" Hotel Rwanda" (2005) PG-13

Amid the holocaust of internecine tribal fighting in Rwanda that sees the savage butchering of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children, one ordinary man (Oscar nominee Don Cheadle) musters the courage to save more than 1,000 helpless refugees by sheltering them in the hotel he manages. Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte and Joaquin Phoenix co-star in this powerful film (sort of an African version of Schindler's List) directed by Terry George.

I couldn't believe what I learned through watching this movie. It is one thing to hear about it in the media reporting, but totally a different heart-wrenching thing to see and hear it portrayed out in a film. My heart totally went out to these good innocent people. I will never understand how hatred can push people to do these sort of things to another human being. But all through history, these sort of things have occurred.

"Jericho" (TV series) TV-14

This CBS drama series revolves around a small town in Kansas that finds itself cut off from the rest of the world after a mushroom cloud appears on the horizon and a TV and radio blackout ensue. Has there been a terrorist attack or a pre-emptive nuclear strike? Faced with terrifying uncertainty, the town -- including the mayor's (Gerald McRaney) prodigal son (Skeet Ulrich) -- begins to come apart at its seams.

This movie makes you really wonder if this could happen to your town. What would you do? What would your town do? An eye-opener movie....very good.

"Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" (2007) NR

A dark chapter of U.S. history comes to light in this epic saga of the U.S. government's extermination of the American Indians. Beginning after the Sioux victory at Little Big Horn, the film traces the stories of three men: a Sioux doctor (Adam Beach), a lobbying senator (Aidan Quinn) and the Lakota hero Sitting Bull (August Schellenberg). The acclaimed cast also features Anna Paquin and Fred Dalton Thompson as Ulysses S. Grant.

What a truly wonderful, gripping movie. It really opens yours eyes to how the American Indians were treated. It is very sad.

"Miracle at Midnight" (1998) NR

A valiant Danish doctor (Sam Waterston) and his family struggle against Nazi oppression and try to help their Jewish countrymen survive the Holocaust by escaping across the Baltic Sea to neutral Sweden. Co-starring Mia Farrow, this taut and suspenseful movie originally aired on television's "The Wonderful World of Disney."

I am drawn and intrigued by any type of movie that is about the Holocaust. Every movie of this type is an eye opener and gives more insights into the compassion of others to help the Jews. This movie was well done.

" Lost" (TV series) TV-14

Stranded on a tropical island after their plane crashes 1,000 miles off-course, a group of castaways must learn to survive in their new home -- as well as avoid the gigantic something crashing through the trees and determine whether they really are alone. Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Terry O'Quinn, Dominic Monaghan and Naveen Andrews head up a diverse cast.

This is such a fascinating, addictive show! I just love it.

"Sibling Rivalry" (1990) PG-13

Marjorie (Kirstie Alley) is the woefully neglected wife of a successful doctor (Scott Bakula). Egged on by her indignant sister (Jami Gertz), Marjorie decides to get back at her husband by having an affair. While out shopping, she's seduced by a stranger (Sam Elliott) and decides to go for it -- but the tryst turns twisted when the stranger dies of a heart attack and Marjorie discovers he's actually the brother of her self-absorbed spouse!

Enjoyable movie. I just love Kirstie Alley's movies. She is a fun actress to watch.

"Message in a Bottle" (1999) PG-13

Based on Nicholas Sparks's best-selling novel, director Luis Mandoki's romantic drama explores the possibility of love amid heartache. Newspaper researcher Theresa Osborne (Robin Wright Penn) finds a letter in a bottle penned by grieving shipbuilder Garret Blake (Kevin Costner), who writes to ease the pain of his wife's death. Carrying her own emotional baggage, Theresa tracks him down -- but their growing attraction is endangered by their pasts.

This is such a heart-rending, yet beautiful love story. I did not want the ending to be the way it was, though! My heart really went out to Garret in his suffering.

"Ground Control" (1998) PG-13

In the stressful business of air traffic control, Jack Harris (Kiefer Sutherland) was the best -- until a crash ended his career. Haunted by the tragedy, Jack struggles to cope. But when a fierce storm cripples the Phoenix airport, he's called back into action. Now, he must fight his demons to clear his conscience and save the lives of hundreds of people. Robert Sean Leonard, Henry Winkler and Margaret Cho co-star in this gripping thriller.

