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

Movie #693 ........................."Silver Linings Playbook"

Movie #693 "Silver Linings Playbook" --- I see this to be nominated for esp the script in the Oscar race because it is quite different and 'out there" --- it walks that line of showing mental illness in a funny light at times while then showing scenes that are painfully sad.........For a long time, I felt the film was going along, introducing its quirky characters but not going anywhere, much like the characters in the film itself --- however, when they have a goal, the characters and the film take off. The high point and end worked well for me, and things came together nicely , but it's a rocky road along the way ---- but isn't that life anyway, and esp. when you are depressed, or bi polar, etc. I applaud any film that suggests there are other ways (besides drugs) to deal with mental illness, and this would be one of them (Lars and the real girl is another one) A very different, frenetic tone to this film and not for everybody, but I welcomed its differences. I gave this 4 out of 5 stars.... Silver Linings Playbook2012R After a four-year stay in a psychiatric institution, former teacher Pat Peoples has no choice but to move back in with his mother. While he's trying in vain to reunite with his wife, Pat meets another woman fated to change his life. Cast:Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Julia Stiles, John Ortiz, Shea Whigham Genre:Romantic Comedies, Comedy

Movie #692 ........................."She's Out of My League"

Movie #692 "She's Out of My League" --- title pretty much says it all: outstandingly good looking girl hangs out with a gawky skinny insecure airport security guy, but the two characters have a lot to them, and that's what is interesting in the film --- this so proves that there's so much beyond looks in a relationship --- and the meeting with her folks was so awkward and so funny that I think I'll never forget it --- the guy Jay Baruchel is very talented and I'm anxious to see more from him. this is likable and just okay of a film for a romantic comedy. 3 stars out of 5 stars She's Out of My League2010R104 minutes When he starts dating drop-dead gorgeous Molly, insecure airport security agent Kirk can't believe it. As his friends and family share their doubts about the relationship lasting, Kirk does everything he can to avoid losing Molly forever. Cast:Jay Baruchel, Alice Eve, T.J. Miller, Mike Vogel, Nate Torrence, Krysten Ritter, Geoff Stults, Lindsay Sloane, Andrew Daly, Jasika Nicole Genre:Romantic Comedies, Late Night Comedies, Comedy

Movie #691 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"Room for One More"

Movie #691 "Room for One More" stars real life married couple Cary Grant and Betsy Drake -- kind of an unbelievable married couple that adopts older kids to give them homes --- wish there were more like them, but it shows the definite struggles to help the kids fit in --- they are successful with all of them, but then this is an old film. Room for One More (1952) I rate this 3.8 out of 5 stars Anne and "Poppy" Rose are the average American family, with three quirky kids. Anne has a good heart and gives lost cats and dogs a home - and one day also the orphan Jane, a problem child who already tried to kill herself once. At first Poppy is worried and wants to get rid of her, but with love and patience they finally manage to integrate her into the family. Just then Anne invites another orphan, the aggressive handicapped Jimmy-John, to their summer vacation.

Movie #690 ........................."Road to Christmas"

Movie #690 "Road to Christmas" is a made for t.v. movie that I thought might be a step above the others, since married-in-real-life couple Jennifer Grey and Clark Gregg are Claire and Tom in the film coming together in one of those journey flicks --- it's predictable and unbelievable in parts, and the script is cringeworthy in a few spots. Don't need to see this one at all! The Road to Christmas (2006) - I gave it 2 out of 5 stars High-powered fashion photographer Claire Jameson finds herself stranded in middle America on the way to her dream Christmas-time wedding in Aspen. Unable to get another flight or rent a car, Claire is reduced to begging for a ride. When the rugged former artist turned teacher, Tom Pullman and his 13-year old daughter Hilly kindly offer to take her, none of them realize that their journey is just beginning, and it will leave all of them in a very different place than where they began

Movie #689 .........................Broadway Melody of 1936

Movie #689 "Broadway Melody of 1936" -- I woke up to this film this a.m., and it was just plain silly. I have always loved Eleanor Powell and feel she is the best female tap dancer of all time, and that the Broadway melody of 1938 with Fred Astaire and her has the best co-ed tap dance in film --- "Begin the Beguine" with Powell and Astaire (toward the end of the picture, if you want to check it out - it is unbelievably amazing!) Anyway, when I saw it was her day on TCM, I thought I'd check this one out --- esp. when I saw Jack Benny playing a journalist who kept getting punched because of the articles he was writing about Broadway! Hah! Made me laugh to think Frank Rich or Ben Brantley would get a punch in the face over their reviews nowadays! This one had a silly premise, but some good tap dancing and silliness provided by Benny. Not the best one, but lots of fun. Broadway Melody of 1936 ---- I rated it 3 stars A plucky young singer and dancer (Eleanor Powell) tries her best to convince her onetime childhood sweetheart (Robert Taylor), who's grown up to become a successful promoter, that she has enough talent for the Broadway stage. But he's so busy making eyes at the wealthy widow he's dating (June Knight) that he barely has time for his former flame. Buddy Ebsen and Jack Benny co-star in this classic Hollywood musical. Cast:Jack Benny, Eleanor Powell, Robert Taylor, Una Merkel, Frances Langford, Sid Silvers, Buddy Ebsen, June Knight, Vilma Ebsen Genre:Classic Movie Musicals, Romance Classics, Musicals, Classics

Movie #688 ........................."Big Fish"

