Twelve Angry Men

Format.
    Netflix dvd

The Movie in one sentence.
    Twelve jurors must decide the verdict in a murder case.

The Good.
    A diverse group of twelve people coming together to create a bit of ordinary extraordinary.  It is a delight to watch and puzzle out who will be the next to switch their vote.

The Bad.
     They are in the jury room for nearly all of the movie.  It was hot in there and I can sympathize its hot where I am too.  The room is cramped in the film and, well, don't watch this if your prone to claustrophobia.   Also, nothing supernatural happens.  It is all pretty serious and real.

Who would I recommend it to?
    Anyone who likes black and white films and Henry Fonda.

A quote from the movie.
"Let's take a vote."

Verdict.
I've seen this movie several times and come away with something different each time.  If you haven't seen it,  rent it.  Clear away the distractions and enjoy.

Vantage Point

Format.
    Redbox dvd

The Movie in one sentence.
    The President is shot (or is he?) and that event along with what happens after is replayed through the eyes of several eye witnesses.

The Good.
    Forest Whitaker.  
    The puzzle piece nature of the film makes it interesting to fit together in your mind.

The Bad.
     The way the movie is pieced together is more interesting than the story that is being told.  The name of the movie pretty much gives that away, but somehow I still wasn't expecting it.

Who would I recommend it to?
    Anyone who enjoys interestingly edited movies.

A quote from the movie.
    "I go where the moment takes me."

Verdict.
    Entertaining and unremarkable.

The Reaping

Format.
    Redbox dvd

The Movie in one sentence.
    A disillusioned minister investigates a river of blood and regains her faith in the process.

The Good.
    Beautiful aerial shots of swamp lands.  Fun larger than life characters.

The Bad.
    Way to many waking up from vivid dream sequences.  

Who would I recommend it to?
   People who enjoy a good rain of frogs.

A quote from the movie.
 "Seeing as how I was standing waist high in blood, dodging frogs and all."

Verdict.
If I hadn't been bored I would never have picked this movie out to watch.  I'll probably forget it in a few weeks.

Lawrence of Arabia

(1962)
Format.
    Netflix dvd.

The Movie in one sentence.
    Depicts T.E. Lawrence's role in World War I.

The Good.
    An incredible story I'd never heard before.  I'm still not sure of the historical placement, but I intend to learn more.  This Peter O'Toole fellow is divine.

The Bad.
   I know the vast desertscapes were part of the point.  They were also beautiful shots.  However in a movie of over 3 hours in length, it was a bit more than I could take.  I totally fast forwarded through bits of it.  Oh.  And the torture scene.  Because watching someone be tortured when I can do nothing to help, drives me nuts.

Who would I recommend it to?
    Anyone with an interest in this piece of history, Lawrence, beautiful films, or excellent stories.

A quote from the movie.
"I'm different."

Verdict.
I'm not sure how I could have gone so long in my life without having seen this film.  I've added it to my re-watch in five years list.  I'll be curious to see what insights an older Liz will have.