The 5 Moments

Pinocchio

2009-09-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

25: Pinocchio unknowingly behaves in a self-destructive way: he put his finger in a flame and his finger catches fire; his father puts it out. Something new has happened: the inventor has a puppet that is alive and the puppet needs to be more careful or he's going to hurt himself. The birth of something new.

-45 and 45 (1:27 - 45 = 42): When Pinocchio tries to leave to go back home, Stromboli imprisons him in a birdcage. Stromboli tells Pinocchio they will tour the world. Stromboli calls Pinocchio his wooden goldmine: "You will make lots of money for me and when you get too old you'll make good firewood." Jiminy Cricket visits Pinocchio and discovers that he's locked up. Jiminy tries but fails to open the lock. The blue fairy arrives and asks Pinocchio how he got locked up. Pinocchio lies and his nose grows. He promises to be good and the blue fairy frees him. Now that I'm aware and Discovery.

60 and -25 (1:27 - 25 = 1:02): Pinocchio and his new best friend Lampwick play pool and smoke cigars. Jiminy finds them and tells Pinocchio to go home and go to school. They tell Jiminy they don't want to leave, so Jiminy walks away. Soon, Pinocchio and Lampwick turn into donkeys. Eventually, Pinocchio and Jiminy return home, learn that the inventor is in the belly of a whale and they search and find him. After displaying bravery and other good qualities he becomes a real boy. There's no going back now and The final turning point.

La Ronde

2009-09-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

The opening with Anton Walbrook is original and priceless. Later in the movie there's a brief shot of Anton holding several yards of celluloid film and a pair of scissors, indicating they had to cut a sex scene. The film was made in 1950 and though it seems tame now, for a few years La Ronde was banned in New York.

25: The young man nervously prepares to kiss the chambermaid by darkening the room and closing blinds. Anton stops a professor from entering the home and interrupting the couple. The birth of something new.

45: The young man and the married woman prepare to make love and we cut to Anton on a carousel hammering something and then ringing a bell... The young man and married woman dance and Anton guides us to another romantic episode involving a young woman and her husband. Now that I'm aware.

-45: Husband and wife Charles and Emma lie in bed, she prefers not to speak with him, he prefers to calculate numbers. Charles says husbands can't always be lovers, that there are calm periods and periods that aren't so calm. Discovery.

60: The husband and a young woman talk in a private dining room. He kisses her and during dessert as they sit on a sofa he tells her he adores her. The lights go out and we infer that they consummate their affections. There's no going back now.

-25: The husband and lover sit in a car. He talks about getting a love nest for the two of them and as he talks we see the lover with another man, a complicated poet, as they enter a private apartment. Eventually we go through several other episodes: the poet loves an actress, the actress loves a count, and the count speaks with the first woman Anton approached after he introduced himself at the beginning, so we go full circle as the title suggested we would. The final turning point.

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold

2009-09-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

Richard Burton heads a great cast in this film noir classic.

25: Burton exits prison, Nan, his new girlfriend from the library greets him and invites him to dinner. A new character observes Nan get on a bus. He then introduces himself to Burton in the park. Eventually, this new character begins Burton's journey to being a fake paid defector. The birth of something new.

45: In East Germany, Richard Burton is driven to a beach house where he's pumped for info; he expects to be well paid for his defection to the Communists. His attempt to destroy Mundt begins. Now that I'm aware.

60: Burton with Fiedler, a man who hates and believes well known spy named Mundt is actually a double agent. Burton gives info about Mundt and repeatedly tells Fiedler Mundt couldn't be a double agent. We know what Burton is up to (at least at this point we think we do); by denying something he appears more believable to Fiedler. It's clear that Fiedler believes Mundt must be prosecuted and begins a trial. There's no going back now.

-45: Fiedler and Burton talk about money. Burton signs papers to get money. Fiedler tries to reward Burton and offers to provide him with a woman. Burton declines and Fiedler mentions Nan, the librarian. Burton indicates Nan means nothing to him but we can tell from the look on Burton's face Nan means a lot to him. In the next scene we discover that Nan intends to travel to East Germany. Discovery.

-25: Fiedler argues that Mundt is a double agent, Mundt's lawyer presents his case that Mundt is being unjustly accused. Nan arrives and her testimony about George Smiley, a known British agent, visiting her and telling her that Burton is a friend of Smiley ruins Fiedler's case and seems to be a death sentence against Burton. Eventually, we learn that Mundt really is a double agent (!) and during their escape Nan is shot in the back while trying to scale the wall to West Germany. Instead of going back, Burton decides to stay and be shot to be with Nan in death. A powerful ending to an excellent film noir classic. The final turning point.

Gran Torino

2009-08-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Starring Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino is a film noir classic.

25: Crusty, foul mouthed old Walt (Clint Eastwood) aims his rifle at gang members and prevents them from kidnapping/recruiting a young man named Thao. Thao's family offer Clint many gifts. The birth of something new.

45: Clint arrives at a party and becomes aware of his neighbor's customs. A Hmong shaman provides insight into Walt's character. Walt coughs up blood and says to the mirror that he's got more in common with the Hmong than his own family. Now that I'm aware.

60: Walt guides Thao as he does acts of service around the neighborhood. Walt coughs up blood and sees a doctor. At the clinic he sees several people from various cultures. The doctor will do tests and when Walt calls his son we notice Walt looking and acting more serious as he holds the medical test results. His son and his family no longer want to spend time with Walt. There's no going back now.

-45: Walt and Thao stand in Walt's garage. Walt provides Thao with WD40, duct tape, and vice grips and tells him those three things will resolve half of whatever he'll need to fix around the house. Walt coughs up blood. Thao tells Walt to see a doctor. Walt asks about those gang members he chased off before. Thao reveals that as part of his initiation he had to steal Walt's Gran Torino. Later, Walt asks for Thao's help moving a heavy freezer. They argue about who which one of them will do the heavy lifting and Walt backs down after Thao threatens to leave. Walt gives Thao the freezer at a discounted price. Discovery.

-25: Walt offers Thao his Gran Torino so he can ride in style with his date. The gang members shoot up Thao's house and seriously injures Thao's sister. Eventually, Walt will resolve things with the gang members in a new and original way, and Thao ends up with the Gran Torino. The final turning point.

Kansas City Confidential

2009-08-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

25: In a bar, a delivery man receives info on who framed him when a new character arrives and tells him one of the guys involved in a bank robbery is in Mexico and provides specific info on how to identify him. After a few searches at various gambling spots he finds who he is looking for. The birth of something new.

45: The leader of the thieves reveals his identity: he's a retired cop who plans to turn in the thieves he recruited and led to get the $250k reward money. Because none of the thieves knows the other, the crooked cop's plan appears to be working. But when the crooked cop becomes aware that his own daughter has fallen for the delivery man (John Payne), things start to unravel. To catch the crooks Payne assumes the identity of one of the thieves, thinking that they won't know what the real crook looks like. Now that I'm aware.

-45 (138 -45 = 53): At a card table, all the thieves and Payne play cards. They talk about Kansas and lots of distrustful eye shifts. The leader jokes that there's always room for one more sucker, and since we know he's about to cross these crooks his joke has depth. Payne purposely drops a torn King card on the table. The crooks know what it means: they think they've discovered one of their partners in crime. Discovery.

60: Payne and Lee Van Cleef talk about who the leader is. Payne begins to bond with the leader's daughter. They go swimming together as the leader observes. A few moments later Payne is under intense turbulence as two of the thieves want him dead. The leader's daughter hands Payne his gun, saving his life and cementing their relationship. There's no going back now.

-25: The leader of the crooks mails each thief a letter with a torn King card and instructions on how they will get their share of the bank robbery money. Letters are delivered to each thief. Eventually Payne gets the girl, the thieves and crooked cop get what they deserve with a poignant twist at the end. This is a well-crafted story. The final turning point.

The Magnificent Seven

2009-08-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Love the music in this movie. A remake of The Seven Samurai.

25: Yul tells Harry the job is not about getting rich, it's about helping farmers. Harry doesn't believe him. Yul recruits Steve McQueen after Steve loses his money gambling. The birth of something new.

45: They reach the farm, it's deserted. An alarm bells brings them out in the open and the seven gunmen meet the farmers. Now that I'm aware.

60: The youngest gunfighter notices he's being watched, tracks her down and after they exchange intense turbulence he carries her to the village. Another romance begins and they end up together. There's no going back now.

-45: Steve and a farmer wait for the bandits to come back, they have guns ready. The farmer talks about being nervous and how his hands are sweaty and throat dry. The farmer says when he saw the leader of the thieves/killers "run away from us, that's a feeling worth dying for." Steve says he envies him. Discovery.

-25: The seven gunfighters dismount and arrive at the thieves/killers hideout but it's deserted. They go back to the village and learn that the farmers have cut a new deal. The seven can leave and live, or stay and die. They leave, but 15 minutes later they come back and finish off the thieves/killers. The final turning point.

Nothing Sacred

2009-08-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

A short film, only about 114 minutes long so the 5 moments are unusually placed here, but if you've never seen a Carole Lombard film this is a good one to start with. Also good with Ms. Lombard is Twentieth Century with John Barrymore. My favorite Lombard movie is My Man Godfrey.

25: People falsely believe young Hazel will die soon. Wally and Hazel know the truth. They watch a wrestling match. The match stops and a spotlight hits her when she stands. The announcer asks for 10 seconds of silence. He kisses her hand. Sobbing is heard. She starts crying too. On a boat, she asks him if he's married. The birth of something new.

-45: At a swanky nightclub it's Hazel Flagg night with dancing. There's talk of celebrities and phoniness. Discovery.

45: A man in Hazel's room collecting flowers finds Hazel's suicide note. Wally and the cops arrive at the river shortly after becoming aware of the note. Wally and Hazel both jump in the river. They argue. Now that I'm aware.

-25: At a nightclub, Hazel sees up close how people suffer over her fake fatal illness. She hiccups. People cry. Wally: "For good clean fun there's nothing like a wake." The final turning point.

60: Wally's publisher learns over the phone that Hazel is sick and that a real doctor will take care of her. Eventually, Wally and Hazel leave the city and remain together. There's no going back now.

Westworld

2009-08-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

25: In Westworld, where robots make vacationers feel various things, Peter Martin has sex with a robot. Peter and his friend John talk about women. Outside, dead robot bodies are put in a van, driven away, and arrive at a lab where they are repaired. The birth of something new.

-45 and 45: A snake approaches and John fires and misses. The snake attacks, something that shouldn't have happened because it's a robot. "That's not supposed to happen," says a scientist who becomes aware of the situation by observing the action. The scientist tries using a phone but it doesn't work. "Doesn't anything work around here?" Discovery and Now that I'm aware.

60 and -25: Yul Brynner, playing the robot villain, kills John after they draw. John: "I'm shot." Another bullet from Yul kills John. Yul turns to Peter and says, "Draw." Peter runs, Yul chases. They ride on horseback to the desert. Peter tries to trap Yul but Yul outsmarts him. In other areas of the vacation area the robots are killing every human still moving. Eventually, Peter will attack and destroy Yul, and the robots will automatically shut down when they run out of energy. There's no going back now and The final turning point.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

2009-08-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

25: Dorian dines with friends, the subject of the discussion: earthly pleasures, conscience and morals, degradation, and politics. Dorian talks about his adoration with Sybil, a woman he has fallen in love with. The birth of something new.

45: Dorian becomes aware that Sybil has committed suicide. Dorian knows he was reason. Harry tells Dorian to put Sybil out of his mind and that dealing with it is all a matter of perspective. Now that I'm aware.

60: Gladys wants to know why Dorian won't marry her. Dorian tells her there are stories told by many about him and they aren't good. Once again we see Sir Tristan's portrait, a symbol of a gentleman, someone Dorian could have been. Gladys still wants to marry him. There's no going back now.

-45: Dorian sees the painter in the fog and they go to view the painting he made of Dorian. The painter warns Dorian more stories are circulating about him: scandal, rumors, "hideous things" fatalities. Moments later Dorian shows the painter what the painting looks like and it looks foul and horrible as if attacked by a "moral leprosy." Discovery.

-25: Gladys and Dorian leave the city to hunt. Dorian finds out an old friend committed suicide. Gladys says she wants a simple wedding. She hugs Dorian and he seems unemotional. His face is framed by a noose. Eventually, Doran will throw a knife at his painting and die. The final turning point.

Dragonwyck

2009-08-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

Joseph Mankiewicz's directorial debut and it's a good Gothic tale. Vincent Price does an excellent job playing a rich murderous drug addict. The DVD has two vintage radio shows of this story, one of them performed by Teresa Wright (Shadow Of A Doubt, Best Years...). I'm a fan of Old Time Radio and had fun listening to Mr. Price play a detective in The Saint.

25: Miranda (Gene Tierney) speaks with the maid who says "One day you'll wish with all your heart you never came to Dragonwyck." The focus has been on Gene's wish to live in another world away from the farm she grew up in. Gene helps Vincent's child about handwriting. The child says she doesn't love her parents. The birth of something new.

45: The handsome Dr. Turner arrives at Dragonwyck to plead with Vincent to help a man named Bleecker who is unjustly accused. Vincent won't help until Gene shows up. Dr. Turner becomes aware that Vincent loves Gene. Now that I'm aware.

-45 (142 - 45 = 57): After Vincent's wife dies, Gene leaves Dragonwyck to go back to live on the farm. Dr. Turner rides on a horse and stops her carriage. He tells her he wants to visit her at the farm. "Will next week be too soon?" This exact line ends the movie on a happy note, but at this point in the story Gene is too wrapped up in Vincent and luxury and now is when the good doctor discovers it. Discovery.

60: Gene's father (Walter Huston) argues with his daughter, who seems too focused on fancy outfits and finer things and people. Vincent arrives and proposes marriage. There's no going back now.

-25: Dr. Turner is with Gene who is sick in bed about to give birth. The baby boy will die and devastate Vincent. Vincent will become a drug addict and goes mad, dying in a large chair at the end of the movie. We learn that he killed his first wife and tried to kill Gene using deadly flowers. The final turning point.

True Grit

2009-08-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

John Wayne's character Rooster was so popular they made a sequel.

25: Mattie tells Rooster she needs him to find the man who killed her father. She shows him a large gun and he agrees to talk with her over dinner. We get to know them; she doesn't drink coffee, just buttermilk. Rooster drinks whiskey from a jug. He plays cards with his friend and there's a cat on the table. He agrees to help her. The birth of something new.

45: She discusses her venture to find Chaney her father's killer with a merchant and buys a horse. La Beouf (Glen Campbell) wants Chaney alive, Mattie wants him dead. Mattie becomes aware she can't always get things her way. They argue about whether or not Mattie's going with them. Now that I'm aware.

60: On the trail, Glen hunts a turkey, they decide to eat it later. They ride along green hills and stop at a winding stream. Rooster approaches a shack with a gun. They smoke two men out and one of them is Dennis Hopper. There's no going back now.

-45: Rooster shoots one of the antagonists, Ned Pepper (Robert Duvall) escapes. Glen arrives, they notice the dead man is just a teenager. Rooster knows where Ned is going. Discovery.

-25: Chaney has Mattie. Mattie says Rooster is dead. "Rooster is no good friend of mine and now he's left me with cutthroats." We learn of a deal Rooster made to keep Mattie alive. Chaney will made up with Ned later when they find a horse for him. Eventually, Rooster faces off against three of them on horseback and Mattie gets her revenge. The final turning point.

Pulp Fiction

2009-08-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Honorable mention: Christopher Walken and his speech about the importance of a watch. Lots of great performances here. The diner looked great and notice the use of red and blue.

25: John talks about Uma, Bruce arrives at the bar and John doesn't act friendly toward Bruce. Bruce watches John hug Ving. Two women talk about piercing. John asks them some questions and then listens to Eric talk about heroin. The birth of something new.

45: John and Uma at the Jack Rabbit Slims diner talk about a guy that died; was he killed or was it an accident? Uma becomes aware of the foot massage angle and she clarifies. They dance because she wants to win. Now that I'm aware.

