Robot & Frank

When he gets a robot caretaker to look after his house and keep him company, retired cat burglar Frank realizes it would make the perfect accomplice.  This movie is in the theaters now.  It stars Frank Langella and Peter Sarsgaard.  It deals with the onset of dementia and the effect on one's life and family.  There many humorous moments and you will find yourself rooting for Frank and the robot to accomplish their last big heist.  Especially recommend it for the over 50 crowd.

ParaNorman

When an army of zombies invades a small town, it is up to an odd local boy with a knack for communicating with the dead to save the day.  This animated film is in theaters now.  Animation was great and the grade school crowd howled with laughter.  Right up there with Casper the Friendly Ghost.    There were equally as many twenty somethings in the theater too and they weren't babysitting.  Stars Kodi Smit-McPhee and Tucker Albrizzi.    Your 3rd to 6th grader will love you for taking them.  Did I mention that it is in 3D?

Super 8

I don't remember hearing about this movie when it was in the theaters.  I saw this 2011 DVD and loved it.  I am not a big Sci-Fi fan but the kids were great.  A supernatural tale about six kids who witness something incredible while shooting a movie with their Super 8 camera.  J.J.  Abrams directs and Steven Spielberg does his thing.  Stars Joel Courtney and Kyle Chandler.  Interesting story line and great special effects.  Not too bloody and gory. 
 

Monte Carlo

2011 DVD that is the ultimate "chick flick".  Disappointed with their uninspired tour group in Paris, Emma (Katie Cassidy), Meg (Leighton Meester) and Grace (Selena Gomez) are swept into a breathtaking whirlwind of wealth, glamour and excess when one of the young friends is mistaken for a British heiress.  While the girls are whisked away to Monte Carlo and find themselves falling deeper into the lie, the alluringly extravagant lifestyle opens up new opportunities and unexpected romance.   A good bag of pop corm and your best girlfriend for this one.  Your significant other will hate you if you force him to watch.  The fashions are worth the tempid story line.

Farewell My Queen

As revolution threatens Louis XVI's reign, Marie Antoinette asks a lady in waiting to act as a decoy for her dear friend so she can escape unharmed.  The lady in waiting is her reader.  The dear friend is another noblewoman that Marie Antoinette is extremely fond of and admires in many ways.  At this point, one is not sure if the attraction is sexual and really only suggests and lets your imagination do the rest.  The movie is in the theaters now.  I initially ignored it since the subject is historical and we know the ending.  I am not particularly fond of seeing a queen get her head loped off.  While the Lady in Waiting (LIW) agrees to help, she begins to have second doubts about being used.  I didn't expect it to be good, but it was.  Great character portrayal of the servants of the court.  Who ever heard of a reader?  You do root for the underdog on this one.  Stars Lea Seydouy, Diane Kruyer, and Virginie Ledayen.

Friends With Kids

2011 DVD.  I missed the movie when it was in the theaters this spring.  Best friends Jason and Julie decide that the way to have kids without sacrificing their social lives or careers is to raise a child together platonically.  But romance and other complications interfere with their perfect plan.  Adam Scott and Jennifer Westfeldt star as the friends.  The movie kept my attention but the DVD format was the way to watch it.  They missed the main points of marriage and having children.  Sure there are hard times but they are out weighted by the good and great times.

Fast Five

Saw this movie in DVD format.  I would have enjoyed going to a theater to see it.  Vin Diesel and Paul Walker return for this fifth installment of the explosive Fast and Furious series.  Brian (Walker) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) break Dom (Diesel) out of prison and thy head to Brazil to put together a racing team to take on a drug dealer who wants to kill them.  At the same time, they have to elude the capture of uncompromising federal agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) who's been dispatched to Rio to take them down. Lots of action and a fairly good story line.  It kept my attention for two hours.  Definitely worth seeing.

The Campaign

In theaters now and rates a must see.  There is plenty of mud getting slung when an inexperienced contender backed by two plotting benefactors goes up against a long time North Carolina congressman in a ruthless battle to win a House of Representatives Congressional seat.  Living in DC, it really hits home on the ugly side of politics.  That said, the antics are really funny and not a serious moment to be had.  Sit back and enjoy some meaningless humor.  Stars Will Ferrell, Zack Galifiankis, Dan Aykroyd.  A long time since I have been in a packed theater.

Bellflower

This 2011 DVD rated the old "eject".  Even though it was a Canne Film Festival selection, it made no sense and lacked any shred of entertainment.

