Kent Woodger sees movies 2008

Kidnapped - disc 3 - Hutton, etc. - January 2

The last four episodes on this disc continued the excitement. I spotted what I thought was a mole in the FBI but changed my mind when a bad guy killed him. Now I'm looking for a sequel.

The Visitor - Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Hiam Abass - December 27

We were without power for seven and a half days so didn't watch any movies for awhile. In this very good story a widowed professor Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins) discovers an immigrant couple, Tarek (Haaz Sleiman) and Zainab (Danai Gurira), squatting in his Manhattan flat and becomes wrapped up in their lives when Tarek is thrown into a detention center. A wonderful Hiam Abbass co-stars as Tarek's mother, who forges an unlikely connection with Walter. Director Thomas McCarthy's follow-up to his indie hit The Station Agent was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.

Kidnapped - disc 2 - Hutton, etc. - December 13

It's a fast-paced, action-packed, and exciting story. It's also a mystery with twists and turns and misdirecting clues so it's a question who is the bad guy. Now I have to move disc 3 up in the queue.

Get Smart - Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway - December 10

When the identities of secret agents from Control are compromised, the Chief (Alan Arkin) promotes hapless but eager analyst Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) and teams him with stylish, capable Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway), the only spy whose cover remains intact. Now, they must work together to thwart the evil plans of KAOS and its crafty operative Siegfried (Terence Stamp). Based on the classic television show, this comedy caper co-stars The Rock. Good for some laughs.

Kidnapped - Timothy Hutton, Dana Delany, Delroy Lindo -
December 6

The lives of millionaire Conrad Cain (Timothy Hutton) and his wife, Ellie (Dana Delany), are thrown into chaos when their teenage son is kidnapped on his way to school. As the list of suspects grows, the couple enlists a crack team of investigators to help them safely retrieve their son -- and protect their deeply guarded secrets. The situation becomes even more complicated when FBI agent Latimer King (Delroy Lindo) gets involved in the case.

Iron Man - Robert Downey Jr, Gwynyth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges - December 3

Cool movie, very entertaing with no heavy thinking.

Stay Tuned - John Ritter - November 29

A couch potato ends up on the wrong side of the tv screen. Not too bad but not too good either. I'm not sure why we got it.

The Dead Zone - Stephen King TV series - November 19

"Blending action, the paranormal and an ongoing search for justice," so Netfliz says. Julie and I can't remember what it was about

Tudors 1-4 - Showtime series - November 11

Henry VIII finally gets his way with Anne, it looks more like rape but she loves it.

Manhunter - William Petersen - November 8

Using his uncanny ability to get inside psychopaths' minds, former FBI agent Will Graham (William Petersen) returns to action to hunt down a serial killer. Graham retired after catching Hannibal Lecter (Brian Cox) and subsequently suffering a breakdown. Now, he engages in a risky cat-and-mouse game with Lecter to capture a new killer. This gripping psychological horror film is based on the novel Red Dragon, the prequel to The Silence of the Lambs. PreCSI Pepersen. Not bad.

Chances Are - Robert Downey, Jr., Cybill Sheppard - November 4

A celestial boo-boo sends soul-in-limbo Louie Jeffries into the body of Alex Finch (Robert Downey Jr.) in this heavenly romantic comedy. Louie lies dormant until Alex starts dating Miranda (Mary Stuart Masterson) -- the daughter of Louie's widow, Corinne (Cybill Shepherd). When Louie's memories are unleashed, Emile Ardolino's film gets as complex as a Shakespearian comedy, forcing all the players to sort out the remarkable events. Marginal.

The Missing - Tommy Lee Jones, Kate Blanchett - October 31

Typical move of our's we'd already seen it. A father and daughter reunite for a battle even larger than the one they wage against each other in this suspenseful drama helmed by Oscar-winning director Ron Howard. When Maggie Gilkeson's (Cate Blanchett) oldest daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) is abducted by a witch doctor-turned-bandit (Eric Schweig), Maggie enlists her estranged father's (Tommy Lee Jones) help to find her. They soon discover that other girls have gone missing, and time's running out.

Tudors 1-2 - Showtime series - October 14

Another episode in the colorful time of Henry VIII and sexy Anne Bolyn.

Army of Shadows - French - October 8

Director Jean-Pierre Melville's experiences as a member of the French Resistance during World War II inform this movie about a civil engineer who becomes one of the chiefs of the underground movement. Hailed by many as a masterpiece for its dark and uncompromising vision, the film (which is based on a Joseph Kessel novel of the same name) co-stars Lino Ventura, Simone Signoret, Paul Meurisse and Jean-Pierre Cassel.

Inspector Lynley - In the Blink of an Eye -October 7

After photographer Peter Rooker is found dead in Soho, Scotland Yard detectives Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker) and Barbara Havers's (Sharon Small) investigation leads them to a 1995 Bosnian massacre in this episode of the popular BBC series based on Elizabeth George's novels. But when Lynley asks his wife, Helen, for help in exploring the psychological aspects of the murders, a tragic series of events ensues.

Foyle's War - Set4-3 Bleak Midwinter - Kitchen, Weeks - October 3

Michael Kitchen reprises his role as Christopher Foyle, detective chief superintendent in the bucolic enclave of Hastings, in these four episodes of the popular British mystery series set at the height of World War II. With the help of his driver, Sam (Honeysuckle Weeks), and subordinate Paul (Anthony Howell), Foyle investigates the murder of a barmaid, a secret experiment in biological warfare, the death of a munitions worker and more.

The Tudors, disc 1 - Showtime Telecast - September 27

"This superb and visually lush Showtime series provides a look at the world of the Tudors in the days when King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) was a handsome, charming, athletic 25-year-old. Inheriting absolute power at a young age, the king indulges his voracious taste for ladies-in-waiting, hangs out with his entourage of young nobles and makes momentous political decisions. The stellar cast includes Jeremy Northam and Sam Neill." King Hank is one horny dude.

Fools Gold - Matthew McConaughey.Kate Hudson - September 24

"Charming but luckless treasure hunter Ben Finnegan (Matthew McConaughey) has sacrificed his relationship with wife Tess (Kate Hudson) in search of the Queen's Dowry, a legendary treasure lost at sea. When he discovers a fresh clue, hope for riches -- and his marriage -- is rekindled. Will they locate the loot before their rivals and rediscover love? Directed by Andy Tennant, this romantic adventure also features Donald Sutherland." McConaughey is more developed than Kate. Silly movie.

Michael Clayton - George Cloonet - September 20

"Screenwriter Tony Gilroy makes his directorial debut with this dramatic thriller about burned-out corporate lawyer Michael Clayton (George Clooney), who's built a career on cleaning up his clients' messes. When a guilt-ridden colleague (Tom Wilkinson) threatens the settlement of a multimillion-dollar case, Clayton faces his biggest challenge ever. Tilda Swinton (with her first Oscar win), Sydney Pollack and Michael O'Keefe round out the impressive cast." It was confusing trying to distinguish the good from the bad guys.

Flawless - Michael Caine, Demi Moore - September 13

"On the eve of his retirement, a British janitor (Michael Caine), angry over his company's refusal to pay an insurance claim for his ill wife, persuades an unhappy American executive (Demi Moore) to join him in a jewel heist. The two hatch a daring plan to steal the gems from their employer, the London Diamond Corp. Set in 1960 London, this compelling crime drama directed by Michael Radford is loosely based on actual events." Good flick.

Reckless, Part 3 - BBC Telecast - September 17

Parts 1&2 were only okay, I'm not sure why we got this one.

Foyle's War - Michael Kitchen, Honeysuckle Weeks - September 10

Another episode of dependable entertainment unlike some of our movie choices.

Reality Bites - Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke - September 4

In this irreverent romantic comedy from first-time director Ben Stiller, a small circle of friends (Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofalo and Steve Zahn) suffering from post-collegiate blues must confront the hard truth about life, love and the pursuit of gainful employment. As they struggle to map out survival guides for the future, the Gen-X quartet soon begins to realize that reality isn't all it's cracked up to be. This flick bites.

