Saving Sarah Cain.
With the recent buzz over Kirk Cameron's Christian film phenom Fireproof I read up a bit on other more mainstream flicks of the JC persuasion. Then I stumbled upon SSC as the next most current flick and I saw it on the new release rack at my favorite local video store I couldn't resist. Like a good after school special it did not disappoint. Full of Christian undercurrents, Amish children living in the 21st century drama and lots of tears at the end it was a warm hearted flick. While it was certainly better suited for Lifetime than the big screen it was not horrible and pleasantly enjoyable. Its overly emotional, certainly Christian and at times slightly corny so knowingly disliking any of those types of films would suggest avoiding them but if you are curious it is worth checking out.
<3
10.18.2008
What IS that thing????
Cloverfield.
I realllllly enjoyed this movie. Maybe because a movie hasn't given me real deep shivers in awhile or I haven't seen a sci-fi monster movie that was believable but I dug this movie!
Some might think the first person POV is nauseating or unbelievable but I mean if you were filming when it happened you would keep filming and its the point it would be shaky and crazy and I loved that. Excellent camera work in my opinion.
It really got that intensity too by switching from what was previously taped and the new footage. It gave you that jumpy edge of your seat kind of thing.
Then the whole attack on the city was genius. I think that is where most of the frights come from is that you don't really know what is going on which is a very real thing in American society right now. If crazy stuff started happening right down the street you don't' know terrorists, random violence, monsters, wtf?
I also appreciated that the monster was legit. It wasn't the scariest monster maybe ever in movies but that it multiplied that it was in the water, on the ground, underground you don't know what the fuck is going on made it scary. I was afraid it would be like signs that once you saw the thing it would be CGI bullshit but it was real good. Real legit.
Overall the whole thing was creeps. Maybe just the time period we are living in or that there aren't many other good action/monster/sci-fi movies out there but this one was worthwhile. I got it from the monthly 99cent rental bin but I would have gladly paid full price.
What the hell happened to Lily?
<3
I realllllly enjoyed this movie. Maybe because a movie hasn't given me real deep shivers in awhile or I haven't seen a sci-fi monster movie that was believable but I dug this movie!
Some might think the first person POV is nauseating or unbelievable but I mean if you were filming when it happened you would keep filming and its the point it would be shaky and crazy and I loved that. Excellent camera work in my opinion.
It really got that intensity too by switching from what was previously taped and the new footage. It gave you that jumpy edge of your seat kind of thing.
Then the whole attack on the city was genius. I think that is where most of the frights come from is that you don't really know what is going on which is a very real thing in American society right now. If crazy stuff started happening right down the street you don't' know terrorists, random violence, monsters, wtf?
I also appreciated that the monster was legit. It wasn't the scariest monster maybe ever in movies but that it multiplied that it was in the water, on the ground, underground you don't know what the fuck is going on made it scary. I was afraid it would be like signs that once you saw the thing it would be CGI bullshit but it was real good. Real legit.
Overall the whole thing was creeps. Maybe just the time period we are living in or that there aren't many other good action/monster/sci-fi movies out there but this one was worthwhile. I got it from the monthly 99cent rental bin but I would have gladly paid full price.
What the hell happened to Lily?
<3
I enjoy a play on words
Blind Dating.
This movie was adorable. It was kind of uneven at times with the whole experimental surgery mixed with the Indian culture mix etc. made it sometimes a little draggy. But overall it was very lighthearted and sweet and Chris Pine was just gorgeous (I mean cmon a blind guy with the most piercing eyes ever, smart play casting director!). Overall it was a pretty unique storyline and a nice twist on the typical romcom. Some of the humor was obvious some of it was sweet which made it a pretty great flick overall. Recommended for date night definitely.
<3
This movie was adorable. It was kind of uneven at times with the whole experimental surgery mixed with the Indian culture mix etc. made it sometimes a little draggy. But overall it was very lighthearted and sweet and Chris Pine was just gorgeous (I mean cmon a blind guy with the most piercing eyes ever, smart play casting director!). Overall it was a pretty unique storyline and a nice twist on the typical romcom. Some of the humor was obvious some of it was sweet which made it a pretty great flick overall. Recommended for date night definitely.
<3
Into the mind of Alexander Supertramp
Into the Wild.
This is one of the most fabulous movies I have seen in quite some time. Not just a fascinating story but the actual movie was very well made and interestingly told as well. Normally I'm not a Sean Penn girl but as a director he impressed me beyond belief. Honestly my only qualm about the movie was the opening titles, I don't know why but the text and color just didn't seem to mesh. This is such a fabulous journey to watch unfold and the cast of quirky characters was just brilliant. Its quite philosophical so if that isn't the your cup of tea you might not like it but if you can appreciate a good true story and a brilliantly shot movie then absolutely check this one out. I cannot say enough about how beautiful this movie was.
<3
This is one of the most fabulous movies I have seen in quite some time. Not just a fascinating story but the actual movie was very well made and interestingly told as well. Normally I'm not a Sean Penn girl but as a director he impressed me beyond belief. Honestly my only qualm about the movie was the opening titles, I don't know why but the text and color just didn't seem to mesh. This is such a fabulous journey to watch unfold and the cast of quirky characters was just brilliant. Its quite philosophical so if that isn't the your cup of tea you might not like it but if you can appreciate a good true story and a brilliantly shot movie then absolutely check this one out. I cannot say enough about how beautiful this movie was.
<3
Nothing like a Naked Russian Mob Death Match
Eastern Promises was on the HBO last night. I was intrigued when like 3 minutes in a guy is getting a shave but some other Russian little mob squirrel comes in and like graphically cuts his throat. We are talking see the gash blood squirting out. Like I said intriguing.
