Movie #604 ........................."The Hunger Games"

Movie #604 "The Hunger Games": --- let the games begin! Been waiting for this one since I read the first book (just started the second one, yesterday), wondering how they would do it, and I really wasn't very disappointed. It was intriguing from beginning to end. The Reaping reminded me so much of the film we used to show of the short story "The Lottery" --- the games themselves looked like the Survivor so much, with Stanley Tucci playing the Probst guy. The two young kids (Lawrence and Hutcherson) do a really good job as Peeta and Kat, but the guy they got to play Gale was quite a disappointment to me --- Oh, don't get me wrong, he's a pretty boy, but he looked like he walked onto the set saying: "Hello, I'm doing this famous film and I wanted to look my best!" Come on, he's nothing like how he came across in book 1 ---- he's supposed to be a hunter and I think I saw a tag on his costume that said "L. L, Bean" ---- his hair looks too much of our time, and he's not a very good actor ------and he and Kat start up the film, so I was a bit frightened that the film would continue in a hoaky fashion, but Peeta and Cinna and Haymitch didn't disappoint! All good, I thought. Just a few more gripes, though --- the hand held camera swirling around, and the lack of character development of Rue (and some other of the tributes) were my two biggest. And Just a shout out to Josh Hutcherson, whom I have watched grow up in films from "Bridge of Teribithia," to "Little Manhattan," to "The Kids Are All Right" --- he's really sincere and makes a good Peeta. Now, as far as the violence and the PG13 rating --- I must admit, when you see the young kids out to get each other, there's something unsettling, but you have to keep reminding yourself (and your kids) that it is science fiction, and that this is a guess at what might happen if we don't straighten ourselves up right now! The violence is shown with hand held camera shots, way too fast to follow anything, so easier to take. But it's up to the parents whether their kids can watch it. I feel the book is better, but this is a good attempt to get it on screen! and I say, Let the Games continue!






Gave it 4.2 out of 5 stars
The Hunger Games
(2012) PG-13
In a dystopian future ruled by a totalitarian regime, resourceful Katniss and her partner Peeta represent their district in the lethal Hunger Games, a televised survival competition in which teenage contestants hunt each other to the death.
Genre:Action & Adventure, Action Thrillers

Movie #603 ........................."My Darling Companion"

Movie #602 'My Darling Companion" was our first Phoenix Film Festival films for 2012 and it was a darling picture directed by Lawrence Kasdan. It had an indie feel to it, but one with an all star cast. It came across Indie to me because it kind of meandered around in the lives of this family, not seeming to have an agenda, until there's a big search for a dog --------and we have everyone in the film somehow affected by this event. (much like Big Chill and Grand Canyon, two other Kasdan flicks) It's so refreshing to see seasoned performers run the show --- Keaton, Kline, Wiest, and Jenkins, esp., and it's a very heartwarming picture about more than dogs, for sure. I recommend it --- very funny!




Average rating: 2.909
I gave it 4 out of 5 stars
Darling Companion
(2012) NR
Dealing with an empty nest and self-absorbed husband Joseph, Beth develops a deep bond with a dog she rescues -- and when Joseph loses the dog after a wedding, Beth joins forces with wedding guests in a search that takes some unexpected turns.
Genre:Dramas

Movie #602 ........................."Like Crazy'

Movie #602 "Like Crazy" was just okay. It was very realistic, poignant in spots and truthful. The two young actors were esp. effective in playing the parts, and it was nice to see Jennifer Lawrence in a pre-Hunger Games role. There were gaps in the narration, but I liked the way the director used those gaps to pique our interest in continuing to guess what was happening....a little slow in parts, and I kind of wish the ending was a bit different, but other than that, this was a very refreshing film that I found likable.




3 out of 5 stars
Like Crazy
(2011) PG-13
American Jacob (Anton Yelchin) and British Anna (Felicity Jones) meet and fall madly in love at college in Los Angeles, but must make their relationship work long distance when Anna returns to London. With an ocean between them, their trust is tested, forcing them to confront the idea that their love may be impermanent. Or can it survive against the odds? This romantic drama won the Grand Jury Dramatic prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011.
Genre:Dramas, Independent Movies, Romantic Movies, Independent Dramas
This movie is:Emotional, Romantic, Understated

Movie #601 ........................."Snowcake"

Movie #601 "Snowcake" is a quirky film concerning a journey a man goes through from a detached person in life to one who makes attachments. Ironically, the attachments are to 3 women: one is a cooky girl who hitches a ride from him, another is her autistic mother, and the third is a lonely neighbor who is as detached as he is from the people around her. Quite a good story and really shows autism at a closer look. I can see why this film would be shown at autism conventions. BUT, if you rent this movie, make sure to see the deleted scenes. I think they are more helpful in understanding the whole picture and should not have been left out. So what if the movie runs a few minutes more?






