February Screenings

Home Alone - ****
A Personal favorite of mine since it's theatrical release and second only to A CHRISTMAS STORY as my favorite holiday film.

Annie - **1/2
The films is great until Annie gets out of the orphanage and involved in Oliver Warbucks life. Annie should have stayed with Carol Burnett and kept the cycle repeating (you think it's coincidence Annie and Miss Hannigan both have red hair?!).

Beauty and the Beast (Disney) - ****
Tied with FORREST GUMP as the only film I've seen in the theatre four times on it's first-run release. My favorite Disney animated film followed *very* closely by THE LITTLE MERMAID.

The Duchess - ***
Ralph Fiennes raises this film from another ho-hum period piece to something much more fun to watch. His presence is felt even when he's off screen (which is most of the film) and I think the supporting actor nomination snub was one of the year's worst.

Main in Manhattan - ***
Speaking of Ralph, after watching THE DUCHESS, I had to give this film another screening and I found it quite charming. It's often too "cute" but it reminded me why I liked Jennifer Lopez as an actress after seeing her in OUT OF SIGHT. Yes, it's the Latin 'Pretty Woman' trading the hooker role for one as a maid, but it still works fine.

Finding Neverland - ****
Again, the Peter Pan story is one of my favorites and this take is nothing but breathtaking. I must-see for kids and adults as it reminds us the joy storytelling can bring, no matter what form it takes.

Gran Torino - ***
Angry Clint Eastwood takes on a gang. No surprises here and for all it's plot elements you can see a mile away, it's still entertaining and worth seeing.

Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway - ****
This has been the greatest thing I've screening in a long, long time. I *loved* finally seeing a version of rent performed on the stage. I hope for a day when all Broadway shows can reach a wide audience via DVD or on-demand or whatever form home entertainment takes in the future.

Another Country - **1/2
A decent film about a gay teen dealing with issues of class and society in a predominant British high school. Think 'gay Harry Potter sans the magic'. Fun to see a very young Rupert Everett and Colin Firth.

Milk - ***
Moves above standard bio fare with a remarkable performance from Sean Penn. I didn't quite see the hype in many of the other performances often mentioned during award season, especially Josh Brolin's, but I think his nomination for supporting actor was a correction for his not being nominated for "No Country for Old Men" in which he created a much more realized and intriguing character.

Doubt - ***1/2
So far, it's been my favorite "award season" film. Fantastic performances by Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams. And speaking of 'awards,' as fantastic as the scene between Viola Davis and Meryl Streep is, I'm not a fan of people being nominated for l or 2 scenes with a screen time of under 10 minutes. It's a great 10 minutes, don't get me wrong, but I couldn't help but feel like it was more like a clip from her acting reel and I was reminded of the scene in 'Austin Powers' when Austin was crying and underneath was the Chyron "Oscar scene" or something to that effect. As crucial as the scene is to the plot of the film, it was overdone and distracting from the subtle nuances of the performances which had preceeded it. I can't fault the actress for milking the scene as that's the only one she had, but the director should have known to keep it on the same tone as the other actor's.

The Wrestler - ***
A great character study and truly underrated film. Yes, Rourke wasn't underrated during award season but, although she received the Supporting Actress nod, Marisa Tomei deserved more as she brings so much depth to her character than most other actresses would have given this role. She's the antithesis of the Julia Roberts PRETTY WOMAN 'hooker with the heart of gold' yet you root for her just as much. It's not an easy film to watch as it's a cold film. Cold weather, cold characters and a cold hard life. However, Rourke's performance will have you cheering for him the entire time.

Also, on a personal note, it was bittersweet to see Rourke get all the "comeback" attention he did for this film when I was praising his return three years ago after seeing SIN CITY. You want to watch a truly unrecognizable Rourke in a fantastic role unlike any you've seen, then please see SIN CITY.

Scrooged - ***
I've loved this film since it's original release and I cannot find a reason why I haven't bought this DVD until now. It will forever be a favorite holiday film, not quite in the league of HOME ALONE or A CHRISTMAS STORY, but it's something you can watch if you're with the Scrooges you know who don't want to watch anything "sappy." Bobcat Goldthwait is a real joy to watch in this film and Bill Murray's performance can be enjoyed on so many levels. His scenes with Carol Kane rank as one of my favorite pairings ever to grace the screen.

The Reader - ***
I liked this film, especially Kate Winslet's Oscar-winning performance, but... I doubt it will stand the test of time other than being known as the film which finally brought Ms. Winslet her Oscar.

Caddyshack - ***
A timeless classic that still holds up, at least for me, nearly 30 years after its initial release. It's one of those films where, depending on the circles you hang in, nearly every line is quotable and immediately recognized.