Movie #688 "Big Fish" --I just decided to revisit this movie recently since we got tickets to the pre-broadway musical in Chicago in May based on this film, and I'm glad I did. The last time I saw it, I remember there was a room full of people and they proceeded to all fall asleep --- when that happens, I feel like I picked a bad movie, and that reaction has a definite bearing on my enjoyment while I'm watching it, so I remember getting to the end, but the film seemed disjointed to me and not enjoyable. However, many people I know and care about have felt differently about this film, so I wanted to try again to watch it. Glad I did because this time I really enjoyed it --- The strong theme of; a life is rich when embellished with stories really comes through and now I can't wait to see this on stage. The film still comes across disjointed in a few spots, but the optimism, congeniality of it remains. What a wonderful film about family and its importance to who we are. I recommend it -- it is a fantasy, but it is so congenial that most everyone would find something likable about it. Big Fish 2003 PG-13,125 minutes In this disarming fantasy told largely through flashbacks, young reporter William Bloom attempts to learn more about his dying father by finding the truth behind a lifetime of his fanciful tall tales and legends of epic proportions. Cast:Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Alison Lohman, Robert Guillaume, Marion Cotillard, Steve Buscemi, Danny DeVito, David Denman Genre:Fantasy, Tearjerkers, Dramas Based on Contemporary Literature, Drama

Movie #687 ........................."Lincoln"

Movie #687 "Lincoln" --- let me say the first thing that came out of my mouth after viewing this film --- Wow! I feel like I had a wonderful opportunity to spend a few weeks with a true hero in American History --- someone who speaks so wisely but who also is so folksy with his story telling ---- I felt like the film showed how much he was like everyman, but then how much he was like no man that America would probably ever know --- majestic is the word, the way the sun comes through the window and shines on him as he makes one important decision after another --- how he faces divisiveness much like the problems that exist in our Congress right now --- that makes this film so topical. And the two hours and 29 minutes? Go by very quickly for me, but maybe not for everyone. This is a film of words --- this isn't one car chase after another --- this film tests the listener to pay attention to the words and the importance of them --- the high point is words --- the exposition sets the tone when one young soldier recites a lot of the opening of the Gettysburg address, only to be finished by a black man --- such reverence for the words. How I loved that. How I loved to see this man tell one story after another all the while trying to deal with the grief of his dead boy, having to move on because his wife, his little son, his party, & his country depend on him! And when the end hit me, I felt it internally, even with the knowledge of what was going to happen and even with the huge scope of this film --- Spielberg did it right, and a special tip of the hat goes to yet another acting feat for Daniel Day Lewis who WILL win this year for best actor. Can't imagine anything much better than this portrayal, which will linger for years and years and years. I gave it 5 stars out of 5 Lincoln2012PG-13 Director Steven Spielberg takes on the towering legacy of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his stewardship of the Union during the Civil War years. The biographical saga also reveals the conflicts within Lincoln's cabinet regarding the war and abolition. Cast:Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, Tommy Lee Jones, Jackie Earle Haley, John Hawkes, Jared Harris, Joseph Cross, Tim Blake Nelson, David Oyelowo, Bruce McGill Genre:Drama

Movie #686 ........................."The Sessions"

Movie #686 "The Sessions" has one of the clunkiest scripts I've ever seen in a modern day movie --- yikes, it's cringe worthy at times. I was prepared to give it a 2 all the way through, and then Helen Hunt had the first good moment, right towards the end and the film very nicely finished out. You can tell, I think, where the writer deviated from the true story to the film ---- where he tried to add conflict, because the conflict added between husband and Helen Hunt and between Helen Hunt and Mark O'Brien (the inspiring guy in the iron lung) seemed sit- commish and not believable. The story itself I had surprisingly seen before, in a short action film that was nominated for an academy award a couple of years ago --- the new thing here was the addition of a sex surrogate and what she does --- and it is delineated in painstakingly slow, minute detail ---- I was more interested in the characterization of his and his attendees and the surrogate and her family, and I thought the film would never go there --- as it was, there were far less minutes spent on those moments than the sex ones. The film is 85 minutes, but I looked at my watch 2 times through it --- the sex surrogate announces that she can only see him in 6 sessions and I found myself counting down the sessions. I can't recommend the film, really. I've heard it touted for academy award nominations --- I will be surprised if it is. Helen Hunt has a good moment, and John Hawkes is competent, but he's forced to say so many dumb or filler lines that it's tough to get close to him --- I wouldn't bother on this one, but I must say Helen Hunt looks very well preserved, esp. with a special filter and from head on. I gave it 3 stars out of 5 The Sessions2012R After spending years in an iron lung, a man decides he wants to explore his sexuality for the first time, and hires a surrogate to aid the goal. Through their intensifying relationship, this indie drama illustrates the many forms love can take. Cast:John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, Moon Bloodgood, Annika Marks, William H. Macy, W. Earl Brown, Blake Lindsley, Adam Arkin, Robin Weigert, Jarrod Bailey Genre:Romantic Comedies, Social Issue Dramas, Romantic Dramas, Drama

Movie #685 ........................."sky fall"

Movie #685 "Skyfall" -- I doubt if there will be a better action-thriller this year, this movie is that good! Many times I found myself covering my eyes, bending down so I wouldn't be hit, grabbing on to Dave's leg, anything to get through the intense scenes this film throws you in ----- and esp. one long sequence at the high point that gets one action scene thrown on top of another, etc. The opening scene in Bond films are legendary by now and this one is a killer --- and adds an extra dimension with someone chasing Bond chasing the bad guy --- all very thrilling, and also a wonderful set up that literally morphs into the beautiful title sequence with Adele's dulcit tones in the background. Wow! You'll probably disagree, but I don't see that Daniel Craig adds that much to the franchise (personally I preferred Connery and Brosnan), but he certainly plays a more human hero, if that is what you want. He makes funny faces when he's in trouble, and he isn't that good looking --- he's interesting, I'll give him that, but the story and bad guy and cinematography/editing and stunts are so good, that's really what propels the movie. Oh, and might I mention Dame Judi Dench? It's really HER movie and I loved that about it. But, boy does it detour from the traditional Bond, mostly in the lack of exotic sets (a main seqence is in the London tube!), the beautiful but expendable women (they are very useful in this one --- and strong --- I particularly liked that) and the wasted action scenes --- most of these are long, but strive for variety and always propel the plot. There's even more character study (introduction of new Q, deeper study of M, an old former friend of Bond, and the bad guy). One complaint --- dialogue tends to lag a lot -- do all of the women and men he talks to have to talk slowly and so cutely? Otherwise, well done. Bravo. Can't wait for the next 50 years!!! I gsve it 4.7 out of 5 Skyfall2012PG-13 When a serious menace threatens MI6, James Bond is on the case -- putting aside his own life and personal issues to hunt and obliterate the perpetrators. Meanwhile, secrets arise from M's past that strain Bond's loyalty to his longtime boss. Cast:Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe, Albert Finney, Judi Dench, Ben Whishaw, Helen McCrory, Ola Rapace, Tonia Sotiropoulou, Rory Kinnear Genre:Action & Adventure

