Sleuth

October 11, 2007. This movie presents a mental chess game between two deceptive and manipulative Brits. Ostensibly, the object of contention is Wyke’s (played by Michael Caine) wife, but Tindle (played by Jude Law) needs to prove himself to the clearly superior Wyke. It is interesting that this remake of the 1972 film of the same title featured Michael Caine as Tindle. I was surprised to see Kenneth Branagh as the director because it bares no indication of his style. It is clearly based on an adapted stage play (Anthony Shaffer's Tony Award-winning work) with exceptionally limited setting and only two characters. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0857265/

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

March 27, 2008. Frances McDormand is perfect as the frumpy yet charming freshly unemployed governess. I continue to be enchanted with Amy Adams, fresh from a movie of the same description. She manages to make gold digger an acceptable profession. And I have never seen anyone who needed a social secretary more. The movie conforms to the title in that it takes place in a single, frantic and event filled day. There is a wonderful tension between the sweet and tender versus the comedic versus the undercurrent of sadness and impending disaster. As a period piece the costumes are an integral part of the movie and they do not disappoint. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970468/

Lars and the Real Girl

October 14, 2007. Ryan Gosling stars as Lars Lindstrom, an extremely shy young man living in a small town where he is a popular fellow. He purchases a sex doll online and proceeds to introduce her to his brother and sister-in-law as his girlfriend. Despite the concerns of his friends and relatives, a local doctor notes that since Lars otherwise has a highly functional personality that threatens no one, this delusion is a sign that he is working through some personal issues and his loved ones should play along in the meantime. With some persuasion, the entire town eventually participates as well with growing enthusiasm for this unusual, but enjoyable, activity as Lars continues to pursue what he perceives as a deep and meaningful relationship with the doll. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0805564/

Dan in Real Life

October 26, 2007. You have to love a movie that pits Steve Carell versus Dane Cook (who is his slimy and smarmy best). Juliette Binoche is lovely as the object of their contention. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0480242/

Nancy Drew

June 15, 2007. Andrew Fleming directed DICK, THE CRAFT and some random TV shows. Emma Roberts (niece of Julia Roberts) is completely charming as Nancy Drew. There is a passing similarity to VERONICA MARS in terms of the wit and charm and grace under pressure, to say nothing of the raw sleuthing powers, of the title characters. However, Veronica has an iconic anti-hero vibe that Nancy only aspires to in a mild way. There is a “fight the power structure” and “over turn the Queen Bee” element to both characters. There is also a passing similarity to the BLACK DALIA. I was fascinated by Nancy’s fashion sense and part it plays in the story line. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479500/