Unknown

2 Paws
Seen Feb. 25 @ Marcus Midtown Cinema

I've been in Liam Neeson's corner ever since his turn as a homeless deaf mute accused of murder in "Suspect" (which stars Cher and a young Dennis Quaid - worth a rainy Saturday afternoon viewing.) In my advancing years, I like the fact that an older, smarter guy kicks ass and takes names, which Neeson's character - Dr. Martin Harris - most certainly does from beginning to end. It's not the type of film that holds up to serious scrutiny after leaving the theater, as the plot is more than a bit Austin Powers-like. But it sure is fun to watch in the moment.

Neeson's co-star, Diane Kruger of "Inglourious Bastards" fame, is endearing as an illegal who does what she can to make a buck and better her situation. Bruno Ganz is mesmerizing in his few moments on screen as an investigator with an interesting past who helps Neeson get to the bottom of who he really is. January Jones wears clothes well, but she turns in another Fembot performance as Neeson's partner - perhaps that's what she was going for.

Bonus Bones: 1
If you're really paying attention, you'll notice someone walking a black dog when Dr. Harris tries to check into a rather seedy-looking hotel his first night after leaving the hospital.

Barney's Version

3 Paws
Seen Feb. 18 @ AMC Oakview Plaza 24

This is an odd little movie that's hard to pidgeonhole. Once I stopped trying to figure out what I was watching, I was totally sucked in by Paul Giamatti's performance. If you really love (or loved) your dad, despite any shortcomings you think he may have (or have had), you'll be moved by the depth of Barney's love for his father, played by Dustin Hoffman in one of his best supporting roles to date. Fans of the television show "Felicity" (come on, I admit it, and I know there are others out there like me) may recognize Boogie - played by Scott Speedman - as an older, drugged out version of Ben, the guy Felicity follows to NYC to college. I'll pretty much follow Giamatti down any film road he takes, but I'd really like him to be a ruthless badass some day soon.


Bonus Bones: 3
Three dogs make the briefest of street appearances, one when Barney picks up a strung-out Boogie in the city before the two head for Barney's country house so Boogie can dry out, and two when Barney and Miriam are enjoying a walk through Central Park.

Somewhere

2 Paws
Seen Feb. 11 at Film Streams

It's hard to feel sorry for a rich celebrity with relationship issues, especially when he exhibits the type of behavior we've come to associate with Charlie Sheen. I didn't much care for Stephen Dorff's Johnny Marco, although it was fun to watch him stumble through the bizarre activities that are the norm for Hollywood types. (I want one of those giant cat statues from the Italian awards ceremony.) Things got much better with the appearance of Cleo, Johnny's daughter. Elle Fanning is part muppet, part princess, part puppy - who wouldn't want her around to make their day better?

I was expecting a greater emphasis on the hotel itself - the place that's been home to artists, writers and actors for decades - the place where John Belushi died. The Benicio del Toro cameo was nice, but I wanted more. The open ending - the kind intellectuals like because they can interpret it for you - was abrupt and unsatisfying. Nice try, Sofia, but it made me want to power up Netflix and watch "Lost in Translation."

Bonus Bones: 1
A cute puppy - perhaps a yellow lab or golden retriever - makes a brief appearance during the pool scene. Note to Johnny: dogs make great companions, buddy.

127 Hours

3 Paws

Seen Feb. 4 at Aksarben Cinema

I try to avoid gore at all costs, in life and in the theater. That's why, despite how much I like the work of James Franco, I passed on seeing this film right away when it came out. Peer pressure and a bunch of Oscar nominations eventually changed my mind, and I convinced myself I could cover my face with my hands when it came time for Aron Ralston to, well, you know.

Ooof. I can't say I enjoyed it, but I'm glad I went. Interestingly enough, I was more creeped out by the claustrophobic nature of the canyon walls than I was by the amputation itself. Franco did Ralston proud, especially in the sequences where he's filming 'goodbye and thank you' messages for his family and friends. If I ever go hiking in Moab, I'm taking an engineer with me.

Bonus Bones: 0

Plenty of desert critters, but not a dog to be found. Strange - doesn't every outdoor type from Colorado have a four-footed friend to share adventures with?

I Love You Phillip Morris

2 Paws
Seen Jan. 29 at Film Streams

I have to admit I'm not a huge Jim Carrey fan. His constant mugging, jarring movements and shout-speak are a bit too much for my delicate sensibilities. All three were present in Carrey's version of con man Steven Russell, although he also attempted to pull off some quieter moments - not sure they worked, though. I think I would rather have seen a documentary on Russell - it was hard to get past the star power of Carrey and Ewan McGregor to focus on the unbelievable story. Watch for the reference to former President George W. Bush in the closing text - it should make all Democrats snicker a bit.

Bonus Bones: 2
Two different sets of Miniature Pinschers (this breed guess is based on my home school learnin' via the annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show broadcast each February) make brief appearances after Russell moves to Florida to start his new life. If I'm wrong on the breed, please let me know.

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.