Movie #684 ........................."flight"

Movie #684 "Flight" --- right off the bat this is not a movie for everyone --- it is a movie about an alcoholic, "warts and all" -- so in that way, I would compare it to the thousands of other films that have tried to show you just how miserable an alcoholic's life is (not to mention the ill effect on loved ones) This movie, in my opinion, rates right up there with the best --- not in the scariness of what can happen to your mind by drinking so much like in the equally good "Lost Weekend" or how you can bring people down with you like "days of wine and roses." It is the reality of how negatively pervasive alcohol can be in the life of a once likable person, a person with dignity and skill. I guess I would liken it to Meg Ryan's tackle with the subject in "When a Man Loves a Woman" --- both are able to show how such a likable person can change soooo much when he/she wallows in the problem. So getting back to why this film isn't for everyone, it is slow because it follows very closely an alcoholic's plunge into deeper waters, it is uncomfortable, it is not a fun time (very little humor), and this film has a 20 minute plane scene that anyone (like me) who doesn't like flying anyway might not want to see --- aside from this scene, this movie didn't need to be directed by the great Zameckis because it's all Denzel after that --- and I can see a nomination for him round about mid January next year. Very intense performance, and alcoholics are popular winners of oscars (sometimes, wrongly, as in the very ugly "Leaving las Vegas") but this year can that character beat an Abe Lincoln? we'll see! I give it 4 out of 5 stars Flight2012R After his amazing safe landing of a damaged passenger plane, an airline pilot is praised for the feat, but has private questions about what happened. Further, the government's inquiry into the causes soon puts the new hero's reputation at risk. Cast:Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Don Cheadle, Melissa Leo, Brian Geraghty, Bruce Greenwood, Kelly Reilly, Tamara Tunie, Garcelle Beauvais, James Badge Dale, Rhoda Griffis, Kwesi Boakye, Michael Beasley, Adam Tomei Genre:Drama

movie #683 .........................silent films/lumiere bros 7 keaton

movie #683 Lumiere brothers shorts: billboard poster and the card game ---- we saw these shorts at a silent film festival at san felippo's in barring ton, il. It was cool to see the actual Lumiere bros doing some of the tricks, and it was esp great seeing them with actual gorgeous organ music playing in the background --- we also got to see some buster keaton films ,one i really liked was "cops" -- everything i had read about this master of silent film came flooding back to me --- his common man persona -- his emphasis on physicality, the charm he uses to get you on his side --- it was fun to finally see it all. a very enjoyable evening. buster keaton 's cops i gave them 3 out of 5 stars Lumiere Brothers' First Films1896NR One of France's leading directors, Bertrand Tavernier, presents 85 of the Lumière brothers' 50-second silent "actualities," made between 1895 and 1897, and remastered from the original 35mm source material. Presented for the first time in an authorized video presentation and scored with piano by Stuart Oderman, these films provide a rare journey through the birth of the motion picture as a bona fide art form. Genre:Miscellaneous Documentaries, Documentary

movie #682 ........................""State of the Union"

movie #682 "State of the Union" is a capra film i actually don't like ---it is way too preachy --- and yes hepburn and tracy deliver the speechesm but they weren't enough to make the film lots of fun to watch --- lansbury is the only one worthy of a second look here --- everyone else is a yawn---- watch the muchbetter nr. smith goes to washington ---- that is so much better and basically the same theme. i gave it 2.7 out of 5 stars, State of the Union1948NR123 minutes At the urging of power-hungry newspaper executive Kay Thorndyke (Angela Lansbury), industrialist Grant Matthews (Spencer Tracy) is persuaded to campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. To boost his public persona, Matthews reunites with his estranged wife (Katharine Hepburn). She quickly uncovers the corruption that's infected her once moral husband. Frank Capra directs this compelling adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Cast:Katharine Hepburn, Howard Smith, Lewis Stone, Charles Lane, Spencer Tracy, Adolphe Menjou, Angela Lansbury, Van Johnson, Charles Dingle, Maidel Turner, Raymond Walburn, Margaret Hamilton, Art Baker, Pierre Watkin, Florence Auer Genre:Classic Dramas, Romance Classics, Classics

Movie #681 ........................."Kick Ass"

Movie #681 "Kick Ass" is a movie i had long heard about and meant to see some day--- cheesy but cute i had heard, and yesterday it just happened to be on tv and with the broken arm, i had sone time to spend watching -- this was lots of fun --- i enjoyed the comic book storyline, the tongue in cheek humor, the main characters (even nicolas cage is watchable here) --- the costumes are even funny. i truly appreciated making fun of the comics here, and it seemed a smart film for that reason and the witty, realistic dialogue of the kids. i lightly recommend it for a fluff comedy watch. i gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars Kick-Ass2010R117 minutes Inspired by comic books, high school student Dave Lizewski transforms himself into a masked crime fighter and becomes an Internet sensation. Soon, Dave's antics inspire a wave of would-be heroes to don costumes and live out their superhero dreams. Cast:Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Nicolas Cage, Mark Strong, Chloe Moretz, Clark Duke, Lyndsy Fonseca, Evan Peters, Garrett M. Brown, Deborah Twiss, Sophie Wu, Elizabeth McGovern, Omari Hardwick, Xander Berkeley, Michael Rispoli

movie #680 ........................."Argo"

movie #680 "Argo" is a well crafted film, in editing and use of sound to build suspense, in casting esp the members of the american embassy that were in hiding in the canadian colsulate, in taking you back to this great story --- how our government sat on this wonderful story for so long is a wonder; thoroughly enjoyable to watch a story whose ending we know come to that end in front of us , but this time filling in the details, It makes the story so much more enriching -- i just wish we knew the cast members more, went into depth more with each of the characters including the very bland ben affleck ---- otherwise, really well done -- obe amazing story. Argo2012R --- 4 out of 5 stars In 1979, when Iranian militants seize the American embassy, six Americans slip into the Canadian embassy for protection, prompting the CIA to concoct an elaborate plot to rescue them by pretending that they are filmmakers rather than diplomats. Cast:Ben Affleck, Taylor Schilling, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Kyle Chandler, Clea DuVall, Victor Garber, Alan Arkin, Titus Welliver, Adrienne Barbeau, Tate Donovan, Rory Cochrane, Chris Messina, Richard Kind, Kerry Bishé, Scoot McNairy Genre:Political Thrillers, Political Dramas, Dramas Based on Real Life, Thrillers

