Juno

February 28th, 2009
Movies Online

My biggest fear about this film was that it was going to be “Napoleon Dynamite” ala femme and I didn’t get the appeal of Napoleon Dynamite at all. There’s quirky and then there is over-the-top quirky. Thankfully, this was nothing like the aforementioned film.

This is a great little 1.5 hour flick well worth your time. It takes a few minutes to pull you in, for the first 20 minutes I was on the fence as to whether I was going to get involved. I couldn’t tell whether there was a decent film buried among the quirky tunes and cheeky, cynical teen dialog. Be patient, a good story is in there.

Page is perfect,her mannerisms, her delivery, her presence. All totally believable. It’s a story that drags you into this 16 year-olds’ world and about 30 minutes in you realize that despite this kid’s cheek and smart mouth, you really do like her and keep your fingers crossed for her.

Maybe a couple of the quirky tunes I could have done without. I don’t know, they seemed a little over-done to me but that’s ok. I love the fact that she played Mott the Hoople’s All the Young Dudes, a favorite of mine that had radio play when I was about her age. It would have been great to have had a friend like Juno when I was sixteen. She certainly helps make her friend’s (all 2 or 3 of them) lives interesting and entertaining.

Jason Bateman. This guy is always able to play the perfect smarmy, good-looking, charming-then-arrogant creep isn’t he? I sure hope he really isn’t this way in real life. Every time I see this guy the character he plays makes me want to punch him in the face (credit the writers I guess) I knew the guy was going to be a jerk from the first scene for his character (Mark).

Jennifer Garner finally gets to play in a very different role. Totally feminine and full of mother-wanna-be goodness.

I loved this film. It isn’t a chick flick either, just a quirky comedy/drama about a young lady who doesn’t know who she is,finds herself with child, grows up (just a little bit) and learns to deal with it. Entertaining, witty and totally believable.

One fear: Some clod will try to turn it into a TV series, maybe a “Joan of My So-Called Life” kind of thing? Leave it alone, this story is perfect at 93 minutes.

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Cass Timberlane

February 28th, 2009
Movies Online

“Cass Timberlane” is a drama based on the novel by Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis. The movie version of the novel follows the story of a beautiful and spirited working class girl, Virginia Marshland (winningly played by Lana Turner) who meets and falls in love with a respected judge, Cass Timberlane (earnestly portrayed by Spencer Tracy).

Cass is a widower who first encounters Virginia, aka Ginny, on the witness stand. Ginny is an artist. After her testimony, she inadvertently leaves behind her sketchbook in the courtroom. The sketches include one of Judge Timberlane as an angel clutching a gavel. Someone finds the sketchbook and returns it to the judge. When Ginny sees the judge about recovering her artwork, Cass tells her that he is flattered and amused by her drawing of him. Ginny gives the drawing to Cass, and he takes it home to proudly display on his mantle.

Cass and Ginny next cross paths when Cass is visiting an area of town that he explored as a child. As it happens, Ginny is the pitcher at a nearby baseball game. Cass and Ginny accidentally meet again when a stray ball finds the judge. Ginny persuades Cass to act as umpire in her baseball game. The two hit it off. Courtship and marriage follow.

Ginny is truly in love with her new husband. But she finds that most of his wealthy friends are snobbish and/or corrupt. One of Cass’ friends is a handsome single lawyer named Bradd Criley. Bradd has more than a slight interest in Ginny. Zachary Scott portrays Bradd with appropriate amounts of shallowness, charm and a hint of menace.

A tragic event, restlessness in Ginny, and external influences create strain in the Timberlane marriage. Can their union survive?

Sinclair Lewis’ realistic depiction of life in upper class suburbia is elegantly condensed by scenarist Donald Ogden Stewart (of “Philadelphia Story” fame). A glamorous all-star ensemble led by Tracy and Turner, the direction by George Sidney, the photography, sets, costumes, and music score are all first rate in the great MGM tradition.

By the way, pet lovers should also like this movie because of an irresistibly adorable tabby cat named Cleo who is part of the cast. Cleo is a natural who manages to upstage larger-than-life legends Tracy and Turner whenever she shares a scene with them. (Yes, the cat is really that good!)

“Cass Timberlane” is an entertaining and satisfying drama which is definitely worth your commitment.

