The Ledge (2011)

Are you willing to die for your beliefs?  Charlie Hunnam (of Sons of Anarchy fame) and Patrick Wilson face off over both religious differences and the love of Liv Tyler's character.  The great Terrance Howard is trying to keep his world from spinning out of control and his target from jumping from a ledge.  Twisted and odd as this story seems to some, it's all very plausible.

The characters are compelling and the story works even though it may feel way off base to many of us.  Hunnam's character may have been played by an older guy but Charlie makes it work, and makes us like him.

Although this movie was shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana there are not discernible southern or creole accents.  Perhaps that made it an easier sell on the coasts?

Watch this movie with someone who needs to learn to tell stories faster.

Hævnen (In a Better World) 2010

Well deserving of the "foreign film" Oscar, this Danish story of two struggling families covers multiple current topical problems.  Sewn together in ways you won't expect, the smart and touching script may speak to you directly one way or another.

If you have dealt with the loss of a loved one, bullies, a broken family, braces, teen angst, or children with emotional problems, you will find someone in this story to relate to.

Mikael Persbrandt and Ulrich Thomsen play successful men with troubled sons.  The sons are played by Willian Nielson and Markus Rygaard in their first big screen performances.  All are very intense and enjoyable to watch. Trine Dyrholm plays the main Mom in the story and has a range of emotion that may have been played by Streep had this been an American production.

I will be very surprised if you find you heart does not go out to both these families in one way or another.

Watch this movie with someone who felt they had a troubled childhood.

Jane Eyre (2011)

Far less mellow-dramatic and soapy that previous versions I've seen.  Characters were more realistic and easier to relate too.  This and some great cinematography made for a very enjoyable DVD.

Mia Wasikowska is again great in this classic role.  Michael Fassbender matches her with a magnificently manic performance.  The rest of the cast is period perfect and included Dame Judi Dench as all English dramas should.

What was missing here was all the things that made other versions overly long and occasionally painful to watch.  It is also obvious the director here, Cary Fukunaga, is also a great cinematographer.  This movie is as pretty to watch as it is to listen too.

Watch this movie with less tissues that you used in previous versions.

Paul (2011)

Need a good spoof of Spielberg sci-fi movies like Close Encounters, Star Wars, and ET?  This movie was as much fun as Fan Boys.  So if you enjoyed that one, you will most likely "get" this one too.  The fun part is recognizing all the connections.  If you miss them, the story is more or less just average.

Simone Pegg and Nick Frost are goofy comedy geniuses.  Either that or they are the UK's version of Jack Black.  I prefer the first observation.

The other fun surprises here are the great performances from some very familiar faces like Jane Lynch, Jason Bateman, Sigourney Weaver, and Seth Rogen.  These are not the only ones of course.  The entire cast was clearly having a good time.

Don't watch this movie with high sci-fi expectations.  Instead, have a bunch of popcorn and your sense of humor completely intact.  And I do recommend the unrated version for the out of control language and "alien behavior".

Ready (2011)

Here is your Bollywood romantic comedy.  Stunning settings. Big scale spontaneous dance numbers.  Clear good guys and bad guys.  A happy ending.  What more could you want?  From a B-wood romcom; nothing.  From a good story well told, much is left wanting.

Stars Salman Khan and Asin and great as they are cast.  The story is set - mistaken identity leads to love and happiness after tricking the bad guys into agreement, sort of.

Where this story is weak in plausibility and realism it is strong on soundtrack.  That said, this is a fun watch if you don't want more than a happy ending with beautiful people in lovely places.

Watch this movie, if you want, with someone who wont mind all the silly tangents the story takes.

Buck (2011)

If you love horses, you will probably love this movie.  If you love pop-psychology you will probably enjoy the many levels of lessons here.

This movie is about helping people and their horses get along better.

Buck Brannaman was brought in as a consultant for the movie Horse Whisperer.  The movie ended up more about Buck, by Buck, and with Buck in several scenes, than anyone expected, including Robert Redford.  Redord appears briefly to tell that part of the story.

Watch this movie with someone who may not be aware that California has more cowboys than beach boys.

X-Men: First Class (2011)

Not sure why it is, but prequels are often more interesting than sequels.  No?  Okay, maybe not.  Maybe only when it comes to super heroes?  This one ranks up there with Batman Begins in my opinion.  In fact, I like this one better than most the other X-men installments.

James McAvoy as a young and emerging Dr. X is great.  We learn how he becomes who he is.  We also learn what a haunted soul Magneto is and how he arrives at his situation.  Michael Fassbender does a great job giving us a multidimensional character.

In fact, the entire cast is well suited.  I especially enjoyed Kevin Bacon as the bad guy.  This movie will make playing the Kevin Bacon game even easier.

