SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

Movie:  Silver Linings Playbook
Jan's Rating:  B+
Time:  2 hours 2 minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie today and we both really enjoyed it.  It is not a comedy, as some people think, but rather a very serious movie about a serious subject....mental illness, but it does have some funny parts.  It stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, both who suffer with mental illness but are trying to get their act together so they can live a normal life.  Robert DiNero plays Bradley's Dad.  The acting is especially good by all three actors.  I would definitely recommend it!

PLAYING FOR KEEPS

Movie:  Playing for Keeps
Jan's Rating:  B-
Time:  1 Hour 35 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie today and it was a cute love story.  Great stars in this movie include Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Uma Thurman and Dennis Quaid.  It is not an Oscar winner but worth going to see.

THE SESSIONS

Movie:  The Sessions
Jan's Rating:  B
Time:  1 hour 35 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie today - very sexy movie - if nudity embarrasses you, don't see it.  It is the story of a 38-year old man who lives in an iron lung and wants to lose his virginity.  The Priest, played by William H. Macy, suggests he see a sex therapist, which he does, played by Helen Hunt.  Helen is obviously very comfortable in her nude role, but then she does have a perfect body!  The movie is sad but also a beautiful story of those who wanted so much to help this man. 

FLIGHT

Movie:  Flight
Jan's Rating:  A-
Time:  2 Hours 18 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I went to see this movie today and we really enjoyed it, though it was quite scary a few times.  Those who know me know I do not like to fly, and after seeing this movie, I will probably never fly again.  However, the story was good.  Denzel Washington is an Ace Pilot, and landed this plane brilliantly in spite of the fact that he was drunk.  In fact he was an alcoholic and did cocaine.  So, I will leave you with that picture in your mind and leave the rest of the story for you to see yourself at the theater.

HERE COMES THE BOOM

Movie:  Here Comes the Boom
Jan's Rating:  A-
Time:  1 hour 45 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie today and we both really enjoyed it.  I am hoping to take my grandson to see it too because it does teach a message of "giving" and "helping" others, and I think all young people can benefit by seeing a film like this one.  It is also funny!  Kevin James and Henry Winkler both have great roles in the movie and will make you laugh.  Kevin teaches biology and Henry teaches music.  When the principal announces that they are going to have to make cuts, including the music department, Kevin decides to find a way to make extra money so the school doesn't have to do away with the music department.  It really is a good movie and worth seeing.

THE MATCHMAKER

Movie:  The Matchmaker
Jan's Rating:  C
Time:  1 Hour 49 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie today in Mariemont.  The movie was made in Israel with Israeli actors who do not speak English so you do have sub-titles.....which is fine if you can read them.....but most of it was white writing with at least half the background white so it was hard to read, and just when you almost have it figured out, the words disappeared from the screen.  It was a nice story but not one I would want to see again.  I think Cousin Bonnie liked it better than I did.

THE MASTER

Movie:  The Master
Jan's Rating:  B
Time:  2 Hours 16 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  My husband, Dave, went with me to see this movie today and we were both surprised because it was not what we expected.  However, the acting of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix was brilliant!  I predict they will both be up for an Academy Award next year and that Joaquin will win.  Amy Adams plays Philip's wife and also does a good job with the role they gave her.  It is supposed to be a story about the rise of a Scientology system and Philip is "The Master".  He meets Joaquin, who is a drunk and has a lot of problems so Philip takes on the task of trying to help Joaquin and turn his life around, so the movie is mainly about that.  There is also some nudity in the movie so if you're a prude, you won't want to see it.  Otherwise, it is worth seeing just for the acting alone.

