DALLAS —
ORDINARY ANGELS
Watching Hilary Swank in "Ordinary Angels" reminded me a bit of Sandra Bullock in "Blindside" - a top actress playing an outspoken Southern woman driven to help someone. Both are also feel-good movies based on true stories and suited for families. In "Angels," Hilary Swank plays an alcoholic hairdresser, 'Sharon,' who finds out a little girl in town needs a liver transplant, and she makes it her mission to make that happen. "Jack Reacher" star Alan Ritchson plays the girl's single father. Sharon won't take 'no' for an answer as she does everything in her power and then some to help with finances and logistics. The odds were insurmountable, but don't bet against these two!
Swank has a special connection to the story. Just months before filming, she lost her father, who was a transplant recipient. She said it all just fell into place, and she believes it would be her father's favorite film. Some are billing this as 'faith-based.' I just think it's inspirational - how the kindness of strangers can move mountains. Nice movie.
(Lionsgate Films. Rated PG. Running Time 1 hr. 56 mins. In Theaters Only)
DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS
There's nothing really nice about "Drive-Away Dolls." In fact, it's nasty - part of that movement that if guys can do raunchy comedies, so can girls. Margaret Qualley (Andie MacDowell's daughter) is an appealing star on the rise. She plays a young woman from Fort Worth with a horrible accent. She's looking for a fresh start after a break-up (from Beanie Feldstein), so she and a friend drive to Florida in one of those programs where you're hired to drive a car one-way. But there's a mix-up. They get the wrong car, and what's in the trunk, well, it's not meant for them. Bad guys give chase, and supposedly antics ensue. Problem is, it's just not funny. I can’t get into the details of the contraband, but it’s not funny either.
I was looking forward to 'Dolls,' as it's co-written and directed by Ethan Coen. Pedro Pascal, Colman Domingo and Matt Damon must have drunk the same Kool-Aid I did, because they're featured in the film. Big miss for me.
(Focus Features. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr. 24 mins. In Theaters Only)
LOOKING FOR A FOREIGN FILM?
I was not able to see these, but a French film starring Juliette Binoche called "The Taste of Things" looks satisfying in so many ways. A period piece centered around cooking and a relationship -- you'll want to cook with your partner for the next dinner date after this gorgeous gastro celebration.
(Gaumant. Rated PG-13. Running time 2 hrs 15 mins. In Theaters Only)
"Perfect Days" is Japan's entry into the International film category at the Oscars. Wim Wenders directs the story about a janitor who loves music and finds beauty in the world around him. Who doesn’t want to celebrate joy!
(DCM. Rated PG. Running Time 2 hrs. 3 mins. In Theaters Only)
