BABE: A PIG IN THE CITY: Does lightening strike twice?  Unfortunately rarely in movies and this movie is no exception.   Despite some wonderfully surreal sets (the city skyline is an amusing mix of the landmarks of every city in the world), the action is too silly and cartoonish and the animal characters' originality were diminished by the use of dressed chimpanzees.   It's too bad since the potential was there, but add to my other complaints - the confusing mix of different 20th century styles and cultures - make for a weak film.    movie seen 11/25/98    
RECOMMEND:  BABY’S DAY OUT is very slapstick and silly, but there is something about that baby having his adventures out on his own in the world that works for me.  The baby gets kidnapped and that is just the start of his journey to city.  The special effects are done so well, that you really think the baby is in danger (the lady ahead of me in the theater kept gasping and crying out, "Omigod".)
Bad Santa: is a sick, subversive Christmas movie that I actually found pretty funny.  Billy Bob Thorton is a drunken safe cracker who plays Santa each Christmas with a partner who plays an elf, so that they can rob a store each year.  He is a truly bottom of the barrel human being who finds some redemption when a little boy who believes he is Santa, befriends him.  This is a hard "R" movie and not for those who only want to see the light side of life - it is pretty perverse, but with some pretty hilarious scenes.  So, only see if you like real dark humor!!  movie seen 1/26/03 
RECOMMEND: Where's Poppa? was my winner for sick humor film until I saw "Bad Santa".  Carl Reiner went all out with this tale of a harried lawyer, George Siegel, who has to take care of his senile mother, played to the hilt by Ruth Gordon.  Mixed in is a romance and without a doubt the sickest and funniest bit of comedy involving a man in a gorilla suit.  Also, the DVD has both endings; the original didn't get past the censors when the movie was released in 1970.  (I loved this movie so much I even bought the soundtrack album!)
BAIT:  Is entertaining, despite being a copycat movie.  The plot revolves around stolen gold bars and inept shrimp thieves.  It has funny parts and the usual (and unusual) action scenes.  But, the strange thing was that as I watched it, I began to suspect that the actors were actually doing imitations of other performers.  Jamie Foxx plays Eddie Murphy, David Morse did Russell Crowe, and Doug Hutchison does a good John Malkovich.    A pleasant surprise is a fresh face, Kimberly Elise, as the girlfriend.  movie seen 9/16/00   
RECOMMEND: In the Line of Fire is a top-notch thriller starring Clint Eastwood, as an older Secret Service agent, matching wits with the genius bad guy,  portrayed with malicious delight by John Malkovich (see both movies and get a case of deja vu).   Also features Rene Russo.
BANDITS: Billy Bob Thornton and Cate Blanchett as a pair of  neurotics and Troy Garity as a lovable dufus steal the movie from Bruce Willis in this comedy about bank robbers.  Ole' Bruce looks like he's sleepwalking through the filming while the others have hysterically funny characters.  Unfortunately, despite some very funny moments, it all ambles a little too long to totally recommend it, so wait till video.   movie seen 10/13/01   
RECOMMEND: Trapped in Paradise is a minor comedy starring Nicholas Cage who lets his brothers drag him along on a robbery scheme in a small town where they surprisingly find kindness and refuge.   It has a sweetness to the comedy that is appealing.
The Bank Job: Is more than just a good bank heist flick, since it based on a true story.  There are twists and turns with both the mob and the government having guilty secrets stored at the bank vaults that is robbed, touching off a frantic violent search for the thieves.  I found it to be "Rififi" meets "Bourne" with a touch of "The Inside Man" and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Although, I normally don't have a problem with British dialects, I was a bit lost in the beginning with the street slang, but the action and plot quickly pulled me in.  I highly recommend this VERY adult film.   Seen 3/20/08
Be Cool: Is a sequel that sinks as it tries as it tries to be too cute with inside industry jokes, like a discussion in the beginning about the wrongness of making sequels and how they just don't work.  Unfortunately, "Be Cool" lacks the fast pacing of the first film and its freshness, so it just became a snooze to me.  However, there are a few standout funny scenes that make it just bearable: The Rock as a gay actor-wanna-be and Cedric the Entertainer as the hip hop record producer who juggles being a tough guy with being a good daddy to his adorable little girl.  But, like a repeated catch phrase, the joke of Chili Palmer has lost its punch, so sadly I can't recommend the flick.  seen 3/17/05 
RECOMMEND: American Hot Wax is a very Hollywood look at the early career of Alan Freed, the DJ who introduced rock and roll in the early 50's  Tim McIntire does a fine job as Freed and there is great music to enjoy, while the story shows how he fought against the critics who felt rock and roll was the music of the "devil".  (Unfortunately, it isn't currently available on video.)
A Beautiful Mind: Is based on the true story of John Nash who is a brilliant mathematician, yet who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.  The movie begins with his graduate college career and ends with him winning the Noble Prize.  Russell Crowe gives another amazing performance; you actually watch him shrink into the character as he falls into the depths of the disease.  Jennifer Connelly gives a strong supporting performance as his faithful wife who painfully becomes aware of his problem and is his support on his slow road to recovery.  Well worth seeing.   movie seen 12/26/01   
RECOMMEND: A 1948's film about mental breakdowns,  The Snake Pit remains a hard-hitting story of a woman played by Olivia de Havilland who ends up in a mental hospital and her difficult road to recovery.
Because of Winn-Dixie: Is a sweet movie about a lonely little girl of a preacher, who is befriended by a comical dog.  She and the dog eventually make friends of many other of the lonely odd-balls of the town.  It is a very satisfying little film with nice performances by Annasophia Robb as the little girl (should have a solid career based on this performance), Jeff Daniels as the father, Cicely Tyson as a recluse, and Dave Matthews as a drifter (did surprisingly well).  A fine picture for the entire family.  seen 3/03/05 
RECOMMEND: My Dog Skip is a similar story of a lonely little boy who gets a comical little dog who makes friends around the town.  There are some very funny and some very touching scenes.  Another little picture that's a winner (and you'll get a giggle each time of the dog driving the car down mainstreet).
Becoming Jane: Although I normally enjoy Anne Hathaway in a movie, I thought she was miscast in this one as Jane Austen and her discomfort was apparent.  She was just too "American" for such a very British lady (although she did well with the accent, I found fault with her mannerisms).  Also, I found the movie miserably slow with no freshness to revive it.  So, sadly, I must give it a thumbs down.  Seen 8/25/07 
Before the Devil Knows You're Gone: Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke play the desperate sons of a small town jeweler (Albert Finney), who decide to rob their parents store to get themselves out of their financial mess.  All goes horribly wrong and is an unrelenting tale of the consequences of tragically wrong choices.  From the opening scene, you will know this is a very adult story without redemption or chance of a happy outcome.  The patchwork timeline is deliberately disconcerting with gut wrenching scenes.  I found it exceptional with across the board solid performances.  Seen 11/20/07 
Behind Enemy Lines: Is a intense, involving tale of a navy pilot downed in Bosnia.  He is relentlessly pursued by Bosnian troop factions, while his commander finds his hands tied by the peace negotiations in his attempts to rescue him.  Owen Wilson's quirky personality fits well into the hero role (think of Bruce Willis in "Die Hard") and Gene Hackman gives his standard fine performance as the commander.  movie seen 12/1/01   
RECOMMEND: Bat*21 has Gene Hackman as the downed pilot in Viet Nam and Danny Glover as the pilot who goes looking for him.  It is a taunt well-done film that is based on a true story.
BEING JOHN  MALKOVICH:  Ok, you win, this is the most bizarre movie I have ever seen (and I have seen a lots).  John Cusak's character finds a portal into John Malkovich's mind and comedic confusion ensues.  Everyone wants a trip in that head, though, frankly, he doesn't seem to do much that would be interesting, until his head is taken over.  Everyone and everything is of-kilter.  I did find the puppetry to be the best part of the movie - an island of beauty in a skewed world.  If you are ready to be pixilated, you will enjoy this movie, but it is not for average tastes.  (I would have loved to have been inside Malkovich's head when he read this script!)   movie seen 11/13/99    
RECOMMEND: I can remember seeing A Clockwork Orange  several times when it was released and being amazed by the bizarre world, strange characters, and social commentary.   You found yourself cheering for the violent main character played by Malcolm McDowell as the state tried to forcibly reform him.  The soundtrack remains one of my favorites, as Stanley Kubrick proves once again to be a deft hand at choosing the music for his films. 
