MOVIE REVIEW - Imitation of Life (1959)

So many messages - "We should be color blind." "Be who you are." "Follow your dreams." "There's nothing wrong with faking looking prosperous. It shows faith that you're ready for it whenever the Lord is." Ugh, I think this will be the last Douglas Sirk movie I need to watch. Lana Turner stars as a wannabe actress/socialite who takes in a maid out of generosity to the maid. The maid's daughter looks white and resents her black mother. Overblown acting, overly-simple messages, and just dreary in general. Also starring Sandra Dee, Troy Donahue, and Alan Alda's dad.

MOVIE REVIEW - August Rush (2007)

Well, isn't it all so magical and timely and sweet and full of destiny. Admittedly, this is a really nice movie. Admittedly, I teared up a little in those oh-so-touching scenes. An orphan "hears the music" given to him by his parents, who don't know he's alive. But the music guides them all back together. Oops, did I just ruin the ending? Nope, because it's painfully obvious where it's all headed, from the first scene and all the way through. Tons of sentiment, some of it honestly heartwarming. And the music really is terrific - it's like they reincarnated Michael Hedges into the body of Freddie Highmore (the male Dakota Fanning) [Ah, I see that Michael Hedges' songs are on the soundtrack - that explains it). Surprisingly good cast - Keri Russell has become a great actress; Terrence Howard is always strong; Robin Williams and Jonathan Rhys Meyers don't ruin the film (though they lessen it some). Freddie is the star - and a good one he is. But really, music is the star - and oh, so "magical" it is. But really, sap is the star - beat-me-over-the-head foreshadowing, ultra-sweet kids getting picked on but winning, and happy endings. Nice, but too much.

MOVIE REVIEW - Bucket List, The (2007)

This is supposed to be inspirational. And I guess it is - don't let this one life pass you by before really living it. But it's also a bit dreary. The title carries most of the inspiration here - the execution of the story is just fair. For one, it's a little too icky watching Morgan and Jack puke and lose their hair and build their bond while trying not to die. The story picks up when they go on their bucket quest - skydiving, sitting on the pyramids, chatting. But in general, it's too simple and depressing. I know it's trying to be the opposite of depressing, but it missed that mark for me.