George Clooney’s newest film, The American, directed by Anton Corbijn, is a sort of combination of Clooney’s past films Up in the Air and Ocean’s Twelve/Thirteen. In one sense, Clooney’s character is deep, profound, and brooding, much like his character in Up in the Air. Yet though detailed and precise he is also an immoral “bad guy,” which is of the same vein as the character he played in the Ocean’s films. Unfortunately, The American deviates from the aforementioned films in that it fails to maintain the audience’s attention, sympathy, or concern for the character’s final outcome.

If you’re looking for a hilariously inappropriate but original film on which to spend some money, I have three words for you: The Other Guys. In this satirical buddy cop movie, Will Farrell and Mark Wahlberg shine, while revealing the humor in the sad realities of today’s economic climate.

Leonardo DiCaprio does it again with this summer’s new blockbuster hit, Inception. Not everyone will agree with that, however. I contend that there will be two camps that develop in the theaters: those who become so frustrated over the utter confusion and suspension of disbelief involved in viewing Inception that they despise the film; and those who throw caution to the wind, allow themselves to be sucked into the science fiction, and enjoy every captivating moment. Count me in the second camp.

For parents interested in a pleasant way to pass the afternoon with their children, consider newly released Despicable Me (that is, if Toy Story 3 is not an option). Characterized by warmth, humor, and even some insight into the human psyche, Despicable Me is a winner.

Toy Story 3 proves that with great writing and endearing characterization, success is achievable, even after 11 years. The enthralling finale to the adored series opened on Friday, June 18, to an audience of 20-somethings who remember when the first and second films came out, as well as to a new generation of fans, and in a single day made $41 million.

I want to be straight with you. I feel it necessary to preface this review by saying that Disney’s Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time goes so far beyond the realm of reality that it borders on absurdity, and that there is very little “Disney” quality to the movie except for the astounding special effects. That being said, I must confess that I found myself thoroughly captivated, once I suspended my utter disbelief, and in the end, enjoyed the movie, much to my surprise.

Shrek Forever After is a film that concurrently entertains and teaches a valuable lesson: You don’t know what you have until it’s gone. The film’s theme helps to appeal to an older audience, who can certainly relate to the midlife crisis that seems to be plaguing Shrek at the beginning of the film.  Couple that with a mastery of double entendra and you have yet another successful Shrek movie.

Though it’s only May, I have no qualms with the following prediction: Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood will be my favorite film of 2010. It captured every element that a good movie requires: a bit of history, patriotism, loyalty, a struggle for freedom, war, and love.

What do you get when you combine the angry son of a Russian defective, a very ripped Robert Downey, Jr., and an unending suspension of disbelief? Very likely the blockbuster hit of the summer: Iron Man 2.

Contrary to popular belief, The Last Song starring Miley Cyrus, an adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling novel, is not your typical “teeny-bopper” love story. In fact, it is a heart-breaking tale about an estranged father-daughter relationship that is propelled into reconciliation when said daughter must spend her summer with her father, only to discover devastating news. For this reason, this film is not only recommended for teens and young adults, but for all women who consider themselves “daddy’s girl.”