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The Flick Chick There are always a few swell films out there. Don't know which ones they are? Check here for the Chick's flickpicks. Do your opinions match mine? Then take in the ones I like. Hate my choices? Okay, you know what to avoid. Simple, huh?

GREAT STUFF TO SEE
(And also some bad stuff to avoid):

Tinker-Tailor-Soldier-Spy (Ver. I vs Ver. II)

           Love good mysteries. Really like the John le Carre books. Half in love with Smiley. (Just leveling the playing-field here.)
           BUT . . . as with the Lavendar Hill Mob an Alec Guinness performance is an utter spoiler for any subsequent version. It's not that the current version is bad, it's just that the previous George Smiley is inimitable.
          As a matter of fact, the Ver.II delineation of the other members of the organization is much superior to other versions, even the written one. (Must admit that I always had trouble keeping the characters straight even when I read the book.) Thus it helped my feeble mind to have one actor much taller, one much blonder, etc.
          HOWEVER, either the director of Ver.II had read something into the original text that I had missed, or else he threw a big curve into the story line toward the end of the film. Effective enough in the film, I guess — but it took a big liberty wth the arc of the story. Le Carre's intent, as I saw it, was that spying — the deliberate undermining of people's faith in their relationship to what is right and wrong . . . trafficking in betrayal — takes its toll on the character, draining out the vital juice that keeps us loving and loyal and sane.
          So, with all due respect, the Chick's advice is to rent or buy the Ver.I in its 3-part series and fall in love with Alec Guinness all over again! (12/11)

Hugo

          Sorry, folks. Not enchanted. Cute kids, wonderful clockwork, neat robot drawing neat pix, and I even like those silly Flash-Gordon silent flix, but, well, truly . . . the whole was less than the sum of its parts. Sorry. (11/11)

Cowboys and Aliens

           Look out, Pard! Double-ought Seven and a very elderly Han Solo have moved out to the Old West and acquired some horses and some sidekicks and a beautiful humanoid alien, and they're off to do battle with a horde of greenish simian-like extra-terrestrials who are out to — gol-durn it! — STEAL ALL OUR GOLD! (And our memories. And some of our women, of course — maybe to enslave or maybe just to eat them for supper, that was never made clear.) Of course a lot of the minor characters must die in battle, including some non-hostile Native Americans, many of them in the process of saving our heroes. And of course, at the end of the film the Noble Outlaw rides off into the sunset. (Sigh.) So many stereotypes, so little time.
           But it was a really amusing and harmless evening, and the Chick will go see Cowboys and Aliens II, if and when it comes around. (Unless she has something better to do.)

Midnight in Paris

Ah . . . a darkened street, the sound of jazz playing over the radio on a silent evening, and then an elegant, antique car stops at your feet, a hand reaches out holding a brimming champagne glass and invites you in. And then you're off to ornate drawing rooms filled with great paintings and enlivened by the presence of beautiful women in jeweled flapper-style headbands and feather boas, and tall, thin gentlemen in evening clothes, speaking with English accents. Take time for a chat with Hemingway, Picasso, F.Scott Fitzgerald. Consider dreams and dreams come true.
           That sound good to you? Then you 'll love this film.
            Owen Wilson is appealingly American, and if the dopy ignorance of his character does not quite ring true as the portrayal of an aspiring author, his golden charm makes up for it. What we have here is a delicious, gilded evening, with almost none of the cruelty of Woody Allen's recent films. We came away smiling and ready for ice cream. Bet you do, too. (August, 2011)