Cast

  • Spencer Tracy as Cass Timberlane
  • Lana Turner as Virginia Marshland
  • Zachary Scott as Bradd Criley
  • Tom Drake as Jamie Wargate
  • Mary Astor as Queenie Havock
  • Albert Dekker as Boone Havock
  • Margaret Lindsay as Chris Grau
  • Rose Hobart as Diantha Marl
  • John Litel as Webb Wargate
  • Mona Barrie as Avis Elderman
  • Josephine Hutchinson as Lillian Drover
  • Selena Royle as Louise Wargate
  • Frank Wilcox as Gregg Marl
  • Richard Gaines as Dennis Thane
  • John Alexander as Dr. Roy Drov

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For Keeps

February 28th, 2009
Movies Online

For Keeps where shall I start. For Keeps is one of those 80′s movies that would fit perfect on The Lifetime Network. Molly Ringwald stars as Darci Elliot and Randall Batinkoff stars as Stan Bobrutz (intentional hard to spell and pronoucne name, it is the butt of several jokes in the film). The two high school sweethearts are sent fast forward into adult hood when Darci becomes pregnant.

They struggle to stay together. I think this film is great because it shows young people just how hard things can be when you introduce a baby into the picture. It is not one of those happily ever after stories, Stan and Darci go through some real hard times.

The movie itself takes a real awkward turn towards the end with Darci pushing Stan to pursue his dreams without his knowledge, but the movie will entertain those in 6th grade and up. Its a bit pricey but it is good for educational use and for the 80′s fan building their collection.

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Funny About Love

February 28th, 2009
Movies Online

When Duffy Bergman, a New York cartoonist, meets Meg Lloyd, a gourmet chef, he discovers the love of his life and they marry — yet love alone isn’t enough to make them happy. Meg decides she wants to have a baby, a goal that initially makes Duffy frantic, but soon becomes his most important desire as well. When they are unable to have a baby, Meg begins concentrating on her career and the two slowly drift apart — eventually separating. Later, when Duffy is speaking at a convention of the Delta Gamma sorority, he reveals that the Delta Gamma girls have always been his dream girls — his Love Goddesses. There he meets the young and uninhibited Delta Gamma girl, Daphne Delillo. When Daphne moves to New York to work as a network sports reporter, their mutual attraction and Daphne’s spontaneity spark an adventurous new relationship for Duffy. Now Duffy must decide which is more valuable to him — the relationship he has given up, or the relationship he has always dreamed of having.

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Nine Months

February 28th, 2009
Movies Online

I’ve seen just about every great comedy known to man, from “It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” to “Animal House” to “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” to the more recent “American Pie” series. They are all classic comedies. And so is “Nine Months”, a heartwarming comedy about love and pregnancy and the ups and downs that go along with it.

Hugh Grant turns in a charming performance as Samuel Faulkner, a child physciatrist who has everything a man could possibly want -a porsche, a beautiful and an adoring girlfriend, Rebecca (Julianne Moore). But things soon go awry when Moore becomes pregnant, throwing Grant into a tizzy and forcing him to change his life completely. Heartbreak and hilarity, ending in a warm and happy way typical of today’s films.

There are many hilarious moments in this film, such as the fist fight in the toy store with Arnie the Dinosaur and the delivery scene (one of the funniest climaxes in any comedy). But the thing that makes “Nine Months” really work is the strong supporting cast. Joan Cusack and Tom Arnold are perfect as Sam and Rebecca’s overbearing but well meaning (and also expecting) friends. In fact, Tom Arnold is so likable in this film that it may force some people to forgive him for being the obnoxious jerk he is in reality (sorry, Tom). Jeff Goldblum, albeit in a small role, turns in a excellent performance as Sam’s bachelor friend Sean, who helps Samuel cope with the problems he faces. But the best of the bunch is, without a doubt, Robin Williams. Playing Dr. Kosevich, a Russian dcotor about to make his first human delivery. Williams is hilarious especially when he mangles the English language.

If you’re looking for nonstop laughs in a comedy that delivers, please do yourself a favor and pick up “Nine Months”. Trust me, you will certainly not regret it. (Bonus: while there are no extra features, at the end, you get to see what all the stars look like as babies. Boy, Jeff Goldblum still had the same haircut).

Cast

  • Hugh Grant – Samuel Faulkner
  • Julianne Moore – Rebecca Taylor-Faulkner
  • Tom Arnold – Marty Dwyer
  • Joan Cusack – Gail Dwyer
  • Jeff Goldblum – Sean Fletcher
  • Robin Williams – Dr. Kosevich

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Father of the Bride Part II

February 28th, 2009
Movies Online

The first “Father of the Bride” film made us hold our sides in both laughter and tears, meshing Steve Martin’s great comedic “Dad” character with the emotions of marrying off his “only” (to that point!) daughter. However, when viewing the sequel to this great film, I was cautious…too often, sequels play for exactly the same type of laughs as the original (think “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls”) and thus fail to deliver like their predecessor. Thankfully, “Father of the Bride II” does not fall into this trap.

With daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams, who ratchets up her acting skills in this film compared to the first) announcing she is pregnant, father George (Martin) grapples with the conflicting emotions of becoming a grandfather. Further complicating things (and adding a bit of hilarity!) is the rather unexpected pregnancy of George’s wife Nina (Diane Keaton). Thus, while coming to terms with his new identity, George also must deal with two pregnant women!

Not only is this film filled with comedic genius, though, but it also delivers just as many (if not more) touching emotional moments. Whereas the first film captured George’s equal parts happiness and sadness at seeing his daughter leave, this movie proves to be just as potent regarding George’s identity crisis. With his whole life in flux (the comedic portion of the film), George begins to remember what really matters in the first place: family.

Overall, this film is just as good as the original. The combination of genuine emotion and smart (not crude) humor is a welcome balance and counterpoint to other Hollywood fare. Let’s just say that if a “Grandfather of the Bride” were in the works, I would be first in line.

Cast

  • Steve Martin as George Banks
  • Diane Keaton as Nina Banks
  • Martin Short as Franck Eggelhoffer
  • Kimberly Williams as Annie Banks-MacKenzie
  • George Newbern as Bryan MacKenzie
  • Kieran Culkin as Matty Banks

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Look Who’s Talking Too

February 28th, 2009
Movies Online

Most parents will truly appeciate the nuances of this very funny movie. While some of the humor is simplistic, the humor is seen through the eyes of two children, so there is a need for an occasional poke in the ribs.

For those of us who have had the blessing of watching our children develop, and have found the wonderful place in our hearts that only our children can touch, the humor rings true. Roseanne Barr delivers a surprisingly authentic and precious interpretation of the mind set of Julie, the younger sister. Bruce Willis is still quite convincing as the older brother Mikey.

There are script problems with the adult story lines. It is very hard to believe that mom – Molly – allows a very dangerous person to take care of the kids. Molly’s brother, while acted well, only rises to comic book stature. But you will want to watch this again and again, for the reason you watched the first time, to touch that place in your heart where you store the memories of your own children.

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Look Who’s Talking

February 28th, 2009
Movies Online

This movie is a classic! Mollie (Kirstie Alley) accidentally becomes pregnant by the wrong man. Seeing that a relationship with the real father just won’t work out, she goes on a search to find a suitable father for her new son, Mikey. While she’s going out searching for the right one, her babysitter, James (John Travolta), has the time of his life watching over Mikey. Could James possibly be more than a babysitter, or is there a better man?

That’s one of the best things about “Look Who’s Talking”. Kirstie Alley and John Travolta have great chemistry together, and they, along with the baby, make this movie a classic that I’ll never forget. The movie takes turns following Mollie around as she meets a bunch of Mr. Wrongs while she tries to find Mr. Right, and Mikey, who has Bruce Willis telling us all what Mikey’s thinking throughout the movie.

“Look Who’s Talking” has several parts that you’ll probably remember for the rest of your life once you see them, such as the opening sequence that shows hundreds of creatures inside the body talking to each other as they race for the endzone, and my favorite, the part where the song “Walking on Sunshine” plays as James shows Mikey how to dance.

That brings me to another point. “Look Who’s Talking” has a GREAT soundtrack. From the upbeat “Walking on Sunshine”, to the overly catchy “Let My Love Open the Door”, you might find yourself jamming along to some of the tunes while both hemispheres of your brain work together to form your overall opinion of the movie itself.

If you ask me, I say that “Look Who’s Talking” is one of the best movies of the late 80′s, and I’d even go so far as saying it’s one of the best in its genre. It’s funny, it has good drama and acting, and it’s entertaining from start to finish. What more can you ask for? Get it now!

Cast

  • John Travolta …. James Ubriacco
  • Kirstie Alley …. Mollie Jensen
  • Olympia Dukakis …. Rosie
  • George Segal …. Albert
  • Abe Vigoda …. Grandpa
  • Bruce Willis …. Michael “Mikey” (voice)
  • Twink Caplan …. Rona

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Rosemary’s Baby

February 28th, 2009
Movies Online

“Rosemary’s Baby” is one of Roman Polanski’s best films and a first-rate, faithful adaptation of the Ira Levin novel which tells the story of witchcraft on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. It’s basically a spin on the Doctor Faustus tale, but with a decidedly 1960′s sensibility.

