Because I Said So (D-)

Despite a solid cast that includes Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore and Lauren Graham, this would-be romantic comedy is just plain bad – with unlikable characters doing unrealistic things in contrived and unfunny situations.

I really wanted to like &#8220Because I Said So,” but ultimately I just felt pity for it. You expect films like &#8220Epic Movie” to be bad, but a film with this much wasted potential proves to be an even more depressing movie experience.

Black Snake Moan (C+)

Writer/director Craig Brewer’s follow-up to &#8220Hustle and Flow” features two great performances from Samuel L. Jackson, as a reformed bluesman, and Christina Ricci, as a promiscuous young lady who winds up beaten and left for dead. Unfortunately, the film’s tone is all over the map – diminishing what could have been an intriguing premise.

Breach (A-)

Writer/director Billy Ray follows up his successful film &#8220Shattered Glass” with another complex character study.

Chris Cooper gives a masterful performance as Robert Hanssen, the FBI agent responsible for the biggest security breach in the history of the United States.

Bridge to Terabithia (B)

This adaptation of the popular children’s book is a very powerful family film with solid performances from Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb (who has come a long way since &#8220Because of Winn Dixie”) and a nice visual eye by director Gabor Csupo (whose previous work was &#8220The Rugrats”).

Daddy’s Little Girls (C)

Writer/director Tyler Perry’s third film is probably his best, but still features way too many over the top dramatic situations and characters that saps all the strength from the material.

Ghost Rider (C-)

This latest adaptation of a Marvel Comic has some OK special effects, but features a goofy plot and some serious miscasting. Nicholas Cage and Eva Mendes are way to old to play the devil’s bounty hunter Johnny Blaze and his long lost girlfriend, although I will admit seeing Peter Fonda as the devil is kind of fun.

Last King of Scotland (B)

This story of a Scottish doctor (James McAvoy) who became the personal physician for Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker) is a solid film powered by Whitaker’s Oscar winning performance.

&#8220Scotland” really shines when Whitaker is on the screen, but his role is essentially a supporting one – making the film drag when the focus turns away from Amin.

Music and Lyrics (B)

Writer/director Marc Lawrence gets a lot of mileage out of what is essentially a razor-thin premise, with a huge assist from his cast.

Hugh Grant has been playing a variation of this character for so long he can practically do it in his sleep. Drew Barrymore has really developed a knack as the sweet-natured love interest, and she doesn’t disappoint here. Both performances are made even better by the natural chemistry between the two leads – so critical in a romantic comedy.

Norbit (C-)

This Eddie Murphy vehicle isn’t as bad as some would suggest, but it isn’t very good either.

The best moments come from other cast members, especially Eddie Griffin as a wanna-be pimp.

The Number 23 (D)

This attempt by comedian Jim Carrey to branch out from his Ace Ventura persona isn’t a &#8220Majestic” misstep – but it is still a rather silly exercise that takes a decent premise and turns it into utter trash.

Reno 911: Miami (B-)

The Comedy Central cult fave hits the big screen with surprisingly amusing results.

&#8220Reno 911” won’t be confused for and Oscar contender, but it is full of enough low-brow humor that works to make it worth seeing.

The Queen (A)

One of the best films of 2006, centers around how British Prime minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) and helped guide Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) and the royal family through a near public mutiny following the death of Diana.

Mirren is the front runner for best actress, while Sheen is just as good as Blair.

Wild Hogs (D)

This horrible attempt at comedy was a sad, pathetic attempt at humor – with a slew of talented names wasted in a premise that should never have gotten the green light.

About the only thing &#8220Hogs” manages to get right is a cameo that is clearly a nod to &#8220Easy Rider.” During that one scene, &#8220Wild Hogs” comedic engine runs smoothly. It’s too bad that the rest of the way it sputters like a moped in need of a fill-up.

Zodiac (A-)

Director David Fincher delivers a lengthy, yet effective, retelling of the infamous Zodiac killer – using actual case files.

What makes &#8220Zodiac” work is the fact that it isn’t just a study of the killer and his victims – it manages to paint a broader picture showing how this incident effected everyone from the investigating officers to crime reporters covering the case.