The Swimsuit Issue - Alt flyter (1:38) 2009

Set in Sweden, a group of men who play floorball decide to become synchronized swimmers and complete in the World Cup. Thinking this was a competetion for women only, they learn that  synchronized swimming was originally known as formation swimming and was for males only. The men are all middle aged and not in the best of shape for competition. They receive help from Fredrik's teenage daughter, Sara, who is a synchronized swimmer herself. Frederik and his daughter grow closer as Sara coaches the team. This gentle comedy deals with issues of gender discrimination, friendship, loyalty, courage and determination. This quirky film has a gentle and sweet nature with  likable characters. The soundtrack is an added bonus. All and all, this is a charming movie. See it.

Mother - Madeo (2:09) 2009

A mother's love for her son is universal as shown in this Korean film. Do-jun. a young man who the community refers to as  "retarded", is arrested for murdering a young woman. His mother is convinced of his innocence thinking the police has found an easy target to pin the murder. She begins her investigate thinking that her son's friend was the real murderer. As she continues her investigation, she discovers the real reason for the murder. Will all her efforts lead to his being exonerated? Mother received high praise from critics when it was initially released. It was good but it just wasn't my cup of tea. I think it lost something in the translation.

Flow: For Love of Water (1:23) 2007

Like the documentary Tapped, Flow examines the politics of water. Access to water is a basic human right but many people do not have access to water or to clean water. People all over the world are being displaced in order to build dams. This is a worldwide issue as villages in Africa, China, and South America are highlighted. The citizens of Michigan are fighting the Nestle Corporation so their drinking water will not be pumped and then shipped out of state, leaving residents with lower water tables, mud flats and dry wells.
This is a frightening look at the dangers of privatizing water and the uphill legal battles taking place to stop large corporations from doing so. This is a good companion piece to Tapped. This cautionary documentary really encourages all of us to appreciate water until the well runs dry. Then it will be too late.

Children of Invention (1:26) 2008

Raymond and Tina are Asian American children living with their mom Cindy in the Boston area. Charles, their father, has gone back to Hong Kong. The movie opens with the trio being evicted from their home. They moved to a rent free apartment as squatters thanks to a real estate friend. Cindy works hard, she has her job as an office worker in real estate but tries to supplement her income by selling beauty products, vitamins. Unfortunately, these direct marketing companies are all Ponzi schemes. Cindy is taken into custody by the Boston police. Raymond and Tina find themselves alone with no money and no food. Raymond realizes he has to take care of his little sister until his mother returns. Raymond doesn't know that his mother has been detained in jail so he decides to put his plans into motion. The child actors, especially Tina, are absolutely adorable. The movie is a wake up call, direct marketing companies target those who can ill afford to lose money - immigrants and the lower income. I read that Children of Invention received numerous awards from various film festivals. These awards as well deserved. This is a gem of an independent film.

On The Shoulders of Giants (1:31) 2011

On The Shoulders of Giants is a documentary about the Harlem Rens, a great but unknown basketball team. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jamie Foxx narrate this documentary about the Rens, an all black basketball squad in the 1930s. The Rens played in Harlem and white professional basketball teams in exhibition games before basketball became integrated in the 1950s. The documentary looks at the history of the team, the difficulties the team encountered barnstorming in the South, and their relationship with The Harlem Globetrotters. I am a big fan of the Globetrotters and saw them play in New Haven with my father and my son. I had never heard of the Rens until today. Although I'm not a big basketball fan, this is a documentary that we should all see. It is more than about the game of basketball. It is about our shameful history of racism but also about the rich culture of Harlem. The visuals and the music, mostly jazz, adds to the high quality of this film. It is my hope that many young people, sports fans or not, see this documentary.

Kung Fu Panda 2 (1:31) 2011

Po, voiced by Jack Black, is protecting the Valley of Peace. He is the Dragon Warrior, still liking to eat and eat while hanging out with his friends, the Furious Five. Po and his friends are soon called upon to save China from Lord Shen, a villainous peacock. As they are struggling to protect his valley, Po is fighting his demons by looking for inner peace and learning the truth about his early life. There is plenty of action, humorous one-liners, and a predictable plot. The animation and the scenery is just absolutely wonderful. I don't think that it is as good as the first movie but there is plenty for the kids to enjoy.

That's What I Am (1:41) 2011

I am a teacher and that's what I am. And that's probably why I really liked this movie so much. There are also other reasons. The movie is about the students of the eighth grade class of 1965, the year I was an eighth grader. Set in California, Andy Nichols is assigned to complete a project with one of the school's geeks, Big G. Big G, whose name is Stanley, is a very tall, big eared boy. He is also the smartest boy in the school. Andy is made fun of because he has to work with Stanley, the target of bullies. Stanley has a quiet dignity and refuses to fight back. Andy gets to know Stanley as they work on the project and comes to regret having stayed silent when the school bullies intimidate Stanley. The eighth graders have a teacher, Mr. Simons. Mr. Simons, played by Ed Harris, is  a bow tie, geekily dressed epitome of an ideal teacher. When Mr. Simons catches a student, Creel, hitting one of the girl geeks, he reports Creel. Creel is rightfully suspended from school. Creel, upon his return, spreads a rumor that Simons is a homo. Creel reports this to his parents and his parents go to the principal with this allegation. The Creels insist they will go to the other parents with this rumor. Mr Simons, a widower, will not confirm or deny this rumor. He, like Stanley, has a quiet dignity and will not bow to pressure on an issue that has nothing to due with his performance as a teacher. I loved this movie because of the treatment of some very important issues: tolerance, acceptance, kindness,  and courage. I read that this movie pretty much went to DVD. That is a shame because the issues are so timely. Hopefully, word of mouth will spread and That's What I Am will have a wide viewing. Please, put it on top of your queue.

Somewhere (1:38) 2010

Somewhere starts off very slowly. So much so, I thought of discontinuing viewing. Johnny is an well known actor and lives life in fast lane. Fast cars, drinking and loose women are all part of the picture. Johnny does have an eleven year old daughter who visits him. Cleo, played by Ella Fanning, is a sweetheart and enjoys being with her dad. Unfortunately, Johnny isn't home very often. Johnny receives a phone call from Cleo's mom saying that she needs time away and asks Johnny to take care of Cleo until summer camp starts. Johnny quickly discovers he enjoys having his daughter around. He takes her to Italy, a working vacation for him but a trip they both enjoy. The weeks go by and Johnny sees Cleo off to camp. He quickly realizes that he misses her. Will he make the necessary changes in his life in order to be close to Cleo?
Sophia Coppola directed this movie and it does have a Lost in Translation feel. I absolutely hated Lost in Translation but there is a quiet warmness about this movie. Please stick with it. Just as Cleo grows on Johnny, this film will grow on you.

Running the Sahara (1:43) 2008

Three men, all extreme runners, run across the Sahara Desert for 120 days. As they run through African countries, the runners interact with the local people and learn about local cultures. The starting point of the trans Sahara trek is the Atlantic Ocean and the ending point being the Red Sea in Egypt. The scenery includes segments of sandstorms, sunrises, sunsets, sand dunes, villages, small and large cities. As the runners are crossing the Sahara, they bring attention to H20 Africa, an organization promoting clean water access to all Africans. The focus of this documentary is on the runners and the grueling toll the run takes on their bodies and their emotions. The scenery was absolutely wonderful. This film did a great job at showing the diversity of the cultures and landscapes. I recommend that viewers watch the Special Features section after the end of the film. There are four short films which explain the different projects (water, health and education) which are helping the Africans.

