My Favorite Movies

(2006 Director: Hans Canosa) Tres magnifique! Entertaining film mon surprise! Tremendous treat to see it this morning....We get to follow the reunion of 2 former acquaintances who are respectively bridesmaid (Helena Bonham Carter) & bridesgroom (Aaron Eckhart), brother of the bride who works with the groom!

These 2 are wonderfully same age, offbeat, cynical, and terribly bored by the wedding. The Director successfuly uses a split screen effect throughout much of the film--sometimes replaying scenese from these two's romantic youthful past, apparently somewhat short-lived. Felt entirely different from the use of split (doubled & sometimes triple) screens used in More American GraffitiI for example. Simply LOVED the awkwardness that a dozen years passing between them made..and could totally relate to it!. Helen Bonham Carter reminds me of a friend of mine. They are both somewhat wistful..Still I found them light & playful as ever...+ real chemistry.."I'm thinking about the girl I used to know sitting reading under a tree..." There remains much more sentiment than one might suspect between these 2...Thomas Lennon was quite entertaing as the wedding videographer.

....He used to play guitar in bed.....they should be together!! Makes me miss somebody...

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(2008 Director: Fernando Meirelles--The Constant Gardener& City of God, a personal favorite) "I know that part inside of you with no name, and that's who we are, right?"



AGAINST leanings to the contrary, Iwhen i decided to watch this movie (BEFORE I had read the book) I took the advice of friend on my favorite book site.



Adapted from the novel by Nobel prize winning author Jose Saramago..This is at least a R rating...warning: NOT for the little ones overall rating R but in parts certain violence + sex mixed with survival themes. NOT recommending it for under say 11 yr old ('nuff said?)



This is a wonderful study of how people react in a crisis & a statement perhaps on the depravity of some peoples. Contagion of blindness...tho there is nothing visibly wrong with the eye according to medical tests. A physician (Mark Ruffalo) and his wife (Julianne Moore) are among the early ones to be infected something the doctor contracted from a patient at his hospital. However, his wife refuses to stay behind when he is forcibly carted away by the military to a quarantine holding center. She (Juliane Moore) does NOT lose her eyesight but keeps it a secret. "Man With Eye Patch" (Danny Glover) wears an eye patch and joins the group as the only one in Block One who has a radio! This is their first glimpse into what is occurring in the outside world.



Chaos and power struggles happen. There is not enough food provided to start out with. More and more people are added to the Quarantine Compound but without provisions being supplied. No one is allowed to leave; military police surround the Compound and shoot anyone out of line. The Doc & his wife have a pretty deep connection which rather moved me in this dark study. Julienne Moore shows her salt in this role.



At one point a Minister's voice can be heard preaching about the Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus) and relaying the story of him being blinded along the road to Damascus, on his way to persecute the early Christians. It is a famous story & I share it here because of the parallel with the blindness epidemic, the main plot of the movie. Saul after his experience (during Christ's time on earth) immediately changed his name to Paul, met up with the prophet as the Angel had fortold & his eyesight was restored. Paul did a complete turn around & wrote much of the New Testament. [In 1981 Anthony Hopkins beautifully portrayed Paul (in Peter and Paul directed by Robert Day).



CAST...Taxi Driver-Joe Pingue Receptionist-Susan Coyne Boy: Mitchell Nye "Mother of the Boy" -Fabiana Gugli The Accountant--Maury Chaykin Policeman-Joe Cobdon Maid-Amanda Hiebert Woman in Sunglasses(Prostitute)-Maria Inger Other Woman of Ward One-Toni Ellwand & Nadia LItz Minister of Health-Sandra Oh Sergeant-Michael Wandner Hoodulm-Billy Otis (led a gang of terrorists interned within the Quarantine Ctr)

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Great robbery...Intense! Master mind (Clive Owen) is quite the bitch! So is Jodi Foster in this flick! Denzel Washington plays the head investigative cop...and I loved the lengths he went to to try to crack this case! AMAZING BANK ROBBERY! (not bloody) With a supporting cast like William Dafoe and Christopher Plummer..not surprising a winner!

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(2006 Director: Mira Nair) This movie is understated and took me quite by surprise. I bought in as pair combined with Slumdog Millionaire . I enjoyed Monsoon Wedding which was made by this same Director. Namesake is a lovely & touching portrait of a couple's lives from their youth through the rest of their lives. Their children are born in America since Ashoke (Irfan Khan) had always dreamed of coming to America. Ashoke's career is successful and as his son, Gogol (Kal Penn) reaches adulthood, they travel back to India.


TRIVIA: After which famous Russian novelist has named a father his son in the Mira Nair's movie The Namesake? This puzzles the son..and is a key part of the storyline.

Michael Crichton's best selling novel comes to the screen in this action mystery suspense with lots of humor thrown in! Japanese - American international high-stakes political homicide with Harvey Keitel playing a lead role in the dual Japanese/American homicide investigation. Full of twists & turns.

A somewhat younger Wesley Snipes, Sean Connery & a long list of fabulous supporting actors co-star. Who are my personal favorite supporting actors in this murder mystery movie? Harvey Keitel& Steve Buscemi . The Japanese businessmen wish to keep an unseemly murder of a young, beautiful American girl hush hush. Of course.... Sean Connery is the senior/expert/fluent Japanese speaking investigator invited into the investi- gation by the Japanese.

Cary- Hiroyuki Tagawa (Mortal Kombat's Emperor Shang Tsung) is the son of a wealthy Japanese businessman, the dead woman's lover AND the #1 murder suspect.

TRIVIA QUESTION FROM FLIXSTER: Who is the author whose books have been adapted into films such as "Jurassic Park", "Sphere", "Congo" and "Rising Sun". He also co-wrote the screenplay for "Twister" and directed Sean Connery in "The Great Train Robbery"??.

(2006 Director: Tony Bill) Good casting of several "lost" young men who set sail for France to join in the Great War (W W I) to enter training to become fighter pilots! Some great in-the-air battle scenes. Story of growing up! Martin Henderson (OLTL) portrays Reed Cassidy, the sole survivor from HIS group of pilot trainees-- now co-commanding yet another wave of valient, young, heroic or naive young men volunteering for this training as fighter pilots/ Their undoing may be ultimately the battles between their squadron and the infamous "Red Baron." Jean Reno stars as French Capt. Thenault who accepts their raw selves as they undertake training these green Americans..

Here is what I call a "meaty" movie and starring some incredible actors!! Oh goodie!@ I'm feeling a movie fest comin' on!!@

(1997) Here' the movie that got away....just saw this a couple of months ago and felt it was incredibly riveting, especially for being 14 y ears old now!! They say for each one of us there is a dopple ganger.....and (Aidan Quinn) is just that, a dopple danger for one of the world's most notorious terrorists. Ben Kingsley co-stars in a believable role as Amos, an Israeli C.I.A. agent, who first encounters "Annibal Ramirez" aka "Carlos' double" while he is on leave in the Middle East...





Donald Sutherland lends some bitter but human C.I.A. reality to the morphosis of Quinn into his notorious dopple ganger, "Carlos."

Though filmed prior to 9/11 deals with intense terrorist issues--I had not seen this 1998 movie until recently, but it could have been made almost yesterday for its timeliness. Terrorists make increasingly more severe "strikes" ultimately causing the President to order Martial Law in New York City. Bruce WIllis co-stars as General Devereaux. Sensitive handling of the FBI vs US Military forces...(1998 Director: Edward Zwick)[more review to follow]

(2001 Director: George HIckenlooper) I am not sure if it was the combination of the actors and actresses portraying the characters in this movie that made such an impression on me or if it was the storyline. Somehow there was a freshness about the subject matter--though far from original--but perhaps somehow handled more sensitively. James Coburn was phenomenally masterful as an extremely well-known author & Julianne Marguilies (ER, The Good WIfe) played her supporting role as TIller's wife believably with a touch perhaps of innocence, or even niavete. Growth hurts!

There is a saying that might perhaps be one of the themes of this interesting passionate character study: "Never love a woman who loves you unconditionally." I think is how it goes?!

However, I won't spoil the surprise.

My fellow movie viewers' reviews are "on spot" except for the commentary I read about Andy Garcia. Andy Garcia has the face of a beloved puppy dog and your dearest friend or long lost love to my mind and watching him perform in this believable role where he "performs" to survive, we all were given a glimpse at what integrity means.

Okay, yeah I'm older than I look (especially in this photo!) Let me share a personal experience? Both my brother and sister (Geminis) could never stand to remain in the room (or theater) when watching a violent, or otherwise horrifically uncormfortable movie.

Tiller loved his wife and had just as much passion for his writing. He became numb. Garcia is a man full of raw power, charisma, even vigor but with the face of a hound dog (except even more lovely)...those eyes. He can speak volumes without one word.

(1996 Director: Michael Bay) Review to follow

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"Why won;'t you come with me to Russia, Dash? Don't you want to see the RUssian theater?" But Lilly's father sees her off as she boats to Russia...."Buy a Sable coat if you want to Lilly, but remember it doesn't have anything to do with writing." Based on the book by Lillian Hermann. (1987 Directed by Fred Zimmerman) Playwrite Lilian Hellman (Jane Fonda) seeks the advice of her father, Dashel, a famous author (Jason Robards) in his oceanside home. Costars Vanessa Redgrave, as Julia, Lillian's childhood friend now iliving in Paris. These 2 beauties were coming of age just before WW II.. If you enjoy well-developed characters and stories told in flashbacks, you probably might love this movie! It is what I like to call a "meaty" movie. You will feel or relate to the feelings of these characters. For instance, here is a childhood game most of us have played where one person starts the story and the next person adds to it creating a lovely story! "I am Paris and I am a string of beads on a hot dancer and outside it is Renoir and Degau.... or a romantic Frenchman comes into my room, and he carries meoff..." Lillian travels to Paris and visits her delicate yet aristocratic friend, Julia, whose parents take ehr to Cairo.... Memories from their childhood are women in and out throughout as flashbacks. In one flashback Lillian visits Julia where she was studying at Oxford University. Julia tells Lillian when she writes her play she will start to go to the theater again..Julia is stranded in Vienna where Nazi troops have even invaded the university, killing many....

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Meet the Parents? Two sisters with very little in common wind up spending Christmas with Everett (Dermot Mulroney-My Best Friend's Wedding), Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker)'s almost fiance. Everett's parents (Diane Keaton and Craig T. Nelson) & family takes an immediate dislike to poor Meredith who desperate for acceptance begs her sister to join her!

Family homecoming movie with deaf child and sign language! YEAH! Watching it now..(more review to follow)

(2005 Director: Christophe Barratier) NOT the typical "boys school" movie...Francois Berland adds a note of class a mes tres Francais film...which makes one of life's most poignant statements on how we handle God's gift to us of our "wayward chlidren" Never can I say I enjoyed a film more! and in French with subtitles!! Look to this incredible looking Jean-Baptiste Maunier (with the voice of an angel) for a future promising career! Do YOU have a long lost dream? Never too late you know!? This is about making a difference, understated!!

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Pas le typique « les garçons instruisent » le film. ..Francois Berland ajoute une note de classe un me film de Francais de tres. Ce sont de la plupart des déclarations poignants de la vie sur comment nous contrôlons le cadeau de Dieu à nous de notre « chlidren rebelle » ne peut jamais je dis que j'ai apprécié un film plus ! et en français avec les sous-titres ! ! Compter sur ce Jean-Baptiste Maunier regardant incroyable (avec la voix d'un ange) pour un avenir promet la carrière ! Avez-vousS un rêve perdu long ? Trop tard ne vous savez jamais ! ? Ceci est de faire une différence, minimisé ! !

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Yummy! Judi Dench +_ Johnny Deppy = Interesting Cast!! (2000 Director: Lasse Hallstrom) This movie comes highly recommended by many! I finally rented it..I like the tone of the movie. Vienne,a young mother (Juliette Binochi) & daughter Anouk (Victoire Thivisol ) rent a store site just weeks prior to the Lent season & open the most delightful chocolate and candiy shop. The town official immediate disapproves of this lovely friendly UNMARRIED single mother in a conservative French town...I especially like that this story is augmented with narration, a female narrator.

If one does not attend the church, one is not accepted in this little town. There is a certain "magic' about this Chocolat Juliette makes so specially, perhaps a certain Maya secret--a belief in the magical properties of Cacao. The harsh, strong North wind plays a fole in the gypsy-like stirrings within the souls of so many in this film.

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Quite unexpectedly super-successful hollywoodite Amanda (Cameron Diaz) dumps her very unfaithful boyfriend...and searches the internet for something to do over Christmas so as not to suffer a complete breakdown (or at least a severe pity party). I discovered this movie almost as unexpectedly and had no preceived notions, ideas or expectations. To my pleasant surprise, Iris (Kate Winslet) in England has a bad case of unrequited love for her competitive but striking co-worker, Jasper (Rufus Sewell, one of my heartthrobs). Without giving away too much of the story, two ladies discover themselves by leaving their home over the holidays and walking into each others domiciles! COULD consider this one a chick flick but I wouldn't put it in that list..perhaps...life discoveries?

(1997 Director: John R. Leonetti) Hmmm..so a different director than Mortal Kombat (the first movie)! I didn't realize that before now.

Robin SHou gives another truly amazing martial arts & acting performance as Liu Kang, victor who SAVED THE WORLD in the first movie now (AGAIN) forced to defend Terra again--mainly because Shao Khan the Emperor of Outworld (Brian Thompson) cheats! He breaks the rules...going against the laws of nature, physics, outworld, earth world you name it!

This tale continues the story of Robin Shou who lost his younger brother, a fact the "dark side" (so to speak) enjoys turning against him. We get a chance to see "Wolf" who is romanced by Jade (Irina Pntaeva). Great martial arts footage with an interesting plot!

Okay, I COULD MAYBE see where some might think this is sacriligious!? Hmm.. but I wouldn't agree! It is fantasy--pure or impure and simple!
The story opens (as I recall) with Sonja on her way to find JAX her good friend to enlist his aide...

Do YOU have a favorite Mortal Kombat character? or perhaps power? JAX is sooo impressive with those mechanically-enhanced arms on that super buff body (Lynn Red)....

(1) James Remar INSTEAD of Christopher Lambert (Highlander) as Lord Rayden...

(2) Hmm...also a DIFFERENT actress portrays Sonya Blade (A very fit Sandra Hess...alas, I will always miss the fiery performance of Brigett Wilson..especially in her early FORCED FIGHT against KANO...."What do you think I'm your secretary??")

True or False: James Remar was auditioned for Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat Annihilation and Christopher Lambert was interested in reprising the role of Rayden but was committed to Beowulf.

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(1998 Director: Stephen Sommers) Among my son & my personal mutual favorite! Thrills, plot twists, and humor combined! Treat Williams & Keven J O'Connor charter a boat for hire into the middle of nowhere...big mistake!! West Studi co-stars. Smal role by Dijimon Hounsou & Trevor Goddard (Kano from Mortal Combat)

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The late Trevor Goddard has a supporting role as one of the armed hijackers who take over an ocean liner....Recognize female lead Famke Janssen (X-Men's Dr. Jean Gray)

David Guterson's bestselling novel came to the screen in 1999 through Austrailian Director Scott Hicks. Beautiful, artful and sensitive portrayal of love...and what time and war cannot do to stop true love...I would not call this a war movie (WW II in the U.S. American/Japanese during war & post-war era) Rather this touching Australian- madeto order love story is told in flash backs and involves all our senses. Pure, childhood love propels Ishmail Chambers (Ethan Hawke) son of a local independent newspaper/ publisher to unselfishly devotes his aide to the legal criminal defense of the Japanese husband of his Japanese childhood love, Hatsue Imada Miyamoto (Akira Takayama) This innocent defendant (SEE PHOTO BELOW) is beautifully defended by Max Von Sydow who plays an aging but valient defense attorney.



That might be where this story begins but it certainly captures more than sentimental appeal and a vivid courtroom drama. The heart of this story reveals a town very much prejudiced against the Japanese...during the beginning of World War II when yes some of the characters are rounded up and interred into prison camps here in the U.S.A.



Note: Some famous co-stars such as James Cromwell, Celia Weston, James Rebhorn (Prosecuting attorney).

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(2006 Director: Christian Carlton ) Yes a war movie but told first hand...based on the book by R. de Roussy de Sales but about the first WW I (the "Great War") providng some inside looks at each side of the French & American soldiers fighting....focusing on a particular battlefield the night of Christmas Eve! Lovely Fraulein Diane Kruger (National Treasure & Troy -the lovely Helen..) plays a lovely German opera star whose partners on stage goes off to this war along with MILLIONS of other young strong men...MEMORABLE!! Does not disappoint! French language with English subtitles.

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(Sept. 2003 Director: Sofia Coppola) I LOVED Scarlet Johansen & Bill Murray together!! Dead pan? Have you never spent a week across the country in the madness of a convention? or or been to Toyko? [ I have not..but know those who have) Both Scarlett & Bill are stuck for about 1 week in Toyko, Japan..Bill to make a Japanese Whiskey commercial...Scartlett travelling with her photographer new husband who is rarely available encounters Bill Murray and quickly develops a friendship. There is a kinship between these 2 due to perhaps being displaced in Japan?

Whatever the reason the chemistry is warm and friendly. Despite their age difference, these 2 have quite a bit in common. (to be continued

ALSO MUST SEE THE LOST CITY to truly appreciate the talents of (Bill Murray) this now classic funny man (former Saturday Night Live regular!!)...and of course Andy Garcia

(2001 Director: John Madden) The wonderful direction of this incredible novel (by Louis de Bernieres) brought to the screen is one of my new favorite films. Acting and casting were superb. Left me breathless, similarly to "Memoirs of a Geisha." John Hurt's performance as the father of Pelagia, betrothed to Mandras, who eventually leads the rebellion against the invaing forces, simply blew me away....Penelope Cruz au naturel is even more lovely as an innocent farm girl betrothed to Mandras, her long-time childhood friend.

Madden and the raw performances of this amazing cast did justice to Berneires' novel of life-altering life experiences. [more review to follow]

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(2005 Director: Gore Verbinski) Heartwarming... Michael Caine playing the part of the senior Mr. Spirtz (Nicolas Cage's aka the weatherman's father). Maybe you think like I do? Some roles really let an actor's true personality come out! I thought this about Michael Caine in this movie as well as in his role in Flawless, oddly enough where he played the janitor of a huge Diamond/finance company.

Perhaps you wonder why I liked Michael Caine's role so much? Well he plays a father/grandfather about his same real life age & gives some much-needed fatherly adivce to his son, David. David has taken his wife for granted for far, far too long--and loses her! I agree with "Mr. Popcorn";s comment that David's character with protest & against his own better judgment truly MUST grow..if life isn't sending you enough signals indicating a need for growth, perhaps this movie's theme is "decide to voluntarily grow before you lose EVERYTHING dear to you!!"

Put perhaps a little more gently & in a nutshell though I COULD start my rievew of this movie with: "Spoiled, selfish, and perhaps petty Dave Spirtz (Nicholas Cage) is a local and popular weatherman in Chicago, IL. He has marital problems in my humble opinion due to his particularly shallow outlook. Life has a way of broadening our horizons....It's an excellent cast & worth seeing!"
Spoiled, selfish, and perhaps petty Dave Spirtz (Nicholas Cage) is a local and popular weatherman in Chicago, IL. He has marital problems in my humble opinion due to his particularly shallow outlook. Life has a way of broadening our horizons....It's an excellent cast & worth seeing!

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Okay I have included a clip entitled "tartar sauce" (see below) because David is asked to accomplish one task before returning home--don't forget the tartar sauce. I suppose perhaps it feels a little like who squeezed the wrong end of the toothpaste tube between these 2 hubby & wife (Hope Davis). Still listening to David's "inner thoughts" certainly enlightened me me! LOL

(1997 Director: Paul Verhoeven) "Everyone fights. No one quits." Michael Ironsides informs his troops when they are about to face their greatest onslaught yet! This is one of my very favorite "campy" movies. Original story line. Little Dugie Houser (Neil Patrick Harris) co-stars as best friend of Johnny RIco (Casper Van Dien) who along with several of their fellow classmates (among them Denise Richards) decide to sign up/enlist as a "Citizen." Lots of plot tiwsts in this explosive yet politically overtoned thriller. I am sure you are seen the trailers if not the movie. Look on my profile for a trailer....(more review to follow)

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2005 Lord of War (Director Andrew Niccol) & 2003 Matchstick Men i feel are BOTH MUST SEES!! I have not yet seen Ghost Rider but both these films touch the souls of "real" actually basically honest men whose perspectives are torn askew by their circumstances. They truly moved me! The direction of this was startling..directed by Andrew Niccol, Nicholas Cage takes the lead in Lord of War (or War Lord!) as a desperate family man resourceful enough to begin an international arms trade in order to support (financially) his family--and an extravagant wife!! Touching story...great view of war-torn Liberia & other African countries in
civil war [see video clip] [Itger Flixster review in French: JohnSilver MCT: 66 (Best friends) April 7, 2007 Je vais vous avouer que je ne sais pas trop quoi en dire; excellent ou bien minable ! Alors, pour cela, je vais attendre le revisionnement pour lui accorder une note qu'il méritera ;) ! ! ! ]

(1997 Director: Luc Besson) Why am I torn between Corbin Dallas (Bruce WIllis), Ruby Rap (Chris Tucker) & Jean-Baptiste-Emmanuel Zorg (Gary Oldham) as the BEST actors in this movie!?! What do YOU think?

COULD HARDLY BE FUNNIER!! CRAZY, WILD, FUTURISTIC LOOK @ LIFESTYLE IN THE FUTURE.......COMMERCIALISM STILL IN FULL FORCE!

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Check out Gary Oldham's explanation of the lastest intergallactic weapon (he is selling)

GREAT PERFORMANCES BY BRUCE WILLIS AND "THE 5TH ELEMENT" AKA MILLA JOVOVICH....CHRIS TUCKER MAKES THE FUTURE "ROCK"!!

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MUST SEE!!

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Now this is fantastic! And he spells the name Christian Bale..remember that name!!

Here Michael Caine stars as "Alfred" wayne's manservant but gives that role a lot of pinache. Adore Katie Holmes who gives a fine performance.

NEW version deserves kudos. Great cast also includes Gary Oldham, Liam Neeson & Morgan Freeman's talents!

Some little-known Batman Begins factoids: Laurence Fishburne was also considered for the role of Lucius Fox.

Viggo Mortensen turned down the role of Henri Ducard.
Kurt Russell was considered for the role of James Gordon.
Chris Cooper turned down the role of James Gordon.