The Feast of Love - Morgan Freeman, Greg Kinnear - September 1

"Set in a small, idyllic Oregon community, veteran director Robert Benton's (Kramer vs. Kramer) charming ensemble drama features different lives intersecting at a coffee shop as they explore the depths of love and loss, joy and pain, and everything in between. Based on the popular Charles Baxter novel, this touching tale stars Morgan Freeman, Greg Kinnear, Selma Blair, Radha Mitchell and Billy Burke." Good flick.

The Kingdom - Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman - August 22

When a deadly bombing attack targets Americans in the Middle East, a counterterrorism squad is dispatched to find the culprits. Once they arrive in the desert, the U.S. agents (an ensemble that includes Jamie Foxx as the group's leader) learn that in these parts, they are the true enemy. With their investigation hampered by local bureaucracy, the team realizes they may be the terrorists' next target. Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman also star. This film is loaded with violence but it is believable.

Mrs. Winterbourne - Ricki Lake, Brendan Fraser, Shirley MacLaine - August 19

Pregnant 18-year-old Connie (Ricki Lake) has been kicked out by her boyfriend. On a train, she meets Hugh Winterbourne (Brendan Fraser) and his pregnant wife, Patricia (Ricki Lake again). When the train wrecks and Connie wakes up in the hospital -- mistaken for the widowed Patricia -- Hugh's mother (Shirley MacLaine) takes her in. Playing along with the charade, Connie soon falls in love with Hugh's twin brother, Bill (Brendan Fraser again). That was a total surprise to me.

Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Missing Joseph - Nathaniel Parker, Sharon Small - August 14

There's hell to pay when Detective Inspector Lynley's (Nathaniel Parker) married friend Deborah St. James becomes romantically entangled with a country clergyman. But when the clergyman turns up fatally poisoned, Deborah turns to Lynley for help. It's a complex case, and in trying to solve it, Lynley and Sergeant Havers (Sharon Small) raise the table stakes of their working relationship.Hmmm.

Foyle's War - Invasion - Disc 4.1 - Michael Kitchen, Honeysuckle Weeks - August 9

Jump In - Corbin Bleu(?), Keke Palmer(?) - August 6

A light, amusing film about a reluctant golden gloves boxer who would rather do double-dutch jump roping.

Inspecter Lynley - For the Sake of Elena - Nathaniel Parker, Sharon Small - August 2

Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker) and his partner, Sergeant Barbara Havers (Sharon Small), are on the job when the deaf daughter of a Cambridge lecturer is found brutally murdered. It seems that the victim was pregnant, and the police are painting a picture of a promiscuous girl with a fair share of lovers. Could jealousy be the motive in this murder?

Foyle's War - A War of Nerves - Michael Kitchen, Honeysuckle Weeks - July 29

This popular BBC mystery series continues with four stories set on the southern English coast as World War II rages across Europe. Michael Kitchen stars as detective Christopher Foyle, whose loyalties are put to the test as his investigations uncover unpleasant truths that powerful people would rather keep hidden. Anthony Howell, Honeysuckle Weeks and Julian Ovenden co-star in this gripping series grounded in historical fact.

The Matador - Greg Kinnear, Pierce Brosnan - July 28

The life of Danny Wright (Greg Kinnear), a salesman forever on the road, veers into dangerous and surreal territory when he wanders into a Mexican bar and meets a mysterious stranger, Julian (Pierce Brosnan), who's very likely a hit man. Their meeting sets off a chain of events that will change their lives forever, as Wright is suddenly thrust into a far-from-mundane existence that he takes to surprisingly well, once he gets acclimated to it.

Inspector Lynley - Well Schooled in Murder - Nathaniel Parker, Sharon Small - July 22

One of Detective Lynley's (Nathaniel Parker) old school chums asks for his help in finding a boy missing from a boarding school. When the child is found murdered, Lynley, mindful of his own boyhood, is in a perfect position to understand the unique tensions of this closed caste. Meanwhile, Lynley's partner, Sergeant Havers (Sharon Small) is having problems dealing with the encroaching senility of her mother. Julie is familiar with the problems in dealing with me.

