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La Dolce Vita Tony Pisarenkov   AFI Silver Theatre, Silver Spring, MD   17 August 2004 My all-time favorite film, newly restored, on the big screen. What more could I ask for, a date with Anouk Aimee?

La Femme Musketeer (2003) A Bennett   TiVo'd from Hallmark Channel   09 July 2004 Written by a woman, and showcasing at a minimum of eight female characters that displayed depth and variation, I probably enjoyed this more than I should have. Michael York, forever Tybalt, reprised his 1970s role of D’Artangnan, and was miraculously married to a woman of his own peer group. The titular character, his daughter, fights and kicks and duels her way through the programme, saving the Spanish enfanta, escaping capture, killing her nemesis (a Hal Ketchum look-alike), and unmasking Cardinal Mazarain’s evil scheme to subjugate King Louis. Cleverly echoing the plot of Dumas’ original ‘Three Musketeers’ (who show up halfway through, wishing to join in another adventure, and finding themselves perhaps not quite up to the task), this Hallmark presentation had gorgeous vistas and locations to film at in Croatia, some famous faces (John Rhys-Davies, Gerard Depardieu), well-filmed and well-staged swordplay—at least six major battles—and delightful chemistry among its leads. An unexpected pleasure. Also, shockingly without any sort of love plot.

La Femme Nikita Steve Gadd   DVD   02 August 2005 The music now seems a bit dated, like "Terminator," but it's still a classic thriller.

La fleur du mal (Flower of Evil) Tony Pisarenkov   The Avalon Theatre, Washington, DC   02 November 2003 A twisted story of adultery, incest and murder culminating in history repeating itself despite, or perhaps because of, the characters' best intentions. Think Ibsen's "Ghosts" for the 21st century. Wonderfully written, beautifully filmed, lots of subtle but effective humor. Close to a masterpiece.

Lantana Kristin Schrock   DVD   21 August 2005 A wonderfully layered "mystery" starring the Austrailian actors who weren't in LoTR or the Matrix. Full of secrets, lies, infidelity, and a dead body. Midway through the movie, Anthony Lapaglia (a.k.a. Duck Lips) tells the woman with whom he is having an affair, "This doesn't have to end badly." But of course we all know that it does. Also, for Farscape fans, Crais shows up for a split second.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Julie Gephart   Mysteriously Free HBO   05 April 2003 I got my crashing disappointment out of the way when this movie was first released, so on the rewatch I was able to let the "plot" slide past and enjoy the fantastic sets and good action scenes. The bungee scene is one of the most inventive fights I've seen in a long time.

Last Tango in Paris Tony Pisarenkov   DVD   19 January 2003 Vittorio Storaro's incomparable cinematography alone would have made it worth seeing -- quite simply, the most visually stunning film I have ever experienced. Beyond the visuals, it is sure to depress you and disgust you, but that is a testament to its power. Brando's Paul is not just a sleazeball, he is a freak the likes of which have not been seen before or since (take that, Klaus Kinski!), so much so that the entire film quickly achieves a profound sense of irreversible otherworldliness. The palpability with which Bertolucci corners you with it, however, is mind-boggling. Almost justifies the legendary status it has in film circles.

Laura Julie Gephart   Basic cable   18 July 2003 Classic murder mystery in which the police detective manages to fall in love with the victim inside of two days, based on reading her letters and staring morosely at her portrait while downing scotch. Then again, the victim was the luminous Gene Tierney, so I guess I can't blame him too much.

Le Comte de Monte Cristo A Bennett   BRAVO DVD, avec les sous-titres   27 December 2002 (1998) This 8-hour French adaptation of the novel broke my heart. Because, until three minutes before the end I was entirely enraptured with it. I was making plans to marry Gerard Depardieu (an unlikely choice, yet oddly compelling as the Count). I was so *pleased* with it. And then, in three minutes (180 seconds) it fell apart. And its rating fell from a 10 to a 7. Am I a capricious viewer? Perhaps. I'd like to have some time alone with whoever wrote the ending, though, as it re-writes the novel's. I love this story. Always have. The Count embodies Man's idea of God: vengeful, seemingly subject to unknown whims, without mercy. And yet, of all the characters, it is Monte Cristo himself who is the only true believer. His anger at God and what he perceives to be God's injustice fuels the story and his actions. In attempting to battle the Almighty, the protagonist is the only one who truly acknowledges His existence, for all the other characters spend entire conversations debating it.