I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
Snow Cake
(2006) NR
Alex (Alan Rickman), a British man stranded in Ontario and haunted by a fatal accident that took place there, is forced to confront his past when he meets the autistic Linda (Sigourney Weaver) in this heartfelt drama. Linda is the mother of the teenage girl who died in the accident, and though she's sustained an unimaginable loss, it is she who helps Alex find his way back to a life once again filled with hope. Carrie-Anne Moss also stars.
Genre:Dramas, Independent Movies, Independent Dramas, British Movies
This movie is:Heartfelt, Quirky

Movie #600 ........................."This Gun For Hire"

Movie #600 "This Gun for Hire" was on TCM last night, and I probably saw it a long time ago, but it came across as new to me after all these years. I didn't remember that Alan Ladd was playing a bad guy in this one and how much fun it was to see him like that ---- charming, albeit a hired assassin. Then, it was also fun to see the chemistry between Ladd and Veronica Lake that was just the start of their 4 movies together ---a very nice "beginning to a beautiful relationship" , and I can see why hollywood saw them as a great match! There's a lot more to like here: how they first meet, the last scene, Robert Preston as the cop, the scene where Ladd has a good shot at Preston, but .............don't want to say too much. If you get a chance to see this oldie, it's a goodie and I'd take that chance!






4 out of 5 stars
This Gun for Hire
(1942) NR
Phillip Raven (Alan Ladd) is an assassin whose latest murder assignment is paid for with counterfeit money by turncoat Willard Gates. Ellen Graham (Veronica Lake), an entertainer and the girlfriend of the police lieutenant who's trying to bring Raven down, is recruited by the government to probe Gates's illegal activities. When Raven happens to meet Ellen on a train, they use their relationship to get what they want -- and exact revenge.
Genre:Classic Movies, Dramas, Thrillers, Classic Dramas
This movie is:Dark, Gritty

Movie #599 ........................."A Separation"

Movie #599 "A Separation" is the academy award winner for best foreign language film ( in persian). A wonderful film that grips you from the opening dialogue through until the end. Its script is very tight and was deservedly nominated for an AA there, as well. The actors all fit their parts and beautifully get across these terribly universal characters. Because of the way it ends, you will be talking about this one, I guarantee it! Totally enthralling from opening to closing, and several times I found myself gasping at what was happening on the scream. It really opens the Iranian society a little bit more to us. Don't miss this! It could be the best film of 2011.



I rated this 5 stars out of 5
A Separation
Jodaeiye Nader az Simin
(2011) PG-13
An Iranian husband and wife split up over his decision to stay and care for his aging father instead of leaving the country with his family. But his fateful choice to hire a stranger to do most of the caretaking breeds unexpected consequences.
Genre:Foreign Movies, Middle Eastern Movies, Farsi-Language Movies
This movie is:Cerebral

Movie #598 .........................'Bonjour Monsieur Schlomi"

Movie #598 "Bonjour Monsieur Schlomi" was a wonderful indie film that a friend of ours recommended, and I'm glad he did. I started and stopped this one a couple of times (first couple of minutes quite a few characters to get to know, so I felt defeated and turned it off), but I'm glad I finally finished it. Very refreshing, funny, fast paced, and poignant. I was rooting for Schlomi from the get go, and he never lets the audience down. The only complaint I had was a few too many family members to memorize in a short amount of time ---- and they tended to look alike when thrown to you quite quickly, so it took a while to keep them straight, but the film is well worth it --- I highly recommend this one! But don't be sleepy when you watch it (like I was the first couple of times) because the subtitles go rapidly by!