60: John is instructed on how to stab Uma with a long needle so he can save her. "1...2...3..." Uma wakes up with the needle in her chest. John drives Uma home in the red convertible. They talk about the heroin incident and agree not to talk about it. She tells him the ketchup joke, he blows her a kiss. Fade to black. There's no going back now.

-45: Bruce decides what weapon to use to rescue Ving: he considers a hammer, bat, chain saw, and chooses the samurai sword. He uses the sword and things between him and Ving are balanced. Discovery.

-25: Quentin gives Harvey a cup of coffee and Harvey starts instructing John and Samuel on what to do: put the body in the trunk, clean the car, requests bedsheets. John asks Harvey to say please. John's unfriendly behavior towards strangers foretells his future. Samuel's final talk about God, tyranny, and trying to be a better man is memorable. The final turning point.

Where The Sidewalk Ends

2009-08-22T04:54:00.000-07:00

This reunites director Otto Preminger, Dana Andrews, and Gene Tierney when they did Laura. I was lucky enough to meet Dana Andrews outside the Pasadena Playhouse, I told him how much I liked The Best Years of Our Lives, he was gracious and kind.

25: Dana has a dead body with him, he accidentally killed a man and since he's already in trouble with the police department boss he's trying to cover his mistake and move the body. An upset cab driver (who plays Gene Tierney's father) knocks on the dead man's apartment door and then exits. Dana takes the dead body out of the building and ditches it. The birth of something new.

45: The police, including the actor Karl Malden, become aware of several things about the death, including that the death was an accident that happened in the apartment. Dana arrives and gets chewed out for not being at the right place at the right time. Now that I'm aware.

-45 (134 - 45 = 49): Gene's father is accused of the murder, he denies it and provides info about his whereabouts. Dana defends him but Karl insists the taxi driver is guilty. Discovery.

60: Dana gets beaten up by Gary Merrill's gang. The antagonists escape up a ladder via a hidden door in a sauna room. Dana is dazed as he talks to Gene: "Innocent people can get into terrible jams too. One false move and you're over your head." There's no going back now.

-25: Dana identifies one of the guys who beat him up. His bosses tell him his violent tactics have hurt their case to get a conviction. They want Dana to go on a vacation and "get his head fixed up, inside and out." Moments later, Dana sets out to sacrifice himself to get a conviction. Eventually, Dana helps get a conviction, including turning himself in. Since Gene Tierney expresses her love for him the story ends on a positive note. The final turning point.

Viva Las Vegas

2009-08-21T16:48:00.001-07:00

Watch Ann-Margret in Carnal Knowledge, and watch Elvis sing Memories in 1968.

25: Ann-Margret ads a group of dancers on a stage, then invites Elvis to sing. The birth of something new.

-45 (1:25 - 45 = 40): Elvis sings a sexy song with Ann-Margret and others as they dance in sync on a roulette table. Discovery.

45: Ann-Margret loves the tree Elvis gave her. Ann-Margret looks for Elvis. Elvis learns the debt he owes is paid, there's a talent contest they both enter and start an arguement. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -25 (1:25 - 25 = 60): Elvis sings Viva Las Vegas. He wins the talent contest but doesn't get the money so he loses his engine. Eventually he races and wins. There's no going back now and The final turning point.

Blue Velvet

2009-08-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

25: Jeffrey drives Sandy home. They plan to meet later to discover what's behind the mystery of the ear and have an "interesting experience." They listen to Dorothy, the "blue lady" sing Blue Velvet. The birth of something new.

45: He's hiding in the closet as Frank (Dennis Hopper) breathes in oxygen and fondles and tortures Dorothy. We learn that Hopper has kidnapped her son and husband. Now that I'm aware.

60: He follows Frank and others in his car. He sees the name Frank Booth on a mailbox. At school, Sandy's beau sees her get in Jeffrey's red convertible. They go to a diner. He tells her what he's done: He's photographing and following Frank's movements. He discovers someone he calls the yellow man. There's talk of murder and drugs. Sandy asks him why he's tracking Frank. "I'm seeing something that was always hidden." He kisses her. There's no going back now.

-45: Jeffrey is kidnapped by Frank and his friends, they arrive at a house. A party where they keep Dorothy's son. Strange, dangerous people. Suave Ben, Frank's explosive anger. "I can make him do anything I please." Ben punches Jeffrey. They let Dorothy see her child. Jeffrey can hear Dorothy talk to her son. A handheld light as Ben lip syncs to In Dreams I Walk With You by Roy Orbison. Discovery.

-25: He takes her home. He waters the lawn in his shades. He visits his dad in the hospital. He arrives at Sandy's parent's house and sees the yellow man, who we learn is a policeman. Sandy's dad is a detective, he warns Jeffrey not to react. They hide the truth from Sandy. Eventually, Dorothy's child is freed and Jeffrey and Sandy get together. The final turning point.

An Affair To Remember

2009-08-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

25: Cary and Deborah enter Cary's grandmother's home. Deborah: "It's perfect, something about it makes you want to whisper." He talks about his grandmother and she enters. They hug. He introduces Deborah. They like each other very much. The birth of something new.

45: She thanks him for the loveliest day she's ever known. She plans to write to Cary's grandmother. They walk, stop, and he kisses her; interesting angle: we only see them from the waist down when they kiss. "No more tears." "Rough seas ahead" as they plan to change course because of their affection. They say good night, it rains. Now that I'm aware.

60: The ship arrives in NYC, they each see, wave, and go to their fiance and go their separate way. He kisses and touches her hand before leaving. There's no going back now.

-45: Ken realizes Deborah has fallen for another. He tells her to be realistic and consider Cary's reputation. "He'll never be able to support you." He tries to convince her but when he asks "Can't you see I'm in love" she replies "So am I." We see her looking at the Empire State Building. Cary visits his friend the art gallery owner. "The old is dead and the new is starving." Cary wants the thrill of that first sale of his art. Discovery.

-25: Deborah conducts a children's choir and orchestra, it's a song about listening to your conscience. Cary visits a friend who critiques his paintings. He mentions a particular painting and we see it. "Here you became a painter." This is the painting at the end of the movie and when he sees it he knows Deborah is unable to walk and that's why they didn't meet before. The final turning point.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

2009-08-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

25: Walter (Danny Kaye) jokes with fellow airmen in a fantasy. His mother nags and bosses him around. Rosalind, the girl in Walter's recent fantasy sits next to him. Rosalind is followed and knows it, she kisses Walter and exits. They meet and kiss again and take a cab together. She says she thinks she can trust him. The birth of something new.

45: Walter is in a store, he sees a man with a knife following him. He buys dog biscuits and eats them. He nervously hides and for a while wears a dog mask. Now that I'm aware.

60: In a fantasy, Walter gambles and drinks a mint julip aboard a riverboat. He beats someone at cards and as bubbles crowd the scene he gives Rosalind the deed to the plantation. There's no going back now.

-45: Rosalind cries, Walter says he'll help. They look in the phone book for an address and arrive at the house. They eventually find the book that they're looking for. Rosalind gives Walter her golden wooden shoes to ward off evil. Discovery.

-25: Rosalind hides the book in a drawer and pretends Walter has it. The professor places something in Walter's drink and he falls to the ground after drinking. The professor reveals he is the antagonist and his assistants make their presence known. Walter wakes up. Eventually he becomes more of a man of action and gets together with Rosalind. The final turning point.

Bolt

2009-08-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

25: Bolt arrives at Times Square in NYC via a package. After a number of attempts to get things done, he discovers that his superpowers aren't working. The birth of something new.

45 and -45 (129 - 45 = 44): Rhino the hamster talks about Bolt's superpowers and shows off his birth mark. Rhino tells Mittens that Penny loves Bolt: "How dare you disrupt that relationship." Rhino wants to be with Bolt and tells him he could be a valuable addition because of his reflexes, stealth, and would keep the cat in check. Rhino joins Bolt and Mittens on their journey to Hollywood. The dog becomes aware that the hamster has been watching him, which is a surprise. Rhino leads them to a train and a bridge they must jump off. Discovery and Now that I'm aware.

60: Bolt and Rhino free Mittens from the animal shelter. Mittens is really surprised they came back for her. There's no going back now.

-25: Inside a home hauled by a truck, Mittens talks about her past life inside a house. Mittens directs Bolt to stick his head outside the window. During a song we see a montage of interesting places as they journey across the country. Eventually, Bolt reaches Hollywood and becomes a real hero after saving Penny in a fire. The final turning point.

Rosemary's Baby

2009-08-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

This movie helped launch Roman Polanski, Robert Evans and Paramount. Notice the use of red and green to represent evil and good.

25: Rosemary and Guy eat dinner with their strange new next door neighbors, they talk about travel, ridicule religion, and Guy's acting career. There's something about Minnie and Roman that doesn't seem quite right, and later Rosemary notes that some of the paintings have been removed from the walls. The birth of something new.

45: Rosemary is awake but drugged, not fully aware that she's being raped by the Devil. She's hallucinating she's on a sailboat in a storm. She's tied to a bed "down below" near a furnace and a group of chanting naked people including her husband, Minnie and Roman as red paint is brushed over Rosemary's body. In her drugged state, Rosemary apologizes to the Pope and says she was bitten by a mouse - earlier she ate chocolate mousse that contained a drug. Now that I'm aware.

60: Rosemary gets a new haircut and feels a sharp pain in her stomach. Dr. Sapirstein, her new doctor, says it's a natural expansion but the pain continues. It rains, she looks awful but her husband says she looks great. She cuts a steak, heats it for a few seconds, and eats it nearly raw. Her friend Hutch visits, learns she's pregnant, and wonders why she's lost so much weight. Roman visits while Hutch is there and they discuss the Tanis root necklace she wears. Hutch says he'll do some research on Tanis root and other things. Later, Hutch goes into a coma and dies. Earlier, two others who seemed to be in the way of Roman and Minnie were killed, so Hutch's coma doesn't come as a surprise. There's no going back now.

-45: Rosemary uses Scrabble pieces to discover that Roman is the son of a well known witch from a book Hutch gave her called "All of Them Witches." Rosemary gives her husband the book, which he later throws away. Rosemary visits Dr. Sapirstein and tells him about Roman and Minnie, and soon Roman and Minnie leave the building and say they won't be coming back for a long time. Discovery.

-25: Rosemary is in Dr. Hill's office and says "God bless Dr. Hill," she believes everything is going to be okay, she thinks she's going to a nice clean hospital with no visitors. From her purse, she removes pills that Dr. Sapirstein prescribed. "Unspeakable monsters" she says repeatedly. She has a quick dream of her with a perfect baby showing it to others. But her husband, Dr. Sapirstein, and Dr. Hill arrive and tell Rosemary to go with them or she's going to a mental hospital. Eventually, we see that Roman and Minnie never left the building and that the baby is the Devil's, and that her husband is in on it because they're helping him succeed as an actor. And the final resolution is a shocker: Rosemary intends to help the baby grow up. The final turning point.

Taken

2009-08-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

Good writing to set up Liam's character so we understood why he resorted to the violence to get back his daughter. Good camera work, especially quick cuts of flashback moments as Liam examines the apartment where the girls were taken. Good editing/pacing of fights and car chases.

25: Liam (Bryan) talks to his daughter Kim over the phone. Kim tells her father men have entered the apartment and taken Amanda. Liam gathers info and after listening to his daughter scream he warns the kidnapper with memorable lines: "I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you." The birth of something new.

-45: (128 -45 = 43): Liam talks too much to a prostitute to provoke an Albanian pimp. Liam places a listening device on the pimp and along with a translator listens in on a conversation. Discovery.

45: Via an Albanian interpreter, Liam discovers that his daughter could be the "fresh merchandise" at a construction site. At the site, he enters a small prostitution enclosure, finds his daughter's jacket, fights off attackers, and escapes with the young woman who had the jacket. Later, the young woman provides new information, sending Liam to a new location. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -25: Liam pretends to be a government official extorting money from his daughter's kidnappers. He receives money from them and asks them to interpret something in Albanian. He hears one of the kidnappers say "good luck" and knows he's talking to the same man he warned he'd find and kill. Liam kills nearly all of them and searches many rooms. He find Amanda, Kim's friend, dead. Eventually, Liam finds his daughter and takes her back to Los Angeles. There's no going back now and The final turning point.

Introduction to the 5 moments

2009-08-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

When editing a movie or organizing the story structure of a screenplay, do filmmakers follow a structural plan involving 5 moments? What if they did? Would you want to know about the 5 moments?

The next time you watch a good movie, notice what happens at 25 minutes into the film, 45 minutes into the film, 60 minutes into the film, 45 minutes before the film ends, and 25 minutes before the film ends: 25 45 60 -45 -25. Calculate -45 and -25 when the story ends, not when the final credits end.

Notice how movie professionals seem to place their most important moments at 25 45 60 -45 -25:

25 minutes into The Bourne Ultimatum the CIA finds Bourne and issues an order to kill him. 45 minutes into Straight Time Dustin Hoffman steals a car and handcuffs his parole officer to a fence on the freeway. 60 minutes into Iron Man Tony Stark flies around the room and says "Yeah, I can fly." 45 minutes before Schindler's List ends, Ben Kingsley's character Itzhak Stern holds up the list and says "The list is an absolute good. The list is life." 25 minutes before Transformers ends a Decepticon crashes through a bus on the freeway.

In the above films, 25 45 60 -45 -25 are pivotal moments, inspirational, entertaining, emotionally turbulent moments that helped the screenwriter and filmmaker persuade the audience to care about their characters and what happens to them.

The 5 moments in Iron Man:

25: Tony Stark is in the cave, he examines a metal ring used to create the mini arc reactor that will fit in his chest. Soon, the light of the arc reactor turns on, his new power source is born. The birth of something new.

45: An emotionally intense Tony Stark tells the press he never said good-bye to his father. He declares that because his weapons have fallen into the wrong hands he's shutting down his company's weapons production. Now that I'm aware.

60: He's flying around the room, struggling to control his power, and he succeeds: "Yeah, I can fly." He's making real progress, there's no going back to the drawing board. There's no going back now.

-45 (1:57 - 45 = 1:12 into the film) Tony receives new information about a besieged village from a reporter, learns more about the situation and escalates his action: he flies to the village and starts rescuing people. Discovery.

-25 (1:57 - 25 = 1:32 into the film) Pepper discovers the video that proves Obadiah Stane wants Tony dead. Final turning point.

In every good film and screenplay you'll find these 5 moments:

25: The birth of something new.
45: Now that I'm aware.
60: There's no going back now.
-45: Discovery.
-25: The final turning point.

The symmetry of 25 45 60 -45 -25 obeys a dynamic truth of nature: What goes up, must come down. So it is in the beginning, so it is in the end: 25 45 60 -45 -25.

You'll find the 5 moments in all your old favorites. Examine the following 5 moments in Romancing the Stone, and notice that -45 comes before 60 because Romancing the Stone lasts an hour and forty-three minutes: 1:43 subtracted by 45 means 58 comes before 60.

25: Joan is alone on a mountainous road, the antagonist walks into frame, pulls out a gun and aims it at her. Jack Colton arrives and discharges a barrage of gunfire to chase away the antagonist. 25 is where the heroine is confronted by the antagonist and where the love affair begins. The birth of something new.

45: Joan and Jack sit in a torn up cargo plane. Jack offers Joan a bottle of tequila and wants to become aware of why Joan left NYC for Columbia. Joan lies about why she's in Columbia. Within two minutes Jack finds the treasure map, a discovery that ignites future turbulence between Jack and Joan. Now that I'm aware.

-45: (1:43 - 45 minutes = 58 minutes into the film) The ally with the monster truck opens the door and asks, "You are Joan Wilder, the novelist?" An almost unbelievable coincidence but since we love Joan and Jack we don't care. Because Juan (Alfonso Arau) learns Joan writes the books he loves he lets them in. Discovery.

