Movie #713 ..........................."National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"

Movie #713 "Christmas Vacation" (National Lampoon) --- believe it or not, I've never really sat down and watched this before, but I can safely say I didn't miss much. I had seen the Europe vacation one (with Wally World) and found that moderately amusing, but this one, not so much. It never caught my interest to sit intently to watch it --- it was on in the background while I was wrapping gifts and cleaning for company. I had heard that lots of people have the lines memorized, so I wanted to see what the Hubub was all about -- I'm not the audience --- when a film crosses the stupid line, I don't think it is very funny --- and that's what happened here. I'm sure lots of families can enjoy it together, and for that reason, it serves a purpose, and Chevy Chase is always fun to watch for a while, but I don't need to see this again real soon --- not even again next Christmas. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 1989 PG-13 97 minutes Hapless Clark, exasperated Ellen and their ever-changing kids take on Christmas in this holiday classic. As usual, all their good intentions can't save them from disaster ... or Cousin Eddie, whose surprise visit throws them into disarray. Cast:Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, John Randolph, Diane Ladd, E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, Randy Quaid, Miriam Flynn, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Cody Burger, Ellen Hamilton Latzen, William Hickey, Mae Questel, Sam McMurray, Nicholas Guest, Nicolette Scorsese, Brian Doyle-Murray, Natalia Nogulich Genre:Slapstick, Cult Comedies, Comedy

Movie #712 ........................."Two Weeks"

Movie #712 "Two Weeks" is one of the movies that I think will be removed from the streaming list at the first of the year, and netflix said I would like it, and they were right, I did. There was some controversy over this one because it is about Sally Field dying in the course of the film, about 2 weeks, with her kids sitting around and waiting. As a result, it is very tense and sad, but it has lot of humor, and some people don't think it is a laughing matter---I enjoyed watching all the interactions of the brothers and sisters in an extremely sad situation/family tragedy. And the cast is very competent, esp. Sally Field, who handles the stressful part well. If it's true a good movie takes you to places you've never been before or ever want to be, this is an example of the latter --- I liked it! I give it 3.9 stars out of 5 Two Weeks 2006 R 99 minutes When four grown siblings return to their hometown to say farewell to their dying mother, the brief stay they anticipated instead turns into an agonizing two weeks in this indie tearjerker based on director Steve Stockman's personal experience. Cast:Sally Field, Ben Chaplin, Tom Cavanagh, Julianne Nicholson, Glenn Howerton, James Murtaugh, Clea DuVall, Michael Hyatt, Susan Misner, Jenny O'Hara Genre:Indie Dramas, Tearjerkers, Indie Comedies, Drama

Movie #711 ........................."Another Thin Man"

Movie #711 "Another Thin Man" is the third installment of the famous William Powell/Myrna Loy Thin Man series, of which I am a huge fan. I had not seen this one, that I can remember, but it turns out it is my least favorite. The little baby was cute, but they keep passing him around. They did put him into the movie as much as they could, and that was a nice addition to the series. And I must say, Nick has a lot of close shaves in this one, one in particular that was quite surprising, and the ending has a nice twist, but the secondary people aren't as interesting as they usually are --- I was too easily swayed away from watching it as I was viewing this movie the other night. I recommend the others first --- but it is always fun to watch a thin man movie! 3 stars out of 5. Another Thin Man 1939 NR 105 minutes Upper-crust private eyes Nick (William Powell) and Nora (Myrna Loy) -- along with faithful canine Asta -- return for a third installment of the popular series. They're invited to spend the weekend at the estate of munitions mogul Col. Burr MacFay (C. Aubrey Smith). After MacFay's ex-associate issues a death threat, Nick and Nora go into sleuthing mode when someone carries it out. But all is not what it seems in this stylish and entertaining whodunit. Cast:William Powell, Myrna Loy, C. Aubrey Smith, Virginia Grey, Otto Kruger, Ruth Hussey, Nat Pendleton, Patric Knowles, Tom Neal Genre:Classic Comedies, Screwball, Classic Thrillers, Classics

