More Movies
V for Vendetta
Hooray for the Wachowski Brothers! They have a way of dealing with conspiracy ideas that get your attention. In this semi-action movie they look at some future England under a ruthless dictator where freedoms are being taken away. A masked rebel (or terrorist, depending on which side you're on) works to change things while a detective looks for him. The pyrotechnics are excellent, the message clear, though stilted, but it sure kept my attention.

Rocky Balboa
Sly Stallone gives us old guys something to work for. I admit it- I was taken by surprise by Rocky Balboa (Rocky 6?) It took me back to the power and gentleness of the original. It brought Rocky himself to light as a guy looking just to be a good man, a caring father, a touch of humanity. Being only a little less than 2 years younger than Stallone I found myself reaching down inside me for some of that reminder that the young people don't have all the good stories to tell. It also reminds me that the winner isn't always the winner. That there's more to winning than taking home all the glory. Yes, I am waxing nostalgic and schmaltzy. So what! Us old guys can do that.

Sophie Scholl: The Last Days
Standing up to Hitler was not an easy thing to do, but Sophie Scholl did it with power and grace. There is more talking than action- but, oh, what talking it is. Julia Jentsch is stunning in the lead role. One reviewer commented that there probably wasn't a better performance in any movie last year. I agree. The movie was a nominee for 2005's best foreign film. It is moving and challenging.

What is most challenging about Sophie Scholl may very well be the question: "Could I have done the same?" What a scary answer I often get to that question. I pray that I will never have to answer it.