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Visual Acoustics – sp – This is a documentary about the life and work of Julius Shulman who is a well known photographer of great architecture particularly in the Los Angeles area. He is a remarkable man now in his 90s who actually was present and answered questions at the screening we attended. The film includes discussions with many of the great architects who are still alive and were filmed visiting and discussing some of their great accomplishments with Mr. Shulman. There are some breathtaking scenes of homes in the hills of Los Angeles. Do not miss this film if you are interested in Southern California architecture. 2008

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Strength and Honor – sp – The movie is set in Ireland. A reluctant boxer goes back to fighting in a bare fisted tournament so he can win money for treatment for his sick child. Another Rockyesque movie. Actor Michael  Madsen does a very good job of playing the hero. Mike Mahon,the first time Director is already planning the sequels II and III which he says will be set in the United States in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He obviously has talent and if he ratchets it up a notch you might want to look back and see how he started things.(2007)

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Sliding Doors – nf – Did you ever consider what would have happened if you didn’t do one thing, which led to something else, which put your life on a particular path? That is the premise of this movie as it follows two different but parallel universes of the Gweneth Paltrow’s character. We see two paths that her life could follow if she had made a train or just missed it. It is a romantic tale with ups and downs, which is engaging but somewhat fluffy. It is set in England so the autos drive on the “wrong” side of the street, which fits in with the viewer’s task of orienting oneself with the two possible lives of the main character. 1998

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Shorts – rm – Did you ever imagine what it would be like if you had a magic object that would grant you any wish? That is the premise of this children’s movie and the morale of the story is to be careful what you wish for. You could even confront your own nose bugger as a giant monster. This movie follows a young kid who is pushed around a lot in school, especially by a girl his age. He and his friends find away to change things and in doing so have quite an adventure. We saw this movie with our two grandchildren who were the main reviewers of this film especially since we didn’t feel that it had any great appeal to grown ups. We all agreed that it held our interest for most of the time. Events were presented in a unique manner. There is was even an lesson to be learned as that is if we work together, we can accomplish much more than if we just do what we want as individuals. There was a little too much bullying than was needed for the story although there was no serious violence. The magical fantasies were cute but not very imaginative. Compared to some of the other children’s films that come around, this does not stand out very much but many kids will like it. 2009

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Revolutionary Road – sp – Leonardo DeCaprio and Kate Winslet reunite since Titanic but this time they play an almost middle aged couple who have moved to the suburbs and struggle with their identity and the meaning of life. The relationship is not pretty but the acting and directing is outstanding. Unfortunately despite a skillful script by Justin Haythe who was the guest at our film course, we did not care that much about the characters.(2008)

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Quinceañera – nf – This film sweetly tells the story of a young girl of Mexican descent just before her “coming out debut” on her 15th birthday. Issues of immigrant families, coming of age, family dynamics, difference and acceptance. 2006

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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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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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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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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