Movie #710 ........................."Dzango Unchained"

Movie #710 "Dzango Unchained" -- this will be short and not sweet --- I thought this movie would never end -------I've liked some of Tarantino's work in the past (Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, and Inglorious Bastards)but this one is at the bottom, to me. Why? It lacks a moral compass --- I don't feel I learned anything watching this --- I didn't find it very humorous, I didn't find it entertaining (unless buckets of blood titillate you, you might not, either), the "n" word was said way beyond what I could stand, Kerry Washington's character was a hysterical, helpless woman, therefore a waste of a good actress (haven't we seen enough of that through the years?),and why do we need to see a film where whites enjoy killing blacks and blacks enjoy killing whites?(haven't we seen enough of that, too?) In fact, this movie seemed terribly appropriate to show at Christmas season, and in the wake of the shooting in Connecticut --- I ask: HAVEN'T WE SEEN ENOUGH BLOOD AND SHOOTINGS? I guess according to Tarantino, we haven't --- and for what reason is it all shown here? We know about man's inhumanity to man --- why do we need to see it from one scene to another to another. Nope, walked out of this one --- watched the end from the sidelines, but I thought it would never end. That being said, I am not the target audience here --- spaghetti westerns + horror genres are at work, and I find both unsettling for my eyes and stomach. I give it 2.5 out of 5 star Django Unchained 2012 R Accompanied by a German bounty hunter, a freed slave named Django travels across America to free his wife from a sadistic plantation owner. Quentin Tarantino directs this modern-day spaghetti Western. Cast:Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins, Dennis Christopher, James Remar, Michael Parks, Don Johnson Genre:Drama

Movie #709 .........................."Les Miserables " (2012)

Movie #709 "Les Miserables" --- Let me start by saying this is probably my very favorite musical, and I have had the great opportunity to get to see it 4 or 5 times in my lifetime. I know the songs well,I read the book (abridged, but that was fine!), I've conducted workshops for audiences pre-viewing the show,so let's say I have history, and definite attitudes about this one. The movie is not as good as the musical stage show --- surprise! surprise! What's missing? The idea that these people on stage work their butts off in three hours to go through hell and back in telling this epic story -- Jean Val Jean can sing "Bring him home" like Colm Wilkinson (who is incidentally playing the bishop in the movie -- nice touch) when I first saw it, Eponine joined Jean and Fantine in singing the death song; Javert needs to be able to sing well because he has some of the best songs to sing in the show, the signature marching on stage with the little kid on the shoulder waving the flag, Gavroche's full song of "Little People" and probably other things I missed along the way. That being said, what did I appreciate? Fantine --- this is truly Anne Hathaway's chance to pick up the Oscar because her parts shine through; she is absolutely wonderful; that the movie is a bit clearer in the lyrics, and story (because every time I have ever gotten a chance to see it, I'm so far away, and this was up close and personal)and best of all, by putting this great musical on film, it has made it accessible to so many more people --- and the music and story are deserving of that! Hats off to all involved for making this possible. I gave it 4 stars out of 5 Les Misérables 2012 PG-13 The musical version of Victor Hugo's epic tale of love and sacrifice, first produced for the stage in 1985, now receives the big-screen treatment. The bloody era of the French Revolution is the backdrop to Jean Valjean's long struggle for redemption. Cast:Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, Colm Wilkinson, Bertie Carvel Genre:Contemporary Movie Musicals, Dramas Based on Classic Literature, Romantic Dramas, Drama

Movie #708 ........................."Polar Express"

