EDGE OF DARKNESS

“Edge of Darkness” presents me with problems. The production values are excellent. Money was spent on sets, costumes, technology, cast and crew. Every element of the presentation is first rate.

The story is action packed and moves along at a rapid pace. The use of dream sequences and flashbacks is handled well and is appropriate to telling the story.

Mel Gibson does a competent job in the featured role of a veteran police detective. Ray Winstone, as usual, steals every scene he is in as a hit man with a strong moral compass as he sees his own mortality coming to an end. Bojana Novakovic is fine as the only child of Gibson’s character.

Now, the problem, this film seems like a mixture of “All the President’s Men,” in 1976 and Gibson’s own “Conspiracy Theory” film of 1997. This film always seemed to be rehashing something from older films.

I just never bought into this film on any level, emotionally or intellectually. It is a well made film, but all I asked myself was why it was being shown in 2010, if it had nothing new to say.

It never rose above the tagline of being “yesterday’s news.”

EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES

“Extraordinary Measures” is a film about children in peril. If you make such a story, you automatically create audience involvement.

The missing ingredient in most films is caring. We watch bullets flying, cars crashing, buildings blowing up, supernatural creatures killing and being killed by the thousands, but we don’t feel compelled to be emotionally concerned.

If you can watch this film and not feel joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, I would hope to never meet you.

The filmmakers could have used this true story of the Crowley family to manipulate the audience, but the director, Tom Vaughan, does not do that. The story is told in a very straightforward manner and the facts of the story provide the emotion, not any over the top dramatics by the actors.

Brendan Fraser is awkward as the father and slowly it dawned on me that any parent would be confused and unsure what to do next if their children were in crisis.

Harrison Ford is Harrison Ford, he does not need my recommendation.

If you are a parent or intend to be one, you need to see this film, but if you intend to be a superhero, there are about ten other films you could see.

THE BOOK OF ELI

“THE BOOK OF ELI” captures the audience from the opening scene and it holds on for most of the two hour running time.
One of the biggest selling points in this film is that it gives you enough essence of a character to make you care about that character. You may want to see the character live or die, but you have an interest. The story’s ability to involve you is what makes it stand out
from the growing list of post-apocalyptic survivor films of the “Mad Max” genre.
Denzel Washington’s Eli is not a cartoon hero, early on he sees a woman in distress, what he does tells you this is not your standard superhero at work.

The outstanding talents of Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis ( the voice of Meg on “The Family Guy” TV show), Jennifer Beals and Tom Waits, helps make this a movie worth leaving the house to see.
They don’t quite know how to handle the end of the movie, but that is a forgivable sin, in a story that concerns the possibility of the entire world coming to an end.
I was at the early show and I had to sit in the second row, I think this level of large audiences will be the norm for quite awhile.
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COMMENTS: R. K. IN BROOKLYN ---
Just back from seeing BOOK OF ELI, Denzel at 55 still rules the screen. Suspend reality in a dismal, daunting presentation & enjoy the focus on the power of faith & the stellar performances. Is there a better screen villain in recent time then Gary Oldman?
Remember his famous line from "The Professional" where he was the drug fueled crooked narc & he yelled to an underling during the climatic confrontaion, when he needed help with
the well armed hitman:
BRINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG EVVVVVERRRRRYYYYBODY!!!

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THIS ANONYMOUS COMMENT WAS GIVEN:

The one negative I read about by the critics....a few major flaws in the plot. Denzel wearing a long raincoat in the hot desert....gangsters lying in wait next to a road when victims come by seemingly once a year....the ending, as you said, was called out. Can't wait to see it however.

*** THE TEMPTATION TO COMMENT ON A FILM BY PIECING TOGETHER ELEMENTS FROM VARIOUS

CRITICS IS NOT REALLY PRACTICAL UNTIL YOU SEE THE FILM FOR YOURSELF AND THEN YOU CAN

GIVE VALUE TO THE OPINIONS.

I SAY THE PICTURE WAS HOT AND BIG - ANOTHER CRITIC SAID IT WAS COLD AND SMALL - UNTIL YOU SEE IT AND THROW THE WEIGHT OF YOUR EXPERIENCE TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER OR DECIDE THAT WE BOTH MISSED THE POINT -- NO REAL PURPOSE IS SERVED BY RECOUNTING DIFFERENCES IN RANDOM COMMENTS MADE BY OTHERS. ONCE YOU SEE THE FILM, YOU CAN BE THE JUDGE - UNTIL THEN, AND I DON'T MEAN THIS IN A NEGATIVE WAY -- YOU ARE MERELY MENTIONING GOSSIP.

THE ROAD

MY GOD, THIS MOVIE HAS NO TARGET AUDIENCE. ONLY A HARDCORE SADIST WOULD WANT TO SEE "THE ROAD."
THEY DID NOT DUMB IT DOWN FOR THE TEENAGE / CHILDISH ADULT MARKET. THEY DID NOT ROMANTICIZE IT FOR THE FEMALE AUDIENCE.
THEY DID NOT CREATE A SUPERHERO FOR THE MACHO MALE AUDIENCE.

THE ROAD IS THE MOST BASIC - HARDCORE SURVIVAL FILM EVER MADE.

THIS FILM IS JUST BRUTAL - IT HAS NO SOFT EDGES. THE WORLD IS DYING: TREES AND ALL VEGETATION ARE ON THE WAY OUT OF EXISTENCE - ANIMALS - HUMANS - INSECTS - EVERYTHING IS DYING AND THEY NEVER MENTION THE CAUSE OF THIS CATACLYSMIC FATE. THEY NEVER MAKE ANY SORT OF POLITICAL STATEMENT ABOUT THEIR PLIGHT.
THIS IS THE MOST BARE BONES FILM YOU WILL EVER SEE. THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS FILM THAT IS OUTSIDE THE EXPERIENCE OF THE TWO MAIN CHARACTERS:
VIGGO MORTENSEN, THE FATHER AND KODI SMIT-McPHEE, THE SON.
THE STORY IS ABOUT THESE TWO TRYING TO SURVIVE AND REMAIN HUMAN
IN A WORLD WHERE THERE IS ALMOST NO FOOD AND PEOPLE HUNT, KILL AND EAT
THEIR FELLOW HUMANS TO SURVIVE.
THIS FILM IS LIKE NO OTHER - IT IS TELLING A BRUTAL STORY IN A BRUTAL WAY AND IS IT NOT COMPROMISING TO ATTRACT ANY SPECIAL DEMOGRAPHIC AUDIENCE.
THE MOVIE IS NOT REALLY ADVERTISED -- YOU HAVE TO FIND IT.
ROBERT DUVALL IS IN THE FILM AS THE OLD MAN AND I DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM FOR THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES OF HIS SCREEN TIME AS A SUPPORTING ACTOR.
CHARLIZE THERON IS THE MOTHER, AND SHE IS THE FIRST AND ONLY PRETTY FACE IN THIS FILM.
GUY PEARSE OF L.A. CONFIDENTIAL IS THE SHOTGUN CARRYING "GOOD GUY" AT THE BEACH..
THE AUTHOR IS CORMAC McCARTHY, WHO WROTE - "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN."
THIS IS A GREAT FILM, BUT IT WON'T BE SEEN BY MANY - IT IS TOO PURE - IT IS
NOT SELLING ITS VISION FOR ANY SPECIAL AUDIENCE - IT IS APPEALING TO
THE INTELLIGENT ELEMENT OF THE MOVIE GOING PUBLIC -- A FORMULA DESIGNED TO INSURE THAT ONLY A FEW WILL EVER SEE THIS POST-APOCALYPSE FILM.
***
I JUST HAVE TO MENTION HOW GREAT VIGGO MORTENSEN IS IN EVERYTHING HE
DOES ON SCREEN. THIS ACTOR HAS A NAME THAT DOES NOT MAKE YOU THINK OF A
MOVIE STAR AND YET, THAT MIGHT BE HIS POINT, HE IS AN ACTOR, NOT A STAR SEEKING POPULARITY FROM THE PUBLIC.
THE MAN WAS EXCELLENT IN "BOILING POINT" WITH WESLEY SNIPES AND DENNIS HOPPER. HE JUST CREATED TWO GREAT CHARACTERS IN "EASTERN PROMISES" AND "A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE." HE WAS IN "THE LORD OF THE RINGS" SERIES ( WHICH I NEVER WATCHED, I CAN'T WORK UP ANY CONCERN FOR THE STORY ), WHERE I JUST ASSUME HE DID WHAT HE ALWAYS DOES, A GREAT JOB.
VIGGO IS ONE OF THOSE FEW ACTORS THAT SHOULD BRING YOU TO THE THEATRE BY JUST HAVING HIS NAME IN THE CREDITS.

NINE

I can’t say a bad word about the stars of “Nine.” Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Judi Dench and the legendary Sophia Loren are wonderful performers.
The production values are all in place, they spent big money on the sets, clothes and musical numbers.
“Nine” has transformed a great whimsical movie of the 1960s into a contemporary musical. The aspirations of the filmmakers are high and this is both the blessing and the curse of “Nine.” They made a quality film, but since they made such a film, they are being held to a higher standard than “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 25.”
The movie is 30 minutes too long, the music is well staged, but not memorable. The format seems to line up each star for their share of stage time and it is all very predictable. I hate to knock this film, but it wants to be taken very seriously and yet, the spark of greatness is not there; it is worth the trip to the theater, but it is more a six, than a nine.

SHERLOCK HOLMES

This was not the Sherlock Holmes I grew up knowing – this was Sherlock Holmes on steroids.
The original essence of this character was to place brains before brawn. This new Holmes seems more like Wyatt Earp in Dodge City, fist fights and guns blazing.

The production values of this film are just flat out sensational. A beautiful recreation of London 150 years ago, fabulous sets and costumes.

The chemistry between Robert Downey’s detective and his friend, Dr. John Watson, played by Jude Law, is excellent. Mark Strong as the villain and Eddie Marsan as Inspector Lestrade do very well.

I just don’t know if this was really a Sherlock Holmes movie I watched.The elements of senseless violence and explosions, tells me that this film was playing down to an adolescence demographic that would place action before intellect.

The film took the low road on many occasions, but with the superior acting, they got away with it most of the time.

When I like the sets, more than the story, there is something wrong. I think they got a little too

cute for their own good - they played for comedy at the expense of the plot.