2 Days in Paris

I saw this 2007 movie in DVD format because 2 Days in New York will be coming soon to the area theaters.  Julie Delpy stars in both movies.  Adam Goldberg is the male lead in this movie.  On their way home from an ill fated Venice vacation, Marion and Jack stop in Paris to visit Marion's parents.  The Paris leg of their vacation is equally disastrous. Marion needs some serious anger management therapy with a dose of  something to control her active sex life.  Poor Adam is unaware of these problems but Paris brings out Marion's worst side.  Note that Adam does not make it to the follow on movie in 2 Days in New York.   Half-way through the movie, I realized I had seen it before but it was still enjoyable.  Loved her rages and attitude about former boyfriends.

Rabbit Hole

Becca and Howie grapple with realities of life 8 months after the death of their 4 year old son, Danny.  I saw this in DVD format since I missed it at the theaters in 2010.  This movie is sad and emotional but best seen in the confines of your home.  Nicole Kidman is Becca and Aaron Eckhart is Howie.  Sound is not always the best and leaves you wishing for closed captions. I think I am more the happy movie type.

Hope Springs

Kay and Arnold have been married 30 +  years.  Kay is unhappy and wants to bring passion back to her marriage.  Husband Arnold is oblivious to any problems in their relationship and why having separate bedrooms is not the norm.  Kay insists they attend a marriage therapy week to shed their inhibitions and learn new sexual and emotional moves.  The movie which is currently in the theaters,  is for the 50 + crowd.  It should be required for married baby boomers.  Meryl Streep as Kay and Tommy Lee Jones as Arnold are fantastic.  Steve Carell plays the therapist.  It might hit too close to home for some but the acting and humor are worth seeing it now and not waiting for the DVD.

The Strange Case of Angelica

Released in 2010, this DVD was a Canne Film Festival Selection.  It takes place in 1950's Portugal.  A well-to-do family hires a young photographer named Issac to take the last photographs of their deceased daughter, Angelica.  Upon seeing her, Issac falls deeply in love and soon finds her returning to life in his camera lens.  No one you have ever heard of the stars in this film.  Although, the acting is quite good.  It is one of those movies that sneaks up on you.  You get hooked by when and where Angelica is going to pop-up.  However, it is not  horror story material.  Kind of like Casper(the friendly ghost), she is a lovable spirit. 

Diary of A Wimpy Kid--Dog Days

Now playing in theaters.  Greg Heffley's summer vacation disintegrates into one misadventure after another, including faking a job at the country club when his father bans any video games for the summer.  This works out well because his best friend is a member as is his current love interest (Holley).  Greg's older brother is infatuated withe Holley's older sister Heather.  Dad finds out the truth and it is all downhill from there.  I and a theater of middle schoolers Hee Hawed over the adventures.  It was probably better than most of the Wimpy Kid movies, however middle school humor is the best description.  Take your middle school neice or nephew.  No real big stars in this one.

Love Crime

A chilling tale of two ambitious women whose professional appetites grow dangerously personal.  Stars Ludivine Sagnier and Kristin Scott Thomas.  Captivating movie that I don't remember coming to our Northern VA theaters.  Acting is great.  It keeps you on the edge of your seat.  Sub-tittles go a bit fast but worth the effort. Scariest thing is I understand how this can happen having survived the DC rat race.  I bet those working for any of the Fortune 500 can also understand.  Oh--it's not limited to women but probably more common with men.

Zookeeper

When an unlucky-in-love zookeeper tells his romantic wores to the zoo animals, the critters advise him on how to win the heart of the woman that got away. First you have to wrap your mind around animals talking.  This is best done with a bottle of very good wine and lots of it.  Then, the possibilities begin to make sense.  I didn't have wine so I did it in two nights.  To say it is entertainig is a stretch--oh well, maybe a little.

The Ledge

An unusual, character-driven thriller that follows a young hotel manager (Gavin), who steps out onto a high ledge to commit suicide.  World-weary police officer Hollis is assigned to talk him down but is haunted by his own traumatic issues.  Stars Charlie Human and Terrance Howard.  Very captivating movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  I wish that I had seen it when it was in the theaters.

Queen of Versailles

A documentary about the Siegels who made a fortune in the time-share business only to see it crumble in the 2008 financial collapse.  The site of their rise and almost fall is their home is construction:  Versailles.  The 60,00 square foot house (maybe larger) is a gaudy replica of the Palace of Versailles.  Jackie Siegel is the mother of eight and a former model and an IT engineer.  She was raised in a small town in upper state NY.  She is the third wife and hubby is a typical high powered businessman.    Kids are cute as are the pets.  Somehow you start to sympathize with their delima.  The have the same daily life as you and me, just with maids, nannies and other help.  You will enjoy Jackies cutting costs, especially when she takes on cooking.  I highly recommend the movie to give you a reality check on life.