Rescue Dawn - Christian Bale - July 16

Renowned director Werner Herzog's inspiring film recounts the heroic saga of Dieter Dengler, a German-American fighter pilot and highly decorated Vietnam veteran whose reconnaissance plane was shot down in 1966. Captured by enemy forces and held in a Laotian torture camp near the Ho Chi Minh Trail, Dengler (portrayed by Christian Bale) defied death by organizing one of the most daring escapes in the Vietnam conflict.

Inspector Lynley - In the Guise of Death - Nathaniel Parker, Sharon Small - July 12

While in Cornwall on separate holidays, Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker) and Sgt. Barbara Havers (Sharon Small) learn that a local horse trainer was found hanged in his stable, but they rule out suicide after discovering that the man had been drugged. In search of answers, the detectives investigate the local equestrian scene, which leads them straight to Lady Sarah Keach (Stella Gonet) -- a friend of Lynley's mother.

Weeds disc 1-1 - HBO - July 8

Living the high life as a suburban mom turned pot dealer, Nancy Botwin (Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker) manages motherhood and marijuana on a daily basis. Desperate times call for desperate dealings once Nancy is struck with the need to provide for her family in this hilarious and poignant tale of unique entrepreneurial opportunities. Showtime's hit series co-stars Elizabeth Perkins, in an Emmy-nominated role.Yeah, but not very entertaining.

Inspector Lynley - A Great Deliverance - Nathaniel Parker, Sharon Small - July 3

An entertaining drama series from the BBC, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries stars Nathaniel Parker as the titular upper-class detective. This episode depicts the events surrounding the horrible murder of a farmer. Lynley's new partner, Barbara Havers (Sharon Small), proves to be his exact opposite, which could make cracking the case much harder than expected. They'll have come to terms with each other if they hope to solve the crime!

Big Love - Season 2 disc 1 - Bill Paxton, Jeanne Tripplehorn - June 28

This is about polygamy in Utah, the description sounded good but the show wasn't.

Foyle's War vol. 3-3 - Michael Kitchen - June 25

Ginger and Cinnemon - Italian no-names - June 21

When Stefania breaks up with her boyfriend, Andrea, little does she realize what the summer has in store for her. She and her 14-year-old niece, Meggy, wind up on vacation at a beautiful Greek resort, where her niece sets out to lose her virginity; in an ironic twist, the cute guy Meggy has her eye on turns out to be none other than Stefania's ex, Andrea! This light-hearted comedy is a valuable lesson in what it means to be a woman at any age. Entertaining but seemed somewhat amateurishly done.

Lassie - Peter O'Toole, dog - June 17

Poverty stricken, the Carraclough family is forced to sell their precious pup to a wealthy duke (Peter O'Toole) who lives more than 500 miles away -- until the loyal Lassie escapes and braves an incredible journey home. Set against the colorful backdrop of World War II Britain, director Charles Sturridge's heartwarming new film version of the world's most famous collie weaves a compelling tale of survival, adventure and love. I can't believe Julie wanted to see this.

The Jane Austen Book Club - Amy Brenneman, Kathy Baker -
June 13

Six book club members find their lives resemble a modern-day version of Jane Austen's novels in this drama. Sylvia's (Amy Brenneman) husband of 20-plus years has walked out; Jocelyn (Maria Bello) breeds dogs to escape loneliness; Prudie (Emily Blunt) dreams of other men; Bernadette (Kathy Baker) hopes to find Mr. Right; Allegra (Maggie Grace) has issues with her girlfriend; and Grigg (Hugh Dancy), the only man, wonders why he's even in the club. Two good flicks in a row.

Flirting - Thandie Newton, Nicole Kidman - June 10

Set in 1965, Flirting follows a free-spirited young man (Noah Taylor) who's an outcast at an Australian all-boys prep school. He meets a sophisticated South African girl (Thandie Newton) attending the school across the lake, and their interracial romance blossoms despite the intense prejudice they face. A beautiful and honest depiction of first love by director John Duigan, with outstanding performances by Taylor and Newton. Thandie Nrwton was great and it was one of Kidman's earliest.