Watch this movie with someone who might not be previously familiar with the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

Chalo Dilli (2011)

This is not your usual Bollywood romantic comedy with spontaneous music numbers.  There is very little romance and only 1 or 2 music numbers which made little or no sense.  Not that any spontaneous numbers do.

There is however a good deal of wacky, offbeat, comedy.  I am often of fan of "theater of the absurd", this story go a little off the reservation.

Lara Dutta, a former Miss Universe, is stunning and convincing in this piece.  Maybe a little too convincing?  I never really warmed up to her like I'm sure the audience was intended to.  Vinay Pathak plays the John Candy to her Steve Martin in this Indian version of Planes, Trains & Automobiles.

If nothing else for us Americans, this is an interesting look into Indian culture we've not seen since Slumdog Millionaire.  The mix of Hindi and English combined with good subtitles makes it easy to keep up.

Watch this with someone who is planning a trip to or through India.

Joueuse (2009)

Marketed in the US as "Queen to Play" on DVD, this French film is a variety of things.  Part girl-power story.  Part chess "sports" story.  Part feel-good success comedy.  Depending on who you are and where you are in your life or your journey, this movie could mean different things to different people.

Kevin Kline plays a mysterious American doctor, "hiding out" in Corsica an island off the coast of France.  His cleaning lady is played by Sandrine Bonnaire who is obsessed with learning to play chess after seeing an America couple playing a very loving game at a hotel.

You do not need to know how to play chess to enjoy this movie, but it will help.  You can absolutely NOT be a male chauvinist however.  If nothing else however, this can be a great little visit to Corsica.

Watch this movie with someone who's passion or talent is greater than their confidence.

The Perfect Host (2010)

Great twist on the usually maddening home-invasion stories.  Instead of evil bad guys terrorizing the hapless family, in this case you have a hapless visitor tormented by an evil host.  Without giving too much away, there are plenty of twists and turns and surprises in this story.  If you like those things you may very much enjoy this movie.

That all said, this movie has one glaring weakness - plausibility.  If I went into full detail I would have to do a spoiler alert, and I don't do spoilers.  Bottom line, I don't believe a host this meticulous nature in such a detail oriented occupation would make the kind of mistakes that lead to the situations that make this movie both darkly comedic and a little hard to "buy".  Email me for the details if you like, or if you disagree.

David Hyde Pierce is perfectly cast in this role, and he plays it with relish.  He is clearly having a great time bringing this character to us.  Clayne Crawford plays opposite him and definitely holds his own again Pierce.  Despite the self-inflicted problems of his character, Crawford earns at least our empathy if not sympathies.

Watch this movie with someone who loves dinner parties.

Win Win (2011)

This is a very very good movie that is not for everyone.  Wrestling fans will get it.  Foster kids will get it.  People who have given someone else a second chance will get it.  If you are none of the above, I suggest skipping this one.

Paul Giamatti is his usual great here as the good guy trying to be all things to all people.  Alex Shaffer, who reminded me of a young Sean Penn, is scary good.  More please young squire.  It helps that he really did win a state wrestling championship.  Adds a great measure of authenticity to the film.

Along side these two are Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, and Burt Young, a very quirky and most excellent supporting cast.  Tops marks for all.


Watch this movie with someone who needs to learn that giving second chances is sometimes as healing as getting one.

The Conspirator (2010)

First, kudos to the "new" American Film Company.  This film is their debut of an ambitious mission to make films depicting American history.  Robert Redford directs a dream cast with pleasing results.  To date they have made back less than half of their $25M investment, which is sad, but I pledge to see and rate every movie they make.

James McAvoy and Robin Wright do a great job.  The story is really about them but the rest of the cast are spot on.  Kevin Kline, Tom Wilkinson, Danny Huston, and Colm Meaney play the government's men is this compelling story.  the rest are too numerous to mention.  Suffice it to say that as period works go, this is one of my new favorites.  Savannah, GA looks a lot the an old DC - clearly.

With one little exception, the film feels as authentic as can be.  In one scene however, a character is coming out of a bathroom and the sounds of a flushing toilet is heard.  I don't know when flushing toilets were common in Washington, DC or what they sounded like, but I'm pretty sure some liberties were taken here.

This movie is mostly dialogue and wondering what will happen next, so don't set your sights on an action thriller.  What would you do to preserve a fragile nation?

Watch this movie with someone who likes American history.

Limitless (2011)

Definitely NOT formula.  Boy loses girl.  Boy loses mind.  Boy takes a pill and his world changes.

Bradley Cooper is that boy.  His famous blue eyes change as does his character's personality.  There is a great use of color and CG extra FX.  I don't usually like movies with what I call MTV editing, but this movie finds just the right mix.  Kudos to Neil Burger.  I also liked his treatment of The Lucky Ones (see previous review).

