Earth

Directed by: Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield

Starring: James Earl Jones, Polar Bears, Elephants, Whales

Running Time: 1h 30min

Basically a rehash mishmash of the Planet Earth documentaries from the BBC, Earth is a remarkable achievement for several reasons. First, the stunning photography is breath taking on DVD, and only ten times more spectacular on the big screen. Secondly, taking the narration reigns from Sir Richard Attenborough, James Earl Jones' bass heavy voice makes the nature photography all the more appealing to audiences. Finally, the mere fact that Disney's promotional power and marketing prowess has resulted in flocks and flocks of families heading to theatres to see content that was readily available for sometime and probably already seen in some form is just phenomenal. i'm pleased that audiences have embraced the documentary format and that images of Earth's greatest gifts may have a lifelong impact on our future conservationists.

Grade: A

Seven Pounds

Directed by: Gabriele Muccino

Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Barry Pepper

Running Time: 2h 03min

Muccino and Smith team up once again to give us a film with dramatic punch, much like they did with The Pursuit of Happyness a few years back. Unlike that film, Seven Pounds is not based on true events, but has a stunning mysterious element that gives it emotional weight (no pun intended). An interesting premise that speaks to the powerful pull of redemption, the movie reveals a little bit at a time so you can piece together Smith's character's motivation. Unfortunately, when a movie plays its cards close to its sleeve like this one does, our minds can conjure up some more interesting premises that lead us to be disappointed with the actual end result of the film. Certainly a love it or hate it film, all depending on how you view Smith's character and his actions.

Grade: B+

Slumdog Millionaire

Directed by: Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan

Starring: Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Freida Pinto

Running Time: 2h 00min

Definitely a film that will stay with you, Slumdog Millionaire focuses on a part of the world we rarely get to see, with an immediacy and vibrancy that compels the viewer to become engaged in this underdog story. Using non-professional actors from shoots in real settings, director Boyle returns to his roots as a filmmaker filled with energy, spirit, and intensity.

Scaled down and minimal in budget, the economics lend the film a tenderness and realism that works to involve the audience. It's no surprise that the film rode its Audience favourite award at the Toronto Film Festival to Oscar victory. Unfortunately, like previous Oscar winners, the hype doesn't match the film itself, though if it was a self-discovered gem, i could see how movie goers would trumpet this through word of mouth. Very gritty, packed with emotional scenes and heart rendering heartbreak, Slumdog Millionaire is a sad yet beautiful portrait of Indian sweethearts.

Grade: A-