Movie #550 ........................."The Adventures of Tin Tin"

Movie #550 "The Adventures of Tin Tin" is not my type of movie at all. Way too busy for naught kind of film. More for a 12 year old boy. It has no deep messages, no love story (there isn't even a woman in it that I can remember), very little humor, just one escapade after another, like those serial t.v. shows they have in early t.v. There's no emotional tie to what is happening on the screen, just one close call after another after another after another. Much like "Raiders of the Lost Arc," except that one I cared more about --- this one, not so much. However, that being said, I can value the film making ---- I kept thinking: what must the story boards be like for this film? (because I know Spielburg storyboards everything) I also thought the decisions on what to show in the action were good, because they were often that which they could never film with real people and animals. One more thing --- when you see it, notice the homage in the opening to Hitchcock, and also notice that the pickpocket looks just like Spielburg!




You rated this movie: 3 out of 5 stars
The Adventures of Tintin
The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn
(2011) PG
Blockbuster filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson team up for this 3-D motion capture adaptation of Georges Remi's classic comic strip, centered around the adventures of fearless young journalist Tintin (Jamie Bell) and his trusty dog, Snowy. Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Nick Frost, Toby Jones, Mackenzie Crook and Cary Elwes also lend their talents to this action-packed family adventure.
Genre:Children & Family Movies, Family Adventures
This movie is:Feel-good

Movie #549 ........................."Rancid Aluminum"

Movie #549 "Rancid Aluminum" is not for everyone. It's very very quirky and full of dark humor. I thought I would love the movie --- afterall, Rhys Ifans, from "Nottinghill" and Joe Fiennes (from anything he has done --- Will Shakespeare in Shakespeare in love is enough) star in it ---- but it is so uneven to me, that I fell out of like with it, halfway through ---- ended up not caring by the time the ending came. Maybe I was just tired ---- don't know ---- but the Russian Mafia was terribly boring to me, esp. the russian woman. So didn't much like this. Crossed the silly line.





I gave this 3 out of 5 stars
Rancid Aluminum
(2000) R
Pete Thompson (Rhys Ifans) lives footloose and fancy-free. But following his father's death, Thompson discovers the family business is going bust, and his only option for restoring the family fortune involves the Russian mafia. What's more, his relationship with his girlfriend is on the rocks, he's having a fling with his married secretary and he's spending too much time at Harry's drug den. In short, Pete's in trouble.
Genre:Comedies, Independent Movies, Thrillers, British Movies, Independent Comedies, Independent Thrillers, Crime Thrillers, Gangster Movies

Movie #548 ........................."Prizewinner of Defiance, Ohio"

Movie #548 "Prizewinner of Defiance, Ohio" I really enjoyed. Based on a true story of a mother who is able to feed and clothe her 10 children from her prize winnings, while her husband drinks his salary away, the movie really shows the desperation at times this mother went through to keep a roof over her kids' heads while they were growing up. The story is written by one of the daughters, so we see the movie through her eyes, so it's a bit kinder to the dad than probably he deserves. I was really impressed with Woody Harrelson in this movie --- saw something different in him, and it worked ----and Juliana Moore is always fun to watch. I can't say enough about this film --- very different topic, very honest, biographical, and of the times. Funny and tragic, sometimes all in the same scene. I highly recommend it.






I rated this 5 out of 5 stars
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
(2005) PG-13
With 10 children to feed, postwar Ohio housewife Evelyn Ryan (Julianne Moore) has gotten used to being resourceful, stretching her husband's meager salary to the limit. But when clipping coupons won't cut it, she's forced to rely on her creativity. Woody Harrelson and Laura Dern co-star in this uncommon comedy-drama based on a heartwarming memoir by Ryan's daughter, Terry, who recounts her mother's knack for winning contests.
Genre:Dramas, Independent Movies, Dramas based on a book, Dramas based on real life, Independent Dramas, Dramas based on contemporary literature, 20th Century Period Pieces
Availability: DVD

Movie #547 ........................."Double Wedding"

Movie #547 "Double Wedding" was the 7th out of 14 movies that William Powell and Myrna Loy were in (the two stars of all the Thin Man movies, some of my favorite). The director of this one directed 184 movies (12 alone in 1932) with a career that spanned from 1923 to 1967, several some of my favorite movies like "A Date with Judy," "How the West Was Won" ()some sequences) and the last in the Thin Man series. This is one of the screwballiest of all screwball comedies I've ever seen, and I can't believe I hadn't seen it before. I watched it on TCM this a.m. and was chuckling quite a bit --- dialogue is fast like "His Girl Friday" and the storyline is a bit crazy, but what do you want for a screwball comedy! My favorite parts happened when Myrna Loy would call this one big guy "The Ape Man" and he'd yell at her! This was really different for the two of them, and then when I read some trivia about the movie, I found out that Powell was grieving during the filming of this (Jean Harlowe had just died) and everyone was really sad making this, I couldn't imagine how they got through this. Must have been difficult, but I found it quite a gem, and I recommend it if you like screwball comedies!











I rated this 4 out of 5 stars
Double Wedding
(1937) NR
For four years, Margit (Myrna Loy) has planned every move of her sister Irene (Florence Rice) and Irene's fiancé (John Beal) and has big things in store for their wedding. But Margit's well-ordered life falls apart with the appearance of freewheeling Charlie Lodge (William Powell). Polar opposites, Margit and Charlie clash over Irene's impending nuptials. Famed screen team Loy and Powell pair for the seventh time in this lighthearted comedy.
Genre:Classic Movies, Comedies, Romantic Movies, Classic Comedies, Romantic Comedies, Classic Romantic Movies

Movie #546........................."We Bought a Zoo"

Movie #546 "We Bought a Zoo" is a very likeable, amiable film, that surprisingly is really a lot about grief, dealing with the death of a mother of two kids. This is 6 months afterward, and the son has been acting out, the little girl sleeps with her mother's shirt, and the father no longer delights in his job --- they are all ready for a big change, a move forward, but this time without an integral part of their family, the mom, and they are all hurting. In come a group of likeable people who run the zoo (one of which is Scarlett Johanson, in a very different role for her --- no makeiup and no cleavage) and a bunch of animals with distinctive traits, as well. Brought the whole family to it, and we all found it very enjoyable. We recommend it . Thank goodness the director and two lead actors and the kids all do well --- otherwise, this could have been a maudlin mess!




Average rating: 3.646
I gave it 4 out of 5 stars
We Bought a Zoo
(2011) PG
In this adaptation of Benjamin Mee's memoir about buying and saving a run-down zoo, the locale shifts from Britain to southern California. However, the wacky spirit of the original is retained, complete with escaped tigers and a zoo crew of misfits.
Genre:Children & Family Movies, Dramas, Dramas based on a book, Dramas based on real life, Family Comedies, Family Dramas
This movie is:Sentimental
Availability: DVD and Blu-ray availability date unknown

Movie #545 ........................."The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo" (Am.)

Movie #545 "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" (American, 2011) is not for everyone. I bet I said the same thing about the Swedish version, and I intend to resee most of the first one now that I have the American one still fresh in my mind, for comparisons because people are already beginning to ask me which I liked best. Right now, I say the Swedish one -- maybe because it was the first one I saw, but mostly, the way I remember the film, the biggest difference is the relationship between the girl and Mikhail. I thought it was tenderer and more real in the swedish film --- but that's from memory. So I will go back and rewatch and update this in a few days. However, Be warned --- if you are seeing this movie without reading the books, you need to know there are a few scenes that are raw: the rape scene, the revenge scene and the end scene to name the three biggest. I think the swedish ones were even worse because they have less of a public watching their films to be accountable to ------but the American ones were still hard to watch......again. For sure, those are the scenes I will fast forward through in the swedish scene --- do not need to see them again (didn't need to see them the first time) There's nudity in this (which I'm sure was in the swedish film, but once again, it's swedish, so there 's an expectation there -- hah!) I remember the darkness, the snow, the buildings (all in Sweden) in the Swedish version, and Fincher doesn't disappoint here (although, I heard some of it was filmed in LA) The accents were all over here ---- which was kind of annoying, because the people aren't in the movie that much (it's the vanger family, if you read the book, and in the book, we had a family tree that took up two pages, to follow) and they are hard to understand at times --- And Craig has a british accent --- why? The Girl is okay --- but she mumbles and clips words (which is in her character) but without the subtitles, we miss things --- so see it with subtitles, if you can? (I know, this critique is suggesting you wait and see this movie (or he Swedish one) when it comes to Netflix and you can put on the subtitles so you don't miss a thing and fast forward through the three raw scenes). One more thing --- the American ending is where Dave (who didn't read any of the books) got lost (from my feeble memory I think it was manufactured that way (not from the book), but I plan to check), and I agree. I couldn't completely explain the money thing --- it was easier in the book and set up better for an ah hah moment! Overall, not a christmas movie and not sure it's an oscar contender (maybe the girl, but the "help" secondary people were better, and if she's catapulted into best actress, it seems silly contending with Glenn Close or Meryl Streep or Viola Davis, but whatever).


I rated it 4.0, average rating 3.8
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
(2011) R
When a young computer hacker is tasked with investigating a prying journalist, their separate missions become entangled amid a decades-old conspiracy. David Fincher directs this English adaptation of Stieg Larsson's novel.
Genre:Thrillers, Crime Thrillers
This movie is:Violent, Suspenseful

Movie #544 ........................."Sylvia Scarlett"

Movie #544"Sylvia Scarlett" is one of 4 movies that Grant and Hepburn starred in and it's my least favorite (in order: Philadelphia Story, Holiday, Bringing up Baby and this one). When I saw it advertised, and I hadn't seen it before (Huzzah!) I was very anxious because it sounded like my type of film --- Kate dressed like a man, Edmund Gwen (Kris Kringle) playing her dad, and Cary Grant playing a flim flam man ---- but it was loud, frenetic, and annoying to me. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood ---- and maybe it was provocative for its day (with the infamous kiss and all), but it just seemed way over the top --- pushy---- and melodramatic in parts ---- I know that's the style for many movies of the day, but this one with this cast .......well, I felt it should have been better.





