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I've given up on seeing widely distributed Horror genre films in the first few weekends because frankly the theaters are crammed with the types of people that ruin the movie going experience (talkers, cell phone ringers, teenagers). So I gave it a few weeks to catch "The Ring". Unfortunately my trip was ill timed to correspond with the release of "8 Mile" which, with its numerous sellouts, forced the same type of people into a second choice, my first choice "The Ring". I enjoyed Verbinski's "The Mexican", though I seemed to be in the minority of people who liked it, and now I'm apparently in the minority of people who didn't like this film. I probably suffered from the over hype that many of my friends have given this movie, and went in expecting something creepy, a cross between Sixth Sense and Seven and all the other disturbing movies that stick with you long after the credits roll. However "The Ring" is neither of those films, nor is it on the level of "Urban Legend" or other schlock spook fests. Instead it falls somewhere in between- an art film trying to make it mainstream. Too bad it failed for me miserably. Emily Watts was very wonderful playing the reporter trying to unravel the puzzle of the videotape of death (which I always thought was "Showgirls"). But beyond her performance there was little else for the film to hang its hat on besides some forced eerie footage on the evil tape, and some moody cinematography (which is the only real reason to see the film) with a nice homage to Hitchcock tucked neatly inside. I found the story rather weak, though it didn't completely leave me disinterested (again mainly due to Watts being very alluring). I don't mind a slow paced film either; in fact I rather enjoy it when it adds to the story. However, I thought the pacing was all over the place here. We have a story that should take place over 7 days (or at least the part post-teaser...it did in some respects feel like episodic television after all), yet it's not pace evenly. Either building slowly, with the later days stretching longer, or moving faster to place emphasis on the running out of time would, I think, help.

With all this said, I'd still recommend the film for Watts and for the lushness of the cinematography. Beyond that, if you want to see a well crafted narrative that builds suspense without tricks, check out "Insomnia" instead.

As most good thrillers will, Abandon delivers the suspense at it's own pace- slow and deliberate. Sadly in this day and age the movie going audience doesn't want that opting instead for "fast and furious". If you want a movie at warp speed this isn't for you, however if you like intelligent writing, unique direction, and solid acting then Abandon is definitely worth your attention.

Katie Holmes is Catherine, a senior in college struggling to finish her thesis and move into the post-academic world. Haunted, literally and figuratively, by the disappearance of her boyfriend Embry, a rich artiste with a penchant for elaborate theatrics. Embry's missing persons case falls in the lap of Detective Wade Handler (Benjamin Bratt) a recovering alcoholic who is equally haunted by something that may (or may not) have happened in a drunken episode.

The beauty of Abandon is the way characters that would normally be cartoonish representations of college students are in fact real people. They speak like actual college students, they party like actual college students, and they have fears like actual college students. The adult characters are likewise fleshed out (though Fred Ward is essentially wasted in the film, appearing in only two scenes).

Most of the criticism of Abandon that I have read picks at the ending. While I did figure out the plot half way through the film (which usually spells trouble), the reveal is done in a way that doesn't cheat the audience.

Simply put, a brilliant film.

Topsy Turvy captures Gilbert and Sullivan in the midst of a turbulent period in their partnership. Desperate to be taken more seriously as a composer, Arthur Sullivan attempts to renege on the Gilbert and Sullivan contract with the Savoy Theatre. While his partner William S Gilbert struggles to come up with something new to write about. Each man, in a sense, is longing for individual acclaim but they are trapped in an entity neither one can shake. The fame of their collective energies has taken on a life of its own and the theater crowds want more.

The film is mostly the story of a theater production of the Mikado, one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most famous operas. Director Mike Leigh, notorious for writing on the go, has structured a play within a play to a great delight. Jim Broadbent and Allan Corduner are brilliant as Gilbert and Sullivan, and Tim Spall has a wonderful turn as one of the actors, Mr. Temple.

Their is more here than just two playwrights. The entire cast is seen as more than just pieces of a production. From choristers to administrative personnel, Topsy Turvy is alive with characters. One of the best is Gilbert's long-suffering wife Kitty. Bereft of children and saddled with a husband who doesn't show outward affection, Kitty (Lucy) could be a two dimensional afterthought. However, her pain at being childless is wonderfully played by Lesley Manville. It is clear they love each other but neither is capable of articulating that love, very odd for a man who writes for a living.

Filled with humor and grace, Topsy Turvy is one of the best films about acting and a beautiful embrace of all things theatrical.