Milk (2008)

Drama - San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man voted into public office. While fighting for human rights with intelligence and passion he was assassinated in 1978. This film documents his rise to power. Very well acted by Sean Penn. 129 min.

Somersault (2006)

Drama - Australia - pubescent teenage girl nearly seduces her mom's boyfriend and has hell to pay. Excellent and very real performance by Abbie Cornish playing Heidi, our naive, lovely, lonely and foolish young girl. I found this movie fascinating and enjoyable. 106 min.

2 Days In Paris (2007)

Romantic comedy - roller coaster ups and downs for French-born Marion and her boyfriend Jack. Jack and Marion are put through the ringer as they visit Marion's home town in Paris and deal with Marion's parents and several of her ex-boyfriends. A funny, sad, and truthful look at love. Julie Delpy wrote, directed and starred in this thoughtful film. 100 min.

25th Hour (2002)

Drama - New York drug dealer has 24 hours left before starting a 7-year jail sentence. His lover, closest friends, and dad gather around him showing support - trying to get him to believe that things are going to be OK. Fine acting all around. (especially Edward Norton and Phillip Seymour Hoffman) Directed by Spike Lee. 135 min.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)

Crime Thriller - Financial executive with a drug problem desperately needs money to pay debts. He and his younger brother decide on a perfect crime - robbing their mom and dad's jewelry store ! But things don't go as well as planned. Fine acting and a well-paced story. Stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke. 123 min.

In the Bedroom (2001)

Drama - New England town couple lose their only son just after his high school graduation. This is a story of how they deal with their grief. Fine photography and very real acting by Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkonson. 130 min.

Aastha: In the Prison of Spring (1997)

Bollywood Drama - Bombay Professor with young daughter and a faithful wife.... One day the wife is short of cash when buying shoes for her daughter and a wealthy woman bails her out. Problem is the wealthy woman is extremely clever and has an agenda to recruit nice looking women to her shady business enterprise. Fine acting and fascinating story. 2 hrs. 18 min.

Heart and Souls (1993)

Comedy / Supernatural - San Francisco lawyer Thomas Reilly (Robert Downey Jr.) has a most unusual fate. At birth he is visited by 4 newly departed souls (kind of like angels but more human) who look after him through childhood. But when he becomes an adult, Thomas must repay them by assisting each of them "complete their karma" - that is assisting them in doing what they most wanted to do but couldn't while they were alive. Fantastic story and fine performances. Very upbeat. 104 min

School Ties (1992)

Drama - David Green is accepted to a very prestigious prep school for Harvard University. Good news is he is a fine quarterback and the teachers and students love him. Bad news is they find out he is Jewish. Do environments like this still exist ? In this movie they do. Acting is excellent and the story moves. 110 min.

The God Who Wasn't There (2005)

Mini-Educational film casts light on the uncertain beginnings of Christianity. Director Brian Flemming asks very pointed questions such as why nothing is known of Jesus's childhood, and why Christianity disappeared until Paul's writings. Pagan heroes of similar circumstances to Jesus are mentioned. Fun variety of interviews with Christian and non-Christian scholars. This film manages to bring up difficult questions and not get too bogged down debating the answers. 62 minutes.

The Fountain (2006)

Metaphysical story with some New Age ideas and interesting special effects. Medical researcher is frantic to discover a miracle drug to shrink tumors. Time is running out for him as his lover / soul mate may soon die from her rapidly advancing brain tumor. Despite illness she is writing a mystical novel of past life connections and Mayan knowledge. The film swings back and forth between physical reality and astral / mental realities of the novel in progress. Fine acting by Hugh Jackman. 96 min.

Angels & Insects (1995)

Victorian Drama based on A.S. Byatt novel. Entomologist returns to England after years of studying in the Amazon and is befriended by an incredibly wealthy family. Staying with the upper class in their castle he feels both honored and but slightly uneasy with some of their ways. Things get really interesting when he falls for the eldest sister. Super fine acting by Mark Rylance who plays William Adamson the entomologist. Fascinating story as well. 117 min.

Bopha! (1993)

Bopha means "arrest" or "detention" in the Zulu language. South African apartheid - a family is ripped apart by opposing ideologies. The father is a senior police official for the severe South African government. The eldest son is an activist in the school system and society. The mother is deeply troubled as incidents of violence erupt on both sides. Excellent over the top acting by Danny Glover, and sensitive direction by Morgan Freeman. Educational and informative. 2 hours.

My Father's Glory (1991)

French film - based on the autobiography of Marcel Pagnol - told through the eyes (and voice) of Young Marcel as he spends a fabulous vacation in the French Alps at the turn of the century. A family tale of love and friendship. Beautifully photographed. 110 min.

