Positive word of mouth sells movie tickets, and more buzz is better than less. But there’s buzz and then there’s BUZZZZZZZZZZZ. Diary of a Mad Black Woman is all the later and deservedly so. I can’t say enough nice things about this movie.

It’s entertaining. It’s relevant. It’s not for children. It’s fricking hysterical. It’s a must see!

What works

1) Casting – although lesser known or unknown, each actor fits their role like a stream flows over a rock. Kimberly Elise is masterful as Helen, the scorned lover. Tyler Perry owns the role of Joe and Madea ( Grandma and great uncle to Helen ). As for the evil husband, Steve Harris, everyone wanted to push him down the stairs. Bad Husband! Bad, bad, bad!

2) Screenplay – the scenario feels fresh and new. The jokes deliver. Thank you Tyler Perry!

3) Direction. Never heard of the auteur Darren Grant, but this is a career to watch.

4) Right sized budget. 5.5 million – and every dollar works for the story.

Verdict: Like dark humor? Then what are you waiting for? DVD or full price theater.

Hitch is one of those flicks I went into wanting to like, and fell in love. The premise – Hitch is a love doctor, a man who coaches gawky men through the first three critical dates with a new love. According to the gospel of Hitch, three dates and/or the first kiss is all a man has to show the woman what he’s got. Only when the love doctor meets the woman of his dreams, nothing goes right.

A good comedy, and a smart one, Hitch avoids the obvious and predictable conclusions and conflicts. It’s a bit on the physical side at points, but Will Smith keeps it fun.

What works:

1) Comedy. It’s funny. Several belly laughs.

2) Story. Writing is tight and consistent. If this was a movie written by committee, the committee worked overtime.

3) Performances are in the pocket, believable and appropriate for the role.

4) The story gives geeky guys hope.

Verdict: DVD rental, or matinee. An enjoyable date movie.

Howard Hughes was a man of firsts and superlatives. A billionaire, a maverick in Hollywood, a pioneer in defense aeronautics, he alone envisioned the domestic air travel market. He also directed a massive business empire while barricaded inside an office.

Plagued by voices and images that didn’t exist, Howard Hughes struggled with mental illness most of his life. It’s not clear what exact malady ravaged him, only that he fought the battle untreated and mostly alone.

I consider Howard Hughes an interesting guy, but the Aviator doesn’t really convey that. A mishmash of his film studio days and plane crashes, the film yields tremendous screen time to Hollywood starlets. There’s lots of glamor, a little less in the substance department.

What’s good about this movie:

1) The narrative captures many interesting milestones in Hughes life.

2) Cate Blanchett as Katherine Hepburn. If one had to resurrect Katherine Hepburn, I’m glad it was Cate. A masterful performance.

3) Leo DiCaprio was, at points, Howard Hughes.

Verdict: Matinee, DVD/Video Rental.

The arc of Clint Eastwood’s career impresses me no end. From spaghetti westerns to the Unforgiven and now Million Dollar Baby – he delivers. And at seventy!

Millionaire Dollar Baby is a great film and a great story. The casting is perfection, the direction tight and the end product fantastic. It’s got drama, it’s got action, it’s got controversy.

The dynamic between Frankie Dunn as the overprotective boxing mentor and Maggie Fitzgerald, the rags to riches female boxer – crackles with authenticity. Morgan Freeman: genius.

To paraphrase a Billy Joel song, it’s sad and it’s sweet, and I’d watch it complete again.

What’s good about this movie:

1) Story, story, story. A++++ to the screenwriters and director.

2) Characters, characters, characters. A++++ to the actors and the screenwriters.

3) Delivers a message without preaching.

Verdict: Theater full price and DVD purchase.