Movie #708 "Polar Express" was a bit of a disappointment to me. I thought it would be better. Don't get me wrong; I really liked the theme and the sentiment, but the journey on the way there was full of fits and struts ------the pacing seemed off. The movie was full of very intense, almost too much intensity, followed by very slow, and I mean very slow scenes. The kids are cute, esp. the main boy and the young girl, but after that, they seemed a blur. And the high point scene ran long, too. I did like the way it was filmed, but it would never take the place of any of the other classic christmas films for me. It was just okay. The Polar Express 2004 G 100 minutes A young boy's faith in the holiday spirit is revived after he makes his way by train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve in this warm-hearted computer-animated tale inspired by Chris Van Allsburg's award-winning children's book. Cast:Tom Hanks, Leslie Zemeckis, Hayden McFarland, Connor Matheus, Peter Scolari, Julene Renee, Chantel Valdivieso, Eddie Deezen, Christopher Coppola, Michael Jeter, Josh Hutcherson, Ed Gale, Nona M. Gaye, Mark Goodman Genre:Family Animation, Book Characters, Children & Family

Movie #707 ........................."Never Say Goodbye" (1946)

Movie #707 "Never Say Goodbye" is another predictable film --- that's two in a row. I could have written the script, it's that lame. But the reason it caught my eye as i was going past the station is the little girl playing Flip. I thought it was more a Margaret O'brien part and I had never seen this girl before in films and she was pretty watchable. She hooked me in, esp. when I saw her dad was Errol Flynn. I always equate Mr. Flynn with Robin Hood, so when I can see him in a romantic comedy, I find it a lot of fun --- he's such a charmer in his day, and his exwife in here is Eleanor Parker, quite a looker and her wardrobe is quite huge in this small film. Once again, I'm going to say what I just said in the older dramatic film I just reviewed --- there are so many more movie better than this one, that I'd skip it. But the three actor are quite winning in a mediocre film. Starring Errol Flynn and Eleanor Parker. 1946 - saw it on TCM Phil and Ellen Gayley have been divorced for a year, and their 8-year old daughter, Flip, is very unhappy that her parents are not together. Flip starts a correspondence with a marine, sending a picture of her beautiful mother as the author of Flip's flirtatious letters. When the marine shows up to meet his pen pal, Ellen takes the opportunity to make her ex-husband jealou

Movie #706 .........................."Turning Point"

Movie #706 "Turning Point" is a William Holden picture i couldn't remember seeing before so I streamed this the other night --- this is a different picture for Holden --- he is secondary, he doesn't get the girl (oops, don't want to give anything away)and he doesn't take his shirt off ---- i guess journalists didn't do that back in the day --- anyway, this was way predictable and I just watched it to the end because I'm such a Holden fan. I don't recommend this for your classic film to see this week --- there are so many so much better, even on the same subject! I give it 3 out of 5 stars. The Turning Point1952NR81 minutes Is John Conroy's police officer father, Matt (Tom Tully), on the wrong side of the law? John, a prosecutor trying to rid his town of crime, hopes not, but newsman Jerry McKibbon (William Holden) says Matt has been running around with mobster Harrigan (Ted de Corsia). But Jerry can't be fully trusted either, considering he's got a thing for John's gal pal, Amanda (Alexis Smith). William Dieterle directs this noirish drama. Cast:William Holden, Edmond O'Brien, Alexis Smith, Tom Tully, Ed Begley, Danny Dayton, Ted de Corsia Genre:Film Noir, Crime Dramas, Drama

Movie #705 ........................"In A Day"

Movie #705 "In a Day" was a very enjoyable film. The Actors were competent, the charactes were very believable, the plot line was kind of a mystery and so I kept watching to try to figure out why this guy was being so nice to this woman. The ending put everything in order, while leaving us with a good theme to chew on, so I was quite satisfied in watching this. I liked this indie romantic comedy because I didn't know what was going to happen next, which doesn't happen very often when watching this genre. I gave it 4 stars out of 5. In a Day2006NR80 minutes Ashley Branstead (Lorraine Pilkington), a struggling musician living in London, begins what appears to be an unpleasant morning. Then, she meets Michael (Finlay Robertson), a quirky stranger who persuades her to join him in a day of indulgent amusements and stimulating conversation. Directed by newcomer Evan Richards, this whimsical romantic indie drama has bagged a host of awards on the festival circuit and earned Richards kudos from the press. Cast:Lorraine Pilkington, Finlay Robertson, Rose Keegan, Jake Broder, Nolan Hemmings, Hassani Shapi, Anjalee Patel, Alex Harcourt-Smith, Jake Canuso, Martin Kerem, Stuart Mansell Genre:Romantic Comedies, Indie Comedies, Indie Romance, Comedy

