My Fandango

127 HOURS, BLACK SWAN, COMPANY MEN, TRUE GRIT are on the radar. ...(read more)

A smart director means everything and Sam Taylor-Wood lets the actors unleash their full range at a good pace and in smart order. I am so moved by this film. It captures a young Lennon as a mid teen and follows his heart tearring homelife from Aunt to new found mom. Super performances from Aaron Johnson as the teen Lennon, Anne-Marie Duff as his estranged mom Julia, and Kristin Scott Thomas as his stiff Aunt Mimi. The musical choices, the yound McCartney lad, and the material itself from the most influencial rocker of 2 generations make this a great film. I learned so much and loved it! ...(read more)

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POTTER this Saturday. FAIR GAME and NEXT 3 DAYS on Sunday. TANGLED and BURLESQUE next week and the Naro will have 127 HOURS then, too. ...(read more)

Swank and Rockwell give great energy and emotion to their main characters as brother and sister who bonded deeply early in their childood and never gave up when all seemed lost in their adulthood. Full of emotion and a fast story, it breezes through the amazing story of a sister who gives up 18 years of her life to prove her brother is innocent. Some of the scenes are anoying and the director could have used the brutal crime scene in more detail, but it is otherwise a good film and offers a "win" for the underdogs! Never give up! ...(read more)

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This movie has slow matabolism which is needed to match the subject matter of the afterlife. The story telling is similar to BABEL and SYRIANA where several different stories are climaxed together rapidly in the end. It flows very well. There are solid performances from everyone and a big nod to Frankie MacLaren who confidently plays young Marcus and brings an important certification to Damon's character. There are two characters that are anoying, but their roles are needed. The tsunami sequence in the beginning was challenging and a huge effect, but it had some flaws. There are awards nominations in this film and it's rich writing is up front. ...(read more)

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I have HEREAFTER and CONVICTION on my list for this weekend. I ordered HARRY POTTER tix for 11/20 in regular format. I will probably see Denezel's train movie next weekend. ...(read more)

Affleck spins a great story with so much tension, I was uncomfortable for much of the movie. His character was heartfelt and true, Jeremy Renner's character as his 'brother" had a brilliant unpredictable quirk, Rebecca Hall exposed her heart and soul without question, and Chris Cooper's quick cameo as the father bolstered the home life with a quick and subdued scene. A gritty Boston Bastards movie that is as edgy as it gets. Full price okay! ...(read more)

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Keep the tissues handy! There is plenty of heart revealed in this story that captures the owners strife against impossible odds, sexism, financial ruin, a dividing family, and the pressure of reaching your goals when everyone say you can't. There are weaknesses in the acting, but it is negligable and SEABISCUIT used all of the good ideas anyway. It sets up the triumphant Triple Crown races of 1973 very well and the amazing stamina of the best winning margin by the best athlete ever! Full price okay. ...(read more)

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