Movie Review Bagdad Cafe

Bagdad Cafe

WEEIRDNESS ok, this fim shows up on IMDB as OUT OF ROSENHEIM. I have NO idea why, but I thought I'd mention it in case you get confused like me.

A strange German woman shows up at a high desert truck stop and cafe. She finds a way into the crusty heart of the truck stop owner Brenda and helps build the business into a thriving hot spot. I use the word "quirky" too much, I realize, but it so fits!

Search for Bagdad Cafe in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095801/

Buy it on Amazon
Bagdad Cafe

Movie Review All the Queen's Men

All the Queen's Men

Who knew Matt LeBlanc can act?! I'd never heard of this silly film before I saw it in the library list. It's a World War II romp about a group of, um, men who try and steal an enigma machines from the Germans. Eddie Izzard teaches them how to fit inside a factory run entirely by women. It seems they were trying to do a "dramedy," and it mostly worked for me. I kinda wish they'd decided to go for all laughs or go for serious with funny bits happening naturally. No matter, it's enough to get a Good rating from me.

Check out this fun film in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0252223/

OiVey

Reason for this blog

I've been meaning to start a blog on "interesting movies" I found at the Library. I started out just picking movies off the shelf in Coos Bay and North Bend at random. I found some good ones just because I liked the actors or I'd heard about them somewhere. Then when I logged on to the library web site, I found I could click on DVDs and go through the list alphabetically. I'm still on the B's at the moment, but I think there's enough to start posting some "should see" with comments.

The library and Internet Movie Database links are to the upper left. Any reader can comment. I've made labels at the bottom of each review so you can see clearly a list of what I consider a gem, good, soso or dog. Also family and adult theme can be selected.

Suggestions welcome. Post a comment and I'll see what I can do.

Happy viewing Oregon!

OiVey

Movie Review Chocolate

Chocolate

A gypsy woman and her daughter swirl into a small French town during a windstorm and soon open a chocolate shop. Townsfolk discover the decadence of the perfect sweet spot, though some conservative faithful balk at her Sunday store hours. Juliette Binoche stars and look for Johnny Depp, Judi Dench and others in this sweet romantic film.

Bandon, Coos Bay and North Bend all have DVD copies of this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241303/

Buy it on Amazon
Chocolat (Miramax Collector's Series)

Movie Reviews

Ok, this IS a review post, but I decided to do three movies in one. I will post the links and tell what library but I disliked them so much, I wont bother with seperating them into individual posts.

The Family Stone

Sarah Jessica Parker stars as an uptight finance going home to meet Dermot Mulroney strange, free spirited family. While You Were Sleeping did this plot better and with tons more charm and grace. See that instead.

Insist on seeing it? Look in Coos Bay, North Bend or Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0356680/

Best Laid Plans

Go ahead and hate your neighbor, go ahead and cheat a friend. Di it in the name of heaven, you can justify it in the end. Ok, old song lyrics aside, this pointless random screwing people over film just left me cold. Reese Witherspoon and Josh Brolin star.

Coquille, North Bend, Dora and Coos Bay all have copies.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133412/

War of the Worlds.

I don't consider two hours of Dakota Fanning screaming her head off as entertainment. Want some special effects science fiction fun? Try 5th Element.

If you want to see the story, try the 1953 version, it's also at the library. To see Tom Cruise wet his pants look in Powers, Dora, Coos Bay, Myrtle Point or Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0407304/

Movie Review Aeon Flux

Aeon Flux

Reading the reviews on the Internet Movie Database confuses me a lot. I wanted to call Æon Flux a gem, but they made me doubt myself! Ah well, ok, I will just say what I think. I loved all it's science fictiony glory. It comes off as a weird mix between the Matrix and the Sixth Day. It surpassed both in story quality, acting and look.

Four hundred years in the future, the human race is ruled by an elite family and rebels try and take them down. Charlize Theron stars and look for Frances McDormand as Aen's handler.

