Gods and Monsters

1950's drama set in Hollywood - ageing homosexual film director (Ian McKellen) forms relationship with his gardener (Brendan Fraser) who is straight. Great chemistry between actors as their characters struggle to understand each other. The old man is close to death and the young man is just starting to understand things about life. They bond through intimate stories and circumstance. This is an actor's movie.

The Heart of the Game

Sports documentary rocks ! Woman's high school basketball - Coach Bill Resler, tax law professor, takes a job as Roosevelt High's coach and motivates the girls with predator animal mascots and an unusual all-team offense. When Darnellia Russel, star player from across town joins the team, they have a shot at the State Championship. Passionate!

Sliding Doors

Dual reality drama - What if Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow) had not missed that train? This story focuses on 2 alternate parallel realities... One, Helen makes it home in time to catch her boyfriend having an affair, Two, Helen is delayed by a sliding door closing in her face, and is mugged waiting for a taxi. Destiny, Karma, forces of nature. We get to watch 2 movies of Helen's life and see what happens. It held my interest, the acting was real, and I got to see London and what scumbags men can be.

Emmanuel's Gift

Documentary film about physically challenged Ghana man (Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah)who rides one-legged across his country on a mountain bike to inspire the people of his country. Obtaining grants and gifts from USA, Emmanuel secures for himself a prosthetic leg, 100's of wheelchairs for Ghanians, academic scholarship money for the physically challenged, and sports equipment and facilities. This low budget film has nice views of Ghana and an inspirational theme.

The Last King of Scotland

Powerful political drama - mix of fact and fiction set in Uganda. Entertaining plot - Young Scottish doctor moves to Uganda to practice medicine in a small village. Yet by circumstances meets and befriends the powerful dictator Amin. The innocent doctor finds himself in a political whirlwind and dangerous territory. Both Forest Whitaker (cruel dictator) and James McAvoy (gentle doctor) are fabulous!

Notes on a Scandal

Intense human drama English style. 40 year-old school high school teacher has sex with a 15 year-old student. An elder teacher finds out about it and blackmails the younger teacher ferociously. Fascinating plot with many facets. Over the top acting by Judy Dench, Cate Blanchett, and Bill Nighy. These people can act!

The Wild Parrots of Tellegraph Hill

Bird nature documentary - features San Francisco's Telegraph Hill and the exotic parrots that flock here. Caretaker Mark Bittner and film maker Judy Irving team up to create a warm and emotional footage of these birds - their affections and habits. Though low budget, this movie moves right along. Educational and entertaining.

The Ringer

Goofy comedy about a guy who pretends to be mentally challenged to enter the Special Olympics to win a bet. Fun story and witty script manage to show handicapped in a loving and creative light. These people are heros! The cast is very likable and Katherine Heigl does a fine job as the counselor.

A Passage to India

Extravagant period piece based on E. M. Forster's 1924 novel. Deals with the English occupation of India and the cross-cultural trials that ensue. Acting is extremely authentic with fine characters. This long tale passes the time quickly and enjoyably. Nominated for 9 academy awards!

The Notorius Betty Page

Documentary drama 1950's period piece of pin-up model Betty Page who poses nude and in unusual costumes during conservative times. Dark haired, blue-eyed, sun-tanned, and voluptious, she appears on calendars, postcards, magazines, and in films. An interesting peek at history and a quick story of a middle-class girl from Tennessee making it big. Gretchen Mol is lovely in this role, resembling Betty Page in many ways. Filmed in black and white.

On a Clear Day

English Dramedy about a laid-off boat builder who seeks purpose in life by swimming the English channel. Fine acting all around and an interesting enough script. Fun scenes of England and English culture. The hero Frank is very believable as is his wife, sons, grandsons, and friends. Worth a see.

The Secret

Educational instructional movie on the "Secret" - the law of attraction and the power of thought and visualization. Features testimonials from ministers, philosophers, writers, doctors, and businessemen. And quotes many creative people from history. Think in terms of possibilities, not impossibilities. Definitely new age material and/but practical and may yield results if utilized. I believe so. One practice (of many) mentioned is to take your partner or friends and list their positive points, focus on THOSE and see how their behavior improves! Another is to visualize what you want and believe it possible.

Volver

Female drama all in Spanish - what a twisty plot ! Penelope Cruz soars in the role of an abused woman with a deadbeat husband who dies early. And such a crazy bunch of relatives (from a small town with a high insanity rate). This is all about relationships, loving, and forgiveness. A deep chick flick and entertaining if you can put up with reading the subtitles of which there are many. Most unusual film, neat photography and fine acting.

The Pursuit of Happiness

Drama based on a true story - Single father (Will Smith) struggles valiantly with poverty, marital separation, and single parenthood as he switches careers from medical supply salesman to stockbroker. Tough times!! Smith uses his own son for the role of the boy, and it all plays so very real. A bit predictable but well done.

Guess Who

Great comedy! Lots of laughs and believable too. Actor/comedian Bernie Mac plays a black father who is intent on crushing his daughter's white boyfriend over dinner and beyond. Lovable cast and smart dialog make this a fun way to spend an evening. Resembling "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "Meet the Faulkers" this story is funny and heart warming. Recommended!

Infamous

Another movie about Truman Capote, the writer and frail celebrity with an unusual voice. This movie "Infamous" and another movie "Capote" both focus on Truman's trials over a 4 year period as he writes the famous novel "In Cold Blood", about a brutal murder of a family in rural Kansas. Truman befriends the murderers as well as the Kansas townsfolk and squeezes the information he needs for his epic novel. Fascinating and/but a bit dark!

Imaginary Heros

Dark and emotional drama - suburban family loses eldest son to suicide and family members brood seriously about it. Acting is real and/but perhaps too much. And the script is weak, like why are the actors saying what they are saying? Though this movie held my attention, it was not enjoyable. Fortunately the ending is upbeat.

Good Girl

Dark Comedy Drama - gosh, this girl REALLY gets herself in TROUBLE. Small town convenience store clerk (Jennifer Aniston) is dying for some kind of change from the boredom of her daily routine - and she creates it ! But with some dire consequences. Fine actors buoy this dark existential tale with some comedic moments. Jennifer Aniston does a fine job as the confused and desperate central character. Intense and believable

Notting Hill

Romantic Comedy Drama with two charming stars - Excellent chemistry, fun dialogue, and a successful combo of America meets England. Famous movie star (Julia Roberts) meets bookstore owner (Hugh Grant) and somehow they hit it off really well. Story goes bright to bleak as the couple faces a ferocious press, a former boyfriend, and complications of rich meets lower middle class. Actor Rhys Ifans adds needed comic relief. I loved this movie and the wonderful illusion created of everlasting love.

Friday Night Lights

Sports Action Drama in the new style - great actors, professional stunt teams, and fine cinematography. All about the Odessa High School Panthers football team and their gutsy struggle to win the Texas State Championship. High stakes here as small town folk dream of breaking out of their smallness to go on to bigger and better things - fame and fortunes. Actor Billy Bob Thornton does a fine job playing their leader and coach.