Mr. Cedric Brown (Colin Firth) has just lost his wife and is now left with his seven children who misbehave so much that all the nannies have run away. Now he is told by a mysterious voice that he should get Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson) who is a magical woman with special powers. Written by Daniel Cudley

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“Serenity” is a wild, white-knuckle roller coaster ride set in the future where the heroes are deeply conflicted, people do whatever they have to – even if it’s illegal - just to survive, and if you want to cuss at someone, you do it in a foreign language so there’s no need to cover the ears of small children.

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My Rant:

For my local media screening of “The Village,” an edict was issued from on high (meaning the studio, not our local PR firm) stating online and radio journalists were not allowed to see any of the advanced screenings of M. Night Shyamalan’s newest film until Thursday, July 29th (just half a dozen hours before it actually invaded theaters). Other media people were allowed to see it – TV, print, and so on – days earlier, but not online or radio critics. So what I’m wondering is, what makes a talking head on TV less likely to give away something from the plot than someone who works online or on the radio? What keeps local newspaper reporters from spoiling the story when an online or radio person can’t be trusted to keep the twists a secret? The answer: nothing. Nothing stops those smiling faces on TV from inadvertently blurting out a plot twist. They’ve done it before and you can bet they’ll do it again. Nothing stops a newspaper reporter from putting a line or two they shouldn’t into a review. I’ve read things that made me cringe where journalists have forgotten a plot point wasn’t known by the audience before the last 15 minutes of the movie. It happens all the time.

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Can a risk-averse insurance salesman on the rebound from his bride’s infidelity (during their honeymoon) find happiness with a waitress he knew in junior high who’s averse to commitment? Reuben is a sweet klutz who’s ready to settle down but sees in her a chance to recover from disappointment and have some fun; Polly is a sweet itinerant, not ready to settle down but sees a chance to spend time with a nice guy who likes her. What will he do when his bride comes crawling back? What will Polly do, when he runs the numbers and thinks she’s a good risk? Sub-plots involve his self-centered pal, who’s a has-been actor, and an assignment to assess the insurability of a balls-out Aussie. Written by {jhailey@hotmail.com}

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In a galaxy far, far away, “Star Wars: Episode II - The Attack of the Clones” may be the franchise’s savior. Alas, here on this planet, despite some breathtaking scenery, dazzling new worlds and alien beings, and ‘ahhh, so that’s where it’s heading’ plot twists, “the Clones” is a near miss (or is it near hit?). There’s a lack of the fun and frivolity that made the original releases such a wild ride for casual viewers and “Star Wars” fanatics alike. Gone are the days of fluffy Ewoks (which I liked, go ahead - scream at me, I can take it), Princess Leia and Han Solo’s cleverly written repartee, and the unforgettable mass of hair we affectionately knew as Chewie.

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“This is not a love story - it’s a story about love.”

“Original Sin” is a sexy, sensual, sizzling, romantic thriller. The chemistry between the sultry Angelina Jolie and the dangerously handsome Antonio Banderas explodes off the screen. Very few superstar match-ups have succeeded in doing what “Original Sin” so triumphantly achieves - a brilliant blending of two stars who ooze sex appeal, and whose teaming up makes this film an incredible viewing experience.

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Can I just start this out by declaring upfront Peter Jackson is a genius? There, I’ve said it and I stand behind my opinion. He’s a genius for having the guts to film the entire trilogy at the same time, for choosing the perfect mix of new, rising, and established actors, and for creating a fantasy world so breathtakingly entrancing fans of Tolkien’s work were left with very little to gripe about. Jackson’s also one smart cookie for his use of the Internet and fan sites to spread the news (and hype) surrounding “The Lord of the Rings.” Instead of keeping fans at a distance, Jackson did a fantastic job of embracing the people who would ultimately buy tickets, buy the DVDs, and support “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

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Having given permission to male nurse Greg Focker to marry his daughter, ex-CIA man Jack Byrnes and his wife travel to Miami to Greg’s parents, who this time around are Mr. and Mrs. Focker, who are as different from them as can be. As asked in the first movie, what sort of people name their son Gaylord M. Focker? Written by Uber Minion

Chris Neilson dies to find himself in a heaven more amazing than he could have ever dreamed of. There is one thing missing: his wife. After he dies, his wife, Annie killed herself and went to hell. Chris decides to risk eternity in hades for the small chance that he will be able to bring her back to heaven. Written by Scott Huntsman {guru@movieguru.com}

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