INVICTUS

Theater managers Charles Rabun and Randy Frachiseur asked my opinion of the film, “Invictus.”
My answer put a smile on their faces, I told them to order extra popcorn and candy for the concession stand.
It is my heartfelt opinion that Clint Eastwood is incapable of making a bad film. I can’t think of a director since Frank Capra, who was so synch with the American movie going public.
Clint makes all the right decisions about:
his stories
the cast
the proper moment to end a scene
avoiding clichés and trite material
When you put Eastwood behind the camera and Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon in front of the lens, you are going to have a winner.
The film had me overcome with emotion on several occasions, not due to manipulation, but due to solid, basic, honest story telling.
When you have a man in a prison cell for 27 years and he becomes the leader of his nation, no cheap theatrics are needed to enhance that tale, the drama is inherent.
If you miss this film, you are cheating yourself of a wonderful experience. This is a quality film from start to finish.

BROTHERS

One of the basic questions my colleagues and I ask when reviewing a film is whether the movie is worth leaving home to see. “Brothers” is worth the trip and the price of a ticket.
So many films seem to be little more than someone turning on a camera, letting it run and about two hours later, turning it off.
"BROTHERS" is a real film, it has a story, great acting, interesting characters, compelling
scenes, which require you to involve yourself both intellectually and emotionally. Director Jim Sheridan never stays too long in a scene; he makes his point and moves on. A lesser talent would try to milk these emotional circumstances and turn this into a melodrama of the type shown on daytime television.
I can’t imagine anyone who could see this film and not be affected by the trauma of war – both in Afghanistan and at the dining room table of a returning soldier’s home; a man who endured more than a human should ever have to experience.
Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman, Sam Shepard and
Clifton Collins, Jr. ( a great character actor, you see often, but never know his name ), are all deserving of honors for their work. This is the real deal.

BLIND SIDE

“The Blind Side” is a positive, uplifting movie. This is a film that you can easily and quickly tell was not going to be a hard hitting, slice of life, expose of the dark side of human nature. I felt at least four of the real life people portrayed in the story had the right to approve the material presented. No one comes off looking negative in this story.
There is even a mild racial confrontation at a football game and
neither side seems unreasonable. No foul language is used and both the liberal woman and the racist man are polite and civil.
This film is designed to make everyone involved look good. I can’t think of a villain in the story. Even the drug dealers are more bark than bite.
Sandra Bullock delivers a tremendous amount of snappy punch-lines as the central character. This movie has no real threats to challenge the characters, very little is at risk, so the drama and tension are not present. The saving grace is that each of the family members have a distinct personality and we can identify with them. Football fans will enjoy seeing the various real life college coaches hamming up the screen in their cameo roles.
This is a well made film, but more geared to network television, than a theatrical presentation.

PRECIOUS

THIS IS MARIAH CAREY CANNON -- SEE IF YOU SPOT HER IN "PRECIOUS,"

I DID NOT .

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"PRECIOUS" IS JUST A FLAT OUT TREMENDOUS MOVIE. IT IS PAINFUL TO WATCH, IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE PAINFUL TO WATCH.

THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE CHILDISHLY OPTIMISTIC MOVIES, WHERE YOU KNOW

EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT AT THE END.

IT IS NOT ONE OF THOSE MOVIES WHERE THE MUSIC TELLS YOU HOW YOU SHOULD FEEL. I DON'T RECALL IF THERE WAS ANY SOUND TRACK THEME AT ALL.

THIS MOVIE IS ALL TOO CLOSE TO LIFE -- YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL WILL HAPPEN NEXT AND YOU HAVE NO REASON TO THINK IT WILL BE A GOOD THING WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN.

I AM NOT GOING TO SAY MUCH ABOUT "PRECIOUS," IF YOU FAIL TO ATTEMPT TO SEE THIS MOVIE, YOUR LIFE IS DIMINISHED. CIRCUMSTANCES MAY PREVENT YOUR

ATTENDING THE MOVIE, BUT IF YOU DON'T MAKE THE EFFORT, I HAVE TO QUESTION YOUR INTELLIGENCE - I HAVE TO WONDER WHAT YOU WOULD GO SEE

THAT IS MORE MEANINGFUL AND THOUGHT PREVOLKING THAN THIS FILM.

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MANY PEOPLE WILL ASSUME THAT GABOUREY SIDIBE, PLAYING THE ROLE OF PRECIOUS JONES IS THE STAR OF THE FILM --- THIS IS NOT THE CASE, "GABBY" IS WONDERFUL, BUT MO'NIQUE IS THE STAR OF THIS FILM - HER PERFORMANCE IS

INCREDIBLE - A ONCE IN A LIFETIME ROLE MEETS ONCE IN A LIFETIME PERFORMANCE.

AS WITH DOCTOR HANNIBAL LECTOR, THE VILLAIN IS THE STAR.

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I HAVE TO SALUTE BOTH MARIAH CAREY AND LENNIE KRAVITZ FOR THEIR WORK.

I DID NOT RECOGNIZE MARIAH, I NEVER SAW HER WHEN SHE WAS NOT COVER GIRL GLAMOUROUS. HERE SHE IS NOT MRS. NICK CANNON, SHE IS MS. WEISS.

LENNIE IS WONDERFUL IN HIS ROLE BECAUSE HE IS NOT ACTING, HE IS JUST A GUY IN THE FILM - IT IS AS IF HE IS MAKING A DOCUMENTARY - HE IS SO PLAIN, BASIC AND SIMPLE IN BEING "NURSE JOHN," THAT HE TRULY BECOMES "NURSE JOHN."

HIS PERFORMANCE PROVES THAT "LESS IS MORE."

I HAVE TO MENTION PAULA PATTON, AN ACTRESS I NEVER HEARD OF BEFORE AND I WILL LOOK FOR IN HER BRIGHT FUTURE. SHE IS THE DEDICATED TEACHER, GOING THE EXTRA MILE - BUT SHE DOES IT IN A REALISTIC AND LOW KEYED MANNER, WITHOUT THE CLICHE DRAMA THAT YOU FIND IN A BAD MOVIE. SHE IS NOT PLAYING A NOBLE PERSON, SHE IS PLAYING A CARING PERSON SANS THE HYPE THIS

ROLE NORMALLY CARRIES.

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WHEN YOU LIKE A MOVIE THIS MUCH AND THAT MOVIE IS NOT PLEASANT TO WATCH - YOU ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF A FINE DIRECTOR - LEE DANIELS IS THAT

MAN ( SEE HIS "SHADOWBOXER" FILM WITH CUBA GOODING AND HELEN MIRREN ).

OPRAH AND TYLER PERRY HAVE TO GET CREDIT FOR HELPING TO BRING ALL THIS

TALENT AND EXPERTISE TOGETHER IN A MOVIE THAT IS GREAT, BUT VERY DIFFICULT TO LOOK AT.

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PEOPLE COME TO THE THEATRE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN -- I WAS BORN DURING THE TRUMAN ADMINISTRATION AND I WAS NOT PREPARED TO HANDLE THE LANGUAGE AND SITUATIONS OF ABUSE IN THIS FILM - WHY WOULD ANYONE BRING PRE-TEENS

TO THIS FILM - WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY THINKING?

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COMMENTS:

*** DAVE AGOSTO IN OHIO -

I always appreciate your insight, I agree on EVERY account. I couldn't say enough about Mo'nique. Your comparison to Dr. Lector is a great analogy. Wow, what a great piece of work. The movie being tough to watch is what made it great to watch.
My wife was quick to point our Ms. Carey or I would not have known her. An underplayed great job on her part.
*** JEAN CUMMINGS IN BROOKLYN -
Great review. I'm going to see it this weekend with my daughters. fyi - Paula Patton was in "Idlewild" with Andre 3000 from Outkast.
*** DONNA IN ORLANDO -
Yes, it was very powerful! FYI, Paula Patton is Robin Thicke's wife.
TEXAS LADY IN --- TEXAS
*** I HAVE HEARD THIS MOVIE DISCUSSED ON N.P.R. AND I DO WANT TO SEE IT. A PROBLEM IN THE BIBLE BELT IS THAT GOOD CINEMA IS NOT UNDERSTOOD AND REAL ISSUES IGNORED, BUT I WILL LOOK UNTIL I FIND IT, MAYBE THE ANGELICA THEATER IN DALLAS WILL PLAY IT.
DEBBIE ALLEN IN NEW JERSEY -
*** I was blown away by Monique's acting. She was superb. As you said, the movie is hard to watch, the reason for that is although this is a fictional account it's hard to believe that this kind of thing actually happens. Let's give Gabby her props, for a new actress she did extremely well. She did better than some that have been acting for years. I loved this movie even though it was hard to watch.
A. HENDERSON IN CARMEL CIRCLE, INDIANA -
***"Hard to watch" doesn't even come close. There were several times in the first 15 minutes when I thought that there was no way I could possibly endure what I was watching and that I would just have to leave, but I didn't. And I'm glad. Rough, yep, it was.
"It Took a Long Time" was right on the spot as the final musical selection. I sat, watched the credits, listened to that beautiful song..... and wept.
PLAY THE SONG --
http://www.last.fm/music/Labelle/_/It+Took+A+Long+Time?autostart
RANDY JAMES - CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA ---
*** Beth and I saw Precious last night and I agree with your assessment that it is a powerful must-see movie on more than one front.
The disturbing aspect of the film, however, is not because of a flaw in the film and its brutal honesty, but in our (society, in general), refusal to face reality. We tend to believe in things as we want them to be, rather than how they really are. We want to believe in the power of ourselves to make the significant differences in our lives, rather than the reality that says that most of the major decisions of our lives are controlled by forces upon which we have little control (country of our birth, educational and emotional stability and earning power of our parents, and the barriers or non-barriers society will place upon us based on our size, color and ethnicity).
Finally, and foremost, we like to believe that everyone has the capacity to overcome their personal circumstances, and make the world a better place for themselves and their children. And while the statistics say otherwise, we hold onto these misconceptions. We need to; otherwise we would be overcome by guilt and the feeling that we deserve our place in life, and the less fortunate deserve theirs;
Precious is a victim of her environment and her "family circumstances", just as much as I suspect that her mother (brilliantly played by Mo'Nique) was of hers. The fact that 80% of Welfare recipients are 2nd or 3rd generation welfare recipients remind us that although every now and then someone will break through to relative financial independence, the fact remains that the large majority will remain in their subservient status.
A large percent of our population still believe in the illogical perception that a person being fat, black and out of shape is not at a disadvantage to someone more pleasing to the eye, be it in school, the workplace or in social settings. And finally, if you think that Precious' own children stand an equal chance to succeed if they remain with their mother, then you are again living in that illusionary world that allows one to view such a movie "disturbing". We are a hopeful people. But much of that hope exists only because we turn a blind eye to reality. The financial, educational and emotional stability of one's parents still is the number one factor in determining one's status in life, many exceptions noted. But hose exceptions remain a drop in the bucket to the situation at large.
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RANE PARISH ( A FILMMAKER ) IN TORONTO, CANADA -
So I just saw Precious and I have to say I was a bit disappointed after hearing so many amazing reviews of the film. Don't get me wrong, it was a strong piece but I think most of its impact was due to the shock of Precious' horrific existence rather than the movie's narrative or character development... in other words, it ain't The Color Purple. Mo'nique was amazing, especially in the end scene. That was as real as it gets. She deserves all the accolades coming her way for sure. The film also left me wondering that why is it that when women are portrayed as tragic figures, their tragedies are compounded to the nth degree? Remember Million Dollar Baby? It wasn't enough that the protagonist had to be paralyzed, she had to get gangrene too. And then she had to bite her tongue off in an effort to bleed to death. Good grief! Wasn't the fact that Precious was fat, unattractive and dark skinned in America, illiterate, sexually abused, emotionally and physically abused by her parents, the young mother of two children by her own father; one of them a Downs Syndrome child enough? Did they really have to give her a death sentence as well? Not that this sh*t hasn't happened to somebody but come on! Still, I'm happy to see a weighty film about Black folks make it to the screen. Hopefully its success will make it possible to make films somewhere between the raw and relentless like Precious and the empty fodder from Tyler Perry and his ilk.

2012

I did not want to see any picture associated with director Roland Emmerich after suffering thru his earlier film, “The Day After Tomorrow.”

Kyle Jenkins, a senior at Mauldin High and a serious movie fan, said he rated this film very high. I am glad I listened to his opinion. The special effects are just flat out sensational. The work of the cast is very good: John Cusack, Danny Glover,
Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt, WOODY HARRELSON and the central actor, with a name you can’t pronounce, Chiewetel Ejiofor.
This film runs 158 minutes, that is a long time to sit in the dark, but this film is worth the
investment. I figured this for just a special effects driven, poorly plotted film, designed for the teenage market with a video game mindset. Much like the excellent, “ Batman - The Dark Knight,” “2012” becomes important because it has the one ingredient that so many recent films lack, the plot is compelling – tremendously compelling. You won’t just sit and watch the story, you will be forced to take sides, make judgments, feel outrage and guilt. There are a lot of over the top action sequences that are very unrealistic, but the moral issues are the driving force behind this film. Director Emmerich has done very well.

AMELIA

This movie will not do well at the box office. It has no foul language, walks gingerly around an extra marital affair, has no nude scenes, both blood and gore
are absent. This is a straight down the line biography of the high and low points in the life of revolutionary female airplane pilot, Amelia Earhart during the 1930s.

There is nothing very creative about the film. It is solid and has wonderful production values.
“Amelia” is true old school filmmaking; I expected to see Clark Gable or
Bette Davis appear on the screen at any moment.
I can’t imagine anyone under age 40 really getting into this romantic drama. It is strictly adult fare and that is very rare these days. It has a History Channel persona and no surprises -- it marches in a clear north to south line and lacks any need for the viewer to get involved emotionally until the very last moments.
Hilary Swank and Richard Gere are fine in their roles.

GOOD HAIR

I have heard negative comments about this documentary on the subject of African American cosmetology / hair care.
There has been a charge that Chris Rock was making fun of women. That he focused only on a small segment of the multi-billion dollar hair care industry. That his film won’t interest
non-black viewers. That he does not offer any solutions to the questions he brings forth in the film.
My view is that Mister Rock has done a MAGNIFICENT job of bringing the need for society to strike a balance between inner beauty and mere appearance.
He does as fine a job of raising pertinent issues as a Mike Wallace or Walter Cronkite would do and much like these legendary journalist, he can’t answer the questions raised, that is for the audience to wrestle with once the film ends. Using regular folks and celebrities and traveling half way around the world, Chris has framed the questions with intelligence and a sense of humor – it is not fair to ask him to do our job and reach finite conclusions for us.
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WHILE GROWING UP IN QUEENS, NEW YORK, MY DAUGHTER, VALERIE, WAS FRIENDS WITH TWO VERY NICE GIRLS, SANDRA DENTON AND CHERYL JAMES; BOTH LADIES ARE FEATURED IN THIS FILM UNDER THEIR PROFESSIONAL NAMES -
"SALT AND PEPA."
THEIR VERY HONEST AND SINCERE COMMENTS GIVE THIS FILM THE KIND OF
CREDIBILITY WHICH CAUSED ME TO USE THE WORD MAGNIFICENT TO DECRIBE THE PRODUCTION.
CHRIS, A SON OF BROOKLYN, CAN BE PROUD OF THIS VENTURE INTO A DOCUMENTARY FORMAT.
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COMMENTS FROM ARDENA WILLIAMS IN WASHINGTON D.C.---
I saw "Good Hair" and I agree with you....it was funny yet informative and well made. I already knew about the dangers of the various hair products and the obession some people have with weaves, wigs, extensions, relaxers. etc.
Nonetheless, it was still very entertaining and full of facts. I remember back in the mid 1990s, Oprah's beautifican cautioned women not to use "No Lye" relaxers because they were actually more harmful than the lye based ones and caused more damage (balding, hair breakage, etc.). Those women in India are really getting the short end of the stick......their hair sells for millions and they see none of that profit after they have shaved their heads.
I did not know, until I saw Chris's movie" about the business tactics which India uses to profit from the hair weaving business.
Personally, I have never understood why women who have plenty of hair or who could easily grow their own hair would want a weave to begin with. I actually had one beautician to tell me that she could not do my hair because it is not a weave and that she was shocked that it was all my real hair because it is so long. How crazy is that?? My hair comes way down my back and every other beautician I have been to preferred real hair any day over weaved hair.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

The book was written in 1963. I studied it in a graduate school course on children’s literature in 1971.
It is a masterpiece and it only has ten sentences in the entire book.
That may be the problem with the movie.
Working from a base of only ten sentences, director Spike Jonze has turned Maurice Sendak’s, “Where The Wild Things Are,” into a one hour and 44 minute movie.
I love the book. I think the movie is very creative, very artistic, has great production values; you can see no expense was too great for this production.
Yet, the movie did not connect with me.
Filling all that time with only ten lines of guidance created directions that were different from my conception of the story and I was not comfortable with what I was seeing.
As my 35 year old son put it, I was given steak, when I wanted hamburger.
This was a quality film, but not to my liking. I can’t fault the filmmakers, with only ten lines to build on, they did a good job, just not to my vision and maybe not to that of many in the audience.
This is not a feel good story, it has serious issues and dark themes.

COUPLES RETREAT

I enjoyed this film. It had several moments when it was unfocused, thus causing a running time of over 145 minutes; yet the good times out-weighed the bad.
The running time is a real issue, a romantic comedy should not last more than 90 minutes, that is my red flag number and it is seldom wrong. The saving grace of this film is that the characters all acquired depth as the story goes along. The scenes of each couple working with a therapist to find and repair the flaws in their marriage are worthy of your full attention. Those scenes are the high point of this film. The target audience for this production is married people over age 30. That makes this a rare film in a teenage driven industry. Peter Billingsley, the former child star who played little Ralphie, in the cult classic, “A CHRISTMAS STORY,” was the director. Mister Billingsley has to do a better job of separating the wheat from the chaff and watching the clock in future productions.

THE PRESTIGE

THE PRESTIGE IS PURE QUALITY -- THIS PICTURE SHOULD BE SUB-TITLED, QUALITY. THERE IS NO ELEMENT OF THIS FILM THAT IS NOT FIRST RATE. PRODUCTION VALUES CAN BE WONDERFUL AND YOU MIGHT STILL END UP WITH A PIECE OF TRASH LIKE, GODFATHER III, BUT THIS FILM HAS ALL THE BASES COVERED:
** CHRIS NOLAN IS THE DIRECTOR -- THAT MEANS QUALITY - "BATMAN BEGINS" - "MEMENTO" - "FOLLOWING" ( A "LITTLE" FILM YOU SHOULD RENT, IF YOU LIKE ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S WORK )
** HUGH JACKMAN, MICHAEL CAINE, CHRISTIAN BALE, SCARLETT JOHANSSON ARE ALL AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME AND DAVID BOWIE IS BEYOND PERFECTION IN HIS ROLE
** THE CINEMATOGRAPHY IS IMPECCABLE AND THE BRIEF SCENE OF A STEAM ENGINE LOCOMOTIVE TRAVELING ON ROUGH MOUNTAIN TERRAIN IS WORTHY OF A LIFETIMEMEMORY, EVEN FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LIVED AN EVENTFUL LIFE
** EVERY WORD SPOKEN IN THIS FILM IS A CLUE / HINT OF THINGS TO COME. THERE IS NO FILLER IN THIS LONG AND CONVOLUTED TALE AND IF YOU ARE NOT MENTALLY SHARP, STAY HOME. IF YOU ARE SHARP AND FULLY IN CONTROL OF YOUR FACULTIES, YOU WILL STILL HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE DEPTH OF WHAT IS UNFOLDING ON THE LARGE SCREEN IN THE DARK ROOM YOU ARE SHARING WITH SO MANY STRANGERS, WHO ARE JUST AS LOST AS YOU ARE. - BUT THIS ONE OF THOSE RARE FILMS WHERE BEING LOST IS OKAY - THEY WILL RESCUE YOU FROM YOUR IGNORANCE BEFORE THE LIGHTS COME ON THIS IS ANOTHER OF WHAT I CALL THE HERCULE POIROT, MURDER ON THE ORIENTEXPRESS, TYPE MOVIES --- YOU HAVE TO WAIT TO THE VERY END TO HAVE THEM GO BACK AND PUT ALL THE PIECES TOGETHER FOR YOU -- AND PREPARE YOURSELF FOR YOUR FRIENDS, WHO WILL LIE AND SAY THEY KNEW THIS OR THAT, ALL ALONG -- EINSTEIN AND SHERLOCK HOLMES, COULD NOT PUT THIS ALL TOGETHER AND IF YOUR PALS COULD, THEY WOULD BE WATCHING THIS FILM AT BILL GATES' HOUSE; AFTER DELIVERING A LECTURE TO THE NATIONAL MENSA SOCIETY ON THE NEED TO UPGRADE THEIR STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION TO THAT ORGANIZATION.
THIS IS A DON'T MISS IT FILM IF YOU LOVE A GOOD STORY. IT IS A TALE WORTHY OF DICKENS -- I THOUGHT IT SHARED SOMETHING WITH, A CHRISTMAS CAROL - WHAT I CAN'T REALLY SAY, BUT THAT STORY CAME TO MIND AS I WATCHED THIS VERY CLEVER TALE PLAY ITSELF OUT.
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS SMALL HINT -- THIS STORY IS NOT ABOUT MAGIC AND IT HAS NO HERO --- IT IS ABOUT OBSESSION -- OBSESSION TO THE EXTREME.

SURROGATES

I liked this film, which does not make it a good film, but fortunately for me, the elements of a good film are all present in “SURROGATES.”
Bruce Willis does a nice job as the same type of man he played so well in “16 BLOCKS.” A burned out lawman, but able to rise to the occasion and see his case through to the conclusion, no matter how difficult the task.
The blending of science fiction, represented by highly skilled robots and the everyday trials and tribulations of human existence is superb.
The investigation of a violence street crime is used as the catalyst to raise all sorts of philosophical ideas about the natural of human beings and society: justice, prejudice, love, beauty, life and death. The ideas and moral judgments you confront in this movie, are what
makes it worth seeing.
It stumbles at times, but that is a small price to pay to see a movie that actually expects and encourages the audience to think.

WHITEOUT

“ Whiteout” has a decent cast, decent plot, decent setting and decent production values. The movie is not overly long, which seems to be a common failing of far too many recent films.
I have no one to single out for high praise and no one to point a finger at for failing to carry out their duties.
“Whiteout” is a murder mystery. I was trying to locate the villain among the various suspects,
that is a major part of watching a mystery; yet I did not feel it was important to learn the identity of the killer. This film just failed to involve me. This movie never felt compelling to me.
KATE BECKINSALE, TOM SKERRITT AND YOUNG COLUMBUS SHORT, FROM CADILLAC RECORDS, ARE THE KEY PLAYERS.

I can’t say it is a bad movie, but I got the impression, without actually talking to anyone, that the audience left the theatre and a few days from now, won’t remember that they saw this film. I am saying that you can wait until this comes to television. It has a very low “Wow” factor, you won’t be talking about it around the office water cooler Monday morning.

ALL ABOUT STEVE

When a movie is being reviewed, a strange thing can happen; a major production can get a low rating and a minor film can get a high rating. This happens because one criterion is how close the movie came to meeting its target.
If a film aims high it may fail and if a film aims for a modest level of quality, it may achieve that level.
We tend to be tough on films with high aspirations.

“ All About Steve” is just a middle of the road, pleasant enough comedy, not good enough to be good and not bad enough to be bad.
Age-wise, Sandra Bullock is at the outer limit to play her character, a 30 something lonely heart and Bradley Cooper is too young for his role as a potential fiancé.
This is a made for television movie, no need to travel away from home to see it. “All About Steve” won’t cause you to love it or hate it, it is basic escapist entertainment .

CHAMPAGNE FOR CAESAR - 1950

Excellent comedy starring comic Ronald Colman as Beauregard Bottomely, who is described as being the last scholar in America.
His sister gets him to watch a "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" type show where you are asked 7 successive questions, each time you answer a question correctly the prize doubles. The prize is not much.
Beauregard is disgusted by what he presciently sees as the the herald of intellectual Armageddon: "If it is noteworthy and rewarding to know that 2 and 2 make 4 to the accompaniment of deafening applause and prizes, then 2 and 2 making 4 will become the top level of learning."
He decides to appear on the quiz show. He turns up dressed as the Encylopaedia Britannica, which basically means the quizmaster can ask him any question he feels like.
Of course Beauregard gets all seven question right and wins something paltry like $120. But he says he wants to continue and the producer thinks it will be a ratings winner so they ask him some more questions on the next show.
The problem is, Beauregard's prize winnings get too high and the soap company wants to take the show off the air.
One question for example: "How many teeth does an Asiatic elephant have", Beauregard comes straight back with "24". They can't find a question to stump him.

It's well plotted with lots of twists and a great ending. You can't help but enjoy yourself, and Vince Price is simply hilarious in what is perhaps a career best performance as the
anti-intellectual soap company boss Burnbridge Waters with solipsistic tendencies.

I USE TO COME HOME FROM J.H.S. AND WATCH THIS SHOW ON THE MOVIE CHANNEL
IN BROOKLYN -- I MUST HAVE SEEN IT 30 TIMES AND I LOVED IT AND I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE ANYONE COULD WATCH THIS FILM AND NOT ENJOY IT.

TAKING WOODSTOCK

Your appreciation of “Taking Woodstock,” depends on your being able to view this American cultural event, from the perspective of one rather dysfunctional family.
This massive festival, involving as many as half a million young people, is centered around the role of the Teichberg family in helping get the event located to the town of Woodstock.
The beauty of this film is telling a small story in the middle of a massive event. I have to salute director Ang Lee for making this concept work. The film is not about seeing the show – there are no performances in the entire movie and the main characters don’t see the show they helped create.
This is like a movie about the Titanic sinking, without the ship ever appearing in the film. Imelda Staunton steals the film as the paranoid mother, HENRY GOODMAN is the kind hearted dad, DEMETRI MARTIN is the loyal son. EUGENE LEVY IS FINE AS MAX YASGUR, THE FARMER WHO MADE HIS PROPERTY AVAILABLE FOR THE FESTIVAL STAGE.
LIEV SCHREIBER IS A CROSS DRESSING "SECURITY GUARD AND EMILE HIRSCH IS
A SPACED OUT VIETNAM VETERAN WITH PARANOID DELUSIONS.
THE ACTORS MAKE THIS FILM, SINCE THE MUSICAL PERFORMERS ARE NOT
A PRESENCE IN THIS FILM.
Seeing super cool, hippy entrepreneur, Mike Lang, played by Jonathan Groff, riding around on a stallion, like Sir Lancelot, is almost worth the price of a ticket.
You have to sit back, relax and let this movie unfold or it will be a long two hours.

INGLORIOUS BASTERDS

Director Tarantino ( whom I like ) bails himself out of all responsibility for making a solid film by starting the movie with four famous words – “Once upon a time.” Those words give him license to wander far afield and he does at times.
Brad Pitt ( whom I like ) is not the star of this movie and not very important to the story. This film belongs to two actors you never heard of: Christopher Waltz as the intellectual sadist, Colonel Lana, is the dominant character in the story. Daniel Bruhl as the young German war hero, Frederick Zoller, is fascinating as a good man on the wrong side in the war, we want him to be an American. Two women have strong parts to play, Melanie Laurent as a victim of Nazi terror and Diane Kruger, as an actress with strong political beliefs.
The opening scene, which might run 25 or more minutes, is tremendous, if you are late, wait for another showing.
This film is okay, but it lacks greatness and plays much too long and Brad Pitt is misused, his role is like comic relief between the real moments in the story; he is asked to bring humor to “Shindler’s List.”
Go see it, but lower your expectations.

THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE

I was not expecting to enjoy “The Time Traveler’s Wife.” I thought, “chick flick” and was prepared to endure it, instead, I enjoyed it.
If you approach this as science fiction, you can have a field day punching holes in the scenario.
If you give them a pass and treat it like a fantasy, with all the generosity that a fantasy is entitled to receive, your admission will be money well spent.
The story is both sweet and bitter. The time travel aspect never takes away from the hardship that love brings with it – love is demanding – this film never forgets to show the pain that love makes us vulnerable to – we suffer when those we love are wounded.
If “Big Fish,” Secondhand Lions” or “The Bridge to Terabithia,” are pleasant memories, you will add this film to your list.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
ERIC BANA WAS MADE TO PLAY A BUFFOON IN THE VERY UNFUNNY, "FUNNY PEOPLE," THIS ROLE GIVES HIM A CHANCE TO GET BACK ON TRACK AND HE DOES.
I NEVER RECOGNIZED WHO RACHEL McADAMS WAS, BUT THIS FILM HAS BRANDED
HER PERSONA IN MY MIND - SHE DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB AND SHE MAKES THE
WHOLE FILM WORK.
THE YOUNG GIRLS WHO PLAY "CLARE" ARE JUST WONDERFUL -- THEY WERE
EQUAL TO THEIR PARTS.

GO SEE THIS WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE -- I DID, I WENT ALONE.

JULIE & JULIA

I feel I must warn you about this film, I would hate for you to get to the theatre and not be properly prepared for what you will encounter.
This film lacks: explosions, serial killers, lewd sexual conduct and foul language.
It is a very strange film and I wanted you know the facts before you invest your time and money. The plot is built around the culinary arts.
I felt I was transported back in time, to an era when movies actually were made for adults.
The cast of Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina are professional actors, not celebrities from TV reality shows.
My only negative note is, they could have cut 15 minutes out of the running time.
My daughter and granddaughter, Valerie and Angela Thomas just loved the film and I seldom disagree with those who will select my nursing home.
Seeing this film is a vote for quality entertainment.

G-FORCE

A wonderful set of parents, escorting their super intelligent youngsters to the movies, formed my panel this week to evaluate “G-Force.”

Trey Michael Thompson, 3rd grader, from Taylors – loved the dance scene finale.

Connor J. Mayer of Sterling CTSC, saw the themes of betrayal and redemption, though not in those exact words.

His sister, Amy Mayer of Sterling CTSC, felt the only female character, “Juarez,” played by Penelope Cruz, was also the most outstanding of the heroic group.

Big brother, Brandon Mayer of St. Joseph’s, was drawn to the action of the car chase in the final chapter of the film, but being a Boy Scout, he would never drive that way.

St. Joseph classmate, Neva Jacobsen, felt the plots went in too many directions, she was not very impressed.

Josh of Sarah Collins Elementary, saw the moral of the story as the need to be kind to others. I salute, Mom and Dad Mayer, Ms. Thompson-Long and Josh’s mom, Courtney, for how well they are raising this new generation.

HARRY POTTER & THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE

I can’t get a handle on the world of Harry Potter, so I polled my Brain Trust and got these results:
Franchezka Westwood, while not a book fan, was able to follow the storyline and thought the action and suspenseful elements were first class. Franchezka’s pals felt this edition was not as exciting as the previous films.

