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"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

"Henry's Crime"

The critics pretty much didn't like this film, and I can understand why. However because of performances by the outstanding Vera Famiga, the always excellent pro, James Caan, and Keanu Reeves, I liked it! Okay, it's not a great movie, but I absolutely love Famiga, Caan, and even Reeves was perfectly suited to his role. The concept -- of a bland toll booth cashier (Keanu) whose "friends" sucker him into driving the getaway car while they rob a bank. He gets caught (they do not), and he goes to jail, without ratting them out. In prison he meets James Caan, a lifer who actually enjoys his situation in jail, and avoids parole every time it comes up. He's a confidence man. They share a cell, and he takes the younger man under his wing, so that when Reeves is finally released, he comes back to ask Caan (playing "Max") to join him on the outside and help him to actually commit the crime for which he has already done the time. Reluctantly, "Max" agrees, and the story unfolds. It is discovered that there is a hidden tunnel ( or several) that run from underneath The Bank (the original target) to underneath the old theater next door to it. The Play IS the Thing, and this time it's Chekhov's "Cherry Orchard," in which Vera Famiga is starring. Among other things, there's a director who yells a lot at Vera on stage. Because they need access to the theater, somehow they, probably "Max," manage to have Keanu, discovered to be "a natural," join the cast. (He looks great in a beard, and does his best work acting in the play!) So, there's a love story, there's the heist, (lots of cash in the vault!). there's the digging in the tunnel. Problem: Where to put the dirt? I did NOT like the music used throughout the film. So, I have to take off points. Plus, it just was "off" somehow, possibly the script? The Direction? (Malcolm Venville) Much as I loved the STAR POWER of the actors, I have to honestly limit the film to TWO STARS.

"Bill Cunningham, New York"

If you read the New York Times, or live in New York, you already know Bill Cunningham as the guy who rides around New York city on his Swinn bike, walks a lot, and photographs people who are wearing clothes that he finds newsworthy -- for he writes (and illustrates with his photos) a regular fashion column for the NYT. He's not interested in celebrities as such, only if they happen to be wearing something of interest. I had the pleasure of discovering Bill for the first time when I saw this wonderful documentary the other day. Many celebrities were interviewed for the film, including the Editor of Vogue, Anna Wintour, who said, "We dress for Bill." Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I learned Bill is an exceptionally likeable, truly kind and decent person, with the highest standard of integriy. You just have to admire him. Despite my personal disinterest (more like horror when I see what's "in") in "fashion." Directed by Richard Press, this film surely deserves FOUR STARS!

"Hanna"

Sorry, I must be getting soft in my old age, but "Hanna" had just too much violence for me; almost non-stop. Though it certainly kept my attention, I'm not sure it's healthy for me to secrete so much adrenalin. Saoirse Ronan, the remarkably marvelous young actress, was, of course, outstanding in this starring role as Hanna -- a product of training as well as (watch out, here comes the spoiler) some genetic altering to make her a fearless, almost indestructible assassin. Eric Bana, playing her father, whom we meet out in the wilds of Finland in the opening scenes where he's making sure she can survive against anyone and any challenge, is also wonderful. Soon we meet Cate Blanchette, the CIA operative who is in charge of finding these two, in order to eliminate them. Hiss, boo!!! With a few other small parts well played including some young children, plus fine Photography ( lots of chase scenes), Directed by Joe Wright, I can still only offer TWO STARS, but, that's just me.

"SOURCE CODE"

Jake Gyllenhaal was terriffic in the lead role. Wow! Michelle Monaghan, couldn't have been better as the beautiful, appealing, charming girl he meets (and obviously falls in love with) on the train, a train that is/was blown up in 8 minutes, during which his (government) mission is to find the bomb, and the bomber. This Science Fiction story written by Ben Ripley ("Believe it or Not," coincidence?!) and Directed by Duncan Jones, was wonderful, totally engaging and fascinating to watch. The superb Vera Farmiga (from "Up in the Air" with George Clooney) played Jake's "handler" or "control"??(I'm using this for want of better terms.) Basically, she's in charge of his recurring 8 minutes on the train, to solve the mystery, and obtain information. Jeffrey Wright plays her boss, "Dr. Rutledge" who appears from time to time to supervise the mission. (He explains the technology of "Source Code.") He's excellent, too! FOUR STARS

"The Adjustment Bureau"

