LOCAL COLOR- 2006. Written and directed by George Gallo. A formulaic film about a young artist (Gallo) who is inspired by his relationship with a cantankerous older artist. I just couldn’t continue watching this boring movie and turned it off. Netflix. 9/09
Add comment September 26th, 2009
BODY HEAT- 1981. Written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan and starring William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Ted Danson and Mickey Rourke. Hurt begins a relatonship with Turner, the wife of a rich businessman. They eventually plot how they can be together. Plot twists make this an exciting movie and I liked it. Netflix. 9/09
Add comment September 26th, 2009
LYMELIFE- 2008. Written and directed by Derick Martini and co-written by Steven Martini. Starring Alec Baldwin, Cynthia Nixon, Emma Roberts and the Culkin brothers. Coming of age in the 1970’s suburbia and in particular a look at two dysfunctional families. One great scene in particular between two brothers. I liked the movie. Netflix. 9/09
Add comment September 25th, 2009
THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE- Premise by Netflix. “Play Preview Filmed in about two weeks on a budget of less than $2 million, director Steven Soderbergh‘s experimental feature focuses on the life of a high-priced New York City call girl, played by bona fide porn star Sasha Grey. The movie tells its tale in nonlinear fashion, throwing random scenes at the viewer, who must piece together the puzzle to understand the story. Other than Grey, the actors are nonprofessionals who improvised many of their scenes.” Mixed reviews. I’ll see it.
Add comment September 24th, 2009
THE BROTHERS BLOOM- Premise by Netflix. “The Brothers Bloom made a name for themselves as the world’s best con men. Now, the younger (Adrien Brody) is ready to retire on the millions the pair has swindled. But when his brother (Mark Ruffalo) lures him into one last job, he reluctantly agrees. What he hasn’t counted on, though, is falling for their mark, an adventure-seeking heiress (Rachel Weisz). Robbie Coltrane and Babel’s Rinko Kikuchi co-star.” Mixed reviews.
Add comment September 24th, 2009
2007. A very interesting documentary about Dalton Trumbo, the writer, created with several movie actors reading his letters along with the usual talking heads. Lots of detail about the blacklisting of actors and screenwriters by the movie industry and it’s effect on them personally. A good documentary if a little repetitive. Netflix. 9/09
Add comment September 22nd, 2009
2008. Written and directed by Stephan Elliott and starring Jessica Beal, Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ben Barnes. Barnes marries an “unruly” American and brings her back to his English country estate . The family is not ready to accept her and in fact do all they can to get rid of her. The film was just OK. Netflix. 9/09
Add comment September 21st, 2009
DISGRACE- 2008. Directed by Steve Jacob. Premise by Netflix. “After an imprudent affair with a student, Cape Town professor David Lurie (John Malkovich) flees to his daughter’s remote farm to escape the scandal, only to find tragedy when a trio of black youths brutally assaults them. But Lurie is forced to face apartheid’s lasting repercussions when he discovers that one of the attackers is related to a trusted employee (Eriq Ebouaney) in this pensive drama based on J.M. Coetzee’s novel.”
4/10- Somewhat weak script but the usual great acting by Malkovich makes the movie. Great vistas of the mountains. TRDB.
Add comment September 20th, 2009
2008. Directed by Yoji Yamada and starring Sayuri Yoshinaga, the movie is based on the writings of Teruyo Nogami. A beautiful story about a woman in 1940 Japan whose husband is jailed for “treason” when he speaks against Japanese agression. The film is about how she survives and cares for her family while he is in prison. Great movie! Netflix. 9/09
Add comment September 18th, 2009
2007. Written and directed by Cecilia Miniucci. Starring Samantha Morton. About a lonely young woman who meets a weird social misfit. She has a brief inerlude from her lackluster life. The movie was just OK. Netflix Streaming. 9/09
Add comment September 18th, 2009