3 stars out of 5
Sylvia Scarlett
(1935) NR
Disguising herself as a man, Sylvia Scarlett (Katharine Hepburn) boards a ferry with her improvident father (Edmund Gwenn) to smuggle some expensive stolen lace and sell it for a handsome profit. But complications ensue when the duo hooks up with a rakish jewel thief (Cary Grant). This classic comedy is notable in part for a then-scandalous on-screen kiss between Hepburn and her female co-star, Dennie Moore.
Genre:Classic Movies, Comedies, Romantic Movies, Classic Comedies, Romantic Comedies, Classic Romantic Movies

Movie #543 ........................."Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows"

Movie #543 "Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows" was a taught thriller --- lots of fighting (they set up Holmes as a capable pugilist in the last film), lots of disguises, quick montages showing his mind working (which are the best parts of the movie), lots of film time with the two leads, lots of film time for the woman from the Swedish "Girl with the Dragon Tatoo"--hooray! good plot that was fairly easy to follow, and a strong sense of humor, which I appreciate in the franchise. This one introduces a couple of new characters --- Moriarity, his nemesis ( who showed up in a few of the Holmes' stories, but we seem to know him as THE bad guy in Holmes' works) and his brother (the smarter, lazier one, according to Holmes) ---- we enjoyed both. I especially liked the culmination party scene ---- nice twists in there. This is a fun movie to see over the holidays --- entertaining, fast paced, and glib.




4.2 out of 5 stars
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
(2011) PG-13
Robert Downey Jr. returns as the brilliant sleuth and Jude Law is back as Dr. Watson in this atmospheric sequel to 2009's Sherlock Holmes. Holmes resorts to occult theories and more to defeat the plans of his nemesis, the evil Professor Moriarty.
Genre:Action & Adventure, Thrillers, Action Comedies, Action Thrillers, Crime Action & Adventure, Crime Thrillers, Mysteries
This movie is:Feel-good, Witty

Movie #542 ........................."Cool Ideas"

Movie #542 "Cool Ideas" is not....a cool idea......nor a cool movie. it's a skip for me. Didn't get through more than 30 minutes. Sorry, if this is your favorite film, but I didn't like it at all. Perhaps, I didn't get it. Whatever. Not worth the time I've spent already writing about it. On to better films.




Rated 1 out of 5 stars.
Bickford Shmeckler's Cool Ideas
(2006) R
Bickford Shmeckler (Patrick Fugit) has ideas that will change the world, recorded in a prized journal. When the book goes missing, Bickford scours the campus to get it back, bumping up against a beautiful coed (Olivia Wilde), a homeless lunatic (Matthew Lillard) and a fellow geek (John Cho) along the way. The trail may help Bickford find not only his journal, but also something he never expected: true love. Cheryl Hines and Ben Garant co-star.
Genre:Comedies, Independent Movies, Late Night Comedies, Independent Comedies
This movie is:Goofy, Raunchy, Quirky

Movie #541.........................."New Year's Eve"

Movie #541 "New Year's Eve" is a likable enough movie with lots of subplots, which I enjoy, really ----- ever since "Love Actually" there have been movies like this, some not so good, others better. This is one of the better ones ---- Garry Marshall knows how to direct this and get an editor that can put it together well. The format works for me because it's better spending a few minutes with someone like Zac Efron or Sophia Variga (sp?) than an entire movie ------you know what I mean? and I like the way the stories come together at the end --- he did the same thing in "Valentine's Day" --- on the way out from this one, the usher asked me if I liked it and I said "Yes" and he said he did, too, but it wasn't as good as the other one ---- I think they are quite equal. The other one was a tad more poignant because it's dealing with less of a time crunch ---- this one has more intensity because it is dealing with that midnight deadline for a lot of the stories, and I kind of liked that (perhaps some people might see the cheesiness in that, but I don't recognize cheesiness a lot) I liked all the stories: There's Seth Meyers/Jessica Alba/Sarah Paulson racing to have the midnight baby that pays off in a hospital, Lea Michelle and Ashton Kutcher in the stalled elevator (Ashton was better in the other one), Katherine Heigel and Jon Bon Jovi (isn't he too old for her?) playing exes at some big deal party, Hallie Berry is nurse to Robert De Niro who is dying in a hospital and waiting til midnight, Hillary Swank and Ludicrous and Hector Elizondo all work together to get the ball to drop in times square, Sarah Jessica Parker is mother to Abigail Breslin (this one was overacted) who wants to get her first kiss in Times Square, and the most interesting one to me: Zac Efron is trying to make Michelle Pfeiffer's wishes come true before midnight to get some big deal tickets to a party, and Josh Dashumel (?) is trying to travel from Connecticut to NYC before midnight to meet a woman he met last year (it's kind of a steal from "Affair to Remember"). I esp. liked the moments with the soldiers, reminding us how happy we should be that the troops are coming home (esp. after McCain was all over the Today show this a.m. telling us what a bad idea it was) There's some singing, there's more poignancy, some good acting moments (Swank, DeNiro, Berry) and some bad (Kutcher, Breslin, Jovi) some surprises (cameos), and hilarious out takes at the end while we watch he darling Michelle Pfeiffer dancing with another darling Zac Efron. All together a nice afternoon at the movies, and I recommend it for people who just want to be entertained. I'm wondering what holiday the next Garry Marshall movie will concern? Easter? Labor Day? Memorial Day? 4th of July? It really doesn't matter, as long as he can get a good list of actors who can make the most out of some bad lines once in a while.






I rated it 4 out of 5 stars
New Year's Eve
(2011) PG-13
In this star-studded romantic comedy, the fates of a diverse group of New Yorkers are wound together on New Year's Eve -- including one expectant couple hoping their baby will be the first to be born in the Big Apple after midnight.
Genre:Comedies
Availability: DVD and Blu-ray availability date unknown

Movie #540 .........................'You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger"

Movie #540 "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" is what I would consider a slight film --- and from Woody Allen, I expect so much more. I recently watched the PBS documentary on Mr. Allen and discovered that there are really just a handful of films of his I haven't seen, and this was one of them. Well, sufficeth it to say, this isn't one of his top 10, by any means. The story is kind of witty is a couple of places, and I don't want to give anything away, but some is just lame, because it is so typical ---- older man going through change of life so he gives up his wife for a young blonde who is boffing her physical trainer in the locker room and he catches her.............duh! oh so original ----------not! But then another line of the story is about a writer who has writer's block and after reading someone else's work schemes to make it his own --- that one was a breath of fresh air, I thought. The actors aren't really capable of pulling off Woody's dialogue ------except for the woman and the tea leaf reader that she goes to --- both are accomplished brits (oh, and so is Anthony Hopkins as the older husband going through mid life crisis) But the others, fall short, and that affects a Woody Allen movie, too. And now that I know how he casts the films, I can see how he sometimes ends up with mediocre people --- but I'm surprised he didn't replace some of these, unless in mid stream he decided himself that this wasn't going to be another "Annie Hall" or "Hannah and her sisters" and just soldiered on to completion. So, bottom line, this is one of the Woody Allen movies you could skip, sorry to say.





I rate this 3 out of 5 stars
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
(2010) R
After her husband's (Anthony Hopkins) midlife crisis drives him into the arms of a younger woman (Lucy Punch), Helena (Gemma Jones) consults a psychic (Pauline Collins) to learn what fate has in store for her and is told that she'll soon meet a tall, dark stranger who will become the love of her life. Meanwhile, the pair's daughter (Naomi Watts) and her husband (Josh Brolin) grapple with their own extramarital attractions.
Genre:Comedies, Independent Movies, Romantic Movies, Romantic Comedies, Independent Comedies, Romantic Independent Movies
This movie is:Romantic, Witty

Movie #539 ........................."My Week with Marilyn"

Movie #539 "My Week with Marilyn" really had an effect on me. I have always been interested in Marilyn Monroe ---- how fragile she was, clinically depressed, not comfortable in her own body, lacking mother love and lacking a father, her various marriages, esp. the one to Arthur Miller, her dependance on the Strasbergs, her taking of drugs and alcohol to get through the day, her uncanny ability to light a room she entered, her difficulty in learning lines, getting to the set on time, having any work ethic at all, her suicide, her relationship with the Kennedys, the mafia, the rest of hollywood, and the world. So many sides to this phenom. and this movie shows a lot of it, by taking just one part of her life --- one movie she worked on ----- one relationship she had with a third assistant or gopher for the very odd film :"The Prince and the Showgirl" with Sir Laurence Olivier. Michelle Williams is a wonder, and Kenneth Brannagh is the consummate British actor who doesn't understand Marilyn and never will --- he just wants her to show up on time and know her lines and be herself (whatever that means to her!) I had heard some negative criticism on this film ( like how bland the lead boy is) but we thoroughly enjoyed it. Really impressed with Michelle Williams and her ability in getting the character across and lighting each room she comes into ---- of course, theatrical lighting by Jules Fisher (of Ragtime and other Broadway credits) helped in this film. It made me want to watch the "Prince and the Showgirl" again --- the first time I watched it, I turned it off --- didn't get it --- seemed like oil and water together. But I want to try again.





Rated 4.5 out of 5
My Week with Marilyn
(2011) R
While filming a movie in England, Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe slips away with a young Brit for a week of self-discovery and frivolity. The story that ensues is based on the real-life memoirs of Colin Clark, once assistant to Sir Laurence Olivier.
Genre:Dramas, Dramas based on real life, Showbiz Dramas, British Movies, 20th Century Period Pieces

Movie #538........................."The Descendants"

Movie #538 "The Descendants" like all other Payne films (About Schmidt, Sideways to name two) has the feel of an indie film ---- it's quirky, has scenes that don't always fit neatly into the puzzle, awkward, funny/sad moments all at the same time, some unanswered questions (we thought there were several of those here) and takes extra special actors (like nicholson and Paul Giamatti) to pull off the whole thing. There's a lot good about the film, but you need to know it is a sad, uncomfortable picture through most of it ----- everyone is trying to deal with the impending death of this mother of two, wife of George Clooney. That's not giving anything away, because you can tell that from the trailer. But what you can't tell is the realness of the situations presented here -------it's a very entertaining film because it is so darn universal in the way it handles deception, kids, grief, family quibbling, family values, etc. I recommend it, but with reservations. I don't think this is one of the best films of the year, (and definitely not the best Clooney film he's done), but I did find it entertaining, and props to Judy Greer, who usually plays the smart aleck friend of someone like Jennifer Anniston or Sandra Bullock, but plays a very strong secondary character here ---- very supportive and it's good to see her elevated to a secondary lead with importance. One more thing. This film stands apart for its location (at least to me). It takes place in Hawaii, and island hops from Oahu to Kuwaii and the big island, and that was most enjoyable to watch.