60: Joan and Jack tour Juan's home and within minutes they're in a monster truck that jumps over a stream to escape the antagonists. There's no going back now.

-25: (1:43 - 25 minutes = 1:18) Joan and Jack reach Mother's Milk, a small pool where they find the green diamond. The final turning point.

Knowing where the 5 pivotal moments belong in a screenplay will fundamentally change how you look at movies and how you read and write screenplays. The 5 moments will beef up your confidence because they offer an objective formula pinpointing exactly when key moments happen. It's a precise structural tool to improve your ability to analyze and organize story structure so you can tell a better story.

If you've read a lot of books on screenwriting then you're aware of certain approximations when it comes to story structure (p. 10-20, p. 50-60, p. 80-90). If you're looking for precise guidance when it comes to story structure, the 5 moments offer a reliable, objective, naturally strong structural dynamic.

When the subject matter means the world to you, you owe it to yourself to know exactly where everything goes. Look at what the professionals are doing. They know exactly where everything goes. Shouldn't you?

War and Peace

2009-08-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

25: Andre prepares to leave for war and meets with his father, a tough but lovable guy. Andre's sister gives him an heirloom he promises not to take off. Andre's father thanks Andre for doing his duty and keeping "the army before everything." Andre asks his father to get a doctor to care for his wife, he is concerned about her health. Andre's father tells Andre that if he dies in battle he'll be hurt, but if he doesn't behave honorably it will be worse, "I will be shamed." Andre asks that if he has a son and he dies in battle that his son not be taken away, "let him grow up here with you, please." His father agrees. The birth of something new.

45: Natasha's brother returns from war, Natasha sees him kiss her friend. Natasha: "I want to know what men are like." Natasha and her brother talk about love and marrying the right and best way. Andre returns, wounded. Andre's wife dies after giving birth. Now that I'm aware.

60: Two sleighs pulled by horses race in the snow. Laughter, singing, and Pierre (Henry Fonda) gives Natasha a friendly kiss. Later, during a hunt, Natasha is formally introduced to Andre. In the next scene during a dance, Andre's VO tells us he's going to marry Natasha if she turns and smiles at him. She turns and smiles. There's no going back now.

-45: Pierre is in prison awaiting execution. A fellow prisoner cheerfully talks about his unfortunate life and how a religious perspective, belief, and prayer have helped him: "the great thing is to live in harmony." Discovery.

-25: The old general discusses strategy on how to deal with Napoleon's retreating army. We watch thousands die as Napoleon's army leaves Russia. Eventually, Andre dies and Pierre and Natasha get together. There's no going back now.

Love in the Afternoon

2009-08-11T19:38:00.001-07:00

25: Audrey slips past a husband wanting to shoot Gary for his romancing his wife. Audrey slips into another hotel room, climbs onto the balcony, sidesteps over to Gary's room and warns him about the husband. Gary likes the look of Audrey and the romance starts. The birth of something new.

45: Maurice and Audrey talk about Audrey's beau and his family history; the father has investigated him. When Maurice leaves, Audrey sits to write Gary a letter, she writes she doesn't want to see him and that she's not his type. Now that I'm aware.

60: Gary wants to know Audrey's name and she won't tell him. Gary tips the hotel staff and tries to guess Audrey's name. Audrey says she wants no scenes or tears, "this way it was just perfect." He wants to buy her jewelry but all she wants is his carnation. They say good-bye. There's no going back now.

-45: Audrey and Maurice. Maurice wants to know why Audrey has a white fur coat. Maurice talks about how anklets drive men crazy. He says they are provocative. Audrey stares at something that could pass for an anklet. In the park with Gary she wears an anklet and he brings a carnation. When he discovers she's wearing an anklet he rips it off her ankle. Discovery.

-25: Gary is angry and troubled, he leaves his hotel followed by the band. In a sauna the band plays as the husband (the husband who wanted to kill him earlier at 25) tells Gary he's happily going through a second honeymoon with his wife. The husband tells Gary doesn't want to hear it, but the husband tell Gary he's in love with Audrey and to end the uncertainty he suggests he contact Maurice, a detective. Eventually, Audrey and Gary get together. The final turning point.

My Fair Lady

2009-08-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

25: Audrey enters the room, and the Professor doesn't want her around. She says she'll pay, she wants to be a lady and she's willing to pay for voice lessons. Pickering asks her name and she says her name is Eliza Doolittle. He asks her to sit. The birth of something new.
45: Eliza's father sings "with a little bit of luck" before and after he becomes aware that her daughter is no longer living in her apartment and is living with a professor. Now that I'm aware.
60: Eliza fantasizes about Professor Higgins being marched before a firing squad and shot. She and Higgins look at each other. He says "A" and she mispronounces "A" three times. There's no going back now.

-45: Eliza and Higgins have just had an argument. Eliza searches for a ring in a fireplace hearth and places it on her finger. She says that Higgins will be sorry one day, that he'll be hurt and have no one. Tearfully, she removes a ring and goes outside as a young suitor sings "on the street where you live." Discovery.
-25: Pickering is on the phone with the police to find the whereabouts of Eliza. Higgins asks, "What prompted her to go?" Pickering makes a Whitehall call to a friend. Higgins begins to sing "why can't a woman be more like a man?" Eventually, Eliza and Higgins get back together. The final turning point.

The 5 Moments - brief intro

2009-08-09T05:58:00.000-07:00

Hidden in the structure of every good movie and screenplay are 5 key moments. These 5 moments provide an objective formula that pinpoint exactly when key moments happen in a good movie and screenplay. Knowing this insight deepens your understanding of story structure and gives you a valuable tool to improve your work.

This blog takes a close look at story structure from the vantage point of 5 moments located on page 25, page 45, page 60, 45 pages and 25 pages before the screenplay ends.

Being aware of the 5 moments means you're capable of leveraging precise information that can improve how well you tell a story. It doesn't mean you're limiting yourself to a formula, it means you're aware of a hidden structure within every good story.

45 minutes before Schindler’s List ends, Ben Kingsley’s character Itzhak Stern holds up the list and says “The list is an absolute good. The list is life.” At -45 in Schindler's List a key moment happens. What if that wasn't an accident? What if that key moment was at -45 according to a structural plan?

This blog enriches you because it helps you read movies from another perspective; the better you read, the better you'll write. The 5 moments provides you with a deeper understanding of structure to help you create better screenplays.

Planet of the Apes

2009-08-08T20:38:00.001-07:00

25: Taylor and the other two astronauts walk past scarecrows, trees, swim in the water, and their clothes are stolen. Soon, they will be captured by the apes. The birth of something new.

45: Taylor fights to defend himself in prison. He's burned and sent to another prison in a lab. Dr. Cornelius sees Taylor's writing in the dirt and rubs it out with his foot. In the lab, he gets a pencil and paper and his writing proves he's not like any man they've met. Now that I'm aware.

60: Taylor gives his friend a name: Nova. A water hose is turned on Taylor and Nova is placed in a different cell. The apes tell Taylor to shut up and call him a freak. Taylor opens up to Nova, telling her about his society and past: "lots of lovemaking but no love." There's no going back now.

-45: Taylor and his allies are on trial. Taylor says he wants to defend himself but they won't allow him to tell his side of the story. He is silenced and called an animal. The apes repeat well known human themes and when Taylor submits his views in writing they call his viewpoint a joke. Discovery.

-25: Taylor, Nova, and their ape allies journey past the scarecrows and reach a river that leads to the sea. Eventually, the forbidden zone reveals a shocker of an ending too cool to mention in case you haven't seen this great film. The final turning point.

The Wrestler

2009-08-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

25: Ram sticks a needle in his butt, lifts weights, gets his hair done, gets a fake tan, goes to Jersey Dollar with a friend and they hit each other. The birth of something new.

45: He tells Cassidy that he doesn't want to be alone. Cassidy suggests he call his daughter. He says she doesn't like him but Cassidy tells him he'll be ok. Cassidy exits the car to back into the strip club. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -45: In a bar, Cassidy and Ram enjoy each other's company. She's thinking about moving. A favorite song of his plays and they dance and sing in the bar. He kisses her. There's no going back now and Discovery.

-25: Ram meets a young woman in a bar, they drink shots, snort, and have sex in the bar's bathroom. He sleeps and forgets about dinner with his daughter. She tells him she never wants to see him again. Eventually, he gets back in the ring and Cassidy is there for him. The final turning point.

Tropic Thunder

2009-08-08T20:14:00.001-07:00

25: They land in the jungle, the director tells them what to do and then steps on a land mine and becomes little pieces of meat. The birth of something new.

45: Ben separates from the group and walks up the river. Rolling Stones plays as they walk through the jungle. Ben says hello to Mr. Mantis and says he's beautiful. Now that I'm aware.

60: Matthew the agent goes to Tom Cruise and takes a call from Flaming Dragon, a comedy of errors as Matthew thinks they're another agency that has stolen his client. Tom gets on the phone and spits fire at the kidnappers, then tells his assistant to "find out who that was." There's no going back now.

-45: Jack Black approaches a water buffalo. We go to the village with Ben is held prisoner. Ben: "My body maybe shackled but my mind wanders free." Ben has a spitting contest with one of his captors. Downey, Black, et al discover the location of the village. Discovery.

-25: Matthew considers a photo of his friend and a photo of a G5 plane. We view stars and the guys talk about romance. JB is tied to a tree and asks that they don't ignore him. Radar tells Downey he thinks Jennifer Love Hewitt is hot and asks Downey if he's still dating her. Eventually, Radar kisses Ms. Hewitt, Downey announces Ben as the winner of an Oscar, and other relationships are resolved. The final turning point.

Hard Times

2009-08-08T18:50:00.001-07:00

25: A doctor joins the gambler and the fighter. The birth of something new.

45 and -45: A loan shark wants his money. Chaney enters his small apartment with groceries. He pours milk for his cat, counts his money, fights the next day against the top street fighter, and wins. Now that I'm aware.

60: The rich gambler who lost money because of Chaney wants Chaney on his side. Chaney refuses. There's no going back now.

-25: Lucy tells Chaney she's met another guy with a steady job. Chaney walks away from her, ending the relationship. Eventually, Chaney beats the best street fighter available. The final turning point.

Chaplin

2009-08-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

25: Chaplin (Robert Downey Jr., who does great work here, especially when he's dressed up as The Tramp and the scenes at the piano when he works himself too hard) asks Hetty Kelly to marry him. She declines. The actress Moira Kelly did an extraordinary job in this movie. She played two characters and I didn't realize it until a few moments ago. She also plays Oona O'Neill Chaplin, a character we see later in the film. Chaplin tells Hetty he's going to America. We learn that Chaplin loved her though he'd never even kissed her. George (Anthony Hopkins) tells Chaplin that he should let the readers share his emotions and feelings. Chaplin tells Hetty he'll wait for her and wants to know if she will. She thinks he's wonderful. He gives her a flower when she says he never mentioned love. The birth of something new.

45: Chaplin is in California and reads Hetty's letter; he becomes aware that she's married and he's hurt. He's got fame and money and soon leaves Mack Sennett to control his own movies. Now that I'm aware.

60: Chaplin acts in a war movie, he talks with Fairbanks (Kevin Kline) and they play tennis as they talk about his fiance who Chaplin will marry because he believes she's with child. He later learns she wasn't with child. There's no going back now.

-45: Chaplin walks on the beach with his future wife, Paulette, this is their first meeting. Discovery.

-25: Chaplin has tea with his future wife, Oona, this is their first meeting. He tells Oona he wants to stay with her and they laugh watching a boxing scene from one of his movies. Eventually they leave the country and remain happily married until the end. The final turning point.

Grapes of Wrath

2009-08-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

Directed by John Ford, a must see for movie lovers who want to see all the classics.

25: Tommy arrives home from prison, his mom asks, "Did they hurt you and make you mean mad?" "No." "They hurt you until you get meaner and meaner." Tommy tells his mom not to worry about it. His family and friends welcome him back, yet several believe he escaped rather than paroled. The banker arrives to warn them they can't be there after tomorrow. They have to leave their land. The birth of something new.

45: Tommy listens to a man talk about children starving to death and a doctor who won't report the truth. Tommy wonders if he and his family will experience the same truth and denial. Their truck arrives in New Mexico. Grandfather asks for bread and candy and seeing how poor and kind they are the cook and waitress help them. Now that I'm aware.

60: They push the truck up a road and notice a green, fertile California valley. Tommy asks about his grandmother and his mom tells him she died. She didn't mention it before because she was afraid they wouldn't be able to "get across...she'll get buried where it's nice and green...she'll get to lay her head in California after all." There's no going back now.

-45: Tommy's family settle into a work camp where the situation is grim. Tommy leaves the camp to get more info about what is going on. He learns from KC a group of workers are striking over wages and conditions. KC is later killed. Discovery.

-25: Tommy's family reach another friendlier work camp that seems fine; the kids enjoy the bathroom where they see a toilet for the first time. Later, Tommy is warned there's going to be an arranged fight to give police an excuse to shut down the camp. Eventually, Tommy has to leave his mom and the dialogue during this scene when Ma talks about "...living in the houses they build..." is heartbreaking because much of the story is about them trying to find a home. The final turning point.

Army of Shadows

2009-08-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

25: Inside the Majestic hotel, Philippe and another prisoner wait for their chance to escape. Philippe stands, walks up to a guard and asks for a cigarette. He then grabs the guard's knife and sticks the knife in the guard's throat. They both run and Philippe escapes. He runs several blocks in the snow and hides inside a barber shop. The owner asks him what he wants and Philippe says he wants a shave. He gets a shave. The birth of something new.

45: Philippe meets with a colleague in the French Underground at a talent agency. They need to get allied soldiers and the big chief out of the country. They need someone to assist and we follow this assistant as he exits a train and manages to get a radio past the Nazis. Now that I'm aware.

60: The big chief gets in a rowboat and the assistant rows him toward a waiting submarine. The big chief is his brother who he met earlier. There's no going back now.

-45: Philippe observes a baron's horses walking to a barn. In VO, we learn that the baron and his men were shot without trial. Three members of the French Underground try and fail to rescue two of their colleagues who have been tortured - one is about to die from torture. Discovery.

-25: Philippe lines up with other prisoners and told to run toward a wall. Nazi machine gunners fire at the runners. A smoke bomb hides Philippe's whereabouts and a rope is thrown his way. He escapes over a wall. Eventually, we learn that all of these heroes are to be killed in one way or another. An uncompromising vision from a director who was part of the French Underground. The final turning point.

Heaven Can Wait

2009-08-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

This is a remake of Here Comes Mr. Jordan. HCW is my favorite romantic comedy, I really like the montage with no dialogue, just music, at the party in the garden. If you haven't seen HCW you're in for a treat, it's one of the most thoughtful and romantic movies ever made.

25: Joe becomes another man to help a beautiful woman he just met named Betty Logan. Joe patiently listens to Betty as Mr. Jordan observes. Joe tries to tell Betty the truth but she thinks he's toying with her. Mrs. Farnsworth sees that her husband isn't dead and screams. Tony says she saw a mouse. Funny stuff. The birth of something new.

45: Sisk enters the closet and says that Betty Logan is downstairs and wants to talk to him. Joe leaves the two angels, telling them to do the best they can (Joe wants a new body so he can win the Super Bowl as a quarterback). Joe asks Betty out on a date and in the limo he tells her he can't stop staring at her. She feels the same way. Now they're both aware of how they feel about each other. Now that I'm aware.

-45: Max arrives and Joe eventually convinces him (the neck twist and not being able to play music) that outwardly he's got Farnsworth's body but inside he's still Joe Pendleton. Max agrees to help Joe train and improve so he can be the quarterback he once was and win the Super Bowl. So Max discovers that Joe really isn't dead. Discovery.

60: Joe trains with his old pal Max and they throw passes. Tony and Mrs. Farnsworth observe. Max isn't convinced as the training continues in a series of shots. Joe reads the playbook, jogs, as we hear music. Joe tells Max he made the ultimate commitment to winning: he bought the Los Angeles Rams. The Coach of the Rams informs the team, and they aren't happy. There's no going back now.

