You Get The Popcorn

A revisit of "Snatch" by Guy Ritchie reaffirms his genius

2011-12-10T21:25:00.001-08:00

Tonight my husband and I revisited "Snatch" by Guy Ritchie and was reaffirmed of his genius. No one in Hollywood is making the smart-off-beat films that Guy Ritchie has done with "Snatch" and "Lock Stock, Two Smoking Barrels" and "Revolver." The dialog is topnotch, the casting is brilliant and the cinematography is some of the best on the big screen. Brad Pitt's performance as Mickey was unforgettable. His character was incoherent throughout the film, speaking in the Irish pikey dialect and slang, yet he was able to convey his dialog through mannerisms and body language. Since "Snatch" was released in 2000 it would have been eligible for the 2001 Oscars, but this film was not recognized at all in the 2001 selections. In my opinion Brad Pitt beat out Russell Crowe in "Gladiator" hands down. Benicio del Toro's small roll was a performance that was hilarious and, again, mostly performed with facial expressions and body language. Benicio del Toro did win a 2001 supporting actor Oscar for his performance in "Traffic," which was well deserved.

I am grateful that Guy Ritchie is being recognized in Hollywood and making the wonderfully entertaining "Sherlock Holmes" films, and it is rumored he is being brought on to direct "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.", but my question is will he go back to writing and directing those off-beat English films?

"Snatch" (2000) Written and directed by Guy Ritchie. Starring: Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Dennis Farina, Vinnie Jones, Rade Serbedzija, Alan Ford, Benicio del Toro.

A profound realization came my way from "The Way"

2011-11-16T10:56:00.001-08:00

Ever since I have had control of my own life I have lived it with the sense of not ever wanting to look back and say I wish I had taken that opportunity, I wish I had gone on that adventure, I wish I have not let that event pass by. That is the reason I am where I am today. That is the reason I packed up and moved from the Midwest to New York without knowing anyone, packed up and left New York for Boulder with a friend and left Boulder with another friend for Prescott, then back to Boulder alone only to leave for Hawaii with a boyfriend, finally packing up and leaving Hawaii for California with my husband. Even through all these adventures, as they were certainly adventures, after seeing "The Way" by Emilio Estevez I feel compelled to do something that would profoundly impact my life. Do the impossible; hike the Appalachian Trail, bicycle across America, or better yet walk the The Camino de Santiago. Yes, "The Way" for me was more than a wonderful story of a man finally learning that living a successful life is not exactly experiencing a full life. It was a profound statement on what we are missing by moving through our lives with the barest of understanding that "the life we live and the life we choose" need not be the same. The life we live is the easy route, however, choosing a different route can be difficult but the lessons we may learn and the growth we may experience might have a profound impact on who we actually are. "The Way" is a wonderful film, one that, at the very least, will inspire you to travel through that beautiful country between France and Spain along The Camino de Santiago, to experience your own sense of spirituality as it certainly is not a requirement to be a Catholic or a Christian to experience the spirituality of this trek. It will want you to go out and meet some new quirky friends and share a profound moment with them. This is a wonderful film, I don't understand how anyone can give it a bad review, are those reviewers so full of themselves they believe their own existence is profound? Those poor souls. Anyone who cannot walk out of this movie feeling like there is more in this life to experience needs to stop, close their eyes, take a deep breath, let their worries fall off their shoulders on the exhale, open their eyes and look up at the sky like it is the first time they are seeing it. Look at the world in a new way, do something unexpected, get out of the routine and experience, experience, experience something new. But first go see "The Way.

"The Way" (2011) Written and Directed by Emilio Estevez

Starring: Martin Sheen, Deborah Kara Unger, Yorik Van Wageningen, James Nesbitt, Techkey Karyo, Emilio Estevez

I am breaking my rule of no "current movie" reviews, but this film allows you to experience an amazing feat of daring, "Man On Wire"

2010-01-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

I have pledged this blog to be about movies that I believe have been forgotten or have not been seen by a wide audience and deserve to be. However, I viewed a film last night that allowed me to witness an amazing feat of daring, one that I wish I could have witnessed first hand, so I am breaking my blog rule to bring your attention to this documentary.