Movie #679 ........................."Jeme Suis Fait Tout Petits"

Movie #679 "Jeme Suis Fait Tout Petits" (I Made Myself Quite Small -- the title refers to a henpecked husband joking of his situation) I had the hardest time finding this one because I only had the French title and didn't know what it meant, since I saw it in French (with English subtitles!) but I found this very enjoyable, very easygoing, funny and humane. I never knew what the next scene would bring. The strength is not in the plot, though, but in the casting --- very engaging people that you can identify with. And I had never seen a movie on the topic ---- I've seen movies where the father reconciles with his child that he never knew he had and he's awkward about it, but this was different. This guy's sister is raising his two daughters who were abandoned by the ex wife --- and now comes along a child that his ex wife had with another man --- He at first doesn't want the little boy to be raised by his sister (who volunteers to take him in) because he resents the heck out of the kid and doesn't want him in his life at all! but then the kid rubs off on him, and that's when the trouble begins, for a guy who doesn't want any attachments. Thus, the title. I read some French reviews of this and the actor who plays the lead I guess is some up and coming young "Robert De Niro" and they expect much more in the future --- it would be fun to see if that all pans out, but for this performance, he was really really good! I gave it 3.5 stars out of 5 There is nothing to keep Yvan in Paris. A 30-something schoolteacher, he is ready to pack up and start a new life somewhere else. It has been five years since his wife left him to live with her new lover in Thailand. Since, he has mooched about, uncertain what to do next with his life. His teenage daughters have left him, preferring to live with his sister Ariane than the miserable, prematurely middle-aged man he has become. Just when Yvan has made up his mind to leave Paris, two people enter his life and arouse him from his emotional slumbers. They are: Léo, the product of his ex-wife’s love affair with another man, and Emmanuelle, a vivacious colleague at the school where he works. Yvan soon discovers he has two reasons to stay and rebuild his life... Credits Director: Cécilia Rouaud Script: Cecilia Rouaud Photo: Renaud Chassaing Cast: Vanessa Paradis (Emmanuelle), Denis Ménochet (Yvan Le Doze), Laurent Lucas (Luc), Louise Grinberg (Elise), Léa Drucker (Ariane), Valérie Karsenti (Claire), Laurent Capelluto (Simon), Grégory Gadebois (Le proviseur), Angèle Garnier (Manon), Jade Samba-Seale (Plume), David Carvalho-Jorge (Léo) Country: France Language: French Runtime: 96 min

Movie #678 .........................Paris-Manhattan

Movie #678 "Paris-Manhattan" -- sitting on the plane, wanting to resee some of the beautiful sightings in Paris, I saw this on the Air France offering screen and had to watch it --- half of it is in subtitles and other half is not. It was very charming --- aside from the beautiful scenery, it constantly quotes Woody Allen lines from his movies. The single woman in the film adores him and has his picture above her bed and she asks him advice. She owns a shop and whenever people come in for advice, she sends them home with Woody Allen movies, specific to their problems. The music is great in the film, too. Everything about it I found charming and so, if you value Woody Allen movies and/or charming films out of the norm with style, why not check this out. It's a cute romantic comedy. A romantic comedy centered on a Woody Allen-obsessed pharmacist (Taglioni) and her would-be lover (Bruel) It's French and I saw it on the plane. It is listed in IMDB but not netflix, so far. It's quite a gem, and it probably is available at your library to rent. It has subtitles. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars, but I love Woody Allen movie, and it is very Woody Allenesque.

Movie #677 .........................."The Five Year Engagement"

Movie #677 "The Five Year Engagement" felt like it lasted as long as their engagement because it dragged and dragged to its ending. Along the way, there were some bright spots, but they were few and far between. Thank god for the casting, because they were at least fun to watch at times ---- Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Rhys Ifans, and her sister and brother-in-law were entertaining in spurts. That's what I would say about this movie: it was good in spurts, but to sit through it, well, it felt like five years. I wanted to say to the screen, "Move on already!" I gave this 3.5 out of 5 star. The Five-Year Engagement2012R124 minutes Jason Segel and Emily Blunt star in this contemporary romantic comedy as an engaged young couple who discovers that the more they get to know each other, the more unpredictable their commitment to getting married becomes. Cast:Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Alison Brie, Rhys Ifans, Chris Pratt, Chris Parnell, Mindy Kaling, Brian Posehn, Dakota Johnson, Mimi Kennedy, Adam Campbell, Jim Piddock, David Paymer, Kevin Hart, Jacki Weaver, Michael Ensign, Clement von Franckenstein, Jane Carr, Randall Park, Lauren Weedman Genre:Comedy

Movie #676 .........................."Seeking a Friend for the End of the World"

Movie #676 "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" is a don't bother film. Oh my, where to begin. Farfetched idea behind a slow paced, boring plot to nowheresville --- Then you have a mismatching of casting with Keira Knightley, who appears to be in a different film than Steve Carell. Why I finished this is a big question. I guess just like I didn't believe an asteroid was hurtling toward earth in this film, I couldn't believe such talent was being wasted by this well respected cast. So this is a don't bother! I gave this 2.5 out of 3 stars. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World2012R94 minutes As an asteroid hurtles toward Earth, a man whose wife has abandoned him spends the planet's final days on a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart. But a lovely neighbor who tags along for the ride complicates his plans. Cast:Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, Melanie Lynskey, Connie Britton, Adam Brody, Gillian Jacobs, Patton Oswalt, T.J. Miller, Melinda Dillon, Rob Corddry, Rob Huebel, Amy Schumer Genre:Drama

