Movie Reviews

by Karin Leonard & Daniel Robin

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The Da Vinci Code

With Tom Hanks, Jean Reno, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen

Entertainment: 3 Message: 4

Not bad for a bunch of white guys wearing crosses. Having created worldwide ruffling of (especially) Catholic feathers, it’s hard to meet expectations for Ron Howard’s rendering of Dan Brown’s all-time best-selling novel (yes, it’s fictional!). Will it hold your attention if you’ve already read the book? Will it still be captivating if you haven’t? They did a fine and faithful job cramming 454 pages of plot complications into 149 minutes. It almost works … certainly well acted with a stellar cast, but by far not as spell-binding as the book. If you like the content and themes of the book, you’ll enjoy it, but don’t expect to reach enlightenment (2 hrs 29 min).

The Day after Tomorrow

With Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emmy Rossum, Ian Holm

Entertainment: 3 Message: 4

From the opening scenes, this SciFi Thriller is a hold-on-to-your-seat ride into a scary, possible “what if” future caused by accelerated global warming (the so-called “Greenhouse” effect). A Hollywood blockbuster with a strong environmental message, spectacular but predictable, this “worst case scenario” manages enough personal intrigue and high drama to grip your attention and whack your imagination. But there’s more to this than just weird weather. If you overlook the clichés, this is still an “all hands on deck” wakeup call for faster solutions to environmental abuses (2 hrs 4 min).

Deep Blue

Entertainment: 4 Message: 4

Be sure to catch this beautiful documentary about life in, on and around the sea, including spellbinding footage on the mysterious and colorful organisms of the very deep ocean canyons … spectacular! (2 hrs 3 min).

The Devil Wears Prada

With Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci

Entertainment: 4 Message: 3

Meryl Streep is fabulous and creepily believable as the „dragon woman‰ head of a fashion magazine, Miranda Priestly, a wickedly clever and complex characterization inspired by real life fashionistas. Making fun of the entire self-obsessed industry while providing delectable inside views of an often hidden world, this witty satire takes names and doesn‚t give them back. Karin felt that the clothing designs are worth the price of admission, and the lite/dark humor a delightful nightmare. Anne Hathaway provides a great counterpart as Miranda‚s unlikely assistant.

A Dirty Shame

With Tracey Ullman, Johnny Knoxville, Selma Blair, Chris Isaak

Entertainment: 3 Message: 2.5 Rated NC-17 for nudity and overall rudeness

This sex farce is not for everyone … we’re not even sure if it is for anyone (including us!), but it is certainly one of the most outrageous, wild and zany films we’ve seen this year. Often hilarious, especially as you initially meet the excellent cast of warped characters and get wind of the premise: the world is divided into two groups: sex addicts and prudes (or “neuters” as they call them). Just when you think it couldn’t possible become more outlandish and insane, it does! The second half could use a bit of Viagra; as the initial shock beings to peter out, the film deteriorates into an orgy of frenetic sexual compulsion and perversion. Is this your idea of fun in movie form? If so, you may want to seek medical attention (1 hr 29 min).

Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story

With Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Kris Kristofferson

Entertainment: 3 Message: 3.5

Innocent, heartfelt story, carried by the star power of Dakota Fanning and an exceptional supporting cast. Even though most adults can probably guess what will happen, you want it to happen, and will be delighted with its inspirational message. Great for children of all ages. If you let yourself enjoy it, you’ll be lifted out of the ordinary (1 hr 38 min).

Duma

With Hope Davis, Campbell Scott, Alex Michaeletos, Emonn Walker

Entertainment: 4 Message: 4

This piercingly beautiful tale has all the right elements – as well as the necessary contrivances – to show us the inevitability of change: a cast of furry animal stars, breathtaking South African landscapes, and the soulful story of a 12-year-old boy’s trials, tribulations, and tests of character. Duma (Swahili for “cheetah”) is played by four age groups of real cheetahs – from irresistible cubs to a team of five adults. The boy’s inspired journey, a mission to honor the promise of returning his fully-grown, 250-pound companion to the wild, becomes passionate passage through grief, issues of trust, and initiation into adolescence from the safe harbor of childhood. Deeply metaphoric and poetic throughout, this stirring quest is sure to move all who experience it (1 hr 40 min).