MOVIES WORTH SEEING

City of God (2002), City of Men {TV} (2002-2005), City of Men (2007)

2011-08-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

This is a very interesting triad of stories. City of God came first. Using many of the actors and similar themes from that movie, the TV series City of Men watched two of the young men mature to 18, followed by the movie City of Men, which takes us to what lies ahead for these young men as they reach adulthood.

I would never call these pleasant viewing. Although they take place in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, the stories of boys without families left to survive on their own in a hazardous environment, is, unfortunately, becoming somewhat universal. Perhaps most frightening is that all the stories and most of the characters depicted are based on true life.

Each of these can been seen by themselves, although together, they create a tapestry of what dire poverty coupled with gangs, and adults, who out of fear or neglect, allow the violence of these gangs to rule the neighborhood. Brazil created some housing for their poor. City of God is a suburb of Rio, while the City of Men productions take place in the favelas, a slum inside the city of Rio.

City of God tells the true story of a gang war. With drugs and guns, the neighborhood is indeed a battle zone. No one is safe. What strikes you hardest is how very young the boys are, especially at the end of the first movie.

The producers had a lighter touch with the TV series. The actors play different characters and the show centers around two fatherless boys who are best friends: Acerola and Laranjinha and their adventures on their way to manhood. They walk that fine line of avoiding gang membership (hard to do, as Acerola's cousin is the leader of the gang)and still being a part of the neighborhood. They go through all the rites of passage, from first kiss to first job.

There are many lighthearted moments in the TV series. It is interesting to see the difference between Brazil and our culture. The police generally turn a blind eye to whatever happens in the favelas. Also, because they are built on hills, the actual geography plays a role. The streets, unmapped, as we learn in one episode, are laid out in a maze.

The final movie, City of Men, again explodes with a gang war. Acerola becomes a target for revenge. At the same time, the story of the boys' absent fathers starts to be told. As they turn 18, they face crucial decisions, most of them forced on them.

Ultimately the shows, especially City of Men, is about friendship and family. Whether it is belonging to a gang, or holding tightly to a friendship, survival must take place with help from others. Without love, we grow heartless and cold and maybe even evil.

On a final note, the young actors from City of Men have said that making these movies and TV shows saved their lives. Without them, their lives would have become exactly what they were portraying.

City of God: DIRECTOR: Fernando Meirelles. CAST: Matheus Nachtergaele, Seu Jorge, Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino da Hora, Phellipe Haagensen, Jonathan Haagensen, Douglas Silva.

AWARDS: Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 55 wins and 25 nominations.

City of Men {TV}: PRODUCERS: Fernando Meirelles, Bel Berlinck. CAST: Darlan Cunha, Douglas Silva, Phellipe Haagensen, Camila Monteiro, Jonathan Haagensen

AWARDS: 2 wins and 1 nomination.

City of Men: DIRECTOR: Paulo Morelli. CAST: Douglas Silva, Darlan Cunha, Johnathan Haagensen, Rodrigo Dos Santos, Camila Monteiro

AWARDS: 5 nominations.

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Dark City (1998) [R]

2011-07-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

A man wakes up in a hotel bathtub in city that is in perpetual night. He has no memory of who he is but discovers a horrible murder has taken place in the room. Is he the murderer? The phone rings and a voice tells him to run because "The Strangers" are after him. So begins this dense, thought-provoking film.

What is going on? He sees the city torn down and rebuilt every night. Everyone sleeps and wake to new identities. As the man uncovers the mysteries, he also finds he has special powers. And he has memories...

The movie poses some good questions: are we our memories? What is the source of human resilience? How do we survive and adapt from all we experience? What is the soul and where is it?

Perhaps not a great movie, the film has developed a following. It has amazing special effects: watching the city collapse in on itself and rebuild is spectacular. There are many surprises along the way, although the ultimate answers to the mystery is not as original as the effects. Watch this with friends and you will have great fodder for some deep philosophical conversation.

Remember, the promise of this blog is to recommend interesting movies, if not great ones. This one is worth seeing!

DIRECTOR: Alex Proyas. CAST: Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, Richard O'Brien, Ian Richardson, Colin Friels, Bruce Spence, Willliam Hurt.

AWARDS: 6 wins and 7 other nominations.

The Conversation (1974) [PG]

2011-06-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

A surveillance expert, Harry Caul, (Gene Hackman) is hired to track a young couple as they stroll through San Francisco's Union Square. He believes that they will be the murder victims of his employer, and he tries in his covert way to prevent the murder. The problem is that there is so much interference in the tape recordings that he can't really hear their whole conversation.

As a person who spies on others, Caul himself is very paranoid. He understands how easily privacy can be invaded. He keeps to himself, and of course, his personal relationships suffer. He usually keeps his conscience out of his work, but this case has made that almost impossible.

This is a very interesting thriller. The real conversation between the couple slowly unfolds. The purpose of Caul's employment becomes more solid. Caul's crisis grows.

One can say that in some ways, due to modern technology, the movie is dated. Although we are all aware of how much better today's equipment can do Caul's job, the underlying themes and moral issues still loom large today. As technology continues to improve, we all have to face the fact that there is less and less privacy. If you have ever googled yourself, you have seen just how much information about yourself is available to everyone. Imagine if someone was deliberately spying on you!

Hailed by many to be Coppola's greatest work, you will be drawn into this movie. The last scene will stick with you for a long time. Many people watch it a second time to really see how all the pieces fit together.

BTW: After you watch this movie, check out Enemy of the State. You will see how Enemy is almost a sort of sequel to The Conversation in many ways. That certainly influenced the casting of Hackman in the later movie instead of Sean Connery as originally planned.

DIRECTOR: Francis Ford Coppola. CAST: Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Allen Garfield, Frederic Forrest, Cindy Williams, Michael Higgins, Elizabeth MacRae, Teri Garr, Harrison Ford, Robert Shields.

AWARDS: Nominated for 3 Academy Awards. 11 other wins and 11 other nominations.

The Advocate (1994) [R]

2011-06-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

Colin Firth, in one of his first non-television movies, plays a French lawyer who leaves 15th century Paris in search of a simpler lifestyle as a public defender in a rural province . However, country life is not as simple and innocent as he thought it would be. He finds himself dragged into political and amorous intrigues, including having to defend a pig!

In those days, animals that caused trouble, especially deaths, were tried in court, just as people were. Because, after all, as the public prosecutor says, "Anyone who knows animals knows there are good ones and bad ones." Early in the movie we see a man and his she-ass being prepared for hanging for having carnal knowledge of each other. However, the donkey is pardoned "without stain to her character." The man is then hanged!

This is a dark comedy. Originally titled The Hour of the Pig, the name was changed for American distribution and cut by 15 minutes. It is still an enjoyable movie, with laughter, romance, mystery, intrigue, gypsies, animals, and politics.

Colin Firth is charming, as usual, though it is interesting to see him as he is just starting to carry a movie as the star and romantic lead. You'll also enjoy his many hats!

DIRECTOR: Leslie Megahey. CAST: Colin Firth, Amina Annabi, Jim Carter, Donald Pleasence, Ian Holm, Nicol Williamson, Lysette Anthony.

Roman Holiday (1953) [unrated]

2011-05-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

This movie made Audrey Hepburn a star. It is my favorite of her movies. (Breakfast at Tiffany's is forever tainted by Mickey Rooney's insulting and overtly racist portrayal of a Japanese man.) This was Audrey's first movie, and she earned an Oscar! Supported by the handsome Gregory Peck, this is a bittersweet romance.

She plays a princess who has become overwhelmed with her responsibilities and duties. Presented with an opportunity to escape, she takes it. Her heart is full of wanting to be just a normal person living a regular life. She falls asleep on a bench and is discovered by Gregory Peck, a newspaper man, who doesn't recognize her. He tries to offer her money for a taxi but she refuses to cooperate, leaving him no choice but to take her with him to his apartment. (This is the 50's, so this is actually an innocent offer!)

Free for the first time in her life, the princess turns down his offer to spend the day with her. By now, he does know who she is, and has taken an assignment for an exclusive interview with her for the whopping sum of $5000. Not letting on that her cover is blown, he contrives to bump into her and then she does spend her time with him.

This is a sweet romance. Everyone operates with integrity, and although we may admire them all, the ending is very sad, yet right.

This is one of those movies that originally was supposed to be cast with other actors: Elizabeth Taylor and Cary Grant! It surely would have played differently with them.

Peck did not want the part, thinking the age difference between himself and Hepburn was too great, but his contract did not give me a choice. Peck was originally given star and solo billing, but ever the gentleman, half-way through the filming, suggested to the director that the billing be shared. This type of behavior was almost unheard of in Hollywood and only added to Peck's appeal.

Hepburn was cast after a terrible screen test. The cameraman deliberately let the camera keep filming when the test was over, letting the director see just how animated Hepburn could be.

The screenplay was co-written by Dalton Trumbo, who was blacklisted at the time and did not receive a credit. Instead, he was fronted by Ian McLellan Hunter. His credit was reinstated when the DVD was released in 2003!

When you watch this movie, you are overtaken with nostalgia for that much more innocent time. Although the characters fall in love, there are no steamy scenes. Instead, we are treated to pure romance. Even the ending is romantic.

DIRECTOR: William Wyler. CAST: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert, Tullio Carminati.

AWARDS: 3 Academy Awards, 5 other wins and 11 nominations.

The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey (1988) [PG]

2011-05-24T13:57:00.000-07:00

Do not confuse this film with the children's movie Flight of the Navigator. This movie is definitely for grownups!

The year is 1348. A mining village in Cumbria, north of England, has just welcomed back one of its residents, Connor. Connor comes bearing tales of the spread of the Black Death. Although this village is isolated, it is inevitable that the plague will come to them. Connor's younger brother, Griffin, is a nine-year-old with second sight. He has a vision that all will be well if the villagers put a cross on the spire of an unknown church that is far away. He also believes that the quickest way to reach this church is by digging down in the mine.

