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.