Anatomy of a Murder

Nominated for seven Oscars, this legal thriller profiles the attempts of country lawyer Paul Biegler (James Stewart) to exonerate Frederick Manion (Ben Gazzara). Charged with a local barkeep's murder, Manion claims the victim raped his wife (Lee Remick). Employing a temporary insanity defense, Biegler tries to outmaneuver slick celebrity prosecutor Claude Dancer (George C. Scott), but discovers there's more to this case than meets the eye.

I love Jimmy Stewart. I don't know that I have ever seen him in anything that I just couldn't stand. This is one of his great performances, allthough I wasn't particularly impressed with the film. Everything is great except for the ending. A suprise ending it was, but not the suprise I expected, if that makes any sense. You're left with a sense of confusion about who was the good guy, and who was the bad guy. Surprisingly, there were a few rather adult themes and conversations throughout this film. -->Kimball***

Netflix link to Anatomy of a Murder

The Spanish Prisoner

Never trust what you see. When a naïve inventor (Campbell Scott) develops "The Process," a top-secret program guaranteed to make billions for his company, the wolves come out -- to fleece him. David Mamet wrote and directed this twisty mystery with masterful sleight of hand. Powerful performances by Ben Gazarra and Steve Martin, plus plenty of surprises and stings, make The Spanish Prisoner the ultimate con flick.

This is a pretty good show as a backup. The acting by Campbell Scott and Steve Martin is good enough. Felicity Huffman's character is odd at first and it seems that she is a poor actress and too predictable, but, wait, is she, or is she acting? The mystery is good, and the clues are well laid out. Be patient, you may like this one after all. -->Kimball***

Netflix link to The Spanish Prisoner

Man on Fire

Creasy (Denzel Washington) is a former federal agent whose outlook on life is anything but sunny. While in Mexico City, he halfheartedly takes a job protecting the child (Dakota Fanning) of a couple whose lives have been threatened. The little girl begins to grow on Creasy, and the two form a bond that revives his trampled soul. But when she's kidnapped, Creasy's fury is unstoppable as he desperately tries to save her. Tony Scott directs.

What can I say...You've got Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, and Dakota Fanning. I love this show for several reasons. One, just because. Two, It's a great hero story involving the ultimate sacrifice for love, and it's a love developed unwillingly. But, who coldn't love Dakota? And, I think Christopher Walken is a great supporting actor every time. This film is graphically violent for which it get's its R rating. -->Kimball****

Netflix link to Man on Fire

The Maltese Falcon

This Oscar-nominated noir classic stars Humphrey Bogart as private eye Sam Spade. When sultry Miss Wonderly (Mary Astor) seeks out protection from a man named Thursby, Spade's partner (Jerome Cowan) takes the case -- and winds up dead, along with Thursby. Spade's hunt for the killer leads him into a world of deception and double crossing, as a trio of criminals search for a priceless statue known as the Maltese Falcon.

Here’s a great old murder mystery. Full of suspense, great acting, and great directing. This is a classic "who done it." It’s hard to go wrong with Humphrey Bogart anyway. Add to the mix Peter Lorre as a clever little Chinaman and Mary Astor as the sneaky sympathy seeking fake and it makes for a very colorful list of characters. The question is, just where is the Maltese Falcon. Huh, can you guess? –>Kimball

link to The Maltese Falcon

The Last Sin Eater

Ten-year-old Cadi Forbes (Liana Liberato) lives in an 1850s Appalachian community proud of its faith and its ability to keep secrets close to home. Wracked with guilt over the tragic death of her little sister, Cadi seeks out the only person she believes can help her -- The Sin Eater (Peter Wingfield). Michael Landon Jr. directs and Henry Thomas and Oscar winner Louise Fletcher star in Brian Bird's screen adaptation of Francine Rivers's novel.

I must say that this is probably the best of Michael Landon Jr.. The film was a bit strange at first, but the story really developed well. The problems associated with community secrecy and false tradition to cover sin is really portrayed well. Liana Liberato does a convincing job portraying Cadi Forbes, the little girl who leads the whole community on a path to repentance and reconciliation, as she seeks for forgiveness herself. The film has a few scenes of violence and some difficult emotional scenes, perhaps a bit disturbing for the kiddos. –>Kimball

Link to The Last Sin Eater