Rate 4 out of 5 stars
The Descendants
(2011) R
When his wife is killed in a Waikiki boating accident, distant father Matt King (George Clooney) begins an iffy journey to repair his fractured relationship with his two daughters. But he's also trying to decide whether to let go of some valuable family real estate. Judy Greer, Beau Bridges and Matthew Lillard co-star in this tragic-comic tale of legacy and unexpected loss based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings.
Genre:Dramas, Dramas based on a book, Dramas based on contemporary literature

Movie #537 ........................."Beginners"

Movie #537"Beginners" was a movie I found very refreshing. I liked the sense of humor and the quirkiness and the way the story was told. Recently we just saw "J Edgar" and complained about the way the story was told ---- 3 different time periods all mixed together. We didn't really see the reasoning behind that, but this story deals with 3 different time periods (when he's a little kid, when his dad is still alive and now after his dad is dead), and this director and editor managed to enhance the story while mixing all the time periods ---- big difference from just a confusing narrative. I also liked the dog a lot in this movie --- he had a perspective, that was sometimes announced to the audience in a clever way ------the film had a real life feeling to it and I found it most enjoyable. It does deal with grief, death, the beginning of new love, gay relationships, father and son and mother and son relationships, and so much more. So if any of this sounds like your cup of tea, I think you'd really enjoy this one. I hope Christopher Plummer is remembered at Academy Award time because he does the whole gamut here, and it's about time he is recognized.




Rate 4 out of 5 stars
Beginners
(2010) R
Based on indie director Mike Mills's relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He's gay. Both inspired and confused by his father's determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).
Genre:Dramas, Gay & Lesbian Movies, Independent Movies, Romantic Movies, Gay & Lesbian Dramas, Independent Dramas, Romantic Dramas, Romantic Gay & Lesbian Movies, Romantic Independent Movies
This movie is:Emotional, Quirky, Romantic

Movie #536 ........................."Mary and Max"

Movie #536 "Mary and Max" is definitely one of the quirkiest films I've seen all year. It's like the stage play "Love Letters" gone wild with these two misfits of the world sending a long line of letters to each other over several years until they plan to meet. Claymation makes it stand out, as it is, but the story is gripping, even with the slow pace at the beginning ---- it just keeps relentlessly going on, with one quirky letter after another. The voices are Philip Seymour Hoffman and Toni Collette, and they are winners --------really capture the two independent people here. This film is NOT for everyone, but if you are looking for something way out there, and different, try this ---- quirky, quirky, quirky!






I rate it 4.2 out of 5
Mary and Max
(2009) NR
Mary Dinkle, a chubby 8-year-old Australian girl, and Max Horovitz, an obese, middle-aged New Yorker with Asperger's syndrome, are a pair of unlikely pen pals in this quirky clay animation feature from writer-director Adam Elliot. Corresponding for two decades, the friends delve into a variety of topics, including sex, kleptomania, psychiatry, taxidermy and more. Toni Collette and Philip Seymour Hoffman provide the voices of Mary and Max.
Genre:Comedies, Dramas, Independent Movies, Adult Animation, Dark Comedies, Independent Dramas, Independent Comedies
This movie is:Cerebral, Emotional, Dark, Quirky, Mind-bending

Movie #535 ........................."Hugo"

Movie #535 "Hugo" is a beautifully crafted film, another 3D offering that actually USES the 3D to its benefit ---- We usually opt for without (makes me dizzy personally) but we made sure to see this one with 3D and it was well worth. The film is S-l-o-w, like Lord of the Rings slow (okay, I fess up to looking at my watch only 3 times, but that's 3x more than I usually look) But well acted, well told (story a bit thin, though) and a salute to the beginning of silent films. And props to the props department ! nice job on this one. This movie should vie for cinematography award in February with Tree of Life and my vote is for this one --- story is easier to follow, for sure!





I rate it 4.4 out of 5

Hugo
(2011) PG
When his father dies, 12-year-old orphan Hugo takes up residence behind the walls of a Parisian train station. There, he meets Isabelle, the daughter of filmmaker Georges Méliès, who holds the key to Hugo's destiny.
Genre:Children & Family Movies, Movies based on children's books, Family Dramas
This movie is:Imaginative, Family-friendly
Availability: DVD and Blu-ray availability date unknown

Movie #534 ........................."The Muppets"

Movie #534 "The Muppets" is a goofy, feel good movie, and I saw it with two kids (one Age 13 and one Age 7, and they both giggled and laughed through the whole thing. It's so terrific that this movie will reintroduce the wonderful world of Muppets to the new generation of kids --- it's been so long. Some parts were a bit too silly, but then the Muppets always pushed the envelope in that category ---- and all the characters are here, plus they introduce Walter, a new one who has a rather unusual talent that he displays toward the end of the film. Very enjoyable, and I esp. liked "Party for one" song with the ever talented Amy Adams and Miss Piggy (who seems a bit off here, maybe because it isn't Frank Oz? hmmm)





rates 4 out of 5 stars
The Muppets
(2011) PG
When Kermit the Frog and the Muppets learn that their beloved theater is slated for demolition, a sympathetic human, Gary, and his puppet roommate, Walter, swoop in to help the gang put on a show and raise the $10 million they need to save the day.
Genre:Children & Family Movies, Kids Music, Family Comedies
This movie is:Goofy, Feel-good

Movie #533 .........................."Stone"

Movie #533 "Stone" is a character study with a bit of a twist. Halfway through the film, I was feeling that I had seen the film before, just not acted as well as this one --------then, as the Deniro character becomes less sympathetic and immoral, the Norton character switches places and becomes more sympathetic, as he becomes more spiritual, philosophical and pensive. The plot device that is used (basically it's the wife) seemed stale to me, and so demeaning to women that I just didn't care for that part at all -------but I did like the acting of both men -----they are very capable, and they work really well together (they've worked together on another film that was better than this - it's called "The Score") .





3 out of 5 stars
Stone
(2010) R
Edward Norton plays a convicted arsonist who hopes to get out of prison early by putting to work the seductive talents of his beautiful wife, Lucetta (Milla Jovovich). Robert DeNiro plays the parole officer who is the target of the couple's cat-and-mouse scheming. John Curran (The Painted Veil) directs this subtle psychological thriller based on the play by screenwriter Angus MacLachlan (Junebug).
Genre:Thrillers, Crime Thrillers, Mysteries, Psychological Thrillers
This movie is:Dark, Suspenseful

Movie #532 ........................."Murder By Death"

Movie #532 "Murder by Death" is a fun parody of all those murder mysteries we've seen through the years with detectives like Charlie Chan, Nick and Nora Charles, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, & Sam Spade. Neil Simon's script manages to put them all in one room as they are summoned by one Mr. Twain (Truman Capote) to figure out a murder in his house that hasn't even been committed yet. Just to show you how crazy the story/film is, the butler in the film can't see, and the cook can't hear or talk, so can you imagine how they serve dinner? Enough said. This is one crazy comedy, and I found it most enjoyable.





You rated this movie: 4 out of 5 stars
Murder by Death
(1976) PG
Following an Oscar-nominated script penned by Neil Simon, millionaire Lionel Twain (Truman Capote) invites the five most brilliant private eyes to a dinner that turns into a murder investigation with a million-dollar prize going to the one who solves the case. The all-star cast includes Peter Falk, James Coco, Elsa Lanchester, David Niven, Peter Sellers, Maggie Smith and Eileen Brennan, all playing characters based on famous literary detectives.
Genre:Comedies, Thrillers, Satires, Crime Thrillers, Mysteries
This movie is:Campy, Goofy

Movie #531 .........................."Cheap Detective"

Movie #531 "Cheap Detective" was just okay --- it's a parody of Bogart films , including "Casablanca," "Maltese Falcon" and "Big Sleep" but it moves kind of slow, and because it has just one guy (Falk) moving from one girl to the next (or they move to him scene after scene), it gets a little repetitive. One crowning moment of glory, I think, here is when Neil Simon (writer) changes the ending of "Casablanca" to the ending the audience would probably most want to see, BUT it becomes glaringly obvious that after we see it, we really don't like it. I DID enjoy that scene, but the rest seemed just okay, and not as funny as I thought it would be, since it is penned by Neil Simon.




You rated this movie: 3 out of 5 stars
The Cheap Detective
Neil Simon's The Cheap Detective
(1978) PG
With the requisite abundance of plot twists and creepy characters, playwright Neil Simon skewers film noir in a parody that combines scenes from Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon. Lou Peckinpaugh (Peter Falk), a private dick implicated in the murder of his partner, hunts down missing diamond eggs at the behest of Mrs. Montenegro (Madeline Kahn). Meanwhile, memorable cameos abound from Ann-Margret, Scatman Crothers and Abe Vigoda.
Genre:Comedies, Thrillers, Satires, Crime Thrillers, Mysteries
This movie is:Goofy, Suspenseful

Movie # 530 ........................."J. Edgar"

Movie #530 "J. Edgar" could be a lot clearer narrative to enhance the history lesson taught through this man's life. As it is, we can only guess at what fills in the empty spaces the narrative leaves as it weaves together (I think) the Lindbergh story in the 30s with the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963 to the end years of Edgar's life as he dictates his thoughts to 3 journalists (I think, once again, I'm guessing because each of the journalists looks like the other, and Leo himself, looks relatively the same from the 30s to the 50s, makeup could be more differentiating, but I guess most of us have heard just how bad the make up is in the film --- not that bad, but could help the story along a bit more) I am a HUGE Leonardo DiCaprio fan, but this isn't his best -----he, once again, emerges himself into this character, and sounds and looks, surprisingly, like J. Edgar. Not knowing J. Edgar himself, I'm not sure how "dead on" Leo is, but the character he creates here is forced, mean spirited, power hungry, not clear in thought, full of anger management problems. I left the movie wanting to know so much more -----he seems complex, but not all the answers are here, by any means. The supporting characters are good, but nothing that wowed me or stood out ------ capable, just like the movie was. Capable, but I felt with Eastwood at the helm, and Leo as the main character, I guess I expected a much better film.



You rated this movie: 3.8 out of 5
J. Edgar
(2011) R
Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this riveting biopic as J. Edgar Hoover, the longtime FBI director as notorious for his overzealous methods of law enforcement as for the rumors regarding his cross-dressing and close relationship with protégé Clyde Tolson.
Genre:Dramas, Gay & Lesbian Movies, Biographical Dramas, Dramas based on real life, Gay & Lesbian Dramas, Political Dramas, Social Issue Dramas

Movie #529 .........................."Footloose" (2011)

Movie #529 "Footloose" (2011) does not have near enough dancing. And the photography of the dancing is atrocious with the camera shots focused mostly above the waist, or too close to see their feet. And why get rid of the original soundtrack with a sure hit, number after number? But the biggest problem? There isn't enough dancing in it at all! I heard they remade the film to focus on the dancing ? so where was the dancing? By now, I guess you have figured that I found this a mediocre remake, and you're right. This Ariel was better than the original, but that's the only nice thing I can say. I would recommend renting the original and leave it at that!




