Movie #300 ........................."Powder Blue"

Movie #300 "Powder Blue" marks the 300th film in the 365 days' goal that I had, and it was a nice movie to end on. Not the best, but a gripping story. It reminded me of "Crash" just not as good. It seemed amateurish in some parts (some acting, and sound, for some reason), but the love story was good, and Forest Whitaker is always interesting to watch --- though, this movie reminded me of "Crying Game" a lot (and he was in that, too). Anyway, it's pretty raw in some scenes, and even though I'm still not convinced that Jessica Biel is good enough for a part this big, she does some impressive pole dancing work in this film. She seems to be an up and coming actress that wants to do better and she is honing her craft. This is pretty gritty, but it is nice how it weaves in and out from one person's story to the next, and it is balanced with some nice tender moments, as well. I recommend it. Still thinking about the title -------any ideas? maybe it is significant that it isn't a vibrant color but a subdued one? and a baby's color, as well? so it isn't matured? just like the relationships in all of these films?





Average rating: 3.002
Donna rated it 3.2
Our best guess for DONNA: 2.7 stars
Average of 162,236 ratings: 3.0 stars
Powder Blue
2009R106 minutes
Gritty stories of loss and redemption collide on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles, where a shy mortician (Eddie Redmayne) falls for a single-mom stripper (Jessica Biel), and a desperate ex-priest (Forest Whitaker) forges an unlikely bond with a transsexual prostitute (Alejandro Romero). The tightly woven ensemble drama also features gripping performances by Ray Liotta, Patrick Swayze, Lisa Kudrow and Kris Kristofferson.

Cast:Jessica Biel, Ray Liotta, Eddie Redmayne, Forest Whitaker, Kris Kristofferson, Lisa Kudrow, Patrick Swayze, Jeffery A. Baker, Sarah Bastian, Kaliya Skye, Alejandro RomeroDirector:Timothy Linh BuiGenres:Drama, Indie Dramas, Crime Dramas, Blu-rayThis movie is:Gritty, DarkFormat:DVD, Blu-ray and streaming (HD available)

Movie #299 ........................."Eat, Pray, Love"

Movie #299 "Eat, Pray, Love" was not near as good as the book, and ever since I saw it, I've been trying to make a mental list of why not. I didn't think the men who put the film together (let's face it, they would be the script writer, the director and the editor) really understood this woman's journey ------ One clarification is that Ryan Murphy got top billing for writing the script, but there are two female names on it, one being the author's. I wonder how much they had to say about it. Anyway, camera angles were elaborate (like in Glee) as if the director didn't have faith that we find it enjoyable without entertaining us so much. Julia Roberts comes across oftentimes quite selfish and nonlikable, which, in my opinion, you have to really work hard at doing since she usually oozes charm. The guys all came across as sketchy, and the film's editing seemed scattered, with past (like Liz's first wedding) appearing in India (with no obvious strong tie) as if, once again, Murphy was afraid he was losing our interest. It was okay, but after all is said and done, I never felt pulled in to the film --- save for the Richard Jenkins' breakdown in India (and I don't remember that in the book). That's one last thing I would say about this film --- it seemed a tad manipulative in several spots, as if it were pushing the importance of her journey and her life lessons. It seemed so much smoother in the book.





Average rating: 3.578
I would give it 3.5
Eat Pray Love
(2010) PG-13
Julia Roberts stars in the adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's best-selling memoir about coping with a traumatic divorce. After deciding to reshape her life, Elizabeth (Julia Roberts) travels the world in search of direction. She heads to Italy, India and Indonesia seeking the perfect pasta, a route to self-enlightenment and the true meaning of faith. Along the way, she meets a bevy of odd characters and, possibly, her true love.

Movie #298 ........................."The Switch"

Movie #298 "The Switch" is a smart romantic comedy for adults. I really like the way the film plays to the abilities of the cast, from Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Patrick Wilson, Juliette Lewis and the adorable kid who fears he is a hypochondriac. I can truly say I have never seen this story before, so I liked the newness of it within a genre that is pretty constricting --- how can you deviate from goy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, they have a fight and get back together? But this one takes risks, and considering the main character's prime fault is that he never does, this movie should get the audience it deserves because it really tries. And not too hard because it never crossed the stupid line for me. Jason Batman and Jennifer Aniston keep it real and believable, and I recommend it. I rated it a 4 because it just too kind of long to get to the end. Otherwise, I found it most enjoyable!





