BOYCOTT

BOYCOTT - 2001

RATED - PG for thematic material & some language.

RATINGS - 14 AMAZON (4.5/5), 334 IMBD (7.2/10), 10,696 (3.7/5).

STARRING - Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

AWARDS - 5 wins & 11 nominations in the 'made for TV' movie categories.

THEMES - Racism, solidarity, non-violent protest, civil rights.

STORY - It's 1955 and Rosa Parks has been arrested for refusing to give up her seat on the public bus to a white person. The black (Negro) community immediately reacts with what they think will be a short boycott of the public transportation system. It turns into a 381 day marathon of wills between the black community and the whites who want to preserve the status quo. How they did that is the story of this HBO film. There were many times when the boycott could have fallen apart. Many of the blacks did not have cars and relied on public transportation to get to work, often quite a distance from their segregated communities. It is a remarkable story of perseverance, hope and faith. Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. carries the movie but there are impressive supporting performances as well that keep this story moving and entertaining. It is doubtful that any of us can see and learn too much about this ugly part of our country's history. It is a reminder of the incredible ability the human race has to inflict pain and persecution upon fellow humans. It is also a testimony to what hope & faith can overcome. Put this at the top of your list. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 12/29/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER

REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT

REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT - 1962

RATED - NR but probably PG for some boxing violence & adult themes.

RATINGS - 25 AMAZON (4/5), 757 IMBD (7.8/10), 20,270 NETFLIX (3.8/5).

STARRING - Anthony Quinn, Jackie Gleason, Mickey Rooney, Julie Harris

THEMES - Loyalty, friendship, love, gambling, hustling.

STORY - The film begins in the ring with the aging heavyweight boxer Mountain Rivera (Quinn) getting pounded by the then real life Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali). Once ranked as high as 5th in the world, he has been reduced to a sure win for those on the way up and a payday for his manager. It's all he's ever done and he's not prepared to do anything else in life. The doc tells him this is it. Another blow to the head and his eyesight may not survive that one. His manager (Gleason) and trainer (Rooney) have other ideas. Mountain is their paycheck and besides, Gleason just bet (and lost) that Mountain wouldn't last 4 rounds against Clay. He needs to keep the franchise going because he isn't prepared for anything else, either. Mountain tries the unemployment office where the case worker (Harris) takes a personal, as well as professional, interest in helping this 'mountain' of a man who is lost outside the ring. The scene when he takes her to the bar where he always hangs out and tries to treat her like a 'lady' is a classic. Gleason, meanwhile, is being pursued by the mob to make good on his bet. Rivera is caught in the middle of this tragedy as friendship and loyalty are put to the test. This is NOT an uplifting, all ends well story. I can't imagine a better cast for this story written by Rod Serling (Twilight Zone) for TV six years earlier.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

THE BISHOP'S WIFE

THE BISHOP'S WIFE - 1947

RATED - NR but almost certainly G. VERY family friendly.

RATINGS - 109 Amazon (4.5/5), 3,313 IMBD (7.5/10), 25, 224 Netflix (3.9/5).

STARRING - Cary Grant, David Niven, Loretta Young.

AWARDS - 1 Academy Award for BEST SOUND & 4 nominations including BEST PICTURE.

THEMES - Faith, hope, love, spirituality.

STORY - This could be subtitled 'be careful what you pray for'. David Niven is the Bishop and he's under a lot of pressure to raise money for a new Cathedral. There is one wealthy donor that can make it happen but it means compromising to satisfy her. This pressure has also put a strain on what has until now been a wonderful marriage. It's also Christmas and his family wants to spend time with him which he doesn't believe he can spare. In desperation he cries out to God for wisdom. He thought he was asking for help in building the cathedral. He received something entirely different. Cary Grant shows up as Dudley the Angel and sets about trying to help the Bishop. He also tries to mend the relationship between Julia (Loretta Young) and the Bishop and finds himself becoming attracted to her. The Bishop also senses this. It eventually comes to a head and leads to a much different conclusion than the Bishop expected. This is a delightful, romantic comedy and should be a Christmas favorite right along with It's A Wonderful Life and other Christmas classics. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 12/23/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER.

THE NINTH DAY

THE NINTH DAY - 2004

RATED - NR but probably PG for some mature themes and non-graphic violence.

RATINGS - 4 Amazon (5/5), 508 IMBD (7.3/10), 4,375 Netflix (3.7/5).

AWARDS - 1 GERMAN FILM AWARD (Academy Award Equivalent) and 7 nominations plus numerous other award and nominations at various film festivals.

THEMES - War, faith, love, prejudice.

STORY - The film begins in the Dachau concentration camp, one of the most brutal. We stay there long enough to meet Father Henri Kremer and his fellow clergy prisoners and to experience the day to day brutality and persecution they endure. One day, Henri is asked to follow the guard. Fearing the worst, a fellow pastor was just hung from a cross, he heads toward the area where the crosses are set up. Instead, he is redirected to the Commandant's office where, to his utter amazement, he is given his release. He boards the train to his home in Luxembourg. Trudging his way home in the snow from the station, he is picked up by the head of the Gestapo, Herr Gebhardt and told to report to his office promptly in the morning where he will discover, it's not a release he was given but a nine day pass. So begins Day one of nine in which he is to persuade the Bishop of Luxembourg to cooperate with the Nazis or he and his fellow clergy will be transferred to a death camp in the east. Will Father Kremer compromise his faith to save his and the others' lives? Every day he must report his progress to Gebhardt, personally, who uses every psychological trick he knows to persuade Henri to cooperate. Gebhardt is really Evil incarnate. It is a showdown between religion that would use power to dominate and control versus faith that seeks to serve and to love. It is the ultimate showdown of good and evil-the one with the weapons and the power and the one with love and faith. This is a powerful story that never lets up. It is intense to the end. What would you do in the same situation? Do you believe anything that you would be willing to die for? Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 12/22/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER.

THE ROCKET

THE ROCKET - 2005

RATED - PG for rough sports action, including fighting, some bloody images, some language, and historical smoking throughout.

RATINGS - 2 Amazon (5/5), 1,144 IMBD (8.1/10), 1,937 Netflix (3.7/5).

AWARDS - 9 GENIE AWARDS (Canadian Academy Awards) and 4 nominations.

THEMES - Discrimination, perseverance, teamwork.

STORY - It may be hard to imagine today but in 1937 the NHL consisted of 6 teams and was on the verge of folding. It desperately needed a hero. Working as a machinist in a factory was a young French-Canadian named Maurice Richard with dreams of playing in the NHL. When he finally earned a tryout with the Montreal Canadiens, he had already suffered one serious injury, and despite an impressive tryout, the owners did not want to take a chance. The coach took a hard line stance in favor of the young Maurice and got him on the team. He soon proved the owners right by getting injured again. It took some incredibly hard rehabilitation as well as enduring some brutal attacks by teammates who were testing him to convince the owners to give him another chance. So began the career of, arguably, the most loved and well known Montreal Canadien ever. He has been called the 'Babe Ruth of hockey'. In some ways, he was more like Jackie Robinson. French-Canadians had about the same status as African-Americans in the U.S. Although not the first F-C to play in the NHL, his success and popularity threatened the status quo. Despite scoring 50 goals in 50 games, he didn't win the scorng title because the teams conspired against him to the point of awarding assists to players not even on the ice to build up their point totals. As an aside, F-C fans even had to sit in a segregated section of the arena which was enclosed by a chain link fence. Not only is this an entertaining and inspiring hockey movie but it's a great education for someone not familiar with the history of Quebec and the fight for equality by the French Canadians. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 12/22/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

THE GROUND TRUTH

THE GROUND TRUTH - 2006

RATED - R for disturbing violent content & language.

