Nine

— It’s hard to imagine anyone who grew up watching Fellini movies not being intrigued by “Nine”. Rob Marshall knows how to ooze pizzaz, but I wonder about the women in his life. The music doesn’t hold a candle to “Chicago” but the cast does & the “look” is wonderful. Probably more scenes with lingerie than you’ll find in any other mainstream film. More interesting than expected, but not sure it achieved what was intended.

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[2009. 119 min. Directed Rob Marshall. Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penolope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, and Sophia Loren.]

The Blind Side

— Went to see "The Blind Side". Perfect for a cold, end-of-a-three-day-weekend afternoon with slightly slick roads. Nice to feel good sometimes!

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[2009. 129 min. Directed John Lee Hancock. Starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, an Jae Head.]

Sherlock Holmes

— saw "Sherlock Holmes" today. Robert Downey, Jr. & Jude Law are both really good (they almost always are), but there are a lot of other films out there worth seeing first.

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[2009. 128 min. Directed Guy Ritchie. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams.]

Avitar

— Back from "Avitar". Cameron sure knows how to tell a story. Can't believe how involved I was. And how entertained.

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[2009. 162 min. Directed James Cameron. Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang.]

The Road

— “The Road” was a very interesting look at a father trying to preserve an outmoded sense of right and wrong while moving among the few survivors of a cataclysmic event. Vigo Mortensen's performance is outstanding. A rather bleak tale, but then again, what else would we expect from Cormac McCarthy. Oddly, some of the images are also very beautiful in a world with no sun and very little color.

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[2009. 111 min. Directed John Hillcoat. Starring Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, and Kodi Smit-McPhee.]

The Messenger

— “The Messenger” is certainly not uplifting and nothing like Vietnam era films, but did a great job. The first half dragged for me and I certainly was happy to make it through the first hour and move into less subtle plot development. Great acting.

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[2009. 113 min. Directed Oren Moverman. Starring Ben Foster, Samantha Morton, and Woody Harrelson.]

Invictus

— Clint never disappoints me, rousing some part of me that needs to be touched every now and then so I know that forgiveness and reconciliation really are possible, and not just on a personal for on a group level. “Invictus” is also a good look at leadership done right, and a reminder not to strive for tolerance when acceptance is possible.

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[2009. 134 min. Directed Clint Eastwood. Starring Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, and Tony Kgoroge.]

An Education

— "An Education" is a touching first love story with great acting. There's really nothing like inexperience to drive a plot!

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[2009. 100 min. Directed Lone Scherfig. Starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, and Alfred Molina.]