WON'T BACK DOWN

Movie:  Won't Back Down
Jan's Rating:  B+
Time:  2 Hours 1 Minute

Jan's Opinion:  I am a sucker for these feel-good movies!  Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie today and we both rated it a B+, enjoyed it very much.  Maggie Gyllenhaal plays a Mother whose 3rd grade daughter has dyslexia and the school she attends does nothing to help her learn to read.  Viola Davis is a teacher in this school and her son is a slow learner and has the same problem.  Maggie is finally fed up with the school system and asks Viola to help her start a new school.  Naturally there was a lot of opposition because the teachers with tenure didn't want to give this up.  The ladies didn't give up and the story that follows will melt your heart.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE

Movie:  Trouble With the Curve
Jan's Rating:  A
Time:  1 Hour 51 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  LOVED LOVED LOVED this movie!  Cousin Bonnie and I went to see it today.  Clint Eastwood plays an aging baseball scout who is as grumpy as his character in Grand Torino.  His daughter is played by Amy Adams and he named her "Mickey" after Mickey Mantle.  Justin Timberlake is a scout for another baseball team, and John Goodman is with the same team as Clint, and plays his boss (I think).  Anyway, as Clint has aged, he doesn't see so well and he has 3 months left on his contract and they don't want to renew it.  They want some young blood on the job.  I don't want to give too much away and ruin it for you but please see it, women and men will love it!

ROBOT & FRANK

Movie:  Robot & Frank
Jan's Rating:  B+
Time:  1 Hour 30 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie today and it was another tender, sweet story of a senior citizen.  Frank Langella plays an elderly man who lives alone and is starting to suffer from dimentia.  His daughter travels all over the world and his son lives a 3-hour drive away and feels he can't keep driving up to N. NY every weekend to check on his Dad so he buys him a robot to take care of him.  I know, it's sad, but the robot turns out to be his best friend.  Frank was a "second-story man" years ago and spent several years in prison.  Well, he hasn't lost his touch completely so he and the robot decide to pull a heist.  Don't want to tell you any more but it has a great ending.

THE INTOUCHABLES

Movie:  The Intouchables
Jan's Rating:  A
Time:  1 Hour 52 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  My friend, Karen, told me this was an excellent movie and she did not exaggerate.  My friend, Laura, and I saw it today and I have to say, it is the best movie I have seen in a while.  The movie is taken from a true story and is in French so there are sub-titles, which I normally don't like, but this movie was so good that I didn't mind.  It is about a wealthy white man (around 62 years old) who is a parapalegic and he hires this tall young black man to be his caregiver.  At first the black man didn't want to do some of the things that were expected of him but he grew to really care about the white man and wanted to make life easier and more fun for him.  It is such a warm, sweet story that it will steal your heart.  I wish that all people who have to have caregivers could have one as caring as this one.

CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER

Movie:  Celeste and Jesse Forever
Jan's Rating:  C
Time:  1 Hour 31 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I had seen the previews of this movie and thought we would like it but were actually disappointed.  I'm very surprised that the Enquirer gave it a "B".  It stars two young actors that I had not heard of.........Andy Samberg as Jesse and Rashida Jones as Celeste.  The couple has been married (I think) for 4 years and decide that they are just best friends and decide to separate and get a divorce.  Meanwhile they live very close to each other and still go out together every day just like they are still married.  She has a successful job, he doesn't.  Then they start dating others and their true feelings come out.  Young people today react so different from the way we did at the same age that I have a hard time relating to these interesting young creatures.  Let's just say it wasn't one of my favorite movies but you young people might like it.

2016 OBAMA'S AMERICA

Movie:  2016 Obama's America
Jan's Rating:  A
Time:  1 hour 27 minutes

Jan's Opinion:  I saw this movie today with my friend/neighbor, Fran, and we were both very impressed.  The theater was 3/4 full and everyone clapped when it was over, which I don't experience very often.  It is a documentary telling about Obama's life and how he wants to fulfill his Father's dreams.  Whether you are Democrat or Republican, you owe it to yourself to see this movie before you go to vote.  It isn't a documentary that tears Obama apart, but just states the facts, and frankly, it scares me to death to think he will serve 4 more years.  PLEASE do yourself a favor and see this movie.

