Invincible (2006)

Football Drama - Disney - based on a true story. Vince Papale, a Philadelphia bartender, 30 years old and with only one year of high school football experience makes it to the NFL starting with an open tryout for the Philadephia Eagles. Lots of guts and determination here. A very real football story even though actors Mark Wahlberg (Papale) and Greg Kinear (the coach) don't look quite as tough as the people they portray. A very well done movie with action, romance, and a neat storyline. 2 hrs. 8 min.

Lonesome Jim (2006)

Drama - About small town life in America - 27 year old Jim (Casey Affleck) returns to Indiana after failing to make it as a writer in New York. Seriously depressed, he rejoins his dysfunctional family - a suicidal brother and neurotic mom. By a stroke of good fortune he meets a lovely nurse (Liv Tyler) and things begin to change. Lots to think about, fine script and real performances. 87 min.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Comedy for kids (and adults) - based on the book (same title). Good-hearted boy from a poor family wins a much desired "golden ticket" to visit the famous Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory. Fantastic performances by Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka the eccentric chocolatier/factory owner/inventor. And the 5 kids who win a factory visit are priceless. Rich imaginative graphics -such a fine production by director Tim Burton. I loved this movie. 1 hr. 55 min.

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)

Fantasy - Disney style. Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) is an eccentric toy store owner and is supposedly 243 years old ! He wants to give his magical toy store over to Molly Mahoney, his most trusted assistant. But the toy store seems to have a mind of its own and things stop working (lights, toys, etc) It is a great struggle for Molly to deal with the tragedy of her boss wanting to die and the store wanting to go with him. Lots of special effects and some philosophy of life mixed in. I felt this story lacked some unity. 94 min.

Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)

Comedy / Drama - Detective Jack Singer (Nicolas Cage) brings his lovely fiance (Sarah Jessica Parker) to Las Vegas to get married. Unfortunately, Gangster Tommy Korman (James Caan) falls in love with the fiance at first sight and arranges a crooked poker game forcing Jack to offer his girlfriend up for a date in order to pay for an outrageous poker game loss. Fine performances by the actors - but the heart wrenching story is more painful than funny. 97 min.

A Civil Action (1998)

Legal Drama - Attorney (John Travolta) takes on two large corporations fighting for a settlement in favor of eight families whose children died of leukemia after drinking contaminated water due to company-generated toxic wastes. Lawyer becomes totally obsessed with the case, even risking his career, life savings, and close relationships. Well acted and scripted. Entertaining. 1 hr. 55 min.

Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl - 2007

HBO Special - Stand-up comedian Robert Wuhl becomes a history professor at a college in New York and does a live performance/slide show arguing that History is "based on truth" and that charismatic story tellers determine history as much/more as actual events ! Examples include the true story behind the ride of Paul Revere, and the fact that Betty Crocker never existed ! Entertaining and Educational. 90 min.

 

Decoration Day (1990)

Made for TV Drama - but very well done, (almost too neatly put together). James Garner plays Uncle Albert, a retired lawyer/judge and widower who just wants to fish on his lake in solitude. Problems arise when his childhood buddy is awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor but boldly refuses it ! Why? The mystery unravels itself slowly. Fine acting and photography and a happy ending. 99 min.

Gallipoli (1981)

World War I Drama - based on the invasion of Turkey using Australian and New Zealand troops. Disastrous mistakes by top military commanders led to slaughter. This film focuses on a young man (a world class sprinter) who gave up athletic glory to serve his country. Lots of looks at the Australian countryside and Cairo, Egypt. Acting is good, though I found the story depressing. 1 hr. 51 min.

Enemies: A Love Story (1989)

Human Drama - New York 50 years ago - based on Isaac Bashevis Singer novel - Jewish holocaust refugee struggles as a ghost writer for a rabbi while intensely involved with 3 women. Great acting, scripting, and photography make this simple theme a delight to watch. Emotion-packed and not a dull scene. 2hrs.

Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993)

Comedy - Spoof on Rambo - Vigilante soldier (Charlie Sheen) is recruited by the president of the United States and the CIA to rescue POWs from the Gulf War. Slapstick comedy mixed with some good acting (Lloyd Bridges as president) make this an interesting movie to watch. Crazy. 90 min.

Take the Lead (2006)

Drama - inspired by a true story - Optimistic dance teacher (Antonio Banderas) volunteers to teach New York ghetto high schoolers ballroom dancing. Kids transform themselves over time with the discipline of dance. Somewhat predictable (the script is a bit of a cliche), but the dancing is fine and the actors entertain. 1 hr. 58 min.

Talk to Me (2007)

Social Drama - Late 1960's in Washington D.C. - based on a true story about charismatic ex-convict radio disc jockey "Petey Greene" and his dramatic rise to fame. This is the era of the Washington D.C. riots over the assassination of Martin Luther King. Very well-scripted and acted. Don Cheadle is excellent as Petey and so is Martin Sheen as the conservative radio station manager. 1 hour 59 minutes.

The Rules of the Game (1939)

Classic French Movie Drama with comedic elements - a look at the French upper class prior to World War II. The characters are each looking for true love but find fleeting attractions at best. All takes place at a country estate where the husband and wife have both invited their secret lovers. Filmed in black and white and with English subtitles. Lovely sets and costumes. 1 hr. 55 min.

Real Women Have Curves (2002)

Mexican-American Drama - Spanish and English. Bright high school student has a chance to win a scholarship to Columbia University, but her East L.A. family fights to have her stay at home and work in the family garment business. Fine acting - especially America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) makes this a joy to watch. 85 min.