Raising Helen (2004)

In “Raising Helen,” Helen Harris (Kate Hudson) is a career woman first and foremost. As the executive assistant to Dominique, owner of a huge modeling agency, she’s always on the go, on top of things, and very in demand. Her nightlife is also busy, as she entertains clients. She makes time for her family, whom she loves dearly, especially her sister Lindsay (Felicity Huffman). Her other sister, Abby (Joan Cusack) is also important to her, but they’ve never really clicked. Tragedy strikes when Lindsay and her husband are killed in a car accident, leaving behind their three children. When it’s … Continue reading →

P.S. I Love You (2007)

Ever since I found out that Hillary Swank clips coupons, I’ve been a big fan. I know–that’s a silly reason to love someone’s work but on top of being a good actress and taking on diverse types of roles, you gotta love a fellow coupon clipper. With that said, this is going to be a mixed review of P.S. I Love You. What I Loved About this Movie There are several things I loved about this movie. First of all the whole premise is fantastically romantic. Her young husband, who was faced with a terminal brain tumor, penned letters while … Continue reading →

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

In “Sweet Home Alabama,” Melanie Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon) is living the life every girl dreams of. A fashion designer, she’s just launched her line with her own show and the critics are raving. To top that off, she’s dating the mayor’s son, Andrew (Patrick Dempsey) and he’s madly in love with her. So in love that he proposes in Tiffany’s and lets her pick any ring she wants. She, of course, says yes. There’s just something she has to take care of first, and she heads off to get it done. She flies back to Alabama, where she’s from, and … Continue reading →

Because I Said So (2007)

Don’t waste your time. Seriously, I haven’t been this disappointed in a movie since I paid money to watch Home on the Range with my daughter. The film features Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore, Lauren Graham and Piper Perabo. Keaton plays Daphne Wilder, a mother of three beautiful daughters (Moore, Graham and Perabo). She dances in attendance at the weddings of her two older daughters Maggie and Mae (Graham and Perabo) but wrings her hands in worry that Milly (Moore) is never going to be happy. Milly has a string of bad relationships that we hear about more than see. She … Continue reading →

I Am Legend (2007)

I Am Legend is not my typical movie. While I’m not fond of the science fiction genre, I am incredibly fond of spending time with my spouse and this was the choice du jour. So I settled in for what I thought would be an incredibly long two hours of science ‘sciencey’ boy stuff. While it’s still not my favorite movie, I do have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I Am Legend, is actually a movie based on the same titled book written by Richard Matheson. This is not the first movie that’s been based on this book but … Continue reading →

27 Dresses (2008)

In the new DVD release “27 Dresses,” Jane (Katherine Heigl) is in love with the idea of love. She’s also in love with the idea of being needed, being important, and being there for everyone in her life. She has a huge crush on George (Edward Burns)her boss, but can’t get up the nerve to tell him, choosing instead to be indispensable in the hopes that he’ll realize how important she is to him. One night, while literally dashing back and forth between two weddings where she is bridesmaid, she meets Kevin (James Marsden) a cynical young man who asks … Continue reading →

Gracie (2007)

When I first picked up “Gracie,” I thought I was in for a feel-good family film about a girl who wanted to play soccer. What I ended up with was a deeply-involved drama about a family torn apart who struggled to pull things back together. I have to say, though, I wasn’t disappointed in the film, even though my expectations were so far off base. “Gracie” is loosely based on the lives of actors Andrew and Elisabeth Shue, who also have roles within the film. Gracie Bowen (Carly Schroeder) is the only daughter in a family of athletic boys, and … Continue reading →

A Knight’s Tale (2001)

With the recent passing of Heath Ledger, I thought I would take a moment to review what I feel is Heath’s best film, “A Knight’s Tale.” This quirky medieval spoof brings us the powerful message that we are who we make of ourselves, and no one can keep us from achieving our dreams. Ledger stars as William Thatcher, poor son of a poor father. Wanting a better life for his boy, William’s father apprentices him to a knight. After serving many faithful years as a squire, William knows quite a lot about jousting. When his master dies in the middle … Continue reading →

Untamed Heart (1993)

I liked it—I liked it not. I liked it—I liked it not. “Untamed Heart” was one of those movies that left me confused. I really liked the parts I liked, and really hated the parts I hated. I guess I should elaborate, huh? Marisa Tomei stars as Caroline, a waitress in a seedy diner. Her best friend is Cindy (Rosie Perez) and together they try to figure out life—Caroline’s is a mess. She’s dumped by guy after guy, she’s trying to finish beauty school and can’t seem to manage that, and she wonders if she’s just doomed to failure. One … Continue reading →

Take the Lead (2006)

I must begin this movie review with an apology to my sister. She’s been a huge Antonio Banderas fan for years and I’ve never really seen the attraction and told her so. However, after seeing “Take the Lead,” I must confess to some oo-la-la and I hereby publicly admit, he is a very nice-looking man. Banderas plays Pierre Dulaine, owner of a dance studio and professional ballroom dancer. He’s concerned about the fate of the youth who live in the inner city areas in New York City, and this concern is heightened when he sees a teenager vandalize a car … Continue reading →