Movie Reviews

by Karin Leonard & Daniel Robin

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Ray

With Jamie Foxx, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Richard Schiff

Entertainment: 4.5 Message: 3.5

Jamie Foxx shape-shifts into the legendary performer Ray Charles and Oscar smiled on him for it (Ray also got recognized for Sound Mixing). The film powerfully captures the genius and struggles of “Brother Ray” with sharp focus on how he became not only one of the most respected musical talents of modern times, but also, as he gained notoriety, how he broke free from childhood trauma and drug addiction to become a man of great principles (2 hrs 33 min).

The Real Dirt on Farmer John

Entertainment: 4 Message: 4.5

An amazing and uniquely American tale of “life, love, death and sweet potatoes” chronicles the return of culture to agriculture, and offers a compelling blueprint for the future. Farmer John Peterson has a certain over-the-top flamboyance that more closely resembles Elton John than someone with dirt permanently wedged under their fingernails. This often hilarious and uplifting story has already won “people’s choice” awards at film festivals around the country. The epic journey shows the plight, the joys and curses of farm life in rural northern Illinois, and offers the potential for redemption through innovation as we reconnect with community, meaning, and our true source of food (hint: it’s not the supermarket). A must see! (1 hr 23 min).

Red Eye

With Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Brian Cox

Entertainment: 3.5 Message: 3.5 Warning: moments of intense graphic violence

This well crafted psychological thriller plays on post 9/11 “terror,” helplessness, and fears around loss of control. Although the actual storyline stretches believability, when you are in it, you will probably find it quite real. Inspired by the film Phone Booth, and extremely well acted, we find a powerful role model for women in Rachel McAdam’s character, fighting back in the midst of oppressive threat and all-consuming adversity. Honoring her own commitment to herself, and a refusal to fall victim, she is a force to be reckoned with (1 hr 25 min).

Riding Giants

With Greg Noll, Dave Kalama, Peter Mel, Titus Kinimaka, Darrick Doerner

Entertainment: 4.5 Message: 3.5

Similar to Step Into Liquid, but here we get the full scoop on the legends that made big wave surfing what it is today. Awesome photography and archival footage take you inside and on top of some unbelievable waves and the coherent stories of their riders, their motives and inspiration. A journey through time and a few of the world’s greatest “giant-riding” surf spots, this is probably the best surfing movie we have seen (1 hr 45 min).

Robots

Voices by Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, Robin Williams, Mel Brooks, Greg Kinnear

Entertainment: 4 Message: 3

Beaming with originality, engaging characters and a stellar cast, this animated science fiction/fantasy feature from the directors of Ice Age is a rare gem that is more imaginative than anything we’ve seen to date from Pixar. A wonderful parable of believing in oneself and reaching for the stars, as well as showing corporate coldness in sharp contrast with social sensibility, unfolding amidst this imaginary future world of lively machines (1 hr 30 min).

Rumor Has It

With Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Ruffalo

Entertainment: 2.5 Message: 2.5

Light comedy, mostly off and contrived, but with some good, original moments. The cast and likeable characters make this otherwise soon forgotten fluff somewhat watchable (1 hr 35 min).

RV

Entertainment: 2 Message: 3.5

Robin Williams yucks it up as a dysfunctional family goes on the road in a rented RV with about as much subtlety as an elephant in a china shop. Gross, disgusting and (for non-RV owners) quite funny.