Georgia O'Keeffe (1:29) 2009

Joan Allan stars as the famous American female painter in this made for television movie. The biopic starts in 1916 as Joan meets her future husband, Alfred Steiglitz, a photographer. Steiglitz recognizes O'Keeffe's talent and promotes her artwork. After Steiglitz obtains his long awaited divorce, they marry and O'Keeffe receives notoriety when Steiglitz has a showing of his photography with O'Keeffe as his nude model. Eventually, O'Keeffe discovers that Steiglitz is having an affair. This prompts O'Keeffe to visit friends in Taos, New Mexico. She settles in Taos and will later reunite with her husband for a brief time. Jeremy Irons plays Alfred and is absolutely wonderful as the womanizing art gallery owner/manager. The biography ends shortly after his death. My daughter and I watched this together and we both liked it very much. O'Keeffe was a very interesting woman who was well ahead of her time. I'm not a big fan of her art work but she is important to the American art world. Check it out.

Killers (1:40) 2010

Aston Kutcher is Spencer, a hired assassin who only kills bad guys, meets and falls in love with Jen, a successful computer whiz. Spencer leaves his work to settle down in suburbia with his wife. However, a very predictable theme is invoked, Spencer learns that "they" won't let him leave. One morning, a coworker tries to kill Spencer. His neighbors turn out to be sleeper agents and are out to finish him off. Jen, of course, learns that her husband's past life. Jen has a decision to make, does she go on the run with Spencer or she let him leave? Killers is a goofy, silly movie. The stars are likable but the film has the quality of a TV movie at best. Tom Selleck and Catherine O'Hara are Jen's overprotective parents who add little to the movie. If you are offered this movie in a take it or leave it manner, leave it. There are funnier comedies and more thrilling crime action flicks.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2:17) 2011

Did you ever stop to think, "what am I doing here?" As I took my seat, these thoughts crossed my mind -
what am I doing paying fifteen dollars to watch a live action movie in 3D? Then, what am I doing watching the third sequel of a movie that is based on a DisneyWorld ride? Lastly, what am I doing watching a movie that I really didn't care for in the first place? Well, I did answer my own questions. It's wasn't worth the extra money for the 3D. I still think that 3D is worth the money for animation but the technology isn't there for live action. Johnny Depp is very good as Captain Jack Sparrow and has some good lines and retorts. I'm a big fan of Penelope Cruz and enjoyed seeing her as a pirate. The plot centered around finding the Fountain of Youth. Blackbeard wants to drink from the Fountain and is in search, Cruz plays his daughter as she  assists her father. Jack knows the location and is kidnapped, forcing him to lead the way to the Fountain. There are mermaids, sword fights and a mutiny. Lots of action and adventure happen in this two hour plus movie. In the end, it was just an okay movie. However, as I was watching the children and young teenagers exit the theater, it was obviously it was a big hit.

5,000 hits milestone

Today the Movie Matinee! blog received its 5,000 hit. When I created this blog at the beginning of the year, I never anticipated the traffic that has been recorded. The fascination for me has been the international traffic. Visitors have included citizens from Argentina, Canada, Iceland, Germany, Qatar, Egypt, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. I would like to thank all of you for your interest and your time. Your comments are more than welcome. I'm sure you all have interesting comments and opinions to share. Let me hear from you!
The next review will be the newly released Pirates of Caribbean. I need to recover from the work week first.

The Tiger's Tail (1:37) 2006

The Tiger's Tail is set in modern day Ireland. This is a tale of a successful real estate businessman who thinks he is seeing his imaginary double. Liam, facing the pressures of business and family, thinks he is mentally unraveling. Liam learns from his sister that he really has a twin brother who was given up for adoption. Liam's brother tries to take take Liam's place for two reasons. The twin brother is jealous of Liam's success and also wants his money. Liam and his brother finally come face to face.  Will the brothers overcome their pasts? Brendan Gleeson is a very accomplished  actor and is supported by a cast of well known Irish actors. The move is dark and quirky, it certainly not among my favorites but it does have an unusual story line.

Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus (1:24) 2006

Flock of Dodos is a documentary, light-hearted at times, which examines the evolution verses intelligent design debate. Randy Olson, the director, interviews proponents of both sides. Olson spends time on how this debate played out in Kansas, his home state. This issue brought national attention to the Kansas State Board of Education in the late 1990s. Being a teacher, I was interested in this issue and how it impacts public education. I now have a better understanding as to the meaning of intelligent design but could have learn everything that I wanted and needed to know in sixty minutes.

Country Strong (1:57) 2010

Country Strong opens with Kelly, a famous country western performer, prematurely leaving rehab. Her manager husband wants her to get back on tour and revive her career. While in rehab, Kelly befriended Beau, one of the center's employees who is also a country western singer. Beau is hired to go on tour with Kelly both as an opening act and to keep an eye on her so she won't relapse. The plot revolves around Kelly having difficulty with her miscarriage at five months, her strained marriage, and her battle with the bottle. There are subplots involving her manager husband, James pushing Kelly to perform, Beau's conflicting feelings about Kelly and an up and coming singer, Chiles. I'm not much of a fan of country and western music but I really did like the musical numbers especially Kelly's performance in Dallas. Gwyneth Paltrow portrays Kelly, and she can really belt out a song. I watched her performance at the end of the movie three times. The rest of the movie was okay, the musical numbers kept me watching. I can't rave about this movie, if you are flipping channels and come across it, you might want to give it a chance.

 

Across the Line: The Exodus of Charlie Wright (1:34) 2010

Charlie Wright (Aidan Quinn) is a forty one year old financial whiz worth billions. Unfortunately, the money came from a gigantic Ponzi scheme that is now unraveling. As the FBI are closing in to arrest Charlie and his partner, Charlie flees to Mexico. Although he can travel to and live well in any country, he lives in a flea bag hotel in Tijuana. Charlie is looking for a daughter who doesn't know he exists. As Wright is searching for his daughter, The FBI and mobsters are searching for him. He defrauded some unsavory Russians and Mexicans who want their money back or want him dead. Who will get to Charlie first? The law or the outlaws? Will he reunite with his long lost daughter? Aidan Quinn is one of my favorite actors. This performance was good for this straight to video movie. Mario Van Peebles and Andy Garcia star as opposing forces on the look out for Charlie. This is a typical TV movie, not great but fits the bill when you're home fighting off a cold and low energy.

Ghost Bird (1:34) 2009

Ghost Bird is a documentary about the Ivory-billed Woodpecker sighting in Arkansas in 2004. The Ivory-billed has been thought to be extinct since the 1940s. Two scientists have video of what they believe is the Ivory-billed, and several others have reported sightings or hearing it call. After the announcement, several prominent birders including David Sibley, author of many field guides, question whether the sighted Ivory-billed is really that of a Pileated Woodpecker. For the residents of Brinkley, Arkansas, the sighting of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker could be a boon for their local economy. The current population of Brinkley is a little more than 3,000 residents. The main street of Brinkley has one abandoned business after another. If the Ivory-billed does indeed reside in the nearby swampy Singer tract, this could be a boon of the economy. As of 2010, no new sightings of the much sought after bird have been reported. Being a birder, I followed the reports of the Ivory-billed when they were first released although I was skeptical at first. The director, Scott Crocker, does a great job of reporting both sides of the story. This is a must see documentary for all birders, professional or backyard.

