Movie #787 ........................."Too Hot to Handle"

Movie
Movie #787 "Too Hot to Handle" was not a movie to my liking.  I had read about it, and it followed the most enjoyable "It Happened One Night" on TCM last night (it was Clark Gable's night) so I thought I'd check into this one ---- I usually like both these actors, and oftentimes together (they've been together 7 times), but this is the least favorite of those pairings --- I felt he was doing what he does a lot --- speaking quickly, and confidently, and she was just checking in ---- the part didn't seem to fit her and the dialogue between the two seemed lacking --- the first part of the film  took flight  because the two guys (Gable and Pidgeon) were dealing in oneupsmanship, so the audience could laugh at the antics there, but then when Loy appears, the film seems to crash land (excuse the flight pun) immediately.  I never made it to the end, must confess.  fell asleep on this one.  and I'm blaming it on the film.

SEE RANK Too Hot to Handle (1938)         I'd give it 2 stars out of 5  107 min  -  Comedy | Adventure | Romance  - 16 September 1938 (USA) 6.6 Your rating:    -/10  Ratings: 6.6/10 from 696 users   Reviews: 13 user | 4 critic Two rival newsreel photographers join forces to find the an aviatrix's missing brother, who has disappeared in the Amazonian Rain Forest. Director:  Jack Conway Writers:  Laurence Stallings (screen play), John Lee Mahin(screen play), 2 more credits » Stars:  Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Walter Pidgeon | See full cast and crew

Movie #786 ........................."The Butler"

Movie #786 "The Butler" has some odd casting, I'll say that for it.  Example?  Jane Fonda as Nancy Reagan --- I was on the floor laughing at that, and those who remember Ms. Fonda and her anti-Vietnam stance would probably laugh at it, too.  Robin Williams as Ike?  And there's lots more I don't want to divulge here, but it does keep the viewer watching pretty closely as we sail through several years of contemporary American history............too fast, maybe?  However, the director handled the changes with aplomb ---------and so did most of the actors.  The standouts include Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, and the  older son David Oyelowe.  It's this son that offers most of the conflict in the film, since he is the one actively partaking in civil rights sit-ins, rides on the freedom bus, attending black panther meetings, etc.  as the racism gets progressively, and shamefully worse in our country --- the movie made me feel ashamed many times to be an American because of the mistreatment, but then there are a few moments when we can feel pride, as well, and that helps get through the hatred and bigotry which abounds in the film, yes, even  within the white house walls!  There's a quote said by Martin Luther King in the film (and I hope he really said it) about how important the black "weight staff " was to the civil rights movement by plowing peacefully through their work, they were  presenting the opposite of the stereotypical behavior that was being expected of them.  They were silent but constant and strong in their work, and I think this is one of the main reasons Daniels did this film ---- it is in honor of those who served in the roughest conditions of our civil rights movement. As you can see, I enjoyed the film for all its history, its powerful images (Jackie Kennedy with blood running down her stockings) , its quietest moments, its loudest moments (freedom bus scene, which is so difficult to watch), and I think everyone should see this important film.   That being said, there are some weaknesses --- it tries to cover too much, some of the acting is suspect (not the leads), and the music is too loud (sound is weakest in the film) at times, but oh my goodness, the cars, the costumes, the makeup, the set decorating, very meticulously done to offer almost a time travel back to those (not good) 'ol days that we need to revisit once in a while.  We need to remind ourselves of the work that we must do to overcome the bullying,  the stereotyping, the violence we inflict upon others we deem different from ourselves.





I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

Lee Daniels' The Butler2013PG-13    

Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker delivers a powerful performance as Cecil Gaines, who served as the White House butler under eight presidents. His three decades of service unfold against a backdrop of unparalleled change in American history.

Cast:

Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, Lenny Kravitz, James Marsden, David Oyelowo, Vanessa Redgrave, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber, Robin Williams,Clarence Williams III

Genre:

Biographies, Political Dramas, 20th Century Period Pieces, Drama

Movie #785 ........................."Surviving Hitler: A Love Story"