Movie #704 ........................."The Art of the Steal"

Movie #704 "The Art of the Steal" is an intriguing documentary on the art world, esp. the Barnes collection,probably the best post-impressionist collection of paintings that has ever existed. The film relies mostly on interview, and that's why I gave it a 3.8. It gets confusing at times, and it is very wordy and lengthy, but other than those three complaints, I found this a very thorough study on the topic, and I would recommend it to people either interested in the general art category, or just in the manipulation of a group of people to make the biggest con on the art world. Unbelievable how greedy some people are. I give this a 3.8 out of 5 stars. The Art of the Steal 2009NR 101 minutes A gripping tale of intrigue and mystery in the art world, this film traces the history of the Barnes collection of Post-Impressionist paintings, which was worth billions and became the subject of a power struggle after the 1951 death of the owner. Dr. Albert Barnes collected 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes, 59 Matisses, 46 Picassos and many other valuable paintings. But the political wrangling over the collection eventually led to its division. Cast:Albert Barnes Genre:Biographical Documentaries, Historical Documentaries, Painting, Documentary

Movie #703 ........................."Life of Pi" (3D)

Movie "Life of Pi" --While Dave was spending the day with the Bears, I took a trip to the theatre to see this movie in 3D, which I had read that the director (Ang Lee) said was the only way he wanted it viewed, and it was quite impressive. I was worried because I wasn't able to read the book before the film, but it was very easy to follow. Now, I'm anxious to talk to people who have read the book because I've heard that the ending is hard to follow ---- the ending to the movie was quite intriguing and it really pulled everything together. The guy who plays adult pi is very capable -- I've seen him in many movies and he narrates the story to a novelist who is thinking about writing about Pi's journey. The younger actors who play PI at different ages were also more than capable --- but really the secondary actors are a bit stoic. The visuals are gorgeous, and this should definitely get an oscar nomination for cinematography, and possibly win --- seeing it in 3D added to the amazement --- I can't tell you how many times I jumped when the bengal tiger did --- the animals are so magical, and for more than 1/2 of the film we are out on water with one person and some animals, and the film never lost interest to me. I highly recommend it; and kids can see it and get something out of it, as well. I was in a theatre with 11-12 year olds and they were very quietly watching. It's quite an adventure, but it isn't for the faint of heart ---- the animals eat each other because that's the way the food chain works, so if you don't want to see those scenes, I wouldn't see this gorgeous film. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars Life of Pi 2012 PG Based on Yann Martel's best-selling novel, this coming-of-age tale recounts the adventures of Pi, an Indian boy who is the sole survivor of a shipwreck. Pi finds himself on a lifeboat with only some zoo animals for company. Cast:Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma, Gérard Depardieu, Adil Hussain Genre:Adventures, Dramas Based on Bestsellers, Dramas Based on the Book, Drama

Movie #702 .........................."Will You Merry Me?"

Movie #702 "Will You Merry Me?" is one of many, many, many Christmas made-for-t.v. movies. This one I tuned in to because it was supposed to take place in Madison, Wi, and boy were they far off! They made it look like it was a small hick town in the midwest --- yeah, right. i would leave the room, and when I came back, I hadn't missed a thing because I knew (and everyone else did) where they film was going.......however, it's always funny to see the way overdecorated houses at Christmas time and the overdecorated people who live in them --- that part made me laugh, and the two mothers are played by very capable, and funny women. But the rest was all a wash! I don't recommend this. Stick to "It's a Wonderful Life," or "White Christmas." I gave it 2.8 stars out of 5 Will You Merry Me (2008) (TV) Rebecca, from an upper class Los Angeles family, and Henry, from choir-singing, tradition-bound Midwestern roots, are in love. Henry pops the question just before Christmas and the kids plan on gathering their families for the holidays in order to surprise them with the good news. The families collide-oops-meet the week of Hanukah just before Christmas in Madison, Wisconsin. It's a wild, whacky ride of good intentions and missteps as the two families try in vain to respect each others' traditions. It's not long before Rebecca and Henry learn the hardest part about being married might be dealing with each other's in-laws starring Wendy Malick and Cynthia Stephenson as the mothers.

