Room (2015) R - 4½ Stars

Here is a little movie that sounded interesting to watch. Its the story of a woman who has been trapped in a small one room shed for over 7 years. In this time she's had a child, a young boy she named Jack, who has never experienced anything outside of the 4 walls. His mother, has created their entire universe inside consisting of games, exercise, stories to tell all while confined to their small captive room. But things cant stay this way forever, Jack is growing up and as mom decides to enlighten his world with the tales of outside which just might be the scariest part of all.

The acting is superb and Brie Larson won the academy award in 2016 for her role along with a numerous list of other awards too long to list. Young Jacob Tremblay was excellent and so believable for such a tiny tot. I was amazed at just how well he adapted to this role. The movie will tug at your heartstrings watching the bond between mother and child in such a horrific situation.

Jack (Jacob Tremblay), wakes up each morning in a 10x10 room saying hello to everything inside of it. The sink, the refrigerator, the plant, even the toilet. His mother, Joy Newsome (Brie Larson) has spent the last seven years locked in this shed raising her small son to the best of her ability. The shed consists of a TV with poor reception and when Jack and she watch it, she explains that everything in the box is make believe and not real as it's the only way to keep this inquisitive boy to his confinements. The two spend their endless days and nights drawing, telling stories and home schooling. The only other person Jack knows of is Old Nick (Sean Bridges), an old man that brings them food and other necessities. Old Nick comes at a specific time some Jack knows he must hide in the wardrobe cabinet until he leaves, never making contact with him.

Joy turns Jack's entire world on end when she decides he is old enough to help her escape from these walls. Now she must convince hi that everything he has taught him up to this point was a lie and there really is a world outside of the four walls. But the enormous outside world is just too scary for Jack
and Joy and with the help of grandma Nancy (Joan Allen) and grandpa Robert (William H. Macy) who can't even look at his innocent face, they must find a way to come together.

Element Pictures, Film 4
Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Producers: David Gross, Ed Guiney
Writers: Emma Donoghue

Rear Window (1954) PG - 4½ Stars

I can't say enough about one of Hitchcock's best!!! An all time classic that if you have'nt seen it yet, make a point to. A true classic that never gets old. Stewart and Keyy are awesome and, for me, the innocence of the era adds to the excitement of the film.

L.B. Jeffries , (James Stewart) is confined to his apartment after breaking his leg. With not much to do he takes comfort, with his binoculars, watching his neighbors through his window into the courtyard. While watching their normal daily routines and lifestyles, he develops nicknames for his neighbors. But suddenly, he can't believe what he thinks he sees. Could one of his neighbors just have murdered his wife and now trying to dispose of her body in a suitcase?

On the brink of obsession, he can't take anymore and involves his model girlfriend, Lisa, (Grace Kelly). Voyeurism at it's finest.

Awards include:

1998 - Rear Window - American Film Institute - 100 Greatest American Movies.
1997 - Rear Window - Library of Congress - U.S. National Film Registry.
1954 - Rear Window - National Board of Review - Best Actress.
1954 - Rear Window - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actress.

Paramount Pictures
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Writer: John Michael Hayes
Producer: Alfred Hitchcock

I viewed 6/07

Black Swan (2010) R - 4½ Stars

Natalie Portman gives an unforgetable performance as an unstable ballerina on the verge of discovering herself. She plays Nina, a fragile, up and coming ballerina, trying to win the lead in a production of Swan Lake. Programed by her mother, threatened by a rival, and sexually seduced by a man, she survives in a world of delusion where her true distorted realism allow her to dance to the perfection of what her life's become. The cinematography really gives a good feel of incite into the twisted ballerina's mind. I have to quote something I read that says it all. "It is pure horror mixed with backstage melodrama."

Questions have arisen as to rather her performance alone is worthy of the Oscar she received. Using a professional ballerina Sarah Lane, as a stand in doing a lot of the dancing, many feel would revoke her award as the movie gives you the impression she can dance as well as she can act. My personal opinion is her winning performance was based on her portrayal of this psychotic, neurotic role rather than her dancing. However, I don't understand why Sarah Lane is not even mentioned in the closing credits or on the rental box. Watching the movie, I think it's clear that Porter can stand alone on her performance as most probably realise a stand in was used for the complicated dance movements. After all, this is Hollywood where illusions are masterminded.

Famed Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel), will be directing the theatrical production of Swan Lake. Many ballerinas try out but one in particular, Nina (Natalie Portman), will catch his eye. But jealous Lily (Mila Kunis), is set on the becoming the Swan Queen also. The duel roles of the White Swan and Black Swan are two different personalities and Nina can't completely allow herself to freely let go. As her mother pushes harder and jealousy increases, and the director must training Nina in the art of seduction where she finds it hard to distinguish fantasy from reality. The more she dances her way to the darker side, she begins to become one with it.

