By Ricky Simpson

Miracle at St. Anna

Starring: Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, Omar Benson Miller

America had just clawed its way out of the Great Depression and the United States was beginning to get the best of Nazi Germany. But back home, the social war in America was far from settled and even though the men in the front line where every color, some refused to acknowledge that fact.

In this World War II epic based on the James McBride novel of the same name, Hector Negron (Alonso) is incarcerated for murder. While searching Negron’s home, investigators find a strange stone head. Negron is interrogated on the origin of the 500-year-old carving. Because of this we are enlightened on the story of an all-black infantry unit who battled through Italy in the heat of the war.

The story takes on a unique life as characters from all sides (German, Italian and American) become intertwined and trust becomes the main focus as the Americans drive to save a small Italian boy.

Set in Tuscany, the backdrop gives us an odd contrast of romantic beauty and devastating darkness of war. When the soldiers stumble on the young Italian boy the mindset of the war, the sacrifice and the world are put in perspective in a touching and gripping way.

If you search the Internet for reviews on this film, it is split to say the least, ranging from A+ to F. It is clearly neither, but rather a heart-wrenching depiction of the great and horrific in mankind, and if nothing else a picture of how far we have come and who has brought us here.

“Miracle at St. Anna” runs 160 minutes and is rightfully rated ‘R’ for bloody war violence, strong adult language, sexual material and nudity. Surprisingly, “Miracle at St. Anna” opened in ninth place in the box office grossing only $3.5 million, which is an epic faceplant for the Touchstone crew. At times you have to grow a brain for yourself and make your own opinion. The first step to doing that is watching the film.

Grade: B+

Playing At: Cinemark Fayette Mall, Regal Hamburg Pavilion

Opening Friday

An American Carol

Starring: Kevin P. Farley, Kelsey Grammer

Plot: An extreme left wing, Michael Moore-like character tries to abolish the Fourth of July and is met with three ghostly friends attempting to change his mindset.

Lowdown: You know you are hated when they dedicate an entire film satire to your likeness. For all of those who have wanted to see Bill O’Reilly slap Michael Moore, this is your chance. It is controversial, but even Charles Dickens would agree Moore may have it coming.

Playing At: Movies 10 — Woodhill, Lexington Movie Tavern

How to Lose Friends & Alienate People

Starring: Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, Megan Fox

Plot: In this comedy, an aspiring New York writer, Sidney (Pegg), continually attempts to weasel into the New York highlife only to repeatedly fall on his face.

Lowdown: Based on the hit memoir, this based-on-true-events comedy promises laughs as Pegg delivers another uncomfortable Brit performance.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

Starring: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings

Plot: Nick (Cera) and Norah (Dennings) accidentally find themselves attracted to one another and agree to a single date. The simple date quickly turns into an unexpected exciting night to remember for the two young romantics.

Lowdown: Sony will be holding its breath throughout the entire opening weekend. The risk: an indie director, Peter Sollett, on his sophomore film, indie producers in the Weitz brothers, and indie actors in Cera and Dennings all in a big time studio picture.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Starring: Drew Barrymore, George Lopez

Plot: A group of pampered Chihuahuas are left behind on a vacation to Mexico. Finally fending for themselves, the coddled pups attempt to journey back home to Beverly Hills.

Lowdown: Talking dogs can only be taken so seriously. And unknown writers Analisa LaBianco and Jeffrey Bushell haven’t proven they can keep this flick from being cheesier than Pazzo’s pesto bread.

Religulous

Starring: Bill Maher

Plot: Atheist Bill Maher travels the globe questioning a number of popular religions, either looking for answers or simply creating new questions.

Lowdown: This sure-to-offend mockumentary may be too much for viewers and will unfortunately fill theaters this weekend.