Enchanted
The evil Queen step-mother of a handsome Prince Charming, jealous of his beautiful Princess, Giselle, pushes Giselle down a well, and banishes her from fairyland. The Walt Disney Organization has created a magical musical with this movie, which successfully mixes animation with ‘live’ action. Also remarkable is that the Walt Disney Organization shows an unexpected sense of humor, and sends itself up throughout the movie, by making very sly and witty references to many of its animated cartoon classics. Susan Sarandon, James Marsden and Amy Adams are all terrific in this ‘enchanting’ movie.
Botched
Stephen Dorff stars in this extremely funny movie as a hopeless thief, who, having already botched up one job, is sent by the Mafia to Russia to pay off his debt by stealing a priceless antique. However, once in Russia events take a peculiar turn. From the producers of ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’, and directed by Kit Ryan, the trick to this ‘black’ comedy is that Stephen Dorff plays it absolutely straight and ‘dead-pan’, while total chaos is going on around him.
The Golden Compass
I am a bit annoyed by this movie, as there has been no hint in the promotion of this Sci-Fi fantasy film that it is actually Part One of what could be a two or three part serial. Ok, the story about a strange substance called ‘Dust’, which allows travel to parallel universes, is intriguing enough, and the special effects and staging are amazing. But, at the end of the movie when the young heroine wraps up the scenario, and indicates what is yet to come in the next installment, as an audience member you feel somewhat let down. Nicole Kidman is great as a vile and devious bureaucrat supervising bizarre experiments on abducted children. Daniel Craig has still to do his sexy thing.
Flawless
Set in 1960, an ambitious and talented business woman is continually being over-looked for promotion, due to the male chauvinistic attitudes within the diamond trading company where she works. Approached by the janitor of the firm’s building, they embark on a clever scheme to relieve the company of a stash of diamonds. Michael Radford directs this sleek British movie, while Demi Moore makes a spectacular screen ‘come-back’. Demi is reserved, ruthless, and absolutely brilliant throughout the movie. Michael Caine also gives Demi very good support as the cunning and jovial janitor.
Michael Clayton
The plot of this movie is bit hard to comprehend at the beginning of the film. However, it eventually clarifies itself into a story about a major chemical company trying to hide evidence which could jeopardize a court case, and lead to a huge punitive settlement. Close attention must be paid to the dialogue to understand the intricacies of the plot. George Clooney gives a good performance as a lawyer who gets all the dirty jobs. Through all the blah, blah, blah George finally realizes all is not well in the chemical firm.
The Brave One
Irish director and screenwriter Neil Jordan has had a very impressive career. His movies include ‘Mona Lisa’ (1985), ‘The Crying Game’ (1992) and ‘Interview with the Vampire’ (1994). All of his movies are noted for their odd plotlines, which are full of twists and turns and unusual developments. Therefore, it comes as a surprise, and disappointment, that his latest movie, ‘The Brave One’, is so incredibly boring and predictable. The fiancé of a New York radio hostess is killed when they are brutally attacked in Central Park. Fearing she is getting nowhere with the New York Police Department, the hostess goes out and buys herself a great big gun, and starts looking for the nasty assailants. The best thing about the movie is Jodie Foster. She is very cold, totally removed, and eerily focused. Her performance is riveting.
Juno
This delightful low-key American comedy is directed by Jason Reitman, the same witty guy who brought us the hit comedy ‘Thank You for Smoking’. In his latest movie Reitman looks at adolescent pregnancies. When a sixteen year old high school student discovers she is pregnant, she decides to carry the fetus to full term, and then put it up for adoption. Consequently, she sets about finding the right couple to whom she can give the baby. The dialogue in this movie is hip and intelligent, and it is delivered by actors who appear to be living their roles, rather than performing them. In particular, the young leading lady, Ellen Page, is vivacious and captivating. The movie also has some funny songs by Kimya Dawson, which comment on the proceedings.
Cassandra’s Dream
As the quintessential New Yorker, the majority of Woody Allen’s movies have basically been about his long love affair with the city of New York. In his current spate of British movies, Woody Allen’s alienated Jewish ‘take’ on life does not make a successful Trans-Atlantic crossing. His humor is essentially American, and it appears ill at ease in England. In his latest British movie, ‘Cassandra’s Dream’, two brothers, played by Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor, acquire some significant debts, from gambling and ‘investments’. They request help from their wealthy uncle, who is willing to ease their financial burden, but he demands an exceptional favor in return. As a comedy the movie is not in the least bit funny. Falling extremely flat. As a thriller the movie is not in the least bit exciting. Being very predictable.
Mr. Robet’s Best Buys
Atonement
Reality, and how we perceive it, is questioned in this elegant British movie.
Botched
An extremely funny ‘black’ comedy, where peculiar things go on in Russia.
Enchanted
A magical musical which successfully mixes animation with ‘live’ action.
Flawless
Demi Moore makes a spectacular ‘come-back’, in this stylish crime caper.
Juno
A delightful low key American comedy regarding an adolescent pregnancy.
The Golden Compass
The first installment in this Sci-Fi fantasy film serial gets off to a good start.
The Brave One
Though the film is dull, it is worth watching for Jodie Foster’s performance.
Elizabeth, The Golden Age
Cate Blanchett is simply fabulous in this elaborate historical costume drama.
La Vie En Rose
A beautifully rendered movie about the life of French Chanteuse Edith Piaf.
Beowulf
A classic ‘graphic novel’ comes vividly to life in this legendary Nordic yarn.
The Bucket List
A comedy that displays the talents of Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.
Things We Lost In The Fire
A deep psychological drama concerning drug addiction and co-dependency.
A Few Days In September
A French ‘spy’ movie which makes some shocking and startling revelations.
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium
A captivating children’s movie that the whole family will thoroughly enjoy.