Griffin, Connor, and three of the bravest men undertake this journey. They dig down and somehow reach Auckland, New Zealand in 1988! Up until this point, the movie has been in black and white. But similar to Dorothy reaching Oz, the modern age is in color. Usually this type of fish-out-of-water movie is played for laughs, but instead, this movie is from the point of view of the villagers. The villagers continue on their mission, filled with wonder at what they see.

Although the men do not question how they arrived here, they deal with each obstacle within the scope of their experience. Their first challenge is crossing a four-lane highway. They are in awe of the beasts that approach them so very swiftly and continue going rather than fighting them, as they beasts they normally would encounter would do.

Because of their sincere belief in Griffin's vision and their mission, they continue on. Not only must they find the church, but they must also find a foundry that will make the spike they need to mount the cross. They sincerely believe that this is the only way to save their village from the plague. But Griffin's vision also has some troubling aspects. Will all of his vision come true?

What a fascinating concept! It is said that the director first got the idea when he attempted to cross the Autobahn and ended up stuck in the middle.

The subtitle for non-American release was An Odyssey Through Time.

The film does have the feel and look of a real Medieval tale. Although low budget, the movie is beautifully produced. The movie was chosen for competition at the Cannes Film Festival. Although won no awards, it received a five-minute standing ovation.

If you are looking for something really different to watch, this is it!

DIRECTOR: Vincent Ward. CAST: Hamish McFarlane, Bruce Lyons, Chris Haywood, Marshall Napier, Noel Appleby, Paul Livingston, Sarah Pierse.

AWARDS: 21 wins and 4 nominations.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) [R]

2011-05-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

The scariest horror movie ever made! I first saw it in a movie theater in New York City with my best friend. We spent the last 30 minutes of the movie on our feet, holding hands, and screaming. And no one told us to shut up and sit down!! Although many of the production values are now primitive given today's technology, it is still a very scary movie.

Horrible, but not really as gory as reputed to be, this was a first in horror movies. It is well-made, well-acted, and very effective. Every horror movie made since pays homage to this one.

In an effort to get it seen, Tobe Hooper, the director and co-writer, promoted it as a true story. It is not, although there was a Texas family that indulged in cannibalism, and there had been some disturbances in a cemetery.

Pretty simply, a group of five friends, among them Sally Hardesty, and her invalid brother Franklin, stumble on a house and disturb the murderous family there.

There was nothing like this before. Shot on a skimpy budget of $300,000, this movie is guaranteed to give you nightmares and make all other horror movies pale in comparison! Don't waste your time on any of the other movies in this franchise. Take the R-rating to heart and don't let the little ones near this one.

DIRECTOR: Tobe Hooper. CAST: Marilyn Burns, Gunnar Hansen, Edwin Neal, Allen Danzinger, Paul A. Partain, William Vail.

AWARDS: One win

Lark Rise to Candleford {TV} 2008-2011 (4 seasons)

2011-05-08T12:26:00.000-07:00

I confess that I am a sucker for BBC historical series. This show has captured me. It takes place in the late 19th century, based on the semi-autobiographical books by Flora Thompson. Told through the eyes of Laura, (Olivia Hallinan) a girl from Lark Rise, a small hamlet, who goes to Candleford, the big village, to work at the post office, this is her coming-of-age story.

The post mistress is Dorcas, (Julia Sawalha) who is Laura's mother's cousin. She and the post office are the center of Candleford. Dorcas is unmarried and although she does have some romances, her biggest love is the people of both Lark Rise and Candleford.

There is rivalry, of course, between Lark Rise and Candleford: country mouse vs. village mouse. Those from Candleford tend to look down on those from Lark Rise. Yet both communities often come together into one.

Of course, there are many characters, but all are real and none are stereotypical.

In Candleford, Thomas who does the postal delivery, is a Christian, and romances the minister's daughter. Minnie, who is lazy, young, and romantic, comes to the post office as a maid. The Pratt sisters, who dress alike although there is at least 10 years age difference between them, own the local dress shop.

Lark Rise is the home of Laura's family. They struggle, as does everyone in the hamlet, to make a living. Laura's father is a free thinker who often causes trouble with his belief that money does not determine the worth of a person. He and his wife have a loving relationship.
Queenie and Twister are an older couple. Queenie reads tea leaves, and practices herbal medicine and a little magic. Twister spends his days trying to get out of working and into the pub. They are also a sweet couple.

Of course, there are many other characters in this community. We come to know and love them all.

This is a gentle, sweet series. Little stories, a sense of the coming modern age as things such as bicycles arrive, a great feeling of community, relationships that change and grow, bits of humor, and an increasing depth to all the characters, have captured my heart.

The biggest surprise for me was the actress who plays Dorcas. She looked so familiar to me, but I just couldn't place her. Imagine how blown away I was when IMDB revealed that she played Saffron, Edina's daughter on Absolutely Fabulous! You couldn't imagine two more different characters. She does an amazing job with both.

If you loved Anne of Green Gables, you will love Lark Rise to Candleford.

CREATED by Bill Gallagher. CAST: Olivia Hallinan, Julia Sawalha, Linda Bassett, Ruby Bentall, Claudie Blakley, Brendan Coyle, John Dagleish, Victoria Hamilton, Mark Heap, Karl Johnson, Sandy McDade, Ben Miles, Liz Smith, Matilda Ziegler.

Yellow Submarine (1968) [G]

2011-04-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Psychedelic!! Sit back and enjoy this wonderful animated film. Starring The Beatles, this is a treat for the eyes and the ears. This clever and entertaining movie is full of puns, double entendres, and Beatle jokes. The real Beatles show up at the end of the movie, with souvenirs of their journey.

The story is simple: The lovely Pepperland, under the protection of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, is attacked by the music-hating Blue Meanies. The band is sealed inside a music-proof bubble, the people are frozen into stone, and the land is drained of color (colour, as the British say!). It's Old Fred, Ringo, Paul, John and George to the rescue!

The soundtrack is incredible, with classics such as Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, When I'm Sixty-Four, All You Need is Love, Nowhere Man, Eleanor Rigby, and many more.

A great musical film, the animation was like nothing ever seen before.

Full of love, fun, music, friendship, and goodness, with just a touch of melancholy, this is a great family film. If your kids don't understand what the big fuss is about The Beatles, this is the way to introduce them to both the music and the sensibility of the times. For us older folks, this is a real trip down memory lane.

DIRECTOR: George Dunning. CAST: The Beatles, Paul Angelis, John Clive, Dick Emery, Geoffrey Hughes, Lance Percival.

AWARDS: 2 awards and 2 nominations.

He Love Me...He Loves Me Not (2002) [unrated; my rating: R]

2011-04-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been obsessed with someone? This movie is about what happens when obsession is taken to extremes. In a departure from her usual light-hearted characters, Audrey Tatou plays Angélique, a young art student in love with Dr. Loïc Le Garrec (Samuel Le Bihan), who is married. Her closest friends do not approve of the relationship, but she insists that Loïc will leave his wife for her.

With its lush use of roses, Tatou's sweet and hopeful smile, and her wistful feelings of love toward Loïc, you will believe that this will be a light romance, but don't be fooled. There is so much more going on here.

The movie begins from Angélique's point of view and halfway through rewinds itself and changes to Loïc's perspective. When it does, you'll find yourself wanting to go back to the first part to make sure you did see what you saw. It's very interesting how point of view changes the whole story.

It is very hard to talk about this movie without giving away its secrets, and there are many for us to uncover. Not really a date movie, not a romantic comedy, but instead, it is an insightful and fascinating film about how far someone will go for love. Even the very last moment holds a good shock. Go with it and enjoy the twists! And yes, it's French with subtitles, but well worth seeing! You'll even learn a new word for your vocabulary...

DIRECTOR: Laetitia Colombani. CAST: Audrey Tatou, Samuel Le Bihan, Isabelle Carre, Clement Siboney, Sophie Guillemin, Eric Savin.

AWARDS: 2 nominations.

Iron Monkey (1993) [PG-13]

2011-03-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

If you are a fan of movies such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, House of Flying Daggers, and Hero, you will enjoy this movie. It was made years before Crouching and is directed by that movie's action choreographer. This movie is pretty funny, with exaggerated stock characters and great fighting scenes that foreshadow the extraordinary feats shown in the later movies.

The story is based an episode in the childhood of Chinese folk hero Wong Fei-hung and his father and their encounter with the Iron Monkey, a Robin Hood sort of character. Iron Monkey fights a corrupt governor and helps the downtrodden. The governor wants Iron Monkey captured, which is easier said than done, as he is masked, and no one knows his name or where he is from. We learn early on that he is really the village doctor.

After futile attempts by the governor in capturing him, including arresting anyone who has anything to do with monkeys, Wong Fei-hung is kidnapped by the governor and held hostage until his father Wong Kei-ying finds and defeats the Iron Monkey.

This is a fast and furious comedy. I found the later movies to be somewhat pretentious films that took themselves a little too seriously. You won't find that here. This is a simple story, the fighting scenes are excellent and exciting, and the comedy is funny! Check out the fighting scene where everything catches on fire!

This movie is a farce, so there is romance, but nothing even R-rated, and full of fighting but somehow not really violent. I will confess that this is a period piece, with titles, but so much fun that the whole family will enjoy it once they get over these issues. A martial arts classic!

DIRECTOR: Yuen Wo Ping. CAST: Yu Rong Guang, Donnie Yen, Jean Wang, Tsang Sze Man, Yuen Shun Yi, James Wong, Yen Yee Kwan.

