In Time (1:49) 2011

Justin Timberlake is the star of this cat and mouse science fiction adventure. Will Salas lives in a society where time is the most prized commodity. Unfortunately for Will, he lives from day to day - literally. Humans have been genetically engineered to stop aging at age twenty five years. In order to keep living, everything is paid by earnings of time. For example, a cup of coffee costs three minutes. People live in time zones with the richest people living in New Greenwich. Will's life in the ghetto changes the night he meets a man who is 106 years old and wants his time to run out. As Will is sleeping, the stranger transfers his time to Will and Will wakes up a wealthy man. The problem is that everyone wants Will - dead or alive. In Time is a very somber movie, it reminded me of Gattica. Although In Time received poor reviews, I liked it. Its message of a few people controlling the wealth at the expense of the many is certainly a timely one (no pun intended). However, when it was all said and done, my suggestion is to wait until the movie is released on DVD unless you are a die hard science fiction fan.

A Better Life (1:50) 2011

Carlos is a gardener in LA and works hard to provide for his high school son, Luis. Life is not easy as Carlos is an undocumented worker who entered the US illegally. When Blasco, the owner of the business, offers him the opportunity to buy his truck and the gardening tools, Carlos asks his sister for a loan. Carlos, although he doesn't have a driver's license, buys the truck and takes over the business. Life is starting to get better until a new hire steals his truck. As Carlos begins to look for his stolen truck, Luis offers to help. As the adventure brings the two closer, an unfortunate event threatens to separate the two.
This a gem of a movie. A Better Life shows the realities of the life of honest, hard working immigrant workers. The movie is also very moving as Carlos has to battle hardship as he maintains his values and his dignity so he can be a good role model for his son. Carlos wants more than anything to give his son a good life and provide him with opportunities. This is a very good movie, reminiscent of another wonderful with a similar theme, Under the Same Moon. Both of these movies deserve to be high on your rental queue.

The Rum Diary (1:59) 2011

For the most part, Johnny Depp is in good movies. And for the most part, The Rum Diary, isn't one of them. Paul Kemp is a jounalist who arrives in 1960 Puerto Rico. Kemp is the only applicant for a job on the  San Juan Star, a failing newspaper. He is hired to write the Horoscope column and rewrite copy. He is enjoying Puerto Rico especially the abundance of  alcohol, which he imbibes overabundantly. As Kemp experiences the culture, he sees the disparity between the rich and the poor of San Juan. Kemp has a close look at the corruption that is taking place when he is asked to moonlight to work on an ad campaign for a wealthy businessman. I struggled to stay with the first half of the movie, the second half did pick up the pace as Paul becomes motivated "to get the bastards."  Depp is good in is part as the hard drinking journalist and is funny in the scene where he is driving a car with no front seat. I would normally say this movie wasn't my cup of tea but this time I'll just say it just wasn't my rum and coke.

Take Shelter (2:00) 2011

Curtis is happily married with a young daughter, Hannah. Hannah is hearing impaired and is learning ASL along with her loving parents. Curtis works hard drilling for an excavation company. One night, Curtis has a vivid nightmare about an terrible storm and his beloved dog attacking him. Soon he begins to have night terrors on a daily basis. Curtis also starts hearing thunder, sees lightning and feeling an oily rain. At times he is the only witness to these weather events. Curtis doesn't share his disturbing dreams with his wife because he secretly fears the dreams may be the onset of schizophrenia, an illness that his mother was diagnosed with in her early thirties. This was an excellent thriller, taut and engaging. As the movie unfolds, the viewer continues to move between thinking Curtis is starting to unravel and Curtis has the ability to sense a forboding event. Take Shelter reminded me of a Hithcock movie, as it unsettling throughout. Take shelter at your local arts cinema and see it!

Five (1:30) 2011

Five is an anthology of short films shown on the Lifetime Channel about women battling breast cancer. The five stories are titled: Pearl, Mia, Charlotte, Cheyanne and Lilli. The woman have diverse lives, Pearl is a doctor of oncology who works with breast cancer patients. Her own mother, Charlotte, lost her battle to breast cancer in 1969. Cheyanne is a twenty-six year stripper and Lilli is a young African American lawyer. Mia is a divorced woman with adult children whose story is told in  chronologically reversed  flashbacks told over the course of two years. The ensemble cast has many famous stars like Patricia Clarkson and Jeanne Triplehorn, Tony Shalhoub, Jeffrey Tambor, Bob Newhart, Rosario Dawson and others. The episodes were directed by Demi Moore, Jennifer Aniston and other notable directors. This is a must see for all women!

