Goodnight, and Good Luck

Goodnight, and Good Luck: George Clooney gives us an informative look back at Edward R. Murrow’s crusade against Senator Joseph McCarthy. Shot completely in black and white, we have an Oscar like performance from David Strathairn as Murrow. Mixed in is the real stock footage of press conferences, McCarthy, and congressional hearings. The McCarthy era was “red listing” many individuals who they thought were communist and as a result were a threat to our country. Problem was McCarthy had crossed the line of individual rights, there were no fair trials and it turned into a witch hunt of sorts. Murrow stood up against him and called out his wrong doings on the news. The Subject matter is vitally important and intriguing. – The Idea that medium of Television can be used for so much more than entertainment, it could focus on things like education and the sharing of information. The movie itself on the other hand was just ok, it felt we were watching the history channel more so than a dramatic film. For this reason I break my star system like this.
Content - * * * * Movie * * and ½ Overall - * * *

With a running time of 116 Minutes
This Film is Rated PG

Mr. Miyagi; Pat Morita has died at the age of 73

As a huge fan of the Karate Kid, this news saddens me immensely. His performance as Mr. Miyagi penetrated pop culture and to this day is still so well known. You will be missed!!!! --

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Actor Pat Morita, whose portrayal of the wise and dry-witted Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" earned him an Oscar nomination, has died. He was 73.

Morita died Thursday at his home in Las Vegas of natural causes, said his wife of 12 years, Evelyn. She said in a statement that her husband, who first rose to fame with a role on "Happy Days," had "dedicated his entire life to acting and comedy."

In 1984, he appeared in the role that would define his career and spawn countless affectionate imitations. As Kesuke Miyagi, the mentor to Ralph Macchio's "Daniel-san," he taught karate while trying to catch flies with chopsticks and offering such advice as "wax on, wax off" to guide Daniel through chores to improve his skills.
He lost the 1984 best supporting actor award to Haing S. Ngor, who appeared in "The Killing Fields."
"The Karate Kid," led to three sequels, the last of which, 1994's "The Next Karate Kid," paired him with a young Hilary Swank.

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Our 4th installment of Potter is the darkest yet. This year Hogwarts is hosting a tri-wizard tournament….the winner is deemed eternal glory. Mysteriously Potter’s name is chosen to compete in the tournament, which most feel is over his head – he is a just a 4th year student. The special effects are outstanding, however the story seemed a bit rushed. Keep in mind this was the biggest Potter book, but the 2nd shortest movie. I felt things were happening in the movie that needed more explaining, more time. We are introduced to another new teacher, Madeye Moody, who is a fantastic and entertaining character - we are always unsure on his intentions. The rest of the cast is back and are older and more humorous. Overall this is a fun movie to see in the theater, but I would say I liked the last one better overall.
* * *

With a running time of 148 minutes
This movie is rated PG-13

Must Love Dogs

Must Love Dogs: If I ever run into John Cusack…….. I will punch him in the face for making this film. Diane Lane also stars in this crappy romantic comedy. She plays Sarah, who has recently been dumped and had her heart broken….boohoo. One day her sister has a bright idea to put a personal ad on the internet for Sarah. In the ad she mentions “Must Love Dogs” -> Title of film…..oooooo. They meet one day at a dog park even though neither character owns a dog…..the date lasts 3 minutes, but somehow Cusack’s character feels someone is taking his breath away. What a joke. The characters, the acting, and the story all rank as the worst I have seen all year. The climatic scene has Lane jumping into a river and swimming to Cusack who remains seated in his boat…..oh the laughter……problem is that it was not suppose to be funny.
0 stars - a true stinker

With a running time of 98 minutes
This movie is rated PG-13

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice: Another take on this classic novel by Jane Austin, this time Starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen. The story revolves around the Bennett family, 5 sisters in all, and all are looking for a man of wealth to marry them. The story is very complex and if anything this film version simplifies it, which is actually a good thing in this case. Elizabeth (Knightley) is the one sister who is looking for true love, something she thinks she will never find. Mr. Darcy (MacFadyen), meanwhile is a very wealthy man who is very standoffish....will sparks fly when they meet? The two leads carrier this movie and make it worth seeing, Knightley in particular is fabulous in this role. The rest of the cast do a fine job and the cinematography is just beautiful. I do have to note that I am sick of seeing Judi Dench in these types of movies and doing the same role. Prejudice succeeds in bringing this classic story to the big screen for wide appeal.
* * * and 1/2

