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Raising Helen (2004)
A fine combination of comedy and drama, Hudson shines
Helen -Kate Hudson - is an assistant to Dominique, who runs a top modeling agency in Manhattan. It's a fast paced and all hours position. But, quite lucrative. Her off hours include family parties, as both of her sisters are married with kids. One sad day, news arrives that sister Lindsay and husband have been killed in a car accident. When the will is read, the 3 children have been left in the custody of Helen. Oh dear. But, Helen loves Audrey Henry and Sarah and takes charge. Soon, there are many changes. She can't continue her present job so Helen finds another one. The whole new "family" must move to Queens. As for the kids, they all have issues which need tender care. Can Helen really succeed? This is a sweet funny film that is one of Hudsons best. It combines loss and laughter in equal measure. The rest of the cast, including John Corbett as a love interest, is wonderful. Sets and costumes are great. Most everyone will enjoy Raising Helen.
The Mean Season (1985)
Ok thriller, mean season is a synonym for hurricane season but this one has a twist
Malcolm - Kurt Russell - has been a crime reporter eight years for a major Miami newspaper. Mostly, the job has worn him down. He's a day away from handing in his resignation and moving to Colorado. His lovely school teacher girlfriend Christine - Mariel Hemingway - is eager for the change also. Called out to crime scene where a young girl has been shot, Malcolm is glad he's moving on. Yet, when he gets back to his desk, he receives a call from a man who says he's the killer. Sure enough, he is as he has information only the perp would know. Not only that, he tells Mal he's going to kill 5 times. As the killer has personally involved Malcolm, his plans for Colorado must be put on hold. The killer calls after the next murder, but will anything he says help find him before he kills again? Also, a hurricane is approaching. This standard thriller has an attractive cast and good performances. The Miami setting is nice, too. However, its not compelling enough to be on an A list of movies. If you are intrigued by serial killers, you may want to try it.
Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974)
Great film about a newly widowed lady trying to survive and thrive
Alice - Ellen Burstyn - receives dreadful news. Her husband Don, who she relies on, has been killed in a truck accident. After the funeral, there is very little money left. Therefore, Alice tells Tommy her smart 12 year old son, she's going to work as a singer and they will head for her hometown : Monterey California. Tommy is less than enthused to leave the only place he knows. But, off they go. Stopping in Phoenix, Alice does get a job singing in a bar. She has a brief fling with a man who turns out to be abusive....and married. It's back on the road to Tucson. Here, Alice takes a job as a waitress. A customer, David -Kris Kristofferson - takes a shine to her while Audrey - Jodie Foster - befriends Tommy. Will they make it to Monterey? This touching film is about an ordinary lady learning to navigate as a single woman. It's true to life with its up and down chronicle of daily existence. Burstyn, Mr K, Diane Ladd and all the cast are terrific. It went on to inspire the long running TV show Alice. View it, laugh, cry, cheer.
The Last Duel (2021)
A medieval tragedy told from 3 viewpoints
In the late 1300s France, Jean - Matt Damon - and Jacques - Adam Driver- ate two knights fighting for the King. Its a failing battle but, both survive. Soon, the King changes direction and the men go home. Alas, Jean has seen his money shrink, from the plague killing half his peasants, crops doing poorly and taxes owed to his superior, Pierre - Ben Affleck. Therefore, when he learns that a lovely lady, Marguerite - Jodie Comer - has a decent dowry, he marries her. He believes his problems will vanish, especially if a son is born. Nevertheless, political decisions render some of the dowry useless. His wife, also, fails to produce an heir. When old friend Jacques comes calling, he falls hard for Marguerite. This results in an accusation of rape. How can there be a happy ending? This true story is told from 3 perspectives. Jean, Jacques and Marguerite each tell a version. As one can expect, the story from the males differs decidedly from the lone female's aspect. It's a man's world at that point in time, making Marguerite a brave but endangered wife. As the three principals, Damon Driver and Comer are great. Scott's direction and the visual recreation of the Middle Ages is also wonderful. However, the film is violent, especially sexually. Try it if the narrative sounds intriguing.
