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.

BRIDESMAIDS

I went into this movie with great expectations after reading so many glowing reviews. I'm a big fan of Judd Apatow's work as well as the comedic talents of Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph. Plus, Melissa McCarthy has always been a delight to watch since I first saw her on the "Gilmore Girls". I fully expected a female version of "The Hangover" with all the bawdiness and fun.

These expectations were delivered with some hilarious "gross out" scenes that you rarely see women perform. Not that this was what I paid the price of admission for but, I did expect more of a "Bachelor Party" vibe and much less a story of a pathetic loser who seems to never catch a break.

However, Apatow was dealing with women and, did get the fact that we are a different breed. Men rarely get upset when someone steps in to become a more significant influence in the life of a best friend. I don't think men are afraid to say "I'm not paying for that" and "That is just stupid". Women are pleasers and tiptoe around issues that a man would readily point out.

When all was said and done....I see many more big movie roles for Wiig and this flick made me both laugh and cry. Again, not exactly what I expected but, worth the two hours and the money spent.

PROM

My movie going partner is my almost 23 year old daughter and, we try to catch one a week. I really wasn't that thrilled with going to see PROM with all the other really hyped stuff out there but, she gave me a really cool Mother's Day gift so I caved in.

What I saw was a really sweet coming of age movie about this rite of passage that so many these days consider archaic or, since the days when I was a teen a time to get drunk and have sex. There was none of this in this movie nor, as I witnessed through my children, a time to spend massive amounts of money grooming for the event. The girls in this movie painted their own toenails.

The story is of a female overachiever who had worked diligently to create a perfect prom for her classmates with many obstacles along the way including not having the "right" date of her own. The turmoils of her classmates in preparing for this event were also a focus.

I had never heard of about 95% of the cast as they are relative unknowns but, I see acting futures for so many of them. This was a DISNEY MOVIE so we never saw anything more racy than a jock cheating on his girlfriend with nothing more to tell us that than a stray earring found in his car. I don't even think I heard the word "damn" uttered.

So for all you mothers who still hold "THE PROM" as a glorious night.....take your tweens and teens to show them how precious and wholesome it can be. And, for you mothers who have grown daughters who know all that you do about what really goes on....go anyway and enjoy a quite simple Mother/Daughter afternoon.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

First, let me say that I have never seen a TWILIGHT movie and didn't get what all the hoopla was for Robert Pattinson. I had never read Sara Gruen's great novel. I was never a huge fan of the circus. I went to see WATER FOR ELEPHANTS simply because the star was Reese Witherspoon. I knew that Christoph Waltz was an Academy Award winner as well so, I figured it wouldn't be that much of a waste of time and money.

Robert Pattinson is not just a "Vampire" in my eyes anymore. I know what the fuss is all about. And, did I once think he was creepy looking? I'm smitten. He wasn't top billed, second to Reese but, I can't think of any other actor who would have been more perfect for this role. This too was a Robert Pattinson movie.

Gruen's story was of a depression era young man who on the eve of his graduation from Cornell becomes an orphan and penniless due to a tragic accident. He wanders on foot to find a new life and hops aboard a train not knowing it is the one of the Benzini Brothers Circus. His training in veterinary medicine soon make him a a valued member of the troupe. He is respected by the Circus' ruthless owner (Waltz) even though he does not cower to him as others do. Another bold move is to fall for his "STAR" wife, Witherspoon, who shares his love for animals. The supporting cast added delight to this story and, I have a new appreciation for the CIRCUS.

ARTHUR

"If you get caught between the Moon and New City
The best that you can do................. best that you can do is fall in love".

First and foremost this Christopher Cross song is what I most remember about the first ARTHUR from 1981. Wisely, the remake found it important to include a version of this tune in its closing credits.

Thirty years ago when I first saw this movie, I was well aware of Dudley Moore's talent as "10" was fresh in my mind. I was entertained by this picture but, since that day I had never watched it again. So, going in to this 2011 remake my memory had to be jogged a bit and, this current creation brought it all back.

