Black Swan (2010)

This movie is certainly not for everyone. Not everyone likes ballet. Not everyone likes mild psycho thrillers. Not every likes creepy overbearing parents or bosses. Not everyone like an overly dramatic finish. This story has all of those things and more that might turn the weak-minded away.

Natalie Portman is stunning and definitely earned her best actress Oscar here. Nominated in 4 other categories, this is certainly a movie for fans of cinema to see. It is done in a classic grand drama style, not often used by Hollywood anymore. Very well done indeed.

Barbara Hershey is great here as the control-freak mother. Vincent Cassel is creepy good as the ballet director. His range is made more obvious to those who have been following his career.

Even if you don't like many or all of the items mentioned above, you should see this movie. You will be talking about it for weeks. If you like ANY of the above items, you must see this one.

Watch this movie with someone who gave up a career in dancing.

Eastern Promises

This movie is certainly worth a watch again. If did not see it before, for whatever reason, consider any of the following reasons.

Viggo Mortensen did his homework very well. He comes off as a very credible Russian. And why not? He went there and lived among the "Vor" to learn how. We walked the walk AND talked the talk. Chilling portrayal.

Director David Cronenberg always goes for gritty reality in his pictures. He worked with Mortensen on History of Violence which you may also want to see.

Naomi Watts is the pivotal character of the story as a Labor and Delivery Nurse in a London hospital.

Armin Mueller-Stahl is perfect as the head of the crime family operating just below the radar in London. Vincent Cassel is his loser son. Great casting with a strong international group.

Yes, it is violent. Yes, Mortensen's character bares all in a steam room scene. That adds a level of reality that we don't usually get in crime movies.

While not for everyone, this movie is certainly a must-see for anyone who likes gangster stories, crime thrillers, or naked kings.

Watch this with someone with a high tolerance of cut-throat bad guys.