February 26

"Some places are like people, some shine and some don't."

At theaters:

Unknown - This is the new film with Liam Neelson. If the ending wasn't so improbable, I'd give it a higher rating. It certainly held my attention for the almost two hours that it ran. I know many have seen the trailers, but in a nutshell without giving anything away, Neeson appears to be being gaslighted by his wife and others. If I say more than that, I'll give it away. For a movie that will keep you guessing and if you can reject reality for awhile, you will enjoy this film.

On Netflix:

Easy A - This delightful comedy stars Emma Stone as Olive a high-schooler who increases her popularity by pretending to be a slut. It is cute, not silly and one that adults can enjoy. It is not you usual teenybopper film. I particularly enjoyed Stanley Tucci and Particia Clarkson who portray her parents. It is not for young children due to its content and language.

Red - One word to describe this film is silly, but once you get over that and realize it is a spoof of all the Mission Impossible type movies you can take a deep breath and just go along for the ride. The cast is outstanding with Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Mary-Louise Parker, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren rounding it out. It is great seeing all of them having fun. For a movie you just don't have to think about and just enjoy, see this one.

Tomorrow is the Academy Awards. I don't see any real surprises here. I have read that there might be a backlash to Melissa Leo due to her own promoting for the award, but even though Hailee Steinfeld did a great job, Melissa Leo deserves it more. My pick for best picture is still The Social Network, but The King's Speech is a very strong contender. Don't know if I will stay up to see which one wins. I can always catch the winners online Monday morning.

February 11

Carol Frank, Yolanda and Betty correctly identified 'He knew the risks, He didn't have to be there. It rains you get wet." coming from Heat.

Try this one: (I think it is hard.)

"You know what the Queen said? If I had balls, I'd be King."

On Netflix:

Cairo Time - It is very coincidental that I had this film come this week, but before you run to put it on your list, think again. I was so disappointed with the film. It stars Patricia Clarkson as an American who has come to Cairo to vacation with her husband who is working for the UN. It had such promise and the trailers were enticing, but the trailers were better than the whole movie. It moved very slowly and didn't have any real climatic situation. It did show sights of Egypt which was interesting, but not interesting enough to warrant even the 90 minute the film took to watch.

On Netflix and your local airplane:

Morning Glory - Coming back from our trip to SF we saw this film. It was a good way to wile away two hours in an aircraft. Rachael McAdams is adorable and I am a fan of both Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton. The storyline is improbable. The plot is simple; a struggling morning show hires a very young woman as their new executive producer. The co-anchors don't get along and the Ford character would rather be anywhere but there. Very predicable ending. With better writing, it could have been a much better film as the star power had great potential.

At Reston Community Center presented by the Reston Community Players:

Twilight of the Golds - I have been going to the Reston players for many years, but this is by far their most stellar production. The actors were first rate and the story extremely thought provoking. We went with a group from OLLI (life long learners) and all of us could not say enough about the performance. One woman who has Arena Stage tickets, said it was as good if not better than their performances. The play opened on Broadway in 1993 and was adapted from a made for television movie. Although it only ran for 29 performances due in part from an unfavorable review by The Times it is worth seeing. It is about a family who must face a crisis. They are given information that will made their decision very difficult. I am being evasive as I don't want to give the plot away. I love the theatrical technique when the individual actors talk directly to the audience. Although its run is over, if you ever see an advertisement for this production, see it for yourself.

Sandy Esterson sent me this link. It is amazing. The two dancers are Ginger Rogers aged 92 and her grandson aged 29. I wish I could move like her at my present age. Unfortunately the window is very small. If anyone figures out how to make it a whole screen, please let me know or send it to all in this email. I hope the link works!
Neverunderestimateanoldbroad.wmv

Once again the movie pickings are slim, so catch up on some of the great movies of the last year.

Roberta

January 31

Yolanda was the only one to correctly identify "To be on the wire is life. The rest is waiting." coming from All That Jazz.

Try this:

"He knew the risks. He didn't have to be there. It rains, you get wet."

On Netflix:

The Town - When this film first came out, I wanted to see it, but somehow never got the chance. I am glad to have finally seen it on Netflix. A word of caution, it is a bit violent, but the violence is very much part of the story. Ben Affleck and Jemery Renner ( from the Hurt Locker) play two members of a robbery gang in Boston. Their relationship and Affleck's relationship with a woman from a robbery form the core of this movie. Jon Hamm of "Mad Men" costars as the FBI agent hunting them down. It reminded me of the movies made by DeNiro and Pacino in the 80's. The cast puts on a thick Boston accent so I put on the subtitles as not to miss the dialogue.

Just Wright - As many of you know, I love black comedies (not dark, but African American) Sy truly believes I was black in my former life. Anyhow, this is one. It stars Queen Latiah and Common (I assume he was a rapper and this is his stage name). The story is the same as any other romantic comedy; girl is attracted to boy; he likes the wrong girl, but in the end they come together. The difference in this film is that there is a lot of basketball scenes. The shots are super and it adds a little difference to the film. Not a great movie, but one that is enjoyable.

