Movie Review: "Big Fish" with Albert Finney, Ewan MacGregor and Jessica Lange

What would you do if you knew exactly how and when you were going to die? That is the predicament in which Edward Bloom (Ewan MacGregor) finds himself after confronting the towns witch on the dare of some freinds. She has a glass eye that shows the future.

Ewan MacGregor is refreshing as the young Edward Bloom, and Albert Finney is simply fantastic as the grown up and dying Bloom. He has lived a full life, rich with fantastic stories, all of which his son believes to be untrue,at best. His father tells stories, tall tales. The son is a writer. There is a conflict between the two stemming from the sons doubt about his fathers tales. He wants to know the truth before the old man passes away.

In a sequence of extraordinary adventures told in flashbacks, this movie is reminiscent of "Second Hand Lions" with Robert Duvall and Michael Caine. It has that same quality. And pretty much the same message.

With an excellent script and flawless direction, this movie is one that I would not have expected to like. Fantasy is not my usual forte. But this one is an inspiring tale of faith in the things you cannot always see for yourself. It is about trust and belief - both in those you love as well as in yourself.

Superb acting by Albert Finney as the old man, Jessica Lange as the wife, and Robert Guillaume as the Doctor. Coupled with the competent acting of Billy Cruddup and Ewan MacGregor this film is one you will want to see twice. It's simply that good.

Movie Review- 10 Items Or Less

I never do movies, so this one must have got to me. If you're tired of your TV/DVD Collection then you might want to check this one out.

Short synopsis: Morgan Freeman plays an aging actor who no longer commands the big roles- so he has agreed to scout out the location of a low budget independent film that he has been offered a part in. It's in L.A. and at a Spanish Grocery. There he meets Scarlet,who is from Spain(played wonderfully by Paz Vega)the checkout girl at the 10 Items Or Less register.

Initially skeptical of him as he checks the place out, he slowly draws on her insecurities and tries to build her up. After he becomes stranded at the store on the eve of the Jewish Holidays she agrees to give him a ride but has to stop for a job interview first. This is her first attempt, at 25, to get a real office type job. He preps her for the interview by going to Target, doing an impromtu interview with her in the car and just getting to know themselves through one another. A warm and uplifting film and well worth the time to watch.

In the end you realize that it is only you that holds you back. You can do what you want. You just need to try. It's okay if you fail. It's never okay not to try again.


(PS Look out for a fantastic cameo by Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman)