Category Archives: Love Story

2010, Comedy, Corny, Feel Good For All, Flirting, Love Story, Mediocre, Slapstick

Morning Glory (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Whiz-kid producer Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) finds her abilities put to the test when she’s charged with bringing a network morning show back from ratings purgatory. Her first job: getting the show’s feuding, acid-tongued co-hosts (Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton) under control. Jeff Goldblum co-stars as Fuller’s network-exec boss and Patrick Wilson is Becky’s put-upon boyfriend in this comedy from the writer of The Devil Wears Prada.

“Why don’t we formerly successful actors get together and make some money by making a B-film?” Perhaps I am overly critical, but with a cast consisting of Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, and Jeff Goldblum would you expect more ? Rachel McAdams seems to carry every film in which she appears. And of course there is the requisite handsome boy friend, this time barely played by Patrick Wilson.

Since playing Ira Buchman (alongside Helen Hunt) in “Mad About You”, John Pankow has had a few lean years.

You have seen Matt Malloy just about everywhere and I bet you do not know his name. As a secondary character actor he has been incredibly successful. In this film he plays Ernie Appleby and provides the best belly laughs of all. If for no other part of the film, it is worth waiting for his scenes late into the film. Hint: “amusement”.

Don’t get me wrong: I enjoyed this fun feel-good that is probably OK for kids (ignore the F-word). Don’t let me scare you off from this easy to watch film.

2009, Comedy, Gay theme, Lawyers, Love Story, Prison, Scam Artists, Sex Scenes, True Story, Vulgar

I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

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From NetFlix:

When upstanding Texas cop Steven Russell (Jim Carrey) realizes he’s gay, he changes his entire life and pulls a series of bold con jobs that lands him jail — where he meets his one true love, cellmate Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). When Morris is transferred to another prison, lovesick Russell mounts a series of jailbreaks just to be with his beloved soul mate. Glenn Ficarra and John Requa direct this comedy based on a true story

Only someone as nutty as Jim Carrey could pull off this tour de force. Although the plot seems absurdly impossible, it is extraordinarily accurate. Please read the Wikipedia article on the amazing life of the real Steven Russell. That article only briefly mentions Phillip Morris whereas the major theme of the film is the homosexual relation between the two men.

Gay films are getting more and more mainstream. Just as heterosexual films continue to push the boundaries of acceptable explicit sex scenes, so too does this film contain some few explicit scenes and dialog. There are many scenes of tenderness, dancing, and kissing between the two partners.

At one point in the film the plot seems to bog down into a tear jerker of a disappointment. Do not be fooled! At times, however, I worried that Jim Carrey might be trying to do some serious acting. God forbid!

Be sure to read the final captions that explain his fate. It seems he was an embarrassment to Texas and to George Bush.

Have fun!

2010, Based on true facts, Comedy, Drugs, Explicit sex, Explicit sexual discussion, Feel Good Not For Children, Flirting, Love Story, Medical Theme, Mostly About Sex, Nudity

Love and Other Drugs (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Pharmaceutical representative Jamie Randall (Jake Gyllenhaal) becomes a player in the big game of male-performance-enhancement-drug sales and, along the way, finds unexpected romance with a woman (Anne Hathaway) suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Based on the real-life Jamie Reidy’s memoir, Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman, this satirical look inside the culture of Big Pharm is directed by Edward Zwick.

Sex, sex, sex, what fun!

However, there is a bit more to the film. For one thing, the film takes a huge satirical swipe at Big Pharm (most notably Pfizer-Zoloft versus Eli Lilli-Prozac) and especially the antics of its salesmen. More sadly the film highlights the plight of those suffering from Parkinson’s for which presently there is no cure.

Which brings me to ask if this story is just a fairy tale for grownups. Jamie’s encounter with the husband of a Parkinson’s victim in Chicago is frankly brutal and really impressed me about the difficulty of having a partner with Parkinson’s disease. Is it realistic to believe that the womanizer Jamie could settle down to care for Maggie in what could be a horrific future ?

Unfortunately the Wikipedia article does not tell us whether the author Jamie Reidy was involved in any way with Parkinson’s disease.

When this film was made in 2010 Anne Hathaway (“Rachel Getting Married”, “The Devil wears Prada”) was 28 years old and Jake Gyllenhaal (“Donnie Darko”, Brokeback Mountain (2005)) was 30 years old.

At any rate just enjoy the sex scenes, the ribald script, and the feel-good nature of the film. Viagra, anyone ?

