The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Well well, a movie that is better than it's hype.  Nice.  Refreshing.  Funny.  Smart.

Others who have compared this movie to Inception maybe saw a different version than I did?  I don't see any similarities.  I saw more similarities with City of Angels and The Matrix, but that's just me.

Matt Damon and Emily Blunt appeared to be enjoying themselves and that chemistry translated well at my house.  I guess the hype had my expectations fairly low for this movie, but I truly enjoyed it.  If nothing else, it is a fun look at New York.

Watch this with someone who has doubts about their control over the future.

Wild Target (2010)

Has Bill Nighy had this many lines in all his other movies combined? This role appears to have been written for him and his quirky mannerisms and speech patterns.

Emily Blunt is chaotic here and delightful. Rupert Grint can't seem to get away from his Weasley character. But he is very good here.

While the story is by no means new, the characters make it a fun ride. Even the "bad guys" are somewhat lovable. In fact, everyone in this movie is basically a bad guy, no?

Watch this one with somebody who enjoys dry, wry, British humor.

The Young Victoria

If you like period pieces with lavish costumes and semi-authentic sets and locations, you will probably like this unusual love story. I say unusual because it is a real story about an unusual relationship for it's time. Arranged marriages of this time at this level rarely had so much genuine love and respect.

Emily Blunt plays an strong Victoria beginning at the age of 17. Rupert Friend is her supportive Prince Albert. Paul Bettany is their cunning Lord Melbourne. Mark Strong plays the rotten Sir John Conroy and the stage is set for a very public power struggle. Queen Victoria's great great great great granddaughter, the Princess Beatrice of York, has a small role.

Even if you are not familiar with the realities of this story you might enjoy this story. They certainly don't get in the way, but that is not to say the movie strays too far. The sets are elaborate if flawed. The locations are as authentic as possible. The costumes earned the Oscar.

Watch this with someone who likes to waltz.

Sunshine Cleaning

Can you handle a movie about overcoming dysfunction? Can you handle a story about suicide? Can you deal with a movie that is about dealing with the messes left behind by departed loved ones? If not, don't watch this movie. Among other things, these are the central themes of this movie.

Amy Adams and Emily Blunt are very good as sisters who try to work together in a crime scene cleaning business. Toss into that mix of a well-intended but seldom successful entrepreneur father played by Alan Arkin. All are very likable characters but deeply flawed and scarred by a common occurrence.

Additional characters are also very strong. Steve Zahn and Clifton Collins Jr. are wonderful as the men next most involved in the sisters lives. These two veterans rarely get top billing but are masters at their craft.

A very young Jason Spevack is a very interesting side story here. While he is the son of the main character, his plot line is not a main story line but makes for very good entertainment. I'll wager we see more of this kid in future productions.

This movie is about very normal people who try very hard to lead happy lives. And despite their best efforts have a very hard time of things. You may or may not relate to these people, but hopefully you will find some respect for their trials. No everyone has it as easy as some of us.

Watch this movie with someone who knows what it means to struggle for just some of the basics.