First, let it be known......I am a huge fan of Russell Brand and his wife, Katy Perry. If you watch closely there is one scene where "Arthur" is checking his speed dial and Katy is listed. I found Brand's version of the lovable, wealthy drunk very much as charming as Moore's.

Changing Sir John Gielgud's butler to Helen Mirren's nanny was quite delightful. God love the acting of the Brits. As always, they steal the show. The other supporting cast did not vary that much from the original version. Jennifer Garner's portrayal of Susan was played pretty much the same as Jill Eikenberry's in 1981. However, the fatal flaw in this movie was casting Greta Gerwig to reprise the great Liza Minnelli's Linda. In this '11 romp Linda became Naomi and totally as bland as her name. They might have done better casting Katy Perry in this role as there might have been some chemistry.

I enjoyed the movie but, like the original, it is a one time watch for me.

SOUL SURFER

Every one has heard of Bethany Hamilton. "SOUL SURFER" is her courageous story. Very few people lose one of their arms due to a shark attack and even fewer don't allow it to change their lives. This girl did both. It's hard to believe that it has been eight years since this, then, 13 year old girl was in the ocean doing what she loved, savagely attacked and went on to do business as usual.

When I heard of this movie, my first thought was why no producer had picked up on this story until now. Stories of remarkable women are the basis of so many great movies and TV mini-series. But, DUH, how on earth would you make a movie about a woman who lost her arm and lived in a swim suit? Where would you find an actress, the right age and body type who had also lost her arm?

I can't phathom the imagery it took make AnnaSophia Robb fit this description. We do live in amazing times. Other than Ms. Robb's wonderful performance as Bethany, we got to enjoy the work of some of our favorite actors.........Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Kevin Sorbo. Carrie Underwood made her movie debut and, everyone will know now that Lorraine is Jack's daughter.

If you are a sun and sand person with a particular passion for Hawaii, this movie will take you there.

I've read other reviews calling this a "Lifetime" movie. Maybe so.....the F word was never uttered or was there a steamy sex scene. Heck, when these people weren't surfing they were in church.

This was not a first pick of my movie to see this week but, I am sure glad I did. A great picture for everyone!

THE KENNEDYS

I can't tell you how disappointed I was to learn that "The History Channel" had shelved its presentation of "The Kennedy's". I had been waiting a long time to see it. I had been enthralled by the Kennedy mystique since I was a little girl. An odd thing for a girl who was brought up middle class, Republican and, certainly not Catholic.

I remember being in the third grade and ushered in from the playground so our teacher could tell us the President was dead. I remember her saying...."I see the gleam in some of your eyes and that's not good". I was terrified that she might be referring to me because all I knew of this man with a beautiful wife was what I had heard through adult family members and their friends. Which was not favorable in the least. I can't be sure if I was aware of the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis or just learned of them later. All I knew of Marilyn Monroe was she was a movie star who was found dead in the nude.

After the death of JFK and all the years that followed, I became a Kennedy watcher. As an adult, through the books I devoured about this family and their constant presence in the media made me quite the historian of this clan. I can remember crying uncontrollably as I watched the televised coverage of RFK's body going home on the train. And, in later years wonder how Teddy could have the audacity to run for office when he had essentially committed murder. I saw Joe and Rose's grandchildren, most my contemporaries, go on to do great and scandalous things. There was never a book published about the Kennedy's I did not read or would I let any TV show about them or an interview with them go unwatched.

When I first heard of this latest installment of their story, I was pleased with the casting choices of Greg Kinnear and Katie Holmes as Jack and Jackie. I knew little else of what this series with such a broad title would entail.

Thanks you to the Reelz Channel for giving me this opportunity. I had no idea that you were in my cable package or, had I ever heard of you. I read that some 7 million dollars were spent to acquire this work. I can only think this was a very wise purchase for your network.

