Every Little Step

 Back in the seventies Broadway dancer and choreographer Michael Bennet had an idea. He gathered a group of Broadway dancers, sat them in a circle, supplied a jug of red wine, and proceeded to ask them questions about what drives them to be dancers. These antidotes, diligently recorded by Bennet, eventually evolved into the musical A Chorus Line, which went on to become a Broadway sensation.

Thirty years later, Michael’s partners begin to audition for a revival production, only this time, a documentary film team followed the entire process. In this film you are actually watching the casting call where 3,000 hopefuls are, cut, and cut, and cut, until only a few remain. We, who are watching, are part of their hope, their joy, and for most, their disappointment. We are privy to the audition process, the back stage discussions, the casting panel debates, and the magic, when someone unexpected leaps out from the pack and surprises everyone. For anyone who has every had to audition, you will take this film very personally, for everyone else, I think you will find Every Little Step very interesting.

In one of the tape recordings Michael Bennet said of his dancers, “I think you are interesting, I think we are all interesting. I think there is a show in that.” A Chorus Line, the musical, showed the world that the journey to Broadway is just as interesting as the show itself. And, Every Little Step, the film, truly documents that sentiment. I believe you’ll find this film very rewarding.

Rating: First Run This film will only get a limited run, so look for it.

Sunshine Cleaning

Sunshine Cleaning is a story about personal courage. It’s about standing up to the world and saying; my circumstances do not define me. It’s about putting on a game face, sucking it up, and making the best of things. But, sometimes life is just too much, and at that point, you must ask for help. Will your friends and family come to your rescue, or is that the role you always play? Sometimes it takes courage to ask for help.

Amy Adams plays a young single mother trying to do her best for herself and her family. She was bright and popular in High School, but now she is a hard working single mother trying to keep her square-peg of a son in school, her under-achieving sister in a job, and her harebrained father from ruining himself financially. She is desperate to better herself, but there are so many demands on her time that her life is a real struggle. One day, the man she is having an affair with, who happens to be a police officer, suggests that instead of cleaning houses, that she gets into the lucrative crime scene clean up business. Despite the gross out factor, she sees the financial incentive to this, and gamely dives in.

Amy Adams’ performance will melt your heart. She begins her new business in order to make big money, but she soon realizes that she is meeting people on what may be the darkest day of their lives. By showing a little compassion and removing the physical reminders of their tragedy, she is able to help them move on. Emily Blunt is equally moving as the little sister that has always been taken care of. The dynamics of their relationship evolve in the course of their business venture. Both actresses are phenomenal in their roles and are very believable as sisters. Adam Arkin is good, as usual, as their father, and the rest of the supporting cast is excellent as well. I believe you will enjoy this nice, quiet, little film for its emotional honesty, and it will also help satisfy your morbid curiosity involving crime scenes. You seldom see this side of things on CSI.

Rating: Second Run Not exciting enough to stand in a long line for, but definitely worth seeing (Oscar Bait)

Duplicity

When I was a teenager, I remember that in Mad Magazine they had these little cartoons called Spy vs. Spy. You’d find these drawings all throughout the magazine and they would carry on week after week without end. Like a Road Runner cartoon, either you enjoyed the gag, or you didn’t. It was as simple as that. It was all about the gag. I kind of felt that way about Duplicity.

Unlike most spy or con artist films there was no clear villain or mark. When you are dealing with the corporate world is there really such thing as a good guy? It’s like the war between Coke and Pepsi. We all have out preferences, but when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, we buy what’s available, or whatever’s the cheapest. Do we really care about who is number one?

I felt such a detachment in this film that it was hard to find anyone to root for. It was just a bunch of greedy people, gaming each other, in a no one wins situation. I love the actors, and their performances were good, so the problem isn’t there. But I didn’t care about any of them. Even the spies Julia Roberts and Clive Owen were unsure of each other. Unlike their previous positions when they were spying for God and Country, this time they were in it for the money.

