It’s Complicated: Two-time Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin star in this hilarious look at marriage, divorce and everything in between. With a thriving Santa Barbara bakeshop, a new romance heating-up, and her divorce finally behind her, Jane Adler has her life all figured out – until she finds herself trapped between the perfect new beau and her philandering ex-husband who’s determined to win her back. When opposites attract all over again, will love be sweeter the second time around? It’s… complicated!

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus: Dr. Parnassus has the extraordinary gift of inspiring the imaginations of others. Helped by his traveling theatre troupe, including his sarcastic and cynical sidekick Percy and versatile young player Anton, Parnassus offers audience members the chance to transcend mundane reality by passing through a magical mirror into a fantastic universe of limitless imagination.

However, Parnassus’ magic comes at a price. For centuries he’s been gambling with the devil, Mr. Nick who is coming to collect his prize – Parnassus’ precious daughter, Valentina on her upcoming 16th birthday. Oblivious to her rapidly approaching fate, Valentina falls for Tony, a charming outsider with motives of his own.

In order to save his daughter and redeem himself, Parnassus makes one final bet with Mr. Nick, which sends Tony and Valentina and the entire theatre troupe on a ride of twists and turns, in and out of London and the Imaginarium’s spectacular landscape.

#10 IRON MAN (2008)

The comeback of Robert Downey Jr in this exciting comedy. With amazing action and special effects that have you salivating for more.

#9 LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (2006)

A quirky comedy starring Abigail Breslin that has you loving its dysfunctional family. Nothing is more adorable than the final act to “Superfreak”.

#8 THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM (2008)

The final in the series, and in my opinion the best. Matt Damon proved he could be Bourne any day of the week and left us craving for me action packed films.

#7 AMERICAN PIE (1999)

The one & only original teen film that we all know and love. Pies, flutes, band camp, and MILF who could ask for more?

#6 SPIDERMAN (2002)

The Marvel comic hero brought to the big screen. Causing such a stir that it has been done countless times now. But the original stands out and proved to be a success.

#5 THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)

The highly anticipated film that earned the Joker, Heath Ledger, every award under the sun, as rightfully so. With so much hype surrounding this film people could not turn away and found them in for a treat.

#4 THE SIXTH SENSE (1999)

Who could forgot, “I see dead people”. Nothing compares to the story of a small child seeing ghosts and trying to help them to find their final resting place. It was the kick off to M Night Shammalyans freaky films, unfortunately nothing comes close to this hit.

#3 THE NOTEBOOK (2004)

Quite possibly the most romantic film I have ever seen. A tale of ever lasting love that transcends age and time. I found myself falling in love all over again.

#2 PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (2003)

Who would have expected Disney to come out with a film starring Johnny Depp that would soar? This film has everything you could ask for. Comedy, suspense, action, and adorable pirates. Hoping they will jump on board for another, although nothing beats the original.

#1…KNOCKED UP (2007)

The charming comedy of a one night stand turned into true love. Yeah it is far fetched, but the cast makes up for that. This film put Seth Rogen on the map and gave us a good look into how appealing the Apatow crew could be.

For my SUMMER GIVEAWAY I am asking you for your favorite summer film. Tell me what your favorite summer movie is and why. We will randomly select one winner who will be the recipient of a summer movie prize pack, which will include some great offers for the NEW AMC MAINSTREET. Your comments for your favorite summer film will be posted on the site. We will only use your first name when posting, however if you wish to remain anonymous let me know. Registration deadline is MAY 15th.

JOREVIEWS VISITORS FAVORITE SUMMER FILMS

Charlottes Web: My favorite summer movie is still Charlottes Web. It was the first drive in movie that I saw at the old Lakeside Drive in in KCK….I can still smell the popcorn and sitting in the back of the pickup truck with my brother!!!! (By Sandy)

Dirty Dancing: (By Anne)

The Dark Knight: My favorite summer movie has to be The Dark Knight. It was a movie I knew I wanted to see, so I did not watch any trailers nor did I read any reviews in advance … I wanted to movie to stand or fall on its own merits. Needless to say I was blown away with with movie, cinematography, and Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker. I hope the next installment in the Batman line lives up to this one because it will certainly be hard to follow! (By JoReviews Fan)

The Bucket List: I am absoulutely a softy when it comes to sentimental and touchy movies.
This serio comic movie is truely a top movie for me where 2 grown men opposite in there lives meet when put in the cancer ward to become close best friends and make a list of all the things they want to accomplish in there time to live.
The touching part is to me how they both follow through and help each other out in finding the rest of the things in there lives to fullfill and make right before they die. they stick with each other to the end that is how life should be every precious moment spent doing all the things you enjoy in life and being around all the people you love and care about. Always enjoy life to the fullest live,love,laugh!!!! that is why i love the movie it has so much meaning to it and learning and understanding. (By Edwina)

