Evening

Based on the book of the same name by Susan Minot this movie, co-written for the screen by the author and Michael Cunningham, explores the depth of relationships. Vanessa Redgrave plays Ann who is dying and travelling in and out of her memories which are shown as flashbacks to the viewers. Her real-life daughter, Natasha Richardson plays her daughter Connie that has the job, husband and family while Toni Collette plays her other daughter, Nina who is single and confused at what she should be feeling and unsure of what she really feels. During Ann's flashbacks, we learn of her best friend Lila, Lila's brother Buddy and family friend Harris played wonderfully by Patrick Wilson. Patrick played Raoul in the big screen version of Phantom of the Opera and also the married man who has an affair with Kate Winslet's character in last years Little Children. This movie made me want to run out and check out Minot's book from the library (which I did) because I could tell that there was more character depth in the book than appeared in the movie. I think this could have been a wonderful movie but alas I can only say it is OK-to-good. I felt like the director was showing me scenes to elicit emotion instead of simply letting the story draw you in by itself. This is why I can't wait to read the book. I give the movie a half-hearted thumbs up while the thumbs wait to hold the pages of the book!

Hairspray

Oh my goodness, I don't know what hurts more my cheeks from smiling or my toes from tapping. I was apprehensive to see the new movie Hairspray because I liked the original and its songs so much. I also love Grease so much that when I heard reviews that this was the "Grease for the younger generation", I felt like it was a slap in the face to my favorite. Well, after finally seeing it, the verdict is.......THEY ARE RIGHT! The songs (kudos to the amazing Marc Shaiman, who got my attention from his work with Bette Midler) were fun to dance too and the lyrics deliciously added to the screenplay. The casting of Michele Pfeiffer, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelley, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes and especially the pairing of Christopher Walken and John Travolta as a couple was dead on and you could so tell that they were all having a blast filming. The only two drawbacks were that Brittany Snow and Zac Efron seemed like they were in awe of everyone around them and so didn't let themselves really take charge of their roles. Allison Janney was funny but the role was too small for her talent. It was wonderful to see Jerry Stiller, Ricki Lake and even John Waters himself be a part of both movies. I would gladly see this movie again. I give this two thumbs dancing to the top!

Once

The independent movie Once asks: "How often do you find the right person?" My response is in the form of a poem: Once? Many times? Is the right person, the love of your life Or the one that helped you grow through childhood Or that helped you survive a turbulent time Or to share a joyful experience what about that one person that comes along who helps to refocus your attention back to the pathways of your heart the one that helps to see into the depths of your soul the individual who reminds you of your dreams and who will help you to attain them in any way then you may fulfill those wishes and transport them into the dream world that will become your reality. Once is a unique movie in that it is told mostly through music and leaves the viewer thinking about when or if they have ever found the "right" person. I give this a thumb-strumming on the guitar upwards.

Bourne Ultimatum

This third installment to the Bourne series (Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy) based on the books by Robert Ludlum lives up to the other two in action. This movie keeps you on the edge of your seat from the beginning until the end. Good action scenes and good acting by David Strathairn, Joan Allen, Matt Damon and especially Albert Finney...how did he keep from flinching and stay calm with a gun pointed in his face? That man amazes me. Even though I don't much remember the specific details of the first two, I remember in the second one Jason is starting to try to figure out what is his own real history. This one picks right up wear he leaves off. The way that the CIA can tap into phone lines, building security, floor plans and everything is scary. It makes you think about that the fact that this is fiction but in the news we are constantly hearing about our rights to privacy vs our rights to national security/protection and the patriot act. The twists and turns and slight humor thrown into the screenplay makes this movie enjoyable for men and women alike. SPOILER ALERT: I wonder if there will be a fourth movie (maybe called Bourne again---thanks Em). Since Robert Ludlum's passing in March 2001, Eric Van Lustbader has continued the book series in 2007 with his novel Bourne Betrayal. Even though I like all three movies, I think the movie industry needs to start straying away from never-ending series and enjoy the fresh new talent making movies. I give Bourne Ultimatum a grabbing the end of the seat thumbs up!

