Colombiana (1:47) 2011

Colombiana is a guilty pleasure. There really isn't a reason why I should like the movie but I did.  Cataleya is a nine year Columbian girl who sees her parents shot to dead. When she arrives in Chicago to live with Theo and his mother, Cataleya has already made up her mind to be a killer so she take  revenge on those who murdered her family. Fast forward to the present day and Cataleya is now an adult and professional killer. Cataleya has learned a lot of skills in fifteen years, she is a sharpshooter, a technological wiz and break into a prison cell, commit murder, and then walk out the police station unnoticed. Colombiana shows a lot of shootings but the victims pretty much fall over dead without a lot of blood and gore. If you can suspense your belief, it is a romp which promotes a very intelligentm highly skilled young woman. Yes, she is doesn't have pro social behaviors but she does have strong family ties.

TrollHunter - Trolljegeren (1:30) 2010

What a fun movie. The opening is reminiscent of The Blair Witch Project as students are in the forest looking for bears. They soon meet Norway's sole troll hunter, Hans and a close encounter with a troll. The two students ask if they can film the troll hunter on the job and he agrees. Sometimes funny, sometimes scary, sometimes gross with a tinge of horror, the film sticks close to troll folklore.  A big bonus to this movie is the scenery which includes fjords, forests, waterfalls and farmland which I would have loved to see on the big screen. Being a highly original and imaginative film TrollHunter should do well in the rental market. If you are in the mood for a lark, see it.

Chicago (1:53) 2002

It's hard to believe that Chicago is almost ten years old. I remember seeing it on the big screen when it was first released and loving it. It was fast moving, the musical numbers were snappy, the dialogue was sharp and funny. I watched it again this afternoon and was surprised that I was bored by some of the scenes and the musical numbers. The acting was phenomenal, all the main cast were great although I wasn't a big fan of some of Gere's musical numbers. Queen Latifah was just as fantastic now as she was ten years ago. Set in Chicago during the Roaring Twenties, the main character Roxie, a chorus line dancer, is accused of shooting a man who claims he can make her famous. Roxie hires Billy Flynn, a hotshot lawyer, who is able to flimflam the press into making Roxie a likable victim. The movie really does have a strong message about our legal system and the power of the press. If this movie has escaped you so far, it is worth renting. It has lost some of its glitter on the small screen but it certainly an enjoyable musical.

Julie & Julia (2:02) 2009

In case you missed Julie & Julia at the movies, this is a must see movie. My aunt and I went during Christmas week in 2009 and we both thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Meryl Streep is excellent as Julia Childs and nails down both her personality and voice. Stanley Tucci was also excellent as her husband Paul. Although I have watched Julia's television show, I didn't know anything about her early life or her marriage to Paul. Amy Adams plays Julie Powells who blogs about Childs as she attempts to make and bake every recipe in Childs' cookbook in the course of a year. I thought the scenes of Julie and Eric, her husband, were the weaker part of the movie. This definitely Streeps' movie. If you have missed it up to now, give yourself a real treat and rent Julie & Julia.

Brooklyn's Finest (2:05) 2009

Eddie, Sal and Clarence are all members of New York's finest. Eddie is a week away from retirement, Sal's wife is expecting twins and is experiencing health problems, and Clarence has been working undercover. Eddie is taking the path of least resistance just trying to make it to retirement. Sal, a good family man, is struggling trying to get money together so he can buy a bigger house, and drug money is proving to be very tempting. Clarence, while working undercover, has become friends with a drug kingpin. This is a very gritty film with lots of violence.  The film does show police burn out and the struggles of low paying policeman trying to provide for his family. I had missed Brooklyn's Finest when it was first released but it was certainly fine as a rental while passing time during Hurricane Irene.

