Emma

I just watched the last segment of this movie online (I forgot AGAIN to watch it on TV on Sunday) and I love love love love loved it. I loved it. I can think of three versions of Emma off the top of my head, and I'd definitely say this is my favorite. I also love the one with Kate Beckinsale, and the one with Gwyneth Paltrow would be the bottom of the three. It's alright, but doesn't compare to the other two in my opinion. I thought the acting was very well done, I felt everything clear to my heart, and the scenery was incredibly gorgeous. So, if you're a Jane Austen nut like me, watch this one. I want to buy it, but I can't afford the $35 right now. 5 out of 5 stars.

Kingdom of Heaven

A blacksmith named Balian has lost his family and nearly his faith. The religious wars raging in the far-off Holy Land seem remote to him, yet he is pulled into that immense drama. Amid the pageantry and intrigues of medieval Jerusalem he falls in love, grows into a leader, and ultimately uses all his courage and skill to defend the city against staggering odds.

This is just my kind of movie.  Epic action movies top my list of favorite genres, so it's no surprise that I really enjoyed this movie.  The battle scenes were well done, mostly, but there was also good characterization, where I cared about what happened to the people, so it wasn't just mindless action.  5 out of 5.

Valkyrie

 Based on actual events, a plot to assassinate Hitler is unfurled during the height of WWII.

We went to see this movie with our small group. It was pretty good, but also really depressing. I kind of expected it would be, though. 4 out of 5.