You rated this movie: 4
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Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi
Ha'Kohavim Shel Shlomi
(2003) NR
Shlomi is a caretaker of everyone in his family, that is, from his feeble grandfather to his sickly older brother and their disgraced father. Shlomi also cooks each family member's favorite meal to keep them on an even keel. Problem is, Shlomi's pretty much invisible to those he cares for -- until a math test at school catches the attention of Shlomi's teacher, who suspects that a unique personality lies behind that dormant facade.
Genre:Comedies, Dramas, Foreign Movies, Foreign Comedies
This movie is:Quirky, Feel-good, Understated

Movie #597 ........................."The Vow"

Movie #597 "The Vow" =-- I really liked this one. Once again, the critics disagree with the public --- 28% on rottentomatoes for critics, 68% for audience --- but what do we know, right? We can't possibly like movies that are well done, well acted, and full of emotion. Ah, that's the problem --- the film makes you care about a relationship, instead of laughing at some potty mouth language and situations that couldn't possibly happen in a relationship! I just thought it took its time to show you how a couple would deal with the worst of possible challenges ---- yet, it shows that if you really have found your soulmate, you'll find him/her again and again and again. I like that idea. It's very comforting and hopeful. I recommend this, and no, it isn't like a Nicholas Sparks' film --- it's much better. If not, just to see Rachel McAdams do the unbelievable. She actually makes Tatum Channing's acting look good!




Gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
The Vow
(2012) PG-13
Rachel McAdams stars in this romantic drama about a newlywed woman who slips into a coma after a car accident and awakens with amnesia. Her devoted husband (Channing Tatum) must help her recover -- and he also needs to win her back.
Genre:Dramas

Movie #596 .........................."Take Shelter"

Movie #596 "Take Shelter" is a very highly tauted film of 2011, so I was waiting to see it for some time. I was very disappointed --- it is very overrated. It isn't very scary, it's too slow to sustain much suspense with me, and instead of being dark, like it says below, it is more esoteric. Okay, here's why I think the critics think so highly of this film--- they are seeing metaphors to our economic system --- here you have a family man from Ohio, trying to afford money to not only feed his family, but pay for extra help to deal with his little girl who is deaf. He is an oil digger, and then one day it starts to rain oil on him. At least he think it does ---- it is a dream, is it a prophesy, or is it really happening? I found it so slowly paced, that I couldn't stay awake through long passages of it ---- and I tried two times. I finally got through it, but I must say, what I liked best was Jessica Chastain,the wife. She is hard to look away from ---- she's that good. M. Shannon (the husband) usually is that good, and for the most part he is very competent here, but like all the films this year, the story doesn't work enough for him and he came across bland to me. I couldn't wait until the end and when it finally came, I was left wondering ------first, what was the last line he delivered? so that warranted a reshowing of the last scene ---- which helped me with the line, but not much with the meaning. It makes you think that there's no stopping the bad times we are headed for in weather, morals, and our economy. So you really don't need to see this one. Not much to it ---- the critics wrote better criticisms of the film, than the actual writing of the screenplay here.




I rated it 2.8 stars out of 5.
Take Shelter
(2011) R
Michael Shannon stars in this thriller as a small-town family man who, determined to protect his wife and deaf daughter from impending disaster, builds an impenetrable storm shelter in the safety of his own backyard.
Genre:Independent Movies, Thrillers, Independent Thrillers
This movie is:Dark, Suspenseful, Scary

Movie #595 ........................."Wanderlust"

Movie #595 "Wanderlust" --- let me start this critique by saying again how tough it is to make a good comedy. This is definitely an adult comedy, and it works in many ways. There are some very funny moments, mostly from the capabilities of the cast to be silly, odd, awkward and throwbacks to the 60s flower children. All of which I enjoyed. Some of it is crude, and there is a bunch of nudity here. That was all okay with me, too, but I felt the one drawback was the up and down of the story. Like most comedy routines, there are hits and misses. So there are gaps here, noticeable time where laughs aren't to be found or jokes fall to the floor with a thud -------otherwise, I would recommend it. It's bawdy and naughty, but hey, it's tough to find a good comedy, so you might want to try it out, esp. if you are a Paul Rudd fan. (this means that we sit through minutes of Paul Rudd just asking silly sometimes, going way past the stupid line, but we just laugh or applaud him anyway because he's got that boyish charm that takes you with him) Oh, I might add, it was very obvious to me why Jennifer Anniston was on board with this film --------it's out there (which she tends to like, and I do, too), she works well with Paul Rudd (I highly recommend Object of My Affection, an earlier movie with the two of them which shows their chemistry), and her real bf is hysterical in this one --- and what talent! He's a writer, too, besides playing a shaman in this film, and is that him really playing classical guitar? Made me wonder just how talented this guy is!






