Two new movie reviews by guest reviewer Mike N:

The Italian Job: (B) Beware, the chase scenes in this movie will leave you wanting to go out and buy a Mini Cooper. This is a totally fun film with some creative plot twists and uses of technology. For the realists, some of the events may be a little fantastic, but if you can suspend your disbelief for a short time, you will enjoy this one all the more. This is a remake of a 1969 Michael Caine film by the same name. I didn't see the original, so I can't compare it to the original. The cast in the 2003 film is promising and includes Donald Sutherland, Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron (from That Thing You Do!), Edward Norton, Seth Green, Jason Statham, and Mos Def. The actors did not completely live up to my expectations and hopes, and the script is a little weak in places, but this film was still worth the price of admission.

Whale Rider: (B) For those who enjoy seeing independent films, this one is worth seeing. This is a coming-of-age story that takes place on an island off the coast of New Zealand. The star of the movie, newcomer Keisha Castle-Hughes, is perfect for the role of Pai. Pai was borne into a community laden with cultural traditions and into a family dynasty, for which the leadership is passed down to the first-born male. As the leader of Pai's community, Pai's grandfather must find a way to preserve the traditions and culture of the community at a time when modern ways of life are threatening the lifeblood of the culture. While Pai's grandfather struggles to preserve the culture and its traditions, Pai must find a way to prove her worth to her grandfather, and overcome her grandfather's disappointment that she is a female. This was a thoroughly refreshing and enjoyable tale to watch, although it was a little on the predictable side.