Win-win

This was an excellent movie taken directly from current events and sensibilities. The main character, Paul Giamatti, is a wonderful actor. He's the main reason I decided to watch this DVD – and I wasn't disappointed. Once again he gives a superb performance. Giamatti is a struggling lawyer in small-town America, his business hit by the recession is on the verge of bankruptcy. To pay the bills he perjured himself and takes on the guardianship of an old man who is his client. At the same time a teenage boy shows up at his home – son of his drug addicted sister. Giamatti is a wrestling coach – the team hasn't won a match in years. Just so happens the teenage boy is a fabulous wrestler. The story goes from here to extreme highs and abysmal lows. A dramatic and entertaining ride. Not for children. Recommended if you like serious drama with the a good story.

Super 8

Remember the movies "The Goonies", "Alien" and "ET" – take these three movies and put them in a dryer on delicate cycle for an hour and you will end up with the wrinkle free movie "Super 8"... Now with that said, if you liked the three aforementioned movies you may like this one. It had some really good science fiction thrill-like moments, but I also had several "duh!" Scenes as well. Part of the movie was self-indulgent Steven Spielberg autobiography – the young boy who wants to make movies – which I found a little annoying, but I guess if you're Steven Spielberg you can do whatever you want. Other than that I enjoyed it, it was good old-fashioned family science fiction. Worth the rental if you like these type of movies.

The Help

This is an excellent movie, I highly recommend it. It shows a side of black and white race relations in southern United States that is rarely discussed and easily misunderstood. The characters, both good and bad, bring to life the complex emotions and stories of the time. It is extremely well acted and thoroughly entertaining. It made me laugh, and it made me think. It brought back memories of my eight years in South Carolina where I came face-to-face with prejudice and discrimination. Clearly, my situation was nothing like the one in this story, but the corollaries are there. I think we've come a long way as a nation, people and the culture – but intolerance still survives to this day. This movie will make you think about this issue and give you a view into the lives of these southern women that you will not soon forget. Rent it!

Money Ball

I enjoyed this DVD. I'm not an avid baseball fan, but I still enjoy the game and usually just watch in October. It is interesting to note that this movie was based on an actual story and gave some insight into the workings of modern baseball. Brad Pitt gives a decent performance – but certainly not worthy of the best actor nomination. Jonah Hill on the other hand was pretty good! If you are a baseball fan you definitely want to watch this movie. If not, it's probably worth skipping.

Hugo

Hugo was nominated as one of the best pictures of the year – the director Martin Scorsese was also nominated as best director. Didn't win – too bad because it really is an excellent movie. I think perhaps it didn't have broad appeal for the "Academy" members because it was made in the French style. Subtle but deep characters, an excellent well-written and thought out story, beautiful photography and a slow but thoughtful pace. Not your usual "in-your-face, action-packed" American-style movie. But then again "the Artist" the movie that did with all of the awards was completely French. I will review "The Artist" is out on DVD next month. Anyway, if you haven't seen "Hugo" rent it now!  It's a great movie that the entire family can enjoy together.

Back by popular demand!!!

Several of my friends – well, two or three anyway –have asked that I start my DVD reviews once again! I thought that was a good idea, fun for me as I still watch at least one DVD per week. I promise to make my reviews short, honest and opinionated. Let me know what you think, and please share with others if you think they might be interested.


The Hangover #2 – a total waste of two hours of my life, but there was nothing else on television to watch at 10:30 PM and I didn't have any other DVDs around. If you saw "Hangover" that takes place in Las Vegas, you will be disappointed in this one. If you haven't seen the first movie, I recommend it over this one. "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas "doesn't translate very well to Bangkok, Thailand. I found the movie predictable and stupid – a lazy rewrite. The monkey was cute and the one car chase was pretty well done. Other than that, don't bother. Rent something else.