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Here's a look at the new movies I saw last week.

Due Date
Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Zack Galifianakis, Michelle Monahan, and Jamie Foxx
Synopsis: This film reunites Galifianakis and "Hangover" director Todd Phillips, who also co-wrote the screenplay. This film is funny and makes the best use of its talented cast members. Downey and Galifianakis make for a fun comedy duo even though they would appear to be a mismatch. The film also makes the best use of its cameo appearances, including a fun one from Foxx and from Danny McBride. But this movie lacks the heart of "The Hangover," and lacks some of the resonant power of that film. Though this is a fun, funny movie, it's lacking something to make it an instant classic.
Rating: R for language, drug use and sexual content.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

For Colored Girls
Starring: Kimberly Elise, Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Kerry Washington, Tessa Thompson, Thandie Newton, Loretta Devine, Anika Noni Rose, and Phylicia Rashad
Synopsis: This is a tough adaptation of a stage play made famous in the 1970s. Tyler Perry, known mostly for his lighter fare, tries his hand at drama with this film. Though he elicits some powerful performances, there are aspects of this adaptation that don't work. First, the film is unrelentingly depressing. Sure, you can blame the source material here, but I think the way it is shot and put together only enhances the sorrowful aspects of the story. Second, setting the film in the modern era doesn't work with the original story. Of particular concern is the back alley abortion plot line. It's hard to believe that a girl in New York City in 2010 would have to resort to that option. The story feels dated, and it's so brutal that it makes it more uncomfortable. Finally, there is a pattern to dialogue on the stage that just doesn't work in films. Keeping long monologues, especially when they are descriptive poems, works in a stage drama but it is difficult to follow and accept in a film. While Perry tried to remain faithful to the source material, it just didn't work as a cinematic adaptation.
Rating: R for some disturbing violence including a rape, sexual content and language.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

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