2010, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story

The Switch (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Still single and increasingly attuned to the cacophony of her biological clock, 40-something Kassie (Jennifer Aniston) decides that if she can’t find a mate she’ll still pursue motherhood with the help of a sperm sample that’s not quite as anonymous as she thinks. As the baby grows up, Kassie’s best friend, Wally (Jason Bateman), agonizes over whether to reveal that he secretly replaced the donor sample with his own DNA.

For me Jason Bateman will always be the character Michael Bluth from the crazy TV series “Arrested Development” (which those of you who enjoy “crazy” might really like). His role as Wally the man afraid to take chances is the important role in the film despite the fact that Jennifer Aniston, Patrick Wilson and Jeff Goldblum help out. Thomas Robinson as the little boy Sebastian plays his part perfectly.

Some things are contrived. For example, the scene in which a drunken Wally switches Patrick Wilson’s sperm sample for his own just did not work for me.

Probably the theme is not for children. However, I found this to be a sweet feel-good with a nice ending and a welcome relief from violence. Enjoy!

2010, Acceptable for children, Car Chase, Crime, Detective, Drama, Love Story, Prison, Suspense

The Next Three Days (2010)

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From NetFlix:

When his wife (Elizabeth Banks) is sent to jail on murder charges she fervidly denies, college professor John Brennan (Russell Crowe) comes up with a plan to break her out by meticulously plotting the ultimate escape — despite the fact that he’s never committed a crime in his life. Writer-producer Paul Haggis (Crash) also directs this remake of the French film Pour Elle by Fred Cavayé. Liam Neeson and Brian Dennehy co-star.

An old saying is “The Devil is in the Details”, and indeed this is a film about a desperate, intelligent man calmly plotting to extract his wife from prison without her realizing what he is planning. Frankly, I had to suspend disbelief because it does not seem possible that the character John Brennan could have successfully executed his scheme. Of course I was rooting for the family to escape from the United States, justifying my cheering for the bad guy because after all the wife was supposed to be innocent. Indeed that is one of the threads of the story: did she or did she not murder that woman ? Watch carefully at the very end where the detective who originally prosecuted her is ruminating over the murder case and … but I don’t want to spoil a really exasperating and clever detail.

Russell Crowe plays Russell Crowe: “Speak softly and carry a big stick” (attributed to Theodore Rossevelt). Russell should lose some weight.

Acceptable for children. Ignore the impossibilities and just enjoy the chase!

2010, Drama, Drugs, Explicit sexual discussion, Feel Good Not For Children, Gay theme, Love Story, Sex Scenes

Every Day (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Ned (Liev Schreiber) is fed up with his unfulfilling work as a writer on a flawed television show and his stagnant marriage to wife Jeannie (Helen Hunt). Just when he thinks life can’t get worse, his teenage son announces he’s gay and his ailing father-in-law (Brian Dennehy) moves in. Ned’s relationship with an amorous co-worker (Carla Gugino) adds even more tension, but despite the setbacks, the rewards of everyday family life overcome.

NetFlix’s description is misleading: As soon as the film opens Ned’s son is already discussing being gay. In fact the boy is nagging to attend a gay prom and Ned is protectively worrisome lest some older male might take advantage of the boy.

No one is perfect, but this husband and wife are a good and struggling couple beset with stressful problems that are certainly familiar to all of us in this American 21st century:

  • Ned worries about his gay son and confides in no one
  • Jeannie’s aged father is a nasty man that she could never love
  • Ned is a TV screenwriter whose gay boss is demanding and unpredictable.
  • Home life is so stressful that Ned and Jeannie do not have much sex much to Ned’s chagrin.
  • As a result Ned is sorely tempted by his temptress co-worker

Characters are well scripted and portrayed. Brian Dennehy plays the miserable father to perfection but shows his sad human side as well. Helen Hunt (who for me will always be the wife in the TV series “Mad About You”) is now (2011) an attractive 48 years old who is perfect for this part. Liev Schreiber does well as a very attentive and caring father whose job is very stressful.

Ned is part of a team of writers who are constantly urged by the boss to invent shocking plots involving sex of all types. Were it not for these explicit discussions I could almost recommend the film for children. Even the almost invisible nude sex scene in the swimming pool is not really objectionable.

Moreover, this is the first film I have seen which treats the life of a teenage gay person in our ordinary American day to day lives. You would worry about your straight daughter’s relation to boys, so why would you not worry similarly about your gay son ?

An “Every Day” film about a family that has it all, that is to say, all those nasty problems. I loved its ordinariness.

