Another Year

3 Paws
Seen Jan. 28 @ AMC Oakview Plaza 24

This film isn't for everyone, as evidenced by the series of adult couples who groaned and gabbed their way through the first third before announcing to the audience that they were leaving because, well, they were depressed as hell and just couldn't take it any more. (A quick note on movie-going etiquette - it's perfectly fine to get up and leave, but don't be obnoxious about it. Wait until you're out in the lobby before you start ranting. Better yet, wait until you get home and then blog about it.)

Watching Mike Leigh's quiet character study of a thoroughly engaging British couple - Tom and Gerri - and the walking wounded who populate their lives during the course of a year was difficult yet worth the effort. If you're moved by actors who truly disappear behind their on-screen personas, no matter how steeped in despair these personas are, see it. It was like spying on someone through their kitchen window - I felt guilty yet compelled to continue.

Bonus Bones: 0
If there was ever a movie character who could have used the unconditional love of a dog, it's Mary, Gerri's co-worker and the couple's frequent houseguest. No pups present, though. Is that a British thing?

Country Strong

1 Paw

Seen Jan. 7 @ Aksarben Cinema

Wow. What was the director thinking? (What was I thinking, for that matter - I saw the trailer.) A soap opera story line, incredibly trite dialogue and cringe-inducing performances, especially on the part of Tim McGraw and Leighton Meester. Even the extras were lame. The only bright spot in the film is the voice of Garrett Hedlund. Maybe he should book a gig with Ted Williams, the radio-jock-turned-homeless-man who shot to international fame last week and is now considering job offers from Oprah, the Cleveland Cavaliers and others. Also - what was going on with McGraw's hair? He's a good looking guy who doesn't need whatever the wardrobe/costume folks were trying to sell there. You'd be better off staying home, cranking up your favorite country CD and watching Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew on VH1 with the sound off.

Bonus Bones: 1
Look for the country mutt outside the bar in the opening scene, but look fast - he comes and goes quickly.

The King's Speech

3 Paws

Seen Jan. 1 at Rave Westroads

Happy New Year! We kicked off 2011 by seeing one of the best films of 2010 - perhaps the best. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush put on an acting clinic, and it was great to watch Helena Bonham Carter turn in a smart, solid performance without a witch hat. (See how many Harry Potter characters you can spot in this stellar British cast). It's the kind of movie-going experience that renews your faith in the potential of humans - the audience clapped when it was over, which is a rarity in Omaha. It also made me long for the days when hats were a staple in everyone's wardrobe.

Bonus Bones: 10

Five bones each for the two Corgis that followed the family - including the eventual Queen of England and her sister - around the palace.

True Grit

3 Paws

Seen Dec. 31 @ Aksarben Cinema

What a great way to close out 2010 movie viewing! It was worth it just to hear Jeff Bridges growl and spit his way through the clever dialogue, but there's so much more - including a bear on horseback and what could become one of 2011's hottest fashion trends...furry chaps.

Bonus Bones: 2

Look for the couple of dog "extras" in the initial town scene when Mattie Ross arrives to settle her father's affairs.

Welcome.

Sam loves movies. But don't worry, she won't bore you with her rabid knowledge of genres, actors, directors, cinematographers, plot points and memorable dialogue. She's going to give you the simple skinny on each film she sees. Her rating system:

3 Paws

...a real tail wagger, tell all your friends

2 Paws

...almost as good as going on a long walk, but not quite

1 Paw

...not worth a single sniff

Bonus bones will be awarded to films with dogs in them.

Off to the movies...