Tai Chi Master

Cantonese (subtitles)

Kung Fu

96 minutes

1993

4 Stars

I love the Kung Fu movies set in the 'bad old days'—no guns. This is an early movie of Jet Li, and the story is fairly predictable, two boys train together, become good friends, and then as adults, become enemies. Though predictable, it is a lot of fun, if you like this sort of thing—I do. The choreography is very well done, with lots of fight scenes. Great acting, good costumes, and fantastic choreography!

Tai Chi Master

Quill: The Life of a Guide Dog

Japanese (subtitles)

Family

100 minutes

2004

5 Hankies

This is the story of Quill, a Labrador retriever puppy chosen to be a guide dog. The story has no bling, it is a simple, and I think fairly straight forward story of the training a guide dog must go through, not to mention the training his owner must go through. Mr. Watanabe is resentful at first, and not overly kind, though not nasty, to Quill. As they get to know each other, not only is trust built, but also love grows. And then Watanable becomes ill, Quill is returned to the school, until Watanabe can care for him again. It is very touching when, after 3 years Watanabe comes to the school, and they are reunited for a while, and go on one last walk together. Based on a true story.

Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5aL5UtKrHg

Nim's Island

English

Family

95 minutes

2008

*****

*****

One of the best Family movies I've seen in years!  When young Nim, who lives with her father – scientist, on their very own south seas island – needs help because her father is missing and presumed lost at sea, she turn to her favorite adventure novelist for help. Alas, Alex is a writer, not an adventuresome type. In fact, Alex is a she, not the swashbuckling hero Nim expects, as well as a recluse who can barely go outside for the mail, let alone travel half way around the world for a stranger in need.  This is a marvelously acted, directed, written story. It's great fun for the whole family. Gerard Butler, Abigail Breslin, and Jodie Foster. I laughed out loud, I cried real tears. And, yes, 10 out of 5 stars!

Movie is online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VykTA72mVgk

A Case of You

English

Romantic Comedy

91 minutes

2013

****

Once I put a movie in my queue, I forget about it, and when this showed up in my mail box the other day I wondered what I had been smoking (second hand) when I ordered it! Not my usual movie, but once it started, I saw why I ordered it—Peter Dinklage. He probably doesn't have 10 minutes film time, but he steals what he has. This is not a new idea, boy meets girl, boy lies to impress her, boy finds he loves her, boy is conflicted—continue to live the lie, or fess up? Think remake of Cyrano de Bergerac and Roxanne. Like those two movies, this one is somewhat predictable, but for non-caloric brain candy, it's OK. Grab a glass of your favorite libation, and give the guns, swords, violence of the world a rest. Oh, and did I mention Peter Dinklage is in it?

Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God

English

Documentary

2012

*****

This documentary by Alex Gibney, is about the first known protest against pedophilia abuse by clergy in the US by four deaf men. For the most part, it is about one priest, who was never brought to trial, either by civil authorities or the Church, and who died a priest. The victims are interviewed, close-ups of their hands and faces. If you've never seen American Sign Language, this is a treat to see how expressive and beautiful it is. This film may shock you, it may outrage you, but I think it may give you some hope, too. It is not a condemnation of the Church, nor is it an apologia. It presents the facts as known. And makes me wonder just exactly why Cardinal Ratzinger left his post as Pope when he did. The music is, well, divine.

Trailer

The Lannisters are Coming, the Lannisters are Coming.

Game of Thrones, Season 3

English

Series

2013

I feel pretty silly reviewing a blockbuster like GoT. I do know there are a few out there who haven't seen it, and I can't help but wonder why? Yes, it's bloody. Yes, it's gory. Yes, it's adult with sex, nudity, and some damn fine acting, directing, and costuming. And, yes, everyone you come to like is probably going to die. So, why aren't you watching it? It stars Peter Dinklage in one of his best ever roles (I say that about everything I see him in).  If you want to read everything but the books, use Google. If you want to join in intelligent discussions with all your friends, watch the series. (Not streamed, and now you know the REAL reason I went back to discs instead of streaming)