Now I'm a huge fan of The Departed so maybe it was just the quality of movie or the differences between the Irish mob and the Russian mob, I still can't figure it out, but this one was just not fabulous. It was interesting, the twisty turn of the finding out who the baby daddy is and bringing him to justice, is Viggo really that bad? it had its moments. Then there was the interesting weird things the semi-slow kid getting hacked while taking a piss, the naked steam bath death battle, the awkward kiss at the end. It wasn't horrible but I wasn't too excited or sad when it ended either. I guess you have to like movies like this to really like it.
Now I'm a huge fan of The Departed so maybe it was just the quality of movie or the differences between the Irish mob and the Russian mob, I still can't figure it out, but this one was just not fabulous. It was interesting, the twisty turn of the finding out who the baby daddy is and bringing him to justice, is Viggo really that bad? it had its moments. Then there was the interesting weird things the semi-slow kid getting hacked while taking a piss, the naked steam bath death battle, the awkward kiss at the end. It wasn't horrible but I wasn't too excited or sad when it ended either. I guess you have to like movies like this to really like it.
10.07.2008
Eulogy
I had a free rental on my account so I chose this offbeat black comedy looking piece. I was not disappointed by my free rental (I generally am not), this ensemble comedy is certainly dark but if you can appreciate that its impossible not to love this dysfunctional family. The casting is genius, the situations are genuinely funny and the spin at the end is just icing on the cake when it comes. Only rent this if you truly appreciate a well crafted comedy of the darker persuasion. Otherwise you will just be wasting your time trying to "get it".
I loved it.
<3
I loved it.
<3
Mrs. Henderson Presents
This is the first movie in perhaps forever that I have not finished watching. I did not like it that much that I could not even finish watching it. The story seems interesting but Judi Dench is grating and boring I couldn't stand it.
Try and watch it if you must but I think its horrible. And all of that really bad nudity for no reason. What a waste.
Try and watch it if you must but I think its horrible. And all of that really bad nudity for no reason. What a waste.
American Gangster
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. At first when I saw it was almost 3 hours long with Denzel as a gangsta I was a wee bit concerned. But once I was in it I didn't want it to stop. A very fascinating story especially since it is based on a true story. Now how much was fact or glammed out for the movie I'm not sure but I bought it. Everyone loves a good thug movie and this one had the unique perspective of the gangsta but also the men trying to bring him down and I thought the balance of both of those was good. Pay special attention to the text at the very end of the piece because I think that is just the neatest twist and that has to be factual so I thought that was fab.
Thug it out because its a good one if you are willing to give it the time. <3
Thug it out because its a good one if you are willing to give it the time. <3
oh Man.
So finally went out to visit the theatre with the madre to see: The Women. Certainly not my first choice but I never pass up a chance to sit in the theatre and eat over buttered popcorn. There were some high points to this flick for certain. The overall components and reactions etc. in the movie were very dead on, I thought for the most part it was pretty accurate to the generic female experience. Now I don't agree with taking back a repeatedly cheating husband/partner etc but the emotions, reactions, rawness of that is pretty real. Also I thought it was fantastic that they managed to keep men out of the entire movie. Not only do you not ever see or hear the main men in the movie there are never any men in the background or extra shots, that is just admirable to remember that the whole way through.
Now that being said the negatives: it was very cliche, the acting made it seem real but it was the same story you have heard before the same twists and turns so it was perhaps more lifelike than other chick flicks but it was horribly unoriginal chick flick. Also it was the women but the movie focused only on Meg Ryans and Annette Bennings characters and Debra Messing & Jada Pinket Smith were just kind of there, it was kind of confusing to why the 4 of them were even friends etc.
so its pretty much an uneven predictable piece but it was worth the price for the cheap laughs and knowledge that it is a chick flick.
<3
Now that being said the negatives: it was very cliche, the acting made it seem real but it was the same story you have heard before the same twists and turns so it was perhaps more lifelike than other chick flicks but it was horribly unoriginal chick flick. Also it was the women but the movie focused only on Meg Ryans and Annette Bennings characters and Debra Messing & Jada Pinket Smith were just kind of there, it was kind of confusing to why the 4 of them were even friends etc.
so its pretty much an uneven predictable piece but it was worth the price for the cheap laughs and knowledge that it is a chick flick.
<3
9.09.2008
Slacker City
First and foremost I cannot believe the neglect I have projected onto this blog. Seriously as soon as my schedule becomes the least bit hectic.....Luckily I have only neglected the review flicks for you, there has been no shortage of viewing.
So let us begin....
21 -
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.
Perhaps the only memorable, unpredictable thing about the movie. But maybe that is just because I don't' play cards, or count them, so therefore I wasn't expecting such an odd, funny catch phrase. Decent cast (what ever happened to Kate Bosworth?!?!? she sort of has been fading into oblivion) but the story was predictable to a point that it made it slightly dull.
I'm Not There -
Now if you do not appreciate Bob Dylan please do not waste your time or the movie makers time watching this. First off its an intense adaptation of his life, not a biography but a reincarnation of the most memorable, important and unique parts of his life and aspects of his personality. So if you are someone, such as my mother, who has no like for the great Mr. Dylan you will not only be bored but confused and frustrated. If in fact you are a true blue Bob babe then you should be absolutely enthralled by this flick. The cast is just beyond words, in the fact they all came together but also that they are all on their game. Just the concept of taking a life and de-constructing the re-constructing it in such a way is so absolutely beautiful it still has amazed me. Plus check out the soundtrack too if you enjoy the movie it is just sick. All of the greatest tracks by this mesmerizing poet recreated by some of the best most unique people in the industry.
I loved it but I love Bob Dylan. Choose this one wisely it is meant to be appreciated not watched casually.
What Happens in Vegas -
HILARIOUS. Now not the best comedy ever. Certainly predictable. Certainly not Cameron Diaz's' career highlight (although perhaps one of Ashtons, he's funny but finally able to mix it perfectly with his sweet/sensitive persona. debatable). Still SUPER fun. Especially the very last scene when you think its over. I laughed for about 20 minutes just on that 2 minute scene alone. Well worth checking out for date night, girls night or just a great laugh to cure the long work week blues.
