LA FEMME NIKITA- 1990. By Luc Besson and starring Anne Parillaud. She plays a petty criminal who is convicted of murder. She is rehabilitated as an assassin in exchange for her prison sentence. I saw this years ago and loved it and I enjoyed it again but nowhere like the first time. Netflix. 11/09
Add comment November 28th, 2009
ME AND ORSON WELLES- Premise by Zap2it. “After a chance encounter, theater-loving teen Richard Samuels gets the opportunity of a lifetime when famed director Orson Welles gives him a small role in his 1937 production of “Julius Caesar.” Unexpectedly thrust into the heady world of the stage, Richard finds himself surrounded by ambition, clashing egos and sheer brilliance.”
9/10- Described as light and frothy or the equivalent by most reviewers and I agree. I think you can skip this one. Netflix.
Add comment November 24th, 2009
A CHRISTMAS TALE- 2008. About an extended family in France with an ailing matriarch. The theme is about the family getting together at their childhood home for a Christmas visit and dinner. There is lots of bad blood spilled before and during the visit, most of which stems from an early family trauma. I loved the movie and the relationships between the various family members. Comcast ON-DEMAND. 12/08
Add comment November 24th, 2009
PAPER HEART- Premise by Netflix. “Play Preview Eccentric performer and romantic skeptic Charlyne Yi embarks on a quest to learn the true nature of love — and gathers some surprising findings when she begins a relationship with actor Michael Cera. Real-life sweethearts Yi and Cera star as themselves in this quirky hybrid of documentary and scripted comedy. The charming romance was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.”
12/3/09- I saw and liked this quirky mockumentary. TRDB
Add comment November 22nd, 2009
BROKEN EMBRACES- Premise by Netflix. “Aging filmmaker Mateo Blanco (Lluís Homar) — aka screenwriter Harry Caine — tells his assistant (Tamar Novas) about life before the accident that left him blind, when he became embroiled in a torrid affair with aspiring actress Lena (Penélope Cruz). Harry’s story involves his agent, Judit (Blanca Portillo), and deceitful financier Ernesto Martel (José Luis Gómez). Pedro Almodovar writes and directs this colorful, romantic and tragic thriller.”
12/25/09- I liked this movie a lot. Beautiful photography and beautiful Cruz as well. You’ll probably have questions and lots of discussion at the end. TRDB.
Add comment November 20th, 2009
THE BLIND SIDE- 2009. Premise by Netflix. Oversized African American Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), the teen son of a murdered father and a crack-addicted mother, is homeless at age 16. Taken in by an affluent Memphis couple, Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock) and Sean (Tim McGraw), Michael embarks on a remarkable rise to play for the NFL. Based on Michael Lewis’s bestseller, this inspirational sports tale also stars Kathy Bates as Michael’s persistent tutor, Miss Sue.”
2/10- A little of Hollywood shows through frequently but I still enjoyed the movie. TRDB.
Add comment November 20th, 2009
CRAZY HEART- Premise by Netflix. “When small town reporter Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal) seeks out Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) — an alcoholic, seen-better-days country music legend — for an interview, they make a connection, and hard-living Blake sees a possible saving grace in a life with Jean and her young boy. Is he ready to leave behind a life playing in the shadow of Tommy (Colin Farrell), the upstart kid he once mentored? Robert Duvall produces and co-stars.”
1/24/10- Just saw this and liked it. Great music also. For me, a weak Gyllenhaal kept it from being even better. The movie reminded me a little too much of “The Wrestler.” TRDB.
Add comment November 20th, 2009
THAT EVENING SUN- 2009. Directed by Scott Teems. Premise by Zap2it. “Vowing not to die in a nursing home, Abner Meecham leaves the facility and returns to his Tennessee farm. There, an unpleasant surprise awaits him: Abner’s son has leased the property to ne’er-do-well Lonzo Choat and his white-trash family. Abner suspects that the Choats will not be able to afford the farm, and moves into a shack to await their departure. Tensions escalate between Abner and Lonzo, who are each determined not to give in to the other.” Great early reviews especially in relation to Hal Holbrook.
9/10- The script was a bit erratic but Hal Holbrook was very good in this film about memories and forgiveness. I liked it. TRDB. Netflix.
Add comment November 10th, 2009
WHERE GOD LEFT HIS SHOES- 2007. Written and directed by Salvatore Stabile and starring John Leguizamo. About a familoy that has been evicted and is living in a shelter. The husband spends a day searching for a job so that they can qualify for an apartment in the projects. The film was very well done, very realistic and had a very honest screenplay. I liked it a lot. Netflix. 11/09
See other posts about this movie also.
Add comment November 8th, 2009
MAMMOTH- Premise by Netflix. “Lukas Moodysson writes and directs this drama centered on three intersecting stories, one of a traveling New Yorker named Leo (Gael García Bernal), another of his surgeon wife, Ellen (Michelle Williams), and also the children of their Filipino nanny, Gloria (Marife Necesito), in the Philippines. A series of dramatic events unfolds after Leo visits Thailand, causing everyone to reexamine their priorities. Sophie Nyweide co-stars.
1/10- The movie was really about the bind for families worldwide who must work and leave the care of their children to others, paid or not paid. Very well done and I liked the movie a lot. Comcast On-Demand. 1/10.
Add comment November 5th, 2009