Inside Man is a hostage thriller directed by Spike Lee. This is better than your average hostage plot.

The movie begins with a team of “industrial painters” robbing the main branch of the Manhattan Trust Bank. By the end of the movie, you find out why the robbers chose this particular disguise.

British actor Clive Owen gives a good performance as Dalton Russell, the leader of the robbers. Dalton is an enigma, and his agenda in the robbery is not clear-cut. The robbers take hostages, and from this point on the movie makes some clever twists and turns.

Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) is in charge of defusing the hostage situation. Once he arrives on the scene, he receives resistance from Captain John Darius (Willem Dafoe), who does not respect his role as a hostage-negotiator.

Madeliene White (Jodie Foster) enters the movie as an ambitious power broker. Madeliene accepts a special assignment from the president of the Manhattan Trust Bank (Christopher Plummer). You begin to wonder if the bank’s president has a hidden agenda.

Detective Frazier’s skills are put to the test when he negotiates with the hostage-takers. It soon becomes clear to him that many things are not what they first seemed. Police treat hostages as suspects. Police treat suspects as hostages. Confused? Don’t worry, everything becomes clear by the end of the movie.

Inside Man has a nice touch of humour, and the movie’s music is fun. A well-directed movie by Spike Lee. The cast is strong and good performances all round, especially by Denzel Washington and Clive Owen.

I would watch this movie again, just so I can pay more attention to the minor details, which were relevant to piecing together the puzzle.

This movie is definitely worth seeing.

Let me know what you think of Inside Man by adding your comment below.

George Clooney was born on 6th Mary 1961 in Lexington, Kentucky. His father Nick was a TV broadcaster. His aunt is actress Rosemary Clooney.

In his teens, he suffered from Bell’s palsy, facial drooping on one side of the face. It is the result of the breakdown of the facial nerve which influences the facial muscles.

He dropped out of college to pursue a career in acting. Much of his time was spent traveling from audition to audition on a bicycle.

He got his first acting break in sitcom Roseanne, where he played the boss of the star, Roseanne Barr. He also starred in Combat Academy (1986) and Return of the Killer Tomatoes (1988), but it was not until he landed the role of Dr. Doug Ross in the popular television series, ER, that he really shot to prominence. It was that part that helped to catapult him into the realms of celebrity.

Since then, he has appeared in films such as From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), One Fine Day (1996), Batman & Robin (1997), Out of Sight (1998), Three Kings (1999), The Perfect Storm (2000), Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Intolerable Cruelty (2003) and Ocean’s Twelve (2004). Added to that, he has also had guest parts in Roseanne and Friends.

He helped to launch South Park, when in 1995, he was sent a copy of The Spirit of Christmas, which would later become the hit show. He liked it so much that he distributed copies of it in Los Angeles. In return, the show’s producers approached him to provide the voice of Stan Marsh’s gay dog, Sparky in an episode entitled Big Gay Al’s Big Gay Boat Ride. As well as doing that, he also starred in the film version of South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut.

He then turned his hand to directing, and was nominated for Achievement in Directing and Original Screenplay (for Good Night, and Good Luck), as well as receiving a nomination for Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role (for Syriana) at the 2006 Academy Awards. It was the first time that a nominated actor had been nominated for directing a film different to the one he was nominated for. At the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television) Awards, he was nominated for the David Lean Award for Achievement in Directing (for Good Night, and Good Luck).

He walked away with a Golden Globe award for Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role, and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, both for Syriana.

In 2005 he suffered from head injuries on the set of Syriana, when a scene in which his character is tied to the chair and tormented, went wrong. He has since had to have surgery to boost his spine with metal bolts after spinal fluid leaked through his nose.

Along with fellow actors, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt, he is working in association with Rande Gerber, the husband of Cindy Crawford, in designing and building the Las Ramblas resort project, a new casino hotel near the Las Vegas strip.

He has been very vocal about the Iraq war, saying: “You can’t beat your enemy anymore through wars; instead you create an entire generation of people revenge-seeking. Our opponents are going to resort to car bombs and suicide attacks because they have no other way to win. …I believe (Rumsfeld) thinks this is a war that can be won, but there is no such thing anymore. We can’t beat anyone anymore.”

He taught Kirsten Dunst how to drive - at a golf course.

It’s tough finding quality movies, isn’t it? Here are 10 quality films you may have missed.

