Movie Review of The Lookout (2007)

In simple terms, what does karma mean? It means that whatever we do, with our body, speech, or mind, will have a corresponding result. Each action, even the smallest, is pregnant with its consequences. It is said by the masters that even a little poison can cause death, and even a tiny seed can become a huge tree. And as Buddha said: “Do not overlook negative actions merely because they are small; however small a spark may be, it can burn down a haystack as big as a mountain.” Similarly he said: “Do not overlook tiny good actions, thinking they are of no benefit; even tiny drops of water in the end will fill a huge vessel.” Karma does not decay like external things, or ever become inoperative. It cannot be destroyed “by time, fire, or water.” Its power will never disappear, until it is ripened.
- Sogyal Rinpoche, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Jean Smith, Everyday Mind


This is an intriguing movie from beginning to end. A young man named Chris, played with insight and depth by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, has to deal with devastating consequences of a risky act he committed in high school, death and disability. His life is changed forever due to extensive brain damage.

Because of this, he misses the social prestige, the abilities, and hope for a great future he once had. This makes him vulnerable to the machinations of another’s greed. Jeff Daniels plays his blind roommate Lewis who helps Chris to hold his life together. Performances by Matthew Goode, Isla Fisher, and Sergio De Zio are also excellent.

Twice, this movie hits home the reality that the consequences of our actions can have far reaching and tragic results.

Move Review of Inkheart (2008)

It is the everlasting and unchanging rule of this world that everything is created by a series of causes and conditions and everything disappears by the same rule; everything changes, nothing remains constant.

Brendan Fraser is the hero, “Silvertongue” Mo Folchart, who can bring story characters to life by reading aloud. Inadvertently, he sends his wife Resa, played by Sienna Guillory, into the book “Inkheart” and brings out several evil characters, such as Capricorn, played by Andy Serkis. Mo, with his daughter, Meggis Folchart, played by Eliza Bennett, constantly move in an effort to avoid capture by Capricorn, who wants Silvertongue Mo, to read out more evil from the book.
Mo is also trying to find another copy of “Inkheart”, hoping to read his wife out and the bad characters back. The logistics of how this works is confusing but, otherwise, the plot is quite simple. Characterization takes a back seat to chase and capture scenes early in the movie. Some scenes are very intense and not suitable for young children. The movie clunks along. There are some moments of courage and sacrifice which lift it from a D movie to a C.

Movie Review Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009)

Movie Review for Did You Hear About the Morgans?

Movie score = C+

Recommended age = 14 and up

Indulge in lust just a little, and like the child it grows apace. The wise man hates it therefore; who would take poison for food? Every sorrow is increased and cherished by the offices of lust. If there is no lustful desire, the risings of sorrow are not produced, the wise man seeing the bitterness of sorrow, stamps out and destroys the risings of desire…
- Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king 852-854

Hugh Grant has his usual dry sense of humour as the cheating husband Paul Morgan. Sarah Jessica Parker plays his separated wife, Meryl, a sweet romantic with a broken heart. After witnessing a murder, they are put into a temporary witness protection program together in rural Wyoming. This is a gentle comedy about love, trust, disappointment, and priorities.

The acting is fine, the script predictable, and the cinematography only fair. Unfortunately, if you watch the trailer, many of the funny parts are spoiled.