MM Theater, Film, & Dining Blog

Recommendations / mini reviews for films in the Independent Drama Category.

Snow Cake (2006) - Sigourney Weaver gives a brilliant performance as a high-functioning autistic woman (Linda) in this charming film, which explores the relationship between Linda and Alex (Alan Rickman), a grief-stricken man dealing with inner demons after being involved in a fatal car accident. Weaver's no-nonsense approach is totally refreshing -- it would be all too easy to milk this kind of role for sympathy. Linda's tell-it-like-it-is attitude is such an interesting counterpoint to Alex's tight-lipped restraint. Marc Evan's simple but engrossing film is a beautiful study of people and relationships. In a film where the acting is everything, we are lucky to be treated to such fine performances!

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Recommendations / mini reviews for films in the Romantic Comedy Category.

The Accidental Husband (2008) - Griffin Dunne does a fine job directing this sweet, quirky love story, and establishing credibility for a plot that would seem ridiculous on the surface. Uma Thurman puts her great comedic timing to work as Dr. Emma Lloyd, a successful radio talk show host, author, and expert on all things pertaining to love. She is about to publish a book called Real Love, and is also about to marry her publisher (Colin Firth). Lloyd seems to have her life totally ordered and under control until she becomes the victim of an internet prank engineered by fireman Patrick Sullivan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), angry after being jilted by his fiancee based on Lloyd's advice. Uma Thurman convincingly portrays her character's gradual undoing, and the resulting antics are great fun to watch. Thurman, Firth, and Morgan create 3 very likable characters. And Sam Shepard gives a nice turn as Lloyd's father. In short, there is nothing not to like about this film!

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Recommendations / mini reviews for films in the Family or Animation Category:

Up (2009) - A delightful and colorful animated film about a man who embarks on an adventure at the age of 78, and the relationship he develops with the boy who accidentally goes along for the ride. The formula of the crotchety older man eventually being won over by the youngster goes back to Shirley Temple, but it never grows old. And Ed Asner is perfect for the role! The animation is beautiful -- catch it in 3D if you can. A very sweet and touching film. A better title would have been Uplifting!

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Sandra Bullock gives a rich and layered Golden Globe and Oscar-winning performance in John Lee Hancock's The Blind Side, based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless teen with a troubled past who was taken in by the Tuohy family and later went on to become a first round NFL draft pick.

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Theresa Rebeck's Bad Dates at Olney Theatre Center is a comical romp through one woman's closet as she prepares for one bad date after another. If you thought one-woman plays were boring, think again -- the 600 pairs of shoes and characters off stage more than make up for the absence of other actors.

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