Movie #93........................."The Hangover"

Movie #93 "The Hangover" is an appropriate movie to rate on New Year's Eve, a reminder to play it safe tonight or a nightmare like this film might occur. I found the flick a bit overrated, raunchy and stupid. It's overrated because not a lot of it is new, at all. (maybe that's why people found it so funny, now that I think about it --- the "been-there-done-that" (taken to the extreme, of course) attitude probably works in a film like this) But filmcally speaking, I've seen most of it ------the new variable was what the stupid guy actually said ------and I felt they went past the stupid line with him because he said a bit too much, so he dumbed down the film a bit ---- also, if the men would have stopped and thought about the situation for a minute, they might have discovered that the stupid guy was the cause of them not having a good time, so why hang with him any more? And that's the stupid part of it, to me. Raunchy? lots of fixation with male anatomy, but that's no surprise. What I was pleasantly surprised with was the Office guy Ed Helms --- he was used well here ---- and a breath of fresh air throughout which balanced the "cigar-tasting" scenes. My favorite parts? the cop ride with the bull horn, the baby with the glasses, and some of their inane discussions (like about the bartender? or was it the clerk?). See it if your interest is piqued, but go into it knowing it's fluff, and you probably will laugh out loud a few times. And it's still better than the "Ugly Truth" which could be the worst film I've seen this year........only one more day in the year!







Average rating: 4.335
I rated it 3 stars
The Hangover
(2009) UR
When three friends (Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper) finally come to after a raucous night of bachelor-party revelry, they find a baby in the closet and a tiger in the bathroom. But they can't seem to locate their best friend, Doug (Justin Bartha) -- who's supposed to be tying the knot. Launching a frantic search for Doug, the trio perseveres through a nasty hangover to try to make it to the church on time.

Movie #92........................."400 Blows"

Movie #92 "400 Blows" I was anxious to see this because I've read/heard so much about it, being a classic in French cinema (the first of the French New Wave, etc.), so I have to say I was a bit disappointed (the reason I gave this (100% rottentomatoes) classic only 4 stars). The black and white photography is beautiful (Kazan/Scorcese et al. studied this one, for sure), the use of sparse dialogue is effective (so much is done so subtlely), the story is so natural, and the realism comes across so very well. I guess I just expected more ------I was never really pulled in to care about this kid; I guess I expected better acting from the lead (he's no Dakota Fanning), perhaps more reaction on his part --- he came across very cold. He'd get slapped or get chastised over and over again by themilitant teacher, and he got across the rebelliousness, but not really the vulnerability of a kid. ( but the director/writer Truffaut did, esp. if you take a look at the signature picture through the fence of the kid when he's hit the low spot in his life). Don't get me wrong; it was a wonderful film and I recommend it. And I'm glad I've finally seen Truffaut's classic. If anyone has seen this and wants to write to me about why you think it's titled this, please do. I'm anxious to dialogue on that topic or any other comments on this one.






Average rating: 4.008
I gave it 4 stars
The 400 Blows
Les quatre cents coups
(1959) NR
After young Antoine (Jean-Pierre Léaud) runs away, life on the streets of Paris leads to nothing but trouble and guilt in this gritty feature film debut from legendary director François Truffaut. Though he turns to petty crime to survive, Antoine's remorse often leads him to try to return things he's stolen -- with disastrous results. The film was nominated for a Best Screenplay Oscar and the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Movie # 91........................."The Assisi Underground"

