More Minis

Beyond Rangoon- 1994
Despite Patricia Arquette's acting being a bit stilted, this was still a good movie because of the subject matter. Arquette plays an American woman caught in Burma during a political crackdown on protests, a Burma that has no free press and no way to tell the story of the brutality of the regime. Her escape to Thailand along with many Burmese in fear of their lives is harrowing and compelling. 4 of 5 stars.

Ajami- 2009
This nominee for best foreign film is quite good. Telling a few stories of the lives of Palestinians, and the confusing arragnements they must make to try to live a normal life---arrangements with family heads, tribal leaders, other clans, neighborhood gangs and the overriding presence of Israel, the story can be confusing. But that goes hand in hand with the confusion many of the characters feel. 4 of 5 stars.

Last Holiday-2006
It is not a great film, but very humorous, and I tell you, Queen Latifah has old movie star charm. She can bring it! It shines from her. She makes this film better than pedestrian. 4 out of 5 stars.

Underworld: Evolution- 2006
This is a terrible film...how Kate Beckinsale got caught in this dog, I don't know. The acting? Bad. The lines? Bad. the plot? Terrible. The special effects? Laughable. 1 star out of 5...and barely that.

Firewall- 2006
Ehhhh...very so-so. Really, Harrison Ford has to give up the action hero gig. It is just becoming ludicrous. The story was barely passable, but the acting was OK. Skip it unless you have run out of other options. 3 of 5.