HIT AND RUN

Movie:  Hit and Run
Jan's Rating:  B
Time:  1 Hour 35 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Saw this movie today with cousin Bonnie.  We were celebrating her birthday.  Unfortunately, she didn't like the movie, which is sad since it was her birthday celebration.  However, I really enjoyed the movie.  The only part I didn't like was the F-word in almost every sentence, which wasn't necessary.  I have seen Dax Shepard on the TV sitcom, Parenthood, and never cared for him, and could not see what Kristin Bell saw in him.  Well, Kristin starred in this movie too as his girlfriend and I now can picture the two of them together, and I like Dax Shepard better.  Dax not only starred in the movie but wrote and directed it as well so he is expanding his talents.  Bradley Cooper is also in the movie but I didn't care for his dreadlocks look.  The movie was funny, scary, and had some good chase scenes, so I highly recommend it.  Just remember, if you are offended by the F-word, then you might not like it.

THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES

Movie:  The Queen of Versailles
Jan's Rating:  B-
Time:  1 Hour 40 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie today about a wealthy family building the largest home in the U.S., when they economy collapses and they lose so much money that they can't afford to finish their dream home, which would have had 19 bathrooms and 30 bedrooms.  They were 50% done with the building, so you never get to see the finished product.  Hopefully, the owner will be able to find the money to finish it, but meanwhile they had to cut their staff down to two nannies.  Darn, don't you hate it when you have to give up your nannies?  Their names are David and Jackie Siegel.  Bonnie went to high school with David in Miami, FL, which is why she wanted to see the movie.  There was one other couple in the theater with us and they thoroughly enjoyed it.  I think it's a good lesson of "don't spend everything you make, save some for a rainy day" because their rainy day arrived and they had no savings.  It is an interesting documentary.

THE BOURNE LEGACY

Movie:  The Bourne Legacy
Jan's Rating:  B-
Time:  2 Hours 15 Minutes

I saw this movie yesterday with my husband, Dave, and grandson, Danny.  My husband wrote this review:

Pure action movie in the tradition of the 3 previous "Bourne" films.  We really enjoyed this predictable "good-guy wins over evil" movie.  The 10-12 minute motorcycle chase is a classic stunt and the highlight of the movie.  "Jason Bourne" does not appear in this movie but his name is mentioned many times throughout the film.  The ending once again leaves itself open to a sequel.

HOPE SPRINGS

Movie:  Hope Springs
Jan's Rating:  A
Time:  1 Hour 40 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie yesterday and we weren't disappointed.  We both LOVED it!  The theater was packed, except for the first 2 rows.  Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones were magnificent in their roles of Kay and Arnold from Omaha, Nebraska, who have been married 31 years and have let romance seep out of their marriage so that they now have separate bedrooms.  Kay makes reservations to go to a therapist in Maine, spending money that Arnold did not want to spend.  The therapist is played so well by Steve Carell that you would think he really is a therapist, rather than a comedian.  It is just a wonderful story which is sweet, sad and funny, with a wonderful ending.  Go see it, you will love it too!

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS

Movie:  Diary of a Wimpy Kid:  Dog Days
Jan's Rating:  B+
Time:  1 Hour 34 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Took my grandson to see this movie today and we both enjoyed it very much.  They used the same characters as in the last Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie and they are all so good in their roles.  In this movie, it is all about how to keep busy for the summer, not exert yourself, and have a good time.  Danny and I highly recommend it!

PEOPLE LIKE US

Movie:  People Like Us
Jan's Rating:  A
Time:  1 Hour 55 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Absolutely LOVED this movie as you can see by my "A" rating!  Cousin Bonnie and I went to see this movie last week at another theater and about 1-1/2 hours into the movie, the power went off and did not come back on so everyone had to leave without seeing the ending to their movie.  Well, I tried to find the ending on the internet but didn't have any luck so Bonnie and I decided to go see it again and we probably enjoyed it more the second time, especially since it has a great ending!  Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks and Michelle Pfeiffer were excellent in this movie, and the little boy will steal your heart.  Sorry, I don't know who played the little boy but hope I see him again in another movie.  We definitely recommend this one!