The Wrestler (2008)

Drama - over the hill wrestler goes for a major comeback despite a serious heart condition. Mickey Rourke is awesome as a beefy hulk with sensitive emotions. Great story. Real. 109 min.

Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)

Baseball Drama - based on the novel - New York baseball club's catcher is stricken with Hodgkin's disease, and his best friend, the star pitcher struggles to keep it secret. Fine acting by the two leads Robert De Niro and Michael Moriarty. 98 min.

For Your Consideration (2006)

Comedy - spoof on Hollywood, L.A., and the film industry. Story revolves around a low budget film with some promising talent. Mild conflicts between the director and the writers, the producer and the studio heads. Some great mini performances from the cast. Amusing. 86 min.

Happy-Go-Lucky (2008)

British comedy - "Poppy" is a flippant primary school teacher sharing an apartment with another school teacher friend. Together they brave the ups and downs of urban life. Interesting segments of the film feature an extremely uptight driving instructor and a handsome social worker who each make a deep impression on Poppy. Fine acting and a very unique film. 1 hr. 59 min.

The Secret Lives of Dentists (2003)

Dramedy - slightly pessimistic / realistic view of marriage... Two dentists marry and practice at the same office on top of raising three small children. Mammoth struggles begin when the husband suspects his wife of having an affair. Battles soar inside his mind as he tries to decide what to do about it. Fine acting, and/but a dark subject. 104 min.

Seven Pounds (2008)

Drama - Ben Thomas (Will Smith) is an extremely guilt ridden man desperate to redeem himself for killing his fiance and six innocent strangers in a car crash. He seeks strangers in dire need of medical help, including a bone marrow transplant, part of a liver, a lung, and other crucially needed body parts. Ben donates. The fascinating aspect of this movie is that Ben impersonates a federal officer to information about people deserving of his help. Fine acting by Will Smith brings it all together. 123 min.

Intolerable Cruelty (2003)

Dark Comedy/Romance - Ruthless and wealthy Beverly Hills divorce lawyer, Miles (George Clooney) meets up with a beautiful and clever woman, Marylyn (Catherine Zeta-Jones) who marries men for money and finds ways to divorce them to gain half their resources. Unfortunately Miles and Marylyn are not on the same side. Despite meeting under terrible circumstances they fall in love. Quite a zig-zag plot and entertaining at times. But nothing serious. 100 min.

The Royal Guard or "Eklavya" (2007)

Bollywood Drama - Shakespearean-like tale of a king and his protector (The Royal Guard). Problems begin when the king discovers his royal guard is the real father of his children... Bloodshed and revenge are plotted when the king's children discover the king has killed their mother. Fascinating and fairly swift moving if but Bollywood melodramatic. 105 minutes (short movie by Indian standards as song and dance scenes are nil)

Mamma Roma (1962)

Italian Drama - shot in black and white, powerful images of Mamma Roma (Anna Magnani) a former prostitute struggling to raise her son in a protected environment. But her pimp follows her ever forcing her to earn money. Fantastic performance by lead actress who exudes humanness. 110 min.

Broadcast News (1987)

Drama - Three ambitious newscasters battle for power in the pressure of a major network newsroom. Each a talent, one as a writer (Albert Brooks), one a top producer (Holly Hunter), and another a trusting face and voice to anchor the news (William Hurt). Awesome performances by the three leads! And a fine script. Not a dull moment. 132 min.

Dear God (1996)

Comedy - con artist Tom Turner (Greg Kinnear) takes a stint as a post-office worker in lieu of a year of jail time. At the post office he opens a letter addressed to God and somehow mistakenly sends cash (that he owes his bookie) to the person writing to God. Tom becomes a hero, a miracle worker, and his life begins to change around as he finds more joy in giving than taking. Silly movie, lots of dumb stunts, but a solid message and a happy ending. 112 min.

Something New (2006)

Romantic Comedy - amusing though it addresses serious racial issues... Successful workaholic black lady lawyer falls in love with a white landscaper guy, and her life goes through some major changes. Fine script and some lovely performances. 100 min.

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Italian Drama - Oscar award winning story of a small town Sicilian boy "Toto" who is enthralled with American movies shown at his local movie theatre. He befriends the projectionist "Alfredo" who later encourages him to make his success by leaving his hometown. Wonderfully told story with fine characters. 121 minutes.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Hollywood meets Bollywood - Drama - based on a novel - Street kid from Bombay struggles from a toddler losing his mom in a riot, being kidnapped by an illegal orphanage, escaping and then stealing to survive, all while desperately searching for his childhood sweetheart who has long been inducted by a criminal gang. Getting on a popular TV show is a way to make himself visible to the woman he can't forget. Amazingly, he can answer many of the quiz questions heaping up a large fortune. Well acted and keenly paced, this movie lives up to all its hype. 2 hours of fun, shock, and education.

