Without exaggerating, this could quite possibly be the best movie I have ever seen. Joshua, a 16 year old boy abandoned by his mother and left homeless, must struggle to survive. His talent for art is his saving grace. Without going overboard into "wholesome" territory, The Forger tackles some heavy themes such as integrity and how to treat women. This is one of those films that can be enjoyed by adults, yet could also be shown to a youth group. It's that good. And yes, Josh Hutcherson is amazing. He shows off his acting chops in his portrayal of a confused teenage boy. Oh, and one funny thing...I watched this whole movie without realizing Lauren Bacall was in it (head smack)! I should have known by her voice. Definitely put The Forger as #1 in your Netflix queue.
Reviews
3 Reviews
Rake
(2014)
Keegan Is a Total Train Wreck
17 February 2014
Most of the criticisms of this show are based on comparisons to the Aussie version. Not having seen that one, I can just say that I am really enjoying this series. Why do I like it? Keegan Deane is an attorney who takes on some unusual cases, to say the least, yet his personal life is a mess. He is a compulsive gambler, alcoholic, and all around narcissist. He has a loan shark on his tail constantly, has no car, money or place to live...well, you get it. Yet, we manage to like him. Greg Kinnear is great in this role.
I especially like the unique spin they put on some of Keegan's cases, such as the beard-cutting Amish and the cannibalism case. Tara Summers is great as his assistant, and I like that they don't employ the sexual tension angle, which in my opinion is way too overused. My main criticism of the show is that the editing is often choppy.
Rake is compelling, fresh, energetic and funny. It seems that fans of the Aussie version want it to fail, but I hope it doesn't. I look forward to watching it!
I especially like the unique spin they put on some of Keegan's cases, such as the beard-cutting Amish and the cannibalism case. Tara Summers is great as his assistant, and I like that they don't employ the sexual tension angle, which in my opinion is way too overused. My main criticism of the show is that the editing is often choppy.
Rake is compelling, fresh, energetic and funny. It seems that fans of the Aussie version want it to fail, but I hope it doesn't. I look forward to watching it!
Love Actually
(2003)
A Movie With a Big Emotional Heart
31 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this movie. My favorite couple was Jamie(a writer) and Aurelia (his Portuguese housekeeper). These two are just so darned cute, and it doesn't hurt that I am a HUGE Colin Firth fan. I also loved David (Hugh Grant), England's newly elected Prime Minister, who finds himself attracted to his catering manager. Add the story of married couple Harry and Karen, played by Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson (Could these two ever give a bad performance?)
Then there were some story lines I just didn't like. The "boy with a crush on a girl who doesn't know he exists" is too cliché, and a horny guy who travels to Wisconsin to meet girls because he is convinced they will fall for his British accent is just silly. The story of Sarah and Karl had potential, but I disagree with her choice not to pursue the romantic love she deserves. While some might see this as a deep, sacrificial love, it left me feeling sad.
Overall, Love Actually is easily one of my favorite films. It was released in 2003, a time when many people, particularly Americans, needed a feel-good movie to make us believe once again in the power of love. Love Actually delivered.
Then there were some story lines I just didn't like. The "boy with a crush on a girl who doesn't know he exists" is too cliché, and a horny guy who travels to Wisconsin to meet girls because he is convinced they will fall for his British accent is just silly. The story of Sarah and Karl had potential, but I disagree with her choice not to pursue the romantic love she deserves. While some might see this as a deep, sacrificial love, it left me feeling sad.
Overall, Love Actually is easily one of my favorite films. It was released in 2003, a time when many people, particularly Americans, needed a feel-good movie to make us believe once again in the power of love. Love Actually delivered.
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