Morning Glory (2010)

Dramedy - Extremely ambitious hard-working intelligent young woman takes on the task of reviving a struggling morning TV show. Fun script, fine acting make this a great little movie to watch. Rachel Adams stars and Harrison Ford plays the burnt-out and famous news anchor. 107 min.

Machete (2010)

Action - Former Mexican Policeman is betrayed by his own boss. Our hero (Mexican version of Sylvester Stallone) kicks some serious ass for his ultimate revenge. Entertaining and but almost comic book outrageous. There is not a dull moment, and Danny Trejo's face is a piece of work ! Robert Deniro plays a cracker politician delightfully. 105 min.

Iron Man (2008)

Action Drama - what a fun movie this was ! Weapons manafacturer/inventor/genius (Robert Downey) undergoes a major change of heart when he is kidnapped in the middle East by buyers of his company's weapons. Excellent acting and rapidly moving story make this a great little movie to watch. Fascinating special effects as well. Jeff Bridges plays an awesome villain ! 125 min.

Crazy Heart (2009)

Drama/Music - Bad Blake is an aging country star and alcoholic. Tough on the road alone but he struggles on weakly until he meets the "right" girl. Things start to change. Will he kick alcohol ? Will he get to keep the girl ? Gritty real acting by Jeff Bridges makes this a pleasure to watch. The music is not bad either. 111 min.

Julie & Julia (2009)

Dramedy based on a true story of slightly impoverished New Yorker Julie Powell aspiring to master French cooking following Julia Child's masterpiece cookbook. Julie is enamored with Julia's reputation and career, and vows to complete all 524 recipes in 365 days while blogging her trials. Movie shines as it time flashes back and forth contrasting modern day Queens, New York (Julie's apartment) and 1950's Paris, France (Julia's home). Awesomely acted by Meryl Streep (Julia) and Amy Adams (Julie). About 2 hours.

It's Complicated (2009)

Rom/Com - Man and Wife divorce and then get together for an affair years later. Lots of funny scenes and warmheartedness. A bit Hollywoody in its flair and overacting, but I enjoyed it immensely. Starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin. 114 min.

What's Love Got to Do with It (1993)

Drama/Documentary/Music - Inspiring tale of how Tina Turner rose to fame fighting off her abusive husband and jealous co-stars, belting out song after song with brilliance and magic. Acting is fabulous and so is the music. Angela Basset plays Tina Turner and Laurence Fishburne plays Ike Turner. Must see. 118 min.

Crossing Over (2009)

Drama - Los Angeles Immigration Officials and FBI fight to hold down the numbers of illegal immigrants. This film is a multi-story scenario involving Mexicans, Iranians, and Koreans. Romance, violence, morals, and plenty of action make this a powerful film to watch. Harrison Ford plays the immigration official, Ray Liotta plays a desk worker with power to approve green cards, and Ashley Judd is an attorney for the illegals. 113 min.

Nomad: The Warrior (2006)

Action Drama - Kazak warriors are seriously threatened by Genghis Khan. One boy is destined to become a great leader to unite the 3 Kazak tribes in the fight against oppression. GREAT actors, action, photography and story. This movie has it all. 112 min.

The Mistress of Spices (2005)

Drama/Romance- Tilo becomes a master of the science of spices, and she moves from India to San Francisco to run a spice shop. Ancient traditions bind her to her craft yet she falls in love with a Western man who tempts her devotions. Awesome actress, so lovely, and/but the story is simple. 96 min.

Avatar (2009)

Sci Fi/Animation - awesome tale of Jake, a paraplegic war veteran sent to a foreign planet, Pandora to make friends with indigenous aliens and evacuating them so that US military can mine their rich resources. Jake falls in love with these people and his loyalties are tested. Romance, Action, and Morals. Winning makeup and computer graphics! Great movie. 160 min.

Date Night (2010)

Action Comedy - New York - married couple seek diversion from their children by a night out in the city. Major dramas begin when they are mistaken by mafia thugs for somebodies else! Steve Carell and Tina Fey are extremely funny and entertaining, I loved this film! 88 min.

Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story (2000)

Biographical Drama - Natalie Cole (daughter of Nat King Cole) struggles for success in the music scene despite her mom's heated resistance and major episodes with drugs and self-doubt. Natalie plays herself and I found this movie entertaining and educational (I didn't even know of Natalie before watching this film). 120 min.

The Ghost Writer (2010)

Suspense Drama - A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British prime minister uncovers secrets that put his own life in jeopardy. Well written and well acted. Ewan McGregor as writer and Pierce Brosnan as politician. 128 min.

Planet 51 (2009)

Action/Adventure/Animation - USA astronaut lands on an alien planet. Amazing thing is the aliens speak English ! And they seem to be living a 1950's lifestyle ! Unfortunately the leaders want to capture and destroy our astronaut hero. Fun watching but not my favorite animated film. 91 min.

Circle of Friends (1995)

Irish Drama - based on the novel written by Maeve Binchy - Ireland in the 1950's, three girls grow up together and attend the same university in Dublin. Drama begins here as two of them fall for the same guy. Interesting characters, each from different family backgrounds and all struggling to find their individual ways. Benny is strong and warm-hearted, Nan is beautiful to look at but a bit twisted morally, and Eve is the well balanced personality that seems to hold the trio friendship together. Well acted and beautifully photographed. Slow moving but it grabs you in the final chapters. Enjoyable movie. 112 min.

Find Me Guilty (2006)

Courtroom Drama - based on the 1980's trial of Mobster Jackie DiNorscio who refuses to testify against his friends despite offers to reduce his jail sentence. Jackie also refuses a lawyer and insists on representing himself in court despite his limited education. Interesting wiseguy dialogs, and some fine acting, especially by Vin Diesel who plays Jackie DiNorscio. 125 min.

El Secreto de Sus Ojos (2009)

Drama (Spanish with English titles) - The Secret in Their Eyes - a murder mystery set in Buenos Aires. Former court employee is writing a novel, and this digs up a world of memories of events, corruption, love, and denial. Benjamin, the author, is obsessed with the truth of who raped and killed a young and intelligent Argentine woman. He has a drunken co-worker and a woman judge (who he is secretly in love with) as his partners in solving the case. Solid entertainment this is and with some subtle humor. One of the better movies I have seen. 127 min.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Dramedy - Unusually entertaining film about a slightly mentally challenged man with a lot of heart and a lot of luck. Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), our hero, grows up in Alabama and witnesses desegregation, the Vietnam war, and Watergate. Forrest is slow of thought but charismatic and outright honest. His love for his childhood sweatheart (Jenny) inspires him to push for excellence in everything he attempts. Well done movie with fine performances, especially Tom Hanks. 157 min.

The Object of My Affection (1998)

Rom/Com - Young woman falls in love with her gay male roommate. When she becomes pregnant by her arrogant fiance, she asks her roommate to help her raise the child. Interesting story line, and Jennifer Aniston's charm pulls this movie along. 112 min

Wimbledon (2004)

Rom/Com Sports Drama - Tennis love story... British tennis player approaching retirement has a last chance to make a showing at Wimbledon. Struggling with his lack of confidence, he finds belief and inspiration while falling in love with the rising star of women's tennis. Fun performances and nice tennis action, but the story is quite predictable. 100 min.

The Tao of Steve (2000)

Dramedy - Intelligent and philosophical underachiever excels at seducing girls and entertaining his buddies. Interesting things happen when he meets a woman who is not so easily seduced. Fine performances and a fun script. Filmed in beautiful New Mexico. 87 min.

About Schmidt (2002)

Drama - Retired Insurance Salesman (Jack Nicholson) comes to grips with his life, realizing he may have wasted most of it. A most unusual and introverted character, Schmidt is fascinating to watch. And a bit sad. Fine cast includes Kathy Bates. 125 min.

2 Days In The Valley (1996)

Crime Drama with comedy - Olympic skier hires professionals to kill her boyfriend so she can collect life insurance money. As expected, some things go wrong. Lovely views of the San Fernando Valley and a plot that clicks. Fun movie and fun characters. Danny Aiello, Jeff Daniels, James Spayder, Keith Carradine, many more. 105 min.