“C’est arrivé près de chez vous”: This foreign film will have you laughing your ass off, but you will feel like you are going to Hell for doing so. Also known as “Man Bites Dog,” this 1992 mockumentary is about a camera crew who follows around a serial killer in action. This dark comedy/drama is hysterical, shocking, and downright bizarre. “C’est arrivé près de chez vous” takes place in Belgium and is spoken in French. Film is rated NC-17.

“Swimming Pool”: This 2003 film is about a British mystery author named Sarah, who is suffering from writer’s block, so she accepts an offer from her publisher to move into his house in France with hopes that a change of scenery will give her a fresh start and inspiration to finish her book. The publisher’s daughter, a gorgeous girl name Julie, unexpectedly moves in with Sarah and she draws inspiration for her book from Julie’s wild lifestyle. Although this film does move at a plodding place, a lot is happening beneath the surface. The ending of this film, which I will not spoil, will leave you questioning what actually may or may not have transpired during this mystery/drama. Film is rated R.

“Hi, Mom!”: Brian De Palma directs this 1970 film, which depicts life in the United States during the 1960’s. This satire looks at such topics as racism and manipulation of the masses through the media. A young Robert DeNiro gives an excellent performance as an ex Vietnam Veteran. Film is rated R.

“The Ice Storm”: This 1997 film, featuring the likes of Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Tobey Maguire, Elijah Wood, Christina Ricci and Katie Holmes, is about a few Connecticut families in the early 1970s who find their lives spiraling out of control. This drama, directed by Ang Lee, is a very dark and honest film. Don’t expect to see any Hollywood ending here. Film is rated R.

“Sleepers:” Despite featuring stars such as Kevin Bacon, Robert DeNiro, Brad Pitt, Minnie Driver and Dustin Hoffman, “Sleepers” is probably one of the more overlooked and underrated films of the 90s. This film is about a about a group of young boys who commit a prank that goes wrong and they are then sent to a detention center where they are grossly mistreated. Years later, now as adults, they have the chance to get revenge on the man who harmed them. This crime/ drama/ thriller is definitely worth seeing. Film is rated R.

“The Woodsman:” Kevin Bacon stars in this 2004 film about a pedophile who attempts to start a new life after 12 years in prison. Bacon is superb and his real-life wife, Kyra Sedgwick, also turns in a strong performance. Well-made film on a very controversial subject. Film is rated R.

“In Good Company”: This movie made just over $45 million at the box office. It was not a total flop, but it is pretty sad that a good movie like this can only make that much, considering a piece of garbage like “Big Momma’s House 2” has grossed over $54 million and counting. “In Good Company” is a well-made film about a 51-year-old advertising executive played by Dennis Quaid, who has to work for a boss (Topher Grace) that is half his age. This 2004 film also features a very good performance by Scarlett Johansson. It is witty, charming, and definitely worth seeing. Film is rated PG-13.

“Sweet Sixteen”: Ken Loach directs this 2002 film drama about a young Scottish boy named Liam, who desperately wants to live a normal life with his mother once she gets out of prison. This film is in English, but the accents are so thick that you may need the subtitles. Excellent film though. Film is rated R.

“Before Sunset”: It is hard to believe that this film made just over $5 million at the box office. This film, which stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as two people who have seen each other for the first time in nine years following a weekend they shared together in Vienna, has some of the most real dialogue and real moments that I have ever seen in film. This 2004 Richard Linklater film also has one of the best endings in recent memory. Great follow-up to the 1995 film “Before Sunrise.” Film is rated R.

“Play it Again, Sam”: Woody Allen stars as Allen Felix in this 1972 comedy / romance about a recently divorced film critic who tries to get over his wife by dating again. Hysterical film. Allen wrote the screenplay for this, and Herbert Ross directed it. Diane Keaton turns in a fantastic performance. Film is rated PG.

Keep these movies in mind next time you are at the video store and are unsure what to rent.

Please add your comments as to which good movies your recommend.

Disney announced that it is producing a sequel to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian will be based on the third instalment of C.S. Lewis’s seven-book Narnia series. The new movie is expected to be released towards the end of 2007.

Many British children’s fiction books and films contain a lot of darkness. This includes the Harry Potter books and Ronald Dahl. It always seems there are many obstacles to overcome and numerous close calls before the story ends. Nanny McPhee is no exception.