Movie #701 ........................."Anna Karenina (2012)"

Movie #701 "Anna Karenina" is pretty and gutsy, but it fails to draw in the viewer, in my opinion. It takes a very emotional book and reduces it to emptiness.......we don't care by the time Anna gets to the famous ending ---- the film at that point makes a huge effort to get us to by showing flashes of the scenery going by on her lifeless eyes ---- but up until that point, we really haven't cared that much and neither has her husband --- he is so lifeless, sorry Jude Law, that I'm surprised he didn't fall asleep while he was reciting his lines --- and the boyfriend isn't that much better. There doesn't seem to be chemistry between the lovers, as they are posed in each other's eyes. I ordinarily like Keira Knightley, and I think she really tries here, too, and she looks the part, but there's so much working against her, that it doesn't seem to come true. The biggest is the style of the piece ---- it's done like a stage play, with actors making no bones about being actors, moving from one undressed set to perhaps a stage, or right next door to someone's bedroom (with the furniture stacked up on top of each other) ---- very strange, and it actually pushes the viewer away because of the "out there" style --- the best part of the film, in my opinion, is Anna's brother played with aplomb by her lover in "Pride and Prejudice" Matthew Macfadyen --- he's a stitch and really makes the film come to life, but other than that, it's like a slow moving train to the bitter end --- excuse the pun. P.S. one thing the film DOES do is show you how isolated Anna becomes in her society because of her infidelity choices ---- people stand in tableau when she walks by --- but then that's one theme it accomplishes. I wouldn't recommend this. I gave this 3 out of 5 stars Anna Karenina2012R Oscar winner Tom Stoppard penned this adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel, which stars Keira Knightley as the titular 19th-century Russian aristocrat who enters into a passionate and forbidden love affair with the well-heeled Count Vronsky. Cast:Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Matthew Macfadyen, Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Kelly Macdonald, Ruth Wilson, Olivia Williams, Emily Watson Genre:Romantic Dramas, Dramas Based on Classic Literature, Pre-20th Century Period Pieces, Romance

Movie #700........................."Trouble with the Curve"

Movie #700 "Trouble with the Curve" was a bit disappointing. I normally like all of the actors in the film, but they had trouble at times getting across the lines from tis really clunky and predictable script. That's the weakest part of the film. That and seeing Clint Eastwood play the same part over and over and over --- he is always Dirty Harry, just speaks more grovelly as he ages. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last we see of him on the screen (not directing, but acting) because he kind of sucked the life out of every one else in the film ---- and that's tough to do with effervescent Justin Timberlake! Amy Adams rises above everyone because she is able to act in between the clunky lines --- and I liked that she knew more about baseball than a lot of the guys in the film --- kind of a switcher there. Oh, and a shout out for the music --- I bet Eastwood had a hand in that, because whenever there was a lull, there would be jazz or blues playing in the background. If you like baseball, you probably will still like this because of the subject matter, but oh my, the script is weak. I give it 3 out of 5 stars. Trouble with the Curve2012PG-13111 minutes Slowed by age and failing eyesight, crack baseball scout Gus Lobel takes his grown daughter along as he checks out the final prospect of his career. Along the way, the two renew their bond, and she catches the eye of a young player-turned-scout. Cast:Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake, John Goodman, Matthew Lillard, Robert Patrick, Scott Eastwood, Joe Massingill, Matt Bush, Chelcie Ross Genre:Sports Dramas, Sports Stories, Baseball, Drama

Movie #699 .........................."The Other Love"

