Spanglish

If you are not ordinarily an Adam Sandler fan, and skipped this movie for that reason, I suggest you reconsider. This story is not about a goofy every-man getting away with the absurd, and accomplishing the improbable. That alone takes it out of the realm of the typical Sandler movie.

Written and Directed by James L. Brooks, who also wrote and directed Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News, and As Good as it Gets. He has written a ton of stuff, and produced tons more. But, when he directs his own writing, awards are given. He has 3 Oscars himself, and directed 9 actors who have won for their roles. His work has attracted over 46 nominations for big trophies. That gets my attention.

Paz Vega (10 Items or Less) is the real star of this story. She is smart, she is funny, she is adorable. In this specific case, she is a immigrant in LA struggling to grab the brass ring. I'm sure there are at least a few thousand who can identify with this situation.

In fact, Sandler is really down the list, in my opinion, of the features in this project. Tea Leoni (The Family Man and Fun With Dick And Jane) is outrageous in her portrayal of our typical stressed out, insecure, housewife.

But, she is outshone however, by Cloris Leachman who has played more crazy people than most actors have played roles. Brava Ms. Leachman. More. More. More.

Watch this movie with someone who pulled themselves up by their bootstraps.

10 Items or Less

Digging back into the past a wee bit, you'll find yet another fun little Indy flick. At the risk of falling into the cop-out of making lists, here are 10 things, or less, I like, a lot, about this movie.

1. Morgan Freeman basically plays himself. How can you not love this guy?

2. The story is full of realism and hope at the same time. A good story is half the battle.

3. The script is fast moving and crisp. You don't see everything coming, but even when you do, it's very satisfying. A well told story is the other half of the battle.

4. Want to know what living in LA is like for the vast majority of folks? This picture shows the neighborhoods and businesses as they really are. There is very little Hollywood in this movie. I love that.

5. Paz Vega is amazing. You can compare her to Penelope Cruz if you want, but I think she is far more complex and talented.

6. The soundtrack is fun. I'd buy it if it were available. But alas, it's not.

7. There is nothing gratuitous in this movie, except maybe the language.

That's enough. I don't want to fall guilty of violating any more of my own rules.

If you are getting ready for a job interview, watch this movie. If you are thinking about a career change, watch this movie. If you think you have a great job, watch this movie.