"The Little Fockers"

I swear, I had no intention of seeing this movie, but the parking garage at AMC was so crowded, that I drove around and around (20 minutes!) trying to find a parking space, so I was too late to get in to the movie I wanted to see ("The Fighter"). So I just went for the next available film. Oh, my. What a waste of excellent actors in this really crude, cliche, "comedy," with humor and situations that seemed aimed to appeal to Jr. High School boys. (The title alone can give you a clue as to the inevitable pun upon pun used ad nauseum). However, it had flashes of funny, and I found myself laughing, and enjoying some of the stupidity, in spite of myself. I wish there had been more of Dustin Hoffman (he plays Ben Stiller's father) -- because he was, of course, just great! Hoffman's all too brief appearance opens with him getting a phone call from his wife while he's in the middle of his Flamenco dancing class in - was it Spain? Marvelous! On the other hand, perhaps because that's what the part called for ( obnoxious father-in-law), but it's the first picture I ever saw in which I just couldn't stand Robert DeNiro. He is worthy of much better material. Also, I actually liked Owen Wilson in this, though I usually find him annoying. But, here he was totally suited to the part (obscenely wealthy, but generous, nice guy - despite his obvious crush on Stiller's wife, played by Teri Polo -- who seems to be the only 'normal' character in the film) Then there's Ben Stiller, the hapless hero, a male nurse, who is ensnared by the gorgeous (really gorgeous!) Jessica Alba, playing a Pharmaceutical Rep named Andi Garcia, who tries to get him to endorse and advertise a product whose benefits match (or surpass?) those of Viagra, but are deemed to be safe for heart patients. The ongoing animosity and rivalry between De Niro and Stiller finallly erupts in fisticuffs, well, just not nice -- especially since Stiller got the worst of it. Anyway, you get a small but perfect turn by the inimitable Barbra Streisand, who must have gotten quite a kick out of playing the TV host of a show all about sexuality. She's charming. All in all, I would say TWO STARS (which are two more than some critics awarded it.), because though it wasn't really good, it wasn't THAT bad, and I definitely did laugh. (Note to self: Stay away from theaters located in shopping malls during the holidays.)

"MADE IN DAGENHAM"

If you can always understand the British accents (which I can't, so therefore I miss a lot of the obviously witty dialogue) you will probably find this film absolutely marvelous! As for me, even with the accent challenge, I really enjoyed this film! The acting was first rate by everyone in an excellent cast headed by Sally Hawkins (remember her from "Happy Go Lucky" ?), who is at her very best, with Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson, Rosamund Pike, and Geraldine James, plus one of my all time favorite actors (though he plays the role of the Ford Company exec who goes to Dagenham to stop the women stiking for "Equal Pay" ) Richard Schiff (remember him from "West Wing"?). At the end of the film while credits roll, you get to see and hear some of these brave women who actually participated in those tulmultuous times. I loved the red haired woman who played the -- what was it now? some office high up in the British Government, who wasn't intimidated by the Ford rep (Boo! Hiss!) threat to withdraw auto production from England. Photography was splendid, including just enough real newsreel footage from this groundbreaking event in labor relations to show when/what/how this actually happened! Well worth seeing. So, I'm going for FOUR STARS despite my handicap!

"TRUE GRIT"

Hailee Steinfeld as the 14 year old heroine, determined to find and bring to justice her father's killer (well played by Josh Brolin)is deserving of high praise. Jeff Bridges as the famous/infamous bounty hunter/Marshall "Rooster Cogburn" is marvelous and memorable! I enjoyed seeing Matt Damon as the Texas Ranger "Le Boeff" (pronounced la beef). I didn't find the film, though very well put together by the Coen Brothers, as great as some folks seem to think, but then, that's just me. The initial pace seemed slow, though the action definitely picked up later. Perhaps too much! I wasn't expecting it to be so "heavy" - but I understand it followed the book more closely than the previous film version (1969) starring John Wayne. I am only giving it THREE STARS, because I wasn't totally thrilled with it, though I applaud the acting. Sorry.

"TRON: Legacy"

Silly me.Why did I see this movie? I never played Video Games or Arcade Games; I don't appreciate 3D - in fact I resent it - and I don't care about special effects (though they are, in this film, quite spectacular -- but they seemed to me to be so repetitive that I got bored with them. (the motorcycles sequences were quite wild and good, actually.) Anyway,I went because this movie had a great opening weekend, and claimed a huge attendance, so I wanted to see for myself. Plus, I like Jeff Bridges -- and he is, of course just great in this, as is young Garrett Hedlund who plays his son, who goes searching for him "inside the grid." (Of the computer world that Kevin Flynn(the father, Bridges) invented with the help of a sort of dopple-ganger called "Clu" that he created.) Olivia Wilde is beautiful and talented. Seeing Michael Sheen, the fine actor who won acclaim a few years ago for his portrayal of Tony Blair (and other noteworthy sophisticated roles) appearing as the quirky, wildly eccentric/erratic "Castor" in this Disney (yes, blame it on Disney) film, was somewhat strange and disconcerting. I have to admit, he's quite an actor. As you may have gathered, I really didn't like this movie. I felt I was being punished for my poor judgment in choosing to subject myself to it for over two hours. Why didn't I just leave? Ah, my friends and foes, I did want to see how it ended! (BTW, in case you're interested the plot includes stuff about the huge corporation that Flynn Sr. built - and his desire to build a perfect world in cyberspace, but... ) I can't in all fairness judge this film, since it's not my kind of entertainment. I belong to the wrong demographic. Mea culpa.