Black August (1:56) 2006

Based on prison letters and writings, Black August is based on the life of Black Panther George Jackson in the early 1970s. Gary Dourdan gives a great performance as Jackson, the founder of the Black Guerilla family, the militant branch of the Panthers. His story is told in a series of interviews between Jackson and David Dryer, a textbook editor, whose goal is to publish Jackson's book about the Soledad Brothers. Jackson's family and Angela Davis are shown as part of the larger story about the civil rights movement and their attempts to bring pressure in freeing Jackson and the Soledad Brothers. There were a few places where I briefly got lost and wasn't sure what was happening but the message of the cost of racism in America came across loud and clear. This is a heavy duty movie that is a must see for all history lovers and/or protesters of the civil rights era.

Our Idiot Brother (1:30) 2011

Our Idiot Brother is a Paul Rudd vehicle. Unfortunately, this vehicle doesn't need to be driven off the lot or even taken off the production line. Having said that, Rudd is a very likable character and he does well as the airhead, naive brother. Ned is the stereotypical organic farmer hippie who sells some pot to a police officer. After he is released from prison, he heads home to live with his mother. Within a short period of time, Ned decides to take his sister's offer and live with her and her family. Before long, Ned discovers that his brother-in-law is having an affair. Ned then moves on to his next sister and inadvertently causes a problem between her and her best friend. After he has upset all his sisters' lives, Ned is arrested again for a probation violation. With their brother in jail, the sisters realize that having Ned around is what their family needs after all. The language is crude and vulgar, the plot is predictable, it is more of a made for television type movie. My suggestion is to wait and watch this comedy as a rental.

El Cantante (1:56) 2006

Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez are the stars of El Cantante, based on the life of Hector Lavoe. Lavoe was a famous salsa singer in New York City. Lavoe, originally from Puerto Rico, always had the dream of becoming a famous singer which he did realize. Unfortunately, his rise to fame was accompanied with a twenty year struggle with alcohol and drug abuse. His drug addiction led to his being diagnosed with HIV. The film deals with Hector's up and down marriage to Puchi (Lopez), the death of his teenage son, and his battles with mental health issues. El Cantante received poor reviews when initially released but it is a pleasure to say that it was fairly interesting. The Salsa music and songs were lively and frequent. On the flip side, the scenes of drug use (snorting and shooting up) turned me off but were a necessary part of the movie. 

Earthquake in North Haven, CT

An earthquake shook the East Coast about 2:00 today. The epicenter was in Virginia and the tremors were felt into Canada. I didn't feel a thing in North Haven. My sister was at Hammonasset Beach in Madison and felt it. My son lives in Boston and felt the tremors. The earthquake was felt in the greater New Haven area and buildings were evacuated as it was in the middle of the business day. Schools are not in session yet so students were home. As far as I know there were no injuries reported in North Haven. Here is a link to an article in our local paper:  http://northhaven.patch.com/articles/aftershocks-from-washington-dc-earthquake-rattle-ct

Star Trek Generations (1:58) 1994

This is an oldie but a goodie for Star Trek fans. Generations was the seventh movie in the series and the end of Captain Kirk and the beginning of  Captain Picard and his crew series. The movie was complete with a villain played by Malcolm McDowell as the scientist risking all to get to the Nexus in order to reunite with his family. The fact that millions of people would be destroyed isn't going to stand in his way. Of course, no Star Trek movie wouldn't be complete without humor. In Generations, Data provides the comedy when he is inserted with an emotion chip that turns out to be much more than he bargained.  I'm a fan of Star Trek and have seen every movie and looking for the next one that is to be released in 2013. Generations was shown on the Syfy channel tonight and decided that the almost twenty year old movie was worth another look. And I did enjoy seeing all my favorite characters.

