But movies of late seem to have lost their magic. 

With that, the fact that many a critic had granted Hugo a perfect score made me skeptical. So, I decided to see for myself . . . 

Hugo, you see, is the story of Hugo Cabret, an orphan boy who lives in the walls of a train station, keeping the clock gears oiled and set. He also seeks to repair an old, rusted automaton his father brought home–and unlock the mystery it holds. 

The first half of the film chronicles his adventures–transporting us to 1930s Paris, and introducing us to the many characters that inhabit the train station . . . including a toy salesman by the name of Georges Méliès. And that’s where the magic truly begins. For in Georges Méliès, the cinemagician, we find a most spectacular tribute to the movies.

I could go on about the lovely set design, deft character development, seamless incorporation of 3D technology–the artistry of Martin Scorses. But I fear words–even the trailer–cannot begin to do the film justice. 

It truly is nothing short of a masterpiece.  

So I’ll simply implore you, like I, to go see for yourself . . . 

I’ve noticed a wonderful trend as of late … the showing of films in the park.  I know, I know … other cities have been doing this since the dawn of time, but not Boise.    

Of course, I’ve always thought this a splendid idea.  As a matter of fact, one of my fanciful dreams consists of owning a big stone barn, where I’d host parties during the winter, and show films during the summer.  *sigh*

Still, movies in the park is a start … if only they’d show a film I’d like to watch. 

In the meantime, there’s always the traditional Theatre … where it just so happens I watched Knight and Day.  It’s one to own; I mean really, how long has it been since a good action-comedy came out?  Only forever! 

Hasn’t this movie been receiving mixed reviews?  Yes, yes it has; but here’s the thing: some poor, unfortunate souls have no sense of humor.  A few of them were sitting in front of us as a matter of fact.  In such cases it’s best to ignore said review … and pity the critic …

What about the whole ’Tom-Cruise-is-annoying’ bit?  Doesn’t hold water.  I was among the number who took a hiatus from Tom Cruise movies–this one reminds me why I liked him in the first place.

I’m telling you, this movie made us laugh–out loud–nearly the entire time.  Such a feat, after a week like last?  Well, it’s nearly enough to make me jump up on a sofa, flail my arms about, and wildly proclaim my gratitude. {poor guy will never live that one down}

Instead, I’ll simply tell you this: if you need some good, light-hearted fun, do yourself a favor and go see Knight and Day … then come back here and quote your favorite lines and we’ll throw back our heads back and LAUGH some more …

Rating:  PG

Genre:  Animation / Family

Verdict:  A triumph!

The gist:  Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner) has always dreamed of grand adventure – of discovering the lost lands of South America.  But at 78 it seems all is lost.  Then he fools everyone; one morning he unfurls thousands of balloons and he and his house soar up and away from the sadness and disappointment below.  But he hasn’t left it all behind.  He has a stowaway – 8-year-old Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai).  All Russell wants is to earn his “Assisting the Elderly” badge.  Together, they encounter a pack of talking dogs, an evil adventurer, a rare bird named kevin – and discover the greatest adventure of all. 

My take:  How is it an annimated film can mirror life so realistically?  I don’t know either, but Up proves it to be true.  The animation is, of course, spectacular in detail – but more than that, it’s the life breathed into each character.   Carl and Russell are perfect examples of those easily overlooked in today’s society – children and the elderly.  It’s animation.  And it’s Oscar-worthy.     The screenplay (Bob Peterson and Pete Docter) provides a little something for everyone – action, adventure, romance.  You’ll laugh one minute, cry the next.  But it is the story that makes the film.    And it could not have been released at a more appropriate time.  With more and more people breaking their banks simply to survive, it’s good to be reminded what lifts us up and sets us on our own adventure.

An aside:  If you are at all prone to tears, take heed.  You will bawl.  I’m telling you this now so you’ll be prepared – so you won’t have to cry through 3 rough napkins that came with your kids meal, use the front of your hand, the back of your hand, your sleeve, until the gusher takes over and you are forced to grab the arm of the person sitting next to you – panic stricken – and demand “Kleenex!  I NEED KLEENEX!!!!”   Not that I would know any of this from experience, naturally …

Life has a mind of its own …

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Drama, Biography

The verdict: Loved

The gist:  Columnist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) needs a story.  Just when he’s nearly ready to give up on finding anything of any value, he happens upon Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx) – a homeless man living in LA’s Skid Row, playing a two-stringed violin.   Amidst his stream of consciousness Ayers mentions he attended Juliard – that he’s “had a few setbacks.”  Lopez discovers that Ayers was never trained on the violin, but the bass, that he did, indeed, attend Juliard for a time, that he dropped out due to mental illness.  Finally, he has his story; but over time, he realizes he has much, much more …

