My Blog has moved!

This blog will no longer be updated. If you enjoy sharing my meanderings on movies and more come on over to my new blog "Escape to the Movies with Shakti."

See you there!

"Exporting Raymond"

Written, directed, and produced (with a few co-producers), by Philip Rosenthal, this is the true story of what it took for the creator of the TV sit-com, "Everybody Loves Raymond," to get it made into a Russian version. It was hilarious laugh out loud in many places, funny in others, and above all an amazing documentary of the cultural frustrations Rosenthal suffered. It may not be everybody's cup of Vodka, but I found it totally engaging, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I was impressed with Phil's patience and good manners in the face of almost constant obstacles he had to overcome behind - and during -- the scenes. Mostly shot in Moscow, it certainly did not make Russia, nor the Russians, look very appealing. Definitely not something the Russian tourist bureau (do they have one?) would promote! There were clips from the original show that was so popular in the U.S.A., contrasted with the remake in Russia. Problems included: casting; translation; bureaucracy controlling Russian actors time and availability; rehearsal times, just to name a few. I'm going to give this Documentary THREE and a HALF STARS.

Who Knew?

Anyone out there who knows why Google refuses to let me change the email address on this blog? I will run out of www.sbcglobal.net usage in a few weeks, because I have switched my email address to www.gmail.com Any information gratefully received. (I posted a similar query the other day, which has disappeared. Let's see what happens to this one. Sigh.

Anyone out there have a solution??

Dearly Beloved readers, and " followers," known and unknown, This may be the last -- or nearly the last -- Blog from Yours Truly, because I have changed my email address from sparwha@sbcglobal.net to sparwha@Gmail.com (I understand that the sbc account will still be operational for about 30 days, but after that, it will no longer be functioning.) Of course I tried to switch over to the Gmail address for this Blog, but Google informed me, and I quote, "Sorry, Gmail address is not allowed to be the primary address of this account." I have enjoyed sharing my reviews with you, and would like to continue, but, I don't know how to do it. Any suggestions gratefully received. Blessings to you all, always, SP

"Rio

Better than I expected! Very colorful (full of color!) animation; lots of action, and an actual plot. Excellent voices. Saw it in regular 2D which was perfectly fine and I didn't feel/see I was missing anything except the surcharge I would have paid for 3D.

"In a Better World"

Well deserved winner of the Oscar for best Foreign Language Film - and a Golden Globe as well, this is a fascinating, suspense filled drama. It pulls no punches showing the complexity of human values, emotions, and reactions from various perspectives. In Danish, with subtitles, featuring a marvelous cast, expertly directed by Susanne Bier. The impact of events in the adult world, such as divorce in one situation, and the mother's death in another as seen through the eyes of two young boys. They team up to bring what they perceive (revenge) as justice in a violent situation. Excellent photography, scenes shift from the schoolyard (bullying at its worst),to a medical outpost in Africa (selfless service at its best), with flawless acting throughout. The title refers to what we all wish for, "a better world," which this one, obviously isn't, though some of the characters are trying to improve it through living up to their inherent decency and moral fiber. A movie well worth seeing. FOUR STARS

"Jane Eyre"

Sir Laurence Olivier owned the role of "Rochester" in the original film version of Charlotte Bronte's immortal love story, which has been made, and remade a few times since then. But I found Michael Fassbender equally fabulous as Mr. R in this latest screen treatment. Needless to say, marvelous young actress, Mia Wasikowska, more than lives up to her well deserved reputation playing the (plain) "Jane" governess. The dialogue, which must have been taken from the book, is so brilliant, that I want to go back and read the book again! Jamie Bell is well cast as the Parson, whose family (two sisters and he) shelter Jane. Dame Judi Dench is memorable as always, as "Mrs. Fairfax," the Housekeeper for Mr. Rochester. Congratulations to Director, Cary Fukunaga, job well done! FOUR STARS !

"Water For Elephants"

So sad, that this story, which made great reading as the book by Sara Gruen, makes such a mess of the movie! Directed (misdirected?) by Francis Lawrence, starring handsome Robert Pattison (known to the tween crowd from his success in the "Twilight" movies) as "Jacob"; scantily clad Reese Witherspoon (okay, she looks pretty) as "Marlena"; and Christopher Waltz playing her sadistic, obnoxious husband, "August," whom you can feel free to hate, the best thing about this movie was "Rosie" the elephant. Otherwise, if you enjoy the sweat, stink, and general disgusting aspects of what was definitely NOT the "Greatest Show on Earth," then you might like this film. I did not. I grudgingly say, and only for "Rosie," ONE STAR