Cinthia's Movie Corner

"A Good Woman" (2005) - Drama

Rating: PG

Starring: Helen Hunt, Scarlett Johansson, Stephen Campbell Moore

Rating: 4.5 stars

This beautifully made film is definitely a must-see because of its wonderful cast, great cinematography, and brilliant story that proves how timeless Oscar Wilde can be. The phenomenal Helen Hunt plays a serial gold-digger who, after exhausting her prospects inside New York's high society husbands, decides to try her luck with the rich married men in Italy. She seems to set her sights on a young and prosperous American businessman, who’s equally young, beautiful and innocent wife (played exquisitely by Johansson) will be unexpectedly thrown amidst volatile and emotionally charged social situations. Wilde once more explores the ever-present themes of how common sense and the gift of rising above pre-conceptions are the only weapons against narrow mindedness. We are shown how important it is to never judge books by their covers, and how the truth can be elusive to those blinded by prejudice. This is also a tale of second chances, and the ability to make the right choices.

"First to Die" (2003) - Thriller/Mystery

Rating: R

Starring: Tracy Pollan, Gil Bellows, Carly Pope.

Rating: 4 stars

This written for TV thriller based on the novel by James Patterson, follows competent detective Lindsay Boxer (Pollan) as she starts investigating a series of violent murders where the victims are all newlyweds - killed on their honeymoons! As Lindsay tries to put the pieces of the complicated case together, she must try and work cooperatively with a partner she gets assigned with (Bellows). On top of all that, the clock starts ticking not only on the case, but for Lindsay as well when she's diagnosed with a life threatening disease. Fast paced, with interesting crime twists much in the tradition of the "CSI" series, this is a very entertaining movie shot in the gorgeous Vancouver area of British Columbia. The characters are very real and the story keeps you guessing until the end. Well worth it.

"The Mistress of Spices" (2006) - Romance/Fantasy

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Aishwarya Rai, Dylan McDermott, Nitin Ganatra.

Rating: 5 stars

For me it is always hard to answer the question: "What is your favorite movie?" I have at least 100 favorite movies! Another difficult one is: "Who do you think is the most beautiful woman in the world?" But after watching "The Mistress of Spices" I am equipped to answer that; in my opinion the most beautiful woman in the world is one of India's biggest stars: Aishwarya Rai. Not only is she a fantastic actress, but she's also a creature of ethereal, surreal beauty. Matching her with Dylan McDermott for this film was a very intelligent move: he is indeed quite a sight and when both of them are together on the screen it's like an explosion of good looks that will either make you ravenously jealous or totally exhilarated (hopefully you'll feel the latter, as I did). This beautiful, mystical fairy tale tells the story of Tilo, a girl with a special gift. She is adopted by the "Head Mistress of Spices" and learns an ancient, magical art of communing with spices in order to spread ailment and well being to people all around the world. Upon completing her training, she vows to dedicate her life to the service of others, and is then sent to San Francisco where she resides at and operates the "Spice Bazaar". Through the shop's doors a myriad of interesting characters - with a variety of needs and worries - enter Tilo's magical world and she gives them comfort, peace of mind, and spiritual protection - all through the use of different spices and their natural powers. Everything is orderly in Tilo's life until the unexpected happens: love comes knocking in the form of a handsome (and oh, is he ever!) American architect. But love is forbidden for a Mistress of Spices. Tilo must face a difficult choice: keep her vow of living a selfless life, or give in to an amazing new and powerful feeling, filled with the promises of a future of brightness and love. With a delightful cast of characters and great screenplay by the wonderful Gurinder Chadha (who directed "Bend it Like Beckham" and "Bride and Prejudice" - two other movies I highly recommend), this enchanted fairy tale is a feast for all the true romantics out there.

"Miss Potter" (2007) - Biography/Drama

Rating: PG

Starring: Reneé Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, Emily Watson.

