"Radium Girls"

I had no idea radium was used in watch faces, and I was particularly shocked to learn that it was used to promote good health and a miracle cure for all sorts of diseases in the 1920s. This movie was a real eye-opener. It's based on the true story of a factory that hired young women to paint watch faces with radium to make them glow. When several of the women get sick and die, they become concerned and decide to take on the company. It's a well written and well acted film, if somewhat predictable. I've seen many social issue movies over the years, but I particularly enjoyed this one. 

"Gimme Shelter"

Not to be confused with the Rolling Stones documentary, this is the true story about Apple, a streetwise teen who runs away from her abusive mother, hoping to be taken in by her wealthy father. She's turned away when his wife learns she's pregnant. Apple is forced to fend for herself on the streets until she's guided to a shelter by a kindly priest (James Earl Jones). I thought Vanessa Hudgens did an absolutely amazing job and while the story is downright painful to watch at times, it certainly will stick with you for quite a while. 

4 9out of 5 stars

"Into the Wild"

This movie has one of those titles that makes you say, "Yea, I think I saw that one." That's what I thought until I decided to "watch it again"! It's based on the best-selling book by Jon Krakauer and stars Emile Hirsch, a recent graduate of Emory University. After graduation, the young man from a wealthy family gives his inheritance away and embarks on his dream--to hitchhike to Alaska where he plans to live out in the wilderness. Along the way, he encounters several characters who impact his life. This true story is fascinating and will keep you glued to your tv right to the end. I loved the story, acting, and most of al, the amazing scenery. It'll make you want to quit everything and start exploring our beautiful country.

4.5 out of 5 stars

"The Professor and the Madman"

I read this outstanding book a few years ago and didn't know it had been made into a film. It stars Mel Gibson and Sean Penn, so I was a bit hesitant to see it. But I was very pleasantly surprised. It's the true story of a brilliant scholar played by Gibson, who wants to compile what would become the Oxford English Dictionary--a huge tome that would include every word in the English language.  Oxford University reluctantly agrees to fund his mission and along the way, he meets an American refugee, who is haunted by demons from the Civil War and is institutionalized. The two share a love of the English language and work together on this daunting project. If you don't know about this amazing story, I highly recommend watching this. However, I'd suggest reading the book first. 

4.5 out of 5 stars

"The Bookshop"

 Just a delightful, offbeat movie as only the English can do it. It stars Emily Mortimer, Bill Nighy, and Patricia Clarkson. A young widow buys an old house in a small East Anglian town and is determined to open a bookshop there. She's met with some resistance from the townsfolk who want to turn it into an arts center. It's an amusing look at small town life in the late 1950s in Britain and features a charming cast of eccentric characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it--how can you not like a movie that features Bill Nighy?

4 out of 5 stars

"This Beautiful Fantastic"

In spite its title, which looks like a typo, this is a truly delightful movie. It's one of those rare films where nothing really bad happens. The story is about a young librarian, played by Jessica Brown Findlay, who's working on a children's book She gets in trouble when she neglects her backyard, letting it turn into a total jungle. Her next-door neighbor, Tom Wilkinson, befriends her and agrees to help her clean it up before she's evicted. In the meantime, she falls heads over heels in love with an eccentric young inventor. All in all, a thoroughly charming story that will have you smiling for days. 

4.5 out of 5 stars

"The Other Guys"

Not your typical buddy/cop movie by any means. Which is what you'd expect with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. Ferrell is a nerdy pencil pusher who's happy doing his desk job. He's teamed up with Wahlberg, who is just itching to get back on the street and solve a crime. It appears to be your average and predictable cop film, but it's anything but. Just when you think you know what's going to happen, it zigs and zags. I found myself laughing out loud several times, which is quite rare for me. If you're in the mood for something wacky, you'll enjoy this. 

3.5 out of 5 stars