49. 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (Cristian Mungiu, 2007)

48. Sunset Blvd. (Billy Wilder, 1950)

47. Fearless (Peter Weir, 1993)

46. The Truman Show (Peter Weir, 1998)

45. Network (Sidney Lumet, 1976)

44. Days of Heaven (Terrence Malick, 1978)

43. Inglourious Basterds (Quentin Tarantino, 2009)

42. Star Wars (George Lucas, 1977)

41. The Manchurian Candidate (John Frankenheimer, 1962)

40. 2001: A Space Odyssey (Stanley Kubrick, 1968)

39. The Empire Strikes Back (Irvin Kershner, 1980)

38. Hugo (Martin Scorsese, 2011)

37. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (Sergio Leone, 1966)

36. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Don Siegel, 1956)

35. North by Northwest (Alfred Hitchcock, 1959)

34. A Separation (Asghar Farhadi, 2011)

33. Fargo (Joel Coen, 1996)

32. Shadow of a Doubt (Alfred Hitchcock, 1943)

31. Hannah and Her Sisters (Woody Allen, 1986)

30. The Godfather (Francis Ford Coppola, 1972)

29. Poetry (Chang-dong Lee, 2010/2011)

28. Rear Window (Alfred Hitchcock, 1954)

27. No Country for Old Men (Ethan and Joel Coen, 2007)

26. Harold and Maude (Hal Ashby, 1971)

25. Bicycle Thieves (Vittorio De Sica, 1948)

24. Citizen Kane (Orson Welles, 1941)

23. The Great Dictator (Charles Chaplin, 1940)

22. The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (Cristi Puiu, 2005/2006)

21. Modern Times (Charles Chaplin, 1936)

20. Gone With the Wind (Victor Fleming, 1939)

19. All the President’s Men (Alan J. Pakula, 1976)

18. Pulp Fiction (Quentin Tarantino, 1994)

17. Annie Hall (Woody Allen, 1977)

16. Kramer vs. Kramer (Robert Benton, 1979)

15. The Social Network (David Fincher, 2010)

14. The Third Man (Carol Reed, 1949)

13. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Michel Gondry, 2004)

12. Man on Wire (James Marsh, 2008)

11. Roman Holiday (William Wyler, 1953)

10. City Lights (Charles Chaplin, 1931)

9. Rabbit Hole (John Cameron Mitchell, 2010)

8. Brief Encounter (David Lean, 1945)

7. Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock, 1960)

6. A Christmas Story (Bob Clark, 1983)

5. A Hard Day’s Night (Richard Lester, 1964)

4. F for Fake (Orson Welles, 1973)

3. The Best Years of Our Lives (William Wyler, 1946)

2. The Apartment (Billy Wilder, 1960)

1. Some Like it Hot (Billy Wilder, 1959)

Which classic movie don’t you like/can’t enjoy and why?

Well, a few come to mind. The Graduate (1967) would be one. It loses a lot of stream after the big reveal. It was hard for me to understand Benjamin’s actions. I haven’t yet been a graduate, in his place. But I don’t particularly dislike the film, I just think it’s quite overrated, so it may not count.

I’m not a big fan of Being John Malkovich (1999). You can read why here. Also, I don’t think that’s a classic.

Which ten classic movies haven’t you seen yet?

Well, from the aforementioned “Top 10 Movies I’m Embarrassed I Haven’t Seen” post, I have since screened Drive, The Dark Knight, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Up in the Air, City Lights, and The Godfather. So, I’ll start with the remaining classics from that list, and add others it’s really time I see:

1. The Godfather: Part II (1974)
2. 8 1/2 (1963)
3. Metropolis (1927)
4. M (1931)
5. Persona (1966)
6. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
7. 12 Angry Men (1957)
8. One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (1975)
9. Goodfellas (1990)
10. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1974)

Have you ever sneaked into another movie at the cinema?

Never. I just don’t have the guts.

Which actor/actress do you think is overrated?

So many.

Katharine Hepburn got on my nerves a lot in Bringing Up Baby (1938).

But from today’s actors: Sam Worthington and Eva Mendes… I was genuinely rooting for them to drown in that hot tub/pool in Last Night (2011). And any other film they’re ever in, regardless of amount of water nearby.

I usually dislike Jack Black and Matthew McConaughey, but recent performances (The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) for Matt, Bernie (2012) for Jack but not Matt) have made me like them more.