Duplicity is an intricate film full of twist and turns. If you enjoy that kind of thing, you may enjoy this film. But for me there was no joy of victory, no gotcha moment, no devious pleasure in a practical joke well played. This film just left me sad, sad that this view of the backstabbing, duplicitous, corporate world is a little too close to home.

Rating: Bargain Matinee Even the handsome Clive Owen couldn’t make me smile

Laemmle's New Deal Tuesdays

Great news movie fans. Laemmle Theatres has just rolled out their New Deal Tuesdays. At any Laemmle Theatre you may get movie tickets for just $6.00 and popcorn for $1.00. This is a limited time offer, so take advantage now.

I’m probably going to see Moscow, Belguim, Harvard Beats Yale 29-29, and I’m definately going to see Sunshine Cleaning Company. There’s also time to catch a few Oscar nominated films before they move on. Check out what’s playing at www.laemmle.com.

The Great Buck Howard

In the peripherals of Los Angeles lies an army of workers who are the lubricant of the star-making machine known as Hollywood. For the purposes of this review we are going to call them personal assistants. You’ll find them running errands, booking flights, setting up meetings, and basically dealing with a lot of crap. A personal assistant is expected to be loyal, discreet, tireless, and most of the time, invisible. But no matter how many confidentiality contracts are signed, sometimes the things you see are just too good to ignore. So you change the names, make it more fiction, than fact, and when you are done, you have an incredible story.

The Great Buck Howard is the tale of a young man played by Colin Hanks, who does everything his parents tell him to until one day, in the middle of Law School, he realizes that he is miserable. He drops out, without telling them, moves to Los Angeles and becomes a road manager to the Great Buck Howard, a mentalist that has appeared on the Tonight Show 61 times with Johnny Carson. In other words, a performer, whose glory days are behind him.

There is something noble about the Great Buck Howard, as portrayed by John Malkovich. He is cheesy, old-fashioned, but he truly loves what he does. Whether his audience is filled with 60 people, or 600, he’s still going to put on a good show. He is there to entertain, and no matter how dusty his act is, the man has got skills.

In the story, Colin Hanks is about to resign because he has become fed up with the indignities of being a personal assistant. His father, played by real life father Tom Hanks, has discovered his new vocation and surprises him while on the road. After hearing for the hundredth time how he is wasting his potential, he is about to quit, when the unthinkable thing happens, Buck Howard becomes cool again.

This is a small, personal film that I liked very much. It may not resonate with everyone, because there are a lot of Showbiz references, but I do recommend seeing it. There is a sweetness and nostalgic quality to this film that is quite nice. It would be the perfect film for a matinee, followed by lunch. Invite someone that remembers Johnny Carson.

Rating: Bargain Matinee Invite the parents to this movie and lunch, then discuss

Last Remaining Seats

As an avid moviegoer, I like to share money saving tips, and talk about quality discount programs. Although, the LA Conservatory’s Last Remaining Seats program is not a bargain, $20 for an individual ticket, it’s still, pretty cool. If you are interested in classic movie palaces, and fancy the idea of seeing them from the inside, this is one great way to do it.

The LA Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to the recognition, and preservation of historic architecture throughout the greater Los Angeles area. As one of its major fundraisers, for the past 23 years, the Last Remaining Seats series has made it possible for the general public to experience movies in classic, historical theatres.

Several years ago I purchased the $80.00 series pass, and was thrilled to enter the magnificent Los Angles Theatre built in 1931. I discovered this theatre on the Red Line Walking tour of downtown Los Angeles. While on the tour, we were congregated in front of the theatre entrance. The film company working inside had just stopped for a lunch break and the manager of the theatre saw our tour group outside. Since the theatre was already open, he invited us in to take a look. The theatre was absolutely fabulous. Later, when I heard about the Last Remaining Seats program, I saw a chance to revisit that theatre, as well as many others. Every week I looked forward to seeing a new venue.

