The Theory of Everything

This was a powerful film that was based on the autobiography of Jane Hawking. I didn't know what to expect when I sat down but I was blown away.

"The Theory of Everything" is the love story of Stephen and Jane Hawking from their introduction to the tumultuous demise of their marriage. We watch in wonder as Stephen comes up with his great discoveries in Quantum Physics as the horror as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease riddles Stephen Hawking's body. Eddie Redmayne should in all honesty get the 2015 Oscar for his portrayal of Professor Hawking. Felicity Jones is amazing as Jane Hawking and you really feel for her as she watches her husband slowly decay. Eddie is brilliant as he embodied Stephen physically and mentally. I have seen many documentaries on Professor Hawking and Eddie WAS Stephen on the big screen. From body movement to facial expressions it was brilliant and heart wrenching to watch his portrayal.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars.

This film is rated NR as its a true story.

The King's Speech (2010)

The Kings Speech is a historical film that does it right. The film shows how King George VI came to the thrown after his brother Edward abdicated to marry Miss Wallice Simpson. The only problem is that Albert also known by his family members as 'Bertie' suffers from a severe stuttering problem.

Albert is played exceptionally well by Colin Firth who together with Geoffrey Rush play off each other as Albert and his speech therapist Lionel Logue. Helena Botham Carter is exquisite as Albert's wife Elizabeth. It was really nice seeing her play such a down to earth woman instead of her usual wild characters she's mostly known for "Sweeney Todd" and "Harry Potter" come to mind.

I saw this film twice, and both times I absolutely adored this film. I'm so happy that it won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director at the 2011 Oscars.

This film gets 5 out of 5 stars.

Eat, Pray, Love

So I saw "Eat, Pray, Love" recently and I was a bit underwhelmed. Please don't get me wrong. I love the idea of a woman going off to find herself. I just found the casting a bit "off" per se.

The film follows a writer named Liz played by Julia Roberts who is unhappy in her life and marriage. Leaves her husband and goes on a world win trip to Italy, India, and ending in Bali. I found the first half of the film to lag. I got the fact that she was unhappy but I found myself saying "get to Italy already!" Not a good thing when watching a film.

The scenery was breathtaking. I love Italy and how ancient it is but found myself laughing when Julia Roberts is having trouble fitting into a pair of jeans. Really? Julia is like a size 0. I can't see her having to buy "fat jeans." Like ever.

We arrive in India and for a second was fearful for her safety as she rode in the taxi to her destination. My favorite part is the speech by Richard from Texas, played by Richard Jenkins. This part made me cry and I see an Oscar in Jenkin's future for this performance.

The other standout in the film is Javier Bardem as Filipe. Although I loved his character I found this part of the film to turn from Liz's struggles to Filipe. As a screenwriter myself your lense should always be on your protagonist. This half of the film turned to Filipe and his struggles. The main character flipped from Liz to Felipe.

Over all the film was enjoyable but I'm not going to be adding this one to my library of films. It did make me question my relationship with others as well as with God and isn't that what a good film does? Make us think?

-A-

Amelia (2009)

I'd give this film 3 out of 5 stars. It was good but not stellar. It tells the story of Amelia in very broad strokes. How she fell in love, got married, and set out to fly around the world only to disappear over the Pacific Ocean. Hilary Swank does an good job as Amelia Earhart. Richard Gere doesn't as her husband George Putnam. It was like watching Richard Gere, play Richard Gere. I couldn't dispell my disbelief to believe he was playing a character. The other person I enjoyed in this film was Christopher Eccleston from "Doctor Who" fame as Fred Noonan Amelia's navigator who also perished when they disappeared. Christopher really made this film enjoyable and it was interesting to hear him speak with an American accent when I've gotten used to him speaking with a British one.

The Big Bang Theory Box Set

I didn't know what to expect when I sat down to watch this new CBS series. What I got was a smart, funny, story about two brilliant physists who have a beautiful woman move in next door. Johnny Galecki from 'Roseanne' fame stars at Dr. Leonard Hofstadler and the BRILLIANT Jim Parsons who is mostly unknown stars at Dr. Sheldon Cooper. These two are the oddest of odd couple's. The writing, the acting, and some of the lines leave me breathless as I am laughing way too hard. This show refuses to dumb it down for the masses and even has scientists on their writing staff so the science is correct.

Sit down and watch this show, you won't be disappointed.

-A-

The Ruling Class

Peter O' Toole is phenomenal in this British Black Comedy about the different classes in British Society. Peter O'Toole plays Arthur a young man who believes he's Jesus Christ and through a series of events goes from someone who loves his neighbor to a serial killer.

My favorite part of the film is the musical numbers, especially Peter O'Toole singing "These Dry Bones." Very bizarre, very funny, very black comedy. If you love British films, this is one you MUST see.

4 out of 5 stars.

-A-

The Magic Christian

No, this isn't a film about Jesus and Hogwarts. Its a funny film that came out in the late 1960's early 70's and stars Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr. The film takes a look at the idea that people will do absolutely anything for money.

Peter Sellers plays a millionaire and Ringo is a poor orphan he adopts. Together they prove through example after example that people will swim through poo for Quid.

If you can rent this film. Peter Sellers is stellar as is Ringo. Together they are a force to be reckoned with.

-A-