-25: Joe asks Betty to marry him. Joe sees The Escort angel and tells him he doesn't want to change bodies, but The Escort informs him it's too late. Intense turbulence as Joe goes back to Betty worried that he's going to forget her and she may not recognize him if he lives inside another body. He tells her that he's memorizing her face and asks her if she'll forget him. She says no. He tells her she may meet a quarterback and asks that she give him a chance. He whispers to her "It's alright, there's nothing to be afraid of." Eventually, at the end of the movie, Joe steps into another man's body and forgets he ever loved Betty. We think all is lost between them but when the lights go out he whispers "It's alright, there's nothing to be afraid of." She realizes that he's the quarterback and they walk together off the field. The final turning point.

Spellbound

2009-08-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

Directed by Hitchcock and a fine example of him extending the boundary of images used to tell a story. I admired Salvador Dali's exhibit at the MoMA, which included the dream sequence in Spellbound.

25: Doors open as John and Constance kiss. The lines on her robe unnerve him. During surgery he pulls off his mask and collapses after talking gibberish. The birth of something new.

45: Constance questions John about his childhood. He has amnesia. She discovers he's a doctor. He reasons that he must have been a patient of a man he's accused of killing. He thinks he must know how he died because he came back with the dead man's identity. Now that I'm aware.

60: Dr. Brulov answers the policemen's questions as Constance and John observe. The police exit and Constance lies to her former colleague and tells him she married John. They ask to spend the night. There's no going back now.

-45: The lines on the bed frighten John. Same music indicates his trauma. Constance yells at John to discovery why the lines matter to him and to remember what happened. John tries but he collapses. Discovery.

-25: Salvador Dali's dream sequence just ended; John sees the snow tracks outside the window and he goes into a daze. Constance tells Dr. Brulov the importance of the lines and then Constance realizes the ski tracks in the snow caused John to go into a state of intense turbulence. Eventually, John is able to talk about what happened in his past and he recovers. Constance later discovers the identity of the real killer. The final turning point.

Advise and Consent

2009-08-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

25: At a party, Fred tells Bob that he wants to chair the committee and when he learns he probably won't chair it he tells Bob he'll campaign for Leffingwell. Fred is intense, he says the nomination is the difference between peace and war and he'll fight to get what he wants. Bob walks off and talks to the vice president and they talk about the President's health; it's not good. This is important info bkz at the end of the movie the President dies and the VP takes over. The birth of something new.

45: At the nomination hearing, Gelman (superbly played by Burgess Meredith) testifies against Leffingwell, calling him a communist during his time in college. We know that Leffingwell will not become Secretary of State unless he can counter the charge. Now that I'm aware.

60: Leffingwell (Henry Fonda) tells the President he wants to withdraw his nomination; he admits he lied at the hearing. He says he was a party member and dropped out. He gave Gelman a job to keep him quiet. But the President won't give up on Leffingwell and the fight goes on, led by Charles Laughton who plays the Senator from South Carolina. There's no going back now.

-45: Brigg, the chair of the nomination committee, pressures Leffingwell to withdraw his nomination but Leffingwell tells him it's up to the President. Intense turbulence bkz we know Brigg is being blackmailed. Brigg leaves Leffingwell's house and Leffingwell discovers that his son overheard. Given later revelations the conversation takes on new meaning: Father to son: "I don't know how to explain it to you. I could tell you the truth." At Brigg's home, his wife tells him she got another call from the blackmailer. She wants to know the truth and her husband isn't talking. She mentions that the caller said they had bought Ray. Brigg looks trapped. Discovery.

-25: Brigg's wife reads the damaging letter and looks at the photo of her husband with another man years ago. She realizes her husband had a relationship with him. The next scene her husband is found dead, a suicide. Later, at the end of the movie, the President dies and Leffingwell isn't nominated. The VP wants to choose his own man. The final turning point.

-25:

Felon

2009-08-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

This movie doesn't follow a beaten trail, there's originality here. Good movie for realistic portrayals and situations.

25: Wade enters the Shoe, a small cell. He enters the Shoe yard where he'll fight in do or die situations. The birth of something new.

45: He fights in the Shoe yard. A prisoner runs at him and starts to hit him and Wade has to fight back. Now that I'm aware.

-45 (139 - 45 = 54): We think Wade is going to be attacked by Samson but instead tells Snowman he saw him pass the shank off to Wade on the bus. Snowman is brutally scarred for life. Discovery.

60: Wade tells John (Val Kilmer) he can't get the burglar's face out of his mind. John tells him to "protect your family, it's the only thing that matters." Wade asks John why he killed the other guys. John talks about how your life changes when your life is defined by a single action. John talks about the feeling of seeing his wife and kid and we see them in a flashback on a swing and John describes how they were brutally killed. There's no going back now.

-25: John talks with Gordon (Sam Shepard) over the phone. Gordon worries about his friend. John wants Gordon to "Enjoy life, stop wasting it here." Lt. Jackson discovers that his son was severely injured in a DUI car accident. Lt. Jackson tells the DUI driver that his life will be a living hell when he goes to prison. Eventually, John will be killed after killing Lt. Jackson to protect Wade. The truth about Wade is discovered and he's set free. The final turning point.

The Happening

2009-08-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

25: Elliot observes a video of a man eaten by lions in a zoo. In a small town restaurant they learn from the TV that they're not sure it's terrorists. The scope of the event is defined; northeast and they are located "dead center" of the event. The power goes out. Someone says "If we stay here we are going to die here." The goal is to get 90 miles away. Cars drive off, Elliot tries to get a car and eventually gets a ride. Julian decides to separate to get to his wife, Jess, his little girl will stay with Elliot and Alma. The birth of something new.

-45 (125 - 45 = 40): Elliot is at the crossroads with a group of people focused on a cellular call from Princeton, NJ. They discover that Princeton is infected and the girl dies. Jess walks to Elliot sitting at the side of the road. She whispers in his ear and he nods. They cry, so we understand that they know her parents are dead. Jess sleeps. Alma learns from their ally that Elliot is resilient and that "plants have the ability to target specific threats...they evolve rapidly...plants communicate with each other." Discovery.

45: Wind blows the tall grass as the lead group becomes infected and gun shots indicate people are dying. Elliot thinks and increases his awareness about the nature of the problem; he decides that plants are reacting to humans and their best bet is to stay away from large groups and keep ahead of the wind. They run away from the wind. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -25: Elliot's group try to enter a home and they're warned to go away. One of the teens kicks the door and demands them to open the door. The two teens are shot and killed. Jess runs and cries. Old women watch TV wearing gas masks and various shots of Florida and elsewhere indicate scope. Eventually, Elliot, Alma, and Jess survive but in Paris the movie ends with an indication of the problem's scope. There's no going back now.

Gone With The Wind

2009-08-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

25: Rhett Butler exits a room after warning his fellow southerners the North has several key advantages. Rhett is insulted but won't take advantage of a hot-headed young man. Ashley talks about Rhett being one of the best shots in the country. Scarlett hurries to Ashley and reveals her love for him. Ashley admits he cares about her but he will marry Melanie because "we understand each other." Scarlett calls Ashley a coward and accuses him of leading her on. She says she hates him and slaps him. Ashley exits, Scarlett throws an ornament and Rhett reveals he's been listening behind a sofa the whole time: "Has the war started?" The birth of something new.

45: Rhett tells Scarlett the battle of Gettysburg should decide the war. Words on the screen tell us about the battle. People wait to hear who is alive or dead. We focus on a list with the words "Killed in action." Cries are heard. Tears of a piper in a band seen. Scarlett and Melanie search for Ashley's name on the list of dead and don't find him. They are now aware that he isn't dead. Now that I'm aware.

60: Scarlett with wounded soldiers. A soldier pleads that they don't take off his leg. There's no morphine. Scarlett talks with Frank Kennedy, wounded in battle. Scarlett can't take the suffering and leaves the makeshift hospital. Outside Scarlett sees many people leaving the city. Explosions heard. She learns about Tara. Rhett arrives with a horse and buggy and asks her if she's had enough of death, lice and men cut up. He mentions Mexico, London, and Paris. He tells her "we belong together" and wants her to get Ashley out of her heart, especially since Melanie has a baby. Scarlett says "I hate and despise you till you die." Rhett replies that Scarlett won't feel that way for that long. He drives her to where she wants to go and he drives off. There's no going back now.

-45: Rhett and Scarlett argue about Ashley and how Scarlett feels about him. Rhett says he'll find comfort elsewhere and kicks open the door. He drinks and throws the glass at Scarlett's portrait. His friend Belle tells him to think of the child. He says good-bye after telling Belle "You've got a heart and you're honest." An omen as we see a plastic pony in front of Bonnie's baby carriage as Rhett and Scarlett walk. Discovery.

-25: In London, Rhett fires the babysitter after she advises Rhett let Bonnie scream if she's afraid of the dark. Bonnie asks where her mom is and wants to go home. They go home and Bonnie wants to see the pony. Scarlett says she's having another baby. Rhett says something about her having an accident, and Scarlett slips and falls down the stairs, killing the baby. The final turning point.

Platoon

2009-08-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

25: One of the soldiers in the platoon dies, Chris is unjustly blamed, they leave and get back to base camp where Chris and another soldier cleans the latrine. The birth of something new.

45: VO of Chris as they enter a village. Sgt. Barnes shoots a villager running away. Villagers are rounded up, they find holes where people, weapons, ammo, and supplies are found. Chris loses his self control as he questions a villager. Now that I'm aware.

60: Four soldiers talk about the war and how they feel about it. Sgt. Barnes worries about an investigation prompted by Sgt. Elias. Sgt. Elias is called a rat and that somebody should kill him. Sgt. Barnes considers what to do about Sgt. Elias. Chris and Sgt. Elias look at the stars: "There's no right or wrong with them, they're just there." Chris asks Elias if he believes in what he's doing, and he says in '65 he believed but not now. "We're going to lose." There's no going back now.

-45: King gets to go home as soldiers in the platoon fear for their lives. King tells Chris: "Don't think too much, no such thing as a coward." One of the soldiers tries to get a medical leave because of his foot, Sgt. Barnes won't allow it. Sgt. O'Neill asks Sgt. Barnes to let him leave and Barnes won't allow it. O'Neill has a bad feeling and doesn't think he'll make it. Discovery.

-25: The platoon is split up. Sgt. Barnes and his men are shelled by friendly fire and calls them to stop. Sgt. Elias organizes his men to fight and leaves to fight alone. Sgt. Barnes is asked about Elias and says, "I'll get him." We fear that Barnes will kill Elias and soon he does just that. The final turning point.

Rope

2009-07-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

Notice how there are very few takes; Hitchcock rearranged the set during shots to shoot the film with very few edits.

25: At the party, the women talk of marriage. Phillip is asked how he cut his hand. They ask about David (the deceased). David's father (Sir Cedric Hardwicke) talks with Janet about David. Phillip is told he's a moon child and that his hands will bring him great fame. (he just choked David to death with his hands). The birth of something new.

-45: (the movie is 1:25 long): Talk of a man's honor. Rupert (James Stewart) jokes about how murder would improve society. He jokes murder should be an art and the privilege of those who commit murder should be reserved for those few who are really superior individuals. Rupert mentions cut a throat week and strangulation day (David was strangled). Cedric asks Rupert to stop, it's too morbid and asks who would decide who was superior and who was inferior. Rupert stops joking but Brandon Shaw (who planned and assisted in David's murder) believes that superior people are above moral concepts. Cedric says that line of reasoning reveals a contempt for humanity. Discovery.

45: Rupert hears from Mrs. Wilson that there was an arguement earlier and that the chest where David's body is hiding isn't normally used for serving food. Rupert asks Phillip what is going on - Rupert senses tension. There's a siren and we see a large cloud of smoke in the distance. Phillip is unraveling and mentions the book Crime and Punishment. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -25: Brandon and Phillip remove books from the chest and open it to view David's body. Someone rings. It's Rupert, he said he forgot something. Intense turbulence as Phillip cracks and Brandon urges him to hold together. Moments later Rupert arrives and eventually he learns the truth. The end of the movie occurs as we hear the police siren - we know they will arrive soon and arrest Phillip and Brandon for murder. There's no going back now and The final turning point.

Man On Fire

2009-07-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

25: Creasy (Denzel) talks with Lisa. We see the Bible. Lisa says her daughter, Pita "just wants to be friends." Creasy says he wants to protect Pita not socialize with her and suggests Lisa hire someone friendlier. Lisa tells Creasy he's right and that she's confident he'll protect Pita. She says she'll drive with them tomorrow. Creasy plays music, drinks, and as we focus on a series of shots with VO that repeats "Think God will forgive us for what we've done?" A bullet is seen, drinks, cries, puts the gun to his head. He hears a piano and puts the gun down. Pita plays the piano. The birth of something new.

45: Pita gives Creasy a gift: a necklace with a religious figure on a medal. In his room, Creasy doesn't drink; he puts the top back on the bottle and puts it away. The next day Pita tells her father she wants to stop the piano lessons and focus on swimming. The father refuses. Creasy drives Pita to the piano teacher and tells her to belch to convince the teacher to stop teaching her. It is at the piano teacher's home where the kidnapping of Pita takes place and the scene is well shot and well acted. Now that I'm aware.

60: Jordan the lawyer (Mickey Rourke) talks to the kidnapper about how the transfer of money will happen. The kidnapper (known as "The Voice") talks about the transfer as we see the transfer taking place. An ambush happens and the kidnapper's nephew is killed. There's no going back now.

-45 (2:20 - 45 = 1:35): Creasy just caused a fire in a club, authorities and Mariana, a reporter arrives. Creasy gets Mariana to help him find those responsible for Pita's kidnapping. He asks her if she has a banking connection and she says yes. He has a credit card and a pin # and he wants to know who is putting money in the account. A man named Fuentes is mentioned and she tells him he's a well protected man. Creasy submerges himself in a pool of water and blood surrounds him. A few minutes later Rayburn (Christopher Walken) tells Manzano (Giancarlo Giannini) that Pita "showed him (Creasy) he could live again." Discovery.

-25 (2:20 - 25 = 1:55): We've just learned that Samuel, Pita's father agreed to his daughter's kidnapping because he needed money. Creasy gives him a bullet and says "Didn't work for me, maybe it'll work for you." Samuel puts the bullet in a gun. As Creasy leaves the room we hear a gunshot and know that Samuel killed himself. Moments later Creasy gets the address of "The Voice" and eventually he trades his life for Pita's life. The final turning point.

Clint Eastwood

2009-07-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

I'm a fan of Clint Eastwood, and I was really happy and surprised to see him act in a couple films my grandfather worked on. My grandfather was a Technicolor Color Consultant on Never Say Goodbye and Away All Boats in 1956.

Even though Clint has just a few lines in Never Say Goodbye you knew he had a strong presence and a future as an actor.

A Fistful of Dollars

2009-07-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

This was based on Kurosawa's Yojimbo, and if you like Yojimbo see Sanjuro.

25: Joe (Clint) and his friend observe the cavalry meeting with some soldiers. We see a chest full of gold for the first time. Ramon uses a Gatling gun to mow down about 20 guys. The birth of something new.

45: Two factions shoot at each other at a cemetery thanks to Joe. Clint is in the wine cellar and finds the gold. Now that I'm aware.

-45: The mother and her son hug in the town's square as the husband runs to them and they hug. A tough guy threatens them. Clint's friend aims a shotgun at the tough guy. Clint tells the mother to leave with Ramon's men and tells the father to take his son home where he belongs. Moments later, Clint discovers how Ramon got the wife to live with him as a hostage, and how they forced the husband to accept things. Discovery.

60: Pretending to be drunk, Joe gets up from the bed and heads across some hills to reach the family that is torn apart thanks to Ramon. Clint kills about 6 guys, gives the family gold, and tells them to travel far and don't come back. There's no going back now.

