"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

Home Entertainment -Sigh

Still not feeling well enough to go out to the movies, so I keep myself entertained with books (used paperbacks -I buy at a discount on line from Alibris) such as Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn; and on my Kindle (currently reading One Shot, a Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child, one of my favorite mystery writers). Then added to my TiVo regular viewing (addiction?) is "Jeopardy!" (Hard to get that annoying musical theme that sounds a lot like "I'm a Little Teapot" out of my head, but neverthe less --) Also, wondering why Alex Trebeck wears his glasses sometimes, and not others. Another annoying but addictive (for me) program is "Dancing With the Stars." Though I'm not thrilled with their recent addition of a dance troupe. Thank God I can fast forward at my discretion. (and so can you, or just delete!!!) But, my most exciting entertainment event has been the rediscovery of the Author, Noah benShea! Beautifully written prose, each sentence lovingly crafted. I was first introduced to this wise and open hearted philosopher, through his first book, the wonderful Jacob the Baker. Followed by Jacob's Ladder. Then in 1991 at the Book Fair held at the UCLA campus in Westwood, California, I bought his latest, Jacob's Journey, which he graciously autographed for me (and not just with his signature, he penned a lovely message!) benShea's books are not lengthy, not a lot of pages, but each paragraph a gem to be savored, each sentence a facet to be admired. (Can you tell I'm enthusiastic about his books? His bio says he's written 20 of them, and perhaps they are not all as fantastic as the ones I've read, but, I'll let you know as I continue my exploration of Home Entertainment.

Physical report - not required reading

I'm way behind on my movie going, due to a short bout with the flu starting on March 2nd, (knocked out the fever fast with "Tamiflu") followed by an undiagnosed (so far) weird, nasty, red, angry rash on my left leg that emerged on March 3rd, and grew progressively worse - spreading north above my knee, until Friday when a trauma doctor put an impressive bandage (quite tight) on my leg) and added another anti-biotic to the two I was already taking. So, the bandage comes off tomorrow, and then we'll see. I've watched lots of stuff on TV, lying with leg elevated, including the somewhat recent "Fairly Legal," which isn't great, but is quite watchable particularly because of the charming lead actress, Sarah Shahi who plays "Kate Reed" the lawyer. She has a great smile. "The Good Wife" continues to deliver excellent episodes, and did I mention I'm addicted to "Jeopardy?" Did you catch "Every Human Heart" on PBS? In it, Jim Broadbent excellent as usual. Much as I like "White Collar," the captions are practically useless, and with my somewhat challenged hearing, it's almost not worth the struggle to watch it. Does anyone know to whom I can complain about the pathetic captioning? Trying to find something light and funny to watch is difficult, and I admit to following "The Big Bang Theory." It's an interesting contradition in stupidity and intelligence. But then, aren't we all. Prayers gratefully accepted. God bless us all. SP