparents, I went and saw "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" with them and my brothers, and that might very well be the worst movie I've ever seen. It's 81 minutes of people overeating, food falling from the sky, and a man in a diaper. And for about a third of those 81 minutes, I found myself in the hallway looking at movie posters.

The story centers around Flint Lockwood, an inventor who's basically the town screw-up on a small remote island with a food shortage. Then he invents a machine that turns precipitation into food and becomes a hero, but soon the town begins to get way more than they bargained for!

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" sounded ideal. And I have to admit--it was pretty funny, funny enough that I found myself laughing out loud at times (particularly when the jaywalker gets arrested). But after food starts falling from the sky it goes way over the top, and the negatives far outweigh the positives.

Probably the worst part is where the mayor, who eats himself to 400 pounds or so, swallows an overgrown hot dog whole. Also, you know where the film is going, and the romance between Flint Lockwood and a newspaper reporter is so routine. And, like many films of its kind these days, there's crude humor, complete with swearing and a one guy shown in a diaper for the majority of the film. The previews were more entertaining than this.

The film got positive reviews for addressing obesity, but that seems to be the problem with it. An animated kids' movie is the last movie to address that topic in, no matter how crude it already is. Do NOT add "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" to your 5-day outlook.

The Blind Side (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

Since a few of you have requested, here is my review of "The Blind Side."

Set in Memphis, Tennessee, it centers around Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock), a feisty Southern socialite. Leigh Ann befriends, and eventually adopts, a quiet, basically homeless African-American gentle giant named Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). She helps him catch up in school, and his size gets him on the football team, laying out a bright future.

I was surprised at how funny this film was. Leigh Anne's younger son SJ is absolutely hilarious. And some of Leigh Anne's ways of dealing with racists are a bit funny.

The big highlight is Bullock's performance, which was rightfully praised by several critics and is definitely Oscar-worthy. But Aaron also has a couple of good moments, such as his confrontation with Leigh Anne after a meeting with an investigator, which was quite riveting and really hit home.

The film also explores the difference between Leigh Anne's sunshine life and Michael's dark past. The portrayal of the impoverished neighborhood where Michael grew up was eye opening. One of the best scenes was when Michael uses his arm to stop the airbag from hitting SJ when he rams his truck into the back of a semi.

Whether you're a sports fan or not, everybody needs to see this movie!!!

The Big Bang Theory (Sam)

SAM'S REVIEW: 9 out of 10
This brilliant sitcom centers around Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons), two science professors, both physics PhD types. Across the hall lives Penny (Kaley Cuoco), a waitress who eventually begins to have feelings for straight man Leonard but doesn't get along with Sheldon, who has no empathy. Leonard and Sheldon also have two equally geeky friends--Howard, a "ladies' man" (or so he thinks) who doesn't have a PhD and lives with his mother, and Raj, a Hindu who is shy around women. Every episode has multiple events or comments that make you laugh out loud.

FAVORITE CHARACTER: Sheldon

Sheldon is overtly technical and looks at the logical way of things, which makes him come across as having no conscious. In the first season, he doesn't understand sarcasm, but now he is beginning to. His social misfires are classic, and episodes focusing on his misunderstandings with Penny are among the funniest. Actor Parsons completely disappears into character.

There has been some speculation that the writers are implying that Sheldon has Asperger's syndrome, but creator Chuck Lorre says that's not the case.

CHARACTER I RELATE TO THE MOST: Leonard

Leonard is the straight man on the show, and I have a lot in common with him. Leonard is very smart and has photographic memory. He is also embarrassed by some of his nerdy interests. I also have some traits of Sheldon and Raj, but I don't compare to Howard at all.

Overall, the sitcom is very entertaining. Not for all ages, but I would encourage you to start watching it. It is on Thursdays at 8/7 central on CBS.

2009 (Sam)

RANKING: 8 out of 10

In 2009, there were a lot of surprises, some good and some bad. But I have to say, my eighth grade year might have been the best year of my life. Here are five big 2009 events:

1) OBAMA IS ELECTED PRESIDENT - Our first African-American president. Maybe I'm a McCain person. Maybe he's not a good president so far. But no matter if he serves one term or two, his election is definitely a history-maker. It's also the first inauguration I've ever watched.

2) MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON - In January, a Boeing 707 airplane collided with a flock of birds and malfunctioned shortly after taking off from La Guardia airport. The pilot, Chesley "Sulley" Sullenberger, successfully landed the plane in the Hudson River, and was hailed as a hero. It was the top story in the news for days.

3) KRIS ALLEN WINS "AMERICAN IDOL" - I'm a fan of Kris Allen, and his surprising victory over the favorite from the beginning, glam-rocker Adam Lambert, was considered an upset (I was a bit surprised myself). Some fans refused to accept it. Why can't people just face the facts when they don't get their way? I mean, my season 7 favorite David Archuleta lost, and I'm fine.