RATINGS - 30 Amazon (4/5), 277 IMBD (7.7/10), 20,708 Netflix (3.8/5).

STARRING - Our veterans.

THEMES - The horrors of war and the after effects on individuals.

STORY - This is not an easy film to watch. First of all, let me say that I did not view this film from a political viewpoint (even though it is clearly not promoting the war) and would encourage anyone who watches to see it as the story of these young men and women and their experience in a war. At the very least, they went to serve our country and defend us and I believe it is an obligation to at least listen to their story. They are now living with the consequences of knowing they deliberately killed innocent children and women (as in running over children who happened to get in the way of their vehicle). They are psychologically scarred and physically disabled (in many cases) for life. In the best scenario war is horrible and tragic and this reminds us of how reluctant we need to be about going to war no matter the cause. This documentary brings it a little closer to home-these are our sons and daughters, neighbors and friends in a war that is still going on. This is their story. Hear it for what it is, knowing that there are others who may tell a different story which is just as valid. The government has estimated it will take $300 BILLION to take care of the Iraq veterans the rest of their lives. My hope is that this would inspire all of us to remember those who have served and reach out to them when they return. Regardless of a person's position on the war, we cannot abandon or forget them. It's rated R for graphic war violence and language you don't hear in church.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER

MISS EVERS' BOYS

MISS EVERS' BOYS - 1997

RATED - PG for theme & related elements.

RATINGS - 15 Amazon (4.5/5), 333 IMBD (7.1/10), 74,690 Netflix (3.8/5).

AWARDS - 4 EMMYS plus 1 GOLDEN GLOBE plus many nominations and other wins.

STARRING - Alfre Woodard, Laurence Fishburne, Craig Sheffer.

THEMES - Racial discrimination, government cover up.

STORY - Another outstanding movie from HBO based on the true story of a sad and tragic chapter in our country's medical history. Well worth watching and contemplating where might those kinds of things be going on right now. Governments are made up of people who are good intentioned but with flawed thinking or perhaps outright corrupt and nowhere has this been more true than in the area of racial discrimination. It's still hard to imagine living in the North with the kind of discrimination African-Americans lived with in the South, even though it certainly wasn't just a southern problem. Highly recommend.

The following is from the product description: "Based on the shocking true story, Miss Evers' Boys exposes a 40-year government backed medical research effort on humans which led to tragic consequences. It is 1932 when loyal, devoted Nurse Eunice Evers (Alfre Woodard) is invited to work with Dr. Brodus (Joe Morton) and Dr. Douglas (Craig Sheffer) on a federally funded program to treat syphilis patients in Alabama. Free treatment is offered to those who test positive for the disease included Caleb Humphries (Laurence Fishburne) and Willie Johnson (Obba Babatunde). But when the government withdraws its funding, money is offered for what will become known as "The Tuskegee Experiment", a study of the effects of syphilis on patients who don't receive treatment. Now the men must be led to believe they are being cared for, when in fact they are being denied the medicine that could cure them. Miss Evers is faced with a terrible dilemma-to abandon the experiment and tell her patients, or to remain silent and offer only comfort. IT is a life or death decision that will dictate the course of not only her life, but the lives of all of Miss Evers' Boys."

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

GOING MY WAY

GOING MY WAY - 1944

RATED - NR but almost certainly a G. VERY family friendly.

RATINGS - 24 Amazon (4.5/5), 2,073 IMBD (7.5/10), 12,674 Netflix (4.0/5).

STARRING - Bing Crosby & Barry Fitzgerald

AWARDS - 7 Academy Awards including BEST PICTURE, BEST ACTOR (Crosby), BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (Fitzgerald) & BEST MUSIC, ORIGINAL SONG and 3 additional nominations. FYI: Fitzgerald was nominated & a finalist for BOTH Best Actor & Best Supporting Actor. He could have won both. Rules were changed to prevent this in the future because of this movie.

STORY - This isn't a Christmas movie but it's sure a good time of the year to watch it. The film opens with the elderly Father Fitzgibbon (Fitzgerald) meeting with the St. Dominic Church bankers and being told they are turned down for a loan for a new furnace and if they don't get caught up with their mortgage payments, they will foreclose. Shortly after, the new assistant, young Father O'Malley shows up. What Fitzgibbon doesn't know & O'Malley doesn't have the heart to tell the crusty old priest is that O'Malley is really sent to replace Fitz who has spent 45 years at St. Dominic. O'Malley sets about to get the church out of the financial crisis while letting Fitz take the credit. There are a number of side plots such as the gang of young men that O'Malley turns into a (surprise) boys choir. Just when you think everything has turned out rosy, tragedy strikes and tests the faith and spirit of everyone involved. This is a wonderful, feel good movie with lots of entertainment and good Bing Crosby music, including the Academy Award winning song SWINGING ON A STAR. Enjoy!! Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 12/9/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES

ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES - 1938

RATED - NR but probably PG for some non-graphic gangster shooting and violence.

RATINGS - 22 Amazon (4/5), 5,017 IMBD (7.9/10), 25,504 Netflix (3.9/5).

STARRING - James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, Humphrey Bogart & The Dead End Kids.

AWARDS - 3 Academy Award nominations including BEST ACTOR (Cagney)

THEMES - Forgiveness, faith, the brotherhood of gangs, consequences of crime & sin.

STORY - "What do ya hear? What do ya say?" The words of greeting by Rocky Sullivan (Cagney) to everyone he meets. Is there anyone with more self confidence combined with an endearing smile than Cagney. He must have driven his teachers crazy growing up. The movie starts with scenes of Rocky and Jerry Connolly (O'Brien) growing up in a tough part of town. Both are prone to get into trouble and eventually Rocky (who can't run as fast as Jerry) gets caught and ends up in reform school, where he only gets better (at being a criminal) and leads to more crime and longer stints in various prisons where he continues to hone his criminal skills. Jerry, meanwhile, has become a Catholic priest and is serving the parish in his old neighborhood. Rocky looks up Jerry after getting released for the 4th or 5th time, not because he has any intentions of going straight, but he wants to take over the organized crime in that neighborhood, which he believes is owed him by Humphrey Bogart, the head of crime in the city. Bogart doesn't see it that way and doesn't want any partners so he tries to eliminate Rocky. Rocky, meanwhile, has become the Pied Piper for a gang of kids (The Dead End Kids) that Father Jerry is trying to lead down the straight & narrow. The battle is on for the lives and souls of these young men. Can Rocky take over the crime in the 'hood'. Can Father Jerry win back the love & loyalty of these kids from the charismatic Rocky? A terrific story that leads up to one of the most poignant endings in any movie. Did Rocky end up a coward or a hero? People have been pondering that question since 1938. 'What do ya hear? What do ya say?" You decide. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 12/8/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

HOLIDAY INN

HOLIDAY INN - 1942

RATED - NR but almost certainly G. Very family friendly.