Rosemary (a superb Mia Farrow) and Guy Woodhouse (equally well cast John Castavettes) move into an atmospheric and beautifully detailed, four-room apartment in the elephantine Branford Apartment house on Manhattan’s Upper West Side (actually it is the Dakota that is used for the exteriors), but shortly learn that it has a dark history of suicide, black happenings and witchcraft.

When a young neighbor (gorgeous Victoria Vetri) commits suicide shortly afterward by jumping from the window of her apartment, the Woodhouses encounter their nosy neighbors, an elderly couple Minnie (Ruth Gordon) and Roman Castevet (Sidney Blackmer) whose nasal brayings they have previously only heard through the wall. Soon Minnie and Roman have imposed themselves on the young couple’s life and although Rosemary finds it distasteful, Guy seems to take a peculiar liking to them, seeing them (as Rosemary believes) as parental figures. But the truth is more sinister. The elderly couple and their cronies are actually a coven of witches and Guy agrees to allow the Devil to father Rosemary’s baby in exchange for success in his career. He does this by deceiving Rosemary and allowing her to be used in a ritual while drugged.

Oh, what fun this movie is! One of my favorite movies of all times! Mia Farrow as Rosemary has the proper gamine look and a fragility, yet interestingly, she is also strong and feisty, taking things into her own hand and becoming a heroine of sorts. Castavettes is wonderfully cast as the husband — brooding, handsome, sexy and at times almost sinister with his eyes staring out from beneath wild brows — almost diabolical. Ruth Gordon is delicious as Minnie and won an Academy Award, if I’m not mistaken — her toreador pants, the bracelets jangling on her wrists, her ingratiating yet obnoxious manner are all perfect. Even the bit parts are cast with wonderful old character actors like Patsy Kelly and Maurice Evans. The casting is fortuitous all the way round.

Add to that a wonderful script, sticking closely to the novel; great off-kilter camera angles; dream sequences; incredible sets (that apartment is to die for!); and then the whole 60′s thread, even incorporating in a Time Magazine cover that proclaimed “Is God Dead”; and you have a top-notch film. It’s very understated, not a blood-and-cheap-thrills horror flick.

The only thing that truly annoys me is that tendency of the 60′s to make the “older generation” the bad guys and youth the heroes, as they sort of do here, since all the witches and warlocks are actually quite old. But there’s such wit about all of it, I don’t quibble. It’s a wonderful touch to have the respected doctor, the Japanese shutterbug, the benign-looking gossipy little old ladies and an aging warlock, a mousy dentist — all members of this sinister cult and retaining their colorful New York personalities. The characters are richly detailed, believable and alive, and their immersion in everyday stuff as the horror enfolds around them is wonderful.

Cast

  • Mia Farrow as Rosemary Woodhouse
  • John Cassavetes as Guy Woodhouse
  • Ruth Gordon as Minnie Castevet
  • Sidney Blackmer as Roman Castevet / Steven Marcato
  • Maurice Evans as Hutch
  • Ralph Bellamy as Dr. Abraham Sapirstein
  • Charles Grodin as Dr. Hill
  • Angela Dorian as Terry Gionoffrio
  • Emmaline Henry as Elise Dunstan
  • Hanna Landy as Grace Cardiff

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Penny Serenade

February 28th, 2009
Movies Online

If one was to sit down and write about the film career of Cary Grant it certainly would not be easy. A good formula might be that if you take most of his roles and try to put any other actor in them to see how they would turn out.

For Example, ” My Favorite Wife” , one of the three teamings of Dunne and Grant( this film and ” The Awful Truth” are the others), was remade with Doris Day and James Garner, two pretty fare comedic actors themselves.It is pretty painful to watch this film if you have seen Grant and Dunne go at it.

Their timing is uncanny, the close ups are multi dimensional, and in this sentimental film ,their interplay is unique. ” Penny Serenade” gives us a real look into this teams total charisma on the screen. Their future is somehow buried in their past love for each other. Edgar Buchanon( former dentist) acts as an interface for their problems.

Cast

  • Irene Dunne … Julie Gardiner Adams
  • Cary Grant … Roger Adams
  • Beulah Bondi … Miss Oliver
  • Edgar Buchanan … Applejack Carney
  • Ann Doran … Dotty ‘Dot’
  • Eva Lee Kuney … Trina (at the Age of 6 Years)
  • Leonard Willey … Doctor Hartley
  • Wallis Clark … Judge
  • Walter Soderling … Billings
  • Baby Jane Biffle … Trina (at the Age of 1 Year) (billed as Baby Biffle)

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