Movie #91 "The Assisi Underground" was recommended to me from the guide in Italy that took us through Assisi. While talking about that beautiful church that has the lower and upper basilica, he mentioned that hundreds of Jews were saved hiding in the middle of the church during WWII, and in fact, some of the stone on the ground outside was donated to Assisi in appreciation for what the catholic church did to save the jews in the area. That was intriguing to me that catholics (priests and nuns, no less) were saving jews in their church under the eyes of the german occupation. And I had never heard the story, and the guide said, "Well, you have seen the movie 'Assisi Underground' haven't you?" And I had never heard of it (me, who knows most of the old movies, and esp. ones on the holocaust) so you better believe when I got home from our trip, I went to netflix to see if they had it, and I was disappointed that they didn't. But my brother, who can find anything, found it from a distant library and had it shipped to me so Dave and I could see it. And I'm so glad we did. I LOVED the story (I wrote my own "netflixy" blurb below)and the only flaw I could see was in the acting, esp. by the lead guy (Ben Cross) --- he was a tad hammy. Otherwise, Dave and I found it quite educational and enjoyable. I don't think it would help to recommend it since it is a tough film to see, but if you ever come across it, I'd see it. And know that there is a story out there about that beautiful St. Francis of Assisi church that helped several jews during WWII.

"The Assisi Underground" 1985, directed by Alexander Rumati (from a book that I found on Amazon.com) by Alexander Ramati.
This film sheds light on the role of the Catholic Church and the people of Assisi in rescuing Italian Jews from the Nazis in 1943 especially a priest (played by Ben Cross) , a local printing press guy (who can fake identification papers) and the bishop in the area (played by James Mason) . Who steals the show, though, is Maximillian Schell who plays a Catholic German soldier who is in charge of the occupation, but who is also very sympathetic to the cause of humanity. Well done. I give it 4 stars!

Movie #90........................."The Princess & the Frog"

Movie #90 "The Princess & the Frog" --- loved it! Randy Newman's songs are wonderfully "Nawlins" , it has beautiful, colorful backgrounds, cutesy characters (I esp love Ray, the firefly) , a nice love story that takes time to grow, good themes (even handles death well) and the bad guy was voodooey (is that a word?) ---- very different feel to the animation that I welcomed (although he looks like Jafar). I highly recommend it. It was dazzling to the eyes from the first to last moment. It's going to give "Up" a run for its money, I'm thinking!

Average rating: 4.099
I gave it 5 stars
The Princess and the Frog
(2009) G
Down in New Orleans during the fabulous Jazz Age, young Princess Tiana (voice of Anika Noni Rose) searches for true love and comes face-to-face with snooty debutante Charlotte (Jennifer Cody), ancient voodoo priestess Mama Odie (Jennifer Lewis) and the evil Dr. Facilier (Keith David). But with the help of her mother (Oprah Winfrey), a crooning alligator and other friends, Tiana's fairy-tale dreams may come true after all.

Movie#89........................."Memory Keeper's Daughter"

Movie #89 "Memory Keeper's Daughter" I missed when it was on t.v., but I liked the book so much that I made sure to get a disc to view it, and I felt it was very close to the book ---- I liked the added musical interludes (Paul playing on his guitar) to show change of time periods and also the use of the dad's photos of Paul to show the years passing. This is a cut above made for t.v. movies because of the story, the aforementioned photos/music for the transitions, and the acting of the two women, esp. one of the best actresses we have, Emily Watson. She is able to pull off the teary ending with aplomb. The book/movie has an interesting conflict ---if you haven't read the book, I still think that conflict is intriguing; i;e. what if your sister died when she was a child due to a congenital condition (and you feel it ruined your mother's life) , and after you as a doctor deliver your first perfect baby, the twin one is not so perfect and you are fairly sure she will have downs syndrome and have trouble the rest of her and your life? If you had the chance, would you not tell your wife she had a second baby? It seems a bit unbelievable, but the book/movie handles it well and shows the consequences of our decisions, good or bad. I liked it and I recommend it if the above conflict sounds intriguing to you, too. (above happens in the first 10 minutes, so I gave nothing away in this critique - it would say it on the back cover of the book (and it says it below in the plot summary!).




Average rating: 3.478
I rate it 4 stars
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
(2008) NR
During a blizzard in 1964, Dr. David Henry (Dermot Mulroney) delivers his son Paul with the help of nurse Caroline (Emily Watson). But when Henry realizes his wife (Gretchen Mol) is also carrying a girl with Down syndrome, he hands the second child over to Caroline without his wife's knowledge. Henry's fateful decision yields grave consequences for his family over the next 20 years in this Emmy-nominated drama based on the Kim Edwards best-seller.

