Muriel's Wedding (1995)

Australian Dramedy - Muriel is an odd child in a small Australian town living in a dysfunctional family. In desperation, she gets hold of some of her father's money and moves to Sydney and discovers a different world and a new sense of self. Entertaining story with character development. 1 hr 45 min.

Camille Claudel (1989)

French Drama / Biography of a sculptor - Camille Claudel. Exceptionally talented young girl is discovered by famed sculptor Rodin. They fall in love but the relationship is doomed by Rodin's loyalty to a longer time companion. Camille is devastated and begins on a path of self-destruction. Exceedingly well acted and photographed. This movie is a true work of art. 2 hrs. 39 min.

The Bear (1984)

Canadian Action Adventure story -Rocky Mountain bear cub's first year of life from the animal's point of view. Unusual and tragic events - his mom dies in an avalanche and he befriends a wounded male grizzly. Fine photography and fascinating story, especially the 2nd half.  94 min.

Up The Yangtze (2007)

Chinese-Canadian production - Drama/Documentary - a look at the future and present of the Yangtze River... Impoverished farming family at the banks of the mighty river must relocate to avoid severe flooding to their home and neighboring fields. Youngest daughter goes to work for a touring ship and this film follows her progress. Interesting and finely photographed. 93 min.

Fanny and Alexander (1983)

Swedish Drama - Ingmar Bergman's story of a large family in a small town in the early 1900's. Oscar is a theatre director with a lovely wife and two children. When he dies his widow marries a bishop who subjects her and the children to severe austerity and even punishment. Lengthy but well told tale with lovely photography and very real performances. 3 hrs. 8 min.

Birds of America (2008)

Human Drama with some comedic elements - Dysfunctional family - Parents die and leave eldest son (pictured) to manage his younger brother and sister. And there are severe personality disorders among them. Eldest brother never knew a real childhood and grows up way too serious. Younger brother is radical in thinking and socially misfit. Younger sister has money problems and is quite promiscuous. Unusual movie, works as a drama and a look at how humans cope, but fails as a comedy, amusing at a few key moments but overall not funny. 89 min.

The Syrian Bride (2005)

Israeli drama - Young woman of Israeli-occupied territory plans to marry a Syrian man. But once she crosses the border into Syria she will never see her family again. This story examines carefully the effect of politics and religion on individual lives. Acting is superb. Although the story plays like a documentary, it is entertaining. Fine scenes from the Israeli countryside. 97 min.

Chasing Secrets (1998)

Family Drama - youngest girl of a dysfunctional and impoverished rural southern family finds love and friendship with an older couple not far from her house. Excellent acting, photography, and a fine story. 98 min.

How Much Do You Love Me? (2000)

French Comedy/Drama - Office worker wins the lottery and decides to spend his money on a live-in prostitute. Things get interesting when the two slowly fall in love. Not your typical boy meets girl story, the director takes unusual liberties mixing drama with comedy. Fine acting. Philosophical views on sex, morals, love, and how money affects everything. 95 min.

Baghban (2003)

Foreign Drama from India - Banker devotes his whole life to his family of 4 sons, sending them to the finest schools, etc. The kids grow up materially successful and with families of their own. But when their father retires, the children turn their back on him. The father survives relying on his love for his wife. Melodramatic and with lots of music BUT fine acting and twists of fate make an interesting story. 3 hrs.

The Story of Women (1988)

French Drama - Nazi-occupied France during World War II... Poverty stricken woman with two kids makes money performing amateur abortions, then later renting her rooms out to prostitutes. When the French authorities catch up to her, they show no mercy. Based on a true story. Over the top acting with Isabelle Huppert as the mixed up heroine. Finely photographed. 1 hr. 52 min.

This Christmas

Christmas Drama - Family dynamics! Black family meets once a year for Christmas dinner reunion. This Christmas crackles with excitement as too many secrets reveal themselves. The eldest son owes thousands to racketeers, the next to youngest son is marrying a white girl and is AWOL. The youngest wants to drop out of school to pursue music. And two daughters have man problems. Excellent performances. 1 hr. 59 min.

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Animation/Comedy - Chinese Panda Bear works at a noodle shop but is a very enthusiastic Kung Fu fan. Somehow he is prophesied to save his city from the greatest Kung Fu outlaw of the day. Can he live up to the challenge ? You know the story. But the cartoon characters are cute and the Kung Fu action is realistic Chinese style. Voices provided by major Hollywood stars. 1 hr. 50 min.

Baby Mama (2008)

Comedy - 37 year old career woman decides she wants a baby, but discovers she is infertile. She hires a surrogate mother and purchases some quality male DNA. Problems begin as the surrogate mom and employer unleash serious personality differences. The script is uneven but the actors carry it along. Fun performances by Tina Frey and Amy Poehler. 99 min.