Hopscotch

Imagine the possibilities. Walter Matthau, Glenda Jackson, Ned Beatty, and a young Sam Waterston together for a playful game of "catch me if you can". Before there was Jason Bourne, there was Miles Kendig. And Kendig plays his game without killing anyone. He humiliates them, but few people, if any, get hurt. Brilliantly too I might add.

"Hopscotch" is definitely worth a watch again if you have seen it, and if you have not, I highly recommend renting it. If you are a fan of John Le Carr spy novels, this plot is worthy of your time. If you enjoy smart, albeit screwball comedies, this movie will certainly expand your rib cage. And, if you want lesson in how to leave your current job with style, this is a must see movie.

Yes, this movie is almost 30 years old now, and yes, I remember seeing it on a big screen back when going to movies was still a pleasure. But, it is an excellent example of how to make fun movies without special effects, without computer graphics, and without a jumbo budget. Simple pleasures are still the best, in my opinion.

Although this movie carries an R-rating for language, it is one you can watch with your parents without being embarrassed. And I bet they'll enjoy this story as much as "Grumpy Old Men".

The Last Legion

If you like Arthurian lore (I do), you will love how this movie ends. If you enjoy Roman history (I don't), you will appreciate how this movie begins. In between, this fun plot draws imaginary lines between the historical dots that were the last Caesar and King Arthur.

"The Last Legion" spins a story as interesting as it is fictional. Romulus Augustus, played unemotionally by Thomas Sangster, is traditionally known as the last of the Roman Emperors who, as a child, was deposed by a Germanic Chieftain named Odoacer. After that, the main character is never heard from again in traditional history, and as such, is a perfect subject for modern cinema.

This movie takes us from the banishment of young Romulus to his grandson, Arthur. The common thread that does keep the story together is a very clever Ben Kingsley.

Odoacer and his merry band of Goths look like they came directly from the set of "Braveheart". In fact, many faces are recognizable. Bad make-up and too many CG backgrounds could detract from this movie, but they are not on the screen long, and I beg you to not dwell on them. Instead enjoy the mechanical performance of the lovely Aishawarya Rai. Her eyes to ALL her best work in this movie. John Hannah plays basically the same character he did in "Four Weddings and a Funeral"and the "Mummy" movies, but don't hold that against him. He gets what's coming to him.

Since this movie was billed as a action/last-battle adventure, the Arthurian connection was a very welcome surprise. With it, I would not have enjoyed the movie so much. It would have been a weak imitation of "Gladiator" meets "LOTR".

It is worth the rental however, and is not so graphic as to earn it an R-rating. It is a good date movie. It has romance, action, girl-power, comedy, and beautiful scenery. Watch it with someone you like to hug.

The Kingdom

"The Kingdom" is a very smart movie, if you can get past the history lesson during the first few minutes. The lesson, however, is essential to understanding the story. Most viewers would simply enjoy the action, which is intense, and miss the more subtle subplot, which is delicious.

I shed a tear within the first 14 minutes and was literally on the edge of my seat for the last 30 minutes. My taste for action movies was well fed by this thinking-person's shoot-em-up. Each character is very well-played by a cast of familiar faces and newcomers.

Look to the last two lines of dialogue, actually the same line uttered by two different characters, as one of many reasons peace in that part of the world has been so elusive, and why it will probably never come.

"The Kingdom" gives average Americans a look into a part of our world we think we know and understand, but which we actually lack clues of all sorts. Main characters verbalize our ignorance and learn to appreciate the strengths of other cultures which we value in our own. But only if you are really paying attention.

10 Items or Less

Digging back into the past a wee bit, you'll find yet another fun little Indy flick. At the risk of falling into the cop-out of making lists, here are 10 things, or less, I like, a lot, about this movie.

1. Morgan Freeman basically plays himself. How can you not love this guy?

2. The story is full of realism and hope at the same time. A good story is half the battle.

3. The script is fast moving and crisp. You don't see everything coming, but even when you do, it's very satisfying. A well told story is the other half of the battle.

4. Want to know what living in LA is like for the vast majority of folks? This picture shows the neighborhoods and businesses as they really are. There is very little Hollywood in this movie. I love that.

5. Paz Vega is amazing. You can compare her to Penelope Cruz if you want, but I think she is far more complex and talented.

6. The soundtrack is fun. I'd buy it if it were available. But alas, it's not.

7. There is nothing gratuitous in this movie, except maybe the language.

That's enough. I don't want to fall guilty of violating any more of my own rules.

If you are getting ready for a job interview, watch this movie. If you are thinking about a career change, watch this movie. If you think you have a great job, watch this movie.