Rating: 5 stars

I have always known Beatrix Potter to be a gifted children's author - after all, who in the world is not acquainted with "The Tale of Peter Rabbit"? But what I didn't know and found out after watching this masterpiece, is that she was also a superb artist, a woman decades ahead of her time, an environmentalist, and someone who truly left her mark on the world. Fantastically portrayed by the ever incredible Reneé Zellweger, the movie follows Beatrix from childhood as she begins to create the characters and stories that remain to this day as beloved as when they were first published. There are bits of magical animation throughout the movie, bringing the author's creations to life. Potter possessed an unbelievable sense of artistry and was an independent spirit that marched to the beat of her own drum (despite her mother's continuous attempts to put down her daughter's talent). The shackles of a woman's predetermined role in the society of the time were not strong enough to keep her from asserting her independence and living her life to its full glorious potential - quite a feat for a female born back then. Ewan McGregor plays Potter's first publisher and the man who wins her heart - and he is perfect as always. Potter's legacy extends to more than the literary and artistic fields: after purchasing her farm (the famous "Hill Top") in the stunning Lake District, she put a stop to out-of-control development by subsequently buying other farms around her - as they went up for sale - thus helping preserve the natural beauty of the region. In her will, Beatrix left 4,000 acres of unspoiled, preserved Lake District land to the British National Trust (the largest land donation ever made to that organization). It is there still, a living legacy to the memory of a most extraordinary human being. "Miss Potter" is by all means a must-see.

"Breach" (2007) - Thriller

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe, Laura Linney.

Rating: 4.3 stars

This very classy thriller tells the unbelievable true story of the capture of Robert Hanssen - the man responsible for the biggest security breach in the history of the United States. Ryan Phillippe plays an FBI rookie who is brought in as an assistant to Hanssen (brilliant interpretation by Chris Cooper); but his real mission is to help the Bureau gather enough evidence to grab Hanssen. One of the most amazing aspects of the movie - aside from the wonderful job of all the actors involved - is that this was a true story. You become the witness of a intense game of cat-and-mouse, as the "good guys" work to put a stop to the worst double agent in our history. I really liked the fact that the movie does not patronize the audience by giving you totally digested answers as to why Hanssen has done it; instead, you have to peel the layers of lies to reach the truth which is in there. You go on this journey side by side with Phillippe's character, as he slowly plunges into the disturbed mind of his boss. One of my favorite things about this movie was to see how Hanssen's true colors emerge for all to see. Here was a man considered an exemplary husband and father; he was also an avid church goers, full of judgment and righteousness towards those who did not share his faith and beliefs. And yet, behind the facade, laid a twisted being, with an immeasurable inferiority complex, capable of boundless betrayal and deceit.

"Ladies in Lavender" (2004) - Drama

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Natascha McElhone.

Rating: 5 stars

In this gem of a film, the quiet and uneventful existence of two elderly sisters (Dench and Smith) is changed forever when they find a young man unconscious on the beach by their Cornwall house. While nursing the charming foreigner back to health, their lives become entwined as they piece together the mystery of his identity, and the tapestry of their personal destinies combines to create a final, beautiful work of art. Judi Dench and Maggie Smith are undoubtedly two giants of British cinema, and their interpretations are the very portrait of perfection. Daniel Bruhl plays the young man awash on the shore, and he is brilliant with a superb combination of soulfulness and boyish charm. Each and every actor is perfectly cast, and the movie is an ethereal experience, with breathtaking vistas of gorgeous Cornwall. This utterly sensitive story portrays the richness that is found in the sheer simplicity of life: that each one of us in connected in a sublime collection of interwoven paths, all leading to an essential purpose.

"Sahara" (2005) - Action/Adventure

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Penelope Cruz, Steve Zahn

Rating: 3.5 stars

Follow treasure hunter/adventurer Dirk Pitt (dashing eye-candy McConaughey) as he explores desolate regions of West Africa in search of a American Civil War battleship which disappeared without a trace. This is an entertaining Indiana-Jones-meets-James-Bond type of adventure with a good dose of action and humor to keep things light. The beautiful Penelope Cruz plays a doctor investigating a mysterious epidemic, and when her path crosses with Dirk's search for the missing battleship, sparks are sure to fly. Zahn fills the role of funny/clumsy sidekick. A fun movie that will entertain but not excite.

