The Closet (2001)

French Comedy - fun story - accountant for a large company feigns homosexuality to avoid being fired (there are laws against discrimination against gays). An unusual benefit of his posturing is that family, friends and co-workers begin to take a much greater interest in him. Great cast. 85 min.

Belle Epoque (1992)

Spanish Dramedy - Spain in the 1930's. Handsome young soldier deserts the army and makes his way to a liberal artist's house who is father of four lovely daughters. The young man falls in love with each of them one by one and somehow must choose which to marry. Unusual story and a bit corny, but with excellent photography of the Spanish countryside. 109 min

Swing Vote (2008)

Comedy - Kevin Costner plays Bud Johnson, a "white trash" type of guy who lives in a trailer separated from his wife, living with his 12-year old daughter. By a strange twist of fate and an exceedingly close presidential election, it turns out Bud's vote at the poll is a deciding vote (swing vote) to determine the outcome of the entire election. Both political parties and the media descend on Bud to influence his critical decision. Great performances by Costner as Bud and his daughter Molly (Madeline Carroll). Funny and thought provoking. 2 hrs.

The Ballad of Narayama (1983)

Japanese drama - based on the novel. A look at life in a rural mountain village in the Japanese Alps nearly 200 years ago. Food is scarce and traditions strict. The elderly and the weak are taken to Mount Narayama (nearest highest mountain) to be given up to God. Awesome performances with lovely photography. Fine cast with Ken Ogata and Sumiko Sakamoto. 2 hrs. 10 min.

Fire (1996)

Drama from India - fascinating story of an Indian family living under one roof and with many problems. A 90 year old woman has had a stroke. The son is newly married but still seeing his former girlfriend. And the father of the house is more devoted to his guru than his wife and children. The house servant is watching pornographic movies at every opportunity. The two wives have become very very attracted to each other. Excellent acting and so much to think about in this story. Recommended! 104 min.

Bella (2007)

Human Drama - Via a tragic accident, International soccer star Jose winds up working at his brother's Mexican restaurant as a cook. When his brother Manny fires a pregnant waitress, Jose walks out. And Jose and the waitress put on a day in New York, a deep healing for both of them. Very well acted. 100 min.

Daltry Calhoun (2005)

Dramedy - Daltry is a successful seed grower in Tennessee when a former lover and daughter arrive unannounced. Bad timing - as Daltry's business has taken a down slide and now he must juggle domestic challenges on top of it all. Plays better as a drama than a comedy. Not so funny, but does have some fine acting and a cool sound track. The story is a bit predictable. 100 min.

Iron Man (2008)

Action/Adventure/Super Hero - Comic book type action story of an eccentric genius inventor of advanced weaponry. When traveling in Afghanistan, our hero is captured by the enemy and sees the horror of his weapons in evil hands. To escape, he creates a powerful robot-like suit of armor. Fine cast of Robert Downey Jr, Jeff Bridges, and Gwyneth Paltrow propel this simple story. Impressive Computer Graphics. 126 min.

Outsourced (2007)

Comedy - Independent film - Todd is manager of a customer call center in Seattle when the company decides to outsource the department to India! Todd is sent to Bombay to teach Indians how to sell products over the phone to American customers. Neat look at cultural differences. And a Light-hearted comment on the evils of capitalist enterprise. 103 min.