Bend It Like Beckham: is a terrific film about a young Indian girl in Great Britain who excels at soccer.  The story concentrates on her conflicts with her parents who want a more traditional daughter, her budding romance with her coach, and her friendship with a team-mate.  There is a real warmth and charm that exudes in the story that shows family love and acceptance.  Parminder K. Nagra is delightful as the young "Jesse" and Gurinder Chadha has directed a nicely paced film that gives a view into a Sikh family and traditions.  I highly recommend this sweet, funny film.  movie seen 4/18/03   
RECOMMEND: Billy Elliot is a British film from a few years ago that had a similar story.  This one told the story of a young man who finds an outlet in dance to escape from the problems of the loss of his mother and the protracted strike in the town's mining industry.    It's a heartfelt movie that is not syrupy sweet.
BEST IN SHOW:  Like the best of satires, it has more than a trace of reality in its basis.  It follows several couples as they bring their dogs to the dog show of America.  It is silly and amusing, but somehow closer to the truth than we suspect, with the obsession that many people experience with their pets.  (NOTE: saw it at a special showing where people where allowed to bring their dogs to the movie.  There were only 3 dogs in the theater, but they were better behaved than the humans.)  movie seen 10/14/00    
RECOMMEND: The Rutles: All You Need is Cash is a Monty Python take on the Beatles that precedes the more famous "This is Spinal Tap".  It is funny and the songs are super parodies that sound like they could have been written by Lennon and McCartney and the TV movie even features George Harrison as an interviewer.
Bewitched: Is just awful - don't bother to see it.  The god-awful script and Will Ferrell's annoying "Darren" character unfortunately overshadow the charm that Nicole Kidman and Michael Caine bring to their performances.  Comes under the heading of a wasted chance - too bad.  seen 7/09/05  
RECOMMEND: Addams Family is one of the few remakes that works.  Keeping the original concept that began in the cartoons of Charles Addams and the tv show it remains funny and even fresh feeling, due to amusing writing and solid comic performances. 
Big Fat Liar: Is an amusing movie for older kids and adults.  Frankie Muniz does another fine job as a kid who is caught lying, so when he finally does tell the truth,  isn't believed.   Paul Giamatti has fun chewing up the scenery as a really rotten movie producer who steals the kid's story to use as his next big picture, but won't admit the kid actually wrote it.  The kid and his friend, played by charming, talented newcomer, Amanda Bynes, scheme with many pranks to force the producer to tell the truth.  Yes, the movie is pretty unrealistic, but the good-natured morality tale is entertaining. 
RECOMMEND: Ferris Bueller's Day Off is the classic 1986 movie starring Matthew Broderick of the teenager who plays hooky for one perfect day away from school.  His easy confidence in the role, along with a enjoyable supporting cast, including Jeffrey Jones, as the arrogant Dean of Students, makes this still an enjoyed comedy.
Big Fish: is one of those strange movies that mixes reality with fantasy and is a bit off-setting.  Billy Crudup is a man trying to come to terms with his father who loves to be center-stage as he tells his larger-than-life stories of giants, witches, living in a circus, and other adventures.  Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney charmingly play the father, while Alison Lohman and Jessica Lange add warmth as his mother.  I found myself fascinated in following the twists and turns of the plot and by fanciful filming, but strangely, not emotionally connected to the film, so in that part somewhat disappointed.  So fun to watch, but ultimately missing total satisfaction.  movie seen 01/12/04  
RECOMMEND: Father's Delicate Condition : Jackie Gleason gives another over-the-top performance as the turn of the century father of the actress, Corrine Griffith.  For the child, he is a fun daddy, for his wife is a frustrating drunk.  Now the picture is best known for it's song, "Call Me Irresponsible". 
BILLY ELLIOT :  Is a movie you can't help but love.  Jamie Bell is terrific as the young man who finds an outlet in dance from the many problems of his life from the loss of a mother and now the strife and violence from a protracted strike in the town's mining industry.   Julie Walters gives a good performance as the dance instructor who recognizes his talent and Gary Lewis is memorable as the conflicted father who is first disgusted by his son's dancing ballet, then comes to realize that it is son's way out.   A heartfelt movie that is not syrupy sweet.  movie seen 11/11/00    
RECOMMEND: October Sky is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, who dreamed of leaving his West Virginian mining town and finds his path in making rockets.  Chris Cooper is outstanding as his father, whose life revolves around the town's coal mine, but who comes to understand his son's need for more than that life.
