Life's complicated, but It's Complicated is just exhilarating! A "laugh-out-loud", sides hurting, thoroughly entertaining film. See it!
If you are looking for an adventure, Sherlock Holmes is just the thing! I think Robert Downey Jr. was born to play Holmes, the quintessence of the famous sleuth. Of course, I thought the same thing when he played Chaplin. Downey is reborn every time he goes on stage. Jude Law's Dr. Watson is the perfect foil for Downey's antics. Rachel McAdams is stunning as Holmes' love interest. Mark Strong played the villain, Blackwood, as well as Basil Rathbone would have. The 1800's set and costumes were a bonus. I would definitely put this one on your "after-Christmas" events. 
George Clooney is, I believe, the "Cary Grant" of the 90's. He is suave, debonair, charismatic and in Up In the Air emotionally unavailable. I was prepared to see a romantic comedy but this flick, directed by Jason Reitman, is not an uplifting film. Ryan Bingham (Clooney) is an HR administrator who spends his life flying from one downsizing company to another doling out pink slips and platitudes across the country. Something we all fear in this economy. Bingham is rarely in the office or on the ground. His only goal is to reach the elusive 10-million-mile mark. His reward: his name on the side of a plane and a meeting with legendary pilot Maynard Finch (superbly played by Sam Eliot). Along the way he tries to relate to a young HR initiate, Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick). Bingham does make connections along his way with Alex Goran who tells Ryan to "think of me as you, with a vagina" (delightfully played by Vera Farmiga) and a feeble attempt to show interest in his siblings lives by showing up at his sister's wedding. He redeems himself somewhat by calming the groom's cold feet with an awkward pep talk. I really liked this well acted film. A grown-up comedy with realistic grown up problems.
Director James Cameron's expensive and long awaited Avatar was well worth the cold, early Saturday drive to Reading, MA and the $13.00 ticket to see it in an IMAX theatre. I liked the story, the social commentary, the acting (Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver), and the amazing special effects. I was swallowed up by the scenery and bigger than life characters. For two hours and forty minutes I was thoroughly engrossed in the struggle for survival of Pandora's indigenous Na'vi race. Avatar is definitely a Christmas treat worth seeing.
How can you go wrong spending the afternoon watching one of Hollywood's biggest actors. Frank Goode (Robert De Niro) finds that after loosing his wife he has little connection to his four grown children (Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Sam Rockwell). Yes, I said four... however, the whereabouts of his son Jack is just the focal point of all the small lies, omissions, and deceits we all tell to protect those we love. Frank, not in the best of health, is disappointed when all his children cancel a visit to their childhood home so against doctor's orders he sets off on bus and train to reconnect with each of them. Great acting tells this family story with great heart and honesty. This drama is worth the ticket.
I have to admit here that I have not read Stephanie Meyers' books.
Okay, you know what to expect here. You've heard all the chatter about the Mayan calandar ending December 21, 2012, listened to various doomsday theories, and watched movies like Meteor and Day After Tomorrow. 2012 is a like-minded roller coaster ride of world-wide cataclysmic destruction. The special effects are great making this a big-screen flick and worth the ticket. I did appreciate the scene where the scientist questions the government officials about using an inhumane policy to save humanity. I won't spoil it for you...
I've been reading the book, "The Men Who Stare at Goats". The Nesmith Library lists this title in the non-fiction section (355.3434 RON) with subject headings "Psychological warfare" and "Parapsychology / Military Aspects". First published in England in 2004, British journalist Jon Ronson's book is an expose of a secret fringe military unit performing psychic experiments at Fort Bragg, NC. This "off-the-wall" movie starring Ewan McGregor, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, and Jeff Bridges will tickle your funny bone. Including "bleat-less" goats that are used to train recruits how to field dress a wound. Of course you have to shoot the goat first. Goats were chosen because evidently it is more humane than practicing on dogs, and soldiers found it easier to shoot a goat in the leg than a dog. Even more bazaar, stopping a goat's heart by staring at it (hence the title). There are some great lines and silly gags but these talented actors pull it off. Considering this is a true story... I'm even more concerned about what our military is doing behind those tall chainlink fences. See this one. It will leave you wondering.