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(1997 Director: Jon Amiel) I stumbled upon this movie when combing Best Buy for a good mystery--it came packaged with 4 discs in 1 deal! This is hilarious!! Wallace Ritchie (Bill Murray) travels to England on his birthday to visit his brother, James Ritchie (Peter Gallagher). Ritchie has a huge business deal hinging on a dinner party at his home the evening Walter arrives totally unexpectedly--so he and his wife come up with the idea of purchasing Walter a ticket to "act" in a new local interactive street theater, called, "Theater of Life," acted involving average citizens invovling them in the plot.





Guess what? Walter goes to the assigned telephone booth to get his "assignment" and intercepts real espionage and becomes entangled, all the while NOT realizing his mistake! His accomplish becomes a woman (Joanne Whalley) whom had kept incriminating letters written by British Ambassador for which he was being blackmailed. When Walter shows up on the scene everyone believes him to be Sergio...but of course he is NOT the British agent Sergio...

(Dec. 2006 Director: Alfonso Cuaron) Based on the book by P.D. James. The film won Best Cinematography at the 2007 BAFTA Awards.. To me had a style reminiscent of 70's films....Mad Maxx, Soylent Green...and in that vein perhaps more art than sustenance, Loved the retrogade view of the world coming undone! Complex subjects--a future where no one can conceive and plagues occur often. Clive Owen stars as Julianne Moore's ex-husband who becomes enlisted into the cause of preserving the life of one young female who has miraculously conceived--and to transport here and her offspring to a safe haven (a ship)!

Set in 2027 where the future looks bleak. Violence is everywhere in the streets, poverty and chaos is apparent.

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Michael Caine plays the true blue friend of Clive Owen's character....donning long locks and playing John Lennon music...MUST SEE!

PRAYER (EPITHET) FROM "CHILDREN OF MEN" upon the passing of a friend...
"May all the ascended beings, the bodhisattvas and saints and all those who have walked the surface of the earth in the light of eternal truth, come to the aid of our beloved sister, Julian. Shantih, Shantih, Shantih....."

Another quote from this awareness theme: "The world was stunned today by the death of Diego Ricardo, the youngest person on the planet, the youngest person on earth was 18 years, 4 months, 20 days, 16 hours, and 8 minutes old."

(2004 Director Mike Nichols) ABSOLUTELY 5 STARS! GREAT ACTING, EDITING, STORY, WRITING...Love the music video by Damian Rice (contained inDVD) "The Blower's Daughter"...and the line."...And so it is...It's like you said it would be..no fame no glory..most of the time"

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(2004 Director Michael Nichols) Based on a hit Broadway Play. Passionate performances are stellar in this movie by ALL! I gained new respect for each of these actors. I believed they were torn apart by their passions: Jude Law, Clive Owen, Natalia Portman and Julia Roberts BRAVO!! [SEE VIDEO CLIPS!]

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(2002 Director: Roger Michell) Just stumbled upon this one quite by chance and loved it! FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS..this movie never ends its twists and turns! Does justice to its AMAZING CAST!!@ MUST SEE! Just because I have a legal background..I will NOT spoil any of the surprise of this movie. Toni Collette (Towelhead, Shaft, Evening) portrays a paralegal & she and Ben Affleck work together.....will make you never take anything for granted again!! Couldn't help thinking the whole time watching this movie, "What would I do if..."

(2005 Director: John Madden) Dazzling. Loved it! Nothing quite like the love between a Father and a daughter. Excellent performance turned in by lead actress Gwynneth Paltrow had a tear in her eye missing her own recently passed away father during the making of this film. Touching film...

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http://us.imdb.com/media/rm3951008512/nm0001591

(Feb. 2007 Director: Olivier Dahan) This movie touched me in the old style very very Charlie Chaplain kind of way...not exactly a musical..although rich and demonstrative of the times it is set in....

Gerard Deparieu (Cyrano, The Man in the Iron Mask & the Count of Monte Cristo) as Daddy De L'Eppe..who was a savior truly a saviour to little near orphan Edith, now Edith Piaf (Marion Coutillard). I am almost ashamed to have waited to see this on Netflix online as an "instant play," but it moved me so on this late Saturday night..I feel I myself this woman's life story is an inspiration to go on--no matter what obstacle or loss! This mighty little woman with the big voice & incredible big violet blue eyes...went from singing with her circus performing Dad on the streets (begging) passing through a deep albeit life-long friendship with another runaway gal (portrayed by Elisabeth Commelin) and ultimately to arrive in demand commanding the talents of many refined & talented along the way.....

St. Theresa is to whom little Edith prays as a small child...and she even has visions regarding this spiritual connection.

Craig's & Badblondie's reviews definitely made this sound like a must-see! And they were oooohh soooooo right!

Sad...heart rendering story of an amazing life, born a deprived child, shuffled back and forth between Dad & Grandma (who ran a brothel where she was truly loved, however), back with dad...rather sickly in her youth.

A tiny frame with such a large spirit & love of the cabaret night life & camaraderie as a common person who was destined for fame despite her obstacles.

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(1999 Director: Mark Tarlov) Stars the lovely Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as a young, beaiutiful cook,....magic takes over giving her confections a mystical impact!! Rented it thru Netflix......airs from time to time on network television.

(1980 Director: Paul Schrader) This movie is a must-see for the time period, for a movie that gave Richard Gere his fame...Oh, by the way, THIS IS RICHARD GERE WEEK!!

(1997 Director: November 20, 1997) Yeah, you guessed it! I work in legal!! LOL The beauty of the young and honest lawyer (before corrupted)!!! Jon Voight, Mary Kay Place (Mary Hartmann), Danny DeVito, Mickey Rourke + Matt Damon! Are you kidding? Top form! (review to follow)

(Oct. 2006 Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu) Hmmm.....Watched this beginning of this movie as I began a local move....and just finished it today (as i finished my move)!! So I have seasoned thoughts & fresh thoughts both about thi movie detailing how 3 families lives are impacted by the simple gift of a rifle made by a Japanese traveler to a Morrocan guide...COMPLEX, GRIPPING, INTENSE three words to describe the variety of sensations this movie will leave you with..

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(Above photo Pitt & Blanchett) Story becomes intense as a young wife (Cate Blanchett) is shot by rifle bullet--while travelling with her husband (Brad Pitt) by touriest bus in remote Morrocco...It is said things come in 3's and that is the basic premise of this movie I believe along with messages on family complex social interactions & general communication breakdowns. Flash to Pttt & Blanchett's 2 children (having recently lost a third an infant). The couple's young chlidren are left with their Nanny of many years...who innocently brings them with her into Mexico...so that she can attend her son's wedding..

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Parents I believe this movie gives us food for though on WHY we should NEVER force the babysitting issue!! Oscar nominee for Best Picture and Golden Globe winner for Best Drama.

hmmm...i JUST READ THIS REVIEW ON NETFLIX WHICH MIGHT IN PART EXPLAIN THE COMPLEXITY OF THIS MOVIE:

quoting "One of my most favorite recent films! Babel explores the tension between our feelings of isolation and Indra's net - the Hindu belief that everything in the world is connected to everything else by a network of fine invisible filaments. Pull on one filament and it effects everything else in the world. Well acted. Well structured. I loved this film."

(1980 Director: Brian DePalma-Sisters, Carrie) Dennis Franz, Angela Dickinson, David Margulies AND Michael Caine? WHew! A suspense thriller! IN HONOR OF SIR MICHAEL CAINE WEEK!!

(1975 Director: John Huston) In honor of the Oscar awards, I have selected this first week of March as Michael Caine movies week!



Here is a jewel not be be missed!! Just look at the cast!



One of my personal favorites on this Flixster site is the trivia! Here is a sampling: Who directed The Maltese Falcon, Key Largo, The Man Who Would Be King and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre? The movies 'The Man Who Would Be King' and 'The Jungle Book' were based on the stories of what famous authour?

(19647 Director: Stanley Kubrick) Possibly one of George C. Scott's best performances. Setting? Cold War era when "nuclear war" seemed emiinent.

(1958 Director: Guy Green, Guy Greens)

(1987 Director: Kathryn Bigelow) I am grateful to RThornhill of NJ (Roger Dodger) for recommending this movie! A love of VAMP films is something both my son & I share. I have seen the best now I am launching on for the rest!@ Jenny Wright (see her photo) co-stars in this movie & was in Pink Floyd The Wall (A movie I certainly SHOULD remember...hmmm)

AND

IF THAT IS NOT enough.here is a bite from Daniell'e's review " The entire sequence in the bar has became a favorite among many.The cast is quite good. Adrian Pasdar is believable as our formerly-human hero. Lance Henriksen is genuine in his role ... young Bill Paxton who does most of the scene stealing as a scary, yet cheeky vampire thug. .. ".AND it co-stars Bill Paxton in a supposedly memorable vampire role! GOTTA SEE IT NOW!! From the trailer (see below) this movie would appear to be quite "campy" -- an on-the-road Vampire gang travelling in an RV on the kill...

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(1958 Director: Stanley Kramer)Two of the most likeable escaped convicts, portrayed by Sidney Poitier & another of my favorite actors, Tony Curtis, escape shackled in the same pair of handcuffs. Together they battle the elements & each other as they travel Southern back roads eluding the ever-approaching posse. Though the device of binding two racial antagonists together for survival may be rather obvious,Curtis' & Potier's performances make for a compelling pair. Also co-starring: Theodore Bikel, Lon Chaney" Well what a great cast!!

(1993 Direcor: Jim Sheridan) Takes courage to make a film about the fallout from violence, especially when it is based on a true story of false blame being intentionally inflicted on innocents. intense film with amazing performances by Pete Postlethwaite as Guiseppe Conlon & Daniel Day-Lewis (Gerald Conlon) portraying father & son. Denys Hawthorne aptly plays the Judge who finally hears the matter brought against the State by the indomitable defense attorney Gareth Peirce (Emma Thompson). MUST SEE Name the movie where a group of 3 men and a woman were wrongly imprisoned for the 1974 IRA bombing of a pub in Guildford.

(2009 Director: Edward Zwick-Blood Diamond & Schindler's List) WW II Stars Daniel Craig? Hmmmmm... want to see this one!? Who has seen this one??

(1981 Director: Robert Day) this is a superior TV mini-series which I just saw for the first time about 6 months ago. Anthony Hopkins is memorable as the Roman Saul of Tarsis turned Apostle Paul during his travels on the road to Damascus. Worth see. I should note that it has recently been shown twice on TBN (Channel 21) U.S. Christian programming.

Could you guess his co-stars?? Jon Finch, Raymond Burr (as King Herod), Eddie Albert (Festus-Local Govt leader), JOhn Fhys-Davies (As John the Baptist) & includes the very handsome Robert Foxworth as the Apostle Peter.

(1997 Director: Michael Oblowitz) I enjoyed this movie, though admittedly it was a little difficult to watch two incredibly gorgeous twins (one female, one male) living off their looks in less than moral ways. Oddly enough gorgeous Billy Zane's character met misfortune from his legitimate undercover career, causing him to return home.

Rue McClanahan was a bright spot as their mother. In reviewing Ms McClanahan's filmography, I was surprised to learn that I have seen few of her movies. Anyone remember her character in a personal favorite, Starship Troopers??

(2002 Directors: Manhdi Charef & Mehdi Charef) An adopted child on the quest for the true story surrounding her adoption\, travels to the desolete Algeria, the land of her birth. This French film is unrated, but might deserve an R rating. Cultural differences and violence toward women among the Magrebe are reasons I might perhaps give it an R rating.



Definited a "worth see." The last two movies I watched were incredibly stirring.



I have a personal penchant for cultural films, and primitive culture certainly applies to this movie. Smaller than a small town the mountains in which this small family reside are treacherous and water is a precious commodity. (more review to follow)

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(1987 Director: Norman Jewison) Surely you HAVE SEEN THIS NICOLAS CAGE MOVIE? If not give yourself a treat & see this one!

Hopelessly romantic tale of love.....great ironic story....The full moon seems to play an important tale in this sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet tale.

NOW, AGAIN, in honor of NICOLAS CAGE WEEK....let's play some Nicolas Cage trivia...

What Nicolas Cage movie involves a phobic con artist and his protege who are on the verge of pulling off a lucrative swindle when the con artist's teenage daughter arrives unexpectedly?

Which historically significant movie unearths an amazing find--trioculars used by Benjamin Franklin?

***JUST TO CLEAR UP MY EARLIER ERROR: Fast Times at Ridgemont High is Nicolas Cage's film debut (even though I swear I heard him himself state it was MOONSTRUCK on Actor's Studio). Wikipedia clearly credits him in 1982 as one of several young up and coming actors--in THEIR FIRST ROLES--in Fast TImes at Ridgemont High. Of course you COULD count his earlier appearance as an extra in Brubaker, but I'm not.

Cage co-starred at Brad (Judge Reinhold's)'s buddy AND ALSO IS CREDITED AS as Nicolas Coppola. I recall Nicolas Cage commenting in Actor's Studio that he wanted to hide his family tie to Francis Ford Coppola.***

(2009 Director: Antoine Fuqua) Hmmm...Story synposis reminds me of an older flick starring Richard Gere...Good cast golly! From Ethan Hawke to Will Patton to Wesley Snipes (+ Richard Gere)!!

Mixed very very positive but some say rehash!

GOTTA SEE IT NOW!! :)

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(1996 Director: Richard Attenborough) Well I haven't finished this movie. Friend loaned it to me. The movie was among several loaned to me by a good friend for viewing while my Father was with us (in his last year)...

Good story line--WW I where Sandra Bullock plays a nurse to Ernest Hemingway (Chris O'Donnell) . My recollection is that it is set at a time when salvaging a severly injury leg was NOT aided by antibiotics since they had NOT been discovered yet!@ Stars a very very very young Chris O'Donnell. as the young Hemingway What a hottie!! [more review to follow]

Hemingway in Love and War: The Lost Diary of Agnes Von Kurowsky
by Agnes Von Kurowsky, Ernest Hemingway

(2004 Director: Russell Mulcahy) Based on a sad true story de Anthony Fingleton. Hard-working father ( ) taunts his 3 sons due to his own misguided idea that only physical strength matters. [more review to follow] (2004 Directeur : Russell Mulcahy) fondé sur une vraie histoire triste de l'Anthony Fingleton.. Le père qui dur-travaillant () accable de sarcasmes ses 3 fils en raison de sa propre idée dévoyée que la force seulement physique a d'importance. [plus de revue pour suivre]

Rating? 6 stars..11 in a scale of 1-10!! I watched this movie again and again. How many awards won? Should have taken them all!! Poetic, truthful, unflinching but considerate portrayal of how not all of us have happy choices in life!! Youki Kudoh shows her versatility as an actress in her role of friend/fellow young girl sold into slavery (Geishahood). this movie almost makes it seem appealing -- ifyou have the good fortune to have a DECENT "maman". ...Much much more to add to this review....Also adds on the impact of WW II almost destroying this cultural icon of the Geisha!!Le classement ? 11 dans une à (C)chelle de 1-10 ! J'ai regardà (C) ce film maintes et maintes fois. Combien des rà (C)compenses ont gagnà (C) ? Aurait dû les prendre tous ! ! La reprà (C)sentation poà (C)tique, honnête, inà (C)branlable mais prà (C)venante de comment ne nous tous avons pas des choix heureux dans la vie ! ! Rajoute aussi l'impact de WW II dà (C)truisant presque cette icône culturelle de la Geisha !

(2009 Director: John Lee Hancock) This movie was a pick for a local church's quarlerly "Girls Night Out" movie night which I attended with other girlfriends. We were touched. Based on a true story.

The Toughy's are an amazing family with a blessed life. When an unlikely student crops up at their children's high school and then crosses their paths, first Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock), the mother, steps up to the plate and befriends "Big Mike" (Quinton Aaron). An observant Tennesee mother and high school cheer coach, she slowly befriends "Big Mike" whom she has observed befriending S.J., her youngest child.

When Big Mike is out walking alone without even wearing a jacket on a very cold, rainy night when the Toughy family is just driving home, Leigh Anne is moved to aid this young man, a somewhat misplaced new student at their Wingate Christian School. [more review to follow]

Ce film était un choix pour un quarlerly de l'église local « la Nuit de Filles Hors » la nuit de film que j'ai assistée avec les autres amies. Nous avons été touchés. Fondé sur une vraie histoire.

Le Toughy est une famille stupéfiante avec une vie bénie. Quand un étudiant peu probable recadre en haut à leur école secondaire des enfants et traverse alors leurs chemins, premier Leigh Anne (le Bouvillon de Sandra), la mère, les étapes jusqu'à la plaque et prend en amitié « Grand Mike » (Quinton Aaron). Une mère observateurs de Tennesee et l'entraîneur d'acclamation d'école secondaire, elle lentement prend en amitié « Grand Mike » qu'elle a observé prenant en amitié S.J., son plus jeune enfant.

Quand Grand Mike marche hors seul sans porter même un veston sur une nuit très froide et pluvieuse quand la famille de Toughy conduit juste à la maison, Leigh Anne est transféré à aide ce jeune homme, un nouvel étudiant un peu égaré à leur Wingate l'Ecole chrétienne. [plus de revue pour suivre] (2009 Directeur : John Lee Hancock) Ce film était un choix pour un quarlerly de l'église local « la Nuit de
Filles Hors » la nuit de film que j'ai assistée avec les autres amies. Nous avons été touchés. Fondé sur une vraie histoire.

Le Toughy est une famille stupéfiante avec une vie bénie. Quand un étudiant peu probable recadre en haut à leur école secondaire des enfants et traverse alors leurs chemins, premier Leigh Anne (le Bouvillon de Sandra), la mère, les étapes jusqu'à la plaque et prend en amitié « Grand Mike » (Quinton Aaron). Une mère observateurs de Tennesee et l'entraîneur d'acclamation d'école secondaire, elle lentement prend en amitié « Grand Mike » qu'elle a observé prenant en amitié S.J., son plus jeune enfant.

Quand Grand Mike marche hors seul sans porter même un veston sur une nuit très froide et pluvieuse quand la famille de Toughy conduit juste à la maison, Leigh Anne est transféré à aide ce jeune homme, un nouvel étudiant un peu égaré à leur Wingate l'Ecole chrétienne. [plus de revue pour suivre]

(2000 Director: Bryan Singer) Rogue (Anna Paquin) then Wolvering (Hugh Jackman) are the first two mutants that appear on the big silver screen. Simultaneously as their individual scenarios begin to unfold--and prior to these two characters even meeting--the political controversy grows, almost placed as a backdrop, like a magnificent concerto begins low, forte, then builds stronger and louder (allegre) into a Crescendo...Will Mutants be categorized? Would such intervention be actually mistreatment in the giese of proactive "precautions" in the forebearance of law-breaking mutants or mutant gangs wreaking havoc on American civilization?

Two-somes (duos) polarized seems to be one theme, although the main theme is more clearly stated, "Do you fear us (mutants)?" Mystique asks the Senator directly. Fear and loathing...fear breeds hatred..hatred breeds fear. The Senator counters, "Do you hate us?"

Fantastic story based on Marvel Comics heroes and villains, Xmen's debut movie "arrives" and with a loyal and stellar cast creeps to the top exemplarizing artistic expression through a fine transition between mediums (comic books to video games to the silver screen). Do I hear a clash of cymbals as the plot thickens? Is that really the sound of circling storm clouds "Storm" (Halle Berry) generates...or a quartet of strings strumming loudly, more loudly drums, cymbals...[more review to follow]

[review to follow] What an interesting pairing!

(May, 2005 Director: Mick Davis) WONDERFUL THOUGH TRAGIC!

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Do you love the Renaissance? This is a story of a cubist painter during the time of Picasso! It portrays the alcolism & poverty of those dedicated to their Art. This is a rare performance by Andy Garcia and an impeccable portrait of the life and times of a bygone era. Don't miss this one!! Deals with the real issues of life, poverty, alcoholism...harsh ending...NOT a "chick: flick despite the fact that one of the hottest men alive stars in this movie and what a role he has! The passionate but impoverished Modigliani hangs out with other cubist painters of his time, such as the very outgoing Picasso (Omid Djalili) whose largesse is legendary...great performances make this a worth see.

(1990 Director: Francis Ford Coppola) So it deals with control and power struggles this movie and the sagas or do I mean to say sages. Some of the sexiest men alive star in this movie.

Tiala Shire, Diane Keaton and Eli Wallach in supporting roles!? Whadda ya want? How do you see YOUR future? Is that really George Hamilton? Bridget Fonda?

You want I should make him an offer he can't refuse?? My favorite line in this entire highly dramatic and climactic and anti-climactic cycling movie with fantastic flashbacks...is by Robert Duvall.

(2002 Director: Stephen Daldry) This is a wonderful portrait of 3 women's lives....based on a book by --virginia Woolf. Is it Mrs. Dalloway?

But re-read my sentence and please understand that these are NOT portraits of 3 women's WONDERFUL lives. Oh contraire!

My honest take on this movie (which I purchased on a bargain 4 for $20 at Blockbuster's a year or 2 ago) was that there were some extraordinary acting performances of several women's dark descent into their own uniquely dreary lives. Depression? Okay you could give it that name. Manic depression I think would best describe Nicole Kidman's character. But ifyou are living someone else's version of your life, wouldn't you change it if you could?

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Of course, NIcole Kidman deserved the Oscar for her performance but then all of these women did! (to be continued)

(2008 Directors: John Stevenson, Mark Osborne) Guess where I saw this movie? Bet you can't guess!
Give up?
Isn't it kind of fun to guess who is doing the voice of a character in a lovely action animation movie like this one?

Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu of the Furious Five have their hands full when they approach Po (Jack Black) who unwittingly becomes "the Chosen One."

(1997 Director: Richard Donner) Funky story line...brain washing is the theme. Mel Gibson plays a seemingly obsessed man following around Alice Sutton (Julia Roberts) who is the daughter of his deceased former military partner. His hangups include having to buy the book "Catcher in the Rye" everywhere he goes! Much deeper plot than the surface of a seemingly harmless obssessive man.

Patrick Stewart co-stars as the cruel Dr. Jonas. Political coverups or paranoia?

One of Julia Roberts better performances..this movie AND The Pelican Brief

(Dec 2003 Director : Edward Zwick) Do you like History? Martial arts? Tom Cruise? How did YOU miss this movie?!! Best of the Best!! Superb everything and incredible story line. One of several incredible movies, insightful, interesting, stirring, directed by Edward Zwick.

Still, I haven't mentioned what an incredible cast, have I? Well, the cast is amazing and ranges from Ken Watanabe as Samurai to Billy Connolly (Zebulon Gant), a fellow ne'er-do-will cast member of the travelling circus which stars Tom Cruise as part of the Battle of LIttle Horn (at the beginning of the movie)

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SPANISH REVIEW HERE:
jonathannet May 17, 2007 Me Gusta mucho la cultura de los Samurai y claro las muy hermosas Katanas, por eso recomiendo altamente esta pelicula.