With a running time of 123 minutes
This movie is rated PG

Madagascar

Madagascar: Another animated comedy film geared toward the whole family. This one deals with Zoo animals in a NYC zoo - who decide they want out of the zoo and to see the wild. Well they do escape and an adveture ensues. We have a giraffe (David Schwimmer), a lion (Ben Stiller), a zebra (Chris Rock) and a Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith). All are played well and very funny, however Chris Rock as the zebra is a little to close to Eddy Murphy’s donkey. The story is a little bland, but that is made up by all the great characters in the film. Jokes are plentiful and they even reference other movies, from the original Planet of the Apes to American Beauty. Still this was not as creative as some of the past animated features, I mean the bar has been set pretty high by Pixar. I really find most these kind of movies to be a joy to watch. Madagascar could have used a couple more laughs, but still a fun ride.
* * *

With a running time of 86 minutes
This film is rated PG

Also the DVD comes with a short film about the Penguins that played before the movie in it’s theatrical run, I recommend watching this little gem as well.

The Interpreter

The Interpreter: A thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn that takes places in the Political realm. Kidman plays Silvia, an interpreter at the UN building in NYC. One night after work she over hears a plot to assassinate a leader from a country in Africa. Wheel in Sean Penn – he plays a US Secret Service agent assigned to the case. After a quick investigation of the interpreter he finds she has many ties to this country in Africa and it’s leader. Now the question becomes – is she a suspect??? The story did a great job of drawing me in, a very suspenseful film. Because of the stranger type names of some of the people involved you do need to pay attention to get the most out of this movie. Penn's Character is the same old, cop down on life after a bad loss in his personal life. Kidman's character is a little more unique, but still nothing of note. Unfortunately the ending, like so many thrillers, sort of drops the ball and needs you to suspend belief a little. Still a highly entertaining film that I would recommend for a rental !
* * *

With a run time of 129 minutes
This film is rated R

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp take a stab at remaking this classic film………..why? I still am not sure. It is not that this current version is not entertaining it…..it is. The problem I have with it, is that it does not improve or enhance this wonderful story. Best cliché I can use – why fix something that is not broken. The story does differentiate from the original picture – giving more background into Wonka’s childhood, but not enough to justify a remake. Burton’s movies are always strong with his visual concepts and this Wonka is no exception, but again not so much more that it justifies a remake. The songs are all new and all good, but I don’t think they are better than the 1st time we visited the factory. And finally the main character – Willy Wonka, Johnny Depp does a fine job, but I am sorry - Gene Wilder’s performance is sooooo much more memorable and likeable. In the end we have a good movie that really never had to be made. Stick with the original!

* * and ½

With a running time of 115 minutes
This movie is rated PG

Shopgirl

Shopgirl: A sophisticated romantic comedy done right. Claire Danes, Steve Martin and Jason Schwartzman star in this small, truthful story of a girl looking for more in life. The characters are real, deep and interesting – which is so rare in movies of this genre. The story comes from Steve Martin who wrote the novella with the same name. Danes’ plays Mirabelle, an aspiring artist who is working at a department store selling gloves. She meets Jeremy (Schwartzman – Rushmore fame) at the laundromat and he is such an odd character that she finds some attraction to him. A couple days later she meets Ray Porter (Martin) - a very successful businessman who is much older than her. The two men are total opposites and the dates she goes on reflect all the differences. Some very funny moments provided by Schwartzman, but overall we have a very serious tone. This film is currently in Limited release. Also I want to point out the film’s score – best I heard this year.
* * * and 1/2

With a running time of 118 minutes
This film is rated R

Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Star Wars Episode III; Revenge of the Sith: The Saga is Complete or….. Complete the Sage is. This movie is so tough to review as a single film, did it do it’s job – YES!!!, it satisfied our hunger for seeing the saga come full circle. This is by far the best of the new trilogy and actually helps the new trilogy stand up next to the original – Things we want explained are. We pick up in the middle of war between the republic and the separatists, Obi-Wan and Anakin are sent to save the Chancellor who has been captured. Anakin finds himself caught in an emotional struggle from multiple sides and I think we all know what happens from there. The visuals are stunning (best of the six), the emotion is high and the story…….the story is the best in cinema history. This was my last trip to that galaxy far far away and I am so glad to have been able to enjoy it all. From the movies, to the toys, to the star wars bed sheets I slept in -- dreaming -- using my imagination fueled by the Star Wars galaxy..……Mr. Lucas, Thank You!!!!!!

* * * * - Biased ………Hell Ya
--Now on DVD, complete with 6 deleted scenes including yoda's exile to Dagobah!!!!!!

With a running time of 138 minutes
This film is rated PG-13