THE CROSSING (2000) A

Years ago, while driving on vacation, Sandy and I listened to a CD of a book called the Crossing by Howard Fast. It was interesting, exciting and wonderfully written. This A&E movie, based on the book, was just as good. Very well acted and excellent special effects. 

The Crossing is about George Washington's surprise attack on the British Army's German mercenaries at Trenton during the American Revolution. (Remember the picture of Washington crossing the Delaware). Backtracking 6 months, In July 1776 the British landed in Brooklyn from an armada of more than 200 ships, and ran Washington's forces all the way back across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. With only 2000 bedraggled soldiers left, Washington finally won this battle, his first win. This critical event gave his forces new strength to go on with the Revolutionary War.

Should be seen by all Junior High students

Foreign Movie Review: HIMALAYA (1990) B

Subtitles:

Himalaya, is a fictional film about very primitive people living in Tibet, focusing on their daily lives and traditional customs. The author of the film traveled in the region for many years and studied the ways of the people before making this film, which is based on the epic lives of two of his Tibetan friends. The film was shot over a nine-month period with a small French crew working under extreme conditions at an altitude reaching 17,000 feet. Scenic shots are spectacular, particularly those depicting the crossing of the high pass. 

This movie would be of interest to someone who is involved with travel (for discovery purposes) and insight into other cultures . . . cultures much different than our own. The story is thin but there are parts that are interesting and exciting.

89% approval from rottentomatoes (didn't deserve it).

GOLDEN DOOR (2007) D

Foreign: Subtitles

Noble attempt to tell the human story of Sicilian immigration to the
United States in beginning of the 1900's. Cinematography and
characterizations excellent. 

Unfortunately, to cover-up the lack of developing realist scenes (such as during the Atlantic crossing), and coming to grips and resolving emotional dilemmas of the characters, the director reverts to fantasy and surrealism. Never could relate to the characters. Maybe because the pace was sooo slow. The documentary aspects, especially about the happenings on Ellis Island (if they are true) were better than good.

Movie Review: THE WAY BACK (2010) B

This is a true story about a grueling trek made by a number of 1940 political prisoners (both men and a women) who escape from a gruesome Soviet Union prison (labor) camp in Siberia . . . where they are sure to die.  (Stalin was such a lovely guy).

They escape their Siberian Gulag and begin a treacherous journey across thousands of miles of hostile lands and finally end up in India after crossing the Himalayas.   It is based on the book The Long Walk, and was produced by the National Geographic Entertainment group.

Unfortunately, the movie became as grueling as the trip these people were forced and to take and for that reason could not get an A rating.

Movie Review: THE IDES OF MARCH (2011) B-

An average . . . often told  . . . story of backbiting, double crossing and sleeping with attractive female interns that takes place during the primary election portions of political campaigns.  One of Phillip Hoffmans last movies.

From the Promotional Material

The Ides of March takes place during the frantic last days before a heavily contested Ohio presidential primary, when an up-and-coming campaign press secretary  finds himself involved in a political scandal that threatens to upend his candidate's shot at the presidency.

THE IDES OF MARCH (2011) C

A very depressed movie about depressed candidates running for office, and the compromises the have to make. Plot is predicable, people are not happy with their jobs, young girl intern gets pregnant, campaign staff double crossing each other to move up . . . we have seen it all before.  Not as good as West Wing . . . except at least with this movie the actors don't mumble.

George Clooney on the Charlie Rose show said it took 5 years to create and make. What a waste of time!!

THE SCORE (2001) A

This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat. Excellent cast includes Robert De Niro, Ed Norton and Marlon Brando. An old plot of a group of classy criminals who are out to steal something worth millions of dollars. Extremely tense action scenes of the planning, break in, and double crossing and triple dealings that goes on between thieves.

DON'T MISS THIS ONE. A