Average rating: 3.556
I gave it 4 stars.
The Switch
(2010) PG-13
Still single and increasingly attuned to the cacophony of her biological clock, 40-something Kassie (Jennifer Aniston) decides that if she can't find a mate she'll still pursue motherhood with the help of a sperm sample that's not quite as anonymous as she thinks. As the baby grows up, Kassie's best friend, Wally (Jason Bateman), agonizes over whether to reveal that he secretly replaced the donor sample with his own DNA.

Movie #297 ........................."The Legend of 1900"

Movie #297 "The Legend of 1900" is truly a wonderful film, though a tad long, with running time over 2 hours. The score is amazing (and won a Golden Globe), and I guess if you have seen the movie, the highest praise I can give is: I loved the ending and that it had an ending. "All good stories worth telling have a good beginning and ending" so says Tim Roth as 1900 in this film. It's beautifully filmed, has rich sets, unbelievable lighting, and a good story. Who could ask for anything more? The best scene is the piano duel with Jelly Roll --- ah, were that it was true! But perhaps it was, because it is all framed as a story told to a shopkeeper who tells Max, 1900's friend, that a good story is worth an old trumpet. If this all sounds intriguing, make sure you see this ---- and you'll see Tim Roth doing something so different to get this character across. One amazing film!




You rated this movie: 4.0
The Legend of 1900
La Leggenda del Pianista Sull'oceano / The Legend of the Pianist on the Ocean
(1998) R
Raised aboard an ocean liner after being abandoned there as an infant, 1900 (Tim Roth) becomes a virtuoso piano player who learns about the outside world only through interactions with passengers, never setting foot on land, even for the love of his life. Years later, the ship may be destroyed, and a former band member fears that 1900 may still be aboard, willing to go down with the ship in this compelling drama from director Giuseppe Tornatore.

Movie #296 ........................."Did You Hear About the Morgans?"

Movie #296 "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" proves once again that you can't always go by the critics. They are really tough on romantic comedies, and this one was cute. I laughed out loud several times --- it didn't go past the stupid line once, and it has two very competent people in the lead roles who were hired for what they've done in the past and they deliver. A bonus was the very good secondary people, esp. Elizabeth Moss (from "Mad Men" and "West Wing") and Hugh Grant's assistant -- very funny, and Sam Elliot and Mary Steenburgen, who never disappoints me. I liked the story ---- hadn't seen one on the topic, and it was funny and thrilling all at the same time. And just a nice romantic comedy. So if you like these two, you'll probably like the movie as well.





Average rating: 3.16
I give it 3.5
Did You Hear About the Morgans?
(2009) PG-13
After witnessing a murder, high-powered -- and estranged -- wife Meryl (Sarah Jessica Parker) and husband Paul (Hugh Grant) Morgan must say good-bye to sophisticated Manhattan when they enter the witness protection program together and land in Wyoming. At odds, they attempt to adjust to small-town life in this charming comedy that also stars Sam Elliott, Mary Steenburgen and Elisabeth Moss. Marc Lawrence (Two Weeks Notice) writes and directs.

Movie #295 ........................."P.S. I Love You"

Movie #295 "P.S. I Love You" is just okay. It's not really a romantic comedy, though it forces some comedy onto the viewer, and it seems to work really hard at that ---- it's really a film about grief, which is a tough subject for me, my biggest fear. I don't like to talk about it, I don't like to read books about it, and I don't like to see films about it ---- yet, after 9/11, a majority of films are on this subject. But this one is about a woman losing the love of her life ---- the nail right on the head for me. And she gets letters from him boosting her morale, getting her to try things she hasn't tried before, getting her through the grief. What a lovely idea and one I would buy because I have always thought we have this tie to the other world (my favorite moment in plays is when the baker's wife comes back from the dead to inspire the baker to take care of his baby, and when Dot in "Sunday in the Park with George" comes back to tell her love George Seurat to "Move On"). Now, it doesn't matter that this guy who never has a plan figures out this elaborate plan to speak to her from the dead --- or does it? Kind of goofy script ---- and where are all these friends and family when she stays locked up in her house for 3 weeks without showering and doing the dishes? There are some real moments, though. Mostly, they are between the mother (Kathy Bates) and the daughter/widow (Hillary Swank) ---- have I said I don't like Gerard Butler earlier in my movieblog? Well, let it be said. He way overacts with this macho persona that is annoying ---- his scenes didn't work for me at all --- could be a personal prejudice, but he just works too hard at being charming to me. He has ruined several movies for me so far, and I don't plan on him doing that in the future. I like Swank and Bates so much, that I disregarded that he was in it and that the subject matter was a husband's death, and Itried with this. It has way too many cliches and it works way too hard to charm the viewer, so it's a bit phoney. But maybe you'll like it. The one true moment in here is when she discovers that she really IS alone, but then as Sondheim so clearly tells us (in "Into the Woods" again) "No One is Alone," and I like to keep that thought. The ending tries to tell us the same thing, but not nearly as well.