Nanny McPhee is the eighteenth governess to be employed by the Brown family since the death of the wife and mother. Cedric Brown, played by Colin Firth, has been left on his own to raise seven boisterous and energetic children, all whom were born in about an eight year span. They resemble a gang of outlaws and love nothing better than driving nannies out of the house. The audience watches as several nannies flee the household, seemingly in fear of their lives. One screams, “They’ve eaten the baby,” as she makes a fast departure from the Brown household.

About this time Cedric begins receiving mysterious messages that read: “What you need is Nanny McPhee.” Then, suddenly, Nanny McPhee appears and she is certainly a foreboding and formidable presence who seems to possess magical powers. She has a kind of fire in her eyes, warts on her face and she wears a black dress to cover her bulk; it somewhat resembles a flour sack. She keeps a walking stick close at hand and whacks it on the cobblestones frequently, sending off an arc of sparks.

The Browns live in an old house in the country that is an architectural monstrosity. There are numerous gardens and staircases that could only be owned by a man facing financial ruin in a work of fiction.

Cedric is the local funeral home director and is deeply in debt. He is counting on a large inheritance from his Great Aunt Adelaide, played by Angela Lansbury, to save him from financial ruin. However, Great Aunt Adelaide has thrown a curve into the mix. She’s stated that in order for Cedric to gain her fortune, he has only 30 days to marry. He knows this will be impossible because of his out-of-control children. Can Nanny McPhee save his inheritance?

Nanny McPhee sets out a list of rules for the children to learn. Her frown sends waves of terror over the children. Soon, she has them whipped into much better shape and a kind of uneasy peace settles over the Brown household.

In his search for a wife, Cedric overlooks the obvious choice; Evangeline, the scullery maid. She’s loved by every member of the household. Instead, he seems to be doomed to marry Mrs. Quickly, who is somewhat a bit of a tart. As plans for the wedding move forward Nanny McPhee rules with an iron hand and the children’s behavior improves drastically. Furthermore, every time that one of her rules are enforced, a wart vanishes from Nanny McPhee’s face and her figure slims, which is somewhat of a mystery.

Will Cedric marry Mrs. Quickly, or will he recognize the fact that his true love is really Evangeline? Will the children reform enough under Nanny McPhee’s watchful eye that Cedric will be able to find a wife, or will they remain little hooligans? All of these questions and more are answered by the end of the film. Be sure to see it. It’s great family entertainment.

Let me know what you think of this movie by adding your comment below.

If you’re looking for a heart touching film that will provide some great family entertainment, be sure to see the movie Eight Below.

The story is a harrowing tale of eight sled dogs that are left behind when researchers are forced to leave Antarctica because of an incoming storm. The dogs are chained near the research station to keep them safe. The research team plans to return for them in a few days. However, before the guide who owns the dogs can return, winter sets in and all flights to the station are cancelled until spring. What will happen to the dogs? Will they survive the harsh Antarctic winter, or will their owner return to find they’ve all succumbed to the frigid temperatures?

Eight Below is based on a true story. The movie mainly focuses on the dogs. Their owner, played by actor Paul Walker, thinks about them constantly and is determined to rescue them. He falls into a state of depression at the thought of his dogs tethered outside the research station in the glacial temperatures. He appeals to Dr. Davis McClaren, played by Bruce Greenwood, the financier of the expedition, to allow him to return for his dogs. His request is denied. In the meantime, the audience is informed of how long the dogs have been on their own through subtitles.

Director Frank Marshall depicts the dogs as intelligent and respects their basic instincts. When one of the team is badly injured, the other dogs hunt down birds and bring them to their crippled teammate. They work together in order to survive five months in the sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica, without shelter. Their only food source is from the merciless Antarctic tundra.

The film doesn’t have a human villain. The closest it comes to one is in the form of Dr. McClaren, who won’t cooperate in rescuing the dogs in winter, even though they saved his life when he was doing scientific research. I won’t disclose the details of the rescue in order for you to experience it for yourself.

The close-ups of the dogs faces as they struggle through anxiety, danger and yearning, allow us a glimpse into their emotions and intelligence. The eight dogs, two malamutes and a husky, touch the hearts of their audience as they struggle to survive on their own.

Rated: 4 ½ out of 5 stars.

Let me know what you think of this movie by adding your comment below.