Well, critics gave this mixed reviews, and I can understand why. It's not bad, but not really very good, because of, well, I'm not exactly sure why. What I really enjoyed, actually loved, was watching Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. They are so great, one would have thought they could make up for the flaws in the rest of the film. Unfortunately, even they could not compensate. The premise showed promise, but the way it was executed just didn't make it hold up. I'm sure by now you know the story is that our actions are controlled by a "Chairman" and his staff who make sure we live our lives according to the 'plan' already written by the Power/s that Be. So, basically forget about Free Will (except for minor choices, still within the grand scheme of things.) By a five minute "mistake," Matt Damon's character does not spill his coffee on schedule, therefore, he catches his bus, and meets Emily on the bus. Then he runs into her again (also not according to the plan). Then he "accidentally" goes through doors he's not supposed to, and discovers the staff (I forget what they are called, the Hat Wearing minions who watch the progress of us lowly human creatures) . Anyway, will Matt beat the system? Will he confront the Chairman? Can Emily achieve the prima ballerina status she was supposed (destined?) to gain in this lifetime? Will he be elected Senator (and onward to the Oval Office)? Well, only because of the two actors, who as far as I'm concerned can do no wrong, I'll give it TWO and a HALF STARS.

"The Princess of Montpensier"

Mostly fascinating, though it lags in a few places. Starts off with a brutal, bloody battle scene. Takes place in 1562 during the Catholic-Protestant wars. As far as I'm concerned, the hero who steals the show ( despite excellent acting by the entire cast and the great beauty of "Marie", the Princess played by Melanie Thierry), is Lambert Wilson, playing the aging (I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder -- though he's definitely not young, compared to the dashing young cousin she wants to marry, and the husband she is ordered to marry by her father (for political reasons.) Still, Wilson's "Count Chabannes" is fantastic! (Remember him from the Award winning, "Gods Among Men") An Epic costume drama, skillfully directed by the renowned Bertrand Tavernier, this film contains enough duels, and brutal battle scenes to satisfy the most bloodthirsty viewer. (A bit much for me, actually) Not to mention a few passionate encounters, plus the wedding night scene (probably historically corrrect), attended by relatives and interested parties awaiting the results. The audience in my theater (probably Franco-philes) applauded at the end. Fine sub-titles.It was about two and a half hours l- o- n- g. (I got tired) but, nevertheless: THREE and a HALF STARS.

"Hop"

"Hop" has perfectly, seamlessly blended live people with animated characters. I really enjoyed this movie. It was fun, visually excellent (did not need the annoying 3D effects to make it colorful and exciting), and yes, I'm not ashamed to admit, I loved the adorable main Bunny, "E. B" voiced by Russell Brand. The rest of this report may contain "spoilers" -- so if you can just take my word for it, and go see it, you don't have to read any more. Otherwise, here are some plot details: James Marsden (wonderfully) plays "Fred," who accidentally almost runs over "E.B" who pretends to be quite injured in order get sympathy and especially to get a place to stay, since he has run away from Easter Island, where he was scheduled to take over the family business (?) profession (?) duty (?) responsibility(?) of being the Easter Bunny. His father, voiced by none other than Hugh Laurie, is about to retire, and now it's "E. B's" turn to deliver all the Easter Baskets and candy all over the world (except in China, which isn't on the itinerary yet). The thing is, "E.B" doesn't want to BE the Easter Bunny (with all the inherited magical powers). He want' to be a drummer. (And he's actually pretty good at it!) Well, add to the mix a live appearance (fun cameo ) by David Hasselhoff), plus a mistake by "E.R" who shows up at the Playboy Mansion because he reads that there are always "lots of bunnies" there. Meanwhile, "Carlos," the main chicken in the Easter Egg Factory, voiced by Hank Azaria - with an irresistable accent you can't forget - decides that since "E.B" is missing, he should get the job. I don't think this is a movie just for little kids (though they will enjoy it). If you are young in heart, and not cynical, and not looking for any big message, then I recommend "Hop" for a couple of stressfree hours (actually 90 minutes) in a movie theater. THREE and a half STARS

"Limitless"

OK. Original concept: A pill that allows you to access that 80% of your brain that ordinarily isn't working. Great acting by Bradley Cooper, who is the pill popper, "Eddie." (Eddie's ex-brother in-law provides the stuff, played by an actor whose name I don't remember, is perfect in his role.) Well directed by Neil Burger. And, of course, who can resist the always excellent Robert DeNiro on screen? He enters the picture after Eddie has been transformed (thanks to the drug in his system) from a down on his luck, failed writer, whose 2nd wife (Abbie Cornish) has left him, to a brilliant, successful (making huge amounts of money) financial wizard. Just one little problem with the pill (before you rush to your local pharmacy), it is liable to kill you. Anyway, I mostly enjoyed it, except for too much violence in places ( although not all pervasive, what there was, was disturbing to me). For originality and fine acting, I would rate it THREE STARS.

