However… for the rest of us… I have to say that The Avengers is just too loud, too long, and way too predictable for its own good.  When my favorite character is the bad guy, I know something is amiss.  For me it was like ego-central, each “hero” trying to outdo the other, in-fighting and flexing their muscles both literally and figuratively.  And then of course they get their acts together and finally save the world… but it’s not like we were holding our breath waiting for THAT to happen!

The one bright spot is Scarlett Johanssen as Black Widow.  There’s got to be at least one girl in the bunch, right?  She’s strong and smart and confident.  Girl power!

Of course there will be a sequel, and of course it will do well.  But will I go?  No, thanks.

Helen Mirren heads up a beautiful cast.

After a tragedy in Mumbai, an Indian family moves to France to open a new restaurant. They wind up across the street from a famous French restaurant run by Helen Mirren.  There’s a culture clash at first, but the two restaurants, families, and staffs all learn from each other and their experiences.

This will be a classic for foodies, and for anyone who loves the French countryside.

We start out with a happy couple, childhood sweethearts, enjoying a romantic getaway at the lake. And suddenly, everything changes.  We fast forward to eight years later.  The wife is dead, the husband is accused of her murder.  But what really happened?  As the police investigate, and the husband tries desperately to prove his innocence, we start to put the pieces together.  Just as you want to go down one path, something else happens that throws you off.  Lots of twists.  This movie is intelligent and really well written, you have to pay close attention to take it all in!

Mature theme – for adults and older teens.

Of course we’re going to see some character arc, as Bud is wooed by the candidates and eventually gets his act together to display some responsible behavior.  But in my book, it’s too little too late, he’s already come off so badly that I felt his character was irredeemable.  Kelsey Grammer and Dennis Hopper play the opposing candidates.  Paula Patton is an upcoming news reporter who befriends Molly.

Certainly a conversation generator for families.