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The Terminal
has director Steven Spielberg and Dream Works back for a summer treat.
Tom Hanks is Viktor Navorski, a stranded traveler stuck for months in the
airport (Kennedy) when his Eastern Europe homeland was overthrown while he
was in the air to America. No valid country—no passport . . . what’s a guy
to do? He takes up residence in the airport (good thing it’s a big one)
until the war at home ends, none to the pleasure of the airport execs. After
nine months, everyone knows Viktor; he “lives” at gate C-67, he’s learned
English; acts as the romance go-between for airport employees; figures how
to make money and eat… and actually thrive. Viktor’s prize possession is a
can of Planter’s Peanuts—the question is, what’s in the can and why is he
lugging it around? He’s befriended by many, including Amelia played by
Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Who Should See It?—Teens
and up—Gramma will definitely like. It’s a charming addition to the summer
fare with no violence, blood, and sex—just a pleasant movie. Go see.
4 Golden Eggs
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Shrek 2
from DreamWorks Pictures is back—and better than ever.
With the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz from the
original, and new voices of Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Antonio Banderas (a
terrific Puss in Boots), Rupert Everett and Jennifer Saunders. This is the
modern day version of a quirky fractured fairy tales that ends well—as the
first Shrek did. Now that the newlyweds are off to visit the King and Queen
of the Kingdom of Far, Far Away, who have no idea that the new son-in law is
well, an Ogre and darling daughter is well, an Ogre too. Donkey is always a
hoot, Puss in Boots a welcome addition to the odd lot of the forest.
Who Should See It?—This
is really more for adults than kids . . . and you must have a sense of
humor. Gramma will get a kick out of it.
4 Golden Eggs
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Raising Helen
is brought to you by Disney’s Touchstone Pictures and
stars Kate Hudson, John Corbett (as Pastor Dan), Helen Mirren and Joan
Cusack. Hudson is the lead as Helen Harris, single, carefree and an
assistant and right hand to the owner (Mirren) of a powerful model agency in
NY. Helen is the favorite Aunt to her three nieces and nephews and suddenly
becomes their guardian when her sister is killed in an auto accident.
Stunned by being named guardian, when her other sister and super mom would
have been better, she sets out to try to do the right thing and finds that
her carefree style isn’t a right fit for today’s parenting requirements.
There are laughs and ahas along the way, but this is a light, very light
movie.
Who Should See It?—Mostly
for the girls—teens and ups, Gramma might like.
2
Golden Eggs
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The Stepford Wives
with Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Bette Midler,
Christopher Walken, Roger Bart, Faith Hill, Jon Lovitz and Glenn Close
should make big bucks at the box office. One of those remakes, that remakes
itself, it’s a terrific way to spend a couple of hours. Kidman is Joanna--a
high powered TV exec who gets fired and suffers a quasi-breakdown. Hubby
Walter (Broderick) thinks it would be a good idea to get out of New York and
head to the country—Connecticut. With two kids in tow, the move to Stepford,
a perfect community. A place where all the wives are mirrors of TV in the
50s—perfectly dressed, perfect words, perfect houses, perfect
relationships—you name it, everything is beyond perfect. The women even
exercise in their heels—so they will look perfect! Of course, there’s a
reason everything This is a great cast, with multiple standout
performances—most likely, all had a hoot of time making it.
Who Should See It?—teens
and up and bring Gramma.
3 ½ Golden Eggs
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The Chronicles of Riddick
(Universal) is Universal’s latest Sci-Fi with Vin
Diesel as Riddick, Thandie Newton, Karl Urban, Colm Feore, Linus Roache,
Keith David, Yorick van Wageningen, Alexa Davalos and Dame Judi Dench. Those
of you who saw Vin Diesel in Pitch Black, don’t expect a Pitch Black 2—the
monsters don’t come out, at least the types in Pitch Black. Vin Diesel is
back as Riddick who has been on the move for the past 5 years escaping
mercenaries and has a whopping bounty on his head. Heading back to Helion,
he hooks up with an old friend and his family (this relationship is never
clearly established) and finds the planet invaded by a nasty group of
warriors known as Necromongers.
Riddick is caught and sent to Crematoria, a prison where extremes of temps
range from minus to 700 degrees—not a place to vacation. He hooks up with
Kyra, who he knew years prior. His efforts to free himself and Kyra lead him
to the Necromonger command ship and all hell breaks loose. Lots of action
and suspense, there is a story line, a space Indian Jones. Judi Dench is the
only real actor here, Vin Diesel sweats lots and grunts minimal lines.
Who Should See It?—anyone
who likes B movies, sci-fi, action, probably not Gramma.
2 ¾ Golden Eggs
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The Day After Tomorrow
with Dennis Quaid, Selma Ward (Hubby is earth science
expert Quaid; the Misses is a doctor) and Jake Qyllenhaal (the kid-Sam) is
this summer’s disaster flick. With Global Warming and icebergs melting, Ice
Age II is coming. Dialogue is so-so, but the visuals are fantastic. So, if
you want to see tornadoes in Los Angeles, countries freeze up and disappear,
incredible ocean surges leaving NY underwater-ice-and snow, this baby is for
you.
