Smart People

Smart People - 2.5 out of 5 Stars
I feel as though in the past few years I have seen a slew of films prominently featuring an older, burned out, intelligent college professor ('Squid and the Whale' and 'The Visitor' for example). And Dennis Quaid held his own in the role. Actually, this performance was one of his better ones. That being said, this movie had many flaws (namely a very miscast Sarah Jessica Parker). But I give this film 2.5 stars for Quaid's performance and Thomas Hayden Church's spot on characterization of the laid back brother/uncle. Ellen Page was also okay, though she was slightly miscast -- still I consider this film worth renting on Netflix.

An American Crime

4 out of 5 Stars
This was a very difficult film to watch. I appreciated it for being a well made true crime film -- for an entire two hours I was completely riveted, though at times queasy, by the subject matter. I wanted to take a shower immediately after the credits rolled. Catherine Keener nailed the role of Gertrude Baniszewski. Any other actress could have easily turned such a difficult role into 'camp' (a la Faye Dunaway in Mommy Dearest), but Keener stayed realistic, disturbing, brutal, and unsympathetic. Ellen Page was adequate as Sylvia, but it is Keener who allows me to give this film 4 out of 5 stars. It's a shocking and abhorrant crime, depicting the very worst of human nature.

Juno

4.5 out of 5 Stars (which says a lot coming from me)
I fell in love with the character of Juno. Ellen Page was endearing and natural. It's about time educated audiences can be entertained by an extremely well written script, amazing supporting characters (J.K Simmons, Allison Janney, Michael Cera, et al) And Jennifer Garner was unexpectedly brilliant. Her character was supporting but due to the brilliance of the script she was given so much to work with. This film made me laugh, smile, (I confess) tear up a little bit, and I left the theater feeling as though good filmmaking and good writing still exist. Also, check out the soundtrack. Good stuff.