I knew "The History Channel's" decision was based on objections from the Kennedy family. After viewing the series I honestly can't figure out why they were so concerned. The facts depicted were nothing that I didn't already know. I think the same pretty much holds true for most.

This eight part saga focused on Joe, Jack, Bobby and, their wives. We saw a little of Joe Jr. and Rosemary and that was it. Ted Kennedy was never mentioned even though most of the series took place at the time his career was beginning. We saw them mourn the death of Joe Jr. but, there was no reference to daughter Kathleen who perished in plane crash just a few years later. They only other sibling referred to was Pat as she was married to actor Peter Lawford and included in a scene about the Hollywood connection.

I thought the depictions of Joe and Rose (Tom Wilkinson and Diana Hardcastle) amazing as a person who had read and viewed so much about them. Joe was a power hungry, womanizer and, Rose was the devout Catholic who put up with it all with such dignity and some spice of her own. The series only showed their love for each other and their children. Even the most meager of families have their ups and downs.

(Barry Pepper and Kristen Booth) as Bobby and Ethel were spot on from all I had ever known about them. Bobby was probably the only devoted husband of the group and the most abrasive. Ethel popped out baby after baby enjoying every minute of it and, her life as a Kennedy. Theirs' was a great marriage.

I was very familiar with the works of Greg Kinnear and Katie Holmes long before this series was ever created. It never occurred to me prior that they were both dead ringers for Jack and Jackie. Again, the work showed them as a loving couple with deep respect for each other. It showed JFK as the great man we all knew he was and, his love for the ladies. The first lady was depicted as an elegant and caring woman.

So........To the Kennedy's, we know everything. We know that some of your children were accused of rape, died of drug overdoses and, slept with their children's babysitters. We also know that others have gone on to do great very things. Why on earth did you find this series offensive?..............To The History Channel you might have given up too easily..............To REELZ, way to go!

LIMITLESS

If I had done the soundtrack for "Limitless" I would have to included the Huey Lewis' song "I Want a New Drug". You know.....

"I want a new drug,
One that won't make me sick
One that won't make me crash my car
Or make me feel three feet thick"

In this movie a down and out Bradley Cooper found this drug through a chance meeting with an ex-brother-in-law. Until that day his adult life had pretty much fallen into the "Loser" category. He looked like crap, lived in crap, lost his wife and girlfriend and his career was at a standstill or worse.

Then he was introduced to the DRUG. Within 30 seconds of it entering his system he was given the gift of unbelievable focus. As stated, the drug worked best on those who were really smart to begin with so Bradley was slated to begin a wild and unforgettable ride. Things that prior to the drug seemed impossible suddenly were completed with gusto and flair. Everything he had ever seen or learned all became clear and the results took him to heights that he never dreamed possible. I especially loved a scene when thugs were getting ready to attack him and every thing he had ever seen or read about fighting came into focus and he fought off a herd.

Of course, as we've always known DRUGS are bad and though great at first, come back to haunt you. The story made you want him to score his next fix as we knew he would be nothing without this little clear pill.

Bradley Cooper was great in his first time at carrying a movie which was enhanced by the always wonderful Robert DeNiro and an interesting cast.

The Lincoln Lawyer

I once read that Matthew McConaughey wanted to be a lawyer before he became an actor and "The Sexiest Man Alive". From what I've seen in "A Time to Kill" and now, "The Lincoln Lawyer" he could have easily been one. Or, do an actor's greatest roles come from what they know best?

"The Lincoln Lawyer" is the story of a barrister who specializes in getting the obviously guilty out of their predicaments on much lesser charges. He is no saint himself as he is chauffeured around in a Lincoln Town Car which, though not explained fully, is the result of a DUI charge. His marriage failed although it was evident that there was still so much love and respect between he and his EX.....Marisa Tomei. You saw him as a loving father and devoted friend.

