A bachelor (Matthew McConaughey) is haunted by past girlfriends.

TRIVIA: In what 2006 movie did Matthew McConaughey play a bachelor living with his parents?
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
     (2 CAMS)        RATED R

Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) was Public Enemy Number One in the eyes of J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup) and his up-and-coming FBI. Catching the charismatic Dillinger and his cohorts was put in the hands of top agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale). "Public Enemies" is director Michael Mann's overlong tribute to bank withdrawals. At a running time of 140 minutes, there should have been plenty of time to develop characters other than just Dillinger, Purvis and Dillinger girlfriend Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard). But criminals like Pretty Boy Floyd (Channing Tatum), Baby Face Nelson (Stephen Graham), Alvin Karpis (Giovanni Ribisi) and Frank Nitti (Bill Camp) are reduced to extended cameos. The entire cast is good, yet the movie is at its best when the mesmerizing Depp is on camera - maybe the title "Public Enemy" would be more appropriate. Shot in HD, cinematographer Dante Spinotti adds a distinctive look to the film. Unfortunately, there is too much use of hand-held shaky cam on close-ups and for the numerous gun battles. During the nighttime shoot-outs it's difficult to tell who is killing whom, turning this crime drama into an artistic symphony of mindless violence. Speaking of symphony, Elliot Goldenthal's moody score is enhanced by period songs and an appearance by Diana Krall as a torch singer. Parts of the movie make it almost worth recommending. If the facts are correct, we learn a thing or two. Dillinger was betrayed by mobsters and the lady in orange, not red. As a whole, it leaves much to be desired. Still, "Public Enemies" should steal its share of the box office.

On CLIPS In July
TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN

Polar bear, elephant and whale families are explored in this Disney nature documentary.

TRIVIA: A polar bear family was one of the subjects of which 1958 Disney True-Life Adventure?
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
    (2 CAMS)       RATED PG-13

Earth is attacked once more by the Decepticons, seeking the knowledge stored in the brain of Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) to find an ancient being and weapon capable of destroying the world. So much for the story. "Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen" is a mind-numbing, ear-blasting non-stop barrage of special effects. What do you expect. It's Michael Bay. It's critic proof. It doesn't have to be good. At least, the movie looks like all of the money spent is up on the big screen. There is more of everything this second time around. More battles that are difficult to distinguish the good from the evil iron giants. I spotted Optimus Prime, but beyond that I was lost. More robots - including a couple of incredibly racist stereotypes for comic relief. More Megan Fox, who returns as Sam's main squeeze Mikaela Banes. She is not required to act. The rest of the cast meets the requirements of a comic book flick. Shia LaBeouf is actually turning into a believable action hero. John Turturro is back as former government agent Simmons who, along with Kevin Dunn and Julie White as Sam's parents, provides some laughs to break the tension - although there isn't much tension to break. The multiple confrontations go on forever and become boring fast. Destined to satisfy fans of the first movie and give Michael Bay the last laugh, "Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen" is light on plot and heavy on metal.

On CLIPS In July
THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3

Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) takes a break from her Hannah Montana pop star life and goes home to Tennessee.

TRIVIA: In what year did the "Hannah Montana" TV series make its debut?
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
     (3 CAMS)        RATED R

Criminal mastermind Ryder (John Travolta) and his henchmen hijack a New York City subway train and hold the passengers for ransom. The hostages only hope is MTA Dispatcher Walter Garber (Denzel Washington), who unwittingly becomes involved in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with Ryder. Based on the novel by John Godey, "The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3" is a fast-paced and tense adrenalin rush that only loses momentum near the conclusion. The 1974 original version was more character and dialog driven with one of the best and most surprising endings in cinematic history. This time around, director Tony Scott has opted for more action with chases and gunplay. One race through the streets of New York to deliver the ransom on time is truly outrageous. The two great stars carry the lulls in the film. Denzel Washington displays a quiet desperation as the harried dispatcher with more than one problem on his mind. John Travolta is over-the-top as a crazed killer who could explode at any second. His language earns the movie its R rating. John Turturro commands a few scenes as gung ho NYPD hostage negotiator Camonetti, who slowly realizes he can't do the job without Garber. James Gandolfini is a welcomed touch as the Mayor. The downside is the ending. Too bad it wasn't as clever as the 1974 classic. Nevertheless, "The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3" is an entertaining by-the-numbers thriller.

On CLIPS In July
ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS

Journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) befriends homeless schizophrenic musician Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx) in this true story.

TRIVIA: Jamie Foxx portrayed which popular musician in an acclaimed 2004 film?
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
     (3 CAMS)        RATED PG

Life during the Ice Age goes on. Wooly mammoth Manny (the voice of Ray Romano) and his mate Ellie (voiced by Queen Latifah) are about to become parents. Feeling left out, Sid the Sloth (John Leguizamo) finds some dinosaur eggs to raise as his own. An angry mother dinosaur retrieves her hatched youngsters and Sid. Now Manny, Ellie and the saber-toothed Diego (Denis Leary) travel beneath the Earth to rescue their friend. "Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs" is fun for the whole family. For their third outing, digital 3-D adds depth to the characters and the world around them. Warning: objects appear closer than they actually are and some may frighten smaller children. But the 3-D is more for adult amusement while the kids follow the antics of their animated friends. Directors Carlos Saldanha and Mike Thurmeier mix in the ingredients that made the first two CG adventures work. The biggest problem here is too much of that prehistoric squirrel Scrat and his beloved acorn. A love interest/rival named Scratte has been added. This comical romance takes the focus off the search for Sid enough to confuse the young ones in the audience. This is too bad because a hilarious new character is introduced: a one-eyed, dinosaur hunting weasel called Buck (Simon Pegg). He's nuttier than Scrat. In spite of the shortcomings, and with help from a new dimension, "Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs" is a cool entry in the series.

On CLIPS In July
THE PROPOSAL