padres01 Reviews

Belle (2013)

Engaging Period Film Based on a True Story

[8/10 · 15 August 2015]

I admire the work and beauty of British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and watched "Belle" knowing I'd probably like it. However, I was not prepared to like it as much as I did. The story was much more complex and richly told than the plot summary and photo on iTunes would indicate. This is an intelligent period film with good storytelling, dialogue, costumes and great casting. I absolutely loved Tom Wilkinson and other British favorites. Mbatha-Raw is spellbinding and charming. The story was inspirational and uplifting and, unbelievably, based on a true story. You'll want to know more about the real-life Belle after watching this film.

Ricki and the Flash (2015)

I Could Not Get Into It

[5/10 · 15 August 2015]

I am a huge Meryl Streep fan and have said for years that I'd watch her in just about any movie, which is why I gave "Ricki and the Flash" a chance. As with all of her roles, Streep does a great job of really getting into it. However, I truly believe this film and this script proved to be a disservice to one of our greatest actresses. As always, Streep looks amazing. The camera loves her, but the storyline in this Demme film seemed contrived. Most of the characters lacked depth, and I was disappointed that Demme chose to feature so many songs in their entirety, with Streep singing lead vocals on all of them. I wanted to to feel inspired, touched or entertained, but, mostly, I could not wait for the film to end. Despite the film's shortcomings, though, I enjoyed the dynamic among the Flash band members. It was nice to see Rick Springfield and Kevin Klein again ...

The Pretty One (2013)

Pretty Good 'Transgenerational' Rom-Com That Stays With You

[7/10 · 12 September 2014]

I enjoyed "The Pretty One." Zoe Kazan is luminous and sweet as her own twin sister -- one frumpy and the other glamorous -- and she delivers a career-building performance in this film. For me, Jake Johnson was a revelation. I was unfamiliar with him and his work, and this film gave me the opportunity to enjoy his quirky leading man style. The two have great chemistry and worked the hell out of the roles they assumed. The film is a great transgenerational rom-com that allows older audiences to enjoy rising stars without crashing into a generation gap. The film pokes fun at itself and, as with just about any movie, you have to be willing to suspend belief and let the players take you on a journey.

Tonight You're Mine (2011)

Sweet Flick About a Rocker Couple and the English Rock Fest Scene

[7/10 · 18 May 2014]

OK. Will it win an Oscar? No. But, if you like movies about musicians and the music scene, this little flick is not that bad. I enjoyed the realistic feel of the British rock fest scene which is instantly recognizable to anyone who watches documentaries of these festivals on cable TV. No one rocks like rock fans in the U.K. ... I thought the lead actor and actress had chemistry. The film works when it pokes fun at itself. I particularly enjoyed the "Tainted Love" scene. I laughed at the main actor's facial expressions and was really impressed with his singing voice. As a baby boomer and the mother of a budding rock musician, I loved watching a younger generation take an old '80s song and make it sound fresh and relevant to today's audiences.

42 (2013)

Decent Movie About a Baseball Great

[8/10 · 1 June 2013]

It's hard to make a movie about racism in the United States. This one works. I'd have to agree with what others have already said: I did not expect this movie to be as good as it was. Sure, the whole reason I walked into the theater was to be inspired. Thankfully, "42" did not disappoint. Everyone, from Harrison Ford to the least known among them, delivered high-quality performances. Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson was a revelation. Nicole Beharie is one of the loveliest and most talented young actresses in Hollywood. ... But it's the story that really grabs you, the way the film transports you back to a time in the United States where an airport employee felt it was her God-given right to boot a black couple off an airplane to accommodate white passengers. Scenes like this hit you with a visceral force, and are shocking when you stop to think of all Robinson had to endure to do what he was really good at: baseball. But, then, that's the film's message. It wasn't just his incredible ability to play, but the courage he showed in facing down his own outrage over blatant racism, and the sense of entitlement displayed by so many white Americans. I'd heard of Jackie Robinson all of my life. After watching "42" I can finally concur: He was a true American hero.