The Black Dahlia: takes the infamous Black Dahlia murder, mixes it with the look of 40's Hollywood, adds a confusing storyline with touches of insanity and perversion, and makes a really unpleasant movie.  After an hour I was ready to leave the theater. The sets and costumes are fine, but there's no way I can recommend this dreck - avoid!!!  seen 9/15/06 
RECOMMEND: Chinatown is the slick Roman Polanski murder mystery that combines many of the same elements as "The Black Dahlia", but he knows how to make murder and perversion fascinating, rather than revolting.  Jack Nicholson added another memorable character to his resume and Faye Dunaway has one of the best lines in movie history.  One of the superb movies of the 70's.
Black Hawk Down: Is as intense and confusing as I imagine being in a real battle must feel..  What was supposed to be a  quick simple operation ended in the death and injury of dozens of American soldiers and the pullout of the U.S. from that conflict in Somalia.   Director Ridley Scott puts you right into the action, until you could swear you could feel the bullets whizzing past your head.  But, this isn't just an action movie, you do feel for the soldiers as they are wounded, killed, or perform amazing acts of bravery and heroism.  It is very real, not an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie.   And you come to understand that this event affected U.S. policy that eventually was a causal factor in 9/11, so is relevant to our times.  This is truly an outstanding film, that I will need to see again (and to read the book it was based on, so I more clearly understand the event).  movie seen 1/12/02   
RECOMMEND: All Quiet on the Western Front is early Oscar-winning story of young German soldiers who learn the horror and futility of war.  As "Black Hawk Down" begins with a quote from Plato (which I paraphrase): "Only the dead experience the end of war".
Blades of Glory: Is another funny take-off movie from Will Ferrell, as a dissolute male figure skater, who is banned along with the more effete skater played hilariously by Jon Heder, when they have a fight on the winners' podium.  They decide to compete in pairs with hysterically funny results.  The best scenes are them actually skating together, though the story is loosely held together by their coming respect and affection for one another.  Being a figure skating buff, I was tickled to see so many real skaters taking cameo roles.  It may not be a classic, but it will make you laugh, so, of course, a recommend.  seen 3/30/07

Some other movies with similar subjects:
Sun Valley Serenade (my favorite Sonya Henie movie 1941)
Ice Castles (1978)
Snow White and the Three Stooges (Carol Heiss-what where you thinking? 1962)
The Cutting Edge ("toe pick" 1992)
Ice Princess (2005)
THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT:  "Is that all there is?", said the lady in front of me at the end of the showing.  I can't say that I disagree with her.  I didn't find the movie as scary as promised.   To me it was just the story of three obnoxious GenXers whom not only didn't I care what happened to them, but think they did the world a favor by getting "lost in the woods".  Wait till this one is TV.  movie seen 7/31/99    
RECOMMEND: Whenever I am asked what is the scariest movie I have ever seen, I always say Fail-Safe.   Sidney Lumet directed this story of a nuclear weapons gone astray during the Cold War.  The movie is filmed in solemn black and white, using tight close-ups of Henry Fonda as the resolute U.S. president dealing with the USSR leader by phone.  The  reparation he ultimately offers makes for an unforgettable absolutely chilling movie ending.  It is also interesting for a strong non-comedic supporting performances by Walter Matthau and Larry Hagman.

BLAST FROM THE PAST:  Is very funny in parts, mainly from a Brendan Fraser performance as another amiable goof (such as in the much funnier, George of the Jungle).  But, unfortunately, there are parts that really drag and the story doesn't have solid flow to it.  But, the audience was having a good time and I must admit to giggling in many parts, so not a total waste of time. Guess it just left me wishing for a little more.    movie seen 2/27/99    
RECOMMEND: Mrs. Winterbourne is a romantic comedy with Brendan Fraser playing twins and Ricki Lake playing a very pregnant woman out on the streets who becomes involved through an unbelievable set of circumstances involved with the brothers.  It has amusing support by Shirley MacLaine as the twins' mother.  It ends up being a very sweet love story.
