Movie #391 ........................."The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest"

Movie #391 "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" --- I waited for weeks and weeks to see this ---- never came to a theatre "Near' me in either home, and I don't get it. Why make it so difficult to see and then when it gets available in DVD it is streamable almost immediately? So I watched it right away and really, truly enjoyed it. I am sorry this is the last one --- though, I can't believe the book and the movie end the way they do ---- there has to be another book/movie ! His girlfriend says there is, so I'm waiting for it. I still like the first movie better, can't remember lots of the second one, and this one is amazing how it tells the story with sooooo many changes from the book ---- and there would have to be changes galore with the length of the book ---- the movie is already 147 minutes (they have all been long) so be aware of that before you sit down and watch it --- U.S. audiences are used to 120 or so minutes. The big change I noticed was in Berg's character -- there had to be a big adjustment in her character to provide some conflict and intrigue that would have been missing otherwise. I bought it, and no one would notice it, if you haven't read the book ---- but can you honestly see this movie and follow it without reading the book? I don't think so ----not this one. The film seems FOR all those people that read all three books! For example, All the cops that had individual characters in Book 3 are just listed for a minute in this one, as if it's just a wave to the reading audience out there who were expecting them mentioned. I was a little disappointed that the little cat and mouse stuff between Salander and Blomquist on the computer in Book 3 was missing ---- and the film tried to deal with all the political intrigue (because it's probably the reason Larsson wrote all these books, anyway) but it was tough to follow, even if you know the names.............of which there are many here! I was also disappointed in the very end --- just like in the book ---- after following S/B's relationship throughout, you have to say to yourself --"That's it?" There's gotta be another book/movie! There's just gotta be! But vengeance is sweet! When Salander is face to face with the demon doctor, you want to stand up and cheer! It feels good!



Average rating: 4.171
I would give it 4.2
Average of 14,625 ratings: 4.2 stars
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest(Luftslottet Som Sprängdes)
2009R 147 minutes
Third in a trio of films inspired by Swedish author Stieg Larsson's "Millennium Trilogy," this thriller follows feisty computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) as she finds herself hospitalized, suspected of murder and targeted for death by thugs. Meanwhile, Lisbeth's journalist pal, Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist), crusades to prove her innocence. Daniel Alfredson directs this film that also stars Lena Endre and Jacob Ericksson.

Cast:Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Annika Hallin, Jacob Ericksson, Sofia Ledarp, Anders Ahlbom, Micke Spreitz, Georgi Staykov, Mirja Turestedt, Hans Alfredson Director:Daniel Alfredson Genres:Foreign, Foreign Thrillers, Scandinavia, Swedish Language, Foreign Regions, Foreign Languages, Blu-ray Language:SwedishFormat:DVD, Blu-ray and streaming (HD available

Movie #390 ........................."Heaven's Fall"

Movie #390 "Heaven's Fall" concerns a huge black mark in the history of our legal system. I had never heard of the Scottsboro Nine" and I'm quite ashamed people in the United States would treat others in this way. This film starts with the NYC lawyer going to Alabama to defend one of the Scottsboro 9 after the court had found all of them guilty. (this was an appeal) Because the film didn't show the actual incident (it's done in quick clips in the opening 1 minute of the film), the whole film is the lawyer coming to town, getting hassled and the long courtroom scene --- the problem is there really isn't a lot of drama in the courtroom because you know he's not guilty, but that they probably will find him guilty no matter who takes the stand.........therefore, the film felt a bit long and drawn out. However, the time period and what happened is important for us to see, so if you don't know about the case, I think you will find this enlightening. I plan to look up more on the subject because it got me interested in the topic, for sure. And I'm a huge Tim Hutton and David Strathairn fan , and they both are great here!





DONNA's rating: 3 stars
Average of 23,506 ratings: 3.7 stars
Heavens Fall
2006PG-13 105 minutes
Inspired by the true events surrounding the "Scottsboro Nine," this compelling drama follows the plight of nine young black men, unjustly sentenced to death in the spring of 1931, following the false accusations of raping two white women. Defended by New York attorney Sam Leibowitz (Timothy Hutton), the case became a watershed event in the history of the American legal system. David Strathairn and Anthony Mackie co-star.

