Tristan and Isolde (2006)

Starring: James Franco, Sophia Myles, and Rufus Sewell

    Although not the strongest script, the lack of coherence is redeemed by strong performance. With a back story similar to that of Troy and Romeo and Juliet, war between Britain’s tribes and Ireland is at hand. The strong emotion and conviction of lovers torn are well performed by James Franco as Tristan and Sophia Myles as Isolde.
    After the fall of the Roman Empire, a treaty is attempted to unite the tribes of Britain against the Irish King. The treaty is not completed because the Irish attack the meeting, killing young Tristan’s parents. English orphan Tristan grows up to be very handy with a weapon under the wing of the British King. After a battle with the Irish, Tristan is presumed dead and lands on the shores of Ireland. He is nursed back to health by Isolde, the Irish King’s daughter, and the two of them fall passionately in love. As complications arise, the British King and Isolde are wed and Tristan is heart broken. As in most Shakespeare like tragedies a secret love affair occurs in which the climax takes root and a resolution of death takes place.
    The Irish King gives a convincing portrayal of a ruthless man who would eventually disown his daughter. Unfortunately, along with this great performance, a noticeable inconsistency is displayed with the passing of time. It is confusing at times about how long has passed between certain scenes.There are some incoherent scenes through out the film that are coupled with weak dialogue but redeemed by strong acting performances by James Franco, Sophia Myles, and Rufus Sewell. The choreography for the fight scenes are performed well giving the film a well needed dose of excitement.

Recommendation: Rent it!

The Last Song (2010)

Starring:  Greg Kinnear, Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Kelly Preston

    Although Miley Cyrus’ acting is not one to be remembered during award season, the plot and character interactions bring a realness that most Hollywood movies can lack. This movie touches the heart and keeps the audience engaged with its powerful take on family dynamics accompanied by a sentimental soundtrack.
    Greg Kinnear and Miley Cyrus do a fine job with the father-daughter dynamic in this heartwarming film adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ novel. The viewer finds them trying to reconnect and rekindle the family bond that they used to have.
    Ronnie (Cyrus) doesn’t understand why her parents (Preston and Kinnear) got divorced. She thinks her father, a piano playing, music lover, abandoned their family, so their communication is non-existent.
    After Ronnie meets Will (Liam Hemsworth) on the beach, her spirit is uplifted and a connection is re-established between her and her father. “I’d probably talk about this with a girlfriend if I had one out here...”, Ronnie says to her dad as she comes home from a date with Will.
    The viewer soon finds that everyone is hiding something (except the little brother who is nothing but adorable and able to make a grown man cry). Cyrus is most endearing as she loses her rebellious attitude and her child-like innocence is explored. Kinnear shows that being a father is challenging, but overall, rewarding.
    After a while, Ronnie comes to realize that her father is someone who cannot be replaced, and Kinnear discovers life has its obstacles no matter how hard you try to avoid them.

Recommendation: Wait For TV!

The Awful Truth (1937)

Starring: Carey Grant, Irene Dunne, and Ralph Bellamy

    The comedic timing of the handsome Grant and beautiful Dunne are a nice flow to this rousing plot. This film is full of great times and the notion that you never forget your first love. As the couple try to break up each others new relationships, this movie instantly develops into a comedic classic.
    Carey Grant and Irene Dunne do an outstanding job as a couple trying to settle with the terms of their divorce that will become final in 90 days.
    Dunne’s character is alone without an escort while her aunt lives with her during the finalization of her divorce. After her aunt meets the wild-west character played by Ralph Bellamy, she jumps at the chance of forgetting about Jerry (Grant). Their relationship escalates rather quickly as an engagement is introduced as soon as the divorce between Grant and Dunne is finalized.
    After Jerry sees his wife and her new escort together at a club, he does his best to help Dunne see that she doesn’t belong with this "Oklahoma man". He tries to portray the idea that being away from the New York shops and on the Oklahoma terrain will be a big change for Dunne.
    After a comedic “scandal”, Bellamy breaks it off with Dunne who was okay with it, because she was going to break it off with him. Three months later, Grant is said to be engaged, and Dunne doesn’t approve of that since she is still in love with him. So she tries to let him know that he doesn’t belong with this new woman.
    Both Dunne and Grant hide their true feelings to each other. Dunne is most charming as her mischievous schemes are explored. Grant shows that being in love is about trust, faith, and the enjoyment of each others company.

Recommendation: See it!