John Adams

Not long ago a business associate sent me an email asking if I had seen HBO's John Adams. I had to admit that I had not. But, I had read the biography upon which the mini-series was based. At the time I suggested that if the movie was half as good as the book, it was well worth a watch. I never heard back from the guy who asked about it, but I hope he enjoyed it as much as I did.

You need not be an American history buff to enjoy this movie. You don't even need to be an American. I watched this movie with someone who knew almost nothing about the American revolution, and they totally enjoyed it too. That speaks well for the high production values of this work as 13 Primetime Emmy awards also attest.

Paul Giamatti is absolutely amazing in this role. Laura Linney did true justice to how important Abigale Adams was to her husband's and the revolution's success. The two together make movie magic on a geometric scale. When you add in the other absolutely believable performances by the rest of the cast. Stephen Dillane as Jefferson and David Morse as Washington were wonderful. But Tom Wilkinson steals the show as Benjamin Franklin. And unless you've read a bit about the real Franklin, you won't recognize this portrayal.

Watch this movie with someone who loves a great love story. Yes, this IS a great love story.

Edge of Heaven (Auf der anderen Seite)

Like twists even when you see them coming? Okay listen up. This is a story about Turkish guy who lives in Germany with his father. The father accidentally kills a woman who is also from Turkey. Father goes to prison and is eventually deported to Turkey. The son moves back to Turkey and buys a bookstore that specializes in German books. While all this is going on, the daughter of the murdered woman gets into Germany illegally after being hunted in Turkey as an anti-government rebel. While in Germany she falls for a German girl who kindly offers refuge.

Still with me? Okay now it gets interesting. Early in the movie the Father who is sent to prison tells the story about a woman he was once married to who had a young daughter. See any potential twists yet? Stick with it. After another shocking death in the story things get tricky. The son who owns the bookstore makes friends with the mother of the German girl. Together they work to save the daughter of the woman slain early in the movie. Are they all somehow connected? We are never told, but I have a hunch they all share a common connection. See if you agree.

Regardless of your age, gender, or station in life, you will find a main character to like and relate to. They are all good people despite their flaws. They are us. The acting is outstanding. I doubt you will recognize any of the cast, but they were great.

Spoken languages include German, Turkish, and English. Subtitles are only given when German and Turkish are spoken. Accents are strong but it should be easy to keep up with all the dialog.

Watch this movie with someone who has a father or mother.