Somewhere

My View:  Somewhere (2010):  Writer/Director Sofia Coppola brings to the screen this tale of a handsome, hard living actor (played by Stephen Dorff) who has to not only deal with the pressure of living the "Hollywood Life," but is trying to fit in an unexpected visit from his 11-year-old daughter.  Set in the surreal world of the infamous Chateau Marmont (known as the site of John Belushi's last days), the setting's dark hallways, and old style lobby are in constant contrast with the ever-present California sunshine.  This film tries hard to communicate what it’s like living in the artificial world of Los Angeles, but the theme and plot just don't go anywhere.  Elle Fanning's (Dakota Fanning's younger sister) style and presence draw us in, but we don't develop much sympathy for Dorff's womanizing character, and we just don't care if he ever gets his life together.  My Rating:  Cable  Somewhere Website

The 50 (a movie from my best/worst films of all time list):

#49 Best Film:

Annie Hall (1977):  Groundbreaking romantic comedy from Woody Allen that set his comedic style of the neurotic, shy New Yorker who might get the girl but wouldn't keep her for long.  Diane Keaton became a star in this movie, as the clothes horse ditzy Annie Hall.  This is one of Allen's better films and what is interesting about this movie is, when they started to shoot, Keaton was just playing a small, supporting role.  Once Allen and his team of editors saw what they had on the screen with Keaton, they reworked the film to feature the love story between her and Allen.  Annie Hall gives you a fun and wonderful look at living in New York in the 70's.  Annie Hall Info

Forgotten Film:  One, Two, Three (1961):  Wonderful Billy Wilder comedy set in Berlin (right before the "Wall" went up).  Jimmy Cagney (in one of his last film roles), plays a Coca Cola executive, whose job is on the line when is boss' daughter (who is visiting from Atlanta) falls in love with an East Berlin Communist.  Cagney truly tears up the screen in this bombastic performance.  His scene near the end of the movie, where he is shouting out orders right and left, is great fun to watch.  One, Two, Three Info

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD):   127 Hours (2010):  James Franco, in his Oscar-nominated role, plays a carefree thrill seeker who, while hiking alone in the vast canyons of Utah, gets his arm stuck between a rock and a cave wall.  For a movie that takes place mostly in a very confined space with primarily one actor, Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle, does a remarkable job creatively moving the story along.  The pivotal scene is a little gruesome, but it's worth it to see if Franco's character can survive.  My Rating:  Full Price  127 Hours Website

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Unknown:  Underwater Set Decorator 

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Thor:  Hey, it's got indy darlings Natalie Portman and Kat Dennings, so it can't be all bad. Thor Trailer 

Until Next Time!