The Adjustment Bureau

M: I liked the idea, and like the movie. It wasn't great. It didn't really explain why the Adjustment Bureau did what it did, and it didn't really explain why it was ok, in the end, to do something different. All in all, I thought it was fairly enjoyable and worth seeing. 2 1/2 stars.

V: Interesting idea.  I like Matt Damon and Emily Blunt.  It was entertaining.  Didn't quite tie it all together, some weak explanations.  But, take it as an action movie, not a philosophical one. 2 1/2 stars

Invictus

M: This was only ok for me. I thought that Morgan Freedman did a good job as Nelson Mandela, and Matt Damon was likable as always. But the movie itself was a bit much for me. I can be inspired by sports, but this was too inspiring. It is too simplistic to accept that rugby alone saved a nation and changed everybody's perceptions and biases. There were also a few scenes that absolutely bugged me to no end, namely the airplane scene and the scene with the guy scoping out the rugby stadium for, what was at least inferred to be, a good sniper location. The movie tried to add some suspense by inferring danger or assassination potential, but then later completely ignored the fact that it had ever mentioned it. Anyway, that is my take. 2 stars.

V: Interesting. I liked this movie. I didn't think that they were portraying that rugby saved the nation. Rather, I was intrigued by the careful attention that Mandela gave to the rugby team, and the world cup, as a way to reach across barriers and to unite the country. It made me want to know more about Mandela. There was a strong message of forgiveness portrayed, which is particularly poignant given the way things had been for the country and for Mandela, personally. I liked the phony teeth they had Morgan Freeman wear when he appeared in the crowds, smiling that great big Mandela smile. Even though this was a sports movie, I liked it. "Invictus", meaning "unconquered" is the title of the poem that Mandela quotes and gives to the rugby team captain: "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." That's quite the mantra after 27 years in prison. 3 1/2 stars.

Ocean's Thirteen

V: This one reminded me of the first one (the first remake, that is.) Which means it was better than the second, silly one. This one takes us back to Vegas and involves all the great characters in their plot to bring down the jerk who hurt their friend. (Loved the Mormon kids who got sidetracked from their duties by getting all their fellow workers in the Mexican factory to go on strike, protesting poor working conditions.) It is funny, clever and interesting. 3 stars.

M: I agree with V, better than the second; but not as good as the first. These guys obviously have a blast working together, and hats off to them for it. But maybe next time we should get an Ocean's five. There are just too many characters in this movie to give them all camera time without making it feel like a disjointed cameo fest. Plus, you end up feeling bad when the likes of Bernie Mac only gets a half dozen lines. Still, fun, fairly action-packed, and enjoyable. Spend a dollar and get it from red box. 3 stars

Bourne Ultimatum

PG-13, The third (and last?) of the Bourne series. Jason Bourne still trying to find out who he is and why he has been running around killing people.

V: My favorite so far. That car chase in the last one went on for hours. Bourne is a great spy/assassin. Very sneaky, very tricky. I gave this one 3 1/2 stars.

M: This is the final installment of a great series. I love watching Bourne in action. The first show was the best, the second the worst, but this third movie was good, action packed, and definitely worth catching. 3 stars.