This film version of the children's book Where the Wild Things Are isn't a children's movie. It is a story of a child who runs away to a pretend place where he learns about community, and love, and controlling your anger for the benefit of the family. The film is beautifully done using a mixture of real actors, computer animation, and live puppeteering. Of course it is different from the picture book, a mere 338 words, adding background information about Max's life in the real world. In the film version Max bites his mother in a fit of frustration and then runs away. The book only says that he is behaving particularly wild so he imagines himself in a "wild world". Where the Wild Things Are is worth seeing, in the theatre or at home, especially if parents watch with their children and take time to discuss the story with them afterwards.
Well, Vince Vaughn has grown up a bit since The Breakup and certainly matured since The Wedding Crashers, and I say it's about time. Vaughn (Dave), Jon Favreau (Joey), and Dana Fox wrote the script, and Peter Billingsley (Four Christmases, Iron Man, and The Break-Up with Vaughn) directs. In Couples Retreat four couples spend a week in paradise (insert luscious scenery here) alternately seeking or denying what state their relationships are in. The story is a simple but revealing look at romance and relationships, which can be very funny... and is in this entertaining film. A few other faces you'll recognize from the small screen are Jason Bateman (Arrested Development), Kristin Bell (Veronica Mars), Kristin Davis (Sex in the City), and from the big screen Jean Reno (DaVinci Code). This is a good one that's not too deeply emotional to take a guy to, but leave the kids at home.
Anyone who's ever roller skated will love this movie. I remember strapping on my skates, key around my neck, no pads or helmet, flying down the hill in front of my house, hair flying. The sense of freedom plastering a big smile on my face. Roller derby was on the tube once a week. The girls were bruisers. I can't remember if they were a local team or not. Ok, I'm dating myself. Written by roller derby star-turned-author/screenwriter Shauna Cross Whip It tells us how Bliss Cavendar (played by Ellen Page, think "Juno") beauty pagent princess rebels against her parents (Marcia Gay Harden and Daniel Stern) by becoming Babe Ruthless of the Hurl Scouts, an Austin Roller Derby team. I'm impressed by Drew Barrymore's ability in her directorial debut. I liked that she played a small part as one of the team. Barrymore has been around since she was a child and watching this film you get the sense that they, the newbies and the stars we love, are all working as a team and enjoying what they are doing. Bonus, the music was great. I'd pay to see this again, or use the money to buy the CD. So strap on your gear and head to your local small town theatre for a great ride.
I really enjoyed this film. Oh, sure, it's still the standard Sci-Fi cautionary tale: loss of humanity through overuse of technology. However, it's also a sad story of a married couple, who after losing their only child, retreat from each other emotionally, communicating only through their surrogates. Personal surrogates, operated their "owners" go to work and socialize. Operators experience daily life via their surrogate while isolated in their homes. Some humans reject the "surrogate lifestyle" and create their own "territories" where only humans may enter. When an operator dies while "linked" to his surrogate FBI agent, Greer (Bruce Willis), sends his surrogate in to investigate. His surrogate is destroyed by the humans there, but not before Greer disconnects from it. Willis does a good job playing deadpan surrogate Greer, but an excellent job playing the human Greer searching for connections with his wife and trying to get his wife step out from behind her surrogate to face their pain together. He is not the only human trying to deal with the death of a child. James Cromwell plays the inventor of the surrogates and even before his son dies (when his surrogate is killed) he regrets where his invention has taken human kind. Both men try to redeem themselves with varied success. I think this film has something to offer on many different levels. See it in the theatre for the action and special effects, or rent it for the story.
Love Happens is the story of Burke Ryan, who after losing his own wife writes a self-help book and leads others through their own grief via seminars. While in Seattle he literally bumps into Eloise (Jennifer Aniston), a florist who writes words like "quidnunc" and "poppysmic" under hotel artwork. After a few weak attempts to connect, Burke tells Eloise she is the first woman he's dated since his wife's death. Eloise helps Burke come to terms with his own grief and reconnect with his wife's father (Martin Sheen). Noteworthy, in this otherwise light diversion, is Judy Greer (27 Dresses, Elizabethtown, and all over TV)as Eloise's assistant and John Carroll Lynch as Walter, an ex-contractor grieving over the death of his son. Rent this chick flick for a rainy afternoon.