House of Cards (2013–2018)

Sardonic Television at its Best

[9/10 · 9 February 2013]

We are not big TV drama watchers, but, lately, we've been lured into watching some really good TV. It's obvious to this youngish baby boomer that TV has come a long, long way. When you get people of the caliber of David Fincher, Joel Schumacher, et al, you know it's going to be good. "House of Cards," a la Americana, really delivers. The storyline, character development, settings, and issues are compelling. The performances are stellar. Viewers really become invested in the lives, careers, and issues faced by each and every character. Slick. Very slick. Love Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, and all of the wonderful new actors and actresses crossing my screen. We watched the entire first season over a few nights on Netflix, and there's the rub. Once you're done, you're done, until the powers that be produce another season. Something tells me this is a creative monster that will have to be fed again and again. It will be interesting to see how the story arc develops over coming seasons. Well done, Netflix. Well done.

Billy Elliot (2000)

One of My All-Time Favorites

[10/10 · 9 January 2013]

The mark of a truly great film is its ability to transport you to another part of the world and make you truly care about the characters, their lives, and their daily struggles.

Billy Elliot is just such a film. I saw it years ago (even before it was turned into a hit Broadway musical), and instantly fell in love with it. I've watched it several times again when it's aired on cable TV. What a gem of a little movie, and what a richly woven screenplay by Lee Hall. What a legacy of love for his native England. This movie is, on a lot of levels, Mr. Hall's love letter to his country.

Be prepared to fall in love with England, the English, and especially, Billy Elliot. This movie paints a broad portrait about humanity with many universal experiences. At the same time, it is an intimate glimpse into what makes the English English, and endearingly so. I loved the sweeping scenes of striking coal miners, the multigenerational relationships, the dashed hopes and dreams, and the lilting hope of a young boy who wants nothing more than to dance, dance, dance.

To the lucky who have not yet seen this film: You are in for a huge treat. Enjoy.

Notting Hill (1999)

One of the Best Romcoms Ever

[10/10 · 31 December 2012]

This little film is one of my all-time favorites. I never get tired of watching it. Everything about it is A-One: the script, the performances, the settings -- all of it.

Screenplay writer Richard Curtis (also one of my favorites) makes this look easy. His dialogue is authentic, witty, charming, and brisk. His writing is deceptively brilliant. Read through the screenplay and you will see what I'm talking about. This is British comedy and romance at its best. Curtis' other films are among my favorites, too, including "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Bridget Jones' Diary," and "Love Actually."

How else do you explain a little British film that makes you understand, love, and want to be among the Brits? This film has a lot of heart.

Hugh Grant is at his charming best, and Julia Roberts is simply divine. The entire support cast, from Rhys Ifans to Gina McKee, are off-the-charts endearing.

Les Misérables (2012)

Too Long, Overly Sentimental and Uninspiring

[4/10 · 29 December 2012]

I don't get it.

For years I've seen ads, marketing campaigns, theater posters, etc., about "Les Miz," and had grand ideas in my mind about what the stage production was all about. Vague ideas swirled around my mind about brave French revolutionaries fighting for freedom, with inspirational dialogue and songs to stir the human spirit.

Then came "Les Miserables" the film musical with an all-star cast. Admittedly, I was never a "Les Miz" groupie. I never saw the stage production. I was only familiar with one song (the "dream" song Anne Hathaway sang). It's the only catchy song in the entire production. So ... my opinion will not count to die-hard "Les Miz" fans.

For the rest of us: The movie was just ... meh. Honestly, the funniest moment came when the movie ended and someone in the audience said, "Oh, thank God!" ... With regard to performances: Hathaway's voice was a revelation. The best performances in the entire film were by the English actress Samantha Banks, and American Aaron Tveit.

I found the entire experience very strange. The movie was vacuous. I kept waiting for something to stir my heart and imagination, but it was like being in a whirlwind of melodrama in an alternate universe. I truly felt like a tourist going through culture shock in a strange country. I just didn't get the customs, history, or sentiments of the inhabitants. None of it made sense to me. It all seemed out of whack, and, frankly, not very sincere or compelling.

Are all the "Les Miz" fans delusional? Maybe.