Rio (1:36) 2011

Rio is a wonderfully colorful and delightful animation set in Brazil. Linda, a bookstore owner in Minnesota has taken care of Blu since childhood. Blu, a blue macaw, was rescued by Linda fifteen years ago when his crate was thrown off the exotic pet truck. Blu has never learned to fly but his very happy living in captivity with Linda. One day, Tulio, a Brazilian ornithologist, has come to ask Linda to bring Blu back to Brazil because there is one remaining female blue macaw. Blu is needed for breeding purpose so the macaws will not become extinct. Soon after Linda and Blu arrive in Rio, Blu and Jewel are kidnapped by bird smugglers. Linda is heartbroken and begins to track down the smugglers. Blu and Jewel, although chained together, escape and then are aided by other native birds. Complications arise because Blu can not fly. The backdrop of this birds on the run film is Carnival, the biggest parade and party in the world. Do yourself a favor, bring a child, grandchild, niece or nephew to this fanatastic movie. It's upbeat, lively, and energetic with positive social and environment messages. Fly out to this movie.

The Switch (1:41) 2010

Kassie (Jennifer Aniston) is  a single forty year old women who wants to have a baby before her biological clock runs out. She decides on AI and hosts a party where the sperm donor, Roland, will have his offering medically inserted. Wally, Kassie's neurotic former boyfriend, becomes intoxicated and switches his specimen for Roland's. Kassie moves back to her family to raise her child. Seven years later, Kassie returns to New York with her young son Sebastian. Wally soon realizes that he is the father and not Roland with whom Kassie has resumed communication. Over time, Wally and Sebastian grow close at the same time Kassie and Roland's relationship intensifies. Wally also comes to admit that he has feelings for Kassie. Roland tells Wally that he is going to propose. Will Wally tell Kassie the truth about his feelings and his switching the sperm samples? Kassie and Wally (Jason Bateman) have a chemistry and are very likable. The young actor portraying Sebastian is an adorable boy. The plot is rather predictable but enjoyable. I can't rave about this film, it passes as a "cute" movie.

Bridesmaids (2:05) 2011

If you are in the mood to laugh until your stomach aches, run, do not walk, to see Bridesmaids. Bridesmaids has lots of laughs, the funniest being the scene when the ladies are shopping for bridesmaids' dresses. The ladies are in an exclusive bridal shop when they all experience the symptoms of food poisoning. The scene is gross and crude but it is hysterical.  The movie is about Annie, a bakery owner whose shop has gone out of business, and her best friend, Lillian who is planning a wedding. Lillian has asked her childhood friend to be her maid of honor and Annie has accepted. All is well into attractive and very wealthy Helen, her intended husband's boss's wife inserts herself into the plans. Annie is jealous of Helen as Helen dominates the planning of the shower, the bachelorette party and even the wedding. I have to admit I wasn't happy with the bridal shower scene, I thought that Annie was mean spirited and ruined the shower for Lillian, Helen and the guests. The movie is a chick flick and shows the ups and downs of planning a wedding. The other bridesmaids are funny especially Megan, the groom's sister. There are serious moments in the movie and can be sentimental and moving. Ladies, take your girlfriends to the movies and have a blast.

The Beaver (1:31) 2011

The Beaver is a Jodie Foster directed drama starring Mel Gibson. Walter (Gibson) is a deeply depressed toy company executive who is on the verge of losing both his business and family. After a failed suicide attempt, a beaver puppet comes to the rescue. Walter finds the puppet in a dumpster and begins to have a conversation with the Beaver. Walter then requires that his family and coworkers speak directly to the puppet who speaks with a cockney accent. While woodworking with his younger son Henry, Walter comes up with a new toy which quickly becomes a hit. With his business now secure, Walter continues to struggle with his family life especially with his older son Porter. Porter is a bright high school student who writes term papers for other students charging a substantial fee. As time goes on, Porter who doesn't want to be like his father, displays some of his father's traits and reactions. I thought this was a very good film. It deals with the serious subject of depression and mental illness in a very realistic manner. I do have to say that when Walter is battling with the beaver, the film takes on a Twilight Zone feel. The cast is excellent especially Gibson. His portrayal of a depressed man is on target.