Away From Her

If you want an independent movie that makes you laugh, cry and most of all think....Away from Her is for you. This movie based on the Alice Munro short story "The Bear Came Over The Mountain" tells the story of the marriage of Fiona and Grant. They have been married for 45 years and Fiona has Alzheimer's disease. During Fiona's more lucid moments, she helps to convince Grant that the time has come for her to enter a nursing home. Grant has never been away from her for an extended time in all their years of marriage so he is has some trepidation. There is also a 30-day period that he will not be able to visit her after she checks in to the facility. Throughout the movie we see how Alzheimer's affects not only the patient but more importantly the families, and in this movie, specifically the spouses. As the baby boomer generation gets older, I have the bad feeling that more and more people will be affected in some way with this dreaded disease and its companion-Dementia. This movie helps depict the sadness and a bit of light-hearted humor of this disease while showing the viewer that sometimes when you love someone you must love them away. Two energetic thumbs up pointing to my grandmother in heaven who is my angel helping me to ask you to PLEASE donate to Alzheimer research!

Nineteen Minutes

If you have not read a book by Jodi Picoult, I would recommend it. Make sure that you are in an emotionally stable place in your life because Jodi takes real life events and portrays them as fiction but places you right smack dab in the middle of the controversy while also showing you all sides to the story. In Nineteen Minutes, she address the drama of school shootings. I know that some of you might be turned off at the travesty of these events; but by all means give it a chance. The reader not only sees the shooting from the obvious victims views but also the shooter and a couple of the families too. A good size book but a quick read too. I highly recommend this and any Jodi Picoult novel.

Glass Castle

The Glass Castle, A Memoir by Jeanette Walls is an interesting book about Jeanette's parents, brother and her two sisters growing up in a lifestyle that is not very solid. The family moves around a lot and her dad is a drunk. The whole time I was reading this, I kept looking at the author photograph in the back and thinking 'no way could that beautiful woman experience this much hardship. I'm not saying that I don't believe her. It just felt to me like her style of writing made the story feel like fiction and not a memoir. It was an enjoyable story but a memoir to me should provide some "aha" moments that make the reader be inspired by the struggles that the person has been through. Overall, I enjoyed it but would only recommend it as a rental from the library.

The Thirteenth Tale

This book was recommended by my sister-in-law who normally reads more non-fiction than fiction. That in itself intrigued me. Diane Setterfield's novel about Margaret Lea, a biographer who works in her father's bookstore. Margaret is requested by the prolific author Vida Winter to write her biography. Truth be told, Margaret hasn't read any of Miss Winter's books. So as a good biographer, she starts and also does some researching of Vida herself. She finds out that Vida does many interviews every year by journalists hoping to be the one to get the scoop of the real Vida Winter. Margaret is the lucky one because Vida decides that she has no more stories to tell so she may as well tell the truth. The subsequent story of Vida's life interwoven with Margaret's own sucks the reader in from the first page. There are many great lines: "What good is the truth, at midnight, in the dark, when the wind is roaring like a bear in the chimney? What you need is the plump comforts of a story." Also, "All children mythologize their birth. It is a universal trait. You want to know someone? Heart, mind and soul? Ask him to tell you about when he was born. What you get won't be the truth; it will be a story. And nothing is more telling than a story." And many, many more. At over 400 pages long, this is a big book but a very quick read because 'nothing is more telling than a story'. There are multiple references to the classic novel "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte which I know this reviewer will want to read. Thumbs up for a "new" classic....Enjoy!

Sunday List of Dreams

If you have not read anything by the best-selling author, Kris Radish; well, what are you waiting for? Kris has written three other fiction novels: The Elegant Gathering of White Snows, Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn and Annie Freeman's Fabulous Travelling Funeral. Read them all! Now Kris has released in 2007, The Sunday List of Dreams and in this reviewer's opinion, you are not living if you have not dreamed. Or you are at least not being truthful. Connie Nixon is a recently retired nurse and divorced mother of three grown women. While she is living the first day of her life as a retiree, Connie hears her house talk to her. Her best friend, Frannie, helps her to realize that she is not crazy but should have somebody check the wiring in the house. Connie does and while they are checking out the wiring, she checks them out. Who doesn't look at the scenery when it is presented in such a cute package! Oops, Back to the review, Connie is cleaning out her garage and comes across a box of her estranged daughter, Jessica's things. Lo and behold, Jessica is the owner of one of the most successful sex toy shops in the country. What ensues is a wonderful tale of self-discovery, family enlightenment, social commentary and downright hilarious (don't drink too much or you'll wet yourself) events to make up another in the continuing saga of great storytelling telling by Wisconsin's own, Kris Radish. Thumb way up to point at my dreams aspiring upwards.