Philippe Petit, you may not know his name, but in 1974 his was the name heard around the world. That was the year Philippe Petit performed the singularly most amazing feat every witnessed. In 1974 Philippe Petit danced, kneeled in salute to the world, laid down then got up again and walked approximately 1,600 feet on a wire suspended 1,350 feet above the ground between the Twin Towers in New York City. Since the distance between the towers was slightly less than 200 feet that means he made that trip 8 times, 8 times in 45 minutes on the morning of August 7 1974, just 6 days before his 25th birthday, 8 times back and forth across a wire suspended 1,350 feet above the crowd watching him that morning.

"Man On Wire" is the story of the inspiration that lead him to his dream, a dream that began even before the Twin Towers were built. It is the story of that dream. It is the story of the preparation, the planning and the friendships that took him to New York that morning. It is the amazing story of the execution of that dream.

As I said, I wish I had witnessed that event first hand, but watching him cross the distance between the Twin Towers on film is truly a beautiful sight, one that makes this film worth running out and renting. The sense of freedom that Philippe Petit must feel walking a wire any distance above ground is enviable, but to be the only man to have ever viewed the Twin Towers rising from the ground while suspended between them at their apex must have been....well indescribable. I am delighted Philippe and his friends had the presence of mind to record this dream and, so many years later, bring it to the public. This film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 2008.

"Man On Wire" (2008) Directed by James Marsh.

The Cohen brothers strikes again with the fabulously funny "O'Brother Where Art Thou?"

2010-01-03T10:56:00.001-08:00

The Cohen brothers strike again on a fabulously funny film with an ensemble cast that is perfectly cast. Beautiful George Clooney as the oily Ulysses Everett McGill masterminding a jail-break and conning the links in his chain-gang to go on a treasure hunt. John Turturro as the ever curmudgeonly Pete who ends up back on the rock pile and Tim Blake Nelson as born-again Delmar. These fugitives from justice are on a treasure hunt relentlessly pursued by a lawman who appears to be the devil. Along the way to the treasure they meet up with Tommy Johnson (Robert?) who sells his soul at the crossroads for his music, and George Nelson who robs banks (I'm George Nelson not Babyface Nelson), sexy sireeens, a one-eyed bible salesman and a couple of sleazy politicians. This is one romp of a road trip that will have you quoting the film long after The End. For me, this is one of those go-to films when there is nothing on the TWee I want to watch and too lazy to hit the Blockbuster. Give it a shot, you will laugh your ass off I guarantee it.

"O'Brother Where Art Thou?" (2000) Directed by Joel Cohen. Starring George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, John Goodman, Holly Hunter, Charles Durning, Michael Badalucco and other fine character actors.

Kevin Costner, the character actor, not the auteur

2009-12-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

Let's talk about Kevin Costner the character actor, not the auteur who wrote, produced, directed and starred in several blockbusters. I mean the Kevin Costner who is best at his craft playing a psychotic duel-personality serial killer in "Mr. Brooks" or an evil Elvis in "3000 Miles to Graceland," and the hardened prison escapee with his own peculiar code of ethics in "A Perfect World." Or how about the lush-ex-baseball player in "The Upside of Anger" or a returning Viet Nam vet in "The War," and the naive kid brother in "Silverado." Yes, that Kevin Costner, who when he steps out of the leading man role and takes on a character role can act circles around many of his peers in Hollywood.

Now, I have never been a Kevin Costner fan, so don't think this blog is out to sell you on the auteur Kevin Costner who single handedly made "Dances With The Wolves" or "The Postman" or even "Waterworld," no, I am going to introduce you to the Kevin Costner who has proven to be at his best in such films as the ones mentioned above, the films where he steps back and takes on a role that is not that of a leading man but that of a character unlike his own personality, one in which his own ego does not interfere. So let's talk about these films and the characters the Kevin Costner I want to introduce you to plays.

One of Kevin Costner's first roles was in "The Big Chill" as Alex the suicide who brought his college friends together for a weekend of introspection. Unfortunately, his role ended up on the editing room floor, sorry Kevin, but shortly after he was cast as Jake the kid brother in that fabulous western "Silverado." Costner plays Jake with the naivete of a kid who never grew into the man. Always the ladies man, "I just kissed her," Jake takes up with other men's women and usually needs his older brother, Emmett played by Scott Glen, to get him out of trouble. Like the time when Emmett breaks Jake out of jail as the gallows are being built. From that point the boys, along with Emmett's new friends Paden (Kevin Klein) and Mal (Danny Glover), head to Silverado where they take on a shady sheriff and his band of outlaws. A fine western with a sense of humor and a fantastic cast.

In "The War" Kevin Costner plays Stephen Simmons a returning Viet Nam vet who must face not only his continued unemployment due to post traumatic stress syndrom, but the war played out at home between his children and a pack of local bullies who try to take over a tree house built by his son Stu, an award caliber performance by a young Elijah Wood, and his daughter Lidia, played by Lexie Randall. Costner plays Stephen as a sensitive troubled soul, who tries to impart to his family the virtues of putting anger aside while trying to hang on to the hope of rebuilding his less than heroic life. This is a tremendous performance from Kevin Costner played with subtelty and grace.

"3000 Miles to Graceland" is a terrific, stylistic, although violent caper gone bad film, and you know how I like caper films. The opening credits, computer generated battling heavy-metal scorpions, give you and idea of what is to come when career criminals go to head to head with each other. A Continental full of Elvis's head out to pull off a casino heist during International Elvis Week in Las Vegas. The two leaders, Murphy the leather-clad evil Elvis played by Kevin Costner, and Michael the lover Elvis played by Kurt Russell, seem to have different set of morals when it comes to pulling off a job. Murphy believes he is the illegitimate son of the real Elvis and he doesn't stand for any one showing Elvis disrespect, which his heist buddies find humorous much to their chagrin when Murphy starts eliminating them from receiving their share of the heist. This movie twists and turns like a Caddy heading down a mountain road at full tilt when the loot lands in the hands of a nympho-grifter named Cybil. Cybil is played by Courtney Cox with the perfect amount of sleaze. The Murphy and Michael battle really heats up with Murphy looking to kill anyone in his way of leaving with all the loot; and Michael just trying to get away with the loot and somehow dump Cybil. Murphy is Kevin Costner's vilest role of his career and he plays it with deadpan ruthlessness. Besides seeing Kevin Costner in those hectic sideburns is worth watching the movie.

Another film in which Kevin Costner portrays an evil character is "A Perfect World" directed by Clint Eastwood. However, in this film the evil comes with a code of ethics, as peculiar as they may be, they do follow a moral pattern. Costner plays Butch Haynes who has escaped from a Texas prison along with a more vicious convict Terry Pugh, who he plans on ditching once they are over the Mexican border. However Terry's lack of control end's up forcing them to take a young boy as hostage. When Terry's presence threatens the boy; Butch dispatches Terry without a second thought. Phillip, the young boy raised by a domineering Jehovah Witness mother, has not experienced the joys of childhood; Halloween, Christmas or birthdays, and develops a bond with his kidnapper and protector, who allows Phillip the indulgences that he has been missing. As Butch flees from the Texas Ranger pursuing him, Phillip experiences freedom that allows him, with Butch's encouragement, to gain an independence to make moral choices. What starts out as a kidnapper-prisoner relationship quickly turns into a surrogate father-son bond. Kevin Costner's performance is riveting; his portrayal of a cold blooded killer who is complex and principled is one of his finest. Young Phillip is superbly played by T.J. Lowther.

"Mr. Brooks" is a terrific thriller where a seemingly respected business man and Portland's Man of the Year is actually a man with a terrible addiction, he is a serial killer. Or should I say his alter ego is the serial killer. Mr. Brooks, the pillar of the community, keeps his alter ego under control by attending AA meetings, but sometimes staying on the wagon is not as easy as the 10 steps would lead you to believe. Kevin Costner again plays against type as a man at war with himself. After two years of managing his addiction the devil on his shoulder he calls Marshall, played menacingly by William Hurt, persuades him to kill again. Only this time he is seen by an amateur photographer calling himself Mr. Smith, played by Dane Cook. Mr. Smith has his own sleazy fetish and is not interested in turning Mr. Brooks in to the police but becoming his protege. Mr. Brooks/Marshall decide to take Mr. Smith under his/their wing and research the perfect first killing for Mr. Smith. As it turns out the Detective searching for the serial killer is having personal issues of her own. The silver-spoon Detective is being sued for divorce by her philandering husband who has sicced his attorney-lover on her for a good portion of the Detective's trust fund. Well guess who Mr. Brooks/Marshall chooses for Mr. Smith's initiation of murder? You got it, the philandering husband and his shyster attorney-lover. As things go in and out of control for Mr. Smith it is obvious that Mr. Brooks is definitely a man in control. This film is an engaging thriller with intriguing multiple subplots that will keep you on your toes. Kevin Costner plays this tortured killer with icy detachment.

The last Kevin Costner role I will review is the retired baseball player and radio-personality in suburban Detroit who befriends his neighbor, Terry, by helping her nurse the pain of her husband's desertion with the all-day cocktail hour. In "The Upside of Anger" Joan Allen is spectacular as Terry, the wronged-woman who is barely holding it together for her four daughters as she phases between the sweet mother-homemaker to a raging shrew in the wake of her husband's desertion. The daughters who have distinctive personalities and their own life issues are played superbly by Alicia Witt, Keri Russell, Erika Christensen and Evan Rachel Wood. Kevin Costner shines as the seemingly wrong man Terry hooks up with who proves over the course of three years to be exactly what this house full of women need; humor and comfort. Especially when it is discovered what actually happened to Terry's husband that led her to believe he deserted her and the girls.

These are good films showcasing the talent of an actor in a character role and I hope you give them a viewing. If you are a Kevin Costner fan you have probably already seen most of these films, if you are not a Kevin Costner fan I believe you will see him as a fine actor in the portrayals of these characters. Also, each of these films have a terrific cast that help bring the stories together. And the great thing is they are all found in the aisles of your local Blockbuster or Hollywood Movie rentals so the cost to rent them is only $2.99. Go out and spend a couple of bucks to see a great film.

"Silverado" (1985) Directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Starring Kevin Costner, Scott Glen, Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, Brian Dennehy, Rosanna Arquette, Jeff Goldblum, Linda Hunt, John Cleese, Lynn Whitfield, Jeff Fahey.

"The War" (1994) Directed by Jon Avnet. Starring Kevin Costner, Elijah Wood, Mare Winningham, Lexie Randall.

"3000 Miles to Graceland" (2001) Directed by Demian Lichtenstein. Starring Kevin Costner, Kurt Russell, Courtney Cox, David Arquette, Christian Slater, Kevin Pollack, John Lovitz, Howie Long, Thomas Haden Church.

"A Perfect World" (1993) Directed by Clint Eastwood. Starring Kevin Costner, T.J. Lowther, Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern, Keith Szarabajka.

"Mr. Brooks" (2007) Directed by Bruce A. Evans. Starring Kevin Costner, William Hurt, Dane Cook, Demi Moore, Marg Helgenberger.

"The Upside of Anger" (2005) Directed by Mike Binder. Starring Kevin Costner, Joan Allen, Erika Christensen, Keri Russell, Alicia Witt, Evan Rachel Wood.

For a great caper film, "The Good Thief" is the go-to movie

2009-07-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

In "About Me" I mention one of my favorite genres of film is caper films, and one of my favorite caper films is "The Good Thief." This wonderful film by Neil Jordan is not only one of the best caper films but one of the finest films made. The story is riveting, the scenery of the French Rivera is stunning, the characters are endearing and you find yourself cheering for this eccentric cast of misfits. Nick Nolte plays Bob Montagnet an aging gambler, junkie, thief and savior who pulls together a band of heist guys to rob a casino in Monte Carlo. As his good friend Roger, a police inspector, constantly looks for Bob to make a misstep knowing Bob is planning something big and dreading having to arrest him for it; Bob exerts sleight of hand to keep Roger off track.

"The Good Thief" is a remake of a 1955French film, "Bob, Le Flambeur" by cult director Jean-Pierre Melville. I suggest if you intend on seeing both films view the original first as the 2002 remake, "The Good Thief," is richer in plot, characterization and cinematography with an outstanding sound track. "The Good Thief" makes the original appear dull in comparison. Watch out for a spectacular scene at the racetrack when the horses are out of the gate; this scene combined with the soundtrack is almost spiritual.

"The Good Thief" is one of the go-to movies in my collection, I have viewed it many times and will do so many more. I cannot rave enough about this very fine example of film making.

"The Good Thief" (2002) Directed by Neil Jordan. Starring Nick Nolte, Nutsa Kukhiandze, Techeky Karyo, Said Taghmaoui, Marc Lavoine, Gerard Darmon. Filmed in Nice, France and Monte Carlo, Monaco.

"LA Confidential" another great film by Curtis Hanson

2009-07-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

While I am on Curtis Hanson films, let's discuss another of his films that is a 180 from the last film I reviewed. "L.A. Confidential" a film noir, adapted from James Ellroy's third installment in the L.A. Quartet series, immerses the viewer in 1950's Los Angeles. Kevin Spacey, Guy Pierce and Russell Crowe give fine performances as detectives in the City of Angels investigating a coffee shop massacre that may involve one of their own. The film's cinematography is as captivating as the plot, capturing the duality of L.A. in the 50's; sunny and glamorous on one side and filled with corrupt cops, elegant hookers, murder cover-ups and manipulative paparazzi on the other. This is terrific storytelling, as is all of James Ellroy's books, and Curtis Hanson and Brian Helgeland bring it to life with a screenplay that maintains the fine balance of relationships developed in the novel. As the story is full and bold, this film deserves repeated viewing to capture the full essence of the story.

"L.A. Confidential" (1997) Directed by Curtis Hanson. Starring Kevin Spacey, Guy Pierce, Russell Crowe, Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito, James Cromwell, Ron Rifkin, and David Strathairn. The film earned two Academy Awards; Best Supporting Actress, Kim Basinger and Adapted Screenplay, Curtis Hanson and Brian Helgeland.

"Wonder Boys" a wondrous little film

2009-07-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

"Wonder Boys" is a film that will be found somewhere on my list of 10 favorite films of all time. A small, oddball little film with a quirky, dark sense of humor and a cast of eccentric characters. Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire and Robert Downey Jr. are wonderful in this clever dark comedy directed by Curtis Hanson and co-written by Michael Chabon, adapted from his book. The film is an endearing slice of life that centers on Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas), who is an unraveling English professor at a small Pittsburgh college laboring on his 2,000-plus page second opus that he has spent the last seven years writing with no end in sight. Talk about writers block, no block here only the missing end to this obsessive streak. During the college's literary celebration, WordFest, Grady is forced to confront his inability to bring this second tome to an end, the arrival of his voracious editor (Robert Downey Jr.), and his fear of aging as he watches his star student James Leer (Tobey Maguire), surpass him. Francis McDormand, Katie Holmes, Rip Torn and Richard Thomas round out the cast of this wondrous little film that should be seen by everyone. Michael Douglas says it is one of his 10 favorite films also. I personally think it is one of Michael Douglas's finest moments on film. Do yourself a favor and see this film, it just may become one of your favorites too.

"Wonder Boys" (2000) Directed by Curtis Hanson. Starring Michael Douglas, Robert Downey Jr., Tobey Maguire, Francis McDormand, Katie Holmes, Rip Torn, Richard Thomas. The film earned an Academy Award for best song, "Things Have Changed" by Bob Dylan.

"In The Cut" is an erotic thriller cum observation of human nature

2009-07-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

I very seldom agree with reviews but as we are all individuals I usually just pass it off as a difference of opinion. However, reviews for the film "In The Cut" were so off the mark I feel compelled to respond as I am afraid the inane reviews will keep people, who relish a not so typical Hollywood film and one where observation of human nature is necessary, away from this interesting film.

"In The Cut was billed as a thriller, to its disadvantage as the murder investigation was secondary to the films primary study of the sexually repressed and dysfunctional characters living in a lower Manhattan neighborhood. The primary characters are Frannie, Meg Ryan in a breakout role, as an introverted woman who understands the structure of language and writing more than she understands human nature. Frannie is more interested in how words are put together to form interesting strings of consciousness than how people are put together that determine their actions and thoughts. She does not understand her own sexuality nor her attraction to Mark Ruffolo's character, Detective Mallory. Mallory emanates an attitude of aggressive control while working homicide investigations in this lower Manhattan neighborhood, at home he has no control and may not even be noticed by his family. His need to control and Frannie's need for sexual interaction seem to suit them on a superficial level, at least in the beginning.

Secondary characters include Jennifer Jason Leigh playing Frannie's half-sister Pauline. Frannie and Pauline share a father who was less attentive to his wives/women and daughters than to his next conquest. His not marrying Pauline's mother is the root to her character and why she conducts her life in the manner she does. Another secondary character is Mallory's partner, Ritchie. Ritchie carries a water pistol since his gun was taken away by the department after he threatened his wife with it during an argument. Ritchie's character is the least developed, however, the film gives you the impression there is more to Ritchie than we are learning.

Yes, this film is not for everyone, but if you go to films not to just to be entertained but to be challenged you may want to take a chance on "In The Cut." I suggest you give this film a go if you are interested in something a little off-track and intellectual.

"In The Cut" Directed by Jane Campion. Starring Meg Ryan, Mark Ruffolo, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kevin Bacon, Sharrieff Pugh. Based on a book by Susanna Moore.

A romantice comedy even my husband likes, "The Philadelphia Story"

2009-06-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

I love romantic comedies and "The Philadelphia Story" is a classic 1940's romantic comedy. Jimmy Stewart won an Academy Award for his portrayal of a tabloid reporter who crashes the wedding of socialite Tracy Lord, played by Katherine Hepburn. For my money, Cary Grant as the ex-husband takes the cake with his suave, debonair presence and Kate Hepburn is vivacious and funny. Uncle Willie played by Roland Young is a character staple of classic comedies, you will recognize his face if you are a classic film aficionado. The entire cast brings hilarity to this must not miss romantic comedy. And this is a romantic comedy that is not a chick flick, even husbands and boyfriends will love "The Philadelphia Story."

"The Philadelphia Story" (1940) Directed by George Cukor. Starring Jimmy Stewart, Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Ruth Hussey, Roland Young, John Howard and many others.

"Domino" - forget what the critics said, rent this movie!!

2009-05-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Before I get into my review of the film "Domino," I want to speak to those of you out there who never see a film that is panned by the "critics," and critical they are, many times without merit. "Domino" by Tony Scott, one of the industry's best action directors, was heinously panned, and the sheep-like viewing public followed the critics without question. Why is that? What makes an intelligent person decide not to make up their own mind about what entertains them? I don't know. But I do know I am glad I didn't listen to the "critics" when it came to this film.

This fast paced and humorous action-drama "sort of" tells the true story of the rebellious Domino Harvey, daughter of the well-respected British actor Laurence Harvey, and a Hollywood socialite mother. The key words here are "sort of" as even the narrator says, "what is true here and what isn't I am not saying." However, what is true and what isn't doesn't matter in this crazy joy-ride.

As a child Domino trained with nunchucks beside her mother's pool, honed her aim at the Beverly Hills Gun Club, and practiced fisticuffs on her sorority sisters, Domino knew the Beverly Hills life wasn't for her. Finally Domino finds the perfect life for a take-no-shit-silver-spooned-ass-kicker when she falls in with Ed Mosbey, played by Mickey Rourke, a no-nonsense, ex-con turned bounty hunter; and Choco, played by Edgar Ramirez, an impulsive Venezuelan who insists on wooing Domino in Spanish, which is frustrating as hell to Domino because she doesn't speak the language.

Along the way, the bounty hunters become involved with reality show producer Mark Heis, played by the always entertaining Christopher Walken, and suddenly they are traveling with an entourage on a bus that looks like the Merry Pranksters on meth.

The craziness begins when bail bondsman Claremont Williams III, played byDelroy Lindo, hires the rag tag team to catch a group of First Ladies who heisted $10 million from the mob. Of course it is not that simple, as the heist guys are not bail runners and Claremont is somehow involved, but I won't tell you any more because you really should see this film.

I can tell you for a fact after seeing Keira Knightly play Domino Harvey you will never look at her in the same manner again. She definitely proves she is not just another Jane Austin period piece.

Mickey Rourke, you liked him in the Wrestler, and this is the pre-Wrestler Mickey Rourke that again proves he is a master of his craft.

This is the first starring roll for Edgar Ramirez, but even if you haven't seen this movie this is not the first time you will have seen Edgar. You may recognize him as Paz, the assassin in the Bourne Ultimatum. Seeing him play Choco in this film you will want to see him again as he has a great command of the screen.

Oh, by the way, be very afraid of cell phone dead zones. I say no more.

One last thing, there is so much going on in the movie plot wise and visually it really deserves repeated viewings. With each viewing you will notice more of the clever nuances of this underrated film, I highly recommend this thrill a minute roller coaster.

"Domino" (2005) Directed by Tony Scott. Starring Keira Knightly, Mickey Rourke, Edgar Ramirez, Jackqueline Bissett, Delroy Lindo, Christopher Walken. With a great supporting cast: Dabney Coleman, Mena Suvari, Lucy Liu, Macy Gray, Stanley Kamel (Monks shrink), Tom Waits, with Ian Ziering and Brian Austin Greene playing themselves.

