Ides of March

This is a very good movie but I’m not sure I liked it. I think if you have a political background it resonates totally. Some scenes are reminiscent of both The Candidate (1972) and The Seduction of Joe Tynan (1979) (both of which I liked), but this is darker. It has a similar feel to The Ghost Writer (2010), which I also liked but not sure I’d see again.

Strong acting, as expected: George Clooney (Up in the Air); Ryan Gosling (Crazy Stupid Love); Paul Giamatti (Barney’s Version); and, Philip Seymour Hoffman (Pirate Radio). And a nice performance by Evan Rachel Wood (Across the Universe).

It is a good story that stays with you. The pacing felt slow at times, but perhaps I was impatient to find out what would happen next.

Les Miserables

I really liked this. While I’ve seen this on stage in at least three versions, the film ‘filled in’ parts of the story that I was either unaware of, had not understood, or had forgotten.

The acting is generally good but the vocal performances are diverse. I thought Russell Crowe (whom I like, see my Good Year review) was hollow and weak vocally and just average as Javert. Anne Hathaway (The Dark Knight Rises) is incredibly strong (Oscar-worthy?) and there was absolute silence in the theatre as she delivered a gut-wrenching ‘I dreamed a dream’. Eddie Redmayne (pictured, whom I’m not familiar with) has a good voice and does well as Marius. Hugh Jackman, whom I also like, (Australia, which has grown on me) acts well but his voice is only passable and he doesn’t have the top range. Sacha Baron Cohen (Hugo) and Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech) are hilarious and excellent choices as the Thenardiers.

The unusual technique of singing 'live' to camera (as opposed to the 'normal' recorded studio delivery) is very effective. The movie is long, but moves well and I would see it again.

Pitch Perfect

This was a pleasant surprise. I had heard that the humour in this was much like The Bridesmaids (which I didn’t like) but I found this mostly enjoyable. 

Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air) is very good and very watchable. Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games) has a very light, quirky role. I liked, but am unfamiliar with, both Brittany Snow (Hairspray) and Skylar Astin. 

Not much plot, it’s fairly predictable. I might watch again.

Christmas movies

I like this time of year and there are several movies I prefer - most are stories of 'redemption':
- The Gathering 1978, involving a Christmas family reunion, with Maureen Stapleton and Ed Asner;
- The Family Stone 2006, with Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Craig T. Nelson giving very strong performances and the family interaction is very well done;
- The Family Man 2005 with Nicolas Cage getting a glimpse of how his life might have been, with Tea Leoni;
- A Christmas Carol 1951, with Alastair Sim, which many including myself, feel is the quintessential version;
- It's a Wonderful Life 1947 (black & white), with Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart,  and,
- Love Actually 2004, which should have kept some of the deleted scenes but is still a delightful combination of stories and is perhaps my favourite Christmas film. A wonderful cast including Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, and Liam Neeson.

Here are some of the others we will often try to watch each year:
- The Santa Clause 1994, with Tim Allen and many lovely scenes at the North Pole;
- Prancer 1989 with Sam Elliott;
- One Magic Christmas 1985, with Mary Steenburgen and a very very young Sarah Polley; and,
- The Homecoming 1971, with Patricia Neal and Richard Thomas, the 'pilot' that became the TV series 'The Waltons'.

And throughout the season is the Peter, Paul & Mary concert from the mid-1980's that plays in the house. Our old battered VHS version was finally replaced by a DVD from Korea with the occasional sub-title in Korean script.

(500) days of Summer

Finally saw this 2009 film. And I have mixed feelings.

Definitely worth seeing. Excellent performance by Zooey Deschanel (Failure to Launch & Elf), whom I find very compelling, has a great smile, and appears to be very much 'what you see is what you get' (I don't know if that's true or not). And also Joseph Gordon-Levitt (see my Lincoln review). And there are some lovely scenes.

But it is not easy to watch and takes you through the roller-coaster of emotions of the stages of romance (which is essentially the point of the film). I like to go to a movie to be 'transported' to a different reality and away from my own for a couple of hours. I got to the two-thirds point and forced myself to watch it all (and I think I'm glad I did... I think).

If you like either of these actors, it is worth seeing as one or both of them are on screen for 80% of the movie. But I'm not sure I'd see it again.

