Upper East Side Theater

Meryl Streep doesn't just star in this biography of Prime Minister Margret Thatcher, she explodes. As she does with most of her film, Ms. Streep disappears so completely into her character that you forget the actress and imagine the real Mrs. Thatcher. It is a towering performance. The film itself is interesting enough if you care at all about England during the late 70's and 80's. What will hold your attention is Mrs. Thatcher's personal history and her rise to political power which ultimately leads to England's first female Prime Minister. What makes the film so unique is the bold choice to start with Mrs. Thatcher as an old, feeble woman prone to hallucinations of her dead husband and slowly reveal her story in flashbacks. Much of the film has Ms. Streep playing the elderly version of "MT" (as her husband referred to her) and yet there are plenty of striking moments of "MT" in her prime (no pun intended). Jim Broadbent co-stars as husband, Dennis Thatcher and there is wonderful chemistry between the two stars. A major contribution to Ms. Streep's success is the wonderful makeup that even in the many close-ups is flawless. As Margret and Dennis age, the make-up never falters and is well deserved of it's Oscar nomination. This is a remarkable story of a woman who refused to compromise and always believed one's life must have purpose and I can't think of a better actress today than Meryl Streep who honors Mrs. Thatcher, in one more shining performance.

More like "nothing for the money". This is a TV show disguised as a feature film. It would probably make a good one hour show. What can you expect when a film features four TV "stars" in the major roles. Katherine Heigl is a good fit for Janet Evanovich's plucky heroine, Stephanie Plum, but the lifeless script doesn't do her any justice. Ms. Evanovich has written at least 18 books based on the adventures of Ms. Plum so obviously there is an audience for this genre. A better script, director and choice of actors would have made a world of difference. The film co-stars Jason O'Mara and Daniel Sunjata (two "hunk" actors better know for television roles), John Leguizamo (sleep walking through his role), Sherri Shepherd (as a ridiculous hooker), Debra Monk, and Debbie Reynolds. Everyone does bad New Jersey accents and I was particularly embarrassed for Ms. Reynolds. Lionsgate should seriously consider turning the franchise into a weekly TV show. Ms. Heigl is far more comfortable on the small screen and bring in Ms. Evanovich as a producer. That might work. The film doesn't.

The 4th installment in this sci-fi thriller series is best remembered for star Kate Beckinsale's skintight black latex outfit filmed in 3D. Aside from that, the less said the better. This is barely a 90 minute film that is one long fight sequence shot in dark blue tones with little enhancement by the 3D effects. Ms. Beckinsale as vampire Selene, is quite the adept fighter and gunslinger. In this 4th waste of time, she is protecting the hybrid child she never knew she had from her sworn enemy, the werewolves. This is the flimsy plot that only exists as an excuse to watch Ms. Beckinsale in action. Ms. Beckinsale sat out the third film but I guess money changes everything. I expect the studio will continue making sequels as long as the cash rolls in. Let's hope they stop with "Underworld 10: Retirement Home".

Ralph Fiennes directs and stars as "Coriolanus", Shakespeare's tragic Roman general. The film takes place in modern day Serbia substituting for "a place called Rome". The warfare, costumes and sets are all modern but the language is the original Shakespeare. Another modern touch is the use of TV newscasters as the Greek chorus. The landscape is bleak to match the mood of the story but the acting is very powerful and Mr. Fiennes, along with his excellent cast hold your attention until the very end. The film co-stars Gerald Butler as Tullus Aufidius, Coriolanus's sworn enemy, who is invading Rome at the beginning of the film. There is a wonderfully choreographed fight scene between the two men. Mr. Butler is fit for his role but under Mr. Fiennes direction, he whispers his lines which I found distracting. Also starring in key roles are Brian Cox as Senator Menenius, Jessica Chastin as Virgilia (Coriolanus's wife) and in a terrific role, Vanessa Redgrave as Volumnia, the general's mother. Ms. Chastin handles the language well but is becoming too predictable in the supporting wife role. Ms. Redgrave, on the other hand, has some key scenes that really shine and remind us of her ageless talent. Mr. Fiennes favors close-ups framing just one or two actors, which is both powerful and yet claustrophobic at times. The climatic turning point of the film is very well staged and sets up the tragic conclusion beautifully.If you enjoy Shakespeare with a modern twist (Ian McKellen's "Richard III" comes to mind), "Coriolanus" is for you.