(1977 Director: Ralph Bakshi) This was brave territory for its very gutsy 1977 release. In my theater vocabulary this wonderful animation was quite ahead of its time & is a "Must See." Watch it and judge for yourself.

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(2009 Director: J. J. Adams) Interesting casting, for example, Eric Bana as the sinister villain, Capt. Nero, JOhn Cho as Sulu....keep in mind all of these are the Enterprise members in their super youth! A surprising Zoe Saldana as Uhura..and my personal favorite?!? Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz & MI III) as young engineering genius Scotty~!

This remake, redo, alternate reality...sequel was action packed right from the first frame of the movie.. For those of U who haven't guessed it already, I am old enough to have seen the original series but wasn't originally interested. Since it was my brother's favorite, I watched more episodes and in later years could almost be described as a "Trekkie," no conventions or anything mind you,..

Is the focus in this new movie on Spock? Or is the focus on "Jim"? Originally I might have said Jim but then I certainly thought Spock. See how "into" the Star Trek characters devotees are? Certainly there is focus on James T. Kirk--whose rebel, outrageous fast-living ways + incredible reflexes + talent impress an old favorite, Capt. Pike.

(1993 Director: Harold Becker) Nice plot twists...Amazing performance by Nicole Kidman. (more review to follow)

(1995 Director: James Ivory) I am unfamiliar with James Ivory but am always amazed when I miss a perfectly enchanting film such as this. A wee bit younger Judi Dench as the more worldly writer Miss Lavish and Maggie Smith co-star. Maggie Smith portrays the senior cousin of Lucy Honeychuch (Helena Bonham Carter) and lends a proper air of sophistication as they travel abroad to Italy serving as chaperones of their younger cousin,

I do enjoy these stories of a more proper time. Why, in fact, it would seem few people actually..[more review to follow]

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(1995 Director: Gary Fleder) Did somebody read my list of favorite actors before they cast this movie?

(2006 Director: Steve Zaillian) It IS possible to say too much about a movie, in that spirit, see this one for Sean Penn's (Best Actor-MILK) passion (borderline megalomania), & Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs) portrayinjg a distinguished retired Southern Judge & incredibly cute Jude Law (Closer, The Holiday) who lost his accent & donned a Southern accent for this flick. Penn plays a state senator who rides a longshot into office as Governor--a man who has foresight & vision into what destiny he sees for his home state. Impassioned but never dull..All the King;s Men is a wonderful showcase for these seasoned actors. None of these men were ever better...as good perhaps but never BETTER! Anthony Hopkins? Well, his career has been soo diverse as to have included a role as Paul (Saul of Tarsus) which he brought depth and character to like none other.

At the 2009 Academy Awards
The introductions of the actors nominations for Best Actor Oscar were incredible this year!!

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(2009 Director: Rakesh Omprakash Mehra) Interesting tale of a young American man of Indian descent (Abhishek Bachchan) who returns to India for his Grandmother, who wishes to return so that she may die in India.

Roshan has his own journey of self-discovery getting touch with his roots in this foreign land where there is animosity between Muslim and HIindu...where the roads are blocked with a sacred cow is giving birth.

The believed "terrorizing" by the illusive "Black Monkey" was primarily a humorous idea that gets carried a bit too far. (more review to follow)

(2005 Director: Peter Hyams) Based on a short story written by Ray Bradbuy [Sci fi]

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Wow! You gotta see this one! If just for the concept of future time travel...don't let that BORE YOU ALREADY!!! It features none other than the great Ben Kingsley as MC & salesman of this new concept (Great perspective on the graft of sales...Hey I sell too!! LOL)....and great special effects....this movie has great twists~! Innovative~! [no found video clip available] BUT A WORTH SEE!! I predict it COULD become a cult classic~~

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This film is stunning and on my "Must See" list because:
a) Incredible acting
b) Futuristic look at our pious & better than thou attitude biting us in the butt!
c) Yet another reminder that human nature will remain human nature EVEN
in the future AS it is in the present and was in the past!
d) somehow we think we can outthink ourselves??!#@

This film takes us into some awesome mental/psyche levels of thought as do the following films which I consider also before their time:

Movie Recommendation Issue(s) Dealt With

Equillibrium ( A society medicated?? )
Planet of the Apes (the original) (Time Travel/Evolution)
Minority Report (Will we undo ourselves thru our scientific endeavors??)
The 6th Day
The Matrix (How far is too far? Trust?)
Blindness (Human Nature/Disaster-biological/Preparedness)
The Island (Future Science-Cloning, Trust)
Wall-E (Ecology/Health)
Lost in Space (Ecology)
Dune (Intergalactic war over ?)

Perhaps it is not clear what each of these movies + Minority Report have in common? They have a theme of either futuristic or no foresight or reaping the results of our gluttony + failure to plan ahead!! Some of them address man vs. machines
FEEL FREE TO ADD YOUR OWN FAVORITES TO THIS LIST I'M STARTING!!

Just love Keanu Reeves...Amazing performance in this spiritualistic aka exorcism aka fighting the afterlife aka HUH??? Not to familiar with the life of the actual Constantine upon whom this movie is loosely based. I do say loosely but some great special effects! **CAUTION: IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY LOST A LOVED ONE, postpone watching this movie**

True or false? Was this movie based on the comic book Hellraiser?

Finally saw this movie that swept the Oscars! Yes it was touching. Sure it was violent--stark realities sometimes seem to wake us up.. No it was not boring!

Movie does not drag...story of 2 young children--brothers--and a female friend orphaned street urchins--basically follows the natural order of things, but begins with flash backs. The pair develop a strong instinct for survival. This movie portrays the extreme brutality with which members of the lower cast may be treated in India. [More review to follow]

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Almost better than a silent movie! Amelie totally lives in a fantasy world though she keeps up a job + her own apartment (after she finally leaves her widowed father). Growing up half of her childhood motherless left poor but lovely Amelie little else but fantasy.....So much of her story is told via Narrator and perhaps makes us concentrate even more on just what life must finally afford dear Amelie. Hope...inspirations...secrets....living Zen and with the senses

(MY BEST PICK FOR FATHER'S DAY!!! Mel Gibson outdid himself in this story of choosing beetween saving his family (as sole parent of several children) and fighting for what you believe in (being the example that matters!. Heart-rending in parts. Gibson shows what he is made of in this film

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By Director Luis Garcia Berlanga, R.I.P.

(2001 Director: Lassee Halistrom) I just upgraded my rating of this Canadian movie upon reflection. Is that because I love the ocean (or more correctly the sea, the subject of this film). Sometimes simply the feeling, the incredible sensory experience of a movie can leave me breathless...I am looking forward to re-watching this film on HD--for the cast, the atmosphere..this movie fills the senses.This film deals with supersitiions--a family returns to their hometown only to revisit a mystery about the area only some of the towns people know and do not dare to share. However, though this story has its dark points it is edited in a way and presented in fairly cohesive fashion, still this port town's history is a puzzlement. Based on the 1994 Pulitzer prize winning book The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx

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Spacey is superb, dead pan & believable in that emotion....if unable to grasp what his boss is seeking...Surprised over Judi Dench's interesting & trepidating performance...correctly played however!



Took notice of Cate Blanchette in this film.as well.

Impossible to beat the best! WONDERFUL! and the little child star Natalie Wood!

(2008 Director: Spike Lee) Based on a true story (see links http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20238101,00.html)
Always like an honorable soldier tale..told in flashbacks...
WW II 92nd Infantry Division "Buffalo Soldiers" Charming performance by a young Matteo Sciabordi as a boy in Colognora, a Tuscany Italian village where the battle scenes occur. Gallicano Italy is the location of the Allied Forces' Hdqtrs. What's left of a regimen crosses the river into Colognora

Check out the video (below) of Marley....Frank Oz as Yoda

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Reading others' Christmas reviews, I decided to review this wonderful homespun film co-starring former Miss America Lee Meriwether (Catwoman) as the Preacher's (Andy Griffith) wife and Jerry Van Dyke as her brother Bubba....definitely a "G" rated family classic.

(2007 Director: Julie Delpy) Passions might be a good subtitle, something Marion has alot of!! Oh..and running away when the going gets tough! About how to separate the girls from the women and the boys from the men....and learning how to! LOVED IT!! I might describe it as romantic flirtatious slapstick in the extreme bordering on burlesque. ALthough I didn't know the 2 main lead characters in this foreign film they seemed "relatable" I could relate to each of them....

60's European spy movie highly recommended! oooh goodie! What a treat!

(1937) This wonderful old HItchcock movie is a lovely snapshot of the big city in the 1930's, hustle and bustle. Oscar Komalka plays the foreign villain married to the lovely Sylvia Sidney.

(Director: Alex Gruenberg) Opening this double feature is the amazing 1949 classic B&W film is Charles Dickens' wonderful book being read by Vincent Price with choral by The Mitchell Choir Boys. Walter Coy stars as Ebeneezer Scrooge in the version BEFORE the listed movie....actually a pairing of two old classic films released in 1957 under the correct title (NOT found here on Flixster): "Holiday classics: The Christmas Carol/A Picture of the Magi" While reviewing the 100+ versions of "A Christmas Carol" listed even here I am reminded of how this amazing classic fiction tale of Charles Dickens manages to touch my heart each year. NEXT PAIRING: Bell System "Telephone Time" with the Reverend Dr. Frank Baxter introduces this 1957 movie with a bit of a Western bigoted slant from Communist-dominated Hungary aka the "barbed wire frontier" "Iron Curtain country" "A Picture of the Magi," the second flim treat featuring "Radio Budhapest"...a real time capsule of this time period. This story by John Kafka was directed by Robert Sinclair. Both of these black & white videos of yesteryear are short, totalling together only 50 minutes. But a "worth see.".

There will only always be ONE Duke + also only one Glen Campbell. But...this is an excellent storyline + I have heard nothing bad about this remake...

hMMM....Ahem...xoxoxoxoxox

Recommended for a cultural movie review in my EDU230 Cultural Diversity course. Shocking opening!! Tone shifts somewhat after the beginning. Many have said this is a "stage" movie. NOT true! Based on a true story and a sensitive handling and portrayals of these characters by Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Ed Harris. I keep seeing Alfie Woodard in great roles, like her role in this one as the liberal Principal Reynolds.

(1986 Director: Woody Allen) Hmm.. I cannot remember Michael Caine in this movie..so I suppose I will just have to watch it again! seem to recall it centers around the holidays--Thanksgiving? Maureen O'Sullivan attended grade school with my grandmother in rural Southern Indiana, God rest her soul! Co-stars are numerous and include some of my own personal favorites, such as Dianne Wiest, Max Von Sydow & Mia Farrow in addition to Carrie Fisher (Star Wiars) & Barbara Hershey who has always remiunded me of another actress. Barbara starred in some Christian historical films including a memorable performance as Sarah in Abraham
Unrated, 1994. (more review to follow)

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Some Academy award-winning performances! Tough time to be a boxer

One of the best Spy/ underwater warfare movies ever made with Tom Clancy's writing come to the big screen!! Setting is during the cold war with Russia-U.S. Great suspense!

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Capt Marco Ramius (Sean Connery) seeks to defect but instead of lkeeping his intentions a secret, mails a letter *****SPOILER ALERT****informing his father-in-law of his intentions. Naturally, Ramus is already launched on his journey aboard the Soviet's new & Improved, super duper, jumbo prototype submarine--which can travel nearly undetected due to new technology.

