"For Love or Money"

Nobody does goofy rom/coms quite like the Brits. The story is about a nerdy guy Mark, played by Robert Kozinski, who is about to sign a deal that'll net him two million pounds. A girl who spurned him when they were young (Samantha Barks), gets wind of this and pretends to fall in love with him. He discovers her plot and decides to see how miserable he can make her and have her still stay on track to get married. It's a delightful romp full of zany antics-- pretty mindless entertainment, but if you're in the mood for something fun, you'll enjoy it.
3 out of 5 stars

"Now and Then"

What an absolutely sweet movie. It's sort of a "Stand by Me" for girls. The film starts with four BFFs reuniting for the birth of one of their daughters. Then the story jumps back in time to them growing up in suburbia in the 1970s, when they were 12-years old. They're involved in all sorts of escapades including first encounters with boys, being obsessed with a kid who mysteriously died 20 years before and other capers. The four girls' meeting with a young Vietnam vet was worth the price of admission for me--a heartfelt moment that I found quite touching and subtly profound. It stars some big name stars but the younger actors steal the show.
4 out of 5 stars

"Boi"

If you're in the mood for something a little offbeat and quirky, this should fit the bill. It's about the exploits of a twenty-something Spanish lad, Boi, who takes a job as a limo driver. His first assignment is to drive a couple of unusual Chinese businessmen around Barcelona on an oddball mission. This movie reminded me of one of my favorite films, "After Hours", an early Scorsese work, about a nightmare of an evening that seemingly wouldn't end. Boi is a struggling novelist, who's trying to contact his elusive, pregnant girlfriend. The movie is full of amusing characters and is described, for some reason as a "road trip" film. I guess it is. Sort of.
4 out of 5 stars

"Playing for Time"

This movie had been in my Netflix queue for quite some time, and I'm glad I finally got around to watching it. It's based on a true story and takes place during WWII, when a Parisian chanteuse is rounded up and taken to a concentration camp. There she joins a number of female musicians to be part of an orchestra that entertains their German captors. It was a made for tv and features a riveting and nuanced performance by Vanessa Redgrave. Apparently, there was some objection to her playing the lead role since she was a Palestinian sympathizer, and both Barbara Streisand and Lisa Minelli were considered for the the part. I can't imagine anyone else starring in the movie. It's a tad long, but well worth watching, and I don't see how it could be cut. The trailer is pretty dated it's from 1980) and a bit corny. Also, the entire movie can be viewed on youtube.
5 out of 5 stars

"Dismissed"

Absolutely one of the creepiest movies I've seen in a long time. I normally don't like movies like this, but every once in a while, it's fun to have the crap scared out of you. The story is about a high school transfer student who's determined to get all As to get into Harvard. When he gets a B on an English paper, all hell breaks loose. The kid is one of the most disturbing characters ever. He starts to make life hell for his teacher. And the young actor, Dylan Sprouse, did an absolutely amazing job.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"50/50"

A 27-year old man, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt,  is diagnosed with cancer and is given a 50/50 chance of survival. His friend, the consistently amusing Seth Rogan, is determined to help him get through his struggle and beat the disease. "50/50" is the perfect title for this film because it's 50% serious and 50% funny. There are several laugh-out-loud moments in this film. And apparently it's based on a true story. Well worth watching.
4 out of 5 stars.

"Bullitt County"

A group of friends decide to celebrate an upcoming wedding with a camping weekend and a visit to a favorite bourbon distillery. The distillery has transitioned into a winery and while visiting it, the groom-to-be hears about a mythical treasure buried near their campground. It looks like an amusing romp in the woods, but the bachelor party in the woods turns dark. Very dark. Let's just say there are rumors that treasure hunters in the past have mysteriously disappeared. The movie was definitely not what I was expecting, however I thought the acting and writing were great. If you're up for something a bit different, take a chance with this film.
3.5 out of 5 stars.