National Treasure 2 - Book of Secrets
There is something magical about these movies. Unfortunately I'm still pondering whether it is in fact something wonderful within the actual movie or if its just a marvel how they make such a oddball movie and get people to love it. There were certainly great additions to the cast...ed Harris is always a dream.....Dame Helen does no wrong.....yet it wasn't a home run. The plot was more obscure and almost less believable (if possible) this time around. (I mean the key point where they find the fantastic opening lever to the secret cave under the hidden eagle on the rock and suddenly this well hidden cave opening is revealed as the boulders fall away one at a time.........seriously) Despite all of the overacting, the uncertainty of plot and other nuances that upon reflection detract from the quality there is this suspension of belief that occurs because of the breakneck pace. There is just enough action to distract you from the weak points so that the journey becomes the fun instead. Good family movie, decent sequel but skip it if you think you are getting some sort of history lesson or quality action flick.
Lars and the Real Girl
I ADORE this movie. I cannot even remember the last movie I saw that pulled so profoundly on my heartstrings. Certainly the entire premise of the movie is ridiculous. Very isolated small town, semi-anti-social young man orders sophisticated sex doll and pretends with whole hearted certainty that she is his girlfriend. If you can overcome that and actually commit to the film it does not disappoint. From opening to closing credits it is a film-goers dream. Amazing cast, brilliant story, dramatic journey through the ranges of human emotion I just could not get enough of the honest heart put into and emitting from this movie. If you don't see this movie you are truly missing out. I loved Lars.
Be Kind Rewind
This movie is so ridiculous I couldn't get enough of it. Now this is like a trippy movie a la Eternal Sunshine only it doesn't take itself the slightest bit seriously. A weird but truthful look at perception, community and defining art it is a sweet movie. If you aren't a fan of more independent comedies this one might be over your head but even if you find yourself more easily swayed by the low-brow humor of big budget comedies you will at least appreciate the silliness in the attempts to re-make some classic movies. Depending on your genre taste will greatly depend on your response to this off-beat comedy
The Bucket List
Now I just think Jack Nicholson is a gem. I also personally think that Morgan Freeman is an instant key to a movies success. However, I sincerely felt that The Bucket List fell flat. The storyline was believable (well maybe not the exact odds of the exact same things happening but the concept of accepting fate, age, place in life etc), the acting was par but it just wasn't what I would expect. Here is a movie where you have the opportunity to take 2 of the greatest actors of the generation and show them in something unique to them, looking at the end of human life and the coping we do within it. While the adventures and what not were fun to watch and the laughter between to two seemed truly effortless I just was in a constant state of feeling like something was missing. Whether it was that it took too long to move on to a certain point or that the lines didn't seem to fit the characters there was just always something half done about the piece. A decent popcorn flick but don't expect any fireworks.
I vow to be more diligent <3
So let us begin....
21 -
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner.
Perhaps the only memorable, unpredictable thing about the movie. But maybe that is just because I don't' play cards, or count them, so therefore I wasn't expecting such an odd, funny catch phrase. Decent cast (what ever happened to Kate Bosworth?!?!? she sort of has been fading into oblivion) but the story was predictable to a point that it made it slightly dull.
I'm Not There -
Now if you do not appreciate Bob Dylan please do not waste your time or the movie makers time watching this. First off its an intense adaptation of his life, not a biography but a reincarnation of the most memorable, important and unique parts of his life and aspects of his personality. So if you are someone, such as my mother, who has no like for the great Mr. Dylan you will not only be bored but confused and frustrated. If in fact you are a true blue Bob babe then you should be absolutely enthralled by this flick. The cast is just beyond words, in the fact they all came together but also that they are all on their game. Just the concept of taking a life and de-constructing the re-constructing it in such a way is so absolutely beautiful it still has amazed me. Plus check out the soundtrack too if you enjoy the movie it is just sick. All of the greatest tracks by this mesmerizing poet recreated by some of the best most unique people in the industry.
I loved it but I love Bob Dylan. Choose this one wisely it is meant to be appreciated not watched casually.
What Happens in Vegas -
HILARIOUS. Now not the best comedy ever. Certainly predictable. Certainly not Cameron Diaz's' career highlight (although perhaps one of Ashtons, he's funny but finally able to mix it perfectly with his sweet/sensitive persona. debatable). Still SUPER fun. Especially the very last scene when you think its over. I laughed for about 20 minutes just on that 2 minute scene alone. Well worth checking out for date night, girls night or just a great laugh to cure the long work week blues.
National Treasure 2 - Book of Secrets
There is something magical about these movies. Unfortunately I'm still pondering whether it is in fact something wonderful within the actual movie or if its just a marvel how they make such a oddball movie and get people to love it. There were certainly great additions to the cast...ed Harris is always a dream.....Dame Helen does no wrong.....yet it wasn't a home run. The plot was more obscure and almost less believable (if possible) this time around. (I mean the key point where they find the fantastic opening lever to the secret cave under the hidden eagle on the rock and suddenly this well hidden cave opening is revealed as the boulders fall away one at a time.........seriously) Despite all of the overacting, the uncertainty of plot and other nuances that upon reflection detract from the quality there is this suspension of belief that occurs because of the breakneck pace. There is just enough action to distract you from the weak points so that the journey becomes the fun instead. Good family movie, decent sequel but skip it if you think you are getting some sort of history lesson or quality action flick.
Lars and the Real Girl
I ADORE this movie. I cannot even remember the last movie I saw that pulled so profoundly on my heartstrings. Certainly the entire premise of the movie is ridiculous. Very isolated small town, semi-anti-social young man orders sophisticated sex doll and pretends with whole hearted certainty that she is his girlfriend. If you can overcome that and actually commit to the film it does not disappoint. From opening to closing credits it is a film-goers dream. Amazing cast, brilliant story, dramatic journey through the ranges of human emotion I just could not get enough of the honest heart put into and emitting from this movie. If you don't see this movie you are truly missing out. I loved Lars.
