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Garden State – nf – Kind of a slacker movie, “days in the life…” of some offbeat, but affecting young people having trouble growing up. 2004

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Flawless – nf – You can call this a good diamond heist movie. Demi Moore plays the passed over women diamond executive who decides to try to change her life by going over to the criminal side. She is seduced into the big caper by an about to retire janitor played by Michael Caine who has his own motivation. There is the requisite detective who is working to solve the crime and moments of suspense with the appropriate musical background. The plot seemed a little contrived and at times somewhat fuzzy. You may even feel a little warm and fuzzy at the end after the clever plot twists and “hold your breath” moments. 2007

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Ballast – sp – An unusual movie by a first time Director who previously was an Art Director for Batman films. This is set deep in the Louisiana Delta region with non professional actors from the area playing all the characters. The movie delves into the heart of the poor people of this region dealing with life in a beautiful place but filled with poverty, hardship and painful relationships. The movie moves slowly and doesn’t deviate far from center but it will hold your interest. The dialect is real and initially somewhat difficult to understand but you eventually catch on to most everything. The Director/Producer Lance Hammer was so intent on delivering his vision of the region and the people that he turned down a distribution deal and will do it himself with a small team, so he could maintain final cut. 2008