YOUR SISTER'S SISTER

Movie:  Your Sister's Sister
Jan's Rating:  B
Time:  1 Hour 30 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  The Enquirer gave this movie an "A" and I would have done the same but I didn't like the ending so I gave it a "B".  It was one of those movies that stops abruptly and lets you figure out the ending.  Some people like that; I don't.  First of all, I loved the title and knew I had to see it.  You know how you "just know" you will like a movie?  This one stars Emily Blunt, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Mark Duplass.  Don't feel bad; I hadn't heard of the last two names either.  When the movie starts out, Emily and Mark are best friends; he has had a bad year so she suggests he go to this island and stay at her parents' cottage and just relax and do some thinking.  He arrives there and finds Emily's sister (Rosemarie) who has just broken up with her female lover and came to the cottage to do some thinking and chill out, same as Mark.  The two of them drink too much that first night and get to know one another.  The next morning, Emily shows up and you can feel the bond between the two sisters.  There are several twists that keep your interest and as the show ends, the screen goes white, leaving you to figure out the ending.  Another thing....At the risk of sounding like an old lady, this movie would have been just as good if they had left out all the "F" words, of which there were many.  It just took a little of the class out of the movie.  I actually think this story would make a good book (with nicer language).

MOONRISE KINGDOM

Movie:  Moonrise Kingdom
Jan's Rating:  C
Time:  1 Hour 34 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  This movie wasn't at all what I thought it would be.  When I saw that Francis McDermott was in the movie, I should have known it would be quirky, and quirky it was!  My friend, Laura, and I came out of the movie just shaking our heads, not quite knowing what to say.  The real main stars of the movie are 2 young kids that I have never heard of but have to say, they did a good job of acting.  The story line is about a love story between two 12-year olds, kind of sweet, but not exactly what I would normally pay to go see.  Francis McDermott and Bill Murray are the girl's parents, and Bruce Willis is the town policeman.  They really get second billing to the kids.  So I guess to sum it up, if you would like to see a sweet love story between two 12-year olds, then you should go see this movie.

SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF TIME

Movie:  Seeking a Friend for the End of Time
Jan's Rating:  C
Time:  1 Hour 45 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie today and have mixed feelings.  I think I enjoyed it a bit more than Bonnie did.  When you see a Steve Carell movie, you know it isn't going to be an academy-award movie.  The premise of the storyline is that the world is going to end in several days.  That is the part I didn't like about the movie.  However, if you are a romantic, then you will probably like the movie because it has a sweet love story even though it really isn't believeable.  So, you will just have to see it and judge for yourself.

MADAGASCAR 3

Movie:  Madagascar 3
Jan's rating:  C
Time:  Approx. 1-1/2 hours

Jan's Opinion:  I did not see the first 2 Madagascar movies so I didn't know what to expect.  It was "cute" but my favorite cartoon-type movie is "Shrek".  He can't be beat.  However, my grandson went with me today and he gave the movie a B+, said it was better than the first two!  So, you probably need to listen to him and take your kids to see this movie. 

ROCK OF AGES

Movie:  Rock of Ages
Jan's Rating:  D
Time:  2 Hours 3 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Unless you enjoy loud hard rock music, I would recommend you skip this movie.  Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie today and we both agreed it was 2 Hours of our lives that we could never get back again.  :(   I am not a big fan of Tom Cruise and especially disliked him in this role.  I especially dislike the vulgar Russell Brand.  Still have not figured out what Katy Perry saw in him!  Also did not like Alec Baldwin.  In his mind, he really does believe he is 30 years old.  He is gross.  So, you say.....so why did you go see the movie??  Well, I do like Catherine Zeta Jones and LOVE Julianne Hough (sp?) from "Dancing with the Stars".  I enjoyed them in their roles which is the only reason I gave this movie a "D" instead of an "F".