Movie#88........................."12 Dogs of Christmas"

Movie#88 "12 Dogs of Christmas" is okay. The title is witty, the story takes place in the depression which offers teachable moments if you are watching it with kids, a bit slow in the set up, but has an inspiring ending, but the acting was bad. That didn't seem to bother my niece who liked it a lot (she's 11) and everyone else watching it who seemed intrigued through the whole story --- I hadn't seen the story really before, but it's hard to picture a town forbidding any dogs and some of the other things that happen in this far "fetched" tail (sorry, couldn't resist), but it teaches a good lesson ---- where would we be without our canine friends?





Average rating: 3.478
I gave it 3 stars
The 12 Dogs of Christmas
(2005) G
In this heartwarming holiday tale set during the Great Depression, 12-year-old Emma (Jordan-Claire Green) brings the meaning of Christmas to a small rural town during a bleak season. Sent to live with her Aunt Delores (Bonita Friedericy) in down-and-out Doverville, the irrepressible Emma sets out to treat the community to an inspiring pageant starring some spirited canines -- much to the dismay of the local dog catcher (John Billingsly).

Movie#87........................."Brothers"

Movie #87 "Brothers" was a tough movie to watch. Thank goodness the torture scenes are interrupted by every day life of the family because I'm afraid they'd rival the intensity of the Russian roulette scenes from "Deerhunter" --- tough, tough, tough. Acting is really good, although Toby Maguire doesn't seem as good as the other two --- he doesn't seem to get across much from the quiet moments and he doesn't seem to have as much behind his lines --- but he tries and the effort can be seen and appreciated. Natalie Portman is probably the best of the young crowd and she's just so mesmerizing that it's hard to take your eyes off of her, and she's a big reason to see this film. If you see it, though, it's tough like "Precious" to watch, but again like "Precious" it's a significant film. This one speaks on all those soldiers who are going to come back with huge mental baggage, and how are we as a society, as a family member, as a loved one, going to deal with the problem?



Average rating: 3.695
I gave it 4 stars
Brothers
(2009) R
When severely traumatized Capt. Sam Cahill returns home alive from a military mission in Afghanistan after he was presumed dead, he learns that his brother, Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal), has gotten dangerously close to his grieving wife, Grace (Natalie Portman), and his kids. Mare Winningham and Sam Shepard also star in this wartime drama about human frailty and battles fought on the home front. Jim Sheridan directs.

Genre:Military & War Dramas

Movie #86........................."Dangerous Beauty"

Movie #86"Dangerous Beauty" is a beautiful movie, with Venice its backdrop, and lovely courtesans its focus. Being able to revisit Venice after a recent quick tour through the city was quite a treat for me, and there was quite a lot of instruction here on the life of the courtesan in this time period (16th century) --- the only freedom women could get at this time came from leading the life of the courtesan because by doing that, they gained some money, knowledge (they could have access to libraries). and most importantly influence/power on the men who depended on them. But then, after the plague hit, these courtesans were blamed for being witches whose life cursed the town; i.e.the leaders of the inquisition actually thought the plague was caused by these cursed women. It was very enlightening and entertaining, plus it had period costumes and good acting (the female was the lead in "Braveheart"- stunning). I recommend it for people who like love stories, history, and period movies. This is a good one in that genre.



I gave it 4 stars
Dangerous Beauty
(1998) R
Prevented from marrying her nobleman lover (Rufus Sewell) because of her commoner status, real-life historical heroine Veronica Franco (Catherine McCormack) is left with two choices: join a convent or become a courtesan. Following in mother's (Jacqueline Bisset) footsteps, she chooses the latter. Set in 16th-century Venice, this biographical drama follows Franco as she rises to power and fearlessly fights off accusations of witchcraft.

