Drama/ Comedy/ Based on real life: Julie & Julia- 2009

Amy Adams stars in this truth-inspired tale as Julie Powell, who decides to enliven her uneventful life by cooking all 524 recipes outlined in Julia Child's culinary classic Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Based on Powell's book Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, director Nora Ephron's heartwarming dramedy also stars Meryl Streep as legendary chef Child, for which she won a Golden Globe. (Netflix.com)

Grade: C+

This was a cute look into a specific period of time in this woman's life when she is looking to figure out what she is doing with her life, and through that journey decides that she wants cook her way through Julia Childs cook book, and write a blog about it, which ultimately becomes well known. This had a wonderful combination of funny, and true to life, and sweet, and more. It had it's ups and downs that kept me interested, and that's what I think is the most important part of a movie.

Drama based on real life: American Gangster-2007

This movie fallows the life of Frank Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, during his rise to, and ultimate fall from, control of one of New York's most powerful African American gangs of the 60's.

Grade: B+

Denzel Washington played this role wonderfully of course, as well as the entire cast. The organization of the movie, and sequence of events definitely keeps you on your toes, and the intertwined story lines of both the "good guys" and "bad guys" makes it all the more interesting. This is definitely not a movie to watch with the kids!

Drama/Based on a True Story: Mockingbird Don't Sing- 2001

Based on the events of Katie Steele's life, a 14 year old girl who had been locked away and completely isolated her entire life. This is the story of the the time and effort put in by a specialized team, in the attempt too teach her not only language, but how to live life.

Grade: B

This really was an interesting story, and an incredibly sad look into the life of someone who was totally neglected, and kept in the worst circumstances imaginable, to the point of not even being able to talk. The fact that this was based on a true story is horrifying, and incredibly sad. The acting was great, and for being filmed in 2001, it genuinely looked and felt like it was from the 70's/80's. If your interested in seeing one of the many atrocities that take place against children, this is worth watching, although sometimes shocking, this was a good movie.

Drama/Based on real life: Norma Rae 1979

Description: This is the story of a woman who took her tiny town by storm when she, with the insistence of Leibman's character, create a union in the textile factory she and her family and friends worked for, only to be met with numerous obstacles.

Grade: B+

Perhaps I am a bit biased, being such a huge Sally Field fan, but I thought this was a great movie. It really was an intimate look into this woman's life, in this period of time in her life. It has a very human feel to it, and makes it easy to root for her, although she isn't perfect. If you're interested in getting that "you go girl" feeling, this is the one for you!