Average rating: 3.848
I give it 3.5 stars
P.S. I Love You
(2007) PG-13
When she loses her beloved husband Gerry (Gerard Butler) to a brain tumor, grieving widow Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank) is surprised to learn that he left a series of letters behind to help her cope with the pain of being without him. As the months drag on, Holly finds messages from Gerry that encourage her to go on living. But will the letters mire her deeper into the past, or will they give her the strength she needs to face the future?

Movie #294 ........................."Inception"

Movie #294 "Inception" is probably the most unusual film of the 294 I have done for this year's movie blog so far. It's probably one of the most puzzling, as well. There's no doubt of the quality of the film (and we saw it in IMAX, too --- but it still would have been well done without that) , and the acting and script are also two pluses. But I can fault it with the amount of minutes spent on shooting/fighting/all around mayhem and violence ---- I wanted to stand up and shout "enough" --- I got it. For being billed a "cerebral" film, why did it have to fall back on all of that rigamarole? Oh, maybe because that 10 year old that liked the ending of "Avatar" would enjoy those parts of this film, as well? Other than that, I enjoyed seeing this cast working together on a layered (excuse the pun) script, including: DiCaprio (who still is one of my favorites), Ellen Page (definitely one of my favorites) , Joseph Gordon-Levitt(how can I not like this guy when he stars in most of the indies) and Marion Cotillard (becoming one of my favorites since "Nine"). I recommend this film to many more people than that 12 year old because they would like the " majority" of the film, I think!




Average rating: 4.535
I give it 4 stars
Inception
(2010) PG-13
Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) cuts a deal with Saito (Ken Watanabe) and agrees to use his ability to enter people's dreams for a special assignment involving business titan Robert Fischer Jr. (Cillian Murphy). Along for the labyrinth-infused ride is Cobb's new mind "architect," Ariadne (Ellen Page). Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy, Tom Berenger and Dileep Rao also star in this sci-fi thriller from writer-director Christopher Nolan.

Movie #293 ........................"Coffee and Cigarettes"

Movie #293 "Coffee and Cigarettes" - sorry can't recommend this one if I only liked two out of the 11 vignettes. The one entitled "Twins" was very funny and had that Jarmusch dry humor, and "Cousins" with Cate Blanchett was a knockout --- unbelievably good. If you want to see an actress at her peak, watch this one segment (it's halfway through). I watched it wonderingly --- wondering how someone gets that good, how someone can play opposite herself and get nuances in for both characters, just HOW DO YOU DO IT? If I taught a film class, I would show this segment --- it's that good! (because I would have to start with an apology for the language, I'm thinking) The rest seemed way too slow, or pretentious, or just plain boring --- at first I thought it was an exercise on the "modern encounter", but it got too tedious for that ---- unless that is the director's point: modern encounters are just that tedious! Well, I didn't have to see a movie to get that message!




Average rating: 3.012
I gave it 2.5
Coffee and Cigarettes
(2003) R
Jim Jarmusch's ensemble comedy collects a series of strange encounters Jarmusch has been capturing in short films since the mid-1980s, presenting them as a series of vignettes that all revolve around discussions held over coffee and cigarettes. A diverse cast including Bill Murray, Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits, Cate Blanchett and Roberto Benigni address such topics as Nicola Tesla, alternative medicine, Paris, the movie industry and more.

Movie #292 ........................."The Good Life"

Movie #292 "The Good Life: is a movie I would be proud to have made. It's about a guy in his 20s who can't catch a break --- he finds he is a caretaker of his newly widowed mother along with his boss at the movie theatre. He also has some disease that has taken all his hair and he can't afford the electric bill so he lives in a freezing house....and the list goes on. But one day a bright spot walks into his life in the form of Zooey Deschanel (have I said she is delightful in all the movies I have seen her in?) and life looks like it is beginning to turn for him. It's one of those depressing indies, but the ending is worth all the drabbiness he and the viewer go through. Worth a look see, in my opinion.