Be Kind Rewind
This movie is so ridiculous I couldn't get enough of it. Now this is like a trippy movie a la Eternal Sunshine only it doesn't take itself the slightest bit seriously. A weird but truthful look at perception, community and defining art it is a sweet movie. If you aren't a fan of more independent comedies this one might be over your head but even if you find yourself more easily swayed by the low-brow humor of big budget comedies you will at least appreciate the silliness in the attempts to re-make some classic movies. Depending on your genre taste will greatly depend on your response to this off-beat comedy
The Bucket List
Now I just think Jack Nicholson is a gem. I also personally think that Morgan Freeman is an instant key to a movies success. However, I sincerely felt that The Bucket List fell flat. The storyline was believable (well maybe not the exact odds of the exact same things happening but the concept of accepting fate, age, place in life etc), the acting was par but it just wasn't what I would expect. Here is a movie where you have the opportunity to take 2 of the greatest actors of the generation and show them in something unique to them, looking at the end of human life and the coping we do within it. While the adventures and what not were fun to watch and the laughter between to two seemed truly effortless I just was in a constant state of feeling like something was missing. Whether it was that it took too long to move on to a certain point or that the lines didn't seem to fit the characters there was just always something half done about the piece. A decent popcorn flick but don't expect any fireworks.
I vow to be more diligent <3
8.11.2008
Sisterhood and Dirty Pants
Had a wonderful treat today. I got to catch up with my cousin whom I only get to see when I'm in town and who I adore. We are the only primas on that side of the family tree so its always a blast when we get together. Today's adventure was going to the mall to see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. Now I by no means want to endorse this as a "good" movie. As an ensemble piece its horrible....it starts new story lines for all 4 main characters and half follows through on them, if at all.
Yet I loved this movie, just like I'll admit it I loved the first one. For some reason despite repeatedly noting throughout the flick that there were flaws in the story lines and character development I fell in love with those underdeveloped characters. I think its obvious that this is only a movie for girls, (kudos for the boyfriends who endure it and the fathers who take their families for a night out) I don't think it can be appreciated by anyone lacking in estrogen. Despite its pitfalls as a work of cinema, there exists an indeterminable reason within the film that creates a feeling of sisterhood in the universal self-discovery within womanhood that makes this a great femme flick.
<3
Did anyone think else think it was akward when they said at the start of the movie that the pants weren't to be washed and then once they caught you up you realized its been like 4 years since they got the pants?!?!?!?!? um gross.
Yet I loved this movie, just like I'll admit it I loved the first one. For some reason despite repeatedly noting throughout the flick that there were flaws in the story lines and character development I fell in love with those underdeveloped characters. I think its obvious that this is only a movie for girls, (kudos for the boyfriends who endure it and the fathers who take their families for a night out) I don't think it can be appreciated by anyone lacking in estrogen. Despite its pitfalls as a work of cinema, there exists an indeterminable reason within the film that creates a feeling of sisterhood in the universal self-discovery within womanhood that makes this a great femme flick.
<3
Did anyone think else think it was akward when they said at the start of the movie that the pants weren't to be washed and then once they caught you up you realized its been like 4 years since they got the pants?!?!?!?!? um gross.
8.10.2008
Who doesn't love a good drug dealer movie?
Mi madre rented Charlie Bartlett for family movie night. Not that bad. First of all I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Robert Downey Jr. comeback, if he keeps it up (which shouldn't be hard with the smart, good Hollywood friends he is making) it will be one of the absolute best comebacks in Hollywood history. With that I also find it interesting that in everyone of his comeback movies he seems to be a boozer semi-crazy because of it....maybe that is the key: play up what you know.??? So Charlie tries to take on the problems of American youth by doing counseling, going to his high-priced upper-class psychiatrists and then dolling out the pills to his classmates. In the process....gets in trouble, falls in love with the Principal's daughter, loses his virginity, gets arrested, almost gets shot, makes a ton of new friends etc.... Semi-predictable but still fun enough that you don't really mind.
<3
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 tomorrow!!!!!!!!
<3
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 tomorrow!!!!!!!!
I love the Tenenbaums and fail to see the appeal of Moulin Rouge
Bogo at the video store if my favorite part of the week. I picked up the Royal Tenenbaums which is probably in my top 5 movies I've seen this summer. It was hilarious but not a side splitter. It had an all star cast but not in the typical sense. Perhaps it is my adoration of the quirky dry comedies or just that I have been starved for a good indie but this one just was a perfect mix of sweet ironic comedy. I've never really seen any other Wes Anderson pieces before but I'm a huge fan of this one and look forward catching up on what seems like a perfect mix of director-viewer. If you have yet to see it I suggest you immediately rent it...Luke Wilson in love with his sister, Owen Wilson crashing weddings in Indian make-up, Ben Stiller in jogging suits, Gwyneth Paltrow actually being funny with only 9 fingers....I don't know how you can't love it.
Now my free rental I did not love...or really even like. I finally broke down and rented Moulin Rouge after hearing again on some countdown that it was both great musical and love story. I highly beg to differ. First of all Nicole Kidman was so over the top and not in a good way. Ewan McGregor has no sex appeal at alllllllll..... a little big when he sings on top of the elephant but then its lost for the rest of the piece. The modern songs in a historical setting was interesting but over done. Maybe I was just missing the key piece to appreciating this whole ordeal but basically I was bored and very excited when it was over. I would skip it.
Now my free rental I did not love...or really even like. I finally broke down and rented Moulin Rouge after hearing again on some countdown that it was both great musical and love story. I highly beg to differ. First of all Nicole Kidman was so over the top and not in a good way. Ewan McGregor has no sex appeal at alllllllll..... a little big when he sings on top of the elephant but then its lost for the rest of the piece. The modern songs in a historical setting was interesting but over done. Maybe I was just missing the key piece to appreciating this whole ordeal but basically I was bored and very excited when it was over. I would skip it.
