Mystery, Murders, Mexico and Mafia

Prisoners is our Mystery Movie of the Week. This movie is very, very dark...but there is light at the end of the tunnel. While it is much too long, just over two-and-a-half hours, it does keep you guessing.

Prisoners     Hugh Jackman plays Keller Dover, whose daughter Anna, has been kidnapped along with her friend Joy, the daughter of Terrence Howard and Viola Davis. Jake Gyllenhaal has a record of solving every case, but this one seems to have many dead ends. It is a violent and bloody movie, but well done. If you like dark crime thrillers, this is one to see. You may have to cover your eyes at times!

In Theaters Now

In a World     In this international thriller, a terrorist is on trial for the bombing and murder of over 100 in London. He has two appointed defense attorneys, but only one will have access to "secret" evidence which may not be heard in open court. However, the two lawyers, Martin and Claudia have another secret more...
You're Next     During the Davison family reunion at their remote vacation home, famiy members are slain by killers wearing sheep masks. However, one of the guests has hidden talents. Expect both thrills and lots of blood packed into 94 minutes.
The Family     The Manzoni Family, parented by Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer, has been in the Federal Witness Protection Program for 6 years under the care of Tommy Lee Jones. Three very talented actors, and De Niro has always played mobsters very well. It is a comedy, and it is violent. Take a date to this one. more...
We're the Millers     David, a small time drug dealer, is forced to create a family and go to Mexico for a drug pickup. Jason Sukeikis and Jennifer Anniston are very likeable, and the movie is fairly entertaining. Expect plenty of laughs and a good movie for women, even if you might object to the subject matter.
Jewtopia     A gentile, named Christian (of course), falls for the daughter of a rabii and asks his friend, Adam, to instruct him on how to be Jewish so he can win Alison over. It earned low ratings as a movie for women as it is generally in bad taste. Surprisingly it is based on an off-broadway play.

Yes, we have also rated a bunch of "OLDIES" with the best ones first.

It's Complicated     Comedy alert. This is a very funny movie that can be watched repeatedly, especially if you are bedridden with a nasty cold. After 10 years and a remarriage Jake Adler (Alec Baldwin) is romancing his ex-wife Jane (Meryl Streep), again. Adam (Steve Martin), her architect adds a complication. Definitely a good movie for women.
Citizen Kane     Charles Foster Kane's life as a ruthless businessman and publisher is told and is said to track the actual life of William Randolph Hearst. Many believe this is the finest movie every made. It launched the careers of Orson Welles as well as Joseph Cotton. In black and white the camera angles, overall cinematography as well as the story are very interesting. The famous line "Rosebud" the star's last words are well known. If you love movies, you should see this one.
Troubled Water (DeUsynlige)     Story often told in flashbacks of teen who is involved in the death of a young child, serves his time in prison, and upon release becomes a talented church organist. I must say, I could not stop thinking about this movie for a couple of days. Trine Dyrholm plays the young child's mother and is wonderful(she starred also in Love Is All You Need). more...
Midsomer Murders: A Sacred Trust     Mystery: A Nun is killed at Midsomer Priory, a convent originally settled by French aristocrats and held in trust. Then it is discovered that valuable silver has been stolen. The new Inspector Barnaby is pretty good although I am still getting used to him...played by Neil Dudgeon. Jason Hughes continues as Sargeant Jones. Interesting story with surprises.
Last Year at Marienbad     Fashion Alert. The fashions and jewelry are marvelous. I want them all! In this mysterious romance, a man tells a young woman they met the year before at Marienbad. Set in a chateau, she says she does not remember this supposed romance. He continues to try to convince her...
Australia     Lady Ashley (Nicole Kidman) moves to Australia in 1939 and inherits a nearly bankrupt cattle ranch, just as WWII starts. Battles with the cattle baron, romance with Drover (Hugh Jackman), and loving a charming aboriginal child complicate everything.
The Namesake     The son of Indian immigrants wants to fit in among his American friends despite his family's strict sense of culture. A very good movie for seeing our Western world from a different perspective.
To Die For     An attractive local weather reporter will do anything to be in the spotlight. A wacky movie which put Nicole Kidman on the map with an excellent performance.
Coal Miner's Daughter     True story of Loretta Lynn's life from poverty to country singer stardom. Starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones.
Die Hard     An officer of the NYPD tracks a terrorist who has taken a Los Angeles office building hostage on Christmas Eve.
Born on the Fourth of July     The true story of war veteran Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) who becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist.
Heartburn     The marriage between Nora Ephron to Carl "All the President's Men" Bernstein from an autobiographical perspective. Stars Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson.
The Verdict     An alcoholic lawyer, played by Paul Newman, is given the chance to save his career by taking on a malpractice case to trial rather than settling.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles     Comedy Alert. Two great comics in one movie. A high-strung marketing executive (Steve Martin) must struggle to make it home for Thanksgiving while being accompanied by an obnoxious salesman (John Candy).
Speed     LAPD officer Jack Traven must prevent a bomb exploding aboard a bus full of passengers by keeping its speed above 50 mph. Good thriller. Enjoyed it. Made Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock stars.
The Kings of Summer     Coming of age movie about three teenage boys who "just can't take it any more" at home and decide to build a house in a secluded wood. Bottom line: Rent it. It is short and pleasant but not a great movie for women.
Daisy Miller     Based on the Henry James novel of the same name and set in 1878, Daisy is visiting Europe with her mother and brother. A young man of means meets her and becomes enchanted, but is she the innocent she seems?
The Two for the Road     A married couple (Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney) reflect upon their troubled marriage while on a road trip to Southern France.
Insomnia     Detective arrives in a remote Alaskan village to help solve the murder of a young girl. It is violent and creepy if you like that kind of thing.
The Searchers     A Civil War veteran (John Wayne) travels westward to rescue his niece from an Indian Tribe. This is a classic western by John Ford, partly set in Monument Valley. John Wayne's performance is outstanding.
Lost in America     After losing his job a man and wife decide to travel across country to live as free spirits. Not great, but a funny movie.
The Manchurian Candidate     An emotionally disturbed war veteran is brainwashed into becoming a political assassin. This is the 1962 original starring Frank Sinatra and Janet Leigh.
A Place in the Sun     A poor boy falls in love with two women while working for his rich uncle. Stars Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor and Shelley Winters.

As always, let me know what you think. The Chief Chick