-25: Clint is badly injured after a beating as he hides from Ramon's men. He crawls under a building and observes them beat up his friend. Eventually, Clint will face off against Ramon and others and resolve matters using a shield and a gun. The final turning point.

Bullitt

2009-07-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

A classic movie for a number of reasons. First, you've got McQueen at his best. The story is structured so that you get realism and moments with McQueen looking for evidence and/or thinking, working through an investigation with people straddling a line between objectivity and callousness. Then you've got Ms. Bisset looking incredible. There's a very brave scene with McQueen, Bisset with friends at a club with no dialogue, we just listen to the live music.

Of course, there's the chase through San Francisco. Look for the green vw bug during the hill chase. There's also a cameo of a young Robert Duvall playing a cab driver.

25: Killers follow the ambulance. The wounded cop is carried into another ambulance. Bullitt learns something new: the man they think is Ross unlocked the front door to allow the killers in. The birth of something new.

45: The man they think is Ross dies. Bullitt asks the doctor for help; he doesn't want anyone to know Ross is dead. The doctor agrees to misplace a file. Bullitt and others move the body to the morgue. Now that I'm aware.

60: Bullitt calls Eddie to get info on Ross. Robert Duvall says Ross made two calls. The killers observe Bullitt. At a church, the captain with a family speaks with Chalmers and Chalmers threatens the captain to nail Bullitt or else. "Castrate him." There's no going back now.

-45 One of the best car chases in movie history starts just before -45. At -45 McQueen stops being the hunted and starts slowly following the killers. The killers burn rubber and the high speed chase begins. They go up and down hills and speed along the highway until the killers die in an explosion. Now that I'm aware.

-25: Bullitt and his partner Don Gordon discover AR (no, not augmented reality, AR are initials). This clue leads them to understand that the man Chalmers ordered them to guard wasn't Ross. The coroner reports on a body as Bullitt observes. Eventually, Bullitt will find Ross and resolve everything. The final turning point.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

2009-07-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

25: "Just out of curiosity, what is the mission?" They learn about the precious egg and accept the mission to deliver it to China. The birth of something new.

45: They case the Emperor along the streets. Rick gets on a horse and the Emperor (Jet Li) creates obstacles as they chase. Intense turbulence as they struggle to stop the Emperor. Now that I'm aware.

60: Army soldiers approach and attack and destroy things as Rick and his family, friends, and later 3 abominable snowmen fight back. There's no going back now.

-45: Rick's son Alex and Lin converse about how unlikely they will become a couple. Discovery.

-25: Rick wakes up with his wife and kisses her. Rick checks his healed wound and bonds with his son who was scared about his father dying. They hug. Lin and Zi talk about sacrifice and immortality. Eventually, they defeat the emperor. The final turning point.

High Noon

2009-07-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

Years ago I attended a forum honoring two time Oscar winner Elmo Williams, the editor of High Noon. Mr. Williams talked about several films at the forum, and I remember him mentioning that he had cut so much of High Noon that the director started to get a bit concerned. Mr. Williams said he had doubts too but felt like he had to sync things up with the clocks. He also said that as was often the case he and a small crew filmed a couple shots that ended up in the final cut.

25: Amy (Grace Kelly) enters a hotel and asks the clerk if she can wait in the lobby until the noon train arrives. The clerk replies that he's surprised she's leaving without Will, her husband and that he's looking forward to the gunfight between Miller and Will. In the church, there is singing and two men gather to talk. A clock is seen: Miller will arrive within the hour. In the sheriff's office, Will checks his watch. Herb enters and says "You can count on me," and says he'll be back loaded for bear. Will has his first volunteer to fight Miller and his three associates. The birth of something new.

-45: Will knocks on a home and asks for Sam. We know Sam's wife lies when she says Sam is in church. Will exits. Sam to his wife: "What do you want? Do you want me to be killed, is that what you want?" An unstable drinker looks desperate as he asks Will if he can help. Will says he'll call him if he needs him. Discovery.

45: Thomas Mitchell and adults in the church discuss what to do about Miller and the three gunmen. The kids leave the church. We look at the empty train tracks. We look at the three gunmen waiting. One asks the train clerk if the train is on time. The clerk replies it is. The people in the church deliver different povs so we're aware of the issues: let the politicians handle it, we're not officers - it's not our job, if we don't settle this now it's going to get worse later. Will checks his watch. Thomas Mitchell advises Will to leave town. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -25: Deputy Marshall Pell follows Will into Todd's Livery Stable. Pell fails to convince Will to saddle a horse and leave town. They fight and Will wins. Eventually, Will confronts Miller and his associates and defeats them. He leaves town with Amy. There's no going back now and The final turning point.

Definitely, Maybe

2009-07-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

25: Will hands Summer her diary and he admits he read it. Hampton, her beau, sleeps next to her. Will compliments Summer and in the hallway Summer kisses him. She suggests he call her for dinner or something. The birth of something new.

45: Will goes to one knee to ask Emily to marry him. Emily says no and tells Will she slept with his roommate. She tells him "I'm letting you go." They go their separate ways. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -45: Hampton is in the hospital, Summer is beside him. Will is in the hallway. Hampton wants to know if Summer loves Will. Summer won't tell him and calls him a drama queen. Later, Will is at an important political event at the Grand Hyatt. He handles pressure well as turbulence among colleagues intensifies. There's no going back now and Discovery.

-25: Will walks a bit and finds the Jane Eyre book April's father dedicated to her. He buys it and goes to her apartment to give it to her but discovers Kevin is her new live-in beau. Will decides to keep the book and leaves without saying good-bye. Eventually he'll give April the book and the movie ends with them getting back together. The final turning point.

Young Frankenstein

2009-07-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

One of my favorites. Great lines and performances, especially: "My name is Frankenstein!" Kenneth Mars' arm jokes, "Frau Blucher!" Gene Hackman and Peter Boyle's soup joke, and "Sweet mystery of life at last I've found thee."

25: Dr. Frankenstein hears music coming from behind ze bookcase. Inga and Dr. Frankenstein find a candle and we enjoy "Put the candle back" moments. They walk down the passageway, find Igor, and soon find the lab where Dr. Frankenstein makes it all happen. The birth of something new.

45: "Get ready, get set, go!" Dr. Frankenstein is high above the lab standing above The Monster trying to reanimate life. He asks Igor to throw the 2nd and 3rd switch. "Give my creation life!" The face of The Monster glows. Dr. Frankenstein asks for everything to be turned off and they bring him back down. No movement from The Monster makes them all believe they failed. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -45: Dr. Frankenstein and Inspector Kemp throw darts. Kemp is sabotaging the doctor's throws. Dr. Frankenstein pretends he expressed the "Hmmm!" and tells Kemp he has no interest in carrying on with his grandfather's work. Kemp leaves, we see the darts have hit Kemp's associate and ruined his tires. Frau Brucher sets The Monster free and he discovers interesting people, including the Blind Man. There's no going back now and Discovery.

-25: Dr. Frankenstein and The Monster perform in front of an audience. The Monster displays an ability to sing and dance to Puttin' On The Ritz. Exploding lights frighten The Monster and he runs off. Eventually Dr. Frankenstein improves The Monster's ability to communicate and all is resolved in a funny and thoughtful way. The final turning point.

Brick

2009-07-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

25: Brendan looks at his dead ex-girlfriend, we see some of the same shots that started the movie. He hears someone and runs into the darkness. He's hit and floored. Several fades to black as he walks and meets his friend Brain in the library. Brain will help Brendan throughout the movie. The birth of something new.

45: Brendan arrives in a room where The Pin sits. The Pin has one foot much larger than the other. He has a cane. They threaten each other and Brendan is knocked out by Tugger. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -45: Brendan exits a van. Brendan runs to a phone booth and answers the phone. It's the guy that floored Brendan when he ran into the dark tunnel. The voice says he wants to see Brendan sweat. Brendan and The Pin walk along the beach. There's a shot of the sun and the rays are hitting The Pin much the same way they hit Brendan's ex-girlfriend when they shouted at each other on the field. There's no going back now.

-25: Tugger shoots Dode dead near the dark tunnel. Brendan awakens and Tugger talks to him about what's true. Tugger says Laura says Brendan should sleep. Eventually, Brendan will learn something about Laura that helps resolve the story. The final turning point.

Breaking Away

2009-07-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

25: Dave is racing behind a a Cinzano truck on the freeway. The driver holds 5 fingers, meaning Dave's bike is going 50 mph. Soon, the driver holds up 6 fingers. The birth of something new.

45: College students are told they must allow a team from the town to enter a bike race called Little 500. "But sir, they are not good enough." At the water hole Dave, Mike, Cyril and Moocher argue amongst themselves about whether they should enter the Little 500. Now that I'm aware.

60: Dave's dad is ill so he tells his mom he's not going to race in regional bike race the Cinzano team will enter. Evelyn Stoller tells her son she has always carried a passport in her purse. She encourages her son to win and do all the things he wants to do now while he can. He decides to race and later the Cinzano team treats him roughly. There's no going back now.

-45: Dave's dad Raymond Stoller arrives at a stone cutting factory and says hello and does a little work with a hammer on a block of stone. Later he and his wife talk about their son's future. Dave works all day at the car lot and is exhausted. His father tells him to get used to it. Discovery.

-25: Dave and Raymond talk about identity. "You're not a cutter, I'm a cutter." The four friends examine the bike they will ride in the Little 500. It's in poor shape. They argue again about whether they should race. "Maybe those guys are better than us." Dave takes the bike and works on it to improve it. Eventually, that bike is ridden by the four friends and they win the race. The final turning point.

The Right Stuff

2009-07-25T08:06:00.001-07:00

Honorable mention: Sam Shepard's presence is as good as it gets. Mary Jo Deschanel and Ed Harris share a great scene over the phone. Quaid brings the grin, Glenn brings the grit.

25: After Yeager breaks the sound barrier he howls at the moon. Someone at the bar mentions every hot shot pilot is heading for Edwards Air Force Base. Pilots and their wives arrive at the base. The birth of something new.

45: Lyndon Johnson and Eisenhower in a board room discuss the Russians and their space program. Discovery issues include footage of Russians, talk about good and evil, "our Germans are better than their Germans" and they agree to launch a pod with a spaceman inside. They view footage of surfers, race car drivers, acrobats, and choose test pilots. Now that I'm aware.

60: Test pilots arrive at a clinic to begin secret and grueling tests to determine who will become the first US astronauts. There's no going back now.

-45: Glenn and his wife Annie tell VP Lyndon Johnson he can't enter their home for the networks and coverage. When Glenn's threatened the other astronauts back him up. Johnson learns he can't enter the home and he pounds the car: "Isn't there anybody who can deal with a housewife?" Discovery.

-25: Glenn hums a song as his capsule is engulfed in flames as it descends to earth. There's a communications blackout as people wait to see if he lives. Cut to a ticker tape parade in nyc with Glenn and Kay sitting beside Johnson. The final turning point.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

2009-07-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

25: A vote is taken and Harry is cleared of all charges. Dumbledore walks away from Harry without answering him. Harry speaks with Sirius and Serious talks about death and war. Harry sees Voldemort briefly, then boards the train en route to Hogwarts. The birth of something new.

45: Hermione berates Ron about his eating. Harry arrives, they listen to McGonagall and Umbridge argue about medieval methods vs loyalty. Umbridge implements new proclamations and is given new powers to address standards. Now that I'm aware.

60: Harry trains the Order of the Phoenix. A boy knocks Harry down during training. Hermione puts Harry down. Ron's in denial. There's no going back now.

-45: Harry instructs the Order. Several of them use their wands to create creatures that move about the room. Umbridge destroys the wall and discovers them. Dumbledore is accused and ordered to prison, but Dumbledore uses the Phoenix to make a memorable escape. Discovery.

-25: Dolores warns Centaurs, then attacks one of them with rope. The giant picks up Umbridge and drops her, the Centaurs drag her away. Harry and the Order meet on a bridge and they decide to fly to London. Later, they confront antagonists and reveal to everyone that Valdemort is back. The final turning point.

Eastern Promises

2009-07-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

25: Nikolai and Anna talk as she tries to start her motorcycle. Nikolai drives her home and Anna talks about a pregnant teenager's death: the girl had needle marks on her arm. Nikolai tells her he's just a driver and won't discuss it. The birth of something new.

45: Nikolai conflicts with the father, Semyon, as the son observes. Nikolai: "It was the right thing." Semyon: "I decide what is the right thing." The father quiets the son and warns Nikolai that brothers of the deceased will want revenge. Nikolai says he can handle it, and later in the movie he handles the brothers after they nearly kill him. Now that I'm aware.

60: Semyon advises another what to do with killers arriving to kill Nikolai. Anna reads the dead girl's diary as we hear the dead girl's despair during a voiceover. There's no going back now.

-45: VO of dead girl as Nikolai reads the girl's diary. She talks about how others shot her up with heroin. The diary is handed over to Semyon, who talks about trust and how he can't afford to be careless in any area. The father learns that someone was killed because his son was called a drunk and gay. The father blames London. Discovery.

-25: Arrival of VIPs. Nikolai wears only briefs as VIPs talk about his past, prison time, and parents. Nikolai says he has no parents, only the code. He says he died when he was 15. The VIPs accept him and he's tattooed. Later, he'll help save the dead girl's baby and the movie ends with him reading her diary and hearing her voice. The final turning point.

Righteous Kill

2009-07-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

25: After the softball game, Turk learns from Perez and Riley the poet killer has killed again. Now we know Turk is tracking a serial killer. The birth of something new.

45: Karen tells Turk habits can be broken. Perez and Riley stake out a suspect, Perez expresses intense turbulence, he believes Turk is the killer and is misdirecting them. Now that I'm aware.

60: Therapist with Turk and Rooster. Turk offers voiceover as his stare stops youngsters from hassling a woman on a subway. Hingis restricts Turk's movements, Turk curses and stabs a desk with a knife. Rooster calms him but Turk knows the investigation is focused on him. There's no going back now.

-45: Turk coaches softball team intercut with therapist with Perez and Riley. Therapist believes killer will reveal himself in time. Female lawyer thanks Turk for visiting her in the hospital and asks him about his family, we learn about his daughter and that his wife died. Discovery.

-25: Over the phone, Spider convinces Turk to meet and discuss solving a crime. Perez and Riley reassure Spider he'll be protected. At the hospital, the killer nearly kills a victim who will identifty the serial killer. Eventually, we learn who the real killer is. The final turning point.

Hidalgo

2009-07-21T04:44:00.000-07:00

25: The vessel carrying Frank and his horse Hidalgo reaches port, their caravan marches through the desert. This is where the race will soon begin. The birth of something new.

45: The race has begun and the first horse dies. Frank stops and is warned to keep going. They stop at an oasis. Frank nearly kills a rabbit but another rider's hawk beats him to it. Frank is impressed. Now that I'm aware.

60: Jazira visits Frank's tent to give him food and guidance. They talk about vanishing cultures. Soon, Frank will be handcuffed and possibly have his family jewels cut off because of Jazira's visit. When Jazira is kidnapped during a raid Omar Sharif, who does an excellent job in this movie, asks Frank to rescue her. There's no going back now.

-45: Frank arrives back in camp to return Jazira to Omar. Jazira and Frank talk about Hidalgo and how he is a sacred animal. Jazira asks Frank questions to get to know him better. Discovery.

-25: Antagonists hired by Lady Anne Davenport chase Frank/Hidalgo and a trap severely wounds the horse. Frank is at the point where he's thinking about shooting Hidalgo, but eventually despite the injury Hidalgo manages to keep racing and wins the race. The final turning point.

The Art of Soccer with John Cleese

2009-07-21T04:34:00.000-07:00

Two hours of fun and information from John Cleese about soccer, I enjoyed it.

Tom Jones

2009-07-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

A must see if you like costume comedy dramas. If you like this you'll like Richard Lester's 1973 remake of The Three Musketeers with Michael York and a great cast.

Honorable mention: Joan Greenwood, loved her in Kind Hearts and Coronets and The Man in the White Suit.