Awards include:
2010 - Art Directors Guild - Best Art Direction in a Contemporary Film
2010 - Austin Film Critics - Best Picture
2010 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Cinematography
2010 - Screen Actors Guild - Best Actress

Protozoa Pictures, Phoenix Pictures, Rodarte, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Writers: Darren Aronofsky, Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz
Producers: Arnie Messer, Brian Oliver, Mike Medavoy

I viewed 4/11

Toy Story 3 (2010) G - 4½ Stars

Geeze what a cute movie that seems to end the series while tugging at the strings of your heart. Buz and Woody are back at it in Toy Story 3. This time Andy (John Morris), is all grown up and going away to college. He has to decide what to do with the items in his bedroom before he leaves. Gathering up all his childhood toys, he decides to put them in the attic for safe keeping. But the bags get switched and the toys end up at Sunnyside school where new toys are forced to play with the young children who don't know how to take care of them. Woody leads the gang into a daring escape to find there way back to the safety of the attic. Toy Story is one of those movies where the sequels are as good as the original. I still have some of my very favorite toys from my youth and of course when I look at their tiny smiling faces, I know I could never part with some of them. A great family adventures for the young and old alike. Perfect G rating.

Featuring Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles, Rex (Wallace Shawn), Mrs. Potato Head, (Estelle Harris), Hamm (John Ratzenberger), Barbie (Jodi Benson), and new members like Ken (Michael Keaton) and more.

Awards include:
2010 - Austin Film Critics - Best Animated Feature
2010 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Animated Feature
2010 - L.A. Film Critics Association - Best Animated Feature

Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Lee Unkrich
Writers: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Michael Arndt
Producer: Darla K. Anderson

I viewed 10/11

Salt (2010) PG13 - 4½ Stars

Angelina Jolie kicks ass and steals the show in one of her best roles. Great action scenes that get started right away. Though I doubt you would see our FBI and CIA officials shooting randomly amongst a road full of innocent civilians, there's enough action to pull you right back in before you're questioning that too much. Yeah okay there are some scenes that are pretty unbelievable however I didn't get caught up on that as the action is non stop. Bottom line is I loved the movie and I have new respect for Jolie as I hear she did a lot of her own stunts. You already know there is going to be a sequel. I just hope it will be as good as this one.

Evelyn Salt, (Angelina Jolie), is an undercover officer for the CIA with a dark secret. When she was young, her parents were killed in an accident and Evelyn was taken in and trained by a Russian man who made her swear allegiance to Russia. That's always sticks in the back of her mind. When a Russian defector Orlov, (Daniel Olbrychski), looking for immunity comes in to tell of a plot to assassinate the Russian president, Salt is the one to interrogate him. He tells Salt, CIA Agent Peabody, (Chiwetel Ejiofor), and her boss and mentor CIA Agent Winter (Liev Schreiber), that Salt is a Russian sleeper spy, and she is the one who will carry out the assassination. Now, with no one to trust she must do everything possible to prove her alliance to the right country.

Relativity Media, Sony Pictures Releasing, Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group,
Directors: Phillip Noyce, Peter Berg
Writers: Brian Helgeland, Kurt Wimmer
Producers: Sunil Perkash, Lorenzo Di Bonaventura

I viewed 12/10

Conviction (2010) R - 4½ Stars

What a wonderful movie about the love and devotion shared between two siblings. How on earth did this movie get passed up on by the Academy? I had not heard of this movie until watching previews for it on another rented DVD. The previews looked excellent and the movie better than I'd hope for. Hillary Swank and Sam Rockwell are outstanding and so believable in their really heartfelt roles. I can't recommend this movie enough.

Kenny Waters received a life sentence for a murder he didn't commit. His loving sister Betty Anne, sacrificed her life and marriage to work her way through law school, becoming a lawyer for the purpose of freeing her brother from prison. It took over 18 years, but she finally obtained blood samples, previously reported destroyed due to age, that could be tested for a DNA match. She also found out the eye witnessed were bullied into lying under oath by the only female officer in the department, Nancy Taylor (Melissa Leo), who was making a name for herself in a mans world.

The story...
Betty Anne (Hilary Swank) and her brother, Kenny Waters (Sam Rockwell), were the best of friends growing up despite their screwed up childhood. Raised by an incompetent mother who eventually lost them and split up through many foster homes, the children shared a tightly knit bond. They used to break into expensive homes, not to vandalise but only to lay on the beds, imagining a better life for them someday. But Kenny was a smart mouth lad which followed him through is adult years. Basically a nice guy, he faced his share of run-ins with the law thus making him an easy target to pin a murder conviction on.