Jaws: My favorite Summer film is Jaws. The lines were around the block, and that is where they first coined the term blockbuster. I was a kid , and I had never heard an audience scream that loud or laugh that long. We went to see it three times three days in a row just to see the audience react! It was almost more fun knowing what was coming. (By Theresa)

Training Day: I think it was a break through performance for denzel because he usually plays a good guy in all his movies and in this he plays the villian. Not to mention its the first time seeing Eva Mendez!! The music was slammin it was star studded! (By Richard)

Little Miss Sunshine: (By Karen)

Pirates of the Caribbean : The Curse of the Black Pearl: (By Steve)

The Notebook: (By Kim)

Harry Potter and the order of the phoenix: (By Gary)

Ironman: (By Roger)

STAR WARS 1977: After seeing the film the first week, everytime the main theme played on the radio, I felt the urge to go see the film again. And truthfully, 2 or three times, when the theme music played I or we (my friend Ron, hurried to catch the next showing at the Old Glenwood Main screen. In the end I saw it 22 times over the next 13 months. (By John)

The Bucket List & The Soloist: Relationships among the human race have begun ‘grooming’ the world. It is OK to be happy, help someone who may be sad or just give and share. The seasons of our lives are phenomenal! Many changes encompass our time together. And society has become more accepting and aware of life as it should be and/or as it used to be. Time is evolving…again! With this I believe The Soloist and The Bucket List gives compassion, love, laughter and ‘food for thought’ that we can all take lessons from! (By Veevee)

Pretty Woman: Richard Gere still looks good after all these years. (By Christina)

The Bourne Ultimatum: I don’t know what it is about the Bourne series of movies, but I just can’t get enough. The latest installment was the best of the series by far (I think I read that they may be making a 4th). I am not normally a fan of these fast paced action films, but I loves me some Jason Bourne! The action in this one is not too far fetched for me. What I mean by that is I can see were Matt Damon probably did alot of his own stunts and it didn’t seem computer enhanced. I hate it when things don’t look real or you find yourself saying “yeah right” when stuff is happening on screen. I can watch all three of these movies again and again and not get bored. In fact we made sure to watch the first two right before seeing the third on it’s opening weekend. (By Laurie)

The Bucket List: it is a good clean movie. (By Sharon)

Batman: The original Batman film owned the summer of 1989. It was the first comic book figure, since Superman, to make it on the big screen, and paved the way for the slew of Marvel & DC figures to to launch franchises in the past two decades. If Michael Keaton’s Batman hadn’t soared at the box office, then Hollywood may have not continued to fish for material involving his masked, crime-fighting colleagues (X-Men, Iron Man, Hulk, Spider-Man, etc.). (By Ben)

Notting Hill: My favorite is Notting Hill! My husband and I were in Omaha, and it was sold out. We couldn’t sit together, but I could hear him laughing thru the WHOLE movie from my seat! It was impossible to not laugh with him! Notting Hill still makes us smile. (By Anne)

Boondock Saints: There is no better movie to show your Irish pride. It may be a little inappropriate, but the movie does have love and family incorporated. And besides, getting the trash off the streets? They should do it everywhere. Can’t wait to see the sequel this year (By Amanda)

Kung Fu Panda: Yes, I mean it. Last year for my 46th birthday I wanted to really celebrate with my whole family. It’s hard to find a movie for a mom, dad, 13 yr old boy, 12 year old boy, and 5 year old girl! But, we did it! We had a great time and laughed out loud a lot. Totally fun night that I’ll remember. (By Amy)

Erin Brockovich: Is one of my fave movie. It was human, meaningful and funny not just another Hollywood movie. It is one of Julia Robert’s best performance. A must see!!! (By Angela)

Glory: One of Denzel Washington’s first movies with the unforgettable tear scene; or Patriot: with Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger. *sigh* I could watch either film over and over and… (By Vicky)

Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: My most memorable summer flick was Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Our family was extremely poor so we didn’t have money for such things as movies. The local beat cops took about 30 of the neighborhood kids to the movie theatre. It was my first time inside of a movie theatre and I was so impressed. I laughed and totally enjoyed that movie. I have never forgotten that movie or those policemen for being so involved with our community. Thanks Officer Meza and crew for creating an awesome childhood memory. (By Susan)

Independence Day: Yes, I know its now an oldie, but with Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid, Vivica Fox, and others, its hard to pass when this comes acrss the TV tube. The movie has comedy, aliens, and good fun. The movie should only be played on a VERY large screen tv with surround sound so that when the space ship flyes over, your windows will shake and rattle. I remember the movie origianlly coming out on July 4, and every year since the movie came out, around independce day we all sit down and watch the movie again. Great memories and good family fun. Aliens taking over the earth – what better way to spend your Sunday. (By Robert)