You rated this movie: 4.00
The Good Life
(2007) R
In this coming-of-age drama -- a 2007 Sundance selection -- a young movie theater employee (Mark Webber) has trouble adjusting to life in a small football-crazed Nebraska town. He finds a kindred spirit in the form of Frances (Zooey Deschanel), who pushes him to forge his own path. The supporting cast includes Chris Klein as a onetime high school football star, Harry Dean Stanton as the movie theater owner and Bill Paxton as a Judy Garland fan.

#291 ........................."Everlasting Moments"

Movie #291 "Everlasting Moments" I had read about in the newspaper and was waiting to see it; then, a friend had watched it recently and liked it and reminded me of the title again. Very glad to have finally gotten to see it. Even though the abusive scenes are tough to watch, and the film is quite drabby in color and tone, I thoroughly enjoyed this very honest film. The only fault I had with it is the length --- it was a bit too long, in the middle, in my estimation, but otherwise, a wonderfully executed film all the way through. I especially like the way it tells its story --- the movie unfolds from one moment to the next. One of my favorite moments was when the abused wife sees the owner of the pawn shop who gave her the photography equipment (on loan) as he walks away out of her life --- very poignant, just like the majority of this film, and I highly recommend it. It does have everlasting moments in the film that will be remembered by this viewer.





Average rating: 3.567
I gave it 4 stars.
Everlasting Moments
Maria Larssons eviga ögonblick
(2008) NR
After marrying charming but coarse Sigfrid (Mikael Persbrandt), Maria (Maria Heiskanen) finds that her life isn't the fairy tale she expected, as her husband gradually becomes more brutal. But when she becomes involved in photography, Maria gains a new lease on life. Filmmaker Jan Troell based this Golden Globe-nominated drama on a manuscript written by his wife, Agneta Ulfsäter-Troell, chronicling the events of her ancestors in the early 20th century.

Movie #290 ........................."The Other Guys"

Movie #290 "The Other Guys" was just good, clean fluff ---- I laughed out loud several times (seemed to be only a few in the theatre that did), and although it was silly, it was like that from the first lines, so I could follow the tone all the way through and found it most enjoyable summer fare. Lots of goofiness, but it kept me entertained and for that I recommend it. Oh, but one disclaimer ---- in a fluffy, shallow film, the end credits took a turn --- make sure you watch them and then stick around for a Ferris Bueller -like "very" end.





Average rating: 3.681
I gave it 3.5
The Other Guys
(2010) PG-13
While an elite pair of New York City cops (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson) nabs headlines for their amazing heroics, fellow boys in blue Allen (Will Ferrell) and Terry (Mark Wahlberg) toil in obscurity as lowly desk jockeys, until a big break finally gives them a chance to tackle real police work. Rob Riggle, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton and Steve Coogan co-star in this action-packed comedy directed by Adam McKay.

Movie #289 ........................."Manic"

Movie #289 "Manic" seemed the male version of "Girl, Interrupted" because it took place in an institution and it centered on several damaged teens, one being Joseph Gordon-Levitt and another Zooey Deschanel, the two from "500 Days of Summer" (much better film). There were lots of explosive moments in the film, oftentimes with Don Cheadle, the counselor, putting himself in between. kIt was a tough film to view, but very satisfying by the end, and I recommend it to those who would enjoy something like "Girl Interrupted" or "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden."




You rated this movie: 3.7
Manic
(2001) R
Filmed in cinema verité style with a handheld camera, Jordan Melamed's unsettling ensemble drama follows teenager Lyle Jensen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he's committed to the juvenile ward of a mental institution after brutally beating another boy. There, he encounters a pack of equally lost souls, including a girl who hurts herself (Zooey Deschanel), a 12-year-old child molester (Cody Lightning) and a bipolar teen planning an escape (Michael Bacall).

