Women in Trouble

Women in Trouble (2009) starring Carla Gugino, Connie Britton, Adrianne Palicki, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Sarah Clarke, Simon Baker, Josh Brolin. Directed by Sebastian Gutierrez. One day in the life of ten women in Los Angeles features high drama, soft-core sex, soap opera, and one pregnant porn star (Gugino). Large ensemble cast manages to make this movie entertaining, kind of in the mold of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. To be honest, I didn't recognize most of the actresses and actors in this movie, especially Gugino, who is a porn-star version of herself. I did recognize Britton and Baker, and I was glad to see the familiar faces among the ensemble. The film is not high art, nor does it aspire to be. I think Gutierrez was going for a fun romp with a few serious moments thrown in. At least, that's what he has delivered. (Subtitles in English are available for the hearing-impaired.) Grade: B  

Support Your Local Sheriff!

Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969) starring James Garner, Joan Hackett, Walter Brennan, Harry Morgan, Jack Elam, Bruce Dern. Garner stars as Jason McCullough, something of a drifter who takes a detour into the gold rush town of Calendar, where he takes the job of sheriff because he needs the money. Luckily, McCullough is a very fast gun, and the bad guys in town -- Pa Danby (Brennan), Joe Danby (Dern), and Joe's two brothers -- are not too bright. The romantic interest -- and many of the best comic moments -- are provided by Hackett, as Prudy Perkins, the mayor's daughter. This movie is a comedy first and a Western second, and is not to be taken too seriously. That said, it makes for a most enjoyable evening's entertainment. (Subtitles are not provided, but the disc does have closed captions.) Grade: B+

Fright Night

Fright Night (1985) starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Amanda Bearse, Roddy McDowall. When his new neighbor (Sarandon) moves in, Charley Brewster (Ragsdale) quickly becomes convinced that the neighbor is a vampire. But no one will believe Charley, not even self-proclaimed "vampire killer" Peter Vincent (McDowall). This is a pretty standard horror film, but good special effects, fine performances by Sarandon and McDowall, and a spectacular finale elevate it. It has subtitles in many languages, including English; also, closed captions. Grade: B+