Roxie and her reviews are back

It is good to be back after a month's sabbatical. All of the Oscar-nominated movie watching, party planning and shovelling the foot of snow on Oscar night. What a difference a month can make. No more snow on the ground, near 80 degree temperatures in March and now rain, rain and more rain to cleanse the earth and as I like to put it, to cleanse myself of the dust that has accumulated in my soul from not writing for so long. Oh how I have missed this partner of mine. The portion of my soul that speaks from my heart openly and honestly to enlighten not just my life but perhaps some reader out there. A wish to dream that my words could translate from my fingers through the keyboard and into someone else's eyes, mind, heart and soul. Dream + Discipline = Doing (as in what you must do according to the depths of your being.) In my case, "DO THE WRITE THING"!

Superman Returns

Brandon Routh is the latest to play Superman. Kate Bosworth is Lois Lane and Kevin Spacey is his usual talented self as Lex Luthor. This is an enjoyable action/adventure flick with a little heart although somewhat predictable with the character of Jason. Enough said so as not to be a spoiler. The visual effects looked somewhat fake at times (flying) and once in a while (fire) looked pretty cool. Thumbs up but only as a rental as just a fun movie.

Half Nelson

Ryan Gosling is nominated as best actor for his role in this movie. This is the story of a history teacher and girls basketball coach who during off hours has a serious drug habit. I think Shareeka Epps as one of the students/basketball players is a fine up-and-coming actress. The movie doesn't know if it wants to be a inspirational teacher movie, motivating coach movie or a drug movie. I would lean more toward the drug movie. The problem is I never really felt a connection to any of the characters in this movie and could care less if they recovered or not. I was disappointed that the girl remains friends with the teacher because I feel like she is just going to continue to get hurt. It is not good when the best part of a movie is when they play a song (It's OK to cry by Rosie Greer) from Free To Be You And Me. Thumbs down....don't bother seeing this movie.

Water

This subtitled movie from India from writer/director Deepa Mehta took around 5-6 years to make due to death threats, arson and riots. This is the story about a Hindu custom where widows in India are forced to shave their heads, only eat one meal per day and live together. In particular, it focuses on an 8-year old widow and the lives she touches. Also touching on possible conflicts between conscious and faith. This is also a movie that teaches you a little about Indian customs. I would give this a thumbs up for the beautiful color and cinematography in this movie but I would be remiss if I did not highly recommend for people to read the young adult fiction books by Kashmira Sheth (Blue Jasmine or Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet). These books would truly give you a sense of living in India and with better stories.

Marie Antoinette

Sophia Coppola directs this movie about Marie Antoinette and starring Kirsten Dunst. This is movie is aesthetically beautiful in cinematography and of course costume. The acting had no particular stand-outs. I thought the music was good but curious as to why Sophia would select such modern music for a "period piece". If you like movies about the 17-18 hundreds see this otherwise there are other movies just as good. Thumbs not up but wide due to the hoop skirts they wear.

Jesus Camp

This is a documentary that focuses on the evangelical movement in America and specifically places like Missouri, Kansas, Colorado Springs and Devils Lake, North Dakota. Becky Fischer is a pastor who organizes a summer camp for young people every August. Ted Haggard is another pastor mentioned who meets with President Bush's advisers every Monday morning. This also shows Mike Papantonio who is a radio host of the program "Ring of Fire". He also considers himself christian but not a fundamentalist or evangelical. He cautions America to giving over control of their government to the 20% of the population who is evangelical because we were founded on a separation of church and state. This documentary I think accurately describes the evangelical movement. I personally agree that Jesus Christ is our saviour and that Christian music is uplifting (I listen every day at work), but some of the messages that they send seem anti-christian to me. I think they judge and belittle anybody that does not believe what they believe. I think we in America have a freedom to believe or not believe in whatever we choose. I give this a thumbs up in hoping that it opens positive discussions in society or at least with families.

