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.