Le Divorce A Bennett   Hollywood Video DVD   22 February 2004 Muddled Merchant/Ivory production. Never decides on a main character or plot. The only lasting conclusion I could take from it is; "never divorce in France", coupled with "Kate Hudson is preternaturally thin".

Le Papillon Tony Pisarenkov   The Embassy of France, Washington, DC   18 March 2004 A feel-good film about a little girl neglected by her mother surreptitiously following an elderly entomologist on a trip to capture a rare butterfly he had been chasing his entire life. Predictable to the n-th degree, its chief asset is some breathtaking footage of the French Alps, although I found a few elements of the story and the characters touching at times.

Left Behind Mike Gadd   dvd at home   07 June 2003 You would think that all the money the writers of this series have made that they could have thrown a little at the movie production studio. The actors seem to be trying hard, but after buying the cameras theres nothing in the budget for special effects (claymation can't be that expensive, can it?). Like the book series though, I imagine we'll stay with the movie sequels just to see how close they stay to the story.

Legally Blonde Mike Gadd   dvd at home   28 June 2003 All right... fine. I watched this movie. I'll fess up. Yes, it was 2 weeks ago. If Ms. Bennett can enter her Tivo'd Oxygen Channel movies then I can stand up and be counted. (No slight intended... don't hit me with your lacrosse stick :}...) This movie was fine I reckon. Not too painful. Don't look for Part II to make an appearance.

Les Triplettes de Belleville Jaqi Ross   Loews Georgetown   23 February 2004 Animated: When her grandson is kidnapped during the Tour de France, Madame Souza and her beloved pooch Bruno team up with the Belleville Sisters--an aged song-and-dance team from the days of Fred Astaire--to rescue him.

Let it Be Me Julie Gephart   Basic cable   05 June 2004 Dancing Guy is in love with Yancy Butler, who is in love with Campbell Scott, who is in love with Jennifer Beals, who is in love with Dancing Guy. Meanwhile, Patrick Stewart (with hair, ew) serves food to Katharine Houghton and buys perfume from Heather Graham, and everybody dances. A lot. I love a good dancing movie.

Let's Get Lost Tony Pisarenkov   Landmark E St. Theatre, Washington, DC   07 March 2008 Pretty decent documentary on Chet Baker, though some of the more impressionistic, "mood" footage comes across as a bit self-conscious. The film did not redeem Baker for me, and did not really help me understand his mysterious appeal, but was morbidly fascinating anyway.

Let's Make Love Julie Gephart   Basic cable   17 December 2003 Billionaire playboy learns he is to be one of the celebrities lampooned in an upcoming satire play, so he heads to the theater during rehearsal to check it out. There he finds himself in a casting call full of celebrity impersonators, and he is selected to play the part of himself -- to which he agrees because he's become instantly smitten with the star, Marilyn Monroe. Then he proceeds to hire Milton Berle to teach him comedy, Bing Crosby for singing, and Gene Kelly for dancing, and the movie becomes a bizarre Hollywood insider love-fest. Eventually he succeeds in his goal of making Marilyn fall in love with him even though he's a "poor actor." I hope I didn't ruin the ending for anyone.

L'Homme du Train Ray Hunley   Netflix DVD   04 December 2006 It has come to my attention that various readers of this site have accused me, based on my review of the despicable Amélie, of being a France-bashing, freedom-fry eating neanderthal. As a refutation, I present a French film I greatly enjoyed: Patrice Leconte's The Man on the Train. Although I must admit I have some doubts as to whether it really is French - I mean, nobody surrenders, there's very little cheese eating, and one scene hints as to a character actually using soap. Hah! I kid because I love. Well, love Audrey Tautou at the end of a trail of blue arrows, I mean. But this film was decent as well: a slow-paced, fascinating character study which totally drew me in until the last five minutes or so ruined everything.