Who Should See It?—Teens
and up; save the earth crowd and maybe Gramma if she likes disaster flicks
with great visuals.
2 ½ Golden Eggs
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Two Brothers
with Guy Pearce will appeal to families that like The
Bear. The brothers are two tiger cubs, separated by hunters and poachers—one
gets sold to a flea bag circus and is a softie; the other is sold and turned
into a fighter. The young adults tigers are brought together in the big
fight scene, which turns in a rolling in the dirt romp—the boys recognize
each other. The create mayhem, escape and get into a series of escapes,
which will illicit laughs from the young ones. The movie tries to present a
“message” . . . Let’s hope that the scenery is worth 1,000 words—dialogue
was minimal and what there was, wasn’t much. Acting is mediocre at best.
Who Should See It?—Kids,
they can take Gramma.
1 ½ Golden Eggs
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The
Notebook
with James Garner, Gena
Rowlands, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams brings Nicholas Sparks best
selling book to the big screen. Gosling plays Noah and McAdams Allie, the
two young lovers united first in “summer love” and separated by well
intended parents, the War and their own stubbornness.
Garner’s character attempts to befriend a woman (Rowlands) who is withering
away in a nursing home by visiting and reading to her from a notebook given
him. The notebook is Allie’s and Noah’s story—of young love, lost love, and
re-found love. Somewhat predictable, but the acting is good—could be a
nostalgic Oscar nominee.
Who Should See It?
— It’s this summer’s feel good movie, sentimental, more for adults, Gramma
will like. You may need a hankie.
4
Golden Eggs
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Fahrenheit
9/11
is controversial Michael
Moore’s latest statement and it’s guaranteed to cause a major uproar. Fresh
from its win of the top prize at Cannes and getting the boot from Disney,
Fahrenheit 9/11 is a cinematic shock and awe—from footage of the Bush-Gore
election irregularities and of a bewildered President Bush at the elementary
school getting the news of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers, to
revealing interviews with military personnel and a family whose son died,
special handling of the bin Laden extended family in the U.S. post 9/11, the
oil connection and more.
There is humor, horror, interviews, plenty of
footage of soldiers, war victims and Bush. Moore’s voice is the narrator,
but there is little of him on screen. There will be criticism that the
“other side’s” voice is not equally represented—Moore is open and vocal of
his contempt and hatred of all things Bush—it’s his point of view, get over
it.
Who Should See It?
— Teens and up, including Gramma.
4
Golden Eggs
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America's
Heart and Soul
is Disney, yet could fit
into the Discovery Channel. Filmmaker Louis Schwarzberg introduces you to a
tapestry of “ordinary” Americans—some like the dairy farmer from VT, the
brothers who love the horn from New Orleans, a woman who does things with an
airplane that seem impossible, a cowboy from Telluride, a minister from San
Francisco or the man from CO who likes to smash stuff (I won’t forget the
giant ham bullet—something that is perfect for the David Letterman Show).
Some of the subjects are a tad screwball; others will touch your soul.
Who Should See It?
— The screening I attended had lots of
families with kids—all hung in there, but this is not for little ones under
6—it’s an alternative to lots of the heavy action films that summer brings;
Gramma will enjoy. 2¾
Golden Eggs
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Harry Potter and the
Prisoner of Azkaban
with Daniel Radcliffe,
Emma Watson, Rupert Grint (Harry, Hermione, Ron) are back to Hogwarts for
the third installment of the smashing JK Rowling series. This one is the
most interesting in story lines of the three (I like them all), you can
see the full blown adolescent emerging; Harry definitely has a short fuse
and when he’s pissed at his Muggle relatives, they get their due; Harry
meets (and helps) someone who is falsely accused of killing his parents;
keep an eye on Ron’s rat; Hermione is one bright (and beautiful) witch?and
has a great right hook; Quidditch takes a back seat; lless time is spent
in the interior of Hogwarts . . . the dark and mystical forest beckons; we
see more Alan Rickman’s Snape, not enough of Maggie Smith and welcome
goofy Emma Thompson and the new Dumbledore, Michael Gambon.
Who Should See It?
— Any kid
who has read the books, teens and up, including Gramma.
4
Golden Eggs
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New DVDs
TEACHER'S PET
(Disney) brings the
talking canine that really wants to be a boy to the big screen and is
based on the TV series of the same name. Voice cast includes Nathan Lane
(as Spot, the dog that wants to be a boy), Kelsey Grammar (as the wacky
scientist), Jerry Stiller, Paul Reubens, Megan Mullally, Shaun Fleming,
David Ogden Stiers, and Jay Thomas.