Lincoln

This is a very good movie. It is darkly shot (almost in black and white) and while it has flashes of humour, it is fairly serious. Daniel Day-Lewis (The Last of the Mohicans, 1992) gives a superb, thoughtful performance. Sally Field is good (Places in the Heart, 1984) but I'm not sure it is Oscar-worthy.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues to do excellent work (the brilliant Inception) and, like Leonard DiCaprio, I wonder if he too is taking some very effective acting lessons? (I confess I liked him in Angels in the Outfield 1994 and of course Third Rock from the Sun.) Tommy Lee Jones (I didn't know he was in Field of Dreams) gives another very strong performance. James Spader (his scene unravelling the link in Stargate, 1994, is memorable), whom I also like in Boston Legal, is a quirky character.

The film is long, historical, and very political, including at least 20 minutes on the vote on abolition in Congress (which I enjoyed). The amount of time on Lincoln's children is too long and doesn't contribute a lot. Overall, some of the movie drags but generally it is a well done, informative piece that I would see again.

Skyfall

I like James Bond. And I like the direction the producers have taken with series and Daniel Craig (The Golden Compass), whom I also like but I haven't decided if he can actually act (but certainly is nice to look at and I think is the best Bond since Sean Connery (Finding Forrester, 2000)).

The new characters introduced are positive additions - Ralph Fiennes (whom I liked in the ultra fluffy Maid in Manhattan that I'm sure he'd like to forget), the new 'Q' Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris (the latter two with whom I'm not familiar). And Albert Finney (A Good Year - see my review) plays his usual self.

A few new twists, but the movie follows the Bond formula. I was surprised that it dragged about three-quarters of the way in. And I also had the constant feeling that the British travel board (or whomever) was paying a sponsorship for beautiful vistas of London or elsewhere in Britain. Still, an enjoyable romp that I would see again.

Wreck-it Ralph

I liked this movie. It had a good story and moved along well. It featured the voice of John C. Reilly (For Love of the Game, one of my favourite baseball movies), whom I think is a very good, reliable but unrecognized actor. Also had Jane Lynch (Glee) playing the tough character (in animated form) whom she is now known for (even though she has popped up in a variety of roles in movies (The Fugitive) and TV series (Boston Legal) over the past 15 years at least).

I liked the movie and would see it again. I'm not sure what age it is best for, but I would think perhaps a minimum of seven years old.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

This movie was a delightful surprise. Of the 90+ movie screens in my city, Perks only played at two - one for 2 weeks only and then at another for a further 2 weeks.  Two incredibly strong performances by the male leads - Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller (neither of whom I was familiar with) make this movie work well. Emma Watson (HP series of course) is on the screen a lot and gives a very good performance. But she doesn't extend herself - that is, she doesn't show us anything we haven't seen her do in Harry Potter. I think she'll need to take Meryl Streep's advice to Anne Hathaway to 'take roles that stretch you'.

The rest of the cast works okay. It is the tale and its telling  that drives the movie - a story of teenage angst that creates tension (sexual and otherwise) throughout.

I'm very glad I saw it and would very much like to see again.

Laws of Attraction

I recall wanting to see this when it first came out seven years ago. Predictably cheesy and thus my type of movie.

A woolly performance by a scruffy Pierce Brosnan (whom I like as Bond but also in other roles such as Dante's Peak). Julianne Moore is her straight up self (first big role was The Fugitive). Amazing unrecognizable role as a rock star by that chameleon Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon) and Frances Fisher (Titanic) has a fun part.

Some nice scenes and beautiful scenery and Brosnan and Moore have good chemistry. I'd watch again.

Hotel Transylvania

One of my favourite critics gave this a very high rating and said it was suitable for all ages. I disagree on both counts. It is fun and there is a lot going on in some scenes. But my young granddaughter cringed and hid whenever Dracula bared his fangs (which was supposed to be funny...).

It stars and is produced by Adam Sandler (whom I don't generally like but 50 First Dates is incredibly romantic). And also the voice of Selena Gomez (Dr Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!).

Not much else to say. We avoided the 3D version as usual. OK as a rental but I wouldn't see again.

1776

This was a 'musical play' in the late 1960's with the film made in 1972. Needless to say, it is 'dated' in more ways than one and drags in parts. But it is an interesting story of the founding of a great country and it is not without humour. It stars William Daniels whom I don't remember but apparently was in The Graduate. Also, a young Blythe Danner (recently in The Lucky One, see my review) and also Ken Howard (In Her Shoes, which I enjoyed). Good rental or find it on TV.

Trouble with the Curve

Another one that is exactly what you expect (fluffy), telegraphs every scene and is good if you like baseball.

Clint Eastwood plays his crusty self (Million Dollar Baby) and Amy Adams is Amy Adams (Enchanted). Justin Timberlake (The Social Network) is awkward - I'm not sure the big screen works for him (or I haven't seen him in the right role...). John Goodman (King Ralph) is also his grinning self.

Some nice little touches throughout (on the tombstone and also on the motel sign). I liked it and would see it again.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

I liked this movie very much, in spite of the critics. It is EXACTLY what you expect and you can see it all coming. I like Jennifer Garner (13 Going on 30) who plays her usual role. CJ Adams is suitably cute as the boy but Odeya Rush is excellent as his friend (both are new).

A pleasant surprise to me was Rosemarie DeWitt who wasn't really on my radar until I looked over her list of films. I thought she was very good in the excellent The Company Men. Here she plays an understated role (which is perhaps her 'lot' in Hollywood). And I don't remember seeing Lois Smith since Twister.

Beautifully shot with lots of fall colours which I love - enjoy it as it rolls over you. I'd see it again.

Hope Springs

We saw this movie a week ago and I'm still not sure what I think. The acting is excellent, as one would expect from the great Meryl Streep (Bridges of Madison County) and the also great Tommy Lee Jones (TV's Mickey Mouse Club, 1960's - 'c u real soon', but really The Fugitive). Steve Carell (Dan in Real Life) was okay. Brief cameo by Elizabeth Shue (The Saint) was nice, as I haven't seen much of her recently.

The theme, initially, is about the sex-life of two fifty- or sixty-somethings, which can be awkward. It turns into more than that, being a commentary on their marriage and relationship. And it's well done, I think.

I'm just not sure I'd like to see it again.

Robin Hood

This is somewhat of a hybrid prequel, made in 2010. Not sure I know the 'traditional' legend by heart but I think they've taken some liberties with the story.

Good performances by Russell Crowe (whom I'm starting to like a lot, see my review on A Good Year), Cate Blanchett (Lord of the Rings trilogy), William Hurt (The Big Chill), Max von Sydow (1970's films: Three Days of the Condor and The Exorcist), and Eileen Atkins (What a Girl Wants). Critics thought there wasn't enough action but Crowe - Blanchett's interaction is fun to watch. And I liked the subtext of a coming Magna Carta (a very important 800 year old document in our western democratic legal system... but I digress).

A good rental that I would watch again.

One Week

Thirty something friends recommended this 2010 film. It is a young man's introspective look at life in general after receiving bad news about his health. Not content to head for treatment immediately, he decides to travel by motorcycle from Toronto to Tofino, Vancouver Island. It's a great travelogue for Canadians, not sure if you can find it outside of Canada.

Canadian Joshua Jackson (Oceans Eleven and... wait for it... The Mighty Ducks!)(picture here by Gage Skidmore) gives a suitably brooding performance. Interesting if you're looking back on your life or want to see parts of Canada.

The Bourne Legacy

I liked this. Very Bond-like with lots of action and violence and a long, compelling chase scene. Strong and intense acting by Jeremy Renner who has been doing some highly $uccessful movies recently (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol). And Rachel Weisz, who is hard to take your eyes off, is very effective (though she was 'awkward' in Definitely, Maybe). (And, speaking of Bond, she is apparently the real-life-wife of Daniel Craig.) Lots of references to and pictures of the character Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), leading many critics to speculate that he could still return in a future instalment.

Lovely scenes shot in Alberta (which is supposed to be Alaska) and a story that becomes somewhat clearer 2/3 of the way through (I think...). An interesting series, as were the Robert Ludlum books. I found I was tense throughout much of the film - not sure if I'd rush to see this again.

Ice Age 4 - Continental Drift

This is what you expect.

Not a bad story, some interesting voices but none of them have done other movies that are memorable, including Ray Romano (all the Ice Ages), Queen Latifah (Last Holiday, which I enjoyed) and Jennifer Lopez (two minutes in Jersey Girl, which I also liked).

Good rental for young children or grandchildren.

The Dark Knight Rises

This is a great movie. Good story, lots of action and violence, and an all star veteran cast with some great acting. Christian Bale (all 3 Batmans and [years ago] Little Women) was brooding and effective, Anne Hathaway (soon to be in Les Miserables) in a different role for her, Marion Cotillard (A Good Year, see my review), Michael Caine (huge list - we'll pick the excellent Second Hand Lions), Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor - see my review - is there a more underated actor today?), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception and... Angels in the Outfield, 1994!), and the exceptional Morgan Freeman (Bucket List and Million Dollar Baby).

You don't need to have seen the previous two movies (though it helps). Knowing the (comic book) legend is also helpful. The film is very long and occasionally drags, but the performances make it all worthwhile. And there are a few teasers that this might not be the end of the trilogy? I'd see it again.

To Rome with Love

(If you like Woody Allen, I suggest you not read any further.)

I liked Midnight in Paris and recommend it. I believe it is the only Woody Allen film that I have liked and he maintained that status in To Rome with Love.

This is, without a doubt, one of the worst films I've seen, ever (right up there with Cowboys and Aliens, that not even Harrison Ford could save...).

There are nice performances (I think, and worth a half *) by Ellen Page (Juno) and Penelope Cruz (whom, to my surprise, I've only seen in Captain Corelli's Mandolin) (sorry Joss...). And the brief glimpses of that great city, Rome, were nice.

Otherwise, eminently forgettable.

The Amazing Spiderman

A good action movie with some good acting by Andrew Garfield (Social Network) and Martin Sheen (The West Wing) with an honourable mention to my 'fave' Emma Stone (The Help and Easy A, both of which I highly recommend).

A good story, with 'an edge' rather than what I recall is an 'evil' take in the previous version(s). Not totally sure why a re-make needed to be made so soon (unless it's just $?), but it's an interesting version.

Worth seeing if you like this sort of thing but I'm not sure I'll rush to see again.

Casablanca

Is this a classic photo (by Yousef Karsh), or what? And this is a classic movie which I'd never watched all the way through. Thoroughly entertaining and well acted by Humphrey Bogart (African Queen 1951)(good year!) and Ingrid Bergman (a wide ranging career whom I must have seen in Murder on the Orient Express 1974). My wife and I lost count of the number of phrases that have crept into our everyday vernacular ('Play it again Sam', '...round up the usual suspects...', 'Here's looking at you, kid'  etc). And to my surprise, Claude Rains, who had played the corrupt Senator in Mr. Smith goes to Washington (1939 - a great year for movies), also has a leading role.

Very watchable (with 1/2* deducted, in my opinion, for sets that looked like sets).

People Like Us

I liked this movie very much. It has some uneven situations (and acting) and you wonder where they are going in the first half of the movie. The premise is of a brother and sister who do not know the other exists. Their characters are played by Chris Pine (excellent in the Star Trek re-boot and [this is for my daughter] Princess Diaries 2) and Elizabeth Banks (okay in my type of movie: Definitely, Maybe and the superb Seabiscuit). Pine's 'mother' is Michelle Pfeiffer (Stardust and Batman Returns). All three provide some very good acting throughout.

Olivia Wilde (Cowboys and Aliens, which was a mistake to make & painful to see) is Pine's 'girlfriend' and I cannot figure her out. She has fabulous eyes and is lovely to watch, but can she act? She doesn't really get much of a chance to prove herself in this one. Michael Hall D'Addario, who is new, plays an 11 year old and is great.

Throughout the movie one asks oneself - "What would I do?" and, "How would I react in that situation?" It eventually all comes together. I would like to see again.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Well, this is one weird movie. It sort of has three sections: the first third is weird and somewhat (deliberately) stilted; the middle third is a little less so but perhaps has better pacing; and, the final third is quite lovely.

Performances are good. I'm not a big fan of Steve Carell but he plays a similar role as in Dan in Real Life (which I loved) and I like him in this. And Keira Knightley (Pride & Predjudice), whom I admire, plays a quirky role well.

I guess the topic is strange enough that of course every offbeat and strained joke in the book about the end of the world can be expected. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. The pacing is equally sporadic.

Not sure I'd see it again. It could be an okay rental (with the caveats listed here). Mind you, you might not find it in theatres anyway because it doesn't appear to be staying long (got to get out of the way for Spiderman, Batman et al).

Brave

I liked this movie.  One critic I saw interviewed thought it might be a (future) 'classic'. Not sure I'd go that far. It is well done in terms of telling the tale, pacing and the actual drawing is excellent.

The only actor I could put a name to was Emma Thompson (HP series, Love Actually and many more) and her voice was only occasionally recognizable.

I found the clan gathering intriguing, in that much has been written about similar assemblies in various countries. This one has many of the levels of relationships, role playing and camaraderie that one might expect to see and is fun to watch.

There is a twist in the story that most of the trailers do not allude to, nor show. Parents of young children might want to read a few reviews with 'spoiler alerts' to see if their young person (or they themselves!) can handle it. I would like to see it again.