Potter scholar, Ellen Smith, felt the screenplay was watered down so non-readers could better follow the machinations of the hero and his comrades. Key scenes were left out.

Angela Thomas feels that "Chamber of Secrets" is the best film in the series.

FUNNY PEOPLE

If you hate someone, send them to see the misnamed, “Funny People.” If you hate yourself, go with them.
I saw my first movie in 1950, few have been worse than this trash basket of a film.
The red flags went up when I saw the 150 minute running time; in a film that long, you should see chariots racing around the coliseum in Rome, Atlanta burning or Normandy being invaded. If you have a great imagination, you might be able to piece together two good minutes out of this whole mess.
Basically, the silent surveillance tapes at a Dollar Store, would be more amusing.
I turn to my colleagues at the GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA NEWS for guidance in dealing with this nightmare waste of time.

Stacy Coleman once wrote about another film, “this movie stole over two hours from my life, which I will never get back.”

Months ago, Mckelvie Wilder was the first critic to give a film zero stars, “Funny People” deserves to be the second.
An hour into the “film” like Macbeth, I prayed for sleep and sleep would not come.

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE HORRID MOVIES WHICH PEOPLE ASSUME CAN'T BE THAT BAD
AND SO, THEY TRY TO ATTACH SOME DEEP AND PHILOSOPHICAL MEANING TO THE
CRAP THAT IS BEFORE THEM -- THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES, BUT IF WE RECOGNIZE THAT VERY OBVIOUS FACT, WE HAVE TO ADMIT WE WERE DUPED OUT OF THE PRICE OF THE TICKET.
I WAS VERY PROUD TO SEE THAT MY FELLOW CRITICS AT THE GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA NEWS, WERE ABLE TO SEE THE EMPEROR LEFT THE CASTLE UNPREPARED FOR THE WEATHER CONDITIONS OF THE DAY - HE WAS BUTT NAKED.
ALL THREE POINTED OUT MAJOR FLAWS AND FRANKLY SPEAKING, THE FILM IS A GIANT SIZED FLAW –
YOU CAN ALMOST HEAR THE WRITERS SITTING AROUND SAYING LETS DO THIS AND LETS DO THAT AS IF THEY WERE MAKING UP INDIVIDUAL SKITS FOR A JUNIOR HIGH ASSEMBLY PERFORMANCE >> THE EMINEM / RAY ROMANO
SCENE BEING A PRIME EXAMPLE OF THE SKIT APPROACH.
I wish to apologize to junior high school students for demeaning their efforts with my comparison to this train wreck of a "film."
A RANDOM LAUGH, NOW AND THEN AND A WONDERFUL SEGMENT WITH GREAT BANTER BETWEEN A TALL DOCTOR AND HIS HOSTILE PATIENT, DOES NOT MAKE THIS A WORTHY FILM. IT MAKES THIS MORE A MATTER OF THROWING MUD AGAINST A WALL AND SEEING WHAT STICKS. I FELT EMBARRASSED FOR THE ACTORS -- IT WAS PAINFUL TO WATCH THEM TRY TO KEEP THIS PUPPY FROM DROWNING IN THE CESSPOOL.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
ONE LAST POINT - THE NEED SOME FEEL TO "PROTECT" THIS DIRECTOR BY SUPPORTING HIS MISCARRIAGE WITH "FUNNY PEOPLE," IS MISPLACED LOYALTY. STANLEY KUBRICK WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST DIRECTORS OF ALL TIME AND YET,
HE DROPPED THE BALL WITH "EYES WIDE SHUT" AND TRYING TO COVER THAT UP WITH PHILOSOPHY AND PSYCHOLOGY IS INSULTING TO THE
AUDIENCE -- RECOGNIZE THAT YOUR GUY MESSED UP AND FREE HIM TO MOVE ONWARD AND UPWARD WITH A BETTER FILM NEXT TIME - AND I KNOW IT WILL BE A BETTER FILM NEXT TIME -- THIS WAS ROCK BOTTOM.
OKAY, I AM ENJOYING KICKING THIS TRASH CAN A LITTLE TOO MUCH, I WILL SIGN OFF AND LET TIME HEAL THE WOUNDS FROM THIS EXPERIENCE.

ICE AGE

I met Will Chang of Easley and his mom just before the start of “Ice Age.”
I explained that I wanted Will’s opinion of the movie. Will is only seven years old, but wise beyond his years.
Will also had the advantage over me, he saw the first two “Ice Age” films.
I was told that this was the best of the three. The young dinosaurs were the greatest characters in the movie.
Will’s mom warned that pre-school age kids might be frightened by the aggressive large dinosaurs, but the creatures will relax in due time.
Franchezka Westwood, a U.S.C. junior, felt this third edition was aimed at a much younger target audience and the story line will not appeal to those over 16 years old.
The generation gap is widening in this on-going saga. THE PRODUCERS OBVIOUSLY FEEL THEIR MARKET IS THE YOUNGER SET.

PUBLIC ENEMIES

Before reaching the theatre, I told my son, George Donald, this will be a four star movie:
1. Johnny Depp is the star
2.Christian Bale is in a top supporting role -I THINK HE LIKES BEING SECOND BANANA
3. Michael Mann is the director - HE KEEPS LARGE FILMS ON COURSE
4. Giovanni Ribisi and Stephan Lang will be great to watch, they are scene stealer's, no matter the size of their roles.
Once again, father knows best; this is a wonderful movie.
Casting Marion Cotillard as the love interest was the final piece of this grand puzzle; the role required a fresh face.

The story is full of violence, but the story is not lost in the violence, it is about people and the search for virtue in a world that promotes greed and corruption.

One warning , it is long, but worth the time.

IMAGINE THAT

“Imagine That” is a film that you can sit comfortably at home and wait for it to appear on TV.
THE PLOT:
FINANCIAL PLANNER, EDDIE MURPHY, HAS A DAUGHTER WHO CAN TALK TO FAIRYLAND BEINGS AND GET STOCK MARKET TIPS - HER INFANT CRIB BLANKET IS THE KEY TO THIS POWER TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE BEINGS FROM ANOTHER DIMENSION.

The Wall Street part of the storyline won’t interest kids and the security blanket element won’t hold an adult’s interest for very long.
This should have been a one hour show on the Disney Channel.
The scenes repeat themselves – we see the same boardroom meetings and the same dinner scenes, with only a slight change of set decoration. The plan seemed to be to make the story longer for the sole purpose of making the story longer.
Leslie V. Dorham felt the film tried to appeal to adults and children and ended up disappointing both target audiences.
Personal plug: I have to salute actress Vanessa A. Williams, a graduate of
DECATUR JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN BROOKLYN – a school that nurtures talent.
VANESSA PLAYS A FRIEND OF THE MURPHY FAMILY, WHO HAS EVERYONE'S BEST INTEREST AT HEART.

( Vanessa L. Williams was the former Miss America )

MY SISTER'S KEEPER

This story, concerns a child battling cancer and how it affects each member of her family.
From the first scene until the very end, the intent is to have the audience in tears. Sometimes, tears of joy, sometimes of sorrow, but always tears.
The story is designed to manipulate the audience and I have to salute the film’s makers for doing it very well.
Abigail Breslin, Sofia Vassilieva and Evan Ellingson are the wonderful children.
Joan Cusack is outstanding as a family court judge and Alec Baldwin shows how good he can be in a role that demands a high level performance.
No dry eyes allowed, bring a handkerchief.

THE HANGOVER

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE BOYS GONE WILD, PARTY TO YOU DROP MOVIES.
I AM A LITTLE OLD FOR THIS DEMOGRAPHIC AND YET I ENJOYED THE MOVIE. THEY WERE CREATIVE IN TELLING THE STORY AS A MYSTERY.
THE FOUR FRIENDS SET OUT FOR LAS VEGAS AND A BACHELOR PARTY NIGHT - BUT WE DON'T SEE THE PARTY, WE SEE THE AFTERMATH AND FOLLOW THE GUYS AS THEY RETRACE THEIR STEPS WITH THE HELP OF WITNESSES, INCLUDING FORMER BOXING CHAMPION, MIKE TYSON.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I THINK OF "SUPERBAD" AS THE KING OF THIS GENRE, BUT MY GUEST CRITIC, FRANCHEZKA W., MAKES A GOOD CASE FOR THE HANGOVER BEING NUMBER ONE.
THE UNIVERSITY OF S.C. UPSTATE BUSINESS MAJOR WRITES:
Hangover was very, very funny and I was always laughing. The characters were very random, but they still had a unique essence to their persona.
What I liked the most about the movie is that even though everything is about the night before, they give parts and pieces of events, but they don't really reveal all; making you want more every time and not letting you get bored.
I loved it, I would have to say I could watch it again, if given the opportunity.
On a scale of one to four -- I give it 4 big stars.

TAKING OF PELHAM 123 ( 2009 )

85% of the audience will think that Pelham 123 is a fine film.

Just like the other folks, I too saw:
*great scenes,
*exciting car chases
* two charming conversations between Denzel Washington and his wife, played by Aunjanue Ellis
* nerve racking and very explosive dialogues between Denzel and John Travolta
* clever mind games between Travolta and John Turturro
* James Gandolfini was on target as the mayor of the world's number one city, more afraid of
a hostile press, than gunmen in the subway
* grand production values abound – it is a fabulous looking film

JUST AS WITH THE SOLOIST, THERE IS A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM WITH THIS FILM THAT MAKES IT SECOND RATE, NO MATTER WHAT COSMETIC REPAIRS THEY USE TO HIDE THE DEFECT.

The problem is this – if a robber walks into a bank and hands a teller a note demanding 50 billion dollars and that note is written on the back of the crook’s phone bill, the police will capture him or her.

Such a mistake occurs early on and the movie becomes meaningless, no matter how much bluster and blood is thrown into the plot, the movie is over in the first hour.

THEY USE TRAVOLTA TO SCREAM AND OVERHEAT TO DIVERT THE AUDIENCE FROM SEEING THAT THIS WHOLE OPERATION IS MEANINGLESS UNLESS THE CULPRITS ARE ANONYMOUS.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
IF YOU MISSED THE 1974 ORIGINAL, YOU WOULD BE WISE TO CATCH UP WITH IT.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Comment - FROM RANE PARISH IN CANADA ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I saw the original (which was perfect) and I knew that this new one could never measure up... for one thing, John Travolta aint no Robert Shaw and Denzel aint no Walter Matthau!

