Then and Now
August 15, 2015
Then and Now
This summer’s movies seem to happen either “Then” or “Now.” Four current chick flicks are set in the past – “A Little Chaos” in 18th century France, “Far From the Madding Crowd”, in the 18th century English countryside,The Man From U.N.C.L.E., set in the 60’s, and “Mr. Holmes” in the first half of the 20th century London. And they are all excellent.
Some are set “Now”. “Irrational Man”, “Trainwreck”, Ricki and the Flash, and “The Gift” are set in the present. “Minions” is delightfully timeless. Hope you enjoy your summer viewing!
Far From the Madding Crowd
(2015) - 119 min - PG13
Drama
One of my brothers said he loved the movie, the other "not so much" so caution with taking a date but probably ok for many men. Bathsheba Everdeen is an orphaned young woman working on her aunt's... More
Gift, The
(2015) - 108 min - R
Drama, Mystery, Suspense/Thriller
If you love creepy thrillers, this movie is for you. In a story which turns into itself, Jason Bateman(Simon) stars as an up and comer who has just taken a big job at an LA firm. He and his wife... More
Irrational Man
(2015) - 96 min - R
Crime/Mystery, Drama, Mystery
Irony of Fate - The concept that the Gods, Fates, etc. are toying with humans for amusement by using irony(Urban Dictionary definition). Do you like irony, paradox, incongruity? Then you might enjoy... More
Little Chaos, A
(2015) - 117 min - R
Drama, Romance
Occasionally, we uncover a wonderful movie about which you might not otherwise know. A Little Chaos is one of these. Starring Kate Winslet and Matthias Schoenhaert(hopefully you saw him recently in... More
Man from U.N.C.L.E., The
(2015) - 112 min - PG13
Action, Adventure, Comedy, Suspense/Thriller
Best "Take a Date" movie of the year! Henry Cavill(Superman) plays Napoleon Solo, a Cold War American agent, and Armie Hammer(The Lone Ranger) is Illya Kuryakin. These two are the hottest guys on... More
Minions
(2015) - 91 min - PG13
Animation, Comedy, Family
Minions is a prequel to Despicable Me which has been out for several years. And it is superior, in my view, to Despicable Me now that the focus is on the very entertaining minions themselves. ... More
Mr. Holmes
(2015) - 104 min - PG
Crime/Mystery, Drama, Mystery/British
What a pleasant surprise Mr Holmes, the movie is! Obviously, based on the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Mr Holmes takes place shortly after the completion of World War II... More
Ricki and The Flash
(2015) - 101 min - PG13
Comedy, Drama
This film was not quite as bad as I had feared. Yet after I saw it, I found it very unsatisfying. The story with a fake upbeat ending just does not ring true. Jonathan Demme both wrote and... More
Trainwreck
(2015) - 125 min - R
Comedy, Romance
Amy Schumer is, in many ways, a genius. She wrote and stars in this comedy which turns the tables on the stereotypical young single guy. She sleeps around and cares little for the pleasure of her... More
Oldies on DVD
AmericanEast
(2009) - 112 min - R
Drama
Sad, poignant story of Badreya, an Egyptian Muslim who is trying to realize the American dream and is in discussions with Sam, a Jew played by Tony Shalhoub, about opening a Middle Eastern... More
Answer Man, The
(2009) - 97 min - R
Comedy, Drama, Romance
This little movie was a delight. As I loaded the dvd into the player, I did not expect much having heard little about this 2009 gem. It is only 97 minutes, but most are interesting and delightful... More
Because I Said So
(2007) - 102 min - PG13
Comedy, Romance
Lame story of irritating Momo played by Diane Keaton who thinks she must find a husband for her youngest daughter, Millie, after the older two are married. Mandy Moore plays Millie and is somewhat... More
My Name is Khan
(2010) - 161 min - PG13
Drama, Romance
Recommended by a teacher who shows this movie to her students, My Name is Khan is a moving story of Khan who is a Muslim born on the Indian subcontinent who eventually moves to the US with the... More
Tortilla Soup
(2001) - 102 min - PG13
Comedy, Drama, Romance
This oldie is adorable starring Hector Elizondo as Master Chef, Martin, who is raising his three daughters, now adults, after his wife's death some years before. The girls are testing the waters... More
