Lantana  (2001)      

9 /10

Exceptional adult drama focusing on infidelity and the emotional intricacies of relationships. Cast is top notch, especially Anthony LaPaglia, creating entirely natural characters. Focused and paced far better than most in genre.  [English, 121min, R]

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The Last Castle  (2001)      

8 /10

By-the-numbers "group of guy's coming together despite differences" action/drama. However, it follows through so well that lack of originality is forgiven; Redford and Gandolfini (sporting a vulnerable lisp) make good opponents.  [English, 131min, R]

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The Last Seduction  (1994)      

8 /10

Linda Fiorentino, as a very sexy femme fatale, is in the league of Kathleen Turner in Body Heat. A tight little film that sizzles on emotional and sexual manipulation, topped off with reasonable plot twists and a few surprising revelations.  [English, 110min, R]

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Lawn Dogs  (1992)      

6.5 /10

Odd mishmash of Burton-esk caricatures and sporadic real-world danger. Sam Rockwell is hard to like as sexual ambiguous "have-not" gardener who befriends a precocious little rich girl (an exceptional pre-Dakota Fanning Mischa Barton). Class division creates tension within cartoonish gated community, but threat of violence is unconvincing until shocking, blood soaked finale that steers story into full throttle fantasy. Well-shot, provocative film that switches stylistic gears too often for it's own good.  [English, 101min, R]

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Lawrence of Arabia  (1962)      

8.5 /10

Amazingly well made movie (especially in the cinematography department). Epic in every sense of the word but emotionally unstable title character, played otherwise superbly by Peter O'Toole, is difficult to relate to. Fully lives up to the cliché of  "they definitely don't make 'em like this anymore."  [English, 216min, PG]

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Legends of the Fall  (1994)      

7 /10

Cinematographer’s wet-dream of vast Midwest landscapes paired with good old fashion love’n’war melodrama confirmed Brad Pitt’s popularity among female audience. While story line follows border-line laughable streak of depressing events, cast puts forth such worthy effort in portraying material seriously that even overblown moments ring true. Hopkins, excellent as helpless observer to son’s tragedies, serves as emotional core for epic timeline.  [English, 122min, R]

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Let the Right One In  (2008)            

8 /10

A provocative tale of friendship between alienated youths? Or a sinister manipulation fed by animalistic survival? Interpretation aside, Swedish director Thomas Alfredson exquisitely  photographed horror-drama humanizes the vampire genre in ways not seen since 1996's Habit. Both child leads impress, particularly Lina Leandersson, exuding a wisdom and sexuality beyond her years as Eli. Violence arrives in vicious, stylized bursts, no better realized than in the jaw-dropping poolside finale.  [Swedish, 115min, R]  6/09

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Life as a House  (2001)            

7.5 /10

Kevin Kline pulls out a decent dramatic role from his mostly comic arsenal, as dying father trying to build both a house, and a relationship with his estranged son. Hayden Christensen, in his first public showing, is surprisingly good as anti-social rebellious youth (then Lucas gave him a light saber and his acting ability was questioned until Shattered Glass). Familiar territory for sure, but sturdy construction, including some beautiful photography, make for an enjoyable, moving drama.  [English, 125min, R]

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Life or Something Like It  (2002)            

6.5 /10

Although the incredibly sexy Jolie is strong along with supporting cast, movie's premise about controlling one's fate becomes predictable and cliché just when it should have gotten interesting. A darker and more dramatic version would have fared much better as an Indy flick. Features some credibility straining depictions of broadcast news world.  [English, 103min, PG-13]

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LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring  (2001)      

8.5 /10

One of the largest productions of the last 10 years pays off with breathtaking images creating a fantasy world unlike any before (and there's still 2 movies left!). Single most impressive aspect is the acting, typically sub-par for this genre, here elevated by likes of Ian McKellen, Christopher Lee, and Ian Holm...not to mention impressive turn by lil Elijah Wood. Hard to believe this is the same Peter Jackson that made Frightners in '96.  [English, 178min, PG-13]

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LOTR: The Two Towers  (2002)      

7.5 /10

At times technically masterful, continuation suffers from ill advised changes in character priority, poor editing choices, an overload of plot, and severely reduced screen time for Gandalf, the keystone of the first film's emotional arch. Battle of Helm's Deep is spectacular feat in digital FX, but intensity is diluted by "action movie invincibility" of main characters. Most engaging drama comes from Gollum, even if sporadically convincing in realism.   [English, 108min, R]

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Lovely & Amazing  (2002)

6.5 /10

Although not "amazing" (there aren't any major revelations), this portrait of unhappy women seeking fulfillment is an intriguing watch. Acting is especially strong from Emily Mortimer who is in one of the highlight scenes (involving a critique of her body) and Jake Gyllenhaal yet again impresses in his 'almost-too-small' role.  [English, 108min, R]

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Love Story  (1970)

5.5 /10

Only memorable for music score and ultra-melodramatic line (albeit highly repeated): "love means never having to say you're sorry"...which, incidentally, is bull excrement. Acting from Ali McGraw & Ryan O'Neal is adequate until tragedy strikes, where neither has the intensity to successfully pull off potentially potent emotional moments - bed side death scene is painful for all the wrong reasons.  [English, 99min, PG]

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