Argo (2012)

Affleck is a 'Made Man' in Hollywood

[9/10 · 24 October 2012]

And, no, I don't mean he's dead in the water. To the contrary. "Argo" is the film that will establish Ben Affleck as a film director and creative talent with real chops. He's not just a pretty-boy actor. Boy can direct, too. I was impressed with this film, and I fully expect Affleck and his cast and crew to receive lots of awards. I was living in Los Angeles in 1979, and I remember what the times were like. I was impressed with Affleck's eye for detail when it came to casting his actors, and setting the tone for his locations. The entire cast is amazing. Bryan Cranston, my new favorite actor, is at the top of his game in Argo, and I just loved John Goodman and Alan Arkin. I'm Latina, so Affleck did not come off as authentically Latino as the man he portrayed (CIA agent Tony Méndez), but it really doesn't matter. I think Affleck captured the important details of the Méndez character, and made him approachable to general audiences. All in all this was an outstanding film. I left Los Angeles in 1979 and moved to South America for a decade, so I missed this story when it happened in real life. (Back then we had no Internet, mobile phones, or social media to stay in touch. When you were lost in the world somewhere, you were really incommunicado). It was refreshing to see this real-life story come to life on the big screen in such a compelling way, and to know that it was recreated by a young director. It gives me hope for the future of filmmaking. Kudos to Affleck!

84 Charing Cross Road (1987)

One of My All-Time Favorites

[10/10 · 3 August 2012]

How could any flick with Ann Bancroft and Sir Anthony Hopkins be anything but good? ... This film is simply one of my favorite films of all time. The story, script, character development, acting ... everything about this film is A-One. Even the support performances are excellent. I could watch this film over and over again and never get sick of it.

Bancroft is at her seasoned best in this movie. She is funny, smart, and attractive. So many people remember her only as "Mrs. Robinson," but she is so much more than that, and this film really shows how good she really was. The world is a sadder, darker place without her in it. She will go down as my favorite actress of all time.

This movie is quietly brilliant. That's all I can say. You have to watch it to believe what I'm saying. It's just ... lovely.

Babette's Feast (1987)

This Film is Near and Dear to My Heart

[10/10 · 18 April 2012]

If I had to create a shortlist of my favorite films of all time, "Babette's Feast" would be among them. It is simply sublime. The story, the screenplay, the setting, the actors, their performances -- everything about this film is A-One.

This film is a love story to Scandinavia, France, love, friendship, patience and loyalty. But, mostly, it is an homage to really, really good cooking, and how a single meal can transport and transform the human soul.

I watched "Babette's Feast" a few weeks ago, and it has really stood the test of time. It's just a beautifully filmed, acted, scripted and staged piece of art.

The Boys Are Back (2009)

Little Film With a Big Heart

[8/10 · 16 March 2012]

I loved this movie. Of course, Clive Owen is easy to watch, but I'm not that shallow. This little film has loads of heart. The main setting is breathtakingly beautiful, and each character played his or her role with deep meaning and finesse. This is one of those movies that will creep on you and stay with you. You'll remember the father/son bonds of love, and the warmth of a man's love for his wife. I particularly loved the prodigal son theme, and the healing of broken family ties. Overall, just a lovely, lovely film, and one that is well worth watching. I've never been to Australia, but this film really made me yearn for the Outback, and for opportunities to explore such a beautiful country.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Not Sure it Was Better Than the Swedish Flick

[8/10 · 27 December 2011]

I read Stieg Larsson's entire Millennium Trilogy, and I recommend that people read the books before setting foot in a theater.

Of course, movies never live up to books, and the way the reader imagines characters, scenes, plot development, storytelling tension, etc.

As a standalone film, this film is OK, but I feel sorry for anyone who is not familiar with the trilogy and all of its story lines and intricacies. I don't know how anyone who has not read the books could possibly follow the plot line, or see the complexities of each character and their relationships to each other.

I saw all of the Swedish films based on the books, and I'm still not convinced that the first Hollywood installment is any better than the Swedish version. The Hollywood version might be a bit slicker and bigger budget, and its screenplay might be a tad tighter, and more well written.

