Petals On The Wind

-Siblings attempt to put their lives in order after escaping their grandparent's attic.

-Bailey Heather Graham, Butain, Dylan Bruce, Wyatt Nash, Rose McIver, Ellen Burstyn


Petals on the Wind, the next book in the popular series, written by V.C. Andrews. The follow-up to Flowers in the Attic. A book I read and loved in the 1980's. In fact, I have read and adored most of V.C. Andrews' books in my youth. And still have several of them on my bookshelf today!

After watching these two movies - as an adult, I really see that I had no business ever reading them at such a young age! The impression it made on me as an adult was the of extreme inappropriateness. Yet, as a kid reading these books, I don't recall being overly phased by the violence and incestuous story lines. Perhaps I really could not wrap my head around what it really meant. Or perhaps I just took it for what it was and didn't give it a second thought.

Nonetheless, as a tween, teen and 20-something (y/o) I adored the stories. Addicted to them in fact.

Having had so much time pass since I had read Petals on the Wind, perhaps I had forgotten what had happened in the book. In fact, my first words after having watched the movie was that I needed to re-read If There Be Thorns before that movie was made.

So, lets get in to it.

This movie was released on Lifetime last week, I had it PVR'd but promised my sister that I would not watch it until she got here for our movie night. So, together we watched Petals on the Wind last night. And we were both floored.

I have to say that I thought it was infinitely better than Flowers in the Attic. (Both versions.)

The incest scenes are very uncomfortable to watch. For obvious reasons!  The death of Carrie was sad. Although she was clearly nuts. Was that rude? lol Okay, she was .... shall we say - special?

Christopher is a tad fixated on his sister Cathy and in his love for her. Essentially wanting to repeat the life led by their parents.

Cathy is clearly crazy. (I'm sorry, there is no nice or politically correct way to put it. Girlfriend is cray-cray!) Yet she remains my favorite. Her ultimate revenge on her mother was delicious! The scene at the top of the stairs during the party - where she announces her pregnancy and lays all of her mother's dirt out for everyone to see, was A-Mazing!

Let's put it this way, I have now watched Flowers in the Attic three times, and each time I promptly deleted it from the PVR once the movie had ended.  I watched Petals on the Wind last night and it is still on the PVR - as I feel I may need to watch it again.

I am giving this movie 4 boxes of popcorn. But perhaps instead of butter, cheesy popcorn  would be more appropriate.  It is a fun follow-up in the series (in a guilty pleasure sort of way) and leaves me looking forward to the next movie.

 

Lovelace

Dramatizing the life of adult-film star Linda Lovelace as she attempts to regain control of her life from a manipulative husband.

-Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard, Hank Azaria, Sharon Stone, Adam Brody, James Franco.

I remember being in grade school when the book Ordeal came out. I remember classmates passing the book around like fire. You weren't anyone if you had not read Ordeal. Looking back as an adult, knowing what I now know - through life - through maturity, as a child of 12 years years of age we had no business reading such a book. But in truth, I don't think any of us could really grasp what the words meant. Or that it was the story of an actual person. A woman. And what that woman had actually gone through in her young life. 

To be honest, even as an adult, I never gave the life of Linda Lovelace much thought. A porn star. Simple. Right? Well, not so fast. In truth it really is a story like many other stories. Not unlike that of Tina Turner for example. A man taking control of a young woman, and forcing her to do what he wanted her to do. To make him money. To pay his debts. To support his addictions. And the greater the debts, the greater the addictions, the greater the fame .... the greater the tasks the young woman was made to do. And the greater the force, with which, she was made to do them.

First by sweet talk, chivalry, charm, then later by force, abuse, battery, rape. Violence. 

Women all over the world live this story. Perhaps not to the extreme. Or perhaps indeed to the extreme. But because they aren't famous, nobody ever realizes it. 

I got around to watching the biographic movie of Linda Lovelace's life today. And I just could not believe my eyes. Even though I have seen a hundred of these movies. And even knowing abuse in my own early life. Somehow we still can never wrap our head around how someone can be so controlling. How a human being can enslave another human being,, a man forcing a woman in to doing what he wants. And calling it love.

It is sad. Sickening. Heartbreaking. And in the end there is a dawning of strength. The power of resilience or the soul that forces us to rise above that, which has kept us down for so long. That, which has enslaved us in one way or another. The punch. The gun. The abuse. The violations. 

