This week on Netflix

This was actually a week of decent movies. In no particular order:

Four Brothers Drama Four adopted brothers return home for their mother's funeral and discover that she may have been murdered. Seeking revenge, they search out their mother's killer(s). Well cast. Bit on the violent side. I wouldn't say this is high on serious plot, but isn't a total waste of time. Since there are no "halves" on Netflix I rounded it up to a 4 out of 5.

Lagaan Indian, Drama Set in the 1890s in India, villagers must pay taxes to the English. One particular village falls victim to an egotistical British commander who first doubles their taxes, then offers a challenge. Beat the British solidiers in a game of cricket and pay no taxes for 3 years...or pay triple taxes. Let me warn you that this movie is 3 hrs, 45 minutes. That was not a typo. The last roughly 1hr 20 minutes was nothing but the cricket match (which was set to be played for 3 days). I have to admit, I did fast forward thru some of the song/dance numbers (or at least partially). But all in all, this was a good film. It actually didn't seem too terribly long. At first I was a bit surprised that the game would take up so much time, but in the end I was cheering on the villagers and learned a few things about Cricket in the process. Even with the length I would give it 4 of 5.


The Island Sci-fi Adventure Human clones meant for spare parts hope to win a trip to "The Island", but 2 find out that things aren't as they appear and escape...attempting to tell the world. To be honest, I wasn't all that interested in this movie when it was in the theaters. Not sure why, but it just didn't draw me in enough. I actually really liked this one, giving it 4 out of 5 stars. It is very reminiscent of other films out there (and it is itself actually a remake), but holds it's own. Definitely a good rental.


The Exorcism of Emily Rose "Horror" Based on a true story this movie chronicles the trial a Catholic priest charged with negligence resulting in the death of Emily Rose (a college student believed to be possessed by 6 demons). Thru court room scenes, the lawyer defending the priest and flash backs you get a glimpse of the last few months of Emily Rose's life. I am not sure I would classify this as horror (that was the Netflix classification), but maybe a thriller or drama instead. I do have one quick commentary here: I find it interesting that the prosecting attorney (who described himself as a spiritual man who believed only the facts) would find it so easy to believe in God, but would scoff at the idea of demons. Can you really believe in God and angels, but not believe in the devil and demons?

Downfall German, Drama This drama is based on the documentary of Traudl Junge, one of Hitler's secretary's, focuses on the last few days in Hitler's bunker. This certainly isn't your typical war movie, taking you into a different perspective. I did read that it was an attempt to "humanize" Hitler. I don't think I would go so far as saying that. Charismatic, yes...he would have had to be that to commit the attrocities that he did with such loyal followers behind him...although in the end that (for the most part) came crumbling down around him. Interesting for a different angle. I gave it 3 out of 5. I wasn't blown away by it, but would recommend it.

Rumor Has It

Christmas Day it was off to the movies. We went with Rumor Has It, which opened that day. This romantic comedy is about a rumor about the book/movie The Graduate. Sarah (Jennifer Anniston) never felt as though she fit in with her family. When her grandmother (Shirley MacLaine) mentions something, Sarah becomes convinced that she now knows why she felt that way. Well cast and a fun plot, this movie makes for a nice matinee...or perhaps a rental later. This isn't a must see, but definitely a should see. I gave it 4 out of 5.

Catching up on Netflix (again)

I'm afraid I've been a bit neglectful when it comes to updating this blog. I haven't stopped watching movies, by any means. So here we go with catching up (again):

Murderball Documentary This was about Rugby athletes who happen to be wheelchair bound quadriplegics. The movie covers their bid for gold in the 2002 World Championships and the 2004 Paralympic Games. There were a lot of great story possibilities here, but it seemed (to me) like the movie spent too much time on the rival between the US team and Joe Soares (a former US player who became coach of the Canada team when he didn't make the cut as a player in the US). Overall it was ok, but with the amount of swearing and other commentary I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with children.

Ladies in Lavender DramaTwo sisters find a young man washed onshore near their home. They nurse him back to health and teach him English...later finding out that he was a talented violinist bound for the US when the ship he was on apparently sank. First, let me say I love Judi Dench and Maggie Smith in general, and they were quite good in this movie as well. They created very likeable characters, though both were a bit weak (not really what I want to see out of two very strong women). The movie was a bit slow at times. The plot was ok, but the border of reality was pushed a little too much for me considering this is something that could possibly happen. There are probably better choices out there, but if there's nothing else to rent go ahead and check this one out.

Saved! Comedy Seriously, I don't know what I was thinking. Satire about a young girl in a Christian high school that sleeps with her gay boyfriend in hopes of saving him, but ends up getting pregnant instead. There's really not much more to say than that. Predictable and just plain stupid. Don't bother.

Apres Vous French romantic comedy Antoine, a well-meaning waiter, stops a man from committing suicide in the park, then feels responsible for taking care of him. He gets Louis a job at his restaurant, gives him a place to stay, and decides to help Louis win back the girlfriend who left him. I gave it a 3 out of 5 rating. It was ok. A bit mindless and silly, but cute enough.

Kingdom of Heaven Adventure A young man takes on the responsibility of knighthood to fight against Christian crusaders who want to gain control of Jerusalem. It's an adventure film with little historical merit. Take it for what it is and it's ok. 3 of 5 stars.

Cinderella Story Romantic comedyAnd another of my "What was I thinking?" moments. "Average girl" falls in love with "school hottie" but neither know it because it all happens thru instant messaging. What do you suppose will happen when they meet face to face? Yep, you guessed it...no need to rent it.

The Skeleton Key Thriller Hospice worker, Caroline, goes to take care of an aging stroke victim in the heart of vodoo country. Creepy things are going on in the mansion, and the elderly gentleman is very afraid of something in the house. Perhaps not the most frightening of movies, but not bad. I gave it a 4 out of 5.

Playing By Heart Drama, 1998 Yeah, it's an old one, but one I hadn't seen before. 4 out of 4.