Writer/Director Tamara Jenkins must be commended for her intelligent writing and equally intelligent independent film. It is a story that could easily have been turned into a Hallmark Card, but it is not only smart, funny, and touching, but also painfully realistic. Philip Seymour Hoffman has always been fun to watch on screen, but this year has been especially kind to him. In addition to this film he opened in The Devil Knows You’re Dead, and Charlie Wilson’s War. His on screen excellence is matched by the always wonderful Laura Linney. Together, I think they are the most natural actors in Hollywood. They play brother and sister who are thrust into the reality of caring for a parent who never really cared for them and can no longer function in a retirement community. The aging father is admirably played by Philip Bosco, a gifted character actor you will recognize on screen even though you may not remember his name. The title of the film refers to the family name, though it was, no doubt, chosen for it’s other meanings as well. The film focuses on the middle aged children facing their demons. Author/director Jenkins calls it a "coming of middle age" story. Hints of childhood abuse are never overplayed and though the material can be sad and touching, Jenkins is a master at finding the humor. I liked this movie a lot, but Barbara liked it even more. GRADE A/A-

Tim Burton has already demonstrated his interest in the unusual and macabre, so he was the perfect choice to film this dark tale of the Demon Barber’s revenge against those who wronged him. In his filmed version of the Broadway play, Burton paints a dark canvas, making the Dickensian streets of London look exceedingly dismal. The only bright color in the film is the blood—and oh, there is a lot of blood. Don’t see this if the sight of blood disturbs you. In a nod to the Coen Brother’s famous wood-chipper scene in Fargo, Burton even shows us Mr. Lovett’s mincer as it churns out the main ingredient in her meat pies. A sight we were spared in the stage version. Johnny Depp is outstanding as Sweeney Todd. Of course his acting is brilliant—with Depp that’s a given—but who knew that he could also sing? And Burton’s wife, Helena Bonham Carter is equally marvelous as Mrs. Lovett, the maker of the "worst pies in London." Both Carter and Depp received Golden Globe nominations. Alan Rickman’s Judge Turpin is sufficiently malevolent to warrant his fate, and Timothy Spall, playing the Judge’s partner in wickedness, Beadle Bamford, is wonderfully disgusting. What little humor there is in the story comes primarily in the lyrics, and with the cockney accents, you may find some of them a bit difficult to understand. (For this reason, Gary gave the film a grade of B.) But, if you’re a fan of the musical, and an admirer of Johnny Depp, by all means give Sweeney Todd a look. I give it an enthusiastic B+. GRADE B+/B

This film is a double delight: you learn something while being entertained. Based on the true story of U.S. Congressman Wilson whose position on three key committees allowed him to arm the Afghanistan Mujahedin and help them triumph over the Russian invaders. It was a win-win situation at the time—we helped end the Cold War by helping Afghanistan overthrow our mutual enemy. Only in the light of current events, do we understand the consequences of that covert war. But, as I said, you will be entertained, especially by the performances of Hanks as Wilson and Philip Seymour Hoffman as Gust, an unlikely C.I.A. agent. They are both splendid. Julia Roberts takes the part of Joanne Herring the real-life socialite who joined Wilson in the scheme to defeat the Communists. Roberts looks great. Amy Adams proves that she is just as good playing a real girl as she was playing a Princess in Enchanted. But the real star of the film is the crackling smart dialogue of Aaron Sorkin. It’s like watching the best of The West Wing and really made me miss those first few years of that terrific TV show. Did I mention that it’s also quite amusing? Knowledge, amusement and Oscar-worthy performances all rolled up into one film. Gary says A– and I agree. GRADE A-