"Stand Up Guys"

When a movie stars Christopher Walken, Al Pacino, and Alan Arkin, you know it's going to be memorable. And this one was even better than I expected. It's about a guy (Pacino), who gets out of prison after 28 years. He hooks up with his old pal, (Walken) and the two of them spend a night of high jinx and trouble making. The only thing is, Christopher Walken has to bump off Pacino by ten the following morning because he accidentally may have shot a mob boss's only son. Great acting, well written, and a good story line. The movie is gritty and violent, but overall, I really liked this film. I don't remember it being at the theaters, and it came out in 2012.

4.5 stars out of 5

"Prince Avalanche"

Okay. Here's the plot of this movie in one sentence. Two guys paint lines on a highway. Seriously. You might think this movie would be dead boring However, this is a totally captivating little indie movie. If you don't like subtle, forget it. This isn't for you. It's basically a chick-flic for guys. It's about two guys who are out in the middle of nowhere in Texas, painting the stripes on a highway. But it's really about their conversations, their fights, and the two of them unloading their feelings. Paul Rudd plays the intelligent,  sensitive one and Emile Hirsch is his girlfriend's moronic brother.  The two have a nice chemistry. This movie is based on a German movie filmed in a remote part of Iceland. I'll have to check that one out as well. What a wonderful film.

Arcadia

I know, another road trip movie. I just love this genre, but this one's different. It's about a family who've decided to move out to California by car. Only the kids aren't really on board with the decision. And guess what? Mom's not coming. It's really about a girl, Greta, who's coming of age during this trip. I can't say enough about this young actress. Ryan Simpkins was astounding in the role of the young girl. She's only 14 and has already beed in a bunch of movies. This is definitely not a happy film. But it will stick with you for a long time
4 stars out of 5

Arthur Newman

What an offbeat film. And a hard film to describe. Believe me, this is not a happy, feel good road-trip movie. However it's a deeply moving film. In the end, you feel for both of the protagonists. A total loser divorcee, who's son hates him, plans to change his identity and move away from his hometown and become a golf pro. Until he meets a crazy junky who he lets tag along. Okay, it sounds funny, but the story take a number of unexpected turns. It's one of the first movies where Colin Firth really bared his soul. Was this one ever released in theaters?

3.5 out 5 stars

My Best Enemy

I really like WWII movies, especially those involving the human side of war. This film centers on two individuals, a Jewish heir to an art gallery and the son of his family's servant. The two are good friends until the servant's son joins the Nazis. The rest of the story is about a Michelangelo sketch which the family owns and was supposedly stolen from the Vatican.  It keeps you guessing right until the end.  The star, Moritz Bleibtreu does a truly outstanding job!
4.5 out of 5 stars

"The Score"

I have to admit, I'm a sucker for a good heist movie, and this one turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The plot is pretty straight forward. Robert De Niro plays a jazz club owner who just happens to rob an occasional bank. He decides to retire, however he's offered one last job he simply can't turn down. Marlon Brando plays the mumbling fat slob who sets him up with a young hotshot, played by Edward Norton. The smarmy Norton has cased out the Montreal Customs House, where the government has seized a priceless 16th century jewell-encrusted scepter. Obviously, I'm not going to reveal what happens, but this movie had me captivated right up the the AHA! ending. Both De Niro and Norton give outstanding performances.
4 stars out of 5

"Equilibrium"

The movie is set in the distant future when everyone takes a drug to suppress emotions to create a peaceful society. When anyone is caught having feelings, they are put to death. Christian Bale is an enforcer who skips a few doses of the drug and begins to revolt. The movie is well done, nothing out of the ordinary in terms of special effects. But the fight scenes are way over the top--part kung foo, part pure action film. They so outrageous they're almost comical. Overall, an entertaining sic-fi, action flick.
4 stars out of 5.