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Beyond the Blockbusters - Summer 2006 List
The Big Red One
Lee Marvin leads a group of raw recruits of the First Infantry Division through an 
epic series of battles during World War II. The youth of the cast lends a touch of realism. Rated R
Drumline
A college freshman learns lessons in love, loyalty, and humility while playing in the school’s flamboyant marching band. A familiar story in a fresh setting. Rated PG-13
Kristin Lavransdatter
With a film directed by Liv Ullman, photographed by Sven Nykvist, and based on a Nobel-winning story – this reviewer probably doesn’t need to say more. But I will. The visuals alone make this movie worth viewing. The story is compelling and the directing impeccable. Beautiful film.
Not Rated.
Mostly Martha
For all you Food Channel buffs, this one’s for you. The title character is a tough restaurant chef who will enthrall you with her uncompromising kitchen and her culinary skills. Martha’s well-ordered life takes a turn when two unexpected people enter it and challenge her way of living. What is it about food preparation or for that matter consumption, on film that is so fascinating? Rated PG
Nobody’s Fool
Paul Newman stars as a small town loser whose world unexpectedly changes for the better when his estranged son and grandson re-enter his life. Rated R
Secondhand Lions
An adolescent boy is dumped for the summer with his eccentric uncles. Rumor has it that they have a stash of ill gotten riches, but he soon discovers that the real treasure is the gusto with which they’ve lived their lives. Rated PG
Shattered
An amnesiac whose face was reconstructed after a near fatal car crash struggles to piece together the ill-fitting fragments of his life. The plot thickens as his feeling for his wife don’t jibe with the stories his friends tell him about the state of their 
marriage. Rated R
Very Annie Mary
British humor at its quirkiest, with the added twist of Rachel Griffiths. If you’re a Six-Feet Under fan, you’ll love this movie for Brenda alone! You will sit aghast to watch Griffith’s play this feeble-witted young woman. A bit schmaltzy but fun. Solid cast with equally solid acting.
Rated PG
Vera Drake
Another British film, but very different than Annie Mary. The title character is a good Samaritan who takes care of everyone around her, in post-war London. Those close to her, however, are surprised to find that her caring also includes helping young women get abortions. When this is discovered Vera goes on trial. This is an excellent film, directed by Mike Leigh. Imelda Staunton who plays Vera, won an academy award nomination for this role - you’ll soon see why. Rated R
Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl
Joan Chen’s directing debut movie is based on actual events that took place in 1970’s China. A difficult tale of a Chinese girl who gets ‘sent down’ to the country to receive specialized training, Xiu Xiu will keep you in awe with visuals and events that seem hardly able to be real, and yet they were. This film will stay with you long after you walk away from it. Rated R
Last updated: March 18, 2010