And even with Brothers (2009), I’ve never been a big Tobey Maguire guy.

Emma Stone is great and all, but does she need to be in everything? Save some stuff for Jessica Chastain.

Jury’s still out on Christian Bale. I’m not really into Colin Farrell.

From which big director have you never seen any movie (and why)?

Oh, so many. I’m still starting out on my cinematic journey (or whatever). Fellini jumps to mind.

Which movie do you love, but is generally hated?

That’s a good question. I have a lot more films that most people love but I hate, but sure, I’ll play along. I like Glory Road (2006), but I don’t love it, and I don’t think it’s hated. Is Red State (2011) hated? I know one of my friends hates Beetle Juice (1988).

Have you ever been “one of those annoying people” at the cinema?

No. And I haven’t encountered that many, either. (Well… outside of family members.) I’m a good and lucky audience member.

Did you ever watch a movie, which you knew in advance would be bad, just because of a specific actor/actress was in it? Which one and why?

No, but if I ever did, I would do it for Charlize Theron. Or Audrey. Or Chaplin. But I don’t think he’s ever made a bad picture. For directors: Hitchcock and Billy Wilder, for sure. I’m working on seeing their entire filmography.

Did you ever not watch a specific movie because it had subtitles?

Actually, I choose to watch specific films later than I normally would if I don’t have the attention to commit to a subtitled film. Same with overly dramatic films. But I always get back to them. I love foreign films!

Are there any movies in your collection that you have had for more than five years and never watched?

Yes, but none of them purchased by me. I’ll get some films as gifts and let them sit there because I’m not really interested in them. There is one exception, though: All Quiet on the Western Front (1930). I found the DVD of it hidden in the corner of my “collection” a few months ago. I didn’t even know I had it, but now I’ll watch it.

Which are the worst movies in your collection and why do you still own them?

I don’t think RV (2006) is a terrible film. Hear me out! Robin Williams isn’t that annoying. It doesn’t take any turn you wouldn’t expect it to. It just sits there and delivers poop jokes and Will Arnett.

Do you have any confessions about your movie watching setup at home?

No Bluray. (Is the ‘r’ capitalized? See, I don’t even know.) I didn’t know my TV was an HDTV, and I didn’t really know what Bluray was. Some films can be seen in HD on Netflix, so that’s fine. I don’t need to pamper myself too much. Eventually, I’ll get a Bluray, but that stuff is expensive. I buy VHS tapes at local shops or online just because they’re so much cheaper. I own a two-tape set of The Godfather (1972), as well as this huge Charlie Chaplin set.

Any other confessions you want to make?

Feel free to ask me questions in the comments, but I don’t think I have anything else.

1. Each person must post eleven things about themselves
2. Answer the eleven questions the person giving the award has set for you
3. Create eleven questions for the people you will be giving the award to
4. Choose eleven people to award and send them a link to your post
5. Go to their page and tell them
6. No tag backs

Here are my 11 facts:

1. My favorite food is Chicken Quesadillas.
2. But I love cheating on them with Italian food.
3. I keep a spreadsheet of all the movies I’ve ever seen.
4. I’m only 16 years old.
5. I’m the editor-in-chief of my high school’s newspaper. And it’s damned decent.
6. I drive a black 1997 Toyota RAV-4 L, and I don’t see what’s so L about it, but I love it anyway.
7. I eat healthy. Hummus Popped Chips are a great alternative to nasty regular chips, and orange juice beats cola every day.
8. I didn’t get Community at first.
9. I will always defend and love Rihanna, even though I don’t really enjoy some of her recent music or find her particularly likable. It’s complicated.
10. I once asked Santa Claus for a sister. But he “ran out of those.”
11. I frequently yell at my TV. But only when politics are on.

Questions from Jenkakio, with answers below:

What’s your biggest accomplishment?

My #5 fact.

If you could go back to college again, what would you major in?  If you never been to college, what would you major in if you went?

Cinema and Media Studies. Or Film Studies. Or Journalism.

Who’s your favorite family member and why?

They’re all my favorite! But really, it’s my cat Amy. I named her after Amy Poehler.

What memory would you re-live again?

There are plenty and too many to think about. Gotta keep moving forward!

What’s the last thing you won?

First place in Texas for news writing or something.

What’s the best thing about the 90′s?

I was born. Or Pulp Fiction.

What the worst thing about the 90′s?

I don’t remember.

