"Holiday Engagement"

Thirty-something Hillary has spent her whole life trying to please her demanding mother. Just before Thanksgiving, she breaks up with her well-to-do- fiancee. Rather than disappoint her mom one more time, she hires an actor to play her fiancee, whom the family has never met. Of course, hilarity ensues. All kinds of mix-ups and cover-ups. Obviously, it's not a very deep movie, but I though it was a fun diversion. A fun movie to watch with the whole family.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"Noel"

What a perfect Christmas movie. It's about the lives of five people who are faced with spending Christmas alone. It's one of those films where several lives are interconnected. Noel stars Susan Sarandon, Penelope Cruz, Robin Williams, Paul Walker, and Alan Arkin. Be sure to have the tissues close by. I'm just a sucker for tearjerkers like this.

"Incendiery"

Michelle Williams plays a housewife who loses her husband and son in a terrorist attack at a soccer match while she's having an affair. She's guilt-ridden and struggles to cope with her loss. This is a powerful film and is difficult to watch at times. But Ms Williams gives an absolutely riveting performance. I really can't believe she's not in more movies. What a rare talent. This is a film well worth watching.
4 stars out of 5

"Steal"

If you like bank heist movies, this one's a lot of fun. A group of young robbers are into all kinds of extreme sports. They're constantly in training and plot one outrageous robbery after another with the cops breathing down their necks. Like most heist movies, you find yourself rooting for them. It features lots of plot twists and exciting chase scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat through the entire movie. About the only negative comments are that some of the dialog is a bit corny and the acting isn't always great. But it is a fun ride!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

"Incendies"

After their mother dies, a twin brother and sister are left instructions that they have to deliver a letter to their father and brother, whom they no nothing about. They travel to the middle-east where their mother's life and her secrets are revealed. This is a very powerful film and not for the squeamish--there is plenty of violence, as it takes place in a war-torn Lebanon in the mid-1970s. The film jumps back and forth between the present day and the war years. When the truth is revealed near the end of the film, it's truly a "whoa" moment. Some scenes will haunt you for days.

4 stars out of 5

"Tortilla Soup"

What a charming film. It has just about everything in it: comedy, romance, family dynamics, and best of all, cooking. If you're a fan of foodie movies, you'll love this movie. I enjoyed Babette's Feast and Chocolat. I'm adding this one to my list. The story is about a single dad living with his three grown, headstrong, Latina daughters. The dad, Martin is a serious cook of all things Mexican. The close-up shots of him preparing all the food (and there's lot's of it), made me drool. The storyline involves his relationship with his daughters as well as their romantic encounters. Martin, (Hector Elizondo) was simply marvelous--charming, funny, and understated. His facial expressions cracked me up. Raquel Welsh plays a gold digger who has her sights on Martin--although her acting was a little over-the-top for my taste.  All-in-all, this is just a delightful feel good movie.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars

"My Life So Far"

What an absolutely wonderful movie. It's about a 10-year old boy, Fraser Pettigrew growing up in a mansion in Scotland in the 1920s. His family includes a bunch of characters, especially his dad, played by Colin Firth. His dad is a moss farmer and inventor. Not only is it a charming story, the photography and scenery are remarkable. This is what great storytelling is all about. I could watch this movie over and over.