“Zack and Miri Make a Porno” is hilarious from start to finish. Kevin Smith wrote and directed this movie in his typical “Clerks” style. As with most Kevin Smith movies there is profanity and extreme humor involved. How do you make simulated porn funny? Smith manages it with the added bonus of a romance in the mix. If you aren’t generally offended by excessive nudity and profanity and appreciate great writing you’ll like this movie.

The basis of the movie is the romance between Zack and Miri, two friends who have known each other since they were kids and are faced with an extreme choice in order to get out of debt. Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks have great chemistry together and a knack for line delivery. The entire cast is excellent filled with actors who know how to deliver comedy. Standout performances include Rogen, Banks, Mewes and Robinson. The screenplay is deadly funny. This movie, like “Clerks” and “Dogma”, is another Kevin Smith classic you will want to add to your movie library.

2008. Directed and written by Kevin Smith. Starring Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Jason Mewes, Craig Robinson, Justin Long and Brandon Routh.

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“The Reader” is a phenomenal movie, at once riveting, disturbing and painful to watch. Much of this is due to the brilliant acting of Kate Winslet who deservedly won the Oscar for best actress for her devastating portrayal of Hanna Schmitz, the troubled older woman who seduces a teenager. I can’t imagine anyone else acting this role or doing it such justice. The topic of adult seduction of a child is not an easy one to bring to the screen, director Stephen Daldry does this with sensitivity, skill and respect for the screenplay.

The cast is uniformly strong, incorporating a supporting cast of German actors including David Kross in an multi-layered performance as the young boy Michael Berg. Ralph Fiennes is also excellent as the adult Michael Berg, revealing complex levels of the character in the final scenes. There are many twists in this screenplay that takes the story in unexpected turns along the way.

The acting, direction, screenplay, art direction, cinematography, costumes, make-up and every other aspect of this film is near perfection. If you haven’t watched “The Reader” yet add it to your list of must see films.

2008. Directed by Stephen Daldry, screenplay written by David Hare from the book by Bernhard Schlink. Starring Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes and David Kross.

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This made for TV movie aired back in 1997 and is a good family film geared for older children and their parents. I rented it because I love Charles Dickens novels and I watch anything Richard Dreyfuss is in. Dreyfuss is a great actor and in this film he’s excellent as usual.

“Oliver Twist” is a non-musical version of the Charles Dickens story. Its a Disney film and while its solid overall there is nothing spectacular about it other than solid performances by a talented ensemble, including Elijah Wood as the Artful Dodger and the fine work of Dreyfuss as Fagin who brings as much as he can to the part. The sound quality of the film can be poor at times with difficulty hearing all the dialogue. I think this production could have been stronger overall in direction and its screenplay. The art direction, cinematography and costumes are of high quality and good performances by the actors help the storyline. Overall this is a decent representation of the novel. A stronger written adaptation of the novel to screenplay would have made a better film.

Parents should be aware that there is a death sequence in the story that may be difficult for younger children although this is sparing much in terms of actual violence. Parents and children will both enjoy this Charles Dickens tale complete with beautiful cinematography, elaborate costumes and scenery. If you are looking for a family movie rental this made for TV film is a good choice.

1997. Directed by Tony Bill. Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Elijah Wood, David O’Hara, Antoine Byrne and Alex Trench.

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“Elegy” is a film about intimacy and one man’s inability to allow intimacy into his life. This well acted film tackles some ugly topics of which I have to admit hindered my appreciation for the content of the film. Middle-aged  professor David Kepesh (Ben Kingsley) is a self confessed womanizer who has never grown up. He is feeling his age when he meets and seeks to add to his sexual conquests a beautiful young student Consuela (Penelope Cruz) from his literature class.

The film is well directed with excellent acting provided by the cast. Maybe it is the screenplay adapted from the novel “The Dying Beast” that is depressing to me, or the feeling of misogyny throughout the film or possibly the lack of conscience the characters other than Consuela display. I have to say I had some problems with the film and it left me feeling uncomfortable about its message. It certainly is a well made film and one that will make you question why the characters make the choices they make. If you are up for a challenge this is a good film to view and decide for yourself if the topic of intimacy is shattered or revealed.

2008. Directed by Isabel Coixet. Starring Ben Kingsley, Penelope Cruz, Dennis Hopper, Patricia Clarkson and Peter Sarsgaard.

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This Woody Allen film is an interesting study of one of his favorite themes, relationships and love’s complications. As Woody Allen films go this was a good one featuring a great cast, great direction and great screenplay.

“Vicky Cristina Barcelona” follows the adventures of two best friends who have very different ideas on life and love. The young women travel to Spain and meet a Spaniard that changes their lives. There are no neat endings when it comes to relationships in Woody Allen films and this one is no exception. Scarlett Johansson and Rebecca Hall star as the best friends who meet Juan (Javier Bardem) and his jealous ex-wife Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz in her Oscar winning best supporting actress performance.)

The earth tone colors of the costumes and lighting in this film are artfully done. Set in Spain, the film captures the beauty of the country and instills the romantic feel Allen’s script revolves around. If there was one criticism I would make is the amount of narration used in the film.

Relationships, seduction and human frailty take center stage here. Simple yet complex like love, this is a film to add to your Woody Allen film library.

2008. Directed and written by Woody Allen. Starring Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall and Patricia Clarkson.

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“Doubt” is a fascinating study of power struggle and judgement within the confines of the Catholic Church in the 60’s. “Doubt” was originally written as a play and adapted by the playwright for the screen. I grew up Catholic, anyone who has grown up Catholic will relate to the atmosphere and the relationships between the nuns and the priests. The Catholic church at that time gave almost God like power to priests while expecting nuns to simply follow orders.

