Atonement (2007)

Drama - based on the novel of the same title by Ian McEwan. England, 1935 - a wealthy estate. A servant's son is falsely accused of molesting a young girl, and is consequently sent to prison and separated from his fiance. Years later he is cleared of the crime, but is it already too late? Fine acting and lovely cinematography. Nominated for 7 awards. Starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightley. 2 hrs.

Better Luck Tomorrow (2002)

Drama - High School - Asian-American kids band together as a group of overachievers with a need to let off steam and walk a bit on the wild side. Selling cheat sheets, writing exaggerated journalism, some minor theft.... But then it escalates into drug-dealing, occasional violence, and even a death. Suddenly, things are very serious. The story is well-paced and the acting sincere. For a low budget production, this was quite entertaining. 98 min.

Junebug (2005)

Family Drama with comedic elements - North visits South - Successful cosmopolitan couple fall in love at first sight at an art auction in Chicago and marry 6 months later. She is an art dealer and her work brings her to rural North Carolina to win over a potential client. The husband has family nearby and the couple decide to combine business with a family visit. The wife is very surprised at her husband's "Southern side" finding out his religious upbringing and a devotion to family he apparently had been running away from. Great scripting and acting make this a lovely film to watch. 1 hr. 47 min.

How To Eat Fried Worms (2006)

Comedy - based on Thomas Rockwell's kids book classic - a kid is bullied into taking a bet at school - "bet you can't eat 10 worms without puking" and accepts the challenge with courage and humor. A dozen kids team up to find the most disgusting recipes for worms while a supporting group of kids (including a girl) comfort the hero stomaching the concoctions. Excellent acting and lovable actors. Total fun. Thinking kids would really enjoy watching this! 1 hr. 38 min.

The Children's Hour (1962)

Human Drama - Based on a play staged in the 1930's and based on a historical incident over a hundred and fifty years ago. Two women run a boarding school for girls, and one of the students claims these two women are having lesbian sex. It happens that this girl is the granddaughter of a very influential woman in town who insists on closing the school. Well-acted by Shirley MacLaine and Audrey Hepburn (the head teachers) and male friend of both (James Garner). Interesting plot -though a bit out of times for this day and age. Filmed in black and white. 1 hr.49 min.

Last Holiday (2006)

Comedy - Actress "Queen Latifah" stars as a New Orleans retail store clerk who is diagnosed with terminal illness. In response she gathers all her funds and heads for the Grand Hotel Pupp in the Czech Republic intending to spend her last days in lavishness and luxury. The courageous nature of her last days is truly remarkable and she makes many unusually wealthy and powerful friends. This movie surprised me - though the plot was predictable, I enjoyed watching it. 1 hr. 52 min.

The Simpsons Movie (2007)

Animation/Comedy - the Simpsons comic book type heroes developed by Matt Groening have been a popular American TV comedy for almost 20 years. Finally, they made a movie. Though I have seen funnier scenarios on the TV series than in this movie, I enjoyed a full 90 minutes of Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge, and Maggie - without any commercial interruptions ! In this movie Homer single-handedly pollutes Lake Springfield and the US Federal government "quarantines" all the city of Springfield. The Simpson family valiantly fights back to reclaim what is theirs.

Black Narcissus (1947)

Drama - Four nuns trek to a Himalayan abandoned palace to establish a school and hospital for the mountain villagers. High altitude and strong winds make life unusually difficult. And the sisters must fight their own demons of loneliness and sexual desire. Fine acting. Despite being 60+ years old this movie is still interesting to watch. Deborah Kerr stars as the Mother Superior. 1 hr. 41 min.  

Parineeta (2005)

India (Bollywood) Drama/Romance/Musical - Sometimes titled "A Married Woman" - based on Bengali novel by Sharat Chandra Chatterji. The city is Calcutta, the year is 1962 - an unscrupulous businessman wants to wed his son with a wealthy family's daughter. BUT the son is deeply in love with a childhood playmate of lesser economic status. Riveting performances, fabulous costumes, lavish sets, and genius musical numbers make this simple story a delight to watch. Winner of many awards. 130 min.

Me and You and Everyone We Know

Comedy/Drama - offbeat film studies how people connect with each other. Lonely artist Christine struggles to create a relationship with newly single shoe salesman Richard. Meanwhile, kids in the neighborhood are exploring intimacy and casual sex. Well-paced with lovable actors, a neat and refreshing movie to watch. Miranda July directed and starred. 97 min.

Murphy's Romance (1985)

Romantic Comedy - Low key Arizona small town guy Murphy (James Garner) is a widower and a master of all trades. When out of work single mom (Sally Field) and her son move in from California, sparks fly. The actors impart a lot of depth to their characters making this film a pleasure to watch. Plenty of scenes to learn about small town psychology too. 1 hr 47 mins