Hockey Knowledge

This is not a movie review, but rather is to satisfy a bet. The plot goes like this: each year for about the past five, one of my sons and I have had an ongoing bet during the Stanley Cup. Before each round begins, we pick: a) the winner of the series; and, b) how many games each series takes (best out of seven). If you get a) correct you get a point. If you get a) and b) correct, you get an additional point. There are 8 series in the first round, 4 in the second, 2 in the third and then the final (fourth) series). Sometimes, if we agree on the winner of a series, we’re competing only on the number of games it will take to win.

These prognostications are not easy as there are always ‘upsets’ but it is always interesting. And, because our favourite team did not make the playoffs (once AGAIN), it gives us something to cheer about when the other teams are involved.

And now, to the bet. I must say, I whomped my son in the first round, 4 points to 1. But, by picking the Kings correctly in each subsequent round, my son slowly but surely whittled the lead down. Like a good hockey game - it was 4-3 after the second series, then 4-4, heading into the final. We both called the Kings and it looked like neither of us would pull it off. I had said the Kings in 5 and they could have won it in 4, but didn’t; they could have won it in 5 thus conferring on me the title of ‘hockey genius’, but instead chose that night to have their only road game loss of the series. And finally, in front of a gazillion delirious home town L.A. fans, they just trounced the Devils in game 6, which is what my son had predicted. So he won our bet 5-4. 

ACCORDINGLY, I AM COMPELLED TO PROCLAIM TO YOU, MY LOYAL READERS OF CHICK FLICK REVIEWS, THAT MY SON IS A PRODIGIOUS AND PROLIFIC HOCKEY PROGNOSTICATOR AND GENIUS.

In addition, I must point you to one of his blogs - in this case I suggest you read the blog ‘Of Our Parents’, found at http://ofourparents.com/    Mostly these are interviews by my son of friends of his and about their parents. The latest posting just happens to be about my wife and moi and of course I recommend it highly (that is, if you’ve managed to read this far)! 

So, all hail to the Kings who won the Cup, and all hail to my son (until next year...).

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

This is a lovely movie with an outstanding cast, including: Dame Judi Dench (the definitive 'M', Chocolat, etc); Maggie Smith (the HP series, etc); Tom Wilkinson (The Full Monty and Ghost Writer, both great); Bill Nighy (Love Actually); and, Celia Imrie (Calendar Girls).

Be warned that this is a film for those of us of 'advancing years'. Saw this on a Saturday afternoon and the theatre was filled with gray-haired individuals, chuckling at the various familiar scenarios. The stories are simple but intriguing with some interesting reflections on life. The performances are good. While the movie drags in some places and one wonders why perhaps a character had not done something 10 minutes earlier, it is still charming.

I'd see it again in order to watch the 'set up' of the characters and their stories and to revel in the performances of some of the great actors of our time.

The Avengers

This is a great action movie and features: Robert Downey Jr is, as always, superb and the movie hums when he is on screen; Samuel L Jackson (Captain America) is suitably gravely gruff; Mark Ruffalo (Just Like Heaven, which I loved) is a great Hulk; Jeremy Renner (MI: Ghost Protocol and an up-and-coming actor); and, Scarlett Johansson who confirmed my review in We Bought a Zoo - nice to look at, but can she act?

Lots going on, the film rarely drags, and you get exactly what you expect. I'd like to see it again.

Tower Heist

Meant to see this in the theatre but it was still good on the small screen. A great cast including Matthew Broderick (is there anyone who has not seen Ferris Bueller??), Ben Stiller (Night at the Museum), Eddie Murphy (Beverly Hills Cop) at his staccato best, Alan Alda (M*A*S*H) and Tea Leoni (The Family Man).
A good story that moves well and another enjoyable rental.

Dolphin Tale

A nice mindless movie based on a true story about a dolphin that loses its tail. Nice performances by Harry Connick Jr. (Hope Floats), Kris Kristofferson (A Star is Born), and Ashley Judd (The Tooth Fairy), with actors I had not seen before: Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehisdorff. And starring the actual dolphin, 'Winter'.
Enjoyable rental or to watch with young children.

The Five-Year Engagement

If you liked Bridesmaids, you'll probably like this.
I didn't. Emily Blunt (see Salmon Fishing... post) is, as always, lovely to watch and usually adds a positive aspect to the whole production. But while her rapport with Jason Segel is good, I felt she was miscast.