RATINGS - 33 Amazon (4.5/5), 2,451 IMBD (7.5/10), 90,722 Netflix (3.9/5)

STARRING - Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire

AWARDS - 7 Academy Awards including BEST PICTURE, BEST ACTOR (Bing Crosby) & BEST MUSIC SONG plus 5 nominations. AFI TOP 100 Movies nominee.

STORY - Bing , Fred and Virginia Dale have a love triangle/musical act that is very successful and demanding. Bing is ready to retire and be a gentleman farmer in Connecticut. He assumes Dale, who has led both men on, will come with him, get married and settle down. Wrong! -as they say. He takes off and leaves Dale & Astaire to their own career. One year of farming is enough for Bing and he decides to turn the farm into the HOLIDAY INN, a rural nightclub which will only be open only on holidays. He discovers a wonderful new song and dance partner in Marjorie Reynolds. By this time Dale has dumped Astaire and he shows up unexpectedly at the Holiday Inn quite drunk, looking for work and dances a number with Reynolds. Later, he comes back and tries to find her, only remembering what a great time he had but not recognizing her. Bing does everything to hide her-he's already lost one girl to Fred. Lots of fun and laughs as they go round and round. Every holiday brings a new set and new act so there is lots of music and singing including the premiere of WHITE CHRISTMAS. There is one scene that caused a lot of stir and that was the act celebrating Lincoln's birthday in which white actors painted their faces black and gave tribute to Lincoln as freed black slaves. Is controversial in some circles even today. Bing Crosby & Fred Astaire-what more can you say. A terrific classic. Enjoy!! Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 12/2/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

THUNDER ROAD

THUNDER ROAD - 1958

RATED - PG for some non-graphic violence. One car is blown up & two others crash and burn.

RATINGS - 41 Amazon (4.5/5), 824 IMBD (6.7/10), 11,476 Netflix (3.4/5)

STARRING - Robert Mitchum, Gene Barry

THEMES - Justice, family, crime.

STORY - Lucas Doolin (Mitchum) returns from the Korean War to take over the family moonshine business. He hauls the stuff while his dad makes it and his little brother keeps the car running. Success in the business depends on a car that can outrun the Feds. Not only are the cars equipped with racing engines, you can turn the switch and drop some oil on the road behind you for anyone chasing to lose control. Lucas is the premier 'runner' in his territory, an area that not only are the Feds (led by Gene Barry) trying to clean up but an organized crime competitor is trying to take over. Lucas is definitely the cool dude and, apparently, this was a popular drive-in movie in the South for many years. Mother Doolin keeps the family in line and while they may make a living of crime, she makes sure they are in church on Sundays. In an early scene she & the two sons sit down to eat and they forget to pray so she asks Robin (Mitchum's son in real life) to pray. He prays, 'Thanks for the food, thanks for the meat, it's getting late, let's eat'. Furious with his irreverent attitude, she gives him a back hand slap to the head and knocks him off his chair. If you're a Robert Mitchum fan or just looking for some 'cool' entertainment, this is a classic. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 12/1/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER

DAY ONE

DAY ONE - 1989 (Made for TV)

RATED - NR but probably PG for mature themes (war, atomic bomb)

RATINGS - 9 Amazon (5/5), 120 IMBD (7.5/10)

STARRING - Brian Dennehy, David Strathaim, Michael Tucker

THEMES - War, nuclear warfare, justice.

AWARDS - Primetime Emmy

STORY - This is a fascinating story of 'The Manhattan Project', maybe the best version out there. It begin with Leo Szilard, the Hungarian physicist, leaving on the last train out of Hungary. He believes an atomic bomb is possible and wants to help the U.S. develop one. Many of the scientists who became involved in the project were Jews who were motivated to build a bomb that would end the war. So begins the incredible Manhattan Project. The movie transitions back and forth among the scientific, military and political factions involved and how they all play with AND against each other. The film does a wonderful job of making the dialogue seem real and authentic not just slick speeches by actors. A couple of interesting points. Eisenhower was passionately opposed to dropping the bomb on Japan. Along with Fleet Admiral Leahy, he believed the Japanese were ready to surrender and the bomb was unnecessary. The Jewish scientists had a different view of how the bomb should be used after Germany surrendered and Hitler was dead and tried to make their views known to the military and administration. It is still amazing that Truman was kept in the dark until Roosevelt died and he became President, especially when you consider there were 100,000 persons working on the project and two BILLION dollars had been spent. Since it was made for TV, this film hasn't received the exposure it deserves. The story of the atomic bomb may be the most important story of the 20th century - it changed our world forever - and this movie tells it well. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 12/1/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN

THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN - 1968

RATED - G

RATINGS - 52 Amazon (4.5/5), 800 IMBD (6.6/10), 10,050 Netflix (3.7/5)

STARRING - Anthony Quinn, Laurence Olivier, Oskar Kern, David Janssen

THEME - Cold war, papacy, faith.

AWARDS - Two Academy Award nominations & two Golden Globe awards.

STORY - The story begins with Ukranian Archbishop Lakota (Quinn) being released after being a political prisoner for 20 years in a Siberian prison camp. He is sent to Rome to be an adviser to the Vatican on Russian & Eastern European affairs. The pope dies unexpectedly and they must go through the process of selecting a new one. Who will be the new Pope? Who can best lead the church through this perilous time known as the 'Cold War'? Once the Pope is elected a nuclear crisis of potential world wide proportions breaks out and can the person who walks in the steps of the fisherman from Galilee rise to the occasion? The scenes from Rome are actually in the Vatican and give you a real feeling of being there as it happens. Fascinating look at the inner workings of the Roman Catholic church and how much political influence it has in the world. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews 11/30/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

THE CAINE MUTINY

THE CAINE MUTINY - 1954

RATED - NR but probably PG for mature themes.

RATINGS - 75 Amazon (4.5/5), 7,169 IMBD (8.1/10), TV Guide (5/5)

STARRING - Humphrey Bogart, Fred MacMurray, Van Johnson, Robert Francis, Jose Ferrer, E.G. Marshall, Lee Marvin.

AWARDS - 7 Academy Award nominations including BEST PICTURE & BEST ACTOR (Bogart), AFI Top 100 nominee, BAFTA nominations for BEST FILM & BEST ACTOR (Ferrer).

