Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Comedy satire - spoofs local television news anchors. Ron Burgundy is a top-rated anchorman for San Diego in the 1970's. He faces serious competition from Veronica Corningstone, a lovely and intelligent female addition to the news crew. Fabulously funny and sometimes ridiculous, there are many priceless moments. Will Ferrell stars - and wrote much of this film. 103 min.

After Hours (1985)

Dark comedy - New York - girl meets boy in a coffee shop and invites him to her apartment in Soho. The girl has some serious emotional problems and the guy is put off. One thing after another happens to prevent this guy from returning home. It is a nightmare and at the same time funny. Fantastic story. Directed by Martin Scorsese. 97 min.

El Segundo Aire (2001)

Mexican Comedy/Drama - Upper middle class family - Husband is an architect and wife is a university professor. Julia (the wife) falls for a young ecology student while husband Moises is too busy with work to even notice (at first, anyway). Lots of very uncomfortable and funny scenes in this film, and the actors are extremely likable. Fun. 98 min.

Priceless (2008)

French Romantic Comedy - money-chasing beautiful girl starts to fall in love with a moneyless employee at a fine hotel on the French Riviera. Numerous adventures and mishaps - such a cute movie. Lovely cast of Audrey Tatou and Gad Elmaleh. 113 min.

The Hobart Shakespeareans (2004)

Documentary - Education - follows lower income fifth graders in L.A. as they struggle with their studies and the production of Shakespeare's Hamlet. With gifted teacher Rafe Esquith the students learn discipline, fair play, and to never give up. Inspiring and moving. A must see for educators. 52 min.

Saving Face (2005)

Chinese Romantic Drama - Charming story of finding true love in New York. A fun look at the intense social structure of 1st and second generation Chinese. So very well done. The actors are genuine, and lovely. 98 min.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

Science Fiction Comedy - based on a 5 book series! Arthur Dent (main character) is a regular kind of British fellow living in the country side. One day he realizes the earth is literally being destroyed by alien beings. He escapes demise with his good friend "Ford Prefect" who knows how to hitchhike to outer space. Adventures begin with alien planets and strange beings... Crazy and entertaining - weaving absurdity with profound thoughts on existence. I suspect the novel would allow one to pursue the ideas at a more relaxed pace. 110 min.

Milk (2008)

Drama - San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man voted into public office. While fighting for human rights with intelligence and passion he was assassinated in 1978. This film documents his rise to power. Very well acted by Sean Penn. 129 min.

Somersault (2006)

Drama - Australia - pubescent teenage girl nearly seduces her mom's boyfriend and has hell to pay. Excellent and very real performance by Abbie Cornish playing Heidi, our naive, lovely, lonely and foolish young girl. I found this movie fascinating and enjoyable. 106 min.

2 Days In Paris (2007)

Romantic comedy - roller coaster ups and downs for French-born Marion and her boyfriend Jack. Jack and Marion are put through the ringer as they visit Marion's home town in Paris and deal with Marion's parents and several of her ex-boyfriends. A funny, sad, and truthful look at love. Julie Delpy wrote, directed and starred in this thoughtful film. 100 min.

25th Hour (2002)

Drama - New York drug dealer has 24 hours left before starting a 7-year jail sentence. His lover, closest friends, and dad gather around him showing support - trying to get him to believe that things are going to be OK. Fine acting all around. (especially Edward Norton and Phillip Seymour Hoffman) Directed by Spike Lee. 135 min.