LARRY CROWNE

While I talk about movies I see that are just not my style, "Larry Crowne" was a MUST SEE for me. I was a fan of Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts long before "Splash" and "Pretty Woman".

The story is of a man who was a valued employee in a "big box" store who was terminated because he lacked a college education. Which means in today's terms that no matter how valuable you are, there is someone out there to do your job for a lesser salary.

A devistated Hanks went on to get the education he lacked and, found something new along the way. Totally a heart warming story of friendship and a new lease on life. The movie was filled with a host of sweet performances by familiar actors and, you left feeling good.

Had a little problem believing that the glamourous Julia was a Professor at a Community College but, she's Julia and pulled it off. A great revelation was that when Tom's choice of clothing was updated, it made him look ten years younger.

A miss for Tom and Julia.

TRANSFORMERS III

Once again I went to a movie that was not to my taste or in my comfort zone so, I really hate to trash one of the Summer of 2011's biggest blockbusters. But, here goes......First, I for one, pay the price of admission for movies that are an hour shorter than this one and, created with a much smaller budget......However, I do applaud the Spielbergs and Bays out there who continually create flicks that are certainly aimed to give us more bang for our buck.

Assembling a cast of talented actors, throwing in dazzling special and, making the feature forty five minutes longer than average is supposed to bring in the dollars and, more often than not, does.

I had not seen the two prior installments of this franchise because Transformers, to me, were Hasbro toys I bought for my son years ago. Sure it was somewhat cool to see the transformations. There were some interesting takes on the US's race to the moon. Throw in some box-office leading men, great character actors and, a Victoria's Secret model and, you get box office gold........I, for one, was poked for snoring.

SUPER 8

I went to this movie simply because Steven Speilberg had a hand in it and, its setting was the late seventies. I am usually turned off by anything that promises an alien sighting as I find real horrors more spooky than imaginary ones.

What I got was a movie full of promising young actors and, some familiar faces. A story that touched on emotions, some amazing special effects and, a genuine interest in what was going to happen next. A perfect family movie for those with children over 13. It could possibly give the little ones nightmares. It was just a wholesome flick that will be one of the bright spots in the Summer of '11's cinematic fare.

My only problem, other than the aliens.......Would a convenience store clerk in 1979 have had a "Walkman"?

THE ART OF GETTING BY

Today we chose "The Art of Getting By" over the much-hyped "Super Eight" or "Green Lantern". Judging by the four other women joining us in the smallest screening room of a packed theatre complex, our choice was not destined to be a blockbuster.

It is a story of two NY city high school seniors who are both looking for something other than what life was giving them. Emma Roberts and Freddie Highmore are two gifted young actors who truly work at their craft and haven't succumbed to the Hollywood high life. This movie proved what great talents they are.

Plus, there were a host of other other actors.....most recognizable through memorable performances rather than box office draw and media attention. Blair Underwood, Alicia Silverstone and Sam Robards to name a few and, Rita Wilson who is a fine actress but, best known for being Mrs. Tom Hanks.

There were no dazzling special effects, there were no actors who are household names, little was known about this flick going in and, the story was not weird or complex. Sometimes it's just nice not to have all that......We made a good choice. today.

HANGOVER - PART II

Let's face it. HANGOVER movies are destined to be classics. Raunchy, funny with a totally likable cast of characters they hold their own against esteemed predecessor "BACHELOR PARTY". Unlike that great movie starring Tom Hanks the heroes Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha (who never gets to have fun) only want a pre-wedding event that includes some ogling and drinking. There is never a quest to do drugs or have wild sex.....it just happens.

The thing I like most about the HANGOVER movies is how much I like the players. Simply good guys who find themselves getting into more trouble than they can manage when they attempt to celebrate a rite of passage of a good friend.

The latest installment takes them a 16 hour flight away from the scene of their last misadventure and the predicaments and hilarity rival the first. Cooper, Helms, Galifianakis and, Dr. Jeong can look forward to at least another sequel as is evident from box-office figures. Maybe, the next time Bartha will be allowed to join the party.

JUMPING THE BROOM

Although it has been several weeks since it first came out, I chose to see "Jumping the Broom" today over "Hangover Two". I'm certain I made the right choice. I've always loved the work of Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Paula Patton and Julie Bowen. These names plus the story of love, a wedding with some comedy thrown in promised to be my kind of movie.

"Jumping the Broom" was a tale of Boy Meets Girl...They have a whirlwind courtship, fall in love and, decide to marry...Boy has done well for himself, came from loving and, middle-classed beginnings. Girl has done well for herself, came from loving and, high-classed beginnings...

Families meet for the wedding and, a host of comedy and drama begins. As, it would be when two families with absolutely nothing in common unite there was a lot of disgust and hurt feelings. Brooklyn to the Martha's Vineyard creates a huge gap.

However, the movie showed that no matter how rich you are you can still be unhappy and have problems. But, the ones exposed on the "Wedding Day" would have sent any bride into years of therapy. This bride recovered in a few hours.

Though far-fetched at times, "Jumping the Broom" was just a sweet chick flick that will be purchased for a movie collection and watched again and again..........I'll catch "Hangover Two" later.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STANGER TIDES

In all fairness, let me say that even though I've seen three out of the four installments of the "Pirates" franchise; this is not my kind of movie. However, it was an entire family event, as the ones before, so I went knowing that a endless supply of popcorn and Diet Coke would get me through.

Johnny Depp recently told Oprah he could play Captain Jack Sparrow forever which he probably will be able to do. His presence in this movie and the ones before wake me up when all the caffeine couldn't keep me from dozing. Plus, I would watch Geoffrey Rush read a phone book. However, both of them could not keep my eyes open or keep me from squirming and looking at my watch through this much too long movie.

The great Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane seemed to be thrown in for window dressing and box office dollars when their presence only added to a series of confusing sub plots when the movie was supposed to be about a quest for finding the "Fountain of Youth". Sure the tropical locales and special effects were good but, no better than what I can see on TV.

We chose not to see the 3D version as did the packed theatre we were in. I'm not a fan of paying the extra money or wearing special glasses to see a movie. I honestly don't think it would have made it any better.

Alas, more than likely Mr. Depp will get his wish and will get to play Captain Jack again, he deserves that. And, I will probably go see it just to be with my family for a big event. They, by the way, were mixed with their reviews. I do appreciate the fact that "Pirates" is truly suitable for the entire family and, it will continue to live on.