BOUNCE: Takes a contrived plot and creates a heartfelt love story of a young widow's emotional survival and a cocky young man's growth into a caring person.  Gwyneth Paltrow glows with warmth and Ben Affleck gives a nicely well-rounded performance.  Natasha Henstridge and Jennifer Grey do nicely in small supporting roles.  Enjoyable, involving movie.   movie seen 12/02/00 
RECOMMEND: Return to Me has so much heart and sincere tenderness that you can't resist it. The plot contrivance tells  the story of a widower who falls in love with the woman who received his late wife's heart. I really fell in love with this sweet film.
The Bourne Identity: Harkens back to the classic spy/action movies of the 1970's in style and tone - rather like "The Day of the Jackal" meets "The French Connection" meets "Three Days of the Condor".  A man (played by Matt Damon) with no memory and two bullets in his back is found adrift in the sea by a fishing boat.  He has to piece together not only who he is, but much harder, what he really is.  He meets up with a woman (Franka Potente) with a troubled, troubling past and together they have to literally run for their lives (including a pretty nifty car chase).  Although I wasn't bored by it, I doubt it will become a classic like the other films mentioned, since it is more derivative than original.  movie seen 6/14/02   
RECOMMEND: The Ipcress File is a unique 60's spy movie that starred Michael Caine as Harry Palmer, a most ordinary looking secret agent.  Its been a while since I've seen it, but I have never forgot the metal torture sequence.  Hopefully it will pop up on TV again, since it is a real classic.
The Bourne Supremacy: Is a solid spy thriller with taunt chase scenes mixed with a well-written script and good performances by the cast headed by Matt Damon.  His Bourne character has tried to hide out in India, but an assassin comes after him, setting him off to go after those who set him up.  There are thrilling chases through the streets of India and Russia that will take your breathe away.  This is an entertaining winner that stands up on its own.  movie seen 08/23/04  
RECOMMEND: Hopscotch has a delightful Walter Matthau performance as a retired spy who teases the Agency with his threat of publishing a book about his escapades.  He amusingly tweaks the nose of his incompetent boss, played by Ned Beatty, and Glenda Jackson is his bemused accomplice as they chase him to stop the publishing of the book. 
The Bourne Ultimatum: This is the dizzying third episode in a terrific series.  It moves with terrific action and logical storyline up to a very satisfying ending.  Even if you haven't seen the previous movies, you can follow the storyline and still enjoy it.  Good performances and direction make this a winner.  I give it a high recommend. Seen 8/04/07
BOWFINGER:  Is a good-natured spoof of movie making with a lovable bunch of goofs, who attempt to fool a major movie star into appearing in their movie.  Eddie Murphy is very funny as the movie star who becomes terrified by the actors who suddenly appear in his life speaking their crazy lines of dialog and as the nerdy stand-in.  (The scenes with the dog are terrific.)  Not a great work of art, but fun to watch.  Sort of a sunny "Ed Wood".  movie seen 8/14/99    
RECOMMEND: Nickelodeon is the affectionate telling of the story of the very early days of movie making that was directed Peter Bogdanovich and stars Ryan and Tatum O'Neal and Burt Reynolds.
BOYS DON'T CRY:  Is a tough disturbing movie based on the true story of Teena Brandon, who needed to live as a man and became Brandon Teena.  Hilary Swank stars in a remarkable performance with brave support by Chloe Sevigny as the unhappy, stung-out girl Brandon comes to love.   Their Oscar nominations are no surprise.  This movie is an uncompromising look at the under belly of Midwest life with a most sorrowful ending.  movie seen 3/25/00    
RECOMMEND: Just One of the Guys  is a comedy about a popular high school student who pretends to be a boy for a newspaper story.  Joyce Hyser does a credible job in the lead role and it is genuinely amusing.