A quite young Alec Baldwin is hired by the U.S. CIA whom he convinces that that, in fact, is the famous Soviet Captain's intention! Co-starring an amazing cast from Sam Neill to Joss Ackland as Andrei Lysenko to James Earl Jnes as Admiral James Greer to Gates McFadden ("The Dr." Star Trek The Next Generatrion) plus an appearance by Tim Curry as Dr. Petrov aboard the Russian stealth submarine, Red October. Lots of smoking in these submarines...

One of my favorites--perhaps a classic. Some trivia: Q. In the movie The Hunt for Red October, what was the Russian submarine's silent propulsion system called? (1990 Directors: McTiernan & Zurrer)

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(2007 Director: Jon Turteltaub) When I had heard this sequel was almost as good as the original well, since my son & I could not wait for this sequel naturally, we just HAD TO SEE IT!@!@ Jon Voight in another amazing performance. Don't you love it when sequels do NOT disappoint?!? Ed Harris as the bad guy?? This film stars some of my all-time favorites. Who might that be? Harvey Keitel, Jon Voight, Helen Mirren, Ed Harris and Richard Cutting!! DON'T YOU LOVE THE TRIVIA ON THIS SITE?? TRY THESE ONES...JUST CHECK ON THE MOVIE PAGE FOR THE ANSWER....OH, COME ON?!? IT'S "NICOLAGE CAGE MOVIE WEEK"!!

The 2007 film "National Treasure: Book Of Secrets" stars Nicolas Cage and Ed Harris, and was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. What other film also had these 3 men?

Dame Helen Mirren was invited to meet Queen Elizabeth II because of her role in The Queen. She had to turn down the opportunity because she was filming National Treasure: Book of Secrets. True or false?

In national treasure: book of secrets, what is the name of the city of gold?

(2009 Director: Michael Hoffman) Interesting subject: Leo Tolstoy's life story!!

Oaky, maybe YOU are NOT a war buff like me, but this has the makings of a fantastic biography of a great leader, a dedicated man who rose to the duty for his country, the times, and our world!

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(2008 Director: Brad Anderson) Yeah, sure, I'm prejudiced. How so? Suspense, good suspense..is my favorite genre. Well you can be sure watching Transsiberian you will not becomer bored. It is the most heartwarming, gentle beginning intense thriller extremely well done that I have perhaps ever seen. Travel mixes with suspense...and what an awesome cast. Call me old school, but Perry Mason and a good murder mystery get my brain cells firing. This is the warmest and coldest of films

Na Zdorovie! Director Anderson shows international travel by train giving the audience a dazzling of natural Russia herself! C'est tres' double americaine (Roy & Jessie) board this train to top off a rather exhilerating "mission" trip to China with Roy's church where they have done some helpful building projects. Roy hopes to "spice up" their lives and make Jessie with this trip....quite selflessly and the trip ends up being a wake up call.

2 amazing-looking people, Spaniard Carlos Ximenez (Eduardo Noriega) and Abby Brunnell (Kate Mara) of Seattle, Washington, are 2 travelers who also board the Transsiberian train. In fact, they arrive one day into the Transsiberian trip Jessie meeting them and Carlos and Abby joining the pair right in their own sleeping car which accommodates 4, abruptly interrupting the privacy of Roy Nasar (Woody Harrelson) and Jessie Nasar (Emily Mortimer), husband and wife. Jessie is an amateur photographer and snaps photos all along the way. Fropm their arrival, the new couple & Jesse are nearly inseparable from that point forward.. Jesse does not drink tho Carlos repeatedly tries to get her to try the Russian Vodka!! There are some awesome scenes of both the countrysides & the Russian people in this stark land of contrasts. The food it would seem is spectacular, however, and at the very least (in case thrillers are not your forte) well, the Russian comraderie I found enjoyable. Roy is quite the charmer in this drama/suspense trhiller--and early on seemingly abandons Jessie, leaving her quite at the clutches of this unlikely couple in their cars. They all disboard the Transsiberian railway once they are certain Roy has been left behind. There are more turns & twists in this thriller to make it far more than a MUST SEE!.

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Roy & Jessie share with Carlos and Abbey that they seem to have trouble with their passports. So Carlos asks Roy to show him their passports (over the dinner table in the dining car of the train). Roy forks them over & we see fresh passports..brand spanking new! Carlos comments that the way not to be bothered by Customs is to "not stand out." To which Roy in true Woody Harrelson fashon asks, "You mean you think we look like we are Americans?" And Carlos & Abbey almost fall to the floor!!

(Director: Richard Brooks) Ol blue eyes + vilolet eyes! Roarawe! + a young young...Burl Ives...1958 movie...here is why Liz was such a hearthrob!!

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The love birds (Taylor & Burton) at their best.....torturing each other and their new found companions to suffer through their dramatic bouts.

Co-stars Stanley Tucci (as Mr. Paul Child,) and Meryl Street stars as Julia Child, in case you hadn't heard yet) How adorable! My viewing of this movies was interrupted so here is my delayed review.

Stanley Tucci is adorable as the very devoted & spicy love of Mrs. Child's life! Wonderful overviews of France while flashing back & forth between Mrs. Child's life and her fan, Julie['s life who getsthe creative brainstorm of writing a food blog (from her husband)...

The campier the better!! oooh goodie!!

(August 1979. Director: Bill L. Norton) Love this sequel to American Graffitti (the classic) which to me is very much unlike the original movie. Why? My best description is that it is a rock collage because it puts side-by-side events of the time (Vietnam War, picketing, drug uses, violence) with rock music from the same time period! And shows how music DOES reflect the times!! MUST SEE!!

One of the more interesting of the fabulous low budget Dystopian films from that time period....Was my best friend's favorite film then...(more review to follow)

Based on the book by James Bradley (2006 Directors: Clint Eastwood & Steven Spielberg) Wonderful tribute to the men who died & who survived WW II in Japan. Story deals with the ceremonial welcome and publiciity surrounding the "heroes" of that war, cerntering on the lives of a choice few of these fine men. IF you liked Adam Beach (2002) in Director Nicolas Cage's "Windtakers," you may enjoy him even more in Flags of Our Fathers where he portrays an Indian hero and survivor with fellow solidiers Harry Pepper (The Green Mile, Battlefield Earth), Jamie Bell, (King Kong, Undertow), Jesse Bradford (Heights, Eulogy, Hackers), Neal McDonough (The Guardian, Walking Tall) & Paul Walker. Tale is told from each of the perspectives & their familes......Robert Patrick (Terminator II, Walk the Line) has a short role as Captain in this film.

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(2002 Director: John Woo) In my top 20 movies . Why? Because of its insights & accuracy. Whomever could tell this tale now that the Navajo & Hopi Codetalkers have passed on. I swear on a stack of bibles...Flixster ate some of our reviews somewhere down the line so here's my revamped review.

OK. Again since this post-St. Patrick's Day week is NICOLAS CAGE WEEK....I will review this one again! This movie touched me like Flags of our Fathers touched me...such honesty!!

SO talk about dedication to your "cause"?!? Navajo "code talkers" worked on the front lines of battle..."Inspired by True Events." Code talkers were used in the Pacific during WW II (True) Code talkers also battled during the Korean War. True or False? Can you identify which character (soldier) was portrayed by Martin Henderson (One LIfe to Live)??

BOOK REFERENCE: Hoagland Hunter, Sara (Illustrator: Julia Miner), The Unbreakable Code, Rising Moon, 2007, 32 pages. [This is a picture book.]

Here is a link to The Marine's Hymn translated into Navajo. There are no surviving code talkers alive today, but much has been written about their dedication and sacrifice. IN HONOR OF MEMORIAL DAY, HOPE YOU WILL TAKE A MOMENT OR 2 TO WATCH/LISTEN: http://www.facebook.com/USMCMuseum?sk=wall#!/video/video.php?v=109613525718991&oid=92445282879&comments

My feeling of the movie? A well-made tribute to the late great quiet men of courage. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8CXwxmhJHI&feature=related

(2001) Stars Michelle A Banks. This photo is from Cannes Film Festival. Struggles of the deaf. Tells two separate stories; one story is from the 1900's. Here is a great cultural introduction to the deaf .

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Awesome!

This was a dazzling movie. Had only seen the ending which for a movie like this one ruins the whole plot! Glad I decided to distract myself with this little jewel today!

(1982 Director: Jason Miller) Robert Mitchem is surprisingly given lowbilling on this incredible study of a family with 3 sons--all in the political arena. The setting is tye year 1957 when corrupt(?) encumbent mayor (Bruce Dern) is up for reelection. Papa of the litter is none other than Robert Mitchem who has raised them in the Jesuit eudcation. Great performances from eveyone! tHIS MOVIE WAS BASED ON THE PLAY...Here is a little trivia for you FELLOW BRUCE DERN FANS (WHO MIGHT REMEMBER BRUCE IN HIS ROLE IN "SILENT RUNNING") TRIVIA: Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher, and Corey Feldman star in what 1989 black comedy?.CAST: Bruce Dern, Stacy Keach, Robert Mitchum, Martin Sheen, Paul Sorvino, Arthur Franz, Michael Bernosky, Joseph Kelly, James M. Langan, Tony Santaniello, William G. McAndrew, Barry Weiner, Edward Cunningham, Robert E. Schlesinger, George Lowry, Jim Sparkman

NOT to be confused with the 1940 Stanwyc-MacMurray movie "Remember the Night," this movie includes footage from the sinking of the Titanic.....

trivia question: 14th of April 1912 11:51pm 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland a iceberg is struck by the grandest ship to ever sail. Kenneth More and David McCallum are in this brilliant telling of the sinking of the Titanic. What's the title of this film?

What great persepective this movie puts on our picky gripes.....and then it is iCHECKMATE! and Judd Hirsch (too understated for his incredible talent!! great performance here!!) What a couple of serious hotties in this film! Jewish Father (Judd hirsch) & son, David Levinson, genius geek (Jeffrey Goldblum) mostly play chess in the park & argue about ecology/recyclying. Levinson's former wife (Margaret Colin) is image consultant & right hand gal to the President (BIll Pulliam).

Hold onto your hat for this alien ride! Some run towards the arrival of aliens--others run from it!

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i DO NOT ALWAYS base which movies I will watch on the cast alone. However, look at this cast! Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Kevin Spacey ... see more , Alec Baldwin , Jonathan Pryce , Bruce Altman , Jude Ciccolella , Paul Butler , Lori Tan Chinn , Neal Jones. Here's a trailer featuring Alec Baldwin (see trailers below).

AWARDS:

Jack Lemmon Volpi Cup for Best Actor
(Venice Film Festival)

Al Pacino portraying Ricky Roma TOP Salesman
Golden Globe nomatiion
Academy Award nomination
TOP salesman

Mamet's own play was adapted for the screen by the 1984 Pulitzer Prize winning playwright David Mamet.