All in all, though, I was not as blown away by the Hollywood version as I had hoped. The "corny" factor that was evident in the Swedish films seems to have been taken care of in the Hollywood version. But then you have the "weirdness" of accents used to convey "otherness" and "foreignness" to U.S. audiences.

U.S. audiences may enjoy the newer version because we are biased toward movies filmed in English, and biased toward more well-known actors and actresses, i.e. Daniel Craig over Michael Nyqvist. It goes without saying that the Swedish films were more authentic.

I will say this, though, Rooney Mara kicks ass as Lisbeth Salander, and I might even like her performance more than Noomi Rapace's. I didn't think anyone could top Rapace, but Mara may have just done that.

Minor footnote: I really wish the producers had ended the film with another hard- charging Led Zep song.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

Great Entertainment

[8/10 · 21 December 2011]

My husband, teenage son and I saw this movie at IMAX, and really enjoyed it. It's a classic James Bond-type flick, with an over-the-top bad guy, a gorgeous girl, a lovable sidekick and a hunky, ripped hero with amazing athletic ability. The climbing scene alone was enough reason to see this on the über-large IMAX screen. I was on that glass with Tom, and - boy - what a ride.

Tom Cruise: Even more gorgeous now than when he was a boy. Love the man he is becoming, and how gracefully he is aging.

Paula Patton: Gorgeous woman, and I was surprised by her athleticism.

Jeremy Renner: As always, a great actor.

Simon Pegg: Endearingly funny and cute. He's rapidly becoming one of my favorite British actors.

Michael Nyqvist: I was pleased to see this Swedish hunk in another movie, but why did they make him look so bad? Looks like he had fun with the role.

All in all, it made for an entertaining night at the movies.

Mother and Child (2009)

Smart, Wise Screenplay, Excellent Cast

[10/10 · 19 November 2011]

***Alert: May allude to some scenes and themes that could contain what some might deem "spoilers."***

As someone else said: "Wow, where do I start?" ... I LOVED this movie. I was not familiar with the director's previous work, but he is definitely on my radar now. The cast was incredible. What a fantastic mix of people. I mean, come on, Samuel L. Jackson, Annette Bening, Naomi Watts, Elizabeth Peña, and Jimmy Smits. And those are just the "big" stars. The rest of the cast was equally outstanding. One standout performance was given by the beautiful Kerry Washington. So incredibly powerful.

But, what really blew me away about this film was the authenticity of the many themes about life, love, family, children, parenthood, hope, loss and redemption that the director wove together so brilliantly. The screenplay resonated with me on so many levels. The dialogue rang true on so many levels. I'm sorry to say I don't know her name, but the actress who portrayed Washington's mother was incredible, too. The monologue she delivered during the scene where her daughter is struggling with new motherhood is golden. She delivered her lines with the authenticity of a woman who has lived a full and rich life. Just dynamite. I can't say more. Loved her!

The funny story is that I had already watched this movie on cable alone, but re- ordered it through Netflix to see if my husband might be interested in watching it. I was worried he'd dismiss it as a "chick flick," (such a sexist term, BTW), but he became instantly absorbed in the story, and wound up loving it, too. He was haunted for days, remembering Watts' performance and the destiny of her character.

Someone here gave the film a low rating because she didn't like the characters. She found the women, particularly, unlovable, and without redemption. But that's just one of the many themes that makes this film so outstanding. People are not perfect. We fall in love with each other, despite our shortcomings, thankfully. I thought the script, performances and direction were all very subtle in conveying these complex and multitextured human realities.

Just beautiful.

Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

I'm Finally Starting to Get Steve Carell

[14 November 2011]

**Spoiler Alert** OK. I get it now. Steve Carell is handsome, talented and cute. He was at his best in this funny, romantic comedy. Ryan Gossling was hot, as usual. Emma Stone was adorable, as usual. Julianne Moore was great, as usual. Annaleigh Tipton was gorgeous. However, it was strange to see Josh Groban come out of nowhere, and it was sad to see the beautiful and talented Marisa Tomei, and the talented Kevin Bacon and John Carroll Lynch relegated to such small, clownish roles. Overall, a romantic comedy worth watching. Carell needs to keep churning these out with greater frequency. Roles like this really shine a spotlight on how he can be tender, funny, witty and touching all at once. And, dang, his good looks just sort of creep up on you when you least expect them to.