I really enjoyed this movie as it gave me an inside look at what air traffic controllers actually do....and it is unbelievable! This movie was even more enjoyable for me because it had Kiefer Sutherland who plays Jack Bauer from the TV series "24"...and Robert Sean Leonard who plays Wilson in the TV series "House, MD". (Both of these TV shows are my favorites).

"Bounce" (2000) PG-13

Ad executive Buddy (Ben Affleck) switches airplane tickets with a stranger, who unfortunately dies when his plane crashes. Greatly troubled, Buddy looks up the man's widow, Abby (Gwyneth Paltrow), unexpectedly falls in love with her and rediscovers his hope in the process. As the romance blossoms, Buddy works to keep Abby happy and hide the fact that he was indirectly responsible for her husband's untimely death.

Enjoyable movie, sweetly romantic. Ben Affleck is great in this and he gets very emotionally teary eyed several times.

" Stone Pillow" (1985) NR

The legendary Lucille Ball takes on a more somber role than usual as bag lady Florabelle in this heartwarming movie about hope and friendship. Florabelle becomes the unwitting guide to the streets for Carrie (Daphne Zuniga), a New York social worker who thinks she has lessons to offer the down-and-out clients she serves at the homeless shelter. Soon, however, Carrie realizes that she's the one who has much to learn.

An eye-opener type movie about homeless people living on the streets, and the problems and dangers they sometimes face. Lucille Ball was marvelous in this role of a bag lady.

"Definitely, Maybe" (2008) PG-13

Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) is getting a divorce, prompting his precocious 11-year-old daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin), to ask how her parents met. As Will relates his romantic history (changing the names of his past girlfriends), Maya tries to guess which of the three women in his story would someday become her mother: college sweetheart Emily (Elizabeth Banks), best friend April (Isla Fisher) or free-spirited journalist Summer (Rachel Weisz).

Sweet movie...I love these kind. Abigail Breslin is her ususal wonderful! This movie also makes you keep guessing which girl is her mother.

"One Missed Call" (2008) PG-13

Cell-phone messages describing victims' last moments on earth are the only links connecting a string of deaths in this supernatural chiller. When two of her friends die after receiving such calls, college coed Beth Raymond (Shannyn Sossamon) contacts the police, who dismiss her story -- with the exception of Det. Jack Andrews (Edward Burns). The two team up to solve the mystery, but when Beth's phone rings with an eerie refrain, is her number up?

This movie is tense but not gory like I was afraid it might be. Not bad at all.

"Kate & Leopold" (2001) PG-13

Chick-flick favorite Meg Ryan is Kate, a woman who's been burned by love. Her scientist ex-boyfriend discovers a portal to travel through time, and he brings back a 19th century nobleman named Leopold (Hugh Jackman) to prove it. A skeptical Kate reluctantly takes responsibility for showing Leopold the 21st century ropes and soon falls for him. But Leopold must go back or forever change history.

I thought that this was such a cute movie. I love Meg Ryan in any movie, because she is so fun to watch and I also like movies that cross time barriers.

"Paradise Road" (1997) R

When the Japanese overrun Singapore during World War II, many women and children end up in a prison camp. Although they are of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds, the women form a bond as they cope with the brutal behavior of their captors and the lack of food and medical care. Bruce Beresford directs an ensemble that includes Glenn Close, Frances McDormand, Cate Blanchett, Pauline Collins, Jennifer Ehle and Julianna Margulies.

Good movie. Another eye-opener to the treatment of others in prison camps. Glenn Close was wonderful in this.

"Never Back Down" (2008) NR

When a quick-tempered teenager (Sean Faris) moves to a new town and faces the challenges of attending a new high school, he seeks solace in an underground fight club, where he's taken under the wing of a mixed martial arts expert. Employing nonstop tension, inspiring training sequences, gripping fight scenes and a pulsing soundtrack, this film will amp up martial arts practitioners and enthusiasts alike.

I thought this film was very good. I am not a hard movie critic...I watch to be entertained, not to tear a movie to shreds with criticism. Sean reminds me of a young Tom Cruise. This movie has lots of action, and a chance for someone to change themself, which is always applaudable.

"50 First Dates" (2004) PG-13

Henry (Adam Sandler) is a player skilled at seducing women. But when this veterinarian meets Lucy (Drew Barrymore), he realizes it's possible to fall in love all over again … and again, and again. That's because the delightful Lucy has no short-term memory, so Henry must woo her day after day until he finally sweeps her off her feet. Costars Sean Astin, Dan Aykroyd and Rob Schneider.