"The King's Speech" REVISITED

November 26th I posted a glowingly rapturous review of "The King's Speech." Today I saw it for the second time, and found it just as inspiring, entertaining, and excellent as the first time around! Don't miss it. 'Tis the season..." so I have a movie marathon weekend planned. Tomorrow it's "Tron." I'll let you know....

"How Do You Know"

Okay, so it's not a great movie, but the cast is marvelous! The film is worth seeing just to watch Jack Nicholson's performance. He is fantastic! I wish he would do more movies. Owen Wilson always plays Owen Wilson, though he seems a bit more likable than usual as a rich and famous jock. Reese Witherspoon's character playing his girlfriend (one among many, it would seem, though they are moving sightly toward a more monogamous relationship - hard to tell - kind of on again, off again --- frankly I didn't like the premise very much, I think it sends the wrong message that it's fine to have sex without the benefit of commitment -- but then, I guess that's what's socially acceptable these days. Sigh.) Anyway, Witherspoon's acting is excellent, and so is Paul Rudd's -- (who plays Nicholson's son ).-- Rudd meets her just after the bottom has fallen out of his life, lost his job due to some legal stuff, caused by his father. And she's depressed because she has just been cut from the next season's lineup of her sports team. Of course Rudd gradually falls in love with her, though he honors her relationship with her boyfriend. Must mention an outstanding performance by Kathryn Hahn who plays "Annie," Rudd's assistant (who happens to be unmarried and pregnant, though not by him). She is terriffic! There are some truly funny situations/conversations/interactions, with all these characters but I can understand why the critics slammed it. I'm not that unkind, because I felt that the acting made up for the annoying story/plot lines that the writers, including the usually marvelous James L. Brooks (who also directed -- quite well, I think) put together. So, all things considered (I was not bored at all, and although annoyed was not "offended") I'm going to stick my neck out and give it THREE STARS. If you go in with low expectations, you can enjoy what's good about it, and ignore what's not.

"The Company Men"

Yes, yes, yes! Outstanding performance by the old pro Tommy Lee Jones, excellent acting by Chris Cooper, with the added treat of a small, but effective appearance of the better than ever Kevin Costner. Wives, lovers perfectly portrayed. Splendid film, relevant social commentary presented very personally, showing how human lives are affected by the "downsizing" of large corporations. A comparative study between white collar upper level executives and hands-on-the-hammer and-shovel, blue collar workers. Tracks the general, impersonal bottom-line Board of Directors' decisions to the effects they have on the daily lives of the newly unemployed. Splendid dialogue, delivered admirably - right on the mark. I forgot to look up the name of the Director, but he surely deserves a lot of credit also. Worthwhile film, easily earned a FOUR STAR rating.

"Inspector Bellamy"

If the French government has not already named Gerard Depardeu a National Treasure, they should definitely do so! In this wonderful film, as the great, and now famous (having written his memoirs), Inspector, he is supposed to be vacationing with his wife, but cannot resist getting involved with a murder suspect who comes to him for help. That's only one plot among several mysteries to be unraveled and stories to be told. I don't know what it is about Depardeu, but he is absolutely fascinating to watch. He is simply lovable! Strength with gentleness, charm, and intelligence emanate (ooze?) from his being. This film provides love interest (for one thing, the Inspector loves his wife, and she loves him, and it's beautiful to see!--- and so is she!). There are situations of betrayal, false identity, sibling rivalry and an old hidden secret. "Inspector Bellamy" has everything going for it, including a superb cast, who seem effortless in perfectly inhabiting the characters they play. Brilliant casting. Photography effective and artistic. And an unbelievably amusing courtroom scene. English Subtitles, of course, for those who don't speak French. I savored this movie. FOUR BIG STARS!

"Tourist"

Great Fun! Forget the professional critics who have somehow missed the entertainment value of this film. Based on another guideline I use for evaluating ("Would you want to spend two hours with these people?") Well, who wouldn't want to spend a couple of hours watching gorgeousAngelina Jolie, with a wardrobe to die for?) And I think that Johnny Depp fulfilled his role exactly the way his character would behave and speak. The slightest movement of his facial muscles, and you know just what he's feeling and thinking! This guy can act. Paul Bettany is an excellent main player in this spy frolic. Photography is excellent, and there's action (motor boats on the canals, one of which is expertly captained by the resourceful Angelina); there's suspense and humor and intrigue, with some surprises along the way. What's not to like? (Lighten up, you guys, it's not supposed to be part of the "Bourne Identity" series. "Tourist" easily gets my FOUR STARS.