Look for this film in Bandon and Lakeside.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402022/

Buy it on Amazon
Aeon Flux (Special Collector's Edition)

Movie Review The World's Fastest Indian

The World's Fastest Indian

OK, I knew Anthony Hopkins could act and I'd heard about this film and wanted to see it. I just didn't know how an old New Zealander could charm so many with so few words. He has a dream to test his modified Indian motorcycle at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats and sets about doing just that. His mishaps and encounters follow a magical path toward his goal.

It has a PG-13 rating, but the language and "old man sex," probably will get a yuck from teens. It is a good story of perseverance though, so use your judgment to show it to them. It's in Bandon, Myrtle Point, North Bend and Coos Bay.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0412080/

Buy it on Amazon
The World's Fastest Indian

Movie Review Antwone Fisher

Antwone Fisher

I admire this superbly acted story of the struggles of an angry young man learning to recover from abandonment and childhood abuse. It tells a side of foster care and painful hurt rarely told. It felt so real to me. As a young man in the navy, Fisher finds his original family and tries to sort himself out. Denzel Washington stars as his navy appointed counselor and Derek Luke leads as the man himself.

We all need a little guidance now and then. I hope you enjoy this film as much as I did. Look in Coos Bay, Myrtle Point and Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0168786/

OIVey

Movie Review Fritz the Cat

Fritz the Cat

So animated breasts and sexual scenes and bad language gets you an X rating? Fritz is just a typical tomcat displayed on film. Though the depiction of animals of all kinds getting the interspecies groove on is kinda weird. Robert Crumb the original comic creator disavowed any association with the film, though I don't remember, or care really, if it was the plot, the voices or the animation. None of it held much entertainment. As an iconic film, it fell flat.

Still wanna see probably the only film the Coos County Library system has that's X-rated? Check it out in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068612/

OiVey

Movie Review Zoolander

Zoolander

Don't hate Ben Stiller as Zoolander cuz he's beautiful. This film took me by surprise. This story of a clueless male model uncovering an international plot had me falling out of my chair laughing. Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell turn in typical goofy performances. No worries about the silly plot and Saturday Night Live skit acting. It's simply worth it to watch these guys fool around on the screen.

Coos Bay and Coquille both have copies of Zoolander. It's rated PG-13 but I don't think kids would like it.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0196229/

OiVey

Movie Review Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins

Lets take a look at this old favorite since I already looked it up and everything. I've always liked Julie Andrews voice and Dick Van Dyke charmed as the lovable chimney sweep. Andrews plays a mysterious nanny who shows up to help two children connect with their parents. Coming from old Disney, you can be sure it's wholesome and family friendly.

The mix of animation and live action was state of the art for the time. It may appear a bit dated by today's standards. I'd get it anyway. Show your children what you went to see when you were young.

It's also all over the library system with copies in Powers, Bandon, North Bend, Coos Bay and Myrtle Point. Enjoy reminiscing.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058331/

OiVey

Movie Review Nanny McPhee

Nanny McPhee

I'd call this a twisted Mary Poppins that may appeal to children. Though, it may scare and bore them instead. The love story seems a bit of an afterthought to try and appeal to adults who have to drag their kids to the movies. Emma Thompson plays the lead with gusto and Colin Firth and Kelly Macdonald do their best as the harried father and maid turned love interest.

I realize I fit a different demographic than they're going after, but I can be entertained by children's programming. I love Sesame Street. This film left me feeling "eh."

I did enjoy the special features where Emma Thompson talks about the books and how she translated them to film.

As always, pick it up at any one of these library branches: Dora, Lakeside, Coquille, Myrtle Point, Bandon, North Bend, Coos Bay or Powers.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396752/

OiVey

Movie Review Magnolia

Magnolia

In my notes for this movie I wrote "stupid pointless downer." Tom Cruise shows some acting depth as a sexist relationship guru, but he can't save this film. I don't even remember Julianne Moore or William H. Macy in their roles. Jason Robards creeped me out as the drunk MC of a child's game show. It all seemed so disjointed and I'm left wondering what happened.

