cinema14

Shirely Valentine

2011-04-18T21:47:00.006-05:00

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: April 10, 2011

Holds up pretty well. She's entertaining, and who doesn't love a story about trying to be happy? - T

I really like this movie. - A.

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

2011-04-16T14:37:00.008-05:00

IMDB: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

Source: Jack's DVD collection

Date viewed: April 2, 2011

Funnier the first time around. On second viewing, Vince Vaughn really seemed to be phoning it in, and Ben Stiller's schtick was laid on a little thick. That being said, there are solid jokes some stellar cameos here. - A

I understand that Stiller is playing a hatable character here, but still, he's a little too good at it. As my esteemed colleague has stated so well, the movie loses something in the re-watching. - T

The Cruise

2011-04-16T14:33:00.003-05:00

IMDB: The Cruise

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: March 27, 2011

Entertaining and interesting. Timothy "Speed" Levitch is an artist. Sure, he can be petulant, bitter, and abrasive, but he can also be insightful, funny and genuine. Loved it. - T

The Silencers

2011-04-16T14:26:00.005-05:00

IMDB: The Silencers

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: March 26, 2011

Amazingly awesome and hilarious in the campiest way. - T

If you are looking for antecedents to Austin Powers, look no further. Great joke about Sinatra's singing and hilarious high-tech towels! - A

Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune

2011-04-16T14:22:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune

Source: Theater

Date viewed: March 23, 2011

I was a fan going into this, and came out a fan. It was great to see so much footage of the man. It's a sad story in some ways, but really, they all are in the end, and he, at least, made something lasting. - T

The movie showcased Phil Ochs' music, activism, and personal life. He did some great stuff while he was here. - A

Get Shorty

2011-04-16T14:20:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Get Shorty

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: March 18, 2011

Funny. We saw back when it came out, and watched it again on a whim. It's still good. Travolta, DeVito, Hackman, Farina... all good. - T

In addition to the above, with which I agree, I'd like to add that the story-within-a-story set up is well done. The ending works! - A

Potiche

2011-03-14T21:45:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Potiche

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: March 14, 2011

A friend invited us to go to a local International Film Festival screening of this film, and until it started I didn't even know the title. It turned out to be quite entertaining. Catherine Deneuve is fantastic. It's not perfect, but it's not too bad. - T

Potiche had panache. Deneuve looks great and is very good in her role. Jérémie Renier as her son entertains. But, as I find is often the case, there was a little something wrong with the ending. - A

Parking Lot Movie

2011-03-14T21:41:00.007-05:00

IMDB: Parking Lot Movie

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: March 13, 2011

Chosen largely for its runtime of 74 minutes, this turned out to be a very enjoyable movie. I am thankful for the image of the traffic-cone monster being lassoed and whipped, and I loved the unbridled contempt. This might just be the feel-good movie of the season! Stream it today! - T

If you are going to use your car to get someplace, at some point, you are going to have to park it. This movie shows how some people deal with that fact of life and with the parking lot attendants. - A

The American

2011-03-14T21:38:00.004-05:00

IMDB: The American

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: March 7, 2011

Boring and pointless. - T

I have no idea what they were going for here, story-wise, but Clooney looked good. - A

The Pillars of the Earth

2011-03-14T21:31:00.006-05:00

IMDB: The Pillars of the Earth

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: March 4, 2011 (final installment)

Too much strife for too little payoff. What should I have expected, I suppose, for a Middle Ages tale of deceit and war? Well, tough. I hated almost all of the main characters, except for Eddie Redmayne, and even he was hatable at times. It was not worth the eight-hour commitment. - T

All kinds of stupid, but it did get me to brush up on the British monarchy of the period. - A

Bright Star

2011-03-14T17:58:00.007-05:00

IMDB: Bright Star

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: February 20, 2011

I liked that this made me look into Keats's poetry a little more, but I have a love/hate relationship with bio-pics, which really is more of just a hate relationship. This one wasn't so bad, though, because I didn't really expect truth, I just expected a story based loosely on truth. Paul Schneider made Mr. Brown very hatable, which may or may not have been the real case, but now I'm going to be prejudiced against him... see what I mean? Anyway, Keats was a nice poet. It's a shame he died so young, but at least he was able to glean some of his teeming brain, and now high piled books, in charact'ry, hold like rich garners the grain of those who attempt to deconstruct the huge cloudy symbols of his high genius. - T

Hunh? - A

Good Dick

2011-03-14T17:52:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Good Dick

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: February 15, 2011

I liked Marianna Palka, and I wanted to like this film, but in the end it was sadly unsatisfying. - T

I was more satisfied with Good Dick than was my esteemed colleague. The ending seemed to follow smoothly and appropriately from all the prior build up. - A

Star Trek

2011-03-14T17:50:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Star Trek

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: February 13, 2011

Second viewing. Holds up very well. - T

Great! It boldly went where it had to go. - A

Ginger and Cinnamon

2011-03-14T17:14:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Ginger and Cinnamon

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: February 8, 2011

Loved it. - T

Ditto. - A

The Third Man

2011-03-14T17:10:00.004-05:00

IMDB: The Third Man

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: February 6, 2011

For some reason I had it in my head that this was a Hitchcock movie, but it's not. It was directed by Carol Reed. And now that that's out of the way, I can say that it was an enjoyable thriller. - T

I enjoyed the setting, most of the characters, and the plot twists. The ending could have been managed better. - A

Best in Show

2011-03-14T17:07:00.006-05:00

IMDB: Best in Show

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: February 5, 2011

Second viewing, but it holds up very well. Parker Posey, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, John Michael Higgins and Fred Willard are all fantastic. Hilarious. - T

I second my esteemed colleague's review of our second viewing of this film. - A

Someone Like You

2011-03-14T17:05:00.009-05:00

IMDB: Someone Like You

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: February 3, 2011

Ridiculous and terrible, but enjoyable enough when seen in the right company. Too little of Marisa Tomei. - T

Poor. And why not allow Hugh Jackman to have an Australian accent in the movie? Would that be so wrong?- A

Man on Wire

2011-03-14T16:49:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Man on Wire

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: January 29, 2011

Interesting story of the very well thought out and very well documented (it seems as though they knew all along that they'd make this film) stunt of tightroping between the two towers. The main character, despite not being entirely likable, is remarkable in his abilities and his daring. - T

The man walks a fine line between crazy and cool. The emotional impact this event had on the participants was fascinating. - A

Croupier

2011-03-14T16:45:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Croupier

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: January 21, 2011

I did not like this film. - T

Turns out, the movie wasn't about serious lung ailments. Who knew? It might have been better if it had been. - A

When Harry Met Sally

2011-01-16T13:57:00.002-05:00

IMDB: When Harry Met Sally
Source: Netflix streaming
Date viewed: January 14, 2011

Not a bad old chestnut. This time through, I did wonder a bit about the casting choices. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. Really? Be that as it may, Billy Crystal has some good bits. - A

The A-Team

2011-01-16T13:56:00.004-05:00

IMDB: The A-Team
Source: Netflix
Date viewed: January 13, 2011

I pity the fool who isn't entertained by this movie, especially when they fly the tank. I give this team an A. - A

I can't compete with that review. OMG. I will say, however, that I watched the A-Team a lot when it was originally on TV. I don't really remember it that well, but I remember that I enjoyed it. As it happens, I caught an episode of the original show on TV tonight, and it was the first time I had seen any of them since the 80's. The movie is faithful to the original, but also improves on it in many ways. - T

OSS 117: Rio ne répond plus (Lost in Rio)

2011-01-16T13:51:00.005-05:00

IMDB: OSS 117: Rio ne répond plus (Lost in Rio)
Source: Netflix streaming
Date viewed: January 12, 2011

The second of this French series that parodies the early James Bond movies. In a way, it's funny, but in other ways, it's not funny. It's quite possible that much of the humor is lost in translation. - A

I didn't enjoy this as much as the first one. It gets a little too much like All in the Family, where you're not absolutely sure that the jokes are jokes. I mean, they are, but even though they think that they're being funny, it's still in bad taste. There are still some funny parts, and the lead can be quite hilarious, but overall, I'd skip it. - T

The Future of Food

2011-01-12T17:21:00.007-05:00

IMDB: The Future of Food

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: January 12, 2011

This is a depressing movie. If there's one thing I've learned by watching this and Food, Inc, it is that Monsanto is a despicable company. It has genetically engineered some of the world's largest crops, interfered with U.S. politics and law, sued and ruined the lives and livelyhoods of thousands of small family farmers to ensure the sovereignty of its bogus patents and its total dominance of the food market. Cross-pollination has polluted crops far beyond its puppet farmers and tax-payer-subsidized "test plots," and the eventual result of the Monsanto-led monoculture of crops and the genetic modification of plants and animals in the U.S., and perhaps around the world, could be much more depressing, even, than watching this film. - T

Pane e Tulipani

2011-01-12T12:27:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Pane e Tulipani (Bread and Tulips)

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: January 10, 2011

I saw this film several years ago. I loved it then and I loved it this time, too. - T

Humans cannot live by bread alone. They also need tulips. Watch this movie and realize that if you are spending your days dusting knick knacks and ironing for unappreciative family members, you'd be happier working in a flower shop in Venice and finding your soul mate. - A

The Expendables

2011-01-08T00:16:00.004-05:00

IMDB: The Expendables

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: January 7, 2011

Truly terrible, yet still entertaining at times. Mickey Rourke is good, and I love watching Jet Li and Jason Statham, but it's just so, so bad. - T

Maybe they should have called this one The Expandables. Everyone was so large! Except for a couple of fun cameos and a few funny lines, you could dispense with the whole thing. -A

Italian for Beginners

2011-01-03T17:02:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Italian for Beginners

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: January 3, 2011

I loved this film. We saw it before, many years ago, but it was just as good a second time. Difficult, at times, because of the subject matter, but charming overall. - T

A wonderful movie. Watch it. Love it. - A

Paris, Je T'Aime

2011-01-01T18:01:00.003-05:00

IMDB: Paris, Je T'Aime

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: December 30, 2010

"Paris, Je T'Aime," je t'aime. This collection of five-minute films is entertaining and touching. There are a couple that I liked less than others, but taken as a whole they are a beautiful thing. I don't think you have to be pre-disposed to the City of Light to enjoy this film, you just have to be a human. I don't really know what to say about it other than that I loved it. - T

I also find it difficult to articulate why I liked this movie as much as I did. Perhaps it will suffice to say that it has a certain je ne sais quoi. - A

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

2011-01-01T17:53:00.004-05:00

IMDB: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

Source: Netflix streaming

Date viewed: December 23, 2010

I saw the 1974 original, possibly on TV in the seventies, and it has stuck with me like few other movies have, so I really wanted to see this remake. Sadly, Travolta is no Matthau, Denzel is no Robert Shaw, and the sequel did not live up to my 30-year old memory. It was entertaining enough, but Denzel's naïeveté grew tiresome. - T

Get Him to the Greek

2011-01-01T17:49:00.003-05:00

IMDB: Get Him to the Greek

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: December 22, 2010

The best part of this movie was Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs. He played his role beautifully and hilariously. Jonah Hill, too, was quite good, and Russell Brand was his usual self. It was uneven, but over all, entertaining. - T

I was entertained. - A

A Single Man

2011-01-01T17:46:00.003-05:00

IMDB: A Single Man

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: December 20, 2010

This was a beautiful film to look at, but the story was a bit too boring and the end a bit too unsatisfying. - T

At the risk of committing imitative fallacy, the movie sets and costumes were attractive, but the story was boring. I might have called the ending obvious. - A

Men Who Stare at Goats

2011-01-01T17:43:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Men Who Stare at Goats

Source: Netflix streaming into new TV

Date viewed: December 10, 2010

This pretty entertaining, but not earth-shatteringly good. Clooney, Ewan McGregor and Bridges were all fine, and even Kevin Spacey was good, but, I don't know, it just didn't sing to me. I didn't hate it (Sue!), but I didn't love it either. - T

I liked the craziness of the movie and the seriousness with which the characters treated the craziness. Plus, I like George Clooney. I'm pretty sure that Clooney could even make a HP movie enjoyable. - A

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

2011-01-01T17:40:00.002-05:00

IMDB: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: December 5, 2010

If you are following along at home, you know that my esteemed colleague hates the HP movies. You may not be surprised to learn, therefore, that he did not go to see HP 7.1 with me. I saw this one an IMAX theater with rumble seats. I was a bit overwhelmed by the sensory overload of the experience, and somewhat underwhelmed by the movie itself. - A

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2011-01-01T17:17:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Source: Kirsten's DVD

Date viewed: December 4, 2010

I hate these movies, and this one was as bad as the rest. If not worse. My favorite quote from it: "I am the half-blood prince." Really? Huh. Great. At least it was over soon after that. - T

I liked the books. I see the movies. - A

Quantum of Solace

2011-01-01T17:11:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Quantum of Solace

Source: Personal collection

Date viewed: November 19, 2010

This IS the one that shows a bit of Il Palio in the beginning, and it was fun to relive the mahem of that race. (We were there in July 2009.) Other than that, the movie relies a bit too heavily on the backstory of the previous Bond film, and his regret over the death of Vesper. Since when does bond care about a woman for more than one movie? Other than that, it's pretty good. Current theme, lots of fighting and shooting, et cetera. - T

Bond went to a heck of a lot of trouble for his measure of comfort (that was the original working title), but he looked good doing it. I don't ask for more from a Bond movie. - A

Red

2010-11-12T22:00:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Red

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: November 11, 2010

Loved it. Bruce Willis stepping out of the cop car while it's in a spin and firing is one hell of a cool move, and the first kidnapping/car conversation is very nicely done. Go see it. - T

You won't be blue when you see Red. It's very entertaining. Plus, there's a library in it! - A

Dorian Gray

2010-11-11T19:10:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Dorian Gray

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: November 10, 2010

Rather more gruesome than absolutely necessary, perhaps. Too many audible dying breaths. - T

I enjoy the philosophical angles of this story. The movie seemed to focus instead on the icky, lurid parts with an emphasis on special effects. Not my cup of tea. - A

Casino Royale

2010-11-11T19:08:00.006-05:00

IMDB: Casino Royale

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: October 22, 2010

This was put on the queue, even though we've already seen it, because it was believed to contain the sequence shot at the Palio. It does not, but it still holds up very well as the best Bond film to come out in the past 20 years or more. Possibly the best ever. - T

Daniel Craig makes a very promising start as the new Bond in this movie. It held up to a second viewing. - A

The Invention of Lying

2010-11-11T18:25:00.010-05:00

IMDB: The Invention of Lying

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: October 19, 2010

Pretty funny overall. I don't really agree with the idea that people will automatically be mean just because they can never lie, but any film that makes a mockery of religion is all right by me! - T

Great cameos. Good concept. Some funny lines: "There is no hairstyle that will keep you out of heaven." Discuss. - A

Hot Tub Time Machine

2010-11-11T18:24:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Hot Tub Time Machine

Source: Netflix (Katherine & Jack's)

Date viewed: September, 2010

Best. Movie. Ever. - T

Despite the promising title, I had my doubts about this one. However, by the end of the film I was convinced. We need a hot tub. - A

Trekkies

2010-11-11T17:54:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Trekkies

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: September 6, 2010

Scary. I like Star Trek and all, but some of the life-decisions on display in this movie are a little startling. - T

I find my esteemed colleague's fear a little tribbling. It seems he was phazed by ordinary people's efforts to transport themselves to a more suluthing future. It shouldn't spock him at all. It seemed quite kirkfect to me. - A

Whip It

2010-11-11T17:46:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Whip It

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: August 20, 2010

This movie seemed an awful lot like a bunch of ideas for scenes in a movie like this that were all filmed separately and then put together. You've got the hero in difficulty, the party scenes, the action scenes, the redemption... it all just seemed so rote. I love you Drew, but you should probably stick to acting rather than directing. If you want to discuss it, though, you know how reach me. - T

Implausible, gimmicky, and, as my esteemed colleague has pointed out, hackneyed. Maybe someone should have advised the director to slow things down a bit. - A

Knight and Day

2010-07-10T19:45:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Knight and Day

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: July 6, 2010

I went to the first show (11am) to get out of the heat, and I chose this film specifically because my colleague across the aisle had indicated no interest in it whatsoever. Having heard nothing but bad things, I went in anticipating no thrills other than air conditioning and popcorn. As often seems to be the case, however, in such situations, I ended up enjoying the film. I suppose what follows is kind of a spoiler, so be forewarned. In one of the scenes where Diaz is drugged, the action and escapes are seen only through her bleary, semi-conscious point of view, which I thought was interesting. Also, some of it is funny. In short, if you go to this on a Tuesday when it's 100 degrees by 11 in the morning, you might be entertained. - T

300

2010-07-04T14:17:00.004-05:00

IMDB: 300

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: July 2, 2010

Terrible. Terrible terrible terrible. One of the greatest battles in recorded history has been made into one of the worst films of all time. I actively disliked it from start to finish. And I WANTED to like it. I love the story and I'm all about the Classics right now.... but it was not to be. If I could unwatch this I would, and then I could just go back to thinking that it probably couldn't be that bad. - T

Every second of this movie is terrible. Even guest appearances by the Emperor, Gollum, and Abraham Lincoln couldn't save it. - A

Iron Man 2

2010-07-04T14:15:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Iron Man 2

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: June 21, 2010

mmmmmmmmm.......... Pepper Potts. - T

Nice chest shots and electric whips. - A

The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice

2010-07-04T14:11:00.005-05:00

IMDB: The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: June 20, 2010

This was not at all good, but I still enjoy seeing Bob Newhart and Jane Curtin, so it wasn't a total washout. Riker's directing is much like his acting was, stiff. The lead is likable enough, but I doubt we'll be putting any more from this series on the queue. - T

A few funny bits floating in backwash. - A

An Education

2010-07-04T14:06:00.003-05:00

IMDB: An Education

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: June 13, 2010

Uncomfortable and unpleasant. - T

I liked it, quite a bit, but why, oh why, can't movie makers learn not to spoil the endings? **Spoiler Alert** Maybe someone out there can explain to me why Jenny wants to repudiate her hard-won education, especially when things turned out rather well after all. - A.

500 Days of Summer

2010-05-30T10:39:00.005-05:00

IMDB: 500 Days of Summer

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: May 26, 2010

I enjoyed this one. I really liked Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and not just because (perhaps in spite of the fact that) his character's name was Tom. The jury is still out on Miss Deschanel, but her performance here is acceptable, as is the blue of her eyes. I enjoyed the unpredictability, the interplay with the friends, and the non-linearity wasn't too annoying. - T

Simplistic and unconvincing. - A

The Bridge on the River Kwai

2010-05-30T10:38:00.005-05:00

IMDB: The Bridge on the River Kwai

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: May 1, 2010

Alec Guinness was great in this, but that doesn't surprise you. I had never before seen this classic, and now I know why it has earned that title. I fully expected a "gung-ho, yay war!" kind of thing, and got just the opposite. I especially liked the looped beginning and ending shot of the circling bird of prey. Things don't ever change. - T

I had seen this movie as a youth, but remembered little beyond the catchy tune the men whistle as they work. This viewing revealed more of a compelling character study than the story of spanning a river. - A

Date Night

2010-05-30T10:35:00.007-05:00

IMDB: Date Night

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: April 24, 2010

Our date night was to see Date Night, and it made for quite an enjoyable evening. It's a silly movie, but there's plenty of funny stuff in it, and any movie in which Tina Fey appears in lingerie and does a pole dance (albeit a disturbingly un-sexy one) is a movie that I will see. - T

For the first time ever, I am going to try to make a useful recommendation here in this movie blog. I recommend watching Date Night on DVD at home. The action does not require a big screen, and I'm guessing that the outtakes will be funny. Plus, you can pause the film for as long as your date will let you on Mark Wahlberg without a shirt. - A

Entre les Murs (The Class)

2010-05-30T10:33:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Entre les Murs (The Class)

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: March 25, 2010

It must be very hard to be a teacher in situations like this. I didn't always agree with the teacher's (teachers') methods (and I'm talking about more than just his use of "petasse"), but really, I have no idea how one would fix a situation like the one that appears in the classroom in this film. Overall, I didn't love the film. It's a little long, it's very uncomfortable, and it offers no answers. Not even suggestions of answers. I suppose, in that way, that it's very French. Just show things as they are. Well, that's fine, I guess, but it's not a film I'll see again. - T

Everyone speaks French.
The characters are difficult to like.
The situation as depicted seems intractable.
It took us two sittings to get through the movie.
QED, an interesting and challenging movie, but not an enjoyable one. - A

Up in the Air

2010-03-06T21:07:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Up in the Air

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: March 6, 2010

Clooney pretty much seems to play Clooney, like he usually does, but it's almost always a likable character. The movie isn't great, but it's likable, too. I mean, who would ever dream up that new firing technique? They don't actually have that, do they? - T

I was on cloud nine while watching Clooney, but came crashing down as I thought about this movie after leaving the theatre. I feel I was duped, or rather, misled. I personally believe that the character Alex was portrayed throughout the movie in a way that was inconsistent with the end of the movie. And, this movie merits my signature complaint - it's ending is weak. - A

Il testimone dello sposo (The Best Man)

2010-03-06T21:02:00.003-05:00

IMDB: Il testimone dello sposo (The Best Man)

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: March 4, 2010

An odd, odd movie. I'm not really sure what to make of it. - T

Bizzarro (that's freaky, to you and me). - A.

Extract

2010-03-06T20:58:00.016-05:00

IMDB: Extract

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: March 3, 2010

This was a mostly irritating movie with some good and some funny parts. I love Kristen Wiig, Jason Bateman, and that bald guy from Juno, but the movie as a whole was poor. - T

If you distill this movie down to its essence, I think it's good. It starts with some excellent main ingredients (Ben Affleck in particular), as mentioned by my colleague across the aisle, but it mixes in a little too much goofiness and it fails to rise to greatness. - A

To Catch a Thief

2010-03-06T20:58:00.013-05:00

IMDB: To Catch a Thief
Source: Dad's DVDs

Date viewed: February 28, 2010

There are a few good reasons to watch this movie: people speak French in it; the bathing suits are amusing; some of Grace Kelly's outfits are stunning; and [spoiler] a thief gets caught in dramatic fashion. - A

The Proposal

2010-02-10T22:44:00.004-05:00

IMDB: The Proposal

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: February 9, 2010

I've asked before, and I'll ask again, why the fascination with this plot line? Man and woman pretend to be in love when they aren't, but then, guess what [SPOILER], by the end of the day/night/weekend/movie, they are. Inconceivable! - A

Ahh, purely a circus, to be sure, but an entertaining one. Does it say something about me that I chose THIS Sandra Bullock movie to see instead of the Blind Side? Perhaps. - T

Religulous

2010-02-10T22:41:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Religulous

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: February 4, 2010

Preaching to the choir, but the preacher himself grates a bit. - A

Yes, my esteemed partner across the aisle hits the nail right on the hand, so to speak... Although I agree with Mr. Maher's stance completely, he makes it very hard to like him, and I ended up thinking that this whole venture could have been more carefully, and perhaps more effectively done. This film is not going to change anyone's mind. - T

The Hangover

2010-02-10T22:34:00.002-05:00

IMDB: The Hangover

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: January 31, 2010

Strong stuff, with only a few sour notes. - A

Some parts were hilarious, some parts were a little lame. It's just about exactly what you expect. - T

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

2010-01-30T18:25:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: January 28, 2010

How can you go wrong with Newman and Taylor? It's a bit "play-like," and the annoying kids and their mother are REALLY annoying, but once the plot thickens up, the last half is fantastic. Burl Ives is great. - T

That Newman sure is purty. He distracted me so much, I never did see the cat. - A

OSS 117: Le Caire, Nid d'espions

2010-01-03T23:17:00.004-05:00

IMDB: OSS 117: Le Caire, Nid d'espions

Souce: Netflix instant view

Date viewed: January 2, 2010

I had no idea what to expect and, frankly, didn't expect much, but this French parody of a Bond-type film is very funny. - T

Funny is a good word for this movie. It is amusing, but also odd. The main character, Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath, is a nice variation on the bumbling-but-somehow-successful secret agent. Plus, he speaks French! - A

The Spanish Prisoner

2010-01-03T23:14:00.002-05:00

IMDB: The Spanish Prisoner

Source: Personal DVD collection

Date viewed: January 1, 2010

I love the Mamet-speak. The Mamet-speak. I love it? Yes. Yes, I love the Mamet-speak. I hadn't seen this since it was released, and it holds up quite well. - T

When I first saw this movie, I liked it a lot, but was troubled by the ending. I kept thinking that if I watched the movie often enough I'd figure out whether at the end, all is as it seems. As of this second viewing, still no definitive conclusion. - A

Sherlock Holmes

2009-12-30T13:41:00.006-05:00

IMDB: Sherlock Holmes

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: December 30, 2009

I had already heard bad reviews of this film, so I went in expecting very little. I came out entertained. It's hard to root against Downey Jr. as the omniscient, omnipotent Holmes. As fun and likable as the male characters (almost all of them) are, however, the two female leads are worse and then some. The effects and setting choices get a little overdone at the end, but all in all, I still liked it. - T

After 128 minutes of close observation, I was able to deduce that Robert Downey, Jr. has beautiful eyes. Additional observation led me to the conclusion that Jude Law is no slouch, either. However, elementary school, my dear readers, is where the ending for this movie came from. - A

Avatar

2009-12-28T22:35:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Avatar

Source: Cinema (3-D)

Date viewed: December 28, 2009

I liked it! Visually, it's stunning. The 3-D isn't perfect, but it's very good, and the film just looks so good! The dialogue is, at times, weak, and the story is familiar and predictable, but I didn't go in thinking this would be a think-piece. I went in hoping to be wowed and entertained, and I was. - T

Great 3D. I actually ducked out of the way at one point during the movie! The story couldn't be more unoriginal or, as my colleague across the aisle would have it, predictable, but still I enjoyed the show. - A.

Food, Inc.

2009-12-28T22:27:00.007-05:00

IMDB: Food, Inc.

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: December 26, 2009

Well, that's it, I'm done with the meat industry. Hamburger has been out for some time, but now chicken is definitely out. As are non-free-range eggs. And probably all pork and turkey. Sue and Christopher gave me that Bacon of the Month Club membership just in time! Now I can at least occasionally procure bacon from reputable sources. And it's not just meat! I'm going to try very hard to give up processed food. Yes, even Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream chips and Tostitos corn chips. I'm lucky that I live in an area with some options. I can buy eggs directly from a farm where I can see the hens running around, and I can get milk from reputable dairies. And what's more, I can forego one or two five dollar beers per week to be able to afford the higher price of this guilt-free food. Others may not have such an easy time finding alternatives or being able to afford anything but this government subsidized bastardization that the meat, corn and soy companies are offering, and THAT is the main problem and the main point of this film. What is to be done? How can things be turned around? - T

I'm pretty sure ammoniated meat filler is good for you. Kind of disinfects you from the inside out. Just serve it up with a side of crispy, never-been-flapped chicken wings. Good eatin'. - A

2012

2009-11-28T18:17:00.006-05:00

IMDB: 2012

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: November 28, 2009

The first time the CGI destruction started up, Amy and I were laughing out loud in the theater. It's just so ridiculous. Why did we go to this in the first place? I can't seem to resist a disaster movie, I guess. It's nice to see John Cusak again (it's been a while) and Morgan Lily is very cute. Other than that, not much good to say. - T

I can think of 2,012 things in and about this movie that I disagree with. I'll limit myself to one here. In my opinion, the crazies with the cardboard signs have not had it right all along. - A

Lost in Austen

2009-11-23T22:48:00.009-05:00

IMDB: Lost in Austen

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: November 17, 2009

Pride and Prejudice with a nice twist. I believe I began to love it from the moment Amanda Price spoke with Mr. Bennett. The actors were so accomplished and there was much excellent dialogue obviously written by a great proficient. There were a few problems, but nothing so bad as the pigs getting into the garden. - A

SPOILER ALERT! Except for the very beginning and the very end, I loved this movie. The redemption of Wickham; the "duel" with Mr. Bennett; the out-grossing of A&E with the Mr. Collins character... it was all so good! Almost every character was well-played, and Jemima Rooper won me over quickly once she was in the Bennett household. I just wish that they had had the guts to continue with the story-shredding to the very end - to have her end up with Wickham instead, and to have Jane stuck in her situation. Oh well, you can't have everything, but it was still worth watching, especially for those familiar with both the text and the A&E adaptation. - T

Doubt

2009-11-03T22:09:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Doubt

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: October 30, 2009

I am pretty sure I didn't like this movie. On the other hand, I am certain that I thought Viola Davis was great as Mrs. Miller. - A

I enjoyed PSH, didn't enjoy Streep. Sure, she was playing an unlikable character, but I think I liked her less than I was supposed to. Overall, blah. - T

The Bank Job

2009-11-03T22:08:00.006-05:00

IMDB: The Bank Job

Source: Netflix

Date viewed:

When is a robbery not a robbery? When it's a bank job! Interesting take on an actual event featuring a group of mostly likable characters. - A

I really liked this movie. I thought it was just going to be another action picture, and then they tricked me into learning history! - T

The Chronic(what)cles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

2009-10-23T21:58:00.003-05:00

IMDB: Prince Caspian

Source: Netflix instant

Date viewed: October 12, 2009

I loved the books when I was a kid. I thought I'd better see the movies. This one was entertaining enough to keep half of my attention through almost the whole film. Ben Barnes is beautiful. Could that Pevensie lot look any more British? - A.

Surrogates

2009-09-29T22:28:00.002-05:00

IMDB: Surrogates

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: September 29, 2009

The moral is old, the telling new-ish. Isn't this kind of like a "Matrix for Dummies?" I always enjoy Bruce Willis, and will, apparently, see him in anything. And I don't regret it a bit. - T

When will the greedy, faceless corporations of the near future produce something we can all get behind? When? - A.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

2009-09-29T22:27:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: September 25, 2009

Egad, even though I was thoroughly enchanted by Amy Adams in the past, and I'm a huge Frances McDormand fan, I just couldn't love this movie. - T

A pleasant, thirties-era fairy tale. - A

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

2009-09-29T22:26:00.002-05:00

IMDB: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: September 1, 2009

The leads were enjoyable, and it was nice to see Bishop Allen. - T

I love that Michael Cera. He seems able to infuse even the worst dialogue with humor and charm. And he had yeoman's work to do in this case. He luckily got some help from Kat Dennings. A chance for audience participation (if you're out there): has anyone ever asked someone to pretend to be his or her girlfriend/boyfriend for five minutes? - A.

Defiance

2009-09-29T22:23:00.003-05:00

IMDB: Defiance

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: August 24, 2009

I just didn't care. Does that make me a bad person? - T

As my esteemed colleague suggests, this movie was missing something. It failed to make the right connections. On the other hand, it did have Daniel Craig in it. Have I mentioned that Daniel Craig has beautiful eyes? I did connect with those. - A.

District 9

2009-09-29T22:17:00.004-05:00

IMDB: District 9

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: August 16, 2009

This was interesting, in an obviously moralistic kind of way. The filming was jarring almost to the point of being irritating, and the ending suffered from the supervillain problem of "...ok, I'm going to kill you now... I'm really going to enjoy this... yep, in just another few seconds you're going to get it..." I didn't hate it, but I probably wouldn't watch it again. - T

In a word, gritty. In 9 words, rather gripping if a bit off the reservation, alien-goo-in-the-face-but-I-don't-need-a-doctor-until-I-collapse-on-my-cake-wise. - A

Murder on the Orient Express

2009-06-16T19:47:00.001-05:00

IMDB: Murder on the Orient Express
Source: Netflix
Date: June 9, 2009

I had seen this long ago, but had forgotten the ending until just before it was revealed again. Finney's Poirot seems adequately prim and proper, yet grotesque, but all the star power seems a little wasted, with the exception of John Gielgud, of course. - T

I found Finney's Poirot unnecessarily icky and the story a little bland, possibly because, unlike my colleague across the aisle, I did remember the plot fairly well. And boy, did it thicken! - A

Angels and Demons

2009-06-12T23:40:00.012-05:00

IMDB: Angels & Demons
Source: Cinema
Date: June 7, 2009

I didn't read the book and knew nothing about the story except what I saw in the previews. I thought the fast-paced action was riveting right up through the "fourth church," but after that, it started to get a little bogged down, and the end was just crazy coo-coo bananas, as my old friend Jenn would say. Ewan McGregor is always fun to listen to. - T

I read the book, which was a real page-turner. The movie kept up a brisk pace that covered lots of territory. I don't want to give anything away here, but the whole thing seemed a little implausible even for someone in a chasuble. Too much? - A

The Brothers Bloom

2009-06-12T23:37:00.005-05:00

IMDB: The Brothers Bloom
Source: Cinema
Date: June 3, 2009

Adrien Brody is dreamy. The movie is quirky. - A

It's a pretty good movie. I loved it up until the car chase. After that it just seemed like they had to make up an ending. And yes, Adrien Brody is very good. - T

Star Trek

2009-06-11T20:39:00.003-05:00

IMDB: Star Trek

Source: Theater

Date viewed: May 20, 2009

Very good. I watched the original series (in reruns), and I loved TNG, so I was skeptical going in, but I was quickly won over. The new Spock can't (and couldn't) possibly replace Nimoy, but everybody else is at least as good as their old counterparts. The new McCoy is way better. I am already looking forward to the next movie! - T

Loved it! The writers did the only thing they could have done with the storyline. Also, some very nice original Star Trek touches - the red shirt, Sulu's fencing, McCoy's tag line - all in all quite enjoyable. - A

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

2009-05-10T20:54:00.005-05:00

IMDB: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: May 5, 2009

Interesting movie. I was motivated to research James a bit after watching this, and it turns out that the story's main points, including its spoiler of a title, are true. Brad Pitt is good. Casey Affleck is better. - T

The film moved somewhat slowly, but with constant tension toward, the title event. I enjoyed it. Casey Affleck was very good. - A

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

2009-05-10T20:53:00.007-05:00

IMDB: X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: May 3, 2009

Fairly enjoyable, but these X-Men movies never really seem to be just the way I want them to be. - T

I applaud the focus on Wolverine, played handsomely by Hugh Jackman, however, acting-wise Liev Schreiber won the day with his portrayal of Wolverine's brother, Victor Creed. - A

2 Days in Paris

2009-05-10T20:42:00.002-05:00

IMDB: 2 Days in Paris

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: May 1, 2009

Two days too many. - A

I Love You Man

2009-04-22T08:31:00.004-05:00

IMDB: I Love You Man

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: April 21, 2009

I laughed, I cried, I cringed, I laughed again. - A

Hilarious. - T

Milk

2009-04-10T23:02:00.003-05:00

IMDB: Milk

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: April 10, 2009

Well, I was appalled in my last review that the Holocaust occurred less than thirty years before I was born, but Harvey Milk was assassinated when I was twelve. And just last November, a generation after Milk and the historic Prop 6, California passed Prop 8. Is it just that humans need something to hate? I have very little hope of ever living in a peaceful world.

p.s. Sean Penn was perfect. - T

People and their lack of humanity sour me on the human race. Penn's performance was cream of the crop. - A

The Pianist

2009-04-10T23:00:00.003-05:00

IMDB: The Pianist

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: March 29, 2009

This happened less than thirty years before I was born. I find that both unbelievable and unbelievably depressing. Adrien Brody was very good, as he always is. - T

A good movie about a terrible tragedy. Brody is thoroughly good. - A

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

2009-03-25T21:47:00.003-05:00

IMDB: Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: March 10, 2009

Working our way through the Paul Rudd catalogue... This was pretty funny! I expected nothing, and was thoroughly entertained. - T

Highly entertaining! - A

The Color of Money

2009-03-25T21:43:00.005-05:00

IMDB: The Color of Money

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: March 6, 2009

A far, far cry from the original. Why do I hate the eighties so? I lived through them in the prime of my youth. Oh well, I just do, I guess. Maybe because of movies like this, and actors like Tom Cruise. Well, maybe it's just Tom Cruise. This movie isn't horrible, but it's not great. It's nice to see John Turturro in anything. - T

Yuk. Turturro gets a gold star. Newman was in the pink, even with that mustache and those large glasses. Cruise gets a black mark. - A

The Hustler

2009-03-25T21:33:00.004-05:00

IMDB: The Hustler

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: March 2, 2009

Excellent. George C. Scott steals the show, but my favorite line comes from Piper Laurie. When Newman asks why she's going to school, she says "I've got nothing else to do on Tuesdays and Thursdays." And when he asks her what she does on the rest of the days, she answers: "I drink." - T

News flash: Paul Newman is very good looking. The movie had a lot going for it: interesting (and attractive) characters, reasonable plot, gripping psychological drama. Also, Paul Newman is so handsome. - A.

Burn After Reading

2009-03-01T14:20:00.005-05:00

IMDB: Burn After Reading

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: February 19, 2009

Clooney and Pitt are too much themselves to work as "ordinary" people in this movie. Malkovich, on the other hand, manages to pull it off. Overall, too much "clever idea," too little heart. The story never generates enough heat to burn before, during, or after watching. - A

The scenes I enjoyed best were the ones in the CIA guy's office, which I believe were the heart of the movie, and I agree that the overall concept was better than the execution. Also, nobody's very likable, which, while not really a flaw per se, doesn't make a so-so movie any better. - T

He's Just Not That Into You

2009-03-01T14:13:00.007-05:00

IMDB: He's Just Not That Into You

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: February 16, 2009

Entertaining. - A

I also was entertained by this movie. I love Drew, and the guy from the Mac commercials was pretty good. Jennifer Connelly was kind of scary, as was Ginnifer Goodwin, but much less so. Maybe it's just because we were coming off two pretty terrible movies that this one seemed so palatable, but maybe it really is ok. It's hard to know for sure. - T

Three Amigos

2009-02-16T13:39:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Three Amigos

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: February 15, 2009

Awful. Didn't anyone watch this movie before it was released? It's not funny at all. - T

I have three letters for the three amigos: WTF? - A

An Affair to Remember

2009-02-16T13:34:00.004-05:00

IMDB: An Affair to Remember

Source: Private collection

Date viewed: February 14, 2009

This is the kind of movie that gives "old movies" a bad name. Stilted, banal, dialog is half-heartedly delivered, insipid scene after insipid scene is held WAY too long, embarrassing stereotypes and children abound.... it's all just so terrible. - T

A movie to forget. Cary Grant phones it in, and we end up wishing that the supporting cast of young children had done the same. Deborah Kerr "seems nice," but that's not enough to keep this story afloat. - A

The Jane Austen Book Club

2009-02-16T12:18:00.003-05:00

IMDB: The Jane Austen Book Club

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: February 13, 2009

I knew Tom didn't care to see this one, so I queued it up while he was at poker night and parked myself in front of the screen. I might have been a little prejudiced against the movie because of the book. That may not make much sense to some, but I emma little critical sometimes, especially when it comes to Jane Austen. Overall, I am persuaded that this movie had a salubrious effect in that it held my fever in abbeyance. - A

The Three Musketeers (1933)

2009-02-16T11:58:00.003-05:00

IMDB: The Three Musketeers (1933) - "The Fiery Circle"

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: February 13, 2009

This old chestnut was available for instant play on the Netflix, so I decided to give it a try. I had a fever at the time, which might help explain it. :) The movie features John Wayne, who looked so so young, and, although I didn't recognize him, Lon Chaney. The story moved right along, with Wayne and three French Legionnaires trying to avoid trouble while uncovering the identity of the evil El Shaitan. They got into quite a scrape. All seemed lost when suddenly, the movie ended. Apparently, it's a serial! Stay tuned... - A

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-02-03T20:49:00.003-05:00

IMDB: Slumdog Millionaire

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: February 3, 2009

This movie taught me three things:

1. A single human life, any human life, is worthless.

2. The human race will never live peaceably.

and,

obviously,

3. God is great.

- T

**Warning: Spoilers**
If nothing else, this movie made me less inclined to visit India than ever before in my life. If this is really a country where a game show contestant can be taken off the set and beaten senseless for getting some questions right, that's not a place I want to go. On the other hand, the practice might work wonders in America - it could toughen up those Idol contestants big-time. More generally, most of the time I found the movie's plot-reveal gimmick, or strategy, if you prefer, boring. I found the peppy dance number at the end of the movie incongruous with the painful drama that permeated much of the film. I'm going to lock in my answer and say that this film should not win the Best Picture Oscar. - A

The House Bunny

2009-02-01T10:42:00.003-05:00

Title: The House Bunny

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: January 30, 2009

Although not what you'd call a great movie, it's a cute and fluffy tale that I cottoned to. A few parts had us laughing like hyenas. Hop right over to your computer and put this on your queue. - A

Stupid, of course, but very funny in parts. - T

Charlie Wilson's War

2009-01-15T22:29:00.006-05:00

Title: Charlie Wilson's War

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: January 15, 2009

Hegel (and others, I'm sure, have said similar things) said: "Peoples and governments never have learned anything from history, nor acted on principles deduced from it." We failed in the South during Reconstruction, we failed in Afghanistan, and we'll fail in Iraq. As for the film, it's easy to write a smug bashing after the fact. Philip Seymour Hoffman is great. - T

I didn't mind this movie, but I think it was over my head. I never did figure out what in tarnation all the fighting in Afghanistan had to do with the Beach Boys. - A

Gran Torino

2009-01-12T23:21:00.003-05:00

IMDB: Gran Torino

Source: Cinema

Date viewed: January 12, 2009

Ahh, Clint. Is there anyone tougher? If I make it to 78, I sure hope I'm in half the shape that he's in. (Of course, that would be slightly more likely if I were in half the shape today...). The movie is a bit simplistic, I thought, in some ways, but the leads are likable (the ones who are supposed to be sympathetic anyway) and overall, I liked it a lot. - T

Solid movie. Compelling story. Good characters. Clint Eastwood. Makes a good point without being too point-y about it. All pluses. On the other hand, it was perfectly set up for success, which takes a little away from the whole, but not much. I enjoyed it. - A

Wall-E

2009-01-12T23:20:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Wall-E

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: January 7, 2009

You really can't help but like the main robot characters here, and I'm sure it's great for kids, but it's a bit heavy-handed in the ol' "moral" department for adults. - T

The folks at Disney and Pixar sure know cute. You couldn't help rooting for the little guy. I loved his work ethic! And, if you're willing to overlook the fact that vast numbers of overweight people, who have never worked a day in their lives, and are dropped on the face of a devastated, junk-covered, waterless, storm-ridden, all-but-barren planet are more than likely all going to die agonizing deaths, it's a real feel-good movie. - A

Tropic Thunder

2009-01-12T23:19:00.004-05:00

IMDB: Tropic Thunder

Source: Neflix

Date viewed: January 2, 2009

The Vietnam version of Galaxy Quest, it is very funny in parts, but not truly great. Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise are reason enough to see it. - T

Well, this movie and I got off on the wrong foot - too much grossy grossness. But, although I couldn't laugh, I could appreciate many parts. Those who know me will understand that I liked the Kevin Sandusky character best. - A

Avenue Montaigne

2009-01-12T23:18:00.008-05:00

IMDB: Avenue Montaigne

Source: Netflix

Date viewed: December 29, 2008

I loved it. - T

Très bien! - A

Desk Set

2008-12-28T23:30:00.003-05:00

IMDB: Desk Set

Source: Home DVD collection

Date viewed: Friday, December 26th, 2008

Great movie! A personal favorite, but with librarians as central figures, is it any wonder? - A

Tracy and Hepburn rule. - T