Shakespeare In Love

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 11, 1998

DVD Release Date: December 7, 1999

Plot 411: Will Shakespeare has writer's block until he meets his love Viola, who inspires the play that would become Romeo and Juliet.

Review: After discovering his lover cheated on him, Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) is unable to write his next play. But, because the playhouse in which his plays are performed is in serious debt, he must sojourn on. He casts a young man named Thomas Kent, who is really a woman named Viola (Gweneth Paltrow), as the lead actor. However, he soon learns that she is a woman and they embark on a torrid love affair. This jump starts his writing juices and he finishes off the play. The play mirrors much of their doomed relationship though as Viola is already promised to someone else (played by Colin Firth). I love that this movie is filled with wit and laughter. They are able to incorporate many of Shakespeare's later plays through references or exact dialogue. It's a creative storytelling style, especially for drama nuts. But, even if you're not familiar with the bard's work, you'll still find this to be a highly entertaining and well-acted rom com. There's support from many superb actors, such as Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Rupert Everett and even Ben Affleck (if you consider him superb).

Watch It: For a great interpretation of history, even if it's not completely accurate.

Skip It: Or hold off until you've read a bit of Shakespeare so you can get the jokes better.

Bright Star

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: September 18, 2009

DVD Release Date: January 26, 2010

Plot 411: The trying love affair between poet John Keats and his muse Fanny Braune from start to end.

Review: I really enjoyed this movie because it was able to capture a deep love affair in a very unique way. It managed to use a lot of dialogue (and poetic language) to convey powerful emotions. Granted, back then people just seemed to speak more lyrically and poetically (we're all but savages now). I haven't really studied John Keats at all but, despite that, I still knew when his poems were being used because of how the words were delivered. That's definitely attributed to the actors. It could be just me, but I really felt consumed by the love between John (Ben Whishaw) and Fanny (Abbie Cornish). Even though I knew the ending, I still found myself hoping this would work out for them. I mean, how could a perfect love - one that surpasses barriers like class status, financial situations and peer pressure - not last for eternity? Everything - from the wooing to the proclamations of love - was done within the strict social order of the day and a glance or a secret smile told a lot. Even a brush of fingers against one another became something so much more. Nowadays, this type of romance just doesn't happen. It makes me sad for today's lovers.

Watch It: For an almost perfect love affair and to perhaps understand Keats' poetry better.

Skip It: Because unfortunately it's like Romeo and Juliet - a love of a lifetime that just doesn't survive.

Atonement

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 7, 2007 (UK) / December 7, 2007 (USA)

DVD Release Date: March 18, 2008

Plot 411: A lie separates two lovers and destroys the relationship between two sisters.

Review: Young Briony (Saoirse Ronan) has a crush on the housekeeper's son Robbie (James McAvoy) despite the distinct age difference. Robbie humors her, believing it to be a harmless child's crush that she will outgrow. Robbie really has eyes for Briony's older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley), and even thought here is a difference in social status between them she also has feelings for him. When their passions consume them one night, Briony witnesses the interaction and misinterprets what happens. A child's misunderstanding leads to the separation of two lovers and the destruction of a family. Dubbed as the love story that surpasses the romance in Titanic, I went into this film expecting a lot and was completely surprised by the plot. I just really didn't expect it to turn so dark. I was looking for flowers and sunshine, and while there is some of that in this movie, it mostly turned out to be stormy weather. In general, I also found everything less relatable than Titanic. Maybe the ship's isoation on the sea is more romantic? I liked the similar themes of a timeless and eternal love that is tested, however, the darkness of Atonement somehow resonated more than the powerful love story. The film is more a character drama that looks at people's motives and actions than the story of true love. Marketing did a good job to obscure that.

Watch It: Definitely if you're into period pieces as the English clothes, houses and gardens are beautiful.

Skip It: If you're expecting some sweeping romance, which, I think, is what I went into this film expecting.

The Young Victoria

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 18, 2009

DVD Release Date: April 20, 2010

Plot 411: An 18-year-old girl steps up to lead her country and finds herself pulled in different directions.

