The Book Thief

The Book Thief (2013)

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125 min - Drama, War - 8 November 2013
Big Blue Sky Rating : 5.9/10

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Director : Brian Percival
Writers : Markus Zusak, Michael Petroni
Stars : Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer

The 550-page, World War II-era novel, narrated by Death, tells the story of Liesel Meminger from the time she is taken at age 9 to live with a foster family in a German working-class neighborhood. Liesel arrives having just stolen her first book, "The Gravediggers Handbook" -- it will be the beginning of a love affair with books.

Another Stunning Performance by Emily Watson

A very moving interpretation of the famed novel is anchored solidly by a mesmerizing, dynamically stunning performance by Emily Watson. While she is aided by a wonderful turn by Mr. Rush, it is Watson who is the pillar of acting power that supports the entire film and is the center of suppressed emotion that bubbles beneath a seemingly self-protective surface. She is stellar in this role and as usual her artistic gifts give the film gravitas and direction. There are scenes between she and the child and with her husband that will sear your soul and touch your heart more deeply than anything ever put on screen. This is a performance that deserves an outrageously delayed Academy Award for Ms. Watson, even if it is a misplaced supporting actress one. It would be ironic if she receives her first Oscar for supporting because she is actually the unforgettable centerpiece of every piece she appears in and defines the word "star." This film is worth seeing if only to witness another incredibly beautiful performance by Emily Watson and to watch the most truly gifted actor of our time add another triumph to her majestic career.

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Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

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PG-13 - 136 min - Action, Adventure, Fantasy - 20 May 2011
Big Blue Sky Rating : 6.6/10

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Director : Rob Marshall
Writers : Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio
Stars : Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush

Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) crosses paths with a woman from his past (Cruz), and he's not sure if it's love -- or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

Back to the spirit of the Black Pearl

These Pirates films are all about entertainment and thankfully this latest adventure with Captain Jack Sparrow at the helm is back to basics, reminding me of the formula that made the very first one, Curse of the Black pearl so great. Don't worry I won't give anything away here but be aware that the opening 20 minutes is one funny sequence and quirky one liner after another. There is also a couple of hilarious cameos, one may be familiar but the other was a right royal shock. Depp walks through his lethargic swaying pirate character with ultimate ease, while new high seas bad boy Blackbeard is exceptional, but not as cool as Sparrows former flame played by Cruz. She is foxy, feisty and funny. The action is elevated by some wonderful 3D effects but I am sure the film would be just as rocking without it. Finally, the highlight is the Mermaid scenes. As dark as they are, they take the viewer into their web of intrigue. Australian Gemma Ward even sings during an evocative moment. Remember to stay on after the credits for an EXTRA scene. After the last two installments left me crying with disappointment, I Loved it.

Watch Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Trailer :

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