The Truth Is a Fun Conversation Starter

Truth is a newsroom drama detailing the 2004 CBS 60 minutes report investigating then-President George W. Bush's military service, and the subsequent firestorm of criticism that cost anchor Dan Rather and producer Mary Mapes their careers.

Cate Blanchett is getting Oscar buzz again this year  - more for her role in the upcoming “carol”, - but her portrayal of Mary Mapes is being mentioned as well.  Robert Redford, playing Dan Rather also gives us one of his best screen performances in recent years  – he nailed the mannerisms of the iconic news anchor, without coming off as an impersonator.

The supporting cast is also quite solid, including Dennis Quaid, Elisabeth Moss and Topher Grace.  Stacy Keach also scores high marks as a key witness.

But it’s Cate Blanchett and Topher Grace who steal the show for me – both actors gave brilliant performances and kept this movie interesting. 

If you are a history buff, you will love this movie.  It also stirs up quite a bit of controversy – so if you like a good debate among friends, definitely check this one out. 

I give Truth 3 stars.

Rock the Kasbah did NOT rock

A down-on-his-luck music manager discovers a teenage girl with an extraordinary voice while on a music tour in Afghanistan and takes her to Kabul to compete on the popular television show, Afghan Star.

Watch our full review here:

Seems like I spend less time blogging and more time chatting about movies on social media.  To keep you all in the loop, I will post my weekly television reviews here but please follow me on instagram, twitter and facebook @take2review.

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A Brave Heart - The Lizzie Velasquez Story

A BRAVE HEART: The Lizzie Velasquez Story is a documentary following the inspiring journey of 26 year old, 58 pound Lizzie from cyber-bullying victim to anti-bullying activist. Born with a rare syndrome that prevents her from gaining weight, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Velasquez was first bullied as a child in school for looking different and, later online, as a teenager when she discovered a YouTube video labeling her "The World's Ugliest Woman." The film chronicles unheard stories and details of Lizzie's physical and emotional journey up to her multi-million viewed TEDx talk, and follows her pursuit from a motivational speaker to Capitol Hill as she lobbies for the first federal anti-bullying bill. Written by Sara Hirsh Bordo

This young woman is the most beautiful, most amazing young woman I have listened to in quite some time.  Her family is the perfect example of how important it is that we not only protect our children, but empower them.  Stand beside them - not behind them.  Listen. Be aware. Be brave.

Lizzie took her situation and decided to use it for good.  And she rocked it.

We should all be so beautiful.  We should all be so brave. 

My daughter has always marched to her own drummer, so she met plenty of bullies growing up. Once I heard about Lizzie, I knew I wanted to be one of her soldiers.   So here I am - shouting from the rooftop - stream this movie now (it's available online - I used Google Movies).

It would be difficult to review this as a "film".  This is Lizzie's story - shared with her stamp of approval and that is all I am going to say about that.

Rated PG - 13 (but any child over the age of 7 can & should see this - in my opinion.)