Watched this movie this week, thought it was really good and at least different from much of the Hollywood stuff that gets released. Especially liked the excellent acting performance by Paul Giamatti. Reminds me of the great job he did in American Splendor. I linked to the review at MovieGazette, which describes the movie pretty good.

This week I watched this movie, and thought it was very nice. It’s about an immigrant who gets stranded at JFK, because there is a civil war going on in his home country and he can’t get a new valid passport. Just like in Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks plays a very easy to like character. From the first scenes on, you love the guy and you only wish him the best . Though he acts a little ‘too stupid’ at first, but I guess we just have to assume that’s because he doesn’t understand the language, and has no clue what is going on. Needless to say Catherina Zeta Jones looks lovely and the support cast is really good too, like Chi McBride (Boston Public). Like all ‘feel good’ movies this one ends happily though with a twist. It even gets a 7.0 at IMDB. Go and rent/ buy it if you can.

Ever since I got a U2 special edition Ipod in december, I have been checking out various podcasts and was seriously questioning what all the hoopla was about. I do like the slashdot podcast, but it’s not much different than browsing the slashdot site. The Reel Review podcast really adds to the site’s content. It’s like a really good radio show, though with one big difference, YOU decide when you want to listen to it. It features reviews of classic (and not so classic) movies. So in case you’re interested in that kinda thing make sure to check it. The new edition has a review on Wim Wender’s Paris Texas, which made me want to order the DVD right away . Shows you how much love for movies goes into this podcast. Really looking forward to the Apocalypse Now cinephile series.

When I noticed that this movie was available, being a big Johnny Depp fan, I had to get it right away. Already read some good reviews and it’s rated a whopping 8.3 at IMDB ! And I must say, even though the expectations were high it certainly didn’t disappoint me. Depp does a very fine acting job, even uses a mild, though believable scottish accent. Kate Winslet is fine as well, and even Dustin Hoffman has a small part.

The movie is about the author of Peter Pan, around the time he wrote that play. His previous play had flopped and his marriage was going bad. Then he met the widow (Winslet) in the park with her children. They become closer and closer, and being a big kid himself (I am sure just about every man has heard that at least once in his life) he gets along very well with the children. I won’t tell you the rest, just watch it for yourself, but it’s not all happy (luckily). The 25 empty seats was a very nice touch, it certainly surprised me . Go and see it when you can. One of the best ones of 2004. And it’ll definately be one of the best DVD releases of 2005.

Here is a fine review of this movie.