Some thoughts on movies I've seen in the last week or so:
The Incredibles: Terrific movie for people of all ages. Proves that a strong story served well by animation technology remains a strong story. Talk of its nomination as best film (in addition to being nominated as best animated film) of the year is warranted. I heard lots of laughs of recognition by parents in the audience in response to many of the lines in the film.
The Polar Express: Proves that technology does not a story make. This film has its moments, but I could not help but think it was a big build-up for a theme-park ride yet to be built. Strangely, it's not out of Disney or Universal or even Knott's Berry Farm. The book on which this film is based is unfamiliar to me, but I'm guessing that it's a magical children's story that has been beefed up (possibly with the use of steroids) to make it a viable theatrical release. The non-human imagery is breathtaking in many parts. The depiction of hair blowing in the wind is landmark. That said, I would much have preferred live actors in front of a blue screen over the spooky human characterizations this film offers. Talk of Best Actor for Tom Hanks? Gimme a break.
Callas Forever: Fanny Ardant as Callas is wonderful, and any scene in which she appears is quite fine. There is a film within a film in this picture, in which Mme. Callas (played by Miss Ardant) plays Carmen, lip-synching to the recording she made twenty years prior to the time of Callas Forever, and it's a movie that I wish had truly been made. Mr. Zefferelli, who essentially channels himself into the Jeremy Irons character, is rather self-indulgent in this film in his depiction of a romance he has with a young artist. Please. Had this film focused exclusively on Madame Callas and omitted Zefferelli's apologia to the young man he wronged, this would have been a far superior movie.
Sideways: Lovers of fine wine and small-scale character-driven comedy/drama should run to see this film. My kind of movie. This and Garden State are probably the two best films I've seen yet this year.