Saturday movie review: 'Saving Mr. Banks' — plus a film freebie for readers

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Saving Mr. Banks poster

As is the case with, well, pretty much everyone around the world, MARY POPPINS has long been a favorite Disney film of mine. I loved it as a child, shared it with my now-adult daughters, and it's the first live-action Disney movie I shared with my eldest grandson — who was immediately enchanted by the film though not quite three years old at the time. 

Because of my affection for MARY POPPINS, I looked forward to SAVING MR. BANKS from the moment I'd heard about the film. I had the good fortune of attending...

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'Gene Kelly: The Legacy' — Patricia Kelly on her late husband, plus exclusive Q&A

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In one of the highlights of last month's Starz Denver Film Festival experience, Jim and I had the fabulous opportunity to attend Gene Kelly: The Legacy — An evening with Patricia Ward Kelly. As guests of Mrs. Kelly. What a fabulous treat it was.

Patricia Kelly on Gene Kelly

Patricia Kelly's two-hour, behind-the-scenes presentation highlighted her late husband's life and legacy in a sentimental, intimate manner no other biographer might be able to do. "Since I had the privilege of recording his words nearly every day for over ten years," Mrs. Kelly told me...

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Saturday movie review: 'At Middleton'

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Many readers know I have a, well, history with the romantic comedy AT MIDDLETON, starring Andy Garcia and Vera Farmiga. I first saw the film at the AARP Life@50 Conference in Atlanta in October and afterward had the unexpected and delightful opportunity to meet — and hug! — Andy Garcia. The memorable moment was a fantastic closing to my AT MIDDLETON experience.

Quotes from AT MIDDLETONOr so I thought. Turns out that was just the beginning.

Through an interesting turn of events, I ended up covering the red carpet screening of AT MIDDLETON at the Starz Denver Film Festival in November. I photographed and spoke to not only...

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Holiday movie review: Disney's 'Frozen'

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The holiday season is undeniably a hot time for film releases. Disney's FROZEN is one of the hottest for those looking for a movie that will appeal to not only both genders but to a wide range of ages, too, from the tiniest moviegoers on up to their grandmas and grandpas.

Disney's FROZEN

I say that with confidence based on my recent viewing of FROZEN, which I had the opportunity to do for free, courtesy Disney. My husband and two...

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Saturday movie review: 'Delivery Man'

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Delivery Man

In DELIVERY MAN, which opened in theaters yesterday, Vince Vaughn plays David Wozniak, a simple yet good-hearted and, truth be told, sort of irresponsible fella who just finds out he's a father — to 533 children. Children whom David never knew about til now because he was instrumental in their being only through a period of prolific sperm donoring 20 years before.

Early in the film, David finds out he's being sued by 142 of those now-adult kids thanks to a mix-up on the part of the sperm donor company. David's identity was supposed to remain anonymous forever after making his donations. No more. Hilarity as well as heartfelt moments prevail as those kids band together in hopes of outing and connecting with Daddy.

The timing of the paternity nightmare couldn't be worse for David, as he just learned he's becoming a daddy once again.

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Saturday movie review: 'The Truth About Emanuel'

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THE TRUTH ABOUT EMANUEL is a wholly original and unpredictable film on grief and the stories that keep us afloat. Emanuel's story is that she killed her mother. Or that's how Emanuel (Kaya Scodelario) puts it in the voice-over in the movie's first scene.

As the dark film begins, it's days before Emanuel's eighteenth birthday. Emanuel detests birthday celebrations, though, because her mother died giving birth to her. Her combative attitude through much of the film makes it seem she detests far more than just her birthdays, including herself.

The Truth About Emanuel
(from left) Kaya Scodelario and Jessica Biel in THE TRUTH ABOUT EMANUEL.

Emanuel lives with her father (Alfred Molina) and a stepmother she treats horribly. She seems fragile and ready to come undone any moment. The situation — and Emanuel's psychological state — take a complex turn for the worse when a young mother (played by Jessica Biel) moves in next door.

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'Labor Day' movie a tender ode to imperfect people... and pie

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I tend to expect the worst yet hope for the best when it comes to movies based on novels I loved written by authors whom I've long adored. Such was the case with LABOR DAY, a film directed by Jason Reitman based on the novel of the same name by author Joyce Maynard.

Joyce Maynard on her grandmotherI read Joyce's novel not too long ago. I literally hugged the book to my chest after reading the final page, I loved it so. Because of my love for the book, when I had the opportunity to screen the film — which opened the Starz Denver Film Festival — I feared I'd be disappointed.

Thankfully my fear was unfounded.

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