The Proposal

Betty White for President! She would save the animals, tell it like it is and most importantly keep us all laughing. This movie was better than I thought it would be. I was worried that the only laughs would be in the previews. Sandra Bullock is to romantic comedies what Meg Ryan was in the 80's. I'm not sold on Ryan Reynolds--not bad to look at though. Mary Steenburgen redeemed herself from the surprising role of Stepbrothers. The whole movie was a joy that I give two thumbs up holding my sides from laughing.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The sixth movie out of seven books by JK Rowling seemed true to the book. Of course, the books are so huge that details will be left out but overall enjoyable, especially for people familiar with the story. Harry and Ginny's budding romance, Ron and Hermione's too. Good effects, love the moments with the Pensieve. Draco seemed a bit out of character and Snape was his usual trustworthy to Dumbledore, not so much for everyone else. Hagrid and McGonagall weren't as much a part as I would have liked but that's because they are my favorite. Luna Lovegood was a pleasant surprise she was great! I give this a strong one thumb up knowing that I will be seeing the 7th film when it comes out no matter what this was like.

Young Victoria

If you like films about European royalty, then go see Young Victoria. It was filled with beautifully designed costumes and the story held your interest. The one drawback was that Emily Blunt seemed to be a little over her head in the role. I find it interesting that Queen Victoria was the longest running Queen to date---Elizabeth has been around seemingly forever. I give this a one thumb up but would recommend other European films instead.

A Serious Man

Not to be confused with the other Oscar-nominated movie, A Single Man, this movie is from the Coen Brothers who also brought you: No Country for Old Men, O Brother Where Art Thou, Fargo and many more. A Serious Man has interesting characters (like Richard Kind's Uncle Arthur) and an interesting concept in a middle-age man's world seeming to crumble all around him. There were enjoyable moments but really you walk away thinking what just happened here? I give it a half a thumb up for the character writing and acting but overall I was just plain dumbfounded.

Secret of Kells

The Secret of Kells is an animated tale of a young man, Brendon growing up in a monastery with his uncle. They are building a wall around their city to prevent the Vikings from invading....hm mm maybe we can build a wall on the Minnesota border, or wrong Vikings--I digress. Brenden discovers that he has the ability to be an illuminator and write books with an old master. The uncle figures it to be a waste of time and thus continues the story. This is a very literary type movie and visually stunning but I only give it one thumb up due to some slow-moving moments.