Three sentence movie reviews: Lords of Dogtown

lords_of_dogtown

It’s a boy-centered story about skaters from the 70s directed by a rock star female director.  Thus, a movie that could have been an action bro-fest is still captivating in its execution, but is also overlaid with a depth of feeling I was not at all expecting.   When it was over, I wanted more, so I partook in the rare action of watching ALL of the DVD extras* which were also** fun.***

Cost:  Free from Netflix
Where watched: at home.

*In which Catherine Hardiwicke was described as a “method director,” a description I loved.   The person making the comment talked about how in shooting the surf scenes she was in her wet suit in the water with the actors the whole time.
**Just hearing about how even the skate instructor had to learn on the skinny 70s skateboards was interesting.
***I also spent some time feeling sad for the loss of Heath Ledger.  Man, that guy could disappear into a character.

poster from: http://www.impawards.com/2005/lords_of_dogtown.html

Three sentence movie reviews: Under the Tuscan Sun

under_the_tuscan_sun

A perfectly fine illustration of a woman who bought a villa in Tuscany and all the interesting, funny and quirky things that happened there.  Diane Lane was here usual solid self and everything just clipped along in a good and interesting fashion.  Overall, it was the kind of solid Sunday afternoon movie you can watch with your mom and grandmother.

Cost: free from employer-funded Netflix
Where watched: at home.

poster from: http://www.impawards.com/2003/under_the_tuscan_sun.html