Review: This was a really unique look at the British monarchy because it was portrayed in a very relatable way. Emily Blunt stars as Princess Victoria, the sole heir to the throne. She is held under the thumb of her mother (Miranda Richardson), who is in turn ruled by her advisor Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany). Her uncle, King Leopold of Belgium (Thomas Kretschmann), also has his hand in the pot and pushes his nephew, Prince Albert (Rupert Friend), upon her. The movie portrays Victoria as a willful and stubborn young woman. She was no wilting flower. She is unwilling to be treated like an infant or a female. She's quite empowered. I also found her relationship with Albert fascinating. His thorough support for her allowed her to have the confidence she need to rule the country. The set and costumes are amazing as they usually are in these period pieces. I cannot attest to the accuracy of the film or how it was portrayed, but I think it's a wonderfully new take on the royals. Also in this film are Jim Broadbent and Mark Strong.

Watch It: If you like history, fashion or politics.

Skip It: If you're completely uninterested in period pieces as there's no real action in this movie otherwise.

Mansfield Park

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 17, 1999

DVD Release Date: July 11, 2000

Plot 411: A poor girl grows up in a rich household and perseveres despite a different kind of rough upbringing

Review: In this film based on Jane Austen's book of the same name, poor Fanny Price (Frances O'Connor) goes to live with her wealthy aunt as a young girl. Her family sends her for the developmental and educational benefit as well as for the financial relief of having one less mouth to feed. Depsite being a relative, she is treated harshly like a servant. Everyone is horrible except for her cousin Edmund (Jonny Lee Miller), and they quickly become friends. As they grow up, Fanny's love for Edmund deepens. However, it is threatened when Henry (Alessandro Nivola) and Mary (Embeth Davidtz) Crawford, relatives of the local clergy, arrive and begin insinuating themselves into their lives. Again, I'm loving this period piece, especially because it's another adaptation of Jane Austen. Somehow, she just gets all the angst and turmoil surrounding love in these impossible situations. She understands strong female characters and is determined to see them succeed. Miller is lovable and sometimes so darned respectful that you just want to bop him on the head! O'Connor does a nice job as Fanny.

Watch It: For a slightly different take on things than what's in the novel.

Skip It: If you don't like Austen to begin with. Why waste your time?

Vanity Fair

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 1, 2004

DVD Release Date: February 1, 2005

Plot 411: A girl ditches her humble beginnings to climb England's social ladder.

Review: Reese Witherspoon is Becky Sharp, a bright and ambitious girl who establishes herself as a nanny to a wealthy family. Here she rubs elbows with society's elite and further entrenches herself into the upper crust of society when she marries the family's eldest son (James Purefoy). She uses all of her assets to achieve her lifelong dreams of stability, credibility and social acceptance. Becky's actions are shockingly bold for a woman of the 1800s. However, viewed from today's standards, she's, in fact, a heroine for her ability to acheive her dreams. I totally love these period pieces and the wardrobe is wonderfully colorful and intricate. Witherspoon's gowns, jewelry and hair are really impressive. I also enjoy the witty repartee and banter between the men and women. With so many restrictions governing appropriate behavior, it's the lustful glances from across the room or the slightest touch of fingertips that really make the flirting so much more moving than today's thoroughly obvious efforts.

Watch It: If you want to see a woman who will stop at nothing to make it to the top.

Skip It: Witherspoon's pointy witch chin will be too much of a distraction to the action on screen.

Gangs Of New York

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 20, 2002

DVD Release Date: July 1, 2003

Plot 411: A battle between natives and immigrants erupts in the 1800s just as the Civil War breaks out.

Review: When Amsterdam (Cian McCormack) sees his father get killed by Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis), he vows to seek revenge and take up his father's cause. As an adult Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio) returns to New York and learns the inner workings of Bill's illegal activities by becoming one of his henchmen. A weird father-son relationship develops despite Amsterdam's hatred for the man. As he becomes closer to Bill, he is privy to the power that Bill wields and the influence he has on the community. He also learns that many of his father's compatriots are now in Bill's pocket. During this time, Amsterdam also falls for a girl named Jenny (Cameron Diaz) who is a pickpocket and con artist. But, when he learns that she is Bill's on-again-off-again companion, he feels betrayed. When his identity is revealed, Amstedam calls Bill out to a formal fight and bloodshed ensues. This is an action-filled historical piece based on a non-fiction book about the times. Prejudice (or patriotism depending on your take) runs rampant within the Five Points area of New York. Unethical politicians run a corrupt system and have control of the citizens. As the Civil War commences, the warring between local and foreign gangs flares with passion to create a gritty, bloody battle. The grime and filth of the city is captured nicely in the wardrobe and set dressing. Day-Lewis portrays Bill the Butcher with tremendous ferocity and intimidation for a really great performance. DiCaprio is also magnetic and many of his monologues make you want to join his cause.

