"It's a Disaster"

Unlike the disastrous "This is the End", this movie is an enjoyable, witty, well-acted movie. Four couples get together for a "couples" brunch. Before long, we realize something's up--the internet doesn't work, their cell phones can't get a signal, and finally the power goes out. Through a neighbor, they find out their city has been attacked by terrorists and their days may be numbered. Instead of panicking, they work through their relationships, uncover unknown secrets about each other, while trying to figure out a way out of their mess. I thought the dialogue was mart and funny and found myself laughing out loud at various conversations and incidents. Most of the actors are relatively unknown except for David Cross of Arrested Development and America Ferrera of Ugly Betty.
4 out of 5 stars

"Robot & Frank"

I was a little skeptical about this movie at first. A movie about a retired cat burglar and a robot? But after watching it for a few minutes I was sucked in. The story is a about an elderly cat burglar, played brilliantly by Frank Langella, whose adult children hire a humanoid robot to look after him. He has a lousy diet, doesn't get any exercise, and his place is a pig sty. He reluctantly agrees to have the robot live with him and things start to change. That's all I'll reveal without giving away the story. The movie includes several unexpected twists, and in the end, I found it very entertaining. 

4 solid stars out of 5. 

"Bandits"

How can you go wrong with a cast featuring Bruce Willis, Cate Blanchett, and Billy Bob Thornton? This quirky indie film is so much fun, you just never know where it's headed, and it keeps you guessing until the end. Willis and Thornton break out of prison and begin a series of unusual bank robberies. The show up at the home of bank managers in the evening and spend the night with the family. The next morning the go the bank and the manager opens the vault for them. Along the way, they accidentally take Blanchett hostage, and she's totally on board with their capers. What a refreshingly fun movie. Both Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton are enjoyable to watch.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

"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