Linda is known best for her movie Deep Throat. A movie she was forced to make, for her husband Chuck Traynor. Who beat her into submission. At the end of Lovelace, it states that Deep Throat grossed over $600 million. Linda only ever saw $1250 of the profits. 

Her body became a commodity. Her soul and self worth pushed aside until the day where her own personal breaking point came and she ultimately could not live another day under the gun. She had to break away. She had to fly. And fly away she did. 

If you haven't yet seen Lovelace, I encourage you to watch this movie. A movie of struggle, youth, innocence lost. A movie about a man who abuses a young girl. An industry that takes advantage of a young girl. And how that young girl finds her strength and courage and breaks free. How that young girl crosses the line from victim to survivor. And then goes on to give a voice to the victims of abuse against women, for the next twenty years of her life.

Truly empowering and inspirational. As a friend of mine put it. "You walk away with a whole new respect for Linda Lovelace."  

Hopefully you will also leave with a new respect for yourself. :)

I give this movie 5 boxes of popcorn. 

Flowers in the Attic

-Louise Fletcher, Heather Graham, Ellen Burstyn, Victoria Tennant, Kristy Swanson, Jeb Stewart Adams, Ben Granger, Lindsay Parker.

-An evil old woman keeps her four grandchildren under lock and key in the family mansion. Based on the V.C. Andrews best-seller.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past three decades, you are fully aware of Flowers in the Attic and have probably read the book - several times!  I know that I certainly have. In fact, I have read most of V.C. Andrews books. Flowers in the Attic being the first, and will probably always be my most favorite.

So naturally when the 1987 movie based on the book came out, I was THRILLED!!! Soon to be followed by extreme disappointment. Let me be frank. It totally failed!! 

Let me just say - in it's defense - that for me, I find that whichever you are exposed to first will always be your favorite. If you read a book before seeing the movie - you will love the book and the movie will never be as good. And the same goes the other way around. If you see the movie first - the book will leave you lost.

It was definitely that way for me with the first movie. And had I been doing reviews back then, the movie would have certainly gotten one box of popcorn - only because my rating system does not have a 0.

With all of that said, Lifetime premiered a remake of Flowers in the Attic tonight. The 2014 version. The previews looked amazing and I was excited. Yet scared. I wanted to love it. 

The truth is that although I am not sure I can say that I loved it ... I didn't hate it. I might even watch it once more. However I am not sure I could watch it a third time.

It was certainly way better than the 1987 version. And did bring me back to the book. I found myself drawn into the scenes. And was at times quite surprised by my reactions to the portrayal of the story. Which of course I already knew. It felt familiar - yet fresh.

If you have not seen the movie and have not read the book. I suggest you read the book before you watch the movie. It is after all a best-seller for a reason. And you really cannot go wrong with any of the V.C. Andrews series'. At least not the earlier ones, written by the actual author.

You should however be advised, if you have not read the book - the story does involve violence, and abuse, incest and can be offensive to those who are very sensitive. 

I will say that I am looking forward to see what Lifetime does with the making of Petals on the Wind, the second book of the five book series. No movie of the second book has been done, so I am really curious to see how that plays out.

I will be giving Flowers in the Attic three boxes of popcorn. It might even deserve three and a half - but again, there are not half boxes here. It's all or nothing people! Ha!

Side Effects

-Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Channing Tatum, Michelle Vergara Moore, 

-A psychiatrist tries to clear his name after prescribing a new drug to a depressed woman.

Have you ever been bored and had some time to kill? You flip through the channels on the TV in hopes of finding a movie that will fill the void in time and hopefully it doesn't completely suck. So I just finished watching this Side Effects and really wasn't expecting too much. But I am left completely speechless. 

I wanted to write about this movie but quite honestly I just cannot put my feelings effectively in to words. 

This movie is filled with WTH moments. So many twists and turns. So deliciously convoluted. So much going on that you don't even know who to root for - as you are never quite certain who exactly is the victim and who is the guilty party.

The mind games and manipulation suck you right in to the story like quicksand - all the while in the back of your mind you can't help but thinking that this could actually happen. 

Unfortunately I really cannot say much more as it would ruin it for you. So I will just say that you simply MUST watch this movie!! 

I am giving Side Effects 4 boxes of popcorn!