The Last Mimzy (2007)

Children's Sci-Fi - Two children find unusual items on a secluded beach in Washington and are led to the metaphysical. The artifacts contain highly advanced intelligence from a future generation of alien-like humans. Sent to earth to find a missing link to solve their problems. Fun acting and fine photography, the story moves quickly though it is not always clear what is happening. 90 min.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007)

Drama - based on the novel of the same name - tells the story of a Sioux tribe led by Sitting Bull and their resistance to being put on reservations. The hero of the story is a young Sioux warrior who is persuaded to adopt white ways thereby eventually achieving a medical education and marrying a white woman. Fine performances all around and a vivid historical look at governmental mistreatment of the red man. 132 min.

A Scanner Darkly (2006)

Animation - based on psychological novel by Phillip K. Dick. Undercover drug agent (Keanu Reeves) accidentally becomes addicted to "Substance D" while spying on his own drug infested household and friends. Many complications arise as he falls in love with female drug dealer (Winona Ryder) and wrestles with himself when collecting evidence to convict his buddies. Unusual film with very in depth dialog (drug paranoia) and convincingly drawn cartoon characters. Also starring Robert Downey and Woody Harrelson. 100 min.

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

Rom-Com, Awkwardly shy and somewhat neurotic small business owner (Adam Sandler) struggles to create a romance with a delightful girl (Emily Watson). Unusual story has some really fun moments. 95 min.

Wonder Boys (2000)

Dark Comedy - University professor goes through a cloudy and unsuccessful period in wake of his first novel. Bizarre circumstances include his falling deeply in love with the head of the English Department's wife (Frances McDormand), and dangerous intimacies with two of his students. Michael Douglas is perfect as the aging professor. Cast also includes Tobey Maguire and Robert Downey. Clever clever tale. 112 min.

Tropic Thunder (2008)

War comedy (funny!!) with over the top performances by Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Nick Nolte, and others. Wonderful satire on all great war films (Bridge Over River Kwai, Rambo, Apocalypse Now). Photography and special effects truly impressive. 107 min.

The Truth About Cats and Dogs (1996)

Rom/Com - Female veterinarian with a radio show falls for a guy caller but is not confident to form a relationship. A girl friend offers to help but it mistakenly turns into an awkward love triangle. Fun with a message. And some nice performances. 97 min.

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Comedy - entertaining mix of British and American humor. Four thieves plan a bank robbery in London and succeed (almost). One of the four is captured. The remaining three struggle to find out where the captive one hid the loot. Plenty of double crossing and malintent as greed takes over. Jamie Lee Curtis plays a charming seductress and Kevin Kline is a violent-loving fool. Many many fun moments. 112 min.

Persepolis (2007)

Animation (French) by Iranian author Marjane Satrapi - serious cartoon version of life in Iran under Khomeni. Follows a young girl's escape from the Iranian revolution and her adjustments to school life in Europe, and finally her return to her home country. Sometimes comical but often dark, packed with messages. Nearly 2 hours.

Ladder 49 (2004)

Action/Drama - Baltimore Fire Department - friendship, courage, and romance. Great photography with some excellent performances by John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix. New firefighter Jack Morrison must chose between glory and family, job and friends. Fast pace story, impressive stunt work, and a fine music soundtrack. 115 min.

Flushed Away (2006)

Animation/Adventure/Comedy - domestic rat meets a sewer rat and their worlds collide. Lots of chase and near-death cartoon stuff. Fun music. Cute characters with voices by Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, and Ian McKellen. 85 min.

The Year of Living Dangerously (1983)

Political Drama - Australian reporter (Mel Gibson) in Jakarta falls in love with a British spy (Sigourney Weaver). Some fine acting all around and a unique philosophical monolog by Billy Kwan (Linda Hunt). Plenty of action too. 115min.

Mother (1996)

Dramedy - recently divorced writer seeks the source of his women problems and his writer's block by moving in with his mother. Not a comedy as much as a psychological study, it is well-acted and does have a message. Albert Brooks and Debbie Reynolds. 104 min.

The Scent of Green Papaya (1993)

French/Vietnamese Drama - lovely film of a Vietnamese servant girl growing up in Saigon. Scarce on dialog but very rich on photography. A zen-like slow-moving and/but powerful film if you make the time and mood to focus in on it. 104 min.

