(M) Mad Hot Ballroom. (2005, Marilyn Agrelo) Grade: B+
Thoughts: I love ballroom movies. I adore Strictly Ballroom, seen Shall We Dance (Japanese and US version) and Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. So when I heard about this film I was quite excited. The documentary was a heart-warming, charming and funny insight into inner school children doing ballroom dancing. I found the kids wise beyond their years, especially due to the circumstances growing up in the inner cities of New York with high crime, drug dealers and poverty. You watch the kids change from problem students into ladies and gentlemen thanks to a uncommon curriculum.

(M) Kicking and Screaming. (2005, Jesse Dylan) Grade: C+
Thoughts: Will Ferrell is the man. There was nothing stunning in this movie, it wasn't rocket science here people. Phil Weston (Will Ferrell) is bullied around by his super competitive dad Buck Weston (Robert Duvall) to a point where all of Phil's anger is repressed back only to come out later on. There were a few times the movie went off on some random tangent like Phil's unhealthly obsession with coffee but if anyone can pull it off without being annoying it is Will Ferrell. The plot is super preditable but if you want a good laugh I would suggest this as a rental. Oh and Mike Ditka was awesome playing himself.

(M) A Fei Jing Juen (Days of Being Wild). (1991, Wong Kar Wai) Grade: A-
Thoughts: Wong Kar Wai's first film regarding a 1960's Hong Kong is stunning. This film sets the foundation for all his later works to come like Chungking Express and In the Mood for Love. In addition, it is his first time working with cinematographer Christopher Doyle, who goes on to work on many more films with him. The film is loaded with great actors like Leslie Cheung, Maggie Cheung, Andy Lau and Carina Lau who all give amazing performances. I have to admit though it is very "art house"/Hong Kong movie buff and not accessible to all viewers. There is no strong storyline or action and although the movie clocks in a 89 mins I'm sure some will find it slow and dull but those who can take the time to appreciate what Wong Kar Wai is doing and speaking through the characters and environment will be rewarded.