The Hours (2002) - I think the movie tries to look more intelligent that what it is. Nicole is good (but again not an awardable stuff, IMO). The idea of running three stories together is interestingly done (not new of course) and works. It is the stories themselves and the characters which make little sense. The expressions of Julianne are even confusing at times. The character also looks trying to say a lot while saying nothing. I think it works better in a book (the movie is adopted from a novel by Michael Cunningham) than it does in a movie. Plot Outline: The story revolves around three women in different eras who are all profoundly affected by the works of Virginia Woolf.

DVD - includes Lifesketch of Virginia Woolf. 114 mins. 6.5/10. imdb

The Pianist (2002) - The film has recreated some extraordinary visuals of the Hitler-era but often is cliched and even melodramatic in its narrative of the period. A very fundamental problem of the movie lies in the fact that though it makes you drop your jaw at some times, it fails to touch the sensitivity in any striking way, which the director seems to striving for and for which the movie had more than enough scope too. I am not sure if the performace by Adrien Brody was good enough, certainly not enough to be awarded. The music score is wonderful. Directed by Roman Polanski.

DVD. 150 mins. 7/10.

About Schmidt (2002) - Not much to say about. Some good lines, good performances and a lazy casual pace. Okay for a lazy afternoon.

DVD. 125 mins. 6.5/10. imdb