Posts filed under 'Seen at the Theater'
THE YOUNG VICTORIA- Premise by Netflix. “Eighteen-year-old British royal Victoria (Emily Blunt) ascends to the throne and is romanced by future husband Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) in this lush period film that chronicles the early years of the British monarch’s larger-than-life reign. Produced by Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the film also stars Miranda Richardson as the Duchess of Kent, Jim Broadbent as King William and Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne.”
12/09- The movie was interesting, informative with just enough suspense and I liked it. TRDB.
Tags: Drama/Romance
December 29th, 2009
UP IN THE AIR- Premise by Zap2it. “When a new co-worker wants to put an end to corporate downsizing expert Ryan Bingham’s frequent travel, he offers to take her on a tour to demonstrate the importance of face-to-face meetings. As he mentors his colleague, he also arranges a series of hookups with a fellow frequent traveler, and unexpectedly finds he’s developing true feelings for her. Also unexpectedly, Ryan begins to see the people he routinely fires in a new light.” Very good early reviews.
Netflix had this to say– “Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up major miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) — and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Jason Reitman‘s smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman as Bingham’s boss, Craig.
12/23/09- I saw this today and liked it– some depth, some funny parts and also some poignant moments. TRDB.
Tags: drama
December 8th, 2009
WILLIAM KUNSTLER: DISTURBING THE UNIVERSE- Premise by Netflix. “Filmmakers Sarah and Emily Kunstler delve into the life of their father, William Kunstler, whose controversial career and high-profile clients solidified his place in history as one of the most famous — and reviled — 20th-century lawyers. The documentary captures a deeply personal journey as the sisters trace their father’s shift from representing civil rights activists to defending accused rapists, Mafia bosses and terrorists.”
12/14/09- I was a guest speaker at a showing of this film in Lake Worth, Florida and liked it very much. While there may not be a whole lot of new material it was a great history lesson with great archival footage that only his family could have gotten. Highly recommended. TRDB.
Tags: documentary
December 7th, 2009
A SINGLE MAN- Premise by Netflix. “Based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood, this touching 1960s-era drama centers on a day in the life of George (Colin Firth), an English-born, Los Angeles college professor reeling from the recent death of his lover of 16 years. Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Ginnifer Goodwin and Nicholas Hoult also star in this directorial debut from former Gucci fashion designer Tom Ford.” \
12/26/09- I liked this movie very much. Be ready to enjoy a very sad movie. TRDB.
Tags: drama
December 7th, 2009
INVICTUS- Premise by Netflix. “In this sports drama based on real-life events, director Clint Eastwood tells the story of what happened after the end of apartheid when newly elected president Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches to unite his people. Based on a book by John Carlin, the film stars Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar, the captain of the scrappy South African team that makes a run for the championship.”
12/21/09- I saw this a few days ago in Florida and I was the only one who did not like it. I felt that it was way too Hollywood and therefore trivialized the great deeds that this man has accomplished. TRDB.
Tags: docudrama
December 7th, 2009
BROTHERS- Premise by Zap2it. “Siblings Sam and Tommy Cahill are as far apart as brothers can be; while Sam serves his country as a Marine, Tommy is a drifter who just got out of prison. When Sam is shot down and presumed dead in Afghanistan, Tommy vows to take care of Sam’s wife, Grace, and his children. Tommy and Grace become close, and when Sam unexpectedly returns home, the consequences of their actions threaten the foundation of the entire family.” Several great reviews.
12/21/09- I saw this in Florida a few days ago and liked it very much. Great study of family dynamics and great acting as well. Just when you think that there can’t be another anti-war movie with a different twist one more comes along. I actually liked Natalie Portman for a change. TRDB.
Tags: drama
November 28th, 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.
Tags: drama, Foreign
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.
Tags: drama
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.
Tags: Drama/Romance
November 20th, 2009
THE MAID- 2009. By Sebastian Silva and starring Catalina Saavedra. About a 41yr. old woman who has been a live-in maid for a well-to-do Chilean family for 20yrs. Either depressed or psycho she pouts through most of the movie and has a hostile dependent relationship with each member of the family. It’s only when an assistant hired to help her takes a liking to her and shows her that there’s more to life than taking care of someone else’s family that she begins to smile and take an interest in life.
I liked the movie very much and agree with the reviewer who said that this movie was “an intelligent microcosm of Latin social hierarchy.” TRDB.
Tags: drama, Foreign
November 5th, 2009
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