Finally, a thoughtful, well-played flick you can sink your intelligence into. It's been a long summer of slick 3-D animated flicks, sci-fi dramas aimed at prepubescent minds, a couple chick flicks, and one half-baked drama saved only by well-seasoned actors. As crisp and fresh as the recent early morning dew, director Steven Soderbergh gives us a smart and funny story that opens up like a well tended late blooming rose. In The Informant! Matt Damon plays Mark Whitacre a corporate whistle-blower who is, or isn't, more than he appears to be. Scott Bakula is FBI Special Agent Brian Shepard to whom Whitacre "confides" his corporate secrets. We are made privy to the inner workings of Whitacre's mind via a stream-of-consciousness voice-over by Damon. Surprisingly, this technique doesn't distract from what's happening on screen. However, the wigs that Damon and Bakula sport, do. Which is all a part of the "joke" in this somewhat off-beat comedy based on the true story of an Archer Daniels Midland executive who supplied information to the FBI in a price-fixing investigation. I enjoyed this thoughtful, believable, quirky film. See it now or rent it later. P. S. You might recognize Melanie Lynskey, who plays Whitacre's supportive wife, from TV's Two and a Half Men.
I think I've been over-animated this summer... My latest animated film, 9, based on Shane Acker's 11-minute, Academy Award-nominated short (2005), is a post apocalyptic vision of the world where machines have eradicated mankind. Except, that is, for nine cloth and metal dolls somehow endowed with the last souls of humanity. If these dolls can figure out their creator's plan to save themselves, they can save humanity. I left the theatre wondering if they were successful, and if I hadn't slept through the climax. Thankfully the movie only lasts one hour. I'd skip this one.
This 3-D thriller is not for the faint of heart. The first time I saw "Final Destination", it was the second movie of the series, on television. I was fascinated by the writers concept of fate. Do we control our own destiny or do we have a preset appointment with death? If, somehow, we learn the time and situation of our death, can we change it? So... I watched the other two "Final Destination" films, again on TV. For someone who does not watch "scary" movies, I thought I was prepared to step out of my comfort zone, and paid money to see The Final Destination 3-D. Bad decision. The 3-D had me regularly jumping out of my seat. And the "accidents" playing two or three times for each character was just too much to bear. I went home an emotional wreck. So, for those of you with gentler constitutions, I suggest you skip this one. For those of you who love to scare yourselves with pithy scenes of destruction... this one's for you. 
Last Friday night a girlfriend and I were discussing what to see at the theater. One of the previews I had seen was The Time Travelers Wife. The scenes were very touching and somewhat heart-wrenching, two people very much in love and torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. I warned my friend that there might be tears, armed myself with a handful of tissues and off we went. Surprisingly, I stayed dry-eyed for most of the movie. Henry (Eric Bana) travels through time without warning due to a rare genetic disorder. Drawn from time and place to time and place he continually pops, unannounced, in and out Clare's (Rachel McAdams) life. Clare first meets Henry when she is 5 and he is in his forties. Then Clare introduces herself to a younger Henry when she is in college and he is working at the college library. The two eventually marry and have a daughter. Somehow Henry is able to visit them, via time travel, even after he's dead. Time travel stories are always hard for me to keep up with. The story jumps from era to era, with Henry arriving older or younger. Somehow he and Clare form a very romantic, though somewhat tragic, relationship. Ultimately, this is a great romantic movie definitely worth watching if you believe in true love that lasts a life time, not necessarily in chronological order. Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams have great chemistry P. S. Henry and Clare's friend Gomez, played by Ron Livingston, was a familiar face from HBO-TV's "Sex and the City" (Berger, one of Carrie's boyfriends).
There was such "hub-bub" about Julie & Julia in my little group of friends that I just had to go see this film. So a few of us did. It was a diverse group, those who cook and those who zap frozen food in microwaves. Mdm. Streep was sublime (insert French accent here), she was Julia Child for a few hours. Julia's husband Paul, played masterfully by Stanley Tucci, was so supportive and understanding of her drive to be involved in something. I felt her need to be something more than just a married lady, understood the disappointment of not having a family, something both Paul and Julia wanted. Julia and Paul's relationship was one of loving kindness and shared support. Lucky for us she chose French cooking and wanted to share her joy with all America. Her exuberance (again so artfully played by Streep) was contagious. So even though I fall in the "zapping" form of cooking, I thoroughly enjoyed Julia's story. I have always liked Amy Adams performances in the past and having no idea who Julie Powell is, I was not as engaged in her story as I was in Julia's. Julie has no joy to share, with us or her husband. She doesn't appreciate Eric (Chris Messina)even though he is patient and loving despite his wife's "melt downs". Her self-centeredness and single-mindedness makes her unsympathetic. Despite the inequitable stories, I did enjoy this movie and suggest that you will as well, at least half of it. 