The Mighty Macs (1:40) 2011

Set in the early 1970s, Cathy Rush takes a job as a coach of a Catholic  college womens' basketball team. Immaculata College is in financial trouble, the gym has burned down and the girls have no chance of having a winning team. Cathy starts coaching with the help of one of the young nuns who is having doubts about her vocation. The girls need to develop skills, the ability to work as a team and a belief in themselves. Based on a true events, the team overcome incredible odds to receive an invitation to the first National Women's Basketball Tournament. I highly recommend this movie. It starts out like a made for television movie but this family movie has wonderful messages. As the Cinderella story unfolds it becomes  very easy to become their biggest fan. By the end of the movie, the nuns are praying for a win and the audience is cheering so the heavens can hear.

Climate of Change (1:25) 2010

Villages in India, Togo, West Virginia, Africa, Norway and New Guinea  have one thing in common. There have citizens who are involved with saving their environments. Teenagers in India are urging for the reduction of plastics. A villager in Togo are urging native people to stop cutting timber to send to Europe. A village in Africa sponsors an annual Solar Cooker Festival, an environmentally friendly way to cook food. In New Guinea, a village practices sustainable lumbering. Trees are cut down only when needed and then only certain trees can be used. And on the documentary continues highlighting positive environmental practices. Tilda Swindon is the narrator of this beautifully photographed film. Reduce, reuse, recycle and view this documentary.

Solo (1:38) 2006

jack Barrett has been working for the Sydney Australian underworld as a hit man for years. He wants to retire because his work is making him sick. The Gentlemen, the down under crime syndicate, doesn't want Jack to retire because once your in the business, you really can't get out. Finally, Jack is given the word that he can retire after one last job.  The job? Eliminate a young woman graduate student who is working on her thesis. The focus of her work is the early history of The Gentlemen. Obviously, the mob doesn't want her nosing around. Jack has met and spoken with the grad student and is attracted to her. He is resisting this last job, a decision that puts both her and him in jeopardy. A dark, seedy movie is not one that I would particularly recommend.

Betrayed at 17 (1:30) 2011

This Lifetime Channel original movie deals with a very real modern day problem. Lexi is a high school student who has a one night stand with Greg, a football player. What Lexi doesn't know is Greg slept with her on a bet and Greg  videotaped them in bed. Caraleigh, Greg's former boyfriend, forwards the recording to the other students to get revenge on Greg and Lexi. At a party, Greg is shocked to learn that the recording is out there and Lexi is devastated. As she runs from the party, Lexi runs into the street, is hit by a car and killed instantly. The movie up to this point is fairly realistic and timely. The plot thickens as to the responsible person for the leak really is so the focus of the aftermath of a student death is lost.
The first half of the movie is worth viewing as a cautionary tale as to ramifications, intended and unintended, of spreading gossip, texts and  videos.

G-Force (1:30) 2009

G-Force is an animated comedy about specially trained guinea pigs who are combating an evil billionaire from taking over the world. The villain is using especially adapted kitchen appliances in his plot. I'm a little bit embarrassed to say I saw it in the movies two summers ago and watched it again on the Disney Channel. Although it was given poor reviews, I thought it was humorous especially for young children. G-Force includes positive messages including the importance of recognizing one's strengths and loyalty to friends. It definitely a fun, and yes silly,  movie to watch with the children.

My Afternoons with Margueritte - La tête en friche (1:22) 2010

This film offers viewers  a tender and sweet movie experience. Germain is a big man considered to be an oaf by his French village. Margueritte is an elderly woman who spends time in the park watching the pigeons. Germain and Margueritte  strike up a conversation which leads to a relationship. Germain is not much of a reader. Flashbacks show scenes of Germain having difficulty with learning in elementary school. Germain's mother is not maternal and doesn't display affection towards him. Margueritte begins reading books to him and opens up his world. She also builds him up with her nurturing ways. Short and sweet - just like the movie - just see it.