BERNIE

Movie:  Bernie
Jan's Rating:  B
Time:  104 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Just saw this movie with my friend, Laura, and we both really enjoyed it.  It is a true story about "Bernie", played by Jack Black, and takes place in Carthage, TX.  Shirley MacLaine and Matthew McConaughay also star in this movie.  Bernie is a nice guy, 39 years old, who is the Asst. Funeral Director in town and he makes up the dead bodies to look good for the funerals, then he sympathizes with the old ladies in town and everyone loves him.  There is a mean old lady in town that everyone says is a bitch, and these people call a spade a spade, but Bernie decides to become her friend, which is the biggest mistake in his life.  A lot of the town's people are in the movie, telling you about Bernie, and we enjoyed them as much as the story itself.  Hope you enjoy it too.

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Movie:  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Jan's Rating:  A
Time:  2 Hours 4 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Saw this movie today with my friend, Laura, and we both loved it.  Lots of laughs and senior citizens can especially relate to the story.  A bunch of retirees go to India to stay at The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and find it is run down and full of dust and bugs.  The acting is absolutely wonderful and Judi Dench and Maggie Smith are at their best!  See it and enjoy it!

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING

Movie:  What to Expect When You're Expecting
Jan's Rating:  B
Time:  1 Hour 50 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Well, Cousin Bonnie is done with knee surgery on both knees so she is back to going to the movies with me again!  Yea!  We saw this movie today and enjoyed it.  It is a light comedy and anyone who has had a baby can understand everything they are talking about, and those who have not had a baby will not want to have one after seeing this movie!  (Just kidding, I think.)  Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez both played their roles well.  Dennis Quaid was also in the movie.  I doubt most men would want to see this movie but it's a good chick flick.

CHIMPANZEE

Movie:  Chimpanzee
Jan's Rating:  B
Time:  About 1-1/2 Hours

Jan's Opinion:  I saw this movie today with my friend, Laura.  We both enjoyed the movie and did learn from it.  It is amazing how smart chimpanzees are and how resourceful.  They also have groups that will fight each other.  It was very interesting but had some sad parts too.

THE LUCKY ONE

Movie:  The Lucky One
Jan's Rating:  B
Time:  1 Hour 41 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  I went to see this movie today with my sister Judy and friend Patty and we all enjoyed it.  Patty had read the book (by Nicholas Sparks) but Judy and I had not.  Patty said they did leave out a few things that were in the book but they usually do that or the movie would be 4 hours long.  Zac Efron stars as a Marine who has just finished 3 tours of duty (I think in Iraq).  Taylor Schilling stars an owner of a Kennel who boards and trains dogs.  Her Grandmother (Blythe Danner) lives with her.  Taylor's brother was killed in the same war where Zac served.  I don't want to tell you more and give away the good parts, but it is a beautiful love story and I think you will enjoy it too.

FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT

Title:  Five-Year Engagement
Jan's Rating:  B+
Time:  2 Hours 4 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Saw this movie today and really enjoyed it.  Emily Blunt and Jason Segal star as a couple very much in love and want to get married but circumstances prevent that from happening.  There are a lot of laughs along the way and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME

Movie:  Jeff Who Lives at Home
Jan's Rating:  B-
Time:  1 Hour 22 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  Cousin Bonnie and I went to see this movie today and we both really enjoyed it.  Jason Segal plays "Jeff", a 30 year old guy who still lives at home in his Mother's basement.  His Mother is played by Susan Sarandon.  Ed Helms plays his brother.  The movie is funny, a bit sad, and has a good ending - my kind of movie.

THE HUNGER GAMES

Movie:  The Hunger Games
Jan's Rating:  A
Time:  2 Hours 20 Minutes

Jan's Opinion:  I took my Grandson to see The Hunger Games today.  To begin, I did not read the book so it took me a while to get into the movie and understand what was going on.  There are 3 books out so I'm sure we can expect 2 more movies.  The author of these books has an imagination unlike anything I have ever seen.  I can't imagine a country having games where young people have to fight to their death.  What kind of entertainment is that?  There are 12 Districts in the movie's world and a girl and a boy are chosen from each of the 12 Districts, so a total of 24 young people have to fight to their death. The last one standing is the winner.   Someone told me you don't see blood but that is not true; you do see quite a bit of blood.  The acting was superb by Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harelson.  I have to say, it is not a movie I would choose to see but I did enjoy it.

WANDERLUST

Movie: Wanderlust
Jan's Rating: D
Time: 1 Hour 38 Minutes

There haven't been many good movies to see lately so Cousin Bonnie and I decided to see "Wanderlust" today with Jennifer Aniston. What a waste of money. Expect to see full frontal nudity of old people in this movie - not a pretty sight. The movie is about a couple from NYC who lost their jobs and end up living in a commune where drugs and free sex with each other is a way of life. The movie was stupid and vulgar. I think Jennifer Aniston can do better than this.

FRIENDS WITH KIDS

Movie: Friends with Kids
Jan's Rating: B
Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

Jan's Opinion: Cousin Bonnie and I saw this one in Mariemont today and we both enjoyed it. It is rated "R" so don't take your kids to this one. Adam Scott and Jennifer Westfeldt star as a couple who have been friends since they were kids, sharing their problems with each other, but never romantically involved. Their friends, who are married couples, are having babies, which cause them to be tired, cranky, and argue a lot. Adam and Jennifer talk about this and decide they both want kids but not marriage so they decide to have a baby together and share custody, living next door to each other. I'm sure you can guess what happens, but you will still enjoy it. The only thing different from our generation is that we didn't discuss our sexual body parts with other couples.

BIG MIRACLE

Movie: Big Miracle
Jan's Rating: B+
Time: 1 Hour 50 Minutes (approx.)

Jan's Opinion: Bonnie and I saw this movie today and enjoyed it very much. In fact, I loved it. Knowing that it was taken from a true story made it seem much more real and made me teary-eyed in places. Drew Barrymore did a good job playing the tree hugger/animal protector who fought to save the whales who would have died if she hadn't come to their rescue. It's a wonderful movie for the whole family.

GHOST RIDER, SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE 3D

Movie: Ghost Rider, Spirit of Vengeance 3D
Jan's Rating: C-
Time: 1 Hour 51 Minutes

Jan's Opinion: If you know me, you know I would never go see this movie by choice. My Grandson wanted to see it and since he is off school today for Presidents' Day, I agreed to take him. He gave the movie a "B", which I told him I would put in my blog. It had a lot of action and horror, right up a teenager's alley, but I just laughed at the absurdity of it all. He enjoyed it though and that is all that matters.

THE VOW

Movie: The Vow
Jan's Rating: B+
Time: 1 Hour 44 Minutes

Jan's Opinion: Cousin Bonnie and I went to see this movie yesterday and we both really enjoyed it. Rachel McAdams is a darling girl and Channing Tatum is the new heartthrob among young women. It's just a shame these two can't be married in real life. In the beginning of the movie, they are in a car accident which leaves Rachel with amnesia. She remembers going to college but nothing after that, including getting married to Channing. It's a story of her struggles with amnesia and learning to love Channing again, though I don't know why that would be so hard to do. This movie was taken from a true story and at the end of the movie, they show the real couple and their 2 children. Go see it, you'll enjoy it too.

THE ARTIST

Movie: The Artist
Jan's Rating: C-
Time: 1 hour 40 Minutes

Jan's Opinion: This was one of the most boring movies I have seen in a long time. The only reason I didn't give it a "D-" is because of the excellent performances by Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo and John Goodman. My friend, Laura, saw this movie with me and agreed with my opinion. It did give us a view of how it was in the twenties with silent films. I am so glad I am alive today to enjoy movies with sound and color. The biggest star in this movie was the little Jack Russell Terrier. However, I am glad I saw it since it is up for an academy award.

ONE FOR THE MONEY

Movie: One for the Money
Jan's Rating: B+
Time: 1 Hour 46 Minutes

Jan's Opinion: As you probably already know, "One for the Money" was taken from Janet Evanovich's first "Stephanie Plum" book. There are now 18 books out and I hope they make a movie of each one. Cousin Bonnie and I ssw this movie today and I was pleasantly surprised that they got the characters so "right". Kathryn Heigl did an excellent job playing Stephanie Plum, Sherri Shepherd was Lula, Jason O-Mara was Joe Morelli, Daniel Sunjata was Ranger, Patrick Fischler was Vinnie, and Debbie Reynolds was Grandma Mazur. I like Debbie Reynolds but she did not really fit the role of Grandma Mazur. Cloris Leachman would have been perfect. The relationships between these characters was captured just like the book characters. Whether you have read the books or not, I think you will enjoy this movie.

JOYFUL NOISE

Movie: Joyful Noise
Jan's Rating: A
Time: 2 Hours

Jan's Opinion: I went to see this movie today and it was a joyful surprise! I absolutely loved it! Best musical since Mamma Mia! I seldom cry in movies but I had tears of joy running down my cheeks at the end. The storyline between Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah was so good, and the love story between Queen's daughter and Dolly's grandson so sweet, and the music just kept your toes tapping. I just hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did!

WAR HORSE

Movie: War Horse
Jan's Rating: C-
Time: 2 hours

Jan's Opinion: OK, folks, I did not want to see this movie because I don't like movies where animals or children are mistreated. However, my friend, Patty, has a fractured elbow and can't drive so asked me to take her to see it. I covered my eyes for a lot of the movie. It would have been a good movie if it weren't for the mistreatment of the horses - hence, the "C-" instead of an "A-". I understand they weren't REALLY mistreating the animals but the movie sure made it look like they were and that was too much for me. In my opinion, it certainly does not deserve an academy award.

EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE

Movie: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Jan's Rating: A-
Time: 2 Hours 9 Minutes

Jan's Opinion: Cousin Bonnie and I saw this movie yesterday afternoon and we both really enjoyed it. It was different than I thought it would be as the story wasn't about the attack on 9-11, but a key the little boy finds in his Father's closet after he is killed, and how the boy feels that he must find what that key opens, that it is a puzzle his Father left for him to solve. Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks have relatively small roles in this movie as the story mainly revolves around the little boy "Oskar", played by Thomas Horn, a 14-year old, who has never acted before. In fact, the producers saw him on "Teen Jeopardy" (where he won) and called him in to read for the part of "Oskar". This young man is just brilliant and will go far someday, no matter whether he chooses to act for a living or become a doctor, like both his parents. I gave this movie an "A-" instead of an "A" because I thought the movie ended unfinished. I won't tell you why because it will ruin it for you, but after you see it, let me know if you agree.

IRON LADY

Movie: Iron Lady
Jan's Rating: C+
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Jan's Opinion: My friend Laura and I saw this movie today and both gave it a C+. However, Meryl Streep's portrayal of Margaret Thatcher deserves an A+! What an incredible actress she is. The movie starts out slow and we both kept dozing off. It bounces back and forth between an old Margaret Thatcher and her memorories of when she was younger and was Prime Minister, showing the good and the bad. When she did well, they loved her but when the country wasn't doing well, they hated her. Kind of sounds like the United States. Anyway, the story was a bit boring at times but the acting was something special to see. She definitely deserves the Oscar this year, and her makeup artist also deserves an award.

JACK AND JILL

Movie: Jack and Jill
Jan's Rating: C+
Time: 1 Hour 39 Mins.

Jan's Opinion: Cousin Bonnie and I missed this movie when it was at the regular theaters so we went to see it today at the $3 movies at Cincinnati Mall. Adam Sandler did a good job playing the part of twins - he was Jack and his sister, Jill. Katie Holmes played the quiet role as his wife. It was a cute and entertaining movie but we felt the passing of gas was a bit louder than it needed to be. Glad we paid $3 instead of $7.25.