The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961)
Classic 60s Sitcom. Cast is superlative, so are the scripts
Rob Petrie - Dick Van Dyke - is a comedy television writer with 2 sidekicks. The show is The Alan Brady Show but mostly the trio deals with somber Mel Cooley, Alan's go-to guy. At home, Rob has lovely wife Laura - Mary Tyler Moore - and young son Richie. As in most sitcoms, something goes wrong for Rob at home or work. But, all is well by the end. One episode featured a crying Laura who felt Rob didn't love her anymore. She dyes her hair blonde to get his attention! Oh boy. The cast is wonderful, with Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, and Carl Reiner and the writing freshly funny. Binge watch it soon. After all, it won 15 Emmys and was a hit show for many years. Gotta be good, no?
La Bamba (1987)
Great film about budding rock star Ritchie Valens, Lou Diamond Phillips shines brightly
Teen Richie Valenzuela - Lou Diamond Phillips - loves music. Despite being Hispanic and poor, he believes he will make it in the music biz. Meanwhile, problems add up. Brother Bob - Esai Morales - drinks too much and his girlfriend is pregnant. The family moves to the LA area and Richie gets a crush on blonde classmate Donna. However, her father won't let his daughter see a boy who's from a Mexican American family. One great night, a man who owns a recording studio hears Richie and loves his singing. But, first Richie must change his name to Ritchie Valens. He does, reluctantly. Soon his record Let's go climbs the charts. Other hit songs follow, including the rock version of La Bamba, a Mexican folk tune. How long will his fame last? This great film showcases the brief but shining music career of Valens. At 17, he died sadly in a plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. Nevertheless, his music lives on. Phillips gives a fine performance as Ritchie and is supported by a good cast. The music will also enchant any viewer. Don't skip La bamba.
Top Secret! (1984)
Kilmer in top form but not as funny as Airplane!
Nick - Val Kilmer - is an American rock n roll star like Elvis. He is invited to perform in East Germany in the early 80s when Leonard Bernstein can't make it. But, unknown is that the multistar concert is a diversion from a planned attack by the Easties with a new weapon elsewhere. When Nick arrives, he saves a girl at a restaurant from thugs. She is the daughter of a kidnapped scientist who was forced to build the weapon. Soon, Nick is dragged into an underground plot to rescue the scientist and stop the weapon. FCan it be done? Kilmer, in his film debut, is a doll and very funny. His twisted Elvis and Beach boys songs are hilarious. However, the film is only mildly successful and not as amusing or cohesive as the Zuckers/Abrahams Airplane or Naked Gun. Even so, it's hard to see someone not laughing at any viewing. So, find it and giggle it up.
Blood Simple (1984)
The first Coen brothers film is still one of their best, dark and riveting
In a small Texas town, Julian Marty - Dan Hedaya - owns the bar where most locals drink. He's married to pretty Abby - Frances McDormand - but he becomes worried she's doubletiming him. Therefore, Marty hires a shady spade - M. Emmet Walsh - to find out the truth. Yes, Abby is having an affair with a bar employee named Ray. Marty blows his top. Now, he asks the PI to kill them both and bring Marty evidence they are dead. Soon, the gumshoe brings photos of the pair, lying dead and bloody. But, don't always believe your eyes. Abby and Ray may not be dead and Marty should look over his shoulder. Something may be gaining on him. Who will win this game of death? The Coens first film is still clever, riveting and dark. The cast is great while the sets and plot are terrific. It's simple, go grab this movie !
Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
Mesmerizing film about drug addiction, sad and bleak
Bob - Matt Dillon - runs a crew of drug addicts on the west coast. It's the early 70s and one can steal drugs from pharmacies and hospitals. If one has the right techniques. Bob and his wife Diane - Kelly Lynch - do have them. Their sidekicks are another couple, with a girl Nadine barely 18. Their personal favorite drugs are prescription tranquilizers, etc. So, their lives consist of three things: finding drugs, using drugs and keeping ahead of the law. Bob is very superstitious and recites all the things that put a hex on you. It's a funny moment. Then, Nadine overdoses and Bob sees a big hex, a sign he should go clean. Can he? This bleak, horrifying look at addicts lives should scare most folks. Never touch the stuff, this film screams. Dillon gives a grand performance, with fine support from Lynch, James Legros and Heather Graham. The settings are dreary but the script has some funny moments. Here is an amazing, eye-opening, touching film.
World Traveler (2001)
Underappreciated film, touching story with great performances
Cal - Billy Crudup - seems very lucky. He has a good job, a lovely wife, a nice living space, and a darling son, Leo. But, on the day of Leo's third birthday party, Cal gets in his car and starts driving west. WHY? It's not clear. On this road trip, Cal will work construction, romance ladies, befriend strangers and hear an endless stream of Willie Nelson. At a bar in Wyoming, he rescues a passed out drunk woman named Dulcie - Julianne Moore. She turns out to be one troubled lady. Will Cal go home? This unusual but touching film is a study of what if? Would an alternative life be better than a traditional family existence? Most of us don't go this far to find out. Crudup & Moore give outstanding performances. Kudos to writer / director Bart Freudlinch. Try it.
Solomon and Gaenor (1999)
A Welsh version of the classic star crossed lovers story
In 1920s Wales, there is a growing community of Jewish immigrants. The Jews fled Russian pogroms and traveled to Wales and Britain. Solomon - Iaon Gruffodd - is thus the son of an immigrant. His father owns a dry goods / tailoring business and sends his son out as a peddler of bolts of cloth. But, Solomon calls himself Sam and hides his Jewish identity. One day, the peddler calls on a house and a beautiful young Welsh gentile lady, Gaenor, answers the door. She buys a bolt and the two have eyes for each other. He visits again. Soon, Solomon brings Gaenor a red dress he made himself. It's lovely and she tries it on. A first kiss is exchanged. Soon, they are meeting in secret even as Gaenor doesn't realize he's Jewish. Her own brother is deeply resentful of Jews. What good can happen from this deep love between the two? This lovely and sad film is for fans of Romeo and Juliet, Tristan and Isolde etc. The two main actors are gorgeous and engaging. Also, the Welsh setting is very beautiful. If you love romance movies don't miss this film.
Oranges and Sunshine (2010)
A story that is sorrowful and tragic, your jaw will drop
In the early 80s, Margaret Humphries - Emily Watson - is a social worker in England. One day, she is approached by a young Australian lady looking for help in finding her birth mother. The story she tells Margaret is riveting. As a young child, this girl was told she was an orphan and, in the late 1950s, was shipped with a hundred other children from Britain to Australia. What waited these kids in their new country wasn't "oranges and sunshine" as was promised. No, they were housed in shacks and used as farm labor. Many had one dress and one pair of shoes. Meals were meager. This was no Paradise. Worst of all were the boys shipped to Bindoon a desert town in western Australia. Run by a Catholic organization, these little boys were sexually abused and forced to build buildings with concrete and rocks, all day in hot sun. Could this really be true? Yes, it was. This horrifyingly true story is somewhat middling in execution. Yet Watson gives a great turn as a woman who uncovers a sad tale straight out of Dickens or worse. And it went on until the 1970s! Here is a film to gasp over the evils of humankind. The victims were little children.