Beauty Shop (2005)

Comedy - Queen Latifah owns a beauty shop and it is not easy ! Lots of character interaction here and clever black dialog between ladies especially. An entertaining educational film with upbeat message. Fine performances. No major masterpiece but a fun piece of work 105 min.

Appaloosa (2008)

Western - New Mexican town hires a pair of professional gunmen to protect them from outlaws. Intrigue begins when one of them falls in love with a high maintenance maiden. And the law is so easily circumvented in the wild West. Fine performances by Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Renée Zellweger, and Jeremy Irons. A most unique story too. 1 hr. 56 min.

Evan Almighty (2007)

Comedy- a sequel to Bruce Almighty, God comes to an idealistic congressman (Steve Carell) to build him an ark. And working in very mysterious (and funny) ways, God succeeds in changing the world. Lots of fun moments with Steve Carell's genius. Goofy but entertaining. Morgan Freeman plays God. 96 min.

The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

Comedy - The devil as a man (Jack Nicholson) terrorizes a tranquil New England town with the help of 3 female alliances (Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer). Some really fine performances (Veronica Cartwright) and lovely photography propel this story along. Fun. 2 hours.

Absence of Malice (1982)

Newspaper Drama - eager young reporter (Sally Field) investigates an alleged gangster (Paul Newman) suspected of foul play in the death of a union leader. Plenty of twists and turns as the media, the law, and the underworld all do their dance. Entertaining. 117 min.

The Hoax (2007)

Drama - loosely based on a true story.. 1971, desperate writer claims he has Howard Hughes's cooperation to write Hughes's autobiography. Backed with boldness, wit, and intensive research via associations with Hughes's former staff, writer Clifford Irving bluffs his way into a million dollar contract with a major publisher. Eventually the shit hits the fan. Finely paced movie with excellent performances. Richard Gere plays Irving movingly. 1 hr. 55 min.

Tully (2002)

Human Drama - Father and two boys work a small town farm in rural Nebraska. Summer comes and a neighbor girl returns from college to liven things up. Just fine acting, and nice scenes of the Mid-Western countryside. The story meanders like a stream at first and but with some rapids too. Pleasant film to watch ! 104 min.

Ghost Town (2008)

Rom/Com: Anti-social dentist has a near death experience which triggers a major personality change and results in his being able to communicate with ghosts. Unusual story and/but well acted. Ricky Gervais and Greg Kinnear. 102 min.

Laurel Canyon (2003)

Human Drama - Record producer woman lives in Laurel Canyon, a hip suburb of Los Angeles and makes records in her own studio. She is a bit wild, smokes pot, drinks, and has lovers. Meanwhile, her son is struggling to become a psychiatrist and doing his residency at a nearby hospital. Dramas begin when the son moves into mom's house with his MD fiance who is working on writing her PhD thesis. Separate worlds meet, collide, mix, and learn. I liked this movie and especially the lead actress Frances McDormand (the mom). 101 min.

Valentine's Day (2010)

Rom/Com at the box office - star-studded cast, and lots of fun moments. I laughed. Story revolves around a guy running a flower shop in down-town Los Angeles. Many parallel stories of love/romance, and they come to him for Valentines Day flowers. Lovely actors such as Julia Roberts, Kathy Bates, Hector Elizondo, Queen Latifah (to name a few). Light and fluffy and fun. 125 min.

Sundown (1941)

World War II Drama about British forces in Africa. Gun sales and native uprisings. Acting is pretty good, story is so-so, and the photography terrible. Gene Tierney provides some eye candy. 91 min.

The China Syndrome (1979)

Intense drama focusing on fear of what might happen if a nuclear power plant had a "melt down" and released radioactive substance to the environment. Jane Fonda plays a star news reporter interviewing a nuclear plant information officer when a major "accident" appears to occur in the control room. Michael Douglas is the photographer who secretly films the chaos that ensues. Things get interesting when they bring the film to the TV station and the owner refuses to cover the story. Excellent pacing, I really enjoyed this movie (except the ending). 2 hours.