2010, Could be boring, Could Be Sad, Drama, Grim, Love Story, Not Feel Good, Nudity, Quiet, Sex Scenes, Slow, Unusual

Never Let Me Go (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel, this sci-fi drama from director Mark Romanek is centered on thirtysomething Kathy (Carey Mulligan), who reflects on her time spent at Hailsham, an English boarding school, alongside classmates Ruth (Keira Knightley) and Tommy (Andrew Garfield). Born for an unusual reason, the three struggle with their destiny and their love triangle. Charlotte Rampling plays headmistress Miss Emily.

Until I reached approximately page 72 of Ishiguro’s novel I could only suspect what was happening. Since I don’t do spoilers, you will have to wait (if you haven’t already guessed) until one of the characters gives us the insidious answer. If you can’t stand the suspense then you can find the answer in the Wikipedia article.

In order for the story to work you must suspend much disbelief. Quiet, understated, beautiful scenery, beautiful children, handsome young adults are the hallmark of the film. But there could be no rebellion for the story to succeed. You have to believe that what is happening is now completely accepted by the rest of the world. You have to believe that the progress of the story is inevitable.

It is quite possible that many of you will be bored to death. Slow and politely quiet as a whisper, expect no action whatsoever. “Sci-fi” is a just plain incorrect description. Quite possibly you will find the entire film grim.

Personally I loved the film and thought the ending achingly sad.

2006, Bullying, Corny, Fashion, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story, Musical, Transvestite theme

Kinky Boots (2006)

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From NetFlix:

After inheriting a shoe factory, Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton) aims to take the fashion world by storm with help from a flashy cabaret dancer named Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who helps him design a racy line of men’s boots, in this whimsical comedy from British director Julian Jarrold. But on the eve of the Milan Shoe Fair — just as Charlie’s about to introduce the world to his signature shoes — everything falls apart.

Sometimes maudlin, sometimes almost preachy, “Kinky Boots” has enough originality to provide a decent evening’s entertainment. Think of this British film as part of the tradition of films such as the American version of “La Cage aux Folles”: singing and dancing and a sermon here and there about acceptance, tolerance, motherhood and apple pie. Tell the children what a transvestite is and even the children can watch.

Give it a B and just enjoy the fun!

2006, Car Chase, Child Molestation, Complicated, Crime, Detective, Drama, Frame someone for a crime, French, Gangs, Kanopy streaming, Lawyers, Love Story, Suspense, Torture, Violent

Tell No One (2006)

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From NetFlix:

Eight years ago, pediatrician Alexandre Beck (François Cluzet) was the prime suspect in his wife’s murder. He’s put all that behind him, but now that two dead bodies have been found near his home, he’s suspected of wrongdoing once again. The case takes an unexpected turn when he receives an anonymous e-mail showing his wife alive — and eight years older — instructing him to “tell no one.” Kristin Scott Thomas co-stars.

Second Review – August 2021

NetFlix no longer offers this film. Instead you can stream this 2 hour 11 minute film from Kanopy (free from your local library).

Harlan Coben always writes wonderful suspense mystery stories. Many of his stories, including this one, have been made into films. In this particular adaptation it seemed to me that the final and very satisfying conclusion came a little too easily.

Somehow I have the impression that for the most part American films are noisy and French films are quiet. At least in this case, this excellent French intrigue film is fairly quiet, with the exception of some foot pursuit escape sequences and a highway pile-up.

What starts out as a simple murder mystery gets more and more complicated. Eventually one character especially tells us all the details in a way we can understand. But if you need a recap you could read the Wikipedia summary.

French with subtitles. Well worth the time spent watching.

2008, Comedy, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Gay theme, Love Story, Sex Scenes, Swedish

Patrik Age 1.5 (2008)

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From NetFlix:

After moving from the city to a small town, gay couple Sven (Torkel Petersson) and Goran (Gustaf Skarsgård) adopt a child. But when Patrik (Thomas Ljungman) arrives in their lives, it turns out he’s not 1.5 years old as they were told by the adoption agency — he’s a rebellious, homophobic 15-year-old. While the couple houses the angry boy until the mix-up is resolved, his presence causes them to reassess their lives.

Gay-themed films have come a long way from being centered on the AIDS epidemic to a more realistic involvement with society in general. After watching this film, I would like to know if you thought the story portrayed was realistic, that is to say, could happen.

So what do you expect from a “straight” film: sex, violence, comedy, mystery, romance, sports, war ? Ignoring the gay theme, this film offers romance, non-explicit sex, some rough stuff that could hardly be called violence, comedy, social issues, an orphan needing a home, etc. Sound familiar ?

Although I did not expect much at first, I was pleased to find that this sane and warm film tells a story which is finally a feel-good. Each character is well-cast and well-acted, including their well-honed facial expressions. Look for a variety of neighbors, for better or worse.

Swedish with optional English sub-titles.

Is Sweden any different from the US&A ?