This column is for the âNetflix/On Demandâ devotees among you. If any of these slipped under your radar the first time around, you might consider renting any or all of them for an enjoyable eveningâs entertainment.
Amelia, 2009, PG
The true story of Amelia Earhart, the most daring and famous pilot of her time is a special experience. Her courage was undeniable and her story an amazing one. Hilary Swank stars as Amelia and lights up the screen with her personality. Director Mira Nair does a great job mixing the life story of this young woman from Kansas with spectacular flying scenes and marvelous scenery throughout.
Hilary won the Hollywood Film Festivalâs award for Best Actress for her performance.
The Ghost Writer, 2010, PG-13
Ewan McGregor stars as the Ghost Writer, hired to write the autobiography of the former Prime Minister of England, played by Pierce Brosnan. He begins interviewing, writing, editing, and researching. The further he digs, the more interesting and mysterious the circumstances become, putting a completely different spin on the Prime Ministerâs life and unlocking danger. The film is well acted and the cast includes Tom Wilkinson, Eli Wallich, and Timothy Hutton.
The movie won numerous European awards, including Best Movie and Best Actor
Julie and Julia, 2009, PG-13
Screenwriter Nora Ephron deserves kudos for deftly weaving two books into one entertaining script. The first book, âMy Life in Franceâ by Julia Childs, is a fascinating story about the infamous woman who became the foremost chef of her day and authored the best-selling cookbook âMastering the Art of French Cooking.â Meryl Streep is brilliant in her portrayal of Childs. The second book is âJulia & Julie: 365 Days, 521 Recipes, One Tiny Apartmentâ by Julie Powell. This is the true story of a heroic effort to cook all of Julia Childâs recipes from her cookbook in a period of one year. Amy Adams is outstanding in the role of Julie Powell, who became famous as she strove to achieve her goal, keeping the world abreast with her blog.
The movie was nominated for 27 awards between the Oscars, Golden Globes, and others.
Skyfall, 2012, PG-13
James Bond is back and better than ever. Daniel Craig is 007, make no mistake. From the explosive opening to the climactic and dramatic finish, this is a first class, exciting, and colorful experience. In addition to the story, the viewer is treated to a travelogue as we move from Turkey to amazing views of Shanghai to colorful Macau to the Scottish Highlands and, of course, London from all angles above and below. And, needless to say, the â007â action is unbeatable.
This film became the seventh highest grossing film of all time, won two Oscars, two Grammys, and two BAFTA awards.
The Lincoln Lawyer, 2011, R
Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey plays Mickey Haller, a hardnosed, successful criminal defense attorney, and gives us another great performance; the movie is based on Michael Connellyâs best-selling book. If you like really good mysteries, this will be your cup of tea. The story is full of twists and turns, surprises and conclusions that are never apparent until just before the credits begin to roll. And, while I wouldnât classify this as a violent film by any stretch, it does have a few moments just to spice it up. The cast includes Ryan Phillippe, Marisa Tomei, and William H. Macy. But make no mistake, McConaughey carries the day.
The movie was nominated for the Saturn Award as Best Action/ Adventure Film.
Questions or comments, email me at tsansom2002@gmail.com.
