"Eat Pray Love"

Some critics tore it to shreds; a few kind of liked it. As for me, I enjoyed it a lot! I went in with low expectations, and not as a Julia Roberts fan, and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked her and the movie. The photography was beautiful (having been to Italy as well as India, I could relate to both places), the food close-ups were intentionally, of course, mouthwatering, and each of the male leads fulfilled their assigned roles quite accurately. (Each played a flawed character, who couldn't match up to "Liz." I recall reading the book (with commas) but I don't recall being thrilled with it, though I believe I liked it. The author of this "true" story (a writer in real life ) in her "search for herself" -- I guess that's what you'd call the motivation for her divorcing her husband (played by Billy Crudup), and going off to Italy, India, and ( a return trip to ) Bali. She eventually meets the ever charming and irresitable (he knocks her off her bicycle with his jeep) Javier Bardem ( an excellent match, finally!), having tried and discarded Billy Crudup (first husband) and James Franco (boyfriend). All of this predicted by a 'holy man" she had consulted on her first trip to Bali. Richard Jenkins is "Richard from Texas," giving an outstanding performance in which he mentors "Liz" (Roberts) while they are in the ashram in India. Excellent watching them together. It's not a great movie, and you can pick it apart if you wish, but if you're just out for a couple of hours of entertainment, my THREE STAR rating will suit your taste.

"Mao's Last Dancer"

Dance sequences make the film worth seeing (even though perhaps they could have been filmed more effectively, instead of just as if you're sitting in the audience at the performance). Chi Cao plays the adult Li Conxin, who as an 11 year old boy in Communist China is taken from his family and sent to be trained as a dancer under Madame Mao's program of artistic endeavors. His schooling is harsh and regimented. The ballet training is rigorous. The indoctrination of the kids as shown is certainly a strong political statement against Communism under Mao. It's certainly understandable that when Li (pronounced lee) eventually matures and experiences the freedom of America when he goes to Houston on a cultural exchange program, he realizes he doesn't want to go back to the rigid, repressive life in China. I remember reading the book, on which this true story is based, and really liking it. Enjoying the marvelous dancing in this film, I remembered how much I love to watch ballet! (The scene in the film in which he dances the part of a haughty Spanish caballero (--is that the right spelling? ) is fabulous. The Chinese actors are great, and you will certainly recognize the excellent Bruce Greenwood who plays the Director of the Houston Ballet Company. (A very different role for him from his stint as the boss in "Dinner for Schmucks.") Li's determination to remain in America created an international incident! All things considered, I'm giving it THREE STARS. Signed: Wistful Ballet Devotee

"Mademoiselle Chabon"

French film, subtle and engaging. A romantic love story that takes its time to unfold. Subtitles provided were almost unnecessary in many scenes because of the superb acting. Husband and father, kind and gentle man (takes care of his aging father), although he's strong (he's a builder) is enamoured by the violin playing (exquisite music - perfectly utilized in the film) of his young son's school teacher. And, well, you know what you think it will lead to. So the question is, will he leave his life and run off with this sensitive, alluring, intelligent young woman? You probably won't find this film in the Multiplex, but if you do, and appreciate subtle nouanced performances, go for it. (I'm not familiar with the French actors, so I'm not supplying the names, which I probably can't spell.) FOUR STARS

"The Expendables"

Violence galore, impossible car chases, non-stop shooting, noise level super loud, but with intermittent amusing dialogue (especially from Jet Li.) This Sylvester Stallone film is fun, despite the fact that it's not really a very good movie. Part of the time the actors were in such shadow, that I couldn't tell who was fighting whom. Neverthe less, I enjoyed myself, as the audience also seemed to! Probably because the violence was so over the top unbelievable that it didn't bother me. Sly shot up a storm, guns blazing all over the place -- as did his cohorts (except one was more proficient with a knife.) Mickey Rourke almost stole the picture, and Jason Statham was really excellent, a "noble" killer. Almost every cliche you've ever seen in an action movie is included. Plus, you get a cameo from Arnold Schwartenegger (current Governor of California - though not playing that part here) that the audience loved. Bruce Willis has a small bit, expertly handled, and the really bad, evil guy (not part of Stallone's team of mercenaries) was Eric Roberts, perfectly cast. There is, of course, a beautiful girl -- but it's all very chaste and noble. I'm tempted to give it three stars, but that might be misleading, so let's settle for TWO and a HALF STARS.