AWARDS: 2 nominations

thirtysomething {TV} (1987-1991) (4 seasons)

2011-03-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

This television show, about seven friends in their 30's living in Philadelphia, was amazing television when it was first aired. It still is! Centered around a married couple, Hope and Michael, and their friends, the show tried to show many of the life changes we go through in our 30's. The group includes Hope and Michael, Nancy and Elliot, (who are married), Ellyn (note the "y"!) who is Hope's best friend since childhood, Melissa, who is also Michael's cousin, and Gary, Michael's best friend since college.

The various life events include the death of a parent, the death of a friend, someone getting cancer along with all the horrors of chemotherapy, a marriage almost breaking up, getting married, unexpected pregnancy, the decision to have a second child, a miscarriage, a business going belly up, career failure, career change, career advancement, looking for love, and the changing feelings that occur in marriage and friendship. This group of people are perhaps more open with each other than most of us are, but they do get to the truth of their feelings. And although many of the stories are dramatic, there is also great humor.

The acting is truly superb. All the cast were encouraged to direct episodes, which seemed to strengthen the acting even more. There are great moments of acted-out imagination, which was very experimental at the time, although not so unusual today. And there is some amazing and gorgeous camera work along with great soundtracks. Keep an eye on the guest stars, you'll see many familiar faces.

Thirtysomething was also the first television program to show two homosexuals in bed together (although not having sex). Their kiss made some advertisers withdraw which shows how far we have come.

Although a timepiece of the late 80's, the show has not dated (except for fashion [remember those humongous eyeglasses!]) and remains relevant to this day. This is quality television!

Created by Marshal Herskovitz and Edward Zwick. CAST: Ken Olin, Mel Harris, Melanie Mayron, Timothy Busfield, Patricia Wettig, Peter Horton, Polly Draper, Patricia Kalember, David Clennon.

AWARDS: 13 Emmys and 28 nominations; 2 Golden Globes; another 15 awards and 30 other nominations.

TRIVIA: Ken Olin and Patricia Wettig are married in real life.

"thirtysomething" entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 1993, later followed by "twentysomething" as catch-all words to describe generations.

Love at First Bite (1979) [PG]

2011-03-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

It's time for a very silly movie! Love at First Bite is a great antidote to the current high school vampire romance craze. George Hamilton's Count Dracula is evicted from his castle in Romania when it is converted into a school for gymnasts. Having nowhere to go, accompanied by Renfield (Arte Johnson), he decides to try the U.S.

And the silliness begins. His luggage (coffin) gets lost at the airport ending up at a funeral at a black church in Harlem. (Holy Jeffersons, Batman!) He discovers, to his amazement, that the U.S. has blood banks! He falls in love with a model (Susan Saint James), a direct descendant of Mina Harker, Dracula's true love. Her psychiatrist (Richard Benjamin) is pretty sure he is love with her, but not enough to marry her. He is, however, sure that Dracula is a vampire, and it is his duty to hunt him down and kill him, even though he has no idea how. After all, he is the descendant of Van Helsing, although he has changed his name to Rosenberg for professional reasons.

The movie is full of references to the old vampire movies. My favorite: in the old movies when Dracula hears the dogs (wolves?) howl, he smiles and says, "Ah, the children of the night." Our Dracula says: "Children of the night, SHUT UP!" complete with Romanian accent.

There is a scene in a disco where the music has been changed from the original. Instead of "I Love the Nightlife," we get a disco version of "The Man I Love." It's a shame because it does change the feeling of the scene. (See how much movie music affects a scene!) If you look around, you can find the original version.

Like many of the spoof movies, not all the jokes work and it is uneven and dated, but the jokes come fast and furious, and you will find yourself laughing out loud. It is also a great showcase for the pop culture of the '80's. If you've had enough Twilight, True Blood, and all the other vampire hyper-romances, this should cleanse your palate.

DIRECTOR: Stan Dragoti. CAST: George Hamilton, Susan Saint James, Richard Benjamin, Dick Shawn, Arte Johnson, Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Barry Gordon, Ronnie Schell, Eric Laneuville.

AWARDS: 3 wins and 4 nominations.

The Door in the Floor (2004) [R]

2011-03-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why I was so taken by this movie. The acting is indeed superb, with Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger as a couple whose marriage is not surviving the deaths of their teen-aged sons. The title refers to the Bridges' character's bestselling children's story: a hole in the floor that children fall through.

This couple is cruel to each other, although Bridges' behavior is more overt and pointed. After losing their sons, they have a daughter (played by an incredible Elle Fanning at age 4!) to replace them, which, of course, she cannot do. Bridges is a charming womanizer, Basinger is depressed. Into this situation comes a young man, the son of a family friend, to be an apprentice to Bridges. He bears a strong resemblance to one of the deceased sons and becomes both the pawn and catalyst of this marriage. Is this deliberate on Bridges' part?

The movie is an adaptation, by the director, of the first part of John Irving's bestseller A Widow for One Year. As a result, this is a moving, multi-layered drama. All four main characters go through their own process alone, even as they share the same space.

The theme: you may not always hurt the one you love, but you sure know how! I was deeply affected by this movie, it made me cry, yet somehow can't really find the words to describe my experience.

A fascinating movie about marriage, love and relationships.

DIRECTOR: Tod Williams. CAST: Jeff Bridges, Kim Basinger, Jon Foster, Elle Fanning, Bijou Phillips, Mimi Rogers, Robert LuPone, Donna Murphy, Louis Arcella.

AWARDS: 1 win and 4 nominations.

Beauty and the Beast (1946)

2011-03-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

This is one of the most beautiful and romantic movies ever. Directed by Jean Cocteau in black and white, in French, is so worth seeing. It is so romantic I want to swoon when I see it! It is visually dazzling! It is surreal, with a corridor of disembodied human arms grasping candelabra that burst into flame as Beauty passes by, Beauty's tear drops turning into diamonds as she weeps over the Beast's fate, and flowing material everywhere.

There are some comic scenes, too, preventing the film from being overwhelming. If you can get your kids to watch, they, too, will enjoy the movie. The theme, of course, is that we should not care about others just based on appearances.

This is also a movie about love: the love which grows between Beauty and the Beast, the love between Beauty and her father, and the lack of love that her sisters have for Beauty.

It is truly a masterpiece with something for everyone. It is also the most accessible Cocteau movie, who is better known as a film surrealist. In this movie, he creates a complete fantastic world. It is amazing what he created, especially in view of how limited the technology was at the time.

The next time you are looking for something different, with no shooting or explosions, make this your movie!

DIRECTOR: Jean Cocteau. CAST: Jean Marais, Josette Day, Marcel Andre.

Babette's Feast (1987) [G]

2011-02-27T14:40:00.000-08:00

One of the first great food movies. This is a Danish movie about a French woman who was taken in by two daughters of a now deceased pastor of a small religious community in Denmark. The sect is quiet and repressed, with little emotional passion expressed. Babette is a refugee from violence in Paris. The sisters take her in and she becomes their housekeeper, taking good care of them and the other aging members of the community for 14 years. Her only remaining tie to Paris is a lottery ticket that a friend renews for her each year.

One day Babette wins that lottery and decides to spend the money on creating an epicurean feast for the people who saved her. The movie has the most beautiful scenes of food preparation! She pours her love into the meal which is indeed sumptuous.

The movie is more than just meal preparation. We also get to see the past lives of the sisters, including their opportunities for love. The sisters are sure that the meal will be too sensual for their religious sensibilities, and with the other members of the community, agree to accept the meal, but not to enjoy it! Are they in for a surprise!

This is a lovely and gentle movie about love in many of its forms. Food is the metaphor. Don't watch this while you are hungry!

The movie is based on a story by Karen Blixen, who also wrote the story that Out of Africa was based on. It was also the first Danish film to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

DIRECTOR: Gabriel Axel. CAST: Stephane Audran, Jean-Phillipe Lafont, Gudmar Wivesson, Jarl Kulle, Bibi Andersson, Birgitte Federspiel, Bodil Kjer.

AWARDS: Academy Award and another 10 wins and 6 nominations

Zoolander (2001) [PG-13]

2011-02-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

This movie is funnier than it has the right to be! If you have had any dealings with the modeling business, you will find it even funnier. A real family affair (his father, mother, sister, and wife are all in the movie), this is Ben Stiller as a really dumb fashion model who the bad guys brainwash into assassinating the Prime Minister of Malaysia! He also co-wrote and directed the movie.

Derek Zoolander is a male model with a series of special modeling faces (the joke is that although they have different names: "Blue Steel", "Le Tigre" and "Ferrari", they are all the same expression which is basically him staring into the camera as he sucks in his cheeks). Recently unseated as top model by Hansel (Owen Wilson), he is working on a new face, "Magnum." He is also very disturbed that no male model seems to live beyond the age of 30.

Will Ferrell is Mugatu, the villain. He dresses in bizarre outfits, with his ugly little dog wearing a doggy version of the same clothes. He is the owner of a fashion line, "Derelicte," described by Mugatu as "a fashion, a way of life inspired by the very homeless, the vagrants, the crack whores that make this wonderful city so unique."

I laughed hard throughout the movie, except for a strange orgy scene with Zoolander, Matilda (Christine Taylor, Stiller's wife), and Hansel. It's the only jarring note and is responsible for the PG-13 rating.

There are tons of celebrity cameos, so keep your eyes open for Cuba Gooding Jr., Winona Ryder, David Bowie, Donald Trump, Christian Slater, Natalie Portman, and many high fashion names.

There are some real standout moments: the walk-off between Zoolander and Hansel, the boys at the gas station having so much fun "washing" the car, Zoolander's inability to turn left, those funny faces of his, and those dog outfits. Yes, this is stupid funny, but it is funny!!!

DIRECTOR: Ben Stiller CAST: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor, Will Ferrell, Milla Jovovich, Jerry Stiller, David Duchovny, Jon Voight, Judah Friedlander.

AWARDS: 1 win and 9 nominations.