"The Lincoln Lawyer"

From a novel by Michael Connely, who shares writing credits for the film(I think it's based on a novel he wrote), I can't say I "enjoyed" it, because it was mostly uncomfortable to witness (note the - no pun intended - legal term) the greed of Matthew McConaughey who plays a defense attorney who seems to have no scruples about getting his guilty clients acquitted -- for a substantial fee, of course. Even worse was finding out the truth about his most high-profile (extremely rich) client, "Louis" played by Ryan Phillippe, who consistently proclaims his innocence. I disliked the type of photography used to illustrate the story of the crime being told by two different people -- a sort of a reddish lens made it unpleasant to watch. The best aspect of the movie was the excellent acting, by the entire cast, particularly, of course McConaughey, Marisa Tomei ("Maggie," for the prosecution), and Wm. H. Macy as "Frank," the defense Investigator. Very few of the characters were likeable, and if it were not for my appreciation of the acting and my curiousity to see how it would end, I would have walked out. Still, because of the excellent acting, I'm going to give it TWO and 1/2 STARS.

"Jouesse" (Queen to Play)

Superb, subtle, sophisticated! One of my all time favorites, Kevin Kline in a marvelous performance (and speaking French perfectly, according to my untutored ear) is paired with the remarkable Sandrine Bonnaire. She plays a woman married to a blue collar worker. "Ange," a role expertly rendered by Francis Renaud. She, as "Helene" works as a chambermaid where she sees a couple romantically playing a game of chess, with hands caressing between moves, and exchanging loving looks. She is fascinated with the chess pieces and the appearance of the board. She buys her husband an electronic set as a birthday gift. He is not thrilled. She, however, gets up several hours early every day, before she goes to work, and starts to learn the game. She discovers that one of the people for whom she cleans, "Kroger" (enter Kevin Kline, an American ex-pat) has a chess set, and as events unfold, she gets him to teach her the game. Takes place in beautiful Corsica, exquisitely filmed and accompanied with perfectly appropriate beautiful music that enhances every scene. (Subtitles are great.) Francis Renaud and Kevin Kline are a joy and a wonder to behold as every thought, every emotion is revealed. Directed by Caroline Bottaro, this is a totally satisfying film! FOUR STARS

""Potiche"

"Potiche" means "Trophy Housewife." And that's the unpleasant role that our heroine, Catherine Deneuve, has been relegated by her tyrannical husband, "Robert Pujol," played by Fabrice Luchini. Talk about the need for Women's Lib! She, "Suzanne," takes over the running of her husbands umbrella factory (seems like a ridiculous idea, to start with, but actually the factory is kind of interesting) where the workers have gone on strike (rightfully so!) and taken Mr. Pujol hostage. She enlists the help of the incomparable Gerard Depardieu (a former lover -- one among many, actually, as you discover as the film unwinds) who is high up in government, a respected "MP" who helps her negotiate with the striking employees. Suzanne very compentently takes over the running of the factory. The Pujols have several grown children, who bring their problems, strengths and weaknesses to the story - and to the factory. In every aspect, this is an excellent film. (Enjoy the music, too!) With the French laissez faire when it comes to sex, the complexity of emotions, loyalty, and betrayal -- well, here's another fascinating story, well told. (It was originally a play.) Just watching the marvelous Deneuve and Depardieu is a treat to be savored. (Because I haven't been able to go to the movies for several weeks, I didn't want to be disappointed. Therefore, I did due diligence very carefully -- reading several professional critics reviews before venturing into a theater. I was not disappointed, and I don't think you will be either.) FOUR STARS

"Win Win"

Many names were listed as Producers of this film, so I don't know which of them is responsible for doing the job of Casting Director, but whoever it is, BRAVO! MAGNIFICENT! Wise and witty use of SPLENDID talent! And wise and witty dialogue. Especially noteworthy, the quiet, soft spoken (but outstanding and powerful in the wrestling ring) is newcomer young Alex Shaffer, who plays "Kyle." I have never, ever wanted to watch wrestling, nor do I intend to do so ever again, but this film, despite the wrestling, was just great - and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even the wrestling scenes were interesting. (Maybe because it was kids, actually doing the wrestling, and not faking it?) Paul Giamotti and Jeffrey Tambor as part time volunteer coaches are absolutely flawless. (Giamotti's "Mike" is a lawyer.) If the other actors (all of them!) weren't so excellent, Bobby Cannavale as "Terry" might have stolen the show. A one of a kind plot (several story lines interweaving) kept me interested and caring about what was going to happen next. FOUR STARS