Vanity Fair: Is the lavish filming of the classic novel of a poor girl's accent into society.  Reese Witherspoon brings her pithy perkiness to the role of Becky Sharpe who uses her friendship with the innocent Amelia, too prettily played by Romala Garai.  The roles of the men who love and/or desire them are well-rounded and actually more interesting then the lead women's roles; especially the mysterious Gabriel Bryne.  Make no mistake, this a "chick flick, bodice ripper" kind of movie, but, there are many luscious scenes that give you a feeling for the time and place and delightful supporting by many pro's that raise the movie to an enjoyable couple hours.  So a soft recommend.  movie seen 09/03/04   RECOMMEND: The Duchess of Duke Street is a terrific BBC series that follows the life a woman (played memorably by Gemma Jones) as she rises from cook to owner of a famous hotel in London; her rise in life beginning with an affair with King Edward.  She is strong with a sense of humor and resolve and the episodes run from the story of her life to her quirky staff and varied customers.  One of my all time favorites and they had better get it on DVD soon!!!

Vantage Point: "Air Force One" meets "Black Sunday" with the twist of the story of a presidential terrorist attack being told from different points of view.  Each retelling adds another piece of the puzzle leading to a satisfying conclusion.  Not a classic, but I was entertained and kept interested throughout, so give it a recommend.  Seen 2/22/08

VERTICAL LIMIT: is definitely an "E-Ride" that puts you on the edge of your seat from the beginning and has several scenes that leave you breathless with sweaty palms.  The story combines interesting and fun characters with a basic moral dilemma of survival to give the movie depth beyond the amazing stunts.  Definitely a winner.  movie seen 12/9/00     RECOMMEND: Cliffhanger is a Sylvester Stallone movie that has a heart pounding beginning and lots of action.  It is highlighted by a delightfully wicked performance by John Lithgow as a ruthless bad guy.