Argo

This is an excellent and exciting film. There's been lots of anecdotal conversation about the movie and I wanted to see it and write this review before the Oscars tonight. I still think it will win Best Picture, partially in sympathy for Ben Affleck (The Company Men) who is excellent in his acting role and does a fine job directing (for which he was not nominated).

Alan Arkin (a young version pictured at left) (Little Miss Sunshine) plays a caustic role that he (always) does well in, and John Goodman (King Ralph) is also good. Other actors are well-cast and play their roles well.

The film moves with a good rhythm of tension in Iran, offset by 'lighter' moments on the other side of the globe. Not sure if I'd see it again, having lived through some of the real saga years ago, but I'm glad I saw it and I recommend it to you.

Mr. Popper's Penguins

This is a nice film and suitable for age 5 and up.

Totally predictable, featuring Jim Carrey (The Truman Show). His performance was inconsistent - brief flashes of the zany stuff that we have all come to expect, but I thought he looked tired and gaunt and sometimes it felt like he wasn't 'in' the part. Carla Gugino (whom I liked in Night at the Museum and who appears to have had other mainly minor roles during her career) is good, and Madeline Carroll (who looked familiar but is new to me) plays her daughter and showed some good acting range. Oh yes, Angela Lansbury plays her usual type of character.

An enjoyable rental.

Silver Linings Playbook

I really liked this movie. And if I didn't think Argo was a lock for the Academy Award's Best Pic, this one is right up there (and might satisfy the strange AA voting system of ranking all the best pic nominees).

I thought Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) was excellent, showing the skills we had already seen in 'the Games' (and I think she'll win the AA Best Actress). I heard Robert de Niro (Stardust) was great. I thought he was good, not great  (maybe he sets such a high standard in most of his other films that we are spoiled?) But it was Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers) who really surprised me with his range and depth - very impressive.

I liked the story, the visuals and the overall flow. It all felt like it could be a part of anyone's life, which is not always the case. I'd like to see it again.