Watch It: For a rare performance by Day-Lewis. The actor is very cautious about the roles he accepts, but he seems to make very good choices as the characters he plays are all very strong.

Skip It: If you're not into a bloodbath.

The Wackness

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: July 3, 2008

DVD Release Date: January 6, 2009

Plot 411: A drug dealer and his client become friends despite their age, taste in music and lifestyle.

Review: First off, this movie has the best soundtrack ever. If you grew up in the '90s, this will flash you back to your diaper days. Music from A Tribe Called Quest, Notorious B.I.G., R. Kelly and more are featured in this movie. It's "dope!" Ok, getting on with the review . . . Luke (Josh Peck), a small-time drug dealer and recent high school graduate, is on the outskirts of popularity. He's the dude who supplies the drugs. That's it. No matter how much he wants to be liked and to have friends, he is unable to connect with the hip kids. Instead, he connects with one of his clients, Dr. Jeffrey Squires (Ben Kingsley). Squires is a shrink who trades couch time for dime bags. The guy's got his own bag of issues but seems to be a decent shrink for others. As time goes on, Luke and Squires develop a friendship - both professional and personal - that helps them through rough times. Luke's parents are facing eviction and Squires and his wife Kristen (Famke Jannsen) are drifting apart. Luke has also never gotten laid before, and this is at the top of his priority list. Yet, despite Squires' encouragement to up his game, Luke is hung up on Squires' stepdaughter Stephanie (Olivia Thirlby). As one of the popular kids, she is definitely out of his reach. But, during the summer before college, the two hook up. Luke's reasons are romantic and even though he lives in NYC, pushes drugs and listens to rap, he is sweetly innocent and naive. Under all that stereotype, he is still a kid from a decent part of town no matter how hard he tries to go all thug life. Steph's, on the other hand, is just a bored little rich girl. This is a period piece (if you can call 15 years ago a period) that is littered with drugs, sex and dark humor. It feels utterly real - from the dialogue to the music to the clothes. One of my favorite quotes is: "I got mad love for you shorty. That's on the real. I like . . . I wanna like listen to Boyz II Men when I'm . . . when I'm with you." That is true love - '90s style. LMAO!

Watch It: For a trip down memory lane and a movie with a decent plot.

Skip It: For the excessively high drug content.

The Rocketeer

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 21, 1991

DVD Release Date: August 17, 1999

Plot 411: A jet pack designed by Howard Hughes falls into the hands of a stunt pilot and turns him into a superhero.

Review: I don't think this movie had much critical acclaim, but I remember being very entertained by it when I was a kid. Bill Campbell is Cliff, a struggling pilot who discovers a hidden jet pack in his bi-plane. The pack was originally stolen from Howard Hughes by a gangster. When Cliff uses the pack to save a friend from a faulty plane, he becomes a hero and a target. A Nazi spy named Neville Sinclair (Timothy Dalton) is trying to get his hands on the techology to aid the war efforts. (Why is Dalton always pegged as the bad guy?) In a plot that unravels into predictability, the jet pack is lost and stolen, a damsel (played by Jennifer Connelly) is in distress and Cliff saves the day. All in all, it's a feel-good movie.

Watch It: For a fun period piece that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Skip It: If there's something better on TV.

American Graffiti

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: August 11, 1973

DVD Release Date: September 16, 1998

Plot 411: One last wild night filled with love, cars and rock and roll before two friends leave for college on the east coast.

