Flags of Our Fathers (2006)

Clint Eastwood knocks another one out of the park in this spectacular picture about the Battle of Iwo Jima and the famous photograph. While the battle sequences were just as violent and explosive as other contemporary blockbusters about World War II, this picture was very careful to avoid glorifying war. Grade: A. IMDB: Flags of […]

Robots (2005)

An utterly predictable children’s movie with some inappropriate references, this picture is certainly delightful for young children. There are other much better crafted films out there. Robin Williams’ amusing one-liners couldn’t save this rusty piece of junk. The song and dance number at the very end falls gratingly apart. Grade: D. IMDB: Robots.

The Godfather: Part II (1974)

This flawless picture, the third greatest on IMDB, is perfectly executed and flawlessly performed. Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, and Robert Duvall provide examples for aspiring actors in the story of the evolution of a Mafia family. This masterpiece is required viewing for anyone who considers themselves a fan of film. Grade: A+. IMDB: The Godfather: […]

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

Ernesto Guevara and his friend, Alberto, decided to travel around South American on a journey of discovery. During their travels, they discover how many indigenous South Americans endure terrible poverty and injustice. This beautifully photographed and acted film chronicles the awakening of a revolutionary to the grinding oppression around him. Grade: B. IMDB: The Motorcycle […]

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

An incredible cast bring this quirky comedy about a strange dysfunctional family to life. Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Greg Kinnear, and Toni Collette shine in their roles. The script is funny, deadpan, and includes many laugh-out-loud moments. The story never felt forced, but provided hilariously believable character studies. Grade: B+. IMDB: Little Miss Sunshine.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Matt Damon stars in this creepy thriller about a guy who falls in love with another man’s life. Some of the moments in this study of identity are difficult to watch. Set throughout Italy, this drama is well-scripted, perfectly cast, and has a beautiful look that evokes the 1950s. Grade: B. IMDB: The Talented Mr. […]

Cinderella Man (2005)

Russell Crowe stars as James J. Braddock alongside Paul Giamatti (in an Oscar-nominated supporting role as Braddock’s trainer) in this inspiring based-on-a-true-story biopic. The boxing scenes are gritty and believable, with action that will make you jump out of your chair and cheer out loud. Grade: A. IMDB: Cinderella Man.

Nowhere in Africa (2001)

This stunning Oscar-winning German film chronicles a Jewish family’s escape from the Nazis to a farm in Kenya, their struggles to understand and accept the native culture, and the aftermath of the war. Beautifully-scripted and believably acted, the inspiring story brought powerful emotionality and tough-to-watch moments. Grade: B+. IMDB: Nirgendwo in Afrika.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

A big-screen version of the first of C. S. Lewis’ famous seven-part children’s fantasy, this picture is well-scripted, solidly acted, and features a gaggle of computer-generated animals that aren’t terribly over the top. The film takes small liberties with the source material, but delivers the goods. Grade: B. IMDB: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, […]

Capote (2005)

Philip Seymour Hoffman shines as Truman Capote in this examination of the process of researching and writing his masterpiece, In Cold Blood. The acting performances were fantastic, the screenplay was compelling, and the look of the film brought the story alive. While slow-paced, the film was entertaining and interesting. Grade: A-. IMDB: Capote.

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