"The Woman in White" (1997) - Mystery

Rating: NR

Starring: Tara Fitzgerald, Justine Waddell, Andrew Lincoln

Rating: 5 stars

Based on the gothic Victorian novel by Wilkie Collins (a contemporary of Dickens), "The Woman in White" tells the story of Laura and Marian, two half sisters plunged in the center of a dark plot. The recently married Laura begins to suspect that her husband is not the man she thought he was; as sinister forces threaten to engulf her in tragedy, her only ally and hope is her beloved sister Marian. But can two unprotected women escape a deadly fate? And who is the mysterious woman in white who crosses their path repeatedly, only to then disappear without a trace? This fantastic movie was featured as an episode of "Masterpiece Theater" in 1997. This intense, dark tale will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you follow Marian and Laura through a dangerous journey in which unspeakable evil lurks at every corner, and hope seems but an faint light in the distance, shrouded in dark, unforgiving secrets.

"Open Season" (2006) - Children & Family

Rating: PG

Starring the voices of: Martin Lawrence, Ashton Kutcher, Gary Sinise

Rating: 3.5

In this very funny, digitally animated movie, a "domesticated" bear (Lawrence) is returned to the wild three days before the dreaded "open season". He wants to find his way back to civilization and recruits the help of a clumsy, hilarious one antlered deer (Kutcher). A gallery of funny forest animals cross their path and provide a series of comical situations and escapades. Billy Connolly, Debra Messing and Jon Favreau also lend their voices to the movie. Pretty funny and highly entertaining.

"Stardust" (2007) - Fantasy Adventure

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Charlie Cox, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes

Rating: 4.7 stars

* This movie is in theaters now

This awesome movie made me think of "The Princess Bride", because it is a combination of a fairy tale and highly intelligent, unexpected humor. Tristan (adorable Charlie Cox) is a young man who goes in search of a fallen star as a gift to his beloved. He crosses a mysterious wall that borders his English village and is plunged into a world of fantasy, unicorns, evil witches, flying pirates and perverse kings. The star studded cast brings even more enchantment to this very original tale: Michelle Pfeiffer is amazing as a horrible witch, Claire Danes is the perfect choice to play the fallen star, and Robert de Niro steals the show playing a pirate with a secret. The special effects are dazzling, but they do not obscure the surprisingly clever plot. At the same time, this movie will have you roaring with laughter with a series of brilliant and quirky twists that keep the story from being yet another predictable fairy tale. I was truly - and happily - surprised at how much I loved "Stardust".

"My Geisha" (1962) Classic/Comedy

Rating: NR

Starring: Shirley MacLaine, Yves Montand, Edward G. Robinson

Rating: 4 stars

In this great movie directed by Jack Cardiff and nominated for an Oscar for "Best Costume", Shirley MacLaine plays Lucy Dell a famous actress determined to play the lead yet again in her director husband's (played by the wonderful Yves Montand) upcoming movie. The problem is that the leading lady must be Japanese, as the movie will be a big screen version of "Madame Butterfly". With help from her friend and agent, brilliantly played by Edward G. Robinson, she transforms herself into Yoko Mori, a shy geisha who gets the role of a lifetime. And let me tell you: if I didn't know it was Shirley MacLaine I wouldn't have recognized her! But as she gets more into her character and deeper into the trap of her lie, what will be the price for Lucy's disguise? With a beautiful cinematography, perfect interpretations, and some hilarious moments (especially when MacLaine speaks her own brand of Japanese!), this movie is a real joy to watch. The film also deals with the delicate balance that is a marriage: a partnership that requires a great deal of sacrifice sometimes, not to mention compromise, and loads of patient; but a partnership nevertheless - one that can survive and triumph with the power of true love.

"Blind Side" (1993) - Thriller

Rating: R

Starring: Rutger Hauer, Rebecca de Mornay, Ron Silver

Rating: 2.8 stars

Will the truth set you free? I think most definitely the answer is: yes. This is the central question faced by two of the main characters in this movie (played by de Mornay and Silver). A couple on their way back to the States from Mexico accidentally hits and kills a cop. After briefly grappling with the ramifications of what happened, they decide to leave the corpse down on a ditch where he fell; the road is remote, the night is dark, so they are convinced no one saw what happened. It was an accident, after all. Back in California they try to resume normal life while dealing with remorse and fear, until a stranger comes knocking on their door. It seems that they were not alone on that deserted Mexico road after all...Sounds pretty exciting, right? But although the plot is quite enticing, the director fails to let it live to its potential. Although Hauer and de Mornay are very good (I thought Silver didn't quite measure up), the attempt to overflow the film with grittiness and despair ends up getting to your nerves a bit. After watching it I felt as if I've eaten too big a meal, and was being assailed by severe indigestion (plus a persistent need to shower). A would summarize this one as a waste of a good story idea.

