Left of the Dial (2005) NR - 3 Stars

As my sister and I watched this documentary, we both found it somewhat busy and distracting but I found it fairly interesting and she hated every annoying moment of it. Where I could appreciate the determination of Al Franken and his crew struggling to get Air America - Left of the Dial, a completely different left approach to talk radio, on the air, she saw just a bunch of people arguing and blah blah blahing. Finally someone to take on the Rush Limbaugh and Bill O"Reilly's. I am a registered Democratic with very liberal views and she is the extreme opposite, Conservative Republican. So, I guess depending on where you fit in, will depend if it's worth the rental or not.

The documentary follows the trials and tribulations associated with creating and sustaining a national radio network, Air America Radio, especially during a politically-charged election year. It interviews people like Al Franken, Evan Cohen and Mark Walsh, and even Michal Moore has a role, of course. But after many setbacks of financial ruin, Air America Radio finally went live on March 31, 2004.

Hbo Home Video
Directors: Patrick Farrelly, Kate O'Callaghan
Producers: Patrick Farrelly, Kate O'Callaghan

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

Rachel Getting Married (2008) R - 3½ Stars

Let me just say that if I ever get married, I want a wedding like Rachel has. Beautiful, laid back, fun, spiritual in a different way, and of course slightly dysfunctional. Though there's nothing fun or beautiful about whats happening with Kym that causes her to become the family black sheep. I guess I could relate to her in a little as I've been known to be the party girl of my family. The movie's not that all exciting but does make you feel. Especially if you've grown up with a siblings always fighting for attention. The casting is believable with the families looking like the belong to one another. I especially liked the wedding cape and garb. Great acting, Hathaway is great playing Kym and very believable.

Rachel Buchman (Rosemarie DeWitt) is getting married. Everything is working out well with her loving family and adoring friends right be her side. All that's missing is her sister Kym (Anne Hathaway), to stand by her side as she marries the man she loves, Sidney Williams (Tunde Adebimpe). Kym is just being released from rehab and as soon as she returns to the family, everyone is wondering if she will be okay or have a melt down relapse and ruin the ceremony. Even though the storm's cleared up making the outdoor services possible, everyone is holding their breath to see if Kym will become the dark cloud over the happy occasion.

Awards include:

2008 - Rachel Getting Married - Alliance of Women Film Journalists - Best Woman Screenwriter
2008 - Rachel Getting Married - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Actress
2008 - Rachel Getting Married - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Director
2008 - Rachel Getting Married - Austin Film Critics - Best Actor
2008 - Rachel Getting Married - Utah Film Critics - Best Screenplay

Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Jonathan Demme
Writer: Jenny Lumet
Producers: Jonathan Demme, Neda Armian, Marc E. Platt

I viewed 4/09

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

Keith (2008) PG13 - 3½ Stars

I liked the movie because in a way it reminded me of growing up with an old boyfriend named Keith driving a truck and a lot like him. Here you have a prom queen type perfect girl, who falls for a jock looking guy and it all seems typical, right? But instead of living happily ever after, she fancies the idea that Keith seems to be shaking her up in ways she doesn't understand. At least speaking for myself, I love the "unconventional" in a man and in "Keith." He's not about show, he has an extreme quirky side but still intelligent, doesn't need to show off to get your attention because and has the self confident cockyness to eventually drive you mad, because you can't stop thinking about him. Keith is a pretty good movie about a boy who enjoys taking risks while at the same time, forces you out of your comfort zone, trying to be with him. I think they picked the right actors for the movie as I believed I was actually watching teenagers, not someone older trying to play young.

Natalie (Elisabeth Harnois), seems to have the perfect life. A great supportive family that watch her every tennis match, perfect grades in school, great looks, and even a scholarship for college. When the new guy Raff (Ignacio Serricchio), comes to town, Natalie makes quick work to make sure he notices her. Soon after, the two become somewhat of an item.

Keith (Jesse McCartney), on the other hand, appears to live quite differently. With little concern for school work, no social network of friends, does not dress to impress, and drives a beat up truck, he's pretty much an outcast labeled "strange guy." But when a class in chemistry hooks up the unlikely pair up, Natalie becomes fascinated with Keith and makes it her challenge to see discover what makes him tick.

