Batman: Dark Knight Rises

First, I was apprehensive about watching this video because of the horrible shooting incident at the theater in Colorado last year when this movie debuted. Our thoughts and prayers should go out to the people who lost their lives, their family and friends. Support Obama's efforts to control guns!

The Batman movies are always entertaining, this one was also a solid two hours of fun.. However, perhaps I'm getting more critical in my old age .I couldn't help but while viewing the film said to myself at various times, "that's stupid "or "that is silly" –I also found myself at times thinking, "pretty cool" –especially the gadgets ... Then I realized that these movies are based on comic books. They are supposed to be cool and silly at the same time. Some of these silly moments were best illustrated by the long drawn out testimonial dialogues by several of the characters , . I guess the writers felt that we needed to be caught up on this story or need additional character development /information . the other silly thing, spoiler alert , was the ridiculous fistfight between the 3000 cops and the evil Army that had taken over Gotham . with all the guns and high-tech weapons, why did they resort to a street brawl /fistfight . silly! we are left at the end of the movie knowing that there will be a sequel ! . I am not sure that  if this is such a great thing, perhaps it's time for Batman to hang up his cape . Anyway if you can look past the silliness, and agreed that this is just pure, comic booking entertainment , . It is quite fun!
PS sorry for all of the typos , my dictation software and blog OS are not cooperating ??

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

If you're over 50, you'll probably enjoy this movie as much as I did. However, My 20-year-old son didn't find it very amusing. The story centers around a group of senior citizens from Britain, who for various reasons decide to leave their homeland and try to live in a beautiful hotel in India that caters specifically to the "senior and beautiful." I enjoyed how each character was introduced, and how each one developed throughout the movie. Each character was unique in their own way, and each was able to find what they needed/what they were looking for at that time of their life, by the end of the movie. The young man, from "Slum Dog Millionaire" – by the way of you haven't seen that movie, you really should watch it! – Played the hotel manager, who always sees things from a rose colored pair of glasses. Even through all the adversity, he stays mostly positive and upbeat – at times that became a little bit silly and felt shallow compared to the emotions and events occurring in the guests lives. His girlfriend and mother were delightful. Very well acted movie. A good positive message. The scenery of the city in India was spectacular. The color and vibrant life of that country came through with exceptional clarity. I enjoyed the music too!

The Bourne Legacy

I thoroughly enjoyed the original three Jason Bourne movies, so when this one came out I was a little bit apprehensive – remakes and multiple sequels often do not live up to the original. However, this film was a pleasant surprise. Jeremy Renner made a great substitute for Matt Damon. The writers struggled at the beginning of the movie to make all of the parts fit together so that the sequel would make some sense – most of that I felt was unnecessary and bogus. At least they didn't devote too much time to connect the dots – mostly just short flashbacks or quick references in various conversations. The director and producers focused on the action – rightly so! This is what makes the Bourne movies worth watching. And from the very beginning, the action was realistic and "cool"... The format and the premise were exactly the same – super agent gone rogue, CIA and National Security agencies out of control. The new agents were stronger and smarter than the original Jason Bourne, genetically altered by drugs. I kept thinking of "Alice in Wonderland" – one pill makes you stronger, and one pill makes you smarter. One pill kills you – and the others do nothing at all. The obligatory chase scene through the streets of a busy city, this time Manila, Philippines, was super fun to watch! The ending, of course, sets us up for many more movies to come. If you enjoyed the original Jason Bourne movies, you will probably enjoy this one too! It's worth a rental.

Albert Nobbs

A well-made enjoyable Victorian England period film. If you enjoy these movies from the Jane Austen era, and Downton Abby, you should enjoy this movie. This movie however, offered a very unique perspective on the situation of middle – lower-class women during this time. Albert, actress Glenn close, pretends to be a man – a waiter – in order to make a living and find some success, and  some meaning in her difficult life. I think she won some awards for her acting, which she clearly deserved – however, I found her to be more robotic than masculine. An excellent waiter! The surrounding stories of the hotel, where she works, and the various characters that come into her life are well developed and add much to the story. Her struggle to succeed, and some day be free of servitude and have her own business have given this film its unique perspective. The fact that she has to dress and act like a man to succeed reveal a lot about this time of our history. An excellent story, well told, perfectly acted, beautiful photography and costumes. Well worth the time to watch.