1.) What is the name of the actress who plays Barbara Fitts in the 1999 film “American Beauty?”

2.) Which actor was named the new James Bond in October of 2005?

3.) Morgan Freeman’s character in “The Shawshank Redemption” is nicknamed Red. What is Red’s full name?

4.) How old was Jodie Foster during the making of the Martin Scorsese classic “Taxi Driver”?

5.) Which male actor played the role of Jesse in the 2004 drama / romance “Before Sunset”?

6.) What year was “The Wizard of Oz” released?

7.) Who directed the 1997 film “Good Will Hunting”?

8.) Which actress played Norma Desmond in the 1950 classic Sunset Blvd.?

9.) Which couple starred in the 2005 release “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”?

10.) True or false: Cuba Gooding Jr. has won an Oscar.

11.) Which movie is ranked No. 1 on the American Film Institute’s Top 100 list?

12.) What is the highest grossing movie of all-time?

13.) True or false: Another “Jurassic Park” movie will be released.

14.) Who wrote the screenplay for the 2004 film “Million Dollar Baby”?

15.) Which movie did film critic Roger Ebert hail as the best film of 2005?

Answers will be given in a few days, but if you know the answers, please add your comments below.

Not every women portrayed on the screen is looking for love. The following films are great depictions of strong women — good and bad girls alike. The following films show heroines with guts — some inspiring, some just plain fun to watch.

Maybe Demi Moore shaving her head in that memorable scene from G.I. Jane isn’t the toughest scene in the world, but the movie itself certainly shed light on an important segment in our culture today — women in the military. The storyline may have Hollywood’s stamp on it, but the training scenes are riveting and the subject matter is only becoming more popular as females continue to serve today. Also check her out in A Few Good Men starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson.

Lena Olin is no lady to trifle with as Gary Oldman can attest in Romeo is Bleeding. Olin plays the femme fatale with relish and she gets my vote as the toughest gal in a film. This film features Oldman as a crooked cop on the take who gets mixed up with some very questionable ladies all under his wife’s nose. Check her out in The Unbearable Lightness of Being that also stars Daniel Day-Lewis and Juliet Binoche.

Angelina Jolie brings Lara Croft: Tomb Raider to life — one of the first feature films to bring a video game to life. Jolie plays the archaeologist / female Bond tomb raiding girl — the female Indiana Jones, if you will. Again, the plot may not be classic, but Jolie’s fight scenes are ninja-eske and she proves that tough equals sexy any day of the week. Also, check out Jolie in Original Sin and Mr. and Mrs. Smith playing more tough-girl roles.

Patricia Arquette showed she could dish out as much as she could take in True Romance starring Christian Slater, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Dennis Hopper and an unforgettable Christopher Walken to name just a few. Arquette plays Alabama — a bad girl gone good in this, albeit violent, black humor-filled film. Also, check out Arquette in Beyond Rangoon.

Glenn Close (equally a tough mama in Fatal Attraction) plays the wickedly brilliant Marquise de Merteuil in Dangerous Liasons that also stars John Malkovich and introduced a young Uma Thurman to the screen. Close is at her best playing the deceitful Marquise, a blackhearted woman who manoevers and plots to fulfill her immoral desires.

Elizabeth, showcasing the talents of Cate Blanchett, portrays all the underhanded and treacherous dealings of life in Shakespeare’s time. Blanchett plays the role of possibly England’s strongest monarch with believability and depth. A masterpiece depicting the early life of one of history’s strongest women. Check out Blanchett in Oscar and Lucinda, Heaven and Veronica Guerin for more strong female portrayals.

Kill Bill starring Uma Thurman is scene after scene of fighting women. Lucy Liu and Darryl Hannah also mix it up with this star who learned some very fancy moves and trained hard for this film directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Finally, Juliette Lewis is always a safe bet for toughness. See her in Natural Born Killers, Cape Fear and if you can bear it — Kalifornia which also stars Brad Pitt.

Any other films you can think of with tough girls? Please let me know by adding your comment below.

I happen to like the Harry Potter movies quite a deal. Unlike a lot of other movies geared towards kids, the Harry Potter flicks actually bring a lot of dark intensity to the table, and the CGI (computer-generated imagery) in the films is some of the best Hollywood has come out with since Terminator 2. So I was pretty excited when I heard about Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, and I was hoping it would be as good as the last three movies. To put it frankly, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire is not only as good as the other movies, it is by far the best in the series yet.

One of the best things about Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire is that everything is much more mature and adult-friendly. The characters bicker and argue in a very genuine manner, and the effects are even more graphic than the last Harry Potter film. The monsters in this film are pretty evil looking, so much so that I’m sure more than a few adults will actually find themselves being a bit spooked. The film is still suitable for kids mind you, but parents should remember that there are some pretty scary parts.