Safe Haven

-A woman is forced to confront dark secrets from her past after moving to North Carolina and falling for a widower.

-Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, Irene Ziegler, Red West, David Lyons.

This is not a unique movie - many have been done on the topic of an abused woman who escapes in hopes of an abuse-free fresh start, landing in the arms of a magnificent man who treats her the way only her dreams could have imagined.  A modern day Sleeping With The Enemy, this picture features Julianne Hough - who I have to say did a fair job in this role.  I didn't hate it.  

Most of the movie is predictable. Girl runs away. Girl starts new life. Girl meets great new guy. Girl falls in love. Abusive ex find her. Girl lives happily ever after.  However, I will say that there is an amazing twist that I did not see coming. I like that! The "WHOA" moments a movie can bring you.  And I am hard to surprise. 

With all that said ... though I would not necessarily need to see this flick a second time - I'm not mad at the two hours spent watching it a first time.  If you are in the mood for a romantic-drama with a twist, give it a whirl.

I am giving Safe Haven 3 boxes of popcorn - and because of the impressive twist - lets add extra butter!

Montana Sky

-Three half sisters are forced to live with each other for one year as part of a condition to their inheritance.

-Ashley Williams, Charlotte Ross, Diane Ladd, Laura Mennell, John Corbett.

It is 2am and I was going to wait until tomorrow to do this write-up, but I was filled with such emotion immediately after watching this fabulous movie, which was based on the book by Nora Roberts.

This story offers so many twists and turns that just when you think you know what is happening - you are offered another possibility.  Drama, mystery, suspense, humor, this movie has it all. My only regret is that I didn't PVR it!

I really cannot go in to too much detail because if you have not read the book or seen this fantastic movie - I do not want to ruin it for you by giving anything away.  Just know three things;  (1) I was so engrossed in the story that I actually had to put down my computer.  (2) As soon as I publish this, I will be downloading the book version to my Kindle .... And (3) I am giving this movie a rare 5 boxes of popcorn!!

Abducted: The Carlina White Story

- Sherri Shepherd, Aunjanue Ellis, Keke Palmer, Heather-Claire Nortey

- A woman learns she was abducted at birth and raised by a stranger and struggles with her identity after meeting her biological parents.

Based on a true story - admittedly my favorite kind of movie! This one is really, really good! An emotional roller coaster for sure!

Baby girl Carlina is stolen from a hospital in Harlem, and is raised by the abductor and her family. It is not until she becomes pregnant with her own child that she stumbles upon some information, forcing her to confront her 'mother' - at which point she learns that the woman who raised her is in fact not her mother. 

Launching her own search for the truth, Carlina finds baby pictures of herself on a missing children's website, and the reunion with her biological parents ultimately follows. 

Becoming a human rope in a tug-of-war between her new life in New York - and her old life in Atlanta, the real turmoil begins for this young girl, as she is sought by the media, all the while knowing that the woman who raised her is on trial for kidnapping.

Sherri Shepherd, who plays Carlina's biological mother is magnificent in this movie. I always love Sherri, but I have to say that I 'felt' her in this story. I believed her in her role as Joy White. 

This Lifetime movie is another hit and I strongly recommend it.

I am giving this movie 4 boxes of popcorn!

Jodi Arias; Dirty Little Secret

-Recounting the investigation and trial of Jodi Arias, who was found guilty in May 2013 of killing former lover Travis Alexander.

-David Zayas, Leah Pipes, Zane Holtz, Jeff Howard, Tania Raymonde, Jesse Lee Soffer


Unless you've been living under a rock for the past two years, you are well aware of the infamous Jodi Arias and her cunning ways leading up to the brutal slaughter of poor Travis.  Now, admittedly, I did not watch this trial - I caught bits and bites towards the end after hearing of her dastardly deeds from one of my closest friends who watched the trial religiously - like most of North America.

As I'm sure everyone is now aware, Jodi was convicted of the murder of her former lover Travis, but the Jury could not agree on life or death as a sentence. So the sentencing portion of the trial is going to be re-done before a new Jury later this year.

There is nothing I can say that has not already been said as far as Jodi's despicable crimes, but as far as movies go, I have to say that this one isn't bad. In fact, as far as movies based upon female murderers such as Casey Anthony and the unforgettable Karla Homolka (Wife of the schoolgirl killer Paul Bernardo), this one was pretty good.