Cast:Timothy Hutton, David Strathairn, Leelee Sobieski, Anthony Mackie, Bill Sage, Azura Skye, Bill Smitrovich, James Tolkan, Maury Chaykin, Joseph Lyle Taylor Director:Terry Green Genres:Drama, Dramas Based on Real Life, Indie Dramas, Period Pieces, African-American Dramas This movie is:Heartfelt, Understated Format:DVD and streaming (Streaming available until 1/31/2011)

Movie #389 ........................"You Don't Know Jack"

Movie #389 "You Don't Know Jack" is a biopic on Jack Kevorkian, a man I knew little about except that he supports euthanasia and has assisted several people. What I had read and seen, I tended to side with him; in fact, he seemed to sound like he wanted to help people and they seemed so sad and physically in pain, that it seemed he was doing a good thing. I never picked up on how eccentric this guy really is --- how "goofy" and yes, dare I say a little "crazy"? Through the whole movie it was really tough to respect what this man was doing --- he seemed to like to be on display, make big dramatic scenes in the courtroom, etc. The film ended and I was confused as to what I should feel --- I no longer saw the subject as a black and white issue. I watched the special features to see if Al Pacino was playing up the dramatics here to make a better movie, but when Kevorkian talked, he came across the same way as Pacino had played him ----nutty. I guess what the film did for me is make me want to find out more about this doctor who might be a hero or who might be a madman, Kind of intriguing.





I rated this a 3.
You Don't Know Jack
(2009) NR
Al Pacino stars in this Emmy-winning biopic that focuses on the life of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the controversial physician who boldly advocated the legalization of euthanasia and personally helped more than 100 terminally ill patients commit suicide. Directed by Hollywood veteran Barry Levinson, the made-for-cable drama also stars Susan Sarandon as vocal activist Janet Good and John Goodman as Kevorkian's trusted friend and supporter Neal Nicol.
Genre: Medical Dramas, Social Issue Dramas, Dramas Based on Real Life
This movie is: Emotional, Controversial, Dark
Format: DVD

Movie #388 ........................."Race to Nowhere"

Movie #388 "Race to Nowhere" I saw with Dave at a Naperville North screening and found it very interesting, and I think a must-see for parents and teachers. As with all films there are positive and negatives. One big negative is that it seems the director/writer has an axe to grind ---- she's upset about how much pressure is put on her kids in their schools (elementary, middle and high school) and she blames everyone for it ---- teachers, administrators, parents, colleges, etc. She puts herself in the movie/documentary , and she has a lot of screen time to gripe --- to make sure the scope of the movie does not appear to be just about her and her kids, the camera goes everywhere and tries to cover a lot of ground --- too much, I thought. At one point halfway through, the topic didn't even seem related to the original topic, but she eventually came back around . If she does nothing else, she points out how overwhelming the problems with our schools are ---- and this is just concerning the good kids, really. What, the upper 15% maybe? the ones who really get stressed out because they CARE! How about all the kids that don't care --- the parents that don't care ---- ? Another movie, I guess. Now the positives abound, as well. She manages to light a fire under many people --- parents, kids of all ages, teachers of all kinds, counselors, college professors, college recruiters, etc. She lets them speak, and there is somewhat of an organization as she moves from one person to the next. Another positive is the solutions she lists at the end for all of the people involved with the problem that she presented in most of the movie. There's some documentation, but I would have wanted even more (Michael Moore is able to do that in a documentary much better with graphs, pictures, etc. Everything is done in narration here) But the huge thing here is that I think it's about time we started the dialogue to make BIG changes in our educational process and do it now! This film could make a difference if everyone would see it. So, once again here's my plea. If you are a parent or teacher or administrator or anyone dealing with schools, see it and then start talking about it. We could make a change if we all got on the same bandwagon!




Average rating: 3.776
I give it 3.5
Race to Nowhere
(2009) PG-13
Director Vicki Abeles interviews numerous teachers and children in this cautionary documentary that focuses on the potential adverse impacts of parents' increasing obsession with their children's academic results. The collateral effects of this extra stress on students and the impacts on entire families are hard to quantify, but the highly emotional reactions of parents and kids captured on camera underscore its importance as a social issue.
Genre: Social & Cultural Documentaries
Format: DVD availability date unkno

Movie #387 ........................."No Strings Attached"