There is a great scene of two of the characters speaking like Elmo and Cookie Monster - very funny (thus earning an extra 0.5*). The movie is overly long and I found it dragged.

To be fair, the rest of the audience seemed to enjoy it. Check out the director's and writer's previous works and you'll get a solid view of what you're in for -
I wish I had.

The Lucky One

Well, I was apprehensive about this movie, as the critics almost universally panned it. But, it is a Nicholas Sparks story (The Notebook, Message in the Bottle, etc) - need I say (much) more?

The story line is entirely predictable, as per the trailers. Zac Efron is quite something to watch and removes his shirt (well, you've gotta expect that?). One reviewer indicated that he actually caught a glimpse of some acting potential and that maybe Zac is ready for something that doesn't just feature his nice face and laser beam eyes? Taylor Schilling is better than I expected, based on her lack of (film) experience - I had seen an interview of the two of them and she had trouble maintaining eye contact (while Zac, of course, was mesmerizing). She was decent, lovely to look at and displayed a wider range of  emotions than I would have anticipated.

Blythe Danner, who doesn't have a huge part and has been around forever, is a delight. Her conservation of movement and measured responses in dialogue are great - it's fun to watch a pro.

I also liked the shooting of the scenery - lovely to see. All in all, a predictable event, I think I'd see again, and would make a good rental when you want something fluffy.

The Hunger Games

Well, this is a very good, but intense movie, as was the first book of the trilogy (which I now need to re-read). Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone, for which she was nominated for an Oscar) plays the role of Katniss to perfection. She is moody or determined when she needs to be and it does feel like she's wrestling with what role she should play in the upcoming competition. The movie's subject is somewhat distressing and at times hard to watch (although it is superbly shot and is not too graphic).

The supporting cast is excellent including strong portrayal's by Woody Harrelson (Doc Hollywood, which I recommend), Elizabeth Banks (Definitely, Maybe which I also recommend), Stanley Tucci (a gazillion movies including Shall We Dance and The Devil Wears Prada), and Donald Sutherland (another bazillion, including Pride & Prejudice (2005), the superb Ordinary People (1981) and the original movie, M*A*S*H (1970)).

The film moves along at a good pace and it doesn't feel like 2 hours & 15 minutes have gone by. Not sure I'd see it again, certainly not immediately. But I did come out of there very glad to be alive.

Mirror, Mirror

Well, I'm not sure what we were thinking - Mirror, Mirror was 'not quite horrible' (to quote my wife). It was almost embarrassing watching Julia Roberts try to have an accent of some sort as the Queen. Lily Collins (Blindside, where she played the daughter - believe it or not - 'Collins') as Snow White is lovely but never seems to take real ownership of the role. The Prince was forgettable and stiff but the Dwarves were fun to watch. And Nathan Lane (Birdcage, 1996) is great as the predictable Queen's assistant.

Maybe consider as a rental, if you're really bored.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Yes, the title wouldn't exactly 'invite you in'. Saw this on the big screen and it is a very nice film. It has: Emily Blunt (The Adjustment Bureau which I loved), Ewan McGregor (is there anyone who has been thanked from the Academy Awards stage more often than he, for being a delight to work with?), Kristin Scott Thomas (Four Weddings and a Funeral, which was great as was she), and Amr Waked as a very rich sheikh (of whom I know nothing, but I liked his performance).

The title is about the sheikh's desire to create something, with a 'commentary' on British politics being the driving force, and a budding friendship / romance as well. There is also a funny bedroom scene that still makes me chuckle (let me know if you agree).

I found the shooting style unusual: long shots that are 'cropped' tightly on one side of the shot but show extraneous visuals on the other e.g. looking into the glass windows of an office from afar as the key visual, with the lower floor totally empty, but the upper floor showing people's legs at their desks or tables - certainly this must have been deliberate?

I'd see it again.

Miss Potter

As in Beatrix (no relation to Harry.) I recall the trailer of this in 2007 and recently found it on one of the movie channels. It features Renee Zellweger (whom I had forgotten was in the 1998 One True Thing*) and the delightful Ewan McGregor (wonderful and great voice in Moulin Rouge and underrated in The Ghost Writer, which I recommend). This is an interesting story about the publishing of Peter Rabbit  as well as a commentary on women's rights, which I applaud. (There is a peculiar drift into animation in some spots which I'm not sure adds to the story and of which I would like to know more.)

A very nice rental.

*P.S. To my relatives - The final movie I ever saw with my mother, who had already started to deteriorate.