Hanna (1:51) 2011

I missed Hanna in the theater this summer although I had planned on seeing it. It turns out I am glad. Hanna has been raised in the isolation North Finland wilderness by her father. Erik has raised Hanna to take care of herself in a whole new way. He has taught Hanna to kill people and taught her well. How can I recommend a movie about a child killer? Yes, it is far fetched and violen tand for me it was a turn off for me to see Hanna kill time and time again. Granted, she was killing people that were out to get her first. Cate Blanchett plays the rogue government agent, somewhat of the insane side,  who is out to eliminate both Erik and Hanna. The movie does have to positives to report. The first being Saoirse Ronan who plays Hanna. She is very good at playing a low affect teenage assassin  on the run. The second was the soundtrack, the background music did add to the movie.

Real Steel (2:06) 2011

Do you have children who are Middle School age boys? If you do, this is a movie for them. And you will enjoy Real Steel almost as much as they do. Charlie Kenton is kind of a loser. A former boxer, Charlie boxes robots through remote control. He owes people, and not good people, money from lost boxing matches. Charlie learns that his eleven year old son Max's mother has died. Charlie doesn't know Max as he signed away his parental rights at birth. Charlie agrees to take Max for the summer while his caretaker aunt and uncle take a vacation in Italy - for a price. Charlie and Max come across an old robot, a fixer upper. The pair work on making Atom, a sparring partner, a boxer. The trio is successful which leads to a Championship Match. Will Atom become the next Rocky? My daughter remarked that this movie reminds her of the toy Rock'em Sock'em Robots. While that is accurate, the themes of the movie are wonderful for children. The action is fast paced but not frantic, Charlie and Max's relationship grows closer as they share experiences. This is a good family movie - don't pulling any punches, see it this weekend.is

Mostly Martha - Bella Martha (1:48) 2002

-Martha is a temperamental and successful chef in Germany. She is serious about her work and her cooking fuels her fire. One day she receives a phone call that changes her life forever. Her sister has been killed in a car accident but her young niece Lena has survived. Lena's father lives in Italy and doesn't know he has a daughter. Lena comes to live with Martha until her father is located and comes for her. As Martha is trying to adapted to this big change in her personal life, a change in her professional life is proving to be just challenging. Mario, a joyous Italian, has been hired as the sous chef and Martha has to share her kitchen with him. Mostly Martha is predictable, Mario is attracted to Martha and begins to win her over. Lena and Martha have a rocky start to living together but soon Lena begins to become interested in the culinary arts. Just as Martha's live is starting to gel Lena's father appears at the door. Will Lena leave to live with her father? What happens to Martha and Mario? If this plot sounds familiar it may be due to the American retelling of this story, No Reservations, in 2007. This is one of the few times that I prefered the American version. Mostly Martha was a serious, somber story, No Reservations was more bubbling and joyous. It did strike me that both versions were very close to each other in story characters and events. Either one is well worth a look!

Bottom of a Glass (0.04) 2011

A short film told without dialogue using a muppet type characters and songs. The story of the young teenage victim is shown in flashbacks.

The Fall (0:11) 2010

A mix of live action and animation, the story tells of a man dealing with his grafitti artist brother, who is dealing with mental health issues. The brothers live with their father who spends his time sleeping and drinking. The use of animation mixed with live action is very effective.

Secret Admirer (0:08)

Sheila's husband is spending the night with the boys watching football. Sheila is upset but has a online secret admirer who she will be meeting for the first time at noon. Sheila brings the secret admirer back to her apartment but stabs and kills him when tells her that it is just a fling. Will her detective husband get a clue?

False Alarm (0:03) 2010

Darrell starts his day with the alarm clock ringing. He showers, eats and sensing something is wrongs takes a look at his calendar.

This Time (00:13) 2010

This Time was one of the five short films shown on a New York television show titled African American Short Films. A bride Cheyenne, out with her bridal party the night before her wedding, is surprised by a former boyfriend. The veteran, Kevin, has returned from his deployment and wants her to call of the wedding. The bride refuses because she doesn't pay his explanation that he called off the relationship because her brother had died overseas and he didn't want her to go through another similar loss. Will Kevin stop the wedding? Watch for the surprise ending.

The Ides of March (1:38) 2011

George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman are the stars of this political film. They are four of my favorite actors and they do not disappoint the audience. Steve (Ryan Gosling) is an young but experienced press secretary employed by Gov. Mike Morris (Clooney). Steve believes in the governor and his platform. The Ohio Democratic primary is a toss up but it is looking as though Morris will win. Steve receives a call from the opposing campaign manager offering him a job which he turns down. The private meeting is leaked to the press and this starts a chain reaction. Will we learn if there is really such a thing as loyalty in the world of politics? The Ides of March is a solidly good movie. The storyline is straight forward and frightening realistic. It is also a sorry commentary of the state of American politics. The Ides of March is well worth trip to the theater, it certainly gives a lot of food for thought as we enter another upcoming presidental campaign.