Now here's a movie you can take the kids to see and have a good time doing it! G Force 3-D is the story of three highly trained guinea pigs and one star-nosed mole who can talk thanks to the collar that allows humans to understand them developed by human scientist, Ben (Zach Galifianakis - TV's Tru Calling). Ben's lab is about to be shut down. In an effort to save the G-Force team they must prove themselves as spies. Although I have previously stated that 3-D is an unessential marketing ploy in animated films, in G-Force the 3-D was thrilling and even made me jump once or twice. Add the "cuteness" factor of watching guinea pigs playing 007 and you have a great family film. Although this is the old "save the world from the crazy millionaire" theme it was so much fun, probably because the actors (voices of Nicolas Cage, Tracy Morgan, Penelope Cruz, Sam Rockwell and Steve Buscemi)obviously enjoyed doing it. Take the kids, you will all be happier for it.
First of all you need to remember that Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is based on a Hasbro toy line. That being said, this flick is NOT for children. Sure the special effects are great and the action fast moving, but this is a loud, violent, sexist film not meant for children or many of the rest of us. Although the story is simple - good versus evil, listening to trite conversation (at best) and rude humor makes it hard to decide who is good and who is evil. The characters, the human ones (Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and John Turturro), dish out trite dialogue like they were sharing words of wisdom. And although I loved listening to Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen, alias Eeyore of Winnie the Pooh) I was baffled by the addition of two characters that James Rocchi (Special to MSN Movies, MSN Entertainment) calls "the racist-caricature robots of 'The Twins,' who speak in thug slang and 'aren't much for reading' and talk about getting 'up in that ass,' and one of whom has, I wish I were kidding, a gold tooth". I think this film should be transformed into a plastic trash basket. At least then it would serve a useful purpose.
Another chick flick, or is it? The Ugly Truth starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler deserves its R rating for language, and for raunchy. I guess some girls go for the unshaven, foul-mouthed, dirty-minded guys like Mike (Butler), but hopefully not Abby (Heigl) who is the antithesis of Mike. In other words, smart, neat, attractive and who could definitely do better for herself. Of course, opposites attract. Which could be a lot of fun, but isn't. Skip this one, or if you must, wait for the DVD.
Starring Johnny Depp as bank robber John Dillinger and Christian Bale as G-Man Melvin Purvis I knew Public Enemies would be a great way to spend a few hours. Yes, there were the obligatory gun battles (bloodless), car chases (not quite Keystone Cops), and jail escapes, but this film is really a love story. Dillinger is portrayed as a charismatic "Robin Hood" (during a bank robbery he gives a man his few dollars back and tells him he doesn't want his money, just the bank's) who falls for a call-girl of mixed race who has seen the harsher side of life. I hadn't heard of French actress, Marion Cotillard who played Dillinger's girl friend, Billie Frechette. Beautiful, seductive, and yet naive and sweet, you can see why Dillinger was almost obsessively protective and in love with her. I think we'll be seeing more of Mme. Cotillard. Christian Bale was great as the staid and earnest Melvin Purvis, when he had a scene. I wouldn't have minded seeing more of him. And one scene at the beginning of the film had an very interesting take on the character of J. Edgar Hoover. Of course the shining star was Depp, as always the consummate actor. Depp plays Dillinger as the egotistical, methodical, deluded and violent criminal I imagine he was in real life. Definitely put this on your "need to see" list.
Things are a-brewing at Hogwarts and we've all been waiting for the sixth film in Rowling's tales of young wizarding, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. The poster promises that "dark secrets (will be) revealed" and we do find out who is "crushing" on whom among the young wizards, and some revealing information about Voldemort as a young man, as well as one not-so-likeable professor's real allegiance. (No surprises here if you've read the books). I throughly enjoyed this HP, as I did with the previous films. Take the family, or wait for the DVD, but definitely worth watching. I hear that the final Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", a mere 759 pages, will be made into two films. Filming is scheduled to start this fall, with releases due out July 2011 and December 2011, respectively.
