“PRECIOUS” IS EASILY ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES OF THE YEAR
Filed Under: "Precious" > Movies > Paula Patton
If you’ve been looking forward to seeing the movie “Precious,” you might be surprised to learn that MANY moviegoers have been waiting for this one to open. It’s surprising, considering the subject matter – the story of an obese, illiterate, teenage girl struggling in Harlem to survive under unbearable conditions. It’s not pretty, but the brilliant director Lee Daniels successfully adds humor and fantasy to the desperate story, plus, and most important, hope. It’s a heartbreaking but life affirming movie that illustrates the world is not ALL bad. And one can always improve one’s circumstances. Every character is well cast and the story will pull you right in. Robin Thicke’s wife Paula Patton is a great discovery as a caring teacher. This is a very special movie. Bring some kleenex when you see it.
Posted by Janet on November 7, 2009
SEAN PENN HAS HIS OWN EVE CARRINGTON: IT’S BEN FOSTER
Filed Under: "The Messenger" > Ben Foster > Movies > Sean Penn
Photo Credit: Splash News
Ben Foster (the crazy killer in “3:10 to Yuma”) nervously paced outside, as the movie destined to make him a major player was screened in Beverly Hills. “The Messenger” is a very intense and exceedingly well done film about the military guys who have the difficult job of notifying families when a soldier is killed. Ben’s performance immediately brought to mind the fact that if Sean Penn were twenty-five years younger, he would have had the part. It was just his kind of role – a cocky character with hidden sensitivity. One can’t help but compare the two actors. Ironically, or maybe not, Sean showed up for the screening.
Posted by Janet on November 3, 2009
“THE ROAD” IS A MOVIE YOU SHOULD NOT MISS
Filed Under: "The Road" > Movies > Viggo Mortensen
“The Road” is NOT just another post-apocalyptic thriller. Far from it. This might be the most profound and heartbreaking movie of the year. A masterpiece of morality – it’s agonizing to watch because we can so easily picture ourselves in the same hopeless situation. Viggo Mortensen plays one a few hungry survivors left after a worldwide disaster never clearly explained, but apparently almost all animals and plants are dead or dying, the climate is gradually freezing, and skies are increasingly gray. Ten years have passed, food is gone, and Mortensen and his son forge ahead in this desolate barren landscape, scrounging for sustenance and shoes, trying to stay alive as they walk “south” hoping for a warmer climate. It’s the breakdown of civilized society and everyone seems to be a bad guy. (In one scene, a cannibalistic gang of men corralled women and children to kill and eat.) Life is so brutal and terrifying – is it worth the struggle? Many choose suicide and others question if THEY have become the “bad guy.” This movie will not only make you think, it will make you instantly grateful for every little thing you have.
Posted by Janet on October 25, 2009
MADONNA WANTS TO ACT AGAIN
Filed Under: Madonna > Movies > Pedro Almodovar > Penelope Cruz
Madonna has been very chummy lately with Penelope Cruz and we think she has a very good reason. Penelope is best friends with director Pedro Almodovar and he, in fact, made her a star. Madonna is harboring an intense desire to act again and she hopes that by cultivating a friendship with Pedro, he might decide to use her in one of his movies. Pedro loves strong and unusual woman and writes his best roles for them. Unfortunately, Madonna’s film history is not great and many people blame her for the downturn in Guy Ritchie’s career. Whether Pedro chooses to take a chance on Madonna remains to be seen.
Posted by Janet on October 22, 2009
MODERNIST JULIUS SHULMAN AND HIS “VISUAL ACOUSTICS”
Filed Under: Architecture > Julius Shulman > Modernism > Movies > Visual Acoustics
We who love modernism already worship the work of Julius Shulman, and this documentary “Visual Acoustics,” will make it clear why his photography is worthy of such adoration. His architectural photos were responsible for creating the image of the “California lifestyle” in the 50’s and 60’s. (Isn’t that why many of us moved here?) Shulman just died last July at the age of 98 and was working until the end. He was a fascinating and outspoken personality who “discovered” many of the famous architects renowned today. Shulman was so devoted to the optimistic ideals of modernism that during the 1970’s when gussied up “post modernism” appeared, he announced his retirement. He lived long enough to see a bountiful resurgence in the appreciation of modernism, and his work in particular. The architecture around us all, does indeed, shape our lives. You’ll walk out of this documentary knowing exactly what “Visual Acoustics” are.
Posted by Janet on October 15, 2009
CLIVE OWEN TRIUMPHS IN THE “BOYS ARE BACK”
Filed Under: Clive Owen > Movies > The Boys Are Back
Whether or not you have a weakness for Clive Owen, run, don’t walk, to the nearest theater to see “The Boys Are Back.” After seeing Clive in one action film after another, we almost forgot he could act. This Australian movie is based on a true story about a sports writer who becomes a single father and has to learn how to deal with the everyday family problems that his wife always handled. It’s funny and sad and the likable characters all develop as time goes on. Clive is amazing – we can’t remember the last time we were in a theater when almost every one in the audience was crying.