3 stars out of 5
Footloose
(2011) PG-13
This musical remake of the infectious 1984 hit finds dance-lovin', big-city kid Ren MacCormack stuck in a small town where dancing is illegal. As he rebels against the town and its influential Rev. Moore, Ren falls for the pastor's lovely daughter.
Genre:Musicals
This movie is:Sentimental

Movie #528 ........................."Elling"

Movie #528 "Elling" is a very delightful, oddball comedy about an odd couple of misfits in Norway. It's kind of like "Boys Next Door" (if you haven't seen that one, don't bother with this one, until you see that one, which is much better and a 5 star film). The reason I saw this right now (it's been in my queue for a long time) is that a theatre in Chicago was offering a play based on this film, and the ad reminded me that this is a film I wanted to be introduced to, so I rented it, and I'm glad I did. The two oddballs are so likable, even with all their quirkiness (which there is a lot of!) and so are all the other people they run into along the way. By the end of the film, they have really grown, and it's fun to watch that growth slowly but surely occur throughout the film. I recommend this quirky film ---- the quirky characters and scenes will grow on you, I think.




4 out of 5 stars
Elling
Me, My Friend and I
(2001) R
Per Christian Ellefsen and Sven Nordin play the shy, retiring Elling and the imposing Kjell in this Norwegian movie about two mentally challenged friends who battle adversity and find their place in the sun. When the two become roommates, they attempt to create a life for themselves outside the confining, but protective, walls of the hospital. Petter Naess directs this Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.
Genre:Comedies, Dramas, Foreign Movies, Foreign Comedies, Dramas based on a book, Foreign Dramas, Scandinavian Movies, Dramas based on contemporary literature, Norwegian Movies

Movie #527........................."Tower Heist"

Movie #527 "Tower Heist" is a very enjoyable, entertaining movie from start to finish, bus esp. the ending. The people fit their roles, and it's always fun to see a good heist film, like Italian Job, The Bank Job, or Hot Rock. This is truly topical humor and an echo of our rough economic times, and that made the film even more satisfying to me. And I went with the whole family, ages 12 to 84 and we all came out liking it ----- who could ask for anything more. I recommend it --- it's tough to find something as satisfying as this is in the movie theatres these days!



I rate it 4 out of 5 stars
Tower Heist
(2011) PG-13
When a group of workers at a ritzy Manhattan condo realize their boss has swindled them out of their pensions, they vow to reap their own justice. With the cooperation of the building manager, the group devises an ingenious plot to recover the funds.
Genre:Action & Adventure, Action Comedies, Adventures, Crime Action & Adventure
This movie is:Goofy

Movie #526 ..............................."In Time"

Movie#526 "In Time" is a sci fi thriller with a very good concept, beautiful cinematography from one of the greats, Roger Deakins, and a worthwhile theme, with some chuckles along the way. BUT the script and directing and the pacing, oh my. You could almost hear the thuds in between lines. And the clunky lines ---- there were so many, it got to be funny. And the holes in the script? If the whole idea is NOT to waste time, why does the young girl run around through the whole film in super high heels. Just goofy stuff like that happens..........was there no "are you kidding" meter being used on the script, because it was needed. Still, I found it okay ------maybe it was the 3 positives I mentioned in the start. Maybe it was because we don't see sci Fi very often any more, so it was kind of fun to watch a whole world created in front of us. Or maybe it was Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfred. But they needed more from the script and the director. So go to this one at your own risk. You may like or you may not, but it does show that we shouldn't worry so much about being immortal!



In Time
(2011) PG-13
In a near future where aging stops at 25, time is the new currency and the wealthy can live forever. When Will Salas inherits decades of life from a wealthy murdered man, he's pegged as the suspect by the corrupt Time Keepers, who enforce the law.
Genre:Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action Thrillers, Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Thrillers
This movie is:Suspenseful

Movie #525* ........................."Maybe Baby"

*miscounted earlier in the blog --- two extra movies

Movie #525 "Maybe Baby" is a ho hum movie. I really, really like the idea ---Hugh Laurie and Natasha Richardson are a bit bland and the first time the film comes alive, to me, is when the director of the t.v. show shows up --- way too far into the film. I found this bland and boring ---- with a good idea behind it. Don't bother!



You rated this movie: 2
Rate 5 starsRate 4 starsRate 3 starsRate 2 starsRate 1 star
Maybe Baby
(2000) R
Sam Bell (Hugh Laurie) and his wife, Lucy (Joely Richardson), are the perfect couple, complete with perfect careers and perfect lives. But one thing is missing: The Bells want a baby -- and they can't seem to conceive one despite their best efforts. Doctors advise in-vitro; a friend advises creativity; and the couple soon finds their love put to the toughest of tests. Emma Thompson and Rowan Atkinson make cameo appearances.
Genre:Comedies, Romantic Movies, Romantic Comedies, British Movies
This movie is:Quirky, Romantic
Availability: Streaming and DVD

Movie #522 ........................."Kung Fu Panda"

Movie #522 "Kung Fu Panda" --- disclaimer: I only could get through 1/2 of this ----- dvd was damaged ---- but also, I disliked this movie a lot! None of the characters were interesting to me ---- physical humor in animation isn't that funny -- it's a noisy film full of lot of fights ---- slow beginning, and most jokes were so slow, audience (at least this one) could say the punchline before it was said. Wouldn't bother with this one.




rated it 2 out of 5 stars
Kung Fu Panda
(2008) PG
When the Valley of Peace is threatened, lazy Po the panda discovers his destiny as the "chosen one" and trains to become a kung fu hero, but transforming the unsleek slacker into a brave warrior won't be easy. It's up to Master Shifu and the Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey -- to give it a try in this Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature. Celebrity voices include Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan.
Genre: Children & Family Movies, Movies for ages 5 to 7, Movies for ages 8 to 10, Movies for ages 11 to 12, Family Features, Family Adventures, Family Feature Animation, Family Comedies
This movie is: Goofy

Movie #521 ........................."The Ides of March"

Movie #521 "The Ides of March" was a disappointing film to me. I am a HUGE Ryan Gosling fan, and this was one of the worst of his films that I can recall. Why? I couldn't put my finger on just one thing ---- the film has so much going for it --- the actors are all terrific, the film has some good visuals, but the pacing is slow, and bland. Then some turn happens (out of the blue, I felt) and then the pace picks up for a while, but I was left with so many questions, mostly about the characters. Why did they do this? Why did they do that? If this guy is supposed to be so good, he never really shows it..........And it isn't just Gosling's character --- I thought Clooney's character needed more fleshing out, as well. But the biggest problem I have with the film? You don't like anybody --- there isn't anyone to root for. And I know critics (and they really like the film, so I'm in a minority here) say that is the point --- that's the way politics is nowadays............but you are supposed to see a disintegration of a moralist, I think, in the film, and the problem is that you didn't see him doing good things ---- the guy is way up at a young age in the ranks, but we wonder how did he get there? He really doesn't show the charm or smarts that got him anywhere. Lots of holes in the plotline for me, so I don't really recommend it. I'd rather see "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" --- got more out of that one! And if you want a film that's not corny and idealistic, then rent the Candidate or Bob Roberts. Both tell us how bad politics can be (which is the premise for this particular film!) and you don't leave the theatre so downtrodden as with this one ----




I would rate it 3.8 out of 5 stars
The Ides of March
(2011) R
Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman's idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where "victory" is relative. The film is inspired by the real-life experiences of an aide who worked on Howard Dean's failed 2004 run.
Genre: Dramas, Political Dramas
This movie is: Cerebral, Dark

Movie #520 ......................."We Need to Talk About Kevin"

Movie #520 "We Need to Talk about Kevin" is not a movie for everybody --- Dave didn't like it --- thought it was too raw in some scenes. I thought it was so well acted, and so prettily filmed that you can't dismiss it because of the rawness of the plot. It is told in flashback and you, the audience, are constantly trying to put the pieces together on what the tragedy is that has caused the mother to change so drastically in this town. The blame is put on the title, mostly, but the film just tragically unfolds from one moment of exquisite filming (mostly done with blood red paint) after another. Very disturbing film, but I thought it was handled well.





Average rating: 3.77
I gave it 4 out of 5 stars
We Need to Talk About Kevin
(2011) NR
The strained relationship between a mother and her teenage son turns tragic when the boy engineers a massacre at his high school, and the mother is forced to ask how much blame she deserves for the heartbreaking event.
Genre: Dramas, British Movies
Availability: DVD availability date unknown

Movie #519 ........................."My Best Enemy"

Movie #519 "My Best Enemy" was a wonderful heist film with lots of surprises and curves it threw at you along the way. And what makes it different, is that it's a WW2/Hitler persecuting Jews .......comedy! I know, it sounds strange, and that's why we went to see it at the film festival and boy are we glad. We all (with another couple) gave it 5 stars out of 5. Very funny, well acted, pulled you in kind of movie. Here's the plot: Victor Kauffman, the son of a wealthy Jewish gallery owner, and Rudi are lifelong friends. When Rudi returns to Vienna from Germany as an S. S. officer in the third reich, the Kaufmanns don't just have their own safety to worry about. A rare, long lost Michelangelo drawing the family has secretly held for centuries has become the most desired objec tof Adolf Hitler, and a comedy of errors ensues as the two old friends find themselves trying to outwit the other in a race to track down the work of art.

It was really a lot of fun, and it should be distributed, and I hope it does. If you get a chance to see it, I think most people would enjoy it. A German Sting film!

Movie #518 ..........................."Women & Children"

Movie #518 "Women & Children" we saw at the Chicago film festival. It was billed as a Woody Allenesque comedy, which it wasn't at all. It was one of those slice of life movies that doesn't appear to have a plot, but by the end, the main character and the audience knows a little bit more about life. In this situation , the main guy is a bit of a loser........he has been living with a woman who tells him in the opening she is pregnant --- he reveals to her he has a child already, who is 16 years old, and whom he hasn' t seen very much in those years mostly because his friends and family (including his folks) think he is in Spain --- he hasn't gotten around to telling them that he moved back to England. Anyway, on a pilgrimage to see his son, he learns a lot about himself and we leave him at the end in a little better place. I would give it 4 stars out of 5 because the film really drew me in --- I enjoyed it and believed all the turns along the way. Very good characters, so if you see it advertised at a theatre near you, I would recommend it. A daffy title to the movie, though. We weren't quite show why it was titled this.

Movie #517 ........................."I Love You, I Love You Not"

Movie #517 "I Love You, I Love You Not" --- well, it had all the ingredients for a movie I should love: it's about the holocaust, it stars Jude Law and Clare Danes and the wonderful Jeanne Moreau, it deals with rites of passage and teenagers, and it's based on a play by a famous playwright, female, no less. And it was good, but that's all --- just good. I expected it to have more depth, more to it. When it finally came to an end, I almost missed the significance, because it didn't appear to be going anywhere ---- it could be me and I was a bit tired, and the film was very talky (being based on a play), but I just expected a bit more. Boy oh boy, though, Clare Danes never ceases to amaze me. Very impressive. And the scenes with her grandma are nice, but the film overall felt very staged...........too big for the film. I couldn't my finger on it, but it just never had an ease about it, and I'm not sure why, because scenes with grandma and granddaughter should have some ease occasionally, and the direction in the film didn't show that. So this is a marginal recommendation. I expected it to have more depth. As it was, just so so.





