Movie Reviews by Aj

Hello all! I'm a fan of movies and I love to write. Could there be a better combination?

From time to time, I will be reviewing movies and posting my thoughts, good and bad. We all know that movies can break your heart, and make you almost die laughing.  I watch all kinds of movies (especially the obscure ones) and I love to talk about them. And who knows? You might read about something here that sounds interesting to you. Have a minute? Check it out!

Movie: The Astronaut Farmer

Obsessed with space travel, Charlie Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton) has big dreams of launching a rocket. Despite being the laughingstock of his small town, the discouraging words of others are not about to make this simple man give up his life-long aspiration of being an astronaut.
And it's not like he's completely without experience. As an aerospace engineer in the Air Force, flying the F-4 Phantom just isn't enough. Charlie Farmer builds a rocket in his barn and will not back down even under intense scrutiny and opposition. His wife, (Virginia Madsen) shares his dream, and before long, their teenage son and two young daughters are whisked away from their classrooms and enlisted in the Farmer Family Space Program.
Fuel-shopping for the Farmer's rocket alerts the FBI and the FAA. News crews descend upon the ranch and a media frenzy ensues as the whole world gets swept up in rocket fever. The Farmers, penniless and facing foreclosure proceedings, dodge Children's Service workers  and are suddenly saved when a wealthy family member conveniently dies and solves all their problems.
I wanted to like this movie, but I could not. Elton John's classic 'Rocket Man' in the ending credits was only enjoyable because it signified the end of the film. The characters were vapid, underdeveloped and stereotyped as ignorant, uneducated hicks. Charlie Farmer's largest obstacle and naysayer was (Spiderman) J.K. Simmons, the best acting in the movie and still not saying much.
It is movies like this that make me wonder about Billy Bob. With the exception of a few worthwhile scenes with Bruce Willis, the Astronaut Farmer never quite takes off.

MOVIE: 'Volver'--Starring Penelope Cruz

I viewed ‘Volver’ starring Penelope Cruz on 7/3. I was home alone and searching for a good movie on OnDemand. I wanted something stimulating, but I didn’t want to think too much! Quite frankly, I’ve been waiting to see Penelope Cruz in something that impressed me more than her performance in the the rather avant-garde film “Vanilla Sky”. ‘Volver’ was her ticket to redemption.

Set in Spain, the first scene of this film shows many widows cleaning headstones, hurriedly polishing and dusting on a windy day. I was instantly curious while viewing this and found that this humble reverence for the sick and dead was prevalent throughout the entire movie. So many of the little things about this film fascinated me. Theirs is a village where people buy their headstones in advance, and care for them their entire lives until they come to their final rest. Mourners walk through the streets following a single car during funerals, widows are the majority, and the villagers are superstitious and claim to see spirits. It is this unforgettable simplicity that makes ‘Volver’ a must-see film if only to remember an older time, and to linger there awhile.

The story unfolds gradually and envelops you in beauty and poignance. It’s difficult to date the story, which is part of its charm. The setting seems like it could be modern day, or ten years ago. It doesn’t seem to matter what time period it may be, and it’s not like you could know for sure. There’s nothing that gives it away. It’s easy to just fall into a world where there seems to be no ticking clock, no concept of time passed except for stories growing older. Even the subtitles didn’t bother me. In fact, I wasn’t as tired as I thought I was. The sweet allure of sleep that late evening was no match for ‘Volver’. I resisted the urge to nod off, enchanted by the simple, beautiful setting and a plot that turned sharp and wicked before I expected.

Get swept up in the winding story of Raimunda (Penelope Cruz), and her family of hidden secrets. Mourning the loss of her parents that perished in a fire, Raimunda works desperately to raise her daughter despite an abusive husband and money troubles in rural Spain. Just when you think that’s all it’s about, think again. What is the real story of that horrible fire that claimed two lives? Did Raimunda’s mother really die? Why does Raimunda guard her childhood so secretly? And what harrowing secret does Raimunda keep hidden to protect her daughter?

I urge you to consider this film. Penelope Cruz displays depth and raw talent that is sure to please. Supporting actors lend a hand to create a well-rounded balance. There is a simple and meaningful quality about this movie that will warm you with old-world charm. If you are interested in a great story that will keep you guessing, be sure to make some time for ‘Volver’.