"The Messengers" (2007) - Supernatural Horror

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Dylan McDermott, Penelope Ann Miller

Rating: 4.5 stars

Masterfully directed by top notch Hong Kong directors: the brothers Pang (twins Oxide and Danny Pang), "The Messengers" (their fist American movie) delivers a fantastic story with the classic elements that make this genre my absolute favorite, plus surprises that will keep you glued to the screen until the very end. Follow a family of four as they move into a run down (creepy as hell) farm in North Dakota to start anew. Their lives are turned upside down as their teenage daughter - the awesome budding star Kristen Stewart previously seen in "Panic Room" and "Zathura" - starts suspecting that something not of this world is living in the house as well. What I loved about this movie is that it does take you on a thrilling scary ride, full of bumps, and screams, but it also has a unique and well-structured story with compelling characters. Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan are the birthplaces of the masters of a new brand of "horror" movies: not the brainless slashers, full of violence for violence's sake, but stories that will scary you out of your skin without dropping a single drop of fake blood on screen. It's easy to create a disgusting maniac and give him a chainsaw, but it takes a real director to really stir fear in you by toying with the unseen. You will notice this new and brilliant brand of scary movie in the unique camera angles, the significant contrast between light and dark, how each color has meaning as if in a painting, and the depth of the plot. If, like me, you enjoyed movies like "The Others" and "The Ring", this is a must-see for your list. On a lighter note, I simply loved the mega-adorable toddler twins who play Stewart's little brother (Evan and Theodore Turner). All in all, a great movie.

"Better Off Dead" (1985) - Comedy

Rating: PG

Starring: John Cusack, David Ogden Stiers, Kim Darby

Rating: 3 stars

Although definitely not of the same caliber as classics like "Pretty in Pink", "Sixteen Candles" or "The Breakfast Club", here's another funny example of the popular teen angst films of the 80s. Cusack plays a high school student slightly obsessed with his beautiful, self-centered girlfriend, who ends up unceremoniously dumping him for a ski jock. Cusack's character is then torn between trying to get her back, and devising elaborate ways to kill himself. You must be in the mood for unbridled silliness in order to enjoy this one. The story is in no way anchored to reality, but it does offer several opportunities for a good chuckle. Cusack is always great, no matter what, and it's fun to see him in his teenage years. The plot is extremely simplistic and predictable, and one of the best things about it is the psycho paper boy who chases John C. throughout the movie, trying to collect his "two dollar" fee.

"If a Man Answers" (1962) - Comedy

Rating: NR

Starring: Sandra Dee, Bobby Darin, Micheline Presle

Rating: 3 stars

If you like 60s comedies in the tradition of the Doris Day/Rock Hudson flicks of that era, then this movie is for you. The ever-adorable Sandra Dee plays a newly wed who sets out to "train" her husband and mold him into the perfect mate. Don't expect anything serious, but if you enjoy just sitting down for a bit of a "fluff" comedy (like I do from time to time), then by all means include this one in your "to view" list. The movie is entertaining as it is silly: revisiting the 60s idea of the woman's role in a marriage - and the man's for that matter - is always a good source of amusement (and a healthy reminder of how far we've come). I enjoyed watching Ms. Day's wonderful wardrobe and accessories - most of the clothes and jewelry are totally perfect for today, which proves that fashion does indeed move in large, revivalist circles. You will be surprised to find a very young Stephanie Powers playing the temptress role (quite a contrast to her much later "Heart to Heart" role). Also, the quirky animation in the beginning is quite fun.

"Anatomy of a Murder" (1959) - Drama

Rating: UR (unrated)

Starring: James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazarra.