I love Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds (TV's "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place") is too cute to miss, so I didn't. The Proposal was great fun, a true romantic comedy and the Alaskan scenery made an awsome backdrop. Adding to the fun is Betty White, Mary Steenbergen, Craig T. Nelson, and Oscar Nuñez as Ramone. Great chick flick for an outing with the girls, or wait to watch it at home. 
I loved the (Disney) Pixar computer animation and thoroughly enjoyed this simple but upbeat story of UP. Adults will appreciate the heroes and villains and the kids will love the adventure. Having said that, I thought the 3D was superfluous. Take the family to the theatre if you enjoy wearing those over sized glasses, or wait and rent it for a family night at home.
I did enjoy the Battle of the Smithsonian, the second chapter of Night at the Museum. Ben Stiller reprises his role as Larry Daley, museum night watchman. Amy Adams is a very spirited Amelia Earhart, with enough spunk for everyone. Hank Azaria is less enthusiastic as Kah Mun Rah, the "bad guy" in this episode. The kid's loved the slap-stick "slap-a-thon" Stiller has with a couple of monkeys. This movie is definitely worth the price to see great special effects. Just be sure to take some kids for the full effect.
Terminator Salvation keeps true to the story line and the fast paced action we've come to expect in the Terminator stories. I enjoyed Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's cameo as one of the terminator machines. Low key, but memorable. Christian Bale is always great, and very believable as the adult John Conners. John receives some assistance from an unexpected source, Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington) who turns out to be a surprise to himself as much as to John. If you are a fan of this series you won't be disappointed. It is hard to believe that we've waited six years for this episode, and harder yet to remember that it's been 25 years since we started praying that John Connor survives to save the world for humans. See this in the theatre if you like the big screen action, otherwise, wait for the dvd.
Expectations are always high with sequels. Sometimes you get let down... not so with Dan Brown's stories on screen. Angels and Demons holds it's own after the DaVinci Code. Tom Hanks is still great as Langdon, Ron Howard is always flawless, and the story is intriguing. If you haven't already been caught up in the Professor Robert Langdon stories, this may do it.
I think Gene Roddenberry would have been proud to have inspired J.J. Abrams (Mission: Impossible III director and Alias creator) to direct this latest in a long line of Star Trek offerings (there's 11 feature films, 6 television series, dozens of computer and video games, hundreds of novels and instances of fan fiction, several fan-created video productions, as well as a themed attraction in Las Vegas Wikipedia).
Chick-Flick alert! You would think that with Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, and Michael Douglas this flick, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (a take off on "A Christmas Carol"), would be a slam dunk. Unfortunately Garner and McConaughey never seem to connect. Douglas is, as always, enjoyable and believable as the lecherous, politically incorrect uncle who taught McConaughey all his bad habits. Michael seems to be as proliferate as his dad, Kirk Douglas. Kirk worked well into his 80's, last seen in Illusion (2004) and It Runs in the Family (2003). I hope that it does "run in the family" and that we will see Michael, now 65, again. Although a slightly entertaining film I say "Rent It".
I always try to remember when I go to see a movie based on a comic book that comic book stories are by nature "fantastic". Having said that, I now say, sometimes you get more than you expect. X-Men Origins : Wolverine was well acted. Both Hugh Jackman and Liev Schreiber were in character. Jackman is always great to watch, but I'm really looking forward to the next Schreiber flick...remember him in Defiance? Surprisingly there is some beautiful footage of the Canadian Rockies and the Visual Effects by Tippett Studio were great. The ending was predictable, since this was a prequel, but the last minute addition of several other mutants was clearly just a "lead in" for the next mutant "Origin" movie. I enjoyed watching this so much I forgot to look for Stan Lee doing his "Alfred Hitchcock" by showing up as an extra in the Marvel movies. Or is that just an urban legend? 
Kudos to director Joe Wright and screenwriter Suzannah Grant for making The Soloist one of the finest movies I've had the pleasure to see in a very long time. I have admired Robert Downey Jr. as an actor... well... forever. Jamie Foxx's performances, especially in Ray, are always right on. The third actor in this extraordinary film is the music. Wright even gives "the music" scenes of its own. Which, I suppose, is why the genre of this film is "Drama/Musical". This true and moving story literally soars. Steve Lopez (Downey) finds Nathaniel Ayers (Foxx) on a LA street playing a violin with only 2 strings. Lopez, a journalist, is discontented with his work and his life. Although he has no real connection in any of his relationships he becomes interested in Ayers. He discovers that Ayers, now mentally ill, was once a musical prodigy studying at Julliard. Despite the obvious "disconnections" these men have with their own lives, they form a bond, one that demands the better part of themselves. SEE THIS MOVIE. Be prepared to be moved.
