Don’t look now, but there well could be a dark horse in the Oscar race and it is Dominic Cooper (Mamma Mia!, My Week with Marilyn) in the dual role as Latif Yahia, who was the real life body double to Uday Hussein–Saddam Hussein’s elder son. What an amazing performance as Dominic portrays the ruthless, decadent Uday and the look alike Latif who tries to maintain his sanity as he is forced into servitude. This intense drama was horrific to watch in parts as Uday truly was allowed to run amok; whether it was raping, beating or killing anyone who came within his line of sight. If you can handle it, then do not miss this movie based on the true story by Latif Yahia and the incredible portrayal by Dominic Cooper. As far as I am concerned, Dominic has every right to get a best acting nomination for his work in this film.

3 1/2 stars — DVD

What an incredible performance by Michelle Williams as she plays Marilyn Monroe. Based on the memoirs of Colin Clark, an employee on the set during the filming of Marilyn’s and Sir Laurence Olivier’s movie, “The Prince and the Showgirl,” we get a peek behind the scenes into the friction when old theater people meet young Hollywood movie people–mainly Marilyn and Laurence. Truthfully, it did not matter to me if everything I was watching was true or not; I could not take my eyes off of Michelle as the camera truly caressed her in every scene.  The era this took place, the 1950’s, was laid out perfectly in scene, in costume; I really started to get lost into the magic of this movie. Also, as far as I am concerned, Judi Dench could read the Waffle House menu to me, I loved listening and watching her in the few scenes she was in. There is no doubt in my mind that Michelle will get an Oscar nomination. Whether gentlemen prefer blondes or some like it hot (young ones may not get this) go see this wonderful film.

3 2/3 stars

A stellar performance by Leonardo diCaprio in this new Clint Eastwood movie is enough reason to see it; albeit, it may be the only reason to do so. I was enthralled with Leonardo’s acting–the look, the speech, the mannerisms–it is Oscar worthy in my opinion. On the down side, the script was weak and a bit silly to me.  Keep in mind, this movie was based on a true story about J. Edgar Hoover and I felt the writer (Dustin Lance Black) took liberties in telling the story, drawing it out more than it needed to be. In regards to Mr. Eastwood’s directing, I was getting somewhat distracted from the constant jumps in time frames. And what was the point of shooting the film so dark, with sharp black and white contrasts? I felt Clint was trying to capture an arty, film noir style and all it did was annoy me. But with all that being said, you should go and see Leonardo in this role–it is amazing.

2 3/4 stars

A Palestinian mother’s determination to get her son out of the West Bank, to a better life, is the driving force of this independent film.  And of all places, they settle in rural Illinois–talk about cultural shock.  The acting is wonderful on the part of Nisreen Faour, who plays the mother, Muna.  To watch her 16 year old son Fadi, played by Melkar Muallen, find his way through the minefields of high school, brought back some old memories for me.  A touching, sensitive movie that, I hope, gives one pause to look beyond the surface.  Don’t pass this one up.

3 1/4 stars — DVD

This movie will strike a chord with those of you who have loved someone, who for whatever reason, could not be with you at some time in your life.  The story line is about a British student, in the United States on a student visa, who falls in love with an American classmate.  I am not going to tell you anything more, because it is a common story.  However, the way this film shows us this tale is fresh. Through the young couples’ various emotional states, during different periods of their lives, we watch their relationship rise and fall.  I really enjoyed this movie and had a tear in my eye, while watching the struggles, the despair and the  accelerated excitement when they looked into each other’s eyes after a long absence.  Excellent acting by all.  The softness and progression of this film will recall a fond memory or two for some of you, I believe.

3 1/4 stars

What sparked my interest in this movie, besides being fond of Georgia O’ Keefe’s work, was the wonderful Joan Allen. This biopic was Joan’s baby and was released on cable. I enjoyed the quietness, the gentleness of this movie. Add Jeremy Irons as Alfred Stieglitz and watch that gentleness turn into passionate explosions.  Watching Joan as Georgia fight to be heard in a man’s world, to be recognized as an equal against the larger than life Alfred; that underdog determination was well played out in this film. For a change of pace, let time slow down and relax watching this sweet movie.

2 7/8 stars — DVD

If the rumors are true, then I can see why the Olsen twins (Mary-Kate & Ashley) are jealous of their little sister, Elizabeth. She evidently got the acting talent in the family. A serious solid performance, Elizabeth added to the steady tension in this film. Portraying a troubled woman who tries to blend back into her sister’s life, she is plagued with painful memories of her time in a cult and with brimming paranoia. The direction is well done and the changing of time periods was not an issue. Nor was the one bloody scene, in the latter half of the film. There is a good chance, Elizabeth may get an Oscar nomination for this role.

3 1/2 stars

One of the best movies I have seen this year. What an incredible story about a little girl who locked her baby brother into a closet, to hide him, just as the family was forced from their home in Paris. The year was 1942, during the Vel’ d’Hiv roundup. The French police, to lessen the Jewish population, began arresting Jews. A parallel story within this movie was Kristin Scott Thomas (she was incredible) as a journalist, who found her life becoming enmeshed in the story of the little girl. The movie was spoken in half French with subtitles and half English.

3 1/2 stars

One doesn’t need to know or even like baseball to enjoy this movie. The story is based on Billy Beane, who was the Oakland A’s general manager. Going against the norm, he set out to create a winning baseball team on a budget, using computer generated data–unheard of at the time. Brad Pitt’s performance is solid, though not Oscar caliber. For me, the surprise was Jonah Hill, whose role was acted out low key; something new for him.

3 stars

What a great looking movie in the film noir style. I loved the way this film was shot, with some great scenes.  Keep in mind there is graphic violence; but if you want to see a possible Oscar nominee, you have to see Ryan Gosling’s performance. He is simply outstanding here–subtle with minimum dialog, just his expressions speak for themselves. Ryan plays a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a driver for criminals. Also, Carey Mulligan puts in a wonderful performance in this dark story.

3 1/2 stars