25: Tom Jones and Sophie, and others chase a deer and catch it. Sophie's horse runs off and Tom saves her. He fakes injury and gets her to comfort him. The romance begins. The birth of something new.

45: Sophie's parents decide Sophie should marry an unloving man. Sophie is aware of their plans for her and she's devastated. She loves Tom Jones, a man thought of as a bastard. Now that I'm aware.

60: Jones dines at an Inn where Sophie's honor is insulted by a soldier. Jones challenges the soldier and is struck on the head. Jones is pronounced dead. Our fears about Tom's fate soften when voiceover tells us "No man dies for love except for on the stage." There's no going back now.

-45: Lady Bellaston, Sophie, and Tom Jones confer and intrigue escalates. The Lady tries to marry Sophie off to an unattractive suiter. The Lady visits Tom, who skillfully directs another woman with a message from Sophie out of the room. Tom reads Sophie's message. Sophie doesn't want Tom to visit her and asks for his patience. Discovery.

-25: The famous dinner scene between Tom and Joyce Redman who plays Jenny Jones. They seductively eat lobster, chicken, oysters, fruit, and after a drink it's off to the bedroom and the extinguishing of a candle - all without dialogue. Eventually, all is amicably resolved with Tom reuniting with Sophie. The final turning point.

Casino

2009-07-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

25: VO of Ace talking about Ginger during montage. "What a move. I fell in love right there...she knew how to take care of people and that's what Vegas is all about." The birth of something new.

45: Ace and Ginger enter their new home. Mink coat, jewelry, cash. He tells her it all means nothing without trust. They go to a bank to hide emergency cash. Now that I'm aware.

60: VO of Nicky talking about his crew and montage of how they operate. Tipsters inform him of opps. There's no going back now.

-45: Ace and Ginger talk on the phone. Ginger and Amy exit a jet and they drive home. Ginger and Ace talk at a restaurant about Lester Diamond and the $25k Ginger gave him. Ace wants a breakdown of what happened to the $25k. She isn't talking. He threatens to hurt Lester, she leaves the table. Later he listens to her talk to someone on the phone, probably Lester. They fight and he drags her to her closet. She wants money, he grabs some money in a shoebox. Discovery.

-25: Ace calls home but there's no answer. Ace leaves his table and Nicky is informed of Ace's whereabouts. Ace learns that Ginger tied Amy to the bed. Furious, Ace confronts Ginger after Nicky warns Ace to be nice. Amy looks like she's lost it; she wants him to let her go. He threatens her and they leave. Eventually, they separate. The final turning point.

Mamma Mia

2009-07-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

My favorite song is Meryl singing winner takes it all with Pierce. Honorable mention: Benny Andersson playing the piano on the boat.

25: The guys just arrived on the island and hear Meryl. She hears them and ees themas they looked years ago - funny stuff. Meryl sings the title song. The birth of something new.

45: Amanda and Dominic on the beach singing about their love. Now that I'm aware.

-45: Party, dancing, Amanda wants to learn who her dad is so she asks Colin if he has a daughter. She reveals to Colin that she doesn't know who her father is. She talks with Stellan and money from a great aunt convincs him he's the father. She asks him "Will you give me away?" They hug. Discovery.

60: Julie falls in the water as she heads for the guy's boat. Colin and Stellan discuss secrets and it's a comedy of errors: both misunderstand what they're talking about. Meryl talks with Amanda about the marriage - will she call it off? They argue. There's no going back now.

-25: Amanda and Dominic argue, they may not marry. Pierce and Amanda talk. Meryl and Amanda sing. Eventually, the young couple decide not to marry. The final turning point.

Dick Tracy

2009-07-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

25: Tracy, Tess and the kid get the kid new clothes and lots of food. Tracy suggests something new: a marriage proposal to Tess. The birth of something new.

45: Madonna with Warren. Madonna says testifying against Big Boy would be dangerous. Warren reassures her. They kiss and Tess sees them kiss. Now that I'm aware.

60: Big Boy Al Pacino chastises his men; he wants Tracy dead. Mandy gets $ from Big Boy to see that Tracy dies. The kid is with the police chief at the diner. Tracy enters the diner and talks with the kid. Tess drives and reaches her mom's house outside of the city. Mandy and Madonna sing. There's no going back now.

-45: Montage of Tracy fighting crime as Madonna sings. Big Boy discovers that the police are recording his conversations. Discovery.

-25: Tracy misses Tess, the kid leaves the orphanage with the chief to see Tracy. Tess is kidnapped and Tracy is in jail. The kid has a new name: Dick Tracy, Jr. Tracy is let out of prison and starts giving orders to find Tess. Tess is tied up with No Face, who tells the police where Tess is. Eventually, Tracy gets the upper hand. The final turning point.

What Just Happened?

2009-07-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

25: Jeremy the director smashes M&Ms during a studio meeting after the studio head informs him he'll have to cut the part about killing the dog. The birth of something new.

45: DeNiro dines with investors and gets a call from his ex-wife. He wants to know if she's sleeping with someone else. She refuses to tell him or see him. He's distracted seeing an agent who needs to tell Bruce Willis to lose the beard. Now that I'm aware.

60: DeNiro celebrates with Jeremy after he cut a new, happier ending for the dog movie. DeNiro urges Bruce Willis' agent to tell him to cut the beard. With his ex-wife and therapist he attempts to reveal things and hear things that will hopefully result in an amicable separation. He wants to hear her talk about the new guy in her life but there isn't time. There's no going back now.

-45: DeNiro wakes up, does yoga, and the woman he slept with the night before enters and reminds him he slept with her and offered her a movie deal. Discovery.

-25: At a funeral DeNiro learns his daughter slept with the deceased. Later DeNiro argues with the married man sleeping with his wife and later argues with Willis. Eventually Willis shaves, an indication the movie will do well. The final turning point.

District 13

2009-07-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

Lots of excellent stunts in this movie, if you like seeing guys jumping from great heights and climbing and hopping to and from this that and the other thing you'll like this one.

25: Behind a counter in a grocery store hides a casino. An undercover cop takes on all comers. The birth of something new.

-45 (120 - 45 = 35): The undercover cop learns a powerful bomb will explode in 24 hours. He says he needs more time. He's told a local guide will help him if he can convince him. It's Leito, the escape artist. Discovery.

45: Leito becomes aware there is a huge bomb that will soon explode and kill millions. Now that I'm aware.

-25: (120 - 25 = 55): The undercover cop bluffs about the money; authorities refuse to transfer the money. The cop tells Leito the authorities think he's worthless. The speak of values they both fight for. Eventually, Leito and the undercover cop trick authorities and go public with their plan to kill citizens. The final turning point.

60: The boss learns he's lost all his money. He's gunned down by his gang. There's no going back now.

Stanley and Livingstone

2009-07-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

25: Eve wants her father to stay away from Africa, she tries to get Stanley to help her. The next day Stanley and Walter Brennan are about to embark on a boat down a river. Eve arrives to warn him not to go that route - slave traders will try to kill him and Livingstone. Eve leaves and cries after giving him a letter she wrote for him. Stanley heads down the river. The birth of something new.

45: Stanley's caravan is attacked. Stanley fires back and people are killed. Warriors and war drums. A chase up a mountain and more warriors amass and chase the caravan. Stanley uses fire to get away. Now that I'm aware.

-45 and 60: Stanley sits down with Livingstone and tells him he can go back to London with him and if he gives his newspaper exclusive rights he can have fame and fortune, lectures, and appearances. Livingstone says he's not going back; Stanley discovers that Livingstone doesn't want to be rescued and is sad Stanley doesn't have medicine, supplies, to assist him in his work. Later that night, Stanley knocks a man down for stealing a mirror. Livingstone warns Stanley that brutality isn't the answer. The man says he's sorry and asks for a pardon. Discovery and There's no going back now.

-25: Stanley and Dr. Livingstone talk about journeying to the source of the Nile, but Stanley can't wait six months for the rain season to end. Livingstone asks Stanley that when he goes back to London he inform people he needs assistance, and Stanley promises he'll bring it. They say their farewells after Stanley tells Livingstone he admires him for continuing his duty with high spirits and faith. Stanley hands Livingstone the mirror to give to the man who sought it earlier. Later, Stanley gives a great speech to try to convince people Livingstone is still alive. The story ends with Stanley going back to explore uncharted territory. The final turning point.

Cry, The Beloved Country

2009-07-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

25: John Kumalo gives a speech on apartheid to create improvement. They end with a song. John's brother, Rev. Kumalo (James Earl Jones), doesn't sing. Rev. Kumalo is trying to find his son and John provides new info as to his location. Thunder is heard, the screen fades to black. The birth of something new.

45: Fade up from a black screen, a plane lands. Grieving family at the airport. Officers inform James Jarvis (Richard Harris) they need him to identify the body and they haven't found his son's killers. They tell James that his son was their champion. The father identifies his son's body. Now that I'm aware.

-45 (141 - 45 = 56): Richard visits the boys club that his son founded for African boys to channel their energy in a positive way. Richard starts to discover just how great his son really was. Discovery.

60: Richard reads his son's writing and continues to learn who his son was and what he thought. His son believed his parents never taught him about the plight of his fellow countrymen. There's no going back now.

-25: In the garden, Rev. Kumalo tells Jarvis: "It was my son who killed your son." Jarvis: "I understand what I did not understand - there is no anger in me." Rev. Kumalo: "I saw the boy, he had a brightness in him." Subplot: Jarvis' daughter in law coldly says she doesn't care what happened to one of her servants - the Reverend inquired to resolve a task for a friend. Eventually, the Reverend suffers through the death of his son, the continued abandonment of his daughter, and a final note talks about the dawn, the fear of bondage, and the bondage of fear. The most beautiful shots of nature I've ever seen are in this movie. The final turning point.

This is one of those films that is tough to watch but you have to see it and recommend it because it goes deep into our common challenges involving man's inhumanity to man.

The Pink Panther

2009-07-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

Honorable mention: Emily Mortimer plays her part.

25: Clouseau and Ponton question Xania, we learn she has a motive for killing the coach; he was cheating on her. The birth of something new.

-45: (128 - 45 = 43): Clive Owen saves the day at the casino, Steve gets all the credit. The press hounds Kevin. Discovery.

45: Steve and Jean question a Chinese woman. Kevin sneaks into Steve's office and hides when Steve enters. Steve hits Kevin with a chair, tries to pull off Kevin's face mask, then realizes there isn't a mask. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -25: At the Waldorf hotel. Xania's room. Clouseau causes a chandelier to fall. Xania makes a move and Steve retreats to the bathroom where he causes a small flood and fire and falls through the floor. There's no going back now.

That Thing You Do

2009-07-13T20:41:00.000-07:00

Honorable mention: Charlize Theron, playing her part.

25: Phil, a man we've never seen before, buys the band's record. Later he intros himself to Guy and convinces them to sign with him and he begins to get them gigs in other towns. The birth of something new.

45: Tom Hanks aka Mr. White advises the band before they go on stage. He gives them sunglasses and they do well on stage, impressing people. A montage shows their song moving up the charts as they cross the country on a nationwide tour. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -45: In Wisconsin, Mr. White informs the band they are going to Hollywood. The band walks into their first screaming group of fans as they run into the limo. They almost lose Faye who starts to cough. Guy makes sure Faye is resting on the plane. When Guy mentions Faye is ill Jimmy ignores him. Discovery and There's no going back now.

-25: Ethan Embry is on a ride with the Marines and Mickey at Disneyland. Mr. White tells the band they need to replace Ethan and intros the new bass player. Guy asks Mr. White about Faye and he replies she's fine. Faye dresses up and is escorted into the theater where the band will play live on TV. Guy's parents are excited about their son's popularity. Eventually the band will split up with each going their own way, at -25 the first departure happens. The final turning point.

X-Men

2009-07-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

25: Logan enters Xavier's office, Xavier introduces himself and other X-Men. Xavier reads Logan's mind so Logan is impressed enough to stay. The birth of something new.

45: Rogue has left the school. "Why should Rogue be important to Magneto?" Xavier enters Cerebro to find Rogue and soon he's aware of her location. Now that I'm aware.

-45: In the train with Rogue and Wolverine, at the train station with Storm and Cyclops, at Cerebro where Mystique sabotages the machine. Battle of mutants begins on the train and at the station. Discovery.

60: Mutation flashback. What does Magneto want with Rogue? They begin to understand Magneto's evil plan. There's no going back now.

-25: Wolverine with Cyclops, Storm, Jean in the jet rising from the ground, they fly to the Statue of Liberty and confront Magneto's colleagues. Eventually, the evil plan is undone. The final turning point.

4: Rise of the Silver Surfer

2009-07-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

25: Reed and Susan are about to marry but Reed gets new data warning. Soon, the wedding is postponed; the silver surfer causes a helicopter to spin out of control. Susan and Ben rescue people from the chopper. Johnny chases after the surfer. The birth of something new.

45 and -45: The fantastic four view a massive hole in the Thames River. General Hager authorizes Victor to assist in the capture of the surfer. Victor's recording reveals that the energy originates from the silver surfboard. Now they are aware they must separate the man from the board. Now that I'm aware and Discovery.

60: The military capture the surfer and control the surfboard. There's no going back now.

-25: The torturer informs the silver surfer he's going to be tortured. The fantastic four discuss whether or not to talk to the silver surfer. Why did the surfer protect Susan? Is the surfer the destroyer or is he telling the truth? Soon, they free the silver surfer, get the surfboard from Victor, and the surfer stops the destroyer from destroying Earth. The final turning point.

The Lady Vanishes

2009-07-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

One of Hitchcock's early movies.

25: Iris says good-bye to her friends - she's off to marry someone she's not thrilled about. Miss Froy, a kindly old woman, asks a question, drops something, and walks away. Iris picks up the item and as she hands it to her she's hit on the head by a fallen object meant to kill Miss Froy. Iris is hurt but they board the train. Miss Froy assures Iris's friends she'll take care of Iris. The birth of something new.

45: Iris can't find Miss Froy, Froy is replaced by someone else who lies about helping Iris. Dr. Hartz misdirects Iris - he tells her she's only imagining Ms. Froy. Gilbert escorts Iris as they meet someone who also lies, causing Iris to believe Miss Froy doesn't exist. Now that I'm aware.

-45: (50): We see the word "Froy" on the window as Iris talks with Gilbert. Gilbert attempts to lay on the charm but Iris tells him she's to be married. Gilbert talks about his father, Iris remembers her talk about tea with Miss Froy. Fun banter here: Him: "Do you like me?" Her: "Not much." When Iris discovers "Froy" on the window she starts raising her voice "She's on the train!" and reaching out to passengers to stop the train. She pulls a handle and stops the train. Discovery.

60: Iris and Gilbert fight off the magician and place him in a large box. They know he is involved in Miss Froy's kidnapping. The magician escapes through a false bottom. They decide to go to Dr. Hartz for help. Iris notices the nun's high heels, the nun sits beside a person with her face hidden - could this be Miss Froy? Dr. Hartz stops them from finding out. There's no going back now.

-25: Dr. Hartz tells the nun Iris and Gilbert know she's not a nun. Dr. Hartz pulls a gun on Iris and Gilbert and tells them their drinks were drugged. They collapse and Dr. Hartz leaves. Gilbert faked it and climbs into another compartment. Eventually Miss Froy is found and Iris and Gilbert become a pair. The final turning point.

Stagecoach

2009-07-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

One of the 1939 movies, known as the best movie year ever.

25: Stagecoach has stopped. Cavalry escorting the stagecoach leaves to help others. Travelers vote whether to keep going. Ringo calls Dallas a lady and she's impressed. The birth of something new.

45: Apache wife scares a passenger. Doc Boone (Thomas Mitchell won Oscar for this) sobers up and gets pails of water to start assisting pregnant woman give birth. Now that I'm aware.

-45: (1:39 - 45 = 54): Ringo is warned not to go to town. Ringo and Dallas talk at the fence and do some mutual discovering: She asks why he doesn't escape. He tells her his father and brothers were killed and he has to go to town to confront the murderers. Dallas says her parents were killed. Ringo invites Dallas to live with him at his ranch. Dallas: "But you don't know me, you don't know who I am." Discovery.