The Guard (1:36) 2011

For those with an Irish sense of humor, this is a movie who may want to see. It comes complete with the funny one liners with the accompanying irreverent look on life and lots of swearing. And the four of us, all of Irish descent. laughed out loud at many lines. The film is set in Galway with scenes of white cottages, rural country roads and the shots of the seacoast. Brendan Gleeson, who often plays a criminal, this time is Gerry O'Boyle who is a member of The Guard. But he isn't exactly on the up and up, either. O'Boyle's new partner arrives from Dublin and promptly disappears after investigating a murder. Don Cheadle soon arrives in Galway as the FBI are tracking a half a billion dollars worth of crack that is thought to be arriving by boat somewhere in the west of Ireland. O'Boyle, who is clearly a racist, is assigned to partner with Cheadle, a straight laced, Yale educated agent. Needless to say, they are the odd couple of cop dramas. As the investigation continues, the two men use their skills and share their knowledge as they race against the clock to discover the location of the drug transfer. Part of me would like to say "Don't be an ejiit, go see this film in reality but it may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Movie Trivia Answer

Viola Davis was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Doubt. She played Mrs. Miller, the mother of a student enrolled in a Baltimore Catholic School.

Spirit Rider (2:00) 1993

Spirit Rider is a made for Canadian television movie which was released on DVD in 2007. A teenage boy in foster care is repatriated to the West Canadian reservation to live with grandfather. Jesse Threebears doesn't remember his grandfather, Joe Moon, because Joe was serving a ten year prison sentence. Jesse has difficulty adjusting to life on the rez especially when another teenager, Paul, is going out his way to give Jesse a hard time. There had been a tragedy on the rez years earlier that greatly impacted his grandfather and Paul but their secret has been kept from Jesse. As Jesse and his grandfather begin to form a bond by roping a black horse for Jesse to ride in an upcoming race. The day before the race, Jesse is told of the secret which alienates him from his grandfather. Will Jesse ride in the race or will he leave the reservation? This is a movie that has a cast of well known Native American actors. Spirit Rider, while a typical made for television movie, is a movie that would be enjoyed as a family.

Movie Trivia

Name the actress, in a current release, who was nominated for an Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress) for her eight minute performance in a 2008 movie.

 

Look for Movie Trivia answer tomorrow.

One Day (1:47) 2011

Emma and Dexter meet at graduation and spent the day together. July 15, 1988 is the beginning of their multi year friendship. As in all relationships, Emma and Dexter have their ups and downs, good times which are fun and then the bad times when they are not getting along. The film shows the fifteenth of July through the years up until the present. The film takes us through Dexter's marriage, birth of his daughter and then his divorce. Emma is shown working in a Mexican restaurant, writing poetry, in a relationship with a would be stand up comedian and finally an author of a children's book. Regardless of what is happening in their lives, they are at least in touch by phone every July 15th. The stars of the film, Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess are good and have chemistry. The movie kept my attention and interest but it didn't grab me because it really lacked depth. My suggestion is that you wait for One Day to be released one day in the future.

The Perfect Game (1:53) 2009

The Perfect Game is not a perfect movie but it is close to being a perfectly historical dramatization of the long shot Mexican Little League team who took the  1957 World Series in Williamsport, PA. The movie proved true to the book of the same name. The costumes were created to look just like the real uniforms down to the smallest details. Scenes from a documentary about the team were interwoven with the scenes from the movie in a seamless manner. At the end, the coach and some of the surviving players were shown on screen. This movie is for the entire family, there in nothing objectionable as far as language or adult material. There are some major themes that are discussed. Racism was highlighted by the use of Whites Only signs and a heartbreaking scene of a Texas team eating together except for the one African American player sitting by himself at another table. The movie also highlights determination, the boys had nothing in the way of material possessions as the parents were hardworking but poor in their rural Mexican village. The boys, being Catholic, had great faith and were led by their village priest played by Cheech Marin, who was convincing as a clergyman. This is a family movie especially for families with Little Leaguers. After the movie, take a look at the bonus features and the section about the making of the movie. It was obviously a labor of love.

