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.