Movie Reviews

by Karin Leonard & Daniel Robin

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Nanny McPhee

With Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury, Kelly MacDonald

Entertainment: 3.5 Message: 4

Written and acted by Emma Thompson, this enchanting adaptation of the "Nurse Matilda" books teaches about responsibility, consequences for actions, kindness and love. Despite Nanny McPhees witchy powers, the true magic of the film comes from ingeniously turning around seven out-of-control brats without force, anger or bribery. Dark and disturbing qualities throughout the tale become shimmering charm towards the end, when the children’s ugly behavior, the Nanny’s unsightly appearance (what’s with that beaver tooth!?) and the widowed father’s blindness to love are magically transformed (1 hr 38 min).

National Treasure

With Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Harvey Keitel, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean

Entertainment: 4.5 Message: 3 Stylized action violence (minimal bloodshed)

Ready for “edge of your seat” suspenseful entertainment, with great laughs, magic and mystery? Then this box office hit is your ticket. With a great cast and a fun plot, who cares if the script stretches the imagination? A secret map on the back of the Declaration of Independence? Sure, go for it!!! Entertainment in the style of the best-selling book The DaVinci Code, with secret cues and intrigue, makes sure that great fun is unleashed … for the whole family (2 hrs 25 min).

The New World

With Colin Farrell, Christopher Plummer, Wes Studi

Entertainment: 4 Message: 4

Hauntingly beautiful, deeply romantic and poetic, this visual composition of two worlds and star-crossed lovers will whisk you away with a visual, emotional spell – if you surrender to it. Don’t expect historical accuracy, fast paced entertainment or abundant dialogue or you’ll be frustrated by this evocative piece. Native Americans (called “Naturals” in the film) are vividly portrayed, as we glimpse their culture and deep spiritual harmony with the natural world and with each other. In sharp contrast are the rough, rugged and plundering British settlers with whom inevitable conflict erupts. These brief but gruesome battle scenes capture the absurdity of war, showing how mutual fear and an enemy stance can come to no good. The dialogue and sound quality are a challenge, but the artistic grandiosity make this a feast for the eyes and sustenance for the heart (2 hrs 13 min).

The Notebook

With Sam Shepard, Rachel McAdams, James Marsden, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands

Entertainment: 4 Message: 4.5

One of the most moving, evocative love stories we’ve seen in a long time, grab a box of Kleenex and go (or rent), and experience this beautiful tribute to a life well lived. The film is so delightfully wrapped around the story, it doesn’t matter that it approximates a Hallmark greeting card. Based on a novel, this portrait of true love owes much to its spectacular photography, and spirited performances throughout. Bringing together the feeling of the Old South, the full human expression of romantic love, and the virtue of leading with the truth of your heart makes the slow unfolding of this beautiful rose well worth the time (2 hr 15 min).