Movie #699 "The Other Love" --- caught this on TCM on Barbara Stanwyck day, and I noticed it had David Nivens in it and he's one of my favorites, so I sat down to watch it while I ordered Christmas gifts from catalogues. The movie deals with wanting to be free, but sometimes due to whom you love, or the illnesses you have, or whatever gets in the way, you have to settle for something else. Faced with the possibility of her own death very soon, Barbara wants to strike out and just "live" what she has left, trying to forget that time is creeping up on her, little by little. She's such an excellent actress that she is able to go through all the inner conflicts this concert pianist would go through with a disease cutting her life/career so short. It was fun to see a different kind of love story ---- one from afar, one that matures from doctor-patient to something so much more. I give it 3.4 out of 5 stars The Other Love1947 92 minutes Concert pianist Karen Duncan (Barbara Stanwyck) is admitted to a Swiss sanatorium to recover from a serious illness. There she feels the romantic magnetism of Dr. Anthony Stanton (David Niven), who warns her of the potentially fatal dangers of not resting completely. Despite these warnings, Duncan flees to Monte Carlo in the company of playboy racecar driver Paul Clermont (Richard Conte), who just might be all the medicine she needs. Cast:Barbara Stanwyck, David Niven, Richard Conte, Gilbert Roland, Joan Loring, Natalie Schafer Genre:Romantic Dramas, Drama

Movie #698 ........................."People Like Us"

Movie #698 "People Like Us" is a very different kind of movie. I can honestly say I never saw a movie on this subject --- very odd storyline, where the two major good looking actors play brother and sister, with their mother Michelle Pfeiffer, no less. So needless to say there are no love scenes here, per say, but a lot of areas are covered --- infidelity, what being a dad is all about, what really makes up a family, how we are defined at an early age as to whom we end up becoming......and more. I esp. like the last scene and it was well worth the journey to the end of the film. Out of all of the films I am writing critiques for tonight, this one has been lingering a lot longer than the others. It's worth a look. I gave it 3.8 stars out of 5 People Like Us2012PG-13 115 minutes When Sam flies home for his estranged father's funeral, the reading of the will reveals a sister he never knew he had -- and an order that Sam must bring his alcoholic sibling and her young son their inheritance. Cast:Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde, Jon Favreau, Michelle Pfeiffer, Philip Baker Hall, Michael Hall D'Addario Genre:Drama

Movie #697 ........................."Ruby Sparks"

Movie #697 "Ruby Sparks" is a Woody Allen-like movie that takes risks but not that many, esp. the ending. But it is very likable, and the characters are very congenial, esp. Paul Dano. It's fun to see him let go and be comical, instead of dark and introspective so much. And his real life girlfriend wrote this script and acted as the muse and she is a breath of fresh air, but then one shouldn't be surprised of this talent from a Kazan because it's in her genes. I liked it but there's nothing really groundbreaking here --- it's just a really good indie that you might want to check out --- cute love story and very creative! I rated it 3.8 out of 5 stars Ruby Sparks2012R104 minutes In an effort to conquer his writer's block, a young novelist -- who's having trouble duplicating the success of his earlier work -- jots down all the attributes of his dream girl. But things get weird when she suddenly comes to life. Cast:Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Antonio Banderas, Annette Bening, Steve Coogan, Elliott Gould, Chris Messina, Alia Shawkat, Aasif Mandvi, Toni Trucks, Deborah Ann Woll Genre:Comedy

Movie #696 ........................."Four Christmases"

Movie #696 "Four Christmases" --- I've wanted to see this for a while because I couldn't believe that Reese Witherspoon could actually make a bad movie, and she didn't. This isn't a "bad" movie, but a tad uneven. When it does physical schtick that is believable (the t.v. scene I thought worked), it can be laugh out loud funny, but then it becomes too crazy and crosses the stupid line occasionally. Finally, it decides it needs to have a theme, so it tacks on some ending that doesn't really jive with the rest of the film, in my opinion. I think it's tough enough to make a comedy, so I try to be a tad more lenient when critiquing a comedy, but this one works in spurts --- Vince V. and Reese W. work well together, they mumble, they use sarcasm, they have an ease with each other, so they are believable, and when they are left to do what they need to do, they can get it done. Too bad the script isn't a bit better. I give this 3.5 out of 5 for this movie Four Christmases2008PG-13 88 minutes Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon teams up with Vince Vaughn for this romantic comedy that casts them as a dating couple who are forced to spend their first Christmas together visiting each of their four divorced parents -- in a single day. Cast:Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Robert Duvall, Kristin Chenoweth, Mary Steenburgen, Dwight Yoakam, Sissy Spacek, Brian Baumgartner, Carol Kane, Tim McGraw Genre:Romantic Comedies, Comedy