The Final Harry Potter

           It's tough, living in Fantasyland. Fun, but tough. Heroes must suffer bruises, terror, betrayal, threats, scorn, injustice, and the loss of friends and loved ones — and they must maintain their dignity and integrity through it all. (Of course, non-heroes, although they may seem to win countless times, must expect a bitter end, shriveled, imploded, exploded, sliced-and-diced, or otherwise done away with.)
           Let's think about this: Magical heroes do get to do neat magic; often they get the girl of their choice, and of course they Win in the End. But . . . then what? Do they get to be King of the World? And if so, which world? Kings of Fantasyland? Might that not prove dull? The prettier aspects of magic have been dwindling down as they have grown up. Owls die. Magical feasts sate the appetite. Must our Heroes spend the rest of their lives dispensing justice among warlocks, centaurs and Very Large Spiders?
            Then what if they become Kings in Real Life? Will their days be spent arguing with Parliament, resisting lobbiests, and going to meetings about the National Debt?
            Or perhaps they just step back into the real world to become insurance salesmen who help make breakfast for the family? Is that just . . . it? What becomes of them afterward? Isn't there anything attractive a fantasy hero can train for?
           Makes you wonder, doesn't it? (Summer 2011)

The King'sSpeech

           This was an elegant, beautifully mounted film, with strong and moving performances by Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter. And must mention Guy Pierce (a fave of the Chick's) as Edward, in the thrall of the rather nasty Mrs. Wallace Warfield Simpson. There was a stronger reason for her not to be queen than the fact that she had been divorced: She was an irresponsible, greedy woman. (And certainly no lady!)
           Although I can see why loyal Brits might feel that it was too . . . hmm . . . perhaps too intimate, too emotional, or maybe too graphic (language! and because Stiff Upper Lip is very British, y'know), to an American who is accustomed to watching American performances, it was simply very touching.
           A film much to be enjoyed. A film to see. (Jan, 2011)

Men Who Stare at Goats

           Now, that was FUN! George Clooney was loony! McGregor (Ewan) was stewin'! Jeff Bridges was (running out of bad rhymes now) an off-kilter guru and Kevin Spacy was an intensely disagreeable corporal (never recognized him until 3/4 of the way through the movie!). To the Chick, the storyline was somewhat reminiscent of the hi-jinks in Catch-22 only without anything grim about it. And nothing particularly smutty. Just funny. And fun. And mildly crazy. And with a completely unexpected — and satisfying — finale. It's probably not in theaters any more, so get the DVD, settle down on the sofa and . . . enjoy.
           Oh, yes, there were real goats. Lots of them. I did like the goats! (11/10)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

           If the Chick had to give it a four-word review, it would be "Less magic; more angst."
           This is much more of a relationship narrative than any of the past Potter films: all about Harry, Hermione, and Ron in the Eternal Triangle, as they struggle to overcome the Dark Powers. Will there be more of this to come? Probably.
           But I do miss the little, elegant magics that decorated the earlier films. (Sigh) (12/2010)

RED

           Say — when was the last time you went to a movie and really had fun? Never had to worry about who the bad guy was? Laughed yourself silly without having to listen to fart jokes? (Pardon the language.) Watched fine stars enjoying themselves? Always knew that everything would turn out all right!
           Plus: Bruce Willis at his charming, sly, derring-do best!
           Plus: John Malkovitch as a deadly-crazyperson (only for OUR side)!
           Plus: The fabulous Helen Mirren!
           Plus: Morgan Freeman, suave, clever, and noble.
           And More!
           Oh you will enjoy this one!
           Promise! (10/10)

Get Low

           Oh, what a pleasure it is to see great workmen excel at their trade! Robert Duval is one of the treasures of the acting profession — and Bill Murray is another, so we are double-dipping with this fine film that relies on character, excellent writing, and superb styling to carry its pure little storyline. By the bye, how rare it is that a film should rely on character, rather than action; we rather expect it in a fine novel, but it is (excuse me) novel to find that, even in a good film. Duval plays a type that he has refined exquisitely over the years, and he captures us at hello. Murray, who has come a long, long way from his youth on Saturday Night Live, still carries a deep, deep cool note. And that note rings true.
           Sissy Spacek, Lucas Black, and Bill Cobbs live their parts, and the settings and the music suit the film perfectly. And just for the record, this is reputed to be retold from a true story.
            As it has taken a while for this 2009 film to reach the outlands where the Chick resides, you may already have missed it in theaters. If so — go for the DVD! (9/10)

