STREEP, HOFFMAN LEAVE NO DOUBT - SEE THIS MOVIE

There is no question.   DOUBT is a movie to put on your "must-see" list for the holidays.   Meryl Streep gives an amazing performance as  Sister Aloysius Beauvier.   Her portrayal as the tough as nails Nun will send shivers down the spine of anyone who grew up Catholic - not to mention any former Catholic school inmates - uh students.

Philip Seymour Hoffman gives an equally chilling performance as Father Brendan Flynn.   The heartfelt priest that has too much love to give to his students and to one boy in particular.  

Has he done something inappropriate?   Sister Aloysius is convinced.   Father Brendan insists not.   We are left to decide on the edge of our seats.   Feeling our torment of indecision is Sister James, played brilliantly by Amy Adams.   This fresh faced nun thinks all is right with the world - until she starts to unravel the secrets behind the "rumors" - or are they?

Directed by John Patrick Shanley who also wrote the play and screenplay, this should not be missed.   Set in 1964, the cinematography is beautifully sad , stark, and touching.   Also a rare treat to see a major motion picture with such an all star cast - told to us by the original writer.

If you still have a Doubt - watch the trailer.

SANTA BRINGS FRENCH LEGEND FOR CHRISTMAS

Santa brings French Legend to Theaters for Christmas!

If you put Catherine Deneuve on your wish list for Santa this year - looks like you have been less naughty than nice.  The French Legend returns to theaters in the "A Christmas Tale" by director Arnaud Desplechin.    Deneuve plays Junon - the matriarch of a less than fully functional family who come together to celebrate the holiday season.   Along with the holiday cheer, the family is dealing with Caner, infidelity, alcoholism, mental illness, and depression.  Merry Christmas!  Ok, so things are not all that bad and I promise - the movie is surprisingly upbeat and funny despite that laundry list of issues.   If nothing else A Christmas Tale makes you appreciate your own family - check theater listings now.  Watch the trailer and find the DVD at stores now.

Side note - Ms. Deneuve is a friend of a friend and I was lucky enough to have dinner with her one night in Paris.   I have seen many celebrities in public, but I have never seen an entire restaurant stop when Catherine walked in the room.   She is a true legend.  She is also delightful, and normal - or as normal as a cultural icon can be!