If you recall, I rated the Casey Anthony movie with one box of popcorn, and although I did not officially rate Karla's movie - I would give that one a 3 .... this movie is slightly better.  And being the narcissist that she is, I am certain Jodi would be thrilled by that!

Although not quite a 4 - and there are no half boxes here, I will give Jodi 3 boxes of popcorn to enjoy in prison while she awaits her fate.

The Master

-A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader.

-Jesse Plemons, Ambyr Childers, Amy Adams, Rami Malek, Joaquin Phoenix, Phillip Seymour Hoffman

This sleepy movie is based on the birth of the Church of Scientology and its founder L. Ron. Hubbard.  I really do not have much to say about this movie - other than be sure to have an extra large caffeinated beverage with you when attempting to stay awake during this 2 1/2hr movie.  You will undoubtedly feel as though time stood still during this picture.  With moments of intrigue and peeks of "Oh this is going to get good now..."  you just may find yourself running a grocery list in your head.

The overall tone of this - to me - was very Rosemary's Baby ... which I say reluctantly, because that movie is actually a must watch .. whereas this one is a must do dishes!

The only positive thing I can really say about this movie is that Scientologists don't like it.

Nevertheless, I am giving this snooze fest one box of popcorn.

Movie Time - Baby For Sale

- A couple discover that the baby girl they're trying to adopt is being auctioned off to the highest bidder. The couple become part of a sting operation to bust the baby-selling ring.

- Dana Delany, Hart Bochner, Bruce Ramsay, Claudia Besso, Catherine Colvey, Keir Cutler

Movies like this make me very edgy when I am about to watch them. The total premise of this makes me sick to my core, and this move did not fail in seducing the gag reflex.

A story of a couple who are trying to adopt a baby, place an ad on an Internet adoption site and are contacted by a Hungarian conman who runs a baby-selling ring.  The couple find themselves caught up in a variable auction for the baby as they work with the police to bring this sick SOB to justice. Unfortunately current laws consider the crime as nothing more than an misdemeanor, prompting the couple to pursue custody of the beautify baby girl who has captured their heart. In doing so, they stumble upon information which enables the police to press charges of federal grand larceny.

I will stop here as not to ruin the ending for you ... in case you happen to catch this movie on TV one day... and if you do - it is worth a watch.

In the meantime, I will give this movie three boxes of popcorn.

Sparkle

- Sparkle is a timeless story of the bonds of family, the trials of success and the power of music. In her feature film debut, “American Idol” sensation Jordin Sparks stars as Sparkle, a young woman whose big dreams seem almost impossible. She’s been warned against the pitfalls of the music industry by her protective mother (Whitney Houston), yet encouraged by the handsome and ambitious Stix (Derek Luke), Sparkle forms a trio with her sisters (Tika Sumpter and Carmen Ejogo). Together, they perform the soul-stirring songs that Sparkle pens. But as their fame grows, so does the risk of jealousy, self-doubt and insidious temptation. This sweeping drama is brought to life with a powerful cast including Mike Epps, Omari Hardwick and CeeLo Green.

---

I finally got around to watching this movie on TV this evening. And although it didn't totally bite - I am thankful for two things; 1) that I did not go to see it at the theatre, and 2) that I did not spend money renting it on PPV.

Typical of a Whitney movie, it was just 'okay' ... it really did not pick up until the last 40 minutes or so, when 'sister' lands in jail.  I won't divulge why - and ruin probably the best scene of the entire movie for you.

Jordin Sparks' character; Sparkle, was endearing. Sweet and shy, with a gift that she just would not let go of - coupled with the tenacity to go after her dreams, despite her mother's disapproval. Her final performance was very well done! Amazing what can happen when you finally achieve mama's approval.

Overall, I am glad I have watched the final Whitney movie, released after her passing. Though I did PVR this movie, I am not sure I ever need to see it again, so we willl see how long it remains on the list. ;-)

I am giving this movie 3 boxes of popcorn.

Jack

- A biopic chronicling the life and political career of the late New Democratic Party leader; Jack Layton.