The Inspector Lynley Mysteries - If Wishes Were Horses - Nathaniel Parker, Sharon Small
June 6

"Based on the popular whodunit novels of Elizabeth George, this BBC series partners two New Scotland Yard investigators -- Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker) and Barbara Havers (Sharon Small) -- whose contrasting backgrounds make them an unlikely pair. But put them together, and there's no mystery they can't solve. In "If Wishes Were Horses," a noted criminal profiler turns up dead, and Lynley takes it personally."

Good Bye Lenin - unkowns - June 3

"In East Germany in 1989, Alex Kerner's (Daniel Bruhl) mother Christiane (Katrin Sass) falls into a coma just as the Berlin Wall is about to come down. Eight months later, she wakes up, but her heart is too weak to withstand any great shock. So Alex goes to great (and often hysterical) lengths to keep the truth about her country's reform a secret. This widely praised, Golden Globe-nominated comedy played in festivals around the world."

About Last Night - Rob Lowe, Demi Moore - May 16

This was before Demi had a boob job and she looked pretty good. The movie was ok.

Stardust - Charlie Cox, Clair Danes - May 13

A young man journeys to a magical world to win the heart of his true love in this charming fantasy based on Neil Gaiman's novel. Tristan (Charlie Cox) has promised Victoria (Sienna Miller) that he'll retrieve a fallen star to secure her love. Along the way, he battles a pirate named Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro), an evil witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) and other assorted goblins and ghosts. Peter O'Toole, Claire Danes and Rupert Everett co-star.

Into the Wild - Emile Hirsch - May 8

Sean Penn directs this feature based on best-selling author Jon Krakauer's true story of a young man who gives up everything to lead a solitary life in the wild. Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a middle-class college graduate, abandons his safe existence to trek across the harsh yet beautiful terrain of Alaska. William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden co-star as his uptight parents, along with Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn and Hal Holbrook (in an Oscar-nominated role). It wasn't entertaining to see a mixed up kid die in the wilderness.

Foyle's War vol. 3-2 - Michael Kitchen - May 3

The second episode on disc 3. See below for description.

Charlie Wilson's War - Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman - April 30

Texas congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) sets a series of earth-shaking events in motion when he conspires with a rogue CIA operative (Philip Seymour Hoffman, in an Oscar-nominated role) to aid Afghan mujahedeen rebels in their fight against the Soviet Red Army. Julia Roberts, Emily Blunt and Amy Adams co-star in this fact-based political thriller directed by Mike Nichols and based on George Crile's 2003 book by the same name.

Foyle's War vol. 3-1 - Michael Kitchen - April 25

Juno - Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner - April 22

Facing an unplanned pregnancy, teenage Juno (Ellen Page) devises a plan to locate the proverbial perfect parents to adopt her baby. But the seemingly ideal couple Juno chooses still has some growing up to do. Now, everyone in Juno's world must do a little soul-searching. Michael Cera co-stars while Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner play the pair of affluent yuppies anxious for a child in this offbeat coming-of-age comedy, which won the 2008 Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

American Gangster - Denzel Washington - April 16

From director Ridley Scott comes this tense crime thriller starring Denzel Washington as true-life Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas. Russell Crowe co-stars as the dogged outcast NYPD cop charged with bringing Lucas down. Ruby Dee (in an Oscar-nominated role), Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Brolin and Chiwetel Ejiofor lead the supporting cast in this powerhouse tale penned by Steven Zaillian (Schindler's List).

Reckless - Part 2 - BBC Telecast - April 10

Young doctor Owen Springer (Robson Green) moves to Manchester to care for his demanding father. The last thing he's looking for right now is an affair -- that is, until he meets Anna (Francesca Annis), a management consultant who assesses Owen's suitability for a job as a surgeon. Her report: He's a mouthy, charming young upstart. Owen's assessment is that Anna's the sexiest woman he's ever seen and (gulp!) loved at first sight.