Duck Season (2006)

Mexican Drama (in Spanish with English subtitles)- A day of teenage bliss - two 14-year-old boys, Flama and Moko are left alone in Flama's mom's apartment to play video games and drink coke. Adventures escalate as 16-year-old girl neighbor enters to borrow the oven to bake marijuana brownies. And a pizza delivery guy is befriended as the four of them put on a day. Very low budget, shot in black and white, but the characters are real and the story is cute. 91 min.

Cold Comfort Farm (1996)

Comedy - based on the novel - England in the 1930's - Flora, a high society London lady is suddenly orphaned. For adventure she goes to stay with distant relatives on an isolated farm. Flora is extremely creative and influential with other people's destinies. Entertaining, with interesting characters, though a bit "fluffy" and far-fetched. Well casted. 105 min.

The Day of the Locust (1975)

Drama - a fascinating look at desperate characters inhabiting Hollywood in the 1930's. Focus is on Tod Hackett, a Yale graduate struggling to succeed as an art director at a major Hollywood studio, and his next door neighbor Faye, who is fanatically clinging to a dream of becoming a Hollywood starlet. Stark looks at the human psyche. Fine actors (Donald Sutherland, Karen Black) make this come alive. 144 min.

I Am Legend (2007)

Sci-Fi - New York City 2012 - Dr. Robert Neville (Will Smith) is a virologist desperately seeking a cure for a vicious rabies-like virus that has infected all of New York and much of the East Coast. Robert lives as a lone survivor dodging the viral-infected cannibalistic victims who come out at night to feed. Fine acting and/but a far-fetched plot. 101 min.

The Bicycle Thief (1948)

Italian Drama - an oldie but goodie - black & white vivid story of a man who needs a bicycle to obtain a good paying job. He spends much of his savings to obtain the bike but then gets it stolen the very first day! In the search for his lost bike he faces an unforgettable sequence of adventures. Fine cast and lovely scenes in and around Rome. 89 min.

Border Cafe (2005)

Iranian Drama - Low budget independent film - Widow and mom, Reyhan bucks Islamic tradition by opening her own restaurant despite her conservative brother-in-law, Nasser and his strong resistance. Reyhan finds some support from her International clientele. Fascinatingly real characters and fine scenery. 105 min.

The Quiet American (2002)

A story by Graham Greene - Saigon, Vietnam 1952 - French and the Communists in Vietnam are at war. In the middle of it all is British reporter Thomas Fowler (Michael Caine). Fowler is in love with a young Vietnamese woman but a young American threatens to steal her away. Lots of political intrigue in addition to the love triangle. Fine acting and colorful photography. A great watch. 101 min.

The End of the Affair (1999)

Drama based on Graham Greene's novel taking place in London in 1946. Author falls in love with his friend's wife. Nicely woven story (told from the view of the novelist) dealing with jealousy, romantic and unselfish love, and the existence of miracles in life. Excellent acting (Ralph Fiennes, Stephen Rea, Julianne Moore)and fine photography. Thought-provoking. 110 min.

Man On Wire (2008)

Documentary - 1974 - Philippe Petit, a Frenchman manages to walk a wire extended between the New York Twin Towers. Good coverage of the work and challenges involved in pulling off this sensational and illegal adventure. Original coverage of the people involved, and no actors. Xlnt if you don't mind documentaries. 94 min.

Malena (2000)

Italian Drama - Sicily in 1941 - Young boy fantasizes endlessly about the most beautiful woman in the town, whose husband has been sent to war. Terrible small town jealousies and cruelties afflict the woman as the boy suffers along with her, but from a safe distance. Excellent photography and acting, and with a thoughtful message. Sometimes painful to watch. 92 min.

Educating Rita (1983)

Drama - Literature Professor Frank Bryant (Michael Caine) is disillusioned as a writer and drinks heavily. When new student housewife/hairdresser Rita enrols in his tutorials, Frank gets slightly more interested in life. Fun contrast of personalities and wonderful performances from Michael Caine and Julie Waters as Rita. 110 min.

My Blue Heaven (1990)

Comedy - Steve Martin as Vinnie, a cool mobster who joins the FBI Witness Protection Program to escape jail time. Vinnie befriends FBI agent Barney (Rick Moranis) who struggles to keep Vinnie out of trouble long enough to testify against the mob. Cute movie but not really that funny. Fun for Steve Martin fans. 96 min.

