Interiors (1978)

Human Drama - Wealthy sophisticated New York family struggles with emotional problems. The mother (Geraldine Page) has been in and out of an asylum and the father (E.G. Marshall) wants a divorce. The three sisters (Diane Keaton, Mary Beth Hurt, Kristin Griffith) are tense with being forced to accept the father's new love, a woman who none of them are fond of. A bit dark, but well done. Directed by Wooden Allen. 1 hr. 35 min.

Raise the Red Lantern (1991)

Chinese Drama - 1920's feudal China - a very wealthy man has four concubines. Story revolves around "Mistress Number Four", an attractive former university student who creates some serious havoc in the household. Fabulous scenery and photography with very convincing performances. I felt as if I had been transported back in time 100 years. 2 hrs. 5 min.

My Best Friend (2006)

French Dramedy - Antique dealer is confronted with the fact he has no real friends (business associates, yes, but no friends). To win a bet, our hero goes seriously in search for a real friend from among his associates. Entertaining and thoughtful, this movie is well put together with xlnt pacing and a fine cast. The French make great movies if you can put up with the subtitles. 1 hr. 34 min.

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Action-Drama - Spider-Man has to face TWO villains at once in this episode. Fortunately, he gets some help from an old friend/rival. Lots of action and a tad of romance. I enjoyed this movie but not as much as Spider-Man 2. (same actors, different story) 2 hr. 20 min.

Crush (2001)

Dramedy - Small town England - 3 girlfriends meet and discuss men in their lives. When one of the ladies (Andie MacDowell) launches a steamy romance with a former student, her 2 buddies try and break it up. Lovely scenery and fabulous photography, though the story lacks something. 112 min.

61* (2001)

Baseball Drama - true to fact presentation of the Yankee's sluggers Roger Marris and Mickey Mantle and their quest to beat Babe Ruth's season home run record. Fine portrayals of the fielders both on and off the field. Intelligent scripting and fine pacing carry this story along. Entertaining. 2hrs. 8 min.

Black Snake Moan (2007)

Human Drama - Southern Town, young nymphomaniac (Christina Ricci) is beaten up and left by the road. Next day, an older blues musician (Samuel L. Jackson) stumbles upon her and nourishes her back to health. Not only that, he decides to correct her ways! Fantastic performances and lots of action in this thoughtful flick. Definitely worth the watch. 1 hr. 58 min.

Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

Dramedy - a comedy with a message - Lars is a painfully shy young man who wants to be left alone. His neighbors and immediate family are constantly after him to find a girlfriend. To the dismay of all, he creates a relationship with a female sex doll that he ordered on the Internet. Has he gone insane? Despite a most unusual premise, this movie manages to entertain while exposing human frailties and strengths. Fine acting all around. A most unusual film! 1 hr. 46 min.

The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2005)

Japanese Animation - 雲のむこう、約束の場所 beyond the clouds the promised place. Science Fiction story by Makoto Shinkai - Takes place in the late 1990's but in an alternate reality timeline... in this reality, Japan's Northern island belongs to Russia who has built a large and prominent tower to remind all of Japan of the foreign occupation. Three heroes (2 young scientists and a pretty girl with strong psychic ability) plot together to bring an end to the evil occupation. Excellent artwork all around, though the story was "out there".  9o min.

Must Love Dogs (2005)

Romantic Comedy - Divorced middle-aged school teacher searches for her soul mate by placing numerous ads on the Internet. A variety of adventures... Great performances by the cast (especially leads Diane Lane and John Cusack), though the story is a bit predictable. Light entertainment, 98 min.

Death at a Funeral (2007)

British Comedy - Dark but funny! Dysfunctional family unites at their father's funeral. only to find out the morticians delivered the wrong casket, the wrong person ! A whole chain of crazy events occur including a son-in-law on psychedelics, an uncle with bowel problems, severe sibling rivalry as to who should do the eulogy, a priest who is double-booked and wants to finish the service as soon as possible. The actors make this movie a joy to watch - with an unbelievable chain of events but totally believable human reactions. Very funny movie. 91 min.

Ulee's Gold (1997)

Human Drama - Peter Fonda plays Ulee, a Florida beekeeper harvesting the finest Tupelo Honey. Meanwhile, his family is falling apart - his wife has died, his son is in prison, his daughter in law is a drug addict, and his granddaughters miss their dad. Lots and lots of character development here as this family struggles to make things right. Excellent acting and a lovely natural setting. Fine film worth seeing. 1 hr 53 mins

Caramel (2008)

Lebanese Drama/Comedy - A Beirut beauty salon - life struggles of several women attempting to deal with societal expectations. One in love with a married man, another soon to be married to a man who she must deceive into thinking she is a virgin, and a female hair stylist who has a woman client seemingly in love with her. More of a slice of Lebanese life than a story, and more dramatic than funny, I was a tad disappointed in this movie. Though the photography was detailed, it seemed almost documentary in tone. And with so many characters, personality could not be explored in great depth. 96 min.

Definitely, Maybe (2008)

Romantic Comedy - Is Love this complicated? Yes ! Clever tale of a father telling his 11-year-old daughter (see photo) how he came to meet her mother. Viewing through the eyes of the father via flashbacks to New York and Wisconsin as he falls in love 3 separate times with unusual women. Lovable characters and a smart script make this an enchanting film to watch. And it has a surprise ending. 1 hr. 52 min.