One Paragraph Revew: Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Yes, "Zack and Miri" is unbelievably crude. It's usually hilarious, but is at it's worst when sometimes the dialog feels like a cheap "shock" tool. But what is really great is what Smith, again revealed to be a total romantic sap, is actually saying with this film. The irony here is that so many people have pre-crucified this movie for assuming that because it has the word "porno" in the title, it must disrespect sex as something casual or meaningless. The reality is that this movie actually loudly proclaims the exact opposite point. Despite an absolute barrage of off-limits words and an avalanche of on-screen sex and casual "porno" talk, Smith manages to make a film which actually unequivocally asserts that sex isn't just a physical act; that normal people can't (or at least shouldn't) have sex without love. This flick is funny, entertaining and, if you aren't squeamish when it comes to sex, is worth your money.

One Paragraph Review: The Da Vinci Code

I was one of the six or so people who didn't read the book a few years back and managed to catch this on TV over the weekend. I had basically no expectations of the movie itself and found it to be exceptionally entertaining. Dan Brown's story is exciting and interesting, even to someone like myself, who knows as close to nothing about religious history as one can reasonably get. The film is competently directed, with a great cast and a quick, exciting pace that doesn't leave the viewer behind. Of course, I can't speak to (or really care about) the movie's historical or religious accuracy, but it's certainly fun and entertaining.