The Help (2:17) 2011

Two days ago, I suggested that viewers run to the theater to see Sarah's Key, my favorite movie this year so far. Until today. Run and run as fast as you can to the theater and buy a ticket to see The Help. Then go see Sarah's Key. The Help is the total package.The acting is top notch and my expectations are that there will be numerous nominations. The movie will make you laugh, cry, laugh, cry some more and then cheer. Viola Davis and Octavia L. Spencer are fantastic as the maids who are close friends. Sissy Spacek is a firecracker as Miss Hilly's mother. Bryce Dallas Howard nails it as Miss Hilly, the racist Junior League President who personifies the phrase "nasty nice". My major complaint about movies is they are too long, but not this time, I didn't want the movie to end. My group, the Flick Chicks, went to see The Help this afternoon. All seven of us loved it and the women who had read the book said that the movie follows the book of the same name exactly. If you are only going to the movies once this summer, this is the movie to see!
Run, Forrest, Run!

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1:57) 2008

This 2008 version is a remake of the 1951 science fiction classic of the same name. Keanu Reeves plays Klaatu, an alien who wants to save the Earth.  Helen, a scientist, helps Klaatu not realizing that he really save the Earth, not the people of Earth. I watched the original version starring Michael Rennie a long time ago and really do not remember the storyline. I did like this updated version, Reeves was convincing as the alien. John Hamm, of Mad Men fame, was an FBI agent and I like him .  . . a lot! The special effects were impressive. The strongest part of the movie was the message, we need to take action to protect the Earth and not wait for a crisis.

Sarah's Key (1:51) 2011

Run. do not walk, to the theater near you showing Sarah's Key. Then be prepared to go home and take a nap. Sarah's Key is intense, emotionally powerful movie about the removal of 17,000 Jews in France in 1942.  This removal was not carried out by the Nazis but by their own countrymen. The movie is based on the book of the same name, which I didn't read. One of my friends who was part of today's movie going adventure had and remarked that the movie was true to the book. Julia, played by the fabulous Kristen Scott Thomas, is a journalist researching the Vel d'Hiv round up. As she researches, Julia comes across her husband's family' secret. Julia is determined to learn the fate of two Jewish children, Sarah and Michel Starzynski, whose names do not show up in camps or deportation lists. As Julia digs into the past, she touches the lives of her family, her husband's and Sarah's. This is an incredibly well acted movie by the entire case, both major and minor characters. The story is told in an enthralling manner, scenes from 1942 and present day interwoven. Special note need to be mentioned about the young star who played Sarah. Mélusine Mayance had some tough scenes and she is totally convincing. She is the main reason I needed to take a nap, I was there in 1942 with her. This is the best movie I've seen this calendar year. SEE IT.

Dear Lemon Lima (1:27) 2011

Vanessa is a Fairbanks, Alaska high school student in love with Philip, a fellow student at Nichols Academy. Nessa, as she is called, is attending Nichols on a Eskimo scholarship as her father is Yupik. Nessa does not fit in and is relegated to spend time in the weight training/exercise room with other outcasts. After a rejection by Philip, Nessa becomes one of the team captains for the Snowstorm Survivor competition sponsored by the school. She chooses all her friends from the exercise room. As they practice for the different competitions which are inspired by the Eskimo World Olympics, Nessa friendships are strengthen and she embraces her native heritage especially after a Dead Poets Society tragedy involves one of her teammates. This is a quirky comedy for middle school/high school girls and reminds me of Lemonade Mouth. The movie was filmed in Washington State but it fooled me. There are a few scenes of native dancing in traditional garb which are both enjoyable and informative. I enthusiastically recommend this for young teenage girls.

The Shooter (2:06) 2007

Ever rent a movie and realize that you have already seen it somewhere along the line? That just happened with The Shooter. Frankly, once a see a movie I rarely watch it again. This time I did and liked it just as much as the first time. Bob Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) is living in a remote area of the Northwest. He was highly trained Marine sniper who was abandoned by his higher ups while on a secret mission. Besides being left in enemy territory, his spotter is killed during the mission. He is living alone and away from people and likes it that way. He receives a visit from government officials who need his help to prevent an assassination attempt on the president. Bob agrees to assist the government. While on assignment, Bob learns that he has been set up and now is the target. On the run, Bob has to get to the truth to clear his name. He has the help of a newly trained FBI agent played by Michael Pena who is willingly to risk his career to do the right thing. This is an fast paced action adventure thriller with the two main characters are well acted by Wahlberg and Pena. If you have a chance to see it on television it is worth watching.