Love and Other Drugs (1:53) 2010

Love and Other Drugs is a romantic comedy of sorts. Jamie (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a underachiever in a high achieving, high expectations family. He is a electronics salesman who decides to become a pharmaceutical
salesman mostly due to the entry level pay starting with six figures. Jamie is charming and wins over his clients, wining, dining and sleeping with his contacts. This changes the day he meets Maggie, a young attractive woman, who rejects his advances. Maggie gives in and dates him but with great hesitation, she has been diagnosed and living with Parkinson's Disease. As Jamie grows to love Maggie his career also grows, he is promoting Viagra, a newly introduced drug. Over time, Jamie realizes that he has to make some important decisions involving his personal and professional life. I liked this movie and thought that Jake and Maggie had chemistry. There were a lot of bedroom scenes with nudity and a lot of crude and vulgar language that really wasn't necessary. Although it was for the most part lighthearted, the discussions about living with Parkinson's were very real. I wouldn't rush to put this in my queue but it did have a certain charm as it deals senstively with a difficult health issue.

A Wednesday (1:44) 2008

A Wednesday is an excellent Indian thriller. Police Commissioner Rathod, on the eve of retirement, receives a phone call from a man who has planted five bombs in different locations around Mumbai. The demand is not money, the caller wants four well known terrorists released.  As the caller gives his instructions to the where and when of the release, the police are racing against the clock. The caller has excellent technology skills and the police need a hacker to trace his calls. The four terrorists are released to a predetermined location - have the police been out maneuvered? The is a very crisply told story with a twist at the end. I was initially confused but the storyline unfolds quickly and I became invested in this cat and mouse plot. The film is in Hindi with subtitles but there is considerable dialogue in English. This is a gem of a thriller and deserves a wider audience.

Casino Jack (2:04) 2010

Casino Jack is based on the true story of super lobbyist Jack Abramoff's rise and fall. Kevin Spacey stars as Abramoff, a devoted husband and father, who really became addicted to the power and money connected with the political system. The story focuses on Abramoff and his partner, Mike Scanlon, committing fraud against the Native American tribes involved in gaming. Abramoff took millions to peddle his influence to assist some tribes establish casinos and influence Washington politicians against other  rival tribes establishing their own casinos. Abramoff also invested in a cruise line and opened Washington area restaurants but as he was became involved in these pursuits he began to bounce checks as he was "hemorrhaging money."  Eventually, Casino Jack could know longer keep all his balls in the air and was investigated by the Federal government. He is currently serving six years in a Cumberland, MD prison. Spacey and the entire cast are wonderful in this tale of corruption. Kelly Preston portrays Jack's wife who is painfully aware of the situation and is unable to sway Jack from his path of self-destruction. This is a good companion piece to the documentary, Casino Jack and the United States of Money. Although this story is about a man who succumbs to the attraction of power and money, it is also about our political system. Legislators, either wanting to be elected to office or wanting to stay in office, take contributions from lobbyists. The more money a group contributes to a campaign, the more clout they have. Does our government's elected officials really serve the ordinary citizen? After watching Casino Jack, I doubt it.

A Shine of Rainbows (l:51) 2009

Tomas is an eight year old living in an Irish orphanage.  One day he is sent to the principal's office.As he enters he sees Maire, a beautiful woman. Maire, who was once an orphan herself, has comes to take him home with her. Home is on Corrie Island where she lives with her husband, Alec. When Alec meets Tomas, he is not thrilled with Maire's choice. Alec thinks that Tomas may not be tough enough for the harsh life of an islander. Over time, Tomas comes to love his new life. He loves Maire, a warm and nurturing woman, and accepts her as his mother. Tomas refers to Alec "Himself" as Alec is gruff and rather stand offish. All is going well until Maire is taken to the hospital seriously ill. Tomas is now faced with another loss and Alec is faces with losing the love of his life. Can these two deeply wounded people be able to reach out and  comfort each other?  This is a warm, sentimental movie that I did enjoy. A Shine of Rainbows was filmed in County Donegal and starred Aidan Quinn as Alec. Quinn is one of my favorite actors and my favorite actor when portraying an Irishman. The movie is somewhat predictable but who cares? The film is about a slice of life on one of islands and how a woman's love transforms a man and a boy.