There are lots of copies around the library system for this film. Find it at SWOCC, Coos Bay, Powers, Lakeside and Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0175880/

OIVey

Blog Adjusting

I put a link to IMDB for each movie, though I haven't done every actor I mentioned. If you find any errors, please let me know in a comment. I also linked the review as either Gem, Good, Soso, or Dog and listed some with adult themes. Posts like this one got an Info label.

I put a hold on Fritz the Cat and I hope to pick that up one of these days. The comic creator Robert Crumb had nothing to do with the film and in fact hated it so much he killed off the cat in a comic. Sexually explicit cartooning is not new to me. I really like the film Heavy Metal, which has lots of adult themes and some pretty good music. I'll have to see if the library has it. Aw, darn, the library copy is "missing."

All for now, OIVey

Movie Review Far From Heaven

Far From Heaven

I think the point was an attempt to dispel idyllic 50s mythos, but it tried to do too much. Dennis Haysbert and Julianne Moore did their best with the disjointed romance plot, but Dennis Quaid just seemed one dimensional as the wife beating gay husband. Haysbert can read the phone book to me, swoon. I just love his voice.

Two copies of the DVD are in Bandon, and Coquille and Lakeside libraries each have a VHS copy of this film.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0297884/

Movie Review Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Four young women of different sizes and backgrounds find an amazing pair of pants that fits each of them perfectly. They decide to share the pants and a letter over their adventurous summer. Each girl's performance showed a different side of what it's like transitioning from childhood to young adulthood. You may know Amber Tamblyn from Joan of Arcadia, Alexis Bledel from Gilmore Girls and America Ferrera from Ugly Betty, but it's the first time I've seen the pretty blond Blake Lively.

Find the video all over the county in Coos Bay, Coquille, Dora, Bandon, North Bend and Powers. Like to read the books? Check out the whole series by Ann Brashares.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0403508/

Buy it on Amazon
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Full Screen Edition)

Movie Review About a Boy

About a Boy

Since I am in a bit of a Brit mood, I'll talk about this quirky little gem. Hugh Grant stars as a jerky rich kid snot living off the coattails of his father's one hit wonder. He comes in contact with a boy who decides to befriend the rather lonely crotchety Grant. They help each other cope with their bleak lives. Toni Collette plays the boy's tragic emotionally distraught mother.

It would bore children, but adults will find watching the boy and the boyish man grow up. Look for About a Boy in Coos Bay, Bandon, Coquille and Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0276751/

Buy it on Amazon
About a Boy (Widescreen Edition)

Download it from Amazon
About a Boy

Review Behaving Badly

Behaving Badly

This appears to be an old series about a middle aged woman who gets dumped by her husband. Five years later, she wakes up from her haze and begins to fight back. Judi Dench charms as the mouse turned lion in this Brit miniseries from years gone by. I liked the slow pace and unexpected twists and turns, but I can't say it's a "must see."

Have a little extra time to watch it? Check it out from Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094724/

OivEY

An Unmovie Review Before Sunset

Before Sunset

I'm going to break from the format a little because I could NOT watch this movie. Who cares who these people are and what they're doing. It's a conversation between lovers who parted hoping to meet years ago, but circumstances prevent them from doing this. This is all I can tell you because I turned it off. Well that's not precisely true. I fast forwarded to see if anything interested me and stopped to listen periodically.

The review I saw on IMDB said you'd either hate or love this. My vote HATE. If you MUST see it, here's the info. Stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0381681/

It's in Coos Bay and Coquille.

OiVey

Movie Review Smoke Signals

Smoke Signals

Murry and I love to watch Craig Ferguson on the Late Late Show and Sherman Alexie the screenwriter for Smoke Signals just happened to be on the other day. We'd picked up the movie a few months ago and really liked the sweet coming of age story about these two native American boys. Alexie talked a bit about life on the "rez" in his talk show appearance and it struck me as really interesting how he regarded himself as a bit of an immigrant when he came into the white community.

This shows up in the film when the two young Indians take a Greyhound bus on their cross country adventure. Their existence seems another world within America's borders. The tribal communities are not the only sub cultures that exist across the country, it just seems indian culture suffering continues to this day.

