"Lovers in a Dangerous Time"

A couple, Todd and Allison, reconnect at their 10-year high school reunion. They were friends since childhood but lost touch with each other after graduating. The film takes place in a small town in Western Canada. It's a slice of real life. The acting, dialog, and scenery are excellent. Not a lot happens, no torrid sex scenes, no car chases, just a heartfelt little indie film. 

4 stars out of 5

"My Life Without Me"

The movie is about Ann (Sarah Polley) who finds out she has a terminal illness. She decides to make a list of all the things she wants to do before she dies and proceeds to do them. She lives in a trailer behind her mom's house with her husband and two young daughters. Ann makes the most of her remaining days. While the movie sounds depressing, and granted, it's not a real cheery tale, it is quite inspiring. Sarah Polley gives an incredible and totally convincing performance, and Deborah Harry and Amy Plummer are also outstanding.
4 stars out of 5

"Kinky Boots"

No, it's not a porn film. It's a British comedy along the likes of "The Full Monty" and "Calender Girls". A twenty-something young man inherits the shoe factory that's been in the family for generations when his father unexpectedly dies. Due to imports and changing tastes, the factory falls on hard times. When he accidently runs into a cross-dressing performer,  events take a dramatic turn. The two of them decide to design boots for a new niche market. It's a humorous, touching, if not a bit predictable little movie.
3.5 stars out of 5.

"Salmon Fishing in the Yemen"

Slightly offbeat story, great acting, and excellent photography as the British do so well. The plot revolves around a wealthy Sheikh from Yemen who dreams of introducing salmon fishing to his country. To aid this improbable task, two characters, played by Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor, are put on the job. McGregor thinks, with a great deal of justification, that the project is absolutely absurd. But they're propelled forward by the visionary Sheikh (Amr Waked) and an overenthusiastic press secretary (Kristin Scott Thomas). I don't know why this 2011 release wasn't more popular. Maybe because there weren't any explosions or high-speed car chases. I thought it was just a delightful movie all around.
4 1/2 stars out of 5

"Lovely, Still"

Mary (Ellen Burstyn moves across the street from Robert (Martin Landau), a lonely, elderly bachelor, and the two become romantically involved. The movie ambles along at a leisurely pace until the plot takes a dramatic turn. I won't give away what happens but it completely caught me off guard. Ms. Burstyn was quite good, however I thought Martin Landau seemed a little goofy, especially some of his facial expressions.

3.5 stars

"The Space Between"

The storyline is simple. A jaded flight attendant feels obligated to keep an eye on a young Pakistani boy who's flying west. When the flight is grounded after 9/11, she takes matters in her own hands. (The boy's father is a worker in the World Trade Center.) She rents a car and the two of them head back east. The film is subtle and quite moving. And Melissa Leo gives a nuanced and outstanding performance. One more example of why I love indie films.
4 1/2 stars.