Now that summer is upon us and the regular television season is officially over, it’s time for me to focus on movies again. Here are a few of the more notable films that I’ve seen over the last few weeks.

THE DA VINCI CODE

I didn’t love it, but I was entertained. It was a Ron Howard film, after all, starring Tom Hanks, Mr. Safe.  If you haven’t seen it in a theatre, save yourself a few dollars and wait to rent it.

FRIENDS WITH MONEY

A conversation and relationship movie. Well written and featuring an impressive ensemble cast, but a rental for sure. You will find yourself distracted by Jennifer Aniston and Frances McDormand, playing women who don’t wash their hair in order to convince us they’re miserable.

I love JJ Abrams and Keri Russell; two very good reasons to see the movie. Trust me, you will enjoy a great action film despite its couch-jumping star.  

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND

I have to admit that I geeked out a little during this one. Of the three, this is now my favorite. I’m not a huge comic fan but this franchise is very well produced and brought to life on the big screen. A word of advice for the loyal fans – stay for the brief, secret scene that plays after the credits roll.

SUMMER RELEASES ON MY MUST-SEE LIST

A Prairie Home Companion

A Scanner Darkly

Lady in the Water

Little Miss Sunshine

My Super Ex-Girlfriend

Nacho Libre

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Superman Returns