Freeway
Uncomfortable, funny and dark update of little red riding hood is highlighted by a stellar performance by Reese Witherspoon.
10,000 B.C.
Boy loves girl. Boy loses girl to evil tribe that kidnaps her. Boy travels to bring girl back. Visually impressive, but simple story.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
“I’m not a baby, I’m a tumor.” A line spoken by just one of the many weird and fantastic creatures that make this movie so entertaining. One of those rare movies where the CGI is backed up by characters we actually care about.
Vantage Point
One assassination from multiple points of view is far fetched, but if you relax and just enjoy, it’s entertaining enough.
For Your Consideration
Another funny Christopher Guest “documentary.” Whole cast is excellent, but Catherine O’Hara is especially good.
El Norte
Brother and sister from Guatemala decide to seek refuge in the U.S. That’s the first part. The second half details their life in that magical city in “the north” called Los Angeles. The last shot is heartbreaking. Well plotted film deservedly won an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Desperately Seeking Susan
Once upon a time, Madonna was perfectly cast in a movie.
Funny Games
Unsettling film about a couple of sociopaths who hold a family hostage. Although most of the violence occurs off-screen, it still makes the experience difficult to watch. Compelling and gut-wrenching all at once. Director Michael Haneke also did an American remake of his own film in 2007.
The Other Boleyn Girl
Soap opera masquerading as historical drama. Exquisitely filmed and costumed, it IS opulent. Of note: I must take issue with any movie that ends with a ‘This is a work of fiction…any resemblance to persons living or dead is unintentional’ disclaimer, about about historical figures such as Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII.
The Bucket List
Overlysimplified tale of 2 men living out their last days. Saccharine and formulaic story is enhanced by the personalities of Nicholson and Freeman.