8.02.2008
License to Bore me.
Interesting story.
I pinched a nerve in my shoulder in the shower the other day. Horrible feeling if you've never pinched a nerve. Plus anyone who knows the slightest about anatomy your shoulder region is huge so subsequently I could not move the left side of my body from the waist up for the rest of the day (it was killer trying to get the rest of the shampoo out of my hair).
Since I could not accomplish anything I actually set out to for the day I had nothing to do but lay on my back and pop pain pills and watch tv.
that is how it came to be that I actually watched License to Wed. Not by choice. Because I was incapacitated for 8 hours. That is the only reason it was alright to watch this lame-o movie.
First of all. Robin Williams was funny. Back in the day. And let me tell you folks back in the day is not today. Personally I think he should go back to making family comedies (a la Mrs. Doubtfire, Hook etc.) and doing raunchy stand up on the side. That was when Williams was at his finest. The only thing we get from this movie is that he can deliver the lightening fast amount of lame, predictable jokes. Did I chuckle at them? Sure. Was it mostly because I was on a bunch of high dose pain pills? Most likely.
The comedy overall is rather predictable. Originally the storyline sounds promising, a young super preppy super adorable couple wants to get married in the bride-to-be's old church by the pastor she grew up with. Insert larger than life marriage course. Madness ensues. Overall though it was the typical cheap chuckles, lets watch them have their first fight, lets watch other couples who have gotten married and now hate each other fight, lets watch Williams really make us question if he is that creepy priest. I had heard that the mechanical babies the couple gets saddled with were the highlight of the movie. Even those were predictable and not as exciting as promised.
Now granted I did not hate this movie. The original plot line alone warranted it a higher ranking as did its young hot B list cast (although WHAT was up with all the Office people in the same movie....totally killed it) made it watchable and enjoyable. But it did by no means cancel out the lame factor. The highlight was obviously Ben writing his wedding vows in the sand. That's like epic love story shit right there. Even that was ruined. Instead of focusing on the romantic gesture and having him read them too us or something they have the woman rush down and run all over it before we even get to enjoy the fleeting chance for a little romance.
All in all if you get incapacitated physically, asked to watch it with a friend/significant other, or have literally nothing else to do one day then License to Wed should make you enjoy yourself. And for those of us not getting married in one of those pseudo-strange churches like in the movie (Were they catholic or new age I couldn't tell) you can at least breath easy at the end knowing you will not have to be subjected to that one day and simply go though the traditional church ceremony routine.
I pinched a nerve in my shoulder in the shower the other day. Horrible feeling if you've never pinched a nerve. Plus anyone who knows the slightest about anatomy your shoulder region is huge so subsequently I could not move the left side of my body from the waist up for the rest of the day (it was killer trying to get the rest of the shampoo out of my hair).
Since I could not accomplish anything I actually set out to for the day I had nothing to do but lay on my back and pop pain pills and watch tv.
that is how it came to be that I actually watched License to Wed. Not by choice. Because I was incapacitated for 8 hours. That is the only reason it was alright to watch this lame-o movie.
First of all. Robin Williams was funny. Back in the day. And let me tell you folks back in the day is not today. Personally I think he should go back to making family comedies (a la Mrs. Doubtfire, Hook etc.) and doing raunchy stand up on the side. That was when Williams was at his finest. The only thing we get from this movie is that he can deliver the lightening fast amount of lame, predictable jokes. Did I chuckle at them? Sure. Was it mostly because I was on a bunch of high dose pain pills? Most likely.
The comedy overall is rather predictable. Originally the storyline sounds promising, a young super preppy super adorable couple wants to get married in the bride-to-be's old church by the pastor she grew up with. Insert larger than life marriage course. Madness ensues. Overall though it was the typical cheap chuckles, lets watch them have their first fight, lets watch other couples who have gotten married and now hate each other fight, lets watch Williams really make us question if he is that creepy priest. I had heard that the mechanical babies the couple gets saddled with were the highlight of the movie. Even those were predictable and not as exciting as promised.
Now granted I did not hate this movie. The original plot line alone warranted it a higher ranking as did its young hot B list cast (although WHAT was up with all the Office people in the same movie....totally killed it) made it watchable and enjoyable. But it did by no means cancel out the lame factor. The highlight was obviously Ben writing his wedding vows in the sand. That's like epic love story shit right there. Even that was ruined. Instead of focusing on the romantic gesture and having him read them too us or something they have the woman rush down and run all over it before we even get to enjoy the fleeting chance for a little romance.
All in all if you get incapacitated physically, asked to watch it with a friend/significant other, or have literally nothing else to do one day then License to Wed should make you enjoy yourself. And for those of us not getting married in one of those pseudo-strange churches like in the movie (Were they catholic or new age I couldn't tell) you can at least breath easy at the end knowing you will not have to be subjected to that one day and simply go though the traditional church ceremony routine.
7.29.2008
Why So Serious?
FINALLY saw The Dark Knight this past weekend (holding out for a fabulous movie-going partner = well worth the wait!)
First of all hands down the best Batman movie ever. It makes George Clooney as batman look lamer then ever. It was gritty and raw, witty and comical but with a deep message and some of the finest performances from this cast ever....(granted Christian Bale has few other good roles to compare with but we'll take it.)
Aaron Eckhart was a surprise in this piece....I adore his acting but he took it to a new level and showed his amazingly underrated versatility throughout the 2.5 hours of the piece. His boyish charm makes you swoon in the first half and then once they rescue him with the screaming and ugh just breaks my heart and scared the shit out of me.
