Secretariat (2010)

Here is another movie from last year where the horse is a hero with personality. As with most biopics, we know how this one ends. What is interesting is the beginning and the middle.

Diane Lane and John Malkovich are as unlikely a pair off screen as off. But in this case it totally works. I enjoyed their banter and mild battles. If the real people involved in this story are as interesting as they are portrayed, this is truly a story worth telling. Don't get me wrong, the horse's story along is worth telling.

There are several other familiar faces, new and old. Nelsan Ellis was my favorite. At one point in the movie the owner, Mrs. Tweedy, claims to be the voice of the horse. If that was true, then Ellis's character, Eddie Sweat, was his soul.

Watch this movie with someone who knows nothing about horse racing.

Red (2010)

Retired: Extremely Dangerous. Hope to be there soon!

What is NOT to like about this movie? It is dark, funny, violent, twisty, fast, outrageous, and smart. What a fun ride. I really did not know what would happen next. On that alone I can recommend this movie.

Bruce Willis has played many fun, exciting characters, but this one if my favorite so far. DC Comics may have created Frank Moses, but Warner Brothers missed the boat on this one. Kudos to Summit Entertainment for picking up this project and bringing him to life.

This is the Space Cowboys of spy films. I loved it as much as I love Sneakers.

Watch this with someone who does not believe John Malkovich can do comedy.

The Great Buck Howard

If this is the "old guard" making fun of itself it's pretty funny. If this is the "new guard" making fun of the old guard, it's kinda sad. I'm not sure. Can you tell?

John Malkovich is over-the-top funny here. Annoyingly odd. In fact his whole movie could be described that way. But, it is still worth watching if for no other reason that to see the performance of Colin Hanks, son of Tom Hanks, who produced and plays the father of Colin's character.

This is not a movie without a message. There are actually a couple. The two main characters both present a different moral to us. Both they both can be boiled down to a single moment. When you do what you love, the money magically appears. So go for it. There is a bit of beauty in that.

Watch this movie with someone who does not realize how funny it is when it's all about them.

Changling

With 3 well-deserved nominations Art Direction, Cinematography, and Best Actress, this movie is worth a watch again. And pay attention to all the above. Oh and the hats. I love movies with hats.

Angelina Jolie really can act. She is brilliant here. The payoff comes late in the picture when she finally smiles. That is the Jolie most of us know. Clint Eastwood does a super job of letting all her skills shine through. Her facial expressions are great, and her emotions are real.

The photography is stunning. One scene especially, in the prison visitation room. The use of light and shadow would make Ansel Adams proud. See a very old Los Angeles area is fun for us locals and visitors.

This story is compelling and emotional. It is very easy to get into this movie and the characters. There are a few to love and many to dislike. The acting all around is very very good. John Malkovich is a surprising "good guy" in this movie. When was the last time that happened?

Ultimately this movie is about hope and fighting for what it right. The moral is that one person can often make a difference. And when a few of these types get together they can change the world around them.

Watch this movie with someone who is a parent and watch them react.

Burn After Reading

If this is comedy, it is very much on the dark side. Perhaps I wrongly expected something different from the Cohen brothers. Most their other work I truly enjoy.

And perhaps I also wrongly expected more from such a big-name cast. George Clooney and Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Francis McDormand, and Tilda Swinton are all capable of much better things. Don't get me wrong. The acting here is very strong on everyone's part. In some cases brilliant.

My problem with this movie is that it does not fit my definition of a good story well told. First the story. My problem with the story is that it is incomplete and leaves way too much needed information until the end or it is left completely out. No wait, that is the opposite of a well-told story. Either way, the story is lacking. None of the characters, major or minor, are in the least bit likable. They are all badly flawed and unredeemed people. Thank you Cohens for reminding us what a messed up species we belong to.

If you must, watch this movie with someone who is trying to find dates via the Internet.