What TV commercial do you not like?

All of the Kit-Kat ones. They just don’t make that sound.

If you could be in any movie, which one would it be?

I wouldn’t want to be in any movie. I’d like to be on Don’t Trust the B—- in Apt. 23, though.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?

Not to brag, but I’m going to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji next summer. I’m so excited.

How did our blogs meet?

I really don’t know! How did they? For most people, it’s when I was Freshly Pressed (thanks again, WordPress), but I remember you from before. Also, did you like that terrible brag in the last sentence? I did.

Questions from Cinematic, with answers below:

1. What’s a movie that you think is terrible but you enjoy anyway?

RV, the Robin Williams vehicle. It was okay!

2. What movie received positive reviews but you don’t like?

Recently, Prometheus. But some people hated it, so maybe The Secret of Kells.

3. Is there a movie which you disliked the first time but liked later?

A lot of movies grow on me (Young Adult, recently), but only one comes to mind: Despicable Me.

4. If you can meet any director/actor/producer, who would it be?

Charlize Theron. Or Mike Leigh. Or Cristian Mungiu. Or Amy Poehler!

5. If you could change one award at the Oscars, which one would it be?

I’m sure some might say “give Citizen Kane the Oscar,” but I LOVE that it didn’t win. It was voted as the best film ever for… how many… 40 years? The Oscar is one award, and it means less than we think it means. I wouldn’t really change any awards. Even though I disagree most of their choices each year.

6. If there was one movie you could watch over and over for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Some Like it Hot, my favorite of all-time.

7. What film would you like to see a remake of?

I’d pick a good film, but I’m afraid a remake would ruin it. I’d pick a bad film, but I really don’t want to see that. And I’d pick a foreign film, but maybe we should learn to leave those alone.

8. Do you refuse to watch any movie from a certain actor or director just because you didn’t like one of their films?

Well, I dislike a bunch of actors, but if I become interested in a project, I’ll watch the final result.

9. Who is your favorite director?

Billy Wilder/Alfred Hitchcock. Among living/working: I don’t know. Maybe Woody Allen?

10. Which film do you wish had never been made?

Basically any of the crappy mainstream action films that open each weekend. Meanwhile, I have to drive 50 miles each way to see something good like Moonrise Kingdom, Beasts of the Southern Wild, or The Master?

11. What is your favorite moment in any film?

The ends of Some Like it Hot and The Apartment.

My 11 questions

1. What is your favorite book?
2. What is your grandfather’s middle name?
3. Tell a funny travel story.
4. Tell a sad travel story.
5. What do you most want for your birthday/anniversary/religious or non-religious gift-giving holiday?
6. Do you ever let your political views get in the way of friendships?
7. Would you rather receive any property in any spot in the world for free but not be able to go out of a 100-mile radius OR be banned from living in any property for more than a month but have a 70% discount on hotels, airfare, and gas? (Yes, it’s complex, I know.)
8. What is the first film you ever remember seeing?
9. What is your least favorite color?
10. What is on your keychain?
11. Music or talk radio? Explain why, please.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner: Up in the Air
Runners-up: An Education, Brothers, In the Loop

Best Original Screenplay

Winner: Inglourious Basterds
Runners-up: The Hurt Locker, Mary and Max, A Serious Man, Somers Town

Best Editing

Winner: Inglorious Bastards
Runners-up: The Hurt Locker, Star Trek

Best Cinematography

Winner: Inglorious Bastards
Runners-up: Everlasting Moments, The Hurt Locker, Police, Adj., A Serious Man

Best Ensemble Cast

Winner: Up in the Air
Runners-up: Inglourious Basterds, In the Loop, A Serious Man

Best Animated Film

Winner: Mary and Max
Runners-up: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, A Town Called Panic, Up

Best Documentary

Winner: Mine
Runners-up: The Band That Wouldn’t Die, Objectified

Best Foreign Film

Winner: Everlasting Moments
Runners-up: Police, Adj., A Town Called Panic

Best Director

Winner: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Runners-up: Jan Troell, Everlasting Moments; Ramin Bahrani, Goodbye Solo; Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds; The Coen Brothers, A Serious Man

