Tsotsi (2005)

Tsotsi (Presley Chweneyagae) is an opportunist gangster who lives in a Johannesburg slum. An impromptu nighttime carjacking is a doorway to great change for the thug, unearthing a streak of compassion that results in some truly believable human emotions played out onscreen, supported by flashbacks to hardship that give a deeper insight into his state of mind.
A woman named Miriam (Terry Pheto) adds a welcome sensitivity to the story, a point of contrast that is itself shaped by poverty and personal struggle.
The setting, the doleful but comforting voice of Vusi Mahlasela, the contextual skies, and the inner-struggles of not just the primaries but some of the more interesting secondary characters each make Dir. Gavin Hood's film an absolute joy to experience. If you've access to the alternate endings, give them a look because some are as good as what was ultimately chosen.

4 environmental triggers out of 5

ENDER'S GAME [2013]

After nearly 30 years since it was first published, fans of Orson Scott Card's sci-fi/war youth novel Ender's Game are finally given the big screen treatment by director Gavin Hood.
Does it live up to expectations?  Thankfully it mostly does, with only a few minor "grumble-grumble" moments but you can't please everybody.  It doesn't quite get as into Ender's head as much as the book nor does it explore it's many themes and instead opts for more of a eye-popping spectacle and that's all right.  It never bores and has just enough character to keep the plot driving forward with each action sequence.  A very fine sci-fi film to introduce the kids to that will keep the parent's attention from beginning to end as well.

3½ Little Doctors out of 5

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

A series of prequels telling one character’s story prior to the first X-Men film was an idea that had potential; it’s certainly more logical than a reboot. I’d have liked a Magneto one, but it would need to be bleak and touch on some heavy political matters that would scare producers.
A Wolverine origin would’ve been my next choice. What we got doesn’t live up to expectations. It’s a mess of badly choreographed action and hurried pacing that presents little opportunity to become emotionally attached to anyone. Hugh Jackman gives it his best, but he can’t save it from itself. It has one emotional scene, but it’s not enough to recommend the film.

1 Ryan Reynolds is a dick out of 5