"City Island"

Don't let the lack of a more interesting title prevent you from seeing this funny, insightful, laugh-out- loud (often) drama. Yes, there's a lot of yelling in the Rizzo family by the the father, Vince, played by Andy Garcia and his wife, played by Julianna Margulies, but despite my dislike of yelling, I loved this movie. In fact, if you read my very early posts, you know I saw it some time ago -- but I went to see it for the second time, and still loved it! Almost every character (except the wife and the prison parolee -- {this actor is terrific} ) in this unusual plot is hiding something, and, with good intentions, is lying about it. A college age daughter and a teen-age son round out the excellent cast with flawless performances. Emily Mortimer , and Alan Arkin add their special talents to the mix. Yes, I know the critics found flaws, but from my point of view - it was a great success: engaging, insighful, marvelously acted and worth seeing the second time around. SP

Father of My Children

Complex and compelling this French film (excellent subtitles) explores the life of a film producer with a wife and three young daughters revealing the fact (truth?) that we never really know what's going on with those near and dear to us. He is affectionate and seems to really love his family, although he spends almost every waking moment on his cell phone, or in meetings, trying to keep his "Moon films" from going under financially -- a fact which he has hidden from his wife for a long time. As the story unfolds, you see him as charming and genuine in his affections while having to deal with temperamental directors, actors, etc. everything that goes with the movie business. Although I don't usually notice the technical aspects of a movie I was impressed with what seemed to me to be exceptionally fine quality of the photography-- sharp, clear images, beautiful colors. Anyway, and here's the "spoiler" -- he reaches a point where he can't handle handle the stress of juggling all the aspects of his life, and he kills himself. But that's not the end of the movie! It goes on to show how his wife children ( especially the oldest daughter -- who is probably about 14 or 15?) cope with the results of his death, and their feelings. The acting is flawless. It's not a "feel-good" movie, but if you are interested in excellent story telling, this fills the bill. SP