The Switch

Ben and I both enjoyed this light fare served up with enthusiasm by a delightful cast.
Interestingly enough, the biggest laughs were not to be delivered by the main characters, played by Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. These two, who you would normally expect to be always on the verge of saying something funny were refreshingly low key. Bateman especially had to downplay his usually upbeat manner in order to be convincing as a neurotic everyman. Both Ben and I would like to see Aniston take a risk for a change; to be willing to play a comedic role that, in Ben's words, "is just out there, and doesn't give a fuck what anyone thinks". (That line was simply too good not to use...) My favorite character in the movie was Sebastian, Aniston's six-year-old son, played beautifully by Thomas Robinson. He was a wonderful mirror of Bateman's quirkiness and dark world view.
Also spicing up this offering were Jeff Goldblum, and Juliette Lewis. I always sit on the edge of my seat when these two appear on the screen. They are genuine risk-takers who clearly enjoy what they do for a living very much. (Hey Jen, take a cue from these two!)
See this movie if you want a few good laughs, and are willing to be touched at the end despite yourself.

"Morning Glory"

This movie made me feel good about knowing I can do something, and then going for it!
Rachel McAdams is Becky Fuller, the new senior producer on a morning show that is destined for doom. She is under-qualified as far as her schooling goes, but she knows her job, and is out to prove how hard she is willing to work. McAdams is her usual likable self, and even though Becky has some faults, the woman is all heart. She cares about her job, but she also cares about the people she works with.
Becky has some difficult personalities to deal with. Her two lead anchors are played by Diane Keaton and Harrison ford, and they were more than well-suited to their roles. I just wanted to take Keaton home with me, set her in the corner, and watch her like a television.
One of the more welcome surprises was actor Patrick Wilson who plays Becky's love interest. I kept thinking: "I've seen him so many times before", and yet did not know where from. You will recognize him from movies such as "The Full Monty", and "Little Children". He was very unaffected and supportive to the rest of the cast.
Do you want to feel good? Watch this!

"It's Kind Of A Funny Story"

This is one of the most well-written, moving films I have seen in a long time. After it was over, I turned to Ben and told him I intend to own it.
Keir Gilchrist plays a 17-year-old boy who has thoughts of suicide and, being afraid he will act on them, checks himself into a psychiatric hospital. Gilchrist is an amazing actor, and he keeps good company. Zach Galifianakis and Emma Roberts appear as patients as well, and for once Galifianakis doesn't steal focus. It remained throughout, a strong ensemble piece.
What I loved most about this movie is that it humanized mental illness, and that the conclusion was so hopeful. The surprising conclusion for Gilchrist's character is so simple and wonderful.
Do yourself a favor and rent or download this today!

"City Island"

This film is truly a story you have not seen before. The writing was smart and brilliantly executed by the spot-on cast. Andy Garcia plays Vince Rizzo, a man who works as a prison guard but aspires to become an actor. He is a cracker-jack secret keeper, as is the rest of his family. Without giving up too much of the plot, the prison inmate Vince brings home ends up being the most functional character in the movie.

Julianna Margulies plays Vince's wife, and Steven Strait is the inmate with an interesting attachment to the family. Still, the best surprise had to be Ezra Miller, Vince's younger son. There are too many reasons to love him, and not enough words.

Rent this today!

"Due Date"

I wanted to like this more than I actually did. I make no secret of the fact that Robert Downey, Jr. is my favorite actor, but I didn't enjoy his character in this film. I do, however recommend watching it for the special moments in this film.
Zach Galifanakis (had to check that spelling TWICE by the way), was his usual, comically credible self. By the end of the film I did believe that in some universe these two people could actually be friends.
The premise of the film is that Robert Downey, Jr.'s character had to make it home in time for the birth of his first child by Cesarean section. Zach's character makes that very nearly impossible.
I sincerely look forward to Mr. Downey's next offing. Here's to hoping it has more depth and less masturbation jokes.