Real Women Have Curves (2002)

Very narrow segment of life (working-class Mexican American) is shown over the course of a few months. I wanted to escape to a better place nearly as much as the lead did.

C-

Monsoon Wedding (2002)

It is baffling to me that this is listed as "comedy" on IMDb & in video stores – there’s nothing funny about it AT ALL. It is, however, a tender look at the days leading up to a traditional Indian wedding. Much of it is touching (I especially liked the subplot with the wedding planner falling in love with one of the household servants), but it veers several times into very deep waters, which were uncomfortable more often than not.

C-

Possessed (1947)

The story is interesting enough -- woman goes slowly mad -- but they bog it down with simplistic psychobabble that's pretty laughable now. It reminded me quite a bit of "The Snake Pit." She's crazy...but why?? Should've just stuck to telling the story rather than explaining it.

B-

Spirited Away (2002)

Stunning movie that works like a dream. Beautiful and frightening and magical.

A-

Holes (2003)

So glad we saw this. Really good adaptation of the book – the Kate & Sam scenes even managed to make me cry, just as I did when reading. Nice blend of seriousness, slapstick, friendship, big issues, legends, and on & on. Very well done.

B

Anchors Aweigh (1945)

Like the best Astaire movies, the plot is just a flimsy excuse to string a bunch of music and dance numbers together. Unlike those wonderful Astaire films, I fast-forwarded through most of the singing and quite a bit of the dancing.

The difference seems to be that Astaire & Rogers infused their dancing with humor and seemed to love what they were doing. Kelly, on the other hand, seems to love that people are looking at him and every movement shouts, "Look at me! I'm amazing!" Well – you're not. In the one dance sequence he shared with Sinatra, it was Frank I watched – no, he's not as technically good as Gene, but he's human.

I find that most of Kelly's movies have a theme of smarminess - they're always somewhat dirty and I just can't get behind them in a joyful way. Leading lady Grayson was as wooden as Andie MacDowell on her worst days and I still can't understand why people would want to listen to that operatic type of voice she possesses! Yuck on all levels (except the sweet Sinatra level).

D+

San Francisco (1936)

This is alright – slightly shady businessman hires a classy singer for his nightclub and they fall in love. Then they're separated. Then there's a big earthquake. Then they're together again. I'd like it a couple of notches more if it weren't for the fact that Jeanette McDonald's screeching soprano warbles over half the scenes. Ugh.

C+

Red River (1948)

It's got it all: wide vistas, angst, passion, guns, climactic fist fight…even manages to squeeze in some humor. Good stuff.

B+

Angels Over Broadway (1940)

Charming script – suicidal man is taken under the wing of an unlikely trio – is nearly done in by Rita Hayworth's childish acting job.

I don’t know why, but I just liked it. Alright?!

B-

Roger Dodger (2002)

Sour little film about an empty-souled woman-chaser teaching his nephew the ways of the world in one night. I admired a lot of the dialogue and will always love Campbell Scott...but yuck.

C

Secretary (2002)

Interesting subject has a fantastic first half, which morphs into an uncomfortable second half, which in turn ends up with a great final section. Undecided as to my feelings on the film -- I'll have to think on it...some of the acting seemed to be a bit much (Gyllenhaal, at times, too childish; Spader almost always too cautious -- nearing slapstick sometimes). For now: B

B

Devil's Playground (2002)

Interesting subject that seems to go on too long. Inspired some good discussion -- it's just heartbreaking that these kids believe a heavenly future hinges on joining the Amish church.

B-