Instant Streaming and Netflix:

Dear John - This film is based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks and follows his usual pattern of love gone wrong. The first hour was like watching paint dry and I actually watched it in two parts. The last 45 minutes were better. Amanda Seyfried (she seems to be everywhere) and Channing Tatum were the leads and love interest. The story follows: boy meets girl, boy loses girl (interesting twist why) and although they get together, not quite sure how. Do I sound confused, maybe; but do I care; no!.

Awards:

Tonight is the SAG awards. I believe they will be following suit with the Golden Globes and there will be no surprises. A note on the Academy Award nominations; although they included many of my choices, I do believe that Justin Timberlake deserved to be nominated for some of these awards for his work in The Social Network. I don't think he should have won, but be nominated. In my opinion he was a better choice for supporting than Mark Ruffalo. Another snub was Ryan Gosling from Blue Valentine; but the best actor category is so chock filled with fine actors; there was no room for him. I did not see James Franco or Javier Bardem so I can't compare.

Roberta

January 24

Yolanda, Betty, Carol Frank, Allison,and Florrie correctly identified "We seem to be made to suffer. It is our lot in life." coming from Star Wars IV

Try this one:

"To be on the wire is life. The rest is waiting."

In Theaters:

Blue Valentine - There is a lot of buzz about the performance of Michelle Williams in this film and it is quite deserving. Both she and Ryan Gosling give gripping performances as a husband and wife whose marriage is falling apart. The film goes back and forth from present time to the past and that can be confusing, but the story is gripping. My only complaint is that there were many holes in the story; unexplained areas that would have made the story more cohesive. It got Sy and me talking which is always a good sign for a movie. You won't leave the theater smiling, but it will get you thinking.

On Netflix:

Nanny McPhee Returns - I watched this film with Wendy and the girls. It was a nice family film. This film is based on the Nurse Matilda books. If you saw the first one, you know the premise; in a nutshell, kids unruly, parent can't cope, some life altering event and nanny saves the day. The girls really liked it and I admit I did too. Emma Thompson stars with Maggie Gyllenhaal and Maggie Smith co-staring. .For a family movie night see this film.

This past weekend, we went to the annual comedy night at the local JCC. The comedian was an Iranian Jew, Dan Adhoot. He was quite funny and engaged the audience. When one of my friends questioned his actions in "picking" on a young Indian boy in the audience, he took her concern seriously and responded with a well thought out email. I applaud him for this. He could have ignored her concern but did not. He is scheduled to have his own show on Comedy Central soon, so look him up.

AOL listed movies they thought you should look into for the coming year. I tightened the list a bit so it is not as long, but contains all the pertinent information. It is attached to this email.

During the cold weather here on the east coast, it is a fine time to catch up on your movies.

Roberta

January 18

Betty and Carol Frank correctly identified "Cyborgs don't feel pain. I do. Don't do that again." coming from The Terminator.

Try this one:

"We seem to be made to suffer. It's our lot in life."

On Netflix:

Letters to Juliet - This definitely is a chick flick and a very light romantic movie, but all the same it was a nice way to spend an evening. It was particularly lovely to see Vanessa Redgrave in a movie. She is full of style and grace even in a role that is beneath her talents. Watching her interact with Franco Nero towards the end of the movie brings you back to the time they starred together in Camelot. For a movie that is absolutely improbable, but just plain nice put this one on your list. (I would give it one and a half, but Sy insisted on two)

On Netflix and Instant Streaming:

Solitary Man - This film is not one to uplift your spirits. Michael Douglas plays a middle aged man who loses everything. It is interesting that you are not given a good picture of his background, but know he is self destructing. Throughout the film, he continues on a downward spiral; drinking, hooking up with young women and hurting the people who truly love him. He is not a likable character and I can't decide if I liked the film or not. The ending is interesting as well. See it for yourself and decide.

I was delighted to see that the Foreign Press agreed with me in their choices this past Sunday. I was surprised that True Grit was not up for any award. Perhaps there is something to what the papers said that it is a bit biased as the voters have been know to accept gifts, etc. I agreed with the critics that Ricky Gervais was too mean spirited as host.

On a TV note, many of my favorites are returning this week. "White Color" starts January 18 and "Royal Pains" starts again on January 20. There are two new shows worth noting. Monday night Kathy Bates is starring in a show entitled "Harry's Law." It is written by David E Kelley which always means quirkiness and this show is no exception. Give it a go, I think you will like it. I believe the critics gave it a luke-warm review, but I found it entertaining. Another show that will follow "Royal Pains" is called "Fairly Legal".. I am giving it a try this week in the hopes it will be of interest.

If you have time, catch up on some of the movies you missed this year by seeing them on DVD.

Roberta

January 9

Carol Frank, Florrie and Betty correctly identified "Just like a WOP to bring a knife to a gunfight." coming from The Untouchables

Try this one:

"Cyborgs don't feel pain. I do. Don't do that again."

