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Our Song – nf – This was an interesting “coming of age” story about three girls living in Brooklyn in difficult circumstances. They belonged to a terrific marching band which held practices which bonded them together and provided some stability in their lives. The dialogue and situations were so real that their confusion, dreams and pain were palpable. 2000

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Paris 36 – sp – They don’t make many musical these days let alone a really good one, but French Director Christophe Barratier has not only done this but has discovered a new singing star/actress, 18 year old Nora Arnezeder . The story takes place in 1936 Paris and appears to reflect the complicated political conflicts of the time as well as the romantic flavor of this setting. While the storyline is one of reopening the music theater in town, the characters do have some depth, making it a worthwhile and enjoyable experience. If you love musicals or if you are any kind of a Francophile you will not want to miss this picture. In French with subtitles. 2008

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Nothing But the Truth – sp – This movie was clearly inspired by the Judith Miller/Valerie Plume story, but is not that story. It was a very well-crafted film about two strong women, one a journalist with a Pulitzer Prize nominated story which happens to “out” a strong and committed C.I.A. agent. The consequences of all this are dire and difficult on both women and their families and the film provokes much thought about “our right to know”, the “right to not reveal sources” and all the unintended consequences therein. Well worth seeing. 2009

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Not Forgotten – sp- Simon Baker, who plays the Mentalist on a popular network TV series, stars in this movie of mystery and intrigue set at the US- Mexican border. Religious cult rituals of an (Santa Muerte) actual fast growing religion in this area set the tone, as does some very graphic violence. Everything and everyone are not always what they seem to be which makes the movie an interesting experience. The acting, photography, lighting and editing are excellent. Screenwriter and Director, Dror Soref, told us that at a test run of the movie, the audience missed too many subtle points so pieces were added and it was recut. We still missed a few points and conclude that the movie didn’t make the top shelf. 2009

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Milk – rm – Extremely well done movie about the gay activist Harvey Milk and his life in San Francisco between 1970 -1978 which tragically ended by an assassination. This is a “Rocky” movie which shows how determined people can make a difference. It is particularly relevant today as gay marriage has been challenged in California and elsewhere. Sean Penn did a magnificent job and is sure to be nominated for many awards. (Addendum- He won Oscar for Best Actor) 2009

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Match Point – nf – We missed this Woody Allan movie and heard some people recommend it so we decided to see it on Netflix. It is set in London or thereabouts and seems to be a parody of a suspenseful drama. There is the conflicted, for the most part unlikeable main character who is a former tennis pro, who connects with the likeable pretty girl next door type except she and her family are very wealthy. There is the other women, sexy moody and ultimately very demanding, played very well by Scarlett Johansson. The script as expected is well written with special moments and prolonged periods of tension. As with all Woody Allan movies, the casting and production is top notch as was his direction. After two hours and four minutes we finally understand the meaning of his match point. We initially concluded this movie was clever but not great. Over the next few days we found ourselves both thinking about the movie and discussing the fine points which in our opinion elevates our final rating. 2005

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Man on Wire – rm – This is the true story of the wire walking Frenchman who actually walked between the two World Trade Center towers in the 1970s. Much of it was a reenactment with some documentary footage. We read numerous movie reviews which were very positive. However while we found it interesting we didn’t think that movie achieved any stimulating insight into the main character or his side kicks. (In English) 2008

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Lymelife – sp – This is an Independent film put together by two brothers who grew up in Long Island and wanted to show the nature of relationships between people that they had observed in their youth in the 70s and early 80s. They were able to put together an outstanding cast of Alec Baldwin, Jill Hennessy, Timothy Hutton, Cynthia Nixon, Emma Roberts and Culkin brothers Rory and Kiernan. They all turned in extremely fine performances (with a low budget and brief time to shoot) It is directed by Derrick Martini, one of the brothers, who wrote the screenplay. Not surprising he most effectively captured the budding romantic relationship of the young teenagers in the film whom he best understood and this makes the film worth seeing. 2009

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Letter to Zachary – nf- This is a documentary in the genre of the 20/20 or 48 hours television series. It is the story of the life and the murder of a young doctor lovingly and painstakingly made by his childhood buddy for the son of the victim who was born after his demise. It will pull your heartstrings as well as infuriate you at the alleged murderess and the legal system, which can’t prevent even more tragedy from occurring. If you are of the right mindset for this story, you will get caught up in it and feel great admiration for the grandparents who are the heart of the movie. 2008

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It Happened One Night – nf – This is a 1934 black and white movie, starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert relatively early in their careers, which won 5 major Academy Awards that year. It clearly reflects the 1930s, as illustrated by the cars, buses, style of dress, as well as in how the romantic theme is played out. We found it delightful and interesting but definitely not a “must see” Movie buffs might want to view it to be reminded how far movies have progressed in the last 75 years.