The Time Travelers Wife

2009, ****, PG-13

Starring: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston

“The Time Traveler’s Wife,” This movie is better than “The Notebook,” you know why? It adds the Sci-Fi element of time travel that really makes your mind wander around the idea of it actually happening. Not to mention Eric Bana is like one of those hunks on a Harlequin romance novel.

Claire (Rachel McAdams, “The Notebook,” “The Wedding Crashers”) met Henry (Eric Bana, “Hulk,” “The Nugget,” “Troy”) in the field on her childhood home when she was about 9. Through the years she kept a diary of the times she saw him, and kept the hope of one day being with this love of her life.

The film centers around Henrys disappearing act (time travel). His travels are explained as some sort of genetic disorder. He began appearing and disappearing after a car accident that left his mother dead, and him being thrust back into different years and places for no apparent reason, one place happening to be Claire’s yard; he appears as a 40-something year old man.

I must say, the movie starts out slow, but it is totally worth the watch. It’s a love story that you won’t forget. Sometimes love is worth waiting for, over and over again.

Bed of Roses

1996, ***1/2, PG

It is more like a bed of lies, but quite entertaining. There is a hot, single man, who loves flowers, and he is stalking you. Some people might think this is a bit scary, while others might see it as flattering. Those who appreciate being stalked will like this one.

In the film, Lewis (Slater, The Heathers, True Romance, Hard Rain) is a flower shop owner in New York City who delivers flowers to people because he likes to make people happy. He walks the streets at night because he is lonely and depressed. One night, while on a walk he sees a woman in her window crying. He decides to send flowers to her anonymously to brighten her day.

Lisa (Masterson, Fried Green Tomatoes, Benny & Joon, Married To It) the woman in the window is an uptight, workaholic at an investment-banking firm, who simply believes she has no time for a relationship. This belief slowly changes as she discovers the flowers are from a secret admirer and she is intrigued, yet skeptical about this mystery person.

This film will brighten your day. Some parts of this movie you will want to yell at Mary Stuart Masterson for being so utterly stupid and annoying. You want her to just accept the fact that she has accidentally, "caught a good catch" and that even she can live happily ever after.

Great supporting roles provided by Josh Brolin and Pamela Segall. This is a must buy film.

P.S. I love You

2008, ****, PG-13

Gerard Butler, Hilary Swank, Harry Connick Jr., Lisa Kudrow, and Kathy Bates star in this unforgettable, creative love story, about a woman that loses her husband to a brain tumor. He write her letters so that when he dies, she will be reminded of all the happy times they spent together, and can heal in her own way.

Hilary Swank is a working woman, but really wants to stay at home and raise a family. Gerard Butler is a wannabe musician who she meets while aboard in college (we only see them as teenagers for a couple of scenes in the flick) and falls madly in love with him. They are a fun couple, and it's truly sad to watch Swank's character go through a series of events that helps her keep their relationship alive, while see mourns him. Kathy Bates plays Swank's mother in the film. Lisa Kudrow is her crazy-sarcastic friend who knows how to break the ice with men, and has some awesome one-liners! Also the early 90's romancer Harry Connick Jr. plays a friend and potential love interest of Swank.

The film starts off with a hilarious bantering scene with Gerry (Gerard Butler, "300," "Dracula 2000," "Dear Frankie") and Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank, "Million Dollar Baby," "Boys Don't Cry," "Freedom Writers"). Then out of no where, we find out Gerry dies, and here is an informal service held for him at his favorite pub, in NYC, where Holly and Gerry live.

Holly (Swank) stays in her apartment, for several days after the death of her husband Gerry (Butler). She begins having visions of Gerry playing the guitar for her. Her friends and mother (Bates) come over and encourage her to leave the apartment. Over the course of a year, after Gerry's death, Holly receives letters, like he'd never even left earth. He sends her on errands, trips, and more. The healing process begins, and her friends help her on these remembrance missions. We are also taken to the place where it all begin, Ireland.

As always, Gerard Butler is charming as ever. Every film he does a knock out performance, with or without armor. There is real chemistry between Swank and Butler. Swank is also great in her role as Holly. I've been watching a lot of her films lately and she is truly a talent-reminds me of Julia Roberts, however, I like Swank better. Lisa Kudrow as Denise is the best friend/sidekick. She gets right to the point with all of her potential men in the film. "Are you single?" "Are you gay?" You get my drift- she's blunt as ever, just like her role as Phobe in the hit TV series, "Friends." She really does a fantastic performance. Also-new talent-Jeffery Dean Morgan plays Gerry's best friend (a musician in Ireland) and a possible love interest for Swank.

You need to see this film, great cast, and great love story, and proves that love lasts even when you're gone. It is a must buy, if you're a lover of the romantic-comedy-drama flicks.

Nights In Rodanthe

2008, **1/2, PG-13

Starring: Diane Lane, Richard Gere

Gere and Lane unite since their 1999 suspenseful romance (that killed all romantic vibes) "Unfaithful." Directed by George Wolfe ("The Devil Wears Prada," "Garden State") "Nights in Rodanthe," based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, "just" does just the trick for those romance genre lovers, this fall.

I must say, it's not up to par with "The Notebook," or "Message in a Bottle," but it was enough to capture everyone in the theatre for the entire movie. Also note-this might be one of Lane's last movies, if not the last one! Apparently, she wants to pursue other things, according to entertainment journalistic sources on yahoo on September 25, 2008. We will miss her-she has added some outstanding footage on screen (especially in the romantic comedy-drama section).