"Flipped"

You can call me an old softie, but I liked this film! Takes place in the mid-fifties, a time of childhood innnocence. The story revolves around kids -- starting at the age for second grade, and moves ahead to sixth grade following the crush that a girl (well plalyed by Madeline Carroll) has on the boy who just moved into her neighborhood. She virtually stalks him, making his life miserable and yet, by the time they are in sixth grade, she wants nothing more to do with him, and he discovers he has a thing for her. (There's actually more to the plot.) Well put together by Rob Reiner, who really has a feel for kid-speak, and assembled an ideal cast of excellent actors. You've got to love the man who plays the boy's grandfather! (He played Frazier Crane's father, Martin, remember?) Aiden Quinn is the girl's father. OK, the movie is not perfect, a couple of the characters may be almost stereotypes, but all in all, it was pretty pleasant to watch and enjoy being nostalgic for those "Father Knows Best" days of yore. Music was just right, too. I have to give it THREE STARS. SP

"Cairo Time"

Ever wanted to visit Cairo? I have not. And still do not. Beautifully photographed. Practically a travelogue, this film by Canadian Rubba Nadda takes you there. Perhaps you are interested in Egypt (I'm not) you may appreciate all of the scenery. As for me, I found it rather boring, although the performances of the lead actors were truly outstanding. Beautiful Patricia Clarkson plays the wife, Juliette, who has gone to Cairo to meet her husband for a vacation. He has been working for the U.N. setting up refugee camps in Gaza. She is met at the airport by a former colleague of his, played by Alexander Siddig, who informs her that her husband has been delayed. So while she is waiting for her husband to arrive she goes sightseeing alone , and has adventures. Then when accompanied by the handsome, charming, every inch a gentleman, Siddig, they have adventures (like trying to cross the street without being run over.) And of course they visit the Pyramids. They attend an Egypian wedding of the daughter of an old flame of Siddig's. They obviously start to have some chemistry between them. (Euphanism for romantic attraction) Will it lead to something more? I was so tired by the end of the picture, I didn't care one way or another, but I won't spoil it for you if you plan to see it. Best I can give it is TWO STARS (One for the superb acting, and one for the excellent Photography). SP

"Mugaabe and the White African"

Forget your Hollywood "Action Heroes." The real life Mike Campbell and his son-in-law Ben Freeth, white Africans, and their famililies are the most noble examples of courage and decency that I've ever seen. This is a heart-wrenching documentary about the plight of the white farm owners in Zimbabwe who, under the Presidency (read: dictatorship) of Robert Mugabe - (who can only be compared to Hitler), retain their faith in God, and their determination not to be dispossessed of the farmland they bought legally years ago. The beatings, the killing, the illegal seizing of property in a land without law and order is shocking to see. Literally risking life and limb, Campbell and Freeth finally takes their case to the International Court for relief. You won't believe what happens. By the way, both men are on the best of terms with the 500 black Africans who work on the the farm. They take care of the workers and their families, and cannot understand racisim and hatred of anyone because of the color of his skin. Mugaabe hates the whites. This is a marvelous documentary, some of which had to be filmed secretly by Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson, who would have been arrested if they had been caught revealing what was actually going on. FOUR STARS

"The Other Guys"

Absurd mayhem! Impossible car chases. Wild explosions. Deadpan, outrageously funny, Will Ferrell with Cop "partner," also hilarious, marvelous Mark Wahlberg. (Who knew he could play comedy so well?) - Wild shooting, destruction, shattered glass windows and windshields, and bodies and cars flying every which-way -- and yet there's a plot! Our two "Guys" are ultimately heroes, despite all the snafus they create. (They are a terrific team!) Michael Keaton is thieir Police Chief (wait till you see him in the other job he holds so he can earn enough money to support his family). There are several gorgeous women, including Eva Mendes. Rated PG-13, the few slightly (very slightly) off-color remarks are negligable in the midst of all the silly stuff. I'm giving it THREE and a half STARS --It's not perfect (I didn't like the music background -- too noisy and raucus for me, part of it in whatever I guess is called rap ) but the dialogue alone is wildly funny..I giggled a lot! Samuel Jackson, and The Rock have small parts, and you can tell they were having a great time playing them! Be sure to wait and watch the credits roll at the end to get an illlustrated education on Ponzi schemes and other financial information. At the ver end, see the out-take of two leads in a restaurant. the Wall Street Journal called "The Other Guys a "comedy of chaos." I happily agree. SP

"Dinner for Schmucks"

Using an insulting word in the title should give you a clue as to the fact that this movie has stuff in it that I found offensive. On the other hand, it has stuff that is hilarious and even delightful. Steve Carrell is wonderful as, what one might consider an idiot-savant. He plays a deadpan, innocent, creative, well-meaning blundering character. And you'll have to laugh. But some of the dialogue (not his) is rude and demeaning to women as far as I'm concerned. Despite that, there are lots of laughs.. Anyway, all things considered, I can only give it TWO STARS. You have been warned.

