Time to take stock, filmwise, of the year that was. My grading system (from 0—none this year though I could barely bring myself to give a 6 to the much-applauded Tree of Life—to 20) helps do a quick scan of the hundreds of films I’ve seen in 2011. What does a film have to be and do to get 20? Keep me consistently engaged, not have any off moment, not have any special goofs or anachronistic ... more >
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The King’s Speech
We loved it and you should too
Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush
Directed by Tom Hooper
Yes, I know. “The King’s Speech” has been called yet another period piece in the Masterpiece Theatre mold or a glorified “Upstairs, Downstairs,” the upstairs being the British Royals and the downstairs the commoners, including physicians who tend to said Royals. And yes, the story is predictable and we know how it ends. Yet, and this is a huge yet, “The King’s Speech” is much more than the sum of ... more >