Movie #288........................."A Life Less Ordinary"

Movie #288 "A Life Less Ordinary" grew on me as I watched it. It's one I have wanted to see for a while, being a huge Danny Boyle fan ("Slum Dog Millionaire," and "Millions") . At first, in the opening scene, I thought it was going to be too silly for me to get through. In fact, I went to rottentomatoes.com to see what critics said about it (I usually don't do that until after I've written this blog), and RT only gave it 0%, but I wasn't surprised because critics are always tough on romantic comedies. Anyway, all I had to see was critics saying it was really out there as far as a romantic comedy, so I figured: I had to see it! And I'm glad I did. I still don't like the angels --- they are too silly for me, but I realize they precipitate the conflict for the two lovers, so I understand that they are needed in the script ---- and they are played impeccably well by Hunter and Lindo ---- I just really liked the many chances the film took --- and Boyle never does anything ordinary --- shots are so well put together --- editing moves at a great pace ---- there's a bit too much gore for me -- but look what all goes into this film ---- not only is it a romantic comedy (and one of the most unusual ones I've ever seen), but it's a thriller, action--packed horror movie along with kidnaping caper to boot. I recommend this to people looking for something different in their romantic comedies. They won't be disappointed here! It's a crazy love story, for sure.





DONNA's rating: 4.0 stars
Average of 195,299 ratings: 3.1 stars
A Life Less Ordinary
1997R103 minutes
Determined to live "a life less ordinary," Robert (Ewan McGregor), a down-and-out janitor, kidnaps narcissistic heiress Celine (Cameron Diaz) in hopes of pulling in a big ransom. Unfortunately for Robert, Celine embraces her life as a captive and enjoys Robert's bungling attempt at retrieving a payoff. Add two angels (Delroy Lindo and Holly Hunter) who try to make Robert and Celine fall in love, and the situation becomes extraordinary.

Movie #287 ........................."The Big City"

Movie #287 "The Big City" is a great black and white film I caught on TCM on Maureen O'Brien Day. Always a great fan of hers, I had never heard of this one, so I'm glad I caught it. Here's the premise: Robert Preston (of Music Man fame) is a Methodist minister, Danny Thomas is a Jewish cantor (who lives with his mother (who happens to be an opera singer), and George Murphy (that's senator Murphy) is an Irish (roman catholic?) cop. They all find a little baby on the church steps, abandoned by her mother. They go to a judge (who happens to be the bad guy from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) who says they can all three be foster parents until one marries --- and that one can adopt the little girl (Maureen O'Brien). Present day she is now age 8 or so and has a life with all three of her fathers (Robert Preston is her teacher of the mind, George Murphy the teacher of her body, and Danny thomas the teacher of her heart) and the singing now "Grandma" --- she loves being raise by all three..............until the cop falls in love with a bar singer (Betty Garrett) whom the other two fathers think is not a good influence on their little girl. That starts a big feud that brings problems for Maureen O'bRien. And might I say that I really had no idea how talented she was......I was (as everyone I guess) a big Shirley Temple fan. But Maureen O'Brien can act!!!! and sing and she was laugh out loud funny imitating a bar singer. So I'm recommending this. however, it has a disclaimer. There's a lot of music in this ---- by the opera singer and Danny Thomas, so if you fast forward through some of that, I think you'll enjoy this film. I give it a 3.8 for the story.

Movie #286 ........................."Pi"

Movie #286 "Pi" was a disappointment. The repetition to the story got tedious, and it seemed to deal with the drug issue that Aronofsky so handily dealt with in his previous film "Requiem" in basically the same way -- so new ground thematically. It had shocking moments (I'll never look at a drill the same way), but it was a slighter story than Requiem, and I just found it tedious. I DID like the black and white photography (he always has beautiful images in his films), but I can't rate it any higher. It would be appreciated by a very small audience --- one, I don't seem to be a member of.




Average rating: 3.529
I gave it 2 stars
Pi
Pi: Faith in Chaos
(1998) R
This jarring black-and-white brain-bender written and directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream) is a haunting examination of science, mathematics -- and one man's haunting numerical obsession. The story follows emotionally fragile number theorist Max Cohen (Sean Gullette), who's on the trail of a 216-digit number hidden within Pi that could unlock the secrets of the stock market ... and the universe.

Movie #285........................."Happy Accidents"

Movie #285 "Happpy Accidents" is NOT a comedy and I am not sure why it is filed under that genre. In fact, it's uncomorotable to watch because it deals with a science fiction idea that is very far fetched. Now if it had a better ending and it actually went somewhere believable, then I would be writing a totally different critique. But the fact is, it stayed with its outlandish premise of him being a time traveler. Yeah, right. Whatever he was, there was way too much angst and shouting to believe these people really love each other. But they are competent actors, and that's why I would rate it a 3. Maybe there are some people that might find this a different (albeit way out there) film about relationships. But I'm not one of them.







