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PLEASE have patience while I update the web site. When you see this menu at the left then you'll know that the page has been updated. |
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H O M E P A G E
JANE'S MOVIE WORLD:
JANE'S MUSIC WORLD:
MUSIC TRIBUTES: JANE'S ART WORLD: |
Established 1999
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Yes, I have bravely picked my favorites of this year. If you click on the title - you will be taken to the page my regular review/recommendation is on. (Note: some movies were up for Oscars this spring, but I didn't see them until 2005 so have included them on my list.)
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I saw this film in May and although there were some other fine movies this year, this is the one that has stayed with me. Using several different story lines, it investigates our feelings and opinions about people of other cultures and races and how people react to each based on pre-conceived notions. The script is intelligent and perceptive and the puzzle pieces all come together with a wonderful logic as it crackles with brutal honesty and natural language. On top of that is many solid performances by well-known actors in the small vignettes. At each turn our opinions of them change as we learn about them and their personal lives. This is definitely a "do not miss" movie for adults. seen 5/21/05
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Capote:
Is a substantial movie built on the strength of Philip Seymour Hoffman's
performance as Truman Capote during his writing of "In Cold Blood". There are many levels to
this film that covers topics such as our own fascination with horrible
events and with killers, along with what happens to those who investigate
and report the story. And there is also the element of the person who
achieves his creative apex which he can never top and the price paid for
such extraordinary success. An amazing movie that I highly
recommend.
seen
12/29/05
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Cinderella Man: Is the story of Jim Braddock, a failed fighter who came back from all odds to be a winner. Russell Crowe gives another amazing performance that emphasizes the dignity and honor of the man combined with the skills of the boxer. Renée Zellweger and Paul Giamatti give solid performances as his wife and his manager, who both believe in him and support him through the hard times. The other supporting player in the movie is the story of the Depression and what happened to people, the desperation and frustration. I found myself feeling the blows of the fists during the fight and tears welling up in the tender scenes. seen 6/04/05 |
The Constant
Gardener: Is an intelligent thriller about a bland diplomat, who
falls deeply in love with an activist. While he is stationed in
Africa, she becomes involved in uncovering how pharmaceutical companies are
using Africans for experimentation with their drugs. Her murder leads
him to explore not only why she was killed, but just who she really was and
how little he really knew her. Rachel Weisz is fine as the wife, but
Ralph Fiennes gives another brilliant performance that is deep and honest.
It is a well-paced, lovely photographed and edited film that is intellectual
and emotionally fulfilling. seen
9/9/05
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| Fever Pitch: Is a sweet little picture about a rabid Boston Red Socks fan who falls in love with a driven business woman and the ups and downs of their romance. Both Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore have amusing roles, but I was surprised to find some heart and warmth in it too. seen 4/08/05 | Good Night, and Good Luck.: Is a fine movie that captures the battle between Edward R. Murrow and Sen. Joseph McCarthy over the HUAC hearings. Clooney has filmed it in glorious black and white and the script is intelligent and well paced; the audience sat in quiet rapture watching it. David Strathairn gives a sharp, smart performance and is well supported by the entire cast. seen 11/5/05 | Hitch: Is an entertaining little film about a "date doctor" who fails his own advise when he meets his match in a gossip columnist. Will Smith gets leading man status with his charming work as "Hitch" and Eva Mendas is feisty as the object of his affections. The other storyline features a surprisingly adorable Kevin James, as the clumsy man madly in love with an heiress, played sweetly by Amber Vellata. seen 2/11/05 |
| Hotel Rwanda: Is the gut wrenching true story of Paul Rusesabagina who managed to save over a thousand people during the massacre of a million in Rwanda in 1994. Don Cheadle plays him with dignity and strength, as we see him go from the slick wheeler-dealer who manages an elite hotel to the desperate wheeler-dealer who uses all his wits and skills to save the people who depend on him. It isn't just a good film, but an important one. We must never forget the depths which human beings will sink and the pure goodness they can show when it is needed. seen 2/05/05 |
In Good Company: Manages to be funny, sweet, and perceptive all at the
same time. Due to a corporate takeover, the Dennis Quaid character is
demoted and a young hot shot (played by Topher Grace) takes his management
position. The sharp look at modern business is balanced by the Dennis'
warm family situation that the Topher character learns from.
seen 1/28/05
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In Her Shoes: Is an entertaining and touching movie about the
conflict between two sisters: the straight-laced lawyer, subtlety played by
Toni Collette, and the irresponsible party girl, played touchingly by
Cameron Diaz. But this multi-layered story takes the sisters through a
journey of confrontation with their family history and forgiveness, when
they meet the grandmother (Shirley MacLaine in a lovely performance) they
thought was dead. seen
10/15/05
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March of the Penguins: The surprise hit of the summer is a delightful
look at the Emperor Penguin and how they breed in the most brutal of
climates - South Antarctica. The camera follows them as they walk over
70 miles to their breeding ground, find a mate, and and shows how the egg is
initially protected by the males, who balance it on their feet. Then
we watch the hatched chicks as they grow up to repeat the cycle. There
are very cute scenes along with sad ones. It is a gem.seen
8/19/05
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Sin City: Is amazing to watch, but the storylines are very violent and the humor really dark. Based on the graphic novels of Frank Miller, the actors were filmed against green screens and CGI'd. The standout of the three storylines was the Beauty and Beast storyline that featured Mickey Rourke (unrecognizable in heavy makeup) as a very rough killer who goes on a rampage to revenge the murder of a beautiful woman who was kind to him; he managed to give depth to his character. I would say the film is definitely an experience that I can recommend, but I must warn that it is certainly not for everyone's taste. seen 04/02/05 |
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