The two siblings were so close that when Betty Anne got word of Kenny's arrest, she stayed exclusively by his side, vowing her complete devotion to find a way to set him free. She got her GED, went back to college, got her degree in law, enrolled in a legal college, passed the bar and became an attorney. She did this to gain information off limits to her before, helping to build a case, proving her brothers innocence. But this devotion took it's toll on her marriage and relationship with her children. She still refused to give up hope her brother would someday soon become a free man. Even when 18 years later, DNA evidence clearly stated Kenny was not the suspected criminal, it still took more than a year to clear his name. Along with the help of her only friend, Abra Rice (Minnie Driver), and a legal defense for the wrongly accused, with leader Barry Scheck (Peter Gallagher), the same as in the O.J. Simpson case, almost 19 years later, Kenny was finally acquitted and set free.

Awards:
2010 - National Board of Review - Freedom of Expression Award

Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Omega Entertainment, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Director: Tony Goldwyn
Writer: Pamela Gray
Producers: Tony Goldwyn, Andrew Sugerman, Andrew S. Karsch

I viewed 4/11

Green Zone (2010) R - 4½ Stars

Very real feeling and intense movie, aka Imperial Life in the Emerald City, it had me paying close attention because it's a fascinating account of what happened in Iraq. For me, it's probably a very close rendition of how we got into the war with Iraq. War is good money. It keeps a lot of people employed, gives the government and excuse to do what they may in the name of war, and sponsors many other corporations to build the stuff to take there. I have a good mind to put this in my based on a true story as it's such a believable concept. We never should have been there in the first place and now, after hundreds of men and women have lost their lives, how the hell do we get out.

Damon is really really good in this movie. Unlike his Bourne character, he plays the a completely believable Chief Warrant Officer, determined to find the WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction) in the Iraqi desert. The concepts are believable and probably true and I liked it more than the "Hurt Locker."

Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Matt Damon), is in Iraq with one mission; to find Weapons of Mass Destruction that Hussein has been stockpiling and hiding. After visiting many sights and coming up empty handed, Miller is convinced these stockpiles are lurking just around the corner at his next stop. Instead, Miller uncovers evidence there's been an elaborate cover up and no WMD's really exist.

Working Title Films, Universal Pictures
Director: Paul Greengrass
Writers: Paul Greengrass, Brian Helgeland
Producers: Paul Greengrass, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan

I viewed 7/10

The Karate Kid (2010) PG - 4½ Stars

OMG, I hate when a movie can make me cry. Must be that tough exterior I try to uphold and this movie brought tears to my eyes anyway. Even though I loved the original 1984 version, this new story of a young boy being taught the ancient art of Kung Fu, feels so much realer. Great inspirational movie for the entire family. If my rating seems so much higher than others around, it's because this 54 year old woman really loved it. Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan really shine and work so well with one another. This is not your typical Jackie Chan Kung Fu movie with bodies flying all over the room or I wouldn't even rent it. Here he plays a much calm, patient teacher to a small non disciplined boy. The location is outstanding against the beautiful backdrop of Beijing China. Rent it - it's okay to admit you've seen it - you won't be sorry.

Sherry Parker's (Taraji P. Henson), job is relocating her to Beijing, China. She must pack up what seems important and convince her young son Dre (Jaden Smith), it's the right thing to do. Once in China, Sherry settles in well and Dre has some what made a new friend with a young girl Meiying (Wenwen Han), from his neighborhood. As he tries to speak with her, a little martial art punk, Cheng (Zhenwei Wang), knocks Dre to the ground. For the next few days, Cheng shows up in Dre's face no matter how hard he tries to avoid him. Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), is the maintenance man where the Parker's live and he over hears Dre complaining to his mother, he wants to go back home. Though Sherry doesn't get the real reason Dre wants to leave, luckily Mr. Han does. Cheng and his gang of his bullies, ambush Dre causing bodily harm. But Mr. Han steps to his rescue and with little effort dodges their blows and sends them running. It seems these boys are learning Kung Fu from a teacher who's attitude is, never stop, never let up. Dre is now eager to learn Kung Fu too and begs Mr. Han to show him some moves. Though Dre lacks focus, a lot of hard work, dedication and the teachings from Mr. Han, Dre begins to learn the true respect of self control and meditation. But it seems the only way to stop Cheng from pushing him around is to stand up to him at the upcoming Kung Fu competition. There, the lesson of true Kung Fu will be witnessed, learned and respected by all.

