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.
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2003-06-24 12:58
Seabiscuit
is so big that it took the efforts of Universal Pictures, Dreamworks Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment to create it—a story of the little horse that could (Seabiscuit), a banged up jockey that could (Tobey Maguire), a has been trainer that could (Chris Cooper) and an entrepreneur businessman who could (Jeff Bridges). Three ordinary, yet extraordinary men struggle through the Depression, and as fate often steps in, they are brought together. The “Biscuit” is the glue that sticks as each rebuilds his life. Based on the beautifully written book by Lauren Hillenbrand, this is a wonderful, wonderful flick. It has Oscar contender written all over with special nods to Maguire. Who Should See It? Everyone from Kindergarten and up—it’s a big movie; buy the DVD, but don’t wait for it—see it in the theater. 5 Golden Eggs
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2003-05-24 12:06Chicago
with Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Charles Riley, and Queen Latifah is about a pair of homicidal hoofers. It's film land's version of the hit play. Zellweger portrays killer wannabe showgirl Roxie Hart and steals the film. Zeta-Jones as the dancer done wrong Velma Kelly and Gere is the slick tap dancing sleaze bag attorney-all are excellent. Who Should See It? --young teens and up-it's a wonderful flick, in my top 5 for the year. 5 Golden Eggs.
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2003-04-24 11:51The Pianist
is a stunning and riveting adaptation of the autobiography of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish Jew and celebrated composer and pianist (Adrien Brody), who played live music heard over the Polish radio airwaves. That ended when the Nazis descended on Warsaw. During the occupation, Szpilman eludes deportation and remains in the devastated Warsaw Ghetto with the assist of several non-Jews. He struggled to stay alive with his music in his head and fingers—in the end, a German officer recognizes his enormous talents and assists. The Pianist took the top prize at Cannes in 2002 for Best Picture, produced by Roman Polanski. A definite Oscar contender—in my Top 5 Movies. Who Should See It? -- Everyone over 10, including Gramma—don’t miss this film. 5 Golden Eggs. 5 Golden Eggs.
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2002-08-24 10:44ET the Extra-Terrestrial
the 20th Aniversary version (meaning that there are a few new scenes) with Dee Wallace Stone, Peter Coyote, Drew Barrymore, Henry Thomas, and Robert MacNaughton. Steven Spielberg's re-release of E.T. should make parents' hearts sing-it's as wonderful and magical today as it was 20 years ago. A little dated-sure there are no cell phones or CDs, but no one cares. It's a story of a friendship with a boy and a lost alien-the scene with Elliot in the classroom and ET raiding the home refrigerator and consuming beer is an all time classic and as funny today as it was when first released. The frogs are just icing on the cake! Who Should See It? -Everybody, and own it for your home library when available. 5 Golden Eggs.
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2002-07-24 10:41Beauty and the Beast
--IMAX version is back with a few new scenes and a new song. Seeing it on the big, big IMAX screen creates a 3-D experience. Who Should See It? -perfect for families of all ages...it's wonderful. 5 Golden Eggs.
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2004-11-24 17:23Under the Tuscan Sun
with Diane Lane as writer Frances Mayes and supporting cast of Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan and Raoul Bova is like having a wonderful dessert that melts in your mouth. Lane’s Frances is a newly divorced, bummed out writer who can’t connect with her words, much less herself. Her cronies decide that a trip abroad will do her good. Sending her off on a tour of Italy, she impulsively buys a run-down (a very, very run-down) villa. Acquiring/hiring a crew to fix the old girl, she ends up doing the same for herself. New friends, new places, and a new life. There is life after divorce . . . for some, a very good one. Who Should See It?—Teens and up if they like the genre, Gramma will like this one—I loved it, Tuscany, here I come! 4 ½ Golden Eggs
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2004-05-24 17:28The Magdalene Sisters
wins the prize for making me the angriest on the theme of “human inhumanity to other humans”. This excellent film is based on a true story of the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland run by the Nuns, you meet three women who are abandoned by their families—one had been placed in an orphanage, one made the mistake and had a baby out of wedlock, and one was raped by a cousin. In each case, the families have turned their backs and the girls are dumped at the Laundry, a hellhole. They are forced to work to “cleanse” themselves of their “sins.” Of course, there is no pay. Finding the courage to escape after being incarcerated for several years, you wonder why this kind of institution was ever tolerated and supported by the Church and the Community. The Laundries were shut down in the 80s. Who Should See It?—Mature teens and up. Tell Gramma what it’s about before pressing the play button. Highly recommended. 4 ½ Golden Eggs.