My take:  Based on the book by Steve Lopez, The Soloistis a powerful, heartfelt drama that truly does portray the way in which life has a mind of its own.  Joe Wright orchestrates the film with intent.  Much like life, it’s not clean and tidy.   There are times when the creative direction can be a bit distracting – the voices Ayers hears, for instance.  However, it does give a glimpse at what it would be like – and let’s be serious, it would be a little more than distracting.  Susannah Grant (screenwriter) throws in humor every now and again, so the film does not get overly bogged down with drama.  And the actors – Robert Downey, Jr., Jamie Foxx, Catherine Keener (who plays Lopez ex-wife) - offer superb performances.  Perhaps one of the most amazing aspects of the film is the humanity.  The cinematography surrounding the homeless and the destitute is awe inspiring in itself – for amidst the chaos, lies a certain dignity.  It is a story of a story … a story of life’s setbacks … of friendship … of letting go … and coming home. 

An aside:  The Soloist has received mixed reviews – possibly more than usual.  More than likely this is dependent upon two things:  The release date was pushed back, which people view as a very bad sign; and the subject matter is difficult.  We like things clean and tidy; things like homelessness or mental illness we’d rather pretend doesn’t exist, or – like Lopez – we want them fixed.  Railing against these points, however, is a pity – because so much is missed.  The performances truly are Oscar-worthy.   And the story – while it may be difficult at times – is one we should hear.  If you’ve been wondering whether or not to spend your time and money on this film, I would recommend it.

Life’s a messy business.

Rating: R (language, some disturbing images)

Genre: Drama – comedy

The verdict: Loved

The gist:Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) was a high school sweetheart – the cheerleading captain who dated the quarterback.  Now she is a single mother; the ”other” woman.  When her son (Jason Spevack) is expelled from school, Rose realizes she needs more than what she makes as maid.  Following a suggestion by her lover (Steve Zahn), she starts a specialized cleaning service – Sunshine Cleaning.  Together she and her younger sister Norah (Emily Blunt) erase the traces of murders, suicides, and other unpleasantsituations while her son helps their father (Alan Arkin) on his get-rich-quick schemes.  Along the way they will realize that  life may be messy, it may not turn out as you had hoped, but with a little cheer – and a lot of work – it is worth the living.   

My take: Sunshine Cleaning is a charming story of life – and the beauty amid the ugliness.  The screenplay (Megan Holley) is bright and original – boasting just enough humor to get through the rough spots.  While there are themes aplenty, none of them are overplayed.  Christine Jeffs’ direction is deft and smooth – creating a film that is at once slice of life and entertaining.   To cap it all off, this film boasts a brilliant cast of actors and actresses.  Each fit his/her role perfectly - portraying characters that remain endearing, despite their flaws.  Clifton Collins, Jr., for instance, infuses pure heart into the character of Winston, the manager of the cleaning supply store.   He may be a minor character, but he is not easily forgotten.  Together the cast and crew prove it’s not what you have or haven’t that makes you great – it’s what you put into it.   

An aside:  In case you didn’t get it from the above review, I would highly recommend this film.  Being independent, it may be a bit harder to come by.  But take the time to seek it out – it will be worth the effort!

No joke!  This is a real-life, honest-to-goodness movie from 1979.  Who knew?  Not I, apparently.  Now that I do know, however, I must say that cover is some good times.  I mean really … “The Villain” … they may be smiling on the outside, but one is low-down-and-dirty on the inside.  Chances are this film is nothing but cornball … and yet, I think I must.  I can’t help it.  It’s drawing me in.  Must.  See.  The Villain.    Now would probably be a good time.  After all, some movies are so much better when you’re either deliriously tired or, you know, on some kind of medication …

Of course, it wasn’t the idea of having a blood clot or throwing said blood clot that terrified her.  It was the thought of dying in the theatre of Twilight.  People would know.  Not only the people in the theatre, but countless others would see as they carried her lifeless body from the theatre.  Good heavens!  She might even make the news!  And she would be dead!  She couldn’t explain that yes, she was old enough to know better–but she was being a good mother.  Her daughter (who, she might add, is also old enough to know better) insisted they give the movie a go!!! 

The mere thought was the more than she could bare.   

She made me promise, right then and there, if she ever dies, in public, while watching a questionable movie, that I refrain from sobbing, screaming, or otherwise-drawing-attention to myself until I have at least dragged her corpse into in the theatre of a decent movie. 

I promised.  As long as she promised not to do such a wretched thing.  I mean really–a bad movie is traumatizing enough!

