ONE MOVIE FAN’S OPINION
* Good Night and Good Luck – I was taken back 50 years to the Senator Joe McCarthy hearings and was thoroughly engrossed with this film, all done in black and white and combined with actual news coverage. It’s an excellent portrayal by David Strathairn of Edward R. Murrow and his unwavering commitment to report the unbiased truth, despite fear of effects on career, ratings, or financial backing of advertisers. George Clooney directed, co-wrote, and co-stars – he has good looks and good talent, too.
* Walk the Line – This is a revealing look at the life of the man in black, his own personal turmoil and a touching friendship and love story also. The performances by Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix are remarkable and genuine. It certainly reflects how the original music of Johnny Cash crosses barriers and even more so his special bond with June Carter. It’s must-see for their fans.
* Cinderella Man – A true story, this should be an Oscar contender for movie, direction, and performances. Ron Howard takes the audience to the Depression era, a time perhaps forgotten except by those who survived it. Russell Crowe is Jim Braddock from Bergen County, NJ who, through his boxing, honest determination, and courage became the inspiration of the poor working class to overcome adversity and financial hardship. Paul Giamotti is also worth seeing for his performance as Braddock’s loyal manager.
* Constant Gardener – This movie may require your constant attention, but it is worthy of positive reviews. Ralph Fiennes, in a usual fine performance, is a British diplomat in Kenya who has doubts concerning the mystery of his wife’s death. His journey to uncover the truth becomes a discovery of greed, corruption and their merciless effects.
* Pride & Prejudice – If you’ve seen previous versions, don’t be prejudiced against seeing this new one. It’s a respectable production considering it’s a classic condensed into two hours. The screen presence of Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFayden is real and magnifying. Conversation is sharp and witty – I think Jane Austen would be most pleased.
* Greatest Game Ever Played – This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in my life – a gem of a film for those growing up or already grown. Based on a true golf story of the 1913 U.S. Open about an American Amateur and a British professional, it’s a wonderful example of how anyone, no matter the socioeconomic background, is good enough to have a dream and achieve it.
* A Great Raid – This an excellent portrayal of a highly strategic, miraculous rescue mission by U.S. Army Rangers of a POW camp in Japanese occupied Philippines during World War II. The director takes his audience right onto the field and includes actual film coverage at the beginning and ending with steady narration by James Franco. The leading actors may have increased my interest in seeing it, but this is a must-see account of history that should have been at the top of box office sales.
* Dreamer – A champion of a movie for all ages, it’s especially for audiences who love horses (a must-see if you liked Seabiscuit), appreciate a talented cast or are fascinated by a true-inspired story about second chances and overcoming the odds. In a sports world that often seems solely a business and dominated by the power of money, it’s also refreshing to learn of a story that focuses on the power of belief and some kindness.
[b] * Dear Frankie – For their protection, a mother is frequently on the move with her son, who is deaf. She develops a correspondence and an image of her son’s father through letters from him, letters which she actually writes herself. The truth eventually has to be faced, but it’s done so with a mixture of sensitivity, humor, and insightfulness. Set in Scotland, the actors all seem perfectly cast, including Gerard Butler, most recently seen as the Phantom.[/b]
* Ladies in Lavender – This movie is like a breath of fresh air, a wonderfully talented cast, an endearing story, and the beautiful music of violinist Joshua Bell. Judy Dench and Maggie Smith are two sisters who live on the coast of England and find a young man from Poland shipwrecked and washed up on the beach. Once restored to health, his passion for music is soon discovered, and the sisters must learn to let him go.