Little Caesar (1931)
Classic gangster film with Robinson giving his all as Rico
Caesar Enrico Bandella - Edward G. Robinson - is not content to be a small town hoodlum. He wants to be top dog in Chicago. Dragging his best friend Joe - Douglas Fairbanks Jr. - along with him, Rico starts to make waves in Ctown. Soon, he has bested one local mobster with his quick trigger finger while killing a local crime fighter. Meanwhile, Joe joins a dance club for secrets but ends up falling for a lady named Olga. Our Joe wants to leave the criminal life behind yet will Rico, now indeed top dog, let him? This classic mobster film is quite a tale. Robinson, short in stature, is amazing as the short guy with tall ambitions. Fairbanks handsome demeanor is a mighty foil to Robinson. The plot has twists and turns but almost everyone guesses that Rico will rise and then fall hard. What fun also to see and experience Chicago gang life in the 30s. Don't miss Little Caesar. They named a PIZZA after him !
Lady in White (1988)
After Witness, child star Lukas Haas gave another fine performance here
Frankie - Lukas Haas - lives in a loving Italian family. His mother has died but father, brother and grandparents are there to love him. They live in a small NY town where, unhapply, a serial killer is on the loose. At school near Halloween, Frankie's teacher reads a fine fantasy story Frankie wrote to the class. As a result, jealous classmates lock him in the cloakroom. It's there that Frankie meets the ghost of the little girl who was the killers first victim. What can she tell him that identifies the man who no one suspects? This is a fine ghost story with a great performance by Haas as the main character. Those who like to shiver and jump at suspense will find it a good film.
The Changeling (1980)
Excellent ghost story, thrills and chills aplenty
John Russell - George C Scott - is hurting. On a family trip, his car stalled, resulting in a fatal crash which took the lives of his wife and daughter. After months of grief, John tries to start over in Seattle, Washington. A reknowned composer, John will teach advanced music composition. Needing a residence, the local historical society offers a mansion with a music room. Nice. But, things go bump in the night. The house appears haunted. Holding a seance, John learns the ghost may be of a young boy murdered in the attic years before. What does the ghost want John to know? It may involve a United States Senator ! This fine ghost story is excellently creepy and scary. Scott is wonderful as the grieving father who gets entangled in a tale of greed and concealment. Melvyn Douglas, Jean Marsh, and Trish van Devere offer fine support. The visual settings and effects are top shelf. This is a ghost tale for the ages.
The Birds (1963)
Scary, bizarre and well done, but not true to DuMauriers story
Melanie - Tippi Hedren - meets Mitch - Rod Taylor - at a pet store in Frisco. Its a rather acrimonious meeting yet something about Mitch intrigues her. He was there to by lovebirds for his younger sisters birthday. Alas, the store has none. When Mitch leaves, Melanie finds out the store can receive lovebirds the next day. On a whim, Mel buys the birds but learns Mitchs weekend home is in Bodega Bay, an hour north. She drives up and tries to slyly deliver them by boating up to the house. Mitch catches sight of her and gives chase. Suddenly, a seagull flies into Melanie's head. Odd. Soon, Mitch bandages Mel and invites her to Sister Cathy's bday party. She meets the family, which includes Mitchs mother. Even so, more strange bird happenings occur. A farmer is attacked and killed by birds while a huge flock dive bombs children walking home from school. What in the world is making birds a dangerous enemy of humans ? This scary but well done film is a Hitchcock classic. The premise of "what if" permeates the tale, with frightening images of menacing birds. The cast is also wonderful, with Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Plechette and Veronica Cartwright complimenting the 2 stars. However, Dumauriers story is transformed from the setting to the characters to the ending. Perhaps someday a film of the original story will compliment this one.