Maggie Gyllenhal...thank god they gave this woman a new starting role in a big-budget flick because her talent has been long-overdue for some widespread recognition. Unfortunately Rachel meets an unfortunate demise so hopefully some other great franchise will pick her up because she is so saucy and I love her.
Morgan Freeman - any movie is automatically 20 times better if you simply put Morgan Freeman in it. Enough said.
Michael Cain - I enjoy him as Alfred, he gives him this great back story almost accidentally. Plus the whole scene where him and Batman are walking out of their makeshift Batcave as the lights go out is perhaps the most visually appealing section of the entire piece
Heath Ledger - I mean what else can you say that hasn't already been said. This is the performance of an unfortunately short lifetime. Just the voice and cackle alone could have sent him into a new realm but with all of his work he is not content on making it new but putting it in an untouchable sphere. The new look of the Joker. The eerie and constant licking of the lips. The fact that he has almost no back story because he is constantly saying different things about the scars and the opening sequence just shows that he is the man wanting to "see the world burn". He's funny (nurses outfit = genius), scary as all else and its just one of the scariest villains because he just seems in his own head. Also there is some heavy irony that they just leave the Joker hanging out over the building.....leaving us hanging since there will never be another Joker.
So 2.5 hours is a liiiiitle long but you don't really notice it until you get up and your bones are so weary from sitting in the movie theatre seats not because of boredom. There are great surprises, great quips and great action sequences. Plus with all those little surprises there is a great underlying look at anarchy, control and human nature which personally I find incredibly interesting in modern times. It'll be difficult to follow this one up especially with all of the real life drama surrounding it and the fact they almost made perfection for the series....as we've seen with many other super hero movies the more you make the worse they get (hellllooo Spider man THREE....gross). Lets just enjoy how darkly twisted The Dark Knight was.
First of all hands down the best Batman movie ever. It makes George Clooney as batman look lamer then ever. It was gritty and raw, witty and comical but with a deep message and some of the finest performances from this cast ever....(granted Christian Bale has few other good roles to compare with but we'll take it.)
Aaron Eckhart was a surprise in this piece....I adore his acting but he took it to a new level and showed his amazingly underrated versatility throughout the 2.5 hours of the piece. His boyish charm makes you swoon in the first half and then once they rescue him with the screaming and ugh just breaks my heart and scared the shit out of me.
Maggie Gyllenhal...thank god they gave this woman a new starting role in a big-budget flick because her talent has been long-overdue for some widespread recognition. Unfortunately Rachel meets an unfortunate demise so hopefully some other great franchise will pick her up because she is so saucy and I love her.
Morgan Freeman - any movie is automatically 20 times better if you simply put Morgan Freeman in it. Enough said.
Michael Cain - I enjoy him as Alfred, he gives him this great back story almost accidentally. Plus the whole scene where him and Batman are walking out of their makeshift Batcave as the lights go out is perhaps the most visually appealing section of the entire piece
Heath Ledger - I mean what else can you say that hasn't already been said. This is the performance of an unfortunately short lifetime. Just the voice and cackle alone could have sent him into a new realm but with all of his work he is not content on making it new but putting it in an untouchable sphere. The new look of the Joker. The eerie and constant licking of the lips. The fact that he has almost no back story because he is constantly saying different things about the scars and the opening sequence just shows that he is the man wanting to "see the world burn". He's funny (nurses outfit = genius), scary as all else and its just one of the scariest villains because he just seems in his own head. Also there is some heavy irony that they just leave the Joker hanging out over the building.....leaving us hanging since there will never be another Joker.
So 2.5 hours is a liiiiitle long but you don't really notice it until you get up and your bones are so weary from sitting in the movie theatre seats not because of boredom. There are great surprises, great quips and great action sequences. Plus with all those little surprises there is a great underlying look at anarchy, control and human nature which personally I find incredibly interesting in modern times. It'll be difficult to follow this one up especially with all of the real life drama surrounding it and the fact they almost made perfection for the series....as we've seen with many other super hero movies the more you make the worse they get (hellllooo Spider man THREE....gross). Lets just enjoy how darkly twisted The Dark Knight was.
7.19.2008
I'm officially a Jane Austen addict.
Mansfield Park FINALLY the idiot who stole it from Blockbuster returned it so that I could then steal it :-)
First off let me just state that this is supposedly Jane Austen's favorite of all her books. While I have the book still on my reading list I must say I was a little underwhelmed having just read Pride & Prejudice and falling deep into the rabbit hole that is loving Mr. Darcy. That being said the most recent movie adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was heavily altered and embellished from the actual text making me angry at motion pictures for ruining the essence of the piece. Perhaps that would make this adaptation of Mansfield Park superb if it keeps better to the actual text....but if not then it was just a lot more drawn out and boring.
Once again we see Austen's heroine Fanny Price (lets just pause for a quick chuckle at name choice) a poor poor women who falls in love with someone above her rank. That being bad enough the bad boy of the film, higher up in $ and status then than her true love falls for her and proposes just as her true love proposes to someone else. What is a poor girl to do?
Despite not having the quick tongue and wit of other Austen leading ladies I didn't care for the way the director made Fanny speak to us in the camera....it made it too modern for a period drama and at times awkward. That being said this is far funnier than other Austen adaptations but less dramatically romantic then say Emma or P&P. Still a solid piece and as always a great story basis from the incredible Ms. Austen.
First off let me just state that this is supposedly Jane Austen's favorite of all her books. While I have the book still on my reading list I must say I was a little underwhelmed having just read Pride & Prejudice and falling deep into the rabbit hole that is loving Mr. Darcy. That being said the most recent movie adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was heavily altered and embellished from the actual text making me angry at motion pictures for ruining the essence of the piece. Perhaps that would make this adaptation of Mansfield Park superb if it keeps better to the actual text....but if not then it was just a lot more drawn out and boring.