Apocolypto

Warning, this movie is so violent, I literally got nauseous at points while viewing it. That said and I must say that Mel Gibson has again shown his talent at directing. The subtitles were not distracting in the least and I thought he used them sparingly so as to let the story and actors tell the story through action and body language. This was a powerful movie about the fall of the Mayan kingdom and one man's journey during this decline. The man is Jaguar Paw played by Rudy Youngblood and he is a wonderful actor. Very violent but well-made movie and a thumbs up.

Dreamgirls

If you like musicals, see this movie. Jamie Foxx is his usual good-acting self but the real story is the awesome voice of Jennifer Hudson along with the singing of Beyonce Knowles, Anika Noni Rose, Sharon Leal, and Loretta Devine. FOX Television viewers might recognize Leal and Devine from their roles in Boston Public as Marily and Marla, respectively. Danny Glover turns in another fine job of acting and in this reviewers opinion, Eddie Murphy is simply there for comic relief and characture-acting. A more enjoyable movie than Phantom of the Opera (stage is better) but not as good as Chicago.

Little Children

Little Children centers on a group of young marrieds, whose lives intersect on the playgrounds, town pools and streets of their small community in many ways, the least of which is when a man who has served 2 years in prison for exposing himself to a child moves into their neighborhood. Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson are enjoyable as two of the young marrieds and Jackie Earle Haley is freaky as the ex-con. An interesting tidbit is that Jackie is obviously now grown up but movie viewers from the 70's might remember him as Kelly from the original Bad News Bears movie. Thumbs up in a freaky way.

Flushed Away

This is the story of an uptown rat that gets flushed down the toilet from his penthouse apartment, ending in the sewers of London, where he has to learn a whole new and different way of life. This is a heartwarming animated tale. The slugs and the soundtrack are the best parts. Do not flush this movie.....by all means watch it!

Volver

The premise is that a mother returns to a small village after her death to fix situations that weren't resolved during her life. Penelope Cruz plays Raimundo, one of the daughters to Carmen Maura's mother. Although subtitled, this movie was easy to follow. The movie gave away the plot twist in the middle so a little of the suspense was eliminated but overall, it was a good movie. It seemed to me that as an ensemble the cast worked very well together. I give this a pleasantly surprized thumbs up.

Pan's Labyrinth

The tagline "Innocence has a power evil cannot imagine" fits perfectly for this movie. Although somewhat violent, this is a unique story about Ofelia, a girl who moves out of the city and into the country during 1944 fascist Spain. She is joined with her very pregnant mother, Carmen, to live with the mother's new husband, a sadistic and evil army general, Capitan Vidal. Ofelia is very bookish and still reads and believes in fairy tales. She goes exploring and finds a fairy that leads her to a labryinth and Pan, whom subsequently tells Ofelia that she is the lost princess of his world. What follows is plenty of adventure, action and intrigue to sustain anyone. It is subtitled and bloody in some scenes so this is for around teenagers and older. Ivana Baquero as Ofelia and Maribel Verdu as Mercedes the maid/nanny are both wonderful actresses. I give this a creative storyline thumbs up.

Children of Men

This is a movie set in the future (2027) about our global society who is suffering from infertility. It is directed by Alfonso Cuaron of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Y Tu Mama Tambien fame. Clive Owen is good and Julienne Moore is not in enough. Michael Caine appears to be having fun in his role and I would have liked a little more of his character and a little more depth in his wife's character. Kee and Miriam (Claire-Hope Ashitey and Pam Ferris) were very enjoyable. You must like sci-fi/fantasy to enjoy this but I still give it a weak thumbs up. I have the feeling that the book by P.D. James is better.

The Departed

If you like movies with gangsters in them and directed by Martin Scorsese (ie: GoodFellas, Casino, Gangs of New York), then you should enjoy The Departed. Violent yet with a good story and good acting, Departed is nominated for Best Picture, Director, etc. Leo DiCaprio is better in Blood Diamond. Matt Damon and Alec Baldwin reprise their chemistry from the Good Shepherd. Jack Nicholson is his usual good actor self. The real standouts to me are Martin Sheen and Mark Wahlberg as the detectives Queenan and Dignam, respectively. Thumbs up as long as you see this before you eat of course then you won't be hungry afterwards either.