STORY - Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel of the same title by Herman Wouk. The story starts and ends with the personal life of Ensign Keith who is graduating from officers school and at the same time trying to juggle a love triangle between himself, his mother and would-be fiancee. He is assigned to the Caine, a minesweeper stationed in the Pacific and based out of San Francisco. The ship is tired as is the crew and the Captain. In 18 months they've never been asked to do anything remotely connected to the war. Discipline is almost gone and, needless to say, this is not a 'cherry' assignment for an Ensign who is a Princeton grad and comes from a well connected family. While we follow the personal life and loves of Keith, the story is really about three of his fellow officers, Captain Queeg (Bogart), Lt. Keefer (MacMurray) and Lt. Maryk (Van Johnson) in what turns into a serious psychological drama and courtroom battle over whether Queeg was mentally ill while in command of the ship during a severe storm during which Lt. Maryk, with support from fellow officers, took over command from an unwilling Queeg. A great look at how the military functions and what is 'truth' in the courtroom. Where are the lines between incompetence, lack of courage and mental illness? A sobering ending to an outstanding film. A genuine classic. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/24/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER

CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT

CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT - 1945

RATING - NR but almost certainly G. VERY family friendly.

RATED - 83 Amazon (4.5/5), 875 IMBD (7.3/10), TV Guide (4.5/5)

STARRING - Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet.

STORY - Elizabeth Lane is the Martha Stewart (don't carry the analogy too far) of her day. The public and her publisher know her as the famous food writer for Smart Housekeeping magazine who lives with her husband and new baby on a farm in Connecticut. Her agent and would-be suitor know her as the single woman living in a Manhattan bachelorette apartment who can't cook a lick and whose famous recipes are supplied by her restaurant owner uncle. The facade works well until...Jefferson Jones (Morgan) is rescued from his sunken destroyer after staying alive partly by the sweet dreams of Lane's recipes on the little life raft. His nurse at the military hospital has marriage on her mind and thinks a real home Christmas experience would be the catalyst for a proposal. She used to care for the grandchild of Mr. Yardley (Greenstreet), the pompous, wealthy publisher of Smart Housekeeping and contacts him about setting up Christmas with Lane and her 'family'. He readily sees the potential boost in circulation, never mind that he might be doing something good for a war hero and 'tells' Lane she should be expecting Jones and him for the Holidays. The fun AND romance begins. Just an aside as to how morals have changed in movies. The housekeeper at the farm they 'commandeer' for the charade quits when she see Lane and her boss go into the bedroom together (it was all innocent but she doesn't know that) and she will not be a part of anything immoral. Lots of fun, romance and, of course, Christmas spirit. Good anytime of the year but especially fun now. Enjoy!! Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/23/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT - 1930

RATED - NR. Plenty of war violence but not graphic. Mature themes. Would likely be PG today.

RATINGS - 110 Amazon (4.5/5), 13,086 IMBD (8.1/10), TV Guide (5/5)-'Best anti-war picture ever.'

AWARDS - Two Academy Awards for BEST PICTURE & BEST DIRECTOR plus two more Academy nominations. AFI TOP 100 nominee.

STORY - Based on the best selling novel of the same title by Erich Maria Remarque, which is based on his personal experience during WWI. But it is a story for all time, all nations and all wars. Just a reminder, that though the U.S. entered the war late, we still lost 120,000 soldiers in the waning months of the war. The film begins with German soldiers marching triumphantly through a German city with dozens of young women running up to hug and kiss the young men. As the camera pans back you see that you are looking through the windows of a university classroom out onto the streets. The older professor lecturing to the all male class begins to talk passionately of patriotism and giving one's life for the Fatherland. Before long, the entire class (except one who reluctantly joins in later) is shouting and singing patriotic slogans and songs. They all march down to enlist thinking among other things that this will be a great way to avoid class for awhile, that this is just a matter of having some fun and picking up where they left off down the road. The first rude awakening is reporting to their quarters and discovering their CO is the postman in their area who has just been called up. Thinking he's there for fun, also, they quickly learn he's as mean and tough as any CO. It goes downhill from there as they go through basic training and are assigned to that earthly version of hell called trench warfare. Being on the front line means long periods of boredom holed up in a bunker followed by intense bursts of violent combat and then dealing afterward with the physical injuries and psychological wounds incurred. The movie is not about WHY they went to war, it is simply showing the incredible horror of war and when it is waged that the lives of those involved are forever changed. It is said that some countries would prohibit the showing of this when they were preparing for war because of the impact it made on people's thinking about war. A classic. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/23/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER

3:10 TO YUMA

3:10 TO YUMA - 1957

RATED - NR but probably PG for non-graphic violence. Family friendly.

RATINGS - 49 Amazon (4.5/5), 2,083 IMBD (7.7/10)

STARRING - Glenn Ford & Van Heflin

AWARDS - 1959 BAFTA Best Film nominee

THEMES - Justice, moral choices, courage, family.

STORY - This is the prequel to the current 3:10 TO YUMA starring Russell Crowe. The endings are different and the 2007 version earns its R rating with some very graphic violence but Crowe does a great job and it might be an Oscar nomination(s). Having seen both, I like the original. The story is about a hard working rancher/farmer (Van Heflin) who is down on his luck due to the drought and is barely supporting his wife and two young sons. He and his sons accidentally witness the robbery of a stagecoach and the murder of the coach driver. It's the infamous Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) and his ruthless gang. Wade is captured and the owner of the stagecoach line offers $200 to anyone who will guard Wade until they can put him on the 3:10 TO YUMA to take him back to prison from where he had escaped. Heflin, desperate for $200 after having been turned down by the bank for a loan, sees this as an opportunity for the money and as a chance to prove himself to his wife & sons who he believes are disappointed in him. Alone together for almost 4 hours in a hotel room as they await the train there is a kind of mutual admiration as well as hatred. Heflin admires Wade for his material success and self confidence but despises his lack of morality. Wade admires Heflin for his family and moral character but sees him as weak and vulnerable and is totally confident in his ability to bribe Heflin to let him go as well as in his gang who will rescue. The tension builds until you hear the whistle of the 3:10 TO YUMA and Heflin must make his way against great odds from the hotel to the train station. In the tradition of HIGH NOON, this is a well acted and written movie. You can watch this one with the entire family unlike the Crowe version. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/18/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

THE IRON GIANT

THE IRON GIANT - 1999

RATED - PG for fantasy action & mild language.

RATINGS - 415 Amazon (5/5), 25,008 IMBD (7.8/10), Roger Ebert (4/4).

AWARDS - 19 wins & 14 nominations.

THEMES - Friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, justice.

STORY - It's 1957 in Maine. The Cold War is heating up and people are getting paranoid about Russia especially with Sputnik orbiting the earth. Hogarth lives in a wooded area outside a small Maine community with his single mother who works long hours in a restaurant. This gives Hogarth plenty of time to explore and develop his imagination. There is a crash nearby in the woods and rumors start about some giant creature. When Hogarth is watching TV alone at night the picture suddenly turns to snow. Hogarth climbs up on the roof to adjust the antenna only to find part of it missing. He sees a trail of destruction and follows it to the nearest power station where Hogarth finds the unconscious Iron Giant, a 50 foot tall robot like character who must find metal and lots of it to eat to survive. Trying to eat a chunk of the high voltage tower was bad for indigestion. Hogarth saves his life and the adventure begins of trying to protect this friendly giant from the community and a very paranoid government agent determined to destroy first and ask questions later. Unfortunately, many people will skip this wonderful film because it is animated. Don't make that mistake. It's as entertaining for adults as it is for children, particularly if you remember the days of Sputnik, the Cold War, etc. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/17/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER, ROGER EBERT

FRIENDLY PERSUASION

FRIENDLY PERSUASION - 1956

RATED - NR but likely PG for some adult themes. VERY family friendly. Some minor war violence.

