Movie #491 ........................."The Sheepman"

Movie #491 "The Sheepman" starred Glenn Ford as the man with the sheep, Leslie Nielsen, the bad guy with the cattle, and his girlfriend Shirley MacLaine, who ends up with Ford. (not a surprise to anyone) What I liked about this atypical western is the chemistry between Ford and MacLaine, Ford's acting --- he always makes his lines sound like he's in the moment, his quirky and humorous character, how he gets the job done without a gun, usually. So if you are looking for an atypical comic western, check this out. However, it is not available on netflix --- wait for it on TCM, where I saw it --- it'll come around again. Oh, and check out TCM this month, because each day they give a tribute to one star. What fun!

Movie #490 ........................."Crazy, Stupid, Love"

Movie #490 "Crazy, Stupid, Love" --- I found this a refreshing romantic comedy --- it really shouldn't be billed as just a comedy, because it tackles a lot of issues in the general subject area of love, and some are very awkward, and not all that funny. It starts with a failed marriage, and a guy sitting in a bar trying to drown his sorrow --- so that premise isn't really hysterical ---- everyone is going through some turmoil in the matters of the heart, and yes, that adds to the humor, but it's also very serious and true to life in many places. There are long pauses, but the actors can handle them -- the whole cast is very good, goofy, quirky --- even the little kids are good. There are some surprises along the way, and there's one scene that was gutsy and very funny; even the end scene, which critics have said is cringe-worthy, wasn't as bad as I expected --- it had a point and a reason behind it, so it made it less cringe-worthy to me. I recommend this --- a nice adult romantic comedy that won't disappoint!




I give it 4.2 stars out of 5
Crazy, Stupid, Love.
(2011) PG-13
When Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) discovers that his wife (Julianne Moore) wants to end their marriage, he reluctantly faces the unwelcome prospect of single life with the counsel of the younger and smoother super-bachelor Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Meanwhile, Cal's adolescent son, Robbie (Jonah Bobo), has formed an unquenchable crush on his 17-year-old babysitter (Analeigh Tipton) -- but is she more interested in Robbie's recently unwed father?
Genre: Comedies, Romantic Movies, Romantic Comedies
This movie is: Goofy, Romantic, Witty

Movie #489 ........................."The Way Back"

Movie #488 "The Way Back" is one of those memorable movies --- the subject matter is unbelievable (walking 4,000 miles to get home from Siberia), the acting is outstanding (Jim Sturgess and Ed Harris), the costumes, makeup, and all the other tech are of the highest calibre to get this devastating journey across, and to know it's true adds just that much more. I only recommend this film to the strong stomachs out there, because it is a tough one to watch, but I thought well worth the effort




I rated it 3.7 out of 4
The Way BackThe Way Back(2010) PG-13

After narrowly escaping from a wretched World War II Siberian labor camp, a small band of multinational soldiers desperately undertakes a harrowing journey to traverse Siberia, the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas on foot.

Genre:
Dramas, Dramas based on real life, Military Dramas, 20th Century Period Pieces

This movie is:
Emotional, Dark, Gritty

Availability:
Streaming, DVD and Blu-ray

Movie #488 .........................Wide Awake

#488 "Wide Awake" was a charming indie on a child seeking out god in his world. All of it was well acted, and I would have given it a 5, if it weren't a bit heavy handed in some places (esp. about religion). But overall, I totally enjoyed it and recommend it. The boy in this film becomes Augustyn Burroughs in "Running with Scissors" --- boy, did he grow up!





You rated this movie: 4

Wide Awake
(1998) PG
Writer-director M. Night Shyamalan's first Hollywood venture explores the mysteries of the afterlife through 10-year-old Joshua (Joseph Cross). After losing his grandfather to cancer, the boy sets out to find God -- but quickly realizes the search won't be easy. With the support of his family and the sports-loving Sister Terry (Rosie O'Donnell) at his Catholic boys' school, Joshua comes to find the peace of mind he's been looking for.
Genre: Children & Family Movies, Dramas, Family Dramas
This movie is: Sentimental, Feel-good
Availability: Streaming and DVD

Movie #487 ........................."Dinosaur"

Movie #486 "Dinosaur" is a really good film, esp. the opening sequence. Wow! it is filmed n such great detail using sound, swift editing -- everything is working for it. Cute characters are included. It's kind of like the theme from Ice Age II--- pushing the message that we can get more done if we do things collectively and gang up on the bad guy. Nice theme, and just one or two scary parts for the kids --- great family fun, I thought!










I rate it 3.8 stars out of 5
Dinosaur
(2000) PG
In Disney's animated film, an orphaned Iguanadon named Aladar grows up in the care of a group of lemurs. But when a meteor shower appears, Aladar and his lemur "family" flee their homeland and seek safety. While on the run, Aladar encounters other dinosaurs for the first time, and they must all work together to survive. D. B. Sweeney, Julianna Margulies, Alfre Woodard and Ossie Davis provide voice work.
Genre: Children & Family Movies, Movies for ages 5 to 7, Movies for ages 8 to 10, Animal Tales, Family Features, Family Adventures, Family Feature Animation
This movie is: Imaginative, Inspiring
Availability: DVD (Blu-ray availability date unknown)

Movie #486........................... "Happy Tears"

Movie #486 "Happy Tears" is a well acted movie about two sister who have to do with their ailing father --- doesn't sound like much, but make the sisters Demi Moore and Parker Posey and the dad Rip Torn who has to wear Depends and you have a whole bunch of possible comic moments --- and they appear. It's independent quirky like a film should be, and it's well acted by a wonderful ensemble crew. I liked it, but there could have been more action. And the best scenes are between the two sisters, for sure!










I rate it a 3.5
Happy Tears
(2009) R
Jayne (Parker Posey) and Laura (Demi Moore) return to their childhood home in Pittsburgh to look after their father, Joe (Rip Torn), a lively widower who may be slipping into dementia. The sisters are soon at odds over their father's care -- and over old family dramas. As Joe's condition deteriorates, they are forced to confront myriad unpleasant memories. Ellen Barkin and Christian Camargo co-star.
Genre: Dramas, Independent Movies, Independent Dramas, Tearjerkers
This movie is: Heartfelt, Quirky
Availability: Streaming and DVD

Movie #485 ........................."The Girl Most Likely"

Movie #485 "The Girl Most Likely" is a 50s movie starring Cliff Robertson and Jane Powell with lots of singing and dancing and a thin story that has her engaged to three guys at once. It's about this girl whose plan is to marry a rich guy --- she is engaged to a guy who is a real estator moving up into the world --- she gets engaged. Meanwhile, she meets a guy who she thinks owns a yacht, but turns out he's the grease jockey on it ---he's played by Cliff Robertson, so you know she'll end up with him anyway, but we move on to the real rich guy who really does own a yacht --- and you know, he wasn't bad at all. He knew how to have fun! But she dropped him because she loves the grease monkey! It's funny how times have changed and this movie would be considered silly nowadays. I didn't much care for it --- seemed dated and forced, but I do love Jane Powell's voice! I rate it a 3.