Gosford Park (UK/USA/Germany; 137min.) directed by: Robert Altman starring: Maggie Smith; Bob Balaban; Helen Mirren; Jeremy Northan; Clive Owen

Diane says: "I'm with you on the acting kudos, Howard. Great cast. It seems that Maggie Smith is always extraordinary whatever she does. And I second your thoughts on the murder mystery and Fry role--the story became disappointingly cloying at the end. Overall, I found this film (which is screening to sold-out and otherwise packed houses--get to the theater early!) good, but ordinary. "Because I'm bad at recognizing faces, I had trouble, as you can imagine, keeping straight who was who among the actors I don't already know. Too bad for me! "As an aside, when I first saw Bob Balaban in the trailer, I thought "oh no, how could Altman put him in this period English piece?" and then was very amused to see in the trailer that he was the quintessential outsider. But now it doesn't seem quite so clever, since the story idea was Balaban's."

Howard says: "This is a well done movie. Mostly because of how well the myriad of characters that the script calls for was juggled. And guess what? They do a pretty bang up job. You may not now the characters' names, but you do know who they are and many times their motivates. "The murder mystery? A waste. The same with the use of Steven Fry as the Inspector. He's had juicier roles and has precious little screen time in this one. "However, the rest of the cast is great especially Maggie Smith who has the old snobbery biddy down pat. She's just a hoot. It was also wonderful to see Eileen Atkins again since I absolutely loved your quirky character in COLD COMFORT FARM (although she was one of the very few good things about THE AVENGERS). Another stand-out was Emily Watson as Elsie. "In fact Elsie caused my favorite moment of the screening when she spoke out of turn at the dinner table. The entire audience gasped out loud. It was so much fun to hear this huge audience so into the film. That's what makes for a good movie going experience. "All in all I rather enjoyed this film, but then I'm a sucker for the old huge British mansion film anyway." 3 1/2 cats

Laura says: "This light social commentary cum murder mystery is obviously choreographed by a director of great skill, yet the sheer number of the players allow few to really register in a mystery which offers few surprises. GOSFORD PARK carries none of the weight of the superior mid war British house party film THE REMAINS OF THE DAY, a devastating look at class structure, but it still gets its barbs in amidst its comical mystery amalgamation. " 3 1/2 cats For Laura's complete review: "http://www.reelingreviews.com/gosfordpark.htm"

Nathaniel R. says: "GOSFORD PARK is a cinematic treat from one of America's most prolific and premiere auteurs, the septuagenarian legend Robert Altman. Those approaching with caution after last year's potential laden but deeply problematic DR. T & THE WOMEN, are advised to breathe easy and proceed without hesitation. Shortly into GOSFORD PARK'S running time, your faith in this auteur's distinct and inimitable talents will be restored. This time around, Altman has thankfully chucked whatever was throwing him out of alignment. With GOSFORD PARK, he is undeniably back at the top of his game." For Nathaniel's complete review: "http://www.members.tripod.com/filmbitch/Reviews/gosfordpark.html"

Robin says: "Helmer Altman is garnering some high praise for GOSFORD PARK and I can see why some would laud the effort of the auteur in mustering his considerable filmmaking forces. There is an airiness to the film's mood as it flitters between the many, many story threads but I have a problem with the slightness of the story and the trite manner in which it is told. It is the work of a master but it is not a masterwork. It is an entertaining little ditty, though merely the flexing of this filmmaker's muscle." 3 1/2 cats For Robin's complete review: "http://www.reelingreviews.com/gosfordpark.htm"