Movie #387 "No Strings Attached" -- couldn't miss this one - romantic comedy with one of my favorite female actors (Natalie Portman) ---the bar isn't set high for me when I see these films in my favorite genre. Story just has to be believable to me, have two winning people that have chemistry, some laughs, realistic conflicts in their relationship, not too long, good fleshed out characters, and just a little variety --- i.e. I don't want to see the same thing over and over, but it doesn't have to be a total makeover of the whole genre. Oh, and funny bits that don't pass the stupid line! This film fulfills all that and more --- it has heart. I didn't like the Kevin Kline character, though he did his best to get across as fleshed out a character as he could --- but he still did not come across as believable (but who knows? In Hollywood, his kind of character might be a dime a dozen) As far as a changeup to the genre, there was a little bit of a switch here where the woman goes into the relationship wanting "no strings attached" --- usually, it's the guy. Other than that, there is no groundbreaking stuff here --- but if you have been a fan of Portman, this is a biggie for her, and for Kutcher, as well. She seems to have a reputation for being prim and proper and he's a goofy t.v. guy that goes around punking people and married Demi Moore. Most people would say he would have to act his butt off to look good by her, but they BOTH looked good --- together. And that's what sold the film for me!




I give it 4 stars
No Strings Attached
(2011) R
Emotionally unencumbered and sexually satisfied, friends with benefits Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) have an open relationship that suits them just fine. That is, until those pesky little things called feelings enter the picture. Ivan Reitman directs and Kevin Kline and Cary Elwes co-star in this comedy that explores the perks and pitfalls of modern romance.
Genre: Romantic Comedies
This movie is: Romantic
Format: DVD and Blu-ray availability date unknown

Movie #386 ..........................."Tangled"

Movie #386 "Tangled" --- loved this! In a year with rather weak movies, to have two OUTSTANDING animated films (along with Toy Story 3) is amazing --- I didn't quite give it a 5 because the mother was way too wicked all the time and she got very annoying --- I thought should could have been more fleshed out more --- seemed hard to believe that the girl would even want to ever stay with this "witch" (with a b), so I found her hard to take. One other comment was the end --- I don't want to give anything away, but I thought the girl could have saved the day and wielded the piece of glass rather than the guy. But other than that, loved all the supporting characters, esp. the chameleon, the horse and the mime! The two lovers are different and refreshing --- I liked the way they talked and related to each other, and the script was very, very good. The music was lots of fun, too! All around, a great film and I highly recommend it! If just for the mime!~




4.5
Tangled
(2010) PG
Disney animators take on the classic Grimm Brothers story of Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), a long-locked beauty imprisoned in a secluded tower by evil hag Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy), who needs the rejuvenating powers of Rapunzel's tresses to remain young. When a bandit on the lam (Zachary Levi) helps Rapunzel escape, the old crone plots to recapture her and end her budding romance with the thief in this Golden Globe nominee for Best Animated Feature.
Genre: Family Animation, Book Characters, Disney
Format: DVD and Blu-ray availability date unknown

Movie #385 ........................."Mother & Child"

Movie #385 "Mother & Child" is a slow moving character study on the effects of giving up a baby for adoption on the life of the mother and the child. This is one of tbose New Year's Eve movies (this is a sarcastic comment --- i.e. a film that is so sad maybe we'd be better off in life NOT seeing it because it leaves a bad taste in your mouth -- and it certainly would take away from any New Year's Eve celebration that you had planned) when the film travels from one story to another and to another --- Annette Bening is the mother who gave away her child 37 years ago and she's mean spirited and dour (of course, she lives with an ailing mother, so that might help the meanness on -- It's really hard to like her --- once again (like in "The Kids Are Okay" we are asked to find something redeeming about Bening's character (and we finally do, but well past the time most people would care); her story is juxtaposed with her daughter's, who is now 37 and also mean spirited, cold, empty, who happens to be a good lawyer. The third story was the most interesting to me --- Kerry Washington and her husband have been trying to conceive a child with no success, so they go to Cherry Jones to adopt one. Cherry Jones is the link because she's the one that set up Annette Bening's original adoption, and the movie works toward a satisfying conclusion, but it's painful along the way. There is one really good scene that should be shown to every high school student --- anti abortion scene, and it's handled really well --- shows the emotional and physical trauma that goes into that decision. Well done. And the acting is good --- all three women are very strong.




