Far from Heaven

1950's period piece melodrama. "Perfect couple" has many problems - husband likes men and wife has a thing for the gardener. Whew. Small town, gossip, sparks fly. Good watching and nostalgic.

Thumbsucker

Fun drama with lots to say about teen-age challenges, hang-ups, and shyness. Main character has a problem with thumb-sucking and introversion despite an underlying brilliant mind. Fine acting all around. An unusual and enjoyable film. Recommended.

The Departed

Cop vs Gangster suspense action drama. Director Scorsese assembles all-star cast of Jack Nicholson, Matt Daman, Leonardo Dicaprio, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin. Lots of twists and turns as the police have an undercover man working for the mob and the mob has a mole in the police force. Good pacing, plenty of action. Stretches believability at times but a startling tale well told.

L.I.E.

Dramatic look at struggling young delinquent teenage boys. The main character is 15-year-old Howie. His mom is dead, his father is in prison, and his best friend has ran away. In desperation, Howie finds friendship with Big John who is a pedophile. Difficult to watch but very real as the characters squirm with their desires and remaining morals. Unusual movie but well done.

Japanese Story

Culture clash human drama filmed in Australia. Japanese businessman visits Australia for the first time and female geologist is his guide and chauffeur. Many misadventures, more uncomfortable than comic. Eventually the two travelers bond. Photography is nice and Toni Collette acts up a storm. Something is missing from this film or else I just wanted a happier ending.

Miracle

Miracle (Miracle on ice) - best sports movie ever done (IMHO). Kurt Russel plays the near maniac driven coach Herb Brooks who led a young US hockey team to victory in the 1980 Olympics, beating the Russians by one goal. Using hockey players rather than actors, and following what really happened (rather than hyping it up), Hollywood delivers a POWERFUL documentary/action/sports film. Highly recommended!!

Mission Impossible 3

If you enjoy action adventure spy thrillers, this is the latest. With smash-bang-what was that effects and realistic stunts. Over the top acting by Tom Cruise, Philip Hoffman (vilain) and Laurence Fishburne (Tom's boss). The plot is twisty turny and there is some feel-good romance. Entertaining and a long movie.

Tadpole

Subtle romantic comedy - it could happen! Sophisticated intellectual high school student falls in love with his recently acquired step-mother (Sigourney Weaver). Many thought-provoking situations and philosophical comments taken from French philosopher Voltaire. Set in Manhattan with tasteful script and fine acting.

A Walk in the Clouds

Love romance for romance lovers! This early California period piece features fine photography and engaging acting (Anthony Quinn, Giancarlo Gaiannini, Keanu Reeves, Altan Sanchez-Gijon). War hero meets wealthy Mexican maiden in distress on a bus trip and then.... story stretches all credibility but the warmth exuded by the actors and the beauty of the set keeps you charmed.

A Prairie Home Companion

Film version of Garrison Keilor's Prairie Home Companion Radio Show. (Remember Lake Wobegone?) Lots of music here - guitars, banjos, folk, gospel, plus some jokes and story-telling. Fine actors include Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Tommy Lee Jones, Lily Tomlin, Woody Harrelson and of course Garrison Keilor. No real plot but a 2 hour fill of good music and some comedy. Classic.

L.A. Confidential

Convoluted action drama thriller mystery period piece from James Ellroy's novel. Directed by Curtis Hanson and never a dull moment. Over-the-top acting by Russel Crowe (tough cop), Kevn Spacey (charismatic cop), Guy Pearce (intelligent cop), James Cromwell (dirty cop), Kim Bassinger (high-priced prostitute), Danny Devito (businessman), and more! Lots of plots and subplots - seems members of the LA police force are involved in drugs and plenty of money and you just don't know who to trust. Full of violence, killing, and some sex and romance too. Long movie but time goes quickly ! Fun fun.

Prime

Romantic comedy. Boy meets girl but girl is much older. And it turns out the boy is the girl's psychotherapist's son. Surprise surprise. Lots of twists and turns as the couple fight to stay together despite age and religious differences. Entertaining, funny, and insightful. Meryl Streep is great as the therapist. And Uma Thurman is very real as the girl.

Best in Show

Comic, exaggerated look at dog owners and dog shows. Plot revolves around the annual dog show in Philadelphia and the extremes people and their dogs go through to win a prize. Talented actors, and lovely dogs. Educational and funny too. Great as long as you are not looking for a sophisticated plot.

The Company

A very non-Hollywood factual look into the life of the Joffrey Ballet company in Chicago. Performances, rehearsals, politics, and some romance. Such dedication, ability, and beauty. Educational and entertaining without melodramatics or complex plot. More like a colorful documentary.

The Cooler

Intense drama in a Las Vegas casino - Alec Baldwin plays the cruel casino boss, William Macy is a cooler ( hired to defuse winning streaks), and Maria Bello is a floor waitress. Problems begin when waitress and cooler fall in love and decide to leave Las Vegas. The boss won't stand for it and an interesting battle ensues. An unusual movie !

Hotel Rwanda

A violent documentary on passion and heroism - the story of genocide in Rwanda in 1994 as Hutus kill more than half a million Tutsis. The UN, France, Belgium, US responded weakly or not at all. The hero is a compassionate hotel manager saving tens of 100's of Tutsis by placing them in his Belgian-owned four-star International Hotel. Don Cheadle is fantastic in this role.