Overbrook Entertainment, Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, Sony Pictures Releasing
Director: Harald Zwart
Writers: Chris Murphy, Christopher Murphey
Producers: Jerry Weintraub, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith

I viewed 10/10

The Town (2010) R - 4½ Stars

I really really enjoyed this entertaining movie based on the novel by Dennis Lehane aka, "Prince of Thieves." I'm not a huge Affleck fan but he's at his best both acting and directing this modern day classic about bank robbers. With great action, suspense and romance, an award winning cast and the perfect visual costume and set design, "The Town," really delivers one of the best heist movies in a long time. The chase scenes are perfect without being overdone and you'll find yourself rooting for the bad guy. Jeremy Renner is superb. If you didn't have a chance to see it in the theater, make sure you rent it. I feel it's got Oscar written somewhere in it.

Set in the Charleston, MA., suburbs of Boston, Doug MacRay, (Ben Affleck), leads a group of ruthless bank robbers made up of James "Jem" Coughlin (Jeremy Renner), Albert "Gloansy" Magloan, (Slaine), and Desmond Elden, (Owen Burke). His group is very good at what they do getting in and out leaving no loose ends. After all, Doug's learned from the best, his father Stephen,(Chris Cooper) a former Charleston's thief doing time in jail.

On one of their heists, Doug encounters the pretty bank manager Claire Keesey, (Rebecca Hall). Plans start to fall apart as Claire trips the alarm and the gang is forced to take her hostage in order to escape. After letting her go, they discover Claire lives in the same part of town as they do. Even though they pull off their jobs under full costume, they're hoping she won't be able to recognize any of them. Always one step ahead of FBI special agent Adam Frawley, (Jon Hamm), Doug slowly approaches Claire feeling compelled to comfort the residual effects the robbery has etched into her soul. He volunteers to keep an eye on her and forms an instant attraction to her. Jem is eager to see her completely removed from the picture but Doug stops him and is willing to give up all of his bad habits for her. Now if the two can only escape from the town.

Awards:
2010 - National Board of Review - Best Ensemble Cast
2010 - Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards - WAFCA Award

GK Films, Legendary Pictures, Inc., Thunder Road Pictures, Warner Brothers Pictures
Directors: Adrian Lyne, Ben Affleck
Writers: Chuck Hogan, Aaron Stockard, Sheldon Turner
Producers: Basil Iwanyk, Graham King

I viewed 12/10

Encounters at the End of the World (2007) G - 4½ Stars

Now if you want to watch something that is totally cool, literally, and you can appreciate how insignificant the human race really is in comparison to mother nature, you will absolutely love this movie. It's breathtaking and a little peek into part of the world most will never see in their lifetimes. Werner Herzog, with his ironic humor in his commentary, takes a delve into the human psyche and allows us to visit places most have little knowledge of. It's not a National Geographic, look how pretty documentary, but a real feeling of connection to the opposite end of the world.

I was truly in awe at the living conditions and work being done by scientists that are drawn like a magnet to this world. It's not an action packed Jacques Cousteau and does take some time to lead into this isolated world, but I found myself just drawn in like a magnet as well. From experiencing life underwater against an iceberg, the Pink Floyd symphony of the seals, the eerie steam formed ice caves of the active volcano at Mt. Erebus and even the disoriented Penguin who will walk himself till death in the wrong direction because he is that sure of himself, the film makes you feel tiny.

Filmed entirely at the South Pole in the Antarctic community of McMurdo Station, located on Ross Island, at the headquarters of the National Science Foundation. Even the lessons on survival training, show just how rough it is for this men and women to live, work and call this place their home. Absolutely hauntingly stunning! Thank you Werner Herzog.

ThinkFilm, Image Entertainment
Director: Werner Herzog
Writer: Werner Herzog
Producers: Andrea Meditch, Henry Kaiser

I viewed 1/10

Defiance (2008) R - 4½ Stars

There was a time when I hated to tell anyone my ancestry was German as I didn't want to be compared to a Nazi or be related to anyone who could be so revolting. After seeing movies like this one, based on a true story, I question my ancestry once again. A very touching story of three Jewish brothers living in Nazi occupied Poland. They barely escape death as they're away from the village when Nazi's come and kill it's occupants, along with their parents. But they refuse to role over and play dead, and vow revenge on these killers. With no where to go, they head deep into the woods to plot their next move. As more Jews learn of their defiance to the Nazi's, they travel to the woods to join up with the brothers. Even though they have no means to support this new community, more keep showing up. I love at the end when they kick butt and make the Nazi's run the other way. Beautiful cinematography and the acting is well done. A near perfect movie in my book.

It's 1941, the middle of WWII, and the Nazi's have begone invading Belarus, Poland where three brothers, Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber), and Asael Bielski (Jamie Bell), live. While the two older brothers are away, the younger brother, Asael, narrowly escapes death as the Nazi's come into their village killing everyone in sight, including their parents. As the older brothers return and witness the emotional scars left on Asael, they vow to get their revenge on the every Nazi responsible. No one will chase them from their land.