The Other (1972) [PG]

2011-02-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

Back when The Exorcist was on the best-seller list, there was another book on the list that also had a sense of the supernatural to it: The Other by Thomas Tryon. A little overshadowed by The Exorcist, The Other did quite well and it, too, was turned into a movie.

This is an eerie psychological thriller about two twin boys, Niles and Holland. Niles is the good one and Holland the bad one who is always up to trouble. Their father has died recently, their mother is a recluse in mourning, and their grandmother (played by Uta Hagen) who lives with them is the one who gives them the most attention. Niles seems to be her particular favorite and she has taught him to project himself outside of himself, such as becoming the bird he sees. She calls this "the great game."

Bad things start to happen. There are deaths, accidents, and disappearances. The boys seem to be involved, but how?

The author, Tryon, also wrote the screenplay, changing the ending. Whereas the book is a good read, the different ending in the movie makes it all more ironic.

I don't recommend this if you have any 11-year-old boys at home. Everyone else should enjoy the little shivers they get from this movie. This is a thriller, not a gory chop 'em up, but more like The Sixth Sense. And check out the book!

DIRECTOR: Robert Mulligan. CAST: Uta Hagen, Diana Muldaur, Chris Udvarnoky, Martin Udvarnoky, Norma Connolly, Victor French, Portia Nelson, John Ritter.

AWARDS: 1 win.

Windwalker (1980) [PG]

2011-02-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

Not your typical western nor a cowboys and Indians movie. Instead, this is a lovely and often funny Native American story, great for family viewing. The PG rating is due to violence, so it is probably not good for the very young.

Windwalker, an old Cheyenne man, decides it is a good day to die as his tribe prepares to leave for winter camp. His family stays behind to prepare him for death, while Windwalker starts to tell them the story of his past. He recounts falling in love and earning his bride.

The family places him on the high scaffold which is the Cheyenne custom for burial. Believing he has died, they continue on to winter camp.

After a while, Windwalker is surprised to wake up and find himself still alive. He begins his trek to join his family, making narrow escapes from the dangers of the wilderness. He continues to remember his past, and the story of his wife and sons.

During this time, his family has been ambushed and his son injured by a band of Crow, enemies of the Cheyenne. They find some shelter and try to figure out what to do next.

There is a very happy ending to the story. Windwalker's past is resolved with his family's help. There are surprises, both funny and heartwarming.

There are some really special things about this movie. First, there are no white men. This is not a story of the destruction of the Native Americans, but rather a story where all the characters are Cheyenne or Crow. The only English we hear is the narration and Windwalker's thoughts. All other speaking is in tribal languages (with titles).

The one glaring problem is that in a movie that really attempts to be a faithful depiction of Native customs and pay honor to their culture, Windwalker is portrayed by Trevor Howard, who is British! (They had to dub his narration due to his English accent!) The only other white actor is James Remar, who plays Windwalker as a young man. All the other roles are played by Native Americans. Howard is not awful, but you can't help but wonder why they didn't use one of the excellent older Native American actors.

The movie does pay careful attention to details of culture, language, costuming, and age-old traditions. The scenery, which is in Utah, is gloriously beautiful. Windwalker has the distinction of being named the #1 anthropological film of all time in an early 1990s poll of the American Anthropological Association.

DIRECTOR: Kieth Merrill. CAST: Trevor Howard, Nick Ramus, Serene Hedin, Dusty Iron Wing McCrea.

AWARDS: 1 win.

The Gods Must Be Crazy (1981) [PG]

2011-02-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

This is a very funny movie. Three stories intertwine, along with culture clashes and jungle animals. This is a romance, adventure, anthropological study, travelogue, and comedy all rolled into one!

The movie starts out slowly, seeming to be a documentary. Don't be put off, just keep watching. I promise you will enjoy this!

A young woman in South Africa, tired of the big city rat race, arrives at a remote village to teach. She encounters a shy bumbler of a young scientist who is studying the local animals and tries his best to make her feel welcome.

At the same time, a Bushman has decided that the Coca-Cola bottle that fell from the sky is not really a blessing. He is going to go to the edge of the earth to return it to the gods, who must be crazy, since they sent only one bottle, and for the first time there is jealousy and dissension in the tribe. He encounters modern civilization for the first time.

There is also a band of guerilla fighters who are pursued by the military, adding some real suspense and danger to the movie. Along with some very brief nudity and adult language, it is this part that earned the movie its PG rating.

A big hit when first released, it played in the theaters for almost three years, and was for a long time the highest grossing foreign film ever released in the US. Some of the production values are primitive and there are some jerky editing moments, but somehow those just add to the fun.

There were many conflicting and maybe fictional stories about the lead actor who is a real Bushman. My favorite is the story that when N!xau was paid in money, he just let it fly away since he didn't understand what money was good for. The producers felt bad and asked him what he might want instead. He answered, "I've heard that a cow is a good animal." It was easy enough for the producers to give him four cows. A few weeks later, someone asked him how the cows were. He grinned and said, "Very easy hunting!"

If you enjoy slapstick, jungle animals, silly romances, and learning about other cultures, this is the movie for you!

DIRECTOR: Jamie Uys. CAST: Marius Weyers, Sandra Prinsloo, N!xau, Louw Verwey, Michael Thys.

AWARDS: 2 wins and 1 nomination.

Tom Jones (1963) [unrated; my rating: PG-17]

2011-01-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

One of the most critically acclaimed movies of its time, this movie is a romp. An English costume comedy, this movie tells a lusty story of a young man of less than savory beginnings who is forced out to find his place in the world. The movie is full of the usual misadventures and coincidences, but this is not your usual Masterpiece Theater. This is a bawdy movie, even by today's standards!

Albert Finney has a ball as Tom Jones in the role that made his career. Susannah York (who passed away earlier this week) is simply gorgeous as Tom's innocent, true love, Sophie(She turned the part down three times before she finally signed on.). Both Lynn Redgrave and David Warner made their film debuts. Everyone goes at it full blast and great fun is had by all.

This movie also had some unusual film techniques for its time. It starts out as a silent movie! At times the characters break the fourth wall and speak to the audience. There is even a time when Tom notices the camera and covers the lens to hide the proceedings.

Tom Jones also boasts the most lusty meal ever eaten on screen! As Tom and Mrs. Waters eat their meal, they stare deeply into each others eyes. They tear at their food, enjoying every single mouthful, doing to the food what we know they will soon be doing to each other.

Don't be put off by the fact that the movie is almost 50 years old. There is nothing old-fashioned here except for the time period depicted. Watch it with your partner and see if you can resist each other after the food scene!

DIRECTOR: Tony Richardson. CAST: Albert Finney, Susannah York, Hugh Griffith, Edith Evans, Joyce Redman, Diane Cilento, Joan Greenwood, David Tomlinson, Peter Bull, David Warner.

Won 4 Oscars. Another 17 wins and 17 nominations.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) [R]

2011-01-16T07:46:00.000-08:00

Original, confusing, amazing, romantic, sad, funny movie about love and memory. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as Joel and Clementine, play against type and deliver wonderful performances. Written by Charlie Kaufman, you know it's going to be a crazy ride.

After a bad breakup, Clementine decides to undergo a process where all her memories of Joel will be erased. When Joel finds out, he decides to do the same. Most of the movie takes place inside Joel's mind as he goes through the procedure. The result is dreamy, in reverse time sequence, and full of surprises.

It also turns out that the employees of the company which performs the memory erasure are all pretty self-serving and affect what happens to Clementine and Joel.

The movie is out of time sequence, so keep track by the color of Clementine's hair which at various times is blue, orange, red, or green.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind takes a look at the love relationship. Is it inevitable that relationships go through ups and downs? When do we stay and when do we give up? Are we fated to find each other? Are we our memories and who are we without them?

Watch with someone you love...

DIRECTOR: Michel Gondry. CAST: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Tom Wilkinson, Jane Adams, David Cross, Deirdre O'Connell.

AWARDS: Won Oscar. Another 38 wins and 50 nominations.

Jump Tomorrow (2001) [PG]

2011-01-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

A sweet little indie movie, Jump Tomorrow has a European sensibility to it. Although it takes place in upstate New York, most of the characters are from other countries.

Shy George (Tunde Adebimpe), a Nigerian, is about to take part in an arranged marriage. On his way to his wedding, he comes across Gerard (Hippolyte Girardot), a Frenchman, who is about to jump off the roof to kill himself because he has been turned down on his marriage proposal. George suggests he jump tomorrow, which becomes the theme of the movie.

George also meets Alicia (Natalia Verbeke), a Spanish woman. For him, it is love at first sight. He can't stop thinking about her and imagines her and himself in funny, overdramatic romantic scenes from novellas. Ever the romantic, Gerard convinces George to follow Alicia, although she is traveling with her boyfriend. Will George win Alicia's heart?

This is an enjoyable movie. You will find yourself smiling as you watch, and still smiling hours after it is over. It is fun to watch the various cultures as both Alicia and George are traveling to their families and communities. This is a comedy, light and frothy, very different from the usual romantic comedies put out by Hollywood.

DIRECTOR: Joel Hopkins. CAST: Tunde Adebimpe, Natalia Verbeke, Hippolyte Girardot, James Wilby, Patricia Maureci, Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

AWARDS: 3 wins and 6 nominations.

Frailty (2002) [R]

2011-01-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

This is a great, creepy movie, with a huge twist at the end. Bill Paxton, directing for the first time, plays Dad, a widower with two young sons. One day he tells them that he has received a vision from God. He has been tasked to destroy demons. Is he insane? His "tools" come to him in a way with mystical overtones.

It seems that Dad can tell if someone is a demon by shaking hands. Once he finds one, he believes he must fulfill his mission. He drags his sons with him on these missions, where they witness terrifying deeds. Remarkably, he is never caught.

The movie starts with one of the brothers, now grown up, going to the FBI to report that he believes his brother is the serial killer who is called God's Hand. He tells his story in flashbacks and when he is finished, the story gets even more exciting.

