Category Archives: FilmReview

2009, Animated, Comedy, DO NOT MISS, Feel Good For All

Up (2009)

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From NetFlix:

After a lifetime of dreaming of traveling the world, 78-year-old homebody Carl (voiced by Ed Asner) flies away on an unbelievable adventure, with Russell, an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer (Jordan Nagai), unexpectedly in tow. Together, the unlikely pair embarks on a thrilling odyssey full of jungle beasts and rough terrain. Other voices include the renowned Christopher Plummer and Pixar stalwart John Ratzenberger.

Not your average Disney film. Entertaining for young and old alike. Sometimes I just burst out laughing. In the initial part of the film we watch the lifetime of a married but childless couple. They age, she dies, he is alone. As I watched this part I thought “Oh my gosh, do I look like him ?” The fatherless boy scout is at times touching. The villain is, well, a real Walt Disney villain. If I could do the athletic stunts that the old man carries off, I would be in amazing shape. Just suspend disbelief and enjoy the fun.

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 ?

2004, Ballet, Biographical, Documentary, Feel Good For All

Born to be Wild (2004)

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From NetFlix:

Fans of the American Ballet Theatre will delight in this documentary about the renowned company’s four lead male dancers: Angel Corella, Vladimir Malakov, Hose Manuel Carreno and Ethan Steifel. Find out how each dancer got started in classical ballet, learn about their individual approach to the discipline, their backgrounds and their strengths onstage, and view clips of their best performances from the beginning to the apex of their careers.

It’s hard to believe that human bodies can do what these 4 men can do. The climax of this documentary will be all 4 men dancing together to the finale of Robert Schuman’s 4th piano quartet in a dance choreographed by Mark Morris. But interspersed with the rehearsals are biographical interviews with the dancers. Who knew that ballet was alive and well in Castro’s Cuba ?

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.

2004, Drama, Mystery Film, Redemption, Religious Theme, Suspense, Unusual

The Reckoning (2004)

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From NetFlix:

A priest (Paul Bettany) on the run gets mixed up with a band of wandering thespians in this tale of salvation based on the book Morality Play by Barry Unsworth. In a tiny village, the group comes upon a woman who’s been charged with murder and sentenced to death. The actors put on a production based on the crime and soon realize that the townsfolk know the woman isn’t guilty.

Consistent, well-acted, unusual, original, suspenseful are all adjectives that describe this worthwhile fim. Essentially it is a mystery story plus a quest for justice. I can only assume that the 1300s in England were exactly this grubby. Among the actors Gina McKee was Irene in the PBS production of “The Forsyte Saga”. Willem Dafoe is of course a well-established actor.

If I can’t stop watching a film, that’s a good sign. Highly recommended!

2008, Comedy, Complicated, Could be boring, Drama, Imperfect, Love Story, Scam Artists

The Brothers Bloom (2008)

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From NetFlix:

The Brothers Bloom made a name for themselves as the world’s best con men. Now, the younger (Adrien Brody) is ready to retire on the millions the pair has swindled. But when his brother (Mark Ruffalo) lures him into one last job, he reluctantly agrees. What he hasn’t counted on, though, is falling for their mark, an adventure-seeking heiress (Rachel Weisz). Robbie Coltrane and Babel’s Rinko Kikuchi co-star.

Yet another “who’s conning whom ?” film. At times was slow (boring ?). But there were so many wonderful sight gags that I just burst out laughing. If you are a busy person, there are better choices than this B-film.

2002, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Kidnapping, Revenge, Suspense, Violent

Trapped (2002)

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From NetFlix:

In this tense thriller, a young girl with asthma (Dakota Fanning) is kidnapped and held for ransom. Her captors (Courtney Love and Kevin Bacon) tell her parents (Stuart Townsend and Charlize Theron) that they’ll deprive the child of her medication unless they comply with their terms, one of which is not to contact the police. Pressed for time and clinging to their sanity, the tortured parents must work through this horrifying ordeal alone.

“Trapped” is the best kidnapping film I have seen to date. As one of the villains Keven Bacon is the usual perfect actor. In fact all the actors, including the child Dakota Fanning, are excellent. The plot details are very creative allowing for many surprises. Quite frankly I was glued to my seat.

I have one objection: could there really be a family of three, each of whom is so clever, inventive and brave?

If the ending were not so satisfying, you might mistake it for just another highway crash scene. But even that scene is one I can’t remember seeing in another film.

If you want a really good suspense film, DO NOT MISS THIS FILM!

2003, Drama, Drugs, Rape, Redemption, Revenge, Suspense, Violent

I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (2003)

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From NetFlix:

In this arresting film, retirement isn’t in the cards for mobster Will Graham (Clive Owen), who’s just settling into a quiet life in the country when he hears that his brother (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) has met a brutal end. There’s nothing left for him to do but seek vengeance, even if it destroys his chances at peace and freedom. Charlotte Rampling and Malcolm McDowell co-star; Mike Hodges directs.

Revenge versus redemption is indeed the theme of this film. At one point a talk with a psychiatrist provides some interesting insight into male with male rape. But it is just this rape that inspires the revenge. Clive Owen fills the part of the avenger with his usual intensity. This film held my interest because it was never clear how it was going to end.

2004, Comedy, Drama, Lawyers, TV Series

Boston Legal: Season 1 (2004)

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From NetFlix:

Alan Shore (James Spader) and Denny Crane (William Shatner) lead a phalanx of pricey litigators in a Boston law firm in this David E. Kelley series that examines the professional and personal lives of brilliant (and often emotionally stunted) attorneys. For perspective, Brad Chase (Mark Valley) joins the firm to keep an eye on loose-cannon senior partner Crane. Monica Potter, Rhona Mitra and Rene Auberjonois co-star.

Season 1 of this TV series is 5 discs. Watching the outrageous behavior of all the lawyers involved as well as their support staff is just plan dirty fun. It’s the kind of nonsense that reminds me of another series “Arrested Development”. Just suspend any ethical sense you might have and enjoy the sport.