Robert De Niro is cast is a curious role here, far less gritty than his norm.  But, he does a very good in roles that might otherwise have gone to somebody like Michael Douglas, Pierce Brosnan, or John Houseman.  Abbie Cornish is love interest, and if you have not seen her before, this is a very good introduction.  Nice range, great look

No spoilers here, but are we set up perfectly for a sequel? I do hope so.

Watch this movie with someone who wishes they could use a little more of their brain power.

The Music Never Stopped (2011)

Be patient.  This story takes a little time to get going.  The character develpment is thorough and delicious.  The pay-off is worth the wait.

If you are a child of the 60's, or a fan of that decade's music, or if you are just a hippie at heart, you will most likely enjoy this movie.  On the other hand, it may just make you angry all over again.

This is partially a movie about the power of music.  But it is also about generation gap bridging, family relationships, and the power of the human mind.

J. K. Simmons does his usual excellent job of playing a 2-dimentional Dad.  Lou Taylor Pucci is "The Last Hippie".  Actually the movie is based on an essay of that title.

Julia Ormond plays professor looking into the impact music has on memory and the mind in general.  Cara Seymour plays the torn wife and mother of the two main characters.  Well played everyone!

Watch this movie wearing something tie-dyed.

The Eagle (2011)

Little bit Braveheart.  Little bit Gladiator.  And a little bit King Arthur.  Not as good as any of the above, but not a total waste of time.

Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell are good together but they make it work well enough to keep my attention through the whole movie.  Donald Sutherland and Mark Strong even make a few appearances


I watched the unrated version and figure there were really two scenes, both graphic and gruesome, but not overly gory or prolonged.  Who knows what else was slipped in the full version?


Watch this if you are into stories about liberty and honor.  Otherwise feel free to skip it.

Rio (2011)

Cute. Playful.Colorful. All with brief glimpses of what life for some is like in Rio.  Not overly preachy.  Great Carnaval animation.

All that said, I have the same complaint here which I have with other animated films set in other countries.  Why didn't they use more local talent?  Are the Hollywood suits convinced that people paid to see this movie because of the voice talents on Anne Hathaway and Will.I.Am?  A native New Yorker and Angelino playing Brazilian birds didn't feel right to me.  However, I totally bought Jesse Eisenberg, another New Yorker, as the bird-napped blue parrot. Go figure.

This music is fairly authentic, and there is something here for all ages.

Watch this movie with someone who loves to dance.

Unknown (2011)

Little bit Memento and a little bit Bourne series.  But not quite as good as either.  The average Joe, me included, figures out whats going on about half way through.  That said, it is worth the watch if for no other reason than to see how nice the new unified Berlin looks.

Liam Neeson is not sure who he is, and neither does Diane Kruger.  But, they put the moves on some of the best in the business and share some interesting chemistry.  I find the roles Neeson has taken since the untimely passing of his wife very interesting.

January Jones is beautiful but unconvincing here.  Perhaps her Mad Men role has spoiled us for much else?  Hope not.


My favorite performances in this story are by Bruno Ganz and Frank Langella.  Though they are on screen for only a short time it is obvious to see how seasoned pros weave their craft compared to some of the younger folks.


Watch this movie with someone who knows that good scientists don't usually make good NASCAR drivers.

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.

Rango (2011)

Big names.  Big voices.  Great animation.  A wee bit preachy.  But, still a very fun movie to watch.

The biggest surprise is who does the Eastwood-esque voice of The Spirit of the West.  The character looked, walked and talked just like the man with no name.  But it was not who you think.  No spoilers here.

Johnny Depp and Ned Beatty square off as the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Isla Fisher is the voice of the love interest, sort of.  And several others lend some very funny performances.  The voice of the rattlesnake is the second biggest surprise.

Written by the same guy who wrote Gladiator, The Last Samurai, and The Aviator, some of my favorite works, this story is as moralistic as the others.  Vegas stole the water and left small desert communities high and dry.  No judgments here.  I don't know the facts.

Watch this movie with someone who has a romantic vision of the old west and the many legends who punctuate those stories.

Source Code (2011)

A very interesting concept indeed.  Not totally new, but spun differently enough that it felt fresh.

Jake Gyllenhaal chooses such interesting roles.  His range is clear here.  He goes from the frightened and depressed downed chopper pilot to the Bond-esque terrorist-fighter literally in the blink of an eye.

Most leading men are happy with great chemistry with one co-star.  Here he gets it very right with two.  I'm not sure which relationship I liked better.  There both touched me but were so different.

Watch this with someone who who might need to get the moral or the story - when life, or death, gives you lemons, make the best possible lemonade.