I saw Angel a few weeks back. It is visually splendid and scenicly sumptuous. That it is based on a story by Elizabeth Taylor should be the biggest clue as to what the story is like - naively fantastical, poor girl makes rich, out of phase with reality. The final scenes were far more engaging than the early ones, and gave a better range for the lead actress of that age period. The whole movie hearkens back to those early movies of the 50's and 60's in style and content. This movie would be best for those who see a lot of movies and have a critical eye; general audiences who see maybe one movie a year may be a little disapointed unless they are into the older style movie.

More recently I saw two French comedies. Both have a fair amount of English as well, and the interaction between the two languages aided the comedy flow nicely. The first was "Two Days in Paris". A very clever script with an unusual couple with slightly different backgrounds to most love stories, the slow unfolding of the dysfunctional relationship, the equally offbeat family and an amazing collection of ex-lovers slowly revealed. Not so much emotionally engaging as intellectual which rarely works for comedy but comes together nicely here.

The other movie was "Twice upon a Time" - a very witty, cutting and scathing script with some amazing actors. The interplay of underlying emotions is a symphony in itself. It is wonderful to watch older actors enjoying such good roles - movies are not just for the young and pretty, true talent does not disappear with age. This movie is a little slice out of their lives towards the twilight of their years but is no less humorous and delightful.

As well as finally getting to see Atonement yesterday, I also saw "National Treasure - Book of Secrets". This has no social significance, no redeaming emotional content but serves up exactly what is expected with a reprise of all the major characters from the original movie. It is a running/chasing movie as they move from one country to another chasing spurious clues and leads to a fantasy 'treasure'. Any relation to reality is purely coincidental, but it is still a load of fun I like Nick Cage, and Ed Harris is wonderful as a villain, the rest of the cast are also fun and interesting. If your style is this type of movie, you will find it hugely enjoyable.