Bride Wars: (By Lisa)

Star Wars: I lived in Honolulu in 1977. My best friend and I took the bus part of the way to the movie theatre. Then we walked on to the theatre, can’t remember why we ended up walking part way, but at the time that walk seemed like a long distance. Suddenly with the start of the movie, all the walking was worth it. Like so many others, as soon as that space ship came passing over us at the beginning of Star Wars we were hooked, first ducking down into our seats, and then up back up again with excitment. For a couple teenage kids it had it all – adventure, spirituality, & victory for the good guys, brought upon by a young kid. The movie over, we then we walked most of the way back home – reliving the movie along they way.

The Bourne Ultimatium: The action is great and it amazes me every time I watch any of the series just what a great action star Matt Damon. I would have never pictured him an action star before this series. (By Teri)

The Bucket List: Loved that movie. (By Theresa)

Legally Blonde:I totally wrote this film off, before seeing it, thinking it would be really stupid, a complete waste of my time and money. Boy was i wrong! It was so incredibly funny and shows the strength that women find within themselves and through meaningful friendships with other women! Total laughs and empowerment all in one chick flick! (By Ashleigh)

Once: My favorite summer film would have to be Once. This movie has amazing music in it and a heart-wrenching storyline. I could watch this everyday. (By Becca)

Best Picture:
* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* Frost/Nixon
* Milk
* The Reader
* Slumdog Millionaire

Best Actor:
* Richard Jenkins, The Visitor
* Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
* Sean Penn, Milk
* Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
 
Best Actress:
* Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
* Angelina Jolie, Changeling
* Melissa Leo, Frozen River
* Meryl Streep, Doubt
* Kate Winslet, The Reader

 Best Supporting Actor:
* Josh Brolin, Milk
* Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
* Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
* Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
* Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road

 Best Supporting Actress:
* Amy Adams, Doubt
* Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
* Viola Davis, Doubt
* Taraji Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* Marissa Tomei, The Wrestler

 Best Director:
* Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
* David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
* Stephen Daldry, The Reader
* Gus Van Sant, Milk

 Best Original Screenplay:
* Frozen River
* Milk
* In Bruges
* Happy-Go-Lucky
* Wall*E

 Best Adapted Screenplay:
* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* Doubt
* Frost/Nixon
* The Reader
* Slumdog Millionaire

 Best Animated Film:
* Bolt
* Kung Fu Panda
* Wall*E

 Best Foreign Language Film:
* The Baader Meinhof Complex
* The Class
* Departures
* Revanche
* Waltz With Bashir

Best Art Direction:
* Changeling
* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* The Dark Knight
* The Duchess
* Revolutionary Road

Cinematography:
* Changeling
* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* The Dark Knight
* The Reader
* Slumdog Millionaire

Sound Mixing:
* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* The Dark Knight
* Slumdog Millionaire
* Wall*E
* Wanted

 Sound Editing:
* The Dark Knight
* Iron Man
* Slumdog Millionaire
* Wall*E
* Wanted

 Original Score:
* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* Defiance
* Milk
* Slumdog Millionaire
* WALL*E

 Original Song:
* “Down to Earth” from WALL*E
* “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire
* “O Saya” from Slumdog Millionaire

 Costume:
* Australia
* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* The Duchess
* Milk
* Revolutionary Road

 Documentary Feature:
* The Betrayal
* Encounters at the End of the World
* The Garden
* Man on Wire
* Trouble the Water

Documentary (short subject):
* The Conscience of Nhem En
* The Final Inch
* Smile Pinki
* The Witness — From the Balcony of Room 306

Makeup:
* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* The Dark Knight
* Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Animated Short Film:
* La Maison en Petits Cubes
* Lavatory — Lovestory
* Oktapodi
* Presto
* This Way Up

 Live Action Short Film:
* Auf der Strecke (On the Line)
* Manon on the Asphalt
* New Boy
* The Pig
* Spielzeugland (Toyland)

Visual Effects:
* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* The Dark Knight
* Iron Man

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide. For more details visit the official site for the Oscars. Check back to JoReviews next week where I will be making my predicitions for the Academy Award winners and will be asking for our site visitors to vote on who they think will win. The JoReviews visitor that gets the most correct winners will win a movie prize pack. Click here for your guesses.