Soapdish (Video)

           When the picking are slim at the local flickers, seek out this oldie (1991) but hilarious goodie. Sally Field, with a comedic tour de force, and Kevin Kline who was nominated for an Oscar for his performance are stars in a soap opera . . . which is the McGuffin of this soap opera storyline. (BTW Kline should stick to comety. He's really good at that.)
           The starry cast includes a very young Robert Downey, Jr., a then-fhin and shapely Whoopie Goldberg, plus Teri Hatcher and a bit part by Carrie Fischer. The storyline is too ridiculous to recount, but — you'll find youself laughing at almost every scene. It's a great way to transform a dull, rainy night at home.(8/10)

Smilla's Sense of Snow (Video)

           Yes, this 1997 film is an oldie, but we were shopping for a nice thriller . . . and this is a good example. The film, set in Denmark, is handsome to see, Julia Ormand, as the title character, is also very good to look at, and Gabriel Byrne is the same. The Chick is handicapped by having read the book — which differs sharply from the film in many aspects — but this has an adequate plot, there's plenty of excitement, and the somewhat happier ending of the film made the Chick happy, too.
            Want a nice evening? Nothing you care for in the theaters? Or just don't want to dress and go out? Try this one. (7/10)

Robin Hood

           How come Robin looks so used up before his mythic story ever gets started? No Greenwood Gladiators in this filck, no Robert, Earl of Huntingdon, only a war weary footsoldier coming home from the Crusades.
            Bad King John is at the front end of his reign. And his mama, the glorious Eleanor of Acquitaine is here reduced to a sort of tight-lipped spinster.
           Through a series of improbable events, Robin-the-Yeoman masquerades as the Earl's lost son, and is somehow married to Cate Winslett, as Maid Marian (although "Maid," as in "Maiden," meant "unmarried girl" in those days). For the remainder of the film, Robin gallops around the countryside and the seashore, fighting off King John's turncoat consellor and large numbers of French troops and is not banished to the Greenwood until the last moments of the film.
            Oh, oh! Russell Crowe! Sad that you should sink so low!
           A really poor vehicle for a very fine star. He can do so much better. He usually does.(5-2010)

The Blind Side

            Billed as a true story, this film, which won an Oscar for Sandra Bullock, has a strong storyline, highly appealing characters, and is almost too sweet for some tastes. Could be that's because kind hearts and good behavior don't make the news the way incest and brutality and gunfights do.
           However, I must admit what that interested the Chick the most was seeing Ms. Bullock play so strongly against type. She usually plays waifs and innocents, sometimes shows her stuff as a comedienne. But here, as a tough, blonde, heart-of-gold Southern Mom, she adopts a street kid from the wrong side of town, and he turns out to be a Champ.
            She lit up this film. Worth your while to watch it, just to see her work! (2010)

UP!

           Yes'm! Yes indeed. UP! That's the way this film will leave you. Anime' has come a long way. The characterization may be broad, but it is effective. The storyline may be zany, but it grips you. The laughs may be foolish, and the pratfalls may be from four stories up, but this little film has as much punch as a "real people" film.
           So don't make the mistake of thinking you don't want to see it because it's a cartoon.
           'Cause it's a zinger!(2010)

Crazy Heart

           Broken-down country-western singer/composers who have drowned their lives and talents in alcohol are grist for the Hollywood mill. But Jeff Bridges is always a sweetheart, and he does a great job in this one, although he is sort of turning into Robert Duvall before our eyes. (Robert Duvall also has a cameo in this film, as if to remind us that he won an Oscar some years ago for portraying a broken-down c-w s/c [see above] in a film titled Tender Mercies.)
            Overall, this is an enjoyable flick, with a cute kid and a pretty girl and several fine performances, especially by Bridges, and some attractive music. And we enjoyed it. Not The Big Lebowski. Not Starman. But a solid film.(2/2010)

