"Four Lions"

A movie that focuses on the lighter side of terrorism. Seriously. It's a totally politically incorrect movie that revolves around a cell of bumbling, moronic terrorists in London. I know it sounds ridiculous, and that's the point. These guys are hilarious. You really have to pay attention because the dialog is hard to follow at times. But there are some absolutely brilliant lines in the movie. On of my favorites is when one of the terrorists is carrying some explosives, he accidently blows himself up bumping into a sheep. One of the others says, "He's a martyr. He was attacking the food chain." If you like Borat and Monty Python, you'll get a kick out of this movie.
3.5 stars out of 5

"Mind the Gap"

This movie is about the lives of five different people/families who are interconnected. The common theme is NYC, which you don't really discover until near the end of the film. I just love this kind of film. Think Robert Altman, but not as zany. I found myself pulled into the movie right from the start. The stories were interesting, it featured characters you really cared about, and I thought the writing and acting were great. Indie filmmaking at its best.
4 1/2 stars out of 5.

P.S. I couldn't find a trailer for this one, but trust me, it's well worth watching.

"Rory O'Shea Was Here"

Rory O'Shea, who suffers from muscular dystrophy moves into a home and shares a room with young man who has cerebral palsy.  The two become fast friends and Rory pulls one outrageous stunt after another. It sounds depressing but the movie is far from it. It's a heart-warming story that'll have you laughing out loud. The performances by the two main characters is absolutely incredible. You'll find yourself rooting for Rory almost from the beginning of the movie. One of my faves.

5 stars out of 5!

"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