30 Minutes of Less (1:23) 2011

Nick (Jesse Eisenberg) is a pizza delivery man in Grand Rapids, MN. His roommate is Chet, a substitute teacher at a public elementary school.  Nick has strong feelings for Kate, Chet's sister. Nick is muddling through life in an unambitious way. His life changes quickly when Dwayne and Travis knock him out when his delivers their pizza. When he awakes, Nick is wearing a vest with explosives set to go off in ten hours. Nick can avoid being blown up if he robs a bank for ten thousand dollars. Please realize this is a comedy. Nick and Chet fight about Kate and are not speaking but Chet helps Nick rob the bank because they are friends. This is a goofy movie that is a lot of fun with loaded with quick witted lines. It's not really a great movie but it is fast paced and the audience had a good time tonight.

Crazy, Stupid, Love (1:57) 2011

Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) has been married for twenty five years when his wife announces she wants a divorce because "they stopped being us". Cal moves out, and spends time alone at a local bar.  Jacob, a handsome womanizer, takes Cal under his wing and reinvents him with a new hairstyle, new clothes and coaching. Cal has a young adolescent son who is having trouble with his love life, Robbie is in love with his seventeen year old babysitter. Unfortunately for Robbie, Jessica has a crush on his father. As all this romantic turmoil is hitting the Weaver family, Cal has met a girl, a young law student graduate,  with whom he is very attracted. Of course, Hannah repels his advances. I'm happy to report that this a very enjoyable romantic comedy. The Weavers are a likable family who care and love each other. Like all families, they have their struggles individually and as a family unit. While most of the movie is lighthearted, it does have a serious and touching, heartwarming ending. I highly recommend this romantic comedy

Desert Flower (2:00) 2009

Desert Flower is based on the life story of Waris Dirie, a Somalian born girl who eventually becomes an internationally well known model. As a daughter of nomads, Waris suffers with the genital mutilation she endures at age three. When her father arranges for her to be an older man's fourth wife at the age of thirteen, Waris runs away. She ends up in London working as a maid in the Somalian embassy. Waris is eventually left homeless until she is discovered by a famous photographer. Waris is photographed and appears on the cover of women's fashion magazines. She also walks the runway in European countries and then in the United States. Waris eventually tells her life story and helps promote the end of female genital mutilation around the world. Desert Flower is not the perfect movie but it tells a very important story which all women should see and/or be told. Liya Kebede, an Ethiopian born model, portrays Waris and Sally Hawkins is her friend, Marilyn. They both are very good in their roles. There is a short scene on the runway that is not to be missed. Waris is shown walking the runway in four different designer outfits and she is gorgeous. The music playing in the background enhances the scene.

The Change-Up (1:45) 2011

The good news and the bad news about The Change-Up. The good news is Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman are my favorite comedic actors and do a great job as the "different as night and day" buddies. The bad news is the dialogue is not only crude but downright vulgar. I do have to admit that some of the crude lines are funny, the audience did laugh. The plot is very predictable, the two friends think the other's life is better than their own. As they urinate into a fountain after a night of drinking, their wish comes true, they inhabit each other's body. The hard working married lawyer (Bateman) becomes a free wheeling bachelor, the bachelor (Reynolds) wakes up with a wife, a daughter and infant twins. As they life each other's lives, they learn how they are viewed by family and friends, and some of the views are complimentary and some not. As time goes on, the two friends get use to their new lives. But then again, do they learn the grass is not always greener on the other side?