Pursuit of Happyness

Will and Jaden Smith, real life father and son, portray the father and son in Pursuit of Happyness. This movie is based on the real life struggles of Chris Gardner after he takes over custody for his son Christopher when Chris decides on a career change. This movie felt a little long at points and I would have liked to know what happened to the mother/how she felt at the end but overall it was enjoyable. It is a little depressing but more than that, you should walk out of the movie feeling inspired and thankful for what you have or that you don't have to struggle like Chris did. This is a strong movie that depicts the power of determination. If you want something bad enough and NEVER give up no matter how tough things get, you will find success. Stong, determined and inspirational thumbs up.

Venus

Multi-nominated actor Peter O'Toole has once again been nominated as a lead actor for his role in Venus. This is the story of Maurice (O'Toole) and Ian (Leslie Phillips), two best friends and fellow actors who have their lives turned around by the arrival of Ian's great-niece, Jessie (Jodie Whittaker). Jessie is a wild-child who aspires to be a model and is sent to help out with her ailing great-uncle Ian. Ian and Jessie clash but Maurice and Jessie hit it off. Maurice gets her a job as a nude model for an art class and takes her to see the famous picture of Venus which shows that the human body is a beautifl thing. He then calls her Venus and Jessie interchangeably. I found it refreshing that an aspiring model would eat as much as she eats in this film. Maurice is enlightened in the film as to how much his wife (played by Vanessa Redgrave) means to him. Jessie never really grows in the film and only starts to act like she cares about Maurice due to her guilt at how she treated him. I liked the friendship between Maurice and Jessie but the sexual scenes were nothing more to me than a dirty old man and a selfish young girl out to use him. The best parts of the movie were the interactions between Maurice and Ian and a third friend Donald (Richard Griffiths). Thumb part way up but distancing itself from the finger used in one of the scenes from the movie.

Notes on a Scandal

Dame Judi Dench is a legend. I don't think I've seen any movie that she has been in and not liked either the movie, her acting or both. Notes on a Scandal is no exception. The story of Sheba, a teacher (Cate Blanchett) who finds herself in an affair with a student (Andrew Simpson) and confides in co-teacher (Dench). They share the secret and that secret sheds light on other secrets which turns the film upside down. Cate seems to me like she is following in the footsteps of Judi in her wonderful range of good acting. Bill Nighy is a good actor in his own right as he plays Sheba's husband. Viewers will not recognize him without all his make-up but he also portrayed Davy Jones in the Pirates of the Carribean 2. The only drawback was the lack of conclusion in how Sheba's children (specifically her daughter) were affected. Philip Glass does a mesmerizing job as composer for the nominated score. I also thought that this movie was extremely well-written by Patrick Marber and that is the Oscar that I am hoping it will win. He has written such wonderful words that makes the viewer not only want to purchase the screenplay so as not to miss (or misquote) any dialogue but he also has peaked interest to go to my local library or bookseller to read the novel it is based on by Zoe Heller. Thumbs way up but will never reach the stature of Judi and Cate's acting, Philip's composing nor Patrick's writing.

The Good Shepherd

Directed by the legend Robert De Niro, this long movie (2 hrs, 40 min) depicts the life of Edward Wilson (played by Matt Damon) as he works for the CIA from its conception. Full of stars like Damon, De Niro, William Hurt, John Turturro, Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, and Timothy Hutton; this film is larger than life not just for its length but for its topic. It is similar to Syriana in its heavy political feel but more of a story. The Good Shepherd jumps around quite a bit so the viewer must pay attention at all times. Knowing a little bit of history wouldn't hurt either like the "Bay of Pigs" scenario. The movie was had good acting and told an interesting story. John Turturro was my favorite actor for his humor yet maintining the realism to his character's portrayal. Angelina Jolie is not my favorite actress as she seems to sometimes do things simply for shock appeal but she continues to surprise in her wonderful protrayal of Edward's wife. I think the make-up was a weak link to the movie because Angelina's character showed her age progression but Matt's did not and toward the latter scenes with his son, it looked more like they were friends or brothers than father and son. I give this a tiring thumbs up but do NOT drink anything or you'll end up experiencing a bladder's filled-up!