You rated this movie: 3
Mother and Child
(2009) R
Fifty-year-old Karen (Annette Bening) regrets giving up her daughter, Elizabeth (Naomi Watts), for adoption; years later, Elizabeth questions her own approach to life. Their stories intersect with that of Lucy (Kerry Washington), who hopes to fulfill her dreams of motherhood through adoption. Rodrigo García writes and directs this drama about parenting, sacrifice, romance and self-fulfillment. Eileen Ryan and Samuel L. Jackson co-star.
Genre: Social Issue Dramas, Romantic Dramas, Tearjerkers
This movie is: Emotional, Heartfelt, Romantic
Format: DVD and Blu-ra

Movie #384 ........................."Kinky Boots"

Movie #384 "Kinky Boots" --- and here is the third in a row that I would rate 4.5, and for another complete set of reasons because this is a quirky comedy. What a delight! If you are looking for something that is a great story, inspired by a true story, but seems very far fetched, check this out. And ohmygod, Chiwetel Ejiofor (whom I have been a fan of since "Talk to Me") is terrific as the drag queen --- completely flawless performance (the guy in the lead part, Charlie not-so-good, but he's surrounded by a very strong supporting cast) The film is very heartwarming, funny, has a great musical score (of course, "these boots were made for walking" is in it!) good love story, a great statement about cross dressing. It got me from the first scene and my eyes never left the screen. I highly recommend it; of the three in a row that rated 4.5, this is the one to see!





I would rate it 4.5
Kinky Boots
The Kinky Boot Factory
(2005) PG-13
After inheriting a shoe factory, Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton) aims to take the fashion world by storm with help from a flashy cabaret dancer named Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who helps him design a racy line of men's boots, in this whimsical comedy from British director Julian Jarrold. But on the eve of the Milan Shoe Fair -- just as Charlie's about to introduce the world to his signature shoes -- everything falls apart.
Genre: Indie Comedies, Best of British Humor, United Kingdom
This movie is: Quirky, Feel-good
Format: DVD

Movie #383 ........................."Animal kingdom"

Movie #383 "Animal Kingdom" -- here's the second one in a row that I would rate a 4.5, but for so many other reasons. Okay, this is one truly violent film, so it's not for the squeamish. I can truly say that I haven't really seen a movie like this. It concerns a young boy who finds he must live with his uncles, who happen to be robbers. Now, you don't see any of the robbing, but you see them living under constant fear that someone is after them --- whether it's the police or who knows who. Anyway, once a cop (Guy Pearce) introduces himself to the young boy, the relatives start to think the boy is talking TO the cops about them, and they treat him differently. I won't say any more, but the end was a shocker to me. And the Grandma (who was up for a Golden Globe the other night) is about as feisty as the Melissa leo character in "The Fighter" (who won) but oh so nastier --- So, if you want to see a very different movie on the crime genre, this might be interesting to you. It was to me. But I don't want to see it ever again.




4.5
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom: A Crime Story
(2010) R
When his mother dies suddenly, a 17-year-old boy (James Frecheville) finds himself drawn into the clutches of a diabolical criminal family, until a good-hearted detective (Guy Pearce) makes a concerted effort to change the boy's fate. Australian writer-director David Michôd's first feature-length drama won the World Cinema Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.
Genre: Crime Dramas, Australia/ New Zealand
This movie is: Cerebral, Gritty
Format: DVD and Blu-ray

Movie #382 ........................."Blue Valentine"

"Movie #382 "Blue Valentine" --- in the past week, I have seen three movies in a row that I would rate 4.5, so it's been amazing. Here's the first one. Boy, I thought the acting was spectacular in this one --- But, then, I like both of these young actors A LOT! I don't think they make many wrong decisions, and this one was a great fit for them. We've seen the story before --- how people fall out of love---- but not with acting this good, and not with the story's present and past juxtaposed to each other --- that's the gimmick and it's done really well! And stay for the credits --- the pics are heartbreaking and effective.



I give it 4.5
Blue Valentine
(2010) R
Once crazy about each other, Cindy (Michelle Williams) and Dean (Ryan Gosling) have now grown apart. Cindy is bored and disenchanted with her life while Dean languishes in the emotional emptyness of their sexless, routine life in rural Pennsylvania. As they muddle through their marriage, they hearken back to the golden days when life was filled with possibility and romance. Derek Cianfrance writes and directs this drama.
Genre: Indie Dramas, Indie Romance
Format: DVD and Blu-ray availability date unknown

Movie #381 ........................."Multiple Sarcasms"

Movie #381 "Multiple Sarcasms" looked like something I would like: Tim Hutton, about a person writing a play, the title looked funny, and Mira Sorvino was in it. I DID appreciate this film ---- it has great music, a nice, different love story, good acting, a precocious little girl who is amazing ---- the only reason I didn't give it a 4 is that it was a bit slow moving and unfocused at times, but that was kind of the subject matter ---- here's a guy who seems to have everything and should be happy but he isn't and he tries to work out why ---- He wonders what it would be like if he never had this delightful little girl? He wonders if he should have made a different decision when he married Dana Delany, and he wonders where he is going in life. He and his situation were very relateable and I would recommend this film. Esp. if you are seeking any answers to what life is all about.




