(M) The Perfect Crime (Crimen ferpecto). (Alex de la Iglesia, 2004)Grade: B

Thoughts: Rafael (Guillermo Toledo) is a sweet talker in life, working in the women's department for a big store, and with the ladies. The only thing missing is getting the floor manager position. After a mix-up with sales receipts the title is awarded to Don Antonio, Rafael's biggest rival. In a freak accident/argument with Rafeal, Don Antonio dies and Lourdes (Monica Cervera) is the only witness. Lourdes is an unattractive sales woman who Rafael never gave the time of day to - until now. He needs her to keep the secret but she has a price, a very demanding and painful one. The movie would turn from light and funny to quite dark and depressing. In the end you are not sure if you should hate Rafael or Lourdes more but you do know they are both after the same thing - the "perfect life".

(M) Hustle & Flow. (Craig Brewer, 2005)Grade: B-

Thoughts: I'm not the biggest Terrence Howard fan - his character in Crash bugged me - but I have to admit it's hard out there for a pimp. DJay (Terrence Howard) gets the idea he can make it big in the rap world after finding out Skinny Black (Ludacris), a big time rapper, is from his hood. With the help of Key/Clyde (Anthony Anderson), Shelby (DJ Qualls - the skinny guy from Road Trip) and his whores, DJay makes his cassette tape. The movie spends about 30 mins introducing DJay and his hoes, an hour on making the music and less than 25 mins on what happens after. I would have liked to see more about what happens after the song comes out but oh well. I'm not sure why this film is loved by critics but it was semi entertaining. Terrence Howard did a really good job that I almost forgot it was him which is always a good sign.

(M) Broken Flowers. (Jim Jarmusch, 2005)Grade: B+

Thoughts: I read Jim Jarmusch wrote this movie with Bill Murray specifically in mind, and it works, it completely works. After his girlfriend dumps him, Don Johntson (Bill Murray) learns he might have a 19-year-old son. With the push of his only dear friend/neighbor Winston (Jeffrey Wright), Don goes about trying to find out who the mother might be by traveling all over the nation. The ending of the film leaves you wondering but in a good way. One thing to note is the pacing of the film, the director really took his time telling the story which fit well.