RATINGS - 63 Amazon (5/5), 1,594 IMBD (7.5/10)

STARRING - Gary Cooper & Dorothy McGuire

AWARDS - 6 Academy Award nominations including Best Picture & Best Music. Other awards and nominations.

THEMES - The Civil War, pacifism, forgiveness, Quakers, family.

STORY - FRIENDLY PERSUASION (1956-NR) was nominated for 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture. Starring Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire as Jess & Eliza Birdwell, Quakers living in Southern Indiana during the Civil War. Pacifists according to their Quaker beliefs, they have avoided participating in the Civil War but now the war is infringing on their homes and they must decide whether or not to defend themselves. The tension among the family heightens when their son (played by Anthony Perkins in the role that would make him a star) decides he must take up arms to defend their community. While the film is about a serious, philosophical subject, it is filled with humor and romance. This film is the definition of FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. The music is great and the characters are portrayed as very human, not too harshly or too lightly. Gary Cooper is great as the straight-laced Quaker father who has a streak of 'worldliness' that keeps coming out-especially on the way to the meeting house (church) when a fellow neighbor Methodist causes a case of 'road rage' between their horse and buggies. Dorothy McGuire is the mother who is also the minister of their Quaker meeting house and takes pacifism as well as straight living very seriously. You almost believe she's as good as she appears until one of the Confederate soldiers attempts to take her pet goose. A long time classic you will be entertained and challenged to think watching this film. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/15/2007

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

THE KING OF MASKS

THE KING OF MASKS - 1999

RATING - NR but probably PG for mature themes and some minor violence & brief language.

RATED - 66 Amazon (4.5/5), 1,300 IMBD (7.3/10), Roger Ebert (3/4)

AWARDS - 16 Film Festival awards.

THEMES - Culture, family, love, tradition.

STORY - THE KING OF MASKS (1999-NR) is the story of Wang Bianlian, an aging street performer, who is a master of the art of rapidly changing face masks (figure out how he does it) and has no heirs to pass on his art. In 1930's China, only males are deemed worthy of this inheritance and Wang has none (you learn why later in the film). He lives in poverty on his houseboat traveling from city to city in Sichuan along the river. He is proud of the fact he has never asked for money but always supported himself. A famous female impersonator (only men were allowed to perform so all women's roles were male impersonators) opera star is impressed with his art and becomes his friend and encourages him to find a son, so that his art will not die with him, even offering to partner with him and split the take if Wang will teach him the art but custom was that only a family member could inherit this craft. Wang goes into the black market to find a son. There are many girls for sale (nobody's buying them) and even being given away but he's looking for a son. He finds one and pays top dollar for him only to find out later that he should have checked all the parts because he has a daughter not a son. He is enraged and distraught at having been deceived. The rest of the story plays out what happens between him and 'Doggie', his daughter that he tries to disown, along with a few surprises thrown in. It apparently is based on a true story and gives you a wonderful look at China and its people and geography. Except for brief language this is a family film and children will love 'Doggie' and her struggle to survive in a male dominated world. A heart warming story of two people trying to make sense of the culture they live in. 5 STARS. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/10/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER, ROGER EBERT

THE INN OF THE SIXTH HAPPINESS

THE INN OF THE SIXTH HAPPINESS - 1958

RATING - NR but probably G. VERY family friendly.

RATED - 68 Amazon (4.5/5), 1,010 IMBD (7.1/10)

AWARDS - One Academy Award & two BAFTA nominations.

STARRING - Ingrid Bergman

THEMES - Love, self-sacrifice, justice.

STORY - THE INN OF THE SIXTH HAPPINESS is an Academy Award nominee epic starring Ingrid Bergman as Gladys Aylward, a young British maid who, despite being turned down by the China Mission in London, is determined to go to China as a missionary. Based on the novel, 'The Little Woman', which is based on the true story of Aylward, this is the story of her life in a small village in the heart of China. There she meets up with an older missionary lady who is trying to restore an old inn into an inn for the mule caravans that pass thru the village. The two women finally get it fixed up and then they must attract their customers, a very amusing scene. At first not trusted by the locals, she eventually wins their confidence thru her sacrificial lifestyle and even sees the conversion of a powerful Mandarin in a very moving scene. When the Japanese invade, the lives of many orphans are threatened and Gladys (now Jenai) must find a way to lead the 100 children to safety. This is a wonderful film with adventure and drama and, of course, a little romance thrown in. Well worth watching. They just don't make these kind of films anymore where virtue and self-sacrifice are emphasized the way they are in THE INN OF THE SIXTH HAPPINESS. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/10/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S

THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S - 1945

RATED -NR but a VERY family friendly film

STARRING - Ingrid Bergman & Bing Crosby

AWARDS - One Academy Award (Best Sound) and seven other Academy nominations including Best Picture.

RATINGS - 39 Amazon (4.5/5), 1,633 IMBD (7.4/10) TV Guide (5/5)

THEMES - Faith, reconciliation, teamwork, love

STORY - Probably saying Bing Crosby & Ingrid Bergman in the same sentence would be enough. They were both at the top of their game. Crosby is Father O'Malley who is the new pastor assigned to help the financially troubled St. Mary's. Bergman is Sister Benedict who runs the school. She has great faith that all of their problems will be resolved by praying and O'Malley sees the solutions from a more worldly view. They immediately clash when O'Malley gives the students a holiday his first day on the job, much to Bergman's frustration. That is only the beginning of their differences. They both live under the tension of financial pressure that may force them to sell the school. They had already sold their playground to raise money to repair the ancient building. Will the school survive and will they survive each other? Will faith and prayer carry the day or will it be up to O'Malley to work a more practical solution? A wonderful story and, of course, a few songs thrown in. A reminder that 'feel good' movies can be entertaining and while the 'realism' of the 1940's may not be the 'realism' of today, it is a very worthwhile film. A genuine classic. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 11/3/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

NOT ONE LESS

NOT ONE LESS - 2000

RATED - G

AWARDS - Many awards & nominations at various film festivals.

RATINGS - 69 Amazon (4.5/5), Roger Ebert (3/4), 2,942 IMBD (7.5/10)

THEMES - Persistence, love, relationships, overcoming obstacles.

STORY - NOT ONE LESS is in the same category as CHILDREN OF HEAVEN and THE COLOR OF PARADISE. If you like children (especially adorable Chinese children), are interested in education (anybody who's ever been a substitute teacher will definitely identify with Wei-students are no different in rural China than anywhere else when it comes to taking advantage of substitutes), interested in learning about other cultures (we should all be interested in China), then this is a wonderful film. Definitely a film that can be watched by the whole family (should be old enough to read the sub-titles which are not hard). Foreign film makers definitely seem to have the knack of making films that are extremely interesting without all the special effects and craziness that American films seem to need to appeal to audiences. Like the other two mentioned, this is a film about people, real people actually as these are not professional actors. ENJOY!! Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/27/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER, ROGER EBERT

BRIAN'S SONG

BRIAN'S SONG - 1971

RATED - G, very family friendly

AWARDS - Emmy, Peabody plus many nominations.