"The Extra Man"

Quirky, different, ridiculous sex farce set in Manhattan, with the incomparable Kevin Kline in an over the top comedic performance that I loved. Paul Dano plays a young man (aspiring writer) who rents a room in playwright Kline's seedy apartment, and is educated through the association -- he doesn't dare assume it's a friendship - in ways he hadn't bargained for. Dano is struggling with his sexual identity, is enamoured of novels by F. Scott Fitzgerard, and has daydreams /and night dreams in which he lives in that era. The movie was not what I expected, but it certainly kept my attention. (And strangely enough, as weird as it was, I didn't find it offensive -- close, but never over the line.) The critics were very harsh in their comments. One thing they say is possibly true, because it is so different : it may not be popular with a mainstream audience. I've never seen anything like it. It's certainly original, one of a kind. Oh, and I forgot to mention that John C. Reilly, speaks in a falsetto throughout (GOK why? - other than the fact that it's just funny!), sports a beard and a huge head of curly hair that in itself is a wonder to behhold. Katie Holmes plays one of the few sane people (and she's delightful) in the film. Kline is a paid male escort to the rich and elderly women, which he does with savoir faire.... (I was not captivated by Paul Dano (maybe it was the director who made him so bland? so: Three and a half Stars

"The Concert"

OK, so this film is flawed. Concept: underdog (currently a janitor) attempts to recapture his past (30 years ago) glory as Conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra., by usurping an invitation for the current orchestra to play in Paris. Conductor is played by Alexei Gutov, with the radiant Melanie Laurent (remember her in "Inglorious Basterds?" ) as the young violinist. Francois Berleand playing one of the musicians and close friend and ally of the Conductor helps him round up members of the old Orchestra for the Paris gig. He almost outshines the excellent Gutov. If you're a music lover, you will forgive its flaws (stereotypes - overdone for comedic effect) for the sheer joy of listening to the exquisite music. Highlighted is Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D Major.. History lesson: Breznev, and Russian anti-semitism sets the stage for this passionate story. The audience with whom I saw it applauded the Concerto, and so did I. Three Stars. SP

"Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel"

Yes, I know, considering my Hays Office conditioning, you wouldn't expect me to go near this documentary, much less applaud it. But I did, and I do! It is a brilliant film, and presents the man, not just as the hedonistic flamboyant founder of the Playboy empire, which of course he is, but at the same time shows him to be a highly intelligent, articulate, socially concerned human being who advocated civil rights, fought for the First Amendment, and amazingly, in the era of strict segregation, openly hosted black entertainers and racially mixed musical groups . Among the celebrities interviewed recently (2008, I believe), as well as some shown performing or mingling at the Penthouse parties are Jim Brown, Gene Simmons, Jenny McCarthy, Mike Wallace, Dick Gregory, Rev Jesse Jackson, Tony Bennet, James Caan, Joan Baez, David Steinberg, George Lucas, Bill Maher, Pete Seeger, and more! there's great footage from a bygone era. The Director, Brigitte Berman has created an insightful, entertaining, educational work. I must admit that I still do not appreciate full frontal nudity (some Centerfolds are shown ) but they are not the focus of the film. I have certainly amended my preconceived opinion of Hugh Hefner. As he told Berman, his life is an open book. He gave her carte blanche with access, no holds barred, with total creative control of the movie. She has made the most of the opportunity. What is revealed is so much more positive than I would have imagined. (The DVD will have even more footage that couldn't fit in to a big-screen-friendly presentation.) All things considered, I'm giving it three and a half stars. (If it weren't for the Centerfolds, it would have been Four. But, that's just me.) SP

"Get Low"

Another film based on a true story. Yes, this actually happened. A bearded, scraggly, taciturn (most of the time) seemingly dangerous hermit, hated and feared by the townspeople, after 40 years of living (barely existing) alone , decides to host a funeral while he's still alive, and invite all the folks who have stories to tell about him to attend. Because of the stellar cast: Robert Duvall, the curmudgeon; Bill Murray, the funeral parlor owner; Sissy Spacek, an old "friend"; and Lucas Black, Murray's assistant, I went with high expectations -- which is usually not a good idea, however, in this case, I was not disappointed! In fact, I can't offer enough praise for the acting. A few adjectives come to mind: excellent, pitch perfect, mesmerising. As you may have guessed, I loved this movie. As one professional critic remarked, Duvall's performance is unforgettable! Bill Murray doesn't do many films these days, but when he does, wow! Not exactly a comedy, but has some definite humor. I savored every moment. With excellent direction and photography and flawless performances by FOUR STARS (and everyone in it), "Get Low" is at least a FOUR STAR film. SP