With only a few bullets for protection, they will seek revenge on the Nazi's directly responsible for killing their village. As word gets out of these brave hero's, other Jew flock to the woods where Tuvia evokes their pride as he teaches them to protect and fend for themselves so their culture can survive. He becomes a leader of this new community while Zus see these new settlers as intruders. The brothers will have to come to term with doing the right thing.

Awards:

2008 - Las Vegas Film Critics Association - Best Score

Paramount Vantage
Director: Edward Zwick
Writers: Clay Frohman, Edward Zwick
Producers: Edward Zwick, Pieter Jan Brugge, Roland Tec

I viewed 12/09

Donnie Brasco (1997 ) R - 4½ Stars

What a great movie based on the true story of Special F.B.I. Agent Danny Brasco, who infiltrated the mafia to get over 100 convictions with evidence he collected. Johnn Depp stars as Danny Brasco and at first glance, I didn't even realize it was him. A 12-year younger Depp up against a 12 year younger Al Pacino who both do an excellent job in their roles. Pretty surprising to see how many stars of this movies, I've seen in other mafia movies even carrying into HBO's, "The Sapranos." Though it took me 12 years to see it, I think it's one of the best mafia movies I've ever seen. Donnie has a 500,000-dollar contract on his life.

Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp), an FBI agent, has been given a tough assignment to infiltrate the Mafia's Bonanno family, gaining their trust in order to collect evidence later to be used against them. His name is changed to Donnie Brasco.

Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino), is a mob hit man whose spent the last 30 years of his life killing people and finding he has gained nothing to show for it in his old age. His life is falling apart before his eyes as his son is addicted to heroin, his marriage is falling apart and when he meets Donnie, he takes him under his wing seeing him as a chance to redeem himself within the mob. Lefty helps get Donnie get "in" with the family as he is quickly accepted as his importance grows. But the closer Donnie gets into the family, the more he begins acting like a mobster himself causing difficulty in his personal family life with his wife Maggie (Anne Heche).

When Donnie finds himself in too deep, leaving is not an option as he fears what they will do to himself and his family. Plus he also knows when the time comes to get out, it will surely mean the end of Lefty, a man he has grown close to and trusted as a friend.

Awards:
1997 - Donnie Brasco - National Board of Review - Best Supporting Actress


TriStar Pictures
Director: Mike Newell
Writer: Paul Attanasio
Producers: Barry Levinson, Gail Mutrux, Louis Di Giaimo

I viewed 9/09

U-Turn (1997) R - 4½ Stars

Here is one of those movies I really got into and liked so much so I gave it 4½ stars where other critics rate it around 2½ stars. I love Sean Penn and Jaylo for actors so maybe I am biased too.

Bobby Cooper (Sean Penn) is not having a good day. After his finger is cut off for not making good on a loan in Las Vegas , he flees the state towards Arizona. Broke and on the run, his car takes a dump in the middle of the desert in Superior Arizona, where he's forced to spend time waiting for parts.
(Jon Voight) plays a homeless blind man in the city who offers Bobby sound advise whether he wants it or not. He also meets a hot Latina woman Grace McKenna (Jennifer Lopez) who offers to keep him company. She takes him home where she sexually seduces him until her husband Jake (Nick Nolte) walks in. Secretly Jake has wanted his wife dead and offers Bobby a large some of money to help him. Along the way Bobby also has to deal with a flirtatious Jenny (Claire Danes) who's trying to get her infamous boyfriend Toby N. Tucker (Joaquin Phoenix) jealous. This is one town where Bobby is wishing he could just U-Turn out of.

TriStar Pictures
Director: Oliver Stone
Writer: John Ridley
Producers: Clayton Townsend, Dan Halsted

I viewed 2/07

Life as a House (2001) R - 4½ Stars

What a great movie this is. Funny I never heard of it when it first came out but it looked interesting so I rented it. It's about a family that has fallen apart, but finds themselves again building a home together.

On the down side, George (Kevin Kline) lives is an old paint chipped garage turned shack at the beach in a fairly decent neighborhood. The run down habitat sticks out like an sore thumb and his neighbors have become quit annoyed with him over the appearance. Even his wife (Kristin Scott Thomas) and has left with their two boys.

By day, George is an architect building intricate models of fantastic homes and landscapes and he's been at the company over 20 years. When he's called into the office and let go, he pretty much looses it and destroys all of the dream homes he had proudly displayed for the company. His life seems to be falling apart.

When he find out he has cancer, he starts taking a serious look at his life about what's important and how he feels he's neglected his family and wants to make amends with his troubled son Sam (Hayden Christiansen), who hates him. George is determined to reconnect with Sam and forces him to spend the summer tearing down the shack and build the home of his dreams. George is determined to leave a legacy to his son, to make up for all the years he hasn't been a good father to him.