I am not really a fan of horror movies. I cover my eyes when there is blood, and I never appreciate that trick they do with someone jumping out unexpectedly. This is movie is not really part of that genre. It tells a gruesome story, but throws enough doubt that you are not sure if Dad is insane or really doing God's work.

I love twists and turns in my movies. I like when movies try to trick us and then surprise us with what is really going on. This movie does that excellently. Paxton did a great job with his first stint as a director!

DIRECTOR: Bill Paxton. CAST: Bill Paxton, Matthew McConaughey, Powers Boothe, Matt O'Leary, Luke Askew, Jeremy Sumpter, Derk Cheetwood, Melissa Crider.

AWARDS: 3 wins and 8 nominations.

The Pawnbroker (1965) [unrated; my rating: R]

2011-01-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

This was the first American movie to deal with the Holocaust from a survivor's point of view. Rod Steiger, in the role of his life, portrays Sol Nazerman, a German-Jewish university professor, who was taken to a concentration camp during WWII, where his family was killed in front of him. Now he is a pawnbroker in Harlem.

Having lost faith in humans, Sol has shut down. No emotion is allowed to be felt, relationships are shunned. Yet, there are some around him who want to connect with him, including his apprentice, Jesus (Jaime Sanchez). It will take a tragedy for Sol to become human again.

Throughout the movie we see Sol's flashbacks to the concentration camp. They are juxtaposed with the things going on around him in the ghetto. This is perhaps not too subtle, but certainly effective.

I was just 12 years old when I saw this movie for the first time. It made a huge impact on me and I have never forgotten it. This movie was also the turning point in my feelings about the Academy Awards. When Lee Marvin won Best Actor for Cat Ballou, rather than Steiger for this movie, I never trusted or enjoyed the Oscars again. Rod Steiger was CHEATED!! I know, he can be a terrible overacter, no one can chew scenery like Steiger, but his performance in this movie is perfect. He will break your heart.

The Pawnbroker was among the first American movies to feature nudity during the Production Code and was the first film featuring bare breasts to receive Production Code approval, which made it very controversial. However, the movie was so brilliant and meaningful that although condemned by the Catholic Legion of Decency, the National Council of Churches gave the film an award for best picture of the year. I still remember my mother going "Whoops!" and suddenly putting her hand over my eyes. I was annoyed, not because I couldn't see the breasts, but because she had disturbed my concentration on the movie.

This is not an easy movie to watch, but it is important. Unlike Europe, Hollywood doesn't make many movies about the impact of WWII and the Holocaust on individuals. Our WWII movies tend to be about the war and battle. But war is not a concept, it is a real life event that affects individuals. This is the sad and tragic story of one of these people.

DIRECTOR: Sidney Lumet. CAST: Rod Steiger, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Brock Peters, Jaime Sanchez, Thelma Oliver, Juano Hernandez, Raymond St. Jacques.

AWARDS: Nominated for Oscar. Another 7 wins and 5 nominations.

The Commitments (1991) [R]

2011-01-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

A great music movie. This movie is a real delight from the first moment to the last. The story is about a young man who decides to put together a soul music band...in Dublin! We know we are in for a treat when the movie starts with Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) interviewing himself, while in the tub, for his imagined interview with Rolling Stone Magazine. Periodically, throughout the movie, he continues this imaginary interview.

The story seems to be a typical story of a group coming together and then falling apart. But what a band this is! We go through the entire adventure with them, from the hilarious auditions, to the founding of the group of 10, including 3 female back-up singers, to the eventual falling apart, through egos and romance.

The music is fantastic. The lead singer, Andrew Strong, sure can wail. He was only 16 when the movie was shot! The rest of the musicians hold their own. You will find yourself tapping your feet, if not actually singing along, to the excellent old-school soul music.

The movie is full of unknown actors. The only face you may recognize is Colm Meany, best known for playing Miles O'Brien in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He is hilarious as Rabbitte's father, an Elvis-crazy cursing fan, and so far removed from the character O'Brien that it adds to the fun.

This movie was voted in 2005 as the best Irish film of all time.

DIRECTOR: Alan Parker. CAST: Robert Arkins, Michael Aherne, Angeline Ball, Maria Doyle, Dave Finnegan, Bronagh Gallagher, Felim Gormley, Glen Hansard, Dick Massey, Johhny Murphy, Kenneth McCluskey, Andrew Strong, Colm Meany.

AWARDS: Nominated for Oscar. Another 10 wins and 4 nominations.

Almost Famous (2000) [R]

2010-12-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

Never has Billy Crudup been more sexy or Kate Hudson more luminous. This semi-autobiographical movie, written and directed by Cameron Crowe, is the story of a 15-year-old boy's adventure when he is given an assignment by Rolling Stone Magazine. Not knowing that he is so young, William is able to talk them into letting him write about a minor band, Stillwater, and goes on tour with them.

Stillwater has its groupies, a band of four girls who call themselves "Band-Aides." They have great names: Estrella Starr (Bijou Phillips), Polexia Aphrodisia (Anna Paquin), Sapphire (Fairuza Balk), and Penny Lane (a glowing Kate Hudson). William falls in love with Penny Lane, who in turn is in love with Russell (Billy Crudup), the guitarist and leader of the band.

This is a coming-of-age story. William encounters grown-up issues and has to learn to deal with betrayal, jealousy, sex, drugs, and the games people play with each others' hearts.

This is probably Kate Hudson's best performance. It is certainly her break-out role. After seeing this, you will agree it is a shame that she has relegated herself to the superficial and silly world of rom-coms.

Billy Crudup is gorgeous, sexy, and funny in this movie. You'll never forget him standing on the roof and screaming, "I am a golden god." After this movie, it seems that he made an effort to not be viewed as romantic leading man material by playing roles that not only play down his attractiveness, but often make him very unappealing. It's a shame, because I always appreciate eye candy, especially when it is coupled with an excellent performance.

The soundtrack is fantastic and won a Grammy in 2001. There is also a director's cut available, with previously deleted scenes.

There is real charm in this movie. It is fun to watch and surprises you with its depth and feeling. All the performances are excellent, even the smaller roles. If this was the time period when you were coming-of-age yourself, you will delight in the memories. If you are younger, you will enjoy the snapshot of that era in music.

DIRECTOR: Cameron Crowe. CAST: Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee, Patrick Fugit, Anna Paquin, Fairuza Balk, Noah Taylor, Zooey Deschanel, Bijou Phillips, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Peter Frampton, Jimmy Fallon.

AWARDS: Won 1 Oscar. Another 43 wins and 76 nominations.

Victor/Victoria (1982) [PG]

2010-12-19T18:54:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite movies! Julie Andrews is Victoria. She just can't seem to make an impact as a soprano, so with the help of her friend Toddy (the great Robert Preston), comes up with the strategy of her pretending to be a female impersonator. That's right, Victoria is a woman pretending to be a man who is pretending to be a woman. Toddy pretends to be her gay boyfriend, strengthening the ruse.

Complications arise when King Marchand (extra yummy James Garner) arrives on the scene. He is a gangster who, to his great consternation and confusion, finds himself attracted to Victoria, which means Victor! His girlfriend, Norma (a hilarious screechy-voiced Leslie Ann Warren) is far from pleased.

The movie successful recaptures the spirit and pace of the old "screwball comedies." It keeps moving along and topping itself. And while it is so funny, it also makes some barbed comments about gender and sexuality.

This past week saw the death of Blake Edwards, the director of this movie. His great movies: Breakfast at Tiffany's, Days of Wine and Roses, the Pink Panther movies, and of course, Victor/Victoria. Although he also created many clunkers, his best was great.

One piece of trivia: Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards were married for 31 years.

I so enjoy this movie that I usually re-watch it every few years. I laugh each time and enjoy every minute.

DIRECTOR: Blake Edwards. CAST: Julie Andrews, James Garner, Robert Preston, Lesley Ann Warren, Alex Karras, John Rhys-Davies, Graham Stark, Peter Arne.

AWARDS: One Oscar. Another 10 wins and 12 nominations.

Rosemary's Baby (1968) [R]

2010-12-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

If The Godfather is the classic American gangster movie, then Rosemary's Baby is the classic American thriller. A young couple, Rosemary and Guy, (Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes) may be getting involved with a Satanist cult, she unknowingly, he for material gain.

They find a great apartment in the Bradford, which is modeled after one of the grand old apartment houses along Central Park West in New York. (The exteriors are the famous Dakota, which wouldn't allow filming inside the building.) After they become friendly with their neighbors (an award-winning performance from Ruth Gordon), Guy's stagnant acting career suddenly takes off. They decide it is time to get pregnant and now the creepiness begins.

Roman Polanski is a great director. His credits include Repulsion, The Pianist, Chinatown and the best MacBeth I have ever seen. It is interesting to note that while Rosemary's Baby and Chinatown are considered true modern American classics, Polanski is not American!

In Rosemary's Baby, he creates a tension and creepiness throughout the movie. We are not sure, just as Rosemary is not sure, whether Guy has conspired with the devil or not, that is, until the end of the movie, when we all know for sure what is the truth.

That Roman Polanski is the director of this movie brings up the question of whether an artist can be separated from his work. Does the work stand alone, or is it tainted by the artist's behavior in life? While Polanski's criminal behavior should not be ignored, can it be allowed to interfere with the appreciation of his art? I believe that while 100 years from now his behavior may be a footnote to his work, his work will stand the test of time. Rosemary's Baby will remain on the list of the best 100 movies ever made.

A horror movie without gore or blood, an American classic, a mystery, a morality play, and a masterpiece of atmosphere and foreboding, Rosemary's Baby is must viewing.

DIRECTOR: Roman Polanski. CAST: Mia Farrow, John Cassevetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer, Elisha Cook, Jr., Patsy Kelly, Charles Grodin.