Movie #85........................."Avatar"

Movie #85 "Avatar" was a disappointment to me. The first 90 minutes of the film I thought could rival 2001: A space Odyssey --- wonderfully creative, beautifully photographed, a story that appeared worthy of all the "whoopla" ----and then the film took a turn; it went along the lines of all action flicks to the big "shoot-emup" testosterone conclusion. In fact, the last 30 minutes crossed the "stupid line"for me, and because the film had started out so well, it was a disappointment. So I'm left recommending it for the special effects and the photography, and there was so much more to Cameron's other films like "Titanic" and the "Abyss", both films I'd give a 5 to for the story, as well. UInfortunately, it was more like "True Lies" and left me cold, but in awe of the technology.





Average rating: 4.35
I gave it a 4
Avatar
Project 880
(2009) PG-13
When disabled Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) becomes an avatar spy and space travels to Pandora to mine -- and exploit -- an Earth-rescuing mineral, he soon finds himself involved in an interstellar conflict with the alien Na'vi race. After meeting Na'vi warrior Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), Jake begins to question his loyalties. James Cameron (Titanic) writes and directs this epic action film that also stars Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang.

Movie #84........................."Children of Heaven"

Movie #84 "Children of Heaven" was a breath of fresh air, a story about sneakers. Yes, that's right, a boy picks up his sister's shoes from the cobbler and while getting some food, they are stolen, so as a result he and his sister must share one pair of sneakers until he can find the shoes or get another pair ------ which is unlikely because the family is in dire straits for money. This is a small story with a big heart and I was amazed at how charming and watchable the two kids are, and the rest of the Iranian cast are also very true to life. And I was surprised that since the story seems on such a small scale that there are so many turns that keep propelling the action onward . The only reason I gave it a 4 is the end, which to me could have been more full of oomph, but it ends realistically, a choice I can understand, but not like as much as another. Still, everything else in the film works well, and it's why the film got an oscar nomination in 1997.





Average rating: 3.693
I gave it 4 stars
Children of Heaven
Bacheha-Ye aseman
(1997) PG
In this Oscar-nominated Iranian drama from filmmaker Majid Majidi, a young boy (Amir Farrokh Hashemian) accidentally loses his sister's (Bahare Seddiqi) shoes and must share his own sneakers with her in a sort of relay while each attends school at different times during the day. The boy ultimately enters a much-publicized foot race in hopes of placing third and taking home the prize: a new pair of sneakers.

Movie #83........................."Invictus"

Movie #83 "Invictus" is a very inspiring movie that I found particularly relevant because I saw this story of newly elected black man Mandella taking the reins of a white country juxtaposed to Barak O'bama's story so far. There are a lot of similarities, and I'm not sure Eastwood chose to do this film because of that, but I felt all the way through that he was trying to shed some light on the problem and also to offer some suggestions. That's why when I came out of the film, I felt less depressed about our government --- and if more Americans, esp. people in power, saw this they might be more amenable to doing things for the "good of the country" and not the good of their party or their own political/monetary gain. Maybe some people will see this as just another sports story, but I thought it was more significant. Still, (sorry about this, and people who know me will just laugh), alas, there was "too much rugby" in this film, and the reason it went a bit long. I know, what did I expect from a rugby film.

Average rating: 3.738
I gave it 4 stars
Invictus
The Human Factor
(2009) PG-13
In this sports drama based on real-life events, director Clint Eastwood tells the story of what happened after the end of apartheid when newly elected president Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches to unite his people in South Africa. Based on John Carlin's book, the film stars Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar, the captain of the scrappy South African team that makes a run for the championship.

Movie #82........................."The Chorus"

Movie #82 "The Chorus" is a gem of a film with a great, uplifting ending. And it's about so many things, education, being a rebellious adolescent, earning respect, bullying, teaching and learning and that student-teacher relationship that can be so inspiring for BOTH parties. This is most enjoyable and I'm glad I got to see it ---- and it's so short, too, so take 86 minutes of your life some time and sit down ready to experience what a good film is all about.

