Hugo  (2011)

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Chloë Grace Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen

Director: Martin Scorsese

A boy named Hugo (Asa Butterfield) is orphaned after his father dies in a fire. Taken in by his drunken uncle who runs the massive clocks at the Paris Train Station, Hugo winds up (no pun intended) alone, once again, after his uncle disappears. Fending for himself, Hugo keeps the clocks running while working to restore a mechanical (automatronic) man, a museum relic on which his father had been working.

A colorful ensemble of characters frequents the train station, echoing the charms of an old Charlie Chaplain film. Among the denizens is a shopkeeper, George Méliès (Kingsley), who has it out for Hugo, convinced that Hugo had been stealing mechanical parts from his merchandise. The train station's sole constable (Cohen) also presents a constant threat to Hugo, as he tries to capture the homeless boy, eager to remand him over to an orphanage.

Computer assisted imagery and masterfully blended cinematography combine for a visually stunning film. Legendary director Martin Scorsese imbues the production with sentimentality and nostalgia harkening to the days of silent film (again no pun intended).

As daily life unfolds, Hugo secretly befriends the shopkeeper's goddaughter, Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz), who mysteriously happens to possess a special key, the only one that can unlock and make function the mechanical man.

Romantic side tales embellish, as well do several classic silent film clips. Inspiring and entertaining, Scorsese adds to a generous legacy.

My grade: A

Robert George Reoch

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy  (2011)

Starring: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth

This confusing story keeps one's mind busy. It's spy versus spy, who-is-who, and what-is-what. By the end, I was uncertain whether I had assembled all the pieces correctly. The main question was who is the mole within "The Circus" (the uppermost group of agents within the British intelligence agency, MI6, in 1973).

Gary Oldman creates a richly layered character in George Smiley, whose charge it is to discover and expose a spy within the small upper echelon of secret agents and double spies, known as "The Circus." Deserved of his Oscar nomination, Oldman anchors this film solidly. He renders a complicated character, ruminating over a personal crisis and holding it in, while working under the radar to draw a traitor out into the open.

Colin Firth is Bill Haydon, one of Smiley's associates (and possible suspect). Leads are followed and the mystery deepens. We learn that Haydon is also the source of Smiley's personal crisis. Several characters are examined in sordid detail, revealing a vulnerable team where personality traits influence outcomes in unexpected ways. These aren't just cardboard cutout spies.

I felt relief at the end, if not somewhat satisfied by the unexpected outcome. Enjoy this film for the actors.

My grade: B+

Robert George Reoch

Dear PP,

First, I'm amused by your addressing me as "Dear Sweet Robert." I kind of like that. In fact, I think you're onto something. This could be the start of a new moniker for me, an excuse to write more bullshit. I could even become a regular advice columnist!

Now, back to your inquiry about coupon pizza:

Coincidentally, I have the exact same pizza problem as yours and of course, I know exactly how to handle it. My partner, too, has been buying frozen pizzas using coupons for years. I suggest you stop fighting it. As you probably know, pizza isn't all that bad in moderation. Also, there is no stopping an avid coupon freak. As far as eating too much pizza, even if your partner turns into a blob, you don't have to follow suit (or dress, as may be the case). At dinnertime, simply serve the cooked pizza accompanied by a large salad, or sides of raw carrots and celery sticks (or other fresh veggies). Then just have one slice of delicious pizza for yourself and let your partner eat the rest. He can even take leftovers to work for lunch. You both win! And remember, your coupon queen (or king) is saving you both money.

Dream House  (2011)

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz

Explaining the plot would give away too much. Suffice to say this is a clever story with some very twisted twists involving murder, ghosts, and insanity. The best aspect of this movie is the dedicated acting, which propels an otherwise dreary film. Poorly edited, and sloppily directed, I was left disappointed.

My grade: C-

Robert George Reoch

Give Me a Topic and I'll Write about It

Seriously, I would enjoy the challenge! My experiences are wide and varied. I know a little about everything. I'm great at doing research too. I'll put my own bent on any subject and post it right here on my blog.

Just leave a comment with your suggested topic and I'll write about it. Don't be shy. I won't receive that many, so your suggestion won't get lost. You'll remain anonymous unless you specifically ask to be identified.

Let's hear your ideas. I hope you will enjoy my posts about your topics.

Thanks!

Robert George Reoch

The Ides of March  (2011)

Starring: George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood

Director: George Clooney

George Clooney plays it safe in this middle-of-the-road election politics drama. It's a timely story. The structure is by the book. The acting is slightly more than competent, although Paul Giamatti, as the rivaling campaign manager, manages to raise the pitch more so than others do.

Personally, I would have developed the character of Molly (Evan Rachel Wood) a little farther to expand the emotional dynamics a bit. There was plenty of time to do that, given this film goes just 101 minutes.

Philip Seymour Hoffman is in everything these days. I admire his work ethic and his craft.

I haven't seen any other George Clooney directed films as of this writing, so I can't compare this one to his others. I like this film. It was worth the price of renting it.

My grade: B-

Robert George Reoch

                          "Oink, Oink!"

Some people love to watch really bad reality shows, especially the ones with people arguing and generally not getting along. With control of the TV remote out of my hands, I was recently subjected to watching Hoarders, a show about people who are compulsive keepers of junk. It's one of those shows ...