Sherlock Holmes

           Well! This is not the Holmes with whom we have previously been acquainted. Nor the Watson. We have always suspected, my dear Reader, that there were areas of Holmes' life into which we had hitherto never been invited. But now the veil is lifted, and we discover that Master Detective is also a master of the manly arts, as a bare-knuckle fighting event displays his skills. His softer side is also on display from time to time, and we frequently see him dishabille, unkempt and unshaven. Moreover, we are made privy to his genuine regard for his young friend's rapier-like wit and also his skill with the rapier. (Obviously, in Watson's narratives, his innate modesty has kept him from revealing the true extent of his own abilities.) And, as we always suspected, the fair sex is not immune to Holmes' charms, nor is he immune to theirs.
           The film plays havoc with the literary tradition, but all in all, the Chick found Holmes and Watson both to be great fun and Really Hot Stuff! This is a rousing thriller and Robert Downey, Jr, and Jude Law have distinguished themselves! (1/2010)

Julie and Julia

           Been a long time since a film gave such pleasure.
           While acknowledging her great acting ability I'd never entirely liked Meryl Streep until now, but the radiant warmth of her Julia Child has won my heart. Stanley Tucci's glowing benevolence was an inspired choice for Paul Child. And Amy Adams and Chris Messina were winning performers as Julie and her kind and long-suffering (and hungry) husband. This is a very funny, immensely good-humored production. A gold star to Nora Ephran for screenplay and direction. Gold stars all around.
           You know, films (and novels) today too often portray lovers and married partners only in states of confict. We view rough love, tough love, the struggles of narcissistic and shallow relationships, often based on competition, and laced with sarcasm and unkindness — both deliberate and accidental. It's as if the film-makers thought the end purpose of human relationships was to do harm. Or take coup. The cutting word almost always trumps the loving one. As if our best hope is for no more than quiet desperation.
           Ah, but in JULIE AND JULIA, for a touch over two hours, we had the joy of sharing time with two very different but equally loving couples — treating each other with good humor and affection in easy times and in hard times, too. When Paul Child comes home to a mountain of smelly, chopped onions, he shakes his head, sighs mildly, and goes downstairs. He does not wave his fists and shout "To the Moon, Julia!" When Eric Powell has put up with one too many obsessive cooking catastrophes, he does not flee to the arms of some cutie . . . he just camps out on the couch at his office until she calms down and his temper has cooled. These married people are good to each other. Patient with each other. This is what it should be like! So . . . this is THE film. Be good to yourself and see it now. (And maybe buy the DVD later, so you can enjoy it again!) (8/09)

Supersize Me!

          Yes. It's way old. But this film confirms all the horrible things we always suspected were true about fast food. It's bad for your health. It makes you fat. And eating it makes you act dumb. Our protagonist (playing himself) goes from doctor to doctor and is pronounced in super health before he goes on a one-month three-meals-a-day diet of MacDonalds. At the end of the month he has gained 20 pounds, feels awful all the time, raised his cholesterol into the danger zone, possibly damaged his liver and (according to his outspoken girl friend) seriously damaged their sex life. OOps!
           Although the film picks on the Golden Arches exclusively, and although, admittedly, most people do not make fast-food stops at every meal, the evidence against a steady diet of burgers-and-fries-and-oil-based-shakes is compelling. You may not come out of the film as a confirmed vegan, but I bet you won't take quick run-through at the local drive-in on your way home.
          Compelling or not, will this make a permanent dent in the fast-food biz? Only time will tell. My guess: A word to the wise is sufficient. (7/04)

Yep, this 2004 film is still on the top page. Just consider it a reminder to you from me . . . on behalf of your heart. Available on DVD.