THE KINGDOM

This is what must have happened in order to bring this fine movie to the big screen:
* Several very intelligent and creative writers, got together and worked on a realistic plot with a terrorist theme.
* The producers spared no expense in shooting on location.
* The cast seemed mismatched at first, but they blended well and carried each scene to a slam -bang conclusion.
* The director, editor and cinematographer put the pieces together in a logical manner and yet, did not sacrifice the emotional turmoil that each character was enduring.

"The Kingdom" is a brilliantly executed production. You will regret not seeing it sooner, when you do view it. This film can stand with any movie ever made, it has that "something" that can't be defined, but you know it when you see it.

A clue - the audience applauded a scene -the audience was insightful, the last time I heard applause in a movie, was during "Dreamgirls."

THREE RECENT MOVIES TRIED TO DEAL WITH THE MIDDLE EAST AND BASICALLY FAILED, SYRIANA, MUNICH AND A MIGHTY HEART.

ALL THREE DROPPED THE BALL IN THEIR OWN WAY AND WERE NOT ABLE TO TELL THEIR STORY AND MAKE YOU CARE - THE KINGDOM ACHIEVES BOTH GOALS.

***************** COMMENTS ----->>
R.K. in BROOKLYN: Great on the money commentary! My observation is that, NYC Film Critics almost NEVER agree with rave reviews submitted by reviewers from other cities. NY Critics are panning The Kingdom or grudgingly giving it 2.5 Stars. What a joke- they are so transparent. You are 10x more accurate then these elitist. Way to go Gaff!

LAND OF THE LOST

This movie is okay if you are:
1. A fan of the old television show
2. In a good mood and looking for 90 minutes of mindless escape from reality
3. A Will Ferrell fan
4. A romantic couple, just happy to be sitting together in the dark
5. An old guy slipping quietly into senility ( but enough about me ).

The audience around me enjoyed the film. The two scenes with television show host, Matt Lauer were almost worth the price of admission.
The banter between Ferrell and co-star Danny McBride was always funny.
The bottom line is unless you fit into one of the categories above, you can stay home and save your money. This is not a film that most people will want to see, but it is true to the 1974 TV show and that gives them a pass to do crazy things and get away with it.

Just remember, don’t go with high expectations - you have been warned.

DANCE FLICK

I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THAT "DANCE FLICK" WAS NOT AS BAD AS I EXPECTED. AMONG THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THIS GENRE - CHILDISH, SILLY, OVER THE TOP,
SATIRE / PARODY OF TEENAGE COMING OF AGE FILMS, THIS WAS WATCHABLE AND NOT OUT OF CONTROL.

MOST OF THE TIME AND THAT IS ABOUT 75 PERCENT, THE MAKERS REALIZE EARLY INTO THE FILM THAT THEY HAVE NOTHING TO SAY AND SO, THEY JUST DO ANYTHING TO REACH THE RUNNING TIME NEEDED TO SELL THE SHOW TO TELEVISION SPONSORS.

IN THIS WAYANS BROTHERS MOVIE, THAT IS NOT THE CASE; THEY ARE TRYING TO MAKE A COMPETENT FILM FROM START TO FINISH AND WHILE THERE IS NOTHING NEW AND THERE IS NO REASON TO SEE IT BEFORE IT LANDS ON TELEVISION AND EVEN THEN, THERE IS NO URGENCY TO VIEW IT - IT IS NOT REPUGNANT.

WHILE YOU MIGHT THINK "NOT REPUGNANT" IS LESS THAN A RINGING ENDORSEMENT - BASES ON THE RECENT CROP OF THESE TEENAGE COMEDIES, THAT IS HIGH PRAISE.

UP

I had no knowledge of what “UP” was about or who was in it.
During the first third of this movie, I sat in a dark theatre with tears in my eyes.
This animated movie presented such a beautiful picture of life, loyalty, youth and love, that I was emotionally shaken.
The classic Hollywood formula is boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy and girl find each other. This story does not vary from that grand pattern, but it presents the process in such a charming manner that “Casablanca” comes to mind. Only adults will fully appreciate the sweetness of the love between Ed Asner’s “Carl” and his darling “Ellie.”
The action of the last two thirds will appeal to the younger audience members, while keeping the adults attention. Christopher Plummer and Delroy Lindo supply their characters
with strong voices to move the story along.
A wonderful story having values to share with all ages. There is an intensity to the violence in the story that might scare pre-school children.

ANGELS AND DEMONS

Using the expertise of University of S.C, Upstate junior students, Ellen Smith and Franchezka Westwood, for their knowledge of the book, we have arrived at these conclusions concerning “Angels & Demons:”
1. This film is superior to “The Da Vinci Code.”
2. Tom Hanks makes “Prof. Robert Langdon” come alive as a real person.
3. The plot is complex and totally unpredictable, yet those who have not read the book can follow it, but naturally the novel readers will be ahead of the game.
4. The decision to compress so much action into five hectic hours is unrealistic and distracting, but the intensity of the drama lessens this flaw.
5. The casting is just excellent. and the Vatican and Rome are central characters in the story, the set designers are assured of professional honors.
6. We were unanimous on the star rating - giving it three out of four stars. They throw in a great deal of unrealistic happenings at the end.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM-2

You hire Bozo the Clown to entertain at your child’s party and then criticize him for not reciting Hamlet’s Soliloquy before the chicken nuggets were served.
The Night at the Museum series will be running long after our grandkids are collecting social security. Only Santa Claus can top this as a foolproof family film operation. They get wonderful actors, they blend education, action and positive themes, with non-violent violence; then they wrap it in great scenery and the most vibrant colors I have ever seen on a theatre screen.

I am not going against this sweet film.

Jessy (12 ) and her brother, Josiah Dickens (10 ) used these words – “really great” – “better than the first movie” – “nothing better.”
Mom and dad compared it to “Narnia,” “Terabithia,” “Marley and Me.” I am not going to find minor faults with it, it is perfect for the audience it seeks.
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM-2, DOES WHAT IT IS SUPPOSE TO DO, IT IS TRULY ESCAPIST
ENTERTAINMENT. I rest my case.

THE DA VINCI CODE

** WHEN I START WITH ASIDES, THAT IS NOT A GOOD THING:

1 ** I AM A BIG MAN. I HAVE FOUND THAT EVEN THE DUMBEST PEOPLE HAVE A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF PHYSICS -- THEY UNDERSTAND THAT YOU DON'T LOOK FOR THE BIGGEST PERSON YOU CAN FIND TO START A RUCKUS WITH
2** AS A FORMER ATHLETE, I HAVE AN APPRECIATION FOR THE NEED TO HUNKER-DOWN AND IGNORE PAIN TO ACHIEVE A GOAL
3** PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW VERY MUCH ABOUT FILM, THINK THE
GODFATHER III WAS A GOOD MOVIE, BECAUSE IT HAD FINE PRODUCTION VALUES, IT ONLY LACKED A PLOT AND COMMONSENSE
4 ** I AM NOT PROUD TO ADMIT, I HAVE NOT READ A BOOK SINCE THE FIRST NIXON ADMINISTRATION
**************************************************************
ON TO THE DA VINCI CODE --->>
I AM ONLY ALIVE TODAY, BECAUSE I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A LARGE PERSON AND FELT NO NEED TO CARRY A WEAPON TO DEFEND MYSELF AGAINST POTENTIAL ATTACKERS.
IF I HAD A WEAPON, I MIGHT WELL HAVE USED IT TO END MY OWN LIFE AND THUS, AVOID THE PAIN OF WATCHING MORE OF THIS PICTURE . AFTER SPENDING 2 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES IN THE THEATRE, I HAVE A GREAT DEAL MORE SYMPATHY FOR INMATES ON DEATH ROW - I FEEL I HAVE BEEN IN THEIR SHOES.
WHILE TRYING TO DECIDE IF I SHOULD JUST RUN OUT OF THE THEATRE AND END THE SUFFERING, I REMEMBERED MY YOUNGER DAYS AND THE LESSON OF ATHLETIC COMPETITION -- PERSEVERE AND SOLDIER ON UNTIL THE FINAL BELL, WHISTLE, TICK OF THE CLOCK OR FINISH LINE.
I TOLD MYSELF THAT I COULD TAKE PRIDE IN REMAINING IN MY SEAT UNTIL THE CREDITS WERE ROLLING - I MADE IT A CHALLENGE AND I FELT GOOD THAT I MANAGED TO SEE THOSE CREDITS, AS I RAN FOR THE EXIT.
WHEN I WANT TO POINT OUT A FILM WITH A LOT OF ACTIVITY, WITH FINE ACTORS, WITH GREAT SCENARY AND LOCATIONS AND A RICH LOOK TO THE WHOLE PRODUCTION, I WILL REFER TO THE DAVINCI CODE AND NOT GODFATHER III -
DA VINCI HAS REPLACED G.F. 3, AS MY POSTER CHILD FOR BAD CINEMA. MAYBE IF YOU READ THE BOOK, THIS FILM WILL WORK FOR YOU - I HOPE SO, I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT I HOPE SO. ********************************************************************************* I DON'T REVIEW MOVIES, I REACT TO THEM, SO I AM NOT GOING TO SUMMARIZE THE PLOT OR GO INTO ANY DETAILS --- HEY, IF THE BEST THING I CAN SAY ABOUT THE FILM, IS THAT I DID NOT RUN OUT SCREAMING AFTER THE FIRST 40 MINUTES, THAT TELLS YOU ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE.

STAR TREK

I always liked the imagination of the original “Star Trek” episodes I saw on television over 40 years ago.
This film does justice to the legacy of William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy.
The story of a terrorist attack against Earth is just a back drop for a love story. The love and respect that people thrown together develop when each one holds a key to the survival of the others.
The gadgets, scientific theories and battles are excellent, but it is the appreciation of the majesty of the human spirit that elevates this movie to higher ground.
The casting is perfect.
Long time fans will enjoy waiting for their favorite catch phrases and mannerisms – they are all there for the true “trekkies.”
When it ended, I could not think of how it could have been better – that is not a common occurrence.
At last, a film that lives up to the hype.

GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST

I enjoyed this film. This is not an important film, it is not a movie that you have to see, no one will be talking about this film two weeks from now, but it is a well made movie.
Using the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol,” as the framework for a modern day romantic comedy was a fine idea.
Casting Matthew McConaughey for the male lead, while he is just below the boundary line of being too old for the part was a good choice. Using Jennifer Garner as the love interest was smart, she has that girl next door charm that an audience can appreciate. Michael Douglas, Anne Archer and Robert Forster are professionals and really contribute solid performances that help sell the story.
This is a fine movie for those who go to the theatre to relax and enjoy a break from reality.
Males will enjoy the fabulous women and females will embrace the affirmation of the power of romance and love to transform we shallow men into worthy mates.

THE SOLOIST

The trailer for “The Soloist” is better than the movie.
This is a movie you will want to like, but you won’t be able to recommend it, because it has a fatal flaw and that negative can’t be overcome. It is very difficult to have a real interest in the transformation of a character, without knowing anything substantial about that character’s past.
This film does not tell us or even give us a decent chance to guess what lead this character to “miss the boat” when he was handed a golden opportunity.
You see a character falling thru space, but that has no real meaning unless you have at least a clue as to whether the person jumped, was pushed or fell.
This film does not allow us any involvement in Jamie Foxx’s motivation for his collapse as a rational being, so we can’t appreciate what demons he is dealing with; what got him to his lowly state as a homeless genius.
Nelsan Ellis, as the homeless shelter director is the most interesting character in the story. The talents of the other actors are wasted on a poor script.
The failure of this movie has a lot in common with the failure of Will Smith's movie -
"SEVEN POUNDS," both scripts fail to tell the story in the most effective manner - which would be straight forward - in making things needlessly convoluted, the story is lost in the cracks and the audience knows "something is wrong with this picture."

STATE OF PLAY

“State of Play” is a first rate drama of cloak and dagger corruption at the highest levels of government; it will make you think of “All the President’s Men” and that is a compliment.
The acting is splendid, with Russell Crowe doing his usual excellent work, this time as a risk taking Washington, D.C. reporter, who knows where most of the bodies are buried. Rachel McAdams is an up and coming journalist, learning from Crowe. Jeff Daniels is solid as a powerful congressman. Jason Bateman almost steals the show as a sleazy go between for crooked dealings in the nation’s capital. Harry Lennix is really in the groove as the veteran police detective, who understands that there are big power brokers behind the crimes he is
discovering, even if it seems to involve just a common street shooting.
This a very intelligent thriller, that mixes romance, intrigue, mendacity, murder and patriotism and brings it all to a boil. The one flaw in the movie is a sudden rush to wrap up all the elements in the last few minutes, this does not ring true to the earlier pace of the story.
The ending is contrived and weak, but so much of the film is compelling, the poor ending can be forgiven.
I also wonder what another actor would have done with the Ben Affleck role.
THIS MOVIE IS BASED ON A BRITISH TV SHOW.

SUNSHINE CLEANING

I took 24 hours to reach this conclusion about “Sunshine Cleaning,” it is the best picture of 2009 and I find it difficult to imagine anything topping it in the near future.
It has no hot stars, no special production values, no imaginative storyline, nothing to say about the great issues of our era, no grand conflicts between good and evil.
“Sunshine Cleaning” is about little, unimportant people, trying to find or make their way in the world. Even more than “Slumdog Millionaire,” you are compelled by a combination of great writing, direction and acting, to care about every single character in this story.
That is the greatness of this film and it took me an entire day to realize what a gift this movie is – a film where the characters, not gadgets, explosions or aliens are the focal point. I hated to see it end, I wanted to know how events would play out.
As I said, this movie makes you care and I would love to see a sequel. One last point, these characters are not good or bad, they are human, we know these people.
THE FINE CAST:
AMY ADAMS - EMILY BLUNT - ALAN ARKIN - STEVE ZAHN - AMY REDFORD -
CLIFTON COLLINS, JR. - PAUL DOOLEY - JASON SPEVACK -MARY LYNN RAJSKUB
WRITER - MEGAN HOLLEY
DIRECTOR - CHRISTINE JEFFS

ADVENTURELAND

“Adventureland” is a fine film about the angst young people of both genders feel as they transition from dependent to independent adults. The age factor in this movie takes a while to get use to; these are not high school students, they are in their early twenties and the audience has to stay aware of that.
They drink liquor in bars, use strong language and engage in crude sexual episodes, but they are not children.
They are very interesting to watch as they try to sort out their futures, while being a little too mature for their summer jobs at the local amusement park.

The acting is just wonderful and I want to list names that will mean nothing to you now, but
there are future Academy Award winners in this cast:
KRISTEN STEWART OF TWILIGHT - THE HUMAN GIRLFRIEND OF THE VAMPIRE
BILL HADER
RYAN REYNOLDS
MARTIN STARR
JESSE EISENBERG
WENDIE MALICK - OF TELEVISION'S "JUST SHOOT ME."
JACK GILPIN - ONE OF THOSE ACTORS YOU SEE EVERY WHERE AND NEVER KNOW THEIR NAME

The story line drifts at times, get unfocused for a while and is not as strong as the cast, but this is worth seeing – it is the type of film you should leave the television off and go to see at the theatre.

I DON'T THINK A BLACK PERSON SPEAKS A SINGLE WORD IN THIS FILM -- THIS IS THE PITTSBURGH AREA -- I THINK THAT IS ODD.

DUPLICITY

Tony Gilroy wrote and directed “Duplicity.”

Gilroy helped bring the great “Jason Bourne” and “Michael Clayton” films to the big screen.

“Duplicity” has fabulous production values – the sets, locations, fashion statements, cast and camera work are first class.
CLIVE OWEN IS GOOD AND JULIA ROBERTS IS VERY CLOSE TO HAVING TO GIVE UP
THESE FEMME FATALE ROLES.

Unfortunately, what it does not have overshadows all the positives; there is no hero, there is nothing and no one to root for in the tale.

The script is cute –– the dialogue is cute - the whole picture is cute.
There is nothing at risk or worth winning in this story – you sit there and watch without caring – that is the classic blueprint for a failed movie.
The story required no emotional investment and thus, pays no emotional dividend when the two hour cruise to nowhere is complete

WATCHMEN

This is a difficult film to evaluate since I am unfamiliar with the graphic novel roots of the characters. I am sure fans of these superheroes will rate this movie higher than I will.

The first half of “Watchmen” was very interesting and did a decent job of providing background on the various characters.

Part of the problem with this film was the desire to do too much, the show runs two hours and forty three minutes, that is a long time, even for the most devoted fans.

The production values are first class and the unknown cast does a fine job. While I didn’t understand all the intrigue between villains and heroes,
I feel this film, despite its flaws, is worth experiencing for the ethical issues it raised in its last twenty minutes. The need for sacrifice and using fear to motivate good behavior.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
THERE IS A QUOTE IN THIS FILM THAT I HAVE TO MENTION -IT JUST BROKE THE AUDIENCE UP WITH LAUGHTER AND I DON'T THINK IT WILL SPOIL IT TO MENTION IT -

A PRISONER IS ATTACKED BY A FELLOW INMATE - AFTER BEATING THE ATTACKER DOWN LIKE A STRAY DOG - THE PRISONER ANNOUNCES TO THE ENTIRE POPULATION THAT
HE IS NOT LOCKED IN WITH THEM,
THEY ARE LOCKED IN WITH HIM AND THEY ARE IN DANGER.

MILK

"Milk" came close to being a great film, it ended up being a very good film and that is not too shabby.
The movie gets caught up in small details and tells us more than we want or need to know about minor points.
There is an epilogue, but much of the material mentioned in the summary, could have been shown on screen, if the film did not repeat itself with street demonstrations and celebrations.
The cast is super, they bring the characters to life and this helps viewers follow the story line.
While Mickey Rourke was tremendous in "The Wrestler," Sean Penn is outstanding as the title character in "Milk" and deserves his Oscar.
The sexual content is prominent, but not sensationalized.

MADEA GOES TO JAIL

The Madea film series, starring and directed by Tyler Perry are never going to surprise you - James Bond is going to face off with an evil villain seeking world domination; James will kill the miscreant and the world will be preserved for democracy.

Madea will supply a lot of laughs, while teaching all those around her a lesson about overcoming adversity. Predictability is not a detriment to Madea or James Bond.

I really enjoyed this film, but I also recognized the flaw - this is a film that does the comedic parts at 100% and the dramatic parts at 70%. It is like two different films, but the funny parts are worth enduring the more somber elements.

Keshia Knight Pulliam, little Rudy of the Cosby Show, is not really up to her heavy dramatic part at this stage of her career, she will get better with time.

The comedic parts seem to just flow smoothly, but in the dramatic moments, the actors seem
to be waiting for directions and almost reading the script aloud - but you are there for the comedy and that is very good.

INTERNATIONAL

This was a marvelous conspiracy thriller. I was being reminded of The French Connection, Day of the Jackal and The Bourne films.

Then the movie made a decision to go for the teenage, video game, “let’s blow something up” demographic.

This excellent film made a stop at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and loss a great deal of its credibility in a totally silly shoot out that seemed more geared for a military film about the invasion of Normandy.

IT SEEMED TO WANT TO OUT DO THE LONG SHOOT OUTS IN HEAT, FOUR BROTHERS,
AND DEAD PRESIDENTS.

The fine acting of Clive Owen ( THE INSIDE MAN ), Naomi Watts, and Armin Mueller-Stahl
( BOTH EXCELLENT IN THE WONDERFUL, EASTERN PROMISES ) was almost wasted in the aftermath.

Aside from this violent detour, it was a good film.

CORALINE

I convened my brain-trust of youngsters to review "Coraline," and here are their findings:

^^Summer Medlock of Fork Shoals Elementary, thought the movie was "strange." The plot was hard to follow, but it was pretty good overall. The graphics were amazing and she would recommend it to her friends.

^^Hannah Gresham of Greenbrier Elementary, loved the movie. She found the 3-D made the story more exciting. You had to constantly guess what would happen next. Hannah hated to see the story end.

Alyssa Medlock of Ralph Chandler Middle School, found the plot to be far from ordinary and Coraline's actions were difficult to predict, as the star character changed her mind a lot.

^^Mrs. Medlock felt some of the story line was better suited to older children - there were dark elements in the story.

THE WRESTLER

I just saw THE WRESTLER AND I THOUGHT IT WAS EXCELLENT - IT IS NOT PLEASANT TO WATCH, BUT IT TAKES YOU INTO A WORLD YOU DON’T KNOW AND AS A MAN WITH A LOVING FAMILY – I WORLD YOU WON’T EVER NEED TO EXPERIENCE.