Best Performance by a Female in a Supporting Role

1. Melanie Laurent, Inglourious Basterds

2. Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air

3. Vera Farmiga, Up in the Air

4. Taylor Geare/Bailee Madison, Brothers

5. Emily Mortimer, City Island

Best Performance by a Male in a Supporting Role

1. Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

2. Peter Capaldi, In the Loop

3. Red West, Goodbye Solo

4. Anthony Mackie, The Hurt Locker

5. Denis Menochet, Inglourious Basterds

Best Performance by a Female in a Leading Role

1. Maria Heiskanen, Everlasting Moments

2. Carey Mulligan, An Education

3. Katie Jarvis, Fish Tank

4. Natalie Portman, Brothers

5. Ellie Kendrick, The Diary of Anne Frank

Best Performance by a Male in a Leading Role

1. Jeremy Renner, The Hurt Locker

2. Dragos Bucur, Police, Adj.

3. Michael Stuhlbarg, A Serious Man

4. Souleymane Sy Savane, Goodbye Solo

5. George Clooney, Up in the Air

Best Film of 2009

10. Goodbye Solo

9. Up

8. Objectified

7. Mary and Max

6. Mine

5. A Serious Man

4. Up in the Air

3. Everlasting Moments

2. Inglourious Basterds

1. The Hurt Locker

The scene from The Hurt Locker that decided my mind on what the best film of 2009 was.

We’ve all had friends like the three characters in Tape. Especially us males.

They’re somewhat despicable, but have some perceived redeem-ability… until they go too far.

Vince (Ethan Hawke) and Jon (Robert Sean Leonard) are old best pals from high school. They’ve kept in touch, for the most part, but since their days in school, they’re taken two markedly different paths. Vince is a drug-dealing volunteer fire-fighter, and Jon is a filmmaker. It’s the eve of Jon’s first film’s debut at the Lansing Film Festival that they meet at Vince’s motel room in town.

Tape (2001), directed by Richard Linklater (most recently of Bernie), is based on a one-act play. This is, in fact, a one-act film. As a whole, the film is theatrical in nature, but the most glaring thing that’s a bit quirky about the film is the shooting style. Its subtle voyeurism takes some getting used to, and the back and forth conversation movements aren’t something that multiplex patrons (such as me) are exposed to often.

I had friends like Vince and Jon, who had a certain view of the male friendship. Had. Vince, especially, thinks it’s okay to violate trust and just generally be mean to his friends. This may be fine with people who can take it, but Jon doesn’t seem to be one of those people, so he just throws the hate (real or brotherly) back at Vince. I wonder how much these two best friends really love each other, and I’m sure they wonder (and therefore test) the same thing themselves.

It is an interesting film, but the conversations Vince, Jon, and Amy (Uma Thurman) have are as useless as the ones I’m sure they had in high school. In fact, they really haven’t changed since then at all and, unfortunately, that’s not a compelling enough idea to drive a film. It has some moments of insight on human nature and power (notice that someone is always controlling the conversation, usually causing another character to feel bad or scared about what will happen next), but it’s hard to enjoy a movie with such immature and, as I mentioned, despicable characters.

2/4

So I’m going to still try to see all of the films from 2009 I can before announcing my favorites, but I won’t be able to write up a review for very many of them. I’ll try my hardest, though.

In the meantime, I’ll give you something else. I was twice nominated for the Liebster Award, so I’ll post that when I’m done with it.

Love,

George

Gomorrah is a hard film to watch. Not only does it include a lot of important characters whose names you have to remember and faces memorize, but it’s an honest look at a harsh world.

It takes place in Naples, a city at the base of a volcano and with an erupting gang war on its hands. We’re not sure who is on whose side (at least I wasn’t… I mean, the film doesn’t exact make that clear), and it really doesn’t matter. The point here is that violence is bad, and so is becoming a cog in its machine.

Throughout the film, we follow five storylines. In one, two 19-or-so-year-olds act reckless and get their hands on some guns that don’t belong to them. In another, a tailor takes a job with a Chinese gang instead of an Italian one. In yet another, a 13-year-old babyfaced grocery delivery boy finds some drugs and returns them to their drug kingpin owner, who intrigues him.

Gomorrah leaves you with a lot of things to think about, but not all that much to feel. Only two of the storylines pack anything close to an emotional punch… the rest feel rather reserved. It would have been easier to catch everyone’s names, but even harder to watch their struggles, if it hadn’t been so distant.

I’d also say the first half of the film completely sacrifices emotional connection for story and theme. And that prevents a lot of good scenes from being great scenes.

