When a movie is known more for its fake dwarves than for its story, it’s in a little trouble. This is a far darker version of the Snow White story than was the Julia Roberts version, Mirror, Mirror from earlier this year. Charlize Theron is diabolical and evil here, and Kristin Stewart, trying to shed, first her “Twilight” image, and second her “scarlet woman” image from her recent affair. Liam Hemsworth is the handsome, worthy huntsman sent out to dispatch Snow, but instead he falls for her – eventually. Ian McShane leads a troupe of dwarves that elicited complaints from “real” little people about the movie’s casting. All in all, not bad – but not really kid stuff. Rated 14A.
2. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING:
Based on the best-selling book which actually offered information based on its title, the movie is really just a patchwork of vignettes that tie a loosely constructed story involving expectant women together. Cameron Diaz, J Lo, Chris Rock and Elizabeth Banks lead a strong cast – but the script is weak. Five connected couples, all going through a different kind of parenthood are profiled. Plays out like an old episode of Love, American Style. Rated 14A.
3. FOR GREATER GLORY THE TRUE STORY OF CRISTIADA:
Andy Garcia stars in what is a little-known story to most, but which is as famous as the American Civil War to those from Mexico. Taking place in the mid-1920s, it was a civil uprising of devout Catholics against the atheistic government that had been put in place and was suppressing all religious freedom. An excellent story, great casting with Peter O’Toole, and Eva Longoria. Rated 18A.
FOR GREATER GLORY:
It’s amazing what we don’t know about a country just two borders away … and it’s not ancient history either – it’s a 20th Century story! Partly financed by the Knights of Columbus.
THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (1971):
Academy Award-winning film about a group of 50s young people coming of age … Cybill Shepherd, Jeff Bridges, Cloris Leachman … and Clu Gulager … who, in real life, is Will Rogers’ cousin!
THE WORDS
Bradley Cooper is excellent in this story of a writer who hits it big … with a stolen book! Confusing plot though!
THE COLD LIGHT OF DAY
Badly directed action movie about a Wall Street broker and a missing suitcase … and a missing story too!
