Whatever Works

You don't have to be a Woody Allen fan to enjoy this movie, but it will help. You don't have to know that Mr. Allen wrote and directed this very dark comedy, but from the opening lines it is obvious. Who else dares break the 4th wall so often, or does it so well?

Larry David does an amazing job of playing a classic character Woody Allen would have played years ago. David should get an award for the best Allen impression without really trying.

Evan Rachel Wood does yet another wonderful job playing a role which adds to her collection of range and credibility. Brava Ms. Wood. More please?

The supporting cast is well-turned and fantastic in their own right. Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley Jr. plays the funniest bible belt couple I've seen in years. Perfect casting along with the others who drift in and out of the story.

But is this really a story? Or is it an extended mathematical proof shown in dialogue form? In the end everyone gets exactly what they really want instead of what they think they want. Brilliant.

Watch this movie with someone who is repressing something deep.

Chéri

If you like impressionist art, you may enjoy this movie. Many scenes are so perfectly staged and photographed you can pause the shot and enjoy some fine art.

There is however something about classic stories of French culture IN France with few, if any, French actors. There are English accents and American accents. Why? Are there no attractive or funny actors in France? To me this was as annoying as having a Robin Hood with a California accent a few years back. Sad.

If you can get past the lack of accents and enjoy the scenes and the music you will be in for a treat. This is a very odd story of love and loss. Cougars, courtesans, escorts, escargot, and gold diggers all in the golden age of high society on "the continent".

Michelle Pfeiffer plays a retired hired girl who socializes only with others of her former profession. They all find each other detestable but one has to run in some social circle I suppose. Rupert Friend plays the son of one such former escort, played by none other than Kathy Bates, who falls for Pfeiffer's character and is loved in return. Oddly.

The true story develops when the two lovers are torn apart by an arranged marriage. If the separation is interesting the reunion is riveting. The ending may snap your head back just a little unless you are truly a hopeless romantic.

Watch this movie with someone who enjoys good costumes as much as good acting.

Dear Frankie

Ever seen a story that someone wished so hard for something, and actually pretended it was true, that it actually happened? Some say that is what life is all about. Law of attraction? Power of positive thinking? This is a charming little story that combines all those elements.

Emily Mortimer plays a Mom who takes her son to Scotland to get away from a bad home situation. In the process she tells him his father is a sailor and they await his return. However the ship she names has troubles and does not return to port for some time.

Jack McElhone plays the son and does an outstanding job in his first full-length project.

Gerard Butler plays the actor hired to be the boy's son.

The real stars of the story are the quirky fun town's folk who know and see all.

Watch this movie with someone you like to sit quietly with.

The Milagro Beanfield War

If you have not seen this, or have not seen it in a while, I recommend another watch. Robert Redford's second outing as a director and few, if any, saw this. It is a clever, charming dramady.

Chick Vennera plays a down and out guy who has lost the water rights to his Grandfather's bean farm. The ghost of his grandfather still haunts the place and inspires the locals to rebel against the evil land developers. Not a novel theme but a fun story told in a lovely way.

Sonia Braja plays a local activist who embodies the fighting spirit of the ghost and guilts the local newspaper man/ lawyer John Heard into formalizing the action. Great performances by everyone.

Well-played bit parts are played by Rubén Blades, Christopher Walken, and even Freddy Fender. Melanie Griffith even has a scene or two. Fun stuff.

The main thing to enjoy here is the subtle but power blend of music and character development. The soundtrack has stuck in my head for over 20 years. It still makes me smile.

This is an old story along the lines of David and Goliath. What makes is most worth another watch is great performance by some familiar names in one of the very early independent films. This was Redford's first big effort after the foundation of the Sundance Institute and it sets the bar very high.

Watch this with someone who has lived in New Mexico and they will explain.

Imagine That

If you need a light-hearted, feel-good, fun flick that won't make you think too much, this might be a good choice. If you are looking for a good hearty belly laughs in the Eddie Murphy tradition, this might not be a good choice.

Murphy's switch to family-friend fare has been noted and, with few exceptions, has not been noteworthy. Kids might enjoy this more if the imagined characters had been CG. Adults might have enjoy this more if it had not been so predictable. Either way both may be left "wanting".

It was not as far-fetched as the recent Adam Sandlers "Bedtime Stories" but at least it had the above-mentioned CG and surprises. This story is a little too sweet and a little too much in the middle to be any good to either age group.

Watch this only if you are a diehard Murphy fan, or if you are in the financial industry.

The Brothers Bloom

This is an excellent example of smart, fun, captivating story-telling by yet another independent production company. Hats off to Rian Johnson who wrote and directed this delightful melodramatic dark comedy.

Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo play brothers who make their way in the world as con men. Rufflalo's character loves the hunt but Brody's character, Bloom, wants out. Sounds vaguely familiar? I was worried this was going to be an updated version of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" but it was very fresh and not even close to the same story.

Rachel Weisz plays the con team's last mark and in the end everyone gets what they want. The best con of all.

Beautifully photographed all over Eastern Europe the director makes very creative use of light and shadow. Nicely done Mr. Johnson.

Don't expect this to be a romantic comedy. There are elements of both, but the comedy does not come from the romance or vice versa. This is first and foremost a drama as two 30-something misfits struggle to make their own place in the world.

Unlike so many stories lately with no characters to like or even relate to, this story has a relatively small cast and every one of them is interesting and fun to watch.

And when was the last time you came away from a movie with a handful of fun one-liners?

"You are constipated deep down in your soul" and "Your smile is the sunshine which fallen men need to see" are just a couple of fun paraphrases.

Watch this movie with someone who loves the unexpected.

Away We Go

What happened to the movie with characters who people in the audience could aspire to be like? This one has none. Instead, this story is full of people who you can hold up as an excellent example of people you don't want to be like. And you certainly would not want to invite most of these characters into your home. Needless to say, I found this movie uncomfortable and unpleasant to watch.

Some have compared this movie to the old slow romantic comedies of the 1960s and 70s. That is not too far off the mark. No doubt the makers of this movie were Woody Allen fans. His influences could be felt in many scenes.

John Krasinski of "Office" fame does a credible job here as the lovable doofus. Maya Rudolph of "SNL" fame is actually very good here and is perhaps the most enjoyable character.

If you must, watch this movie with low expectations and lots of patience.

The Tale of Despereaux

This is a charming, funny, inspirational family show. While there may not be enough of something for everyone, there is certainly plenty for the typical family with kids under 14.

There are for sure plenty of big stars doing voices to keep the adults guessing. Wait until the end to see how many you guess correct. There are good male and female roles. There is plenty of wit and mirth and imaginary stuff for younger and older kids.

The animation is pretty good but certainly not state of the art. My only complaint, and then only a minor one, is that the story is perhaps overly long. The book upon which it's based is a perfect length. Perhaps Hollywood made too much of too many unnecessary scenes?

All in all I was not disappointed and unless you are expected way too much, I think you may enjoy this too with you family.

Watch this with little ones present and see which character they relate to the most.