This is the cutest movie ! I never tire of it....and keep shedding tears at the end, each time. Adam and Drew are perfect together.

"Take the Lead" (2006) PG-13

When a former professional dancer (Antonio Banderas) offers his skills to the New York public school system, his traditional methods clash with his students' hip-hop sensibilities. But by combining the two techniques -- and learning to work together -- the class creates a style uniquely their own. Alfre Woodard co-stars in this inspiring dance drama based on the real-life experiences of instructor Pierre Dulane.

This was a fun movie...very enjoyable to watch the students slowly calm down and begin to enjoy dancing and to see the change it made in them and their lives.

"Tuesdays with Morrie" (1999) NR

Based on Mitch Albom's nonfiction best-seller, this film begins as Morrie (Jack Lemmon) collapses and is subsequently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease. Then, it's a quick cut to Mitch's (Hank Azaria) hectic life as a sports columnist cum television host and his long-term relationship. When Mitch learns his beloved professor is dying, he reconnects with his mentor and learns from him all over again -- this time, about life.

This is a most touching and wonderfully tender story. Morrie is a sweet lovable character who ends up making a huge impact on Mitch's life and changes it greatly. I have watched this film twice now and will not tire of it.

"The Madness of King George" (1994) PG-13

The dementia of King George III (Nigel Hawthorne) -- the English monarch who lost the war to keep the American colonies -- sets into motion a flurry of political and familial treachery to gain power. Based on Alan Bennett's play, the film provides insight into the primitive medical practices of the time and co-stars Ian Holm, Helen Mirren, Rupert Graves and Rupert Everett. Hawthorne and Mirren received Oscar nominations for their performances.

I found this a very interesting, shocking and amusing movie. I was so inquisitive of the real nature of the kings illness, as portrayed in this movie, that I did a Google search to read up on him. Yes, I found it to be true.

"24" (TV series) TV-14

Follow 24 hours in the life of federal counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland). Taken together, the 24 hour-long episodes track one full day (from midnight to midnight) in Jack's hectic day, using split screens and a real-time clock to tell a tense, interweaving story about Bauer, his wife and daughter, a presidential candidate targeted for assassination, terror attacks striking cities across the U.S. , terrorists threatening to release a deadly virus in L.A., and more exciting plots.

This is another TV series that I am hooked on. I rent these from Netflix. This is a very exciting and good show. It is extremely well done, using split screens that adds a lot to the viewing.

"House, M.D." (TV series) NR

Fox television's hit hospital drama stars Hugh Laurie as bumptious Dr. Gregory House, a brilliant diagnostician with a brutal bedside manner. Along with his handpicked team of specialists -- including neurologist Eric Foreman (Omar Epps), immunologist Allison Cameron (Jennifer Morrison) and oncologist James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) -- House looks to remedy obscure medical disorders ... even though he loathes his patients.

I have began to rent each of these episodes from Netflix. I just LOVE them. For me, it is a show that I am hooked on and can't wait for each disc to come in the mail. Dr. House is hilarious. True, sometimes he can be a little rank...but even that is funny.

"Regarding Henry" (1991) PG-13

Henry (Harrison Ford) is a wealthy and successful lawyer whose life with his wife (Annette Bening) and daughter seem perfect, but in reality, Henry is cold-hearted and bitter. But all that changes when he's shot in the head during a robbery and must endure a slow and grueling recovery. As he relearns even the most basic of tasks such as walking and tying his shoes, a loving, caring man appears, much to the shock of his family and friends.

This is such a wonderful movie. It was very interesting to see Henry's struggle to come back into his life, but with a much changed personality. Harrison Ford was great in this movie. I am very glad I saw this film.

"The World's Fastest Indian (2005) PG-13

Based on a true story, this drama follows 67-year-old grandfather and New Zealander Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) as he flies across Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats and blazes into the record books at 183.586 mph on his customized Indian Scout motorcycle. Set in 1967.

An interesting movie about a man's life dream and his hard work and determination to achieve it. Anthony Hopkins did a good job.

"My Flesh and Blood" (2003) UR

This documentary tracks a year in the life of Susan Tom, a courageous California woman who has adopted 11 "special needs" children, including a girl born without legs, a girl badly disfigured from burns, a boy afflicted with a deadly skin ailment and a troubled boy with cystic fibrosis. The film captures many happy times such as school dances and summer vacations, but also depicts heartbreaking events such as hospital visits and a death.