60: Doc tells Ringo to go to the kitchen, Ringo finds Dallas in the kitchen. She tells him to escape. He tells her to go to his ranch and wait for him. She warns him that 3 against 1 means death. He tells her some things you just can't run away from. There's no going back now.

-25: They're in the stagecoach and an arrow kills a passenger. Indians attack, it looks like they're all done for until the cavalry arrive. Later, Ringo will go to town and take care of three guys and ride off with Dallas. The final turning point.

A Clockwork Orange

2009-07-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

One of the movies in the early 70s that really made an impact. Facing death threats, Kubrick pulled the picture from theaters.

Listen to the commentary by Malcolm McDowell. Some of his comments: Darth Vader actor David Prowse is in Clockwork; he's the muscular man with the author who carries both Alex and the author. Also, he trained Christopher Reeve to bulk up for Superman.

Notice the opening shot of the first 3 scenes: each time there's a camera pulling back: the camera pulls away from Alex, then pulls away from the man in the alley, then pulls away from the theatre interior, then the next scene is with them in the car: camera holds but the road pulls away from us.

Another key technical aspect: Kubrick used pen mikes so all audio was realistic, no post production audio from actors needed. Malcolm said his acting wasn't realistic but it was real.

Malcolm McDowell reveals that improv played an important role in the movie. He did improv during his reaction to the photos at the end with the nurse. Malcolm said he went off on tangients.

Also, Malcolm said "I understood the feeling of the times - there was rebellion in the air." Actors, creatives: know the feeling of the times.

25: A school admin arrives at Alex's apartment and warns him to stay out of the dirt. He wants to save Alex from himself and asks if there's a devil inside Alex. The admin drinks from a glass with teeth in it. The birth of something new.

45: Alex resists interrogation, he's accused of murder. The school admin arrives and says it's the end of the line for him. Alex realizes he's going to prison. Now that I'm aware.

60: A new treatment is discussed between Alex and a minister. Alex is warned about serious dangers but wants to be good. Minister: "Will this technique make a man good? When a man cannot choose he ceases to be a man." There's no going back now.

-45: In his old apartment, Alex realizes he's been replaced. He tries to fight but gets too sick to attack. His snake is dead. "What's to happen to me?" Joe says he's to suffer bkz he made others suffer. Discovery.

-25: In the writer's home, Alex is in the tub singing "Singing in the rain," and the author (played by the extraordinary Patrick Magee) realizes Alex raped his wife and ruined his former life. The author later causes Alex to attempt suicide and this snowballs into a public scene with Alex being "cured." The final turning point.

Manhattan

2009-07-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

One of the top movies of the 70s.

25: Isaac walks with Mary after her friend's party. They talk about divorce, Mary felt her identity was suffocated. Isaac reveals his wife left him for another woman. Mary scoffs at Isaac's relationship with a teenager named Tracy. Mary invites Isaac to a semi-date walking her dog, Isaac wants to know if Mary is serious with Yale, a married man. Isaac may leave Tracy for Mary so this is new. The birth of something new.

45: Mary with Yale as Mary moves into new apartment. Tense and turbulent Mary doesn't want Yale to touch her. He asks if he can visit her, she says no. Isaac supervises the move. Now that I'm aware.

-45 (1:37 - 45 = 52): Isaac with Tracy. Isaac wants Tracy to go to London. He wants to break up, she's upset. She gives him tickets. Discovery.

60: Isaac with Tracy, Tracy gives Isaac a harmonica. Isaac tells Tracy they should break up. She says she's in love with him. He says he's in love with someone else. She's hurt. There's no going back now.

-25: Mary runs into her ex-husband, Isaac isn't impressed with him. Mary types up a novelization as Isaac tells her to do fiction. Yale calls Mary to meet, she declines and lies to Isaac about who called. We go back to Yale standing at the phone and sense Yale and Mary will get back together. Eventually, Mary and Isaac split and Isaac gets back together with Tracy, who asks Isaac that he have a little faith in people. The final turning point.

Murder on the Orient Express

2009-07-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Watch Ingrid Bergman, there's a reason why she won the Oscar. Watch her eyes when she can't hold back her fear of being caught when she's first questioned. Everyone does an excellent job here. Some may think Lauren overdoes it and that's not so - watch her final scene when she's calm and quietly talking - earlier she purposely overacted because her character was acting a part. Sean and Vanessa make a red hot couple - it's sad not seeing more of them together.

25: Hercule declines to protect Richard Widmark. Richard thinks someone's going to kill him. The birth of something new.

45: Richard's death is examined by the doctor, Hercule and his friend. We become aware of a number of things: we learn that the stab wounds are different, that there are "Too many clues in this room." Soon they discover the identity of Richard Widmark's character and his connection to the Daisy Armstrong kidnapping; it is believed that he is responsible for 5 deaths. Now that I'm aware.

60: Hercule is told that the inquiry must end before the train leaves the snow. Lauren Bacall found a button, later it is learned the button is not missing. Hercule thanks Ms. Bacall for playing her part. The identity of a handkerchief is in question. There's no going back now.

-45: Sean Connery is questioned. Hercule discovers that the Royal Scots connects Sean to the Armstrong kidnapping. Discovery.

-25: We learn Jacqueline Bisset, who plays the late Daisy Armstrong's sister, is on the train. We learn the princess owns the mysterious handkerchief. We learn the cook in the Armstrong house is on the train. Eventually, we learn that 12 people on the train have reason to want Richard Widmark's character dead. The evidence keeps escalating as Albert Finney plays the final monologue like nobody else could. Somehow he makes it plausible, inevitable, acceptable. The final turning point.

Kramer vs. Kramer

2009-07-09T05:22:00.001-07:00

One of my favorites. Notice how the movie's important scenes involve elevator doors and walking through doors. After watching the movie, turn off the sound and replay Meryl Streep's courtroom crying scene and Dustin's scene when he gets fired.

25: Dustin boxes Meryl's things. At the office, Dustin does something new: he doesn't stay for a drink to listen to his boss tell a story, he has to be with his son. The birth of something new.

45: He helps his son ride a bike, he takes a photo and says "Don't go too far." He listens and converses with his son on the way to school. Unnoticed, Meryl observes. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -45: He's fired from his job, he begs his boss but he's let go. He knows he'll lose his son if he's unemployed. "Shame on you." Sounds of the street as he walks home - no music needed to dramatize the situation. There's no going back now and Discovery.

-25: Meryl gives her reasoning why the child should be with her. She knows leaving him was terrible but at that time she was incapable of functioning. She didn't know if she could take care of him. Her five and a half years of parenting ought to outweigh his eighteen months of parenting. Meryl wins the court case but decides that the best home for the child is the home he's in now. The final turning point.

The Manchurian Candidate

2009-07-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

25: Raymond Shaw (Lawrence Harvey) shoots his innocent fellow soldier in the face at point blank range, the nightmare/recollection of this act is shared by several soldiers, Al and Frank Sinatra's character Marco. Al decides to do something new: contact Shaw and find out if the nightmare really happened. The birth of something new.

45: Janet Leigh and Frank Sinatra talk while riding on the train. He is tense, turbulent, she patiently soothes and questions him. Soon, she give him her address and phone number. Now that I'm aware.

60: Sinatra with Shaw. Shaw knows about the nightmare, Sinatra finds out Al told Shaw. Sinatra wants to know about Al's letter. Sinatra goes to Washington DC and looks at photos. He identifies two people. Al in Alaska identified the same two men. There's no going back now.

-45: Shaw's mother (Angela Lansbury never looked so evil) doesn't want her Senator husband to think. Angela begins to establish control over Shaw: she invites him to a ball and Shaw attends because Senator Jordan and Jocelyn, his daughter will attend. Discovery.

-25: Frank Sinatra gets a call from Shaw, who sits across from the political convention. Tense and turbulent Shaw reveals that he's had nightmares. We're getting the sense that he's realizing he's being manipulated and has committed murder. We learn that the Vice Presidency has gone to Angela's husband, Senator Iselin. Eventually, Shaw will kill his mother and the Senator because they were involved in his previous murders and mind control. Shaw takes his own life. The final turning point.

American Graffiti

2009-07-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

25: Curt talks with a professor at the dance. The professor says "maybe I was scared" and encourages Curt to leave and "experience life, have some fun." A school girl calls the professor Bill and they go off and speak intimately. Curt hopes to meet the blonde in the t-bird but makes a mistake. Milner drives with Carol. The birth of something new.

45: THX 138 on Milner's parked car at Mel's. Milner and Carol eat. Al asks for car help. Tension and turbulence as Milner and Carol argue and Carol leaves. Milner tracks Carol down and they drive off. Tiger/Toad gets a bottle from the thief robbing the liquor store. Now that I'm aware.

60: Milner and Carol attack the girls who threw the water balloon. Milner takes the air out, Carol sprays shaving cream. Johnny B. Goode plays. There's no going back now.

-45: Curt is with the Pharaohs. Curt speaks to the men financing his college tuition and the Pharaohs steal coins from the pinball machines. Discovery.

-25: Harrison Ford and Cindy Williams get together. Music: "...since I don't have you..." Music helps tell the story. Cindy to HF: "Don't say anything and we'll get along just fine." Carol and John say good-night. Later, HF sings Some Enchanted Evening. At the end, Milner wins the race against HF and Curt leaves. Epilogues tell their future. The final turning point.

Rocky

2009-07-05T04:54:00.000-07:00

25: Rocky's in a bar with the bartender looking at Apollo on TV. Rocky: Apollo "took his best shot." The bartender takes a shot of alcohol. Rocky walks with a girl and tries to improve her, she insults him, making Rocky feel like a "creepo." Rocky has reached a new low. The birth of something new.

45: Rocky and Adrian on a date. Rocky calls himself dumb, moronic, and a bum. Rocky says he's proud his nose has never been broken. He invites her in and they deepen their relationship. Now that I'm aware.

60: Rocky watches himself on TV at the press conference, Adrian says Rocky's got a good chance to defeat Apollo. Paulie complains. Rocky leaves and says press ridicule bothers him. There's no going back now.

-45: Rocky trains: eats raw eggs, starts to run and he can barely walk up the steps to view Philadelphia. He walks back down, hurt and out of shape. Discovery.

-25: Rocky trains: runs faster and faster at the dock in front of the ships. He runs up the same steps as before and throws his arms up, he's in better shape. Music reaches a peak. He won't win but he went the distance. The final turning point.

Burn After Reading

2009-07-05T02:01:00.000-07:00

25: Katie and Harry discuss something new: Katie is going to leave her spouse and wants to know if Harry will do the same so they can get married. Harry looks uncertain. At the gym, Chad shows Linda something new: a CD a colleague found. Chad believes the CD has "raw intelligence" and is "highly classified." The birth of something new.

45: The meeting between Ozzie and Chad ends in a bloody nose for Chad. Chad realizes he's not going to get money for the CD. Now that I'm aware.

-45: Plan B: Linda drives into the Russian embassy and along with Chad discuss the CD with the Russians. They want money for the CD. The Russians take the CD and start an analysis. Discovery.

60: Chad breaks into Katie's brownstone and reads Harry's credit card info. Harry jogs, realizing he's still being followed. Harry enters Kate's house and Chad hides in the closet. Soon, Harry shoots Chad dead. There's no going back now.

-25: Two CIA guys discuss the Russians, Linda, Harry, the sex, the shooting, surveillance, what happened to Chad's body, and come to the conclusion they don't know what anybody's after. These same two guys give another "clear it all up for us" report that ends the movie "when it all makes sense." The final turning point.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

2009-07-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

One of the best scenes in screen history: when Jeff sorts through the letters and Saunders yells "Stop, Jeff, stop!" During the moments of silence it's all gold. Jeff talks about lost causes, "the only causes worth fighting for" and then "...the simple rule about love thy neighbor..."

25: At Jeff Smith's new Senate office Diz and Saunders wonder where Jeff is. Diz suggests to Saunders that they get married. Jeff knocks and asks if this is Jefferson Smith's office, Saunders misdirects him, then runs after him, finding out he's her new boss. The birth of something new.

45: Jeff meets Susan Paine. We stay on Jeff's hat and watch his nervous fingers. The hat drops to the floor. The hat falls several times, he trips and tips over stuff. He exits. Sen. Paine and his daughter Susan laugh. Susan calls Jeff Honest Abe. Sen. Paine is aware of Jeff's goodness and replies: "With Honest Abe's ideals. A rare man these days, Susan." Now that I'm aware.

60: Efficiency bill talk as Sen. Paine is in the cab with Eugene Pallette (good character actor, watch him in My Man Godfrey). Sen. Paine gets an idea: he'll use Susan to prevent Jeff from interfering with passage of a corrupt bill. Jeff receives letters from boys in gratitude for his boy's camp bill. He starts bonding with Saunders. There's no going back now.

-45: Sen. Paine accuses Jeff of profiting off the boys, Jeff is booed by the Senate. Jeff discovers that Sen. Paine and others are trying to destroy him. Discovery.

-25: Jeff stands alone as he speaks; he's established a foothold on the Senate floor and he keeps it until he collapses at the end of the movie. Diz, Saunders, and kids assist Jeff to spread the word. It's quite a battle and at the end good defeats evil. The final turning point.

The Seven Year Itch

2009-07-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

When I lived on Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles I lived on the same block where Marilyn Monroe was buried. Someone always placed fresh flowers with a red rose beside her. Seeing this movie you understand why people won't forget her. There are a number of stars buried at this tiny cemetary: http://www.seeing-stars.com/Buried2/PierceBros.shtml

25: He's invited Marilyn Monroe to join him for a drink at his place. He's smoking, he drinks some alcohol, he plays Rachmaninoff and fantasizes for the first time with Marilyn. The birth of something new.

45: They drink champagne and she becomes aware he's married. She's glad he's married because "...it can never get drastic." She wonders why guys always ask her to marry. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -45: He speaks with a psychiatrist who says he's in serious trouble because he has the seven year itch and the tendency is to scratch. His advice is to not attempt to seduce her. There's no going back now and Discovery.

-25: He: "There are no accidents." She talks about how to keep cool. He talks about love as he suggestively squirts a couple streams of soda into a glass. He says "we're all savages." She says she wants to "stay with you tonight. I'd like to sleep here." She stays, but at the end of the movie he's running back to his wife with flowers in his hand. The final turning point.

The Wizard of Oz

2009-07-03T13:19:00.001-07:00

My grandfather William Fritzsche worked on The Wizard of Oz as a Technicolor color consultant. No one believed my grandfather when he said Dorothy could open the door in black and white and walk into the Technicolor land of Oz in the same shot. He nearly got fired for making his point, but the shot worked thanks to his stubbornness.

25: A few minutes after landing in Oz, Dorothy sits in a carriage as the munchkins celebrate something that just happened: the death of the witch. The birth of something new.

45: Dorothy asks the Tin Man to join her and the Scarecrow as they head toward Emerald City and the great and powerful Oz. The wicked witch shows up on a roof, threatens them, and throws a ball of fire at the Scarecrow. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -45: They're in Emerald City. Led by a horse of a different color, Dorothy is in another carriage, this time with her friends and Frank Morgan is driving. They enter the wash and brush up company and prepare for some challenges ahead. There's no turning back now and Discovery.

-25: Dorothy's dog Toto is taken away, the wicked witch demands Dorothy's red slippers. The witch can't touch the shoes as long as Dorothy lives. Toto escapes and jumps across the drawbridge. The witch flips the sands of time, Dorothy cries. Eventually, Toto (symbolizing instinct), will help Dorothy escape and get back to Kansas. The final turning point.

The Day The Earth Stood Still

2009-07-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

25: The man from outer space is introduced to new people at a new apartment building, including Bobby and Helen. The next morning the radio blares: "Where is he, what is he up to, what are the terrors he can unleash at will? " The sound of the radio contrasts with the sight of Klaatu calmly sitting at the table reading the paper. The birth of something new.