Average rating: 3.986
I gave it 5 stars
The Chorus
Les Choristes / Chorists
(2004) PG-13
In this gentle French drama from first-time director Christophe Barratier, music teacher Clement Mathieu (Gerard Jugnot) lands a job at a boys' boarding school populated by delinquents and orphans -- and run by a martinet headmaster (Francois Berleand). Sensing potential in the rambunctious ruffians, Mathieu forms a choir to rein in his charges through the transforming power of song, even at the probable cost of his career.

Movie #81........................."No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency - Disc 1

Movie #81 "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: Disc 1" was "most excellent" (as Ma would say). I loved all the books so I was so anxious to see the HBO series. Not having HBO, I waited until it was available from netflix, and I'm so glad I watched it, plus I made sure that Dave watched it the next a.m. and he loved it, too. Now the disc is with the Bigs! What do I like about it? The way Ma figures out her cases, her sidekick Mama Khutsi, her boyfriend garage man, her beautiful clothes, her ample weight, her beautiful smile, the music, and this is beautifully directed. And herein lies the problem. There might not be any more because both the director (Anthony Minghella) and producer (Sydney Pollack) died this year. But keeping fingers crossed that there are more.




Movie #81 "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: Disc 1

Average rating: 4.16
I gave it 4 stars
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: Season 1
(2008) NR
After her beloved father dies, the sassy Precious Ramotswe (Jill Scott) sells an inheritance of 180 cows to start a detective agency and becomes the first female sleuth in the history of Botswana. Co-starring Anika Noni Rose as Ramotswe's assistant and secretary, Mma Makutsi, this quirky whodunit was adapted from Alexander McCall Smith's hit mystery novels. The film also marks the last directing credit for Anthony Minghella (English Patient).

Movie #80.........................The Blind Side

Movie #80 "The Blind Side" has two assets and one drawback for me. One asset is the story ---- not that it was new, but to know it was true, and that the female is such a strong individual who helped this one kid out, is very inspiring. The other asset is the acting/;presence of Sandra Bullock --- when she was in the movie, there was a spark that was lost with the one drawback for me --- a bit too many football scenes that I didn't understand nor care about. Otherwise, I found it most enjoyable.And the little kid was adorable!

Average rating: 4.431
I gave it 4 stars
The Blind Side
(2009) PG-13
Oversized African American Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), the teen son of a murdered father and a crack-addicted mother, is homeless at age 16. Taken in by an affluent Memphis couple, Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock) and Sean (Tim McGraw), Michael embarks on a remarkable rise to play for the NFL. Based on Michael Lewis's bestseller, this inspirational sports tale also stars Kathy Bates as Michael's persistent tutor, Miss Sue.

Movie #79........................."A Serious Man"

Movie #79 "A Serious Man" --- can I start this one by saying that it's a Coen brothers film that is somewhere in between Raising Arizona, tied with Fargo (the best) and Barton Fink (the worst, tied with No Country for Old Men). I've seen them all. My theory about them is that they are trying to make a movie in every genre. So the way to describe this? This is their Jewish black comedy. I loved the humor in it ---- I grew up in a Jewish neighborhood so it was like old home week for me --- I "got it" humor and all. It's man in a mess, and a mess that is sent from somewhere "up above"???? maybe. But watching this mensch trying to deal with all that is thrown his way, is way too funny (but quirky funny --- I don't want to give the wrong impression). Why is it a 4 and not a 5? That's an easy one --- this needs an ending. I know, it doesn't have an ending for a reason (like the frogs in Magnolia) but I still like a nice neat package and this wasn't one. It needed more of an ending so we could know with more finality what the point of the film was. But boy, the photography by Deakins was top notch. Always is. I recommend it only to those who like quirkiness --- this is the closest indie film they've done (lately, they've been trying to be in the mainstream) but it's not going to be the cult favorite like the Big Lebowski, and it won't be quoted in the future like some of their others, but that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed in the NOW.




