Newish movies

Newish movies this time. Sort of new.


Charlie Wilson's War

An unlikely looking contender for a watchable movie. Carousing politician Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) sorts out the Russian attacks on Afghanistan in a clandestine but very effective way. Apparently based on a true story. Amy Adams plays the assistant, Julia Roberts plays the socialite, Philip Seymour Hoffman plays a guy who gets things done. I like him. Here's a tip for if your lashes get clogged with mascara. Use a clean dry old mascara brush to separate them, don't use a safety pin!



Sunshine Cleaning

Amy Adams again, and Emily Blunt. They need money so start a business cleaning up after messy deaths. Quite watchable, not terribly disgusting.



Year One

Rising star Micheal Cera and reliable funny man Jack Black. Historical, not quite hysterical, but funny nevertheless. Some Pythonesque lines "I'm not a slave, I'm a volunteer". Stupid funny, but yes, it's moderately funny.



The Man with the Golden Arm

Frank Sinatra gets out of jail intending to be a drummer in a big band. Supposedly wheelchair bound wife is not happy about it. Sometime girlfriend (Kim Novak) lets him practice at her place. He gets back in with the druggie gambling crowd and it all falls apart. Intense depiction of going cold turkey. Just say no, kids. Could have been a contender, but didn't quite make it. Could have had that Tennessee Williams claustrophobic intensity, but didn't get there. Sinatra is good, it's not his fault.



Nothing exciting this time.