Life Aquatic with Steve Zassou Mike Gadd   dvd rental   08 August 2005 I don't know what happened. Maybe I was hoping for a sequel to 'Lost in Translation'. Everything I heard going in was just what I was looking for. Even as I read the user comments on imdb I'm wondering if I need to see it again. It just didn't do anything for me. Sure, I remember Jacques Cousteau and the red hat. I heard the David Bowie songs in Portuguese. Cate Blanchett is a fine actress. Bill Murray can deadpan. 1+1+1+1 didn't equal a good movie for me. I did enjoy the cross-section of the ship as they walked through it. There were a couple of lines that made me smile. Maybe I'll enjoy my other rental more.

Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Kristin Schrock   DVD   15 May 2005 I'm a big fan of Wes Anderson--and I'd say that bad Wes Anderson is still pretty good. This is a bit too much like Rushmore and Royal Tenenbaums for comfort. That being said--it's not a bad way to spend the time. Also, I do love me some Jeff Goldblum. High points--David Bowie in Portugese and a shout-out to Shackleton.

Life is Beautiful Julie Gephart   Basic cable   28 November 2003 I was expecting it to be good but depressing, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was just good. It contained both an adorable child and a kitten.

Lilo and Stitch Mike Gadd   $2 theater   19 October 2002 Nice story, lousy animation. You see better graphics on Saturday morning on the Cartoon Network. The story worked well enough and the kids certainly enjoyed it.

Lilo and Stitch Tony Pisarenkov   DVD at Liz & Rick's   06 July 2003 Not that there is anything wrong with feature-length animation per se, but Disney feature-length animation is a different question. A couple of humorous moments and a subtle visual pun on a Norman Rockwell painting at the end fail to save this profoundly conventional cartoon with a nauseating feel-good story and toothless, classically Disney animation style. I suppose the Stitch character, surprisingly Japanese-looking, is reasonably creative, what with his extra pair of retractable arms.

Lilo and Stitch Julie Gephart   Basic cable   10 October 2003 I must be the only person in the world who doesn't think bratty kids are cute. Still, the movie got better as it went along.

Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels Steve Gadd   DVD   24 July 2005 This was the first test of Yahoo's recommendations tool, which suggests titles based on your ratings of movies you have seen. This Guy Richie movie was on page two of the recommended comedies list, down below "Clerks" and "Trainspotting," and was still pretty good. Like "Snatch," it had a big cast, several stories converging together, and accents thick enough to make subtitles helpful.

Logan's Run (1976) A Bennett   TiVo taped off SciFi Channel   08 March 2003 Run, Logan, Run! I remember this film from my childhood. The sets alone are terriffically fun, and reminiscent of EPCOT Center. The story could have been better executed in the last third, but I'm going to state right here and now that Michael York in a caftan made up for it all, as did a brainless appearance by Farrah Fawcett-Majors. About a dystopic (masquerading as a utopic) future in which no one may live past the age of 30. One life is born, and another must die to keep the balance of their bubble/biodome-ish world. Logan, not quite pleased with this arrangement, and thinking he is operating on a secret mission, decides to run. I think quite a bit of Minority Report was stolen from this SciFi classic. Also, there is a groovy Planet of the Apes-twist in the second reel.

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring Mike Gadd   dvd at home   18 March 2003 This was the super extended version dvd we got for Christmas last year. The kids wanted to watch it and we were curious to see what the extra 30 minutes of footage would show. Did a quick FF over just a couple of parts for 'ease of sleep' issues but otherwise they seemed to enjoy it as much as we did. As expected, the additional footage wasn't in the original for a reason. It made the movie experience longer, which was fine, but didn't add anything more than some idle chit-chat. I have no idea what's on the other two dvd's that came in the set. Maybe if there are some bloopers and goofs it would be worth a look. Otherwise I'll just spend my free time waiting for The Matrix 2 in two months.

