This summer, I've seen somewhere in the realm of 30 new releases. It's not all the movies that were out at this time, but it was more than enough. There were a few standouts, a few disappointments, and a few just not worth anyone's time. So here's my movie round-up -- from the best and worst to a few more specified categories -- for movies that came out from the end of May until now. Go ahead and use the talkbacks to chime in with your own opinions.

The Best: "Little Miss Sunshine"
"Little Miss Sunshine" happens to be the best movie out in theaters at the moment. I've seen it twice and it hasn't gotten old. The buzz about this Sundance standout got so big that it was taken out of limited distribution and went wide release this week. The story of this dysfunctional family has heart, has humor and just captures its audience's attention. Without a doubt, get to the theater to see this movie.

The Worst: "The Omen"
It was appropriate to release "The Omen" again since 6/6/06 doesn't happen often, but boy was it a waste of time. The production company/movie studio could have saved time and movie by re-releasing the original.

Disappointing Movies: "X-Men 3: The Last Stand" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"
I'm lumping both of these movies into this category because they share similar problems. Both had preceding movies which are a must for DVD collections, but the latest editions don't live up to them.

The first two "X-Men" movies had plenty of character building and a focus, but the third threw that out to focus more on the fighting and the war. Plus, growing up with the "X-Men" cartoons, I have a problem with some of the plot lines like the fact that the Phoenix had something to do with aliens and the movie says she just had this so-called power in her.

As for "Pirates," the first was a great stand-alone film, but for second film there's that cliff-hanger. It becomes a requirement to watch the second film and then the upcoming third film to have a semblance of an ending. It's as if the script-writers just got so into what they were writing, they didn't know where to stop therefore the third movie was needed.

Surprising Flick: "Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift"
I was all set to hate this movie, believe me. But the story of drifting got me. This type of racing is more intriguing than any regular race down a street or on a circular track. Drifting requires a real control of a car and knowledge of the way a car moves in order to be done. Anyone can slam on the gas and go for regular racing.

Best Comedy: "Clerks II"
Kevin Smith happens to be one of the best writer/director/actors out there. "Clerks" was a touch-and-go type of movie that you either loved or hated. The sequel follows in the same vein, but is much funnier than its predecessor, and also a lot dirtier.

Best Drama: "The Illusionist"
This movie has yet to hit Wisconsin theaters, which is a shame (but it's on its way!). It needs to get here soon because it's such an amazing movie. Superb performances were put out by Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti. The script has a great flow with a wildly surprising twist. The magic performed by the illusionist will have any viewer stunned.

Best Kids Flick: "Cars"
It was slim-pickings for children's movies this summer, but Disney's "Cars" pulled ahead of the pack. One rookie race car lets his success go to his head and he then gets taught a lessen. It has a wonderful message for any little one.

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