Category Archives: Feel Good Not For Children

2005, Chick Flick, Comedy, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story

Just Friends (2005)

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From NetFlix:

After being snubbed by his high school crush (Amy Smart), a nice guy (Ryan Reynolds) moves to Los Angeles, where he blossoms into a womanizing music exec. But when he’s stranded in his New Jersey hometown, he runs into his former love and is completely floored by her. Again. Reynolds donned heavy makeup and a fat suit to play the ex-dork who reconnects with the girl who broke his heart in this romantic comedy about big-time attraction.

We have seen Ryan Reynolds in some minor supporting roles, in some serious dramas, but he excels in comedy. He seems to be the next generation after Steve Martin. His timing, facial expressions, and physical movements are tuned to perfection. This movie made me laugh throughout. Call it a chick-flick if you will, but it is a relief to relax and enjoy this romp after watching more serious and difficult films.

Warning: The first part in which Ryan is an overweight high school student is only so-so. After that introduction the film improves.

Probably the sex talk excludes children.

2007, Comedy, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story, Mediocre, Melodrama

Chaos Theory (2007)

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From NetFlix:

Thanks to a strict regimen of timetables, to-do lists and index cards, efficiency expert Frank Allen (Ryan Reynolds) lives his life exactly how he wants it. That is, until his well-meaning wife (Emily Mortimer) decides to set their clock back a mere 10 minutes. Suddenly, Frank’s once-safe and predictable life is spinning dangerously out of control … which is the one thing he never bothered to plan for. Stuart Townsend and Sarah Chalke co-star.

Don’t expect much. This mediocre melodrama rates a C. There are some genuine laughs. And the story has some original twists. The language is at times crude enough to exclude children.

2008, Chick Flick, Comedy, Complicated, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story

Definitely, Maybe (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Interested in knowing how her divorcing parents met, young Maya (Abigail Breslin) listens as her dad, Will (Ryan Reynolds), recounts his romantic past with three different and special women: Emily (Elizabeth Banks), April (Isla Fisher) and Summer (Rachel Weisz) — leaving Maya to guess which one is her mom. Kevin Kline makes an appearance in writer-director Adam Brooks’s tender tale of father-daughter bonding and lost love.

You may remember Abigail Breslin as “Little Miss Sunshine”. She is also perfect for this easy-to-watch Chick Flick. Ryan Reynolds you may remember from “The Proposal”. Kathy and I watched all three “date films”. “Little Miss Sunshine” and “The Proposal” are both better than “Definitely, Maybe” in our opinion. The character Will dates so many women that not only can the plot be confusing at times, but his daughter even calls him a “slut”. In fact, except for very explicit and oft-repeated sexual terminology this could be an OK film for all ages. What does sparkle are a lot of snappy retorts. Now why can’t I think of such funny comebacks ?

Could be boring, Detective, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Kidnapping, Mystery Film, Scam Artists, Suspense, Unusual

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

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From NetFlix:

After her beloved father dies, the sassy Precious Ramotswe (Jill Scott) sells an inheritance of 180 cows to start a detective agency and becomes the first female sleuth in the history of Botswana. Co-starring Anika Noni Rose as Ramotswe’s assistant and secretary, Mma Makutsi, this quirky whodunit was adapted from Alexander McCall Smith’s hit mystery novels. The film also marks the last directing credit for Anthony Minghella (English Patient).

Season One contains 3 discs. Because of a theme of kidnapping children to sell their body parts (e.g. fingers) as magic amulets, this series might not be for children. More than that, an American audience might find the slow childlike speech patterns in the Botswana English a bit hard to take. I almost stopped watching even the first episode until the plot became somewhat sinister and my curiosity kept me watching. But after that first episode I returned the disc to NetFlix. The books are better than the TV adaptations, in my opinion.

2009, Comedy, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story, Nudity

The Proposal (2009)

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From NetFlix:

When she learns that she’s in danger of losing her visa status and being deported back to her native Canada, overbearing book editor Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) forces her put-upon assistant, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), to marry her. Directed by Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses), this romantic comedy also stars Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen as Andrew’s parents, Joe and Grace, and Betty White as the outspoken Grandma Annie.

Kathy and I watched this film at her request. We both laughed ourselves silly. It is a typical Sandra Bullock romantic comedy and the usual amount of fun. Of course there are parts that are maudlin or unbelieveable. And we could have done without the male strip dancer at ladies night. But the ensemble work between Bullock and Reynolds is for this genre just about perfect.

Historical notes:

  • Sandra Bullock (born 1964, Arlington VA) at this writing is 45 years old and still holding her own.
  • Ryan Reynolds (born 1976 Vancouver BC) is 33 and stars in the film “Fireflies in the Garden”.
  • Mary Steenburgen (born 1953, Arkansas) is 56 and is married to Ted Danson of “Cheers” fame.
  • Craig Nelson (born 1944 Spokane) is 65 and is in many films as well as “CSI:NY”.
  • Betty White (born 1922 Illinois) is 87 and still thriving. She was one of the “Golden Girls”. But I always remember her as Sue Ann Nivens from the “Mary Tyler Moore” TV show (1973-1977). Look her up in IMDB to see an unbelievable list of appearances.

There is innocent nudity and sexual frankness, so maybe not for childern. But all in all just a lot of fun.

2008, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Imperfect, Redemption, Religious Theme, Revenge, Suspense, Violent

Gran Torino (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Curmudgeonly Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood, who also directs) must confront his Hmong immigrant neighbors — and his own long-held prejudices — when the family’s teenage son, Thao (Bee Vang), tries to steal Walt’s beloved 1972 Gran Torino. Walt soon assumes the unlikely role of guardian angel to young Thao and his sister Sue (Ahney Her), both of whom are vulnerable to local gang influences.