Rating:

Genre: Drama

Language: French – English subtitles

The gist: Set in 1948, Les Choristes is the story of Clément Mathieu (Gérard Jugnot), a composer who has all but given up on his music. He accepts a Supervisory position at Fond de l’ Etang (“Bottom of the Well”) – a boarding school for orphans and problematic boys. Despite the fact that the school is administered by the cruel Rachin (François Berléand), problems abound. In an attempt to keep the boys from trouble, Monsieur Clément begins to teach them music. Along the way he discovers the musical ability of the rebel Pierre Morhange (Jean-Baptiste Maunier), the charm of Pierre’s single mother, Violette (Marie Bunel), and the unwavering hope of young Pépinot (Maxence Perrin) – the orphan boy who waits near the gate, every Saturday, for his father’s return. Though not as he might have envisioned, Clement’s brief stint at Fond de l’ Etang will change everyone’s life forever.

My take: Les Choristes is a charming look at a few of the forgotten ones, following WWII. Directed by Christophe Barratier, the story generates laughter one minute, tears the next. Subtle themes speak of the need to feel connected, the importance of a father figure. The boys do their own singing – and their voices are angelic. While all the actors perform well, Gérard Jugnot deserves extra kudos. His portrayal of the kind-hearted Clément Mathieu creates a character both easy to believe and easy to love. More than anything, however, the film is a simple tribute to the human spirit. For that alone I would recommend this film; the talents of the writers, director, actors and film crew are but added perks.

An aside: Don’t pass over a movie simply because it is not in your native language. Sure, reading subtitles may prove a bit awkward at first, but it will come naturally before you know it. Foreign films offer a glimpse into another culture – not to mention, they open a whole new world of great films.

Nothing’s as big as your first love.

Rating: PG

Genre: Comedy-romance

Verdict: Can’t help falling for this one

The gist: Ten-year-old Gabe (Josh Hutcherson) has it all together.  He has his loving -albeit dysfunctional – parents Adam (Bradley Whitford) and Leslie (Cynthia Nixon), his friends, and his sports.  He’s living the good life.  Then Rosemary Telesco (Charlie Ray) walks into his karate class – and everything changes.  Sure, he’s known her since kindergarten, but suddenly he sees her with different eyes.  In a blink he feels the awe and misery that is first love.  And New York will never be the same …  

My take: I’ll be honest. Renting this movie was not my idea. After all, who wants to watch 11-year-olds get more action than you? EXACTLY. But from the moment the movie began, I was hooked.  Jennifer Flackett (writer) and Mark Levin (director) display a fine talent in capturing first love and all its complexities.  This film is much like a time machine – taking you back to those days of innocence.  It beautifully conveys the humor, exhilaration, and complete-and-utter despair of first love.  And suggests to those who have found true love: despite the hardship, disappointment, and sorrow it may bring, love is worth fighting for …

“Every woman will have her day”

Genre:  Comedy-Romance

The gist:  Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is the story of a day in the life of Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) – a dowdy, down-on-her-luck governess.  The daughter of a minister, Miss Pettigrew feels it her duty to speak her mind about her employee’s indiscretions, attempting to get them on the straight and narrow.  Needless to say, such “helpfulness” is not-so-very appreciated; when she is fired from her third assignment, the employment agency refuses to be of further service.  So she steals an assignment – becoming social secretary to Delysia Lafosse, an American actress.  Suddenly her life is anything but boring.  But it is her truthfulness and concerned meddling – the very things that got her in trouble in the first place – that will ultimately save the day. 

My take:  I LOVED this movie.  To anyone who has called me a throw-back … or even thought it … this will come as no surprise.  Set at the dawn of WWII England, I loved the setting, the styles, and the music.  That much is given.  But it’s so much more.  The story (based on the novel by Winifred Watson) is heartfelt; the screenplay (written by David Magee and Simon Beaufoy) simply charming.  Bharat Nalluri’s direction depicts life on the verge of WWII like a symphony; and the actors bring a hint of magic as witnessed in films of the golden era.  But that which holds it all together is the chemistry between Frances McDormand (Miss Pettrigrew) and Amy Adams (Delysia Lafosse).  Given the nature of the two parts, lesser actresses would have been little more than annoying.  Instead we are granted a rare glimpse at two opposing worlds – the carefree innocence of youth and the reserved wisdom of maturity.  And oh that we should be so lucky to have our own Miss Pettigrew touch our lives.        

An aside:  Yes, this movie is a chick-flick.  We had a pair of couples sitting behind us.  As we were leaving the theatre the “boys” were bemoaning the fact that they had to endure such agony.  The “girls” were of course trying to appease said boys by promising to go to 88 minutes on the next go around.  Of course, most of the comments from the peanut gallery came from the guys behind us.  And they were not snide remarks, I might add.  So whether they would ever – in a MILLION years – admit it, they too were engrossed in the film.