Movie #675 .........................."Salmon Fishing in Yemen"

Movie #675 "Salmon Fishing in Yemen" is not a film for the action loving film goer. It is very slow, tedious, and one wonders why it was ever made ---- it is somewhat charming, but that is provided mostly by the cast. As far as a love story, I wasn't quite sure why they fell in love, to be honest, except they spent some time together, but their sharing of anything didn't seem to exist in the story --- at least not that much to convince us that she leave her very good looking boyfriend who seems to have little faults, and McGregor is married and granted, he doesn't seem very happy, but the relationship looked like if they worked on it, it just might get better. So, I guess what I am saying is that the love story didn't really work for me. So what is left? The Salmon fishing is such a weird subject matter, it is the only thing that interested me ---- that, and Kristin Scott Thomas, who turns in a great performance here. Other than that, not much here so I wouldn't recommend it much. I gave it 3.2 stars out of 5 Salmon Fishing in the Yemen2011PG-13111 minutes A sheik with a love for the sport hopes to introduce fly-fishing to the Middle East and turns to uptight fisheries expert Fred Jones for help. Buoyed by the sheik's enthusiasm (and his comely English aide), Fred sets out to achieve the impossible. Cast:Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, Amr Waked, Kristin Scott Thomas, Tom Mison, Catherine Steadman, Rachael Stirling, Tom Beard Genre:Romantic Comedies, Romantic Dramas, Dramas Based on Contemporary Literature, Comedy

Movie #674 ........................."Snow White & the Huntsman"

Movie #674 "Snow White and the Huntsman" was an overall boring film for me. I was only interested in the opening, but the rest of the story seemed old hat. Charlize does a good job as the bad guy because she gives some dimension to the character, but Kristen Stewart on the other hand doesn't really deliver. She's good in awkward parts, in standoffish ones, and also in teen angst, but here she is expected to show a goodness, almost a halo on her head, and I didn't feel she pulled it off, so film limps along to the end. Another huge disappointment is the dwarfs ---- they were marginally interesting, not what I wanted them to be. As far as Chris Hemsworth, he was good and not what was wrong with the film. He actually showed some sensitivity that he hadn't shown in Thor so much. Overall, I wouldn't run to the theater or your DVD player to see this one. Not very interesting. I gave it 2.8 out of 5 stars Snow White and the Huntsman2012PG-13127 minutes An updated take on the Snow White tale finds the fair-skinned maiden battling the Evil Queen with skills learned from the huntsman sent to kill her. Meanwhile, a love-struck prince bides his time from afar. Cast:Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, Nick Frost, Toby Jones Genre:Action & Adventure

Movie #673 ........................."Men in Black 3"

Movie #673 "Men in Black 3" was a refreshing surprise. I saw it on the list of possible movies Air France was providing as we traveled there, but didn't watch it until Dave told me I might like it (coming back) and I did. It had really good special effects (Will Smith fighting with a very lifelike giant fish was amazing!) and good stunts, interesting plot, Bill Hader playing 3 parts, and a star turn for the character Griffin, played by Michael Stuhlberg! I want to see more of that guy. To me, he made the movie for me! I gave it 3.5 stars out of 5 When Earth comes under the threat of an alien attack, Agent J (Will Smith) travels back in time to join forces with a much-younger Agent K (Josh Brolin) and change the course of history. But if they fail, the future of the world is at stake. Cast:Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Jemaine Clement, Michael Stuhlbarg, Emma Thompson Genre:Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Movie #672 ........................."Reservation Road"

Movie #672 "Reservation Road" -- what a wonderful beginning, again, of a movie on Lifetime -- I guess that's their gimmick: hook the viewer in for the first 20 minutes, and all of a sudden I find myself watching a movie at 2 a.m. in the morning so I can see the ending. I always wanted to see this one because I find the three adults (and the Fanning kid) all very capable, and interesting, actors, esp. Mark Ruffalo. I also find the subject matter fascinating --- what would you do if your car accidentally ran over someone --- why would someone run? This film deals with just that. And the grief is overwhelming on Jennifer Connelly and Joaquin Phoenix's side --- tears you apart. The vengeance at the end is tough to watch, but because they are such good actors, they are able to pull it off somewhat. I found it really believable, well, most of it --- so I do somewhat recommend it --- very tense, and very sad. I give it 3.8 stars out of 5 Reservation Road2007R103 minutes The lives of Ethan and his wife, Grace, are thrown into chaos after their 10-year-old son is killed in a hit-and-run accident. When the case stalls, Ethan makes it his mission to hunt down and punish the person responsible. Cast:Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino, Elle Fanning, Sean Curley, Samuel Ryan Finn, Eddie Alderson, Susan Powell, Cordell Clyde Lochin, Antoni Corone, Kevin Herbst, Gary Kohn, John Slattery, John Rothman Genre:Crime Dramas, Dramas Based on Contemporary Literature

Movie #671 ........................."The Pact"

Movie #671 "The Pact" is not very good at all --- I had read the Jodi Piccoult novel and was anxious to see it, so when I saw it on the Lifetime channel the other night, I made sure to watch it. I was trying to remember why I liked the book so much because there seemed to be no information given in the movie --- maybe I missed something, but by the end of the movie we still don't really realize why the girl was so depressed, and what their relationship was really like, why the mother of the son and the father of the daughter were kissing in a scene or two (what was their background) and several other questions --- way too much missing from here, and just focused on the mother of the dead girl and how she hated the other family. That's only one facet of the big story, and really the big story should have focussed on the two kids, in my opinion. Didn't give it a 1 because it had a very good opening --- but that was it. So if you just plan to watch the first 20 minutes, here's the movie! I give it 2 stars out of 5 Cast: Megan Mulally, Juliet Stephenson A pair of young lovers, one depressed, decide to end their lives together in a suicide pact. This movie shows the aftermath for each member of both families, following the suicide and the prosecution of the one survivor of the suicide pact.

