Saturday movie review: Brooklyn

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Immigration is a hot topic right now, though most of the talk focuses on negative aspects related to those who seek a better life, legally or not, in America the beautiful. In stark contrast to the anger, ire, and divisiveness the word elicits in today's heated (and hate-filled) political climate, immigration as depicted in the Oscar-nominated film BROOKLYN inspires and warms the heart, focuses on possibility and positivity.

I far prefer BROOKLYN's take on the topic.

brooklyn movie poster

The romantic drama BROOKLYN tells the story of Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan) who, in the '50s, left her homeland of Ireland in search of the American dream. Eilis' older sister, Rose...

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Saturday movie review: Far from the Madding Crowd

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I have a confession: When it comes to reading classic literature, I'm woefully lacking. Though I vaguely recall reading a few classics in high school and college literature classes, I'm relatively ignorant of most classics that seem common knowledge among many of my more educated friends.

Another confession: Every time I've seen mentions of Thomas Hardy's 1874 classic, Far from the Madding Crowd, my mind interpreted the M-word in the title as maddening, not madding. Forever. Even up to my pressing play on the movie FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD and through to the end of my screening of the romantic drama over Valentine's Day weekend. It was only after I pressed stop that I realized the word is madding.

Did I mention my ignorance?

Far from the Madding Crowd movie

Thank heavens for films based on classic novels for I now...

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Saturday movie review: October Gale

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Most regular readers of my movie reviews likely realize I favor independent films. And actors who star in independent films.

Two of my favorite independent film actors—Patricia Clarkson and Tim Roth—star in this week's movie review film, OCTOBER GALE. The film also stars Scott Speedman, whom I've enjoyed watching grow as an actor since first seeing him in the TV series Felicity years ago.

October Gale

OCTOBER GALE is a romantic thriller seemingly designed for older movie watchers in the mood for...

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Saturday movie review: The Face of Love

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I watch so many movies that I go through periods where I have a tough time finding a good one to review that I've not already seen. So I scan and search and sample. And sometimes I stumble upon an enjoyable flick I'd previously overlooked.

That's the case with THE FACE OF LOVE. I actually started—and stopped—four other films this week, stinkers one and all. This fifth one, this little gem some of you may have already seen, saved this week's Saturday movie review.

the face of love movie

THE FACE OF LOVE, a romantic drama filmed in 2012 and released in U.S. theaters in 2014, stars...

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Saturday movie review: Love Is Strange

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In the film LOVE IS STRANGE, the filmmakers, writers, and actors show that love is indeed strange. And beautiful and confusing and elusive and challenging. Whether between partners, parents and children, family, friends, and friends who feel like family, love is all of that and more. LOVE IS STRANGE hits on all of that, depicting the delicate dance maneuvering through such connections, regardless of age, gender, or sexual preference.

love is strange movie

In LOVE IS STRANGE—which is out on Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming—Alfred Molina and John Lithgow star as...

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