“Gran Torino” tells a good story with bad guys and good guys as black and white as a cowboy movie (after all, it’s Clint Eastwood). But Walt’s personality isn’t so clear cut and to his credit is able to grow and change. Enjoy the story even if you have to sometimes suspend disbelief. What’s wrong with the Lone Ranger arriving just in time to save the day ?

As for the acting, I sadly give it a B. Thao sometimes just reads his lines. His sister is a much better actor (N.B. it is no longer politically correct to use the word “actress”).

And the more I think about it, Walt’s final solution was just about perfect. Have fun!

2008, Biographical, Drama, Drugs, Feel Good Not For Children, True Story

The Soloist (2008)

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From NetFlix:

This true-life drama tells the poignant tale of Los Angeles newspaper reporter Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), who discovers brilliant street musician Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), and the unique friendship that transforms both their lives. In helping his new friend deal with his demons, Steve ends up battling with his own. Joe Wright directs this inspiring drama based on the bestselling book by the real Lopez.

In my opinion Jamie Foxx carries this well-acted enactment of a true story. The film isn’t perfect and barely escapes being maudlin at times, especially when Robert Downey Jr. sometime seems too precious (or am I harsh ?). But if you think this is a Disney film in which the musician finally presents a redeeming recital, think again. One saving feature of the film is the suspense revolving around whatever will happen next. In fact some of the unpredictable solutions that the reporter devises just made me laugh out loud. I find it an irony that in real life Robert Downey himself has suffered much from drug abuse.

Some things did not feel right. Towards the end of the film the musician apologies to the reporter in a speech that was too coherent, too calm, too controlled for the wildly paranoid schizophrenic. I mistakenly assumed that the musician had accepted his illness and was taking his meds.

Catherine Keener doesn’t seem to get much credit in reviews. But I thought she provided important glue in the plot. She sometimes hit the nail on the head, such as telling the reporter that in a certain manner he was using the musician as a way to write a book and get attention. Ouch!

Pay attention to the final, barely readable, screen text that talks about the aftermath. Note that Los Angeles is the capital of homelessness with more than 90,000 homeless people. If any of the Los Angeles scenes are anywhere near accurate, I would not step foot in the city.

Wife Kathy started to watch, decided she would instead go to bed, but continued to watch and finally said “What a good film”. Now that, folks, is a real recommendation.

2001, Comedy, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Imperfect, Sci-Fi, Unusual

Happy Accidents (2001)

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From NetFlix:

Ruby Weaver (Marisa Tomei) is tired of being the “enabler” in relationships and has decided to give up the role of doormat. She’s also on the verge of giving up on love. But a sweet, small-town guy, Sam Deed (Vincent D’Onofrio), changes her mind, and it seems Ruby’s finally found a sane boyfriend. Or has she? Soon, Sam’s divulging that he’s a time traveler from the year 2470 … and Ruby must decide whether love conquers all.

Why would I ever watch this film ? Two reasons: I am a Vince D’Onofrio (Law and Order Criminal Intent) fan, and I like quirky films. Of course that is redundant because D’Onofrio is synonymous with quirky. Rate this date flick a B. Some of the girl-talk conversations are insipid. But the idea behind the film is fun and the projections of what the future holds are thought provoking. Should I tempt you: He comes from Debuque Iowa which is on the Atlantic coast. Now are you interested ?

2008, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Suspense, War

Australia (2008)

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From NetFlix:

In the days leading up to World War II, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) inherits a sprawling cattle ranch in northern Australia. Threatened by land barons, she reluctantly joins her farmhand (Hugh Jackman) as he drives 2,000 head of cattle across the outback. While on the grueling trek, they witness the Japanese bombing of Darwin, which heralds Australia’s entry into the war. Director Baz Luhrmann co-wrote this captivating historical epic Oscar nominated for Best Costume Design.

Just enjoy this corny B-film for the satire it really is. Hopefully Nicole Kidman is ham acting on purpose. Otherwise she is just plain clueless. Bawdy, frank comedy is the film’s strong point.
Interspersed are “tense” episodes that are, under the circumstances, hard to take seriously unless
you are under the age of 15. And admit it, there is just nothing like a good old black-versus-white cowboy movie.

Don’t misunderstand me. I enjoyed the film. It tells a story and if you can do nothing more than tell a good story, you are a step ahead (think Spielberg, the king of corny).

I keep trying to spot the great actors and actresses of the early 21st century. I still have hopes for Hugh Jackman. As far as his role goes, he doesn’t miss a beat. I am just a bit disappointed when good actors go bad (for example, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”). Remember when Anthony Hopkins played in good films ?

Wikipedia has an article about the film.

2008, Biographical, Could Be Sad, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children

The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Haunted by the death of her mother, 14-year-old Lily (Dakota Fanning) escapes the dreary life she lives on her father’s farm and heads to Tiburon, S.C., with her friend and caregiver, Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), setting off on a life-changing journey of self-discovery. Set amidst the hotbed of racial tensions in the South in the 1960s, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s dramatic tale is based on the bestselling novel by Sue Monk Kidd.

Basically this is a really sweet and gentle film. Just ignore the incident of racial violence near the beginning that starts Lily and Rosaleen on their odyssey (and even that incident is not too hard to watch). Do I believe there was this oasis of black happiness somewhere in the South of the 1960s? Who cares! Just enjoy the conceit. Did Lily become awfully mature for a girl her age? Who cares! Did the film sometimes border on the maudlin? Who cares!

For some background on the author and her novel see the Wikipedia article.