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2:00) 2011

Well, I not going to monkey around, I am going to say flat out - this is a movie to go ape over. Sorry for the puns. I was in my early twenties when the first Planet of the Apes was released. I liked the original and all the sequels. I loved this movie for several reasons. James Franco is excellent as the doctor researching for a vaccine to prevent or to reverse the effects of Alzheimer's. This is a personal quest for him as well as professional - his father, Charles, is rapidly declining. The vaccine Will is working on is promising until one of the chimps goes berserk. The scientists do not realize it is not from the vaccine but to protect her newborn. Will takes the newborn home and raises him. The little chimp, named Caesar, is a wonder. He is learning sing language and is able to perform complex intellect tasks. Years go by and when protecting Charles from an angry neighbor, Caesar is removed to a primate. He is mistreated and is angry with Will for abandoning him. Two big events happen, Caesar and the other primates escape from the center and take off to live in a nearby redwood forest. The second event occurs when one of the human researchers, Franklin, is accidentally exposed to the vaccine. The vaccine has a different effect on humans, it doesn't make them smarter just sick, very sick and highly contagious. There are several reasons to see this movie. The CGI is fantastic, the chimps are chimps but as the movie continues, Caesar shows subtle human emotions. Although they are subtle, you can almost read his mind. Franco is excellent and so is John Lithgow who brilliantly plays his father. The story moves along at a good pace, it bogs down a little bit at the science center, but it is minor slow down.
This is a must see for science fiction fans and/or fans of the Planet of the Apes series. It is quiet clear that there will be a sequel and I can hardly wait.

No Strings Attached (1:47) 2011

This Ivan Reitman comedy involves Emma and Adam, long time friends, who decide that they will have a sexual relationship with no strings attached. No dating, no expectations, no cards, no flowers and no jealousy. Actually, this movie could be titled Friends with Benefits. All is going well until Adam (Ashton Kutcher) realizes that he does want to have a dating relationship, a commitment. This scares Emma (Natalie Portman) a doctor who does not want any relationship. Adam, being deeply hurt, breaks off with Emma. Emma realizes she has made a mistake but there is another women in the picture? Will Emma be able to heal this broken relationship? I have to admit that I really didn't like the beginning of the movie and thought about not finishing watching it. Kutcher and Portman are good together and likable characters. As I continue to watch, the more I liked the movie. And yes, it is a predictable romantic comedy and it fits the bill for a no thinking, sit back a relax for an evening film.

Jolene (1:55) 2008

Ever hide a trashy novel that you were embarrassed to admit you were really enjoying? That's what watching Jolene was like, a guilty pleasure. Jolene was a foster child who was bounced from home to home. She married Micky when she was fifteen and within a short period of time she has an affair with Micky's Uncle Phil. When the affair was discovered, Micky committed suicide by jumping off a bridge. Jolene was committed to an institution and has an affair with her guard. So on its goes as Jolene travels to Las Vegas and lives with a wealthy businessman with underworld connections. And then on to Tulsa. Jolene reminds me of Stella Davis with Bette Midler, a movie soap opera. Do I recommend it? Not really. Did I like it? You bet.

Cowboys and Aliens (1:58) 2011

Daniel Craig wakes up in the desert without any memories. When he arrives in early Western town of Absolution, he is arrested by the sheriff. It turns out that the mystery man is Jake, a wanted man. As he is being carted off to Santa Fe, the town is attacked by an alien force. The aliens are roping the residents and flying off with them. Jake is wearing a bracelet that he can activate that will shoot the aliens. A group of ranchers, townspeople ride off with Jake in hopes of finding where the location of their loved ones. The posse are joined with a band of Apaches, who have had their loved ones taken off and by Jake's band of outlaws. The humans finally reach the aliens' ship and the shootout occurs. This is a fun movie. The well known cast, Craig, Ford, Dano, and Rockwell are all convincing in this science fiction Western. This is a fine example of a summer blockbuster.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (1:40) 2011

Snow Flower and Lily are laotongs in 1817 China, Sophia and Nina are laotongs in present day Shanghai.
The film interweaves the relationships of the "sisters" by moving back and forth between the two centuries. The two stories have the same theme, the sisters have a very close relationship but there is an event, usually involving a husband/boyfriend, that causes a rift in the relationship. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan received very poor reviews but I thought the movie critics were too harsh. The scenes between Snow Flower and Lily were very engaging. The scenes between Sophia and Nina, shown in flashbacks, were confusing as to the sequence of events. I would definitely recommend this film as a rental.

