Mission Impossible

EXCITING, FAST-PACED MOVIE! I loved this movie. It was exhilarating from the first few scenes and the pace never let up.

Boomers all remember the TV series - Mission Impossible - which always reminded me of a high-action version of the TV show "BEAT THE CLOCK". I'm still a big Tom Cruise fan and I think he's done an exceptional job in bringing the flavor and suspense of the series to the big screen. As with all MI movies, there definitely has to be a suspension of belief because the plot line at times is implausible and the stunt scenes too unrealistic. So if you're looking for a thrilling movie for this holiday weekend; this one's worth your time. For a more detailed review, check out the NY Times review at:

http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9E02E2DB1039F931A15756C0A960958260

The Descendants

I love movies and will go to see one just because of the leading man - in this case, George Clooney - in "THE DESCANDENTS" which was highly touted as one of the best movies of the year. I strongly disagree. It was so boring that I almost fell asleep within the first 20 minutes and would have left except I was there with a friend.

It definitely was not his best acting effort as some critics claimed, as I did not feel any sympathy for his character just because his wife was in a coma and had cheated on him. From the very beginning, he seemed selfish and very detached from and unaware of major issues within his own immediate family.

Also, he had pressure from his other family members over a potential land sale, but it's difficult to feel bad for a guy who's worth millions. The best thing I can say for the movie is that it was set in Hawaii.

For an opposing view - here's the NY Times review --
http://movies.nytimes.com/2011/11/16/movies/descendants-with-george-clooney-review.html?pagewanted=all

Seven Pounds

I love going to the MOVIES!!

If you've been following my BLOG, then by now you already know that.

When I was a kid, my Aunt Zina would take me to the movies every other week. Since there were so many kids, we had to take turns. That's so long ago, that it cost only 10 cents; that's right, just a mere dime to enter into the magical world of the movies. It was ridiculously cheap as adults paid only 25 cents!

I don't mind paying the prices they charge nowadays, because I usually go to a showing time when I can get the senior discount; but overall, I'm finding that the movies just aren't as interesting or as much fun as even a few years ago.

My sister Ginny and I went to see "Seven Pounds" this week. I really like Will Smith and feel that he has matured into a fine actor. I loved him in "The Pursuit of Happyness", but here he gave somewhat of a forced performance. He just didn't seem comfortable with that serious of a role.

The best part of the movie was Rosario Dawson's performance -- she was outstanding as a young woman needing a transplant. Woody Harrelson also acted very well in his role. I won't give away the ending, but I found this movie to be very disjointed and the plot line was such that it was difficult to follow what was happening in the movie. If you plan to see the movie, suggest you go early in the day. I found it so depressing that I had trouble sleeping.

We never did figure out what the title "Seven Pounds" meant; so if you do, please send me a comment. If you'd like to know more about the movie, check out the review at
http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/movies/19seve.html

Denver Film Festival

Are you a movie buff and live in Denver? Then catch a movie at the STARZ Denver Film Festival which is happening now at the STARZ Film Center in downtown Denver and runs through Sunday, November 23rd. I've met a lot of retirees there who love movies just as much as I do and enjoy the buzz of the Festival. No matter what your skills are, there's something to do for everyone from driving the directors/stars, working in the theater or at the volunteer center. I love working in the Film Maker's Lounge. There's such an electric feeling in the air when people start filtering in after a movie. It's a place where all the up and coming directors and film makers hang out and can get a bite to eat. It's so much fun, that it's my 6th year as a volunteer. Here's the schedule, in case you have some free time to catch a flick this week---http://www.denverfilm.org/_uploaded/sdff08postbookletweb2_182316.pdf
And if volunteering there sounds like something you'd enjoy, then check out their website next summer.