Movie Review time

Four movies in four weeks, or something like that!  We're on a jag. 

First up was The Descendants, with George Clooney.  Nice scenery, interesting story, George Clooney being pretty much George Clooney, have to give it a thumbs up. 

Second movie not the same as the first.  The scary and violent story of The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo should bring award nominations to its female star, Ronney Mara . We've read the book, seen the Swedish movie version, and were prepared to think the American version would not live up to either one.  But it did! And surpassed!  The story was even slightly improved, the cinematography was gorgeous, the violence there but not gratuitous. 

The third movie we saw was totally up our alley:  Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.  What's not to like?  Set in 1970's London, a thoroughly engrossing mystery, incredible acting from a lot of well known British actors, but especially Gary Oldman who disappears into John Smiley, it's everything a quiet thriller should be.  There's no going to the bathroom during this movie.  It's not that the action is so fast, it's that the clues are coming so stealthily that you have to watch and listen carefully.  Loved it!

Lastly, and most surprisingly, was a small French film called The Artist.  It's a silent black and white movie set in the late 1920's just when film was turning to the "talkies."  You won't believe how charming this actually rather simple story is.  As they say in Sunset Boulevard, it's all about the faces.  Plus a cute little dog almost steals every scene (even I thought he was adorable).