A Good Year

I love this movie. It is from 2006 and I recently saw it again on TV. It features Russell Crowe (not my favourite actor but suitably crusty in this), Albert Finney (whose talent I have admired and followed forever, most recently in Erin Brockovich), Freddie Highmore (excellent young actor in Finding Neverland, which was great and August Rush, which was a good idea not delivered on), and Marion Cotillard (whom I have never heard of but is tres sympatique).

As with many movies I really enjoy, this is a story of redemption - stockbroking scoundrel in rainy, dreary London is left a vineyard in sunny Provence by his uncle, which sparks flashbacks of his visit(s) as an 11-12 year old. Recently got the book out from the library and it is not surprisingly fluffy. But this would be a good rental if you can find it.

Big Miracle

Not much to talk about in Big Miracle. This is a half hour story, at most, that is stretched excruciatingly to 90+ minutes. Features Drew Barrymore (50 First Dates, a very romantic movie, trust me, and E.T. a gazillion years ago) in a forgettable performance. John Krasinski (Office, which I don't watch) is ok.

But generally it's a movie about a whale stuck in the ice with a few other little stories surrounding it. Wait til it's on TV, when you're planning to do cooking or housecleaning, with this on in the background, otherwise don't waste your time or money (as I did).

The Vow

Well, The Vow is hard to figure out. Rachel McAdams is adorable as always (Sherlock Holmes, Wedding Crashers, The Notebook, etc etc), she is very easy to watch. (One of the intriguing things in this movie is to watch her different haircuts). Channing Tatum is not so easy to watch or rather listen to - I cannot warm to him as his performances seem consistently 'wooden'.

The script and delivery are uneven. There are warm, intriguing, flowing parts that are a pleasure to view. Then there are the halting and stiff scenes that don't seem to have a natural fit or relationship to a previous or future scene. Whether the whole thing could have been better done I have no doubt (but I have no idea how...).

Wendy Crewson, whom I admire, is almost unnoticeable in a non-descript part. And Jessica Lange, (Tootsie, eons ago) whom I have also long admired, is good. And in a quirk of fate, my wife and I were surprised while watching credits to discover that a family friend, Dharini Woollcombe, has a two or three word part as a receptionist (I assume she was cast because part of the movie was shot in Toronto) - very cool!

Would I see it again? I think so (in part to watch Dharini again!). But I don't think I'd pay. Rental.

The Artist

I’ve been debating how to rate The Artist since we saw it a few days ago - I almost gave it 2.5*. I’m glad I saw it, it’s a great performance by Jean Dujardin, and a very nice one by Berenice Bejo - but.... 

Some films engross you and take you away from the stresses of life for a couple of hours - this story is nice but throughout it I was conscious that I was watching a movie. As my wife pointed out, you had to work at it constantly and this one felt long. 

Watching a movie without much sound other than occasional background music is a little strange (and I realize that that’s the point). But I don’t think I’d see it again.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

If you liked the first Sherlock, you'll like Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. The chemistry between Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law continues to be superb and they have increased the not-so-subtle nuances of affection for each other: Downey is even more effeminate and his brother's nickname for him ('Sherley') is perfect.

I've seen reviews that didn't like the slow motion (and verbal) explanation (replays?) of the physical struggles and fights but I appreciated them. My wife found the level of violence excessive and wouldn't see this movie again. I think a few more verbal explanations of how Sherlock made his deductions might have helped but I can pick those up on (my) second viewing. I liked Noomi Rapace, whom I had not seen before (she is in the original Dragon's Tattoo films), and Jared Harris is very good as Moriarty.

The story moves along at a good pace. The visuals are quite dark - I cannot remember a light or sunny scene - perhaps there were some? I do recommend this, as I would most movies by Downey.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Another not in my usual genre, but Tinker Tailor is an excellent film that I enjoyed, would see again and recommend to you. In fact, I need to see it again just to figure it out. I got most of it but there were a few threads that I didn't follow - which my wife and the couple we were with tried to clarify amongst ourselves later.

The casting is excellent, as are the performances by Gary Oldman (who is in a gazillion Harry Potter films, two Batmans and Air Force One), Colin Firth (of which Love Actually is my favourite of his many), John Hurt (whom I think of as Ollivander in HP) and, Benedict Cumberbatch (who was good in Amazing Grace, which is another film I recommend).