Gray Area Entertainment, Lili Claire Communications, No Hands Productions
Director: Todd Kessler
Writers: David Zabel, Todd Kessler
Producers: Todd Kessler, Rebecca Hobbs

I viewed 3/09

Nobel Son (2007) PG13 - 3 Stars

The first thing I have to say is the musical score, sucks! My volume control button never got such a work out between the highs and lows, and in my opinion, the music just doesn't fit with the style of the movie. Plus, a couple of the sped up scenes are enough to make one nauseous. But having said that, the psychological plot is well written making the movie work for me up until the end. Pretty decent acting from Greenberg, Rickman, Hatosy and DeVito and I really liked the mall scenes.

Barkley Michaelson (Bryan Greenberg), a hard working student finishing his PHD thesis, has never lived up to his dad's expectations or felt worthy in his father eyes. His father, Eli Michaelson (Alan Rickman), professor, philanderer, scientist and egotist, has just been informed he's won the Nobel Prize in chemistry. His mother, Sarah (Mary Steenburgen), forensic psychiatrist, is quite aware of Eli's extramarital affairs, but stays by his side as the family gets ready to embarks for
award ceremonies abroad, where Eli will be presented his prize. Gastner (Danny DeVito), who lives on the property, will be looking after the exterior of the home, water plants, etc. Barkely has a late arrival at home, and his parents depart for the airport, leaving his tickets behind for Barkely to catch up. But Barkely never makes it to the airport as he's been kidnapped with a requested ransom of the $2,000,000, Eli will receive in Nobel prize money. Eli doesn't take the call seriously, refusing to pay until a thumb is delivered to his limousine.

Freestyle Releasing
Director: Randall Miller
Writer: Jody Savin, Randall Miller
Producers: Randall Miller, Jody Savin

I viewed 3/09

Stop-Loss (2008) R - 4 Stars

Now here's a movie I sure didn't hear about when it came out but I really liked it. Great acting and really good story with deep compassion about what it must be like to return home after being beat up in a war. Ryan Phillippe is really good playing highly decorated soldier Brandon King. He's just returning from duty in Iraq where many of his fellow soldiers were ambushed, injured and killed. On the day he is suppose to be released from service, he's told he's been "stop-lossed" meaning he must go back to Iraq and serve another tour of duty, if not he'll be AWOL.

Sgt. Brandon King (Ryan Philippe) is serving in the Iraq war and on duty using his watchful eyes in a city where at any time and from anyone - man, woman or child, he could find his life at risk. When he and his fellow soldiers are fired upon in the middle of the city, the two U.S. Humvee's follow in pursuit. As the men drive their trucks into the alley, they realize it's an ambush and three good men are lost in the battle as well as many civilians. Barely escaping with their lives, the soldiers are finally sent home where Brandon is decorated with the purple heart for saving Private Rico Rodriguez (Victor Rasuk), life. In front of friends and family, the men are honored as the try to blend back into their lives before Iraq. But for some of the young men, the sounds of war haunt them as they attempt to lead normal lives.

Steve Shriver (Channing Tatum) is Brandon's best friend and war buddy, engaged to Michelle (Abbie Cornish). When Steve begins displaying unusual behavior, digging a grave size hole in the front yard wearing on his underwear, Michelle calls Brandon for assistance. Tommy Burges (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), yet another affected soldier shows up at Steve's house and they all agree the three need a day alone to settle their heads. But scared by images, they find it harder to fit in and even sleep at night. Leave comes to a close and they return to base as today, Brandon is supposed to be released from the Army. Instead, he is told he's been "stop-lossed" and must return to active duty in Iraq. As he tells off a superior and ordered to the Brigg, Brandon can't live with thought of going back, overcomes his two escorts, and escapes in his Jeep. He's out but now considered AWOL and shows up at his parents ranch. Michele is there and offers to help Brandon by driving him as far away as possible. But hiding from the government is no way to live and Brandon must chose between loosing everyone he loves by fleeing the country or returning to duty where he might loose his mind.

