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.]

Chéri

— “Chéri”, directed by Stephen Frears of “The Queen” & “Dangerous Liaisons” fame, is a wonderful period piece starring Michelle Pfeiffer, with scenes based on Colette’s novel unfolding slowly and deliciously. Felt more like a play than a film except for a large number of knowing glances. Both Pfeiffer and Kathy Bates are worth seeing.

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[2009. 86 min. Directed Stephen Frears. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Rupert Friend, and Kathy Bates.]

Inglourious Basterds

— Never much liked Quentin Tarantino's films even though I could admire the look. I must be the only person I know who didn't like "Pulp Fiction" and the "Kill Bills" were a yawn. But I loved "Inglourious Basterds". Graphic, but some gorgeous shots, great humor and acting, good writing. I'm so happy I gave it a chance!.

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[2009. 153 min. Directed Quentin Tarantino. Starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Melanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, and Michael Fassbender.]

Sunshine Cleaning

— I expected to like "Sunshine Cleaning". Too bad it worked so hard for an "indie" feel, did so little with a good premise, and had Alan Arkin doing his "Little Miss Sunshine" role again. Only Amy Adams seemed to have more than a single dimension to her role.

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[2008. 91 min. Directed Christine Jeffs. Starring Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, and Alan Arkin.]

Taking Woodstock
(and District 9)

— I have to wonder how much my age has to do with my enjoyment of “Taking Woodstock”. Some portions were unbelievably funny! Depicts a more "gay" sixties than I remember, but with the culture clash I do remember. A really interesting coming of age film with one of the pivotal points of a generation happening just a few fields away. (Also saw "District 9" - Great film!)

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[2009. 120 min. Directed Ang Lee. Starring Demetri Martin, Henry Goodman, Edward Hibbert, and Imelda Staunton.]