Praying with Lior (1:27) 2008

Lior is a thirteen year old boy with Down's Syndrome and is also preparing for his Bar Mitzvah. This heartwarming documentary tells the story of Lior's love of life, God, family and community. The film uses home videos to show Lior through the years. Lior was born in a loving Jewish family with both his parents being rabbis. Lior has two older siblings and a younger sister. His mother died in 1997 after battling, I believe, cancer for several years. The main focus of the film is the months leading up to his Bar Mitzvah. Lior receives an incredible amount of support from his religious community and from his family. Lior is a high functioning teenager with special needs and is able to articulate what he is thinking and feeling. And he is a sweetheart. His Bar Mitzvah is filmed and when he gives his speech, many of the attendees are shown crying as they are so touched. And so was I. Praying with Lior is an inspiring story of love and caring and the triumph of the human spirit.

Every Day (1:33) 2010

Every Day is the story of many people's every day lives. Ned and Jeannie are a married couple with two sons and a floundering marriage. The older son has just come out of the closet, the younger elementary age student practices for his violin recital.  Ned works for as a writer for a soap box type television show. Ned is assigned a female co-writer who throws herself at him as they work late at night in her apartment. Adding  more fuel to the fire is Ernie, Ned's ailing and depressed father-in-law who has come to live with the family in New York. My first reaction was that I really didn't care for this movie but as I continued to watch, it grew on me. Ned comes to terms with marriage and family life is not always fun but he isn't "stuck in a bad marriage." Jeannie comes to terms with her estranged dad as Ned and Jeannie reconnect. Every Day is a realistic look at life, love and family.

Life During Wartime (1:37) 2009

This is a movie about a dysfunctional family, a very dysfunctional extended family. And I've seen lots of movies about strange families. The movie starts with Joy leaving her husband, Allen while she still is having conversations with her former boyfriend who committed suicide years earlier. Her nephew Timmy is on the verge of making his Bar Mitzvah when he learns his father is not dead but in prison for pedophilia. Unknown to him, his father has been released from prison. Joy has two sisters, one a famous poet who has not kept in contact with the family. The other is Timmy's mom who has been an divorced man who is interested in a relationship. This movie, while have a very good ensemble cast, was not my cup of teas. I really had to force myself to watch the film to the end. There are two very good scenes, one scene is between Billy, Timmy's older brother away at college, and his newly paroled father. The second scene is between Timmy and his mother's boyfriend. However, ten minutes doesn't justify my recommending this film.

Alabama Moon (1:36) 2011

Alabama Moon is a fantastic children's movie based on the Walt Key book of the same name. Moon is an eleven year old boy who lives with father, an isolationist. They live in the most primitive conditions, trusting no one, with the only contact being a storekeeper. Two big events happen in Moon's life in a very short period of time. Land near their home in the Talladga National Forest is sold for development and Pap dies. As Moon leaves for Alaska as his Pap directed, he is taken in custody by the local constable. Moon ends up in Pinson, a boy's school/reformatory. Much against his Pap's teachings, Moon makes friends for the first time. Moon, Hal and Kit escape from Pinson and go back to the woods to live until spring. The authorities are now hot on their trail. The trio is doing well until Hal leaves to go live with his alcoholic father and Kit becomes very ill. Over time, Moon is beginning to doubt his father's thinking and must find his own way. Alabama Moon is a charming movie that is appropriate for upper elementary and middle school students. The characters are good hearted people with the exception of the Constable. The movie moves along, there is no inappropriate language or adult content. It reminds me of another movie Hoot with a similar theme. With several weeks left to summer vacation, my suggestion is that one night sit around with the family, make some popcorn, and watch the film. Everyone will enjoy the film and the family time.