A Re-release
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’
The fellowship is back—at least for a limited time—in movie theaters this coming week. Hobbits Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) are joined by Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), the dwarf Gimli (John Rhys-Davies), and many others as they embark on a quest to destroy the ring and save Middle-Earth. Guided by Gandalf (Ian McKellen), they must get past Gollum and gruesome orcs and conclusively defeat Sauron on this epic quest through.The star-studded cast, coupled with Peter Jackson’s direction and screenplay, brings to life J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic books in a cinematic experience like never seen before.
Family Pick
‘Ponyo’
Ponyo (Yuria Nara, Noah Cyrus) is a goldfish princess who escapes the sea and is rescued by Sosuke (Hiroki Doi, Frankie Jonas), a young boy living with his mother, Risa (Tomoko Yamaguchi, Tina Fey). Her wish to become human draws the attention of her bitter father Fujimoto (George Tokoro, Liam Neeson).The hand-drawn animation is amazing, with frames so busy and playful that repeat viewings feel like part of the deal. I liked how the story stays simple and sincere through family bonds and a boy’s loyalty to a strange new friend.
Classic Rules, Delightful Outcome
‘Cinderella’
Ella (Lily James) is left under the control of her evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett), after her father’s death. However, a chance meeting with Prince Kit (Richard Madden) and a fairy godmother opens a path to the royal ball, where a glass slipper sets her fate in motion.This version doesn’t chase reinvention, and that’s exactly why it works. The prince feels human, and Cinderella holds her gentle resolve. Lavish costumes and sincere romance ensure the classic magic remains unbroken.
Defending One’s Property Against Red Terror
‘Outpost in Malaya’
Jim Frazer (Jack Hawkins) defends his Malayan rubber estate from enemies while his estranged wife, Liz (Claudette Colbert), plans to leave. A sudden raid traps them in a grim siege that forces them to unite.Hawkins and Colbert trade engaging banter while battling communists with admirable resolve, showing that fighting a common enemy is one way to keep a marriage intact.
