"CARNAGE"

Another tight and uncomfortable bit of suspense from the great Roman
Polanski! The cast--two couples played by Reilly and Foster, Winslet and
Waltz--beautifully depict the polar opposites of New York society attempting
resolution in a matter regarding their sons. Rather quickly, the facade of
civilized dealings give way to insanity and conflict!

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Stonewall (1995)

Despite a lot of criticism this movie has received, I absolutely adore it.

They didn't set out to make an historical documentary; they made a motion
picture with human stories and impact, and they did a brilliant job.

There's a swell of relatable characters and imperfect, striving folks seeking
their footing in the early days of the gay rights movement, and we get to see
heartbreak  and betrayal along the way in a series of interwoven storylines.

The culmination of course is 'that night' at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 where
gays and lesbians had finally had enough.

Sensationalist? Yes. And robust and real and gripping, with some phenomenal,
moving performances. The final word in this picture is surviving and having
the strength to go on.

Finding your voice and your resolve isn't a walk in the park, but here it's
entertaining and inspirational.

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"Extremities"

"Extremities" was one of those surprisingly good 'comeback' movies from
the 1980s-- think Cher, Goldie Hawn-- blowing people away with Farrah
Fawcett's acting and the intensity of the storyline.

It also is a rarer film in that most of the action is limited to one locale
and one specific time frame (also due to a recurring theme of the time;
adaptations from great plays being made into movies with less revision
than you're likely to see these days.)

A superb cast and a halting storyline that doesn't miss a beat, this movie
shows modern filmmakers how to compel an audience with direction,
dialogue, acting, and psychological intrigue. Also starring James Russo
and Alfre Woodard.

Shy People

Typical of the 1980s, the trailer is completely cheesy and fails to show the
dark and deep nature of the story. Riveting acting and a dramatic twist
keep you engaged throughout, and the Tangerine Dream original sound-
track makes it surreal.

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Ruby in Paradise

I already knew her from "Sisters," but this was Ashley Judd's debut film,
and it was an incredibly well-written and warm drama with a superb cast!
Ashley was charming and captivating, but Dorothy Lyman (original 'Opal') 
stole a lot of scenes!

A great story; coming of age, learning love, first romance, the attraction
of bad boys, small town life, friendship, heartache...a really fresh take.

I remember the excitement, too, of this being the first time I saw Tampa
used as a locale in a film; an extended  'Harbor Island' sequence.
But I digress...


IMDB info for "Ruby in Paradise"

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