December 16, 2008

...Freedom Writers (2007)

Hilary Swank and a solid group of young actors relive the true story of the Freedom Writers in this film that plays dangerously close to the 60s classic To Sir With Love. That's not a bad thing - it's just a thing. Like the first film, this is a feel-gooder about teaching and education; unlike the first film, the teacher is white and there is no #1 hit single.

December 15, 2008

...The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942)

Although overlong, The Man Who Came to Dinner is a well-made adaptation of the Broadway hit with Monty Woolley repeating his stage success as the man and Bette Davis playing second lead to bring bodies into the movie theater. It worked; the play is still funny and both Woolley, Davis, and An Sheridan are excellent in their roles. It does have a Christmas theme so, for better or worse, this is the time to check it out.