Rating: 3.7 stars

Nominated for 7 Oscars, here's another sample of James Stewart's eternal awesomeness. Why then, you might ask, have I chosen to give it less than 4 stars? Although this compelling courtroom drama with superb acting keeps you guessing, it delivers a pretty weak punch in the end, by today's standards. Some movies will forever retain their brilliancy and audiences of today will still be awed as yesterday's audiences were; but other films are not equipped to survive their journey through time. In 1959, "Anatomy of a Murder" was the top notch legal drama of all time, offering a view into a world not yet familiar to movie audiences. Since the appearance of courtroom gems like "The Verdict" (with Paul Newman), the genre has become ultra exciting, with plots offering the most unimaginable twists, leaving you gasping and exhilarated in the end (witness "Presumed Innocent", with Harrison Ford, and "Primal Fear", with Richard Gere). So, although this movie was the predecessor of all those exciting ones that sprung forth from its seed, the lukewarm ending leaves you slightly put out. Stewart plays a somewhat washed-up lawyer who defends a soldier accused of murdering the man who raped this wife. The concept of "temporary insanity" was still a new thing, and spectators back then must've been quite fascinated as the movie explains what it means. The film keeps it interesting as Stewart's character finds that things are not as black and white as they seem. All the actors deliver fantastic interpretations and I still recommend you watch it because of the significance of the film, and how it helped influence others that came later; but don't expect a thrill at the end. The most thrilling thing about it is the acting - especially by Master Stewart.

"Hollywoodland" (2006) - Drama

Rating: R

Starring: Ben Affleck, Diane Lane, Adrien Brody

Rating: 2 stars

If it wasn't for the great acting job of all the actors involved (no surprise especially with the three leading ones), I would've given this movie less than two stars. The film focus on the death of the first man to play Superman (played by Ben Affleck), actor George Reeves (interesting coincidence that his last name resembles another more famous actor who played a more immortal version of the hero: the late and sorely missed Christopher Reeve). The circumstances surrounding Reeves death - which was believed to be a suicide - point into another direction. Adrien Brody plays the investigator that doesn't swallow the suicide story, and Diane Lane is excellent as Reeves' obsessed, "Lady-Macbethian" lover. Sounds interesting, doesn't it? But the story falls very short of intriguing the spectator. You start from point "A" hoping for an exciting journey to "B", filled with pieces of the puzzle that hopefully you will put together as Brody continues his investigation, and at the end you realize that the train never left the station and you are still stationary on "A". I failed to see the point in the whole thing and was left with a feeling of having wasted my time. You get an insight into the sad life of Reeves who was very much a victim of things beyond his control (but who also lacked the kind of talent that for example, enabled Christopher Reeve to soar above the imprisonment of type-casting), but that's about it. There are other, numerous brilliant movies with these three excellent actors so I recommend you do not waste your time with this one.

"The Ron Clark Story" (2006) - Drama/Biography

Rating: NR

Starring: Matthew Perry, Hannah Hodson, Melissa de Sousa.

Rating: 5 stars

This brilliant true story follows amazing teacher Ron Clark (masterfully played by Matthew Perry) as he moves from the "safe" teaching environment of his home town, to one of Harlem's most notorious schools. Entering this harsh new world, Clark takes on a class of "forgotten" kids - the ones deemed hopeless cases. He then shows everyone - including the children - that with dedication and love anything can be accomplished. Just by believing in them, Clark is able to shine the light at the end of the tunnel showing that faith in another human being is a tremendous force, able to conquer poverty, ignorance and hopelessness. A beautiful movie that moves the spirit while showing how important teachers are in a child's life.

"Bridge to Terabithia" (2007) - Children & Family

Rating: PG

Starring: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel

Rating: 3 stars

From the much loved book by Katherine Paterson comes the story of two children who create a magical world that helps them cope with the difficult reality of their lives. Although you are left with the wish you could see more of Terabithia, the movie follows faithfully the objective of the book, which is to tell the story of the two friends and how their imagination helps them overcome their obstacles. The two leading young actors are excellent and the film is quite entertaining. The story doesn't quite go where you are hoping it will lead (especially in a children's movie), although it speaks of seeds of hope that will eventually bloom. I found it a bit too sad - as did my 10-year-old daughter who cried. Maybe I watched the movie hoping to be elated by an elaborate fantasy-filled story, and that's really not the case with this one. Still worth watching although I don't recommend it for children under 7 years of age.