Watching this film I could see why Meryl Streep was nominated for the Oscar for best actress. She is one of my favorite actresses and never ceases to amaze me in her character studies. Here she is at once powerful and weak as Sister Aloysius in a brilliant performance. The scenes between Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Father Flynn are riveting. Phillip Seymour Hoffman again embodies his character making him human yet fallible in another outstanding performance resulting in a supporting actor Oscar nomination. Amy Adams not only holds her own against these great actors but gives an excellent performance as Sister James and earned a best supporting actress Oscar nomination. Viola Davis appears in one scene in the film as Mrs. Miller across from Streep and it is truly unforgettable, it is no wonder she was nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar for her portrayal.

“Doubt” is a gut wrenching film that doesn’t give the audience easy answers. Like the play the film requires the audience to decide in the end what is right and what is wrong. The fascinating part of this movie is how differently the opinion of each movie viewer might be in deciding who is right and who is wrong. Brilliant direction, writing, Oscar caliber acting and cinematography make this a must see film for your DVD list.

2008. Directed and written by John Patrick Shanley. Starring Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis and Joseph Foster.

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“WALL-E” is a charming animated movie centered on the last robot on earth after earth is destroyed by an environmental crisis. This Pixar film follows the travels of WALL-E, a waste disposal robot who works all the while dreaming of romance in his life. WALL-E seeks out visitors from another planet when they arrive on earth and ends up going on a great adventure.

The WALL-E character is endearing, funny and watchable and the other animated characters are equally watchable. The voice talent is especially good in this film, along with the animation and sound effects.

The story is well written and a different take on most animated films. There is an environmental message throughout the film as well as comments on society and our addiction to technology. This is a great family film and one adults will enjoy along with their children.

2008. Directed and written by Andrew Stanton. Starring the voice talent of Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy and Sigourney Weaver.

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“Milk” is a riveting movie experience. This biographical tale of the assassination of Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay elected official is a compelling story of the gay, lesbian and transgender community and the fight for their civil rights. The movie follows the charismatic Harvey Milk and his move to San Francisco to go on “an adventure”, and what an adventure it was. Harvey Milk’s political adventure changed our country and broke down walls for the gay movement. Milk and Mayor Moscone’s assassination in the San Francisco city hall by ex-supervisor Dan White was a disturbing turn in our country’s history.

Sean Penn deservedly won the Oscar this year for best actor for his portrayal of Harvey Milk. After watching the film my husband made the comment “you don’t see Sean Penn in his film roles” which is true, he disappears into the character. The film has a very strong supporting cast including excellent performances by Josh Brolin, James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Alison Pill and Diego Luna. The movie was partially filmed on location in the Castro district of San Francisco and included a number of people who experienced this history first hand back in the 70’s.

The writer of the screenplay states he watched the assassination of Harvey Milk on the news and his life was changed forever. No doubt Harvey Milk changed many lives through his activism. Why the film “Milk” did not win more Oscars is a mystery to me, and it certainly should have won for best director. Brilliantly filmed, directed and acted, this is a film that should be on your “do not miss” list.

2008. Directed by Gus Van Sant, written by Dustin Lance Black. Starring Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco, Emile Hirsch and Diego Luna.

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“Cigarettes and Romance” is produced by the Coen brothers and you certainly see their influence on this John Tuturro film. This musical drama is odd, different and interesting, not as cohesive as a Coen film but a good work by the talented actor John Tuturro who not only wrote the film but directed it as well.

With a stellar cast including Susan Sarandon, James Gandolfini, Kate Winslet, Steve Buscemi and Christopher Walken, “Cigarettes and Romance” shows how our actions hurt others and in the end all we really want is some form of connection and feeling of having lived our lives fully.

I enjoyed the movie but imagine some people won’t understand it or the concept. There are odd characters throughout the movie. Kate Winslet’s character gets to talk dirty and her scenes are a highlight of the movie. The script could be better as it is abstract to say the least, I imagine with some additional script work to flesh out the film it would garner a higher rating. I’m rating this movie a little higher simply because of the direction and exceptional acting of the cast. Expect the unexpected in this film. Is it a musical? Is it a comedy? Is it a drama? Good question. Dive in and watch the great acting, put aside your preconceptions and enjoy the ride.

2005. Written and directed by John Tuturro. Starring Susan Sarandon, James Gandolfini, Kate Winslet, Mary Louise Parker, Aida Turturro, Steve Buscemi and Christopher Walken.

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This romantic comedy, set around football back in the 20’s, is a fun time and reminiscent of the style of movie comedies of the 30’s with its fast paced dialogue. “Leatherheads” is directed by Clooney who once again proves he can direct and has a touch for comic timing whether with acting or directing. There are plenty of laughs and interesting, fun characters throughout the movie. The detailed costumes and scenery are true to the era of the 20’s. My dad played high school football back in the 20’s and the photo I have of him in his gear is the same with minimal protection helmet and shoulder pads. What were they thinking using so little padding on uniforms back then? Clooney’s character “Dodge” is trying to save his football team as the football league teeters on extinction. When Dodge hires football talent Carter Rutherford to infuse the team with energy he gets more than he bargained for.

Clooney, Zellweger and Krasinski are great and the supporting cast is strong. Certainly Clooney comes off a little older for the part but he pulls it off as the player who can’t give up playing football. Clooney and Zellweger have great comic chemistry onscreen that makes their scenes together terrific.

If you are looking for laughs and lighthearted, rapid fire comedy this film is one you’ll want to put on your list.

2008. Directed by George Clooney. Starring George Clooney, Renee Zellweger and John Krasinski.

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