This film was very interesting to watch the strength and love which this woman has for all these special needs children and the tremendous amount of time it takes to care for each one's individual needs.

"Jumper" (2008) PG-13

The product of a broken home, Davey Rice (Hayden Christensen) is looking for a way to escape from his abusive father -- and finds it when he discovers he can teleport himself at will. But Davey's newfound powers soon become a double-edged sword that exacts a terrible price … and attracts unwanted attention from the National Security Agency. Director Doug Liman's sci-fi thriller also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Diane Lane and Tom Hulce.

This was a very interesting movie with it's special effects. I liked it.

"Behind the Mask" (1999) NR

Based on the real-life experiences of Dr. Robert Shushan and James Jones, Behind the Mask depicts the unlikely bond that is formed when two dissimilar men find that they can help each other in unexpected but much-needed ways. The story begins when Shushan (Donald Sutherland) suffers a sudden heart attack at his clinic, and Jones (Matthew Fox), a disturbed young patient, is there to save his life.

I enjoyed this movie about a patient who struggles to be normal and like other people. We get glimpses of his inner-self and the support and trust given him by the Doctor.

"Awakenings" (1990) PG-13

Based on the true story, medical researcher Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams) attempts to treat a group of patients who've laid comatose in a Bronx hospital for 30 years. Sayer prescribes an experimental drug, and it works. Robert De Niro co-stars as a patient unconscious since adolescence who must come to terms with life as an adult.

A very interesting movie, I thought. I really enjoy movies based on anything medical, and especially if it is a true story. This was a very enlightening movie...and Robert DeNiro did a fastastic job of portraying someone going through all sorts of uncontrolled body movements as a result of his response to experimental drugs used to treat his condition.

"With Honors" (1994) PG-13

Harvard public-policy major Monty Kessler (Brendan Fraser) finds himself in a pinch when his thesis ends up in the hands of Simon Wilder (Joe Pesci), a resourceful vagabond living in the university library's basement. Sensing a meal ticket, Simon offers to trade pages of the essay for food and lodging. An unlikely bond forms between the pair, and Simon teaches the self-absorbed, overachieving Monty that there's more to life than book learning.

This is a very likable, funny movie. I loved the vagabond character of Simon. He was quite witty and amusing.

"In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale" (2007) PG-13

When the Krugs -- a violent race of brutes who are controlled by the evil Gallian (Ray Liotta) -- kill his son and kidnap his wife, Farmer Daimon (Jason Statham) sets off on a quest for revenge. Along the way, he meets those who vow to help him in hopes of bringing peace to their beloved kingdom. Leelee Sobieski, Burt Reynolds, Claire Forlani and John Rhys-Davies co-star in this fantasy adventure based on the popular role-playing game.

Generally I do not like these types of movies, but I thought this one was very good and it held my attention.

"The Lake House" (2006) PG

Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves reteam for romance in director Alejandro Agresti's remake of the Korean film Siworae, exploring a mysterious mailbox that somehow bridges time. After moving away from her peaceful lakeside home, a lonely physician (Bullock) begins writing letters to the frustrated architect (Reeves) who now occupies the building, only to discover that they're living two years apart.

One of my favorite movies. I am a sucker for the romantic type. In this movie, I found myself trying to figure out how the two of them could possibly get together.

This movie is a lot like "The Love Letter", except in that movie, one of them lives in the 1800's and the other lives in 1998.

"The Love Letter" (1998) PG-13

This "Hallmark Hall of Fame" romance based on Jack Finney's short story follows two kindred souls living more than a century apart. After history buff Scott Corrigan (Campbell Scott) buys an antique desk, he discovers in it a letter written by Civil War–era bride-to-be Elizabeth Whitcomb (Jennifer Jason Leigh). The poignant missive prompts Scott to mail a response – which Elizabeth shockingly receives, sparking a magical correspondence.

A fun, interesting love story...yet very unusual. Quite a bit like the movie "Lake House". I loved this movie.

"Martha, Inc" (2003) PG

Cybill Shepherd stars in this biopic of Martha Stewart, the exemplary homemaker who built an empire out of her skills after launching a magazine and wildly popular television show. Showing a side of the perfectionist Stewart most have never seen, the film follows her career from her meteoric rise to her 2003 indictment after a stock market scandal, after which she resigned as CEO of her company. Based on Christopher M. Byron's best-selling book.

