"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