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (2007) - Fantasy/Adventure

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint

Rating: 5 stars

*This movie is in theaters now

Yes, I am a fanatic fan of Harry Potter so that makes me a bit partial. But in all honesty, this is yet another brilliant movie in the boy wizard saga. Obviously, there was no way the director could include everything from the 5th book in the movie (it would've been a close to 5 hour long flick - although I wouldn't mind that), but the essential core of the story is there and intact, and is portrayed masterfully (as in all the previous Harry Potter movies). So, the first time I saw it (midnight show!) I did long for the lost parts of the story that did not make it to the big screen, but watching the movie for the second time (on IMAX!) you quickly get over that and are able to fully enjoy the wonderfulness of it all. But please don't get me wrong: you don't need to watch it twice to love it; this was just my personal experience - something coming from a die hard Harry Potter fan. The new characters that are introduced in this chapter of Harry's story were perfectly portrayed; notably Helena Boham Carter as the evil and creepy Bellatrix Lestrange, Imelda Staunton brilliant as the horrific Dolores Umbridge and Evanna Lynch a revelation as Luna Lovegood. Throughout the whole thing I was struck with the vivid impression that the book I read awhile ago was coming to life right before my eyes. What a precious and rare feeling that is! I highly recommend you watch this movie on IMAX: the heightened experience is priceless. The advantages are many: the obvious enormity of the screen, the extreme high quality picture and sound, and the fact that (at least at the Air and Space Museum in Virginia, where I saw it) they do not sell snacks so that the theater was spotless. For one more dollar than the price of a regular ticket, it's pretty worth it. I'm definitely planning to watch it yet one more time, so it's safe to say that I totally recommend this much awaited/anticipated film.

"Catch and Release" (2006) - Drama

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Jennifer Garner, Timothy Olyphant, Juliette Lewis

2.8 stars

Despite Jennifer Garner's beautiful sunny face, this movie does not shine. Garner plays a woman dealing with the death of her fiancée right before their wedding; but even more difficult than that is finding out she did not know everything about the man she was going to marry. Garner is always great and her wonderful performance is matched by an equally wonderful one from Juliette Lewis (another actress who consistently delivers). The male leads play more of a background role (whether or not that was the director's intention). There is nothing really remarkable about the story, and the characters' journey fails to really move or stir you. The message that hope remains alive throughout life's ups and downs is not conveyed in an efficient or memorable way. Mildly entertaining, but quite mediocre.

"1408" (2007) - Suspense/Horror

"Sicko" (2007) - Documentary
Rated: PG-13
By: Michael Moore

"The Hunted", (2003) - Action
Rated: R
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Benicio del Toro, Connie Nielsen

Rating: 3 stars

Directed by William Friedkin - he of "The Exorcist" fame - this action/thriller fails to enrapture. If it wasn't for the great performance of the lead actors (who never disappoint), I would have given it 2 stars. Throughout the movie I had the impression I was watching one of those "Amazing Police Videos" shows, but with really good actors. At the end you are left with an "is-that-it?" feeling. Beware of trying to find what the whole point of the film was: it'll be a fruitless search. Although not a total disaster, you can certainly watch this one while folding the laundry.

"Under the Greenwood Tree" (2006) - Romance

(NR - Not Rated)

Starring: Keeley Hawes, James Murray, Steve Pemberton.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Based on the novel by Thomas Hardy, this excellent BBC production will transport you back in time to a bucolic English village where Fancy Day (played beautifully by Keeley Hawes) arrives to become the new schoolteacher and to take care of her ailing father. Three potential suitors soon emerge to try and court her, and Fancy must discover by herself that true love is more than material riches, social status, or family obligations: love is something that comes from the realm of the heart. This movie is a joy to watch and it plays to the senses like a carefully and lovingly written lullaby. It bears the unmistakable high quality of all BBC productions. I definitely recommend you watch this film especially after a particularly hard day - let the sublimely peaceful shadow of the greenwood tree tug at your heart strings and awaken the romantic in you.

Coming next: "The Hunted"

"Charlotte's Web" (2006) - Children & Family

Starring: Dakota Fanning, Essie Davis, Gary Basaraba. And the voices of: Julia Roberts, Dominic Scott Kay, Steve Buscemi.