To give you a little background, downtown Los Angeles has the largest collection of pre-war architecture in the United States. This is one of the reasons why so many movies are made there. In its heyday, downtown Los Angeles was home to the Million Dollar Theatre (1918), the Orpheum Theatre (1926), and the Los Angeles Theatre (1931). There were other theatres as well, but some of them have been converted to stores, churches, or lay dormant and in ruins. It is only through the love and care of private individuals and organizations like the LA Conservancy that some of these theatres can be visited today.

Occasionally, additional theatres will be used in this series. One year I attended a film at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, and if I’m not mistaken the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood has been used as well. When you buy a ticket to one of these films, not only are you seeing a great film in a classic, historical, venue, but you are supporting a worthy organization. Your donation may go on to save another classic theatre and that’s a win-win for all involved. When it comes to charity and cultural organizations, I believe in voting with my dollars. When you give to a society, or join an organization, you are saying, this matters to me. Sometimes it’s the only way to keep something you care about alive. For further information about the LA Conservancy, or Last Remaining Seats, go to www.laconservancy.org.

I Love You, Man

Paul Rudd, I love you, man. Jason Segel, I love you too.

Now, I have to explain something about myself. I am not a laugh out loud kind of person. Usually, when someone tells a joke, you may get a tight, polite smile. Or, maybe a chuckle, with a slight head nod. I’m a thinker, and I internalize things. I’m basically very reserved. But ,when I saw this movie, not only did I laugh out loud, I laughed so much, that I became self-conscience, and started putting my hand over my mouth. This movie is hysterical.

I loved this movie from beginning to end. The cast is full of great characters. Even the tiniest walk-on role was brilliant. The movie was well paced, clever, fresh, and had something for the boys and the girls. It was an equally opportunity laugher. Every girl will fall in love with Paul Rudd, whose character is very in-touch with his feminine side. And, every guy will want to hang out with Jason Segal, who is not afraid to be a guy, but still says what he feels. Rashinda Jones is adorable as the perfect girl friend.This is a romance with a “bromance.” After you’ve seen this film, you will know what I mean. I really loved this movie and the entire cast is excellent. Go see it!

Rating: Must See I’m still laughing

The Last House On The Left

I HATE this type of film. It’s cruel, gory, sadistic, and not my idea of having fun. That being said, if you like this genre, this a good one. Having missed the original Wes Craven film in the 70’s, I mistakenly thought this movie was about something else. But, once I stopped squirming, I did have to admit, that this film was very well made.

The first thing I noticed was the score, which really enhanced the tension through out the film. The cinematography was vivid, making the violent, bloody scenes, all that more uncomfortable. The acting was good. I was especially impressed with Spencer Treat Clark who plays the gang leader’s tortured and reluctant son. You could really feel his pain, trapped between intense fear of his father, and his abhorrence towards his actions. Martha MacIsaac plays the stupid, yet lovable pot head, who sets the chain of events in motion.

Equally good in the cast, is Sara Paxton, as the other teenage victim. Unlike her friend, she keeps her cool, uses her head, and displays a tenacity beyond all expectations. Monica Potter was convincing as the mother, who must hide her fear in order to protect her daughter. Garret Dillahunt was forceful and menacing as the leader, and Riki Linhome was creepy, yet fascinating, as the gang leader’s minion.

To round out the cast, Tony Goldwyn plays the father who chucks his Hippocratic oath out the window, and Aaron Paul plays the third bad guy and the object of his destruction. The tagline of this film is, “If bad people hurt someone you love, how far would you go to hurt them back?” The answer is, as far as it takes.

I can’t recommend this film only because of its subject matter. But, if I had to put my personal feelings aside, this film is a very good example of its kind.

Rating: First Run But only if you’re into violent, bloody, revenge films that will turn your stomach

The Brothers Warner

Written and narrated by Cass Warner Sperling, the granddaughter of Harry Warner, The Brothers Warner tells the story of four Brothers who saw the potential in a fledgling new invention, called motion pictures. Pooling their money, and pawning a family heirloom, they purchased a used projector, and begin their empire by showing films on a white sheet with borrowed funeral parlor chairs. They quickly learned that distributors made more money than exhibitors, and producers made the most of all. They moved their operation to California, and Warner Brothers Pictures was born.

