Children of Heaven (1999)

Foreign Film - Iran - Two elementary school siblings must trade off wearing the same sneakers as the family is so very poor. The older brother Ali strives valiantly to obtain a pair of shoes for his sister Zhara but meets with unusual obstacles. Lovable and talented kids bring exceptional life to this film. A great glimpse at lower class living in Iran. 88 min.

The Visitor (2007)

Human Drama - burned out professor widower finds a new interest in life when illegal immigrants mistakenly inhabit his uptown Manhattan apartment. Fine acting and an intelligent story. 108 min.

Behind the Sun (2001)

Foreign Drama - Brazil 100 years ago - Two families are feuding for land at the cost of their eldest sons. By a stroke of fate, strangers from a nearby circus are able to alter the stubborn family traditions. Awesome photography and very REAL performances. Recommended. 92 min.

QUINCEAÑERA (2006)

Mexican-American Drama - L.A. teenage girl (14) discovers she is pregnant. Father kicks her out of the house in a rage and she moves in with her uncle and her gay brother. Fine acting and a very real look at life in the Hispanic community. 91 min.

In the Valley of Elah

Drama/Murder Mystery - Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones) investigates the mysterious disappearance of his youngest and soldier son who has gone AWOL since returning from the Iraq war. Plot intensifies when Hank discovers his son was murdered, and both the local police force and the military seem reluctant to investigate. Fine pacing, clever dialog, and authentic performances. 121 min.

Too Beautiful for You (1988)

French Drama - Married guy Bernard (Gérard Depardieu) has a lovely wife, kids, a nice home and lots of friends. Then he falls in love with his plump and somewhat homely secretary! Director Bertrand Blier pieces together a most unusual movie and a commentary on life and romance. Many scenes play like a theatre-like performance. And the characters are just TOO honest. The ending is a bit pessimistic. Music by Schubert. 92 min.

The Year My Parents Went on Vacation (2007)

Brazilian Drama - San Paolo, 1970. 12 year old Mauro is abandoned by his left-wing political refugee parents to live with his grandfather. But grandfather has just passed away and our young hero is forced to fend for himself in a new and strange environment. Fine photography, excellent acting, and a fascinating story. 104 min.

Juno (2007)

Comedy - quirky, unusual tale of an older than her age high school girl who gets pregnant and decides to give up her baby to adoptive parents on the wealthier side of town. Problem is the parents are not fully ready to be parents. Progressive script and fine performances make this a fun watch. 96 min.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Romantic Comedy (with some disaster) - Guy is dumped by his long term girlfriend (famous TV star). To get over it he leaves for Hawaii on a much needed vacation. But surprise! - His ex is there with her new boyfriend. Dark and silly, and with lots of sex jokes, it is an entertaining story. 112 min.