Rating: G

Rating: 5 Stars

Yes, I'm a sucker for children's movies, but I'm also a tough critic when it comes to flicks for the little people. I usually look for message, quality, entertaining and educational value and the overall seriousness of the people involved in making the movie. Just because it's a movie for children, doesn't mean corners can be cut and the audience should leave the theater short changed. E.B. White's timeless tale about the importance and beauty of friendship comes alive masterfully in this first non-animated version of "Charlotte's Web". Dakota Fanning proves yet again what an accomplished actress she is and I dearly hope she stays with us on the silver screen for a long, long time. I only mentioned above three of the famous actors who lent their voices for this great project, but there's a whole galaxy of other stars who provided the voice for all the animals in the barn: Ophrah Winfrey, Cedric the Entertainer, John Cleese, Kathy Bates, Reba MacIntire, Robert Redford, Thomas Hayden Church, Andre Benjamin. Julia Roberts infuses the kind and yes, adorable (they manage to make a spider adorable!) Charlotte with a melodious voice that speaks of promises kept and enduring love (and yes, I did cry when Charlotte passes away: I dare you not to!). Dominic Scott Kay as the voice of Wilbur the pig is just brilliant and you want to take him home with you. The movie is entertaining and beautifully made. The filmmakers' dedication for this project comes through as you watch a tale about ordinary creatures transformed by the extraordinary power of love. Make sure you watch all the segments in the "Special Features" portion of the disc to see how they created Fern's farm, used real and digital animals, and how much fun was for the actors who performed the creatures' voices.

Next movie: "Under the Greenwood Tree".

Greetings!

Here's another edition of "Cinthia's Movie Reviews". I just finished watching "Deja Vu" and here's the scoop:

"Deja Vu" (2006) - PG-13, Action Adventure

Starring: Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer and Paula Patton

Rating: 5 stars

I was anxious to watch this one because I had a really good feeling about it - plus the fact that I adore Denzel Washington - and not only it didn't disappoint me, it was a stunner. The story is totally surprising and I cannot reveal anything about it so as not to ruin it for you guys. The performances are great (Denzel is always amazing) especially by stunning leading lady Paula Patton (a dead ringer for Halle Berry). This thriller - directed by edge-of-your-seat director Tony Scott - keeps you guessing until the end: a refreshing thing in a time where plot predictability makes us all think we might be endowed with a degree of psychic powers. You'll be hanging on for dear life as Mr. Scott takes you on a wild ride featuring raw and edgy camera angles and gripping cinematography.

Hugs,
Cinthia :)

I had an idea that was inspired by my brothers. In my family we’re all hard core movie fanatics (as most of you already know), and we all worship at the altar of Netflix. :) My brother Andre and I often exchange reviews of the movies we've seen, and also recommend titles to each other; the same also happens with my other brother Henry. So I thought it would be nice to review the movies I'm watching through Netflix and share this with you guys. I LOVE to talk, write about movies, so I know it'll be very therapeutic for me. So, you can count on me for an additional service other than your much cherished (right??!) "quote-of-the-week". "Cinthia's Movie Reviews" start right now! The ratings go as follow:

1 star: "hated it"

2 stars: "didn't like it"

3 stars: "liked it"

4 stars: "really liked it"

5 stars: "loved it"

The last two movies I watched were (and you'll get a chuckle): "Possessed" and "Saved!" - yes, in that order! :)

"Possessed" (1947) - Classics

Joan Crawford, Van Heflin, Raymond Massey

Rating: 3 stars

This drama/mystery was quite entertaining and Joan Crawford delivered a great performance - as usual. After all, "Mommy Dearest" can play a disturbed woman second to none - perhaps only to Bette Davis. Van Heflin is also very good as her no good, detached love interest (more like obsession interest, actually). In a way this was a mild precursor to the "Fatal Attraction" movies of today. Entertaining and interesting, but don't expect Hitchcokian thrills.

"Saved!" (2004) - Comedy

Jena Malone, Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin

Rating: 5 stars

I thought this was a delightful and super intelligent comedy that pokes fun at religious fanaticism, and at the same time offers an accurate and disturbing portrait of how some people get so entangled in misconceptions of their faith, that the sublime becomes ridiculous, and the spiritual becomes an excuse for prejudice and intolerance. The movie has a great cast of established young actors (and Mary Louise Parker is great playing Jena Malone's mother); Macaulay Culkin gives a wonderful performance showing that he should pursue - or be given - more opportunities in other movies. This is the type of movie that makes you laugh and also is provocative in the way that it shows how disturbing close mindedness can be.

Hope you enjoy these reviews. More to come! Feel free to ask me about any movies you might be thinking of watching, if you would like a recommendation. I currently have rated more than 3,000 titles at Netflix. Until next time!

Hugs,

Cinthia :)