Movie #661 ........................."Paula"

Movie #661 "Paula" is an oldie but a goodie. I watched it on TCM, and it stars Loretta Young as this woman, married to a college professor who has recently been promoted. After having still another miscarriage, on her way to her hubby's promotion party, she accidentally hits Tommy Rettig on a dark road. There's confusion with the truck that she had passed, and he's so mean and he assumes Young is drunk and careless, so he puts the child in his car and sweeps him away to get help, not telling Young what hospital he is taking him. She ends up teaching this little boy whom she had hit with her car how to talk again, but there are some problems along the way. A different subject for a film, and I found it well acted, and the story short and to the point. I liked the emotions in it, as well. Good job all around. I would give it a 4.

Movie #660 ........................."Hope Springs"

Movie #660 "Hope Springs"is a very different film, full of a lot of "real" moments, but I have to say I can't remember feeling so uncomfortable for such a long time as in this film. Because these two actors are so very good (actually, make that 3 because Carell is good, too) that they play each scene to the hilt --- and it is so awkward that the audience is constantly put into the "uncomfortable" zone. This is a movie that you should have a crawl periodically appear at the bottom of the screen that says something like: if this is getting too uncomfortable, this is the scene you could leave to go to the bathroom ---- and that would have made this more successful for me! And let me say that this is wrongly rated as PG-13 because there is no way teens should see this film. Too early for them, in my opinion, lots of adult situations. LOTS! And these two actors do not shy away from anything! I give Streep and Jones credit. They bear all ---- there's no glamour hollywood actors here at all --- they look like your mother and father, and maybe that's what makes it so uncomfortable. Just to think...........well, enough said. Hope Springs2012PG-13 - I rated it 3.8 out of 5 stars Feeling disconnected in her decades-old marriage, Maeve convinces her skeptical husband to attend a marriage therapy week with a celebrated relationship expert -- but now they must shed their inhibitions and learn some new sexual and emotional moves. Cast:Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carell, Jean Smart, Ben Rappaport, Marin Ireland, Patch Darragh, Brett Rice, Elisabeth Shue, Mimi Rogers Genre:Romantic Comedies

Movie #659 ........................."Ball of Fire"

Movie #659 "Ball of Fire" is one of those precious black and white classics with Barbara Stanwyck who pops in to seek refuge in a house of nerds --- a combination of all the best over 60 years of age actors in Hollywood at the time (Including Clarence, the angel in "Wonderful Life") --- anyway, lots of fun when one of them (Gary Cooper, the youngest of the bunch) starts to fall in love with her. Really a cute film, and I'd give it a 4 out of 5 stars, just because Gary Cooper has always had a problem with being a stiff actor, but he does so much better with Stanwyck's help in this one that you can almost find him somewhat believable. Very entertaining --- if you haven't seen it yet, do because it is a gem! Ball of Fire1941NR112 minutes Gary Cooper plays a serious but lovable English professor working with his colleagues on a dictionary of American slang. When a red-hot nightclub singer on the run from the mob takes refuge in their house, she also finds a place in their hearts. Cast:Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Oskar Homolka, Henry Travers, S.Z. Sakall, Tully Marshall, Leonid Kinskey, Richard Haydn, Aubrey Mather, Allen Jenkins, Dana Andrews Genre:Classic Comedies, Romance Classics, Screwball

Movie #658 ........................."Gnomeo & Juliet"

Movie #658 "Gnomeo & Juliet" --- loved the voices of Jim McAvoy and Emily Blunt, loved that Michael Caine and Maggie Smith are in the secondary actors list, liked the music (although it sometimes felt stuck in the middle of the action, but hey, it was Elton John's stuff) and it had a cute story when it tried to follow the Shakespeare line; however, there was too much lag time for me --- too much running over stuff with the machinery, and not enough parody of Shakespeare --- too much flexibility given to this plot, in my estimation, but to make a movie with gnomes --- that's a feat in itself! I recommend it, but there are a lot of other movies for kids that are better --- esp. the Wallace & Grommit stuff. Gnomeo and Juliet2011G84 minutes - I rated this 3.5 out of 5 This animated family comedy transports Shakespeare's classic tale of forbidden romance between two star-crossed lovers from warring families to the unlikely and irreverent world of garden gnomes. Cast:James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Ashley Jensen, Michael Caine, Matt Lucas, Jim Cummings, Maggie Smith, Jason Statham, Ozzy Osbourne, Stephen Merchant, Patrick Stewart, Julie Walters Genre:Family Animation, Family Comedies