The only thing I didn't like very much was feeling tense throughout the film. Nevertheless, it is worth seeing.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Not my traditional genre, but I do like these 'James Bond / Action' types that have no connection to (my) reality (not that 'chick flicks' do for that matter, either...). And while Tom Cruise is more than occasionally idiotic in his public statements, the movies that I have seen of his are fairly formulaic: there is 'the look' (the 'I'm serious' one); there is the 'I'm appreciative of the opposite sex' look (in this case of an actress named Paula Patton whom I don't recall in Hitch or Sweet Home Alabama); and, last but not least, is his trademark 'run' (that I first recall in The Firm and was embellished in Jerry MaGuire).

Now the reason this review might seem somewhat 'padded' is ... that it is - and, there is not much else to say: being the fourth MI movie, the series, too, has become somewhat formulaic. But I did like it and would watch it again. My only additional comment is about Simon Pegg (Star Trek - Scotty) who adds excellent comic relief.

How to Train Your Dragon

Somehow this one eluded me when it first came out (2010) - I have no memory of even seeing a trailer for it. And to my surprise, it somehow sneaked (snuck?) its way into our house in DVD form, again without my knowledge.

So, I was delighted to 'find' it this past holiday season. I liked the story about the coming-of-age young man who is supposed to slay a dragon and instead... well, you guessed it.

I liked the voices of Jay Baruchel (whom I liked in The Sorceror's Apprentice and also in the not-my-usual-style She's Out of Your League) and America Ferrara (The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants - both), and recognized Gerald Butler (P.S. I Love You) also.

The movie is fast paced without any noticeable dragging spots. It is funny while also being thoughtful. I liked it very much and will take it off the shelf again. (Now, if I could only find the case it came in...)

Beauty and the Beast 3D

I think this is a fine movie. And if you haven't seen it in the last 20 years then I don't know where you've been. We took our 4 year old granddaughter which made it more fun. She has seen the movie a zillion times and her favourite parts are when her aunt and uncle sing along at home to some of the songs. So, without them in the theatre with us, it was still fun to have her singing anyway.

The 3D was okay and added somewhat to it. It was most noticeable in any of the scenes with snow or rain which were drawn with the weather 'closest' to the viewer. Worked, I guess.

Nothing else new that we noticed except the end credits seemed to have a (new) 3D background. And I had not known that David Ogden Stiers (whom I admired in the TV series M*A*S*H, and also in Doc Hollywood) played Cogsworth (the 'clock') as well as being the Narrator. Still, an enjoyable outing.

The Adventures of Tintin

I grew up enjoying the Tintin comics. If they were in French, I felt I still could understand because of the visuals (or prided myself that I could understand en francais). There was something missing with the movie: there was action; the story moved along fairly well, dragging occasionally; the 3D did not appear to add anything worth the extra $; and, the slapstick was okay to watch.

I think it was the commentary by Tintin himself - it worked okay in the comics, but on film it seems redundant and slow. I think I actually looked at my watch once or twice to see how much longer. Don't rush out.

We Bought a Zoo

First, let me warn you, this is a totally predictable, sucky, fluffy, 'chick-flick' which are the type of movies I like (and I liked this one). If you are looking for an enjoyable rental, here you are.

You can figure out the 'plot' from the trailer or the descriptions provided by the distributor. The casting is great and there are several enjoyable characters. Matt Damon, an actor whom I like very much, turns in a good performance (as usual) that adds to the film. I think Scarlett Johannson is wonderful to watch on the big screen (as is Nicole Kidman, but I digress), and this is no exception. What I haven't been able to figure out is whether Scarlet can act - it's a nice, though not memorable, performance but you could substitute any of the other current 25-35 year old leading actresses in there and the movie would be the same. The writing is okay but drags in the first half and in general the whole thing could be shorter. But I'd probably see it again.

P.S. And did see it again. The supporting cast is even stronger on second viewing and the above comments still apply.

The Iron Lady

Thought I'd blog about this before the Golden Globes. Meryl Streep is fabulous in this portrayal. The story is less about Thatcher's time as Prime Minister and more about her character and personality, as a young woman (played by Alexandra Roach, whom I'm not familiar with), as a politician, and in 'old age'. I found the story an interesting one as she reflects on some of the times of her life and her career in particular. There are those who don't like this style of story telling but I did.


Streep/Thatcher is the constant thread throughout. Another thread is the 'presence' of her husband Dennis, played by Jim Broadbent (known for his roles in Harry Potter and Moulin Rouge, to name just two).
The story doesn't lag and I'll be interested to see if those who are too young to remember her as PM go see it. I do recommend it.