Paramount Pictures, MTV Films
Director: Kimberly Peirce
Writer: Kimberly Peirce, Mark Richard
Producer: Kimberly Peirce, Mark Roybal, Scott Rudin

I viewed 3/09

One Last Thing... (2006) R - 3½ Stars

It's hard to mark this movie with comedy as part of it's label, but parts of it are purposely funny. But there nothing funny about terminal cancer and the movie has a nice way of ending, for this unfortunate teen living with a fast moving clock. I thought it was a charming movie and Angarano's character was well written to show the frustrations of knowing your fate.

Dylan Jameison (Michael Angarano) 16, has two large tumors growing in his brain that have been listed as terminal. He and his widowed mother, Karen (Cynthia Nixon), are trying to keep their spirits up and live each day the best they can. The "United Wish Givers" grants hears about Dylan and selects him to pick a last wish of anything he chooses. Dylan and his father uses to go fishing all the time and Dylan decides he would like to go fishing with his all time favorite football hero, Jason O'Malley. The stage is set and Dylan will appear with Jason on a local television broadcast as he accepts granting Dylan's last wish. But as Dylan is thinking about what he would really really like, he changes his mind during the broadcast and asks for something typical from a 16 year old boy; to spend a weekend alone with his fantasy girl, supermodel Nikki Sinclair (Sunny Mabrey).

Nikki's agent gets word of Dylan's request and thinks it would be a good way to help Nikki get back on the charts. She's been drinking too much, showing up late, and not being hired by many. This might be just the thing to help her career.

To his surprise, Nikki shows up at his door step while Dylan's too best friends, hormonal overloaded Ricky (Matthew Bush), and slightly more responsible Slap (Gideon Glick), are visiting. But she's gone as fast as she came, and Dylan feels let down. However, Nikki does leave her phone number in New York so Dylan feels he must fly there if he's to be with her. Against the advice of his mother, and with donated funds from Jason O'Malley, Ricky, Slap and Dylan head to Manhattan in search of finding Dylan he last final wish.

HDNet Films, 2929 Productions, Magnolia Pictures
Director: Alex Steyermark
Writer: Barry Stringfellow
Producers: Joana Vicente, Susan Stover, Jason Kliot

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

Nights in Rodanthe (2008) PG13 - 4 Stars

OMG, I haven't had tears in my eyes for a movie for a while now but this one got to me. Set in a beautiful sleepy town where everyone knows each other, a perfect selection to find that inner peace, both Adrienne and Dr. Flanner are in desperate need of. Lane is outstanding, and even though Geer has not been one of my favorite actors, I found he gave a convincing performance himself and they looked great together.

Adrienne Willis (Diane Lane), a woman living with her two children and separated from her husband, finds herself in need of a retreat, and with the father Jack (Christopher Meloni), taking the children for the weekend, she agrees to take care of her best friend Jean's (Viola Davis), bed and breakfast in the small coastal town of Rodanthe, North Carolina. When Jack comes to pick up the children, Danny (Charlie Tahan), and Amanda (Mae Whitman), he tells Adrienne that he wants to move back home. The children become wildly ecstatic about the possibility their parents will become a family unit again, but Adrienne isn't ready to just yet forgive Jack after he broke her heart to be with another woman. She hopes escaping to the inn for the weekend will help her find some tranquility that she so desperately is in need of. There will only be one guest that needs attending to.

Dr. Paul Flanner (Richard Gere), has come to the tiny town at the request of Robert Torrelson (Scott Glenn), who's wife died while undergoing surgery with Dr. Flanner. Dr. Flanner has been haunted by the images of Mrs. Torrelson as he strives for perfection and to be the best surgeon he can possibly be. He hopes meeting with Mr. Torrelson will help find closure for both of them. But with a hurricane about to make land, Dr. Flanner and Adrienne will find comfort in each others arms, sparking a romance between the two of them that will change their lives forever.

Di Novi Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: George C. Wolfe
Writers: John Romano, Ann Peacock, Ken Hixon
Producer: Denise Di Novi

I viewed 3/09