Movie #695 ........................."True Crime"

Movie #695 "True Crime" --- the only thing interesting about this movie is the mystery of who killed the young woman ---- the dialogue in the police station is awful --- even James Woods, Clint Eastwood and Denis Leary can't do anything with it! yikes! And there's nothing endearing about the character Clint Eastwood plays --- not sure if he's believable --- he does rude and despicable things (like pushing his little daughter so quickly through the zoo (to get it over with) that he knocks her off the buggy and she's hurt! But then he keeps pursuing the story --- not sure why --- things don't add up with him --- maybe if he pursues the truth? yet, that's brought up in the film and it doesn't seem to be the answer ---he says in the film that he has a gut feeling and he seems to relish in that ---- nope, nothing really good about this guy so why does someone keep watching? Because Isaiah Washington is so damn convincing as the wrongly convicted black man who is accused of killing a white girl and is condemned to death because of all the white witnesses. Hmm. One thing the film really hits hard is that the true crime is that he is more than likely convicted because he IS black. The movie is good when it shows how wrong that is, and how wonderful the black family is --- kudos to all the secondary actors who make those characters believable and passionate! Clint Eastwood does his gravely booze drinking character that he always does lately. I would give this 3 out of 5 stars True Crime1999R127 minutes Steve Everett (Clint Eastwood) is on the brink of ruining his marriage and journalism career with his alcoholism and womanizing when he's assigned to write a human-interest story about a death-row inmate (Isaiah Washington) -- and learns the conviction was built on shaky evidence. Now, with 12 hours left until the execution, Everett embarks on a quest to save a man he's convinced is innocent. James Woods and Denis Leary co-star. Cast:Clint Eastwood, Isaiah Washington, Lisa Gay Hamilton, James Woods, Denis Leary, Bernard Hill, Diane Venora, Michael McKean, Michael Jeter, Mary McCormack, Hattie Winston, Penny Bae Bridges, Francesca Fisher-Eastwood, John Finn, Laila Robins, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Frances Fisher, Nancy Giles, Tom McGowan, Lucy Liu Genre:Crime Dramas, Drama

Movie #694 .........................Stage Beauty

Movie #694 "Stage Beauty" is a beauty of a film which I found most enjoyable. But, of course, I would be the target audience for this movie about doing plays during Shakespearian times. "Othello" is the play du jour here, and it has always been done up until now (as all of the plays) with a male Desdemona --- what happens when a female dresser of this male Desdemona pines to be on stage doing it herself? But there's much more to this film --- it has some complex issues, including the love story, and it's intriguing from beginning to end. It is very talky, the acting is very stylistic of the times (i.e. pretentious when doing the stage acting), and they speak quickly , but it's well worth the listening you need to do to see this. If you are interested in theatre, and you want to get a flavor of what it was like during those times , this is one you want to see. Very capable director, and I even sat and watched all the special features. I gave this 4 out of 5 stars Stage Beauty2004R109 minutes Edward "Ned" Kynaston (Billy Crudup), England's most celebrated leading "lady," becomes a nonentity practically overnight when Charles II allows women to tread the boards, decreeing that men may no longer play women's parts. Ned built his career by making the greatest female roles his own. But to become a real man again, he'll need assistance from a willing woman -- his ex-dresser, Maria (Claire Danes). Cast:Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Rupert Everett, Tom Wilkinson, Ben Chaplin, Hugh Bonneville, Richard Griffiths, Edward Fox, Zoe Tapper, Claire Higgins, Tom Hollander Genre:Romantic Comedies, Romantic Dramas, Pre-20th Century Period Pieces, Romance