- Sook-Yin Lee, Zachary Bennett, Rick Roberts, Joel  S. Keller


I must admit that I have had this movie on my PVR since it aired on TV March 10th of this year.  I was reluctant to watch it. The life's story of Jack Layton was one that as a Torontonian, I have been very familiar with - coupled with the fact that Jack's journey with cancer had overlapped that of my dad's journey.  When my dad became ill, I thought of Jack a lot.  And having met Jack personally from my days working at the Regent Park Resident's Association, I wanted this movie to be not only good - but also true to who Jack was. I didn't want it to be corny. But as anyone who ever met Jack, ever watched a debate, ever attended a rally, knew - Jack was corny. Jack was a ham. And that was one of the many endearing attributes, which made Jack - Jack!

Today - ironically on my dad's birthday - I decided to watch 'Jack' ...and I admit that I was moved to tears. Not only because of the knowledge of how the story would end, but, just as in life, the movie really left you with no choice but to cheer Jack on!

Highlighting the earlier years of his career, during the '80's, when he was very much the underdog - and often times a punchline, taking flack from many people across the country for speaking up for the 'little people'. Jack was always - always... not only the 'people's politician' ... but also the 'people's voice'. And as you watched Jack claw his way up the political ladder, when he finally became Official Leader of the Opposition - you could not help but feel proud of Jack!

This movie also allowed us a window into the true and ever-lasting love affair between Jack and his beautiful wife Olivia. I admit that on more than one occasion I caught myself smiling through tears as their story unfolded on the screen. Especially the flashlight scenes. (If you have seen this movie - you know what I mean. And if you haven't seen it ... you have missed out.)

I could not help but be reminded of Olivia's strength and courage as she walked the streets of Toronto during the funeral precession after Jack's passing.  Poised. Elegant. And truly his sunshine.

If you haven't seen this movie, I urge you to do so - especially if you are a Canadian. It is a touching and triumphant story of a man who dared to make a difference!

I am giving 'Jack' 4 boxes off popcorn!

There is only one fitting way to close this review, with Jack's own final words to the Canadian people he love so much.

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,
Jack Layton"

Top 3 Best Dressed On The Oscars Red Carpet

The Oscars red carpet is a show in and of itself.  For days following will be lists of who wore it best - who wore it worst.

So, I thought I would do my top three pick of who I feel are the best dressed on the red carpet this evening.

3rd place goes to Stacy Keibler, who looked beautiful in a silver, sequined Naeem Khan.

2nd place goes to one of my all-time favorite actresses; Sandra Bullock who was stunningly sexy in a black lace and bead embellished Elie Saab gown. This is how to do peek-a-boo lace ladies! Sandra is always a class act! 

1st place goes to Jessica Chastain in this absolutely gorgeous Giorgio Armani gold with pink undertone gown. Fitting her beautiful figure like a glove - this ode to ole Hollywood is red carpet perfection!!

Silent Witness

- A prominent attorney returns home to defend an old friend accused of murder.

- Dermot Mulroney, Judd Hirsch, Anne Heche, Anthony Ruivivar, Jake Goodman.

I just finished watching this Made-for-TV-movie, and I have to say that I remain steadfast in my opinion that some of the best gems are found on the small screen.  An old fashion 'who done it' will keep you guessing right up to the very end.  Aren't they the very best kind?  I absolutely adore these types of movies and this one did not disappoint.

I have to admit that it had me completely captivated and convinced of who I thought the victim was here.  I'm sure this movie will do the same for you.  Although I won't be keeping it in my permanent movie collection, I admit that I would not mind watching it again, and recommend that if you come across this gem on your own TV or in your local movie rental store ... your should give it a whirl. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

I am giving this movie three boxes of popcorn.

Friends With Kids

- Two friends decide to have a child together while keeping their relationship platonic.

There are great movies that come out and you say to yourself "I just have to watch that movie!" and sometimes you stumble across a really good movie just because nothing else is on TV and you are bored out of your mind.  Well, that is what happened to me this evening.  Saturday night and nothing on the TV - so I came across this movie and I am so glad that I did!

What a sweet, funny, engaging story of friendship and parenting and life.  You instantly become invested in the characters of this story and begin routing for them. The funny part is that when you think you are routing for one set of circumstances, you find that you have changed directions without even realizing it and you are now routing for something completely different.

But isn't that what life is about?  Twists and turns and what you thought you wanted really isn't what you wanted at all.  And what you thought you didn't want - is exactly what your soul craves.

I loved this movie and will definitely see it again.  So, I am giving this one 3 full boxes of popcorn with extra butter and a side order of jelly beans!