Exodus (1960)
Epic film all but forgotten today and, at 3.5 hours, it's best to break viewtime in two
In post World War 2 Europe, the Jews who survived the Holocaust have a plan. Some were in death camps, others in hiding, but their goal is the same. They wish to emigrate to their ancient "promised land" : Palestine. Therefore, they are boarding ships and headed to the Middle East. Alas, their boats are being stopped in Cyprus and refugee camps are established. The Brits recognize that a huge influx of Jews into Palestine will create a conflict. That is, without the United Nations establishing a Jewish homeland and, even then, violence will erupt. Ari - Paul Newman - is determined to take a boat full of Jews anyway. Meanwhile, Kitty - Eva Marie Saint - a gentile widow whose husband was a war photographer, nurses the sick in the Cypriot camps. She wants to adopt a Danish / Jewish teen named Karen. Yet, Karen is searching for her long lost father and won't commit to Kitty. Ari succeeds in getting the people into Palestine, where his father was given land. A fellow Jewish teen, Dov, is suffering from his experience at Auchwitz but is eager to help Israel be established. Arabs, once friendly to Ari, can no longer be friends. Word comes. The UN creates Israel. Fighting begins. What will happen? This epic film, based on an equally epic novel by Leon Uris, was quite an event in 1960. Famed director Otto Preminger directed the fine cast, including Newman, Saint, Sal Mineo, John Derek and others. The scenery and amenities are first rate. Yes, it's long, but then so was Gone With the Wind. It can easily be divided in two for any viewing. It's also harrowing and sad, yet inspiring. Exodus remains a classic.
King of New York (1990)
Violent stuff but Walken and cast are terrific
Frank White - Christopher Walken - is a drug gang leader who is getting out of Sing Sing after a long stay. As it turns out, it wasn't long enough. White takes up residence in the pent house of the Plaza Hotel and begins to take back territory. He's smart and has his right hand man, Jimmy Jump - Laurence Fishburne - who can fire two weapons at once. He also has a new goal: build a hospital for the Bronx poor. Once Frank wipes out the Colombians, the cops take notice. Again, its their lucky job to stop a ruthless kingpin who has no qualms about shooting cops. Get a crown ready ? This violent film has fine performances. Walken, Fishburne, David Caruso and others make it worthwhile. Fans of action will like it.
Solomon Kane (2009)
Too heavy on black magic for me, beware
Solomon Kane - James Purefoy - is a medieval adventurer who plunders and fights, sometimes killing others. On a castle raid, the Grim Reaper appears and tells him the Devil wants his soul. Immediately. Kane jumps out a window and escapes. Now appprehensive, he retreats to a monastery and gives all his money to the church. Nevertheless, the Abbot soon has a dark dream and insists Solomon leave. He does but swears never to fight. Naturally bad men beat him up but a kind Puritan family restores his health. The beautiful daughter casts her eyes on Solomon. Alas, there is no peace. Men bound by dark forces attack the family. Will Solomon fight? This film has too much sorcery and black arts for this viewer. There are some horrific images and happenings. But for those who like such things, they will likely find it a good watch.
The Natural (1984)
Classic baseball film, from tragedy to triumph
Roy Hobbs - Robert Redford - is a 19 year old baseball phenomenon from Iowa. He is going to Chicago to give the Cubs a look-see. When he strikes out another hotshot hitter, folks are impressed. Alas, a disturbed woman grievously wounds Hobbs by shooting him in the gut before committing suicide. Hobbs disappears, alive but presumably ruined for baseball. Yet, 16 years later, Hobbs reappears with his own bat made from a lightning struck tree. Out of nowhere, he is signed for the New York Knights, a struggling team. Hobbs begins a miracle comeback. Yet, dark forces may again tamper with his abilities. Can the Knights be winners? This classic baseball movie has a mysterious undertone and subtle messages. Based on a book by Bernard Malamud, its merits are on two levels. For those who love baseball, it gives thrills. But for those wanting a deeper philosophy, it has that, too. Plus, it stars Redford and a great cast. Don't miss it!