This movie on the life of Martha Stewart and a side of her personality that I did not know... was a real shocking eye opener for me. Martha is a strong extrovert, while I am the opposite...so I felt very turned off by her. She is very gifted in her craft and talents...so I give her an "A" for that. But I did not like how she treated other people.

Cybill Shepherd does an amazing job of acting Martha's part and I think she even looks a little like Martha. I did like this movie, though, because I love biopics.

"JFK: Reckless Youth" (1993) NR

Originally produced as a television miniseries based on the best-selling book by Nigel Hamilton, this nostalgic biopic records the first 30 years of a young John F. Kennedy (Patrick Dempsey) -- before the presidency came knocking. From Kennedy's affair with a beautiful journalist (Yolanda Jilot) who was believed to be a Nazi spy to his ongoing feud with his father (Terry Kinney), this drama captures the makings of a complex and controversial man.

A very interesting, good movie. I learned a lot. Patrick Dempsey is his usual "great".

"The Snow Walker" (2003) PG

Charles Martin Smith helms this survivalist adventure tale starring Barry Pepper as cocky, hotheaded bush pilot Charlie Halliday. During a routine stop on a supply run in Canada's Northwest Territories, Charlie agrees to transport a critically ill Inuit woman (Annabella Piugattuk) to a Yellowknife hospital. But the plane goes down in the Arctic tundra, leaving the twosome marooned -- and facing the brutality of the looming northern winter.

This is a good survival movie, which is one of my favorite types. The suspense of "will they make it" is what keeps my attention and heart rate up.

"The Ron Clark Story" (2006) NR

Idealistic young teacher Ron Clark (Matthew Perry, in an Emmy-nominated role) is full of hope as he leaves the familiarity of his hometown for New York City's provocative and volatile inner-city public school system. Clark's fearless devotion and fresh approach to learning is his key to unlocking the chains of ignorance that bind his students. Randa Haines directs this Emmy-nominated biographical drama based on the inspiring true life of the innovative educator.

I love movies that are based on true stories. This one is very exceptional...the educator Ron Clark is an amazing, relentless advocator for his extremely difficult students. He has the gift and ability to change lives. Matthew Perry is amazing in this film.

"Lucky Seven" (2003) PG-13

Amy Myers (Kimberly Williams) is on track to meet Mr. Right, who, according to her deceased mother, will be the seventh man with whom she falls in love. But when Amy thinks she's found the perfect mate in No. 6, she finds herself in a conundrum: Should she quit while she's ahead and settle down, or should she hold out for No. 7? Patrick Dempsey, Brad Rowe and Gail O'Grady co-star in this original romantic comedy.

This is a very nice romantic comedy. I like those kind. And Patrick Dempsey's character is the one you want Amy to choose. (I certainly would!!!) This movie is one that I enjoy watching often.

"P.S. I Love You" (2007) PG-13

Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank), a young widow living in Dublin, has just lost her beloved husband Gerry (Gerard Butler) to a brain tumor. Inconsolable, Holly finds that Gerry left for her a series of letters to help cope with the grief. As months pass, Holly discovers new messages from Gerry encouraging her to go on living. And while Holly's friends fear the letters will mire her in the past, they, in fact, give her strength for the future.

This movie is such a wonderful, beautiful love story. It takes you through the deep, sorrowful process of grieving and into the light of hope and renewal. Hilary Swank does a superb job !!

For me, this is a watch often movie.

"What Happens in Las Vegas" (2008) PG-13

After a night of heavy partying in Vegas, two strangers (Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher) wake up to realize, much to their displeasure, that they've gotten married, and now, each must vie for a $3 million jackpot won since their wedding. They try every trick in the book to get their hands on the cash, but as fate would have it, the more zealous they become about seizing the riches, the more passion they develop for each other.

I absolutely loved this movie! It is so funny. It is the kind of movie I could turn right around and watch again.

"The Hours" (2002) PG-13

This gripping drama follows the parallel lives of three 20th-century women. The incomparable Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman, in an Oscar-winning performance) is hard at work on the classic story of Mrs. Dalloway while battling depression in the 1920's; Laura Brown (Julianne Moore), is an unsatisfied 1950's housewife who finds solace in Woolf's novel; and Clarissa Vaughn (Meryl Streep) is a modern-day book editor who's losing her former lover to AIDS.

For me, this movie was a little confusing at first, as I tried to tie the characters and the three different time periods together. But it was an okay movie.