Classic One-Liners

From the archive, these REALLY ARE one-liners. I culled them from an email to a friend in March 2012.

• Silver Tongues (B)  - disturbing story of a couple going from town to town playing psychological games with people -- and perhaps with each other.
• Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (B+)  - The story confused me, as expected, but I like the tone created by the director of "Let the Right One In" (A-) -- this was more mood than movie; some great actors being very understated.
• Sleeping Beauty (B)  - Another disturbing story, from Australia, of a young woman serving as an escort with a twist -- she is sedated and old men get to sleep with her; written & directed by a woman; at times fascinating to look at.
• Hugo (B-minus) - Two halves that don't make sense. First half was Scorsese showing off with CGI. And WHY oh WHY is it set in Paris but everyone speaks the Queen's English? Sappy story. Maybe this truly was for kids. 
• The Lie (B) - Based on one of my favorite T.C. Boyle stories. Young parent, a stoner dude in a dead-end job, doesn't want to go to work one day, so he begins to tell a series of lies, culminating in him telling his boss that his 6-month-old daughter has died. Dark humor and Millennial angst ensue.
• A Separation (A) - Fascinating Iranian drama that plays out like an old police/law TV procedural akin to "Hill Street Blues." So many layers. Slightly too long but worth every minute.
• Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (A-minus) - One of my favorite directors, Nuri Bilge Ceylan ("Climates," "Three Monkeys") makes another meditative masterpiece about our wandering existence on earth. Another police procedural, this time literally.
• Rejoice and Shout (B) - Fun documentary on gospel music.
• The Artist (B) - Cute 'n' all, but rather fluffy. 
• Moneyball (B+) - A solid guy movie with the always dependable Brad Pitt. 
• Exporting Raymond (HBO) (B) - Very fun (and funny) documentary about Phil Rosenthal, the creator of "Everybody Loves Raymond," going to Russia to create an adaptation of the show for Russians.