Death at a Funeral

Set in the lovely English countryside, the ne'er-do-well Daniel and wife Jane must help his Mum plan the funeral of his most esteemed (and overbearing) Father. An odd assortment of relatives and neighbors gather round the family to attend. Cousin Martha is there with her fiancee; along with her ex-boyfriend and disapproving father. An elderly handicapped Uncle is there, shuttled in by cousins. Daniel's best-selling author brother comes back from New York.

But nothing goes right at this send-off; it's mayhem from the beginning to end. The undertaker makes a mistake, people are climbing out unto the roof, and a mysterious dwarf shows up to help the mourners. Funerals have never been so fun to attend!

Starring Matthew Macfadyen (Daniel), Keeley Hawes, Peter Dinklage, and Jane Asher (Mother). Rated R for implied sexuality, drug use,and language.

Real Women Have Curves

This is a wonderful coming-of-age story about a bright young Hispanic student, Ana Garcia, who has just graduated from Beverly Hills High School before being forced to come back to reality by working at her sister's sweatshop for the summer. Initially only at the shop until she can find "something better," Ana moves from a teens world of self-involvement to self-awareness. As with many foreign films, there runs the common theme of kids and parents at odds with each other, the old generations' ways verses the new, and the great importance of family in all societies. This is one of America Ferrera's first roles, and she is perfect as the young gal full of contrasting self-acceptance, confidence, and doubts. George Lopez has a small but important part as Mr. Guzman, her teacher and mentor, while Lupe Ontiveros and Ingrid Oliu are the mother and sister who work the shop. Rated PG-13, there are a few issues with adult language and one non-explicit sexual scene. Some subtitles are used. Winner of many Independent Film awards; Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize among the most recognizable.

Favorite Flicks

UNDER THE SAME MOON


This small powerful film tells the story of 9 year old Carlitos, who lives in Mexico with his grandmother while his young mother works to support the family in L.A. After Grandmother falls ill and dies, Carlitos runs away to try and locate his mother in California. While his journey isn't an easy or even pleasant one, Carlitos's (Adrian Alonson) enduring nature makes a compelling story. America Ferrara has a small, but integral role, as a young woman willing to transport Carlitos across the border. Though movie is subtitled in Spanish, it is intertwined with English, making the movie easy to follow.