Review: To use an era-appropriate saying . . . This movie was boss. For me, the plot was second to the rock and roll soundtrack that permeated throughout the film. There were barely any other sound effects besides the jump and jive music. I loved it all and will probably pick up the this soundtrack real soon. This George Lucas film showed us his love for cars and cruisin' the strip. It was like an homage to his days in high school and junior college, when main street was the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night. The movie is a coming-of-age film that takes place during one night in 1962 and touches upon a lot of different issues that young adults still face today. High school sweethearts, Steve (Ron Howard) and Laurie (Cindy Williams), are confronted with the prospect of being separated for long amounts of time. Will their love survive the separation? It also focuses on Curt (Richard Dreyfuss), who has dithered about whether or not he's going to college. Is it right for him right now? Another interesting character is John (Paul Le Mat), who is a few years older than everyone else and seems to be stuck in a time warp with no real future. The choice between staying at home or venturing off into the world is a heavy one for these kids as it continues to be today. Despite the idyllic world captured in this film, with all its burgers, fries and cherry cokes, I think it still remains current. Teens still seek out excitement on the roadways to test out their engines and their egos. They still try to fit in with everyone else or tease others when they don't. They still stay out late, sneak sips of booze and try to go all the way. This film really captures the vibrancy of this era in all its neon glory.

Watch It: For the bitchin' soundtrack and righteous hot rods.

Skip It: If you're looking for sex, drugs and rock and roll.

Lost In Austen

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: 2008

DVD Release Date: April 14, 2009

Plot 411: A modern twist to the classic tale of Pride and Prejudice.

Review: From what I gather, this was originally a British tv movie, but I'm not quite sure. In any case, period pieces are one of my greatest loves. The clothes, landscape, architecture and romance are somehow emphasized and their effects are heightened dramatically because the plot is based in such a drastically different time than the one we live in. I realize that most of this is romanticized for our benefit and that the lives of the women in this era were quite repressed. However, it's a movie and so I allow myself to believe that everything's as romantic as can be. This film twists the Jane Austen classic on its head and introduces a new character into the lives of those at Longbourn. Amanda Price, a modern girl, switches places with Elizabeth Bennet and is transported back in time. Her contemporary attitudes affect the drama that unfolds and new developments in Austen's world occur. What follows is deliciously irreverent of Austen's work, yet still manage to proceed in her spirit. There are some incredibly funny moments in the film when the characters really come alive. As Amanda adjusts to this familiar, yet completely foreign, world so does the audience. We are both encouraged and disappointed with her as she ventures to live a life she's only read about. After reading Pride and Prejudice, every girl has wondered about Mr. Darcy. This movie brings that dream to life and the audience is able to live this fantasy through Amanda Price.

Watch It: For a different take on one of the greatest literary loves of all time.

Skip It: If you're a die-hard Jane Austen fan. As mentioned in the film, Austen probably rolled over in her grave at the liberties this film took with her work.

Diner

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 5, 1982

DVD Release Date: April 4, 1999

Plot 411: Six best friends grow up and around the diner sharing experiences and memories to last a lifetime.

Review: This film featured a great ensemble cast of Mickey Rourke, Daniel Stern, Kevin Bacon, Paul Reiser, Tim Daly and Steve Guttenberg. The guys were so great in this film, which is about the lives of six twentysomethings in 1959. The group is so funny when they're together at the diner all squeezed into the booth. But, my favorite scene occurs when Daly's character lets loose at a strip club. It's awesome and not what you think. What I love most about this movie is that you can imagine these characters are still meeting up at that diner in 2009, 50 years after this snapshot of their lives was filmed. The bond between the guys is really touching - sort of the 50s version of a bromance. Rourke plays Boogie, a gambling playboy trying to find a way to pay off a $2,000 bet. He is really great in this role and how I'd like to remember him always. He makes Boogie charming and charismatic, with a voice that could convince you to do anything, yet still extremely likable and not conniving. Stern plays Shrevie, the first guy in the group to get married. Every group's got one and Stern does a good job at portraying the dichotomy between being single and married. Bacon plays a gross underacheiver, who seems embarrassed by his wealth and intelligence. His angst and desire to be independent from his family perhaps foreshadows his transformation into a 60s hippie. Reiser plays the comedian in the group, Daly the lovelorn college boy and Guttenberg the groom-to-be. This is definitely a must-see, especially because I think it really does a good job at showing us the time period. The score is filled with music selections from that era that help to really set the mood and take you back. I'm happy to say I knew more than 90% of the music played and enjoyed singing along. As a side note, I was shocked at how Reiser hasn't changed a bit since this film and how Daly seems to have gotten better looking with age.

