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I am not a harsh movie critic...I watch to be entertained, not to tear a movie to shreds with criticism.
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

"The Painted Veil" (2006) PG-13

Shunned by a husband (Edward Norton) who's more interested in his research, the simpleminded Kitty Fane (Naomi Watts) embarks on a quest for life fulfillment. Along the way, she ignites a passionate affair with a dashing womanizer (Liev Schreiber) and travels with her husband to the Far East, where she turns her attention to fighting the cholera epidemic. Diana Rigg co-stars in this period drama based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham.

Interesting movie about the trials and struggles of fighting poverty and disease in other countries.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

"Anne Frank: The Whole Story" (2001) TV-14

Anne Frank's acclaimed diary, kept while in hiding in Amsterdam during World War II, enjoys the highest readership of any book ever printed (except the Bible). This filmed version fills in gaps omitted when her father (the only family member to survive the Nazi holocaust) submitted the work for publication. The story follows Anne to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where she died just days before liberation.

I am very much drawn to articles, books, and movies depicting the truths and events of the Holocaust period. This movie gives broader and additional insights into the Frank family ordeal. This movie in NOT a documentary. This is a good companion movie to the one called "The Diary of Anne Frank" (also not a documentary). My heart deeply goes out to all those who suffered in the Holocaust.

"Blonde" (2001) NR

Poppy Montgomery plays the leading role as history's most iconic blonde -- Marilyn Monroe -- in this made-for-television miniseries that also stars Patricia Richardson as Marilyn's ill-fated mother, Griffin Dunne in a thinly veiled portrait of husband and playwright Arthur Miller and Sky McCole Bartusiak as the young Norma Jean. Rounding out the impressive ensemble cast are Wallace Shawn, Patrick Dempsey, Kirstie Alley and Ann-Margret.

I really got a good insight into Marilyn Monroe by watching this 2-disc movie. It was very interesting to see how Hollywood treats their stars. Sometimes it is not very nice.