I rated it 3.5 stars out of 5.
Wanderlust
(2012) R
Economic hard times force a New York couple to pull up stakes and head for Atlanta, where their boorish relatives are ready to take them in. On their way south, they spend a night at a hippie-style inn and wind up considering a whole new lifestyle.
Genre:Comedies

Movie #594 ........................."The High Cost of Living"

Movie #594 "The High Cost of Living" was a good solid hit with me. I had never seen a love story quite like this one and probably never will. It's very indie in story and casting --- it's Zach Braff with a woman with a thick French accent --- film takes place in Canada. He's a drug dealer and she's 9 months pregnant wth a husband too busy to make time for her ---- a car accident puts them together, neither to be the same again. It's dark, and it's slow paced, focused on character development, but I found it very intriguing, wondering how the heck it was going to end. It's not a necessity to watch, but it does tackle quite a few subjects here that aren't usually tackled in the film world. Another hit for Zach Braff, in my estimation!






I rated this 4 out of 5 stars
The High Cost of Living
(2010) NR
Well-to-do housewife Nathalie eagerly awaits the birth of her first child, while elsewhere in Montreal, small-time drug dealer Henry plans his next score. One night, their contrasting lives become intertwined when Henry hits Nathalie with his car.
Genre:Dramas, Independent Movies, Independent Dramas
This movie is:Dark, Sentimental

Movie #593 .........................."Read It and Weep"

Movie #593 "Read it and Weep" was a fun movie I watched the other night so I could recommend it or not for my niece, and I would recommend it. I was also intrigued with the actresses (the Panabaker sisters from Naperville) to see what they did with this film, and they were fun to watch. I had seen a movie with Kay ("Custody") and was very impressed with her acting, so I wanted to check out what she's done other than that film ---- she IS talented and so is her sister. In fact, all the kids are really well done in this film --- my complaint is with the adults --- they act so stupid, esp. the father in this film. Overall, the film seems a bit uneven in parts, with some scenes way out of proportion and not believable, but I think it's supposed to be goofy that way. There's this muse of the girl that prompts her to do extreme things to get attention ------and by the end of the film, she has conquered the urges to be bigger than life. Good film, esp. for junior high and early high school (that's what it is about --- freshman year in high school. With a cute little love story, to boot. I recommend it for fun.





Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Read It and Weep
(2006) NR
The target of endless verbal abuse at school, 14-year-old Jamie (Kay Panabaker) documents her pain in a private journal. When she unwittingly submits the journal to a writing contest, Jamie becomes famous and very, very popular. Stardom comes at a price, however, and Jamie must judge the quality of her own character. Director Paul Hoen brings Julia De Viller's book to life in this screen adaptation originally aired on the Disney Channel.
Genre:Children & Family Movies, Movies for ages 8 to 10, Movies for ages 11 to 12, Disney

Movie #592 ........................."Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey"

Movie #592 "Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey" -- Dave and I loved watching this --- a wonderful journey from an 8 year old who made his first puppet out of his dad's coat to Elmo (and several other characters) and working with the best of the best. Such a tribute to Jim Henson and crew. If you are fond of seeing this type of documentary, then this is the one to check out. Well done and very complete story.





Rate 5 stars out of 5
Being Elmo
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey
(2011) PG
Beloved by millions of children, Elmo is a global icon. However, few people know the soft-spoken man behind the furry red monster: Kevin Clash. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this documentary follows the Clash's remarkable career as a puppeteer.
Genre:Documentaries, Biographical Documentaries, Social & Cultural Documentaries
This movie is:Emotional, Imaginative, Inspiring, Heartfelt, Sentimental
Availability: Streaming (DVD availability date unknown)

Movie #591 ........................."Custody (of the Heart) t.v. movie

Movie #591 - t.v. movie "Custody (of the Heart)"

I rated it 4 stars out of 5
Movie stars Rob Morrow as a dad whose wife died when her daughter was 5 years old and he has been raising her since --- she is now in high school and her read dad has come back to take her away from him ---- and he hasn't even found the time to tell the daughter he raised that he isn't her real father. The daughter Kay Pannabaker is a wonderful little actress and I'm eager to see her in more stuff. The real dad is Denton, the plumber on "Desperate Housewives." This was a fun thing to watch when I was filing my scrapbook stuff today --- a notch above the t.v. type movies. Basically because of the story being pretty intriguing (although you probably have seen it before) and the acting.