I rated this 3 stars out of 5
I Love You, I Love You Not
(1996) PG-13
Based on the acclaimed play by Wendy Kesselman, this film tells the story of Daisy (Claire Danes), a shy teenager who conceals her Judaism from her classmates at a Manhattan private school. Daisy's closest friend is her grandmother, Nana (Jeanne Moreau). A Holocaust survivor, Nana tells Daisy of her youth spent in a concentration camp just as Daisy is experiencing anti-Semitism at her school. Only Nana can help Daisy through this difficult time.
Genre: Children & Family Movies, Dramas, Teen Movies, Teen Dramas, Teen Romance
This movie is: Emotional

Movie #516 ........................."Jane Eyre"

Movie #516 "Jane Eyre" lacks the intensity and passion that occurred on every single page of the novel. I love this novel --- always have, since I read it sophomore year in high school. I had heard this was a good rendition and that Mia could be the best on film playing this part ---- well, I don't know about the latter opinion because I haven't seen all of them (and can't remember any of them really, so I put a few in my already crowded queue), but it is just a bland rendition of it. Yes, the places look good, the photography is beautiful, almost stunning in places, and Judy Dench makes a great Mrs. Fairfax, but that's about it. These characters, who were written in such a layered, complex way, are way too watered down here by inadequate direction and somewhat weak script. Rochester isn't up to the part, either. Says all the lines the same in a pattern, and that just gets boring. I wouldn't recommend this one. But stay tuned because I plan to see other, I hope, better renditions of this amazing novel.






3 out of 5 stars
Jane Eyre
(2011) PG-13
Driven from her post at Thornfield House by her love for her brooding employer and his secret past, young governess Jane Eyre reflects on her youth and the events that led her to the misty moors in this artful adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's novel.
Genre: Dramas, Romantic Movies, Period Pieces, Romantic Dramas, British Movies, Dramas based on classic literature
This movie is: Emotional, Romantic
Availability: DVD and Blu-ray

Movie # 515 ........................."50/50"

Movie #515 "50/50" is a somewhat comical, oftentimes sweet, but very definitely quirky, look at a 27 year old diagnosed with spinal cancer. The trailer suggests this is a laugh riot, but it really isn't. There's humor based on a lot of blue things said from best pal Seth Rogen to the patient; there's uncomfortable humor between patient and therapist. There's still more uncomfortable, but terribly universal humor when the patient has to deal with his "smothering" mother (Angelica Huston). And there's that quirky humor in ironic situations that result due to the cancer. But really, this is a very serious problem handled with a lot of realism and truth. I think it's an important movie to see because we need to talk more about the subject and know more about how to be a good friend to the many people who are diagnosed. Yes, it is an uncomfortable situation that we all want to go away, but we need to give support, and the right kind of support --- say and do the right things to help to make a very bad situation better. So see this movie, but know it isn't as funny as the trailer suggests it is.





I rated this 4 out of 5 stars
50/50
(2011) R
An otherwise healthy twentysomething has a comically early midlife crisis when he gets slapped with a cancer diagnosis -- and a 50-50 chance of survival. But what's the meaning of life when you're not sure how long yours will last?
Genre: Comedies, Dramas, Independent Movies, Independent Dramas, Independent Comedies
This movie is: Quirky

Movie #514 ........................"Buried"

Movie #514 "Buried" --- here's a duh comment --- this was very claustrophobic, so I couldn't JUST watch it --- had to be doing something else to distract me from the intensity. I was impressed with some of the shots to break up the constant talking on the phone and the moaning. I would think there are some scenes in here that a film class might be watching in the future because of the challenge of filming this in a coffin --- the whole thing, including the opening shots in the dark (yep, it's a good couple of minutes, enough that you think there's something wrong with the streaming/disc) I can honestly say, I've never seen a movie shot this way, and so that's a plus ---- but the topic has been done better, mostly because it's tough to understand, esp. the terrorist, and that got in the way ---- also, I kept feeling that I wasn't getting enough info, but maybe that was me, not focused as much on the screen , as I should have been, but then again, it was too claustrophobic for me. Oh well, did the best I could, and was just moderately entertained. But I still love Ryan Reynolds, and I'm not surprised that he could do this one!






Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Buried
(2010) R
While on a job in Iraq, civilian contractor Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds) is attacked and kidnapped, then awakens to find himself buried alive in the middle of the desert with nothing but a lighter, a candle, a cell phone and a knife. Does Paul have the instincts he'll need to save himself? Director Rodrigo Cortés crafts a tense psychological thriller with sociopolitical undertones that doubles as an exercise in claustrophobic terror.
Genre: Foreign Movies, Thrillers, Foreign Thrillers, Spanish Movies, Psychological Thrillers
This movie is: Suspenseful

Movie #513 ........................"Dummy"

Movie #513 "Dummy" -- my family recommended this little gem, and I enjoyed it. It's my type of film --- a quirky, well acted romantic comedy. I didn't think I wanted to see a movie about a ventriloquist, esp. after seeing "Magic", but this had a strong theme about working things out through the dummy in a funny fashion. I didn't see the Mel Gibson puppet movie earlier this year, so I still don't know how it was, or how it compares to this, but now I'm anxious to see it. Can't believe it's better than this one because it won't be as quirky............or will it? will have to see, but this one is a funny idea executed well. And Illeana Douglas, his sister, and Vera Farmiga, his girlfriend, are both a stitch! I recommend it; thanks, family!







You rated this movie: 4 out of 5 stars
Dummy
(2003) R
Steven (Adrien Brody), a socially inept oddball who struggles to express himself, learns to communicate with the world through his dummy and the art of ventriloquism in this quirky comedy from writer-director Greg Pritikin. Cast against type, supermodel Milla Jovovich also stars as Steven's gauche best friend, Fangora, an aspiring Yiddish punk-folk singer, while Illeana Douglas, Jessica Walter and Ron Leibman portray Steven's exasperating family.
Genre: Comedies, Independent Movies, Romantic Movies, Romantic Comedies, Independent Comedies, Romantic Independent Movies
This movie is: Quirky, Romantic

Movie #512 ........................."Moneyball"

Movie #512 "Moneyball" is a good, sound autobiographical film that shows the ins and outs of the administrative level in baseball, which we rarely get to see. This is another Aaron Sorkin-scripted film, but not as good as social network or any of his west wing work. It lacks the humor that his scripts usually have ---the well-rounded characters who usually speak his rapid-fire dialogue, and the wittiness of the storyline ---- what's here is good, just not as good as he's done in the past. I don't whole-heartedly agree with the critics on this one --- I don't think it's as good as they are saying , and I don't think Brad Pitt is that good either --- There are problems with his character in that we aren't always sure why he does the things he does (like throw garbage cans in the locker room) --- his facials don't help, and contrary to what critics are saying, this is NOT his best effort, but supporting people do a nice job --- Jonah could do more than look stone-faced. With both leads playing one note, and a lot of baseball stats, the movie could be more intense, in my opinion. and I LOVE baseball!





I rated this 4 out of 5 stars
Moneyball
(2011) PG-13
An all-star cast brings to life the true story of Billy Beane, a former jock turned general manager who uses unconventional methods to bring the best players to the Oakland A's, a major league baseball team struggling against financial hardship.
Genre: Dramas, Sports Dramas
This movie is: Witty

Movie #511 ........................"Drive"

Movie #511 "Drive" --- wasn't sure I'd like this as much as the critics did, but I did appreciate it for its style, its chases, its looks, & its acting by the leads, esp. Ryan Gosling, whom I have been a fan of ever since I saw him in "Notebook" and "Numbers" (and if you haven't seen "Lars and the Real Girl" you are missing out on one of the most delightful indies I've seen). This one is no Lars --- far from the sweetness, although there are some Lars moments with the little boy and the girl neighbor you can see the driver likes (note, he doesn't have a name through the whole film and he speaks a couple of lines of dialogue on the phone for the first 10 or 15 minutes -- definitely a man of few words) . Once they are in dangerous situations, though, the tone of the film changes. In fact, there is a scene in the movie that it builds to that was so raw, I found myself shouting (inside voice) "Enough"! It is a turning point, and a bit controversial, but I saw the need for it as a turning point for Gosling's Steve McQueen-type character. Don't go see this one if you expect any sweetness because it is very raw in its violence. I usually dodge films like these, but the violence is so stylish, you find yourself wanting to see "how they do it" instead of reacting with the usual knee jerk turning away. So I do recommend this, BUT only to the non squeamish. This is NOT for everyone. Most of you reading this probably want to just skip this one ---- but if you do see it, please go into it with your eyes wide open!




gave it 4.3 out of 5 stars
Drive
(2011) R
In this thriller, Driver, a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver, is lured from his isolated life by a lovely neighbor and her young son. His newfound peace is shattered, however, when her violent husband is released from prison.
Genre: Action & Adventure, Action Thrillers, Crime Action & Adventure
This movie is: Violent, Cerebral, Dark, Exciting

Movie #510 ........................."Forbidden Games"

Movie #510 "Forbidden Games" is a classic film that I got a chance to see for the first time two days ago. Since then, it has been haunting me........I had heard about it, and now since seeing it , I would show it in a film class for war genre. It is really powerful, and has so many great filmic pluses --- beautiful photography, unbelievable acting from two little kids, great war picture without showing a lot of soldiers fighting --- the threat is just always there! The opening and closing sequences are very hard to watch, but they are powerful enough to help this film get 100% on rottentomatoes. I highly recommend it. Kind of slow in the middle, esp. when you are tired; otherwise, nearly flawless.



I gave it 4 out of 5 stars
Forbidden Games
Jeux Interdits
(1952) NR
Director René Clément's bittersweet drama depicts the ravages of war on its youngest victims. After being orphaned when a Nazi strafing kills her parents and her dog, 5-year-old Paulette (Brigitte Fossey) is taken in by farm boy Michel Dolles (Georges Poujouly) and his family. While his parents are busy feuding with their neighbors, the youngsters cope with the death surrounding them by creating a cemetery for animals killed in the fighting.
Genre: Dramas, Foreign Movies, Foreign Dramas, French Movies
This movie is: Sentimental

Movie #509 ........................."Horrible Bosses"

Movie #509 "Horrible Bosses" had some very funny moments, esp. that involved Charlie Day (whom I really didn't know until this film). All the people are very competent comedic actors, so that covered up any iffy times that the comedy didn't work --- which were really few and far between. This is a bit raunchy and violent, though. kind of a takeoff on Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train" so it has some bloody moments --- but everyone is playing it to the hilt. Jamie Foxx is esp. funny, and this really keeps up that screwball comedy rhythm of "man in a mess." Found it quite funny, but very much fluff!