Enter rich boy Ryan Plillippe who faces an assault charge and requests the services of the Lincoln Lawyer which, was a world away from the clients he was used to. There were lots of interesting characters made possible by the talents of William H. Macy, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Frances Fisher and, Bryan Cranston. I really liked Laurence Mason as the chauffeur.

The plot was sophisticated and a true "Who Done It?". Definitely worth the time and money.

OSCAR Night!

The 83rd Academy Awards is history now. Not one to pat myself on the back but, hey, did I not predict the winners? The awards ceremony tried to target a younger demographic this year by placing Anne Hathaway and James Franco as hosts. From what I read and have heard, it didn't work.

I respect them both for taking on this daunting task which subjected them to criticism for their performances to what they wore. Fact is, in this economy, your 18 to 34 year olds no longer have the money to spend on an evening for two that could easily cost more than $30 if they choose to have popcorn. Don't think any of them care what was worn and who it was designed by because it seems so ridiculous in a world where four years of college does not guarantee a job. Sure, they still go to the movies but would rather spend the money on comedy, chick flicks or action features that never receive accolades.

For the most part great movie performances are attended by those who appreciate and can afford them. My one miss in predictions was "The Social Network"; I thought this movie would appeal to the masses and have a following. Saw it and it was really good but, didn't hold a candle to "The King's Speech". How many 20 somethings rushed out to see this one?

As it has been and always will be, OSCAR night is for those who truly love acting and a really good movie. More often than not the winners will come from a flick that so few had seen. Eighty three years ago when the first OSCAR was presented the ceremony was attended by 270 and was held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. One could purchase a ticket for the event for $5. The statute was not officially named OSCAR until 1939 and there are two different stories as to its origin. One was that Bette Davis named it after her first husband Harmon OSCAR Nelson another, the Executive Secretary of the Academy reflected that the prize resembled her late uncle OSCAR.

The Best Picture award traditionally does not go the movie that has achieved the biggest box office success or the one that decades later we deem a classic. "The Wizard of Oz", "Citizen Kane" or "Gone With the Wind" never won the grand prize. Nor did "It's A Wonderful Life". Movies who did take home the GOLD that we've all seen are "Casablanca" '44, "From Here to Eternity" '54, "Sound of Music" '66, "Midnight Cowboy" '70, "The Godfather's I and II" '73 and '75, "Platoon" '87, "Forest Gump" '95 and "Titanic" '98. No one will be watching "The King's Speech" in 2021 but, like "The Breakfast Club", "Christmas Vacation" and all the other award not-worthy classics a favorite will come from the year 2011.

JUST GO WITH IT

I can honestly say that I've seen most every movie that Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston have ever made. Of course, I can proudly say that I did miss "Don't Mess With the Zohan" and wish I had missed "Little Nicky". However, when these two actors make a movie, I will come.

My past film going months have been catching up on the Academy Award nominated fare and I looked forward to some entertaining fluff with my favorite actors. My week had been stressful and thought it would be some welcome relief.

The story was of plastic surgeon Sandler who harboured insecurities from his younger life and spent his adulthood bedding women who believed he was in a horrible marriage. Enter Brooklyn Decker and after one romp on the beach and intrigued by, of course her beauty, and her morals took his farce one step further and had to produce his wife and children. Enter the mousy assistant (yeah,right) Aniston and her kids. Expensive clothes and a great hairstyle was all it took to make her hot and a believable EX.

The domino effect of non-truths lead them all to Hawaii which included the kids....Bailee Madison and Griffin Gluck whose acting rivaled the adult pros. Nick Swadson as Sandler's bumbling cousin was just OK. As in every "Happy Madison" movie there were the cameos from Sandler's BFF's, Allen Ruck, for one, who I always enjoy seeing. Never one for Nicole Kidman, she showed me why she is considered a great actress. Plus, there were great turns from Dave Matthews (isn't he a singer?), Kevin Nealon and Rachel Dratch.

