The Judge, 3.5 Stars

I liked this movie. The story is compelling but the script is a little long and sometimes feels like: "oh, let's put in this sort of scene".

Robert Duvall (The Natural) and Robert Downey Jr (Heart and Souls) play off each other well and are both excellent. The scenes that they are in, especially together, they dominate and own. Duvall's portrayal of an aging parent is very moving. Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air) does well and is back on my radar for the future. Billy Bob Thornton (Love Actually) is 'lip-curling'-ly good (but I'm not a big fan...)

I recommend this and would see it again.

My Old Lady, 3.5 Stars

I liked this movie and with Dame Maggie Smith (Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), one cannot go too far wrong.

The story is about a French system whereby one might own a building but it comes with a designated resident. The owner doesn't take possession, and indeed pays rent to the resident, who may remain there til he or she dies.

One can see how the script was built on a very successful theatre play. While some parts drag and others may be hard to believe, the whole thing works. Smith, of course, is an excellent curmudgeon. Kevin Kline (Dave) is a suitable counterpart. And Kristin Scott Thomas (Four Weddings and a Funeral) does reasonably well struggling with her role.

The dialogue is quick and sometimes heart-wrenching. And the scenery in Paris is lovely. I do recommend this and think I might see it once more.

The Other Woman, 1.5 Stars

Even though I'm not a Cameron Diaz (Holiday) fan, some friends had said this movie was okay. I struggled.

The plot went on about 30 minutes too long. Diaz met my (low) expectations. I like Leslie Mann (17 Again) but haven't seen much of her work.

Rent it, if desperate.

This is Where I Leave You 2.5 Stars

I liked this movie. The family dialogue is great, the story is a little weird and it sometimes drags.

Characters are many and include: Jane Fonda (On Golden Pond), who seems to be taking more roles than ever these days; Tina Fey (Mean Girls) performs well and is fun to watch; and, Jason Bateman (Up in the Air) of whom I've not seen a lot, puts in a good performance.

I was more impressed coming out of the theatre, but it faded a little with time. I would see it again just to catch some of the lines and admire their delivery.

The Kid (2000) 2.5 Stars

Rented this recently, it is a favourite of mine.

The concept is simple (too simple say some critics). The main character's eight year old self somehow comes to be with him in present time and they, essentially, impart their wisdom to each other.

The dialogue is fun. Bruce Willis (Red) is his usual sarcastic (but not violent) self. Spencer Breslin (Raising Helen) is very good and I believe they adopted his method of 'crooking' his finger by getting Willis to copy it. Emily Mortimer (Nottinghill) plays a younger, sweeter version of her Newsroom (TV) character. And Lily Tomlin (TV's Laugh-In, 1960's, try to find it) delivers her lines with her usual dry, non-chalance.

Good for the soul, I recommend it.