Movie #657 .........................Children of God

Movie #657 "Children of God" - I thought this was recommended to me but I mixed up the title. Anyway, thinking it was recommended by someone, I really tried to watch this, but it is boring, belaboring, with fits of gratuitous sex scenes. I watched it for 30 minutes and said "That's it!" I don't recommend it --- dialogue was just awful, very amateurish film, and in the hands of this director and actors, it just made it worse. Children of God2010NR103 minutes In this intimate drama, a young artist living in Nassau tries to escape the antigay attitudes common in Bahamian culture by moving to the remote island of Eleuthera. But instead of finding respite, he encounters even more drama. Cast:Johnny Ferro, Stephen Tyrone Williams, Sylvia Adams, Van Brown, Aijalon Coley, Mark Ford, Jay Gotlieb, Jason Elwood Hanna, Christopher Herrod, Juanita Kelly Genre:Gay & Lesbian, Indie Dramas, Gay & Lesbian Dramas

Movie #654 ........................."Friends with Kids"

Movie #654 "Friends with Kids" was a fun watch for me. Of course, disclaimer: I don't have any kids, so I'm way on the outside, far away from the conflicts this film suggests. That being said, I liked the two leads ---- the woman is the film writer (also writer of bridesmaids, which I really liked, too) and director, and so I had to see it , and I'm happy to say, nice job, Jennifer Westfeldt (heard she was John Hamm's girlfriend, and that's possibly why she gives him the part she did --- film depends on him (besides Adam Scott) to deliver the heavy scene). I was also impressed with Adam Scott, whom I am a fan of ("Parks and Recreation") --- the film expected him to do a whole lot, and I thought he came through. The reason I didn't give it a 5 is that it is a bit raunchy in parts, and I feel I need to tell you this. Even grosser than "Bridesmaids" --- so if you thought that film was raunchy, this one pushes boundaries even more. But the sex talk never seemed gratuitous to me, or pushing for humor --- the two leads just tell it like it is, so I accepted that and went on. Very refreshing in humor to me --- not raunchy in the Judd Apatow way, but functional raunchy, if that is possible? I think I will use it from now on. See this film and you'll know what I mean by functional raunchiness. I gave this 4 out of 5 stars Friends with Kids2011R107 minutes Best friends Jason and Julie decide that the way to have kids without sacrificing their social lives or careers is to raise a child together platonically. But romance and other complications interfere with their perfect plan. Cast:Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O'Dowd, Megan Fox, Edward Burns, Lee Bryant, Michael Dean, Ilana Levine, Derek Cecil Genre:Romantic Comedies, Indie Comedies

Movie #653........................."The Bourne Legacy"

Movie #653 "The Bourne Legacy" is solid, even if action movies are not my favorite genre. I enjoyed all the previous Bournes, and this one wasn't disappointing........that is, after the first hour of being in the dark. That was a bit off putting to me. Here, I had invested a lot of time watching the other films in the series, and this one had a new director, with a new direction, and there's a new lead, and Ed Norton comes on the screen spouting all this fBI/CIA jargon, blah, blah, blah, and of course, Bourne is not saying anything, just doing.............and so the viewer watches for some signs of what is going on.........for a very long time, I might add. So keep with it, is my advice. I almost walked out---almost, but then Rachel Weisz, the great, great actress that she is, pulled me back in, and then it was smooth sailing from then on. Except for the fights. The fights are all the same --- like all these action movies ---using quick editing to make you feel like you are there, but the process leaves this watcher very confused as to what is going on; at that point, it's all a blur. However, the direction takes you to more possible films in the series, so that's good, but the best thing that was added was the predominance of a girl in the film. Yes, occasionally,Bourne would have a girl, but she'd be killed off or whatever in a few minutes, it seemed like, but this one sticks by him through a long portion of this film (not giving anything away, because I don't mention the end). So if you ready for film eye candy as far as action is concerned, this is very good. But Rachel Weisz pushes it a bit above the 3 level, and she is the major reason I would give it the .8. I would give it 3.8 stars out of 5 The Bourne Legacy2012PG-13 Following the Jason Bourne debacle, the CIA finds itself dealing with a familiar threat when another estranged operative surfaces. Jeremy Renner stars alongside Edward Norton, Rachel Weisz and Joan Allen. Cast:Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Joan Allen, Albert Finney, Stacy Keach, Oscar Isaac, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn Genre:Action & Adventure

Movie #655 ........................"Cassanova Brown"

Movie #655 "Cassanova Brown" -- what a silly title, isn't it? It was a movie I hadn't seen, and I really am not a huge Gary Cooper fan, but I noticed that Theresa Wright was in it, and so I thought she'd be strong at least --- and the storyline sounded so silly, I couldn't imagine the two of them in this. And it WAS silly, really! It was a screwball kind of comedy ----- not as good as Coop's "Balls of Fire" (that was a better script!), but still kind of cute, in a weird sort of way. I'd recommend seeing "Balls of Fire" first --- and if that suited you, then you can try this --- because this really is a lot of silliness tied up in a romantic knot! I rated it 3 out of 5 stars Casanova Brown1944NR94 minutes Cass Brown (Gary Cooper) is about to marry for the second time; his first marriage, to Isabel (Teresa Wright), was annulled. But when he discovers that Isabel just had their baby, Cass kidnaps the infant to keep her from being adopted. Isabel's parents hunt for the child and discover that Cass and Isabel are still hopelessly in love. Patricia Collinge and Edmund Breon co-star in this classic comedy. Cast:Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, Frank Morgan, Anita Louise, Edmund Breon, Patricia Collinge, Jill Esmond, Mary Treen, Emory Parnell Genre:Classic Comedies, Romance Classics