Kathleen Murphy, Special to MSN Movies, calls State of Play 'Sex, Lies and Newsprint'. I couldn't agree more. Helen Mirren is impressive as forthright newspaper editor Cameron, driven to keep her paper relative in an age of blogs, IM, and other instantaneous media. Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe) is her lead reporter, and a very good friend of U.S. Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck). Complicating this friendship is Collins' wife (Robin Wright Penn). She and McAffrey slept together in college and now she can't seem to decide if she wants to stay with Collins or take up with McAffrey. McAffrey's big story: Collins' mistress has just been found murdered. To make sure McAffrey keeps his personal relationships from tainting the story Cameron also assigns a junior reporter and blogger Della (Rachel McAdams) to the story. Della is a very young and attractive Monk to McAffrey's sage and tossled Columbo. Keep a sharp eye out for Jeff Daniels as a senior legislator, his portrayal of a sage politician using any situation to his own advantage is perfect. Ben Affleck has matured nicely and is very believable as the clean-cut “rising star” legislator, who is not without faults and secrets. This flick has lots of great actors, but Crowe gives the story momentum and depth as a reporter caught in this untenable situation. P.S. I found it interesting to learn from Ms. Murphy, after I saw this movie, that it is based on a 2003 BBC miniseries.
Clive Owens and Julia Roberts are a quirky couple in Duplicity. Both have trust issues, understandably so. Claire Stenwick (Roberts), retired CIA and Ray Koval (Owen) retired MI6 have crossed paths before. Now drawn together by mutual attraction and the desire to retire "comfortably" they begin working for multinational corporations. Just try to keep up with the various plots and misdirections to find out who's using who.
I don't usually take in "scary" movies, but decided that I needed something I wouldn't fall asleep watching. The movie, inspired by the frightening true-life tale of a family that moved into a converted funeral home, Haunting in Connecticut definitely kept my eyes open and made me jump more than once. Not too gory, but very disturbing... The oldest son has cancer and is undergoing some experimental treatments and living through a supernatural attack from the home's previous tenants. This is a good story that ends well, despite the extreme premise and loud noises.
You would think Nick would know better... Knowing leaves you wondering why you paid to sit through such drivel. I love Nicolas Cage, but even Nick can't save this one. Sorry Nick. This movie reminded me of the Robin Williams 1998 movie What Dreams May Come , great actors trapped in weak, under-developed plots, suspence-less stories, unprobable endings and just very bad movies. Let me know what you think. 
Rebecca Bloomwood, Isla Fisher, could be any of us girls who like to shop... big designers, big purses, big shoes, and big debts. The switch here is that Rebecca, a journalist, writes financial advice for "dummies" in Confessions of a Shopoholic, a comedy based on Sophie Kinsella's series of books*. Isla Fisher could double for Amy Adams and Hugh Dancy, Rebecca's boss and heart throb, is cute and sexy. Joan Cusack and John Goodman play her frugal parents. And don't miss Lynn Redgrave's "run in" with Rebecca in the ladies room. This was worth the ticket but less depth than the aforementioned He's Just Not That In To You, and certainly do-able on DVD.
Yesterday a few of the "girls" got together to see He's Just Not That Into You. I was prepared to sit through a simpering chick flick, instead I found myself engrossed in this entertaining romantic comedy. The title "He's Just Not That In To You" was originally a single line in an episode of Sex and the City. Ken Kwapis used the line as the title of his self help book* about dating and relationships. Screenwriters, Marc Silverstein and Abby Kohn (Never Been Kissed and Opposite Sex) show a realistic look at dating and relationships: good, bad, frustrating, and satisfying. The ensemble of actors (Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Connolly, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, Justin Long, and Ben Affleck) make this romantic "not always so comedic" movie a pleasure to watch. Ginnifer Goodwin as Gigi is delightful. If you miss this at the theater girls, rent it.
