Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Italian Drama - Oscar award winning story of a small town Sicilian boy "Toto" who is enthralled with American movies shown at his local movie theatre. He befriends the projectionist "Alfredo" who later encourages him to make his success by leaving his hometown. Wonderfully told story with fine characters. 121 minutes.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Hollywood meets Bollywood - Drama - based on a novel - Street kid from Bombay struggles from a toddler losing his mom in a riot, being kidnapped by an illegal orphanage, escaping and then stealing to survive, all while desperately searching for his childhood sweetheart who has long been inducted by a criminal gang. Getting on a popular TV show is a way to make himself visible to the woman he can't forget. Amazingly, he can answer many of the quiz questions heaping up a large fortune. Well acted and keenly paced, this movie lives up to all its hype. 2 hours of fun, shock, and education.

Duck Season (2006)

Mexican Drama (in Spanish with English subtitles)- A day of teenage bliss - two 14-year-old boys, Flama and Moko are left alone in Flama's mom's apartment to play video games and drink coke. Adventures escalate as 16-year-old girl neighbor enters to borrow the oven to bake marijuana brownies. And a pizza delivery guy is befriended as the four of them put on a day. Very low budget, shot in black and white, but the characters are real and the story is cute. 91 min.

Cold Comfort Farm (1996)

Comedy - based on the novel - England in the 1930's - Flora, a high society London lady is suddenly orphaned. For adventure she goes to stay with distant relatives on an isolated farm. Flora is extremely creative and influential with other people's destinies. Entertaining, with interesting characters, though a bit "fluffy" and far-fetched. Well casted. 105 min.

The Day of the Locust (1975)

Drama - a fascinating look at desperate characters inhabiting Hollywood in the 1930's. Focus is on Tod Hackett, a Yale graduate struggling to succeed as an art director at a major Hollywood studio, and his next door neighbor Faye, who is fanatically clinging to a dream of becoming a Hollywood starlet. Stark looks at the human psyche. Fine actors (Donald Sutherland, Karen Black) make this come alive. 144 min.

I Am Legend (2007)

Sci-Fi - New York City 2012 - Dr. Robert Neville (Will Smith) is a virologist desperately seeking a cure for a vicious rabies-like virus that has infected all of New York and much of the East Coast. Robert lives as a lone survivor dodging the viral-infected cannibalistic victims who come out at night to feed. Fine acting and/but a far-fetched plot. 101 min.

The Bicycle Thief (1948)

Italian Drama - an oldie but goodie - black & white vivid story of a man who needs a bicycle to obtain a good paying job. He spends much of his savings to obtain the bike but then gets it stolen the very first day! In the search for his lost bike he faces an unforgettable sequence of adventures. Fine cast and lovely scenes in and around Rome. 89 min.

Border Cafe (2005)

Iranian Drama - Low budget independent film - Widow and mom, Reyhan bucks Islamic tradition by opening her own restaurant despite her conservative brother-in-law, Nasser and his strong resistance. Reyhan finds some support from her International clientele. Fascinatingly real characters and fine scenery. 105 min.