Real Steel (2011)

Hugh Jackman: The New Clint Eastwood?

[14 November 2011]

**Spoiler Alert** The night before seeing "Real Steel," my husband forced me to watch "Every Which Way But Loose," which is not one of my favorite genres. Still, it was a classic, and I agreed to watch it to have it as a cultural reference. Imagine our surprise when a reference to the Eastwood film cropped up in the Jackman film. After that, I could not stop comparing Jackman to Eastwood. They even look alike: same build, same aging, Anglo-Saxon good looks. Overall, the film was entertaining, and not a bad way to spend a weekend afternoon. My husband and son loved it. The rock-em-sock-em robots were cool. The CGI boxing matches were flashy and loud. And the underlying romance and story line were acceptable. Evangeline Lilly is gorgeous, and I expect to see her in more roles. The film's ending is touching, without being maudlin.

Puss in Boots (2011)

New Take on an Old Kitty's Tail

[14 November 2011]

**Spoiler Alert** Antonio Banderas was perfect for this role. No one else has the voice to bring this Iberian Puss in Boots to life. The animation was spectacular. However, I was extremely disappointed at the hodge-podge of "Hispanic" themes and cultural references in the film. They added up to a fuzzy cultural interpretation. Was this story set in Mexico? In Spain? In the U.S. Southwest? It was not clear. The movie starts with a man who (I think) is supposed to be Mexican, yelling in that Mexican country-western way (¡Ay, ay, ay!) before skipping off to a "fiesta" in the "plaza." Yet, in the village, there are Spaniards in conquistador helmets running the show, and characters who look, from my Southwestern point of view, to be mestizo (ethnically mixed, both Spanish and American Indian). Again, where was this story supposed to be taking place? In the Spanish colonial New World? Or in Spain? Lots of trite stereotypes mixed in with cool Flamenco dancing (from Spain) set to the razor-sharp guitar playing of Mexican artists Rodrigo y Gabriela. Seemed like the Anglo screenwriters didn't do enough research, or get their historical facts straight. Disappointing. Hard to believe Banderas didn't chime in with corrections.

Tower Heist (2011)

Laughing on Auto-Pilot

[14 November 2011]

**Spoiler alert** There were a few laugh-out-loud moments in this flick (big fixation on the male anatomy, specifically the nether regions). Loved seeing Matthew Brodderick again. He stole the show with his understated style. At the same time, it was a bit sad to see him in a low-brow comedy like this. Hated Eddie Murphy's old shtick. It was insulting to him, and his fans. He turned in an over-the-top, anachronistic rendition of the "urban black male." Ben Stiller's running was a revelation. Wow. He's fast! Casey Affleck was cute and cuddly. Alan Alda played to type meticulously. Michael Peña showed great promise. Gabourey Sidibe continues to show she's got chops, but hated the slapstick comedy she was goaded into. Téa Leoni was gorgeous, as always, but a bit harsh and masculine in this role. It was shocking to see how much more angular she's become since "Family Man." It was sad to see the great Judd Hirsch in such a low-priority role. On a minor, quasi-positive note, the brown and black sidekicks had more lines, and more well-developed personalities than usual. It's refreshing to see people of color being portrayed in more multidimensional ways. In the end, though, it was a formulaic production that had the audience laughing on auto-pilot.

The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996)

Weeper for Just the Right Movie Night

[26 September 2011]

OK. If you accept this movie for what it is, it's actually pretty entertaining. It's a Cinderella story for middle-aged folks. I won't recap the film. That's not my job. I'm here only to give you my impressions on the watchability and impact of this movie. If you love Barbra Streisand (and I do) and you love Jeff Bridges (and I do), you will love this romantic comedy. Both are at their funny, witty, comedic best in this film. Mimi Rogers is gorgeous as Bab's sister. (Oddly, Netflix has her mistakenly identified as Fran Drescher on its website.) Lauren Bacall is stunningly beautiful - still. Overall, the film has a lot of heart. What I love about Streisand is that she knows her weaknesses and her strengths, and plays both up to much effect in this film, which she directed and, I believe, co-wrote. This is a quintessential "chick flick," the kind you enjoy on a raining Sunday night with a big bowl of popcorn. If you are in just the right mood for a film that shamelessly exploits your feelings about romance, this one is it. Enjoy.