Instilled with a strong work ethic, and equally strong family ties, the Warner brothers began to create films that educated as well as entertained, celebrating American ideals, social reform, ripped from the headlines subject matter, they brought art and culture to the masses. They were innovators, risk takers and visionaries. They were the original independents.

This documentary tells the Warner Brother’s story from a family perspective. It is full of interesting information and insight into the men behind a studio that has become iconic. Few people know about the Warner Brothers as individual men. Harry the eldest, and head of the family, Abe, the peacemaker, Sam, the innovator, and Jack, the showman. As bothers, they fought, bickered, and challenged each other, until a final betrayal brought their empire to an end. I highly recommend this film for everyone. For those interested in Hollywood, it’s a must see.

Rating: Must See Interesting, educational, entertaining

American Cinematheque

When I share and tell my friends about some really cool film event I have attended, they always ask me, “How did you get to do that?” One of my greatest sources is the American Cinematheque. I became a Cinematheque member several years ago and it's one check I never mind writing. The American Cinematheque is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the public presentation of film in all it's forms. This means I get to see documentaries, shorts, foreign films, classics, as well as advance screenings of current, popular films.

It costs $60 to join, as an individual member, but let me do the math for you. When you join, you automatically get discounts on admission for future visits. This way you’ll be paying $7.00 versus $10.00. That is a savings of $3.00 per each film. But wait, it gets better. When you join, you automatically receive a voucher for two free admissions. That’s $60.00 minus $14.00, which brings your membership cost down to $46.00. Then you get two free tickets during the month of your birthday, which brings you membership down to $32.00. Throw in a couple of free member’s only screenings and it’s like they’re paying you to go to the movies.

I love the American Cinematheque. They have two venues, the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, and the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. It’s great because if I don’t like what’s playing at one place, you can look to see what’s on at the other. Also, every once in awhile, there will be a joint venture, where you get to go to events at other locations. It’s the best movie deal in town.

One of the things I love the most about the American Cinematheque is the Q&A periods after the film. Whenever possible, the director, writer, producer, or one of the stars will come, and answer questions after the film. My favorite night ever was when they screened Moulin Rogue. I brought a friend who had never seen the film and when we got inside, the audience was packed with Moulin Rogue fans. Afterwards, Baz Luhrman, Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman were all present to answer questions. You could really feel the love and energy throughout the entire place. It was such an awesome experience, and it totally made me look like a big shot in front of my friend. I have had many such nights at the Cinematheque.

The variety of films screened at the American Cinematheque is so varied; it is impossible not to find something you’d like. Not only are you preserving two classic movie theatres with your membership, but you are also making it possible for new filmmakers to have a venue to promote their films. It truly is one of the best ways to spend your entertainment dollars, and you will be educated as well. I encourage everyone to join. Good movies and a tax write off. What’s not to love?

For more information visit www.americancinematheque.com

Fast And The Furious (4)

I love car chase movies, and you definitely don’t want to drive with me after I’ve been to a good one. But, Fast And Furious 4, left me wanting for more. I found myself wishing I had a remote control in my hand. The movie started out great with an awesome, trucker’s nightmare, of a downgrade. The heist goes wrong and Vin Diesel must pull out his A-Game. There is a big crash and the drivers barely get out alive. But then, before the cheering dies down, we’re at a party where the criminals are dividing up the loot and agreeing to part ways, fast forward. Next, we are in Los Angeles, thrust into the middle of a foot chase with Paul Walker. I’m there, I’m digging it, and then bam, we’re at the FBI head quarters, fast forward. After that something happens to Michelle Rodriguez’s character. Vin Diesel must come back to the United States, and then wham, family drama, fast forward.

