Austenland

Jane Hayes is so taken with Jane Austen's novels that she decides to splurge on a trip to an English resort that caters to Austen fans.  But when the authentic period romance Jane was promised proves unacceptable, she acts to alter her fate.  So corny  that it is really funny.  The characters are totally unrealistic and over the top in humor.  I give it a 7.  Go to the theater because it is more fun with lots of people laughing.  Stars Keri Russell, J.J. Field and Jenifer Coolidge.

In A World

Vocal coach Carol Solomon lives in the shadow of her father Sam, Hollywood's go to movie trailer voice, as she tries to break into the field herself.  Aided by her sister and sound whiz friend, Carol jumps into an unexpected strange new career.  Very entertaining but not academy award material.  The feminist angle and support for women getting ahead makes you want to cheer.  I give it a 6.  Stars Lake Bell, Fred Melamed, Geena Davis, and Demetri Martin.

Lee Daniels The Butler

Forest Whitaker delivers a powerful performance as Cecil Gaines, who served as the White House butler under eight presidents.  His three decades of service unfold against a backdrop of unparalleled  change in civil rights and American history.  The black cast gives superb performances.  The eight presidents (except for Robin Williams) and their first ladies, not so much.  I am giving a prize to the person that can identify which parts Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave played.  Half way into the movie, I was ready to leave and join the 50th Anniversary of the March on DC which was taking place at the same time.  But I stayed and enjoyed the movie.  I give it an eight.  It stars Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding Jr, Terrance Howard, Robin Williams and Vanessa Redgrave.  This only a selection of the stars. 

Jobs

Ashton Kutcher delivers a tour de force performance as Apple founder Steve Jobs in this biopic that spans three decades of the entrepreneur's life.  The story follows Jobs from the obscurity of a Palo Alto garage to global fame as a technology icon.  Kutcher knocked my socks off with his performance.  Steve Jobs as this self made man also threw me for a loop.  The story of his life is overwhelming especially with all the ups and downs.  I give the movie a 9 and DON'T MISS THIS ONE rating.  Mud and Jobs are the movies of the 2013 so far.  Stars Ashton Kutcher; Dermot Mulroney; Josh Gad; Lesley Ann Warren.

The Spectacular Now

When high school loner Aimee Finicky finds her classmate Sutter Keely passed-out drunk on her lawn, it marks the start of an unlikely friendship.  After deciding to help Aimee raise her social confidence, Sutter finds himself falling for his creation.  More of a movie about teen alcoholism than relationships with a touch of  bad parenting.  Aimee is the normal studious good kid and good old Sutter is the ultimate bad influence.   I would never allow a teen of mine to see this one.  I give it a 3.  Stars Miles Teller; Shailene Woodley and Brie Larson.

2 Guns

Two special agents-one Naval Intelligence, one DEA-partner for an undercover sting against a drug cartel that takes a serious wrong turn.  Disavowed by their agencies, the pair goes on the run while trying to find out who set them up.  Totally a guys movie with lots of action and no weepy relationship stuff.  It was just plain fun.  I give it a 7.  Stars Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg.

Man of Steel

In another revival of the Superman legend, reporter Clark Kent must keep his alien origins and fantastic powers hidden from the world.  But when Kryptonian General Zod plans to destroy Earth, the Man of Steel springs into action.  Bring your ear plugs to this movie because it is very loud.  But it is also disjointed going from the past to present.  And it is very long to the point you are saying enough already just kiss the girl and get on with it.  I give it a 5 and say save it for DVD.  I liked Christopher Reeves better in the staring role.  Stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russel Crowe.

Starbuck/ Delivery Man ????

In 2011 there was a French film called Starbuck.  The story line is a 40 something slacker's life is turned upside down when he learns that his many sperm donations have resulted in more than 500 children--100 of whom are now suing to meet their father, who is desperate to keep his identity a secret.  The movie stars Patrick Huard, Julie LeBreten and Antonio Bertard.  The movie only played two weeks at Shirlington but I got it on DVD.  I was shocked to see a preview today  of a movie call "Delivery Man" which has the exact same plot.  This movie stars Vince Vaughn and is set in the USA and not France but the script is exactly the same.  Delivery Man opens November 2013.  The French version was very good.  The mystery is what hanky panky is going on in Hollywood?   It can't even be considered a remake because of the quick time lapse.  If I was the French film maker and cast, I would take legal actions.

 

We're The Millers

When a small time pot dealer gets mugged, he needs to find a way to pay back his supplier.  Agreeing to smuggle in a major stash from Mexico, he rounds up a fake family to act as his cover, and they head for the border in an RV.  Very funny and entertaining movie so I give it a 7.  Jennifer is still better than Brad in the movie business.  Her stripe tease dance is great.  Stars Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts and Will Poulter.

Blue Jasmine

The high life leads to high anxiety for a fashionable New York City homemaker who loses everything and is forced to live a more modest lifestyle in San Francisco. Cate Blanchett give a memorable performance as the wife in crisis and on the edge of a total mental breakdown.  I give it a seven.  Stars Alec Baldwin, Cate Blanchett, Sally Hawkings.
 

The Lone Ranger

In this reboot of the 1950's television series, Native American Tonto rescues wounded lawman John Reid  and restores him to health, thus creating an often contentious but effective partnership as they attempt to rid the old west of corruption.  Panned by the critics but really hilarious if you have any sense of humor.  I will keep this on my DVD list because I missed so many funny lines while I was holding my sides laughing.  I give it an 8.  Don't miss it.  Stars Johnny Depp, Arnie Hammer, Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Wilkinson.

Still Mine

His home in disrepair, elderly farmer Craig Morrison must build a better shelter for his wife, whose health is deteriorating rapidly.  He faces the wrath of an overzealous government inspector but refuses to back down.  Very realistically done movie with great acting.  I give it an 8 and a punch to the picky inspector.  Stars James Cromwell, Genevieve Bujold, Campbell Scott and Julie Stewart.