Watch It: For a blast from the past, the soundtrack of your lives and great casting selection. The actors really fit their characters well and they all seemed so natural in them.

Skip It: If you're looking for something with a definite resolution. This movie depicts the lives of these guys between December 24, 1959 and January 1, 1960. You won't find a definite answer to some of the problems they face because they're still in the process of figuring it out. That's part of the genius of this film.

Trailer:

Brideshead Revisited

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 25, 2008

DVD Release Date: January 13, 2009

Plot 411: A tale of forbidden love and lost innocence and the power of faith, fate and destiny.

Review: This film was about the eye-opening experience a middle class boy has when he goes away to Oxford. It's about the people he meets and falls in love with, the power of religion and the separation of the classes. It's difficult to describe as a whole because it's so layered. At times the movie focuses on lost innocence and this film becomes a coming of age story in the early 1900s. At other times the theme is focused tightly on class differences and the lure that aristocracy has on those who aren't born into it. Still other points of the film questions the idea of faith and religion and how it can overwhelm you if you let it become your sole focus in life. Even more powerful is the psychological analysis of how a family is affected when its matriarch is single-minded in her pursuit to teach her children religion. The family dynamic is completely strained and the children resent and almost hate their mother. She is controlling and overpowering but does it all with good intentions. Both sides suffer yet don't see that they too cause suffering in the other. In addition to all this complexity there is, of course, the wonderful English countryside and a gigantic mansion of a home. There is beautiful artwork and the costumes are really superb. Starring in this film are Matthew Goode, Ben Whishaw, Hayley Atwell, Emma Thompson and Michael Gambon.

Watch It: For a highly complex drama about friendship, love and family.

Skip It: If you're already balking at the idea of another period piece set in Britain.

Trailer:

Maurice

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: September 18, 1987

DVD Release Date: February 24, 2004

Plot 411: A young man confronts, indulges and accepts his homosexuality in early 1900 England.

Review: Based on a book of the same name by E.M. Forster, this movie follows a young man's journey into adulthood and his gradual acceptance of his sexuality. It is amazing to me that Forster wrote this book in about 1913 and that, I must assume, it depicts homosexuality of that time accurately. To be gay and be so confined and restrained due to society and laws is almost unthinkable today. Yes, there may still be people whose views of sexuality in general mimic those of the early 20th century, but for the most part society accepts people of all shapes, sizes, colors and lifestyles. This movie really puts a face on people who lived 100 years ago and of the strict structure in England. James Wilby plays the title role while Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves support. The emotional turmoil the characters feel is quite evident in the actors' faces despite the prim and proper way of life during this time. Overall, I thought the plot was really engaging and that there should be more coming-of-age films like this one - gay and straight.

Watch It: For a British period piece that deals with 20th century social qualms.

Skip It: If frontal nudity and same-sex kissing upsets you. There seems to be more kissing in this one than in Brokeback Mountain, however, it's less intense.

Trailer:

The Duchess

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: September 19, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 28, 2008

Plot 411: An aristocratic teen weds the Duke of Devonshire and embarks on journey toward adulthood.

Review: Normally I really dislike Keira Knightley particularly for her screeching, whiney voice. However, I think she did really well in this film as Georgiana, the duchess of Devonshire. She portrayed the duchess as an innocent girl who was excited to wed such a powerful and handsome man. The transition from this innocent teen to wise woman is pretty dramatic and Knightley really does deserve some kudos for it. The many injustices that she faced thoroughly enraged me. There were many a time when I shouted "just leave him already" to the screen. Of course, that is completely illogical considering the time was the 18th century when women had no rights at all. Ralph Fiennes was completely dispicable as William, the duke of Devonshire. Even when he manages to show a little remorse for the error of his ways, I still hated him. And I suppose that's what good actors do. They make you invest your emotions in the characters they portray. Well done. As far as historical accuracy, I have no clue if they got it right or not. I did enjoy the costumes and picturesque nature shots though. It's definitely intriguing to think that this movie is based on truth. Georgiana really was lightyears ahead of her time.

Watch It: For a sneak peek at the lives of 18th century aristocrats.

Skip It: If frou-frou dresses and corsets or guys wearing tights isn't your thing. And no, there's not duels or sword fighting like in The Three Musketeers.

Trailer: