Gil Mansergh’s Cinema Toast New Releases Beginning 12/25/08 Curious Case of Benjamin Button (PG-13)Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormand, Director: David FinchA marvelously conceived, painstakingly detailed, and brilliantly acted tale of a man who is born aged and then lives his life getting younger with each passing minute. Spending his formative years at a nursing home, he befriends a pygmy and a 7-year-old girl both of … Read More »

Gil Mansergh’s Cinema Toast For the week of 12/19/08 Seven Pounds (PG-13)Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Barry PepperDirector: Gabriele MuccinoIn what is undoubtedly this box office legend’s darkest film, Will Smith plays a sucidal character who must convince seven other people to embrace life before he can complete his own demise. Part con-man, part evangelist, part knowledgable teacher, part dour fatalist, this is a fascinating character to watch … Read More »

Gil Mansergh’s Cinema Toast New Releases 12/12/08 Nothing Like the Holidays (PG-13)Starring: Debra Messing, Alfred Molina, Jay Hernandez, Melonie Diaz, Vanessa Ferlito, Luis Guzman, Elizabeth Peña, John LeguizamoDirected by: Alfredo DeVillaAnother dysfunctional ethnic family dramady (Latino this time) about a holiday reunion with not so surprising revelations, predictable insights, a few forced laughs and a postcard-perfect final scene where everyone holds a smile for three or four minutes.2 pieces of OK if … Read More »

Gil Mansergh’s Cinema Toast New Releases 12/05/08 Cadillac Records (R)Starring: Beyonce, Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Columbus ShortDirector: Darnell MartinFollowing the quasi-biographical blueprint of “Dreamgirls,” this film follows Chicago-based Chess Records and the stars (Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Etta James etc,) who transformed the blues into rock and roll. The trouble is that as good as the musical performances are (and they are very good) the rest of film … Read More »