Whenever there were cars involved, the movie was a lot of fun, but everything in between, just bogged things down. I really liked the first Fast And The Furious film. It took us into the sub culture of street racing and showed us a world that most of us will never know. Likewise, Fast And The Furious: Toyko Drift did the same thing with Japan. But other than a couple of party scenes and one street race, we did not get to experience the car culture like before. Part of the fun of this series is seeing all the custom paint jobs and modifications done on the cars. I still remember what it was like to go cruising back in the day, it is one of the few ways I have to relate to this film. I really think it was a mistake to leave that stuff out.

Another thing that bothered me in this film was the GPS racing segment. I felt like I was in an extended commercial for the new Fast and Furious video game. I could totally hear the voice in my head explaining the race, “Gentlemen, you have a objective. Only the fastest one will be hired. We are not racing for pink slips here. Are you ready? Get set. Go!” Once you got hired, there would be a cave racing sequence. It was like the film was written with the video game in mind. If this were a video game I might buy it. But, as a movie, I say, find a matinee, or better yet, rent it, and keep the remote in your hand.

Rating: Bargain Matinee New model, original parts, needs more car chases

The Cake Eaters

The Cake Eaters is a lovely, small, ensemble film centered around the relationship between a young man and a teenage girl dying of Friedriech’s Ataxia disease, a degenerative nerve disorder. There is no melodrama in this film. It is spare, honest, natural, and matter of fact. Kristen Stewart plays the afflicted Georgia who is totally aware that her time is short. All she wants to do is be as normal as possible, for as long as possible, while earning a little freedom from her over-protective mother. Kristen Stewart is quite excellent in this part.

The rest of the ensemble cast is also excellent. Bruce Dern plays the father who recently lost his wife to Cancer. Aaron Stanford plays Beagle, Bruce Dern’s son, who has the sensitivity and gentleness to befriend the younger Georgia. Jayce Bartok, also the writer, plays Beagle’s older brother, who skipped town to pursue his Rock Star dreams, missing all the responsibilities of caring for his dying mother, which fell to Beagle. And Elizabeth Ashley, in a stand out performance, portrays Georgia’s grandmother, who for years has had an affair with Beagle’s father.

Although the plot sounds very convoluted, it was filmed in a simple, straight-forward way, leaving a lot of the drama unsaid. In order to understand the characters you have to watch as well as listen. This film is the first directorial effort of actress Mary Stuart Masterson and I think she did a fine job. I look forward to her future efforts. Peter Masterson, Mary Stuart’s brother, is responsible for a very good looking film. A high quality product from a high quality team, full of high quality performances.

Rating: Second Run Don’t let it get lost among the big pictures. Worth seeking out.

AMC Movie Watcher Program

In March of 1996 I went to the grand opening of a new theatre in Woodland Hills. It was Academy Awards weekend, and to promote the new AMC Theatre, they were showing past Academy Award winners for 3 days. I was enjoying all the fanfare and hoopla when I noticed a bunch of people in suits. I approached one of them and asked if, by chance, the president of the AMC Theatres was there. The man pointed to another gentleman and I went over to introduce myself to Stanley H. Durwood.

The reason I wanted to meet the president of the company was to thank him for his theatre’s discount program. After I extolled the virtues of the Twilight Discount rate and the newly formed Movie Watcher Club, I proceeded to tell him why I liked the programs. First, he corrected me, to let me know that he was the General Manager, and not the president. Then he asked me if I wouldn’t mind repeating what I said to a friend of his. It turns out that his friend was a big motion picture distributer. Apparently, they had been debating the virtues and drawbacks of offering discounted ticket prices, and I fell right into Mr. Durwood’s lap with an argument to prove his point. The other gentleman asked me a few pointed questions, and then the two were called away. All that weekend, when Mr. Durwood spotted me, he would remember me by name, and make sure that I was having a good time. That weekend is one of my treasured memories.

The reason why I recall that event so fondly is that three years later, Stanley H. Durwood died. In his obituary they credited him with the invention of the Multi-plex Cinema. By adding multiple theatres, staggering show times, and animating the projection process, he was able to keep movie ticket prices down.