Slow West (2015)
Unusual Western with fine performances and gorgeous settings
Jay - Kodi Smit- McPhee - is a 16 year old Scot who travels to America's Wild West in 1870. He does this to find a woman named Rose, who he loved in his homeland. Unhappily, Rose's father accidentally killed a fellow Scot and they have run from justice to hide out West. Jay is pretty capable for a teen surrounded by outlaws, Native Americans and wild animals. But, when a bounty hunter named Silas - Michael Fassbender - crosses his path, the older man insists on joining forces to protect Jay. As they continue their search, it becomes apparent that the bounty for Roses father has reached the New World as posters are posted. Who will find Rose and her Pappy first? This unusual Western has a fine cast and breathtaking scenery. It's all too real with gunfights and dangers around every corner. Those loving Westerns will find this movie a great choice.
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2010)
You will never think of the Tooth Fairy the same way again!
Alex - Guy Pearce - restores old houses. He takes on a giant project in a Rhode Island mansion once owned by a famous artist. His girlfriend, Kim - Katie Holmes - is an interior designer helping him with this restoration. They both have big dreams of garnishing attention and wealth from the project, almost done. At this inopportune time, Alex's daughter Sally, 6, arrives to stay with them indefinitely. Sally's Mother in California is having problems. When she arrives, Sally is one unhappy girl. Alex and Kim try hard to make her feel welcome but, mostly fail. Suddenly, Sally finds a hidden basement the grownups didn't know existed. From that moment, Sally hears voices and is afraid to go to sleep. Is there something in the basement to fear? This middling level film has a fine cast and a beautiful design. It's tale is rooted in Welsh folklore and tooth fairies but strains credulity. Nevertheless, those who enjoy movies where things do bump in the night will like it.
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Pay the Ghost (2015)
A ghost story with lots of troubles, most should skip it
Mike - Nicolas Cage - is a professor who wants tenure. Therefore, he works overly long hours, which limits his time with son Charlie. Even on Halloween, Mike shows up late. But, Cowboy Dad and Pirate Charlie go to the local carnival and the twosome have a blast. While getting ice cream, Charlie suddenly disappears. Mike is frantic but, alas, Charlie isn't found. Yet, Mike tells his wife he senses Charlie is alive. In fact, Mike sees Charlie at odd moments. With the help of mediums and local legends, can Mike find his son a year later? This film has giant holes and unbelievable plot elements. Cage tries hard but he can't make "it work". Only the most diehard horror fans should seek it out.
Lavender (2016)
Similar to The Messengers but far less successful; beautiful scenery
Jane - Abbie Cornish - is a wife and mother to a little girl named Alice. She's also a fine photographer/ artist whose passion is abandoned farm houses. Once a foster child, she remembers little about her childhood. One fateful day, Jane is injured in a bad car accident and, suddenly, memories of her childhood come back. She realizes she grew up in one of the empty farm houses she loves. Also, it is revealed an uncle, Patrick - Dermot Mulroney - still lives in a neighboring farm. As Jane visits the house, bringing Alice along, supernatural happenings begin. Is Jane in danger ? This film has gorgeous scenery, I will say that. Also, the cast is nice. But, it's a rather poor derivation of the movie The Messengers, where horrific past events haunt the house involved. The old song Lavender Blue adds some scary moments. Watch it if ghost stories are your "thing".
Dragonfly (2002)
As far fetched as can be but, intriguing
Dr Joe Darrow - Kevin Costner - has just lost his pregnant wife, Emily, also a physician. Dr Emily joined a Red Cross mission in Colombia and her bus was washed into a river, following a landslide. Seven months pregnant, her body isn't found but she is presumed dead. Meanwhile, Dr. Joe keeps working without taking time to grieve. Suddenly, a young patient whose heart stopped and then was revived tells Dr Joe he talked to Dr Emily in his near death experience. She advises Joe to look for a rainbow. How can this be? Things don't stop there. From talking parrots to dragonfly sightings, Joe comes to believe Emily is alive. Is she? Yes, this film is far fetched and a bit crazy. Nevertheless, it's offbeat story is intriguing with a nice performance by Costner. Those who like "something different" will find this one fits the bill.