Magnolia

On one random day in the San Fernando Valley, a dying father, a young wife, a male caretaker, a famous lost son, a police officer in love, a boy genius, an ex-boy genius, a game show host and an estranged daughter will each become part of a dazzling multiplicity of plots, but one story. This picture meanders along for too long a time, however somehow you find yourself looking at the clock after three hours going really. I have very mixed thoughts about this film, it is very good at times and very strange at other times.

Music of the Heart

When Roberta's husband left her for a family friend, she left the security of her small town and moved to East Harlem to give kids the hope, pride and power to make something of themselves with the most unlikely tool - fifty violins. After ten years of teaching, the school decided to cancel her funding. With the support of her friends and the community, she sets out to fight back. Meryl Streep gives an outstanding performance. No violence in this movie but enough so you understand the type of area they are in. A Wes Craven Film ? How does someone whose only claim to fame is Freddie, do a female version of Mr Hollands Opus and make it touching?

Sixth Sense

Eight-year-old Cole Sear is haunted by a dark secret: He is visited by ghosts. A helpless and reluctant channel, Cole is terrified by threatening visitations from those with unresolved problems who appear from the shadows. Confused by his paranormal powers, Cole is too young to understand his purpose and too terrified to tell anyone about his torment, except Bruce Willis. Surprising ending to this movie and is the best acting that Bruce Willis has done to date. This movie is a Don't Miss.

Sleepy Hollow

At the end of the 18th century Ichabod Crane is not a school teacher, He is a constable in New York city sent to investigate a series of murders in Sleepy Hollow since his 1999 views on police behavior do not conform to the standards of the time. He discovers that the headless horseman was actually summoned by the wicked step mother. He does not disappear, he get the girl and returns to New York. The Gothic setting is fun but the story is not very close and Tim Burton has done much better, not for the kids though, there is a lot of violence and gore in this movie.

Snow Falling On Cedar

On a wintry Pacific Northwest island community in 1950, a quiet fisherman stands trial for murder. It looks like a straightforward case of cold-blooded homicide. But as the trial unfolds, the simple story of the man's death unravels into a deeply haunting mystery and an extraordinary tale about the persistence of hate and the power of love.  This is a beautiful movie, many consider it slow but I was captivated by the story and by the beauty of the pacific northwest setting. 

Stigmata

When a young woman displays the wounds of Christ (stigmata) from an unseen force, the spiritual implications of the incidents drive a Vatican official to send a priest to investigate. Upon witnessing her affliction firsthand, the priest becomes more concerned with saving her life than debunking her claims. This movie seems to be advertised as a possession film but is not. Surprisingly thoughtful movie for its genre. This movie is disturbing and powerful.

Story of Us

15 years of marriage, can there really be anything left after that. Bruce Willis and Michele Pfeiffer portray a couple who have drifted too far apart until there doesn't seem to be anyplace they can both get to that will save their marriage. Well done, not cloying with some humor.

The Green Mile

Steven King done by Tom Hanks, a very good combination.  This movie explores the relationship between a prison guard and an inmate on death row for the murder of two little girls. The inmate turns out to have miraculous powers, that makes Tom question his guilt. That's all I'm going to say about this one, go see it. 

Toy Story 2

Woody is worth big bucks to an unscrupulous toy store operator. Buzz Lightyear and friends must trek 19 blocks across the city and then penetrate a 23 story building to rescue their friend. Once again a children's movie will keep us adults in the theatre having fun. If you have children or even if you don't, this movie is fun and the animation if great.