As I write this I wonder why I didn't enjoy the movie that much. Maybe it was because the plot was predictable and the story too far fetched.

And the Oscar goes to...........

Although I haven't seen every movie or performance nominated this year; I have seen most. A self-proclaimed movie buff and disciple of the Academy Awards I know winners come from a flick you haven't heard that much about. So based on what I've seen are my predictions for the 2011 awards.

BEST PICTURE:

The winner will be "SOCIAL NETWORK". Not necessarily the one I enjoyed the most but, my pic to take home the gold. Millions are a part of this FACEBOOK phenomenon that hasn't even been around for ten years and I predict the Academy will single out this testament to our times. I've seen nine out of the ten nominated and, though I truly think they are all great not all of them will appeal to the masses as this one does.

Not everyone will care to see Woody in "Toy Story 3", a Lesbian family in "The Kids Are All Right", the dark story of "The Black Swan" or royal watching in "The King's Speech". Nor will they necessarily embrace the story about boxing "The Fighter" or a western "True Grit". "Inception" was too deep for so many and "147 Hours" is not for the squeamish.

UPSET WINNER - "The Black Swan"



BEST ACTOR

The winner will be COLIN FIRTH. He is up again Jeff Bridges this year and it is his time. I get Jesse Eisenberg and Mark Zuckerburg mixed up when I see them which means there was some outstanding acting going on there. Sorry Javier....I haven't seen your performance but, you've won already. James Franco....you carried an entire movie and, to me, your performance was the best. You should just enjoy the glory of hosting this year. Your time will come.

UPSET WINNER - James Franco




BEST ACTRESS

The winner will be NATALIE PORTMAN. The "Golden Globes" and "SAG" Awards pretty much say it all. Plus, though disturbing, her performance in "The Black Swan" was amazing. Not even thirty, her impressive resume will land her the well deserved prize.

The only other female work I've seen in this category is Annette Bening's turn as a Lesbian surgeon in "The Kids Are All Right". Pretty remarkable considering she is the long time wife of one of Hollywood's great leading men.......I've loved Michelle Williams since she was the best of "Dawson's Creek" but, this is not her year either.....Nicole Kidman gets on my nerves and I shy away from her depressing movies....And, Jennifer Lawrence and "Winter's Bone", I'll have to catch this one later.

UPSET WINNER - Michelle Williams



BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Again, the previous awards say it all. This is the year of CHRISTIAN BALE. "Batman" totally convinced me that he was a "crack addict" ex-boxer and that's what acting is all about. However, my favorite performance was the delightful Geoffrey Rush in "The King's Speech". Totally moving and spectacular.

Mark Ruffalo was outstanding in "The Kids Are All Right" and Jeremy Renner gets his second nod in a row for his role in "The Town". Both roles are memorable. Again, I need to see "Winter's Bone".

UPSET WINNER- Geoffrey Rush




BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

I've seen four out of these five performances. Never even heard of "Animal Kingdom" or Jacki Weaver until the nominees were named. MELISSA LEO will win her first Academy Award for her portrayal of an ambitious, white trash mom. She was so good, it was hard to believe she was acting. Amy Adams, always sensational, in the same movie doesn't hold a candle to Leo. Helena Bonham Carter...always quirky and always delivering her acting chops played a splendid "Queen Mum". Fourteen year old Hailee Steinfeld was nothing but amazing in "True Grit".

UPSET WINNER - Hailee Steinfeld.

127 Hours

"127" Hours is probably the last of the Academy Award movies/performances that I will see until the big day later this month. I've seen most of them this year and, as always, I will promise to view the ones I missed.

This movie is the true story of Aron Ralston whose harrowing journey of being trapped in a cave and having to self amputate his arm to survive has captivated all who has heard the story.

I kind of thought that James Franco's performance was nominated as he will host this years awards. I had read that the movie was very difficult to watch and, I went to see it out of total curiosity. What I saw was another brilliant direction of Danny Boyle (Slum Dog Millionaire). My reviews usually only focus on acting and the movie's impact but, Mr. Boyle's contribution goes to show that he is a directing great.

