Page 20 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • January 25, 2012 ‘The Iron Lady’ (continued from Entertainment page) duplicated on Streep a small gap Thatcher has on the right side of her upper teeth. As prime minister, Streep’s Thatcher is all confidence, impatience, and courage to take unpopular political stands. Viewers can see that, however admired she is, her popularity will wane if she refuses to play politics in the traditional sense. Like many politicians before her, she is eventually undone by her unwavering force-of-nature personality: the very characteristic that propelled her rise. Jim Broadbent plays Thatcher’s longtime husband, Denis, now long dead, who appears to her as a sort of ghost commenting on her memories about events of the past. These appearances occur frequently, and not only provide a cinematic plot device but also represent the onset of dementia. Denis, who was not a politician, has no problem with a wife who clearly overshadows him in terms of accomplishment. Early scenes, during their courtship, illustrate that Denis knows what he’s getting into when he asks Margaret to marry him. He knows he will not have a traditional British housewife. Broadbent is an able co-star who doesn’t have to worry about being completely upstaged by Streep. His Denis’ natural manner contrasts interestingly with wife Margaret’s more formal demeanor. “The Iron Lady” is one of those movies that must be seen. Streep’s performance is too amazing to miss. However, the film is old-fashioned in its depiction of Thatcher as stalwart world leader. Although viewers see her triumphs and modest beginnings, there is no sense of insight into the woman. An actress of Streep’s caliber deserves a more finely-tuned script. Rated PG-13, “The Iron Lady” once again affirms that Streep is one of our finest contemporary American actresses. critical essay. “Mannix: The Sixth Season” (Paramount Home Entertainment) is a six-disc set containing 24 episodes from the show’s 1972-73 season. Starring Mike Connors as the title character, “Mannix” was one of the most violent detective shows of its time. It was also one of the longest-running. Joe Mannix, an L.A.-based private eye, was employed by a sophisticated detective firm called Intertect. Although the company had the latest scientific equipment, Mannix worked mostly by his own instincts and fists. The show was one of the first to adopt the big screen’s penchant for car chases, elaborate brawls, and blazing guns, making it a popular favorite for eight seasons. During season six, Mannix takes on the mob, a missing heiress, and a deadly foe with an ax to grind. (continued from Restaurant page) the movie is gritty, seldom turning away from its lessthan-glamorous aspects. Several Hollywood pictures have used bullfighting and its milieu (“Blood and Sand,” “The Matador,” “The Bullfighter and the Lady”), but none has captured the day-to-day drama as well as “The Moment of Truth.” Mateo is a charismatic actor, and his dramatic scenes outside the arena come off convincingly, particularly his romantic scenes with co-star Linda Christian. Though the setting is Spain, the movie is in Italian with English subtitles. Blu-ray extras include a 2004 interview with director Francesco Rosi, new English subtitles, and a DVDs