Cinthia's Movie Corner

"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.