Sam kicks and screams but is forced to deal with his father, as well as, understand his rebellious self. Eventually the entire family works together for the cause and finds the love they've been missing.

2001 - Life as a House - National Board of Review - Breakthrough Performance of the Year

New Line Cinema
Director: Irwin Winkler
Writer: Mark Andrus
Producers: Rob Cowan, Irwin Winkler

I viewed 2/07

The Reader (2008) R - 4½ Stars

WOW what a great movie and it's easy to see why Kate Winslet won the Academy Award. She is outstanding in this role and even naked again, which has got to be challenge for any actress. Set in the Berlin post-Nazi days, Winslet works on a tram and helps a young boy, who is sick with fever. When he returns to her home to thank her, the two develop a love affair that will follow them as they age. Beautiful cinematography and I thought Kross was the perfect young boy an older woman could find attractive.

Michael Berg (David Kross), age 15, is coming home one day from school when he suddenly becomes ill and gets sick in the street. Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet) is there and throws a pail of water on the ground to clean his mess and also washes his hands, face and shoes. Once home, Scarlet Fever has Michael bed ridden for weeks. But when he's feeling better, he takes flowers to Hanna's home to thank her for the care she showed that day. The two instantly develop a close bond that turns sexual as Hanna, twice his age, seduces him. But their relationship it's not only sexual and Hanna enjoys when Michael reads to her the novels he's brought from school. The two can not mention their love affair to anyone. Michael constantly dreams about his first love and as he arrives at her home, he finds the house abandoned with no message from her. Michael is devastated and withdrawals from other woman in his life. Hanna was offered a new desk position promotion at her job but rather than take it she instead leaves to become a guard. Even eight years later as he attends college to study law, he still thinks about his affair with Hanna and how she scarred his heart for life by abandoning him.

In college, his class is allowed to attend a trial of women convicted of aiding in the executions of Jews in Nazi concentration camps. Hanna is one of the woman on trial and as he watches her, memories of their past come back to haunt him. He also realizes something about Hanna that could dramatically change the events of the trial. But he can not intervene and Hanna is sentenced to prison. Michael (Ralph Fiennes), now a grown man, will find that even though his life has been seriously altered by Hanna, he can't abandon her in her time of need.

Awards:

2008 - The Reader - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Best Depiction of Nudity or Sexuality
2008 - The Reader - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Best Actress
2008 - The Reader - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actress
2008 - The Reader - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
2008 - The Reader - Las Vegas Film Critics Association - Best Young Actor
2008 - The Reader - Las Vegas Film Critics Association - Best Actress
2008 - The Reader - San Diego Film Critics Association - Best Actress
2008 - The Reader - Vancouver Film Critics - Best Actress

Miramax Films, The Weinstein Company
Director: Stephen Daldry
Writer: David Hare
Producers: Scott Rudin, Redmond Morris, Sydney Pollack

I viewed 5/09

Pitch Black (2000) R - 4½ Stars

Well I said I don't normal like Vin Diesel movies but I REALLY loved this one. So much so, instead of returning the video to Blockbuster, I bought it from them. It has everything for the Sci-Fi fan, complete with some pretty cool alien monsters that only come out in the dark. Being a Sci-Fi fan, I really have to say this is one of the better ones I have seen. It starts out slow but I loved the escape scene in the dark. Lighting has a lot to do with the flavor of the movie from it's warm tones with one sun setting to the cool tones of another sun rising to the barely lit tones by glow sticks, it all paints a eerie scene of the planet. Radha Mitchell does a good job at being a believable hero to me.

A crew and passengers are on their way through space, traveling to a distant outpost known as New Mecca. But as they sleep, a damaging asteroid shower, awakens them, calling for an immediately manual landing that rookie pilot Carolyn Fry (Radha Mitchell), must contend with. As the ship begins to break apart upon entry to the atmosphere, Fry must make important decisions to eject certain parts of the ship in order to have any chance at surviving. Either cut lose the precious cargo of passengers or try to to land everyone safely.

The ship crashes into this lifeless world, and as the survivors band together in search for water, they are faced with Johns (Cole Hauser's) prisoner, Riddick (Vin Diesel). When one of the passengers is suddenly killed, Johns assures everyone Riddick is to blame. But as Fry tries to uncover what exactly took place, she also discovers they are not alone. Strange creatures lurk just below the surface and for now, these flesh eating aliens stay below, avoiding any contact with light. However, Fry has also discovered that even with three suns, keeping predators safely below, calculations predict the suns are about to be replaced by a total eclipse, sending their new eerie world into complete darkness.