The Ketchup Cut (0:06) 2010

The Ketchup Cut is a short film finalist from the National Film Challenge. Shot in black and white, reminiscent of a 1950 film noir, a bottle of ketchup is the main suspect in the murder of a young man, Chopsticks, paper towel, spoon, and steak knife are also under suspicion in this whodunit. A journalist interviews each one of them doubting that ketchup is the real killer. This short is rather cleverly filmed.
Here's the link for those interested: http://filmchallenge.org/2010-Finalists/2010-finalist-the-ketchup-cut.html

A Good Woman (1:33) 2004

Mrs. Erlynne (Helen Hunt) is an attractive woman who is making a career of living off wealthy men and married men. Set in the 1930s, Mrs. Erlynne is forced to move to Amalfi, Italy where many wealthy Englishmen live. Mrs. Erlynne quickly connects with a young newly married man, Robert Windermere. Robert's wife, Meg, discovers that Robert has written checks to Mrs. Erlynne and believes they are having an affair. What is the true nature of their relationship? A Good Woman is based on an Oscar Wilde play. Although the cast areis comprised of well known actors, the movie is rather flat. It just misses the mark.

Dolphin Tale (1:52) 2011

Sawyer is an eleven year old boy attending summer school in Clearwater Florida. His father left the family five years ago and his cousin Kyle is in the Army and shipping out. One morning on his way to school , he comes across a beached dolphin in distress. The dolphin, later named Winter, is transported to a rescue center. Sawyer ends up spending his summer at the Rescue Center with Dr. Clay and his daughter Hazel. Winter recovers but develops a bulge her in spin due to the way she moves her amputated tail. At the same time, Kyle is sent home from overseas when he wounded in an explosion. Will Kyle and Winter be healed? This is a wonderful movie for children and their families. Besides the "taking care of the environment" message, there are messages about the importance of family, the importance of not giving up and more. It is syrupy at times but the ending is surprising emotional. Dolphin Tale, in its third week of release, was number one at the box office this past weekend. And I certainly understand way. 

Save the Delaware (0:05) 2011

Save the Delaware is a short film which exposes the dangers of fracting on the Delaware River System Basin. The documentary is also a call for action for residents who live in the Basin area as fracting will compromise their drinking water. Citizens need to attend an October 21st meeting to urge for the prohibition of gas well drilling.

Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the video.

The Shunning (1:28) 2011

The Shunning, an original Hallmark Channel presentation, takes place in Lancaster, Pa. Katie, an Amish nineteen year old, is engaged to be married. Katie is hesitating about taking the big step feeling that there is something missing in her life. Katie learns that she was adopted at birth and her birth mother would like to meet her. The community, concerned about Katie's leaning towards the "English ways" decide to shun her. This part of the movie didn't make sense since the Amish shun for serious breaks with their religious beliefs. The Shunning is a peek into the everyday life of the Amish. There were some goofs like the wearing of wedding rings, the Amish think wearing jewelry is vain. All in all, The Shunning is a film that is appropriate for family viewing. Based on a novel, it plays like a made for television movie. Oh wait, that is exactly what it is.

Jumping the Broom (1:47) 2011

Sabrina and Jason are getting married on Martha's Vineyard, Sabrina's family home. Sabrina's family is very wealthy and comes from old money. Jason, a successful young executive, comes from a blue collar background. His father died earlier and his mother works in an office. The two families meet for the first time at the Vineyard the weekend of the wedding. Needless to say, there are clashes of cultures and family secrets. The usual bride and mother-in-law conflict arises because Jason's mother is afraid she will lose him, Jason resents that his mother still treats him like a child. And so forth. Watching Jumping the Broom is similar to watching a made for television movie or one by filmed by Tyler Perry. The characters are likable, the plot is formulaic, and everyone is happy at the end.