Average rating: 3.873
I rated it 4 stars
A Serious Man
(2009) R
Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) has hit a "rough patch," according to a colleague, and it would seem so: people are dropping dead all around him, his wife (Sari Lennick) wants a "get" and his whining kids (Aaron Wolff and Jessica McManus) only add to the heavy load. Larry is just looking for some help. Can a few rabbis guide him to life's answers? Richard Kind co-stars in Joel Coen and Ethan Coen's 1960s-set, dark Jewish-culture send-up.

Movie #78........................."Dear Zachary"

Movie #78 "Dear Zachary" -- I don't usually watch those channels late at night that investigate a case of murder, so I don't really know how this compares with made for t.v films on the subject of murder.. I have seen enough CSI, etc., to say the story is not original at all. But what IS good about this, is the editing, the "Telling" of this very personal story of a very good friend who would work on all this guy's films as he was growing up.............and that's what makes it a very good, personal tribute to him and to his parents, who went through so much. I just sat and watched for the 93 minutes. Never blinked ---- never needed something to eat or drink. I stayed with it, and found the story and the film very effective. But oh so sad.

Average rating: 4.241
I gave it 4 star
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father
(2008) NR
Filmmaker Kurt Kuenne's poignant tribute to his murdered childhood friend, Andrew Bagby, tells the story of a child custody battle between the baby's grieving grandparents and Shirley Turner, Bagby's pregnant ex-girlfriend and suspected killer. Initially, Kuenne made this documentary as a memorial for Andrew's loved ones, but it morphs into an emotional legal odyssey when Turner goes free on bail and is allowed to raise her son.

Movie #77........................."Defiance"

Movie #77 "Defiance" I found captivating. Of course, since it's historical fiction AND concerning the Holocaust, I would like it, but I also found it different than other Holocaust films --------it was all about fighting back! I had read an article about a surviving Bielski relative, so I sought this film out because the story was intriguing already. However, I would have seen/enjoyed this movie anyway, because it is directed by Ed Zwick (Thirty Something, Legend of the Fall, etc.) and I highly respect his directing. It's violent and uncomfortable to watch (Holocaust films usually are), but I found it so worthwhile.

Average rating: 3.858
I give it 4 stars
Defiance
(2008) R
Daniel Craig stars as Tuvia Bielski, one of four Jewish brothers who escape from Poland into the forests of Belarus during World War II to lead a band of resistance fighters and create a safe haven for Jewish refugees. The real-life sanctuary established by the Bielski brothers saved more than 1,000 Jews from persecution and death. Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell and George MacKay also star in this moving historical drama based on actual events.

Movie #76........................."The Brothers Bloom"

Movie #76 "The Brothers Bloom" I loved! It's Sting/Royal Tannenbaums but still totally original. Just watch the first couple of minutes, and the editing and stoyline and characters will hook you. This is an ideal indie film --- quirky, but a tight script, and wonderfully acted, and very funny. Who could ask for anything more? disclaimer: heist films are one of my favorite genres, and this is one of the better ones.



Average rating: 3.311
I rate it 4.5
The Brothers Bloom
(2008) PG-13
The Brothers Bloom made a name for themselves as the world's best con men. Now, the younger (Adrien Brody) is ready to retire on the millions the pair has swindled. But when his brother (Mark Ruffalo) lures him into one last job, he reluctantly agrees. What he hasn't counted on, though, is falling for their mark, an adventure-seeking heiress (Rachel Weisz). Robbie Coltrane and Babel's Rinko Kikuchi co-star.

Movie #75........................."The Education of Charlie Banks"

Movie #75 "The Education of Charlie Banks" is a coming of age film with up and coming Jesse Eisenberg, who plays it real and himself (in my opinion), and in this, you can really start to understand that love/hate relationship that teens develop in their search for themselves -- Charlie is immediately turned off by Mick's violence and afraid of him, but there's something about this guy that is attractive. The film seems meandering and episodic (typical indie tempo) but it does come to an effective (realistic) end -- but it's violent, so not for the faint of heart.





