Little Black Book (2004) — Determined to learn the truth about her secretive boyfriend, Derek (Ron Livingston), Stacy (Brittany Murphy) becomes a bona fide snoop in this comedy. Associate producer of Kippie Kann’s (Kathy Bates) popular talk show, Stacy’s dying to find out about Derek’s past relationships. Helped by Barb (Holly Hunter), she gets the names of his ex-lovers and interviews them, supposedly for an upcoming show. But what she learns only adds to her confusion.

Little Black Book (2004) was a surprisingly good movie. It was nice to see a “chick” flick that was not just a cookie-cutter version of some earlier movie. My initial thought before seeing the film was how pathetic were they going to portray Brittany Murphy’s character to have her rummaging through her boyfriend’s Palm Pilot. However, despite all the “despicableness” of the movie it worked, primarily because there was some movement in the development of her character.

Hero (2002) — The Qin King has long been obsessed with conquering all of China and becoming her first Emperor — which makes him the target of three legendary assassins. To anyone who defeats the assassins, the King promises great power, mountains of gold and a private audience with the King himself. Jet Li heads the stellar cast of Hero as Nameless, the enigmatic county sheriff who earns his audience with the mighty King. Zhang Yimou directs.

All I can say is that Hero (2002) was magnificent. While the movie was definitely eye candy with its brilliant colors and spectacular action sequences, it was above all, very elegant and noble.

Warriors of Heaven and Earth (2004) — Lieutenant Li (Jiang Wen) has abandoned his post within the Middle Kingdom’s Imperial army, and the government has assigned the Japanese fighter Lai Qi (Kiichi Nakai) to bring him back or kill him once and for all. When the two finally meet up, however, they realize that they must join forces to face an even bigger nemesis. But can they put aside their differences and stand together as one? Should they even trust each other at all?

Warriors of Heaven and Earth (2004) was good but not great. It’s a good rental. There were a few real comical moments mixed in with all the fighting.

Shaun of the Dead (2004) — Thirty-something slacker Shaun (Simon Pegg) (actually he was 29) has no clue what to do with his life or with his relationship with girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield). But when the unthinkable happens and zombies begin to roam the streets of London terrorizing residents, including his beloved and his mother, Shaun realizes he must act quickly to save Liz from danger and keep their relationship from spiraling out of his hands forever. But is it too late for heroics?

For some reason, I love zombie movies. Shaun of the Dead (2004) was really good. It managed to sustain it’s humor throughout while serving up a bit of gore as well.