Look for Smoke Signals on DVD in Coos Bay and on VHS at SWOCC.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120321/

Buy it on Amazon
Smoke Signals

Movie Review Shipping News

Shipping News

The subtle dysfunctional innards of these characters unfold before our eyes. Brilliantly acted by Kevin Spacey, Julianne Moore, Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. Spacey leads as an abused soul who moves his cranky aunt and daughter to his ancestral home and starts to find himself. He takes a job as a reporter at a tiny Newfoundland newspaper and finds comfort in a local woman.

Quite a lot of adult themes, but if you like believable characters and top notch acting, pick it up on DVD in Coos Bay and North Bend, VHS also in Dora. The novel it's based on is also available on CD and in print at many of the branches.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120824/

Buy the DVD from Amazon
The Shipping News

Buy the book from Amazon
The Shipping News

Movie Review Because of Winn-Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie

Oh my! THANK YOU Coos County Library system. I know I know, some of you will say it's contrived and cliché, I DO NOT CARE! I laughed so much at this sweet little movie about a 10-year-old girl who finds a dog to help her make friends in her new town. She lives in a trailer park with her rather confused dad played by Jeff Daniels. The little actress AnnaSophia Robb sweet laughter just charmed me to pieces. Look for Cicely Tyson and Dave Matthews and several other quirky townsfolk.

I'm not really sure why it got a PG rating but Because of Winn-Dixie will entertain the whole family. It can be found in Coquille, North Bend and Myrtle Point.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317132/

Buy the DVD on Amazon
Because of Winn-Dixie

Wow you can even Download this on Amazon too.
Because Of Winn-Dixie

My friend told me the book was great too so here it is on Amazon too.
Because of Winn-Dixie

Movie Review Akeela and the Bee

Akeela and the Bee

Now here's an entertaining movie about spelling bees. Though a bit contrived, It tells the story of a girl from south central Los Angeles making it all the way to the national spelling bee. Laurence Fishburne puts in a brooding performance as Akeela's coach Angela Bassett makes is all cower as the girl's strong stubborn mother. Keke Palmer rounds out the cast as the lead. I found all the children's performances charming. Worth a couple hours of your time.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0437800/

OiVey

Movie Review Bee Season

Bee Season

I still don't quote know what to make of this dreary search for God through spelling. I guess it's supposed to be mystical, but the annoying family drama got in the way. The little girl seems to be able to spell through the hand of God. Words are power, I know this, just seemed no one had any strength here.

It stars Richard Gere and Juliette Binoche so if you like them, have a look for it in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387059/

OiVey

Movie Review The Basket

Thank you Coos County Library System! All these little gems that I'd never heard of right there on a list. All I gotta do is click click and watch.

The Basket

Murry loves the movie Starman with Karen Allen and Jeff Bridges and we'd been wondering what Ms. Allen's been up to lately. She showed up as a mom in this World War I era film about a school teacher who introduces opera and basketball to a small northwest farming community. Peter Coyote plays the new teacher with strange ideas.

While I wouldn't call this a great film that everyone should rush out and pick up this minute, it's a nice little morality play about getting along. Suitable for the whole family with a PG rating.

Search for it in Bandon or off the library web site and place a hold.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190255/

OiVey

Moive Review American Splendor and Crumb

American Splendor

American Splendor features Paul Giamatti as everyman comic creator Harvey Pekar and Hope Davis plays his fuddy duddy peculiar wife Joyce. Both Harvey and Joyce also appear in the film commenting on the story. This lends charm and reality, setting the film up as genuine docu-drama.

Way off the beaten path into the subculture few of us see. The American Splendor comic is drawn by Robert Crumb and since Pekar makes mention of him, I checked out that film as well.

Crumb

This full on documentary displays Crumb's sub/counter-culture sexually explicit art and lifestyle. Some of his work offends my feminist sensibilities and I find it rather immature to rail against "selling out" his work for profit. Yet, when he wanted to move to France, he has no problem selling entire portfolios of work.

Some of his family elements and personal history explained a lot of where he gets his perspective. It just held way too much information on topics I didn't want to know.