RATINGS - 50 Amazon (5/5), 2,483 IMBD (7.6/10)

THEMES - Courage, love, friendship, racial reconciliation.

STORY - This 1971 EMMY AWARD winning film about the friendship between Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo of the Chicago Bears is one of the great sports and human interest stories. Brian & Gale were rookies together in 1965, both running backs and great college football players. They became the first black and white players to room together on the Bears. It's hard to believe it was only 40 years ago and many teams still had not broken the racial barriers off the field. I remember watching it on TV when it first aired and it was as good or better the 2nd time. Their friendship transcended their racial difference and their competition for the same position into a genuine love and respect for each other. As Gale experiences a potential career ending injury and Brian is diagnosed with cancer, their friendship grows into something very special. The selflessness of Brian helping Gale to recover from his injury which will ultimately put him back on the bench after replacing Gale is an inspiration. A great family film and especially for young athletes. Many clips of Gale's outstanding touchdown runs and he was one of the all time greats. Have a Kleenex handy for the end. Enjoy!! Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/27/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

CHILDREN OF HEAVEN

CHILDREN OF HEAVEN - 1999

RATING - PG for mild language.

AWARDS - 1999 Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language film.

THEMES - Relationships, family, forgiveness.

RATINGS - 141 Amazon (5/5), Roger Ebert (4/4), 3,230 IMBD (7.9/10)

STORY - This 1999 Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Picture and Award Winner at the Montreal, Newport & Singapore Film Festivals is one of the most delightful, heartwarming pictures I've seen in a long time. As good as the story is, I'd watch it just for the insight into Iranian culture. A chance to see something of the people of Iran. No nukes or bombs, just a look at every day life in Iran. Put it at the top of your list to see. The following is from Amazon: "Triumphant prizewinner at many prestigious film festivals, this uplifting, crowd-pleasing story of family and love was also nominated for an Academy Award(R) as Best Foreign Language Film. When Ali loses his sister Zahra's school shoes, this young pair dream up a plan to stay out of trouble: they'll share his shoes and keep it a secret from their parents! But if they're going to successfully cover their tracks, Ali and Zahra must carefully watch their step on what rapidly turns into a funny and heartwarming adventure! A magical motion picture acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, CHILDREN OF HEAVEN is a charming treat you'll love too. " Roger Ebert sums it up so well: "``Children of Heaven'' is very nearly a perfect movie for children, and of course that means adults will like it, too. It lacks the cynicism and smart-mouth attitudes of so much American entertainment for kids and glows with a kind of good-hearted purity. To see this movie is to be reminded of a time when the children in movies were children and not miniature stand-up comics." Lu G. for Lu's Reviews 10/27/2007

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, ROGER EBERT

OLIVER

OLIVER! - 1968

RATING - G (There is some violence and darkness themes that may be a little too much for young children. Otherwise, a great family film.)

AWARDS - 4 Academy Awards including Best Picture plus 5 additional nominations. AFI Top 100 nominee. BAFTA Best Picture nominee.

RATINGS - Ebert (4/4), 109 Amazon ratings (4.5/5), IMBD (7.6/10)

STORY - OLIVER! is the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens famous story Oliver Twist. It is the story of young Oliver Twist who is orphaned and escapes his foster home after first being expelled from the orphanage. He ends up on the streets of 19th Century London where he is 'recruited' by another orphan who is part of a gang of pickpockets who work the streets for their master every day. They are only too happy to have Oliver 'consider himself a part of the family' and learn the trade. In addition to being an outstanding musical, it is a social commentary on England and its attitude toward orphans and child labor, a passion of Charles Dickens. The music, costumes, choreography and settings are all terrific. It deserves every award it received. A classic for the ages. The songs will stay with you long after the movie. Roger Ebert said it best, 'I GUESS IT IS AS WELL MADE AS A MOVIE CAN BE'. If you want to buy it, Amazon has a DVD/SOUNDTRACK combo at very reasonable price. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/20/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, ROGER EBERT

PATH TO WAR

PATH TO WAR - 2002 HBO TV

RATING - NR but probably PG for tense situations & some language.

AWARDS - GOLDEN GLOBE + 17 Other Nominations

STARRING - Alec Baldwin, Donald Sutherland, Michael Gambon

RATINGS - 19 Amazon (4.4/5), IMBD (7.4/10)

STORY - PATH TO WAR is an HBO film, almost a docudrama, about the war in Vietnam-not the one fought on the battlefield but the one being fought in the White House. Donald Sutherland (Clark Clifford) and Alec Baldwin (Robert McNamara) are outstanding and Michael Gambon (Lyndon Johnson) also turns in a terrific performance of a President fighting the battles of ego and conscience. LBJ was a very complex personality and much of that persona comes through in the film. The eerie part is the comparison between then and now-a President from Texas, with two daughters, a divided country, fighting a war that doesn't seem winnable, against an enemy that is hard to quantify. In fact, it seems like many times during the movie you could just substitute Iraq for Vietnam and it would fit perfectly. Combines actual newsreel footage in the film making it feel even more real. Obviously, a very traumatic period in American history, this is a fascinating look behind the scenes at how we got into Vietnam and, finally, the decision LBJ made to start the peace process and not run for re-election so he could concentrate on ending the war. Sadly, he never lived to see the official end to the war. Watching this and THE FOG OF WAR, the Academy Award winning documentary about Robert McNamara, gives a great inside look at the people behind the decisions that affect millions of people, here and abroad. You see the human frailties as well as strengths. At one point, LBJ was complaining to Clark Clifford about the advice he had been given, and Clifford looked him in the eye, and told him that no matter what the decisions had been there were his and he alone had to take responsibility. A very powerful film worth watching. While younger children probably won't be interested anyway, there is some language (LBJ was no saint) and a little bit of violence during the anti-war rallies. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/20/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

SEPARATE BUT EQUAL

SEPARATE BUT EQUAL - 1991

RATING - PG

STARRING - Sidney Poitier, Burt Lancaster

AWARDS - 7 Emmy Nominations, 2 Wins

RATINGS - 24 Amazon ratings (5/5), IMBD (7.5/10)

STORY - SEPARATE BUT EQUAL is one of my favorite movies. Nominated for seven Emmy Awards. It is about the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court Case. Starring Sidney Poitier as Thurgood Marshall, the lead attorney for the NAACP, Burt Lancaster, as John W. Davis, arguing the other side, and Richard Kiley, as Chief Justice Earl Warren, it is a powerful story about one of the most important Supreme Court Decisions in the history of our country. The first half is set in South Carolina and depicts the human side of that tragic law called 'separate but equal'. They were separate but anything BUT equal. The second half is the legal battle. My only comment would be that this should be REQUIRED WATCHING to understand the background of the civil rights' movement and the racial situation in our country. As entertaining as it is educational. Five stars all the way. Unfortunately, it's hard to buy (VHS is still relatively cheap but very expensive on DVD) but readily available from Netflix, etc. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/20/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

THE MISSILES OF OCTOBER

THE MISSILES OF OCTOBER - 1973

RATING - NR but probably PG for some language and tense scenes.