You rated this movie: 3.5
DONNA's rating: 3.5
Average of 7,173 ratings: 2.3 stars
Multiple Sarcasms
2010R 97 minutes
In 1979, architect Gabriel (Timothy Hutton) begins questioning his existence, avoiding work and escaping into the fictional world of movies. When he starts writing a play examining the choices he's made, it creates issues with his wife (Dana Delany), daughter (India Ennenga) and friends. Meanwhile, he tries to convince a brassy literary agent (Stockard Channing) to represent him and confides in his best friend (Mira Sorvino) in this indie drama.

Cast:Timothy Hutton, Mira Sorvino, Dana Delany, Mario Van Peebles, India Ennenga, Laila Robins, Stockard Channing, Brett Berg, Tim Bohn, Joan Jett, Chris Sarandon Director:Brooks Branch Genres:Drama, Indie Dramas, Showbiz Dramas, 20th Century Period Pieces, Period Pieces, Blu-ray This movie is:Witty Format:DVD, Blu-ray and streaming (HD available)

Movie #380 ........................."Morning Glory"

Movie #380 "Morning Glory" is Rachel McAdams' movie --- she's unbelievably good ---in everything that she has done, not just this one. She's worth it to see this movie ------ If you are going for Diane Keaton, Harrison Ford or Patrick Wilson (he's not in it enough), you again won't be disappointed, because they all deliver, though I found it difficult to see Harrison Ford as the best actor in Hollywood for the role (Dave and I thought Kevin Costner might have been better --- or definitely Sean Connery (without the accent, perhaps?) because he mumbles quite a bit and when he puts on a broadcasting demeanor, it seems phony! Anyway, the film is fun, but a little dated by now? Maybe the movie should have been out a couple of years ago because the conflict of hard vs. soft news is no longer a big conflict, is it? we've all gone to soft news, pretty much, at least on the major stations. Anyway, the Nottinghill director shows he knows moments, so the film moves along pretty well, and I think you'd like this film if you liked "Broadcast News" and surprisingly, the two female leads (McAdams and Holly Hunter) play the same kind of flaky, stressed out but really smart producers. I liked it and recommend it. As Harrison Ford would say, "It's quite fluffy" but good!








Average rating: 3.647
I gave it 4 stars
Morning Glory
(2010) PG-13
Whiz-kid producer Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) finds her abilities put to the test when she's charged with bringing a network morning show back from ratings purgatory. Her first job: getting the show's feuding, acid-tongued co-hosts (Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton) under control. Jeff Goldblum co-stars as Fuller's network-exec boss and Patrick Wilson is Becky's put-upon boyfriend in this comedy from the writer of The Devil Wears Prada.

Movie #379 ........................."Easy A"

Movie #379 "Easy A" was .........ohmygod, as I'm writing this "Easy A" is winning best comedy at the Critics' awards! hmmmmm, well it should make me like it better, but it doesn't. I DID see it as a female version of "Ferris Buehler" that wasn't near as funny --- okay, Emma Stone is amazing --- AmAZING!!!! forget that she doesn't look like a high school student, but she can deliver comic lines like a pro, no kidding. And the script is good (although, I feel the conflict is a bit manufactured --- I really don't think a smart girl like this would do what she did here because she'd figure out the consequences way ahead) but the supporting cast is up and down and so is the directing...........her girlfriend is way too big, teacher is way too cardboard, Lisa Kudrow is way out of line and doesn't belong in this picture ---- and neither do the way over the line stereotyped religious kids (but personally, I think it's about time comedies get brave and tackle religion, but just not so stereotyped) You can't make fun of stereotyping in high school while using stereotypes, right? It's ironic that this producer of the film in his thank you speech, didn't give a minute or two to his star Emma Stone, because she really makes the movie --- Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci as her parents are good, too. And very different, in a funny way. I liked it. But it's not for 13 year olds --- it should be R, but I get that high school kids couldn't see it then --- since it is about them, yes they should be able to see it, but middle school kids shouldn't. In my opinion.




