• Director: Tim Allen
• Writers: Judd Pillot (written by) & John Peaslee (written by)
• Stars: Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Jeanne Tripplehorn
• Release Date: January 2010
• Run Time: 96 min
• Genre: Comedy, Crime

He survived three years of hard time. Now comes a little family time.

I thought this was going to be more of a laugh your ass off comedies, but that was not to be.

Now, I am not saying the movie is bad, and it does have its moments with good comedy. But "Crazy on the Outside" is more of a warm story movie. There is something heartfelt to the story. And the build up and turns in the story are nice, especially the way the story progresses around the lies.

The acting in the movie was really good, on everyones part. And good to see marvelous performances from Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Ray Liotta, as usual. Actually nice to see Allen and Liotta back in a movie together. And with only supporting roles, Weaver and Liotta does one heck of a job with their roles.

If you are expecting an all-out laugh your ass off comedy, this is not the movie to pick. But I think people should watch this movie at least once, because it is quite nice.

• Director: Anand Tucker
• Writers: Deborah Kaplan (written by) & Harry Elfont (written by)
• Stars: Amy Adams, Matthew Goode and Adam Scott
• Release Date: January 2010
• Run Time: 100 min
• Genre: Comedy, Romance

Anna planned to propose to her boyfriend on February 29th. This is not her boyfriend.

I just got back from the theater under an hour ago, and am still in a good mood after having watched this. Some romantic comedies are more comedy than romance, or more romance than comedy, but this one blends the two into something especially delightful. I left the theater with more of a bounce in my step and a wide smile on my face, despite having had a not so great day.

Its not perfectly original–there were parts where I was able to say ahead of time precisely what was going to happen next–but it is not entirely formulaic, either. And there is something comfortable about the familiar, especially if it is done slightly different.

Matthew Goode surprised me in his role, and there the originality is quite refreshing. I hadn realized exactly how limited of roles I am used to seeing the typical "rom-com" male fit into, until he kept breaking my expectations. And I like how real Amy Adams is: no harsh looking clavicle bones sticking out, minimal makeup, and her face hasn been pinched and pulled into a tight canvas.

The Irish scenes are gorgeous, and the accents entertaining. And, I don know if there was anyone else who was pleased, but I was ecstatic at this proof of a great romantic comedy kept within a PG rating. No embarrassing scenes to make mixed company awkward; no offensive profanity. It IS PG, of course, so don expect "Little Mermaid" standards, but it was still incredibly clean for the genre. I have little brothers aged 7 and 9 (who Im very protective of), and I would not have felt embarrassed to allow them to watch this.

Overall, a great show for the genre. The best Ive seen in a long time. Not perfect, but if you
e in it for entertainment and a feel-good story, rather than as a movie critic, I think youll really enjoy it.

• Director: Miguel Arteta
• Writers: Gustin Nash (screenplay) C.D. Payne (novel)
• Stars: Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday and Ray Liotta
• Release Date: January 2010
• Run Time: 90 min
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Every

"Youth in Revolt" is original. Its not quite like any "teen movie" Ive ever seen. Just as its source material offered a fresh twist to the dork-meets-girl scenario in ink, the film offers the twist on screen.

"Youth in Revolt" centers on unconventional teenage rebels; these aren the hoodlums youd expect to see smoking pot on street corners. In fact, these characters are essentially adults trapped in awkward teenage frames. They have sophisticated tastes and profound desires, but they also carry themselves clumsily and desperately try to shed their virginity. This mature immaturity makes both Nick (Cera) and Sheeni (Doubleday), along with a number of minor characters they meet throughout the film, compelling and unique human beings.

As Nick Twisp, Michael Cera carries the film. His awkwardly clever narration provides for fairly consistent laughter, and his quest for Sheenis heart puts him through a dramatic ringer. As good as Cera is as lovable loser Nick, nothing can prepare the audience for his work as Twisps alter-ego: Francois Dillinger. Dillinger is the anti-Nick, which also makes him the anti-Michael Cera, but Cera pulls off his boldness and iron will hilariously. Ceras dual performance keeps the film fresh when it begins to get a little dull.

As Sheeni, the primary love interest, Portia Doubleday concocts an unconventional leading lady. She seems to embody every characteristic of the female teenager at the same time, and its not hard to see why Nick would idolize her.

The film focuses on Cera and Doubleday for the most part, and their relationship is strange, and therefore refreshing. Clichés are avoided, unexpected roadblocks pop up, and teenage love rears its ugly, fascinating face. The romance seems real, as well as funny.

When Youth in Revolt" turns its focus away from the youths, its hit-or-miss. Jean Smart is fine as Ceras aloof mother, but the character itself is one-dimensional and strangely conventional for such a nonconformist movie. Steve Buscemi is fine as the father, but hes not given much to do. The standouts among the supporting players include Fred Willard as an immigrant-phile, Justin Long as Sheenis stoner brother, Mary Kay Place as Sheenis Bible-wielding mother, and the two unknowns who portray Nicks friends, Lefty and BJ.

Aside from a couple of intentionally quirky animated sequences and one or two clichéd stock characters, "Youth in Revolt" plays by its own rules, and it wins marvelously.

• Director: Gurinder Chadha
• Release Date: July 25, 2008
• Run Time: 100 mins
• Genre: Drama, Comedy

The story centers on a 14-year-old girl who keeps a diary about the ups and downs of being a teenager, including the things she learns about kissing.

• Director: David M. Evans
• Release Date: March 03, 2009
• Run Time: 93 mins
• Genre: Action, Comedy, Family, Adventure

"I will try to be normal" 12-year-old promises. Thats cool, except whats normal for him is finding missing mutts, kidnapped kitties or gone gators and creating hilarious chaos every step of the way. Like father, like son, its in his nature to be a pet defective detective! And when a zoos baby panda is stolen and Aces mom is Suspect #1, our young hero sets out to clear the family name. Its a new generation of family fun and goof-brained comedy panda-monium as (Josh Flitter of Nancy Drew and License to Wed) teams with adventurous girl-next-door Laura (Emma Lockhart) and nerdish gizmo-wiz A-Plus (Austin Rogers) to chase down leads and laughs. Ready for fun? Allriiiighty-then. Ace – Ace Jr. is on the case!

• Director: Ron Howard
• Release Date: January 23, 2009
• Run Time: 122 mins
• Genre: Drama

A dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former president Richard Nixon.