THE CAMARADERIE OF THE WRESTLERS AND THE WARMTH OF THEIR WORLD MAKES THEM A FAMILY - STRONGER THAN THE BIOLOGICAL FAMILY
OF THE MAIN CHARACTER.

THE PROFESSIONALISM OF THE ATHLETES AND THEIR HIGH LEVEL OF SKILLS AND
THE EFFECTS OF AGE ON THEIR BODIES, AS THEY FIND IT HARDER AND HARDER TO HEAL ARE ALL CAPTURED IN THE LOCKER-ROOM SCENES AND AT THE AUTOGRAPH SIGNING.

THEIR RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER BECOMES A CHARACTER IN AND OF ITSELF - RESPECT IS A CHARACTER IN THIS FILM - THAT IS SOMETHING NEW TO ME.

MICKEY ROURKE IS SO GOOD, HE BECOMES RANDY. I DON’T SEE HOW HE WON’T WIN THE ACADEMY AWARD, WHAT HE DOES IS AMAZING. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE ROLES THAT PEOPLE WILL SAY, "HE WAS BORN TO PLAY."

JUST A WONDERFUL / POWERFUL MOVIE AND MARISA TOMEI IS GREAT IN HER ROLE AS THE POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND. HAVING SEEN HER IN COUSIN VINNY -- MAKES HER PERFORMANCE HERE EVEN MORE DRAMATIC.

THE PAIN OF THE DAUGHTER IS UNDERWRITTEN AND THAT IS PERFECT; HER ANGER, FRUSTRATION AND NEED FOR LOVE, TELL YOU ALL YOU HAVE TO KNOW ABOUT HER.

THE EARLY SCENES WITH THE CHILDREN AT THE TRAILER PARK, TELLS YOU SO MUCH ABOUT RANDY -- AS DOES THE WORDLESS OPENING SHOTS OF THE BULLETIN BOARD. FILMS SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEND THEIR MESSAGE WITHOUT TOO MANY WORDS.

THIS MOVIE MAKES A POINT ABOUT TIMING BEING EVERYTHING – ALL THE DUCKS HAVE TO LINE UP AT THE RIGHT TIME, IN THE RIGHT ORDER, IN THE RIGHT
PLACE OR YOUR LIFE WILL BE FOREVER CHANGED BY EVENTS – HOPE AND LOVE WILL BE OBTAINED OR MISSED.

IF YOU ARE OUT FOR A NICE TIME TO RELAX AND TAKE YOUR MIND OFF OF WORK - AVOID THE WRESTLER.

TAKEN

LIAM NEESON IS NOT A YOUNG MAN. HE IS A GOOD ACTOR, BUT NO ONE IS GOOD
ENOUGH TO MAKE THIS POOR IMITATION OF A BOURNE FILM INTO A BOURNE FILM.
THE BEGINNING OF THIS FILM IS SILLY - LIAM TELLS HIS DAUGHTER SHE MIGHT BE
RANDOMLY KIDNAPPED IF SHE GOES TO PARIS ON A TRIP WITH ANOTHER GIRL.

HER PLANE LANDS IN PARIS AND SHE IS KIDNAPPED ALMOST AT THE AIRPORT -- MARLON BRANDO, COULD NOT MAKE THIS WORK - IT IS AS IF JACKIE TURNED TO JOHN AND SAID, I HOPE NO ONE SHOOTS AT US WHEN WE PASS THE TEXAS SCHOOL BOOK DEPOSITORY TODAY.

ANY PLOT IN THIS FILM IS JUST TO HAVE AN EXCUSE FOR GUNFIRE AND EXPLOSIONS. THIS IS A TEEN VIDEO GAME, TRYING TO HAVE NEESON GIVE IT A LITTLE CLASS.

I THOUGHT THE COMING ATTRACTION WAS INTERESTING, I WAS RIGHT, THE REST OF THE MOVIE IS JUST SHOOTING AND MORE SHOOTING -- CASTING THIS OLD GUY TO HAVE A TEENAGE DAUGHTER WAS MORE REMARKABLE THAN HIS JUMPING IN AND OUT OF WINDOWS AND BEATING YOUNG GUYS TWICE HIS SIZE AND HALF HIS AGE TO DEATH.

I AM HAPPY TO GET UP IN THE MORNING AND MAKE TOAST, NEESON'S CHARACTER HAS KILLED THREE OR FOUR GUYS BY NOONTIME.

FROST AND NIXON

I CAN'T SAY YOU WILL LIKE THIS FILM AND I CAN'T SAY YOU NEED TO SEE THIS FILM.

IT IS "QUAINT" ( strange or unusual in a pleasing or interesting way ). IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT AGE, YOU WILL RECALL THE TWO MEN AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THERE
BEING ON TELEVISION TOGETHER.

THE FILM IS BUILT AROUND THE DETAILS OF THAT SHOW REACHING THE AIRWAVES AND FROST BEING ABLE TO GET NIXON TO ADMIT TO A DEGREE OF WRONG-DOING ON HIS PART AND NOT JUST BLAMING ALL CRIMES ON HIS MINIONS.

WHILE MY FRIEND, D.L.B. DID NOT LIKE THE VOICE USED BY FRANK LANGELLA IN THE ROLE OF NIXON - I FEEL LANGELLA DID A FINE JOB AS THE FORMER PRESIDENT.

HE MADE NIXON A REAL PERSON IN THE FILM AND NOT JUST A CHARACTER WHO HAD LINES TO READ. IT IS DIFFICULT TO PLAY SUCH A WELL KNOWN PERSON, BUT FRANK GAVE AN AWARD WORTHY PERFORMANCE.

I DID NOT SEE MICHAEL SHEEN AS DAVID FROST -- I STILL SAW HIM AS PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR, THE ROLE HE PLAYED VERY WELL IN "THE QUEEN," OPPOSITE HELEN MIRREN.

THERE IS A CHARACTER, CAROLINE CUSHING, I NEVER UNDERSTOOD WHY SHE IS FEATURED IN THE FILM, EXCEPT THAT SHE WAS GOOD LOOKING.

YOU HAVE TO COME TO THIS FILM MOTIVATED, THE FILM CAN'T AROUSE YOU IF YOU ARE NOT AROUSED BEFORE THE PROJECTOR ROLLS, IF PROJECTORS STILL ROLL.

THE FILM ASSUMES YOU CARE AND WILL PAY ATTENTION.

NEW IN TOWN

This movie is basically is a rehash of two films – Michael Keaton’s, Gung Ho (1986 ) and Diane Keaton’s, Baby Boom (1987 ).

PLOT --- Don’t close the factory and put the nice people in town out of work.

I normally give a film one star because it is poorly made.
This film is not poorly made, but there is nothing here you can’t turn your TV on now and see.

There is no reason to leave home to see this, unless you just really dislike your lodging. I won’t even mention the actors, Marlon Brando and Deborah Kerr could not make this worthwhile.

The film is bland and won’t offend anyone, it is the personification of harmless.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

"Slumdog Millionaire" is a combination of "Angels with Dirty Faces," "City of God," “The Usual Suspects” and the "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" television game show.

It is my pick as best movie of the year, knocking "Dark Knight," "Benjamin Button" and "Gran Torino" out of the running.

This is an epic film that stays under two hours, but presents a virtual lifetime of adventures. This movie is about love and so, naturally it is also about loss. If you are not prepared for a very emotional experience, you should not see this film.

I heard great things about this movie and thought people had over-reacted; I now know it is very difficult to praise this production and its two directors, Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan too highly.

This is a masterpiece.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

George, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE –

I think this is one of the top 10 movies that I have seen in my life.

HOWEVER, it might be the best movie that I have EXPERIENCED in my life.

Best Regards, WINGATE NEIL

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The answer to the question, "what is the one film you would not want to miss this year" is
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE --- final answer.

DEFIANCE

There is no question about the quality of the film, “Defiance.” It is a top of the line, first rate production.
The issue is how well you are prepared for the raw, cruel, heartless, brutality of war as depicted in this rooted in reality story.

There was a time when you could go to a war movie, starring John Wayne or Steve McQueen and leave the theatre feeling patriotic and spiritually uplifted.

That won’t be the case with “Defiance.” This story shows that war is another word for mass murder and endless suffering by all concerned.

I salute the actors, among them, Daniel Craig ( the excellent new JAMES BOND ) and Liev Schreiber, but most of all director, Edward Zwick ( who made “Glory” about the American Civil War, with Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington ).

This film's hardcore approach takes all the romance out of war and puts death center stage. It is not an easy film to watch.

GRAN TORINO

Gran Torino highlights a glaring weakness of actor / director Clint Eastwood; he is hopelessly incapable of making a bad film. He could not do it if he tried and we are blessed that he does not try.

This film has very deep themes of urban ills and emotional despair, yet, humor dominates a great deal of the story. It is a weird mixture.

The theatre rocked with laughter and told everyone, this is a special movie. Strong language abounds, but it is fitting to the storyline.

THIS IS A COMBINATION OF *THE KARATE KID MEETS *ARCHIE BUNKER & *DIRTY HARRY & *THE SHOOTIST ( JOHN WAYNE'S LAST FILM, WHICH NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE HAVE SEEN).

Clint is the only actor in the film you could name, but this cast is top notch. I suggest you hurry to the box office, tickets will be scarce.

MARLEY AND ME

Marley and Me is a sure fire winner. Very few of us will reject a good story about a family pet.
OWEN Wilson and Jennifer Aniston are newlyweds who adopt a dog and bond with their neurotic pet on a very emotional level. Marley is a true member of the family, with all the baggage that an odd ball cousin would bring to the household.

I read that over 30 dogs were used to carry out the various stunts that Marley performs. I am surprised that more dogs were not needed. Marley is up to something mischievous 90% of his time on the screen.

In her brief scene as a dog trainer, the late, Joyce Van Patten is wonderful. I made a mistake in my newspaper weekly column, this role was played by KATHLEEN TURNER, I knew that and still wrote J.V.P. -- WHY I DON'T KNOW.

I ALSO WROTE LUKE INSTEAD OF OWEN WILSON, BUT A COLLEAGUE AT THE NEWSPAPER CAUGHT THAT ERROR AND FIXED IT BEFORE THE PRESSES ROLLED.

Alan Arkin steals the show from everyone, but Marley, as the all knowing newspaper editor.

There is a serious ending to all the fun and games, but I think young folks will be able to handle the realsitic conclusion and profit from what they experience.