3.7 out of 5 stars
Horrible Bosses
(2011) R
Disgruntled buddies Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Dale (Charlie Day) can't leave their miserable jobs, so they cook up a creative strategy for eliminating each other's micromanaging and maniacal employers (Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey) instead in this crackpot comedy. Peculiar advice from con artist Motherf**ker Jones (Jamie Foxx) gets the scheme in motion, but the pals can't keep the wheels from flying off.
Genre: Comedies
This movie is: Goofy, Quirky

Movie#509 ........................."Contagion"

Movie #509 "Contagion" is full of a lot of stars, a lot of face touching, and a lot of deaths and dying -------the format is much like a documentary, so it never pulled me in emotionally, but I did like the suspense, the coldness, the seriousness of the situation, the acting of a lot of solid stars, the "look" of it (soderbergh's touch) and so I would recommend it to those that would be pulled in by these things, as well. But if you expect to be drawn in, this isn't the film for you.





I rated this 3.8 out of 5 stars
Contagion
(2011) PG-13
Steven Soderbergh steers big stars through this big-screen disaster-thriller about a global team of doctors tasked with tamping down a deadly outbreak of infectious disease before it annihilates mankind.
Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Thrillers, Action Thrillers, Deadly Disasters, Sci-Fi Thrillers
This movie is: Dark, Exciting, Suspenseful

Movie #508 ........................."The Debt"

Movie #508 "The Debt" was a taut scripted mystery that I enjoyed. The editing worked well going back and forth from past to present, the music was good, the acting by the women was excellent, and it had a good strong theme. Now, for the negatives......Sam Worthington, though good looking, is really a stick, esp. without the beautiful cinematography of Avatar driving the film --- and the movie is very violent, esp. the ending (which I disliked and almost gave it a 3 because of it). But the biggest complaint is the casting -------- I got the two men mixed up going from past to present to past mainly because the one past guy looks more like the present other guy, and vice versa. The two men's counterparts should have been switched. Otherwise, the movie is well done and well worth going to see. I recommend it, but be aware of the amount of blood in it.


I rated it 4 stars out of 5.
The Debt
(2010) R
Rachel Singer (Helen Mirren) is a former Mossad intelligence agent forced to relive her 1965 pursuit of a notorious Nazi war criminal when the bold and dangerous fugitive is thought to have reemerged 30 years later in the Ukraine. Director John Madden's redo of Assaf Bernstein's 2007 Israeli suspense piece also features Jessica Chastain as the young Rachel Singer, along with Sam Worthington, Tom Wilkinson and Ciarán Hinds.
Genre: Thrillers, Political Thrillers, Spy Thrillers
This movie is: Cerebral, Suspenseful

Movie #507 ........................."Happy Endings"

Movie #507 "Happy Endings" --- can't say the title is fitting because I never got to the ending --- didn't get into it at all. Boring. Don't bother on this one, in my opinion.




You rated this movie: 1 out of 5 stars
Happy Endings
(2005) R
Lisa Kudrow, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Laura Dern and Jason Ritter star in this offbeat comedy from writer-director Don Roos that gathers a series of connected vignettes about the randomness of love and life. A documentary filmmaker threatens to reveal a woman's long-held secret; a father and his son find out that they're both seeing the same woman; a gay man discovers his partner might (or might not) be the father of their friend's baby; and more.
Genre: Comedies, Gay & Lesbian Movies, Independent Movies, Romantic Movies, Romantic Comedies, Gay & Lesbian Comedies, Romantic Gay & Lesbian Movies, Independent Comedies, Romantic Independent Movies, Steamy Romantic Movies

Movie #506........................."Triple Dog"

Movie #506 "Triple Dog" -- once again I'm impressed with Brittany Robertson (ever since "You murdered love" speech in "Dan in Real Life" (which is a far better film than this one) --- she leads the crew of teens in this film, and if I had a teen, I would probably sit down and watch it with her because I think anyone seeing this film would probably never find value in "triple dog daring" anyone about anything. It has a guessable ending, but it moves quickly through the dare game at a slumber party with a bunch of teens. If Brittany wasn't so good, you would tire of just how mean she is to everybody --- she IS mean, and the script expects her to have this charisma that draws people to her and the game (otherwise, why do they even go along?) but since they are teens, we assume there is a lot of peer pressure going on under the surface. Anyway, lots of strong up and coming females in this one, and I liked it. But if you don't like teen angst, you won't like this one.


I rated it 3 stars out of 5
Triple Dog
(2009) R
During an innocent slumber party, arrogant Chapin (Brittany Robertson) organizes a competitive game of dares, challenging her friends to pull off incredibly risky stunts. As the night unfolds, the teens slowly unravel, turn on each other and uncover shocking secrets. A gripping thriller about the power of peer pressure, the film co-stars Alexia Fast, Janel Parrish, Scout Taylor-Compton and Carly McKillip.
Genre: Independent Movies, Thrillers, Independent Thrillers, Psychological Thrillers
This movie is: Emotional, Suspenseful

Movie #505 ........................."Tree of Life"

Movie #505 "Tree of Life" --- let me start by saying that Malick's "Days of Heaven" is one of my favorite movies for so many reasons --- the beauty of the landscape scenes, the characters, the acting, the music, the story line, the narration. This movie is NOT "Days of Heaven" nor does it come close to it --- Why? it is still a beautiful film, the characters are interesting (but not clearly delineated --- kept getting all the brothers mixed up for the longest time!) and the acting is okay (although, I got tired of the stick like approach Brad Pitt used through the entire film --- lighten up, guy!) And what was Sean Penn doing in the film??? There are articles that I've read that contain the same question by him about the film --- well, if the actor IN the film doesn't get why he is there, the question remains --- why is he really there? I know it's his journey, and I got the basic idea of the film, but I really dislike movies that waste time --- that use the "lord of the rings" pace of a snail, and then when you consider why that particular shot was in the film, you never do come up with the answer --- then you wait, thinking maybe it will fit in at the end ----------but then, in this film, the end is one of the worst parts ----------so anticlimatic and "out there" --- What was Malick's plan here? to show life? It has scenes that harken back to 2001 space odyssey, another movie that I appreciate but don't necessarily like. This movie is even more dispassionate, though, and a robot was a main character in that one! Okay, enough of what I didn't like, I did appreciate the beauty of many of the shots --- but a bunch of shots with little relationship doesn't make a film to me --- and that's what I think he was trying to do --- make a good film, and it really doesn't work. I think he captures what it's like to be a kid because he spends a lot of film time with the kids goofing around in their yard in Texas (not the midwest, which is mentioned below --- what movie did netflix see?) He gets across nature (Dad) vs. grace (mom) but that's not a new concept at all --- lots of movies tackle that conflict. An abusive father and an enabler for a mom has been done, too ---dealing with grief of a dead son not new either........so how is this new ground? So not sure why critics are jumping up and down about this one --- I'm not and I don't recommend it, esp. to people like me, who want/expect a better story.



I gave it 2 stars out of 5
The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life
(2011) PG-13
Brad Pitt and Sean Penn star in Terrence Malick's 1950s adventure about a confused man named Jack, who sets off on a journey to understand the true nature of the world. Growing up in the Midwest with two brothers, Jack has always been torn between his mother's guidance to approach everything he encounters with an open heart and his father's advice to look after his own interests. Now, Jack must find a way to regain purpose and perspective.
Genre: Dramas, Independent Movies, Independent Dramas, 20th Century Period Pieces
This movie is: Heartfelt, Mind-bending

Movie #504 .........................."Divorce American Style"

Movie #504 "Divorce American Style" was a disappointment back in 1967 and it remains one to this day. Such capable people working in the movie and on it, that you would think it would be better, but it isn't. Yep, it is dark, but it really isn't a comedy --- maybe divorce isn't that funny? watching people argue isn't funny? Yep, that could be it! I'm glad I watched it again as an adult --- found it to still not be a successful movie most of the time.




I rated this 3 stars out of 5
Divorce American Style
(1967) UR
Ex-couple Richard (Dick Van Dyke) and Barbara (Debbie Reynolds) Harmon come to realize that after the trials and tribulations of dating, debilitating alimony payouts and commiserations with fellow divorcées, married life isn't so bad after all. Eileen Brennan, Joe Flynn, Van Johnson, Jean Simmons and Jason Robards co-star in director Bud Yorkin's dark comedy about the paralyzing process of splitting up.
Genre: Comedies
This movie is: Witty

Movie #503 ........................."The Unsinkable Molly Brown"

Movie #503 "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" is a movie I liked so much more the first time I saw it --- I cringed at some parts this time around. Why? I started to watch it for believability factor, and it didn't quite make it this time in that category. It looked corny, overdone and pretentious. I didn't appreciate the bigness of the character ---- the loudness of the music --- the campiness of the story ---- the acting of the rest of the cast. Debbie Reynolds is the glue that holds the movie together, and although I wonder why she was nominated for this picture (and not "Singin' in the Rain"), I can probably say it is due to her lifelong work in film, rather than this mediocre one.



I gave it 3 stars out of 5.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown
(1964) NR
After surviving a flood as an infant 16 years ago, the buoyant Molly Brown (Debbie Reynolds) sets out to find her way in life. She assures a saloon owner she can sing and play piano in his joint and before long becomes the bride of up-and-comer Johnny Brown (Harve Presnell). After throwing a disastrous mixer for Denver society folks and a few overseas dignitaries, Molly flees to Europe -- only to return on the ill-fated Titanic.
Genre: Classic Movies, Comedies, Musicals, Classic Comedies, Classic Musicals
This movie is: Campy, Feel-good

Movie #502 ........................."Little Manhattan"

Movie #502 "Little Manhattan" was made in 2005, but I missed it the first time around. What a little gem of a film! Thoroughly enjoyable to me, and my 12 year old niece, too! So this is family entertainment! An alum suggested it and I'm glad she did. We were talking about how capable the boy in "The Kids are All right" was --- In fact, I say about that film that the kids were better than all right, they stole the movie for me! Well, the boy was the same as the one in this film and the film "Bridge of Terabithia" and he has been outstanding in all of these movies. In this one, he goes through crying jags, making goofy faces, a lot of narrating his feelings, and all for the love of his life ---- the first love. I have never seen a movie that shows all the facets of first love, so if you are interested, see this gem of a film! And watch it with your kids!