Fans of the TV show will be right at home? The opening number sums up why
Spot wants to be a boy and thhen the movie takes off for the gang heading
to Florida? Mom to get a teaching award and Spot to find Dr. Ivan Krank to
change Spot’s DNA. My young viewer sources both liked the movie. It had a
lot of little stories going on inside the main story, fun to watch and
keeps the movie going at all times. The dog wants to be a boy but doesn't
realize that in human years he is not a boy but a man. So when Dr. Krank
changes Spot into a boy? he’s not, he’s a man! It all ends well.
Who Should See It?—this
one’s for the kids.
3
Golden Eggs
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STATION AGENT
with Peter
Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale and Michelle Wiliams. As the
lead, Dinklage plays Fin, a loner and train enthusiast who inherits a
deserted train depot from a friend. Fin just wants to be alone, enjoying
his love of trains—walking the tracks. It’s not to be. Cannavale is Joe—he
just wants to talk (and can he ever) and be a pal; Clarkson is wonderful
as Olivia, a grieving Mother who is separated from her husband. Be patient
as the film develops, it’s wonderful.
Who Should See It?—it’s
for the adults, Gramma might like it. 4 Golden
Eggs.
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MIRACLE
with Kurt Russell as the legendary ice hockey coach
Herb Brooks is set in the winter Olympics of 1980, Brooks is hired by the
US Ice Hockey Team to create a winning team out of a bunch of college kids
who are splintered and rivals. The goal— to take on the world, and
especially, the Soviets. Brooks creates Team USA, taking on the Soviets
and Finland. In the end, the gold is theirs. Reminds me of Apollo
13—everyone knows how it ends . . . but it’s an incredible story and you
stay in the moment.
Who Should See It?—The
entire family. 3 ½ Golden Eggs
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CALENDAR GIRLS
with Helen Mirren is simply a wonderful comedy. Inspired by the true story
of a group of English women who can’t stand one more stupid meeting of
learning about broccoli, cauliflower, and flower pressing, the ladies have
something up their sleeves when it comes to their annual fund raiser.
Mirren’s character is the ring-leader—with her best pal who has been
recently widowed, they decide that they will shuck their clothes and
create a calendar for the mature—oh they use the flowers, jams and teas
that are expected of them—just with more flavor. Extra bonus—deleted
scenes and the original Calendar Girls.
Who Should See It?—Just
about everyone—not the little kids—but definitely, Gramma—make the popcorn
and pull up a chair.
4 Golden Eggs
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GHOST of the
ABYSS (Disney) will take you inside the Titanic. Director
James Cameron is joined by a crew, including pal Bill Paxton, to mini-sub
down 12,000 feet and then turn the robots loose to actually go inside the
sunken vessel. If you are a Discovery channel watcher, this is right up
your alley.
Who Should See It?—History
and ocean buffs, this one is for you.
3 Golden Eggs
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BAD SANTA
with Billy Bob Thorton, John Ritter, Bernie Mac and Lauren Graham
(Dimension Films) is about a conniving and foul-mouthed Santa (Thorton),
who with his side-kick elf, works the kids, their parents and employer.
It’s downright awful. If you like nasty language, gross-out scenes, stupid
people doing stupid things, this may be your cup of tea—it’s not mine.
Who Should See It?—No
one. Gramma will disinherit you.
0 Golden
Eggs
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DRAGON LORD
with Jackie Chan -- I couldn’t find anywhere in the promo material I got
when this movie was originally made. That said, I’m guessing it was a
long, long, long time ago. Chan is a young man; it’s dubbed and incredible
slow in getting anywhere.
Who Should See It?—Not
Gramma, only the die-hard Chan fans; exception might be if you have young
kids in the martial arts? They might get a kick out of seeing Chan in his
younger version. Otherwise, take a big pass.
1/2 Golden Egg
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CITY of GOD
is based on the true-crime novel by the same name by Paulo Lins. It’s a
story of gangs, slums and warfare in the world’s best known (and most
notorious) slum in Rio de Janeiro. Average age of a resident is 20, police
avoid it and it is considered a war zone by most journalists. The Runts
(gangs of boys 6 to 11ish) are competing for the attention for the teen,
young adult gangs. The movie focuses on three of them—L’il Ze’s, Carrot’s
and Benny’s. The weaver is “Rocket”, a kid who wants out and finds a way
to join the other world outside of the slum.
Who Should See It?—Not
little kids, not Gramma, mature teens and up. Violence and blood . . . but
than, what would you expect when anyone with two legs has a gun?
2 ½ Golden Eggs
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AMERICAN GUN
is James Coburn’s final movie. He plays Martin Tillman, a retiree. His
only daughter is home for the Holidays; recently divorced and pulling her
life together. His only granddaughter has left Mom and is trying to get
her life together. So far, so good, until Christmas Eve, his daughter is
shot and killed. Coburn’s character begins his quest to heal by tracking
the history of the gun that killed her. There are a few twists and turns,
a tad like Momento (but without all the blood and violence).
Who Should See It?—Coburn
fans, otherwise, it’s a so-so.
2 Golden
Eggs
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