4) MICHAEL JACKSON DIES - The death of Michael Jackson may have been the biggest since Princess Diana. He started out as a child prodigy, and then became an '80s megastar. But the controversy surrounding his personal life often made people forget that, and by the time of his death, he was one of the most mocked celebrities in America. But when he died, everyone forgot the negatives and remembered the positives: Michael Jackson, the moonwalking King of Pop.

5) WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING COMPLETED - The Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, was built throughout 2009 and just completed after New Year. It is located in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai, and is equal to the height of almost two Empire State Buildings. My brother Luke is a big fan!

It was also a great year in film, as "The Blind Side," "Avatar," "Up," and "Up in the Air," dominated the box office. Though the second half of the year was downgraded when I entered high school, overall it was a good year.

2009 (James)

It's difficult to review an entire year. You tend to have the clearest memories of the most recent events, so earlier happenings might not carry appropriate weight. Also, so much occurs in one year that it's challenging to make choices...you don't want to leave anything out!

With those disclaimers, here are a few things in my life I will remember from 2009:

1) My birthday is January 1st, so on 1/1/09 I turned 40. As if on cue my body began to slowly disintegrate throughout the year...I tore ligaments in my ankle and one of my fingers during the year. Otherwise, I like being old. It's kind of freeing!
2) In March my Grandmother (on my dad's side) passed away at the age of 94. This was bittersweet...it's no fun grieving or watching others experience loss, yet the fellowship with family and friends was a rich blessing.
3) Our family vacation this year was to Kelly's Island. It's been a long time since we didn't find the "perfect" spot for vacation, but I think we missed the mark this year. Just not the right fit for our family. However, Cedar Pointe was a highlight, especially watching Laura on the kiddie coasters!
4) In August my 18 years on full time staff with Young Life ended...sort of. I still work for Young Life, but I also began working part time at Riverview Church. I do the same things in both jobs...teach and shepherd teams. The new environment has brought new challenges and some great people. I'm blessed.
5) In September my oldest son entered High School. He's doing great, but it's weird, especially since he goes to the High School where I've been a YL leader for 18 years. Weird.

Those are the 1st 5 things that come to mind...I have a great life with a great wife and 3 memorable boys. We have a clear purpose to glorify God and love people, so that fills life with challenges and rewards. I'm anxious to get Sam's take on 2009!!

Invictus (James)

Sam and I had to press the pause button on our trip to see Invictus due to a fire alarm that closed Celebration Cinema. As a result, we were delayed a week, and the wait was worth it. The movie was thought provoking and led to some great discussion.

The best part about Invictus was the performance of Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela. I knew Mandela was a terrific leader, and this movie does an excellent job of depicting the culture of grace and truth Mandela worked so hard to create after he became president of South Africa. Freeman captured the inner turmoil Mandela endured due to painful family issues, and he also delivered many profound Mandela quotes with effortless skill.

Outside of Freeman, no one else in the cast was particularly memorable but the performances were solid. This includes Matt Damon, who was steady but not spectacular as the captain of the Springboks rugby team.

The only negative side was Sam and I endured some louder than usual movie goers, including lady who noisily jostled her popcorn and a man who answered and spoke on his cell phone during the movie.

I'd give the movie 6.83 out of 10!!

Invictus (Sam)

RANKING: 8 out of 10

I went to see this movie twice, both times with my dad. However, the first time I went, I didn't actually see it. Apparently there was a minor fire at the movie theater, Celebration Cinema, so the entire theater was shut down. So, we went back a second time after Christmas.

The film is set in the 1990s, in the first few months of Nelson Mandela's (Morgan Freeman) presidency in South Africa. He has just been released from prison, and doesn't like to talk about his family. His secret service consists of both black and white men. Mandela decides to use South Africa's rugby team to help South Africa rise to become one of the main global powers, which he meets with the team captain (Matt Damon) about.

This film is better than other critics say it is (the only review I've seen of it gives it a 6 out of 10). But there are some complaints to be lodged in there. The final game is overlong, boring, and confusing. And the critics were right when they said that the film doesn't explain rugby, a sport little known to Americans, well enough.

But the performances really help this movie. Freeman in particular is virtually unrecognizable as Nelson Mandela, with a very believable accent. Damon is equally good as the rugby team captain. The film also centers around class distinction, such as the secret service consisting of mixed races, the rugby team visiting a very improverished neighborhood, and police officers excitedly lifting a homeless boy after the team's win.

"Invictus," isn't the most entertaining film ever. But believe me, it's worthwhile...a great film to use for my first review!