Find American Splendor in Coos Bay, Lakeside or Bandon. Internet Movie Database gives lots of nifty details on the film and it's stars.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0305206/

Crumb is in Bandon.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109508/

OiVey

Movie Review American Splendor and Crumb

I'll review these tomorrow. I wrote out a post and lost it so I am frustrated at the moment. American Splendor, see it. Crumb, don't. ;)

OI

Movie Review The Baxter

The Baxter

Nice guys finish boring. I suppose we're expected to find this "nice guy" Eliot a charming nerd, but I just found him and every other one dimensional character in this train wreck dull. The premise held promise. What's the story of the guy left at the alter. What happens to him when the future Mrs runs off with the exciting ex-boyfriend. I just didn't believe a word this actor said. Good thing it's only 90 minutes.

if you're a fan of Michael Showalter, Elizabeth Banks or Michelle Williams look for the film in Bandon.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0401244/

OiVey

Suggestions.

I didn't realize I needed to change the setting to allow people to comment without signing in. Now that I have done that, please feel free to comment as outlined below.

I'll do a review later today, but this post is about your thoughts so far. Are there movies you'd like to get an opinion on? Do you want to know more about the Library?

The best first stop for Coos County Library information is their website at:

http://www.cooslibraries.org/

I know there are some people out there lurking. Drop in a comment, let me know what you are up to. I haven't advertised this anywhere yet. I'm going to wait until I have about 15 reviews, then print up some fliers to leave at the libraries and put it in some search engines. Hope to hear from you.

OiVey

Movie Review Little Miss Sunshine

Little Miss Sunshine

The misleading title implies families might find entertainment in this film. Don't be fooled, it's a grown up movie for adults. The morbid humor and dysfunctional lives will strike the funny bone for us more seasoned viewers, but I doubt anyone under 30 will laugh. It stars Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin, Toni Collette and Steve Carell as a messed up family. They pack up their van and head out on an adventure to a child beauty pageant. Grandpa, Arkin, helps Olive, Breslin, prepare her talent routine unseen till the end of the film. Disturbing. The trip brings the family together. Expect weird, and you wont be disappointed.

It's not for everyone, but I laughed a lot. Look for it in Myrtle Point, Bandon, Coos Bay and North Bend.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0449059/

Buy the DVD from Amazon
Little Miss Sunshine

Movie Review Tortilla Soup

Tortilla Soup

I admit freely that I LOVE Hector Elizondo and I grabbed this movie without realizing he starred as the patriarch of a Mexican American family. As a widower with three grown daughters, he has his hands full. He's trying his best to encourage them to find their way while struggling with his own worries. It makes my mouth water imagining the wonderful food creations presented during this film. Martin Naranjo (Elizondo) retired from his job as a Mexican chef because he lost his ability to taste, but he continues to prepare lavish meals for his family.

I enjoyed the sweet romantic tones throughout this movie. Look for some fun surprises and mouthwatering cravings to visit any one of the lovely Mexican places in town. The place in Coquille is one of the best, but almost any restaurant in Coos Bay or North Bend will do.\

Find Tortilla Soup at either the North Bend or the Coos Bay branches. Just a reminder, you cannot place a hold at these libraries, but it should be easy to find it on the shelf.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0255653/

Buy this DVD on Amazon
Tortilla Soup

Movie Review All or Nothing.

All or Nothing

My vote? NOTHING. So a chat friend of mine suggested I contrast what I've written so far with a review of a movie I DID NOT like. All or Nothing's gritty tale of families in a Brit tenement left me underwhelmed. Dreary characters meander through their pointless lives. You're left with the impression that nothing has ever or will ever change. I'm all for glimpsing into the lives of "ordinary folk," but I just didn't find any reason to care what happened to these people.

If you want to watch a family unravel from bad choices, watch Dr. Phil. At least there you might find some entertainment value from a make-over, new breasts or some other giveaway.

Still wanna see it? Look in Bandon. Remember, the library web site lets you place a hold from the outlying branches. They bring it right to the library of your choice too. You can even gets books that way.

IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0286261/

OiVey