An Inconvenient Truth

When I heard about Al Gore's documentary about global warming, I was scared to watch it. I thought it would freak me out over what is happening to the planet. Although there is some eye-popping statistics, overall, it is a moving documentary. It explains what has and still is happening with the environmental topics including: pollution, coral reef decay, glaciers melting, polar ice caps melting, poplulation growth. I fully admit that the small mention of the 2000 election scandal was not necessary in this documentary and could have been edited out. However, anyone who concentrates on this small aspect of the documentary instead of the more global picture needs to look into a mirror and ask themselves if they live there life to help or hinder the planet. An Inconvenient Truth should make you want to perform even a small gesture to help to slow down the decay we have all caused. If you combine all of our small steps, perhaps we can take back our planet and work together globally. Melissa Etheridge's song "I need to Wake Up" was extremely well-written and beautifully sung. It was a perfect way to end the movie intermixed with messages of small things that each of us can do to help. I recommend this movie to be purchased and shared with as many people as possible especially those people with children. Because we all should want to leave this place better than we found it. Two more-knowledgable and inspired green thumbs up!

Pirates of the Carribean 2

The anxiously awaited sequel to the funny , romantic adventure starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley. Nominated for visual effects, it lives up to its billing. As far as story goes, it was too long and slow in parts. The action scenes were fun to watch but I did not feel a connection this time in romance. Johnny Depp didn't seem to be the focal point and it further seemed to me like he was a bit tired of the role. The ending was the most disappointing .......SPOILER alert..... there was no real ending, it implied that Pirates 3 is coming out next. Arrgh (I know like a pirate) now I will have to watch it just to find out how it ends. Thumb bored after almost 2 1/2 hours without a conclusion......stick with the original.

Last King of Scotland

Even though, you have to wait almost a half hour before you see his face, Forest Whitaker dominates the screen on-screen or off in his portrayal of the late dictator of Uganda, Idi Amin. To put it plainly, he scares the living daylights out of you. He puts the mean in Amin. James Mcavoy also is good as Nicholas the scottish physician but this is Forest's movie. It is an interestingly filmed movie. A little dark sometimes and graphic in others but as you are leaving the theatre, 2 thoughts are in your mind: WOW, Forest Whitaker was amazing and no matter what your view of politics is, you must be thanking the forces that be that we have a democracy and not a dictatorship in America. Thumbs up in fear because I don't want the ghost of Idi Amin to come after me.

Epic Movie

Although not an oscar nominated-movie (duh), this is a funny movie if you just feel like mindless laughter. This movie is a parody of Chronicles of Narnia, Willy Wonka, Nacho Libre, Wolverine, Da Vinci Code, Harry Potter, Borat, Pirates of the Carribean 2, Star Wars, Talledega Nights, Casino Royale and probably other movies that I am forgetting. No real plot other than to have fun via making fun of other movies but enjoyable nonetheless. Thumb not worthy enough to even go up or down--just rent it for fun.

Flags of Our Fathers

Based on the moving book from James Bradley of the same name, this movie depicts the battle of Iwo Jima and more importantly how one picture can affect a battle, country and all the lives within them. James Bradley's father, John Bradley, was one of the six flag-raisers of the infamous picture of Iwo Jima. They are from Wisconsin which is the same state as this reviewer and therefore adds another layer of emotion to her enjoyment of the film. The movie jumped around between each of the six flag-raisers and the war. The movie jumped around even more because like most movies based on books, there has to be portions eliminated from the film. The viewer doesn't get as strong of a sense of connection between each man due to this eliminated information. This was a better film for me because I watched Letter's From Iwo Jima earlier in the day as part of a double feature. Flags of Our Fathers was a little more violent and a lot more jumpy in the flow of the picture. It was good and elicited tears from this viewer but could have been great as a mini-series so as to allow more of a connection between the viewer and the six flag-raisers. I give this a thumbs up but would recommend passing on the thumb for your fingers to turn the pages of the actual book.....at your local library or bookseller now!