"Step Into Liquid" and catch a wave

2009-05-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

For the best in film documentary "Step Into Liquid." This is the finest surf film ever made, it takes you around the world to some of the most unlikely surf spots; from surfing the Great Lakes to the shipping lanes off the coast of Texas, Ireland to Vietnam, from Oahu's North Shore where Pipeline reigns supreme to the Cortes Bank 100 miles off the coast of San Diego where 60-foot-plus waves break off an undersea mountain range that peaks just 3 feet below the surface. "Step Into Liquid" proves that surfing isn't just about surfing the big waves, it is a passion that grips your soul; yes, you will meet big wave surfers who are towed into the giants, but you will also meet a man who hasn't missed a day of surfing in 27 years, how about the American brothers who take their passion to Ireland and teach the kids how to catch ankle snappers, and there are many more stories, as many stories as there are surfers. Most of all you will not believe your eyes as Dana Brown and John-Paul Beeghly catch the beauty of the surf, the power of the ocean and the meditative passion of surfing. You don't have to be a surfer to "Step Into Liquid," and catch a wave.

"Step Into Liquid" (2003) Directed by Dana Brown. Photographed by John-Paul Beeghly.

For "The In-Laws" run directly to the original 1979 version with Peter Falk and Alan Arkin

2009-05-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

The 1979 version of "The In-Laws" is one of the funnest and most underrated comedies ever made. Don't bother with the disappointing remake, go straight to the Peter Falk and Alan Arkin version, the real stuff. This movie never heads in a straight direction, instead veering off on a chase orchestrated by Vince Ricardo, played by Peter Falk, who leads Dr. Sheldon Kornpett, played hysterically by Alan Arkin, on one misadventure after another. Richard Libertini gives a brilliant performance as a third world dictator who has some of the best lines in the film. What am I saying, all the characters have laugh out loud dialog throughout this funny, funny film. This is a must see for any fan of true film comedy. Besides bringing us the infamous line "Serpentine Shelley, serpentine!!" it has one of the funniest car chases on film. Do yourself a favor and go directly to the original DO pass the remake!!

"The In-Laws" (1979) Directed by Arthur Hiller. Starring Peter Falk, Alan Arkin, Richard Libertini, Ed Begley Jr.

"Across the Universe" is the Cliff Notes on the 60's through The Beatles music

2009-05-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

While surfing the small screen one evening I came across a movie that when it was on the big screen we didn't consider attending, however, since I had some time to kill I decided to give it a look-see. From the beginning I could see this was going to be an interesting choice. Just as Prudence, a young cheerleader yearning for another young cheerleader, started singing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" my husband joined me, and his first comment was one that was repeated by both of us throughout the film, "this is not what I think of when hearing this music, but it is interesting and it works." So begins the trip through the 60's; the sexual revolution, the revolution against the establishment, the revolution against military might, and revolutionary new music.

Those of us who became of age in the 60's; the hippies, the draft dodgers, the revolutionaries and the ROTC'ers will recognize ourselves in this colorful trip back in time. Those of you who were not around, or too young to remember will experience the transformation that transpired during those years of wonder and revolution. And to boot you will experience it through the music of a group of Liverpudlians that somehow was able to translate our experiences into music, and if I may be so bold, who perhaps even contributed to the morality play that was the "60's."

"Across The Universe" is a beautiful love story, an emotional return to the Viet Nam war and a reminder of what freedom and choice really are. Besides Prudence we meet Jude, a young lad from Liverpool, who heads to America to find his father and ends up befriending Max who is a fortunate-son. the story takes off when Jude and Max head to New York where we meet up with the other characters we follow through the film. There is Lucy, Max's sister, who joins them when her love is killed in Viet Nam, Sadie a Janis Joplin-like singer and Jo-Jo the Jimmy Hendrix character, and of course Prudence.

The film chronicles the generation through imagery such as Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters,Timothy Leary and acid trips, peaceful protests of the war and militant protests by the SDS. Max, previously a fortunate-son, becomes one of the numerous young men who get caught in the draft. One of the most spectacular productions in the film is of "I Want You" and believe me you will never hear this song again without visualizing Max at the induction center.

This film will afford you the opportunity to look and listen to The Beatles lyrics in a sideways manner; you will hear familiar music set to visuals you previously had not associated with this marvelous music. It is a real eye-opener and one you will want to revisit many times. This film highly is recommended to everyone, it is a delight for the ears and the eyes.

"Mama Mia" the perfect movie for a closet ABBA fan

2009-04-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

I admit it, I am a closet ABBA fan, and moreover, I am not the only one. Once you admit to loving their infectious, shoulder shaking, hip swinging, body moving music the closet opens wider and ABBA fans start filing out. "Dancing Queen" and "Voulez Vous" makes us want to jump and twirl around the floor, "Take A Chance On Me," "Waterloo" and "Fernando" beg for a sing along, and "Lay All Your Love On Me," "I Have A Dream" and "The Winner Takes All" remind us these are all love songs. As an ABBA fan I was delighted to see "Mama Mia" made into a movie...boy howdy how great is that...however, I did not see it on the big screen to my chagrin, but once I discovered it on my 42 incher I was hooked!! "Mama Mia" may be considered a chick flick but this chick is not ashamed to tell you this movie made me cry with happiness, laugh with pleasure and lift up my spirits. It is a high energy, feel good movie. Meryl Streep is beautiful as the single proprietor of an inn on a colorful Greek island trying to stage a wedding for her 20 year old daughter Sophie. Sophie, ever curious as to whom her father is, unbeknownest to her mother, invites three men from her mothers past. The fun begins with Streep and her two best friends, who had made up the singing trio of Donna and the Dynamos (hence the ABBA songs), trying to figure out why the three men have suddenly shown up after 20 years, and the three men, wondering why all of a sudden they have been invited back into her life. The funny Christine Baranski and the British actress/comedianne Julie Waters complete the singing trio, while Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard represent the potential fathers. Everyone looks like they are having a great time and how could you not, being on a picturesque Greek isle with good friends, singing and dancing to ABBA tunes. The movie is infectious as the music and it is a great movie with which to start a fun weekend.

"Mama Mia" (2008) Directed by Phyllidia Lloyd. Starring Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Julie Waters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Amanda Seyfried, Dominic Cooper.

Sunday, a perfect afternoon for "The Graduate"

2009-04-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

While surfing through the free On Demand movies I ran across one of the finest films ever made. If I could possibly come up with just 10 films for a 10 Best Films List "The Graduate" would be on that list. This is a smart film; smart screenplay, smart plot, smart cinematography, smart editing. This is the type of film Hollywood has pretty much ceased making, instead, relying on special effects to lure audiences into the theaters. The stunning cinematography and clever editing make this film a pleasure to watch, while the soundtrack by Simon and Garfunkel, from their Grammy Award winning "Sounds of Silence," complement and enhance the film's mood. I suggest you run out and rent this wonderful film, don't take a chance that a network presentation will show it unedited...whenever did a network not edit out key scenes... and spend a lazy Sunday afternoon watching this perfect film. While you are watching, take note of a young Dustin Hoffman who transforms from an insecure, naive scholar to a confident Lothario, and back again. I guarantee you will be amazed at how great this film is. Don't pass it over just because you saw it when it was first released, or a couple of years ago, or whenever, revisit the film and be amazed all over again. This is a film in my collection and worth every penny.

"The Graduate" (1967) Directed by Mike Nichols. Starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katherine Ross, Murray Hamilton

Try the aisles next time and rent "The Burbs"

2009-04-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

Some people don't like to revisit movies they have already seen......."let's rent something we haven't seen"....is that a familiar refrain while walking the aisles in the neighborhood Blockbuster or Hollywood video store? It sure is in my family, however, there are days you can circle through the new releases; around and around and still not see anything that appeals to you that moment, and that is when you usually give up and go home to pull the "go to" movie out of your collection or settle for what is on cable TV. Next time don't give up so easily, head to the aisles and pull something you haven't seen in a long time, something you know you enjoyed the first time, and I will bet you, you will enjoy it again!! Need a suggestion? Well, have I got one for you......

"The Burbs" (1989) starring Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, Rick Ducommun, Carrie Fisher and Corey Feldman, directed by Joe Dante is a hilarious movie that can be seen many times and elicit the same laughter as the first viewing. Tom Hanks has most recently been accolated for his more serious roles, however, let us not forget he began in the business as a stand-up comedian....a brilliant comedian and he brings that comedic brillance to this movie. Also, I'll bet you haven't seen Bruce Dern this funny since "Support Your Local Sheriff," remember the scene in the jail that wasn't built yet? Funnnnyyyyy!!! The antics Tom, Bruce and Rick pull to find out what is going on next door at the new neighbors, and where the heck did the ol' dude disappear to? will have you rolling on the floor. Do yourself a favor, rent this movie, you just may end up purchasing it for your collection....that's what I did and believe me "The Burbs" is now one of my "go to" movies.

"The Burbs" (1989) Directed by Joe Dante. Starring Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher, Corey Feldman, Rick Ducommun, Wendy Schaal, Henry Gibson.