Just Like Heaven

If you like quirky romantic comedies, this one puts a cute spin on an old formula. Without being too sappy, this story puts destined souls together is an odd way. If you are big on fate, destiny, or soul mates, you may enjoy this story.

Reese Witherspoon's character pretty much has to die before she meets the man of her dreams. Mark Ruffalo plays the guy and holds his own with big star Witherspoon and a beautiful San Francisco setting. In fact, the setting is part of what brings these two together. The story even has a tidy, satisfying ending for the romantics in the audience.

There are some good laughs and wonderful scenery. There are some fun comic-relief characters as well in the form of Donal Logue (Tao of Steve) and Jon Heder (Napolean Dynamite).

If you like a challenge, watch the hospital scene with a comatose Witherspoon in the bed AND the standing Witherspoon in the same scene. See if you can figure out how they did that scene without special effects, which I assure you, they did not.

Watch this movie with someone from San Francisco who can point out what's real and what's now, if you can find one.

Walk The Line - Extended Version

A new special edition, extended version, 2-disc set of this magical movie is well worth the rental or purchase price. The Bonus Features disc alone is an entertaining, education, walk down memory lane.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to be on tour, in a single automobile with Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash? All of them on the Sun Records label and in their early 20's. That is clearly not what the movie is about, but does a super job of depicting that portion of the story.

The bonus features disc is not so much about the movie as it is about the life and times of the characters in the story. Interviews with those who played the roles and those who lived the adventure.

How are your music trivia skills? What monster country music group was the warm-up act for Cash's comeback show at Folsom Prison in 1968? And, what country music legend was part of the incarcerated audience at that show?

The extended version of this movie does exactly what an extended version should do. It makes for a better telling of the story. In a bio-pic, that can be critical. They have done a wonderful job with this version.

Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator, Signs, and Brother Bear) captured the essence of Johnny Cash, and actually had Cash's approval to play the role. But he still had to learn how to play the guitar. Cash was well known for his integrity and honesty in an industry full of folks who prefer the opposite. Phoenix's portrayal of the legend measures up, and will most likely remain among his finest performances. This earned him a Best Actor nominee in 2006.

Reese Witherspoon (The Man on the Moon, Pleasantville, and Just Like Heaven) earned Best Actress honors for her outstanding performance as June Carter Cash. This too will, no doubt, be among her best lifetime performances. She too "became" June, Johnny's personal Angel, anchor, and lifeline.

Many have said the music industry could not be what it is today with the influences of Johnny Cash. Those same people say Johnny Cash could not have been who he was without June Carter Cash. This movie is really about their passion for music and each other.

Watch it with someone who is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll.

Rendition

Call it whatever you want, it's hard to watch on a screen of any size. Director Gavin Hood (this is the best thing he has done unless you are a big fan of the Stargate series) spins a tale that is almost too confusing. Following an old Hollywood trick, this story is not told in the order it all happens. But, Hood does it so well, you don't mind, and you may not even realize. This earns his effort the "well told" honor.

Now we have to decide if it is a good story. I have to admit to being a bit on the fence about it at this point. It totally depends on your point of view.

Meryl Streep (arguably the best actor of my generation) is at her evil best here. Her character reminds me of way too many people I met during my tenure in DC. Bad memories. I expect you may add this character to your list of top 10 movies villains of all time.

Alan Arkin (The Russians Are Coming, Catch 22, and Little Miss Sunshine) is perfect as a U. S. Senator caught in the middle with a tough choice to make. As a Senator I know once put it "Some of my friends are for it. Some of my friends are against it. Me? I stand by my friends."

Jake Gyllenhaal (Jarhead, Brokeback Mountain, and Zodiac) does a solid job as a government drone who is put in an awkward and unfamiliar position of having to make a choice and a difference. Trust me, the federal payroll is chock full of folks just like this character.

But the best acting in this movie has go to Omar Metwally. This is his first role in a US movie as far as I know. Please let it not be his last. Maybe his character is telling the truth, maybe he is not. Metwally's acting was so good, I forgot it was acting.

Why have I saved Reese Witherspoon (Pleasantville, Just Like Heaven, and Walk The Line) for last? As much as I like her, I didn't like her in this role. She left me feeling flat. She inspired neither sympathy nor passion like she did in "Walk The Line". It looks like she was just going through the motions here. I know she can do better.

Watch this movie with someone who understands how government works, if that is possible.