Movie #652 ........................."Only Angels Have Wings"

Movie #652 "Only Angels Have Wings" is a star- ladened classic that I don't remember seeing before, and as it was on TCM this a.m., it kept me company while I was cleaning the house today. I thought I saw all the Jean Arthur/Cary Grant films, so I'm glad I caught this one ---- and Tommy Mitchell is again, Arthur's confidante (like he is in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"and others) They work so well together. I guess it is Rita Hayworth's day today on TCM, but I would have watched this in spite of that info -- never been a huge fan of hers. I read that she had problems in the drunk scene in here, so Hawks said to throw water on her and dry her hair and just say his lines ---- and that is what happens in the film! Anyway, there are some memorable moments in here, and this is the film that "Judy, Judy, Judy" was supposed to inspire, but Grant never says that in here --- it was just a guess, because his old flame's name (Rita) was Judy. Anyway, this is a Hawks' film with all these stars, so it can't miss --- unless you don't like watching black and white any more. It never bothers me when the story and the acting is sooo good, like this one! I give it 4 stars out of 5 Only Angels Have Wings1939NR121 minutes A macho group of pilots brave the rugged Andes in director Howard Hawks's film about daredevil Geoff Carter's (Cary Grant) air-delivery outfit. Carter's men must be ready to face danger on every flight, so when pilot Barthelmess (Bat McPherson) makes a tragic error, he's cast off by his fellow pilots. Barthelmess's wife, Judith (Rita Hayworth), tries to seduce Geoff, but Geoff is intrigued by stranded showgirl Bonnie Lee (Jean Arthur). Cast:Cary Grant, Rita Hayworth, Jean Arthur, Richard Barthelmess, Thomas Mitchell, Allyn Joslyn, Victor Kilian, John Carroll, Don "Red" Barry, Pat Flaherty Genre:Classic Dramas, Romance Classics, Action Classics

Movie #651 .........................."Ice Age: Continental Drift

Movie #651 "Ice Age: Continental Drift" -- I actually had kids with me to see this one, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, watching them giggle at all the playful characters in this film ---- it served up a lot of humor amidst the implausible weather changes and other crazy things happening in the plot. Even the kids noticed that any time the writers got to a point in the plot where there was a need for conflict, the weather would drastically change and cause more problems. Other than that, it was a lot of fun, so if you are looking for a kids' movie that might be more fun than sitting in the hot weather watching your popsicle melt, this might be the one you'd like. I rated this 4 out of 5 stars Ice Age: Continental Drift2012PG The animated Ice Age series tacks on a game-changing fourth act when unexpected events set the continent in motion, sending Manny (voiced by Ray Romano), Diego (Denis Leary) and Sid (John Leguizamo) away from Ellie (Queen Latifah) and the herd and into the vastness of the open sea. The world around them is forever changed, but at least one thing remains the same: their ability to make the most of extreme climate change. Cast:Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Nicki Minaj, Aubrey Graham, Jennifer Lopez, Queen Latifah, Aziz Ansari, Joy Behar, Peter Dinklage, Keke Palmer, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Seann William Scott, Wanda Sykes, Patrick Stewart, Heather Morris, Rebel Wilson, Josh Gad Genre:Children & Family

Movie #656 .........................Henson's Place: The Man Behind the Muppets

Movie #656 "Henson's Place: The Man Behind the Muppets" was just an okay film. It started out really well with a cool idea --- the muppets were asked by the journalist what they thought of Jim Henson. I wish it would have stayed that way, because it just went into question and answer type stuff. I wanted to see more behind the scenes with the talent, more how hard it is do that puppetry. But the one thing I did like about this movie was the amount of words they have Jim Henson speaking about his craft. Not a lot here, but at least some of it is recorded. He was a man of few words, and it's nice to see a documentary attempt to get his comments on film. I rated this 3 stars out of 5. Henson's Place: The Man Behind the Muppets 1984 NR52 minutes Trace the life and career of visionary puppeteer Jim Henson through this fascinating documentary, which profiles the creative genius's early endeavors in college, his incredible contributions to "Sesame Street" and the creation of "The Muppet Show." In addition to interviews with Henson, his wife, Jane, and close collaborator Frank Oz, this in-depth special also offers viewers a peek inside the magical Henson Workshop. Cast:Jim Henson, Jane Henson, Frank Oz, Gabriel Velez, Caroll Spinney, Julia McKenzie Genre:Biographical Documentaries, Miscellaneous Documentaries