When I first started going to the AMC Theatres, I always went during their Twilight Shows. These were discounted showings that started between 3:00 and 5:00. I was a substitute teacher at the time, so a movie starting after 3:00 was perfect for me. Then they started the Movie Watcher Club. The Movie Watcher Club is a card that you show to the cashier when you buy a movie ticket. Every ticket purchase earns you two points. When you reach ten points, you earn a reward. These rewards have varied throughout the years, but the most typical ones are, a free drink, a free popcorn, and at 100 points, a free night at the movies.

When I moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles, I had to get a new card because the record keeping computers were not linked. The staff in Los Angeles was amazed by my accumulated point tally. I gladly accepted my new card and the opportunity to earn that many points again.

The Movie Watcher program has been tweaked a few times over the years, but it is an excellent rewards program. Currently, my favorite feature is the free popcorn benefit. If you sign up on-line, every week they will send you an email promoting whatever films are opening that week. But wait, don’t be so quick to delete it. Intermingled among those ads is a down-loadable coupon for free popcorn if used on Monday through Thursday. Another benefit of the card is, that when you go to a movie on a Wednesday, you automatically get free popcorn without a coupon. In addition, other offers will appear. One day it might be fifty cents off of a combo, or a $1.00 for a box of Twizzlers. Recently they had a $2.00 Hot Dog special available only to Movie Watcher card holders. The extra perks change often, but they are always excellent deals.

The Movie Watcher program is heavily promoted at AMC, so I am constantly amazed when I find out that my friends are not already members. It’s free to join, you only have to go to five movies to earn your first reward, and once you are registered on-line, you start getting free popcorn right away. Even for a causal movie goer, it doesn’t make sense not to join. Take my word for it. This is one club you want to be a part of.

For more details visit: www.amctheatres.com

Laemmle Theatre's Discount Programs

When you go to the movies as often as I do, you have to know your discount programs. One of my favorites is at the Laemmle Theatres in Los Angeles. In the beginning, I didn’t go to the Laemmle Theatres that often. The theaters were a little bit out of the way for me, and their matinee times didn’t always work with my schedule. I wasn’t going to pay full price by going in the evening, so I would wait for one of my rare afternoons off. But, then I discovered that anyone could buy their group tickets on-line. For a $150.00 dollar investment you could get 25 discounted tickets. That comes out to $6.00 each. Great deal!

Well, not that many of us have an extra $150.00 dollars lying around to spend on movies, so I didn’t do it. But, as I missed more and more interesting movies because I wasn’t free to go to a matinee, I came up with another solution. I found a friend to go in half with me. We each got 14 discounted tickets for $75.00. I kept the extra one to cover the cost of shipping and handling. When the tickets arrived, and I found, that I now had the freedom to go whenever I wanted, the tickets didn’t last very long.

Since I go to the movies way more often than the average person, I went through my tickets fairly quickly. I now had to find a new partner, or another solution, so I tried the Premiere Card. The Premiere Card cost $100.00 and acts like a pre-paid gift card, but better! When you use your card to purchase tickets, you get $2.00 off on Monday through Thursday, and $1.00 off on Friday through Sunday. Now, when you do the math, the group tickets are a much better value when you go in the evening. But wait, the discounts don’t stop there. When you buy concessions using your Premiere card, you get 20% off. At the price of concessions these days, that’s pretty good. Plus, if you go on a Thursday and use your card, popcorn is free.

There are other benefits to the Premiere program too. When you go on a Sunday, it’s Double Discount Day, and then there is the 2 for 1 Movie Deals. Every once in awhile, Laemmle Theaters, will pick a 2 for 1 Movie, at one of their locations. When you go to this movie, you get a second ticket for free. Can you say, “Cheap date?”

Now that I’m clued-in to all the extra benefits, I do a combination of both programs. For example, one day I went and saw two movies. I used my Premiere Card for the matinee ticket, and my group ticket for the movie that started after 6:00. Then I used my Premiere Card to buy a Popcorn Combo at the concession stand, and I was set for hours of entertainment.