Posted by Janet on October 5, 2009
MATT DAMON GIVES HIS ALL, BUT IT’S NOT ENOUGH
Filed Under: Matt Damon > Movies > The Informant
Had we realized that Steven Soderbergh directed “The Informant!” we would have lowered our expectations. As a rule we find most of his work to be ABOUT men and FOR men, like the Oceans movies and Che. Females are just window dressing, and usually the men featured aren’t all that interesting. With the exception of “Erin Brockovich”, we never found his movies to be particularly engaging, and most of them are downright boring. In spite of Matt Damon’s very determined performance, this movie, which features a large group of mostly unattractive businessmen, is dull and repetitious, and we had to fight to stay awake.
Posted by Janet on September 18, 2009
SARAH JESSICA PARKER’S “SEX & THE CITY 2″ DRESS IS RECYCLED- BUT IT’S DIOR!
Filed Under: "Sex & the City 2" > Dior > John Galliano > Movies > Sarah Jessica Parker
Photo Credit: Buzz Foto
The Sex & the City TV series always celebrated excess – too much shopping and big spending on whimsical designer apparel. But “Sex & the City 2” – the movie – is trying to make up for it in a tiny way. They actually recycled a Dior dress that Carrie wore on the series a few years back. It’s John Galliano’s newsprint dress and the frock was criticized at the time by humorless fashionistas because Galliano admitted he was inspired by people living on the street. Critics sniffed “politically incorrect.” Galliano’s own face is on the dress and we’d LOVE a Janet Charlton’s Hollywood blogprint dress of our own.
Posted by Janet on September 5, 2009
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GOOD NEWS! “INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS” IS NOT JUST ANOTHER DEPRESSING WAR MOVIE
Filed Under: "Inglourious Basterds" > Christoph Waltz > Columbo > Movies > Peter Falk > Quentin Tarantino
Peter Falk might be amused to see that certain characteristics of his TV detective character “Columbo” live ON in the form of a Nazi! Quentin Tarantino’s new WWII movie “Inglourious Basterds” is a huge surprise- it’s not just a war movie. In fact, there’s gore, but very few fighting scenes. There are laughs, and lots of tension – mostly created by German actor Christoph Waltz’s malevolent Nazi character Hans Landa. This Nazi considers himself a detective and terrifies his prey – first, with innocent and charming chatter. Just when you think the inquisition is OVER, Landa innocently turns, like Columbo, and says “Oh there’s one more thing….” and someone’s doom is sealed. He operates like an evil version of Columbo’s bumbling but brilliant detective. Even if you have reservations, you’re going to be surprised how much you like this entertaining movie. Tarantino’s war is nothing like the real one was.
Posted by Janet on August 21, 2009
LEONARDO DICAPRIO GETS MENTAL WITH MARION COTILLARD IN “INCEPTION”
Filed Under: "Inception" > Leonardo DiCaprio > Marion Cotillard > Movies
Photo Credit: Bauer-Griffin
Leonardo DiCaprio has left that yacht in the South of France and reported for work on the set of his new film “Inception” where he was seen snuggling up to Marion Cotillard. The plot of this movie is something of a mystery- it’s described as “A sci-fi thriller set within the architecture of the mind.” Writer/director Christopher Nolan is also responsible for the movie “Memento – which was also a mind-bending experience. Giant, building size mirrors were reportedly seen on the set. We’re intrigued.
Posted by Janet on August 17, 2009
WOODY ALLEN’S SUMMER PROJECT IS IN THE WORKS
Filed Under: Movies > Naomi Watts > Woody Allen
Photo Credit: Bauer-Griffin
There are things about Woody Allen that we don’t like, but we DO love to see his movies. Even his worst films have something redeemable about them. Woody writes stimulating dialog – and he’s prolific. We thoroughly enjoyed his last two features “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” and “Whatever Works.” Above, he’s filming his untitled “Summer Project” in the UK with Naomi Watts. He’s very secretive but the plot is supposedly about London’s high society.
Posted by Janet on August 13, 2009
JULIE & JULIA WILL SATISFY YOUR HUNGER FOR AN ENTERTAINING MOVIE
Filed Under: Amy Adams > Julia Child > Julie & Julia > Meryl Streep > Movies
Julia Child’s infatuation with mid-century Paris and the city’s cuisine makes for a delicious true story about her life there in the delightful “Julie & Julia.” Meryl Streep is thoroughly convincing as the towering and enthusiastic Julia and Stanley Tucci is endearing as her supportive husband. Their eventful life in France is serious competition for Amy Adams’ contrasting life in modern New York, but Amy is up for the challenge. All in all, the movie is a triumph for Nora Ephron – we thought mostly women would love this movie, but men seem to like it just as much. We walked out of the movie craving beef bourguignon. And Julia would be proud to hear that her cookbooks have hit the best seller list again.
