The Hurt Locker

When a woman is involved in the direction and control of a war film, I must go see it. This film is particularly noteworthy because of its cinematography and the presentation of the story. The screenplay is magnificent, the character arcs are incredibly believable, and the acting is outstanding. When is the last time you saw a positive movie about our military in Iraq or Afghanistan? So many others have denigrated the soldiers, depicting them as mass murderers and torturers. (That's why you'll not see comments in my blogs about films at that level.) The Hurt Locker just might get some nominations, at least, for Academy Awards. It doesn't matter. It's well worth seeing, no matter what your feelings about today's political climate and your position on the ongoing wars.

Julie & Julia

My wife and I decided to see this film on opening day. What a surprise... the theater seats were almost totally filled. Age groups from 20's to 80's. It's a good feeling to see such success for a film like this. Meryl Streep does outstanding work in it. Everything from the physical mannerisms to the speech patterns of Julia Childs is spot on. Nora Ephron did a magnificent job with the screenplay and direction. Who would have thought that a story like this could ever be presented with drama? Well, she did. The cinematographer was able to frame shots that hid the means to depict Julia's six feet two inch height. You'll see what I mean when you see it. I can not say enough about the total ensemble of professionals who put this enjoyable movie on the "silver screen." I won't write a review, because there are already sufficient kudos presented by critics in the printed media, as well as the digital. Go see this film. You will certainly agree with me that it will garner some Academy Award nominations in many categories.