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By Laurie Coker Rating: C- There is no limit on teen romance novels and films these days. I used to eat up books about teen love in my youth, but I have no recollection of such stories including vampires, zombies, and witches. The market for such dribble must be huge, because authors and filmmakers are… Continue reading Review: BEAUTIFUL CREATURES

By Laurie Coker Rating: C- My preference in reading lies in mystery novels and not sappy, heart-wrenching, tortured romance, like those written by Nicholas Sparks, so his latest film, with which he is highly involved, Safe Haven, didn’t have me rushing to the screening. In fairness, I have enjoyed some of his films in the… Continue reading Review: SAFE HAVEN

By Laurie Coker Rating: D- I do not like stupid, trashy comedy. I do, however enjoy intelligent, tasteless humor. Identity Thief, starring Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy, unfortunately, lacks intelligent, and frankly, even these exceptional comedic actors can’t save a tired road trip tale. With only the occasional laugh, and I mean OCCASIONAL, director Seth… Continue reading Review: IDENTITY THIEF

By Laurie Coker Rating: B+ The idea of a teen zombie romance comedy didn’t impress me at first. I’ve had my fill of teen vampire romance, so I wondered whether I should even bother with Warm Bodies. Fortunately, because of a quality script, an engaging cast and excellent direction, Warm Bodies is a funny, smart,… Continue reading Review: Warm Bodies

By Laurie Coker Rating: B+ I hate getting older. Sure, there are some benefits, like reduced pricing at theatres, AARP membership, IHOP senior meals, and other perks, but I’m not quite there yet. Still it looms. Quartet, starring the irrepressible Maggie Smith, funny man Billy Connelly, lovable Pauline Collins and veteran British actor Tom Courtenay… Continue reading Review: Quartet

By Laurie Coker Rating: C+/B- While not overtly revolutionary, Mark Wahlberg’s new film Broken City does entertain and surprisingly, in spite of its faults, does keep the audience guessing. Even with its pat plot, director Allen Hughes (the first time at the helm without brother Albert) and his strong cast manage to toss in a… Continue reading Review: Broken City

By Laurie Coker Rating: Gangster Squad C+ Zero Dark Thirty A- With time running away from me, yet again, I’ve decided to review two films in one this week. Zero Dark Thirty and Gangster Squad. Both star exceptional, versatile actors and both entertain – one more for the overblown almost comic book feel, the other… Continue reading Two for ONE Reviews: Gangster Squad and Zero Dark Thirty

By Laurie Coker Rating: A Ah, the randomness of nature, it never ceases to amaze and stupefy even experts. When in Japan a few years back, my cohort of twenty teachers on a seminar there had to be evacuated from Okinawa early because of an oncoming monsoon. As disappointed as I felt, having to miss… Continue reading Review: THE IMPOSSIBLE