The Brave One: Is one of those pictures you feel guilty enjoying.  Jodie Foster is once again the woman in danger and once again she takes things in hand, despite the odds.  This time she becomes Charles Bronson (but at least she can act) and takes her revenge as a vigilante.  Jodie has a way of bringing an extra dimension to what could have been another cheesy shoot-em-up flick.  The end is satisfying and many in the audience cheered, but it is definitely a guilty pleasure.  So I'm giving it a recommend, though seriously, Jodie, you gotta stop accepting these scripts, they're getting repetitive, no matter how well you do them.  Seen 9/14/07
BRIDGET JONES' DIARY:  Renée Zellweger plays the sweetly clumsy English woman who has an affair with her charming cad of a boss, Hugh Grant, only to find herself in love with a guy she thought she didn't like, Colin Firth.  Yes, this is a well worn storyline, but  Renée brings a freshness to it.  It's a well done chick flick with a satisfying end (be sure to watch the credits, cute payoff!) and the all-female audience enjoyed it.  movie seen 4/17/01
RECOMMEND: Georgy Girl was the 60's version of the tale and it still works.  Lynn Redgrave's Oscar-nominated performance is full of heart and humor as the awkward woman looking for love, finding it, losing it, and ending up happily ever after.  The supporting cast is strong with Charlotte Rampling is the sexy, bitchy room-mate, Alan Bates as the hip boyfriend, and James Mason as her mature admirer.
Bringing Down the House: is a rehash of many old movies plots from " Uncle Buck" and Sinbad's "Houseguest" to Steve Martin's previous "House sitter".  But, Queen Latifah has a great screen presence and in good roles, like in "Chicago" she can shine, but here the jokes are just too retread.  Steve Martin milks it for all he's worth with mugging and frankly, seeing a middle age white guy trying to act like a "homeboy" is pretty funny.  But, like pizza warmed up the next day, the movie just isn't fresh or that good.  movie seen 3/8/3   
RECOMMEND: Bulworth was an interesting Warren Beatty movie, about a politician who decides to hire a hit man because he's sick of life and a little crazy.  But, then he feels free to say in speeches and interviews the things that are just not said in public and his unguarded tongue becomes popular with the people.  There are some very funny moments in the film and once again seeing this uptight white guy dressing in rapper street garb is the funniest part of the film. 
BRINGING OUT THE DEAD:  Is a new film from Martin Scorsese that covers a weekend of a paramedic who has gone bonkers, played with familiarly shadowed eyes by Nicolas Cage.   Although I enjoyed watching the cinematic style and appreciated the dark humor ("don't make me take off my sun glasses"), the story-line never engaged me.   I found myself wanting out of the theater; I would rather watch a marathon of "Trauma: Life in the ER" shows on The Learning Channel.  I admit to a problem relating to Scorsese's movies about the underbelly of New York, so it is hard for me to recommend the movie, although the critics are raving about it.  movie seen 10/23/99  
RECOMMEND: Detective Story  starring Kirk Douglas follows a bitter New York City police detective through one night.  Has some nice supporting performances, though it has become a bit dated.
Bruce Almighty : is a hilarious film with a tender heart and message.  Jim Carrey is the unlucky color reporter who longs to be an anchorman.  He challenges God (played with charm and wisdom by Morgan Freeman) who grants Bruce the powers (and responsibilities) of God. Carrey mugs and is tenderly sincere, Jennifer Aniston gives nice support as his long-suffering girlfriend, and Freeman steals the film.  This is a hit!!  movie seen 5/23/03    
RECOMMEND: Liar, Liar is an earlier successful pairing of Carrey and director, Tom Shadyac, which had lawyer, Carrey, having to tell the truth for 24 hours.  It was a big, funny, funny hit that also had a little message and sweetness to go with the humorous gyrations of Carrey.  These two fliks would make a great double bill.
Buffalo Soldiers: was made a couple years ago and just escaped into a limited release.  It is an extremely dark satire about soldiers in 1989 Germany who are con men, drug dealers, and burn outs.  Like all good satires, there is more than just a touch of truth to the story.  The performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Scott Glenn are standouts and the filming has a haunting quality to it.  Definitely, not a film for everyone, but I highly recommend it for something thoughtful and a bit different.  movie seen 9/11/03   
RECOMMEND: Operation Mad Ball is a Fifties' comedy with a nice cast that includes Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs, and Mickey Rooney trying to put on a wild party while avoiding the eye of their stiff captain. Not a major film for anyone in it, but does have some laughs.