The Widow of St. Pierre (2001)

French Drama - based on a true story in 1850 on the isolated French-Canadian island of St. Pierre. Illiterate fisherman gets very drunk and murders his ex-fishing captain. He is sentenced to death, but execution waits on the arrival of a guillotine blade from France. Meanwhile, the island Governor's idealistic wife rehabilitates the prisoner. Fantastic story, awesome acting, and incredible scenery. Epoch quality film! 1 hr. 48 min.

Pierrot Le Fou (1965)

French Film - Crime/surreal - A man runs away from his marriage and family with his outrageously spontaneous and darkly adventurous baby sitter. Not a bad story idea, but like Fellini, this director adds in a wild mix of bizarre characters and scenes for the sake of art and philosophy and distracts from any continuity of story line. Lovely photography and fine actors. A philosophical statement on life, but for philosophy I would rather read a book. 1 hr. 50 min.

The Closet (2001)

French Comedy - fun story - accountant for a large company feigns homosexuality to avoid being fired (there are laws against discrimination against gays). An unusual benefit of his posturing is that family, friends and co-workers begin to take a much greater interest in him. Great cast. 85 min.

Belle Epoque (1992)

Spanish Dramedy - Spain in the 1930's. Handsome young soldier deserts the army and makes his way to a liberal artist's house who is father of four lovely daughters. The young man falls in love with each of them one by one and somehow must choose which to marry. Unusual story and a bit corny, but with excellent photography of the Spanish countryside. 109 min

Swing Vote (2008)

Comedy - Kevin Costner plays Bud Johnson, a "white trash" type of guy who lives in a trailer separated from his wife, living with his 12-year old daughter. By a strange twist of fate and an exceedingly close presidential election, it turns out Bud's vote at the poll is a deciding vote (swing vote) to determine the outcome of the entire election. Both political parties and the media descend on Bud to influence his critical decision. Great performances by Costner as Bud and his daughter Molly (Madeline Carroll). Funny and thought provoking. 2 hrs.

The Ballad of Narayama (1983)

Japanese drama - based on the novel. A look at life in a rural mountain village in the Japanese Alps nearly 200 years ago. Food is scarce and traditions strict. The elderly and the weak are taken to Mount Narayama (nearest highest mountain) to be given up to God. Awesome performances with lovely photography. Fine cast with Ken Ogata and Sumiko Sakamoto. 2 hrs. 10 min.

Fire (1996)

Drama from India - fascinating story of an Indian family living under one roof and with many problems. A 90 year old woman has had a stroke. The son is newly married but still seeing his former girlfriend. And the father of the house is more devoted to his guru than his wife and children. The house servant is watching pornographic movies at every opportunity. The two wives have become very very attracted to each other. Excellent acting and so much to think about in this story. Recommended! 104 min.

Bella (2007)

Human Drama - Via a tragic accident, International soccer star Jose winds up working at his brother's Mexican restaurant as a cook. When his brother Manny fires a pregnant waitress, Jose walks out. And Jose and the waitress put on a day in New York, a deep healing for both of them. Very well acted. 100 min.

Daltry Calhoun (2005)

Dramedy - Daltry is a successful seed grower in Tennessee when a former lover and daughter arrive unannounced. Bad timing - as Daltry's business has taken a down slide and now he must juggle domestic challenges on top of it all. Plays better as a drama than a comedy. Not so funny, but does have some fine acting and a cool sound track. The story is a bit predictable. 100 min.

Iron Man (2008)

Action/Adventure/Super Hero - Comic book type action story of an eccentric genius inventor of advanced weaponry. When traveling in Afghanistan, our hero is captured by the enemy and sees the horror of his weapons in evil hands. To escape, he creates a powerful robot-like suit of armor. Fine cast of Robert Downey Jr, Jeff Bridges, and Gwyneth Paltrow propel this simple story. Impressive Computer Graphics. 126 min.

Outsourced (2007)

Comedy - Independent film - Todd is manager of a customer call center in Seattle when the company decides to outsource the department to India! Todd is sent to Bombay to teach Indians how to sell products over the phone to American customers. Neat look at cultural differences. And a Light-hearted comment on the evils of capitalist enterprise. 103 min.

Muriel's Wedding (1995)

Australian Dramedy - Muriel is an odd child in a small Australian town living in a dysfunctional family. In desperation, she gets hold of some of her father's money and moves to Sydney and discovers a different world and a new sense of self. Entertaining story with character development. 1 hr 45 min.