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.

The Mist

3 out of 5 Stars
This was definitely better than I expected. It is a solid two hour monster movie, with all the action taking place in one locale (excellent...it's like a play! But with special effects, giant bugs, and blood!!). But it's the interactions and reactions of the characters that make this film worth watching. Human nature at it's worst in times of crisis -- man turning on his fellow man -- betrayals and survival, etc. But by far the highlight of the movie is Marcia Gay Harden as a religious zealot!

Colma The Musical

4 out of 5 Stars
I could speak for hours on the town of Colma, CA -- a town which has a higher population of dead people than living, a suburb of San Francisco, home to Red Lobster, Sizzler, and Serramonte shopping center. I spent many a night at the movie theater (which was later closed due to a rat infestation), and many an afternoon at the discount book store. Parking always available and chances of running into anyone I knew from school were minimal. So obviously, when I heard there was a film that existed titled 'Colma - The Musical' I was very intrigued. What started out as a laugh at the inside jokes of knowing details about 'Colma', slowly morphed into my appreciation of a very well made, very likable, and very entertaining musical film. I have nothing but respect for Richard Wong. His cinamatography was inventive and original. The music was catchy and unpretentious and the characters were well developed and realistic. I appreciated that the actors took their parts seriously and unless it was called for, never 'camped' it up. This more than deserved Special Jury Prize at Sundance! Congrats to the (mostly) native San Franciscan cast and crew! This is a coming of age film that outdoes any I have seen in a very long time.

Raising Helen

4 out of 5 Stars
Okay, so I know this movie was critically panned. However, I am extremely picky when it comes to social fables/romantic comedies/schmaltzy sappy films. You'd think I, of all people, would be right on the bandwagon trashing Gary Marshall along with all the critics.
On the contrary, I was extremely touched and moved by this movie. And yes, I will openly and without any embarrassment, tell you that this film made me cry. More than once. It's heartwarming, it's endearing, it's set in Manhattan (and Queens), it's extremely well acted and in a style only Marshall can maneuver, it captures maturity, moving on, grief, and the innocence of children.

The Visitor

2 out of 5 Stars
I was so disappointed by this film. The plot synopsis was something that appealed to me and from the preview it looked like it would be a well done film. Alas, I laughed out loud several times at just how cliched the script was. Immigrants are treated poorly in America! New Yorkers are racist towards Muslims! "Give Me Your Tired Your Poor" is written on the Statue of Liberty so let's devote a long sequence to riding the Staten Island Ferry! Let's make comparisons to Ellis Island! And let's throw in a random and bizarre love interest for no apparent reason. I do agree with what this movie preaches. But as a film it lacked substance and quality -- it didn't show me anything new or teach me anything I didn't already know. It didn't make me *feel* anything, except maybe embarrassed at times for how the script needed several more rewrites. Still, what saved an otherwise 'cringeful' movie from being completely a waste was the amazing performance given by Richard Jenkins. He was honest and heartfelt and broken and even though at times I questioned just *why* his character would allow all of this unnecessary drama in his life, his dead pan expressions and the look of pain he concealed in his eyes had me completely riveted. Not a great film, but worth a viewing if only to see Jenkins' performance.

What Happens in Vegas

3 out of 5 Stars
I give this film a solid 3 stars. I normally dislike romantic comedies ('Made of Honor' was absolute torture), but Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher have chemistry! Plus, Diaz is just so luminescent -- it is wonderful to see her in another romantic comedy (ie. she is so, so much more fun to watch than these 'newer' actresses like Michelle Monahan). Okay, so maybe the plot is predictable. And silly. But I fully enjoyed myself for the entire running time *and* I laughed out loud on more than occasion. Which for me is rare. Diaz does drunk scenes like no other (except possibly Angelina Jolie in 'Playing By Heart'). And the supporting cast is also really funny.

Annie (1982)

5 out of 5 Stars
I don't need anything but this movie. Really. Oh, and a bathtub gin martini with drunk Carol Burnett.