Charlottes Web Movie Review a 2006 film starring Julia Roberts, Steve Buscemi and directed by Gary Winick.From the opening credits (done with skillful paper art used for a storybook, “3-D” effect), Charlotte’s Web is charming. To quote the spider, Charlotte (and I suspect author E.B.White would agree), this film version of his story is both “Terrific” and “Radiant”. I was in tears by the end; this film spins a web of great humor and visual delight, and a very moving sort of beauty in both content and form. I was very struck by the art direction….moonlight on Charlotte and her web, the lane turning from Summer to Fall; the wonder of the Fair, with multitudes of details, all done in bright, small spots of color, equally treated, whether balloons or people much thought and talent was put into the making of this film. Read all movie reviews

The Shipping News Movie Review a 2002 film starring Kevin Spacey, Julianne Moore and directed by Lasse Hallström. The Shipping News is unusual, filled with mystery, drama, and a wonderful sense of place. It’s a film about overcoming tragedy and personal shortcomings, yet there is nothing predictable or familiar about it. The characters are unique, the setting is breathtaking, and Kevin Spacey is perfect as the awkward, failure-haunted Quoyle. Read all movie reviews

In Her Shoes Movie Review a 2005 film starring Cameron Diaz, Anson Mount and directed by Curtis Hanson In Her Shoes is one of those lovely mixes that actually works: part comedy, part drama. Some message, some malarkey. If you’ve enjoyed Cameron Diaz in There’s Something About Mary; Toni Collette in Muriel’s Wedding, or Shirley MacLaine in Terms of Endearment, there’s a bit of this film you’ll find both familiar and fresh. Read all movie reviews

Good Night and Good Luck Movie Review a 2005 film starring Jeff Daniels, David Strathairn and directed and written by George Clooney.  Intelligent and stylish, Clooney’s  Good Night and Good Luck is about journalist Edward R. Murrow’s exposure of Senator Joe McCarthy’s un-American attack on alleged Communists. It is filmed in delicious 1950s black and white, as if the whole film is colored by Murrow’s clear character: subtle, strong, sure, straight. Read all movie reviews