Forrest Whitaker

What It’s About: As seen through the eyes of his personal physician during the 1970s, The Last King of Scotland chronicles the brutal treatment of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin (Forrest Whitaker) toward his staff, his people and his regime before seeking exile in Saudi Arabia.

What Works: Just about everything. Forrest Whitaker has been waiting his entire career (which has seen several highs—Bird, Platoon, The Crying Game) for a role that plays to this many of his strengths. He’s wicked, strong, charming, vulnerable—all at the same time. His supporting cast is equally thrilling, from James McAvoy as the good doctor and Ray’s Kerry Washington as Amin’s ill-fated wife. The last 20 minutes of Scotland are among the most jaw-dropping ever filmed.

What Doesn’t: This is a truly important film everyone should probably see, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Scotland tends to drag a little toward the middle, but more than makes up for it in the end.

What’s In It for Us?: McAvoy and Washington are both stunning to look at. No real mention of homosexuality here, but just knowing that gays and lesbians would likely be burned at the stake by Amin’s regime.

Bottom Line: One of the most important films this year, and also one of the best.

www2.foxsearchlight.com/thelastkingofscotland

Shortbus

What It’s About: Hedwig and the Angry Inch creator John Cameron Mitchell’s exploration of sex follows a group of New Yorkers to an underground salon infamous for its blend of art, music, politics, and carnality.

What Works: Mitchell definitely has something to say about society, as he proved tenfold with the brilliant Hedwig. Though much of the filmed sex here (and believe me, they’re really screwing) will draw comparisons to porn, beneath the surface, Mitchell has managed to tell a number of deeply personal stories of humanity.

What Doesn’t: Much of Shortbus can be rather uncomfortable to watch—particularly if you aren’t planning on getting busy with the person sitting next to you in the theatre anytime soon. At times, much as Mitchell tries, Shortbus sinks into just another exploitation of sex.

What’s In It for Us?: Shortbus refers to the name of the underground New York club, and when they say everything sexual under the sun happens here, they mean it. Gay, straight, lesbian, S&M, masturbation, orgies… you name it, you’ll see it.

Bottom Line: Certainly worth checking out—just know what you’re getting into going in.

www.shortbusthemovie.com

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

What It’s About: A coming-of-age drama about a boy growing up in Astoria, N.Y., during the 1980s, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints follows brothers Antonio (Channing Tatum) and Giuseppe (Adam Scarimbolo), who watches his friends face death, drugs and prison, believing he’s been spared from the life by an assortment of saints.

What Works: Tatum and Scarimbolo prove themselves more than capable of carrying a film and the theme is one nearly everyone can wrap themselves around. Robert Downey Jr. drops by with able support.

What Doesn’t: If only the story were stronger. With such fine acting, you wish the players had more to sink their teeth into. The film’s two acts almost play like entirely different movies.

What’s In It for Us?: Men, take a look at Channing Tatum of Step Up fame. Now take another look. That’s what’s in it for us. And ladies, you have Rosario Dawson.

Bottom Line: Not the best thing in theatres right now, but worth checking out for the performances and the eye candy.

www.firstlookstudios.com/guide

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