You rated this movie: 3.5
Easy A
(2010) PG-13
High school is the setting for this freewheeling comedic twist on Nathaniel Hawthorne's 19th-century novel The Scarlet Letter. Ambitious student Olive (Emma Stone) decides to boost her popularity by pretending to be the school slut. As the school's swirling rumor mill increases both her notoriety and her finances, Olive enjoys her newfound status but eventually must decide which is more important: popularity or self-esteem.
Genre: Teen Comedies, Romantic Comedies
This movie is: Romantic, Witty
Format: DVD and Blu-ray

Movie #378 ........................"See Here, Private Hargrove"

Movie #378 "See Here, Private Hargrove" is an oldie, with two of my favorite actors, Robert Walker and Donna Reed, although why Donna Reed is in this movie, I have no idea. She isn't really part of the conflict at all. In fact, you'd have to search really hard to find a conflict here --- it seems like a war movie that was selling the army --- the film was really about a friendship that develops between Robert Walker and Keenan Wynn --- it went on way too long (I feel asleep at the very end and had to rewind to watch it again, this time with my eyes opened) and not much here. A bit of a disappointment ---- I guess it was such a hit, though, that Hollywood made two more Private Hargrove movies ----- why? WWII is the answer, I guess. You can skip this one --- 2.5 stars

summary from IMdB
Journalist Marion Hargrove enters the Army intending to supplement his income by writing about his training experiences. He muddles through basic training at Fort Bragg with the self-serving help of a couple of buddies intent on cutting themselves in on that extra income

Movie #377 .........................."Winter's Bone"

Movie #377 "Winter's Bone" is a don't bother --- yikes, winner of the Grand Jury Prize? Did they see a movie I didn't see ???? This is like watching paint dry --- if there was something endearing in this film, I missed it. Sure, you care about the girl and the two kids she is trying to raise herself, but it is so simplistic and the conflict so duh! that we don't buy into the story. What story? The script doesn't tell us enough, and gosh, the characters don't either --- they stand around and mumble --- I had to put subtitles on and it's an American film! And I couldn't believe what they were saying................nothing! Like I said at the top, don't bother --- this movie is definitely over-rated by critics! Sorry, they lost me on this one. Photography is stark and nice --- that's about it.




2 stars
Winter's Bone
(2010) R
In director Debra Granik's unflinching noir drama set deep in the Ozarks, resilient teen Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) goes on the trail of her missing, drug-dealing father when his absence jeopardizes the family's safety. Her deadbeat dad has a key court date pending, and Ree is determined that he show up -- despite the objections of the insular Dolly clan. The film earned an Independent Spirit Award nod and won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
Genre: Indie Dramas, Dramas Based on Contemporary Literature, Dramas Based on the Book
This movie is: Dark, Gritty
Format: DVD and Blu-ray

Movie #376 ........................."Bread & Tulips"

Movie #376 "Bread and Tulips" is an Italian film that I thought looked like it would have beautiful shots of Venice, so I watched it last night and I was pleasantly surprised. Even though it registers as 3 stars, it is close to a 4. There was a lot to like about the film --- I didn't always know where it was going; the film was peppered with gems of performances and strange people she was meeting. Put that with the beautiful scenery in Venice, and a good love story, and I found it quite good. However, it dragged in spots, and one thing I didn't like about it as that it was hard to believe in a lot of spots --- just too manipulative in setting up scenes. I wanted to know more about the family she was leaving behind, too --- they seemed to be in the background through the whole film, but really, I didn't believe they would be --- after all, she had sons to raise, and she was leaving them behind, without a thought? But that was really the biggest gripe --- and it wasn't too big --- it is a very good film and I recommend it.




3 stars (3.8)
Bread and Tulips
Pane E Tulipani
(2000) PG-13
A cosseted, unhappy housewife (Licia Maglietta) who's taken for granted by her philandering, self-centered husband (Antonio Catania) finds bella fortuna when she hitchhikes to Venice and starts to construct a brand-new life for herself. Blossoming with newfound independence, the woman begins a tentative relationship with a lonely, suicidal waiter (Bruno Ganz) that seems to bode well for both of them.
Genre: Foreign Romance, Foreign Comedies, Italy
This movie is: Romantic, Feel-good
Format: DVD and streaming

Movie #375 ........................."Lenny"

Movie #375 "Lenny" is one unbelievable movie --- wow! still reeling from this one. I had heard about it for a long time, but I didn't know just how riveting it would be. From the moment it started I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Now, it is very obscene in parts, and tough to watch (esp. the drug scenes, and scenes with his daughter), and the court scenes, but it sure sows the complexity of this comedian. What I esp. liked is Bob Fossee's black and white photography and the interspersing of Bruce's comedic material with snippets from his life, in chronological order, so you can see the rise and fall of this cerebral comic. It is also in the form of Q & A, with Honey, his ex-wife, and that is enlightening in spots, as well. I liked this movie, but it isn't for everyone --- that being said, if you want to learn more about this guy, or just want to see a very well executed biopic, see this one. but have an open mind.