Average rating: 3.211
I gave it 3 stars
Happy Accidents
(2001) R
Ruby Weaver (Marisa Tomei) is tired of being the "enabler" in relationships and has decided to give up the role of doormat. She's also on the verge of giving up on love when she meets a sweet, small-town guy, Sam Deed (Vincent D'Onofrio), who changes her mind. It seems Ruby's finally found a sane boyfriend -- until Sam divulges that he's a time traveler from the year 2470. Now it's up to Ruby to decide whether love can conquer all.

Movie #284........................."Our Vines Have Tender Grapes"

Movie #284 "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes" is a classic Margaret O'Brien movie, a coming of age film. Her folks (Agnes Morehead and Edward G. Robinson) go through all the hardships and celebrations of living in a small town in Wisconsin, the kind of place where everyone pitches in to try to prevent a barn from burning, or trying to find two little kids in a bathtub before they go any further down river, or collecting money for a poor family. I've wanted to see this one for a while, and I'm glad I got the chance. It's a Dalton Trumbo script, and it's a nice, old black and white film.



The small town of Fuller Junction is located in Wisconsin farming country, largely populated by Norwegian immigrants and their descendants. It is because of her Norwegian heritage that Milwaukee city slicker Miss Viola Johnson reluctantly agrees to do her one year mandatory teaching practicum there. She feels it will be a long one year, despite the friendship of Nels Halverson, better know to locals as Editor, the second generation owner and editor of the local newspaper, the Spectator. One of Miss Johnson's students is seven year old Selma Jacobson, the only offspring of Martinius and Bruna Jacobson, with whom she has a loving relationship. Selma spends much of her time with her five year old cousin, Arnold Hanson, who is her best friend... most of the time. Despite her tender age and the loving relationship she not only has with her parents but the community as a whole, Selma is not immune to experiencing individual and sharing collective heartache. But she is also one who can affect real change in the community.

I would rate this a 3. It's is not available yet on Net flix. too bad.

Movie #283 ........................."Envy"

movie #283 "Envy" was a bit goofy of a movie with Ben Stiller and Jack Black. The women were competent (Rachel Weisz and Amy Poehler), too. What I liked best about this movie was Christopher Walken --- I still don't really know what happened to the dead horse on top of the car --- there were some very funny scenes sandwiched into not-so-funny, but all around, I thought it was a fun movie to see ---- but really way out there, and goofy. But what do you expect from Stiller/Black/Walken?






You rated this movie: 3.0
Envy
(2004) PG-13
When Nick Vandermark (Jack Black), one of a pair of major doofuses, becomes stinking rich by selling an invention, he finds his lifelong bond with his best friend and neighbor, Tim Dingman (Ben Stiller), breaking almost beyond repair. Seems Tim (who works at the same company as Nick) is crazy with envy and can't get over the fact that his friend has hit it big. Will he find a way to get even? Christopher Walken co-stars, and Barry Levinson directs.

Movie #282 ........................."Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"

Movie #282 "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" was a delightful film that i watched witth a room full of kids --- we found it lots of fun, very creative, quick witted, and had some memorable characters (esp. "Steve") . But more importantly, the theme is a good one --- as a society we are gluttons and we don't need to be. When we get the chance to get food free from the clouds, we take it and just want more. That is a good theme, and one I found to be most effective --- I didn't want to eat dinner afterwards because I felt I had already overeaten. Good film, esp. for the kiddies.







DONNA's rating: 4.0 stars
Average of 826,080 ratings: 3.8 stars
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
2009PG90 minutes
Inventor Flint Lockwood creates a machine that makes clouds rain food, enabling the down-and-out citizens of Chewandswallow to feed themselves. But when the falling food reaches gargantuan proportions, Flint must scramble to avert disaster. Can he regain control of the machine and put an end to the wild weather before the town is destroyed? Bill Hader and Anna Faris lend their vocal talents to this Golden Globe-nominated animated adventure.

Movie #281........................."Lucas"

Movie #281 "Lucas" was filmed at Glenbard West, and I had heard about it for years but never sat down to watch it until last night. I found it quite enjoyable. The film could have easily been way sappy with the subject matter, but the acting ensemble of kids they found to play the leads (and they DO control the whole film) and the direction and the realistic teen situations kept it pretty real (however, even I found it a bit sappy in just a few parts). By the time we reached the end point of the film, I felt I might miss the characters I had been inroduced to in this charming drama, and that's a 4 film in my books.




