Mini-Review: John Dahl's 1992 film provides further evidence that Nicolas Cage (at least at one time) is a true talent. I love suspense-thrillers about simpletons looking to get by who become engulfed in an escalating entangled web of corrupted morals, violence, and impending doom. Much like classic noirs, and the more recent "A Simple Plan," Red Rock West is a very entertaining and suspenseful thriller featuring a great cast and top-notch direction that only gets better as it moves along.

Mini-Review: As an odd mish-mash of just about everything that can be saddled in an animated film, "Despicable Me" proves to be energetic, heartwarming, and often very funny. The plot and characters have obviously been derived from a couple of imaginative and talented writers, and although the 'cute' factor takes a lot of the cake here, I still found myself caught up in the film's loony premise and effective characters.

Mini-Review: After the monotonous disaster of "New Moon," David Slade takes the reigns and gives "Eclipse" something the last installment hadn't: a pulse. Events and actions take place. Dialogue doesn't make you gag...constantly. The special effects and action sequences were impressive. Characters have depth, detail, and explanation. While the series is still bogged down by its teeny-bopper trappings regarding 'Edward or Jacob,' "Eclipse" finally addresses a bigger picture and some otherworldly mythology.

Mini-Review: While a bit hit-and-miss, I had a good time with "Hot Tub Time Machine," that for my money has more consistent laughs than last year's 'Hangover.' Rob Corddry is probably the film's greatest asset, as his character dominates all of the most outrageous scenes that take place here. It may not be a perfect comedy, but it does work as a nostalgic experience and has much the same brand of humor as 'The Hangover' and other films like it.

Mini-Review: 'Toy Story 3' heads into some very dark and dramatic territory as issues of abandonment, imprisonment, purpose and demise culminate the proceedings. Where the first two films may have been a little more lighthearted and comedy-driven, 'Toy Story 3', while still having its humor, actually builds out of heartbreak, stirred emotion, and a lot of suspense. Forget the 3D--it's unnecessary--and see this for its brilliant writing, its comedic value, its dramatic nature, and its expert animation.