And a collection of good scenes makes a good movie, but not a great one. Pulp Fiction was great not only because it followed a non-linear timeline, but also because it made you care or at least interested in its characters. Gomorrah does that for some, but not enough of its own to be great.

My rating: 3/4

In consideration for: Best Supporting Actor (Abruzzese), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography

Next week: A Serious Man

What are your favorite films of the year so far?

George (me), Remote Access: I’m counting A Separation, Tomboy, and The Interrupters as 2012, and they’re all at the top of my list right now, and they’re probably on the list to stay.

Jennifer, jenkakio.com: My favorite films so far are The Dark Knight Rises, The Avengers, The Raid: Redemption, Jiro Dreams of Sushi and Moonrise Kingdom.

Charles, Cinematic: If I had to pick my three favorite films of the year thus far, they’d be Moonrise Kingdom, The Dark Knight Rises, and Beasts of the Southern Wild.  All of them are fantastic films that are likely to make my 10 Best list for 2012.

Andy, andywatchesmovies.com: Moonrise Kingdom is the top, followed closely by Beasts of the Southern Wild. Both films are incredibly touching stories (I was not expecting to cry during Beasts of the Southern Wild) but Moonrise Kingdom is just so much fun, it’s almost impossible not to watch the movie with a straight face. Rounding out the top five would be The Dark Knight Rises, Cabin in the Woods, and The Avengers which are all great summer movies.

What are some of the best performances you’ve seen so far?

George: Basically everyone from A Separation was amazing. Zoe Heran‘s performance in Tomboy was a revelation. I also quite liked Jack Black, an actor I’m usually not that fond of, in Bernie. And call me in love, but Charlize Theron is on a roll with Young Adult last year and Prometheus this year.

Jennifer: I can’t get over Tom Hardy‘s performance as Bane (The Dark Knight Rises).  His eyes are so expressive and the way he stands with his hands resting on his vest.  Super powerful.

Charles: This one is tough. I loved both Bill Murray and Edward Norton in Moonrise Kingdom. I was also really impressed by Quvenhané Wallis in Beasts of the Southern Wild, who felt believable in her role, something uncommon in most child actors these days.

Andy: Again, it’s going to be the leads in Moonrise Kingdom and Beasts of the Southern Wild. I’ve always been a huge fan of using non-actors in films because they can often give tremendously realistic performances.

Which films are you most looking forward to viewing that you’ve missed so far?

George: Beasts of the Southern Wild, Moonrise Kingdom, and oh… I don’t know… maybe Brave? Even though I haven’t seen a Pixar film in the theater since Up, and I still haven’t seen Cars 2. Jiro Dreams of Sushi, now that Jen mentions it.

Jennifer: Marley (Bob Marley Documentary), Safety Not Guaranteed, and The Hunger Games.

Charles: I missed A Separation in theaters, though it technically came out in 2011. I already pre-ordered in on Amazon so I should watch that soon.

Andy: I’m sad that I haven’t seen Brave yet and now it seems I’ve missed my chance to see it on the big screen, but I don’t mind picking it up on blu-ray when the time comes. Same with Amazing Spider-Man but I’m not all that excited for it, I just feel like I need to see it. Even though I’ve already seen it, I want to see The Dark Knight Rises again on the IMAX, which I expect to be a vastly different experience… Does that count?

Which films are you most looking forward to viewing that have yet to come out?

George: The Master (Mr. Maya Rudolph’s new film), Django Unchained (Tarantino’s latest), and because I found the ads during the Olympics completely adorable, The Odd Life of Timothy Green. If it’s anything even remotely close to my #2 film of last year, Hugo, then I’ll love it. And it looks like it might be… it looks magical.

Jennifer: The Hobbit, Skyfall, and Django Unchained.

Charles: If I had to pick three, it’d be Lincoln, Life of Pi, and Django Unchained (I’d really like to put The Master on my list).

Andy: Since I loved Coraline, I’m really hoping that Paranorman is a hit, I think it looks like a great time. The Master looks like it’s going to blow my mind, and Paul Thomas Anderson hasn’t let me down yet. Finally, Wreck-It Ralph combines my favorite things, video games and Disney. I’m actually going to be in Disney World around the time of its release, so that’s extra awesome.

Which films would you suggest to avoid this year?

George: I didn’t like Chronicle, but I wouldn’t discourage anyone from seeing it. Anyone who doesn’t like to cry at the movies should probably avoid the brilliant documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey, though.

Jennifer: Total Recall (remake) and Haywire.

