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Doubt – sp – It is so remarkable that Meryl Streep can star in a musical comedy such as Mama Mia and also turn in such a perfect performance as the powerful but yet the ultimately doubting nun in this movie. Phillip Seymour Hoffman does an equally fine performance as the Priest of questionable character. Viola Davis is the supporting actress who plays the mother of a young student and matches these stars in her one moving scene. John Patrick Shanley wrote the Broadway play and the screenplay as well as directing this film version. He brings to us an ethical issue, which has relevance in many situations. 2008

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Departures – nf – A beautiful Japanese movie which blends wonderful music with a the touching story of a young man who takes up the profession of performing the ceremony in front of loved ones of preparing people to be placed in a coffin shortly after their demise. It is a lyrical story that is moving, melancholy and yet clearly uplifting at the same time. The story allows the viewer to examine social attitudes and approaches to death. Outstanding acting and direction. This film gave us some further insight into conversations, which we once had with some friends who have been part of their Jewish community “Chevra Kadisha” those who wash the bodies after death and how meaningful they felt this experience has been to them. This film deserves the acclaim that it has received as the 2008 Academy Award Oscar for Best Foreign Film. 2008

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Defiance – sp – This is a “Schindler’s List” type of movie which takes place in the forest. It features Daniel Craig (known elsewhere as the current James Bond) and Liev Schreiber who play the Bielski brothers who lead an increasing number of Jewish refugees while they are hiding from the Nazis. This is a true story and at it’s conclusion we are told the actual follow-up on many of the people depicted in the film. Edward Zwick, who spoke at our screening, was the director, producer and also wrote the screenplay. He did a magnificent job in capturing the relationship between the characters, the pathos and courage of the people along with the violence of their experience. Those of you who have vowed “never to forget” will have to see this movie. 2008

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Crossing Over – sp – If you liked the movie Crash, you will love this movie. The movie weaves several plots which reflect the conflicts and the human drama of the immigration problems on our borders today. Harrison Ford plays a sensitive immigration officer who can not ignore the painful situations which are being played out before his eyes. Outstanding performances by Ford, Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd and Jim Sturgess. We are surprised this movie was released so early in the year since in our book it could be a contender for best picture. 2009

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Changeling – sp – The amazing thing about this movie as told to us by long time TV writer, first time screen writer Michael Straczynski is that all the details in this movie are true as is much of the dialog which was taken from court transcripts. The time is 1928 Los Angeles with period clothes and automobiles setting the atmosphere while the story with very fine acting provides the drama and emotion. Director Clint Eastwood stays true to the story and script and once again shows how he has evolved into one of our finest contemporary movie directors. The Los Angeles Police Department is the villain of this movie and a young mother who doggedly wants her missing child returned to her, magnificently played by Angelina Jolie, is the heroine. John Malkovitch also turns in a sterling performer as the anti-police crusading reverend. A totally unsympathetic depiction of psychiatric treatment disturbed Michael but probably was mostly true at the time. 2008

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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

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Baby It’s You – nf – This movie was made 26 years ago in 1983 and it is about growing up in the mid 1960s. Those of us who were around at that time should be able to attest that it depicted this era quite well. The setting is senior year of high school in New Jersey where a college bound upper middle class Jewish girl played by Rosanna Arquette has a romance with blue collar Italian boy played by Vincent Spano. She goes away to Sara Lawrence and he follows his not so obtainable dream working in Florida. The trials and tribulations of a young woman in her first year at an all girl’s school with dorm life, alcohol, marijuana, and visits from the guys from Princeton etc are nicely captured by Director /Writer John Sayles with the help of an appropriate sound track. Some resolution of the unfinished high school romance has to be played out as is often the case in all generations. We thought this movie can be evocative for those who lived through those years or thereabouts and yet could also find meaning to today’s youth who would be using their cell phones or texting rather than the dormitory hallway telephone. That almost make this a classic. 1983