In The Name Of The Father

- The true story of a petty thief imprisoned with his father for 15 years after being framed by the British police for a terrorist attack.

This 1993 biographical movie is based on the true life story of the Guildford Four, four people falsely convicted of the IRA's Guildford pub bombings. This movie is not of my typical taste but I have to say that not only am I glad that I watched it, but I am glad I didn't watch it in '93 when it was released.  Simply because I don't believe I would have been ready to properly absorb it in its full context.

With that said, I cannot say strongly enough how much I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I don't want to give it away - for those who have not seen it .... but let me just say Oh My God!

The horror that people in this world inflict upon others are just simply the work of the devil.

I was riveted to my seat for the entire length of this film.  It is perhaps one of the most gripping pieces I have seen  in quite some time! I highly - strongly recommend this as a MUST SEE - at least twice!

I am thrilled to give this movie five boxes of popcorn!! Extra butter please!!

What To Expect When You're Expecting

- Five Atlanta couples experience the joys and challenges of having children.

I have to admit that this movie really surprised me.  For the first 30 minutes I was saying: "What have I gotten myself into??!!"  BUT much to my surprise and delight, this movie actually turned out to be very cute.

With lots of plot twists and turns, and the typical comic styling's of Chris Rock, it was an amusing story of five couples planning to have children.  And as anyone who has been down this road, knows first hand how bumpy that road can be!

I don't want to give too much away because I think the element of surprise is this movie's strongest card, but I will say that Cameron Diaz is amazing in labor! I totally believed her and didn't even roll my eyes - not one time!

The second hour and a half certainly made up for the first 30 minutes, so I will definitely be giving this one three boxes of popcorn - with extra butter!

Prosecuting Casey Anthony

- A Florida prosecutor builds a case against accused murderer Casey Anthony, who was acquitted for the murder of her daughter.

For two hours this evening I napped during the movie of Casey Anthony. Hands down one of the top-ten worst movies I have ever seen!!

The two hour movie began at 8PM ... it had dragged on for so long that by the time it was over, I was convinced that it was April!!

This snore-fest glossed over the highlights of the murder trial, only succeeding to reignite my anger for Casey Anthony and the injustice system.  By the time it was all said and done; not only was I was robbed of two hours of my life while being subjected to some of the worst acting I've ever seen - I was left with a pounding headache from the monotonous droning on of the choppy story line!

I highly - strongly - suggest .... no .... I insist that you do not watch this movie.  Run away!!!

Because there is no zero rating in my rating system (I must make a mental note to re-think my rating system.) I am forced to give this atrocity one bag of popcorn.  (I hope the popcorn is burnt!)

Movie Time - The Blind Side

- A caring woman and her family help a homeless, traumatized man realize NFL greatness in this dramatization of the life of Michael Jerome Oher.

I'm sure that by now many if not all of you have seen this movie.  But as I watch it again today for probably the 100th time,, I could not let it go by without a review.  The Blind Side is probably one of my all-time favorite movies.  And certainly my favorite Sandra Bullock movie.  Another actress whom I absolutely adore!

The story is based on the true story of Michael Oher - and we all know how I feel about true stories.  They are the best.  After all, as brilliant as the Hollywood writers are - and they are good - imagination can never live up to the real world.  Heck, I know that my life could make for a few good movies and a few good books! lol

This movie lends itself to human emotion as a whole.  It will make you chuckle, laugh out loud, and even twist your heart.  Like every good movie should.

Needless to say this movie lives in my permanent collection and therefore gets five bags of popcorn as I never tire of watching it!

Crossed Over

- A woman grieving her son's death befriends Texas death-row inmate Karla Faye Tucker.. Based on the true story of the pickaxe killer.

I was immediately drawn to this movie for two reasons. (1) I absolutely adore Diane Keaton, and (2) I really love movies based on true stories.

So this was a natural hit - right?  Yes! Yes! YES!!

I have to say the storyline of this movie was engaging and kept me interested the entire time.  It also carried me through a variety of emotions, and surprisingly most of them were for the character you would least expect.

This movie was an absolute pleasure to watch.  And considering many of the movies I've watched lately were best described as mindless - I felt as though this gem was a reward for all of the hours lost in the movie graveyard!

I highly recommend this movie and would give it 4.5 boxes of popcorn - but as you know by now, we operate in whole numbers - so I will round up and give it a 5 as it takes its place in my permanent collection!