"Sideways" (2004) ***½: The film that begs the question, "Do those Academy Awards people even bother to see more than five movies?" Surprisingly, there's nothing new here. This shaggy, borderline competent production is worthy of the Best Picture award, like "Ben-Hur," "Casablanca," "Lawrence of Arabia," and "Annie Hall"? Darn winos.
"The Incredibles" (2004) ****½: Fighting against forces which usually impede entertainment, Disney-Pixar's super family saves the day with a victorious comic adventure.
"Alfie" (2004) ****: In general, I bristle at remakes of perfectly good movies, but the Jude Law approach to Michael Caine's playboy classic is a winking salute, contemporary and roguish.
"Hitch" (2005) ***½: Matchmaker comedy has its moments, but, ugh, that contemptible mate chosen for Will Smith is beyond belief. As my usually peaceful wife blurted out in the theatre, "Somebody shoot that woman! I hate her!"
"The Devil and Miss Jones" (1941) ****: Jean Arthur, Robert Cummings, and Charles Coburn in a solid Sam Wood ("A Night at the Opera," "A Day at the Races," "Goodbye Mr. Chips") workplace comedy which had somehow eluded me.
"The Nutty Professor -- Special Edition" (1963) ****½: After scores of viewings throughout my life, the superlative color transfer of this DVD, plus the Jerry Lewis commentary and outtakes, managed to bolster my loving appreciation for Prof. Kelp and Mr. Love. Oh, and definitely Miss Purdy. Nutty.
"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (2004) *½: I enjoyed Jim Carrey in a "Twilight Zone" worthy tale. It wasn't until after I saw the show, I read the filmmakers consider it to be a comedy. Uh, guess again. No smiles here. Spotless. As a drama: ***½
"Eurotrip" (2004) ***½: Modern teenager sex comedies usually engage my sidestepping footwork, but a friend coerced me to view this hilarious, raunchy romp across the old country. 'Scusee, but I found much to be inventive and infectious, although the finale at the Vatican is an unfortunate miscalculation.
"Napoleon Dynamite" (2004) ****½: Howlingly funny study of state-of-the-art nerds. A fine, original comedy of recognition. I also learned a new trick for Tater Tots. Sweet.
"Are We There Yet?" (2005) ½: Is it over, yet?
Ratings: 4½ stars = A; 3½ = B; 2½ = C; 1½ = D; ½ = F.
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