Inception (2010)

Complication does not equal sophistication in Christopher Nolan's way-overrated dream film, Inception. Nolan changes his own rules to propel the story forward without regard to the laws of physics or the intelligence of the viewer. Some good effects wrap this one in the idea of smarts without the actual work to get them.

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...The Swarm (1978)

OMG, it's took me nine months to get through Irwin Allen's all star bee fest The Swarm. The movie veers from interesting to camp as illustrated by a genuinely touching scene in which Slim Pickens' (in his only appearance) and Henry Fonda give first rate performances coupled with the groan-worthy groan of Golden Girl Olivia De Havilland at the school window as she watches the children get stung to death. At almost three hours, The Swarm is just too dull for its length; even stars like Michael Caine, Katherine Ross, Richard Widmark, Patty Duke, and Lee Grant (and some good explosions if you disregard the denouement) made it barely watchable over the gestation period I gave it.

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...Miss Congeniality (2000)

Miss Congeniality is a sweet confection reminiscent of Goldie Hawn circa Private Benjamin - not surprising as director Donald Petrie was schooled as a Hawn director. Sandra Bullock takes the Hawn role as both producer and lead and comes off a shining star. An able supporting cast (Michael Caine, Benjamin Bratt, Candice Bergen) adds to the fun despite the ending's err on the side of predictability.

...Educating Rita (1983)

Julie Walters sprang fully formed from the armpit of Michael Caine in Educating Rita, a sentimental tale of an adult education student and the college professor from whom she learns. Reminiscent of the on her way up/on his way down story arc used in the myriad adaptations of A Star is Born, this film succeeds with a star-is-born turn by Walters. The script, at times, turns to cliche but when you hear the click-clack of Rita's heels on the university floor you can't help but sit back and enjoy the experience.

...Batman Begins (2005)

I am not a fan of the comic book into film genre but I thought if I was going to be forced into seeing the most successful movie of all time, The Dark Knight, I should first see Batman Begins. All it made me realize is that I have no desire to see The Dark Knight. Next.

...Children of Men (2006)

Children of Men is an excellent, post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller with a smart script that doesn't shrink from beginning to end. Clive Owens, Julianne Moore (in a small yet pivotal role), Michael Caine (ditto) and Clare-Hope Ashitey are excellent. This one had me on the edge of my seat.