Taking a little "time out". Thank you for your patience.

Book of Eli

A strong cast: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, and Jennifer Beals, makes The Book of Eli a superbly crafted story. The film follows Eli (Washington) as he carries a book with him west through the devastation of earth and humanity left after the Apocalypse. Eli crosses the path of Carnegie (Oldman), the thug who runs one of the few towns with water. Carnegie has had his "crew" foraging out into the wasteland to find this book ("It's not a book. It's a weapon!"). You have to pay attention, or you might miss some nuances of the story, but it is worth the effort. I'll see this one again on rental.

Check it out... Denzel Washington in Courage Under Fire (DVD COU), Glory (DVD GLO), John Q. (DVD JOH), Much Ado About Nothing (DVD MUC), Philadelphia (DVD PHI), Remember the Titans (DVD REM), The Taking of Pelham 123 (DVD TAK), and Training Day (DVD TRA) all at the Nesmith Library.


Poster courtesy of MSN Movies

Leap Year

Amy Adams recaptures my belief in her as a romantic heroine in Leap Year. Matthew Goode plays opposite Adams as the Irish innkeeper who agrees to take her to Dublin to propose to her boyfriend. There is great chemistry and lots of fun between these two. Even though you know how this will end, the journey and scenery are worth the ticket price.
Check it out...If this flick makes you want to visit the "Emerald Isle" you'll find several travel guides at the Nesmith Library (914.15).

Poster courtesy of MSN Movies

The Princess and the Frog

Perhaps the reason I wasn't thrilled with the musical Nine (see previous post) is that I've grown up on too many Disney musicals like this one. The Princess and the Frog is full of bright colors, light, memorable tunes and, of course, a happy ending. Keeping in mind that it IS made for children to enjoy. Thank goodness they don't restrict its audience to 16 and under! This movie is a delight for all, but if you are disturbed by shrieks of glee or shouts of surprise I suggest you wait to rent it.

Check it out...Nesmith Library has several children's musicals you can borrow for free. Here's just a sampling, all produced by Disney: Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Country Bears, Lion King 1-1/2, Little Mermaid, and The Muppet Movie.

Poster courtesy of MSN Movies

Nine

As musicals go Nine is more like Moulin Rouge than Mama Mia. Personally, I prefer the later. I felt the music was hard and harsh, which I suppose is appropriate in this Faustian tale. Daniel Day Lewis is certainly in good company here: Judy Dench, Sophia Loren, Penélope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Fergi, Nicole Kidman, and Kate Hudson. Kate is definitely her mother's daughter, she really shakes it up, must be the genes.
Check it out...Nesmith Library has over 100 musicals to entertain you, just type "Musical Films" and press the SUBJECT button on the online catalog.

Poster courtesy of MSN Movies

It's Complicated

Life's complicated, but It's Complicated is just exhilarating! A "laugh-out-loud", sides hurting, thoroughly entertaining film. See it!
Happy New Year Movie Lovers! Wishing you a year with just enough adventure to keep life interesting, romance to keep your heart warm, comedy to tickle your funny bone, and drama only on the big screen.

Poster courtesy of MSN Movies

Sherlock Holmes

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.

Check it out...Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's adventures in print and on DVD are available at the library. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes"(DVD ADV), "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" (AB/CD MYS DOY), "The Complete Sherlock Holmes" (MYS DOY), "The Horror of the Heights & Other Tales of Suspense" (F DOY), "The Hound of the Baskervilles; Another Adventure of Sherlock Holmes" (MYS DOY), "The Lost World" (AB/CD DOY), "The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" (F DOY), "The Return of Sherlock Holmes - DVD Collection" (DVD RET), "Round the Fire Stories" (F DOY), "The Sign of Four" (AB/CD MYS DOY), "The White Company : Sir Nigel" (F DOY).
Poster courtesy of MSN Movies