In Theaters:

Black Swan - I know all the critics and many people think this is a wonderful movie. I didn't like it at all! When it was over I leaned over to Sy and said what was that all about. Perhaps it was too esoteric for my taste, but I would not recommend it. The only good things about the movie is the lovely music of Swan Lake and the acting especially by Natalie Portman. I am sure she will nominated for an Academy Award and probably win. Save this for a Netflix choice or better yet don't see it at all. (Sy thinks I am being too harsh, he said it deserves more than that so go see it for yourself and decide.)

On Netflix:

Robin Hood - I had ordered this film for Sy and didn't expect to like it, but was pleasantly surprised. You could call it the prequel of Robin Hood movies. It tells the story of how the Robin Hood gang got together and his relationship with Marion. Russell Crowe stars as Robin Hood and Cate Blanchett as Maid Marion. Their chemistry is wonderful. Although a bit gory at times, it holds your interest throughout in a film that is over two hours.

My Awards Predictions:

I think I have come to the end of movies I really wanted to see before the big award shows. Right now if I was a betting woman, I would say the The Social Network will win best picture, Colin Firth of The Kings' Speech will be the best actor. His closest competitor is Jeff Bridges from True Grit. Natalie Portman of Black Swan will win the best actress with Diane Lane (Secretariat), Annette Benning and Julianne Moore (The Kids are All Right) giving her a run for her money.. Supporting awards are going to be tough. Right now for best supporting actor I would put Christan Bale of The Fighter and Geoffrey Rush (The King's Speech) on top, but Justin Timberlake (The Social Network), John Malkovich (Secretariat) , Matt Damon and Josh Brolin (True Grit) were quite good too. If I was a voting member I would give the slight edge to Christan Bale. For supporting actress the top two contenders are Melissa Leo (The Fighter) and Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) Helena Bonham Carter (The King's Speech) and Amy Adams (The Fighter) will probably be nominated as well. I think Melissa Leo deserves this award. Her performance as the mother of the fighters is wonderful. I dismiss The People's Choice Awards, but the Golden Globes, SAG and of course the Academy Awards are just around the corner.

Roberta

January 2

Carol Frank and Yolanda correctly identified "I swear to GOD George, if you ever EXISTED I'd divorce you." coming from Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe.

Try this one:

"Just like a WOP to bring a knife to a gunfight."

Estelle says this about Black Swan: The Black Swan-very intense and also marvelous.

In Theaters:

The King's Speech - I would hate to be a voting member of the Academy Awards committee this year. There are so many good movies. Add this one to the top of the list. By now you know it is the story of King George V's stammer and how he overcomes it. The performances by Colin Firth as George and Geoffrey Rush as his speech tutor are marvelous. The audience actually applauded after the showing. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
Here are additional comments about the film from friends of Roberta's Reviews: Laurie: You must see the King Speech. by far the best movie ever. Anita: We saw The King's Speech last night at Cinema Arts and it was wonderful. Loved Colin Firth. His stammer and acting were so believable. Estelle: A little slow in parts, but the acting is superb.

True Grit - I don't remember the original one with John Wayne, but this one definitely has the Coen brothers written all over it. It is quite violent and a bit gross, but humor is sprinkled throughout. Jeff Bridges turns in a wonderful performance, but the real star is the young girl, Hailee Steinfeld. She is terrific! She steals every scene she is in. My major complaint is when Bridges and Matt Damon talks, they mumble and it is hard to understand them. If I had it on DVD, I would turn on the subtitles. A good movie.


On Netflix:

The Kids Are All Right - There was a lot of buzz about this film when it came out. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore star as a lesbian couple whose children find their donor father, Mark Ruffalo. What happens after that is the plot of the film. I found it slow and unfulfilling. The two actresses were quite good and convincing in their depiction of the assigned roles, but it left me flat. I know the two of them have been mentioned for Academy Awards, but I thought it was a so so movie.

Since the AOL list of the top 50 films of 2010 listed Toy Story 3 as number one, I decided to catch up on Toy Story and Toy Story 2 since they were both on the Disney Channel and are offered on Netflix as well.

Toy Story - As most of you know, this is a very cleverly conceived movie, The animation is first rate which is what you expect from Pixar. Characters are endearing and it is fun to figure out who is voicing which character. The story of friendship is sweet. As an adult, I found it so so, but held my interest. I am sure children will love it even more.


Toy Story 2 - I actually liked this one better than the original. Maybe because the characters were now familiar, but they were delightful. Once again it is the story of how friends stay together and how important it is to live life to its fullest. I think children will enjoy this on one level and adults on another. Good for a rainy or snowy day.

On Netflix and Instant:

The Owl and the Sparrow - This is a beautiful story set in Vietnam with subtitles. It tells the story of a runaway who schemes to get a zookeeper and a flight attendant together. It is a bit slow at times, but beautifully done. Good movie to see.

Well I go back to work tomorrow, so I won't be watching as many films over the next few weeks. I do intend to see Black Swan before too long. There are so many good movies to see, take some time to take in a movie.

Roberta