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U-571: **

Release Date: 2000
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Jonathon Mostow
World War II submarine action thriller introduces it's characters well and puts the plot in place.  Once the German U-Boat has been overpowered, the entire movie completely runs out of steam.  Becomes insanely forgettable.

The Ultimate Gift: ***
Release Date: 2006
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Michael O. Sajbel
Solid story about a young man who goes on a personal journey that takes him all around America and down into Ecuador.  Warm-hearted, this is an unoffensive, decent movie to watch.  Not much really all that outstanding in terms of production value, though that also doesn't really deviate from the good soul of the film.  Based on the novel by Jim Stovall.

Uncle Buck: ** ½
Release Date: 1989
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: John Hughes
Typical Hughes comedy with Candy in the lead role.  Has some very funny moments, but a lot of it is also mean spirited until the end.

Unforgiven: *** ½
Release Date: 1992
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Clint Eastwood
Original western tale in which we connect emotionally with all of the characters.  Entertaining, this is a western of a totally new style, which makes it all the more unique for the genre.

Unknown: **
Release Date: 2011
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Somewhat original premise for a spy film engages us for the first half-hour; and then sinks down when it rehearses all too familiar elements found in most other movies of the same genre.

Unstoppable: ***

Release Date: 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Tony Scott
Perfect Hollywood popcorn entertainment.  In the way of substance, it has only familiar offerings to give, but pure delectation doesn't get that much better then this.

The Untouchables: ***

Release Date: 1987
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Brian dePalma
Presents a glorious portrayal of life in 30s prohibition era.  The film is tense and atmospheric.  One of Connery's best roles is as an expierened, Irish cop.  The role of Capone is seriously undermined though, which countermines a lot of the movie.

Up: *** ½ 

Release Date: 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Pete Docter
After disappointments in Cars, Ratatouille and Wall-E, Pixar scores a hit in Up.  Lots of focus on it's loveable characters, while Pixar's animation always reigns supreme.  The premise is so original and engaging.  Charming, funny and developmental, this is another Pixar jewel.  

U.S. Marshalls: ** ½ 

Release Date: 1998
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Stuart Baird
Sequel to the Fugitive.  Unnecessary and quite pointless, but still thrilling and entertaining.