Adrienne Willis (Diane Lane, "Under the Tuscan Sun," "Must Love Dogs," "Untraceable") is having marriage troubles-her husband had an affair for several months (What else is new? It's a Sparks Book-you gotta remember that). She is a mother of two, and is trying to figure out what to do about her situation; wanting the best for herself and her children. She needs some time to think, and decides to do her best friend (Viola Davis, "Disturbia," "World Trade Center") a favor and tend to the guests at a Bed & Breakfast Beachy Inn, in Rodanthe, North Carolina for a couple of days. The perfect setting: beach, beach, more beach, an incredible house, and lonely doctor Paul Flanner (Richard Gere, "The Hoax,")-all for Adrienne to look after. She soon realizes that Gere wasn't just coming to Rodanthe to "Get Away."

What more could one ask for? Well-all fun, and no problems. As you can imagine-they hit it off, but something is tearing Paul apart. The film moved along smoothly, and you care about the characters and feel their pain. I think the beach setting always helps.

This is one to watch once-maybe to catch on the tube from time to time-just for the beautiful house alone-set aside from the acting. However, as I always say for genre lovers-buy it, because it does have a shelf life in its category!

Love Notes

2007, TV-14, ****

This Lifetime Original movie is now (on demand through Comcast) and if you’ve always wanted to be a groupie with Brad Paisley or any other country star of choice, well this one is for you!

Jamie Derringer (Antonio Cupo) an orphan-turned rich kid-turned country superstar, has had an interesting life, but hasn’t found love until now. He meets a journalist, whom he finds intriguing Nora Flannery (Laura Leighton) and they have a one-night stand. She becomes pregnant, and he has already hit the next city on his world tour. If I say more, I’ll just ruin in for all the Lifetime lovers!

This movie is just as good as any Nicholas Sparks novel.

August Rush

2007, **, PG
Starring: Keri Russell, Terrance Howard, Robin Williams

By Meredith A. Iager


Keri Russell, Jonathan Ryes-Meyers, and Freddie Highmore star in this film about a child that searches for his parents through a musical connection. In 1995, Russell, a cellist, meets Ryes-Meyers a rock singer, on the rooftop of a building, while attending a party after one of her concerts. It is love at first sight, and the pair hookup; she gets pregnant. Eleven years later, we meet Freddie Highmore, an orphan in upstate New York. For 11 years he’d hoped for a day when he could reconnect with his mother and father.

One day, "August," goes on the quest into the city (to get away from the orphange for a day), and instantly becomes overwhelmed with it’s everyday “sounds” and becomes intrigued by a kid playing the guitar, which leads him to find a group of musician orphans. He soon discovers their leader played by Robin Williams’s only wants to use him for cash, when he learns Highmore is a child prodigy.

This film is fantastic and is quite uplifting. It shows the bond between people, even when time spent together has been lost. The film also stars, Alex O’Loughlin (CBS Drama “Moonlight,” “The Invisible,” “The Oyster Farmer”), Robin Williams ("Flubber," "Mrs. Doubtfire"), and Terrance Howard (“The Brave One," "Crash").

I recommend renting or buying this film -- especially if you are a fan of "Felicity."

27 Dresses

2008, ***, PG-13
Starring: James Marsden, Katherine Heigl, Malin Akerman

By: Meredith A. Iager

Katherine Heigl (ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Wish Upon a Star”)
stars in this romantic comedy about a girl that’s been putting her life on hold for everyone else, especially her boss played by Edward Burns. There is of course a conflict in the storyline, when her (Heigl’s) sister pops into town, for no apparent reason, and goes after her boss. Then there’s come drinking involved (which might happen to most of us, when someone steals “our” crush), and Heigl goes for a journalist (Marsden) who begins to swoon her away.

And of course the title of the film gives it away—she’s worn 27 bridesmaid dresses, and been there for all her girlfriends on their special day. The film also stars, James Marsden as the journalist, and Judy Greer (“13 Going on 30,” “Cursed”) as Heigl’s co-worker annoying friend, in this delightful film.

A newly married Katherine Heigl in real life has serious trouble when it comes to her love life as Jane in, "27 Dresses." She is in love with her entrepreneur-publishing boss, (Edward Burns, “One Missed Call,” The Holiday”) 15 plus years her senior, who her sister (Malin Akerman, “The Heartbreak Kid,” “Entourage”) falls for.

Jane is completely lonely and even though she won’t admit it, she fills the void by becoming obsessed with the idea of marriage and lives vicariously through all of the weddings she attends just about every weekend. The joke is on her though, and Kevin (Marsden, “Enchanted,” “Disturbing Behavior”) a young journalist, soon discovers her weakness. In a sneaky pursuit he discovers the real Jane, and begins to fall in love with her. In the process of making his career skyrocket, he fails to mention to Jane his next big byline is all about her.

Superb acting done by all, truly a great cast of fine young talent. This is a great film, simple storyline, and excellent message; "You should please yourself before you please everyone else." In some ways, this film is the “better” version of the 2006 flick, “The Devil Wears Prada,” because both lead females are the assistant of a “hot shot” boss at a New York City publication, only in “27 Dresses,” Katherine Heigl gets to have hotter men, and a non-hostile work environment! Different storylines of course, but same premise, it all comes back to, picking the “right” guy.

This is a must buy film, if you’re a lover of romantic comedies!