Movie Reviews
I love movies–not all of them and certainly not all types. You won’t see me making comments on horror, slashers, or really stupid movies.
A movie can earn up to 4 Golden Eggs 
, meaning, drop everything and get your ticket (or DVD)!
Below are many of the movies that I’ve seen over the past year with the latest at the top. Here’s a start … I’ll regularly add to the list.
Sort list by: title | rating | view date ↓
May, 2006
-
2006-05-25 13:02
Casanova
the name implies a great lover and per the movie, indeed he was/is. A bit of a con dude, Heath Ledger steps into the role and takes the viewer on a ride in this rendition. The seducer gets seduced by the lovely Fancesca (Sienna Miller) who doesn’t want him (or does she?). Jeremy Irons is a kick as the rep from the Catholic Church, whose goal is to catch the elusive Casanova and lock him up for good. Who Should See It?--It’s an adult romp laced with comedy, Gramma might get a kick out of it.--2½ Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2006-05-25 13:02Dreamer
with Kurt Russel, Dakota Fanning, Elisabeth Shue and Kris Kristofferson is a classic family movie. It has heart, is non-offensive and has a fun (but predictable) story to it. Russell is Ben Crane, a gifted horse trainer who now works and trains the horses of the wealthy. When one of them breaks a leg, he trades his pay for the horse…and the story takes off.. Fanning is his daughter Cale, who believes in Sonya. The quest is on to do the impossible--heal the horse and get her running again. Kristofferson is gruff old Dad to Ben…but believes in his son, his granddaughter and the horse. Who Should See It?--6 years and up, including Gramma.--3 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2006-05-25 13:02Chicken Little
is the latest offering from Walt Disney Pictures. Based on the classic children’s book, it’s true to the theme-- the “sky is falling, the sky is falling.” The whole town moves into high gear to prepare for disaster when Chicken Little sounds the bell alarm. Of course, there isn’t one and Chicken Little becomes the butt of the town from both kids and adults. Cocky Dad is a widower and sports jock; Chicken Little is a runt--unfortunately in Dad’s eye too. With his three pals--Abby Mallard, Runt of the Litter and Fish Out of Water--Chicken Little seeks to fix his reputation and get Dad’s love. One night, the sky falls again…but this time, it’s not the sky, just from the sky. A cloned space ship has lost a piece. Landing, Chicken Little and his pals rush to see what it is all about. Fish Out of Water is taken hostage and his pals plan the rescue. Successful, they also pick up an Out-of-This-World tag-along. Needless to say, the Alien parents a tad upset with their little one missing, and the movie becomes a scene out of War of the Worlds. There are several positive messages here, but there are also some awful ones. I hated that the kids were bullies, but you come to expect that in movies; but what really pushed my button was the rotten coach and some of the adults. My 6 and 8 year-old pals loved it, so I guess all is well. Who Should See It?--Kids from 5-8. A parent needs to go along, or Gramma.--2½ Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2006-05-25 13:01Pride and Prejudice
with Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland and Jena Malone is based on the Jane Austin classic rooted in England in the late 18th century. There’s class, values, love, hate woven throughout. Knightley plays the strong-willed and independent minded Lizzie, one of five sisters who have been raised with one goal in mind by their mother: marry well. When a wealthy bachelor takes up residence in a nearby mansion, along with his close pal, Mr. Darcy, another bachelor--the Bennet girls (and Mother) are in quite the tizzy. Those who loved the novels will enjoy; it moves a tad slowly--but it’s not a skinny novel in the first place. I loved the fact that the director chose to be more true to life in that time…people were not that clean, hair wasn’t shinny from daily shampoos and dresses were not all silk. Donald Sutherland is PaPa--he’s got a great line--Mother is shoving Lizzie into a marriage she doesn’t want with the clownish minister telling Lizzie she won’t forgive her if she doesn’t marry; PaPa counters with, “And I won’t forgive you if you do.” Chalk one up--Lizzie naturally agrees with her PaPa, case closed. Who Should See It?--Take Gramma, she’ll probably like; too slow for teens unless they are into the Austin series.--3½ Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2006-05-25 13:01Just Friends
with Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, and Ana Faris is a challenge. Not much depth--Reynolds plays Chris an overweight, very shy, best friend to the beautiful and popular Jamie who he secretly covets. Ridiculed by classmates, he moves across the country and becomes a big wig in the record biz and a ladies dude. Ten years later, he’s told by his boss that he has to escort a crazed pop diva to Paris--the plane malfunctions and he finds himself stranded in the old home town. Everyone reconnects--Chris now trim and successful, and still a dufus, seeks out Jamie, who just happens to be single. Etc., Etc., Etc. There are some laugh-out-loud scenes, but this movie is a stretch--quick jump to DVD land. Who Should See It?--hmmm, teens and up; not for Gramma--1½ Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2006-05-25 13:01Shop Girl
with Steve Martin, Claire Danes and Jason Schwartzman is based on Martin’s novella of the same name. It’s labeled as a comedy, and there is plenty of that, but there’s so much more depth and intensity. The viewer is offered a vignette is each person overlaps the other. All are very different, yet have so much in common--loneliness. Martin is Ray Porter, a wealthy, very wealthy; Schwartzman is Jeremy, a screw-and social misfit; and Danes is Mirabelle, the glove shop girl. I loved this movie. Who Should See It?--mature teens and up, including a young Gramma.--3½ Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2006-05-25 12:59Glory Road
with Josh Lucas, Derek Luke and Jon Voight will be one of the best sports films you see. Like the intensity of Apollo 13 (you know that they finally land safely) and Seabiscuit (the horse wins)—Glory Road tells the story of a no-name Texas Western basketball team that has the first all African American starting lineup of players. The team wins the 1966 NCAA title—stunning the country that black players could really play basketball. And, according to producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, changed college sports forever. I know that there seems to be an annual variation of the “sports” movie that makes a difference, the coach that makes the difference and the team that makes a difference. So be it—get over it, sports is part of the American fiber. This is a terrific movie. Who Should See It?--Teens and up. Take Gramma.--3¼ Golden Eggs
0.3 December, 2005
-
2005-12-25 12:59The Barbarian Invasions
with Remy Girard and Marie-Josee Croze is an Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Film and Best Screenplay at Cannes. It’s about family, friends, life and death. A narrow-minded dying professor is challenged with reconciling with his also narrow-minded (but very responsible and successful) son. With Mom’s encouragement (pleading) a collage of friends, lovers and foes come together, ending in a celebration and discovery of self. Subtitles. Who Should See It?--Adults, including Gramma.-- 3½ Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-12-25 12:58Princess Diaries II
with Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews. Princess Mia is back, recently graduated from College and ready to step into the grand role as the new Queen of Genovia with Gramma retiring. A slight hitch surfaces when one of the members of Parliament insists that the “rules” be followed—Princess Mia must married. The search is on for the suitor, who of course, is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Who Should See It?--Enjoyable for everyone, including Gramma.-- 3 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-12-25 12:58Ed Wood
with Johnny Depp, Martin Landau (received an Oscar® for his performance) and Sarah Jessica Parker. Based on the life of director Ed Wood (the worst/wackiest director in Hollywood), the performances by Depp and Landau are wonderful. Wood never let anything get him down—be it an awful review or unfinished scene. He befriends Bela Lugosi and decides to resurrect the movie star’s career via a series of his off the wall story lines and movies. Who Should See It?--Be patient, it’s for adults, including Gramma.-- 3 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-12-25 12:57Meet the Fockers
with Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo and Barbra Streisand is the anticipated sequel to Meet the Parents. Classic example of opposites attracting—there’s lots of “adult-type” bathroom humor—Streisand and Hoffman as Greg Focker’s parents are from the Hippie timeframe; De Niro and Danner are more society driven. There is some fun here. See It?—If you liked the first, you will get a kick out of this one; the old pros are fun to watch. Who Should See It?--Gramma may not like.--2 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-12-25 12:57Shall We Dance?
starring Richard Gere as an attorney who wants more to his life, Susan Saradon as his career embracing spouse, Stanley Tucci as his legal colleague who loves to dance, but shakes his tush in disguise and Jennifer LoPez as a professional ballroom dancer who missed out on the big time. We all learned that Richard Gere could kick up his heels in Chicago, so you want him to strut his stuff. Stanley Tucci is a kick and Jennifer Lopez is really a minor player. Movie is about dance?ballroom dancing, friendships, love and passion. Another fun flick in this genre is Strictly Ballroom. Who Should See It?--I loved this film! Little kids won’t like it, but any mature teen and up should have a good time. Do bring Gramma.-- 3 ½ Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-12-25 12:57Ella Enchanted
with Anne Hathaway (Princess Diaries), Minnie Driver and Vinca Fox. At birth, Ella is “blessed” with a gift from her wacky Fairy God Mother—the gift of obedience. She has to do what anyone tells her, including the newest member of the family—the classic wicked stepmother and stepsisters. Don’t worry, the Prince comes to the rescue. Who Should See It?--Enjoyable for everyone, including Gramma.-- 3 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-12-25 12:56Bridget Jones, The Edge of Reason
with Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. They’re back—the gang from the first Bridget Jones opens the sequel where the first left off. Bridget (Zellweger) is happy with her attorney beau (Firth), until his new assistant enters the picture. All of Bridget’s insecurities surface and the viewer is off on another romp. Lots of laughs—if you liked the first one, you’ll have a good time here. Who Should See It?--For romantic comedy lovers, it’s light--3 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-12-25 12:55Lemony Snicket, A Series of Unfortunate...
with Jim Carey, Jude Law, Meryl Streep, Liam Aiken, Emily Browning, Timothy Spal, Catherine O’Hara, Billy Connoly. Based on three of the Lemony Snicket books, Carrey is Count Olaf, a nasty villain who preys on the Baudlaire orphans misfortune and tries to steal their inheritance through a variety of schemes. Jude Law is the voice over and Meryl Streep is a kick. Kids loved it at the screening I attended. Who Should See It?--For all Lemony Snicket fans—Gramma may like as well.--3½ Golden Eggs
0.3 October, 2005
-
2005-10-25 12:52Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie
Created for Pooh lovers, this is an ideal movie to show young ones after an early evening of treat or treating. Tigger warns Roo and Lumpy that the Gobloon hangs out in the Hundred Acre Wood. They decide to put up a brave front and catch the Gobloon. Silly and fun. A Halloween party planner is included (invitations too). Who Should See It?-- it's a good family flick for kids and parents. Always good lessons from Pooh and Company.-- 3 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-10-25 12:52Timeless Tails (Vol 1 & 2)
The folks at Disney are dipping into their animated feature vaults and putting combinations together. Some date back to the early thirties. You'll find The Three Little Pigs, The Prince and the Pauper, The Tortoise and the Hare, The Grasshopper and the Ants, and The Pied Piper in Volume One. Volume Two delivers The Wind in the Willows, The Ugly Duckling, Ferdinand the Bull, and The Country Cousin. Each includes tips for parents in talking about each story. Who Should See It?-- good family time for kids and parents -- belongs in your collection..-- 4 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-10-25 12:51The Parent Trap (2 Movie Collection)
You get the original with Haley Mills playing the twin daughters of divorced parents Brian Keith and Maureen O’Hara and the follow-up with Haley as a divorced parent dealing with her mischievous and scheming daughter. In the original, the girls are separated when their parents divorce and reconnect at a summer camp, discovering that they are sisters. Plotting to get their parents back together by switching places, they turn their households upside down. Who Should See It?-- it's a good family flick for mature kids and up.-- 3 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-10-25 12:39Toy Story, 10th Anniversary Edition
How can 10 years have passed since this ground-breaking film was first released? Woody and his pals are back with enhanced sound and digital features. Bonus features include deleted scenes and the usual “how they did it”. Should be in any family collection. Who Should See It?-- Everyone.-- 4 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-10-25 12:38The Muppet Show (Season 1)
belongs in every Muppet lover's collection. This is the show that made a star of a frog and a pig and launched a multi-billion dollar baby. You see it from the beginning, including a segment that shows creator Jim Henson pitching the concept. Includes 24 episodes. Who Should See It?--Get out the popcorn and enjoy--for everyone.-- 4 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-10-25 12:38The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
The latest adventure of the Muppet gang has them journeying to the land of OZ. Kermit’s the Scarecrow, Fozzie is the Lion, Pepe the King Prawn is Toto, Gonzo is the Tin Thing and the talented Miss Piggy plays four witches. Humans joining the adventure include Ashanti as Dorothy, Jeffrey Tambor and Queen Latifah. With a twist, the Wizard tells Dorothy she must rid OZ of the Wicked Witch of the West, who is of course Miss Piggy. Who Should See It?-- Muppet devotees including Gramma.-- 2½ Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-10-25 12:37Lost (Season 1)
starring Matthew Fox and a cast of dozens. If you didn’t catch this highly acclaimed series that carries the stories of 40 plus individuals marooned on a beautiful spooky island after their plane crashed, this is the time to make a long weekend of it. The last episode alone was an “Oh My God…Whoa.” All 24 episodes are included. The cast is quite good. Lots here for everyone, including deleted scenes that add in more depth. Perfect for a long, long weekend. Who Should See It?--Mature teens and up.-- 3½ Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-10-25 12:37Desperate Housewives (Season 1)
starring Marcia Cross, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria and Nicollette Sheridan plus more. Learn everything that you need to know (and what you didn't know that you needed to know) about the ladies of Wisteria Lane. Lots here for everyone, including deleted scenes that add in more depth. Perfect for a long, long weekend or to get ready before Season 2 debuts. Who Should See It?--Mature teens and up.-- 3½ Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-10-25 12:36Pretty Woman, 15th Anniversary
with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere and Julia Roberts is not a lot different than the one distributed a few years ago. But, it’s a romantic comedy that flows well. Gere is the dude with a ton of money who buys the services of Roberts, the beautiful hooker with a heart of gold and a tad rough around the edges. If you don’t own it, it’s a worthwhile addition to your collection. Who Should See It?—. 3 Golden Eggs Who Should See It?--mature teens and up.-- 3 Golden Eggs
0.3 -
2005-10-25 12:36My Left Foot
starring Oscar winner Daniel Day Lewis in an unbelievable performance as Christy Brown, the celebrated Irish author and painter born with cerebral palsy…who does it all with his left foot. His mother, played by Brenda Fricker, never gave up on him. Fricker also took home the Oscar for her performance. Who Should See It?--mature teens and up -- 3½ Golden Eggs
0.3