Sure, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire is not the most intellectually stimulating picture ever made, but not every movie has to be. What it is is an extremely fun, smart, and very entertaining kids movie, and that is good enough for me.

Let me know what you think of this movie by adding your comment below.

When is Paris Hilton’s Birthday? She was born in New York City on February 17, 1981.

What is Paris Hilton’s nickname? She has been dubbed “Paris the Heiress” by the tabloids.

Who is Paris’ best friend? Nicole Richie.

What is her claim to fame? Paris has become an actress in her own right, and is also a singer. Her famous last name represents none other than the renowned Hilton hotels.

What appearances is Paris best known for? Ms. Hilton has appeared in several movies; she has co-hosted and been a presenter in award shows on MTV; she starred in the series, “The Simple Life,” with best friend Nicole; and she has made guest appearances on many TV shows, including the Tonight Show and Letterman. Several biographies have also been done on Paris Hilton, including “E! True Hollywood Story.”

Yes, of course — the book is almost always better than the movie! But sometimes the movie is excellent in its own right. The following films are for literature lovers who like to see the classics brought to the screen — and portrayed in a way to do justice by their original counterparts.

Both Tolstoy and Dostoevsky paid homage to Russian literature giant Alexander Puskin, but few read him today. For an introduction to his work in film, see the film Onegin starring Ralph Fiennes and Liv Tyler. This dramatic offering brimming with stunning scenes and captivating performances is a must for any fan of nineteenth century Russian literature.

Middlemarch by George Eliot may well be the quintessential Victorian British novel. The film of the same name does not stint on Eliot’s novel and is careful not to abridge too much. It captures the essence of the original by portraying English rural country life in that era by depicting love, marriage, jealousy, deceit, poverty and wealth—all the characters brought expertly to life.

Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds star in this wonderful adaptation of Jane’s Austen’s Persuasion. The film, of the same name, is a second-chance love story. After his first proposal was refused, Captain Wentworth returns many years later to Anne Eliot — only they do not exactly pick up where they left off. Not as popular a novel as Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (A&E’s adaptation is a must for Austen fans), the novel is excellent nonetheless and the film is a charming depiction of a memorable tale.

Who knew that Al Pacino would make such a fine Shylock — but he gives a fine performance in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice which also features Jeremy Irons.

Another Shakespearian must-see is Much Ado About Nothing starring Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson which brings all Shakespeare’s wit and humor to life on the screen.

Wives and Daughters is based on the Elizabeth Gaskell film of the same name. It is lengthy—but never dull. It simply adheres faithfully to the text by detailing young Molly as she grows up under her father’s care, struggles with her selfish stepmother, befriends her step-sister, falls in love and so forth. If you liked A&E’s Pride and Prejudice, you’ll like this one too!

Because it’s a classic film in itself, Wuthering Heights, based on Emily Bronte’s novel of the same name, deserves special attention. Lawrence Olivier stars as Heathcliff and Merle Oberon plays Cathy. Their doomed love out on the English moors is brought to life in this 1939 adaptation.

The Thomas Hardy novel, The Woodlanders, stars Rufus Sewell who stars in many classic English novel adaptations including the above-mentioned Middlemarch. This novel, one of Hardy’s lesser-known works, is quite enhanced by the film that captures the nuances of its rural setting and life. The characterization might be considered demanding as the novel is rather subtle, but the leads pull it off brilliantly.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a mainstream adaptation of the classic horror novel, but worthy of viewing. Although Frankenstein is clearly portrayed with his monstrous qualities, his humanity is also revealed—his flaws which mirror the flaws of his creator, played by Kenneth Branagh. Especially riveting is the science threaded through many of the scenes that shows just how ahead of her time Shelley was.

The year of its release A Passage to India was nominated for eleven Academy Awards. Based on the E.M. Forster novel of the same name it brings to life the struggle between British and Indian in India while it was under British rule. Hypocrisy and prejudice are showcased in the dramatic courtroom scenes as an English woman accuses an Indian man of rape. Always in the background is the gorgeous and lush scenery of India, the desperation and sweat of the crowded streets.

There are certainly many fine film adaptations for fans of literature. These are a few standouts you’ll be pleased to see. Please let me know what you think of these films, or whether you have suggestions about other films from classic literature, by adding your comment below.

The general plot of Just Friends is this: A fat kid named Chris is in love with his friend Jamie, but she just wants to be friends, so he moves to L.A., loses the weight and becomes a successful womanizing music executive. Then Chris has to come back to his hometown where he is reunited with Jamie, and becomes the awkward teen he tried so hard to forget about all over again, trying to persuade Jamie to go out with him. That is basically the plot. Original, no?