gave it 4 stars
Lenny
(1974) R
Dustin Hoffman stars as the notorious Lenny Bruce in director Bob Fosse's dramatic biopic chronicling the short life and career of the controversial stand-up comedian, which garnered six Oscar nominations. Bruce's complex character is captured, from his beginnings as a Catskills comic to his rising popularity, his courting of Honey (Valerie Perrine), his anti-establishment politics and the humor that put him at odds with obscenity laws.
Genre: Biographies, Showbiz Dramas, Dramas Based on Real Life
This movie is: Dark, Steamy, Gritty
Format: Streaming (DVD availability date unknown

Movie #374 ........................."The King's Speech"

Movie #374 "The King's Speech" what a marvel of a story, enjoyed it from beginning to end, well acted, well told, nice amount of humor, and boy is it tense, and considering the subject matter, that would be something difficult to sustain, but it does. No question of it being a 5 with this viewer, since I enjoyed it so much, & along with "Toy Story", found it the best of this year. Don't be surprised if you see this getting several awards in January and February. I recommend it (there is some language, but it is used in a funny way, so even young teens could see it, who are sophisticated enough to see a thriller of a movie that doesn't have one car chase! It's a thriller of words!





I gave it 5 stars
The King's Speech
(2010) R
Britain's King George VI (Colin Firth) struggles with an embarrassing stutter for years until he seeks help from unorthodox Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) in this biographical drama, which received multiple Golden Globe nods, including Best Picture. Logue's pioneering treatment and unlikely friendship give the royal leader a sense of confidence that serves him and his country well during the dark days of World War II.
Genre: Biographies, 20th Century Period Pieces, Period Pieces
This movie is: Emotional, Inspiring, Witty
Format: DVD availability date unknow

Movie #373 ............................"Let's Do It Again"

Movie #373 "Let's Do It Again" is a remake of the "Awful Truth" with Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. This remake was with Jane Wyman and Ray Milland (who were so good together in Milland's Oscar role in "Lost Weekend") Both films are about two people who are clearly in love, but for some reasons are getting a divorce and it will go into effect at the hour of midnight on such and such date, which means in this genre that that is when they will finally get together. At least you know the ending of the film. Anyway, these two are cute together, but Ray Milland doesn't do near as much as Cary Grant with his uncomfortable situations she puts him in ---- and that makes the original ever so much better --- and they are faster talking. Jane Wyman is in excellent form here, performing an African tribal dance with such passion, showing she is indeed in love with Milland, but the reciprocation is ....nill. See the original.

Movie #372 .........................."Pinky"

Movie #372 "Pinky" -- I had heard about this movie for a while, so when I found it on TCM the other night, I stayed up to watch it. I must admit, it wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be, but it was powerful --- for it's time. Ethel Walters/Ethel Barrymore/Elia Kazan, and a racial conflict all in one film raise the stakes high as to a hit of a movie, but Jeanne Crain, to me, was always a weak actress, and the movie is ultimately hers, and I think that is the weakness. That, and that she was clearly one of the whitest female actresses in Hollywood at the time --- so I'm not sure why it was cast with her. I did like the boyfriend part of the story , though---- and it surprised me what happened at the end of that part of the story. That added to the power of it --- and the ending made me smile. Of course, it probably would never happen in that way, but I still liked where the film went. There were some racially charged scenes in this film that I don't think I've ever seen in a film --- and for that reason, a movie like this has its place in history. It discusses what we as a society tend not to discuss -- what we tend to shove under the carpet, and these discussions need to occur for us to appreciate each other more. End of soap box.


3 stars
Pinky
(1949) NR
Elia Kazan's anti-racist drama centers on a light-skinned black woman trying to fit into society. When her white boyfriend proposes, Patricia "Pinky" Johnson (Jeanne Crain) fears that he can't handle an interracial marriage and leaves him. She returns to her Southern childhood home, where her grandma (Ethel Waters) cares for rich Miss Em (Ethel Barrymore). When Miss Em wills her estate to Pinky, the young woman must endure a painful legal battle.
Genre: Classic Dramas, Social Issue Dramas, African-American Dramas
This movie is: Heartfelt, Sentimental
Format: DVD

Movie # 371 ........................."True Grit"(1969)