Next - Nicholas Cage - April 6

Las Vegas magician Cris Johnson (Nicolas Cage) can see a few minutes into the future, an ability he uses to enhance his shows -- and to win at blackjack. But when FBI counterterror agent (Julianne Moore) wants his help in thwarting a nuclear attack on Los Angeles, Cris finds his psychic skills put to the ultimate test. Based on Philip K. Dick's short story "The Golden Man," this sci-fi thriller co-stars Jessica Biel and Peter Falk.

A Good Woman - Helen Hunt, Scarlett Johansen - February 27

After emptying too many married men's wallets in New York, serial gold digger Stella Erlynne (Helen Hunt) sails to Italy in search of fresh prospects. Soon, gossip buzzes about Stella's liaison with recently wed American financier Robert Windermere (Mark Umbers) -- whose emotionally fragile wife (Scarlett Johansson) then falls prey to a notorious bounder. This nuanced tale of morals and manners is based on an Oscar Wilde play. I copied this description from Netflix because I couldn't remember what it was about. Even after reading their description I can't remember it.

Live Free or Die Hard - Bruce Willis - February 20

John McClane (Bruce Willis) is back and badder than ever, and this time he's up against a ring of Internet terrorists. Now working for Homeland Security, the decidedly low-tech McClane calls on the services of a young hacker (Justin Long) in his bid to stop a shadowy group intent on taking control of America's computer infrastructure. Fear not, the information age plot still boasts plenty of good old-fashioned gunfights, smashups and explosions.

3:10 to Yuma - Christian Bale, Russell Crowe - February 14

A good cast, even the supporting actors, but a typical story and somewhat slow moving. Julie liked it better than I.

Waitress - Kerri Russell, Adrienne Shelley - February 7

A story of three waitresses one of whom gets pregnant from a "one-night-stand" but through her fabulous pies finds true love. Ahhhh. Actually an entertaining movie.

The Winslow Boy - English actors (unknown to me) - February 2

A 13-year-old cadet is dismissed from the academy for forging and cashing a money order for five pounds. He claims he is innocent and the father and sister go to great lengths to clear his name. He spends more money than he has and she loses her fianc� (no great loss). The father hires the best lawyer who is told by his peers that the case can't be won. In the end, of course, he wins and one is left with the clear indication that he will court the daughter.

Planet Earth #1 - TV series - January 29

This had a great review and the photography is great but really not that exciting. I don't think we'll get the others in the series.

Sweet Land - unknowns (to me anyway) - January 24

Ned Beatty and John Heard play supporting roles but the leads are unknown (and she's hot). This movie is about a midwest farmer whose mail-order bride arrives from Germany. Unfortunately it's in the middle of WWI and the locals are not very fond of Germans. The fact that she doesn't speak any English is a hindrance and there is the typical bank president who forecloses on the poor farmers. Rather slow-moving but not bad.

Babel - Brad Pitt, Kate Blanchett and Rinko Kikuchi,
Gael Garcia Bernal - January 15

Four stories that had a tenuous connection (unknown until 80% through) all of which were depressing. This was not my idea of entertainment but, other than the stars, the acting was pretty good.

Once - Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova - January 11

This was a welcome respite from CG and violence. It's a story about a guy and a girl getting together to make a recording, he on the guitar and she on the piano. They are a likeable (it can be spelled that way) couple and the music is inoffensive but it was slow-moving. Perhaps the lack of action had something to do with it.

Head in the Clouds - Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz - January 4 An entertaining movie about Nazi-occupied France and the underground. This should do it for this subject for a while. The three "leads" get along very well together, a little sex lightened the mood somewhat.

Divided We Fall - foreign - January 2

The L.A. Times wrote, "[This is] a poignant, humanistic and irresistibly comic film." So much for the L.A. Times. I should have figured, "What could be funny about Nazi-ocupied Poland in 1943?" I watched about half and thought that any book was better and went to bed. Julie has much better staying-power so I asked her how it ended.

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