Okay, first things first: The fat suit that Ryan Reynolds wears in this film is absurdly bad looking, like most fat suits have a tendency to be. Also, the humor in this film just really is not funny. I think I laughed a whole two times while watching this flick, and I think both of those times I was laughing about how bad the fat suit looked.

And outside of the bad jokes and the fat suit, the rest of the movie is just unremarkable. You never really care about the characters, and while the acting is not outright bad, it is not exactly great either. All in all, Just Friends is a stinker that you are probably better off avoiding.

Let me know what you think of this film by adding your comment below.

Kissing can be one of the most passionate parts of any romantic relationship, as evidenced by the following fervent quotes:

GONE WITH THE WIND [1939]

“You should be kissed often, and by someone who knows how.” ~Rhett Butler

CASABLANCA [1942]

“Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time.” ~Ilsa

IN A LONELY PLACE [1950]

“I was born when she kissed me. I died when she left me. I lived a few weeks while she loved me.” ~Dixon Steele

FROM HERE TO ETERNITY [1953]

“I never knew it could be like this. Nobody ever kissed me the way you do.” ~Karen Holmes

BULL DURHAM [1988]

“… I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last for three days.” ~Crash Davis

THAT THING YOU DO [1996]

“I have wasted thousands of kisses on you… kisses that I thought were special because of your lips and your smile and all your color and life. I used to think that was the real you, when you smiled. But now I know you didn’t mean any of it. You just save it all for your songs. Shame on me for kissing you with my eyes closed do tight.” ~Faye

CITY OF ANGELS [1998]

“I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss from her mouth, one touch of her hand, than eternity without it. One.” ~Seth

NEVER BEEN KISSED [1999]

“That thing, that moment, when you kiss someone and everything around becomes hazy and the only thing in focus is you and this person… and you realize that person is the only person that you’re supposed to kiss for the rest of your life… and for one moment you get this amazing gift and you want to laugh and you want to cry because you feel so lucky that you found it and so scared that that it will go away all at the same time.” ~Josie Geller

Nothing dippy, sappy or overly sentimental here; nothing cliché or uninspired. The following films and their short descriptions have intellectual backbone while capturing the romance women like to see on the screen. These are each perfect films for smart women to enjoy — and smart men won’t mind them either!

The A&E adaptation of Jane Austen’s masterpiece Pride and Prejudice stars Jennifer Ehle (of Sunshine fame) as the witty Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth (Love Actually) as the serious Mr. Darcy. Few film adaptations carefully mirror their novels as this one does. It portrays life and love in Regency England. Due to its length, it is a safe choice for a long weekend when there is time for an intermission. The support cast is equally as wonderful and features some of the finest British actors and actresses working today. This film is a must for any fan of classic literature.

Dangerous Beauty starring Catherine McCormick (of Braveheart fame) and Rufus Sewell (Middlemarch) portrays the life and love affairs of the historical Venetian courtesan, Veronica Franco. This beautiful cinematic offering is a breathtaking bit of history that sheds light on a real personage from the Reformation and plague era when Venice was the jewel of the sea and the gateway to the east.

Far From the Madding Crowd, based on the classic Thomas Hardy novel of the same name, stars the ever-lovely Julie Christie (Dr. Zhivago) as Bathsheba Everdine — a woman ahead of her time. Our heroine rejects a marriage proposal as the film opens only to forge her way into the world of men by running her own large farm. Love and obsession take their toll on her and the characters around her making for an in-depth portrayal of life in the rural Victorian world.

The Lover, quite possibly one of the most romantic films ever, is based on the novel of the same title by French author Marguerite Duras. Although it is often said that the movie is seldom better than the book, this film does what adaptations are meant to do—it enhances the original by bringing it to life visually. This haunting love story takes place along the Mekong River in French Indochina. It is the forbidden love between a young French girl and a wealthy Chinese man. Nothing could be lovelier on film than this stunner.

The Scent of Green Papaya is a foreign film that takes place in Vietnam during the war; however, this is not a war story. The only reference to war is discussion of the blackouts and helicopters in the distance. Otherwise, this quiet film simply depicts the life of a poor peasant girl who comes to work for a family in the city. As with the other listed films, the cinematography is lush, but the story is brilliant as it is subtle. Pair this one with the Lover for an unforgettable double-feature set in the far east.

As long as we are in eastern lands, try the Joy Luck Club based on the Amy Tan novel of the same name. This is a film containing multiple stories that weave through scenes. Each story captures the essence of either mother or daughter’s lives—the pivotal moments of love and loss that make them into the adults they are. It blends the worlds of China and San Francisco—but also depicts womanhood, sometimes a country in itself meant to be explored and understood.

