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04 Jan

A Prarie Home Companion

Grade: B

Stellar cast! Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Lily Tomlin, Lindsay Lohan, Maya Rudolph, Woody Harrelson, and many more including Garrisson Keillor playing himself! It’s the last broadcast of an old-time radio show. Robert Altman directs, and he’s a genius. He lets the actors get into character and create the dialogue for themselves. It comes very naturally and authentically. The movie is a hoot. Not for everyone – you’ve got to be willing to put your feet up and relax into it.
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04 Jan

A Mighty Heart

Grade: A-

A Mighty Heart is based on the book of the same name by Mariane Pearl.  Mariane Pearl is a journalist, and the widow of journalist Daniel Pearl, who was murdered by terrorists in Pakistan.  This is her story, and it is heartbreaking.  Angelina Jolie becomes absorbed in the role of Mariane – Angelina is such a major celebrity, but she’s such a good actress that you actually forget it’s her playing the part.  And this is a tough part to play, with a huge range of emotions.  She’s guaranteed a Best Actress Oscar nomination.  The entire cast is wonderful, but it’s really Angelina’s movie.  The story is compelling, and although it mostly takes place within an apartment in Pakistan, the emotions drive the action and you find yourself holding your breath.  Yes, there is some violence, but most of it takes place off screen.  Teens can handle it.
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04 Jan

A Lot Like Love

Grade: B-

Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet star in this quirky romantic comedy that’s been compared to “When Harry Met Sally.” After the requisite cute meet, these two characters go their separate ways. Life goes on and a few years later they re-connect, and the chemistry is still there, but the timing is off. The characters learn and grow and eventually figure out that they were destined for each other. Peet is a charming actress, and Kutcher has that lost puppy thing going on, they’re a good on-screen combination. It bothered me that Peet’s character smokes throughout – I thought movies had gotten past that trying to make characters “edgy” ploy. Some nice moments, but could have been better.
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04 Jan

42

Grade: A

42 has all the elements of an amazing movie – it’s a true story, it’s got an underdog who prevails, it has warmth, humor, drama, action and love.  What more could you want?  That’s why I absolutely adore this movie.

42 is the number that Jackie Robinson was issued when he was the first black athlete to join the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team in 1947.  The movie follows the life story of Jackie Robinson and his career in baseball, his family life, and how he impacted millions of Americans by helping to break down racial barriers in sports.

Chadwick Boseman plays Robinson, and Nicole Beharie plays his patient and equally strong wife, Rachel.  Harrison Ford is the biggest movie name – he plays Dodgers executive Branch Rickey – an over-the-top visionary who recruits Jackie for his team.  Ford spends much of the film chewing on a cigar – this is a great character role for him.

Nice performances from TV favorites T.R. Knight, Christopher Meloni and Hamish Linklater.

Jackie Robinson is a true hero, and this movie is a wonderful tribute to him and to his accomplishments.

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04 Jan

27 Dresses

Grade: C+

Sweet, light romantic comedy starring Katherine Heigl as the bridesmaid of all bridesmaids, 27 Dresses has chick-flick written all over it.  But it’s a good date movie, too.  We don’t get enough fun movies these days, there is too much out there about the war and other acts of violence.  This is a welcome break!

The story is this girl has been a bridesmaid 27 times, and she’s secretly in love with her boss, but can’t bring herself to tell him.  Meanwhile, her attractive younger sister comes to town, and the boss falls for her.  While all this is going on, a handsome reporter (James Marsden) assigned to the wedding beat, decides to do a story on this perpetual bridesmaid.  There is instant animosity, followed by the requisite getting stuck together and then a hilarious rendition of “Bennie and the Jets” while intoxicated, and the two are a couple.  For about a minute.  She discovers his story, dumps him, and more complications ensue until we have a happy ending and everyone ends up with who they’re supposed to be with.

Katherine Heigl is charming – so natural and easy – the camera loves her.  She will likely get lots more of these type of roles.  James Marsden has been around for a long time (X-Men, Spiderman, Enchanted) but now he’s coming into his own as leading man material.  They’re great together.

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04 Jan

21

Grade: B+

Kevin Spacey stars and produces 21, a movie both about the game, and coming of age.� A brilliant MIT student looking to pay the tuition for Harvard Med gets caught up in a team of card-counters led by one of their professors.� During the week he’s the nerdy college kid.� On weekends he’s the high roller in Vegas.� Based on a true story.� Kate Bosworth plays the love interest and teammate.� Very well done, compelling story, great characters.� And some life lessons thrown in for good measure.� Some violence, some moral dilemmas – good conversation starters for teens.

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04 Jan

16 Blocks

Grade: B

Way better than I thought it was going to be. Bruce Willis as a burnt out alcoholic cop who gets the chance to redeem himself and steps up to do the right thing. It’s a difficult choice, but a good one. Mos Def is the witness he’s assigned to protect. At one point the movie turns into a buddy film. Some hilarious lines, very entertaining. Another take on the good guys are the bad guys theme. Teens and up because of the violence.
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04 Jan

12 Years a Slave

Grade: B+

12 Years a Slave is nominated for 7 Golden Globe Awards, including a Best Actor nomination for Chiwetel Ejiofor

as Solomon Northrup.  He is absolutely amazing, and will likely get an Oscar nomination as well.

In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.

There are cameos by Paul Giammati, and Brad Pitt (his company Plan B produced).  Michael Fassbender plays one of the slave owners who is particularly cruel.

This movie is based on a true story – and it is heartwrenching.  There’s no let-up to the drama, and it is remarkable that this brave man not only survived this ordeal but was able to help the cause so much after he finally got out of his horrible circumstances.  Inspiring.

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03 Jan

10,000 B.C.

Grade: B-

This is one of those movies that we fondly refer to as “Greg’s Pick” in our household.  It is not the kind of movie I would choose to go see on my own.  Tons of battle scenes, computer generated graphics – cavemen fighting mammoths and saber-toothed tigers – and some kind of dinosaur like creature.  There is actually a love story, no love scenes but a strong emotional tie.  The story could have been set in any time or place – it’s the classic underdog hero tale.  Teen boys will probably love this movie.

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