The Dilemma

“The Dilemma” stars Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Winona Ryder and Jennifer Connelly in this Ron Howard directed and Brian Grazer produced film which takes a very serious theme and interjects it with slapstick humor and bad writing resulting in a silly and very unimpressive film.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the film is that it reveals a better and deeper side of Mr. Vaughn’s talents proving that he is capable of better roles in better films. I give this film 2 stars with the choice whether to see it or not posing no “dilemma” since the decision is basically, like the film, a “no brainer”.

Blue Valentine

“Blue Valentine” stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams in this dark, dreary and moody film directed by Derek Cianfrance and written by Mr. Cianfrance, Cami Delavigne and Joey Curtis. Using (or attempting to use) clever vehicles for flashbacks and fast forwards in the lives of Cindy and Dean, the two star characters in the film, the movie simply never gains a comfortable momentum as it clumsily moves along almost at a go-as-you-will pace. The sex scenes, and there are a number of them, are too long and become uncomfortable to sit through as you wish the film editor had used his or her splicer more often than not. More like an acting class exercise than any introspective or in depth view of the characters, especially the one played by Ms. Williams, the film lacks for want of better words, “life” or “energy” and, as a result, creates a slow and rather tedious view of the life of its main participants. I give the film 2 stars and, with February 14 getting close,warn that you give the love of your life “Blue Valentine“ only if you want to end the relationship..

Country Strong

“Country Strong” stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Garrett Hedlund, Leighton Meester and Tim McGraw in this tale of a country singer on her comeback road after rehab and personal loss. Ms. Paltrow plays the singer without the aid of either a decent script or a singing voice. Written and directed by Shana Feste, the ultimate responsibility for this trite and formula type film must fall upon her shoulders. Mr. McGraw adds to the loss by simply staring into the camera half of the film lke a deer might do into the headlights of an oncoming car exceot that, in the deer’s case, we really care. There are, however, 3 redeeming qualities and benefits to the film. The first is the presence of Garrett Hedlund who himself performs the songs that are sung in the movie; the second is Ms. Meester who steals every scene she is in because she is really so talented and pleasing to the eye (and ear, for she too sings) and the third is the music itself.. As a lover of country music, this film offers a wonderful array of new and old country songs delivered in a manner that would make a classic radio station listener enjoy what he or she was hearing. I give this film 2 stars thanks mostly to the music in it and, also, because the non-Paltrow singing performances were pretty good.

Another Year

“Another Year”, as its title quite fittingly dictates, is the movie we chose to see as part of our New Year’s Eve welcome of 2011. The film, written and directed by Mike Leigh, stars Jim Broadbent, Ruth Sheen, Lesley Manville and Peter Wight. It relates the conflicting stories of middle class Britons, some of whom are able to enjoy and experience a pleasant life and marital bliss while at least two of their friends suffer life’s despair and loneliness. How these two different groups interact and share each other’s lives makes for a deep and involved theatrical experience with special note given to the role of “Mary” played by Ms. Manville. She is an exceptional actress who portrays her part so convincingly that some of her performance becomes uncomfortable to watch but is nevertheless real and convincing. Though slow moving at times, it is deserving of the 2 hours and 20 minutes required to view it and earns a 3 star rating.