Once again we see Austen's heroine Fanny Price (lets just pause for a quick chuckle at name choice) a poor poor women who falls in love with someone above her rank. That being bad enough the bad boy of the film, higher up in $ and status then than her true love falls for her and proposes just as her true love proposes to someone else. What is a poor girl to do?
Despite not having the quick tongue and wit of other Austen leading ladies I didn't care for the way the director made Fanny speak to us in the camera....it made it too modern for a period drama and at times awkward. That being said this is far funnier than other Austen adaptations but less dramatically romantic then say Emma or P&P. Still a solid piece and as always a great story basis from the incredible Ms. Austen.
7.13.2008
Definitely, almost forgot it.
Goodness me the most recent of these watches was a little piece called Definitely, Maybe.
The very fact that I forgot it from my list should foreshadow my views on the piece.
Don't' get me wrong it gets 2 stars just because I could watch Ryan Reynolds for 2 hours any day....however, this was not as good as I had thought it would be. I was quite excited for this to come out on DVD in order to enjoy what was supposed to be one of the best romantic comedies of the year....yet watching it I was underwhelmed. It has a phenomenal cast, an interesting premise, some comedic moments but somewhere in between all of that it just fizzles out. I love a good love triangle mystery and adore father-daughter movies but once you figured out who it was you were frustrated then when you figured out who he truly loved and should have been with all along they didn't give you enough to satisfy having to wait over an hour to find out the answer. A valiant effort and others have swooned for it but I'd go with a classic even a cookie cutter over this drawn out affair.
p.S Ryan Reynolds is barely without his shirt too further adding to the disappointment of the flick. But Isla Fisher delivered so she could make the men still come out for it.
<3
The very fact that I forgot it from my list should foreshadow my views on the piece.
Don't' get me wrong it gets 2 stars just because I could watch Ryan Reynolds for 2 hours any day....however, this was not as good as I had thought it would be. I was quite excited for this to come out on DVD in order to enjoy what was supposed to be one of the best romantic comedies of the year....yet watching it I was underwhelmed. It has a phenomenal cast, an interesting premise, some comedic moments but somewhere in between all of that it just fizzles out. I love a good love triangle mystery and adore father-daughter movies but once you figured out who it was you were frustrated then when you figured out who he truly loved and should have been with all along they didn't give you enough to satisfy having to wait over an hour to find out the answer. A valiant effort and others have swooned for it but I'd go with a classic even a cookie cutter over this drawn out affair.
p.S Ryan Reynolds is barely without his shirt too further adding to the disappointment of the flick. But Isla Fisher delivered so she could make the men still come out for it.
<3
How dependent on technology I am....
So there has been quite a delay in postings but not in movie watching. Currently my laptop is once again in the possession of the Geek Squad because they set my computer up in a way that every so many months something they set up on there as a necessity crashes and renders it unusable. So I am without for quite some time.
Mad Money:
Better than I thought. First off the story is borderline predictable but the cast just makes it so over-the-top you hardly notice. I love 99.89% of what Diane Keaton chooses to do and I love how much more loose and fun she has become with her roles as she matures. I even liked Mrs. Tom - super- crazy- Cruise in the piece. Fun to check out and pretty mellow making it decent for almost all ages.
Stick It:
Again another sort of cookie cutter athletic flick that still made me pay attention with some key elements. First who doesn't love watching Kurt Russel fall off a trampoline? Plus they did an incredibly interesting things with the visuals here taking it from a teen angst gymnastic coming of age movie you have to choke down to a teen angst gymnastic coming of age movie that was stomachable because of the unique way they shot it. Worth checking out if you have tweens around or are in need of a family night appropriate flick.
Hancock:
Now I love Will Smith don't get me wrong but this was just middle of the road for him. It wasn't his best and it wasn't his worst. The first half of the film was just genius....taking a line from his more recent successes everyone knows that you put Will Smith in a movie and he will carry it for you so by focusing just on him as Hancock they sucked you in fast, plus it was hilarious because in the age of all the serious superhero remakes its always fun to see what happens when a hero falls from grace. Now fast forward to about 3/4 of the way through the movie when they really start revealing the back story between the two super heroes. Then it gets fuzzy and starts on the decline, quickly. First of all I enjoyed the idea of there were two superheros of their kind left in all the world, Charlize being the strongest (girl power!) but then the fact that they are both in danger if they stay close to each other because they have no powers blah blah seems to contradict what happens when they fight each other the two times before and then when he leaves to save both their lives we eventually come to find out that they both still live in the same city. So the only two superheros left in the WORLD have to be apart but still wind up in the same CITY. I don't know either I was thinking too much into it or the writers of the script weren't thinking enough into that one. All in all the first half is hilarious and the action still makes it worth the ticket price on a lazy afternoon in the summer when you want to get out of the sun.
To Die For:
I stumbled upon this one completely by happenstance. It was starting on HBO one morning when I got up and the cast instantly intrigued me. Nicole Kidman, Matt Dillon, Joaquin Phoenix, Casey Affleck...yum. So out of a sheer mix of curiosity/boredom I watched...and immensely enjoyed. This is one of those kind of cult movies, where it isn't the best known movie for any of the stars and most of the general public would never recognize it by name but its just phenomenal (ala Donnie Darko etc.) Nicole Kidman was chilling as the suburban housewife/weather girl who dreams of taking her career bigger and is capable of manipulating and doing anything to try to get her way. Its just a gratingly funny little piece presented almost as a documentary which just further makes it genius. I liked it a lot and think its worth watching especially if you are a fan of any of the main actors.
The Jacket:
I like to indulge my Psychology minor from time to time with a good psychological movie. Luckily HBO was playing The Jacket this month so that I could get my fix. This movie was one of the more trippy thrillers I've seen in awhile...and even to say thriller may be an overstatement because while its intense and weird its a more patient piece, the suspense lying within the subtlety. I loved Adrian Brody he took you there and then some. Plus Daniel Craig as his criminally insane buddy was a really nice surprise, almost didn't' recognize him...which should be the goal of every good actor. This one comes highly recommended, a very good psychological-mystery-thriller-menagerie.