At first I thought the female lead was Irene Dunn--based on appearances only! Qiuckly I realized that this was a very very young Barbra Stanwyck starring opposite Fred MacMurray. Lovelyhome spun tale of a young gal fallen on hard luck & in trouble with the law.....When even NY Prosecuting Attorney John Sargent (Fred MacMurray) finds some heart & posts Ms. Leander (Stanwyck)'s bail bond while her trial for shoplifting is postponed over Christmas vacation, an unusual series of events leads to an ironic twist of fate! These two are thrown together over the Christmas holiday season. MacMurray displays a great deal of heart & taste and is unable to simply throw out Ms. Leander onto the streets while awaiting her continued trial. Instead? MacMurray invites her to travel along with him as he heads back home to Indiana (my home state) to see his family for the holidays. Leander's roots are nearby in Pennsylvania. Wonderful rendition of the beautiful oldie, "On the Banks of the Wabash River,"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eATd7acT-ic&feature=related

Let's start off this week of ARNOLD SCHWARZENNEGAR with a classic! Batman & Robin! Surely you have seen this version--starring A.S. as Mr. Freeze? Not only that, but the charms & talents of Uma Thurman as Villain Poison Ivy, John Glover as Dr. Jason Woods & & Chris O'Donnell as Dick Grayson alias Robin....Hmmm...anyone else ever notice how it is hard to just type "Robin" without typing "Robin Hood"???

"Just when we needed unity the most, you [Mon Martin Luther defies the Vatican]" the Cardinal reprimands Luther for printing his opinion in opposition to the Church collecting money for indulgences. Based on the tru story of the German monk Martin Luther (Joseph Fiennes-Elizabeth) who translated the bible into the language of the common man.[German] His convictions changed history! Burned many many to his mind vulgar paintings, but is widely revered for his courage in opposing the corruption of the Roman Catholic church and the newly appointed Pope Leo X.

To myself, a nonCatholic, this movie seemed quite dramatic and ostentatious. Naturally, Luther as a consequence for his seeming ignorance & continued unacceptance of the actions opposing the Vatican was intimidated and eventually tried. Only barely escaping execution for his tyrrany! He is aided by a very wise old German ruler Frederick the Wise (Peter Ustinov) + perhaps by the hand of God escaped execution by the Inquisition. Quite the story.

Watch this movie for some amazing performances of the dynamic cast, including the jolly and rotund Peter Ustinov late in his life.
A long movie but worth watching for the amazing cast and performances. Looking into the eyes of innocence of Fiennes portraying this young, brilliant monk is a spiritual journey in itself!

Well, what a title alone!

This very cinematically improved last sequel I stumbled upon at our local Walgreens DVD value bin! As 2 long-time, devoted fans, my son & I (both fans of the genre--comedic horror/suspense) gave ourselves a treat and saw this belly laugh-filled tale that goes backward in time to the 1899 Wild West when someone else HAD previously encountered the original, obscure & previously undiscovered desert "underground monsters." :) Michael Gross surprises and sexy 70's co-star Billy Drago adds his own unique flair and eye candy to this hearty cast when he portrays a gunslinger who "believes" when circumstances make it impossible to doubt!

I might be wrong (think I'll write him and ask) but I believe Dr. Phil McGraw himself [or his amazing Doppleganger] co-stars in this campy 2002 DVD release filmed sometime in the 90's. I own its VHS tape. Story of oversized spiders which "appear" devouring local ostriches, etc.! Horror/comedy flick filmed right here in our own Arizona backyard, so to speak! In the movie it is called Prosperity, Arizona, and was filmed largely in and near one of our former malls. Throw in David Arquette for some male eye candy & lookie there an ultra young Scarlett Johansson as Ashley. Director: Ellory Elkayem.

My son & I love this movie! Arnold Schwarzzeneger & Maria Schriver got married during the filming of this movie. Here is the plot of my favorite Schwarzzeneggar movie: Mysterious "predator(s)" encounter(ed) during Vietnam fighting. A captured villager tells these soldiers of the local legend of this invisible danger which is attacking them one-by-one. If you do NOT wish to spoil the movie for yourself (Do you like surprises?) please do NOT look too closely at the "movie skin" on my profile blog page!! Mystery/Suspense/Sci Fi at its best!!

A real shocker!! Had to watch it straight through from beginning to end! (Lt. Greer) Bruce Willis in another of "those roles".eyebrows raising..hard to describe really...I suppose Willis is comfortable with The 6th Sense or Unbreakable where Willis' co-star Samuel L. Jackson was the unwitting villain unbeknownst to the audience until almost the very end of that movie. WIlli's' surrogate has a younger face than WIllis but it captures his "je ne sais quo" that so many of us adore about Brucie Baby!! Left me with a little bit of a feeling of chills?!?



MUST SEE for its well developed storyline....if somewhat simpliistic handling of substiutes (or surrogate) robots replacing their wealthy owners in their more mundane, day-to-day activities. This trend set in the not too far off future takes off becoming populari to the point a high percentage of talented + wealthy peoples' lives outside of the home are being conducted by the "droid" surrogates in a "business as usual" manner. But there is an underground an undercurrent that considers these automatons as an abomination. The droids' naivete contrasts with their superior strength + nonemotional handling of their tasks and show us the real losers in this "strive for more enjoyment by avoidance of living" lesson which is well understood and the truest and deepest sentiments of Greer.



New technology creates a scenario where a coverup of "droids gone wrong" is uncovered by WIllis' droid. To tell you much more would take you too far into the tale...I highly recommend it for its shock factor



Has some great moments!

oooooh goodie!! Here's one I've missed although I don't know how!! Very foxy Terence Stamp (Superman, Superman II, The Hit) co-stars with a local AZ talent, Leslie Ann Warren (Cinderella)...& let's not forget to mention Peter Fonda

once in awhile a movie is made that surprises because you can't imagine why someone did not think of this awesome plot sooner!! Great performance by Tom Cruise.

"Scrupulously honest" Police Det. Dave Bannon...Sounds like real movie fun!!

"Valley Girls"?? Hmmm...interesting take on this youthful sister duo who encounter aliens..and are hard bent on survival!! Currently showing on 3.2 Ion TV for those of you who don't have cable A bit campy but great sci fi art form!!! 3.5 Vibrant Stars! One of the female leads is a dead wringer for none other than Miss Blue Lagoon herself!

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Pre-WW II French aristocracy....at a weekend hunting party???Oooooh gee golly Ollie! In one compadres' Top 100 Foreign Films list?? Awesome!!

(April 2006, Director Andy Garcia) Andy Garcia, Dustin Hoffman & Bill Murray right away worth seeing...add Cuba's history to this & you have what movies ought to be!! TREMENDOUS IMPACT! Watch it for Andy Garcia's character who has tremendous heart and responsbility in the face of life's most serious events thrown at him! Dustin Hoffman & Bill Murray's performances--off beat but very special in this movie! 6 STARS!!

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Fellow Flixster reviewer Cinevolver brings up an interesting point: Fico Fellove doesn't show us his actual political views in this movie?! Si!

In fact my opinion is Director Andy Garcia's choice for his character Fico Fellove, head of the brothers in the household, has too much responsibility to worry about his politics! A practical sort (which I believe myself to be), Fico chooses to stay alive and to take actions to try to keep his family alive during the times of extreme upheaval in pre-Castro's Cuba.

Aurore Fellove (Ines Sastre) dabbles with her affections at the precarious timing of the junta in Cuba! My advice? Darling, if you are loved by one of the sexiest men on this planet in any country...don't dabble simply in trivialities! We've all been there, at least once. Learned anything??

Also check out Modigliani....if you have a passion for painting or the Renaissance..or the arts!

There is some acting talent in this movie I want to see!!!

NOT everyone grows up to 3 square meals per day...somebody watching your back + the "would be" stalker out to get ya! This is a story of some of people whose lives fit that billing done artfully> HOPE springs eternal....

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This is a worth see!>(2007 Director: Kirsten Sheridan)

1964 C.A.M.P.Y. low budget B movie is the bomb! More than half way thru (& trying to complete a semsester of Spanish, Student Intershipsips & endless essays & research & & &...) FUN with a capital F! Whew! Incredibly erotic written by Frank Herbert. There are 5 sequels (books) to the original "Dune" Patrick Stewart is one of his trainers--his comparable martial arts/military weapons coach! You won't recognize him but Kyle MacLachlan plays the young Paul Atriedes (Sex in the City's Charlotte's 1st hubby)!! {"quoting"This Hugo and Nebula Award winner [author Frank Herbert] tells the sweeping tale of a desert planet called Arrakis, the focus of an intricate power struggle in a byzantine interstellar empire. Arrakis is the sole source of Melange, the "spice of spices." Melange is necessary for interstellar travel and grants psychic powers and longevity, so whoever controls it wields great influence. . . The troubles begin when stewardship of Arrakis is transferred by the Emperor from the Harkonnen Noble House to House Atreides. The Harkonnens don't want to give up their privilege, though, and through sabotage and treachery they cast young Duke Paul Atreides out into the planet's harsh environment to die. There he falls in with the Fremen, a tribe of desert dwellers who become the basis of the army with which he will reclaim what's rightfully his. Paul Atreides, though, is far more than just a usurped duke. He might be the end product of a very long-term genetic experiment designed to breed a super human; he might be a messiah. His struggle is at the center of a nexus of powerful people and events, and the repercussions will be felt throughout the Imperium.

Dune is one of the most famous science fiction novels ever written, and deservedly so. The setting is elaborate and ornate, the plot labyrinthine, the adventures exciting. Five sequels follow. --Brooks Peck [ALSO SEE A FRIEND'S REVIEW OF THIS MOVIE (UNDER PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO!) he FORGOT MAX VON SYDOW PHOTO BELOW...see him at his more recent best in Snow Falling on Cedars]

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P.S. HALF OF THE FUN OF THIS MOVIES IS PRECISELY THAT THE SPECIAL EFFECTS SHOW THEIR AGE, GRASSHOPPER!! (1964 Director: David Lynch) How I lLoved reading thiis Frank Herbert SCIENCE FICTION BOOK.

Hope THIS one is in French!! Please, oh...S'il vous plait en Francais avec subtitles!!?!

I make no apologies...a 1967 war film (in French) Setting? Turkish prison camp....Cast? OMG!!

One of Jane Fonda's BEST films this one + also Julia....I dare you to quit smoking when watching this movie!! A Must See whether you are religious or not...a remarkable lesson in the shattering of innocence...

Ooo la la Tres bien! Quel plaisir ! J'obtiens pour ceci regarder un aujourd'hui ! Hourra ! !

Obviously NOT lightweight fare. However, since this happens and then happens again speaks to this being a tough subject which bears further study, don't you think? RATING: I agree with its R even before seeting this movie. Lovely lead Tilda Swinton's character is pregnant throughout her investigation....Are our teens this ignorant? Other sociological questions come to mind like: "How could a student in band & privileged enough to be joining her classmates on a skiing trip be this uneducated on the birds & the bees?" Hey, I was raised quite sheltered but still find this very hard to comprehend....although one must consider factoring in hidden causes, such as perhaps as a result of shock (post-traumatic stress)?

Loved this movie...perhaps because of its emphasis on family above all!? Great cast and supporting cast.

(2003 Director: Ron Howard) Alone is alone, whether portraying Queen Elizabeth, stranded with a bullet wound in Afghanistan (Babel), or even the loneliness certainly the White Elf Queen (LOTR) herself must have felt on occasion. Cate Blanchette acts her heart out--no less so in her role in this movie as a frontierswoman whose life begun with her abandonment by her father (Tommy Lee Jones), a noble man turned "Indian lover." Love the cast. Cate Blanchette stars as a mother and "healer." Amongst the bru-ha-ha an excellent supporting cast (including Aaron Eckhart +Val Kilmer. who portrays a Sgt. in the Calwary) propels this moving, suspenseful & quite unlikely family "reunion" on a nasty chase to recover by the Saints aide the lovely "Healer's" kidnapped daughter (Evan Rachel Wood).