Under Our Skin (1:27) 2008

Under Our Skin is a documentary about Lyme's Disease. Having lived in Connecticut since the mid 1960s, I remember the newspaper articles about reports of a new mystery disease surfacing in the mid 1980s. This new disease was showing up in Lyme, about a forty minute drive from my home. Thirty years later, members of my family, friends, coworkers and neighbors have been diagnosed with Lyme's disease. Many, but not all, of them went to the doctors after experiencing to a rash with a red ring around it. This is a common sign of being bitten by a deer tick, the known carrier of Lyme's. Others went to the doctors because they felt sick and thought they had the flu. This documentary highlights sufferers of chronic Lyme's disease. However, there is a great debate among doctors as to the existence of chronic Lyme's disease. There is no debate about the importance of early detection and antibiotic treatment for Lyme's. Left untreated, Lyme's can be very debilitating for years and cause neurological damage. Lyme's Disease is now found in all states and across Europe. Whether you watch this documentary or not, read about the symptoms of Lyme's, check for tick bites after being outside, and if in doubt contact your doctor.

Thor in 3D (1:55) 2011

Save some money by seeing Thor without paying the extra for 3D. It was not  worth the extra amount. Actually, I enjoyed seeing the previews of Pirates of the Caribbean in 3D more than Thor special effects in 3D. The filmed is packed with special effects and the CGI of Asgard, Thor's kingdom in one of the nine realms is extremely creative. The storyline focuses in on the main character, Thor, the son of Odin. Thor is a handsome, charming, and a strong warrior. His father, played by Anthony Hopkins, realizes his son is also immature, arrogant and not ready to lead his people. Thor, after disregarding his father's orders, is banished to Earth. Scientists encounter Thor in the New Mexico desert. Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman, is the young scientist who falls in love with Thor. The scientists eventually realize that Thor is from another world and assist him in his efforts to regain his source of strength, his hammer. The action sequences are divided between Earth and Asgard. I would have preferred more of the action to have taken place on Earth but I am assuming that the director, the well known Kenneth Branagh, is setting up this movie for sequels. Another assumption of mine is that Thor will be very popular with males in the 13 - 33 age bracket. As much as I enjoy superhero or characters based on comic books, this is not one of my favorites. It was enjoyable and entertaining but just not one of my favorites. Reminder: Stay for the previews of The Avengers shown after the credits end.

Lemonade Mouth (1:36) 2011

Lemonade Mouth is a Disney orignal movie playing on the Disney Channel.  The movie is based on a book by the same name penned by Mark Peter Hughes. Lemonade Mouth is a musical drama about five Mesa High students who meet in detention hall. While cleaning out the music room while in detention, the teenagers discover that they all have musical talent. They decide to form a band by the name of Lemonade Mouth, the name originating after Stella spits lemonade at a rival band member. Besides struggling with the demands of starting a band, each band member faces a different personal challenge. Olivia's dad is in prison, Mo's parents are Indian and Mo is caught in the middle of living with two different cultures and the expectations of each. Since this a teenage musical, there are several lively numbers with singing and dancing. Of course, it isn't a tradional teenage flick without the principal acting in the role as the antagonist. Christopher MacDonald is the principal you love to hate. Lemonade Mouth has received postive reviews and they are well deserved. The movie promotes the importance of family, friends and values the traits of hard work and determination.
I think that upper elementary students and young teenagers will enjoy this movie. For moms and dads, this is a very enjoyable movie to watch with your children.