Gramercy Pictures, USA Films
Director: David N. Twohy
Writers: Jim Wheat, David N. Twohy, Ken Wheat
Producer: Tom Engelman

I viewed 3/09

Changeling (2008) R - 4½ Stars

I really loved this amazing movie. Angelina Jolie is so great at evoking emotions playing the mother of a kidnapped boy. She really does a great job at making you feel like this nightmare is really happening to you the viewer. Set in the late 1920's and based on the true events of the corruption at the Los Angeles Police Dept., that almost drives one mother insane, when the wrong child is forced upon her after her child is abducted.

Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie), kisses her young son Walter (Gattlin Griffith) goodbye and heads off to work. Upon returning home, she finds Walter is no where to be found. Her panics leads her to the streets calling out his name and eventually to the Los Angeles Police Dept. She files a missing report but her life will never be the same. Months go by and no word about Walter's disappearance until one day the police have a young boy claiming to be her child. This is just what the police need to boast their morality in the public eyes and they invite the press to capture the reuniting of the two. But when Christine looks at the boy, she's sure he's not her son. And even though the boy claims he is Walter, Christine notices differences but is assured that after all these months away, she's still in a semi shock over his return.

Christine and Walter return to her home where the more they interact, the more she is sure this is not her son. He doesn't measure up to the marking on the wall her and her son made every year. But no matter how hard she tries to convince the police this is not her son, the more they pressure her into not making the police department look foolish. Christine is unwilling to except the fact her real son is no longer being looking for and the only one who seems to believe her story is a local radio activist, Reverend Briegleb (John Malkovich). She may never realise how lucky she is to have him on her side.

Awards:
2008 - Changeling - Women Film Critics Circle - Adrienne Shelly Award
2008 - Changeling - Women Film Critics Circle - Best Movie About Women

Universal Pictures
Director: Clint Eastwood
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Producers: Robert Lorenz, Ron Howard, Brian Grazer

I viewed 3/09

Seven Pounds (2008) PG13 - 4½ Stars

What's not to love about this very emotional drama. I'm not sure why it didn't get better reviews as it's absolutely a great movie. Will Smith is outstanding in his role as the empty shell of a man plagued with quilt, trying to do the right thing. I think he should have won the Oscar for his portrayal. Smith is on a mission to give seven very special gifts to seven different people, that will change their lives forever. You don't see much in the trailer to give away the story and even though at times it slows down, Smith just immerses you into strong feelings of emotions. I don't want to give too much away in this one as you need to experience the entire movie almost blindly. The pet jelly fish is such an unusually sensual twist to the story.

Ben Thomas (Will Smith), assumes the identity of his younger brother (Michael Ealy), and posses as an IRS agent. He sets out in search of redemption and winds up meeting, and unexpectedly falling in love with one of his clients, Emily Posa (Rosario Dawson). Along the way, he will meet and change the live of seven different strangers.

Sony Pictures Releasing
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Writer: Grant Nieporte
Producers: Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Todd Black

I viewed 4/09

A Love to Hide (2005) NR - 4½ Stars

Reall great true love triangle, in German and French with subtitles, it takes place in Nazi-occupied Paris in 1942. A Love to Hide is a Holocaust story from the homosexual point of view. It wasn't until 1989 that homosexuals were even acknowledged as being a part of this important time in history. Known as "Vichy persecution of the third sex" in Paris, there was a lot more going on then people realized. Really excellent acting from everyone and even without subtitles, the visual images on screen tells the story. Well written with excellent direction, this movie belongs in the Holocaust archives.

Sara (Louise Monot), is a young Jewish girl living with her family in Paris. When the Germans occupy her country, her proud father refuses to bow down and leave their home while they had the chance. Instead, a smuggler sells her family short and Sara witnesses them family killed by the Nazi's, barely escaping with her own life. With no where to run to, she shows up at the home of a childhood friend Jean (Jeremie Renier), whom she has always felt a love for. Jean offers her shelter but needs to convince his lover Phillipe (Bruno Todeschini), that Sara will not tell of their homosexual affair. In those times, being found to be a homosexual was just as bad as admitting you were a Jew. Jean decides the only way to safely hide Sara is to disguise her as a employee of the family laundry business.

The three form an unlikely bond where both Phillipe and Sara are in love with Jean. His brother Jacques (Nicholas Gob), just released from prison and a black marketeer who would sell his soul for a buck, never measures up in his father's eyes. Jean is the prodigy son and when Jacques discovers his homosexuality secret, he getting him out of the picture for a little while will force his father and Sara to notice him. He sells Jean's arrest to the Gestapo in exchange for addresses from the laundry. But his plan backfires when Sara and he watch in horror Jean is taken away to a Nazi concentration camp where he has experiments preformed on him in order to get rid of his gay thoughts. Now, there's no one even Jacques can pay to help get Jean out.