You rated this movie: 4.0
Lucas
(1986) PG-13
Fourteen-year-old bookworm and bully magnet Lucas (Corey Haim), exhibits a streak of independence when he befriends 16-year-old Maggie (Kerri Green) and introduces her to a world of intellectual pursuits. But while Lucas is eyeing Maggie, she's eyeing football jock Cappie (Charlie Sheen), who may just have a sensitive side himself. Director David Selzer's sincere coming-of-age film includes both comic and dramatic moments.

Movie #280 ........................"Liberty Heights"

Movie #280 "Liberty Heights" is my kind of movie --- it has everything that I would ever want to put n a film. It's not one of those shoot 'em' up blockbusters at all --- on the contrary, it's an intelligent film that addresses the issue of being Jewish and a victim growing up in Baltimore in the 1950s. That in itself makes it special to me because I can't remember seeing another one on the subject. It also seems one of a kind in the theme: Ben Foster halfway through the film is talking to Orlando Jones, and asks him why he would pick on a jew when he is also a minority. Orlando says that he comes from slaves, and Ben Says so does he --- who do you think built the pyramids. Hah! There's a gotcha moment that was fun to watch, and it brings up a huge question about why minority groups pick on each other, when if they banded together they wouldn't be minorities any more. I was glad to see a movie state that in so many words. What I really loved about this movie besides the great acting with Bebe, Ben (my new found actor to stalk (see everything he's done) in movies) Joe Mantegna, Orlando Jones and ever favorite Adrien Brody, is that it uses a simultaneous editing technique that I really liked;i.e., the movie usually followed silmultaneously what Ben, Adrien, Mom and Dad were doing all at the same time --- it layered the film, and made it the 5 I thought it was. I highly recommend this. But not for kids --- there are some sexual awakening scenes in the film because they are part of the conflict --- Ben is dating a black girl, and Adrien is dating a rich girl. Good film.

You rated this movie: 5.0
Liberty Heights
(1999) R
"No Jews, dogs or coloreds," reads the sign outside a public swimming pool in 1954 Baltimore. High school freshman Ben Kurtzman (Ben Foster) and friends find themselves confronted with anti-Semitism, racism and coming of age in a fast-changing world. Writer-director and Baltimore memorialist Barry Levinson takes viewers on a sentimental journey, complete with loving period details and wry humor.

Movie #279 ........................."Gigantic"

Movie #279 "Gigantic" is a quirky, indie love story. Can't say I've seen one like it, but that's a mark of an independent film --- I'm just not sure a lot of people would like it. The love story worked for me pretty much because the couple is charming (although Dano is quite quiet throughout the movie, a far cry from his role in "There Will Be Blood") and Zooey is even quiet --- but she does have quirky as her forte( (I'd like to see a movie where she is opposite Michael Cera --- that would be awkward with a capital A) Anyway, her father is a hoot, but a scary one --- he alway is whining about his back and in the prone position, except when he takes them out to dinner and asks them inappropriate questions about sex. There's a homeless guy that keeps beating up Dano (I'm not sure where that story went - it ended but any repercussions? I guess not because he's homeless) This critique is all over the place because the film was --- I DID like the quirkiness, and it was a fun watch, but as far as recommending it, I'm not sure everyone would enjoy it at all. For it to be a 4 or 5, the film needed to go somewhere --- sorry, it can't be so "out there" that it doesn't go somewhere. It " kind of" does, and that's why some of you might like it, but I would have liked a better high point and ending. And to me, the high point can be everything!




You rated this movie: 3.5
Gigantic
(2008) R
Unhappy with his life, mattress salesman Brian Weathersby (Paul Dano) pursues his lifelong obsession with adopting an infant from China. But when attractive customer Harriet (Zooey Deschanel) catches his eye, he starts pursuing her instead. Soon, Harriet's overbearing father (John Goodman) and Brian's parents (Ed Asner and Jane Alexander) become involved in their relationship, pushing Brian to take drastic action in this quirky romantic comedy.

