Film: Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

DVD: Anamorphic


"Pretend that she's real? I'm just not gonna do it."
"It's not really a choice."
"Okay. Okay, all right, we'll do it, whatever it takes. But everyone's gonna laugh at him."
"And you."

Review: This is a small town movie about a extremely shy young man who lives with his brother and sister-in-law. When he purchases a Real Doll and introduces it as his penpal girlfriend from Brazil, they decide to play along when they realize it is enabling him to open up more. Most of the effective comedy comes from watching the townfolks reactions, but the film is also an excellent character study.

"It's such a comfort sometimes, just to have somebody's arms around you. Don't you think?"
"No."
"It feels good."
"It does not feel good. It, it hurts."
"Oh, like a cut, or bruise?"
"Like a burn. Like when you go outside and your feet freeze and you come back in and then they thaw out? It's like that. It's almost exactly like that."
"Same with everyone?"
"Uh, not really with Bianca. But everyone else."

"Um, is there something I should be doing right now?"
"No, dear. You eat."
"We came over to sit."
"That's what people do when tragedy strikes."
"They come over, and sit."

4 out of 5 Stars

Film: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)

DVD: Enhanced 16x9


"I'm telling you, I didn't steal any money from her! She gave it to me."
"Well she filed a complaint, Monsieur."
"She caught me with another woman! C'mon, you're French, you understand that!"
"To be with another woman, that is French. To be caught, that is American."

Review: I wish they still made comedies like this, if they do I haven't noticed them. This is the first film that I saw with Michael Caine and he is perfect as the sauve british confidence man who preys on the rich tourists along the French Riveria. When the crass Steve Martin invades his turf, he uses all his tricks to try and force him out of town, before they finally decide to settle their disagreements with a high-stakes bet.

"Freddy, as a younger man, I was a sculptor, a painter, and a musician. There was just one problem. I wasn't very good. As a matter of fact, I was dreadful. I finally came to the frustrating conclusion that I had taste and style, but not talent. I knew my limitations. We all have our limitations, Freddy. Fortunately, I discovered that taste and style were commodities that people desired. Freddy, what I am saying is, know your limitations. You are a moron."

"I believe she is the United States Soap Queen."
"Okay, how much?"
"She's a little young, isn't she?"
"Out of your league?"
"All right, I'll make it easy for you, $50,000."
"50,000 dollars!!?"
"Out of your league?"

4 1/2 out of 5 Stars

Film: Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)

DVD: Enhanced 16x9


"You may find Narnia a more savage place than you remember."

Review: This sequel is as well filmed as the first, but Prince Caspian was always one of my least favorite of the Narnia books so it wasn't as emotional as the last movie. Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin and Sergio Castellitto as King Miraz were standouts. I am looking forward to the third film, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, my favorite Narnia book.

"I am High King Peter the Magnificent."
"You probably could have left off the last bit."
"Heh, heh, heh. Probably."

"We've anxiously awaited your return, my liege. Our hearts and swords are at your service."
"Oh my god, he's so cute."
"Who said that?!!"
"Um, sorry."

"There is still time to surrender."
"Well, feel free."
"How many more must die for the throne?"
"Just one."

4 out of 5 Stars