I thought I had picked my "Best Actor" weeks ago until I saw Mr. Franco's performance today. I have probably seen every body of work he has ever done most memorably as a "Stoner". Other than the outstanding direction, cinematography, soundtrack, familiar faces of actors I admire in brief appearances, the movie's almost two hours depended on his work. And, a job extraordinarily done it was.

I don't think it is James Franco's year to win the Oscar, however, "127 Hours" has put him on the map to be one of the great actors of his time.

True Grit

Although I grew up in a home where my father's TV preferences were Roy Rogers and Gene Autry and my mother loved "Gunsmoke", I never quite got it. Who wanted to see stories about people who rode horses and there were no paved roads? However, I did see the first "True Grit" and really enjoyed it. I was just beginning to develop my passion for Academy Award winning performances and remember how good John Wayne, Kim Darby and Glen Campbell were. But, it was a WESTERN and I never watched it again.

Flash forward 40 years and they did a remake with Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon. One to always go to movies that these men are in....I still put the WESTERN at the end of my holiday viewing list. Only because of the hype it has gotten and recommendations from my family did I agree to see it.

The new "True Grit" met all my criteria for a great movie. Bridges, Damon and Josh Brolin, as always, delivered fabulous performances. However, the ultimate in acting came from newcomer Hailee Steinfeld. I really don't understand why her performance was recognized as "Supporting" when she carried the movie. I was totally entertained and so glad I got to see this WESTERN.

The King's Speech

Thank you Academy Awards for suggesting movies for me when I normally only see movies that are "Blockbusters" which surely entertain me. I was disappointed with this holiday's movie offerings. There wasn't one that really made me say "Wow".

Then I saw "The King's Speech". No one will bother to see it unless they... 1. Have a fascination with the British monarchy. 2. Are speech pathologists, or 3. Are fans of Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter or Geoffrey Rush. I can say yes to 2 out of 3.

"The King's Speech" story was one I had never heard of or paid attention to. Queen Elizabeth's Father had a severe speech impediment and only gained the throne when his brother's relationship with a divorced woman caused him to abdicate. The movie told the tale of this man who had been abused by royal nannies, somewhat ridiculed by his father, The King. All because he had stammer.

The story begins when he was a happily husband, father and second in line to the throne. His speech problems were an embarrassment in his public speaking endeavors and national broadcasts were in their genesis. The most brilliant individuals versed in correcting speech were brought in to no avail. Then, the woman we now know as the late "Queen Mother" found a successful, unconventional resource that saved the day.

Colin Firth, always the consummate actor, will win an Academy Award for this role. He did an incredible job and it is his turn to take home the gold. Ms. Bonham-Carter and Mr. Rush gave amazing performances but will not win because of the subject matter and because it's just not in the cards.

This was the first movie I've seen in a long time that made me laugh, cry and cheer.

"WEEDS"

"Weeds" is not a theatrical release so I haven't watched it with popcorn, peanut M&M's but, with plenty of Diet Coke. I would like to thank my beautiful daughter's penchant for buying boxed sets and knowing what the best ones are.

As a '70's child I had heard about this show and was intrigued by it but way too cheap to subscribe to SHOWTIME. Again, I would like to thank my little girl for bringing this series into my life. Snow, ice and Seasonal Affective Disorder have kept me housebound since Christmas and my life was saved because of this series.

Not one for the prudish, moralistic or politically correct. Or is it? To me it has been a wonderful escape from all these standards I am supposed to adhere to.

It is the story of a newly 40 Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) whose husband recently dropped dead of a heart attack while jogging. She was left in yuppie, upper middle class suburbia with two sons 11 and 15. The story starts in the aftermath of husband Judah's death and immediately goes into the premise of the show. Nancy sells marijuana to make ends meet. This leads me to my only problem with a show I've now watched for five seasons. It never really explained how Nancy made the trip from the land of PTA and granite counter tops to a drug dealer on the wrong side of town.

However, this concern left me after about two episodes after I became engrossed with Nancy's life, her sons Silas,(Hunter Parrish)and Shane (Alexander Gould). The other central characters Celia (Elizabeth Perkins), Doug (Kevin Nealon), Dean (Andy Milder) and Isabel (Allie Grant)were included in all five seasons and Andy (Justin Kirk) came in in episode three. All are, to say the least, not perfect but, I grew to love and understand all of them. Then there was the never ending parade of secondary players some I had never heard of to those with big names. Although all of these people, for the most part, participated in some despicable and illegal things; there was always a loveable human side to all of them.

No wonder this show has been awarded with nominations and trophies, it is the perfect escape on a cold winter's day. Again, if you have no tolerance for illegal drugs, teenage sex and pregnancy, crime, blood/gore and some really harsh language, it might be best to stick to "The Disney Channel".

"BLACK SWAN" - December 2010

I have always been a fan of Natalie Portman. Good girl, no stints in rehab and an Ivy League grad. My favorite performance was in "Where The Heart Is". I skipped all the syfy ones.

Love ballet and although I had been warned that the BLACK SWAN was dark, I highly anticipated its release. Dark and bizarre it was. Portman will surely receive an Academy Award nod for her turn as this troubled dancer.

Fact is, other than the realistic portrayal of the ballet scene in NYC, I had a lot of difficulty separating fact from fiction. Barbara Hershey as her Mom made me think of Piper Laurie in "Carrie". Really sick relationship.

I've watched enough "Friends" to know that guys really get a kick out of girl on girl action. The scene between Portman and Mila Kunis (who will no longer be just that girl from "The 70's Show") was enough to make every man who was forced to see this movie stay awake.

All the performances mentioned including the one of Vincent Cassel are memorable and award worthy. I could have done without all the blood and gore. Had to turn my head away more than once. However, I think all the ingredients make for a memorable flick, just not one I care to watch again.

"THE FIGHTER" - January 9, 2011

Maybe it is just Winter and I will be in a permanent bad mood until Spring or just maybe the selection of holiday movies this year don't measure up. After three disappointments....BLACK SWAN, LITTLE FOCKERS, and COUNTRY STRONG; I was ready for something that was going to make me stand up and cheer.

THE FIGHTER did not make the cut. Sure it was a great, true story of two brothers whose lives were boxing. Mark Wahlberg and Amy Adams (as his girlfriend) are always wonderful in anything they do but, again the strongest performances were from the supporting players. Christian Bale owns BATMAN and his performance as a has been fighter/crack addict was amazing. Melissa Leo's role as the Mother of the two brothers and seven dysfunctional sisters made me believe that was just who she was.

Fact is there was never enough to make me care about any of them through their woes and triumphs. Tears failed to come and, again, no one cheered.

COUNTRY STRONG- January 7, 2011

I really had high hopes for this movie. I think Gwyneth Paltrow is a great actress and knew of her singing ability well before her stint on "Glee". Her songs from "Duets" have long been on my IPOD. Never a country music fan as such, Tim McGraw's songs were the first of the many from country crooners who I now listen to.

The movie didn't spend as much time with these stars as it did with the supporting players Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester. I had never heard of Hedlund and somehow knew that Meester was on "Gossip Girls". Both were quite impressive with their singing and acting skills but, for me, it didn't mesh.

The movie was depressing and devoid of hope. In addition to an ending that I expected early on there was never a shred of triumph to be found, never a feel good moment and nothing to invoke tears of sadness or joy. Great songs and acting were good enough but, not enough to make it a movie great.

The only thing on my mind was that Tim McGraw must have an incredible agent as this was his follow-up to "The Blind Side". He seems, rightfully so, to have a luminous career playing the husband of amazing women.