Movie #278 ........................."Mrs. Hotchkiss' ballroom Dancing and Charm School"

Movie #278 "Mrs. Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing and Charm School" was a charming study on how dance can bring people out of grief. Evidently, this movie was originally a short film with the actor Elden Henson playing the part of Steve, and then in the 2005 production, he is playing a friend of Paul Carlyle. Cool, idea there, and really well done overall. And I have never been disappointed yet with a Marissa Tomei performance --- once again, she's great. And Paul Carlyle (from "Full Monty") plays such a gamut here ---- excellent actor, as are all the supporting people here --- the cast is stellar, for such a nonbudget independent film. I can also say, as many movies as I have seen, the frame work here was very original, so maybe you want to see it for just that! But it does use the back and forth method of telling the story --- black and white from 1962, and color for now. I totally was drawn into the 1962 world because the narrator was my age talking about a charm school he was forced to attend. Ah, the memories!!





DONNA's rating: 4.0 stars
Average of 140,781 ratings: 3.4 stars
Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing and Charm School
2005PG-13104 minutes
Writer-director Randall Miller's heart-achingly sweet drama centers on the unsatisfying personal life of protagonist Frank Keane (Robert Carlyle), a sensitive baker who remains deeply despondent over his late wife's untimely death. When Frank helps a stranger (John Goodman) who's sidelined by a fatal accident on his way to a fateful reunion, he decides to show up for the rendezvous in the man's place. In the process, he finds hope and redemption.

Cast:Robert Carlyle, Marisa Tomei, Mary Steenburgen, Sean Astin, Donnie Wahlberg, David Paymer, Camryn Manheim, Adam Arkin, Sonia Braga, Elden Henson, Ernie Hudson, Miguel Sandoval, Danny DeVito, John GoodmanDirector:Randall MillerGenres:Drama, Romantic Comedies, Indie Comedies, Indie Romance, Sony Pictures Home EntertainmentThis movie is:Feel-good, Romantic, Sentimental, Inspiring, EmotionalFormat:DVD and streaming (HD available)

Movie #277 ........................."The Kids Are All Right"

Movie #277 "The Kids Are All Right" breaks some ground. It actually shows a typical family with all the aches and pains of trying to raise two high school kids, one who is leaving at the end of the summer to go to college. The one big change is it is a lesbian family, and each woman bore her kid with the same sperm donor. They are going through midlife crises themselves, with one partner being a doctor, the other moving from one job to the next --- right now it's lawn architecture. Anyway, the show is so well acted it sucks you in to the situation --- the sex scenes are quite "out there" and it seems very honest in most of its portrayals and Annette Bening is so darn good ---- even during Julianne Moore's breakdown, the camera goes to Bening who supports Moore in the scene. The reason for the 4 rating is that I had some concerns in the film --- some of it seemed tough to swallow, like just how mean and cold Bening has to play her character most of the time and how flaky Moore has to play hers ---- and the major conflict hinges on that, and it was a little tough to believe, but other than that, the movie seems realistic in showing the title: the kids ARE all right --- everyone has gone on a journey in the film, and they all come out better spending the time together -------and the viewer gets some insight and knowledge, as well. And that is groundbreaking in itself.



Average rating: 3.817
I give it 4 stars.
The Kids Are All Right
(2010) R
The children of same-sex parents Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore), Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson) become curious about the identity of their sperm-donor dad (Mark Ruffalo) and set out to make him part of their family unit, with frequently comical results. With his arrival, the household dynamics quickly become complicated, and nobody's quite sure where or how he fits in, if at all.

Movie #276 .........................."Summer Hours"

Movie #276 "Summer Hours" is well acted, very universal, very intriguing to watch. The film brings up lots of issues as a life comes to an end, but her grandchildren's lives are just beginning. I would have ranked this movie higher if the end worked better. Although Roger Ebert said in his critique that if the viewer thought about it, it seemed an appropriate end, I don't agree. I HAVE been thinking about it for two days, and even though I understand why it ends so low key, I expected much more poignancy. For sure, It's always fun to watch juliette Binoche, but I prefer Cache over this.




Average rating: 3.324
I gave it 3.4 stars
Summer Hours
L'Heure d'été
(2008) NR
Sensing that death is close at hand, 75-year-old Hélène (Edith Scob) summons her three adult children to her home in the French countryside and tasks them with deciding the fate of her extraordinary art collection. Juliette Binoche, Charles Berling and Jérémie Renier star as the three siblings forced to ponder their legacy and identity in this touching drama from internationally acclaimed writer-director Olivier Assayas.

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