Love Actually (edited)

M: I am a sucker for things that take place in England, and this thing had an amazing cast, really amazing. We watched it edited, and it seemed to have lost a lot. It was pretty good, but not great. It didn't (and maybe couldn't) live up to its cast. 2 1/2 stars.

V: Interesting movie, with "love" looked at from many different angles. Yes, great cast. Touching, sad, romantic, sacrificing: love is a powerful and sometimes devastating motivator. I enjoyed it. 3 stars

John Adams

M: One of the best films I have seen this year. Originally airing on HBO, John Adams is an interesting and inspiring look at the life and times of founding father John Adams. Without sensationalism or over-sentimentalism, the series tells the story of the beginnings of our nation; it simply blew me away. Paul Giamatti, (as John Adams) was brilliant. Laura Linney played Adams' patient and loving wife superbly. This is a must-see. 4 Stars

V: Absolutely. It was so good. I was really sad when we finished watching it. (It is in 7 parts. Each part is over an hour. We ate it up.) Paul Giamatti is just really great, as always. Wonderfully directed, acted, and written. 4 Stars