Inside Job (1:48) 2010

Inside Job is a Charles Ferguson's Oscar nominated documentary which deals with the worldwide global crisis of 2008.  The documentary, divided into five parts, is a very comprehensive look at the causes of the financial crisis, the crisis itself, and its aftermath. Very honestly, I quickly got lost in the discussions about derivatives marketing, subprime lending and other marketing terms. What I quickly understood is that the rich got richer and the ordinary person got screwed because corruption and greed pays well.  Two other important points that I understand is that we are tied to a global economy, unloading stones into a pond, causes ripples throughout the world. The other point that is very clear to me is that the power brokers who masterminded the collapse got away pretty much unscathed. Maybe keeping savings under a mattress is not such a bad way to go.

Meek's Cutoff (1:44) 2010

Meek's Cutoff is a rather dully told story about an exciting and interesting period in American history. Meek is Stephen Meek, played very convincingly by Bruce Greenwood, a wagon train guide in the earliest days (1845) of the Oregon Trail. Meek is a real person who made a decision to lead Western expansion pioneers away from a well known trail and take a shortcut across the high desert in Oregon. The group he led quickly became lost among the rough and barren landscape. Many travelers were stranded, became ill and died on this journey. This film fictionalizes this event as Meek leads three families as they branch off from the wagon train at the place currently known as Meek's Cutoff (near the Cascade Mountains). The movie follows the travelers as they painfully  inch their way through the desert. This small group loses trust in Meek when they realize they are lost with no water source in sight. Meek captures a local Native American man who is also distrusted, but at the same time, seen as their only hope in leading them safely to the Columbia River. A big complication is that the Native American only speaks his native language and does not understand English. Most of the story shows the pioneers walking across the landscape, going to sleep,  waking up and repeating another long day of walking in the search of water. The film's first seven minutes is without dialogue, there is almost no background music. The dialogue throughout the movie is subdued and limited to functional language. On a positive note, there is great detail paid to the costumes, the wagons and the supplies. The Native American speaks only the authentic Nez Perce language. This is definitely a film  for American History teachers, students and devotees but most likely not for the average moviegoer.

Older than America (1:41) 2008

Older than America is one fantastic movie! This supernatural thriller takes place on the Fond du Lac Reservation in Minnesota, once the site of a Catholic run boarding school. The main character is Rain, an elementary school teacher, who begins to have dreams and visions of events long ago. This is very frightening for her as her mother has been residing in a psychiatric hospital since Rain was a little girl. Irene, Rain's mother, does not have a mental illness but was placed there for one sinister reason. The priest in charge of the boarding school wants to keep her quiet about the physical and sexual abuses which she witnessed as a student. The story is told in flashbacks that are both suspenseful and creepy. The ending is predictable but is also very moving with forgiveness and reconciliation as the main themes. The cast is comprised of well known Native American actors - Adam Beach playing the role of  Rain's husband, and Wes Studi as the radio voice of the rez. I recommend this movie for two reasons. Older than America is a movie that kept me in suspense, several times on the very edge of my seat. The second reason is this film shows the damage that was done to the Native Americans when their children were ripped from their families, institutionalized and treated poorly, while being forbidden to speak their native languages and practice their traditions in our attempt to extinguish their culture. In history, Native Americans were refered to as "savages" - this movie gives us pause to consider as to which people were the true savages.

Paper Man (1:50) 2009

Richard (Jeff Daniels) has moved to Long Island to write a book, his doctor wife continues to work in the city and visits on weekends. Richard has writer's block and he needs the assistance of his longtime imaginary superhero friend, Captain Excellence (Ryan Reynolds). As Richard struggles with his book, he befriends a teenage girl, Abby. Abby has experienced an earlier tragedy and responds to Richard's attention. As time goes on, these two flawed, damaged friends help each other discover a more satisfying way to experience life. I have to admit that I didn't care for this movie at the beginning but  Abby (Emma Stone)  is excellent in this quirky drama. Daniels is just is a good as the struggling but charming writer whose character develops and changes over time. I recommend for those watching the movie be aware that it is very quirky wth scenes which may not be your cup of tea but the ending is very touching and satisfying.