Cinthia's Movie Corner

My brother and blogmaster Andre, had a great idea: he made a list of the movies I reviewed in this blog in 2007 that received 5 stars and asked me to rate them to find the supreme winners from the list of last year's best. So here they are: coincidentally there were 10 movies that received the maximum rating. I start with number one being the best of these 10 in my opinion - and will provide a brief commentary as to why. Enjoy!

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

Sorry guys: I'm a die hard Potter fan. Of course that would be on the top of the list...

2. "Miss Potter" (2007) - Biography/Drama

This one gets the number "2" spot for its perfection and beauty in telling the true life story of a remarkable human being.

3. "Sicko" (2007) - Documentary

Because this movie is a must-see for all Americans. And because patriotism, like the bumper sticker says, is not blind faith in bad leadership.

4. "Ladies in Lavender" (2004) - Drama

For its idyllic beauty and poetry, revealing the music inside the human heart.

5. "Deja Vu" (2006) - Action/Adventure

For its unpredictability, unique and original story that grips you until the end. Originality is so rare these days in Hollywood...

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

Because of its inspirational message that just by caring you can change a young person's life.

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

Because I'm a hopeless romantic who adores stories of people from different cultures/backgrounds that are united by the all-powerful force of Love.

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

For its ability to bring a smile to young and old alike, and the loving way in which this classic story was brought to life.

9. "The Woman in White" (1997) - Mystery

Because of its gripping and suspenseful story that survived the test of time.

10. "Saved!" (2004) - Comedy

For its super intelligent humor, and superb social and religious commentary.

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Rhys Ifams, Miranda Otto, Justine Clarke.

Rating: 5 stars

Danny, an Australian truck driver, is constantly thinking of innovative ways of escaping his drab life. Subconsciously, he needs a second chance: an opportunity to reinvent himself, to awaken the real Danny that has been suffocated by the mundane reality around him. So, he comes up with a unique plan: he ties several huge, helium filled balloons to a patio chair and off into the blue he goes! A thunderstorm crash lands him in the beautifully bucolic town of Clarence where his sudden and bizarre arrival causes big excitement in the small town. Because no one knows who he is, Danny gets that much wished for "second chance" and proves to himself and all the others around him just how much soul was trapped inside. Meanwhile, back in Sidney, his girlfriend and the media go on a frantic search for him. Will his past, unfulfilled life finally come for him, or will Danny have the chance to find true love, and in the process find his true self? This brilliant, sensitive, funny and intelligent movie runs a bit like a fairy tale - choc full of insights on life, relationships and the pursuit of one's happiness. You might remember Ifams from "Notting Hill" where he played Hugh Grant's loopy roommate. In that movie you could never describe him as "good looking" (quite the opposite!); so it is really astounding to be totally charmed in this film by his, yes, good looks and sweetness. This total reinvention is the mark of a true actor and Ifams shines in this movie. Miranda Otto is beautiful and wonderful as always (you might remember her from the second and third movies of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy). All the actors in this film do a superb job. I highly recommend this movie for its genial simplicity, and its capacity to warm you heart and widen your view of life in general. May we all have the chance to go on a "flying deckchair trip" once in a while; who knows: our true selves might be just around the bend, waiting to be discovered.

Rating: Unrated
Starring: Sophia Loren, John Gavin, Maurice Chevalier

Rating: 2 stars

The only good thing about this movie - and the reason why I didn't give only 1 star - is the fabulousness of the eternal Sophia Loren. The whole thing seems to be just an excuse to parade the stunning star in gorgeous outfits. It pleases the eye like all works of art do, but this is suppose to be a movie. It tells the story of a "rebel" European princess who gets exiled into the country in order to avoid negative press due to her unique antics. She meets and falls for an American millionaire (always handsome Gavin), but then decides to embrace her role in the monarchy and return to court as a subdued version of herself. She is ready to agree to an arranged marriage to a Prussian prince, but the attractive American pops up again to remind her that she could be having much more fun instead. So could the audience...Even the genial Maurice Chevalier is tiring. One interesting thing: Angela Lansbury plays a bitchy countess intent on revealing the Princess' wild side to her future husband. Still, not interesting enough to make this a worth while film.

Rating: PG

Starring: Chris O'Neil, Rhiannon Leigh Wryn, Joely Richardson.

Rating: 4 stars

A very enjoyable, fast-paced, imaginative and unique movie. "The Last Mimzy" tells the story of two ordinary children who find an extraordinary toy, and their lives suddenly take a most unexpected turn. This movie is all about the true heroes that live inside each of us. Sometimes life present us with unbelievable situations that call for the "inside hero" to burst forth and do what's right - it doesn't always happen, but when it does it is truly spectacular. The brother and sister team who find the "last Mimzy" are presented with the opportunity to do something remarkable, so the question arises: will they? And can two children really take on a task with enormous ramifications? I don't want to give away anything else from the story, because an important part of enjoying this film is being surprised by each turn of the plot. Suffice to say that it's a movie that will grip young and old alike, with a message that bravery and determination will always keep hope alive.