I have been a fan of Liam Neeson since I saw him as Dr. Jerome Lovell in Nell* in 1994 with Jodie Foster. Since then I enjoyed him as Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey*, Daniel in Love Actually*, Priest Vallon in Gangs of New York, Mikhail Polenin in K-19: The Widowmaker, and Jean Valjean in Les Miserables*, Michael Collins in Michael Collins, Rob Roy in Rob Roy*, Martin Brogan in High Spirits (which is less known but an all time favorite of mine), and last but not least...Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List*. So I was somewhat surprised to see that he was starring in Taken, yet another retread of a tired plot: military guy who single-handedly goes after the bad guys after they kidnap (and or kill) one or all of his family. You know, Steven Seagal or Jean-Claude Van Damme, lots of action, lots of violence, and so forth and so on.... need I say more about this flick? If you must see this story played out yet again... rent.
A couple of blogs ago I mentioned sharing my movie experience with children. For the most part the children were well behaved. I enjoyed sharing their laughs and cries with them and the characters on the screen. There have been other theater outtings where I have had to give up my choice seat. It seems that some theater goers have forgotten how to behave in a public venue. They think they are sitting on their sofa at home. Ergo, these parents haven't taught their children how to behave either. It is generally understood that loud talking, yelling at the screen, yelling at each other, and leaving their electronic equipment on to beep and blat during the screening is unacceptable. I would like to mention some things that are not as obvious. If you wear perfume, or cologne, keep it down. Many of us have allergies and don't want to interrupt your experience with our sneezes and coughs. Unfortunately, I have to say it... PLEASE BATHE. I once had a family of three sit in front of me... I almost had to leave the theater. (Note: Most theaters will give you a return ticket if you have to leave the movie without seeing it.) I'd love to hear your biggest gripes or how you resolved a bad movie situation. PLEASE... comment!
PUSH is a high energy thriller about telekinetic Nick Gant, played by Chris Evans, and Cassie Holmes, Dakota Fanning (who can see the future by drawing it). Nick and Cassie are looking for Kira, a "pusher" (someone who can put thoughts into others minds). So are the agents of a super secret government agency who wants to create their own psychic army. All this intrique and special effects take place in Hong Kong, a kinetic energy of dark alleys, hideaways, and strange folk. This sci-fi flick would have been just as good on DVD.
Revolutionary Road is the insightful novel by Richard Yates about Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) and April Wheeler (Kate Winslet). This is the story of a young couple struggling to shirk "white picket fence" conformity in 1950s America... trying to retain their independence and be extraordinary. This movie reminds me of some old great dramas, like "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "Streetcar Named Desire". Told with few players (Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon, Kathryn Hahn, David Harbour, and Zoe Kazan) the story unfolds as April and Frank try to keep their marriage together and their relationship fresh while searching for an unconventional life...moving to Paris seems just the change they need. Revolutionary Road is definitely worth watching.
All librarians love books. Inkheart, the movie, has books...books being repaired, books being carried, books being hunted for, books on shelves, books being burned (boo), and, here's the rub, books being read. Turns out certain human beings, when they read aloud, can make books come to life. The catch is that if something comes out, something else (usually a human) has to go in. And that is why Mortimer "Mo" Folchart, or Silvertongue (a "reader"), played by Brendan Fraser, is searching for a copy of Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. By the way Mo, the Nesmith Library has a copy. Just look on the shelf for J FUN. Mo unwittingly reads several characters out of Inkheart until he realizes what he has done. Paul Bettany really shines as Dustfinger, one of the characters Mo has "read out", who only wants to go back home. Don't miss Helen Mirren as Aunt Elinor, she is spectacular! This great fantasy story has lots of adventure and plenty of special effects that will keep the whole family captive.
Now, here is Daniel Craig in a role you can believe. Tuvia, Craig, is the oldest of four Jewish brothers in Eastern Europe during World War II (Liev Schreiber does a wonderful job as Tuvia's next brother, Zus). When the brothers are forced to take refuge from the wholesale slaughter of Jews their knowledge of the local woods proves very useful. As others join them and the community grows the brothers make hard choices about survival, loyalty, faith, and responsibility. Defiance is the true story of bravery, faith, and love...a very moving story of survival in the worst of times. 
I just received the best gift a movie maven can get... a good story, well told with great actors and awesome special effects. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was such a pleasurable experience, one I will repeat soon. It's worth the price of another ticket to really appreciate the cinematography and special effects. Brad Pitt is never hard to watch. Cate Blanchett looks beautiful at any age. Another gift to give yourself this new year.