Charles: I suggest missing John Carter.  Though the film got more criticism than it deserved just because it flopped in the box office, it doesn’t make it excusable for having an aimless story and bad acting.

Andy: I actually haven’t seen any films yet this year that I would say to avoid. I thought Ted would be a dud, but it was pretty good!

Any other thoughts?

George: I was taken aback by how good 21 Jump Street was, considering how sophomoric the jokes they put trailer were. Never judge a book by its cover, I guess! Otherwise, please seek out Grandma, A Thousand Times. It’s a charming little documentary that might just melt your heart.

Jennifer: I didn’t realize how much I love action movies so much. I haven’t seen any horror movies, which is my number one favorite genre.

Charles: Yes  I only saw a bit of To Rome with Love in the movie theater, and actually enjoyed it quite a bit.  I can’t say that the criticism was invalid because I didn’t see the entire movie, but I now am a little surprised about the negative reviews.

Andy: It will be interesting to see if the lower-budget films of the year can overtake the blockbuster beasts. The Hunger Games will likely get a lot of nominations but I thought it was just OK.

Why then, would I tag that movie along with The Diary of Anne Frank, a film I not only already knew about, but a film that I had seen most of a few years ago (when it aired on PBS in the US)? It was mostly random, I suppose, and I figured that if I had no reason to discuss them together, I could always review them separately. Fortunately for my viewing experience, there was a connection. Don’t you love it when that happens?

Anne Frank, for those of you who don’t know, was a 13-year-old when she went into hiding with her family in 1940s Amsterdam. She hid because she was Jewish. Her life, which was already set to change because she was entering adolescence, was about to be flipped upside down by Hitler and war. During these teenage years in which most people learn life isn’t fair, the lesson would be even harsher for her.

Neither film is particularly plot-heavy. The majority of The Diary of Anne Frank takes place in one location, and for better or worse, the film is much more focused on characters and the interplay therein. Asked to describe what Mid-August Lunch is about, I would say, “food, money, and old people,” and I would be 100% correct. A man takes in three old ladies as favors he owes for not being able to pay rent or bills. And that’s all that happens, really.

The major link between these two films is that they’re both about loneliness.

The teenage angst in The Diary of Anne Frank is often obvious and overdone, and the tension is occasionally forced. Sometimes, it fails to be anything but a scope-less portrait of a growing girl. But it tells a human story, and it does it well for the most part. This isn’t a thriller reenactment or a war epic. It’s an adaptation of the actual diary of Anne Frank, and therefore relies completely on the small things, and whether or not you’ll buy and appreciate them.

Anne (played exceptionally well by Ellie Kendrick) is lonely. She claims no one understands her. These are basic youth complaints, but the fact that it is set against the dreadful background of World War II is what made her writings artifacts, and what makes her special.

The old ladies in Mid-August Lunch are lonely, if not completely alone, as well. Their families neither need nor want them. Gianni takes them in because he’s being forced to, but by the time comes for them to leave, he’ll only let them go if he’s forced to.

In that movie, people find each other and they do live happily-ever-after. In The Diary of Anne Frank, however, things a little more complicated. People find each other, then drift apart, then get angry at each other, then make up and do it all again, because they’re living together in a confined space that wasn’t really meant for living.

But the beautiful tragic truth of the whole film is that they are lucky, as a few characters exclaim with surprising hope throughout the film. They’re lucky not only to still have each other, but also the not be dead yet. And even though their case is special and much more dire, the same goes for the characters in Mid-August Lunch and for us all.

The Diary of Anne Frank: It is at its best when it reaches beyond the trite melodrama and lets Anne be flawed and hit real emotion. Great performances from Kendrick, Iain Glen as Otto Frank, and Tim Dantay as Mr. Kugler. I take or leave Geoff Breton as Peter. 3/4.

Mid-August Lunch: A fun, lively, but modestly paced slice-of-life film that explores people’s need to be needed. Lead actor/director/screenwriter Gianni Di Gregorio seems to be talented in all his roles. 3/4.

Remember, this week on the marathon, we have a double-header: Mid-August Lunch and The Diary of Anne Frank (Masterpiece). Next week, I hope to start posting something mid-week again. Currently, I’m working on an update of the Top 10 Films I WAS Embarrassed I Hadn’t Seen Yet.

Also next week, I’ll start putting together the much shorter back half of the marathon, hopefully with your help.