Now I realize that most people don’t go to the movies as often as I do. But it’s still a great program. I requested my first Premiere Card as a Christmas present. I have since gotten so much value out of it, that I’m now a very big fan. Some of you may be saying that you’re not big on foreign films, that you like more commercial movies. That’s okay too. The Laemmle Theatre chain has over 10 movie theaters and some of them mix commercial films with foreign films and Independents, so there is a large selection to chose from. Why not make a night of it?

One night I took advantage of the 2 for 1 movie night. I invited a friend and we drove to Pasadena. I got her in for free, and then we shared a large Popcorn Combo and only had to pay $5.00 each. It was a very nice evening out and I got to treat a friend. I highly recommend this program. Check it out!

For more details and information visit: www.laemmle.com/

12

In 1957, Sidney Lumet’s film Twelve Angry Men, made a deep impression on America, and went on to earn three Academy Award nominations. Set half way between World War II and the assassination of Martin Luther King, this film held a mirror up to America and caused us to examine our views on race, prejudice, truth, and justice. Fifty years later in 2007, film maker Nikita Mikhalkov, re-envisioned this film in a Russian setting. Exchanging a Chechen boy for a Puerto Rician one, and a decrepit gymnasium for a jury room, his film examines the modern Russia of today.

12 was nominated for an Oscar in the 2008 ceremony. I’m not sure why it has taken so long to reach the general American audience, but I’m glad it did. This film is brilliant. I was engrossed from beginning to end, and found the character studies fascinating. My only regret is that in having to read the subtitles, I had to take my eyes off of the set, which became a character unto itself. Instead of a jury room, the jurors had to hole up in the gymnasium of a neighboring school, since the courthouse was undergoing repairs. The gym began symbolic of the current state of Russia, and why change is so hard to foster.

I was unfamiliar with all of the Russian actors, but they were excellent. I was so impressed by this film that I will now actively seek out other Russian movies. The writing, directing, cinematography, were all outstanding. I only wish I could speak Russian so I could pick up more of the character nuisances. I’m sure that there were many things I missed, accents, grammar, mis-pronunciations, that would have given me more clues to the inner-workings of these characters. But, even with subtitles, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. What an achievement. I highly recommend this movie.

Rating: Must See A film worth talking about

Watchmen

I had never heard of Watchmen until July 2008 when I attended Comic-Con in San Diego. The movie was heavily promoted and everywhere I went I heard people talking about it. I learned that Watchmen was highly regarded because it brought a certain creditability to the comic-book medium. It was referred to as a graphic novel, and everyone seemed real excited about the movie.

When I attended the film I had no expectations. I did not know the story, I was unfamiliar with the characters, and I did not know what to expect as far as style. That may have been a mistake. The story is so deep, with each character having their own back-story, that I found myself being bogged down by narrative. I was working so hard to keep up with the symbolism, relationships, and the alternative American history, that I wasn’t having any fun. Next, I tried to change my attitude. I tried to just sit there and open my mind to hear what the author was trying to say. And then, I started listening to the audience. They were shifting in their seats, tittering at times, rustling their snacks, and being restless too. They were having just as hard a time as I was, following along.

I’m not saying that this is a bad movie, but it’s complicated and deep. I wish now that I had done my homework. It reminded me of the time when I was first exposed to Shakespeare. The language was so different, and there were so many characters, that I couldn’t appreciate the complexity of the story. Perhaps if I saw it again after reading the novel, I would liked it more. But, for the uninitiated, this film isn’t very entertaining.

Rating: Bargain Matinee Read the Graphic Novel, or at least bone-up on the characters first

Everlasting Moments

There are some people, who see the world in ways that other people do not. Whether they express this vision through the written word, art, or photography, they have the ability to convey this vision in ways that other people may enjoy. Everlasting Moments is the story of one such person.