Movie #670 ........................."In the Land of Women"

Movie #670 "In the Land of Women" is my kind of film --- easygoing, well acted, has lots of humor in the dialogue, is a great commentary on relationships, never know where it is going because it comes across as "slice of life" --- I look at the plot below, and yes it is basically about that, but there's so much more. This probably was a flop at the box-office because it works better probably on the t.v. because it seems a story about your neighbors, everyday people, dealing with Grandma's senility, dealing with breast cancer, dealing with h.s. drama of dating, dealing with infidelity of a partner, and finally dealing with being in your 20s, brokenhearted, trying to find your way in the world. Yes, most of the cast is full of very capable women, but this Adam Brody is truly a find. I want to see more of his work --- he handles his own in all the scenes. At the end, I wanted to meet him and listen to him talk to me like these women did. I liked this film a lot! But I realize it is very slow-paced for a lot of movie viewers. P.S. it answers the question, where has Meg Ryan been and what is she doing now? and Kristin Stewart is excellent again, and without being a vampire! Gave it 4 stars out of 5 In the Land of Women2006PG-1397 minutes Disillusioned writer Carter Webb heads to the Michigan home of his ailing grandmother with plans to nurse her back to health. But he wasn't counting on assistance from a family of women living across the street. Cast:Elena Anaya, Eric Acsell, Tony Alcantar, Adam Brody, Olympia Dukakis, Clark Gregg, Adrian Hough, Brenda James, Gina Mantegna, Dustin Milligan, Meg Ryan, Lindsay Sloane, Kristen Stewart, Makenzie Vega Genre:Romantic Dramas

Movie #669........................."Starbuck"

Movie #669 "Starbuck" is truly a wonderful film --- very funny, poignant message, well filmed and a good story. This was shown opening night of the Milwaukee film festival, and we saw it just by chance, and it probably will be the best one shown, it's that good! It garnered huge applause at the end, and lots of laugh from beginning to end, and not forced humorous situations at all ---- lots of just funny lines! His character grows on you throughout the film, until you are rooting for him to succeed ---- at something! anything! Check this one out if it comes to your theatre, or on netflix in the future. And look for it at the academy awards! Yes, it's that good! I gave it 5 our of 5 stars! Starbuck2011R A fortysomething slacker's life is turned upside down when he learns that his many sperm donations have resulted in more than 500 children -- 100 of whom are now suing to meet their father, who's desperate to keep his identity a secret. Cast:Patrick Huard, Julie LeBreton, Antoine Bertrand, Dominic Philie, Igor Ovadis, Patrick Martin, David Michael, Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse Genre:Foreign

Movie #668........................."The Master"

Movie #668 "The Master" was intriguing from beginning to end, and very well acted. This is the start of Oscar season, and I would think when they search for whom to nominate, they will think of Phoenix and Hoffman, and maybe Amy Adams, who could very well be considered "the real master" of the whole thing. Phoenix walks, stands, talks, even blinks his eyes differently ---- all working at getting this very loser-type guy across. And he succeeds. We want to know more ---- we want to understand him and what makes him tick. So does Philip Seymour Hoffman, who is good at manipulating, getting people to do things for him. He quickly realizes Freddie is a hard case to crack --- he might even be insane, but there's something about Freddie.........a kinship of a kind, perhaps in their anger management frailties, that they bond. Meanwhile, wife Amy is telling her hubby to get rid of him because "it may be too late to save him" --- that is spoken from a leader of a religion of sorts? more of a cult, it seems. The film could answer a few more questions that linger after the film comes to an end, esp. the big one ---- is Freddie any better after his experience with this "religion/cult"? Our movie club stayed afterwards to discuss some of this, and my mind is still whirling with this film --- so if you see it, and you want to cash in on your thoughts, please do. I think the film shows that he's such an individual thinker, that Freddie is better off by himself, but he is lost at sea without someone to care about him ---- it's too bad for all the Freddies of the world, that the best they can do is some pseudo religious group who is ready to cast him aside because he's too much work! The Master2012R A heavy-drinking loaner named Freddie finds some semblance of a family when he stumbles onto the ship of Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic leader of a new "religion" -- some say cult -- he forms after World War II. Cast:Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Laura Dern, Jesse Plemons, Rami Malek, Jillian Bell, Ambyr Childers, Lena Endre, Kevin J. O'Connor, Josh Close, Barlow Jacobs, Mimi Cozzens, Madisen Beaty Genre:Drama

Movie #666 ........................."The Impostor"

Movie #666 "The Impostor" earns 4 stars out of 5 with me --- just saw it at Sundance in Madison today and found it quite intriguing. Is it a documentary or not? Is it based on a real story or isn't it? I felt it could have given a bit more information on the family (although it did tell us where the impostor is now). It has several twists and turns, which is different for a documentary, and the idea for the story, and the conflicts that result, are quite different and make you, the audience, think! What happened to Nicholas Barkley? and if he is still alive, has he seen this movie? a very odd duck this film is. The Imposter2012R A 13-year-old boy who vanished in Texas and shows up three years later in Spain now has the same tattoos, but looks different and speaks with an accent. An investigator sets out to unravel the mystery in this riveting documentary. Genre:Documentary

Movie #665 ........................."The Iron Door"

Movie #665 "The Iron Door" is a Naperville Film Festival film I watched the other night and it was a bit strange. It concerned a man with a hangover who wakes up in a room with a locker, a swinging lamp , a dead rat and an iron door. He can't get out. When he tries to sledgehamer his way through a wall, he finds another room with the same stuff next door, but with one difference. There is a woman in that one. The stuff they do to get food and drink will make you throw up, but the tension is good and sustained throughout. I would give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars, mostly because of two things ---- 1) the ending, which kind of just "ends" and 2) the acting of the main guy --- he is forced to talk to himself many times, and he just isn't good enough to do that well. Otherwise, a very interesting film.