One of the most successful films of this year, “The Dark Knight” has been hailed by both critics and audiences since its original release last July. In addition, the filmmakers behind “The Dark Knight” have been honored by their peers, with Christopher Nolan receiving a Directors Guild of America Award nomination; producers Nolan, Charles Roven and Emma Thomas garnering a Producers Guild Award nomination; and a Writers Guild of America Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay going to Chris Nolan, Jonathan Nolan and David S. Goyer.  Cast member Heath Ledger received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination, and has also won a Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Award and numerous other critics groups’ awards for Best Supporting Actor.

“The Dark Knight” also won the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Action Film, and swept the People’s Choice Awards in five categories, including Favorite Movie and Favorite Cast. “The Dark Knight” stars Christian Bale, reprising his role from “Batman Begins,” Academy Award® nominee Heath Ledger (“Brokeback Mountain”), Academy Award® winner Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”), Gary Oldman (the “Harry Potter” films), Aaron Eckhart (“Thank You for Smoking”), Maggie Gyllenhaal (“Stranger than Fiction”), and Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”).

Originally released on July 18, 2008, “The Dark Knight” broke virtually every possible box office record to become the top-grossing film of 2008 and the second-highest grossing movie (domestically) of all time.“The Dark Knight” is distributed worldwide in IMAX and theatres by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.  The film has been rated PG-13 for “intense sequences of violence and some menace.”

The 66th Annual Golden Globes aired live tonight on NBC. The stars all came out decked to the nines for the rewarding event at the Beverly Hills Hilton. This was a remarkable night for not only “Slumdog Millionaire”, but also for the lovely Kate Winslet who won in two categories. And the 2009 winners are:

*Motion Picture*

Best Supporting Actress in Motion Picture: Kate Winslet for “The Reader”

Best Supporting Actor in Motion Picture: Heath Ledger for “The Dark Knight”

Outstanding Animated Feature: “Wall-E”

Best Foreign Language Film: “Waltz with Bashir” (Israel)

Best Original Score Motion Picture: A.R. Rahman for “Slumdog Millionaire”

Best Original Song in Motion Picture: Bruce Springstein “The Wrestler”

Best Actress in Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: Sally Hawkins for “Happy Go Lucky”

Best Actor in Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: Colin Farrell for “In Bruges”

Best Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy for “Slumdog Millionaire”

Best Director: Danny Boyle for “Slumdog Millionaire”

Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy: “Vicky Christina Barcelona”

Best Actress in Motion Picture: Kate Winslet for “Revolutionary Road”

Best Actor in Motion Picture: Mickey Rourke for “The Wrestler”

Best Motion Picture Drama: “Slumdog Millionaire”

*TV Series; TV Mini-Series; TV Movie*

Best Supporting Actor: Tom Wilkinson for “John Adams”

Best Supporting Actress: Laura Dern for “Recount”

Best Actor TV Drama: Gabriel Byrne for “In Treatment”

Best Actress TV Drama: Anna Paquin for “True Blood”

Best Mini-Series or TV Movie: “John Adams”

Best Actor in TV Series, Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin for “30 Rock”

Best Actress in TV Series, Musical or Comedy: Tina Fey for “30 Rock”

Best Actress in Mini-Series or TV Movie: Laura Linney for “John Adams”

Best Actor in Mini-Series or TV Movie: Paul Giamatti for “John Adams”

Best TV Series Drama: “Mad Men”

Best TV Series, Musical or Comedy: “30 Rock”

Dealing with the Joker’s menacing antics is not the only problem plaguing the city, bringing down the mob is another priority for the new District Attorney and Batman. Harvey Dent is being assisted in the take down of the crime bosses by the beautiful Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal). It does not take long for the Joker to take front and center while the mob is set aside. As the Joker’s psychological mind games intensify, and the death toll in his path rises, it becomes a priority to stop him. As Batman begins to tackle with this new villain, we see him come to life improving his tactical skills and martial arts fighting. Superheroes always offer an explosive ending and this film is no exception. Will Batman be able to restrain the Joker and return Gotham to order after the community is in chaos and ruins?

The Dark Knight is a true villain versus hero film. The special effects and stunt work are some of the best produced this year and possibly from the previous year. Definitely the finest work brought to the big screen all around with impressive performances offered by the full cast. Christian Bale really settled into the Batman character this time around and has found his niche portraying the character. Aaron Eckhart offered a pendulum performance, going from the dutiful District Attorney to the disorderly “Two Face”.

Ultimately, as we all know, this films prized performance goes to Heath Ledger, outshining the previous Joker portrayed by award winning Jack Nicholson in 1989, a feat made to look so effortless. Ledger definitely steals the spotlight and possibly earns an Oscar nomination with his intense and marvelous performance of this complex and disconnected character. Sure to break box office records this weekend, noting sell outs of the midnight showings having added on two and four in the morning show times in some local theaters, this film is sure to surpass your wildest expectations. This is the summer film that is sure to be unforgettable and leave you craving for more.