REVIEWS - 32 Amazon reviews (4.5/5), IMBD (8.0/10)

AWARDS - Prime time EMMY plus other nominations.

THEMES - The Cold War, government in time of crisis, diplomacy, nuclear war, docudrama.

STORY- THE MISSILES OF OCTOBER (1974-NR) is a tense, tight, made for TV, docudrama about the Cuban missile crisis. It is a Golden Laurel award-winning film based on all historical evidence about those 13 days in October, 1962. Many of us have forgotten or never knew the crisis 45 years ago that brought us to the edge of nuclear war and possible extinction of life as we know it. Unbeknown to America and with full denial from Russia, the USSR had begun to build a nuclear missile arsenal in Cuba that was capable of destroying all of America and most of South America and it was 90 miles from our shores. When a U-2 spy plane discovered the project from 14 miles above the earth, it precipitated perhaps one of the greatest confrontations in world history. The two superpowers, the two nations capable of annihilating one another were face to face. Not that these weapons weren't already the greatest concern of the world already, but why was Russia putting these clearly 'offensive weapons' only 90 miles from the U.S. What were they up to? JFK and his administration had 10 days to figure it out and react before the missiles would be fully installed. The film is about those 13 days in October when the U.S. and Russia played the ultimate nuclear chess game. The film is mostly about the American side but also shows a very interesting side of the Russians during this time as it bounces back and forth between the two leaders. The tension was unimaginable as this was no theoretical discussion about war, this was nuclear war on our doorstep. It makes the discussion of WMD's in Iraq look like a elementary discussion. In reality, this might be a great film for all our leaders to watch before going to war. Kennedy had to face Khrushchev as well as his own military machine, who wanted to take out the nuclear weapons with military force. Kennedy, for all his personal flaws, really seemed to grasp the dangers of war and what responding militarily could do to the world. He chose, instead, to use our military might as the bargaining chip for peace. Khrushchev, also, had to battle his 'comrades' who were eager to take on the U.S. and he showed great courage in standing up to them and negotiating with the U.S. This is a well done film about a historical moment in our history that could have changed the course of world history overnight. As one reviewer said, this proves that history does not have to be boring. Should be required viewing for everyone under 50 as a reminder that we can deal with the most difficult of all situations and not have to go to war, even though it could have ended up with two nations destroying each other. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/13/2007

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

DUEL

DUEL - 1971

RATING - PG probably for tense scenes.

AWARDS - Golden Globe nomination plus others.

REVIEWS - 177 Amazon reviews (4.5/5), IMBD (7.7/10)

THEMES - Suspense, fun, good entertainment.

STORY - DUEL is Steven Spielberg's first full length feature movie (originally made for the CBS Movie Of The Week and then expanded for theaters) and the one that put him on the Hollywood map. If you're in the mood for a good Hitchcock-like movie, this is it. Watch it when you're home alone at night. The film stars Dennis Weaver and THE TRUCK. It starts out looking thru the lens of a camera mounted on the front bumper of a car backing out of the garage, then driving thru the suburban Los Angeles neighborhood, into the rush hour traffic of the LA freeway system. When you finally meet the middle-aged salesman on his way to meet a client somewhere outside of LA in a rural, desert area, he's turned off the freeway onto a lonely, two lane highway. That's where you also meet the co-star of the film, the Peterbilt truck with the tanker trailer. Peterbilt has the long, menacing-looking hood (the face) and the small windows (eyes) and this one looks like it went thru the Vietnam War and is dirty and greasy and has a set of various state license plates on the front bumper (which you learn in the commentary represent each state where he[it] has killed a motorist). Sick of the diesel smoke blowing in the window of his red 4 door Plymouth Valiant sedan, Dennis Weaver looks for an opening to pass THE TRUCK. Whether it was passing it that triggered the decision to terrorize the motorist or he was just waiting for the right victim to come along, we don't know but we keep waiting to see the driver and there are many suspenseful moments when you think the two men will confront each other face to face. The movie is full of suspense as THE TRUCK tries to run Weaver down in the mountains and desert of rural California on a lonely highway. The suspense is constant so that you don't want to turn away for a minute or you might miss something. There is little or no foul language, no sex, just good old fashioned suspense and a fist fight and some vehicles doing damage to property. Very climactic ending. The movie was made entirely on location in 12 days, a phenomenal accomplishment. Watch the interview with Spielberg and you will get a feel for the genius of him as a filmmaker. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/13/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

SMOKE SIGNALS

SMOKE SIGNALS (1998)

RATING - PG-13 for some intense images, mainly a burning house in which you see the victims trying to escape from a distance and the frightening rescue of one of them.

THEMES - Forgiveness, overcoming family problems.

AWARDS - Quite a few awards & nominations including the Audience Award at Sundance.

REVIEWS - "Two Big Thumbs Up"-Siskel & Ebert (3/4), "One of the Best Films of the Year!"-Rolling Stone, 171 Amazon reviewers (4.5/5)

STORY - This is a film written and directed by Native Americans. It is not meant to be politically correct. It is an inside story. It's about a journey that two totally different Native American young men take to discover a father and a hero that, they discover, they really did not know. The first is Thomas, whose parents were killed in the tragic fire when he was a baby. He was spared in a dramatic rescue by Victor Joseph's father. Thomas is raised by his grandparents and turns out to be the town nerd-hands down. Victor Joseph grows up stoic and masculine and tough, what you might expect for someone whose father one day walked out on him and his mother and left them to fend for themselves. Word comes that his father has died and his ashes are waiting to be picked up. He has no money for the bus ticket but Thomas does and offers to pay his way if he can go along. They both have very different memories of the man. Which one is the truth? The bus ride and what they discover when they get there is the heart of this often funny, but equally often serious and reflective film. You will chuckle at the 'traffic report' for the Indian radio station. They break to a remote location where a 'reporter' is sitting on the roof of a car in the middle of nowhere and gives a play by play of each car that goes by. A fun film with a message for the family. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/13/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, ROGER EBERT

ONCE UPON A TIME...WHEN WE WERE COLORED

ONCE UPON A TIME...WHEN WE WERE COLORED - (1995)

RATING - PG for thematic elements including mild violence, language and sensuality.

STARRING - Al Freeman, Jr., Phylicia Rashad, Leon

THEME - Racial discrimination, family, community, growing up in the South.