Something Borrowed

Successful single lawyer Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) learns that her best friend Darcy  (Kate Hudson) is engaged to Dex (Colin Egglesfield), the same guy she has had a crush on for years.  She tries to be loyal but she and Dex wind-up in bed on her 30th Birthday.  Darcy is off the radar pushy as the best friend and Rachel needs a good kick in the butt.  Dex isn't worth the drama.  He is a spoiled rich kid but his resemblance to Tom Cruise is uncanny.  Typical chick flick for a night with little entertainment.  All that said, it really isn't bad and the fashions make it worthwhile as does the good looking males. 

The Big Miracle

A very feel good movie and a true story about three whales trapped in the Artic Circle.  The ice is closing in fast in Barrows, Alaska and the whales can't get to the open sea to continue their migration south.  The US and USSR team up to save the whales.  Drew Barrymore is the Green Peace Activist and girlfriend of a TV journalist (John Krasinski) stationed in Barrows.  He also discovered the whales plight.  Drew goes to Barrows to save the whales.  She is off the chart on perkiness.  I can't envision a Green Peace activist as perky, pseudo cheerleader for the whale team.  Ted Dansin is the business big wig that agrees to help in the effort after the wifely nudge and also to get much need PR for his business ventures.  The governor and mayor play the heavies.  Just remember that I have been in DC for many years and I am jaded in this arena.  Kristen Bell is the news journalist who also comes to Barrows to report on the whales.  I would use the term "bimbo blond" but she is more self-centered and out for number one.  The whales are great, big and lovable.  Recommend the DVD for a slow night.

3

Berliners Hanna and Simon, a couple in their 40's, have grown comforable in their relationship.  Independently, each meets and romances Adam, a handsome young man.  Hanna becomes pregnant.  All three must face what they tried to ignore.  German film with no one you would recognize.  That being said, it will keep your interest. DVD or instant play.

Certified Copy

Captivating meditation on art and love.  British writer, James Miller, meets a beautiful Italian gallery owner in Tuscany and begins or possibly continues a romance.  Stars Juliette Binoche and William Shimell.  The mother of all touchy, feely films with great and deep thoughts on relationships and the opposite sex.  Don't expect your male significant other to last more than 20 minutes.  However, great scenery.

True Legend

A powerful cabal in China's Qing Dynasty conspires to ruin their weathy rival, Su Qi.  They don't stop until he is driven to the streets and stripped of home and money.  Su Qi submits to the master teacher who helps him become powerful.  This is an action film so prepare for some butt kicking and martial arts moves tha no one could really accomplish.  The story line is a bit soppy but it is Chinese.  No one you have ever heard of stars in this film.  Available on DVD.  Definitely a guy flick.

To Rome With Love

Woody Allen plays a father meeting his daughter's Italian in-laws-to-be.  The movie weaves four different tales set in Rome.  There is Woody who just retired from the music business (not by choice) trying to launch a possible music career for the to be father in-law.  There are the young Italian newly weds that arrive in Rome to meet rich relatives who can launch new husbands career.  Penelope Cruz gets involved as a hooker who ends up in the new husband's room by mistake.  Alec Baldwin is trying to relive his young days in Rome by hooking up with a young American Architect and his girlfriend.  It all intertwines but there are truly some funny moments.  And there is Rome and its sights.  Okay, I am predigested--Rome is one of my favorite cities.  Go for the travel experience.  Also stars Roberto Benigni as a nobody turned celebrity for the moment.  Not as creative as Midnight in Paris, but worth seeing.

Your Sister's Sister

Jack is mourning the death of his brother and is having a hard time getting over his grief.  Jack has a complicated relationship with his best friend who dated his brother.  Yeah, best friend is female and sexy.  Best friend gives Jack the keys to her family's cabin toalow him to take some time off and cope with the death of his brother.  Even sexier sister of best friend show up at the cabin unexpectantly.  Jack and sister of best friend have a drunken tryst and the story goes straight to the saga of all relationships.  No blood, no gore just that real gooey relationship stuff.  Emily Blunt, Rosemarie Dewitt, and Mark Duplas give fine performances.  The ending is different but I am not going to tell you.  If you miss it at the theatre, definitely a DVD option.

Intouchables

Great movie and I highly recommend it.  It is a true story of an affluent quadriplegic named Philipe who hires a young West African Parisian named Driss to be his caregiver.  The story centers around the bond the two men form.  They are so different but yet so alike.  Driss provides Philipe experiences that do not dwell on his handicap.  You will laugh and cheer the pair during some of their antics. It stars Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy--who I haven't heard of either.  The acting is superb.