The Bucket List

Probably everyone knows the premise of this film. Two dying men decide to make a list of things they would like to do before they die. They are both able-bodied, and have months to live.

The points gotten across by the movie are obvious, but the acting is good. If you have too much death and dying in your life as it is, the film is depressing, but it does say two things very clearly and, I think, importantly:

1. seek what gives you joy
2. share your life with those you love, up to the final moment

I think that makes the film worth seeing.

Roughly Speaking

When I saw the movie listing on TCM for this movie I never expected to be so engaged by it. It is a sort of feminist tale of a woman who never gives up, and meets every challenge with courage and a smile. I know that sounds a bit mushy, but it is a fun movie to watch most of the time.

Rosalind Russell charges through the movie, and we half expect her to win at everything, but she doesn't. She just keeps her chin up, no matter what. Her second husband is played (VERY WELL .... omg who knew?) by Jack Carson. I love the scene where they meet at a holiday party. He has on a very unusual hat* (spoiler below if you will never watch this movie or if you don't find movies spoiled by knowing something about them).

*A top hat with a christmas tree on it that features lighted candles

Roman de Gare

Some of the reviews of this film are less than enthusiastic, but I enjoyed it. It has enough surprises to keep one wondering for some time about who the protagonist is ... a missing husband, a serial murderer, or someone else entirely! It was a satisfying experience, and the comedy of the female lead's family is really fun.

Talk to Her

Almodovar made another strange movie about women , but this one is gentle. ... it only took six years for me to get around to seeing it. Read the New York Times review here.

Stranger Than Fiction

This movie reminds me of another story or movie that I can't recall, where the author writes and reality follows. Will Ferrell is actually very good in his part, and the other actors are outstanding. The movie could have used a LOT more editing ... it resembles a short play that was stretched out to fill 90 minutes. It wasn't terrible, but I would not see it again, and I will probably forget it in a day or two.

Water

"Water" is set in 1938 India, and portrays the lives of widows, who are forced to live in poverty in an ashram. The main character is a 7-year-old who never even knew she had been married, and who is sent to the widow's house after her "husband" dies.

Ten Canoes

Moving between the story, and the story within the story, this tale of ancient times is gripping and teaches the traditional ways of aboriginal people. The culture is polygamistic, and the gentle narration of this film helps us to understand the reasoning behind the tradition. The film is beautifully made, alternating between color and black and white to show the different times portrayed.