Adam
Asperger’s Syndrome is a condition in which one has difficultly reading people’s facial expressions or subtext or irony or sarcasm.  But it is an asset in “Adam,” a film written and directed by newcomer Max Mayer, about an Asperger’s victim or in this case, recipient.  Due to his innocence in social situations, he can be trusted to always tell the truth, be gentle and slightly timid, never cheat on a girlfriend, always try extra hard to please.  And being played by adorable Hugh Dancy (Confessions of a Shopaholic) is the cincher-- he’s the perfect boyfriend.  Rose Byrne’s (28 Weeks Later) character, Beth Buchwald, who just ended an unhappy relationship with a high powered stockbroker/cheater, finds a quiet haven in Adam, an uncomplicated, yet accomplished electrical... READ MORE >>>

Alice’s House


Alice is a working mother and wife.  She lives with her mother (who cleans, cooks, and keeps the home in perfect running order while listening to talk radio), her husband (who spends his days gambling and his night womanizing), and her three sons (who argue among themselves and watch a lot of television).  Alice is a manicurist whose life has fallen into a dull routine.  When the possibility of romance and escape from this rut appears, she doesn’t hesitate.  Even a work friend comments that her life resembles a soap opera - low drama.  There’s no political intrigue, social upheavals, war, crime, or any other “important” issue in this... READ MORE >>>

Big Fan
     They say all stand up comics are deeply emotional, depressed, angst ridden – not fun at all outside of the comedy club forum. This must be true based on films like “Lenny" (1974), starring Dustin Hoffman as the most tragic of comics, Lenny Bruce, “Punchline” (1988), starring Tom Hanks, “Man on the Moon” (1991) with Jim Carrey playing disturbed comic Andy Kaufman, and the recent, “Funny People,” starring Adam Sandler. Since everything I know is from the movies, I have learned this lesson repeatedly. And many comics have utilized their dramatic skills to become very successful actors: Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Denis Leary.      Stay with me here. It makes perfect sense that Robert D. Siegel would... READ MORE >>>

Bright Star
     Be forewarned -- a movie about a young poet dying of consumption does not have a lot of action. Nor is a romance that takes place in England in the 1820's particularly tumultuous, erotic or feverish.  Well, John Keats (Paul Whishaw), the then unknown and penniless poet in love with Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish), was feverish, actually to the point of expiration.  And who better to bring this story to the screen than Jane Campion, who’s “The Piano” (1993) a story about a mute woman who expresses herself by playing a piano in the rough, untamed back country of New Zealand in the 1850's garnered 3 Academy Awards, one for her screenplay, as well as nominations for best director and best picture?  Campion knows... READ MORE >>>

Bruno


The film, Bruno, concentrates on the Austrian model's sexuality and need for fame.  Cast out of Europe's hip social circles, he goes to America to seek it.  He tries many different strategies, including hosting a celebrity talk show (I know that doesn't work), brokering peace in the Middle East, representing a "cause" like global warming or the rain forest or AIDS, adopting an African baby, even going straight since so many people are.  His naivete represents the gullibility of the American and world public; the people he recruits to help him represent the manipulators and power brokers.  Both sides are greedy, self serving, and extremely stupid -- but one side has all the money and the other side wants it.  Am I taking too grand... READ MORE >>>