Movie #371 "True Grit" (1969) when I first saw this film, I was a teenager and gave it a 1, now after reseeing it, I guess I've seen much worse, so I upped it to a 2.5. I still dislike Glenn Campbell, and the girl is only tolerable, but I guess through the years, I've learned to find John Wayne at least tolerable, and sometimes even effective. I'm not sure why that is, maybe it's the aging thing, but I always thought he played the same guy --- and he did, but so did Humphrey Bogart, and Cary Grant, and a host of other classic actors, so why did I pick on him? Maybe because he did westerns and war movies, two of my least favorite genres? That probably was it --- so I only watched him when he starred with females I liked, like Donna Reed or Lauren Bacall (the "Shootist") or when I knew he was only in 1/2 the picture (like "Cowboys") Anyway, I now realize that when you hired John Wayne, you hired the persona, which I guess for many people works in this film. I still prefer the more realistic portrayal of the character by Jeff Bridges (in the redone), but I'm probably in a minority. Anyway, it was fun to watch this right after seeing the Coen brothers' one --- for comparison. However, I have to admit, I fell asleep a few times (drat those many long commercials on AMC) and probably missed some good moments (like the first time I viewed it, probably?) My recommendation is to see the 2010 version --- much better in this viewer's opinion (but I'm not a John Wayne fan).





You rated this movie: 2
True Grit
(1969) G
John Wayne landed one of his last great screen roles as crusty lawman Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn, who reluctantly helps teenager Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) pursue her father's killer. True Grit is more a character study than many of Wayne's formulaic Westerns. The rousing final showdown between Wayne and the villains adds to the Duke's long list of outstanding movie moments.
Genre: Classic Westerns
Format: DVD (Blu-ray availability date unknown)

Movie #370 ......................... "True Grit" (2010)

Movie #370 "True Grit " (2010) was so much better than the original with John Wayne. It's better in photography (with Deakins as cinematographer, he's one of the best), acting (the first girl was okay, but this one is mesmerizing --- there's something about her that demands attention, and Bridges is great, and Matt Damon is.....well....cute, accent and all --- and much better than Glenn Campbell, but the bar isn't that high); the story is more gritty, but not that much changed (except at the high point and end), and the dialogue was better. I liked the way everyone talked "up" rather than "down" which is usually the choice in the western genre. o Overall, the focus has changed from Rooster in the original to the little girl ----- but really, other than that, not much has changed --- I was quite surprised (saw the original "True Grit" right after we saw this one --- AMC had a tribute to John Wayne last night) Even though the dialogue/choice of words differed, the films were very much the same ---- it opened with the girl dickering with the local horse owner,Rooster's intro is much the same, Le Beouf is introduced in the same way, etc..... like I said, the ending and high point differ and small things here and there, but the movies are very much the same --- I was surprised because the Coen brothers and Bridges said they wanted to go back to the book ---so I expected more deviations from the original movie -- but they must have meant the high point and end. Anyway, there's much here to like and I rate it a 4.

4 stars
True Grit
(2010) PG-13
After her father is murdered by drifter Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), hires Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), an alcoholic U.S. Marshal, to help her exact vengeance. The disreputable Rooster still has grit though, and mounts an epic search. The pair is joined on their quest by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who is also hunting for Chaney, in this updated Western from Joel and Ethan Coen.
Genre: Westerns, Dramas Based on Classic Literature, Pre-20th Century Period Pieces
Format: DVD and Blu-ray availability date unknown

Movie #369 ........................."Assassin in Love"

Movie #369 "Assassin in Love" is a delightful deviation film from the norm. I've seen a lot of movies, but I can say I've never seen a love story with a love scene like the one in this movie --- there are sheep that explode, and who knows what else in this movie to set it apart from others. The storyline is kind of popular --- a professional assassin who decides to go straight, and people think he's someone else --- but in this case, it's a baker, and that's not an easy occupation to fake.........at least without very funny situations that result from his "trying" to act like a baker. Throw in a very quirky town and you have a very funny indie that deserves a second look, esp. from people who are searching for movies that are different/independent. I liked this one a lot ----a quirkie comedy!



You rated this movie: 4
Assassin in Love
The Baker
(2008) PG-13
A sleepy village in the country seems like the perfect hideout for a failed assassin (Damian Lewis) who's trying his best to avoid his angry employers. That is, until the locals assume he's the new baker they've hired, and promptly put him to work. Forget what he might have been asked to do in the past ... this new gig is no piece of cake. Michael Gambon and Kate Ashfield co-star in this quirky comedy with plenty of bite.
Genre: Dark Humor & Black Comedies, Indie Comedies, United Kingdom
This movie is: Dark, Quirky, Romantic
Format: DVD and streaming (HD available)