Cinderella, 3 Stars

This is a lovely, sumptuous, slow-moving film. Ever After (which I recommend) successfully took a few liberties with the story. This movie is closer to the original story, while making the female characters stronger than Disney's animated version.

Cate Blanchett (Robin Hood [the one with Russell Crowe]) is mesmerizing and dominates each of her scenes. Lily James (TV's Downton Abbey) works hard, is lovely, and does an adequate job but might be miscast? Helena Bonham Carter (Les Miserables), as the fairy godmother, is wonderful once again - her roles and delivery seem to be getting stronger each time out. And I liked Sophie McShera (also Downton Abbey) - I think we should see more of her in future.

The gold coach deserves a mention on its own - it is beautifully done.

There is delightful humour throughout. I'd see it again (and likely will, often, with my grandchildren).

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, 3 Stars

This picture is aptly named and it is 'second best' to the first one (which I also rated at 3 Stars in June 2012). The First was superior, but in spite of Richard Gere (An Officer and a Gentleman) who drags this movie down, I couldn't go as low at 2.5 stars - overall it is quite delightful.

Most of the same cast is back: Dame Judi Dench (the definitive 'M' in the Bond series); Dame Maggie Smith (Quartet); Bill Nighy (About Time, which I liked); Dev Patel (Newsroom TV series) and Tena Desae (who has not done any other major movies).

I recommend you see the First movie and then this one is like visiting with old friends. The story moves fairly well, except when Gere is on screen - he seems like a 'fish out of water' and never feels comfortable in the role.

I'd see it again.

McFarland, USA, 2.5 Stars

This is a nice Kevin Costner (For Love of the Game) sports movie that is totally predictable. It is based on a true story and has some beautifully shot scenes. While it moves along fairly well, at 129 minutes they could have cut some.

Costner is good, as is his 'wife' Maria Bello (who was also in The Company Men that he was in). The rest of the cast I was unfamiliar with, but there is good character development and they too give good performances.

It's Costner, it's sports, and it's predictable - you can't go too far wrong. I'd see it again.

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), 3.5 Stars

This is a very good film. I have been meaning to see it for decades. The plot is good but moves a little slowly (at 130 minutes they could have cut 15 from it).

Kathy Bates (Midnight in Paris) is her usual excellent self - I like her in just about everything I've seen. Jessica Tandy (Driving Miss Daisy) and Mary Louise Parker (Red 1 & 2), who is also a 'fave', are also very strong. But the pleasant surprise was Mary Stuart Masterson. I was not familiar with her work (but have heard of Benny & Joon) and she is very very good in this.

We rented this and would see again. I highly recommend it.