AWARDS: Won 1 Oscar and 1 Golden Globe. Another 10 wins and 9 nominations.

Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985) [R]

2010-12-13T18:21:00.000-08:00

William Hurt and Raul Julia play two prisoners in a South American prison. Hurt is Luis Molina, a homosexual jailed for seducing an underage boy. Julia is Valentin Arregui, a political prisoner. They are opposites in almost every way you can think of. At first glance, one might think that this will be a typical movie about learning to get along and creating friendship but this movie is much more than that!

To pass the time, Molina tells Arregui stories from old movies. They all feature a beautiful woman played by Sonia Braga. Arregui at first doesn't want to hear these stories, but after a while he encourages Molina to spin his tales. We all find that we like having stories told to us.

There are twists to the movie. The powers that be are obviously using Molina to get secrets out of Arregui, and a friendship does begin to develop between the two men. But so much more is going on here.

This movie did well for the two leads who are brilliant in their roles: William Hurt rightly won an Academy Award for his performance; this was the breakout movie for Julia. Sonia Braga who is absolutely gorgeous in this movie also saw an improvement in her career.

I didn't think I would like this movie. I mean, come on. Prisoners in South America, politics, and William Hurt as a gay man! But this movie truly moved me. It gets better as it goes along, becoming an excellent movie way before the last scene.

DIRECTOR: Hector Babenco. CAST: William Hurt, Raul Julia, Sonia Braga, Jose lewgoy, Nuno Leal Maia, Denise Dumont.

AWARDS: Won Oscar. Another 10 wins and 8 nominations.

Nurse Betty (2000) [R]

2010-12-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

This movie is a little odd. Not a comedy for the kiddies, because the frame around the movie includes blood, drugs, and hitmen. I have the thought that there is no blood in any comedy other than black comedy, but this movie is a good argument against my theory, as it is a romp.

Renee Zellweger is Betty, who after witnessing the murder of her husband, becomes delusional and heads for Los Angeles to find her former finance, Dr. David Ravell, who is a character on a soap opera who is played George McCord, who is played by Greg Kinnear. Betty is followed to LA by the two hitmen (Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock, who, of course, do their amusing bickering thing) looking for the drugs her husband hid in the trunk of her car.

Renee is perfect in the role as a naive innocent who, unaware of her husband's illegal double life, is just as believing that Dr. Ravell is a real person who has a history with her.

The movie has all sorts of twists and surprises and ties up perfectly at the end. Neil LaBute, a director with a reputation for movies that are usually pretty bitter, has a light touch here, although he does make sure that violent reality keeps intruding, which somehow works!

DIRECTOR: Neil LaBute. CAST: Morgan Freeman, Renee Zellweger, Chris Rock, Greg Kinnear, aaron Eckhart, Tia Texada, Crispin Glover, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Allison Janney, Kathleen Wilhoite, Sheila Kelley.

AWARDS: Won Golden Globe. Another 4 wins and 12 nominations.

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The Thomas Crown Affair (1968 and 1999) [R]

2010-12-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

The rare case where both the original and the remake are enjoyable viewing. Basically the story of an insurance investigator tracking down and trying to catch a bored playboy millionaire thief. The story is OK, but these movies have STYLE!

The 1968 version stars Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. Of course, Steve is supercool! The movie has multiple images going on at once, a fairly new and jazzy technique in 1968. It all adds to the fun. Don't miss the chess game. Who knew chess could be so sexy?!

The 1999 version has Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo as the leads. Whereas Faye drips sex appeal, Rene is lovely, but no sex bomb. Instead, this version has a great high-tech museum robbery. The end is a blast, also, different and in some ways better, than the original.

In both movies, the question is will the insurance investigator betray Thomas?

These are light, sexy movies for adults. If you've never seen Steve McQueen in action, this is a good movie to find out what all the fuss was. He even does his own stunts (polo)! Pierce is, of course, gorgeous. After all, he is one of the James Bonds. Great fashions, technology and a fun story. Either or both would make for a great date night.

1968: DIRECTOR: Norman Jewison. CAST: Steven McQueen, Faye Dunaway, Paul Burke, Jack Weston, Biff McGuire, Yaphet Koto.

AWARDS: Won Oscar. Another 1 win & 5 nominations.

1999: DIRECTOR: John McTiernan. CAST: Pierce Brosnan, Rene Russo, Denis Leary, Ben Gazzara, Frankie Faison, Fritz Weaver, Charles Keating, Mark Margolis.

AWARDS: 3 wins & 2 nominations.

Memento (2001) [PG-13]

2010-12-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed this movie. It was hard to follow, out of time line with half of it going backwards, some of it in black and white and the rest in color, the oddest affliction to a lead character, and just plain exciting.

The story is about Leonard (Guy Pearce) has no ability to create new memories. He was injured trying to save his wife as she was being raped and murdered in their home. He was left without the ability to create new memories. His mission is to hunt down and kill the murderer.

It's pretty interesting watching him cope with having no memory. He takes lots of Polaroids and writes notes to himself on them, things like "don't trust him" and "home." He writes notes to himself on post-its, but most disturbing is his tattooing any clues he uncovers about his prey directly onto his body.

The movie has two storylines moving in two directions. The color part moves backwards in overlapping scenes, while the black and white, which are mainly conversations on the phone which tell a story, move forward.

For some people, Memento is a mishmash. For me, the movie is fascinating and troubling. Our hero (?) is definitely headed in some direction and we are going along for the ride, trying to make sense out of it. I found the end, which is the beginning, to be a real shocker! Ultimately, the theme of the movie is "Never Underestimate the Power of Denial," which has sort of become my motto.

This is the movie which first brought Christopher Nolan to Hollywood's attention. He is, of course, the director of Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and Inception. Memento is fresh, daring and original. Since its release, other directors have used shifting time lines, but the thrill Nolan creates in this movie has not been duplicated.

DIRECTOR: Christopher Nolan. CAST: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone, Jr., Stephen Tobolowsky, Jorja Fox, Callum Keith Rennie.

AWARDS: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 42 wins and 33 nominations.

Ushpizin (2004) [PG]

2010-12-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

This is a lovely movie from Israel. A down-to-earth and folksy film about a childless Orthodox Jewish couple with financial problems celebrating the Sukkoth holiday. As the husband tries to find a etrog (a "fruit of the beautiful tree" (see the movie poster)) that is perfect, and material to build a sukkoth (sort of a hut) that they need for the holiday, the couple is presented with house guests. Ushpizin is Hebrew for "holy guests."

A fairy tale of answered prayers (how wonderfully they pray!) mixed with, and brought about by a series of misadventures, misunderstandings, reconciliations and even small miracles. A heart-warming movie with titles, which offers a rare view of the Orthodox Jewish community.

The characters are charming, even the crooks, and you can easily identify with their plights. The couple are married in real life. Shuli Rand, who plays the husband, wrote the screenplay with the approval of his Rabbi. This is the first movie made by members of the Israeli ultra-Orthodox community in collaboration with secular filmmakers.

Whether you are religious or not, you will be touched by this movie.

DIRECTOR: Giddi Dar. CAST: Shuli Rand, Michal Bat-Sheva, Shaul Mizrahi, Ilan Ganani, Avraham Abutboul, Yopathan Danino, Daniel Dyan.

AWARDS: 1 win & 2 nominations.

You Kill Me (2007) [R]

2010-11-30T14:15:00.000-08:00

Funny black comedy about a hit man in Alcoholics Anonymous. Ben Kingsley has a blast playing Frank, a hit man for a Polish mob in Buffalo. Frank's problem is that his drinking is starting to interfere with his job. He is sent to San Francisco to dry out and he actually begins a new life: job in a mortuary, AA meetings, friends, and even a romance with Laurel (Tea Leoni, who doesn't make enough movies). Eventually the "new" Frank will have to return home to clear up some unfinished business.

If you have ever been to an AA meeting, you will really get a hoot at Frank's work ethic and his earnest approach to the program and the honesty with which he reveals himself at the meetings.

Black comedy is about things that usually are not considered funny. This movie fits that bill. While not a great movie, it is enjoyable. Any movie that makes me laugh out loud goes on my list!

DIRECTOR: John Dahl. CAST: Ben Kingsley, Tea Leoni, Luke Wilson, Philip Baker Hall, Dennis Farina, Bill Pullman, Marcus Thomas.

AWARDS: 1 win & 2 nominations.

Quest For Fire (1981) [R]

2010-11-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

This is a funny caveman movie. Not a farce, but mostly light-hearted and funny. Our three heroes are sent on a quest to find fire. Seems the tribe's fire has gone out and no one knows how to start a one from scratch!

The lead (Everett McGill) is, I guess, "handsome" by caveman standards. You might recognize Ron Perlman as one of the cavemen. The trio, of course, encounter dangers and adventures. They learn about laughter and humor. There is even romance. And, of course, they eventually learn to make fire.

The background to this movie is interesting. It is adapted from a book written in 1911, and made with the intention of being as scientifically factual as possible. It seems that for the most part, they did a good job. Desmond Morris, author of and zoologist, developed the body language and gestures used by the different tribes. Anthony Burgess, linguist and author of A Clockwork Orange, created the language the Neanderthals speak. The language spoken by Ivaka, (Rae Dawn Chong), is mostly Cree/Inuit of northern Canada, which apparently has caused some amusement among those who speak it, since the words have little to do with the plot. This movie is not in English and does not have titles. Instead we hear the beginnings of language. Don't worry, you'll figure out everything.

At times touching, at times laugh out loud funny, this is an enjoyable movie experience. Unfortunately, it is not for the kiddies. Among the things our handsome hero learns is the missionary position.

DIRECTOR: Jean-Jacques Annaud. CAST: Everett McGill, Rae Dawn Chong, Ron Perlman, Nameer El Kadi.

