Mysterious Skin

Based on a novel by Scott Heim, this 2004 drama stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a role that is a far cry from "3rd Rock From the Sun". This movie is disturbing and difficult to watch, but even harder to forget. Two eight-year old boys are sexually abused by their charismatic Little League coach (very convincingly played by Bill Sage).
Levitt's character, Neil McCormick, seems a willing victim. His mother (Elizabeth Shue), though loving, is oblivious to her son's budding homosexual tendencies and the unusual amount of time he spends with his coach. She is more concerned with her boyfriend du jour. When Neil becomes a teenager, he spends much of his time in local parks and gay hang-outs as a well-seasoned hustler. Mom never seems to notice where he gets his money. He has no illusions about his occupation and heads to New York City to join the big leagues. In no time, he is swallowed whole by the Big Apple (pun intended). The other boy, Brian Lackey (portrayed by Brady Corbet), suffers from blackouts and nosebleeds. His parents seem unconcerned about finding the cause. As Brian gets older, he stifles the memories of abuse and convinces himself that as a child he was abducted by aliens. It is not until he seeks out Neil that the truth becomes clear.
This is a very well-acted and straightforward film.

It's good.

Broken Wings

Last night I watched "Broken Wings" , a 2004 Israeli film (with subtitles). It was a low-budget, realistic look at a normal family dealing with the unexpected death of the father. The mom, Dafna, is depressed, exhausted and barely coping with four kids and a stressful job as a midwife. She struggles with the decision to enter the dating world, but can't let go of her husband's memory. The 17-year-old daughter Maya, is trying to establish herself as a singer-songwriter, but is constantly pulled away by family crises. Maya's twin brother Yair, mopes around in a mouse costume, handing out flyers on the subway. He has issues. The two younger kids vie for Mom's attention and it is ultimately another tragedy that pulls the family together. I would definitely recommend this film, especially to all of the single Moms who know how tough it is to just get through a day.

It's good.

Netflix and Microwave Popcorn

One of the best gifts I've ever received was a subscription to Netflix. It's given me the chance to catch up on some great movies that I missed when they were in the theater. In the past few months, in the comfort of my own living room, I've watched:

Rodger Dodger
The Tao of Steve
13 Conversations About One Thing
The Straight Story
Beautiful Girls
Happy Endings
A Prairie Home Companion
The Aristocrats
The Science of Sleep
Zero Effect
Clay Pigeons
Good Bye, Lenin!
Sherrybaby
Pizza
Me and You and Everyone We Know
Mysterious Skin
Broken Wings

In the coming weeks I'll share my unsolicited thoughts, opinions and comments about these and other movies.
My rating system is simple:

It's great!
It's good.
It's just OK.
It's a snooze.

Maybe I can give you some good suggestions or save you an hour and a half of wasted time. I'd appreciate your suggestions as well.