"Megamind"

Remember what I said about how perceptions vary according to how you're feeling when you see a movie? Well, I wasn't feeling very well today, just general malaise -- but thought a movie might help. It was a toss up between "Faster," which I had heard was quite violent and the animated "Megamind," which turned out to have plenty of violence (more than I could enjoy). To add insult to injury, it was in 3D. Despite my lousy mood, I'm giving it TWO STARS. It's not bad, but it's not great. (Without the 3D, it would not have been as good.) Kids will probably like it. Good cast. You can find out the details by going to IMDB.com (Internet Movie Data Base) -- I don't feel up to including all that stuff with the appropriate adjectives tonight. Oh, well, at least I can list Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, and Tina Fey -- not too shabby for voices! SP

"Bhutto"

A far cry from my usual "escape" entertainment, I was enthralled by this historical documentary about Benazir Bhutto, the only woman ever to lead a Muslim country -- twice elected Prime Minister! Beautiful, brilliant, charismatic, articulate and powerful speaker, she followed in her father's footsteps carrying forward his ideals of Democracy and actions which truly served the best interests of the people of Pakistan. Her father, predecessor, Prime Minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was overthrown by the very General he appointed as head of the Military in Pakistan. (And who probably was responsible for his death.) Sustained by her absolute faith in God, a true "statesman," Bhutto stands out in my mind as one of the great leaders (and martyrs) of all time. (She was assassinated in her mid thirties, if I recall correctly.)Written by Johnny O'Hara who co-Directed with Duane Baughman, it's one of the few (if the only) historical documentary I've ever seen that was so masterfully created that even I could follow and understand the complicated aspects-- of Pakistan's internal political turmoil and external international relations -- and this with marvelous personal interviews with relevant individuals, including Bhutto's husband and daughters. Highly recommended. FOUR STARS

"Barney's Version"

With all due respect to the L.A. Times movie critic, Betsy Sharkey, who gave this film extravagant praise, I beg to disagree. Yes, the actors are marvelous. Paul Giamotti, with Dustin Hoffman always terriffic, as his father, Rosamund Pike as the great "love" (I call it obsession) of the main character, played by Giamotti, Minnie Driver as wife #2, gorgeous Rosamund Pike - eventuallly wife #3, with eveyone else in the cast excellent. Nevertheless, if you haven't read the book (by Mordecai Richler), which I haven't, you might also find the decades shifting confusing. Furthermore, much as I have admired the work of Giamotti in other films, I did not find him believable as a lovable or charming character (admittedly flawed - aren't we all?), as he must have seemed in the novel. and should have been on screen. Instead he came off as sadly and badly emotionally dependent, with little or no self-esteem, and eventually became what I would have to call a real nut case "stalker" of "the love of his life." (Obsession isn't love as far as I'm concerned.) He does a marvelous job, however, of portraying Barney in his declining years.
I am presuming the book, "Barney's Version" must have been told in the first person (which the movie was not), otherwise, the title makes no sense.
As always, Dustin Hoffman was perfect in his role, and he and the exquisite Rosamund Pike as Miriam were outstanding. As an ex-policeman retelling somewhat off color old war stories to the uptight relatives of Minnie Driver, still Hoffman is just so likeable! But there were too many minutes of unpleasant rudeness and insulting comments and behavior of many of the characters, and as a friend of mine often says, "Would you want to spend two hours with these people?" My answer is a resounding "No!" But, I did, and so I cannot give it more than TWO STARS. ( those earned only because of the actors skill I'm sure the Director, Richard J. Lewis and the screen writers did as good a job as possible, considering there was too much material in the novel to present in a two hour movie. Maybe they should have considered the "Harry Potter" solution, and have divided it into two films?)

"Burlesque"

Sigh. Exhausting, an assault on the senses, enough bumping and grinding to last a lifetime, (actually I found that part boring but that's just me). However, worth sitting though it- to see and hear Cher, who's still got it! This woman has charisma that cannot be denied! And I can see why Christina Aguilera is so popular. She's likable and she can really belt it out. (And actually act pretty well!) There's a story, of course, of a financially failing Burlesque venue, co-owned by "Tess" (Cher) and her ex-husband, and the really, really weathly guy who wants to buy the property (for devious reasons discovered and revealed by Christina Aguilera). This gives something for the musical numbers to hang on. And, of course there's the love interest, "Jack," very well played by Cam Girgandet. This fine young actor has apparently already made quite a name for himself on several very popular TV shows that I never watch. Anyway, the dialogue, is great, but alas, too infrequent. There's a lot of backstage cliche stuff. I don't know why Alan Cumming is given star billing, since he's not a major factor in the film, and has a very small amount of time on screen. Oh, well, moving right along -- Stanley Tucci is wonderful as always -- I really enjoy watching him so effortlessly inhabiting whatever role he's playing. He's splendid in this film. Anyway, it was directed by Steve Antin. Photgraphy was good, cutting back and forth among musical numbers (painfully loud.) trying to move the story along. However, despite my appreciation for several of the performers, I can't in good conscience give it more than TWO STARS. (Maybe if I were 20 or 30 years younger...)