Happy Christmas

The cat purrs, but ... it's close. This movie is entertaining, it's engaging, it holds the interest--but then again, it's also kind of fuzzy, somewhat lightweight, and seemingly inconsequential. A lot of this flick seems improvised, which makes judging the performances difficult. The strong suits are the female leads, Melanie Lynskey and Anna Kendrick, who make their impact largely via their personal charm. (Especially in the New Zealander Lynskey's case, as much because she uses her natural, Kiwi-inflected voice--which is gorgeous--as for her acting.) But individual charm from a film's actors can be a thin gruel to feed upon. The viewer is ultimately left to wonder, do the problems of these three little people amount to more than a hill of indie movie beans? I'm not sure about that. I guess it boils down to how much you like your movies personal vs. something a little more universal. Your mileage may vary.

Flags Of Our Fathers

An unusual mix of reverence and iconoclasm, featuring powerful direction and meticulous reproduction of period details, plus an outstanding performance by Adam Beach as a tormented, not-quite hero. One can see where this film isn't quite everyone's cup of tea; at such a distance in time and temperament, the movie's theme and theory might not generate a response in some. But thoughtful viewers will find a rewarding experience in this work.

Detroit Rock City

"Coming of age" is a phrase that usually sends me running in the other direction, but this one deserves special attention. Make sure you're in the right mood--nostalgic for the seventies, ready for goofy fun, etc.--and you'll get plenty of kicks out of this flick. The young actors are dead on in their take on '70s youth, and the story runs its varied courses to a neat little tie-up. And, if nothing else, you have to admire this movie's exuberance and energy. Just sit back and enjoy.

Ever After: A Cinderella Story

A nice revision of Cinderella. Still probably Drew Barrymore's best movie. (Unless you count E.T., of course.)