Movie #785 "Surviving Hitler" is a bleh film. Boy, was netflix wrong when it suggested I would like it and give it 4 stars! First, I'm really picky about documentaries, and second they have to be entertaining for me to like them. That being said, this was dragged out, and the story is told by only one person, intermixed with real footage of the time period (I like that part). I notice it is only 65 minutes? If that's the case, I fell asleep through it not once but twice~ I wouldn't recommend it. Turned it off before the halfway mark, very disappointed in the story. Surviving Hitler: A Love Story 2011 NR 65 minutes I'd give it one star out of 5 Two young sweethearts ultimately become co-conspirators in the now famous Valkyrie plot to assassinate Hitler. Narrated in vivid detail and supported by never-before-seen 8mm footage shot by one of the central characters. Cast:Helmuth Cords, Jutta Cords Genre:Biographical Documentaries, Historical Documentaries, Documentary

Movie #784 ........................."Take Me Home"

Movie #784 "Take Me Home" is a refreshing, oftentimes funny romantic comedy done by a husband/wife team. Sam Jaeger, writer and director, has his wife starring in this film with him, and they work well together. Sam has a prominent part on one of my favorite t.v. shows "Parenthood," and so when I noticed he was in this, and wrote the script and directed it, I wanted to see if I liked his acting in a different venue.....and I do! This film reminded me of another favorite I have which is "Fork in the Road" --- because of one big thing that happens in the film, which starts it going, the two main characters go on this cross country journey with very little money. I know it sounds familiar (perhaps like "It happened one night") but the situations have been modernized (like the one where he steals all the parts of the continental free breakfast in a busy motel that he didn't even stay in with the girl). What I like about Sam Jaeger's writing and directing is that he doesn't go for the quick joke or lame moment --- he does it through honest development of story through its characters. And these two quirky people are honestly funny and good together. I recommend it, esp. if you like road trips or romantic comedies! Take Me Home 2011 PG-13 97 minutes I would give it 4.2 stars out of 5 Thom is an unlicensed New York cabbie who takes on the fare of his life when a woman asks him to drive her to California to see her ailing father. In classic rom-com style, the chemistry between the two builds as they make their way west. Cast:Victor Garber, Bree Turner, Lin Shaye, Michelle Krusiec, Sam Jaeger, Cristine Rose, Amber Jaeger, Brennan Elliott Genre:Romantic Comedies, Indie Comedies, Comedy Availability: streaming until 8/22/2013

Movie #783 .........................."Garrison Keillor: Man on Radio in Red Shoes"

Movie #783 "Garrison Keillor: Man on Radio in Red Shoes" This was a good documentary on Garrison Keillor and Prairie Home Companion --- it shows him out in the public, dealing with his fans, getting ready for his show (which I found most fascinating) There's a lot of behind-the-scenes footage --- so if you are interested in this show or the man behind it, check out this entertaining documentary on the subject. Garrison Keillor:Man on Radio in Red Shoes 2008 NR 86 minutes 4 Stars out of 5 Follow the exploits of humorist and storyteller Garrison Keillor, creator and host of the popular "A Prairie Home Companion" radio show, with this intimate documentary, which follows his experiences presenting live performances across the country. Offering rare behind-the-scenes looks at the life of a very private man, director Peter Rosen's revealing portrait explores Keillor's incredible imagination and unique place in American culture. Cast:Garrison Keillor, Tim Russell, Sue Scott, Jearlyn Steele Genre:Biographical Documentaries, Miscellaneous Documentaries, Documentary

Movie #782 ........................."Mother"

Movie #782 "Mother" has a very good script, but not such good acting, at least by the mentally challenged son in the film. This is, I think, the first Korean film I've ever seen, and I thought it was very good. I really liked the story, the characters, the turns and surprises ---- however, I didn't need the violence. I had heard Korean films have a lot of violence, but there wasn't that much ------I just didn't like the way the disabled boy was conveyed. In the hands of a better actor, this film would have been much better in conveying the character's disability and vulnerability. I guess we do that better in the U.S. --- I'm thinking Leonardo DiCaprio in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape"--- wow! dead on for that young boy. Anyway, the mother in this film is so determined to defend/take care of her son, it'll tear your heart out ---- and she's very good and she's what moves the film to its surprising conclusion. Mother 2009 R 129 minutes. I give it 4 stars out of 5 A murder rocks a South Korean town and suspicion quickly falls on a reclusive, mentally challenged -- and alibi-free -- young man (Bin Won). When an inept public defender botches the boy's case, his mother (Hye-ja Kim) sets out to prove her son's innocence. Acclaimed director Joon-ho Bong (Memories of Murder) explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her child in this atmospheric crime thriller. Cast:Hye-ja Kim, Bin Won, Ku Jin, Yoon Jae-Moon, Mun-hee Na, Mi-sun Jun, Young-Suck Lee, Sae-Beauk Song, Woo-hee Chun, Byoung-Soon Kim Genre:Foreign Thrillers, Korea, Foreign Languages, Foreign

Movie #781 ........................."Jesus Henry Christ"

Movie #781 "Jesus Henry Christ" is not a film for everyone, and the title is NOT meant to be disrespectful. You'll get it when you see the film. There is definitely an existential bent to the film, as the very intelligent Henry searches for his father/sperm donor and constantly asks the pertinent questions in life. There are some memorable shots in the film (photography is compliments of Julia Roberts' hubby, which is why I noticed her name was in the credits for producing), and the acting is more than competent, even from the two main kids. But it is very slow and sometimes there are scenes that don't seem to go anywhere because the film is trying to show this kid's life in a matter of a week or so. You can tell it is very much an indie film, so if you don't like the usual quirkiness of indie films, this is a no bother, but I welcomed the creativity. I found this to be a memorable, quirky film. Jesus Henry Christ 2011 PG-13 92 minutes I give it 3.7 stars out of 5. Too-smart-for-his-own-good 10-year-old Henry James Herman sets out to locate his father, an anonymous sperm donor, in this quirky comedy. Along the way, Henry uncovers family secrets that only deepen his existential quandary. Cast:Toni Collette, Michael Sheen, Jason Spevack, Samantha Weinstein, Frank Moore, Kate Hewlett, Aaron Abrams, Dewshane Williams, Paul Braunstein, Mark Caven, Cameron Kennedy Genre:Indie Comedies, Indie Dramas, Comedy

Movie #780........................."Something Borrowed"

Movie #780 "Something Borrowed" --- okay, for a successful romantic comedy, I have a pretty low bar, because something a lot of critics accuse romcoms of being is unoriginal. I don't. At least not that much. How many times can you tell the same story, right? but there are a few variables that make the romcom work --- 1) you have to like the people involved 2) the two people have to have chemistry, something NOT written on the page 3) their problems can't be solved just by telling the truth ---- there's more to it...........4)it has to be BELIEVABLE!!! the conflict, the love, the "mess" they are in 5) they don't have to get each other, but ending should show some growth in the characters 6) equal time for both. Okay, so you have lots of problems in this one ----- the lovers are milquetoasty, Kate Hudson is annoying and it isn't believable that this guy would want to marry her. Their situation isn't believable ---- why? Because if she truly loves him, she should tell her "best" friend the truth. If her friend is a good friend, she will accept it --- eventually. If she doesn't, she wasn't a good friend anyway. There isn't any creativity in this film at all ----- thus, the title says it all --- everything is borrowed, pretty much. Compare this to "My Best Friend's Wedding" and the other is better, mostly because the two women are better ---- that's the best of Cameron Diaz in that film, and Julia Roberts is about the only person who can say the stupid lines she has to say in that movie and have the audience still like her. She's just that likable! Anyway, this one isn't anywhere near it, except it "borrows" the plot from that one. This is a don't bother. Watch the other one, instead --- even if it's the second or third time for that film, it is still better than this one! Something Borrowed 2011 PG-13 103 minutes. two out of 5 stars In this genial romantic comedy, successful single lawyer Rachel learns that her best friend is engaged to the guy Rachel has pined after for years. Rachel determines to maintain her loyalty to her pal, but things don't quite go as planned. Cast:Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, John Krasinski, Steve Howey, Ashley Williams, Geoff Pierson, Jill Eikenberry, Jonathan Epstein, Leia Thompson Genre:Romantic Comedies, Comedy

Movie #779 ........................."Just Go With It"

Movie #779 "Just Go With It" ---- can I dismiss this 116 minutes waste of celluloid with one word? stupid? But that isn't a good word to use in a "smart" review, but I also don't want to spend a lot of time on a "waste of time" ---- not even Jennifer Anniston can save this one. Silly premise -- no surprises, except that Jennifer Anniston is in it. I feel bad that someone had to explain some of the jokes to the two kids in it ---- what they must have thought. What was Anniston thinking? What does Sandler ever think? It will be a cold day in hell before I see another Sandler film, whoever is in it with him. I got fooled once, but not again. Just Go with It 2011 PG-13 116 minutes When plastic surgeon Danny Maccabee lies to his girlfriend that he is a divorced family man, he recruits his office manager and her children to role-play as his ex-wife and kids -- generating a flood of farcical results and unintended consequences. Cast:Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, Nick Swardson, Brooklyn Decker, Bailee Madison, Griffin Gluck, Dave Matthews, Kevin Nealon, Rachel Dratch, Minka Kelly, Heidi Montag Genre:Romantic Comedies, Blockbusters, Comedy

Movie #778 ........................"There's Always Tomorrow"

Movie #778 "There's Always Tomorrow" is a Fred MacMurray/Barbara Stanwyck film that I hadn't seen, so when I saw it was going to be on the list of Fred MacMurray films on his day on TCM, I made sure to check it out. I have always cherished this duo's relationship on screen in "Double Indemnity" and "Remember the Night" so I wanted to see another one ----this did not disappoint, except that it was more on the kids than on the two "lovebirds" --- they aren't really "lovebirds" but they think about it, and for that, the kids involved (Fred's kids) are worried about what that will do to their loving mom ---- Joan Bennett. It's kind of a sad story about a man who thinks his kids and wife just take him for granted, and a rekindling of a long ago relationship isn't helping him to feel any better about his marriage. It is amazing to me that these two very good actors can play so many different characters --- and well. If you get a chance, you might find this film entertaining, esp. if you've ever longed to change events in your life. THERE'S ALWAYS TOMORROW 1956 84 minutes I would rate it 3.5 stars out of 5 When a toy manufacturer feels ignored and unappreciated by by his wife and children, he begins to rekindle a past love when a former employee comes back into his life. Director: Douglas Sirk Writers: Bernard C. Schoenfeld (screenplay), Ursula Parrott (story) Stars: Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, Joan Bennett

Movie #777 .........................."The Way, Way Back"

Movie #777 "The Way,Way Back" is a terrific coming of age film , and i am disheartened that it isn't getting wide release. Its cast includes the brother/sister from "Little Miss Sunshine" this time playing bf/gf ----once you get used to that (quickly), then you meet up with "West Wing's" C.J. Cregg, playing so unlike that character that your mouth will be open on her entrance ---- Sam Rockwell was all over this character,(I'd liken it to Michael Keaton's quirky goofball in "Nightshift" many years ago!)and AnnaSophia Robb is very impressive as Allison Janney's daughter, as she's been impressive since her breakout movies "Bridges of Teribithia" and "Soul Surfer" proved when she was younger. Well, she's just getting better, and she'll be so much fun to follow as she grows and matures even more! The only actor that could do a bit more is the lead, Liam James, but I'm not sure how much more you want him to do because he seems so real ---- the kids are spot on. The situations and most of the dialogue is spot on --- a shout out to the screenplay writers (Rash and Faxon, who not only act in the film, but have penned a script every bit as good as their academy award winner for "Descendants" a couple of years ago). This is a must see if you are looking for something other than the usual action popcorn picture the summer usually offers --- it is very independent in the way it is handled, the camera lingers to show you something in a scene that isn't really necessary, but if you were there, you would be looking at --- just an easygoing, realistic, episodic summer in the life of a broken family. Trust me. It's good! And it explains why we need to continue mentoring and teaching our young kids.........all of them are worth the effort, just some you have to work harder at to reach! And Maya Rudolph is just a bonus to an already very, very good message and film! The Way, Way Back 2013 PG-13 I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. A stifled teen finds his voice with encouragement from the manager of a local water park, where he takes a summer job to escape his unbearable home life with his mom and her overbearing boyfriend. Cast:Liam James, Steve Carell, AnnaSophia Robb, Sam Rockwell, Amanda Peet, Toni Collette, Rob Corddry, Maya Rudolph, Allison Janney, Jim Rash, Nat Faxon Genre:Indie Comedies, Comedy

Movie #776 ........................."Any Day Now"

Movie #776 "Any Day Now" --- if you are an Alan Cumming fan, wow, you have to see this movie. It shows off his talent of singing, acting, the whole ball of wax. He plays a drag queen who falls in love with Garret Dillahunt (from "Raising Hope" which is another reason I wanted to see this) and they both, in turn, "fall in love" with the down syndrome kid next door who keeps being left outside his mom's door as she snorts cocaine. If the solution is obvious enough to you , that the guys should be able to adopt this kid, even after the mother signs away her rights, then you will be angered to no end as you see the court system not allow this due to their homosexuality. And the ending will pull your heart out -- well, it did to me. It's a tough movie to watch in many ways, one esp. is that Marco doesn't talk much or use his face or anything (I don't think he is acting and he does have Down syndrome) but he is so powerful in his quietness. And Cumming is soooooo expressive and wears his heart on his sleeve and is so angry, that it'll make you angry, too, I bet! Any Day Now 2012 R 97 minutes I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. Rudy and Paul take in their neighbor's teenage son Marco, who has Down syndrome, when his neglectful mother throws him out of her apartment. Their attempt to legally adopt Marco sparks a court battle over gay rights in this powerful true story. Cast:Alan Cumming, Garret Dillahunt, Isaac Leyva, Frances Fisher, Gregg Henry, Jamie Anne Allman, Chris Mulkey, Don Franklin, Kelli Williams, Mindy Sterling Genre:Gay & Lesbian Dramas, Social Issue Dramas, Dramas Based on Real Life, Drama

Movie #774/775 ........................."7 Up"

Movie #774/775 "7Up" and "7 Plus Seven" are documentaries I've heard tons about, and I finally got to see them last night. The first one I would give 3.8 stars to --- there are 14 kids and they are all very distinct, but the one big complaint I had was that the movie expected you to memorize all their names and faces in a couple of minutes --- they need to label each speaker for at least half of the movie --- give the viewer a break! Once we can follow who is who, then we can better take in all their characteristics and what they say about their future, so we can compare notes in the future films (They are on 50+ right now, I think). The second film I would give 3 stars to for a few reasons. Once again, there should be subtitles as to who is who, but also there was too much repetition, reminding us what they said. I know that is because people are supposed to be seeing it 7 years down the line, and I was watching them back to back, but still................whole discussions were reproduced. I still like the idea of watching the kids growing and changing their focuses, their interests, and their hobbies/careers. Apted, the director, works with the quote: show me the boy at 7 and I'll show you the man, " and so far he's been fairly accurate --- the shy boy as a 7 year old is the same as a 14 year old. The African American is the major one to see a huge disparity between the rich and the poor, even at age 7 (not surprising), and the kids who went to private schools seem a little more interested in money than in other things. It's fun to see them growing, and I can't wait to see the kids in the present. Seven Up / 7 Plus Seven 1964 NR 92 minutes. "7 Up" 3.8 stars (out of 5), and "7 Plus Seven" 3 stars (out of 5) When Seven Up was broadcast in 1964, it broke new ground and became the first segment of a laborious and momentous labor of love: an engrossing chronicle of the lives of 14 students from varied social backgrounds, beginning when they were 7 years old. The first meeting with the group of wide-eyed, innocent children invites viewers to take a look at lives in the making; the follow-up film, 7 Plus Seven, checks in on them 7 years later. Genre:Biographical Documentaries, Social & Cultural Documentaries, TV Documentaries, Documentary

Movie #773 ........................."First Daughter"

Movie #773 "First Daughter" --- looking for a film suitable to be watched by a teen (probably female?) This is a solid choice. I just wanted to see Forest Whitaker's direction, and I found it to be very good. The romantic comedy part we've seen before, so don't be watching this for how different the conflict is, because it isn't --- we've all seen the story before, but it is the way it is handled. I liked the father/daughter conflicting discussions and bonding; I liked the message about the paparazzi and their treatment to pouts and in this case, his daughter, "lucky charm." The story is well grounded, and I felt I was being taught what our first families have to go through to live in the white house --- and what price is paid by the family -------- we generally think it is all "perfect," but it isn't, by any means. The last comment I want to make is how good Katie Holmes is in this small film --- I like her in "Pieces of April" but I was beginning to think that was a fluke, because we saw her on stage in "All my Sons" and she wasn't good. Then this! I've decided she is perfect for a film camera, with those big brown puppy dog eyes that do their trick in closeups. This is a good vehicle for her, and like I said, it's a charming teen romantic comedy, and those are few and far between. First Daughter 2004 PG 105 minutes I gave it 4 out of 5 stars Samantha Mackenzie (Katie Holmes), the 18-year-old daughter of the president of the United States (Michael Keaton), insists that she be allowed to attend college like a normal kid . But when your dad's the leader of the free world, "normal" is relative. It starts well when Samantha befriends her roommate (Amerie Rogers) and falls for her handsome residence hall assistant, James (Marc Blucas). But James has a secret that could change everything. Cast:Katie Holmes, Marc Blucas, Amerie Rogers, Michael Keaton, Margaret Colin, Lela Rochon, Michael Milhoan, Dwayne Adway, Hollis Hill, Ken Moreno Genre:Romantic Comedies, Teen Comedies, Comedy