Based on a true story, Everlasting Moments tells the tale of Maria Larsson. A wife with an alcoholic, abusive, husband. When her husband is incarcerated and Maria is left to care for her large family, she searches the house for things to sell, and discovers a camera she once won in a lottery. She takes the camera to a photography shop to determine its worth. The shop owner agrees to buy it on one condition, that she learns how to use it first.

Maria discovers a gift for photography, and the shop owner encourages her talent. However, her family life keeps pulling her away. It takes years for Maria to learn how to balance the obligations of family, with the love of her camera. But, eventually, others discover how truly talented she is.

This is a beautiful film that celebrates artistic expression. Nominated for a Golden Globe, this wonderful film is definitely worth seeing. I was deeply moved by it. Maria Heiskanen, is poignant, as Maria Larsson, and the director Jan Troell, truly captures the magic and wonder of photography.

In Swedish, with English subtitles.

Rating: First Run A tribute to creativity

An American Affair

Intrigue, political Intrigue, this is the definition of An American Affair. This film is the fictional account of Catherine, a composite of one of JFK’s many mistresses, while serving his term as president. Catherine was being manipulated by the CIA, in order to influence the president, and the decisions he was making about Cuba, and The Bay Of Pigs. Across the street from Catherine lives a sixteen year old boy, who becomes so infatuated with her, that he watches her every move. He insinuates himself into her life, and eventually discovers, her not so secret, affair.

This melancholy film heads directly towards it’s inevitable, tragic end, but you’ll find yourself fascinated along the way. Gretchen Mol is interesting as the nonchalant divorcee, trying to fill the void in her life. Reaching, experimenting, trying to break conventions, her relationship with the young Cameron Bright’s Adam is almost understandable. However, this film doesn’t work for me on all levels. Some of the questions are never answered. Yet, it did keep my interest, and I got a little more insight into what it may have been like to be a family living in Washington, DC during this very interesting, political time.

Rating: Second Run More political intrigue, than thriller.

Confessions Of A Shopaholic

Confessions Of A Shopaholic was like looking at an over-dressed woman. The outfit started with a tasteful black sheath and some elegant shoes, but then there were the accessories. After the gloves, boa, printed stockings and over-sized jewelry, you just wanted to shout, “Enough, already!”

I felt that there was a good film in there somewhere, but it was hidden underneath all the cinematic sequins. As much as I liked Isla Fisher and her co-star, Hugh Dancy, I just didn’t like this film. Some scenes were over the top and buffoonish, while others had a very nice, resonant, message. If the script was a little less schizophrenic, it could have been a nice film. As it is, I say, “Return It!” This outfit just doesn’t work.

Rating: Bargain Matinee You’ll enjoy this movie better if you know you got it on sale.

Cherry Blossoms

Is it possible to spend your life with someone and not really know who they are? Cherry Blossoms is the story of a rural German Housewife who loves Japanese dance. Her passion centers around a contemporary form known as Butoh. Butoh is an interpretive dance which is performed in white face, and her family does not share her passion. In fact, they are embarrassed by it. So, to avoid criticism, she buries that creative part of herself, and continues to care for her family selflessly.

When Trudi learns that her husband is terminally ill, she keeps the news to herself, and pushes him to take time off to visit their children. When their children resent the unexpected visit, and the sacrifices that they must make in order to spend time with them, Trudi realizes that she doesn’t know her family at all. She also realizes that they, in turn, don’t know her. When Trudi suddenly dies, taking Rudi’s secret with her, Rudi is inconsolable. He embarks on a journey to Japan to re-discover his wife, and fulfill her dream of seeing Mt. Fuji. While there, he meets a young Japanese street performer, who teaches him to love his wife anew, and to find the poetry that was their love.

This film contains three beautiful performances. Hannelore Elsner, as the repressed housewife, Elmar Wepper, as the grieving husband, and Aya Irizuki, as the sensitive street artist who finds a way to reunite Rudi with his beloved wife.

Film is in German, Japanese, and English, with English subtitles

Rating: First Run (For art lovers) Rent It (For everyone else) This slow moving film is visually poetic with images that will stay with you.