Ray (aka Ray Charles)

I think this movie needs to find it's way into my Top 10. Jamie Foxx did a great job in this role. I was fortunate to see Ray Charles play life in Minneapolis 10 years ago, and I can tell you without a doubt that hearing him play America the Beautiful and all it's purple mountain majesty will be with me for a lifetime. I loved this film, not only for what it said about the man, about race, and about life, but also for how well it cineamatically points out those life situations that can pain us, stick with us, and continue to keep coming back. "Ray," uses the death of Ray's younger brother to portray not only how trauma effects someone not only all through their life, but also in their relationships, and the film ends with an example of what can be done about it. The film portrays the struggles of talent and of addiction and if viewed critically it can be enjoyed not only for entertainment value, but for an important life lesson for everyone as well. See Ray - it just might make your Top Ten too.

Striking Distance

Bruce Willis, Sarah Jessica Parker, - pretty much a horrible movie.