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Bob Habes - You be the Critic

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Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Michael Cera, whose volcanic stoicism infused Juno and Superbad with original nuance, stars as hapless Nick. Nick's just been dumped by his girlfriend, Tris (Alexis Dziena). Dragged by his pals, he searches for his favourite indie band, Where's Fluffy, when he meets and kisses Norah, (Kat Dennings). The two embark on an all-night odyssey tracking down Where's Fluffy and Norah's drunk friend, Caroline (Ari Graynor), in Nick's yellow Yugo. Their unique relationship and common devotion to the band becomes a stage for genuine banter. Their rollicking expedition uses physical humor, stopping short of clichéd slapstick too common in movies these days. Even the romance is distinct and refreshing. Since 90 per cent of those we polled gave N&NIP their most vigorous recommendations, don't hesitate to head for a theater. Comments included: "The dialogue wasn't as good as Juno, but it was close" ... "Their new romance made for some really funny lines" ... "Everybody was laughing" ... and "Not just teenage humor, it had the feeling of being real."

Flash of Genius

Greg Kinnear plays Dr. Robert Kearns, whose invention of intermittent windshield wipers was copied by the automobile industry. A classic David and Goliath tale, Kinnear's portrayal captures Kearns' determination and escalates the film's dramatic tension. Audiences concluded: "You don't often see someone with enough guts to fight the power of big business. It was wonderful" ... "It's cool that this is a true story" ... and "Greg Kinnear should get an Oscar."

Blindness

When a bizarre epidemic drives citizens of a large city blind, they are herded into a dilapidated hospital and guarded by tyrants. Julianne Moore can see but she stays with her afflicted husband, Mark Ruffalo. An armed despot (Gael Garcia Bernal) becomes the herd's ruthless dictator. Audiences said: "Boring" (many)... "Horrible" ... and "Disappointing adaptation of a good book."

American Carol

Three patriotic ghosts visit a filmmaker cynical of America (Kevin Farley spoofs documentarian Michael Moore). The spirits of George Washington, George Patton and John F. Kennedy (Jon Voight, Kelsey Grammer and Chriss Anglin, respectively) are amusing, but disdain for liberals robs this film's chance for creativity. Comments included: "The slapstick was amateurish, it was funny at times" (many) ... "David Zucker must really hate Michael Moore. I think it affected his ability to make a funny movie" ... and "Makes liberals look stupid, but all the conservatives are stereotypical fools, too. We're a screwy country."

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Pampered Beverly Hills pet Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore) becomes lost in Mexico and teams up with street dogs to the delight of moviegoers who voted it a must-see 85 per cent Audience Approval. A superior pack of voices (Andy Garcia, George Lopez, Edward James Olmos, Paul Rodriguez, Cheech Marin and Luis Guzman) enlivened the experience. Viewers said: "Talking dogs make me laugh, it was real cute" (many)... "The kids in the theater went nuts, and I admit, I am surprised at how much I laughed" ... and "The critics were wrong, it is hilarious and heart-warming."

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People

Obnoxious British journalist Sidney (Simon "Shaun of the Dead" Pegg) finagles a position with a prestigious New York magazine during his quest for a beautiful actress (Megan Fox). A more altruistic relationship seems possible with co-worker Kirsten Dunst. This look at drowning in celebrity suffers from the lack of real personalities, substituting instead the shallowness of fame. Very mediocre, according to our voting sample. Viewers said: "Is more slapstick than sophisticated like it should have been" ... "More offensive than funny."

Appaloosa

Gunslingers Virgil and Everett (Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen) are hired to protect a dusty town from evil rancher Randall Bragg (Jeremy Irons). Virgil falls awkwardly for widow French (Renée Zellweger), but the relationship between the limited Virgil and the West Point-educated Everett produces the strongest dialogue and emotions. Viewers said: "Very slow" (many)... "The kind of western you'll like if you liked Unforgiven" ... "I read the book and this is disappointing" ... and "Wanders around and doesn't go anywhere."

New on DVD

The Happening

M. Night Shyamalan presents a cautionary environmentalist tale. New Yorkers suddenly start killing themselves for no apparent reason, so Philadelphians Mark Wahlberg and wife Zooey Deschanel head to the country for safety with John Leguizamo and his young daughter. Plants, air and animals appear to somehow be manipulating the mass suicides. As the tension builds and bodies pile up, viewers were left with unconvincing performances and weak explanations. Confused, they rated it a terrible 24 per cent approval. I'd skip it for sure. Viewers said: "I didn't get it" ... "Pure junk" ... "Scary and stupid" ... "Unbelievably disappointing" ... "Much too long" ... and "There has to be a better way to get this message across."