There is no making up for abandoning a mother + child (in ANY generation); however, with the best of intentions Tommy Lee Jones wanders onto Maggie Gilkeson (Cate Blanchette's) ranch. When Maggie learns her father is merely following the advice of a Medicine Man who instructed him to pay homage to her as well as to avoid eating rabbit meat for the next year (as a treatment to cure snake bite), she is even far less moved by her father's Uranian stroke of supernatural aide.

However, his appearance could not have been better timed (which makes me respect his Medicine Man a bit more!)...as trouble follows his arrival..

.

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This is no mere Spaghetti Western--Tommy Lee Jones is MY FAVORITE ACTOR! THERE I SAID IT!! His portrayal of Maggie's estranged "turned Engin" father is outstanding.

Some amazing footage + not overly predictable outcomes make this a movie with something rich to offer. The "bad guy" voodoo alias Indian warlock magic SHOULD be better known--but has rarely (if ever) been attempted.....so we don't know whether you "undo" the black magic of an Indian "brujo" with a) a silver bullet, b) garlic, c) a rain dance, or d) all of the above, a cross + prayer?!

Authentic Spanish spoken too! Kudos to a great Directorial vision in my humble vision. NO it is NOT nonstop action, but it isn't "Jason Bourne" in Robert Ludlum's amazing "Bourne Identity" either!

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Have you also heard that this movie was Jane Fonda at her best?? Ahh I do miss the 70's!! Ahhh My Heroine! Hey wait! Another favorite of mine, Jack Lemon co-stars along with Michael Douglas? I am almost 100% certain that I never have seen this movie..so plan to do it this Summer!!

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C.A.M.P.Y. F U N !! Awesome for its time...Sci Fi...and the infamous bizzare exhibitionist costume(s) of the young, lovely Jane Fonda! Even Marcel Marceau (R.I.P.) co-stars!!

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Even in high school for "Spirit Week" I cannot remember any costumes as wonderful as those in this movie! MUST SEE!!

I often wonder how I miss films, like this one FOR EXAMPLE!?? Awesome cast + look at that story line!! 13-yr-old Christian Bale!? aaahhh Gotta see this one!! Especially with my love of war movies.

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Hmmmm....Don't know if there is ANTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH SUPER 8 movies??! Anyone know?? Seen it? Sci fi I have heard...

(1986 Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud) Hmm....Medeival, Sherlock Holmes-esque Franciscan monk (Sean Connery) William of Baskerville....Adaptation of Umberto Eco's best-selling novel.which a friends says is far FAR superior to the movie. Great cast. Although the movie is long, I enjoyed the acting and the setting...

"You can marry anyone you like, but don't expect to be a part of thisfamily," declares a Syrian Arab brother (Shawn Doyle) to his younger sister when she declares she wants to "fall in love" instead of be stuck with an arranged marriage....

IF you liked Jackie Brown...and especially IF you have lived through the past 4 or 5 decades in the U.S. I think this film might appeal to you!! Football Legend Jim Brown co-stars as the long-time buddy & fellow gang member of John Bookman (Fred Williamson) whose father is shot following a driveby attack on a star football high school senior who dared to compete with gang players. Lots of familiar faces in a movie with an important urban theme for a dying urban city.

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(2007 Director: Kenneth Branagh) Here is another one I cannot believe I missed! Just love remakes of quality movies (like this one)!!

(1998 DVD Released Diorector: Joseph L. Mankiewicz) Guess I will need to watch the original in order to watch the remake?!?!

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A younger Henry Fonda...very passionate & compelling yet rational juror

What a somewhat dated (naturally) look at capitalists v communists! A satirical Cold War blitz-kreig set in West Berlin starring the wonderful Jimmy Cagney as an Anerican executive for the Coca-Cola executive! Screen adaptation of a play by Ferenc Molnr. Truly light-hearted fare poking fun at the ideological differences that led to the building of the Berlin War which used to separate East and West Germany.

Let's see...take a look at this cast! Donald O'Connor co-stars as a dance instructor and Elizabeth McGovern (Native Son, A Room With A View, Inconceivable) as the vixen rebel who entices bewitched followers into joining her political reformist cause!! Do not forget Jimmy Cagney starring as the NY Police Commissioner.....Setting: Just after the turn of the Century (19th to 20th***Hey YOU knew that!?). Guess who wrote the soundtrack?

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Oh, oh, oh!

Even mid-viewing this movie earned at least 4 stars...(Rating to be updated) I have not I seen the movies listed here on Flixster as "More Like This," somewhat surprisingly with my love of foreign films....violent, violent, honest...

Quirky roles has been a description of the type of film roles Brad Pitt has picked, especially during his earliest roles. Hmmm...I've been pondering that one! In that sort of way one might compare Richard Gere with Brad Pitt--with an even more mutually common element of "eye candy" or appeal to the ladies!? This was a real problemo para Gere who was a shoe in for "American Gigolo"... Of course, Robert Redford & Brad Pitt seem to have been paired up, i.e. "Spy Game,"

(2008 Director: David Fincher) Won 2 Academy awards(makeup & best art direction) Was there still chemistry between Cate Blanchett & Brad Pitt (former girl/boy friends). An "adaptation" of F. Scott Fitzgerald's story....and beautifully written I might add.

2009 ACADEMY AWARDS (my observations as relates to lead character Brad Pitt). Brad Pitt received an introduction of sorts (along with the 4 other Best Actor nominees) with Anthony Hopkins acknowledging his noteworthy acting performance in this unusual film, despite the fact that he did NOT win the nomination for best actor for his performance. Anthony Hopkins is truly one of my personal role models...

Does this imply no I mean infer that Brad Pitt is among the 10 best actors currently starring in film??? yes perhaps...I think so!

Cate Blanchett's performance was noteworthy as well. The storyline of a child born aging in reverse poses some sticky wickets...but the tale is spun with folksy warmth and generous amounts of humour.

This mid-1970 elaborate and yet fanciful futuristic look into what could one day become of civilization is almost a trip itself. At the very least it is a journey of escapism into a well-conceived survival tale. Directed by John Boorland. Here is the initiation el numero uno #1 into the genre of..........escapism, Dystopian, Utopian..........

Awesome plot...

Another of Marilyn Monroe's movies had been "advertised" all week on television . NEED I REMIND ANYONE that these glamourous movie stars are the genuine article? No boob jobs, tummy tucks, or the like!? Quite by chance I had tuned and to my delight discovered this jewel of a dated movie co-starring Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable as fellow models of Marilyn Monroe. Something all three of these "enterprising" females possess are a great pair of gams. Monroe is a "gas" as the quite blind (4-eyed) model who believes her spectacles destroy her chance to land a wealthy husband!!

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Even the voice of Michael Wincott, a very memorable voice, could make a person cringe....Though I am a Buddhist and not on a personal vendetta, I think BOTH of the storylines of this movie (the original release plua this one! BOTH starring Brandon Lee) warranted the "justice" exercised supernaturally in this incredible artsy violence film!!! "It can't rain all the time!" is an (is the word alleghory??)...sort of reflects how life in this drug & crime-filled dark, dark city always feels murky perhaps??? (more to follow in order todojustice to this incredible work!)

I BELIEVED in the right of Eric Draven to return to life on All Saint's Day to execute justifiable vengeance in whichever version of this movie I saw, (1) Eric Draven's girlfriend was gang raped & killed for her courage to stand up to her tenement house's abuses....OR (2)the even more heart-pounding version where Eric Draven loses his son when he and his son have the misfortune to be at the wrong place at the wrong time when an overheard drug deal goes wrong...

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This is the movie that has been "advertised" all week on this noncable television channel for classics! Quite by chance I stayed tuned in to my delight to watch a series of Marilyn Monroe classic films, beginning with "How to Marry a Millionaire" co-starring Lauren Bacall...

NEXT in the lineup starting RIGHT NOW 4:00 pm Arizona time) is this feature film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Will be right back (afterward) to add my review of this movie!

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Very hard to watch movie...taken from the book....

When you take a look at a genre like say science fiction, I think it is important to look at that genre's beginnings, such as "E.T.", Buck Rodgers & this little gem of a movie!!

This is a nostalgic gem--a snapshot of a lifestyle from bygone days. Bruce Dern with that winning car salesman smile captures the joy & naiviete of a generation. Co-stars Barbara Feldman (Get Smart's Agent 99) & a very young Eric Shea (Castaway Cowboy, Po\seidon) are a wonderful supportive cast for this "picture perfect" look at life in white suburbia pre-60's. I don't even think Rock n Roll has hit this little Santa Rosa, Californian town. In its innocence this is a look at if NOT a small town geographically at least in mentality "small town" life filled with sameness, homogeneousness. Excellent actors make this movie a "worth see" in my book! My "book" WILL include at least a chapter or so somehow sharing the amazing "playground" that the Southwest used to be to us Midwestern "transplants."

(2003 Director: Todd Haynes) Director Todd Haynes handles a delicate subject that never used to appear on screen: homosexuality or bisexuality. Dennis Quaid co-stars as Moore's very successful hubby, a top appliance salesman who leads a double life. Mr. & Mrs. Magnatech have 2 kids 2 cars & all of the conveniences in their suburban paradise.....but the boat is about to be rocked!!

Lots of truth in this movie! lol funny!!

(1954 Director: Edward Dmytryk) I don't remember this one?! Oh la la great cast!!

One of the best of the best classic films starring that adorable Jimmy Stewart who stars as Jefferson Smith. All American Smith is as American as applie pie...and just the ticket to replace a senate seat vacated by the untimely demise. Forbidden to "ask any questions or talk out of turn," naive and stalwart Smith tackles the needed dam project, etc. etc. In few words: Simply a delight!

LOL Laught out loud.....scenese only Woody Allen knows how to pull off...like the Orthodox Rabbis & insurance salesmen brought into Allen's character's prison cell....Tickled my funny bone!! LITTLE TRIVIA! QUICK! What Norman Lear TV series did Louise Lasser later star in??

Definitely a "worth see."

Harry Carey, Jr. portrays US Pres Dwight D Eisenhower....Tyrone Power...and the late Robert Francis.

Try never to miss a Woody Allen movie! One flixster fan calls this a sci fi!!

Italian with English subtitles this 2010 release by Director Luca Guadagnino is set in Milano, Italy. Touching tale of the ins and outs of a powerful Italian family Watched this one over 4th of July weekend.....Just as it becomes almost slow the plot seems to take one twist then another . Pippo Delbono portrays the husband of Emma (Tilda Swinton) who was born in Russia but emigrated to Italy with her husband. They are upper crust Italians, and as Grandfather is about to pass away, he passes on his business to his son, Tancredi (Pippo Delbono) and jointly to his grandson.

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Mother and son

(2008 Director: Michael McCarthy) In a word?--Outstanding! This low key film appealed to me on many levels. i seemed to feel what the characters were feeling and could relate alot to Walter. Perhaps U 2 have foreign friends who have touched your life? Different cultures but wonderful peoples?

Emphasis is on the life of Prof. Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins), a normal widowed college profeessor who works in CT but maintains an apartment in NYC. Perchance he befriends a street minstrel and his wife...whom someone has given them a key to his rarely used NYC apartment. Walter is veyr amiable & is drawn to this young immigrant couple which their own problems. HIs association with Tarek, an excellent drummer, and his partner enriches his own somewhat lonely and bland life. Walter comes alive learning the drums for himself with the help of Tarek.

I have so much more to say about this movie...but it is quite late...and I was deeply moved (to be continued)

Directed by Florian Gallenberger and about real history