Blockbuster finally got in my copy of Mansfield Park and The Dark Knight and Mama Mia come out this week so hopefully many more reviews to come next time I find access to the Internet.
Keep on keeping on <3
Mad Money:
Better than I thought. First off the story is borderline predictable but the cast just makes it so over-the-top you hardly notice. I love 99.89% of what Diane Keaton chooses to do and I love how much more loose and fun she has become with her roles as she matures. I even liked Mrs. Tom - super- crazy- Cruise in the piece. Fun to check out and pretty mellow making it decent for almost all ages.
Stick It:
Again another sort of cookie cutter athletic flick that still made me pay attention with some key elements. First who doesn't love watching Kurt Russel fall off a trampoline? Plus they did an incredibly interesting things with the visuals here taking it from a teen angst gymnastic coming of age movie you have to choke down to a teen angst gymnastic coming of age movie that was stomachable because of the unique way they shot it. Worth checking out if you have tweens around or are in need of a family night appropriate flick.
Hancock:
Now I love Will Smith don't get me wrong but this was just middle of the road for him. It wasn't his best and it wasn't his worst. The first half of the film was just genius....taking a line from his more recent successes everyone knows that you put Will Smith in a movie and he will carry it for you so by focusing just on him as Hancock they sucked you in fast, plus it was hilarious because in the age of all the serious superhero remakes its always fun to see what happens when a hero falls from grace. Now fast forward to about 3/4 of the way through the movie when they really start revealing the back story between the two super heroes. Then it gets fuzzy and starts on the decline, quickly. First of all I enjoyed the idea of there were two superheros of their kind left in all the world, Charlize being the strongest (girl power!) but then the fact that they are both in danger if they stay close to each other because they have no powers blah blah seems to contradict what happens when they fight each other the two times before and then when he leaves to save both their lives we eventually come to find out that they both still live in the same city. So the only two superheros left in the WORLD have to be apart but still wind up in the same CITY. I don't know either I was thinking too much into it or the writers of the script weren't thinking enough into that one. All in all the first half is hilarious and the action still makes it worth the ticket price on a lazy afternoon in the summer when you want to get out of the sun.
To Die For:
I stumbled upon this one completely by happenstance. It was starting on HBO one morning when I got up and the cast instantly intrigued me. Nicole Kidman, Matt Dillon, Joaquin Phoenix, Casey Affleck...yum. So out of a sheer mix of curiosity/boredom I watched...and immensely enjoyed. This is one of those kind of cult movies, where it isn't the best known movie for any of the stars and most of the general public would never recognize it by name but its just phenomenal (ala Donnie Darko etc.) Nicole Kidman was chilling as the suburban housewife/weather girl who dreams of taking her career bigger and is capable of manipulating and doing anything to try to get her way. Its just a gratingly funny little piece presented almost as a documentary which just further makes it genius. I liked it a lot and think its worth watching especially if you are a fan of any of the main actors.
The Jacket:
I like to indulge my Psychology minor from time to time with a good psychological movie. Luckily HBO was playing The Jacket this month so that I could get my fix. This movie was one of the more trippy thrillers I've seen in awhile...and even to say thriller may be an overstatement because while its intense and weird its a more patient piece, the suspense lying within the subtlety. I loved Adrian Brody he took you there and then some. Plus Daniel Craig as his criminally insane buddy was a really nice surprise, almost didn't' recognize him...which should be the goal of every good actor. This one comes highly recommended, a very good psychological-mystery-thriller-menagerie.
Blockbuster finally got in my copy of Mansfield Park and The Dark Knight and Mama Mia come out this week so hopefully many more reviews to come next time I find access to the Internet.
Keep on keeping on <3
7.02.2008
Am I THAT neurotic?
Well I finally won my battle with Blockbuster and they gave me a copy of Annie Hall to watch. And eh.
Now don't get me wrong hands-down one of the most unique and interestingly layered flicks I've perhaps ever seen. With that being said I was quite unsure how the two lovers managed to make it through the entire flick without their combating neuroses exploding. Really this is an honest story and a solid look at life and the defining relationship in one's life. I'm a huge fan of talking straight on to the camera and breaking down the fourth wall so I was very pleased with that feature throughout the frames. While its flash forwards and backs were more masterfully handled than an episode of LOST I just couldn't get over the characters personalities. They went from believable quirky slight neurotics to a level where I really didn't care what happened to them either way as long as they stopped talking.
Overall an amazing Woody Allen arguably still his best and still one of the best/most honest relationship movies. Plus it was a super treat to see a SUPER young Diane Keaton & Christopher Walken (Woody Allen still squirrel-ly and a bit creepy hmmm)!!!!! Absolutely worth a watch as long as you realize the hour and a half can seem like a long time if you are not as neurotic as the characters.
Happy Birthday America <3
Now don't get me wrong hands-down one of the most unique and interestingly layered flicks I've perhaps ever seen. With that being said I was quite unsure how the two lovers managed to make it through the entire flick without their combating neuroses exploding. Really this is an honest story and a solid look at life and the defining relationship in one's life. I'm a huge fan of talking straight on to the camera and breaking down the fourth wall so I was very pleased with that feature throughout the frames. While its flash forwards and backs were more masterfully handled than an episode of LOST I just couldn't get over the characters personalities. They went from believable quirky slight neurotics to a level where I really didn't care what happened to them either way as long as they stopped talking.
Overall an amazing Woody Allen arguably still his best and still one of the best/most honest relationship movies. Plus it was a super treat to see a SUPER young Diane Keaton & Christopher Walken (Woody Allen still squirrel-ly and a bit creepy hmmm)!!!!! Absolutely worth a watch as long as you realize the hour and a half can seem like a long time if you are not as neurotic as the characters.
Happy Birthday America <3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)