Movie #664 ........................."Beasts of the Southern Wild"

Movie #664 "Beasts of the Southern Wild" --- well, if one of the things you like about movies is that they can take you to places you've never been, then this is one for you ---- it takes you to a place ( The "bathtub" in the Mississippi Delta/Louisiana area)many of us haven't even heard of, and you spend time with people you never knew existed ---- those who live off the "fat of the land." (as Steinbeck would put it) We have seen the father/daughter story line, but the film lacks so much dialogue that we just guess at a whole lot here. That can be good or bad ---- Dave and I had a long discussion afterwards piecing together what we saw and what it could mean in the film because there's very little explained through dialogue. The tech. in the film is tremendous, but it really plays like a documentary of these people's conflicts with the weather and their living conditions. It seems like a few days in the life of --- as a result, it doesn't seem to have a plan --- things just happen, and that's kind of interesting to watch playing out. But then there are lag times, where the viewer is left with: Now what was that scene in there for? But if you stop guessing and go with the flow of the documentary-style, the film gets to some good stuff at the end, one scene in particular. I recommend it for people with patience, and for those who want to see something different in a film. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. Beasts of the Southern Wild2012PG-13 This fantastical drama follows a little girl named Hushpuppy who lives in a dilapidated pocket of homes in the Mississippi Delta. When her father falls ill and natural disasters strike, Hushpuppy sets off to find her long-lost mother. Cast:Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry, Levy Easterly, Lowell Landes, Pamela Harper, Gina Montana, Nicholas Clark, Jovan Hathaway, Jonshel Alexander, Kaliana Brower, Joseph Brown Genre:Indie Dramas

Movie #663 ........................."Maid of Honor"

Movie #663 "Maid of Honor" --- as much as it pains me to give such a low score to any romantic comedy, this film deserves it ---- it brings nothing to the genre, except to serve as an example of the bad stereotypical representation of "romance" at its worst! Traveling on horseback to get to his lady love and being catapulted into the church right before she says I do to some "neanderthal" jerk that she would never marry --- no one would! How could Patrick Dempsey sign up for this one? --- the ending is a lot like the one in "Sweet Home Alabama" where he plays the jilted husband! With one difference ---- in "Alabama" he walks away with some dignity, and that turn made a statement for the genre. Of course, Candice Bergen gets suckerpunched by Mary Kay Place in that one; this time it is Dempsey who is the recipient ----I guess that is only right since he plays a jackass through the entire film. And that's the problem! Who really cares what happens to him by the end of the film? This one he relies too much on being P. Dempsey, and that's why it is skippable, in my estimation. I gave it 2.5 out of 5 stars Made of Honor2008PG-13100 minutes Only after his platonic best friend announces her engagement does a perennial skirt-chaser suddenly realize he loves her -- but will lose her unless he uses his role as her "maid" of honor to unravel her marriage plans. Cast:Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan, Kevin McKidd, Kathleen Quinlan, Sydney Pollack, Busy Philipps, Chris Messina, Kadeem Hardison, Kelly Carlson, Beau Garrett, Richmond Arquette, Whitney Cummings, Emily Nelson, Selma Stern, James Sikking, Kevin Sussman, Elisabeth Hasselbeck Genre:Romantic Comedies

Movie #662 ........................."Dakota Skye"

Movie #662 "Dakota Skye" isn't much of a film at all --- it's slow, full of not very interesting characters, and the story isn't original at all. A big disappointment to me. Just a couple of scenes that struck me as good. The superpowers thing was a bust ---- not used much at all and didn't affect the rest of the story. The Disengaged part is what is the turn off here --- the main character isn't that interesting. Skip this one. I rated it 2.7 out of 5 stars Dakota Skye2008R89 minutes Superpowers rarely come without a price, and for 17-year-old Dakota Skye, the price is cynicism that stems from spotting the truth in every lie. Disengaged, she watches life go by from the sidelines until she meets the unfailingly honest Jonah. Problem is, Jonah is her beau's best friend -- which leaves Dakota navigating the treacherous waters between friendship and romance in this well-crafted indie drama. Cast:Eileen Boylan, Ian Nelson, J.B. Ghuman Jr., Bay Dariz, Dominique Generaux, Scott F. Anderson, Calico Cooper, Lori Decker, Lou Grande, Destiny Hyden Genre:Indie Dramas, Indie Romance

Movie #667 ........................."The Campaign"

Movie #650 "The Campaign" seemed to be appropriate to watch in this election year --- a parody of the two parties and how down and dirty campaigns can get --- but the enjoyment pretty much stops there. Why does it have to go to such extremes that we would never think that the situations could possibly happen? --- This one crossed the stupid line halfway through, when Will Ferrell tries to get back at Zach G., and the way he chooses to do this isn't funny at all ---- from then on, the film goes downhill, traveling limply to its cringeworthy ending (Note: I can't remember ever using that very-popular-among-critics-term --- but this was!) So in a nutshell, this film had a few legs on it in the opening, but that was it. This is a don't bother! The Campaign2012R Plenty of mud gets slung when an inexperienced contender backed by two plotting benefactors goes up against a longtime North Carolina congressman in a ruthless battle to win a House of Representatives seat. Cast:Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dan Aykroyd, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, Sarah Baker, Katherine LaNasa, Scott A. Martin, Thomas Middleditch Genre:Comedy

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

Movie #649 ........................."The Waiting Room"

Movie #649 "The Waiting Room" was slow going through most of the film --- some interesting characters, but there were so many scenes that I wondered, "Now why are they showing this scene"? that I can't count. A couple of times I was going to turn it off, but then the characters did something that pulled me in again. I'm glad I saw the end because it was quite satisfactory and the reason I would give it the 3.4 and not just a 3 --- it was a "Sleepless in Seattle" cute ending for a love story. So I guess I'm glad I watched, but you don't have to. Direction could be better. 3.4 out of 5 stars The Waiting Room (2007) NR Single mom Anna (Anne-Marie Duff) breaks off a self-destructive affair with her friend's husband (Rupert Graves) when she meets the man of her dreams -- Stephen (Ralf Little), a handsome nursing home orderly -- in a chance encounter at a train station. The feeling is mutual for Stephen, who loses interest in his tepid relationship with Fiona (Christine Bottomley) when Anna comes into the picture. Roger Goldby directs this romance set in London. Genre:Dramas, Independent Movies, Romantic Movies, Independent Dramas This movie is:Dark, Romantic Availability: Streaming and DVD