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Kristin Schrock   Showcase Cinemas Springdale   20 December 2003 It's hard to judge these pictures as I know that the theatrical release is not really the movie that Jackson wants us to see. Some scenes seem truncated and plot lines undeveloped. And, pretty-pretty Legolas seems to be relegated to the background. But, in light of other triologies, this movie didn't make me want to weep for all of the missed opportunities. My enjoyment levels were only hampered by a cell-phone talking patron two rows back and an announcement over the loudspeaker towards the end for an Amber Davis. I officially hate the Springdale theatre.

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Mike Gadd   Martinsburg Regal Cinema with the half gallon Coke   28 December 2003 Hard to decide if this or Nemo was the best movie of the year. Certainly nothing wrong with this one. I learned later that Gimli was played by the guy who was the Arab buddy in the Indiana Jones movie. How did they make him seem so short? The attention to detail in this picture was thoroughly impressive.

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King A Bennett   Milford:desperately ill, I agreed to accompany dad   27 December 2003 I can't quite get my head around this one--especially, like Kristin, in the wake of viewing the Special Theatrical Extended Editions in preparation for it. It felt to me like The Two Towers' original theatrical release: somehow unfinished, gapped in places I wanted filled out. And no, that's not a bad review; only, like the film itself, an incomplete one.

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers A Bennett   AMC Newport-on-the-Levee   21 December 2002 Mike, I must disagree about the Ents. While they were nice, their construction seemed to come from another film's art department entirely...What to say about this film? I've been eagerly awaiting it for a year, which is a lot of build-up, and I was not disappointed. Gollum repulsed me completely for the first 10-15 minutes he was on screen. And then, like a rubber band being pulled too taut and snapping, my disgust contracted into something much more like pity for the poor beast. Even in the darkest, densest moments of the Helm's Deep sequences, Peter Jackson is wise enough as a director to give the audience Gimli to chuckle at, Legolas to cheer for, and the Lothlorien elf from film one to mourn. Jackson has my heart, if not my pocketbook. And he deserves both.

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Mike Gadd   Regal Cinema, Sterling   23 December 2002 Another visual spectacle. Total eye candy. Thoroughly enjoyable, despite sound problems at the theater. Not a chance though that my kids will see this movie before they're 15. Gollum and the Ents steal the show. Gollum is no Roger Rabbit. He's no Jar Jar Binks. He's no digital Yoda. An amazing display of seemless computer technology. True, the Ents looked like political cartoon caricatures...but still... you had to like the way they carried themselves. If trees were going to pick themselves up and march to war this is what it would look like. Decimating the Orc army one or two at a time by stomping, kicking, throwing boulders or smashing heads was delightful to watch. Cheers arose from the theater. The best part was the one Ent dousing his burning head in the water like a cartoon character with his pants on fire jumping in a bucket of water.

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steven Krise   My basement on DirecTV pay per view   04 October 2003 Far better than the first LOTR offering. Who can complain about an orc being beheaded?

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Extended version Mike Gadd   dvd at home   27 December 2003 There's plenty of movie to go around. It took all afternoon to get through it, but I wanted to watch it before going to see part 3 tomorrow. It's amazing the material they had to cut out. The handy booklet was nice that indicated which scenes were new or just extended.

Lost Boys of Sudan Jaqi Ross   Visions, D.C.   13 March 2004 Lost Boys of Sudan is a feature-length documentary that follows two Sudanese refugees on an extraordinary journey from Africa to America. Orphaned as young boys in one of Africa's cruelest civil wars, Peter Dut and Santino Chuor survived lion attacks and militia gunfire to reach a refugee camp in Kenya along with thousands of other children. From there, remarkably, they were chosen to come to America. Safe at last from physical danger and hunger, a world away from home, they find themselves confronted with the abundance and alienation of contemporary American suburbia.