AWARDS: Won one Oscar. Another 10 wins & 7 nominations.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1990) [X or R]

2010-11-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

This is a terrifying movie. It is loosely based on real-life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. It is low-budget ($110,00), but it's low production values actually add to the movie's impact. It is easy to believe this movie, especially because the FBI estimates that there are at least 100 serial killers in the US today, many of them mobile, just like our Henry.

This movie is not just a series of killing scenes. In fact, the film does not show any actual killing, just the results, to the accompaniment of screams on the sound track. Instead, we get to know Henry. We find out about his past. We see him develop a friendship with Otis, his old cellmate, and Otis's sister, Becky. We even get some idea of why he kills.

What is so terrifying is not only that he gets away with the killing, but also how very calm and matter of fact he is while he commits the murders. The most horrifying scene is a home invasion, in which it is very easy to imagine yourself as the victim.

The movie originally received an X rating from the MPAA and no amount of cutting or re-editing would get them to change the rating. It was then released in the US with no rating. I have seen both an X and an R rating attached to this movie. Leonard Maltin lists it as X, Netflix gives it an R. You decide!

Michael Rooker is very good as Henry. He is absolutely believable as a cold-blooded killer. Most of the actors in the movies were amateurs and friends of the director, doing him a favor.

Don't watch this movie by yourself! Get a friend to watch it with you and then follow up with a silly comedy. You'll still have nightmares.

DIRECTOR: John McNaughton. CAST: Michael Rooker, Tracy Arnold, Tom Towles.

AWARDS: 9 wins & 7 nominations.

In Her Shoes (2005) [PG-13]

2010-11-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

So often, a movie based on a book just doesn't measure up to the original material. That is not the case here. In the hands of the excellent director, Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys, 8 Mile), what could have just been a low grade "chick flick", is instead an insightful journey of two sisters finding themselves and reconnecting with each other.

Perfectly cast, Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette play Maggie and Rose, sisters with little in common but their past and their shoe size. Maggie is wild, sexy, and always in some kind of trouble. Toni is straight-laced, struggling with her self-image (although she owns a ton of amazing shoes), and often the one who bails out Maggie when she fouls up. When Maggie finally goes too far, Rose disowns her. With nowhere else to go, Maggie travels to Florida to investigate their past, and ends up at a senior retirement community where she encounters Shirley MacLaine, who is ideal in the part.

Many of the seniors in the movie are amateurs, who, like the rest of the cast, deliver exceptional performances. This movie will pull you in and involve you. You will find yourself unable to take sides with either sister, instead rooting for both of them.

I promise that after the movie ends, you will find yourself at the library or the bookstore, looking for the book. While you're there, check out Good In Bed, also by Jennifer Weiner. In fact, after reading and seeing In Her Shoes, I read every book she wrote!

Whether you have a sister or not, you will enjoy this movie!

DIRECTOR: Curtis Hanson. CAST: Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Feuerstein, Ken Howard, Candice Azzara, Brooke Smith, Francine Beers, Norman Lloyd, Jerry Adler.

AWARDS: Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 4 nominations.

Little Big Man (1970) [PG]

2010-11-19T15:05:00.000-08:00

A great romp of a movie. Dustin Hoffman is Jack Crabb, an 121-year-old man who recounts the story of his life, which is the story of how the West was settled. His adventures include life as a pioneer, an adopted Indian, a storekeeper, a gunman, and a friend of Wild Bill Hickok and many others, both real and fictional. Full of comedy, tragedy, history, and coincidences straight from Charles Dickens, this movie will charm you.

Usually a movie of this scope is called an "epic," but this film is so human that even though it covers a century, you won't feel the reserve that often accompanies the "epic." You'll laugh hard and soak your tissues! And forever more, you will call your children Contrary Indians!

Dustin Hoffman, as always, really shines, as he ages from a teen to the ancient man he ends up as. The many other actors you'll recognize are also wonderful. Keep an eye out for Chief Dan George as Old Lodge Skins (who was nominated for an Oscar), Richard Mulligan as General Custer (with a different take than had been portrayed up until then), and Faye Dunaway as Mrs. Pendrake. Probably the only bad thing in this movie is the awful makeup they put on Dustin to make him look 121-years old, which was considered a masterpiece of makeup artistry at the time.(See photo at right.)

DIRECTOR: Arthur Penn. CAST: Dustin Hoffman, Faye Dunaway, Martin Balsam, Richard Mulligan, Chief Dan George, Jeff Corey, Alan Oppenheimer, Aimee Eccles, William Hickey.

AWARDS: Nominated for Oscar. Another 5 wins & 6 nominations.

Dangerous Liaisons (1988) [R]

2010-11-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

This story has been made into a movie at least five times, but to me, this is the best version. The cast is wonderful, led by the amazing Glenn Close. The story takes place in 18th Century France where rich and bored aristocrats play games with other's lives. The Marquise de Merteuil(Glenn Close) would like to see one of her ex-lovers, Gercourt, humiliated. She enlists the assistance of Valmont (John Malkovich), to seduce Gercourt's fiance. At the same time, Valmont is interested in seducing Madame de Tourvel (Michelle Pfeiffer), a married woman known for her virtue. The Marquise and Valmont make a bet about Valmont's success, the prize being a night with the Marquise. And so the games begin.

If you enjoy intrigues, passion, double crosses and all other kinds of games that people play, you will enjoy this movie. The only misfit is the casting of John Malkovich, whose vocal qualities seem odd compared with the rest of the actors. Glenn Close, though, makes it all worthwhile. The woman has one of the most expressive faces I have ever seen.

Other versions of this story include: Cruel Intentions (1999), Valmont (1989) and Untold Scandal (2003).

DIRECTOR: Stephen Frears. CAST: Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Michelle Pfeiffer, Swoosie Kurtz, Keanu Reeves, Mildred Natwick, Uma Thurman, Peter Capaldi.

AWARDS: Won 3 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 14 nominations.

Away From Her (2007) [PG-13]

2010-11-15T17:51:00.000-08:00

Sad movie about a woman (Julie Christie, amazing and still gorgeous) with early signs of Alzheimer's. As her condition worsens, she and her husband make arrangements for her at an extended-care facility. Tough on both of them, it is particularly hard for him, especially as the facility does not allow visitors for the first 30 days to help the patient make a better adjustment. It becomes even worse when once he is allowed to visit her, she not only seems to have forgotten who he is, but has transferred all her affections to another patient.

This movie is so good. The actors, especially Ms. Christie, are excellent. Even more remarkable is that this is the first directing feature by Sarah Polley, who at the time was under 30 years old. She also wrote the script, an adaptation of a short story, "The Bear Came Over the Mountain," by Alice Munro. Ms. Polley is an actor who has appeared in the 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead, the TV mini-series "John Adams" and other movies such as Go, My Life Without Me and The Sweet Hereafter. It is a real tribute to her talent that someone so young could direct such a sensitive movie about older people with such a highly regarded cast. She is a director to keep an eye out for.

DIRECTOR: Sarah Polley. CAST: Julie Christie, Gordon Pinsent, Olympia Dukakis, Wendy Crewson, Michael Murphy, Kristen Thomas, Alberta Watson.

AWARDS: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 39 wins & 16 nominations.

Happy, Texas (1999) [PG-13]

2010-11-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

This is a funny movie. Two prison escapees from a Texas chain gang, Harry Sawyer (Jeremy Northam) and Wayne Wayne Wayne Jr. ((Steve Zahn) steal a van and assume the identities of the owners: gay partners who are hired by small Texas towns to help their girls qualify for a beauty pageant.

When the van breaks down in Happy, Texas, they have no choice but to go ahead and do the job the town hired the others to do. The first surprise is that the girls are just that: little girls. Of course, everyone in the town thinks the two are gay which adds to their problems as they both find women they are attracted to. The sheriff of the town (William H. Macy in an excellent performance) also has a secret.

It is pretty funny watching these two help the girls prepare for the Little Miss Fresh Squeezed Preteen Talent Competition when they know nothing about such things. Wait til you see Steve Zahn wearing high heels and his choreography of a swan dance!

Although shot in only 29 days with a tiny budget, it doesn't look or feel low budget. This is a little, feel-good movie, with a fairy tale happy ending.

DIRECTOR: Mark Illsley. CAST: Jeremy Northam, Steve Zahn, William H. Macy, Ally Walker, Illeana Douglas, M.C. Gainey, Ron Perlman, Paul Dooley, Mo Gaffney.

AWARDS: 6 wins and 6 nominations

Hard Candy (2006) [R]

2010-11-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a movie guaranteed to make everyone, especially the male viewer, very uncomfortable. Before her breakout role in "Juno", Ellen Page starred as Hayley Stark in this essentially two-character movie. A 14-year-old girl (even though Ellen was almost 20, she certainly does look 14 in this movie) turns the tables on the 32-year-old photographer, Kevin, (Patrick Wilson) she has been flirting with online.

Agreeing to meet him, Hayley goes back with him to his house. Kevin thinks its for fun and games, but this sexual predator is going get much more than he bargained for. And it turns out that Hayley has a bigger reason for her actions than just teaching him a lesson.

This movie is not easy-viewing. Depending on your age and/or gender you will either cheer her on or pray for her to stop. This movie is not gory: what Kevin goes through is more psychological than physical. In many ways, Hayley is a hero for our times.

DIRECTOR: David Slade. CAST: Patrick Wilson, Ellen Page, Sandra Oh, Jennifer Holmes.

AWARDS: 5 wins and 6 nominations

Being John Malkovich (1999) [R]

2010-11-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty crazy movie, and while not completely great, it is worth a watch. John Cusack (I'll go anywhere he wants to take me!) takes a job on the 7 1/2 floor of an office building. One day he discovers a door behind his filing cabinets. He opens it, goes down a long tunnel, and finds himself inside John Malkovich's mind! After 15 minutes, he ends up dumped on the side of the New Jersey Turnpike. He decides to use this for his own ends, even granting others admission (for money, of course) as a sort of vacation destination, albeit for only 15 minutes. What else can he do with this opportunity? Will John Malkovich find out? Pretty wild, huh? Of course! This is written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by Spike Jonze.

An almost unrecognizable Cameron Diaz plays his wife, (yes, that's her in the photo above!) and Catherine Keener, his mercenary girlfriend. John Malkovich plays himself.

If you are looking for something really out of the ordinary, this is it!

DIRECTOR: Spike Jonze. CAST: John Cusack, John Malkovich, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, Orson Bean, Mary Kay Place, Charlie Sheen.

AWARDS: Nominated for 3 Oscars. 45 other wins and 48 other nominations.

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) [PG]

2010-11-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ellen Burstyn is one of my favorite actresses. She always delivers. In this movie, she is Alice, a widow left with nothing but a young son. She packs up her car and they head for California, where she hopes to become a singer. On the way they run out of money and end up in Tucson AZ. She takes a job as a waitress, and with this new family of friends and a new love, played by Kris Kristofferson, she and her son learn to live and love again.

Yes, this is the movie that created the TV sitcom "Alice"! They took the setting and the characters from the diner, but certainly changed the tone and temper of the piece in the TV show. You will marvel at what they kept and what they left out and what a difference it makes between the film and the TV show. Vic Tayback, who plays Mel in both, is the sole carryover from the movie.

This movie is a great emotional journey, guaranteed to make you laugh AND cry. Ms. Burstyn won an Oscar for her performance. And it may surprise you to find out that Martin Scorsese is the director.

DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese CAST: Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, Bill Green Bush, Alfred Lutter, Diane Ladd, Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, Vic Tayback, Valerie Curtin

AWARDS: Won 1 Oscar and 2 nominations; 4 other wins; 17 other nominations.

Some Like It Hot (1959) [unrated (my rating: PG-13)]

2010-11-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

There are some movies that watching with someone seeing it for the first time is a real joy. Watching The Wizard of Oz with my then 4-year-old son, Gone With The Wind with my college boyfriend, and Some Like It Hot with anyone! In recent years, I've had the fun of watching this movie with three different people who were seeing it for the first time. Another friend called me right after seeing it because she was laughing so hard, she wanted to share the experience with me.

Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis play two musicians who witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, and of course, are spotted. Running away from their pursuers, they join an all-girls band on their way by train to Miami. Yes! Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis in DRAG! As you can see, they both make pretty ugly women.

One of the girls in the band is the very gorgeous Sugar Kane, played by Marilyn Monroe at her best, who is a little naughty and likes her booze. Both fall head over heels for her, competing with each other to win her heart. So it's in and out of drag we go.

This movie is full of fun and laughter from the very first second to the last. The last line is a screamer! It will be hard for you to ever say it again without remembering Some Like It Hot and laughing out loud.

DIRECTOR: Billy Wilder. ACTORS: Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe, Joe E. Brown, George Raft, Pat O'Brien, Nehemiah Persoff, Joan Shawlee, Mike Mazurki.

AWARDS: Oscar + 10 others + 8 nominations

Primer (2004) [PG-13]

2010-11-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

This low budget movie will amaze you. Shane Carruth, who directed, starred, scripted, produced, edited, scored, and helped shoot this movie, did it all with $7,000!

Four young men have started a business in a garage making error-checking devices. Two of them accidentally create a time travel machine and decide not the share this discovery with the other two partners. They figure out how to send themselves backward and forward in time, but run into trouble when they stop trusting each other. They face a few other problems: running into themselves when they are in a different time line, figuring out who is the real them, and the problem of natural degradation if they are a copy of a copy of a copy. They also have to find their answer to the question "If you always want what you can't have, what do you want when you can have anything?"

Yes, there is so much coming and going that it can get confusing. But I was so fascinated by this film that I actually went online to find maps and charts of their coming and going. It is intricate!

If you enjoy puzzles and figuring things out, this is the movie for you!

DIRECTOR: Shane Carruth. ACTORS: Shane Carruth, David Sullivan, Casey Gooden, Anand Upadhyaya, Carrie Crawford.

AWARDS: WINNER: Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize, Drama and Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize. 7 other nominations.

Big Fish (2003) [PG-13]

2010-10-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

Billy Crudup is Will Bloom, a young man who has a troubled relationship with his father, Edward. It doesn't help matters that his father has always insisted on telling amazing stories about his past, including how Will was born. Will has always thought of his father as a liar. Now Edward is dying and Will has to come to terms with his father, and with his stories.

The movie is directed by Tim Burton, but instead of Burton's usual bizarre and off beat approach, he has filled this movie with wonder and amazement. As the stories unfold, we see that Edward's view of life is not full of lies, but rather his very unique way of interpreting life.

This is a lovely film about the magic of imagination.

DIRECTOR: Tim Burton. CAST: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Alison Lohman, Robert Guillaume, Steve Buscemi, Danny DeVito, Missi Pyle, Marion Cotillard.

AWARDS: Nominated for Oscar + 33 Nominations

Singin' in The Rain (1952) [unrated (my rating: G]

2010-10-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

My favorite musical! This great movie is all about what happened when Hollywood made the change from silent movies to talkies. The songs are fine, the actors are at the top of their game, and the story is funny, with some romance thrown in. Nominated for many awards, it won a Golden Globe for Donald O'Connor for Best Movie Actor, and Writer's Guild of America for Best American Musical.

The cast includes Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, and Jean Hagen who is a real standout--almost every time she opens her mouth she makes you laugh. (She was nominated for an Oscar for this role.)

The songs include the title song with water-soaked dancing from Gene Kelly, Make 'Em Laugh from Donald O'Connor, Good Morning and many others. One of the great things about our televisions having closed captions options is to turn the captions on and sing along to your heart's content.

Because it is about a time in history, this movie does not feel dated, other than it being an old-fashioned musical. Great joy for the whole family!

DIRECTORS: Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen. CAST: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Jean Hagen, Cyd Charisse, Millard Mitchell, Douglas Fowley, Madge Blake, Rita Moreno.

AWARDS: Nominated for 3 Oscars + 3 wins + 7 nominations

The King of Masks (1997-Chinese) [unrated (my rating: G)]

2010-10-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful film from China. Yes, a foreign film with subtitles! I know, many of you can't stand those subtitles. But if you refuse to watch foreign films, you are going to miss out on some truly great movies. This movie is a great place to try out a foreign film and see if you can enjoy it even if you have to read the subtitles.

Wang Bianlian is a street performer who almost magically uses paper masks in telling his stories. He is getting on in years and realizes that he doesn't have anyone to pass on his craft and secrets to. So, he buys a young boy to become his apprentice. It looks like it is working out well until it turns out that the boy is really a girl.

The relationship between the two of them, coupled with the amazing performances with the masks makes this delightful viewing. There is a lot more to the story than I am revealing here, because they are called spoilers for a reason.

Great viewing for the whole family, I guarantee you will be spellbound and will end up including this movie in your top 25.

AWARDS: WON 19 International film awards

Lars and the Real Girl (2007) [PG-13]

2010-10-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

This is a very sweet film starring one of my favorite young actors, Ryan Gosling. Many people were put off by the advertising for the movie which showed Ryan sitting next to a sex blow-up doll. Maybe they assumed the movie was a nasty porno. It is not. Instead it is the story of a young man in a small town who can't relate to real people, so he gets a life-size blow-up doll and treats her like she was real. The whole town decides to support him by buying into his fantasy, showing him love and compassion. Of course, that is not how they react at first. This movie is the heartwarming journey of both Lars and the town.

You probably won't want to watch this with the kids, because after all, it does feature a blow-up doll usually used for sexual reasons. You know kids: you'll have to spend time answering their questions about the doll, and maybe even have to deal with their requests for one of their own. But if you are looking for a feelgood movie, this is one.

DIRECTOR: Craig Gillespie. CAST: Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson, Kelli Garner, Paul Scheider.

AWARDS: Nominated for Oscar + 3 other wins + 14 nominations

Movies Worth Seeing

2010-10-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Since I am a great movie buff, many of my friends ask me to recommend movies for them. Lately, I am getting more and more requests. Must be the economy is keeping everyone home but in need of entertainment. I decided instead of writing out a huge list, I would start this blog.

The movies I will present here run the gamut from classics to indies to foreign to popcorn movies. Of course, they will be movies I like and think are worth seeing. Sometimes they will not be great movies, but they will be interesting and not boring. Most of all, I want to include movies that many people have never heard of. You will find that I favor happy endings, heartwarming stories.

Also, as much as I love movies, I do not like the movie theater experience. I really enjoy the DVD experience instead. I like the extras, the ability to pause the movie, lying down in bed, and having no one talking or otherwise disturbing me. Most of the movies listed here will probably no longer be available in movie theaters, but they will all be available on DVD.

I also HATE previews. How many times have you realized that after seeing the previews, there is no need to see the movie. Previews for comedies almost always show the best laugh scenes. They often give away the ending or tell you the whole story. The only time I watch previews is AFTER I have watched the movie!

I have a friend who hates getting too much information about a movie before she sees it. She wants just enough to entice her to watch: just the set-up and not what happens. So, Jermana, I write these recommendations with you in mind.

Where we were once at the mercy of the studios, the local movie theaters, and the television networks, today there are so many ways to find movies. I am almost a charter member of Netflix, who I love. I also use my public library which offers many surprising selections. You can buy movies, rent them, view them online, Tivo them, demand them, download them, borrow them from friends, or catch them on television. If there is a movie out there that you want to see, today you can!

I will also now and then talk about some television shows that are on DVD. There have been some great television shows. I watch all television on DVD, waiting for the entire series to be completely on disc before I start watching, so most of the TV shows I talk about will no longer be currently on the air, but will be available on DVD.

I encourage everyone to add their opinions about the movies posted here.