Morning Glory

“Morning Glory”stars Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams and Diane Keaton in this rather silly comedy written by Aline Broch McKenna and directed by Roger Mitchell. Resembling the likes of “Broadcast News” and other films of the same genre, the movie never quite reaches its potential (assuming it had one) nor does it utilize to any valid degree the talents of Ms. Keaton and Mr. Ford. A ditsy and motor mouth type played by Ms. McAdams supports the film and is the glue that tries (albeit unsuccessfully) to hold it all together. Light fare for an evening where nothing else is playing is probably the only reason someone would go to view this movie. I found myself in such a quandary and opted to see the light comedy versus the other films that were playing around the same time period. I give this film 1 and ½ stars with a warning that it should be viewed only as a last resort when all else either fails or is sold out.

Nora's Will

“Nora’s Will” is a Spanish film (with English titles) and tells the story of a Jewish Mexican family faced with some difficult and awkward occurrences at, before and after a Passover Seder. Beautifully written and acted by some really terrific players and writers, the film, though seemingly slow moving at times, keeps its own independent pace as it takes us into the lives of the subject family with sensitivity and caring. An interesting look at the ethnic culture of Mexican Jews and the rituals they are obligated to adhere to and follow, the film is as informative as it is entertaining. I give the film 3 stars and urge viewers of all persuasions to see it.

Jews and Baseball

“Jews and Baseball” is a documentary directed by Peter Miller, written by Ira Berkow and narrated by Dustin Hoffman. Although appearing to be the story of one minority in a truly American pastime, it is really the story of all minorities and how each strived to achieve a place in their new and adopted homeland. Tracing the evolution of Jews into Baseball, from the very early days when semitic sounding names were changed to protect the anonymity of the player’s ethnic background, the film shares the breakthrough episodes of the great Hank Greenberg to the awesome period encountered by Jackie Robinson and recognizes in each that patience, tolerance and an unrealistic ability to slough off the slanders and abuses in deference to, and so as not to jeopardize, the greater cause. On film interviews with the great Mr. Greenberg, his family, Al Rosen, Sandy Koufax (in a rare media appearance), Larry King, Bud Selig (the Commissioner of Baseball) and others help the viewer to understand that playing major league ball is hard enough without the added pressure that bigots have a way of exerting. This is as much a history of baseball in general as it is a story about one minority and I recommend it without reservation. I give the documentary 3 stars. On a personal note, as a young Jewish boy growing up in Brooklyn, meeting a Jewish ball player was an awesome experience and confirms how important it is that minority youngsters get a chance to see their ethnic brothers and sisters in high profile roles for the message it gives is clear and powerful …”it can be done”. Perhaps the most meaningful comment in the film is that today the religion of the player is almost unnoticed and never spoken about….and isn’t that the way it should be?

Fair Game

“Fair Game” is the story of the outing of CIA operative Valerie Plame Wilson as punishment imposed upon her by the Bush administration because her husband, Ambassador Joe Wilson, dared to refute and reject the government’s claims and contentions that Saddam Hussein was building weapons of mass destruction. The film stars Naomi Watts and Sean Penn as the Wilsons in this story of action and betrayal with a bit of the matrimonial problems experienced by the subject couple thrown in as well.. A slow moving film telling the same facts over and over again, I give this movie 2 and ½ stars. What is most important about the film is the message it sends to all of us that “tugging at Superman’s cape” (in this case the federal government) isn’t such a good idea. I’m sure Messrs. Rove, Libbey and Bush wouldn’t rate this movie at all….as for me, I give it 2 and ½ stars since it is, if nothing else, a great lesson in current history.

RED

“Red” which stands for “Retired…Extremely Dangerous” is supposed to be a spoof about the CIA and spies and international assasins….but it isn’t. Instead it ia a frail and feeble attempt to be smart and clever while being neither. Wasted are the talents of Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker who try vainly but unsuccessfully to make the most out of the weak and often times incredulous script by four writers (who shall and should remain nameless) under the mediocre direction of Robert Schwenke. There is nothing better than satire when it is done well and nothing worse when it is not. This film is an example of the latter and struggles to get a 1 and ½ star rating as the viewer squirms physically and mentally through the entire experience. It’s hard to believe that not one of the artist’s representatives of the above named stars had the good sense to say to his or her client “Hey, don’t do this”. Kudos though to Mary Louise Parker who steals every scene she’s in which, unfortunately for all of us, are too few.

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest

“The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest”, the last of the three Swedish films based on the books by Stieg Larrson again stars Lena Endre, Michael Hyquist and Noomi Rapace (playing the wild and adventurous character Noomi Salander). Directed by Daniel Alfredson,who also directed the immediately preceding film, this is an involved and detailed story of action and courtroom drama which will, despite the length and slow pacing of the film, hold the viewer’s interest. At one point, when I thought the film had ended, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it did not and some really exciting and interesting scenes were yet to follow. As an aside but relevant to the quality of the film, I was able to remain focused and involved in the film despite some patrons sitting near me who constantly chatted and unwrapped candy during the film. I give the film 3 stars and urge those who enjoyed the 2 prior films to see this for, although perhaps not the best of the lot in general, it is the most interesting of the three.