Finally, for the young intelligent woman (although an older audience will appreciate this one too) there is Ten Things I Hate About You. Even though this film was marketed for the teen crowd, it does some very interesting things. The film is marvelously based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and characters throughout the film quote actual lines from the original play which blend rather nicely with the otherwise teenage banter. The movie features Julia Stiles (Save the Last Dance) and Heath Ledger (Four Feathers) before they made it big. A love story that is both witty and romantic, in its way, at the same time.

Of course there is always The English Patient or Dr. Zhivago, but these films are not quite as known, but certainly deserve to be sought out by an audience who will not be disappointed. Forget the popcorn though — better spring for a nice bottle of wine and friend to share it with.

Are there any other chick flicks for smart girls you would recommend?

Chicken Little is a kids movie, so I wasn’t expecting that much when I saw it. The only reason I saw the thing in the first place was because my little sister wanted me to go with her to the theater. I have to say, even for a kids movie, Chicken Little is pretty mediocre.

The general plot of the film is this: Chicken Little is trying to clean up his reputation after upsetting the townspeople by claiming the sky was falling, when he realizes that the sky actually is falling. He and some of his friends set out to solve this problem without alerting anybody in the town or causing any type of panic.

I don’t know about anybody else, but when I think of a children’s movie, I think of films like The Lion King, Bambi, Aladdin, Toy Story, or stuff like Finding Nemo.

These are films that are made for kids, but still have enough in them that adults can actually watch them without feeling too annoyed. Chicken Little has none of that. The plot is thin and hard to follow, the dialogue is silly, and the way the characters randomly break into classic 70’s and 80’s songs every 20 minutes is really out of place and horribly annoying. It just has no real entertainment value to it, unlike some of the more recent Pixar/Disney films.

While I was in the theater I noticed that it was packed with kids my sister’s age (around 8 years old), and most of them were quite visibly bored. This is really a film that is suitable for toddlers, not children over the age of four. Your kid may possibly like this film, but be prepared to be bored and annoyed out of your mind.

Let me know what you think of this movie by adding your comment below.

The Constant Gardner seems an unlikely title for this movie. The title of the film evokes visions of peaceful afternoons in lush green surroundings, but the series of events are neither calm nor idyllic; they are wrought with turmoil in the midst of the African AIDS crisis.

Don’t be put off by the title, a residual of the book by John Le Carre on which it is based. In fact, while literary tricks are apparent through the visual narrative, the screen adaptation results in a story that unfolds in gripping cinematic fashion.

Fernando Meirelles, the Brazilian director, does a miraculous job of transforming a story for readers into a story for viewers, doing much of the “telling” through choreography, cinematography, and purposefully belated elemental juxtaposition. This may seem like a no-brainer, since this is what directors are supposed to do. But combined with the script and choice of actors, all of the elements come together so seamlessly and realistically, that it is easy to forget that a director was even present to guide them.

Justin Quayle, played by Ralph Fiennes, is a soft-spoken, detached diplomat to Kenya. His wife Tessa (Rachel Weisz) is anything but detached. Her determination to uncover deadly rounds of drug testing on a dependent African community lead to her death . . . and leads Justin to complete the investigation in honor of her dedication to human rights.

It’s about time Ralph Fiennes was given a part worthy of his screen presence. This is the best movie we’ve seen him in since The English Patient. While his character, Justin Quayle, can be at times outwardly sniveling and weak-willed, Fiennes, as diverse an actor as ever there was, pulls it off without a hitch, revealing the character’s psychological strength.

Rachel Weisz as Tessa is a believable free-spirit, admirable in her resolve to see real change in the world. Likewise is their relationship compelling –Justin’s grief over Tessa’s death is as much of a reason for him to abandon the safety of his post as is his growing realization that something gravely unethical is taking place.

As well as Bill Nighy as a corrupt official and Danny Huston as a betraying colleague, it is good to see Pete Postlethwaite on the screen, even though the audience has to wait until the last quarter of the film to encounter his character as a doctor who holds the key to the final question of the drug scandal.

This movie is engrossing from the very beginning, wrenching you in without even a pause for credits. From sweeping, chaotic crowd scenes to extreme close ups of metaphoric detail, the cinematography is beautiful and demands a serious audience.

If that wasn’t enough, a twisting, turning plot paired with convincingly emotional scenes takes The Constant Gardener out of the category of mass-market-paperback movie script and into the realm of realistic drama with a message. The African AIDS plight, the seeming evil disregard of powerful pharmaceutical companies, and the impassioned few who fight against any misconception that life is cheap is almost a call to arms set subtly behind a provocative story, solid characters, and exotic locales.

Add your comments below to let me know what you think of this movie.