I rated it 4 stars out of 5.
Little Manhattan
(2005) PG
Set against the backdrop of the Big Apple, director Mark Levin's (Wimbledon) quirky tale of first love puts the spotlight on pint-sized passion as young urbanites Gabe (Josh Hutcherson) and Rosemary (Charlie Ray) explore their budding emotions. And there's one thing that makes them perfect for each other: They're both in the fifth grade. Cynthia Nixon and Bradley Whitford co-star in this winning comedy that proves bigger isn't necessarily better.
Genre: Children & Family Movies, Romantic Movies, Family Features, Teen Movies, Family Comedies, Teen Romance
This movie is: Sentimental, Romantic

Movie #501 ........................."Sarah's Key"

Movie #501 "Sarah's Key" is very, very close to the book =---didn't see big differences at all. As a result, I knew all the surprises and I was just waiting for things to happen. That didn't work as a positive to me due to the subject matter --- it's the holocaust, and I've seen tons of movies on the subject, and putting that with knowing the story so well gave me the feeling that there was nothing new here. However, I did enjoy seeing the physical environment of the book, and the actors are very capable, esp. the little girl who plays Sarah! The older one looks so much like her, too! I was impressed with Kristin Scott Thomas, but then I think it's impossible for her NOT to do a good job with everything she does, and that's why I try to see everything she does! A lot of the film is in French, but it never got in the way of the story! This is very emotional and tough to watch, but I do recommend it ---- and the book, too! Look at that --- two really good books made into two really good films this past year! It makes me feel better about what Hollywood is doing right now!




Average rating: 3.927
I rated this 4 stars out of 5
Sarah's Key
Elle s'Appelait Sarah
(2010) PG-13
In the midst of researching an article about the roundup of Jews that took place in Paris in 1942, American-born journalist Julia Jarmond (Kristin Scott Thomas) uncovers a sobering connection between her story and the home she shares with her boorish French husband (Frederic Pierrot). Gilles Paquet-Brenner directs this gripping drama based on a bestselling novel of the same name that was inspired by actual events.
Genre: Dramas, Foreign Movies, Foreign Dramas, French Movies
This movie is: Dark

Movie #500 ........................."Friends with Benefits"

Movie #500 "Friends with Benefits" --- I liked this a lot! it's fast, smart and what I would term a capable comedy! The stars are winning and the laughs are plenty. I didn't think I would like it at all --- esp. since "No Strings Attached" came earlier this year and I enjoyed that, as well, and they are very much alike (ironically starring the two "Black Swan" stars from last year) It doesn't shed any light in the romantic comedy genre at all, but I don't usually expect that because there are just so many stories within this genre. It did have a few surprises, but what I think this particular movie added to this genre (in a small way) is the frank way sex is talked about, esp. in the love scenes. And one scene in particular has one of those "moments" (like in "Pretty Woman" when Julia Roberts kisses Gere on the lips for the first time), and when it has a moment like that, the love story is somewhat successful, and this is. Plus the supporting cast is goofy (just like in the old screwball comedies!) and they helped this film work. It's not a must see, but it is fun and likable!




Rate 4 stars out of 5
Friends with Benefits
(2011) R
This raucous rom-com chronicles the relationship of two busy singles, Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis), who agree to include sex in their friendship -- minus the emotions and commitment. But things get complicated when Dylan (inevitably?) falls for his gal pal. Patricia Clarkson co-stars as Jaime's hip mom and Woody Harrelson plays Dylan's practical confidante, who advises him to man up when he pursues the newly dating Jamie.
Genre: Comedies, Romantic Movies, Romantic Comedies
This movie is: Raunchy, Romantic, Feel-good
Availability: DVD and Blu-ray availability date unknown

Movie #499 ........................."His Girl Friday"

Movie #499 "His Girl Friday" -- okay, so this year I went to Timeline and saw "The Front Page" and it was good, but not near as good as this version of the same story. Why? It was turned into a romantic screwball comedy that works. how? by changing one of the characters (Hildy Johnson) to a woman from a man. Then, you add speed to the lines so there's no dragging (like in the stage play) and make it sexual banter and voila----you have one of the best screwball comedies of all time. If you haven't seen this, you need to ---esp. if you ordinarily don't like romantic comedies. This is a must see! And they show it uninterrupted quite regularly on my favorite channel TCM! which only has a few more days of its "one actor per day in August" programming. yesterday was Cary Grant, today Joan Crawford, and the list goes on! check it out this week!



You rated this movie: 5
Rate 5 starsRate 4 starsRate 3 starsRate 2 starsRate 1 star
His Girl Friday
(1940) NR
Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell) is about to get hitched to dull insurance agent Bruce Baldwin (Ralph Bellamy) -- that's if her ex-husband, ruthless newspaper publisher Walter Burns (Cary Grant), doesn't succeed in winning her back in this battle-of-the-sexes screwball comedy. Meanwhile, reporters salivating for the scoop on a local voting conspiracy is just a minor distraction as Burns pulls out all the stops for the woman he loves.
Genre: Classic Movies, Comedies, Classic Comedies, Screwball Comedies
This movie is: Witty

Movie #498 ........................."A Fine Romance" Disc 1

Movie #498 "A Fine Romance" I recommend to fans of "As Time Goes By" also with Judi Dench. But I like that one a bit more, mostly because of the characters -------I missed all of those. But if you like awkward moments in love stories, oh my, this is a great find. And to know that she is doing this show with her real hubby makes it even better. And she sings the theme song! I don't find the sister and her husband interesting at all, and there are long, long pauses (because of the awkwardness). But I did find it quite enjoyable, and in fact, I was on the floor laughing at the 3rd show when she lost her contact on the floor in a restaurant. There's more physical humor in this show, and that can go hit or miss quite often, and that's another big difference from "As Time Goes By" but once again, it is something you might want to check out, if you like the other show and British humor and, of course, Dame Judi Dench!





rated 4 out of 5 stars
A Fine Romance: Set 1
(1981) NR
Dame Judi Dench and her real-life husband, Michael Williams, star as mismatched couple Laura and Michael in this wry, early-1980s, veddy British television series. A comedy of errors keeps linguist Laura (who's translating a German textbook on urinary infections) and struggling landscape gardener Michael from hooking up romantically. As usual, Dench is a prickly delight. The first season contains nine episodes.
Genre: TV Shows, British TV Shows, TV Comedies, British TV Comedies, Sitcoms
This show is: Goofy, Romantic

Movie #497 ........................."Newsies"

Movie #497 "Newsies" --- Mina, my niece, is here visiting, so I'm seeing a few movies I thought she'd like. While I was watching this older flick, I was looking up the cast, and noticed it won some razzie awards, which is never a good sign --- I'm here to say, it isn't that bad! Not at all! In fact, I found it quite entertaining --- we both did. Of course, it probably doesn't tell the exact story of the newsboys strike against Joe Pulitzer, but it does get across the feelings that the newsies experienced through those tough times! I'm always amazed at what Christian Bale can do, and I was pleasantly surprised to find the secondary guy was young Josh from one of my favorite films "Big" --- There's lots of music in this, but I found it fun music, since it was written by one of my favorite composers, Alan Mencken ("Little Shop" and "Little Mermaid) I recommend it for middle school kids --- it moves quickly along and is a lot like "Oliver" --






3.5 stars out of 5
Newsies
(1992) PG
It's 1899, and the ragtag orphans who deliver the news to New York City stage a protest when publisher Joseph Pulitzer raises the price they must shell out for their supply of papers. Can they unite the oppressed and fight the powers that be? Inspired by a local trolley workers' strike, newsie Jack Kelly (Christian Bale) sets out to organize the boys into a union, with David Jacobs (David Moscow) as the outfit's brains and Jack as its spokesman.
Genre: Children & Family Movies, Dramas, Musicals, Movies for ages 8 to 10, Movies for ages 11 to 12, Family Features, Dramas based on real life, Period Pieces, Disney Movies, Family Dramas
This movie is: Inspiring

Movie #496 ........................."Coraline"

Movie #496 "Corlaine" was one of the most inventive films I have ever seen. I just kept staring at the screen, laughing at each new page turn --- I never guessed where it was going until the very end, when it was tying up all the loose ends. What a hoot! But not for little kids, oh my. I watched it with my niece (who is 12) and she found it a bit frightening in parts. Goofy, quirky, creative, creepy, imaginative, all those words and more describe this one. I kept trying to picture the guy who wrote this film --- where the heck did he get all these ideas? Really amazing piece of film. So if you are looking for something different, and a tad dark (like Burton films), see this animated gem!


You rated this movie: 4 out of 5 stars
Coraline
Coraline & The Secret Door
(2008) PG
In this stop-motion animation Oscar nominee, curious young Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning) unlocks a door in her family's home and is transported to a universe that strangely resembles her own -- only better. But when her Other Mother (Teri Hatcher) doesn't want Coraline to return to reality, our heroine must summon an amazing amount of courage to go home and save her family.
Genre: Children & Family Movies, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Movies for ages 11 to 12, Family Features, Fantasy, Family Feature Animation, Family Sci-Fi & Fantasy
This movie is: Imaginative, Mind-bending

Movie #495 ........................."Help"

Movie #495 "Help" might be the best movie I see this year ---- it's that good! In fact, I plan to bring the whole family to it some time this week because I saw it with my movie club, so Dave missed it and I don't want him to miss such a wonderful film. I read the book, and it was a grand reading (most of our book club liked and enjoyed it), so I went to the movie with trepidation. I know just how many books have been ruined on film, but this is one big fat exception. In fact, it might even be a bit better ---- there wasn't really a lot I didn't like about the book, but this is more compact, funnier, and more moving in places due to the acting and editing. However, I am glad I read the book so that I knew more of the backstories of all of these wondrous secondary characters. To be sure, there will be some nominations for AAs from this ensemblage. My guess is Viola Davis, and maybe Sissy Spacek (for supporting actress) or Cicely Tyson or even Allison Janney. Emma Stone has never been better, but afraid she will be overshadowed by Viola Davis' performance --------- but that's a good thing that there are all such great performances in such a great movie about an equally great book. Go see it! One of the best this year!



Rate 5 stars out of 5
The Help
(2011) PG-13
In 1960s Jackson, Miss., aspiring writer Eugenia Phelan crosses taboo racial lines by conversing with Aibileen Clark about her life as a housekeeper, and their ensuing friendship upsets the fragile dynamic between the haves and the have-nots. When other long-silent black servants begin opening up to Eugenia, the disapproving conservative Southern town soon gets swept up in the turbulence of changing times.
Genre: Dramas, Dramas based on a book, Social Issue Dramas, Dramas based on contemporary literature, 20th Century Period Pieces
This movie is: Emotional

#495 ........................."San Quentin"

Movie #495 "San Quentin" -- gotta love TCM, esp in August when this gem of a station dedicates a full day to an actor's work --- today is Humphrey Bogart, and the list of films are all ones I've seen ("To HAve and Have Not," "The Big Sleep," "Petrified Forest" (my fave)etc, but then this popped on at 7:15 a.m. and I hadn't seen it, and wasn't planning on seeing it (prison movies, yuck!) but he and Pat O'Brien and Ann Sheridan were so good, they drew me in. Guessed the ending (who wouldn't ?) but it still was a nice way to wake up to a beautiful day on the lake. Now, back to reality and stripping furniture!





Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
San Quentin
(1937) NR
In this fast-paced prison drama, Pat O'Brien stars as former Army officer Steve Jameson, who, after accepting a guard job at the titular penitentiary, initiates military-style reforms. But his changes don't go over with hardened inmate Joe Kennedy (Humphrey Bogart) -- especially when Jameson begins dating the convict's sister (Ann Sheridan). The supporting cast includes Barton MacLane, Veda Ann Borg and Joseph Sawyer.
Genre: Dramas, Crime Dramas

Movie #494 ........................."Million Dollar Hotel"

Movie #494 "Million Dollar Hotel" a cult classic, huh? I guess it has the look of a Donnie Darko, and I liked it about as much as that film. There are some parts that are eerily quirky and pull you in, like Jeremy Davies' performance, and some of the other characters that fill the lobby of this hotel ------ the story starts off really well, but then it gets muddled ---- and Davies starts mumbling, and the young girl needs to do more to get her character more clearly across, and the film needs to follow Mel Gibson less! I did like the opening and the ending and some of the bits, but not enough to recommend this.




Rated 3 stars out of 5
The Million Dollar Hotel
(2001) R
A gang of outcasts and misfits live in a downtown Los Angeles fleapit known as the Million Dollar Hotel. When a billionaire's son (Tim Roth) dies in the hotel, a federal agent (Mel Gibson) arrives to investigate, turning everyone's lives upside down. While trying to determine whether the death was a murder or a suicide, he uncovers a web of deceit that runs surprisingly deep. Jeremy Davies and Milla Jovovich co-star.
Genre: Foreign Movies, Independent Movies, Thrillers, Foreign Thrillers, German Movies, Independent Thrillers, Crime Thrillers, Mysteries
This movie is: Quirky, Mind-bending, Suspenseful

Movie #493 ........................."Thumbsucker"

Movie #493 "Thumbsucker" -- I was looking forward to this one, but very disappointed. The humor escaped me most of the time, and I just found it slow, methodical, and a bit boring. I just saw it a few days ago, and I can't even remember most of it. I do know I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, but I did appreciate the lead character (Lou Taylor Pucci) and what he brought to the role ---- and that I hated Keanu Reeves in it, and I'm sometimes a fan of his. Take that back --- I liked him a lot in SPEED, but I wonder why I ever liked him in anything else! He's so cardboardy, and it is painfully obvioius here --- perhaps, that's part of the humor that escaped me. And here's another good performance by Tilda Swinton, wasted, because the part isn't quite big enough ---- when she steps in with her dream of running away with Benjamin Bratt, those moments were funny, but too fleeting. This is a don't bother, even if it did get accolades at sundance.





Rate 2.5 out of 5 stars
Thumbsucker
(2005) R
Teenager Justin Cobb (Lou Taylor Pucci) has an embarrassing secret: He still sucks his thumb. Berated by his father (Vincent D'Onofrio) for the childish habit and unable to confide in anyone, Justin lets his loopy orthodontist (Keanu Reeves) try hypnosis. Trouble is, it works almost too well, and before long, Justin needs another crutch to keep his angst at bay. Vince Vaughn and Tilda Swinton co-star in director Mike Mills's 2005 Sundance entry.
Genre: Comedies, Dramas, Independent Movies, Dark Comedies, Dramas based on a book, Independent Dramas, Independent Comedies, Dramas based on contemporary literature
This movie is: Dark, Quirky

Movie #492 ........................."The Man Who Knew Too Little"

Movie #492 "The Man Who Knew Too Little" is a good find, and the words netflix uses to describe this film, "Goofy, Quirky." are right on the mark. This is totally a Bill Murray vehicle, and it truly shows off his talents --- it's a Bond spoof and it had us laughing several times. The only complaint I had is that it took too long to end ------ a little quicker there, and it would have been a 4 or 5 rating. It really is like "Being There" but less cerebral =--- just all fun! I recommend it. (kids could watch it , too, because any killings are done in a silly fashion!





You rated this movie: 3.5 out of 5
The Man Who Knew Too Little
(1997) PG
Bill Murray stars as video store clerk Wallace Ritchie in this satire of the spy thriller genre. Wallace wants to celebrate his birthday with younger brother James (Peter Gallagher), but James, an aggressive businessman, has an important dinner meeting planned. He gets rid of Wallace by giving him a ticket to an audience-participation show where an unfortunate case of mistaken identity leads Wallace into -- among other things -- a web of espionage.
Genre: Comedies, Satires, Slapstick Comedies
This movie is: Goofy, Quirky

Movie #491 ........................."The Sheepman"

Movie #491 "The Sheepman" starred Glenn Ford as the man with the sheep, Leslie Nielsen, the bad guy with the cattle, and his girlfriend Shirley MacLaine, who ends up with Ford. (not a surprise to anyone) What I liked about this atypical western is the chemistry between Ford and MacLaine, Ford's acting --- he always makes his lines sound like he's in the moment, his quirky and humorous character, how he gets the job done without a gun, usually. So if you are looking for an atypical comic western, check this out. However, it is not available on netflix --- wait for it on TCM, where I saw it --- it'll come around again. Oh, and check out TCM this month, because each day they give a tribute to one star. What fun!

Movie #490 ........................."Crazy, Stupid, Love"

Movie #490 "Crazy, Stupid, Love" --- I found this a refreshing romantic comedy --- it really shouldn't be billed as just a comedy, because it tackles a lot of issues in the general subject area of love, and some are very awkward, and not all that funny. It starts with a failed marriage, and a guy sitting in a bar trying to drown his sorrow --- so that premise isn't really hysterical ---- everyone is going through some turmoil in the matters of the heart, and yes, that adds to the humor, but it's also very serious and true to life in many places. There are long pauses, but the actors can handle them -- the whole cast is very good, goofy, quirky --- even the little kids are good. There are some surprises along the way, and there's one scene that was gutsy and very funny; even the end scene, which critics have said is cringe-worthy, wasn't as bad as I expected --- it had a point and a reason behind it, so it made it less cringe-worthy to me. I recommend this --- a nice adult romantic comedy that won't disappoint!




I give it 4.2 stars out of 5
Crazy, Stupid, Love.
(2011) PG-13
When Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) discovers that his wife (Julianne Moore) wants to end their marriage, he reluctantly faces the unwelcome prospect of single life with the counsel of the younger and smoother super-bachelor Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Meanwhile, Cal's adolescent son, Robbie (Jonah Bobo), has formed an unquenchable crush on his 17-year-old babysitter (Analeigh Tipton) -- but is she more interested in Robbie's recently unwed father?
Genre: Comedies, Romantic Movies, Romantic Comedies
This movie is: Goofy, Romantic, Witty

Movie #489 ........................."The Way Back"

Movie #488 "The Way Back" is one of those memorable movies --- the subject matter is unbelievable (walking 4,000 miles to get home from Siberia), the acting is outstanding (Jim Sturgess and Ed Harris), the costumes, makeup, and all the other tech are of the highest calibre to get this devastating journey across, and to know it's true adds just that much more. I only recommend this film to the strong stomachs out there, because it is a tough one to watch, but I thought well worth the effort




I rated it 3.7 out of 4
The Way BackThe Way Back(2010) PG-13

After narrowly escaping from a wretched World War II Siberian labor camp, a small band of multinational soldiers desperately undertakes a harrowing journey to traverse Siberia, the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas on foot.

Genre:
Dramas, Dramas based on real life, Military Dramas, 20th Century Period Pieces

This movie is:
Emotional, Dark, Gritty

Availability:
Streaming, DVD and Blu-ray

Movie #488 .........................Wide Awake

#488 "Wide Awake" was a charming indie on a child seeking out god in his world. All of it was well acted, and I would have given it a 5, if it weren't a bit heavy handed in some places (esp. about religion). But overall, I totally enjoyed it and recommend it. The boy in this film becomes Augustyn Burroughs in "Running with Scissors" --- boy, did he grow up!





You rated this movie: 4

Wide Awake
(1998) PG
Writer-director M. Night Shyamalan's first Hollywood venture explores the mysteries of the afterlife through 10-year-old Joshua (Joseph Cross). After losing his grandfather to cancer, the boy sets out to find God -- but quickly realizes the search won't be easy. With the support of his family and the sports-loving Sister Terry (Rosie O'Donnell) at his Catholic boys' school, Joshua comes to find the peace of mind he's been looking for.
Genre: Children & Family Movies, Dramas, Family Dramas
This movie is: Sentimental, Feel-good
Availability: Streaming and DVD

Movie #487 ........................."Dinosaur"

Movie #486 "Dinosaur" is a really good film, esp. the opening sequence. Wow! it is filmed n such great detail using sound, swift editing -- everything is working for it. Cute characters are included. It's kind of like the theme from Ice Age II--- pushing the message that we can get more done if we do things collectively and gang up on the bad guy. Nice theme, and just one or two scary parts for the kids --- great family fun, I thought!










I rate it 3.8 stars out of 5
Dinosaur
(2000) PG
In Disney's animated film, an orphaned Iguanadon named Aladar grows up in the care of a group of lemurs. But when a meteor shower appears, Aladar and his lemur "family" flee their homeland and seek safety. While on the run, Aladar encounters other dinosaurs for the first time, and they must all work together to survive. D. B. Sweeney, Julianna Margulies, Alfre Woodard and Ossie Davis provide voice work.
Genre: Children & Family Movies, Movies for ages 5 to 7, Movies for ages 8 to 10, Animal Tales, Family Features, Family Adventures, Family Feature Animation
This movie is: Imaginative, Inspiring
Availability: DVD (Blu-ray availability date unknown)

Movie #486........................... "Happy Tears"

Movie #486 "Happy Tears" is a well acted movie about two sister who have to do with their ailing father --- doesn't sound like much, but make the sisters Demi Moore and Parker Posey and the dad Rip Torn who has to wear Depends and you have a whole bunch of possible comic moments --- and they appear. It's independent quirky like a film should be, and it's well acted by a wonderful ensemble crew. I liked it, but there could have been more action. And the best scenes are between the two sisters, for sure!










I rate it a 3.5
Happy Tears
(2009) R
Jayne (Parker Posey) and Laura (Demi Moore) return to their childhood home in Pittsburgh to look after their father, Joe (Rip Torn), a lively widower who may be slipping into dementia. The sisters are soon at odds over their father's care -- and over old family dramas. As Joe's condition deteriorates, they are forced to confront myriad unpleasant memories. Ellen Barkin and Christian Camargo co-star.
Genre: Dramas, Independent Movies, Independent Dramas, Tearjerkers
This movie is: Heartfelt, Quirky
Availability: Streaming and DVD