Movie #648 ........................."How to Fall in Love"

Movie #648 "How to Fall in Love" was one of those hallmark movies that I had on the tv the other night. It was cute --- and the appropriate people got each other at the end. The set up is quite good ---- had never seen a dating coach in action. And of course, the teacher and student fall in love while prepping him to date someone else...It's been done so much I knew that I wouldn't be giving anything away by saying this in the blog. I didn't recognize either major lead, but the girl was esp. good. His part wasn't as well played as her, but still kept my interest. Good for you, Hallmark. You continue to churn out good movies that are worth seeing because they have strong themes. This one I'd give 3.5 out of 5.

Movie #647 ........................."To Rome with Love"

Movie #647 "To Rome with Love" is not one of Woody Allen's finest, to be sure. It's esp. disappointing coming from one of his best last year, "Midnight in Paris." What makes it not as good? Well, it isn't the way he films Rome ---- it's all there, Trevia Fountain, the Piazzas, Spanish Steps, Colliseum, the ruins, etc. There ARE a few laughs, but they are few and far between. His casting is okay ----- some are better than others. I think you have to be able to write just for Alec Baldwin to get him to do anything, and his character was in and out and never fully explained...........Jesse Eisenberg is a Michael Cera ("Juno" boyfriend) lookalike, so with Page in the lead in both movies, it seemed she was in love with the same guy in both movies --- she's very good and demands attention, as does Penelope Cruz, and the young honeymooner (who looks like a young Susan Sarandon) ---- the rest seem out of place, including Woody, who cast himself as the father of Allison Pill (she's great) --- he looks way too old, and the jokes seem forced. I enjoyed Roberto Benini ----- it's nice to see him in a movie again after "Life is Beautiful," one of my very favorite films. But I guess the major reason is that the screenplay had little substance ---- it had all these stories, but they never merged --- even a little ---- and they didn't seem to have a big reason behind them, unless I missed it. Theme was weak here, and usually Allen has that work, so that's why I'm saying you don't need to see this one really. Unless you are a big Woody Allen fan-----then, you might find it enjoyable in parts. I give it 3 out of 5 stars To Rome with Love (2012) R Woody Allen plays a father meeting his daughter's Italian in-laws to-be in this ensemble comedy that interweaves four tales set in Rome. Other cast members include Roberto Benigni as a man mistaken for a film star. Genre:Comedies This movie is:Witty

Movie #646 ..........................."Julie"

Movie #646 "Julie" opens with Doris Day driving down a highway and her husband in the passenger seat gets angry at her and tries to take the wheel and slams his foot on the gas pedal and they are driving on curvy Mulholland Drive (or something like it). Kind of Dramatic from the start? I thought so, and it just kept going on and on and on --- I have to admit it was kind of scary in parts, due to how well Doris Day can look fearful, but the story was a bit far fetched and hard to believe in many spots. Esp. the very end............if you want to see this, don't read any more. But if you want to know just how silly it gets, the end scene is Doris Day landing a commercial plane. Yep, drama at its best, don't you think? no way, Day! I rate it 2.5 out of 5 stars. A terrified wife tries to escape from her insanely jealous husband who is bent on killing her --- the wife is Doris Day and the husband is Louis Jordan.

Movie #645 ........................."The Amazing Spiderman" 2012

Movie #645 "The Amazing Spiderman" 2012 is a very tense drama, with good acting. I'm not quite sure why it had to be remade, but the fact that I enjoyed the first one, too, didn't take away from an enjoyment of this one, as well. Like "Girl with the Dragon Tatoo," I liked both renditions, but for different reasons. Not remembering a lot from the first Toby Maguire movie, I DO remember his dorkiness, his laid back sense of humor in approaching the whole Hero-thrust-upon-him motif. I'm not a huge fan of Dunst, but she was capable, and the bad guy was bad, but there was some intrigue and good conflict with the Franco character flirting with Dunst, etc. In this one, you have huge chemistry between Garfield and Emma Stone (perhaps because they ARE a twosome in real life or partly because they are such good actors, better than the original, but not by a whole lot)The aunts and uncles are comparable, but the Franco character is missing, and the bad guy here is quieter and there's more to him (I've always been a Rys Ifans fan since he danced in his underwear in "Nottinghill") I really thought Emma was terrific and made everyone look good who shared screen time with her, and I was very impressed with Garfield (as I was in watching him in "Social Network") --- he's so awkward, angry inside, so real as a teenager. But then you've got him fighting lizards, so unreal, so in that way, the film went back and forth from "this is really happening" to "now this is just plain silly" ---- one complaint I had with this version is that there's a lot manipulation in the plot --- This runs 136 minutes (and make sure you stay and watch the end credits) so it's long already, but I thought that the transitions were pretty obvious and they boxed the film in, giving it no time for the audience to breathe --- for example, someone sees his face and next scene he comes up with a mask --- his uncle has a fight with him, and the next scene, you know something is going to happen with the uncle to make a reason for the earlier scene ---- so it doesn't slowly spin its web in telling the story, but it kind of pushes it at us. Otherwise, I found it quite enjoyable ---- in a tense way, but that's what an action picture is supposed to do. Boy, the flying sequences really are well done! I don't remember them as effective in the original, but then we are several years down the road in special effects in this one. I rated this 4 out of 5 stars The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) PG-13 The story of Spider-Man takes a turn toward the darker side in this reboot of the hit superhero franchise, which reveals how high school lad Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) learns to wield his newfound powers while facing down archvillain The Lizard (Rhys Ifans). Genre:Action & Adventure This movie is:Gritty