Movies I recently saw

The Iron Lady-(2011) The film about An elderly Margaret Thatcher who talks to the imagined presence of her recently deceased husband as she struggles to come to terms with his death while scenes from her past life, from girlhood to British prime minister, intervene is an utter mess with no direction. While the film is stylish and features a tour de force by Meryl Streep, it is hindered by its lack of idenity and misguidance. D+ The plus is for Streep and the D is for the movie.

Two Women-(1960) Originally named La Ciociara is a harrowing tale about Cesira and her 13-year-old daughter, Rosetta who flee from the allied bombs in Rome during the second world war. The film features two outstanding performances by Sophia Loren and Eleonora Brown and shows how war can destroy humans. It is a film that must be seen by all. A+  

The Red Shoes-(1948) The Red Shoes tells the story of a woman who must ultimately chose between Love and her art. It is a tragic tale that features some of the most beautiful visuals, and performances ever seen in film history. It also featurs of one of most thrilling performance sequences ever made. Without doubt the film is one the best films I have ever seen. A+ 

Owning Mahowny-(2003) tells the story of A bank manager with: (a) a gambling problem and (b) access to a multi-million dollar account. The film is based on the story of the largest one-man bank fraud in Canadian history. Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays Mahowny with so much charisma but at the same time with a tragic air that one roots for him even though he is breaking the law. Minnie Driver and John Hurt are also stellar. B

Beasts of the Southern Wild-(2012) Benh Zeitlen's first feature is a film that at first looks like an epic but at the heart there is really a very intimate film about the relationship between a dying father and his daughter. The film while a bit messy at the beginning is an inspiring adventure that also features two amazing screen debuts by  Quvenzhane Wallis and Dwight Henry. B+

Frankenweenie-(2012) After a mediocre Dark Shadows, Tim Burton returns with an animated remake of his first short film Frankenweenie. The film about young Victor who conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life is a genuine retelling of the Mary Shelley novel with a spoof on other horror films. It is one of the best animated films I have seen all year. B+