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2003-12-24 13:17Lord of the Ring: Return of the King
Wrapping up the series, the third installment starts off when #2 stopped? This time Gollum’s character rises to the top of the heap for the tragic figure? We learn that he is/was a regular hobbit by the name of Smeagol. All that ended when the Ring found its way to his finger on a fishing trip with one of his pals. The curse of the Ring is the weaver throughout the all three movies, with this being the grand finale. Will Frodo make it to Mordor? Will Sam be his faithful and trusty encourager/protector? Will Aragorn get crowned as King? What happens to Gollum? Does Gandalf cast his magic on Sauron? And what about all those nasty orcs? Will our heroes survive? Questions, questions, questions. Will, it’s quite a story?definitely long andd probably 30 minutes could have been chopped?but there’s alll those lose ends that have to be tidied up. Director Peter Jackson is today’s George Lucas—the visuals are spectacular, spectacular, the storytelling devine, and those seven story high elephants . . . oh my! The bad guys, things, are really bad. The good guys come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Who Should See It?? Anyone who started the series, if you haven’t? Stop and start from the beginning. Mature kids and up. 4 ½ Golden Eggs.
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2003-10-24 13:13Shattered Glass
is one of those movies that make you think. Released by Lion's Gate Films, the almost two hours goes by quickly. Hayden Christensen stars as the wunderkind staff reporter for The New Republic—Stephen Glass. He also free-lanced for George, Rolling Stone and Harper’s. At the height of his writing, he was sought after by multiple publications—seemed to get every type of scoop imaginable . . . and was one flawed puppy. The old adage about weaving webs applies here—one lie leads to another, until you don’t know one end from another. The movie is rooted from an article/expose that appeared in Vanity Fair a few years ago. Who Should See It?—Very mature kids, teens and up. Gramma would be upset because he seemed like such a nice young man. 4 ½ Golden Eggs
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2003-10-24 13:11Love Actually
is the latest in the romantic comedy offerings. Universal brings to the screen a gaggle of favorites—Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Laura Linney, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, and Emma Thompson—would be hard to miss with this crew, and thankfully, Love Actually doesn’t—it delivers big time. Hugh Grant has a dual role—he is featured in one of the 10 vignettes and is the voice over that weaves throughout bringing several stories to closure on Christmas Eve. Some of the stories are outrageous and a hoot; others very touching. Who Should See It?—This is a movie for teens and up, all ages will love, including Gramma, actually. One of my favorite films this year. 4 ½ Golden Eggs
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2003-10-24 13:11Master and Commander
with Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, Bill Boyd and James D'Arcy . . . but mostly, Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey. Based on the best-selling series by Patrick O’Brian, Captain Jack’s tall ship, HMS Surprise, battles a French frigate off the South American Coast. The play between all the characters is excellent and the view of what life at sea was like for the men of all ages—this includes the kids who do the work of men as well—is quite an eye opened. There is humor, pain and passion is this wonderful film—just go see it. Expect Oscar nominations. Who Should See It—eight years and up, and do bring Gramma. 4 ½ Golden Eggs
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2003-09-24 13:10The Lion King
is back—new songs, new animation, new scenes in an all new special edition on DVD. If you have this in the original VHS, upgrading is wise—kids will love all the goodies (as adults will to). Who Should See It?—Everyone. 4 ½ Golden Eggs
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2003-09-24 13:06Under the Tuscan Sun
with Diane Lane as writer Frances Mayes and supporting cast of Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan and Raoul Bova is like having a wonderful dessert that melts in your mouth. Lane’s Frances is a newly divorced, bummed out writer who can’t connect with her words, much less herself. Her cronies decide that a trip abroad will do her good. Sending her off on a tour of Italy, she impulsively buys a run-down (a very, very run-down) villa. Acquiring/hiring a crew to fix the old girl, she ends up doing the same for herself. New friends, new places, a new life. There is life after divorce . . . for some, a very good one. Who Should See It?—Teens and up if they like the genre, Gramma will like this one—I loved it, Tuscany, here I come! 4 ½ Golden Eggs
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2003-04-24 11:53The Hours
with Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman, Ed Harris, Toni Collette, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, Stephen Dillane, Allison Janney, John C. Reilly, and Miranda Richardson is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel—a story that weaves the stories of three women who are connected through words—one is a book editor, one a writer and the third a librarian—all connected through the words of Virginia Woolf played by Nicole Kidman. The story switches times and places that flows throughout. Each of the three women have links, which in turn link with others—as Virginia Woolf, Kidman struggles with her sanity and starting her next work, Mrs. Dalloway; Julianne Moore plays a Laura Moore, housewife post World War II who questions being a mother and wife; and Meryl Streep plays Clarissa Vaughn, a modern-day Mrs. Dalloway. Oscar nominees will surface—Kidman (outstanding), Harris, Streep. This is a Top 5 Movie. Who Should See It? -- Mature teens and adults. 4 1/2 Golden Eggs.
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2003-04-24 11:52About Schmidt
is a dark comedy with stellar performances by Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates. Nicholson is newly retired and widowed. His only daughter is about to be married to someone he deems not good enough. He begins a trek from Omaha to Denver—his goal is to stop the marriage. Along the way, he explores who he is and pen pals/confesses his inner thoughts and feelings with Ndugu, an orphan he sponsors for $22 a month (found late at night while TV surfing). Lots of laughs woven with desperation. Oscar nominees will surface for Nicholson and most likely Bates. This is a Top 5 Movie. Who Should See It? — All Nicholson fans, anyone wanting to see actors at the top of their game. 4 1/2 Golden Eggs.
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2002-12-24 11:45Road to Perdition
with Tom Hanks and Paul Newman is the first real Oscar contender this year (both should get nominations). Hanks plays hit man Michael Sullivan for an Irish gang headed up by Paul Newman. The photography is excellent-you feel you are in the middle of the Depression. Newman has quasi-adopted Hanks character when he was a kid and cares for the Sullivan family as his own….will, almost. Hanks young son witnesses a murder by Newman's psycho son (Connor), and the story takes off. Connor fears that the kid will talk and sets out to kill him. The boy's not home, so Connor proceeds to kill the other son and wife. Hanks/Sullivan wants Connor bumped off. No go from Dad Newman (blood is thicker than love) and Hanks plots revenge, but first, he needs to get out of town with his kid. Along the way, Hanks and son begin to understand/like each other. It's a dark movie, some humor but not much and very, very powerful. Still, it's one of the best you'll see this year for overall performances. Who Should See It? -not kids and probably not Gramma, especially if she likes Hanks in his roles in You've Got Mail or Sleepless in Seattle. 4 1/2 Golden Eggs.
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2002-11-24 11:41Spider-Man
with Tobey Maguire, Cliff Robertson, James Franco, Willem Dafoe, and Kirsten Dunst is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Maguire as Peter Parker is the perfect choice for the high school nerd who pines for the girl next door and gets bitten by a super spider. He ends up with extraordinary powers-way beyond the leaping of tall buildings!-and becomes…. Spider-Man. Dafoe as his best friend's father becomes the Green Goblin and the battle of good and evil is woven throughout the movie. Who Should See It? -kids of all ages. 4½ Golden Eggs.
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2002-11-24 11:41About a Boy
with Hugh Grant and Toni Collete is about a rich (living off royalties from his Father's Christmas jingle) and definitely childfree irresponsible dude who is in search of women, preferably the kind that doesn't want a long-term relationship. Will discovers a single parents meeting, creates a mythical child to join in and meets a real one-Marcus ….or the real one meets Will and decides that Will will be part of his life. Grant is at the top of his form...definitely go see. Who Should See It? -adults of all ages. 4½ Golden Eggs.
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2002-11-24 11:40Star Wars: Attach of the Clones
with Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Samuel L Jackson and Hayden Christensen delivers Episode II and is lots better than the Phantom Menace. This is a space cowboy movie and the action begins as soon as the credits start to roll. Little Anakin is no longer little, he's a Jedi in training-the hormones are kicking in and he has to keep them in check as well as obey Obi-Wan Kenobi. Clones sets up the final chapter to George Lucas' six part saga which debuts in 2005 and will most likely break all box office records that exist up to that time. The movie delivers, the dark side surfaces in Anakin-and there are plenty of fun parts. Yoda kicks butt and the monsters, as always, are out of this world! Who Should See It? -mature kids and up. 4½ Golden Eggs.
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2002-08-24 10:43Panic Room
with Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart (as her daughter), Forest Whitaker, Dwight Yoakam and Jared Leto has its brutal moments. Foster is Meg Altman, recently divorced from a pharmaceutical exec. She buys a four story walkup in NY with a built in "panic" or safe chamber room equipped with multiple TV screens, first aid goodies, even a working toilet. On Mom and daughter's first night in their new home, all hell breaks loose when three men break in. Escaping to the panic room, they learn quickly that what the intruders want is in the room. Suspense, some terror-the two hours go by swiftly. Who Should See It? -not little kids, for sure. This is a mature teens and adults flick. There's blood, violence and profanity. Foster is excellent. 4½ Golden Eggs.
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2002-05-24 10:39Hart's War
with Bruce Willis (Col. McNamara), Marcel Iures (SS Major Visser) and Colin Farrell (Lt. Hart) is about sacrifices made by soldiers at war, honor and incredible courage. Willis is the ranking American officer in a brutal German POW camp (forget the campy Stalag 17 and Hogan's Heroes humor). He attempts to keep a sense of honor among the prisoners within the compound, planning all the time to strike back at the enemy and SS Major Visser. A murder in the camp sets the stage for a massive distraction set in play by Willis and Farrell. Who Should See It? -Mature kids (post 11) and up. It's not a pretty movie but is gripping, extremely well done. Too many times, all you see in a war movie is the blood and guts part with a general somewhere away from harm masterminding the next movie. Hart is there. 4 ½ Golden Eggs.
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2009-06-17 19:39The Proposal
This will be this summer’s comedy hit—tons of laughs—Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock (and yes, I could tell there was at least a 10 year age difference!) work well together. Meet Margaret Tate—she’s the stern, pissy boss who’s a high powered executive NY book editor. The instant messages that flow through the office as she enters, or makes a move, are a hoot. Reynolds is Andrew Paxton, her right hand and aspiring editor to be. All hell breaks loose when Margaret is hours away from being deported and forces Andrew to declare to all that he is her fiancée. The fun kicks in when he takes her to his home base to get the emigration authorizes off of her (and now his) back—Sitka, Alaska—where Betty White (terrific), Mary Steenburgen and Craig Nelson are Gammy, Mom and Dad. I was fearful that this was going to be one of those flicks that the trailers were the best part. They are just the warm up act. Go see, worth the full price of a movie ticket.
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Who Should See It? Teens and up. -
2009-06-11 13:40The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (DVD)
One of the top pics for foreign films in 2008 starring Vera Farmiga, David Thewlis, Rupert Friend and David Hayma. You will find that this is a haunting story of a young German boy who befriends a forbidden Jewish boy as the Nazis take over Europe. At an impressionable 8 years of age, Bruno witnesses several displays of hate toward what he believes are kind people. He begins to question the doings of his once hero father. Bruno brings his new friend food, they talk about life and when Schmuel reveals that he has a family problem, Bruno offers to help his friend. Based on the story by John Boyne, you won’t forget this one.
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Who Should See It? Teens and up. -
2009-05-30 12:12Star Trek
Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine debut as Spock and Captain Kirk the youngers along with new versions of Scotty, Dr. McCoy, Lt. Uhura, Sulo and a cameo from old Spock, Leonard Nimoy. The bad guy is quite bad, the evil Romulan Captain Nero played by Eric Bana. What is a clear launching pad for a whole new series, Star Trek is a romping space opera and worth a bag of popcorn. It’s got action, a hint of romance, friendships and plenty of travel shenanigans and special effects. Scotty is a hoot.
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Who Should See It? Mature kids and up. -
2009-05-30 12:12X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Hugh Jackman is the Wolverine. The storyline begins with Logan (aka Wolverine) as a kid who discovers that his family isn’t what is considered “normal.” When he learns who his father is, he escapes, along with his older brother—a nasty character all his own. Logan is a mutant… he just doesn’t know that there are other mutants, including his brother. Years later, and all grown up, he’s recruited into a special force unit for the military—all mutants and all under an experimental umbrella. Eventually, Logan wants out… he quits, becomes a logger, but the military seeks him out, destroying his lady-love in the process. Logan goes through another transformational “experiment” and now becomes a super mutant—indestructible. Has a nice twist at the end. Jackman is hot.
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Who Should See It? Teens and up.
