“Blackout”
Set in the summer of 2003 when parts of America experienced a severe power outage, “Blackout” focuses on the eclectic residents of a New York neighborhood who fought–and banded together–to survive the ordeal.
Category: Reviews
“Dresden”
A love story set amidst the chaos and horror of World War II, Dresden tells the tale of a beautiful young German nurse who falls in love with an injured British pilot.
Kimberla Lawson Roby’s flawed hero hits home
In 1997, Kimberla Lawson Roby couldn’t get an agent or a publishing house interested in her first novel. Today she’s a New York Times best-selling author who writes a book every year for a major distributor. Her latest juicy work of fiction is “Sin No More,” which revisits her most popular character, the Rev. Curtis Black.
“The Other Boleyn Girl”
A tale of two sisters competing for the same king, The Other Boleyn Girl uses historical facts as window dressing for this work of fiction that is entertaining, if not wholly believable. Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman) is the doe-eyed vixen ordered by her power-hungry uncle to bewitch King Henry VIII (Eric Bana). Her shy sister Mary (Scarlett Johansson) has always been in Anne’s shadow; Anne is prettier, more accomplished, and desired by many men.
“Silk”
Set in the 19th century, when Japan was closed to the West, “Silk” offers an unusual love story revolving around Herve (Michael Pitt), wife Helene (Keira Knightley) and the young unnamed beauty to whom he has never shared a conversation (played by Sei Ashina).
“Blind Dating”
Hottie Chris Pine plays Danny, who has never had a serious girlfriend. His annoying but well-meaning brother Larry (Eddie Kaye Thomas) is intent on helping Danny lose his virginity by hooking him up with several inappropriate women.
“Blue State”
“Blue State” looks at just how far one young man will go to prove his point that the wrong candidate won the 2004 presidential elections. When John Kerry loses to George W. Bush, one of Kerry’s campaign workers makes good on his promise to move to Canada if Bush is elected president.
“Definitely, Maybe”
A romantic comedy that begins with a discussion about sex education and ends with a bit of an unexpected twist, “Definitely, Maybe” focuses on an engaging father and his 10-year-old daughter. Ryan Reynolds is a genial but bland leading man, but the women–including young Breslin–more than hold their own in this fun film.
“Girlfriends” — Season Three
Like “Living Single” and “Sex & the City,” “Girlfriends” captures the warm camaraderie (and competition) between good friends. Succinctly balancing comedy with real-life issues, the sitcom returns for a strong third season. Joan (Tracee Ellis Ross), Maya (Golden Brooks), Lynn (Persia White), and Toni (Jill Marie Jones) are all back and they are as sassy and conflicted as ever.
“General Hospital: Night Shift”
Spawned from the Emmy Award-winning day-time drama “General Hospital,” “General Hospital: Night Shift” ran for one season in 2007 on the cable network SOAPnet. Taking some of the young, sexy favorites from the original soap opera and adding in a few new characters, the nighttime soap focuses on Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough)–an HIV-positive physician who is impeccable at her job but troubled when it comes to love.
“Perfect Strangers”: Seasons 1 and 2
Relying on the tried-but-true odd-couple set up, “Perfect Strangers” focuses on the comical lives of Larry Appleton (Mark Linn-Baker) and Balki Bartokomous (Bronson Pinchot).
“Third Watch” — Season 1
Equal parts “ER,” “Rescue Me,” and “Law & Order,” “Third Watch” received critical raves when it premiered in 1999 on NBC. All 22 episodes from that first season are included in this 6-disc box set, and the episodes (many of which reflect political issues of the time) stand up well. The third watch refers to the 3 to 11 p.m. shift of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who risk their lives to keep New Yorkers safe.
“All Roads Lead Home”
“All Roads Lead Home” does not fall in the same category as a classic like “Old Yeller.” But it does tell a heartwarming tale that features some super cute animals, including an adorable, scene-stealing puppy. At times a tad too earnest, the movie (which is inspired by a true story) makes for pleasant viewing that could open up some nice dialogue between parents and children about how compassion comes in many different forms.
“The Simple Life”: Season 5
There are plenty of actresses who aren’t particularly good thespians, but they have a likable presence that makes them pleasant to watch on the screen. There is none of that here: Neither Nicole Richie or Paris Hilton are good enough actors to make the viewer believe that any of this is real.
“The Last Legion”
By Jae-Ha Kim Amazon.com January 18, 2008 Swordfights, battles, and betrayal fuel The Last Legion, which tells the story of the last emperor of Rome: a slight 12-year-old boy who is a descendent of Julius […]
“Mad Money”
Ironically, “Mad Money” was directed by Callie Khouri, who wrote “Thelma & Louise” and “Something to Talk About”–movies that had all the key components (compelling storyline and characters worth cheering on) that “Mad Money” is lacking.
“Trail of Crumbs” by Kim Sunee
With Trail of Crumbs: Hunger, Love, and the Search for Home (Grand Central, 370 pages, $24.99), first-time author Kim Sunee writes a fascinating account of her life thus far. Abandoned as a child in South Korea, Sunee remembers telling the policemen who found her that her name was Chong Ae Kim, she was 3 years old and her mother — who had left her with a small fistful of food — would be coming back for her. endure insensitive remarks from people who don’t understand the longing children may feel for the birth families they can no longer remember.
“Two and a Half Men”: Season 2
Take a pair of bickering brothers, a precocious child, an ex-wife, and a meddling mother and you’ve got “Two and a Half Men.” In the sitcom’s sophomore year, which aired during the 2004-2005 television season, siblings Charlie (Charlie Sheen) and Alan (Jon Cryer) have their living situation somewhat under control.
“Rob & Big”: Seasons 1 and 2
Less asinine than “Jackass” and more “real” than “The Hills,” MTV’s reality series “Rob & Big” is an entertaining diversion that mixes friendship and a few crazy stunts into each episode.
“Saving Sarah Cain”
Directed by Michael Landon, Jr., “Saving Sarah Cain” is a sweet film with an Afterschool Special vibe about a family thrown together by unfortunate circumstances.