REVIEWS - Siskel & Ebert (4/4) 'TWO THUMBS UP'

STORY - The film begins in 1946 in a cotton field outside of Glen Allan, Mississippi. A young woman suddenly goes into labor and quickly delivers Cliff, the main character. The rest of the movie is about Cliff growing up in the Deep South from 1946-62. It's the story of Cliff's grandparents and aunt taking responsibility for raising Cliff when the family of his father refuse to have anything to do with him and his young, unmarried mother is unable to do so. It's about a community of African-Americans forced to live separately but (un)equally in a white dominated society where we see Grandad teaching little Cliff how to recognize 'W' and 'C' so he drinks from the correct fountain and uses the right bathroom. It's about a proud community that is willing to work hard and long for meager wages and still not accept charity. It's about a kind, white woman that keeps Cliff in supply of good reading when she realizes 'coloreds' aren't allowed in the library. It's about a community that worships together in a style and form that helps them overcome the daily oppression. And, finally, it's about hope that doing the right thing will eventually be rewarded. There is a feeling that this is probably very much what it was like to grow up in 1950's Mississippi. The only objectionable family scenes might be a brief fight in a bar setting where some sensual dancing between couples takes place and when Cliff and a friend sneak into the burlesque show tent at the circus. None of it is graphic or overemphasized. As one of the characters responded when asked why he returned to Glen Allan to visit, 'to remind me of why I left', so this movie should remind us of why we left discrimination 'officially' behind and why we must work to keep it behind. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/7/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, ROGER EBERT

SOMETHING THE LORD MADE

SOMETHING THE LORD MADE - (2004-NR)

RATING - NR but probably PG for some language & mature themes.

THEME - Racial prejudice, teamwork, humility, justice.

AWARDS - 2004 EMMY for Outstanding Picture.

STORY - (HBO Made for TV) Won the 2004 Emmy for Outstanding Picture. I don't know what the competition was but this is one of my favorite movies and deserves any awards it receives. It is the true story of Dr. Alfred Blalock and Vivian Thomas. The film begins in the 1930's when white heart surgeon Blalock hires Thomas, an African American, as the janitor in his medical lab. Thomas takes home textbooks at night and teaches himself medicine. He is also very skilled with his hands and wants to pursue a career as a surgeon but America is not a friendly environment for blacks who want to achieve in the scholastic world, especially the world of medicine. It soon becomes apparent to Blalock what a genius Thomas is and what a skilled surgeon he could make. While Thomas perfects a new technique that saves thousands of infant lives (still in use today I understand), Blalock gets all the credit. The acting is outstanding and the story will bring tears to your eyes. It's still hard to believe this was America 50 to 60 years ago. A great movie. Too bad it never made it to the theaters. Other than some brief, rough language on the part of Dr. Blalock this is a very family friendly film, one you will want to watch more than once. Better yet - buy several for family & friends. Five stars for sure. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/6/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

WHITE LIGHT, BLACK RAIN: THE DESTRUCTION OF HIROSHIMA & NAGASAKI

WHITE LIGHT, BLACK RAIN: THE DESTRUCTION OF HIROSHIMA & NAGASAKI - (2007-NR)

THEME - DOCUMENTARY of the survivors of Hiroshima & Nagasaki as well as several Americans who participated. Nuclear war.

STORY - A just released powerful HBO documentary. You know the statistics: winds at 1000 MPH and temperatures at 9000 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT at ground zero and everyone nearby instantly vaporized. 140,000 dead in Hiroshima and 70,000 in Nagasaki. What we don't always remember is the story of those who survived. This is the story of 14 Japanese civilians who survived and 4 Americans deeply involved in the attack. Many of these stories have not been told before. I found their stories both tragic for what they have had to live through and with and uplifting because it also reflects the best of the human spirit in surviving unbelievable circumstances, much like those who survived the concentration camps. These people have lived with scars and permanent disabilities, abandonment by their own government and discrimination in the work place. At least an additional 160,000 Japanese died from complications of their bomb wounds and thousands committed suicide rather than live with the horror. But tens of thousands survived to tell their story and to remind the rest of the world about the horrors of this incredible weapon. Whether we have the weapon or oppose those who have it or trying to get it, no one must underestimate the horrors accompanied by the use of it. People will debate whether we should have used it. It did end the war and save potentially hundreds of thousands of additional military casualties but at a tremendous price. Perhaps if enough people will continue to watch this powerful film and others like it, we will not forget this horror and make sure this was the first and last time this planet experiences a nuclear attack. The nuclear weapons in the world today EQUAL 400.000 HIROSHIMAS-A VERY SOBERING THOUGHT. The images of the destruction and mutilated and burned bodies (dead and alive) are very disturbing but perhaps we should all keep those images alive as a grim reminder of what these weapons can do. Put this at the top of your list. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/6/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY

TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY - (1980)

RATING-NR but probably PG. A brief scene of female back nudity from waist up while pulling on a dress, an intense chase scene and later you see the brutal scars on the back of the victim from torture after he is captured.

STARRING - ALEC GUINNESS

THEME-Cold War espionage, double agent.

STORY - BBC made for TV miniseries based on John le Carre's book by the same title. There's a mole (traitor) in the upper echelon of the Circus (the British intelligence agency) and they must get to the bottom of who it is without anyone involved knowing they are being investigated. There are four main suspects, code named Tinker, Tailor, Soldier & Spy. To lead the investigation they bring back retired intelligence agent, George Smiley (Alec Guinness) to smoke out one of his former colleagues who has been a double agent for over 20 years. This is NOT James Bond. This is the opposite. As you watch you feel that this must be what real spy work is like-often lonely, methodical, analytical and frustrating. The acting, especially Guinness is truly outstanding. The story will keep you engaged until the very end. Many feel this is the finest TV miniseries ever produced. If not, it certainly ranks right up there. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 9/29/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD

RABBIT-PROOF FENCE

RABBIT-PROOF FENCE (2002)

RATING-PG for emotional thematic material.

THEME- Racism, Eugenics. Courage, Justice.

STORY- Set in 1930's Australia, the film is fiction based on fact. The Australian government official policy with respect to half-caste Aboriginal children is to steal (literally) them from their mothers (the white fathers were usually long gone) and put them in training schools where they were trained for menial work in white society. A.O. Neville (rhymes with devil) is the official government overseer of this program and believes that if assimilated into white society the half-castes will lose their Aborigine traits within two generations and his goal is to rid Australia of any trace of the half-castes. How many times in history do we look back and say, 'WHAT WERE THEY THINKING'? and this is certainly one. What's even more incredible is this policy continued until 1970 and, apparently, the Australian government has never offered an apology to this 'Stolen Generation. The film's story centers on three half-castes (Molly-14, Gracie-11, Daisy-8) who are stolen literally from their mothers' arms and hauled 1500 miles away to the training school. Unhappy and angry, Molly leads the other two out of the school determined to find her way home. No one has ever escaped and not been found by 'The Tracker', ironically a father with a daughter in the school. The girls discover that the Rabbit-Proof Fence (the world's longest fence is designed to keep the pestilence of rabbits out of farmers' fields) is not far away and by following that it will lead them home. What follows is an adventure you have to see to appreciate as they make their way across the outback pursued by The Tracker and Australian Police. A fascinating look at a very low point in Western culture. Very suitable for family viewing. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews 9/29/2007

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER, ROGER EBERT (3.5/4.0)