The Simpson's Movie

Name me one 30-minute cartoon or sitcom that successfully makes the transition to feature film.

I didn't think so.

We're all used to The Simpson's taking on current issues with razor sharp albeit twisted wit. With "The Simpson's Movie" however, I was bored after the first 20 minutes. But wait, then the story changed. Amazingly, a new sub-plot was introduced and my oh-so short attention span was - oh wow, is that Marge in a teddy?

First it's Simpson's vs the EPA - an ongoing semi-preachy epic battle.

Then, Simpson's flee to Alaska - home of environmental sell-outs.

There is even a "To Be Continued"

Marge and kids leave Homer. Homer goes after them, rescues them from the EPA, and saves the world.

The movie does pay homage to several other popular films from many genres, but it still does not cut it for me. I cannot recommend this over-hyped DVD to anyone. Not even the kids.

If any of you saw this in the theater, I want to know if you asked for your money back. I would have.

Breach and Days of Glory

Over 100 pageviews in our first 10 days. Thank you. And thanks too for the encouragement.

I have not seen anything lately worth sharing however. "Breach" is too slow and bleak. I was working in the DC area during the time this movie is about, and it brought back too many bad memories. It is however very realistic and believable. The main bad guy has too much lipstick in most scenes and that drew my attention more than the what he was saying.

"Days of Glory" won several awards for foreign language films, but is very depressing. A group of Algerian soldiers are put through their paces, "Band of Brothers" style. It is sort of like an Islamic "Saving Private Ryan", in French.

As soon as I see something new that I like, I'll let you know. If that does not happen in the next few days, I'll dig back into the library for some oldies but goodies.

Peace on earth.

Ratatouille

My favorite scene from "The Little Mermaid" has a large French chef trying to catch and cook Sebastian the crustacean. Remember? Do you also remember the other Disney series featuring a group of animals called "The Rescuers"? Well, take the best elements of those two and toss in a completely annoying cartoon version of Chef Gordon Ramsay, and you have "Ratatouille". Forgive me, I liked this movie.

And, speaking of Peter O'Toole, (we were weren't we?) he is the voice of my favorite character, Anton Ego, the restaurant critic. How could you not love a critic?

Disney writers have put together a fun comedic rags to riches love story that foodies can appreciate. Boy meets girl. Girl helps boy. Rat helps boy. They get caught by the health department, but live happily ever after. It's pure formula. BUT, it's a rat in the kitchen. On the counters, in the utensils, and in the pantry. Cooks and diners agree on this. Vermin in the soup is a bad thing.

However, Disney makes it all palatable with multiple sub-plots and characters aplenty to love. Is it any wonder there is a surge in Paris, of children wanting pet rats? There is something in this movie for everyone. Kids will love the action. Grown-ups will love the intrigue and double entendre. Foodies will love the individual ingredients.

This movie is just plain fun. It does not make you think too much. It's more like a ride on a Ferris Wheel. You know exactly where you are going with the ups and downs, but you don't care. It's just nice to sit next to someone and enjoy the show.

Venus

So I said I would not do negative reviews. Actually, what I said was that it would take way too much time to bash all the movies I don't like. So, for the record, here is the exception to that rule. When something comes out on DVD which I think is going to be okay, and in fact, is not, I'll let you know.

What would you expect from a stellar cast that includes Peter O'Toole (best Actor nomination 2006 for this role), Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon for you Potter fans), Leslie Phillips (voice of the Sorting Hat for you Potter fans), as well as other very familiar faces and voices from British cinema? Exactly! I expected a very entertaining romp, well written and well performed.

"Venus" recently out on DVD from Free Range Films is just too creepy to be totally enjoyed. Why? An 80-something guy constantly semi-successfully hits on a 19 year old daughter of a friend. Need I go on? Okay.

Peter O'Toole plays an old (duh), but still working, actor in London. His friends are also old actors from stage and screen. The scenes with just the old guys are wonderful, and almost worth the watch itself. This movie could have been called "Grumpy Old Brits". The pub scenes are great.

Jodie Whittaker, a fresh new face, plays the spoiled and damaged girl who is sent to live with one of the friends in a sort of care-giver position. Sadly, she can barely care for herself.

Over the course of the movie, the O'Toole character brings her out of her shell in a series of sometimes hilarious, sometimes pitiful scenes.

All the basic rules of a good story are here. Characters you like, and some you don't, all evolve through the journey. There are surprises and good theatrical elements. It is a good story well told. BUT, be warned, it's a little creepy. It has an "R" rating for good reason.

I intended to go back and watch "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Goodbye Mr. Chips", my two favorite O'Toole movies, so that I don't remember him as he is case in "Venus".

Watch it at your own risk.

Painted Veil

Though it was snubbed by Oscar in the 2006/2007 season, "Painted Veil" was an odds on favorite for at least a nom. Tortuous love stories about sick people in far off lands are usually a big hit with Academy voters. For whatever reason however "Veil" did not register. Perhaps Edward Norton continues to be viewed as a Hollywood outsider despite his continued powerful, wide-ranging performances.

To me, "Veil" is a powerful story of forgiveness and redemption. I expected a chick-flick, but instead found a story with characters who give you plenty of reasons to dislike them, and to care about them deeply.

If you enjoy stories about interesting but flawed characters who evolve as the story unfolds, you'll like this movie. It is not a tear-jecker, but it does pack an emotional wallop. Watch it with someone who you want to forgive you for something.

POTC - At World's End

She was a 1950 Chevy pick-up. Hardwood bed. Curved windows in the cab corners. Foot starter. Straight Six engine. Black with lots of chrome. She was my first vehicle and my father lovingly called her The Black Pearl. Perhaps that was the start of my love affair with pirate stories.

The first "Pirates of the Caribbean" was a true pirate movie. The second was a disappointing monster movie with pirates in it. And, as with most 3-quels, the middle movie is just a set up for the third. This latest installment, "At World's End", just out on DVD, is back to formula and better. It is darker. It is full of character evolution. It is full of emotion. It has Keith Richards, who clearly skipped the make-up and wardrobe departments, and nobody noticed.

This third "Pirates" movie was not as funny as the first, but pirate stories are not always supposed to BE funny. Sometimes they are sad. Sometimes, the bad guys win. Sometimes rotten things happen to rotten characters. That's what we love about pirate stories.

Make sure you stick with the movie, even past the credits. And join me on the cliffs overlooking Dana Strand to watch for green flashes.

With all due respect

The list of movies I don't like is seriously too long, and the amount of energy it would take to write about them is simply too vast. While it would be fun to rant about how bad this movie is or that, it would be a waste of your AND my time. Face it, we have to suffer through 10 to 15 movies to see one actually worth telling a friend about. This space is dedicated to finding those delicious gems. The ones we want to see again. The ones worth the ticket price.

My goal here is to rave about movies you may not seen for awhile, or at all. I have achieved my highest calling when you add to your list of favorites a movie recommended here.

Tell me about it. Tell your friends about this blog.

Conspiracy Theory

If you are tired of the holiday genre, and want something different, please consider the 1997 thriller "Conspiracy Theory" starring Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, and Patrick Stewart. Directed by Richard Donner (Superman and Lethal Weapon sequels), this story is worthy of the most paranoid Oliver Stone followers.

Complete with twists and a surprise ending, this is not a lazy person's movie. It makes you think. You have to think about the subplots, but you also need to understand a little about how government works. It helps if you've visited or spent any time in DC and New York.

Even if you have never been to the locations, the movie is worth the watch just to see Gibson's neurotic performance.

Millions

Need a very different kind of Christmas movie? One without the doofus brother, special effects, and elaborite costumes. How about a cute Brit comedy not so much about the holiday as the spirit of giving. If you get Brit humor, and you enjoy a movie where the main character is a kid, this would be a good choice.

Millions (2004) - http://www.foxsearchlight.com/millions/

The accents are thick so use the subtitles if you need to. It's clever. The kid sees Saints, old and new. This movie is much better if you are paying attention.

Director Danny Boyle, of "Trainspotting" and "28 Days Later" fame, tells this fun story with up-tempo editing, and very supportive soundtrack.

Why I'm doing this

Going to the movies in theaters is no longer an enjoyable experience. The cost of tickets and snacks is crazy. The audience has ruined the "audience experience". Technology has made home viewing much more pleasant, and each year advances toward equalling that of the big movie houses.

Almost every budget can now afford a widescreen TV and surround sound. High end audio-video stores are selling home theater seats.

I prefer to sit on my comfy reclining seat, eating my freshly made popcorn, drinking my bottomless coke, watching a good movie on my good TV with my good sound system. I don't have to crawl over others when I've rented too much soda. They don't have to crawl over me to get out either. I don't have to be kicked in the back or try to peer around someone's over-processed hair.

So who's with me? Stay home and watch movies in your underwear, or not, and truly enjoy cinema your own terms. Talk if you want. Watch with the lights on or off. Set up those subtitles. Rewind when you don't get the jokes, the accents, or the plot line.

Movies WAWA is dedicated to movies on DVD, new and old, worth a watch again. Or maybe for the first time. Everyone has comfort food. What are your comfort movies?