Posted by Janet on August 10, 2009
“FUNNY PEOPLE” HAS A LOT TO OFFER
Filed Under: Adam Sandler > Jason Schwartzman > Movies
We decided we really prefer Adam Sandler in other people’s movies. He’s very appealing in “Funny People” and you’re going to love the movie if you can get past those rampant penis jokes and crude references. Judd Apatow’s effort is really a dramatic comedy with the best elements of both. Slimmed down Seth Rogan and Jonah Hill are dependably hilarious as aspiring comics, and adorable Jason Schwartzman as an egocentric sitcom star is perfect. Surprising celebrity cameos abound. It’s a great summer movie full of characters you want to spend time with.
Posted by Janet on July 30, 2009
CHANNING TATUM AND JENNA DEWAN AND THE FIGHTING PREMIER
Filed Under: "Fighting" > Channing Tatum > Jenna Dewan > Movies
Photo Credit: Splash News
Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan have been a couple since they met while filming “Step Up” in 2006. It’s nice to see longevity in Hollywood and Jenna is flashing a huge diamond engagement ring. We’d frankly rather see Channing dance than fight, but we dragged ourselves to a screening of his new movie “Fighting” and were pleasantly surprised. The plot is predictable, but Channing is an eyeful in his wifebeater, and he and Terrence Howard are fun to watch. (The fights aren’t overly graphic so girls won’t hate it.) The expansive scenes of New York are mesmerizing and the soundtrack is slammin’. Give it a look.
Posted by Janet on April 22, 2009
RACHEL MCADAMS IS BELIEVABLE AS A REPORTER IN STATE OF PLAY
Filed Under: Movies > Rachel McAdams > Russell Crowe > State of Play
Photo Credit: Buzz Foto
Rachel McAdams has been a little pouty lately but she actually has a lot to celebrate. Besides having a hot boyfriend – Josh Lucas - she has lots of movies coming out. This weekend “State of Play” opens and she more than holds her own with Russell Crowe. It’s a smart, entertaining movie and justifiably glamorizes the newspaper business. We love those hardworking reporters who dig deep for the truth.
Posted by Janet on April 16, 2009
ADVENTURELAND WILL SURPRISE YOU
Filed Under: Adventureland > Jesse Eisenberg > Kristen Stewart > Movies
Just because “Adventureland” is about a group of recent college graduates floundering in the outside world, doesn’t mean it’s aimed simply at that age group. It’s a post-teen movie that’s just as appealing for adults – maybe even more so. We remember what it was like in 1987 – before cell phones and computers. Jesse Eisenberg (“The Squid and the Whale”) plays a smart but awkward nerd, forced to take a summer job at the local amusement park, and Kristen Stewart (“Twilight”) plays the object of his affection. They’re both terrific and his exasperating and fabulous summer is an original and authentic experience.
Posted by Janet on April 5, 2009
RIHANNA IS DEAD SET ON BECOMING A MOVIE STAR
Filed Under: Movies > Real Estate > Rihanna
Photo Credit: Splash News
Rihanna has been moving around fast- she was in Hawaii a few days ago and now she’s back home in Barbados. But she is scheduled to come back on the 7th to sign papers so she can buy a 12 million dollar house she found in Bel Air. It’s just what she ’s been looking for – a hip, modern sprawling place, perfect for entertaining. Rihanna wants a home here because she wants to be a MOVIE STAR. Those rumors about her starring in a remake of the movie “The Bodyguard” might turn out to be true.
Posted by Janet on April 3, 2009
THE MOVIE KNOWING IS RELIGIOUS PROPAGANDA – WITH GREAT SPECIAL EFFECTS
Filed Under: Knowing > Movies > Nicolas Cage
PERHAPS WILL SMITH UNDERESTIMATES HIS AUDIENCE
Filed Under: Movies > Seven Pounds > Will Smith
Photo Credit: Splash News
Movie reviewers all over America are searching for the right words to use when describing Will Smith’s new movie “Seven Pounds.” People hate to say bad things about the biggest star in the world. Some reviewers skirted the issue but Lou Lumenick at the New York Post pulled no punches. He describes the movie as a “preposterous, romantic, melodrama with an absurd plot.” The Post says “Will’s self-grandiosity has grown with each recent movie and he has finally surpassed his pal Tom Cruise in the ego department.” Personally, we spent the first half of the movie confused and bored, and the second half outraged by the ridiculous plot. It feels like it’s four hours long.
Posted by hoodlum on December 19, 2008
DOUBT IS ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES OF THE YEAR
Filed Under: Doubt > Meryl Streep > Movies
Photo Credit: Splash News
Posted by hoodlum on December 7, 2008