Hunger (2008)

Harrowing, Powerful Film

[24 September 2011]

I just finished watching "Hunger" and I'm speechless. This is one of the most harrowing and powerful films I've ever seen. Steve McQueen (director), Michael Fassbender (who plays the heroic, inspirational Bobby Sands) gave it their all. I was astounded at the depth and lengths Fassbender went through to bring Sands to life and give the story so much resonance. He is a true artist and one of the brightest young English-speaking actors in the world. I've seen him in six films now, and I can't wait to see him in more. Is there any role Fassbender can't take on? I mean, really. OK. OK. Yes. He's gorgeous and sexy, and it's hard not to notice those things about him. But after watching him in "Hunger," "Fish Tank," "Jane Eyre, "Centurion," "Angel" and "Inglourious Basterds," I'm taken by the way he can reinvent himself in every role. ... I don't think it's my job to recap films, only to share my impressions and emotional reactions to them. After watching "Hunger," I wept at the sheer beauty of the film and the sheer beauty of Fassbender's powerful performance.

Bronson (2008)

All I can say is, "Wow!"

[9/10 · 23 September 2011]

Tom Hardy is a revelation. Outstanding acting. Outstanding screenplay. Outstanding directing. Outstanding sets, supporting actors, and an outstanding story. Just an all around fantastic film. I will watch Nicholas Winding Refn's star with fascination. If this film is any indication, his future is very bright. Some might find this film dark, but it's simply one of the best dramas or biopics I've ever seen. Hardy's performance is Oscar worthy. I have not seen "Drive" yet, but I am definitely intrigued after watching "Bronson." Winding Refn obviously has a unique eye for storytelling. I plan to check out his other films now, too, including "Valhalla Rising." As for Hardy, he joins a talented, new crop of British actors who are blazing up the screen. I can't imagine why we haven't seen more of him in the United States. He is going to be a HUGE star.

Fish Tank (2009)

Loss of Innocence - If She Ever Had It

[10/10 · 16 August 2011]

Some thoughts:

--This splendid film is a perfect example of the concept of "show don't tell." The director's vision, timing and execution are nearly perfect. I don't have to be told what life is like for working-class Brits: Fish Tank shows the stark realities of that country's under classes and class differences in brilliant detail.

-- In the end, this film is about the loss of female innocence in a world that continues to give women few choices, especially when they come out of poverty - be it in a developing nation, or an industrialized nation. The balloon wafting into the air at the end is a symbol of loss of innocence, freedom and hope. Mia can survive, even after all she has endured in her young life. Her mother may not have been able to break the chain of poverty and stultifying failure, but Mia will find a way, even if means escaping to Wales with a boy.

-- Fish Tank's many universal themes (injustice, hypocrisy, the messiness of domestic life, loss, failure, love, ambition, intergenerational conflict and misunderstandings, challenging the status quo, fear, danger, boredom, confusion, family dysfunction, society's impacts on the lives of powerless women, youth, aging, and more) make it accessible to everyone. This movie not only has heart, it has a conscience.

-- It will go down as one of my favorite British films of all time.

Nothing But the Truth (I) (2008)

Impressive Performances

[8/10 · 3 April 2011]

I stumbled on this movie on cable, and really enjoyed it. I thought Kate Beckinsale was amazing in this role, and it's too bad the film never got a theatrical release. She was at the top of her game in this movie, and is one of the most talented young British actresses out there. Vera Farmiga is, as always, outstanding as well. I'm a former journalist, so a lot of the themes in the film resonated with me. However, my husband is a techie, and, although he thoroughly enjoyed the film, found the premise about the lead character's source very unlikely. I won't give it away for those who have not yet seen it because it is a bombshell of an ending.

This little film has a lot of heart and gives viewers a lot to think about.