Not Without My Daughter (1:47) 1990

This turned out to be an oldies but goodies weekend at my house. I watched again Not Without My Daughter starring Sally Fields. Based on true events, Betty Mahmoody accompanies her doctor husband and their daughter for a two week visit to Iran to meet his family. Once Betty arrives in Iran, she realizes that the visit isn't for two weeks but to live permanently. At that time, the United States did not have diplomatic relations with Iran and Betty learns that due to her marriage she is considered an Iranian citizen. The only way she will be able to leave the country with her daughter is to cross into Turkey illegally, an action which could cause her to be executed. I believe that this movie is a cautionary tail for any American woman who travels to any country that doesn't have diplomatic relations with our country. Getting into a country is a lot easier than leaving.

The Nun's Story (2:23) 1959

If I had a dollar for every time I have watched this movie or parts of this movie when it is on television, I could be retired living on a tropical island. I love this movie for two reasons - Audrey Hepburn as Sister Luke and the movie itself. Since I was Catholic educated for twelve years, nuns were a big part of my school life. The movie takes place in Belgium and the Congo prior to World War II. Gabby, her prenun name, wants to devote her life to God and serve others. However, her biggest problem is falling in line with the vow of obedience, for after all, she is a thinking woman. The best part of the movie is when Sister Luke is sent to the Congo to work as a operating nurse for Dr. Fortunati played by Peter Finch. Dr. Fortunati understands before Sister Luke that she is not cut out to be a nun. Based on a factual best seller, the movie does well in portraying the struggles of women who don't fit the mold of religious life. It is a long movie but well worth the time. It did seem outdated at this point in time, my daughter who was not Catholic educated, watched it for about ten minutes. She left because she was turned off by the thinking of the order at that time.

Martyr Friday (00:10) 2011 Egypt

Martyr Friday is a documentary about the Eygptian uprising that took place earlier this year. The protests, the resignation of President Mubarak and the resulting celebrations are highlighted. Martyr Friday is a surprisingly emotional look at the struggles of a people coming together to overthrow their leader.

David and Goliath (00:12) USA

A man is running away from German soldiers until he comes to a farmhouse. A German Shepard, chained to his doghouse, is guarding the property. The runner is desperate and tries to quiet the dog. And then a little miracle happens, the guard dog becomes quiet and allows the runner to hide in his doghouse. This is a wonderful reanactment of a true event.

A Doctor's Job (00:10) Peru

A Lima, Peru doctor drives a taxi to earn extra money to care for his elderly mother's care. Driving a taxi in Lima is competitive but gets nerve wracking when the doctor drives a get away car against his will. Matters get even worse when one of the thieves gets seriously shot.

The Forest (00.12) Hungary

A man is with a group of friends in the Hungarian forest playing like an adult version of hide and go seek. He separates from his teammate and is walking on one of the trails. He passes a young couple and has an uneasy feeling. A while later he encounters a crime scene, the victim is the woman he passed not long ago. Now what he do? The Forest is shot in black and white giving it a 1950s feel. I have to admit that this was one of my least favorites.

Sexting (00:08) USA 2010

A woman, played by Julia Stiles, sits down at a restaurant and proceeds to tell her boyfriend's wife exactly what she thinks. After unloading, Stiles tells the wife it's her turn to say what's on her mind.

The Legend of Beaver Dam (00:12) Canada 2010

The Legend of Beaver Dam - a meshing of horror, comedy and musical. Eight teenage Pathfinders and their leader are singing around the campfire. The leader is singing the participation song about Stumpy Sam, a zombie like serial killer. And sure enough Stumpy Sam shows up to do the deed. This is a very gory, bloody and violent short film. And the audience was laughing as the teenagers broke into song during his rampage. From the audience's applause, The Legend of Beaver Dam was a big hit at the New Haven viewing of the Manhattan Short.

I Love Luci (00:11) Scotland 2010

Luci is a dog whose owner is in prison and is being taken care of by his girlfriend, Marjorie, a recovering drug addict and alcohol. Luci and Marjorie are to be reunited the next day except two things go wrong. Luci is stolen outside a drugstore and Marjorie has lost her partial plate. The plate has her two front teeth. Marjorie needs to find Luci for more than the obvious reason. This is one gross short film!

MAK ( 00:18) Switzerland

Inspired by an newspaper article, MAK is the story of a young teenage Moldavian mother who travels to Switzerland. She puts her baby into a baby hatch so he can become a Swiss citizen. This is an interesting short because I was unaware of the existence of a baby hatch. The drawback to this short was that the baby was always crying. This helped show how overwhelmed the young mom was but it also became tedious quickly.