Merlin Productions, France 2 (FR2)
Director: Christian Fauré
Writers: Samantha Mazeraz, Pascale Fontanille
Producers: Laetitia Bartoli, Pascale Fontanille, Francois Aramburu

I viewed 3/09

Slumdog Millionaire (2008) R - 4½ Stars

I had to see what the hype was all about and got my copy as it came out on DVD 3-30-09. After seeing previews, my thoughts imagined more of a musical, but this is nothing like I was expecting. The movie, based on a true story, is not only gripping, but a truly realistic portrayal of a very colorful culture. The young children actors are amazing in their roles, especially to learn that most of them have never been in front of a camera before. It's fun, sad, tragic, romantic, and the outdoor toilet scene is wild. My only complaint is it took me a while to get the connection that the older Jamal was flashing back to his past. I recommend viewing with closed captions so you won't miss any of the dialogue as some scenes have rather heavy accents.

When an extremely poor boy from Mumbai, wins a large sum of money on a television game show, he's accused of cheating. Jamal has no formal education and his only knowledge is what he's learned growing up on the streets. But no one will believe that a slumdog from the streets of Mumbai, could possibly win any other way.

Jamal Malik nine, and his brother Salim, eleven, live life as street urchins, begging and stealing on the streets of Mumbai. They become orphans when their mother is killed in an attack on their village by a group of Muslim haters. Left to fend for themselves, they sleep where ever they can find shelter. Jamal is upbeat and always is looking on the bright side of his pitiful life. He views their plight more as an adventure, like being one of the three Musketeers, and he and Salim only make two. Latika, also age nine, has also been left to fend for herself and Jamal notices her and feels she's his destiny fulfilling the rank of the third Musketeer. He invites her to join them in shelter they have taken out of the weather, and the three become good friends. As they grow, they learn the hard truths of greed and child abusers, which cause their unfortunate lives to take separate directions. But Jamal (Dev Patel), now 18, believes in his destiny, enters and goes on to win 20 million rupees on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. He knows Latika is a fan of the game show and it's his hope she will see him. But first, his big problem will be convincing the show he didn't cheat and is only armed with his soul and the knowledge from his past life experiences.

The cast of children include:

Ayush Mahesh Khedekar - Jamal (youngest)
Tanay Chheda - Jamal (middle)
Dev Patel - Jamal Malik (older)
Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail - Salim (youngest)
Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala - Salim (middle)
Madhur Mittal - Salim Malik (older)
Rubina Ali - Latika (youngest)
Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar - Latika (middle)
Freida Pinto - Latika (older)

Now check out these awards on top of the Oscar pick of 2008:

2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Best Picture
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Unforgettable Moment Award
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Cultural Crossover Award
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Boston Society of Film Critics - Best Picture
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Boston Society of Film Critics - Best Art Direction
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Picture
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Adapted Screenplay
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Chicago Film Critics Association - Most Promising Performer
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Dallas/Ft. Worth Film Critics - Best Picture
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Dallas/Ft. Worth Film Critics - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Florida Film Critics - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Florida Film Critics - Best Screenplay
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Picture - Drama
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Houston Film Critics - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Houston Film Critics - Best Screenplay
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Iowa Film Critics Association - Best Picture
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Iowa Film Critics Association - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Kansas City Film Critics Association - Best Adapted Screenplay
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Kansas City Film Critics Association - Best Picture
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - London Film Critics Association - Best British Film
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - National Board of Review - Best Picture
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - National Board of Review - Breakthrough Performance by an Actor
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - National Board of Review - Best Adapted Screenplay
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - National Society of Film Critics - Best Cinematography
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - New York Film Critics Online - Best Cinematography
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - New York Film Critics Online - Best Picture
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - New York Film Critics Online - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - New York Film Critics Online - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - New York Film Critics Online - Best Screenplay
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - New York Film Critics Online - Best Score
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Online Film Critics Association - Best Editing
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Picture
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Breakthrough Performance
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Performance By a Youth - Male
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Editing
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Adapted Screenplay
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Producers Guild of America - Best Picture
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - San Diego Film Critics Association - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - San Diego Film Critics Association - Best Editing
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - San Diego Film Critics Association - Best Cinematography
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - San Diego Film Critics Association - Best Score
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - San Diego Film Critics Association - Best Picture
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - San Diego Film Critics Association - Best Adapted Screenplay
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Screen Actors Guild - Best Performance by a Cast
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Southeastern Film Critics Association - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Southeastern Film Critics Association - Best Adapted Screenplay
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association - Best Foreign Language Film
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association - Best Director
2008 - Slumdog Millionaire - Washington D.C. Film Critics Association - Best Picture
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Director: Danny Boyle
Writer: Simon Beaufoy
Producer: Christian Colson

I viewed 3/09