Average rating: 3.063
I rated it 3 stars
The Education of Charlie Banks
(2007) R
Years after Charlie (Jesse Eisenberg) fingers Mick (Jason Ritter) for a brutal assault, Mick shows up at Charlie's university and insinuates himself into college life, auditing classes, sleeping with Charlie's dream girl and pondering how his life might have been different. All the while, Charlie anxiously wonders whether Mick knows he ratted him out. Chris Marquette co-stars in Limp Bizkit front man Fred Durst's directorial debut.

Movie #74.........................."New in Town"

Movie #74 "New in Town" the latest Renee Zelweger/Harry Connick, Jr. romantic comedy was okay. The love scenes are gentle and the high spots of this film, along with the Miami vs. Minnesota culture, don'tyaknow? It was uplifting and a good feeling movie when you cozying up to a fire as the snow is falling, and falling, and falling outside your window. But who did Zellweger's makeup? yikes!





You rated this movie: 3.0

New In Town
Chilled In Miami / 32 And Single
(2009) PG
The weather isn't the only drastic change for high-paid consultant Lucy Hill (Renée Zellweger) when she's sent from her home base in South Beach, Fla., to a small Minnesota town to improve the productivity of a local manufacturing plant. The town's residents also take some getting used to, especially the ruggedly handsome union boss (Harry Connick Jr.) who's doing his darnedest to make sure that Lucy doesn't cut any jobs.

Movie #73........................."He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not"

Movie #73 "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" is a gem of a movie. I watched it intently from beginning to end. The first 40 minutes or so, it goes through an apparent love story, and then it rewinds and goes back and shows you the same scenes from a different point of view, from then on, you're in for a wild ride to the surprising end. If you aren't a fan of Audrey Tatou by now, see this gem of a film --- she's winning and so is the story. Well done!





Average rating: 3.531
I rate it 4 stars
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not
À la Folie... Pas du Tout
(2002) PG-13
With the streets of Bordeaux as backdrop, this thriller paints a picture of love gone awry. Angelique (Audrey Tautou), an artist and student, is in love and claims that her paramour, Luic, a cardiologist (Samuel Le Bihan), is just as enamored of her. But is he? He's married, for one, and he and his wife are expecting a baby. Brokenhearted, Angelique decides her love should conquer all.

Movie #72........................."The Bucket List"

Movie #72 "The Bucket List" --- well, it took me a while to sit down and watch this (had it at home for ages) because I thought it was going to be DEPRESSING, and it was, a bit, but overall it was an entertaining movie to watch due to the excellent acting duo Nicholson/Freeman, the beautiful places they take you on their last rides, the lightness that was added to an overwhelmingly sad situation, and one or two philosophical moments about the afterlife. I recommend it, if the discussion of death doesn't put you in an absolute funk.






Average rating: 3.913
I gave it 3 stars
The Bucket List
(2007) PG-13
When corporate mogul Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) wind up in the same hospital room, the two terminally ill men bust out of the cancer ward with a plan to experience life to the fullest before they kick the bucket. In a race against the reaper, the new friends hit the tables in Monte Carlo, down obscene amounts of caviar and tear up the road in supercharged cars. Rob Reiner directs.

Movie #71........................."The Ten"

Movie #71 "The Ten" was quirky, at times very crude, mildly amusing, and sometimes even witty (like Thou Shal Not Steal dealt with Winona Ryder stealing a ventriloquist dummy). I would only mildly recommend it, and only to people that like quirky, crude stuff. Otherwise, if seeing one cat scan after another being delivered to a house because the neighbor has one already (thou shalt not covet your neighbor's goods, of course) doesn't make you smile or laugh, rent something else.


Average rating: 2.611
I gave it 3 stars
The Ten
(2006) R
An all-star cast (including Paul Rudd, Winona Ryder, Jessica Alba, Oliver Platt, Liev Schreiber, Famke Janssen, Rob Corddry and Gretchen Mol, among others) appears in this collection of 10 irreverent tales inspired by the Ten Commandments. Nothing is sacred -- not even the sanctity of marriage -- in the humorous anthology written by Ken Marino and director David Wain, formerly of the comedy troupe the State.
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