45: He meets with the great Sam Jaffe, who plays a top scientist. Sam suggests Klaatu give a demo to dramatize the seriousness and scale of the situation. Klaatu: "Something dramatic but not destructive." Now that I'm aware.

-45: Klaatu to Helen: "Everyone seems so jittery." They talk about Bobby, then Helen's beau arrives and starts asking questions like "What do you know about Klaatu?" Discovery.

60: Helen and Klaatu talk at her office. Helen's beau calls for lunch. Klaatu to Helen: "Did you believe what Bobby told you?" They enter an elevator, Helen asks what Klaatu wants. The elevator stops abruptly. Helen realizes Klaatu caused the global blackout. We see that Klaatu's impact is global. There's no going back now.

-25: Helen makes a call, can't reach him. The military meet about stopping the robot and Klaatu. They believe they'll be able to contain the robot. They get Klaatu but the robot rescues him eventually, allowing Klaatu to give a final warning. The final turning point.

Robocop

2009-07-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

25: He's pronounced dead, the screen goes black, and when we fade up we're looking through the eyes of a cyborg. Robocop is born. The birth of something new.

45: He has nightmares, flashbacks of his murder while handlers ignore the monitors and the tension/turbulence. His former partner approaches him and calls him Murphy. He becomes aware of his old identity. Now that I'm aware.

60: The exec in charge of the Robocop initiative is murdered by the antagonists. There's no going back now.

-45: A gas station explodes, Robocop stops the motorcyclist, one of the people who killed him. Robocop uses this murderer's identity to discover the identity of others he will seek, find and kill. Discovery.

-25: Robocop fights off a larger robot, his human eye is seen, he eventually overcomes all who try to stop him. The final turning point.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

2009-07-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

25: Charlie's mom finishes her song with the words "Just be glad you're you." Only one golden ticket left, Mike TV watches TV. The birth of something new.

45: Willy Wonka approaches the winners at the gate. He loses his cane, flips forward after falling, and welcomes the winners. We are aware that Mr. Wonka isn't in need of a cane and is unpredictable. Now that I'm aware.

-45 (139 - 45 = 54): Willy Wonka bows and the winners run into the candy garden and begin discovering all the goodies they can eat. Wonka sings. Discovery.

60: Wonka says good-bye to Augustus and his mother. Oompa Loompas finish singing their first song. Augustus won't be back. There's no going back now.

-25: Violet rolls out of the room followed by her father. Wonka asks if decisions are best made with the heart or head. They lick the wall. Veruca: "Snozberries? Whoever heard of...?" Wonka: "We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams." Charlie's dream comes true: he gets to runs the chocolate factory. The final turning point.

Point Blank

2009-07-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Point Blank offers many unexpected touches: Marvin tearing up the car, shooting a phone, flashbacks with different couples in bed, Angie turning on all the appliances, Angie and Marvin not talking when they're on a date, staying at Brewster's house while he's away. Mel Gibson starred in a remake called Payback.

25: Walker (Lee Marvin) gets his first lead after meeting with someone new: a car salesman. Walker tears up the car with the salesman in it to get information about Reese, the man who betrayed him. The birth of something new.

45 and -45 (131 -45 = 146): Angie starts to seduce Reese. Lee sits with two men and calls the police. Lee has one of the men tell the police that he's being attacked. Lee leaves, Angie and Reese start to undress. Now that I'm aware and Discovery.

60: The car salesman leaves Carter's office and drives off with a package meant for Walker. Walker ignores the car salesman and enters Carter's office. Walker whispers in the admin's ear, pistol whips a guard, and tells Carter "I want you to pay me personally." There's no going back now.

-25: Yost and Walker stand near the pool at Brewster's home. Yost informs Walker where Brewster will be and when: at his house, where they happen to be standing. Later, Walker and Angie will pair up and Brewster is killed. Whether or Walker gets his money is left to the imagination. The final turning point.

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2009-07-01T05:44:00.001-07:00

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Pride and Prejudice

2009-06-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

25: Lawrence Olivier (Mr. Darcy) asks to be introduced to Greer Garson (Elizabeth Bennet) and when he asks her to dance she refuses. She dances with another and says about Mr. Darcy, "The man must be mad." The birth of something new.

45: Darcy pursues Elizabeth in the garden and redirects an unwelcome suitor. She thanks him. He invites her to shoot some arrows. He mistakenly believes she's a beginner... Now that I'm aware.

60: She declines a marriage proposal from the unwanted suitor. There's no going back now.

-45: Dame Edna May Oliver entertains Elizabeth and her sister and others. Mr. Darcy arrives and discovers that Elizabeth is present; when he converses with Elizabeth it's clear they're in love. Discovery.

-25: Elizabeth to her sister: "Will he ever ride back? That chapter is definitely closed...He asked me to marry him...I said I hated him and never want to see him again...I love him. It's all my fault...what a fool I've been." Her sister: "You've got to learn to dream like I do...sometimes we're dancing." Eventually, they both connect with the ones they love. The final turning point.

The Fugitive Kind

2009-06-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Good opening scene for actors to study Marlon giving a monologue. He also has some great lines about birds.

25: He drives Joanne. She moves her legs seductively. They go to a new place, a bar. The birth of something new.

45: Marlon talks about life. "I'm not tired, I'm just fed up...there are two kinds of people: buyers and the ones who get bought...there's a third kind: the kind that don't belong no place. The kind that's like a bird that has to keep flying...they sleep on the wind...they just spread their wings out and go to sleep on the wind." Now that I'm aware.

60: Marlon tells Joanne "You take this to Birdy." Birds are heard loudly chirping as they talk. Joanne tells Marlon he's put on a nice uniform of a convict - a suit. Marlon: "Fly away. Fly away little bird before you get broke." There's no going back now.

-45: Marlon with Lady Torrance (Anna Magnani). Lady Torrance offers Marlon a room. Marlon: "Nobody gets to know anybody." Marlon enters the room and discovers a painting of a naked woman. Discovery.

-25: Lady Torrance cries, suffocating music dominates. A man tumbles down the stairs. Marlon carries him up the stairs. Later, Marlon helps a blind woman who falls, but a policeman arrives and treats Marlon with no respect. Later, at the end, Marlon will be forced by water hoses into a fire and Joanne, the bird, flies away in a car. The final turning point.

The Deadly Affair

2009-06-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

25: He finds out a man called for a wake up call two hours before he supposedly committed suicide. The birth of something new.

45: Informer talks about a Scotsman with false papers and a car. James Mason see his tire slashed and finds the car. He's hit from behind and nearly killed by a tall man with a crew cut if not for a homeless man. Now that I'm aware.

60 and -45: In a theatre where witches plot, Inspector Mendel learns from a clumsy prop girl the tall man with a crew cut was with a woman. There's no going back now.

-25: James Mason talks about the wife of the man who was killed. "I want to find the communist who's using her." James finds him, he's having an affair with his wife that ends with his death. The final turning point.

North by Northwest

2009-06-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

25: A woman we've never seen before enters the room full of police and claims to know Roger. The police believe her. The birth of something new.

45: Roger boards a train and runs into Eve. They become aware of approaching police. She helps him escape. He watches her walk down the aisle. They dine together. Now that I'm aware.

60: They kiss in her room. She sends a note to Vandamm and we wonder if she can be trusted. There's no going back now.

-45: The auction scene. Roger provokes everyone and interrupts the bidding. He's taken away by police, escaping Vandamm's men. Discovery.

-25: He learns she's going back to Vandamm and he doesn't like it. She runs off and when he tries to stop her he's knocked unconscious. Because of his love and concern for her safety he goes off to help her and manages to save her. The final turning point.

Vertigo

2009-06-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

25: He follows her to the museum where she sits in front of Carlotta's portrait. He notices the flowers and hair style match. The birth of something new.

45: He sees her in a red bathrobe. She wants to know why she's there. He tells her she fell in the bay. He becomes aware how beautiful she looks, he looks at her as if in love. Now that I'm aware.

60: Redwood forest. He finds her against a tree, he asks her many questions. Tension, turbulence. Later, by the water, he tells her that since he saved her he's now responsible for her and he's "committed" to her. She talks about dying. A few minutes later they kiss by the water. There's no going back now.

-45: He's found not guilty and his old "friend" says he's going to get away and never come back, then says, "You and I know who killed Madeleine." Roger then visits her grave and the screen turns black. Roger starts to have nightmares and loses his grip on reality. He enters a clinic. Discovery.

-25: They have their first date, he sees a woman in a grey outfit like Madeleine's. She knows what he wants. Back at her place he asks her out and tells her he wants to take care of her. She refuses because she knows she reminds him of Madeleine. She agrees to see him. The final turning point.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

2009-06-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

This was a very funny movie. If you're an actor it's a must see.

25: She just slammed the door on him after he failed to adequately explain why he slept with someone else. "Day 2 Lady in the Lake" fades up and we go to Bear Lake where Robert starts his new career as a private detective with Val. The birth of something new.

45: Robert and Michelle sit at a diner talking about who killed her sister. They watch a news report about a dead body found on the street that used to be in the lake and Robert's bathroom. Now that I'm aware.

-45: 138 - 45 = 53: He arrives at the party buzzed with drugs because a doctor just reattached his finger. Michelle wears a cute Santa hat. Robert talks about why many women living in SoCali are different. Val dodges a drink. Discovery.

-25: 138 - 25 = 113: They're in bed, he's about to leave because he's turned on and she keeps him there and they kiss. In a few moments she discovers something that helps solve the movie. The final turning point.

Twilight

2009-06-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

25: The moon is full, Bella sees Edward in her bedroom and he disappears. Her VO: "And that was the first night I dreamt of Edward Cullen." The birth of something new.

45: They arrive at the police station and learn that her father's friend has been killed by animals. Edward and Peter Facinelli exchange a knowing look. Now that I'm aware.

60: He starts telling her everything about himself. He tells her he doesn't want to be a monster. He tells her there are other vampires out there and that he can read minds. He invites her to his home for dinner. There's no going back now.

-45: He dances with her in his bedroom as they listen to gentle music. He takes her outside and climbs up trees and they fly from tree to tree. They view the forest and lake. Discovery.

-25: She is in the pick up truck and she sees her high school friends leave a restaurant. We get the feeling she doesn't want to be a part of that group and wants to become a vampire. Laurent warns them about James (Cam Gigandet) and Victoria. Edward tells Bella "You're a part of my life now." The final turning point.

Firewall

2009-06-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

25: Harrison Ford (HF) learns that the kidnappers/thieves will monitor him and his family. The birth of something new.

45: Using a device HF creates signal interference, using a fire extinguisher he sounds an alarm allowing his family a chance to escape. Virginia and the children get in the car but Paul becomes aware of where they are and stops them. Now that I'm aware.

-45: 141 - 45 = 56: Paul wants Janet fired, HF fires her. Later Janet helps HF get the phone that helps them resolve everything. Discovery.

60: HF helps the thief transfer the money, then stalls two execs to give the thief time to transfer all of the money. There's no going back now.

-25: Paul kills HF's friend with HF's gun. HF realizes he's being framed for murder and drives to Janet's apartment to get a phone that will help him get leverage against Paul. The final turning point.

The Sentinel

2009-06-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

25: Informer gives Michael Douglas evidence a mole in the White House has an intent to kill the President. The birth of something new.

45: Assassin escapes after shooting Douglas' partner and others at the mall. Three minutes later the President's helicopter is shot down. Douglas and others are now aware no one would want the informer dead unless he was telling the truth. Now that I'm aware.

-45: 1:43 - 45 = 58: Kiefer tells his team that Douglas will be a tough guy to catch. Douglas starts preparing to meet the first lady. Discovery.

60: The first lady and Douglas meet, he tells her he was framed. Tense and turbulent scene as she warns him he'll be shot and he asks her to find out info to help him. There's no going back now.

-25: Douglas has just shot a member of the assassins. Douglas finds a cell phone, cash, weapons, and gets fingerprints. Later when he has the prints checked, Kiefer finds him and they agree to work together to find the mole. They find him. The final turning point.

Great Expectations

2009-06-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

25: Young Pip speaks with Ms. Havisham who tells Estella to play cards with Pip and encourages her to break his heart. The birth of something new.

45: Pip is riding on a horse carriage and arrives in London. He admires the buildings and meets interesting people, including his lawyer who informs him he'll have a place and a salary. Now that I'm aware.

60: Pip and Joe talk, and Joe acts stiff and awkwardly formal toward Pip, resulting in some tension after his falling hat makes a mess of things. Joe says his farewell to Pip after telling him where he belongs. Pip in VO tells us he made up reasons why he won't go back to sleep at Joe's place. There's no going back now.

-45: There's rain over London as Pip reads and someone knocks. Pip opens the door to reveal the Convict. Pip doesn't recognize him, then learns that he's the Convict he helped long ago, and incredibly, it has been the Convict who has been his wealthy patron who has funded his life as a gentleman. Discovery.

-25: Alec Guinness, Pip, and the Convict sit and eat and together they plan the Convict's escape. Pip has a VO has he describes how they will get the Convict away. He mentions that he felt watched by unfriendlies. Later, the Convict is caught and dies but through his effort to help his Patron, Pip has become a man and at the end he and Estella have a future. The final turning point.

Dr. Strangelove

2009-06-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

25: The president expresses dismay; he thought he was the only one authorized to fire nuclear weapons. Plan R is mentioned; a lower commander can trigger a nuclear war. The birth of something new.

45: The President and the joint chiefs learn about the doomsday machine, a device that destroys all life. Now that I'm aware.

-45: Talk about the surface of the earth after the Doomsday machine fallout. Discovery.

60: Jack Ripper and Mandrake look exhausted. Mandrake is hoping for the code that could stop the bomb from dropping. Jack kills himself. The next shot is of a B-52 flying toward Russia. There's no turning back now.

-25: Mandrake has a tense argument with a soldier trying to connect Jack (now dead) with the President. Mandrake fails to connect with the President because he hasn't enough coins. The final turning point.

The Thin Man

2009-06-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

25: Four people talk of murder. Detectives enter and start asking questions. The birth of something new.

45 and -45: Nick shoots balloons off the Christmas tree as his wife observes. The dog enters, then leaves. Now that I'm aware.

60: Wynant is publicly charged with a second murder. Everyone thinks he's the killer. There's no turning back now.

-25: Nick and the dog search a building and calls the police that he's found a body. A bookkeeper complicates things and Nick covers him with a gun. The final turning point.

San Francisco

2009-06-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

25: Clark won't allow Jeannette to audition for the opera because of a two year contract. Jeannette is heartbroken. A rival of Clark's tells Jeannette he won't quit. The birth of something new.

45: Clark and Jeannette enter a room she's never entered. Clark tells her about a $10k contest. He tells her he's crazy about her, but she's scared. Now that I'm aware.

60: She sings in an opera, Clark listens and is so impressed he punches someone he hired to stop him from ruining her performance. There's no turning back now.

-45: Spenser won't allow Jeannette to perform in an "immoral" outfit. Clark punches Spenser and Jeannette is shocked by Clark's violence; she leaves with Spenser. Discovery.

-25: Jeannette sings San Francisco and wins the $10k contest. Clark arrives and so does the earthquake and fire. The final turning point.

Tarzan, the Ape Man

2009-06-24T17:02:00.000-07:00

25: Jane marches with her group deeper into the jungle. They reach a river and have to build rafts to cross it. They shoot at hippos and later hippos and alligators attack them. The birth of something new.

45: Tarzan rides on an elephant and rescues a trapped elephant. Now that I'm aware.

-45: Two lions nearly kill Tarzan. An elephant helps Tarzan escape. Discovery.

60: Tarzan lies unconscious as an elephant tries to revive him. Jane is guided by monkeys to Tarzan and cares for him. There's no going back now.

-25: Tarzan walks away from Jane, Jane cries out for him to come back. "He belongs to the jungle." Jane: "He belongs to me." Later, Jane stays with Tarzan in the jungle. The final turning point.