Letters From Iwo Jima

This is a movie that depicts the Japanese viewpoint of the battle of Iwo Jima. This has english subtitles but do not let that deter you from seeing a powerful movie. I really enjoyed the fact that it was a black and white film with color intermittantly splashed into the film. Ken Watanabe provides a powerful performance as a Japanese general who has spent time in America before the war. This provides some interesting inner turmoil and also within his ability to lead his troops into battle against the Americans. Now that I just spoke of an individual performance, this movie should be considered a complete movie where no one actor supercedes the grand aspect of the movie as a whole. I did not get overly emotional in this movie but it brought a better apreciation of the Japanese soldier as not the evil enemy but more of a product of the atrocities of war. There are many personalites of people and we all make good and bad choices which are magnified in a war situation but those choices are overshadowed by the very bad aspect of war in general. It sounds simplistic but we all get along much better when we acknowledge and sometimes celebrate our differences yet strive to work together as one human society. I give this a thumbs up shrouded with a combination of the rising sun and stars and stripes as a show of peaceful unity.

Borat

If you get offended easy, do NOT see this film. If you can enjoy good humor and originally-written movies, see this movie. Some nudity which was actually hilarious. Sasha Cohen Baron and Christopher Guest must have been seperated at birth as they are both very adept at creating funny, yet weird and potentially offensive mockumentary's. Thumbs up....recommend it but keep the children away!

Poseidon

Great visual effects which is the category that Poseidon is nominated. Otherwise just another hollywood remake. Thumb bored

Click

Academy award nominated for makeup???!!!??? Yikes. If you like Adam Sandler, watch Waterboy. Thumb at half-mast in mourning over the obvious lack of judgement by the Academy.

United 93

Total waste of director and editing nominations. If you want to see a film about 9/11, watch Flight 93 on the USA network or rent World Trade Center. United 93 focused more on the policy and technical aspects of the air traffic controllers, administrators and politicians. I did not feel emotionally attached to any of the characters....pretty amazing for a film about everyday people who performed extraordinary feats. Thumb disapointedly down...donate the money that you would have spent on this movie, popcorn or other snacks to your local fire and police officers in honor of those who selflessly offer their life for the service of us all.

The Illusionist

Edward Norton, Edward Norton, Edward Norton.....that man is one of the finest actors in the business. This turn-of-the-century period piece is all about taking your breath away through the camera shots and cinematography. Edward Norton is perfectly cast as a larger-than-life illusionist/magician who uses his talent to secure the love of his life who is far above his own social class. Paul Giamatti is good as the inspector (and fan of magic) who tries to discover all of the magicians secrets. I would recommend this simply for the camera views that makes this movie what it is. Thumbs up for a must see rental!

The Black Dahlia

Josh Hartnett and Scarlett Johansson might be the only two of the breed of young actors that can pull off realistically portraying 1940's characters. This movie was graphic and brought to mind old-time detective movies. It felt artsy-fartsy and contrived like they were making it with the Academy awards in mind making the filmmakers grab you instead of the story itself. Considering I very rarely give any movie a thumbs down, this gets an unenthusiastic and weak thumbs up.

Monster House

I had no idea what to expect walking into this movie and was pleasantly surprized. I do not think that this has any chance at winning the Oscar for Best Animated film but I will be pulling for it. Steve Buscemi is always loveable as the creepy guy and doesn't disapoint in Monster House. I thought the animation was very good, it didn't seem digital or computer-generated to me but none-the-less, well done. Out of the three nominees for the Best Animated Oscar, I think this has the most complete story or is at least tied with Cars. Surprising Thumbs up--surprise yourself and see it.

Happy Feet

The marketing is probably more successful (or at least just as successful) than the movie. Penguins have exploded onto the marketplace in part due to the success of last year's March of the Penguins. While that was an extraordinary movie (as is pretty much everything that Morgan Freeman touches), Happy Feet can be enjoyed simply by watching the previews and looking at the cute still pictures of the penguins. Robin Williams is funnier in Mrs. Doubtfire and if you like Elijah Wood, watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Thumb is too disapointed to raise up.....spend money on it only if you have young kids and only then as a rental.

Cars

Digitally animated movie from the directors of Toy Story 1 & 2 and A bug's life. This movie does for Nascar what Field of Dreams/League of Their Own did for baseball, Miracle did for the Olympics, Slap Shot did for hockey and Friday Night Lights/Remember The Titans did for football. OK, OK, I guess you see my point. The plotline may seem a little overused: egotistical star rekindles the love of the sport and his heart in a small dying town and rescues himself, the town and falls in love. I thought the animation was well done even though I'm not that tech-savvy. The casting is dead on... Owen Wilson as the lead is perfect, Paul Newman as the ex-driver that needs to reexamine his decision to leave the sport/teach the new kid and especially Larry the Cable Guy as Tow-Mater was the perfect comic sidekick. The tractor-tipping scenes are priceless and don't forget to watch/listen for John Ratzenberger's character(s) in the end credits. This movie gives you a wonderful feeling of nostalgia for the old Sunday drives along Route 66 before interstates, internet and the feeling of having to constantly multi-task in order to survive. If there is one lesson from this movie, it is to please turn off your cellphone, shut-off your computer, ipod, blackberry and motor vehicle and walk, bike or just sit with yourself to take time to breathe and sit with your family and/or friends to take time out to live with your hearts. Thumbs Up--good family film.

Babel

Four stories in one could tend to get confusing but director Alejandro González Iñárritu interconnects them all in such a way that you don't even realize they are going to be connected. An American couple travelling in Morocco, an illegal Mexican immigrant caring for their two children, A pair of Moroccan brothers and a Japanese student all end up having their lives entertwined without all meeting each other. It brings up the concepts of "Six Degrees of Separation" and "Pay It Forward". We are all living our own lives and making our own choices but they end up affecting far more people than just our known family and friends. Thumbs up---after I think about, I recommend it.

The Queen

OK, let's just get this out of the way from the beginning. YES, Helen Mirren portrays a totally convincing Queen Elizabeth II. She probably makes the real Queen shudder in amazement. This movie could have easily been "Hollywood-ized" by making Prince William and Harry bigger roles to elicit more tears from the audience. Of course, it wouldn't be called the Queen. Heading into the movie, I had a limited knowledge of England's royal family besides who made up the family, Buckingham palace and Windsor Castle. I felt as if I had lost a friend when Diana died and was one of countless Americans who woke up in the middle of the night to watch her funeral. This movie, The Queen, had me understanding the dynamics of the royal family, especially Queen Elizabet II and Prince Charles, applauding Prime Minister Tony Blair and giving the ole' Archie Bunker raspberry to Prince Philip and the Queen Mum. Actually, I think the Queen Mum's real problem must be senility. The scene with the stag left me breathless. If you are only interested in seeing one Oscar-nominated movie, pick The Queen. Enthusiastic Thumbs Up--I highly recommend it.

Little Miss Sunshine

I know that the last thing that the Academy awards needs is to be longer, but I think thy should create a new category for Best Acheivement as an Ensemble. If there was such a category, Little Miss Sunshine would be a shoo-in for a nomination. Alan Arkin, Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Abigail Breslin, Toni Collette and Paul Dano mesh together so well that they truly put the "fun" in dysfunctional. No matter what trials, tribulations and many different personalities come together to make a family, it is still a family. There will forever be a connection. The stripper costume that Olive wore under the guidance of her Grandpa was at first freaky to this viewer but once I relaxed and enjoyed the family dynamics, it didn't bother me as much. I would see this again. Thumbs up--I recommend it.

Blood Diamond

If you enjoyed Hotel Rwanda from 2004, Blood Diamond is for you. It is horrific in the bloodshed and civil unrest but the individual performances pull it through. I do not consider myself a Leonardo DiCaprio fan but Leo has outdone himself. I hoped for a lead actor nomination but the so-called "experts" were saying he would be nominated for The Departed. I haven't seen that yet but I was extremely glad that the Academy recognized Leo for Blood Dimaond. Jennifer Connelly was also quite good and Djimon Hounsou was simply amazing. I felt like he was a real person and not just an actor portraying a troubled character. I actually walked out of the movie theater feeling bad for owning a diamond in the same way that I walked out of Schindler's List feeling bad that I was german. Thumbs up--I recommend it.

Only hours to go!

Oh my goodness, am I excited. Besides creating this blog (Thanks to Carol M for telling me about it.), the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences will announce their annual Academy award nominations Tuesday morning at around 5:30 am Pacific time.