Who would have thought an asylum patient would be a bad boyfriend?

Asylum - this film I was looking forward to watching. It is set in England in what I guess would be the 50s. A family moves into an ayslum because the father is a therapist. From the beginning of the film there is a tension between the husband and his wife (Natasha Richardson) Stella. They have a son who befriends an inmate, Edgar, who has been cleared to work in the family's garden. As the movie unfolds life at the asylum is revealed. The father is unable to "control" his alcoholic wife who eventually falls in love with the inmate.

Ian McKellan is excellent and somewhat creepy therapist who also works at the asylum. Eventually, the affair is discovered and the inmate escapes and Stella slowly distances herself from her family and follows Edgar. Surprise, surprise Edgar's sociopathic tendancies emerge. This movie moved a tad slowly. I had numerous thoughts about how the movie would end - I speculated on the various possible outcomes to the film. While I did end up guessing the ending, I did for the most part enjoy the film.

The film illustrates the frustration felt by women who are forced into a particular life. Additionally, Stella was an alcoholic which did not help things. This movie had some whorthwhile moments but I am not sure ife I would reccommend this film to all. Only a select few.

Turtles, Turtles, Turtles

Loggerheads - This film depicts a true story unfolding at three different points in time: 1999, 2000 and 2001. Bonnie Hunt plays a woman who gave up her child for adoption and decides to find him - 2001 storyline. In 1999, we meet Bonnie Hunt's son attempting to save the Loggerhead turtles in North Carolina. 2000 is the storyline of a minister and his wife, who adopted Bonnie Hunt's son, and are dealing with the fact that he is gay and the fact that he left. The movie was way way too slow. I am not opposed to the slow moving film, in fact I tolerate them better than most, and I stopped paying attention. I actually started flipping through a magazine and scanning a newspaper, not a good sign. The movie did have potential.

The ideas were interesting - blending homosexuality, adoption, loss, and family. Each year in itself was interesting and the way they eventually come together was quite gripping. I don't know what it was, I guess the middle just wasn't compelling enough. It wasn't a bad movie. I just don't know if I can recommend this as a must-see, worthwhile film. However, I do like the thoughts that this film provokes and that it is based on a true story. So, you'll have to ask me if I think you should see it...

Travels

Edge of America - apparently Showtime aired this movie in 2003. It is based on the true story of a black man who is hired sight unseen by Three Nations High School on an Indian Reservation. He is there to teach English Composition and in order to make more money signs on to coach the girls' basketball team. The team is terrible at first, he makes them sign a contract and with discipline turns the team around. It is a cinderella story - lovely and funny. It makes me want to travel to New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and Utah. The movie explores some stereotypes but is still thoughtful. I will confess that I did feel at times like a voyeur into the world of Native Americans - Indians. Even with that feeling I still think this movie is worthwhile.

Summertime - Katherine Hepburn plays a spinster who has saved up her money for the trip of a lifetime - to spend the Summer in Venice. This movie has the feel of an art film in that it tries to make Venice into a character, I don't think it was successful in my view. Don't get me wrong I still want to go to Venice and experience it fully, it just had a few too many lingering shots of buildings and flying birds. Katherine plays Miss Hudson traveling alone in Venice. She meets an antique dealer who sweeps her off her feet. They spend a beautiful night together ending with her blurting out "I love you." He, however, is married. The movie unfolds from there. This movie has its moments but is a tad slow. I adore Ms. Hepburn and she plays the part very well. You feel for her - traveling alone in a strange city surrounded by couples. If you are in the mood to see Venice and a bittersweet lovestory rent it, if not catch it on AMC or TCM.

Breakfast on Pluto - set in Northern Ireland during the 60s and 70s, this film is the story of Patrick "Kitten" McCabe. As a baby, Kitten is abandoned by her parents. Kitten spends the movie trying to find his/her mother. This movie depicts Ireland in a new and full light. Kitten spends the movie bumping into people who help shape her and move her along her path. Apparently, this movie was based on a book, an autobiography. Kitten discovers her parentage and comes into her own by the end of the film. A somewhat lengthy and slightly meandering film, it reminded me slightly of Billy Elliot - I enjoyed Billy Elliot more - still interesting and a worthwhile look. If you are in a gay friendly, period piece (yes I consider the 70s a period piece), Irish political , coming of age film - here you go. If in the mood, it can quench a desire.

Yes, I realize I use the word worthwhile a lot in this posting but I find it encaptures my meaning.

"What fresh hell is this?"

Bringing Down the House - Let me first state that I rented this movie expecting it to be bad. I like Steve Martin and Queen Latifah, so I thought why not. Now this movie is about Peter a tax attorney whose marriage has failed due to his inability not to work constantly. He begins an online relationship with a woman who he thinks is a blond willowy lawyer - he is shocked to find out that Charlene is a felon and Queen Latifah! He has two children whom he disappoints but by the end of course he does the right thing. He helps out Charlene while attempting to land a wealthy conserative client.

Now this movie has some moments that go on a bit too long but overall this movie is resplendent with great secondary characters and actors, even if the plot is bit thin. Eugene Levy is AWESOME as a white white man in love with Queen Latifah's character. He is perfect. Jean Smart and Missi Pyle are also great. I think that for the most part the unexpected and funny parts outweighs the uneven less funny aspects. Overall I would say this is a worthwhile rental.

Back and forth...forever

Me and You and Everyone We Know - inde flick written, directed and starring Miranda July. The movie surrounds a newly divorced dad and his two adorable ADORABLE kids and a young performance artist (Miranda July) who meets him at his job as a shoe salesman and falls in love. This movie has a variety of interesting subplots including a cute neighbor who at the age of 9 (my guess) has already started investing in and stock piling her hope chest. There are some dubious subplots - but overall I thought this movie was worthwhile albeit very inde - meaning I had the same complaint as previous inde flicks I have watched recently, too rejecting mainstream and embracing being inde. But I still have to give it a thumbs up.