Lost in Translation Kristin Schrock   Theatre   02 October 2003 A very quiet movie. I didn't walk out of the theatre and said, "That movie ROCKED!" But the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. Bill Murray is SO excellent at being goofy and poignant and lost all at the same time. Sidesteps any potential weirdness that may have developed between an older man and younger woman (are they friends? can they be lovers?), but doesn't shy away from the tension that those questions cause--if that makes any sense. I have always loved Bill Murray, but it is impressive just to see what the man can do. oh, and he sings, too!

Lost in Translation Tony Pisarenkov   AMC Courthouse, Arlington, VA   04 October 2003 Bill Murray carried it, but there wasn't much to carry. Scarlett Johansson, too, was surprisingly impressive, sharing the screen with a presense like Murray at the ripe old age of 19, but that's where the positive qualities end. The characters, especially Murray's, are undercooked, the life crisis theme could have been developed with much more subtlety and creativity, the jokes about Japan bordered on insensitive, and even the potential for great visuals was wasted more often than not.

Lost in Translation Steve Gadd   Reston Town Center   15 February 2004 Nicely done story, with great visuals and a terrific set in the Park Hyatt Tokyo.

Lost in Translation Mike Gadd   DVD rental   19 June 2004 I'm still looking for someone I know who saw this movie and liked it as much as I did. 'Where was the plot?' and 'Nothing happened!' was their comments. They missed the point entirely. Bill Murray was wonderful here and the direction and writing were on target. The subtle, wry humor was right down my alley, too. Loved the scene in the hospital waiting room where Bill is trying to pass the time communicating with the tiny old person next to him and the two women sitting behind them are trying deperately not to burst out laughing as they eavedrop on the attempted conversation.

Lost in Translation Ray Hunley   Netflix DVD   07 January 2005 I was, bizarrely, inspired to write an extensive review of this film - too extensive to post here. Gave it five because I had no clue how to rate it; see extended review for details.

Lost on Mars Scott   Sci-Fi   03 June 2005 Best Mars mission movie, I have ever seen.

Love Actually A Bennett   Milford Gigantic Cineplex-Funnel cake for everyone   24 November 2003 In retrospect, this film doesn't treat women very well. From repeated jokes/digs at the expense of a (let's face it, real-world thin) female character's weight, to the fact that 'love, actually', punishes and/or scars more women in the film's nine plots than it does the men (who, to a man, are rewarded for loving), well, it's getting harder to feel positive about the script as a whole. Not as funny as I thought it would be, and with more nudity than I've ever seen in a theatre film, possibly ever (oh, well, not *ever*). I haven't seen so much skin since "Dangerous Beauty", viewed in the seclusion of my own home. And the nude in this film? Not pretty, not well-lit. And chiefly NOT NECESSARY.

Love is Better Than Ever (1952) Kristin Schrock   Turner Classic Movies   14 November 2004 Elizabeth Taylor plays a small-town dance teacher. On a trip to New York she meets and falls in love with a fast talking agent. To save her reputation he has to pretend to be engaged! Which is always an AWESOME plot line. The Agent doesn't want to give up his single lifestyle, but who really can resist Elizabeth Taylor?

Love Leaves by the Foot Tony Pisarenkov   DVD chez G&N   19 August 2007 Every day, in remote corners all over America, people are making movies. At least the soundtrack was killer.

Love Rules! A Bennett   TiVo'd from ABC Family Channel   12 June 2004 Joey Lawrence may be better than this film. His female co-star definitely wasn't.

Lovely and Amazing Kristin Schrock   VHS--Ben's Living Room   26 December 2002 This won't let me do decimal points, but i would give this 7.5. This is by the same woman who did Walking and Talking--a movie I really, really, dare I say, love. Catherine Keener does unhappy woman like no one else. But even though it was enjoyable, the pay-off at the end was not there and themes that the whole movie plays with were sort of left undeveloped.