Dear Author: Romance Novel Reviews, Industry News, and Commentary

Sita Sings the Blues (2008)
Genre: Animation
Grade: A
When I put this in my Netflix queue, I had no idea how truly revolutionary it would be. Even as I started to watch it, I didn’t know what was coming but found myself charmed, delighted and emotionally connected to the story and the storyteller. For, you see, both [...]

Everyone Says I Love You (1996)
Genre: Musical comedy
Grade: B
Is there a genre of movie that Woody Allen hasn’t tried? Since I’m not his biggest fan, I can’t say for sure but he certainly has turned his hand to most of them by this time. “Everyone Says I Love You” is another one of those fortuitous [...]

Le Pacte des Loups (Brotherhood of the Wolf) (2001)
Genre: such a mixed bag
Grade: B-
Eighteenth century conspiracy theorists would have had a field day with this movie and the real events that inspired it. As it is, twenty-first century film goers can watch it then wonder, “What on earth did I just see?” It’s a monster [...]

Away We Go (2009)
Genre: Romance/Drama/Comedy
Grade: B+
Thank you Darlynne for urging me to watch this one otherwise I might not have got around to it for ages. It’s funny, it’s quirky, it’s sad in places but nonetheless hopeful by the end.
Burt Freelander (John Krasinski) and Verona De Tessant (Maya Rudolph) are expecting their first child (hilariously [...]

Wo hu cang long [Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon] (2000)
Genre: Wuxia/Historical Action/Adventure/Fantasy/Romance
Grade: amazing
Does the term “martial arts film” make you cringe and think of badly dubbed “Kung Fu” movies. If that’s kept you from trying this film, then rethink. This is a gorgeous film – on so many levels. There is so much to it beyond [...]

Conagher (1991)
Genre: Western/Romance
Grade: B
I first saw this movie shortly after it was made in 1991 and immediately went out and bought the book upon which it was based. Louis L’Amour was better known as a writer of traditional westerns but here he includes a bit of romance along with punching cows and riding the range. [...]

Kitty (1946)
Genre: Period romance/comedy/drama
Grade: B-
Here’s a movie that isn’t afraid to let one see its main characters being less than chivalrous. It’s another movie I first saw years ago on AMC and hadn’t rewatched until recently. Though I enjoyed a lot of it, some aspects don’t work so well for me now.
Kitty (Paulette Goddard) [...]