Sense and Sensibility.
I love Jane Austen. People watch the Hills or soap operas but you just do not get much better than a good Jane jumble. Sense and Sensibility may just be my favorite of her tales because of the wonderful complexity and layers for all of the characters involved. Plus I mean you have all of the classics: Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, and Emma Thompson. Cannot get much better than that. Plus keep an eye out for Hugh Laurie who makes a delicious appearance that is just soooooooo the highlight of the middle chunk of this drama. Ang Lee makes this a beautifully shot and nature central piece and the cast just brings it to life and more. Absolutely excellent. By far my favorite of all the adaptations I have seen.
<3
12.25.2008
Simon Pegg is my British Comedian <3
Run Fatboy Run.
Well I had to start negative and work up to the positives. This was the least original and most predictable of all of Pegg's movies. Still it was nice to see a more sweet side of him. And the story and the comedy was still there so of course I still loved it. The concept was predictable but the comedy was still British brilliance, the sidekick kicked ass and there was all sorts of smiles and laughs throughout! Lots of love for Pegg and can't wait for him to keep making me laugh.
<3
Well I had to start negative and work up to the positives. This was the least original and most predictable of all of Pegg's movies. Still it was nice to see a more sweet side of him. And the story and the comedy was still there so of course I still loved it. The concept was predictable but the comedy was still British brilliance, the sidekick kicked ass and there was all sorts of smiles and laughs throughout! Lots of love for Pegg and can't wait for him to keep making me laugh.
<3
What are you writing in your little Pirate Pad?
Penelope.
Now THIS was a neat take on a fairytale. Setting the lead character as a little older and making a nice mix of modern/fantasy elements this was a very sweet and comical movie. Even my father said it was not that bad. . .a little predictable but it also had the right amount of surprise and intrigue. The typical components of the fairytale, beauty cursed, meets prince charming, obstacles, love prevails all were in place but some unique elements are thrown into the mix which I really just loved. Plus the patch-eyed little person just stole the show. I may be stereotyping or whatever but if you put a little person in your movie it just automatically makes it way better. Really liked this one even when James McAvoy was trying to sing.
<3
Now THIS was a neat take on a fairytale. Setting the lead character as a little older and making a nice mix of modern/fantasy elements this was a very sweet and comical movie. Even my father said it was not that bad. . .a little predictable but it also had the right amount of surprise and intrigue. The typical components of the fairytale, beauty cursed, meets prince charming, obstacles, love prevails all were in place but some unique elements are thrown into the mix which I really just loved. Plus the patch-eyed little person just stole the show. I may be stereotyping or whatever but if you put a little person in your movie it just automatically makes it way better. Really liked this one even when James McAvoy was trying to sing.
<3
The Title Says Enough
Get Smart.
Now I thought this would be okay but the last full length Carrell flick I had seen was Bruce Almighty and well that sucked big time so I was skeptical. Get Smart was just wonderful. It got back an epic Carrell formula. . .a perfect mix of screwball comedy, wit and heart. The storyline for the actual movie was good, the supporting cast was good, the mix of action to comedy and pacing for the movie was good as well. Overall an enjoyable flick and a nice surprise overall.
<3
Now I thought this would be okay but the last full length Carrell flick I had seen was Bruce Almighty and well that sucked big time so I was skeptical. Get Smart was just wonderful. It got back an epic Carrell formula. . .a perfect mix of screwball comedy, wit and heart. The storyline for the actual movie was good, the supporting cast was good, the mix of action to comedy and pacing for the movie was good as well. Overall an enjoyable flick and a nice surprise overall.
<3
12.19.2008
Everyone loves a courtroom Drama.
Heavens Fall.
Another thing noticed while snowed in and enjoying a plethora of older DVD's is that I also have an affinity for based-on-a-true-story stories. Depicting a more somber, serious true story the whole north/south/black/white/true/false concept is not one new to the cinema or anything for that matter. Yet this piece was not predictable and while a little slower moving than a Hollywood hyped piece it was very well done. The acting was suitable, the plot was unique and the opening scene was one of the most interesting I have seen done in an extended period of time.
Overall well done drama with some interesting information about the real life happenings at the end.
<3
Another thing noticed while snowed in and enjoying a plethora of older DVD's is that I also have an affinity for based-on-a-true-story stories. Depicting a more somber, serious true story the whole north/south/black/white/true/false concept is not one new to the cinema or anything for that matter. Yet this piece was not predictable and while a little slower moving than a Hollywood hyped piece it was very well done. The acting was suitable, the plot was unique and the opening scene was one of the most interesting I have seen done in an extended period of time.
Overall well done drama with some interesting information about the real life happenings at the end.
<3
Shia Labeouf is Disney's lucky charm
The Greatest Game Ever Played.
I will be honest. I was not excited to see this movie. It has quite a long title and its about golf BUT my mom had rented it and it had Shia Labeouf who can make even a crappy movie (um Eagle Eye) watchable.
Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised when the film started rolling. The way it was shot, the interesting double and back stories made this a wonderful film. Shia was great in this movie showing the Disney appeal that made him such a megastar he is now. This movie did many things: helped establish Shia, made golf not boring and bordering on exciting, had a great inspirational/based on a true story message and was a all around excellent family film.
Totally worth checking out for all ages.
<3
I will be honest. I was not excited to see this movie. It has quite a long title and its about golf BUT my mom had rented it and it had Shia Labeouf who can make even a crappy movie (um Eagle Eye) watchable.
Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised when the film started rolling. The way it was shot, the interesting double and back stories made this a wonderful film. Shia was great in this movie showing the Disney appeal that made him such a megastar he is now. This movie did many things: helped establish Shia, made golf not boring and bordering on exciting, had a great inspirational/based on a true story message and was a all around excellent family film.
Totally worth checking out for all ages.
<3
Everyone loves a ghetto dance flick. . .full of white people.
Step Up 2: The Streets
So okay its no secret that I have a weakness for dance/art/musical movies in general. So I did like this one but only because I like these things. Actually I would even venture to argue that it was more interesting than the first one and that there certainly was more interesting dancing going on. THAT being said. . .in these cultured hip-hop dramas why is it always that the two lead characters are predominantly Caucasian with only the cultural folks only in the back drop?!?!?!? Anyways that is my rant that and the immature acting made it kinda dull in some sections. . . but the dance sequences and the higher ratio of dance to freshman acting made this actually a decent flick. Pretty good if you have an affinity for dance movies or pre-teen dramas with some light comedy thrown in.
<3
So okay its no secret that I have a weakness for dance/art/musical movies in general. So I did like this one but only because I like these things. Actually I would even venture to argue that it was more interesting than the first one and that there certainly was more interesting dancing going on. THAT being said. . .in these cultured hip-hop dramas why is it always that the two lead characters are predominantly Caucasian with only the cultural folks only in the back drop?!?!?!? Anyways that is my rant that and the immature acting made it kinda dull in some sections. . . but the dance sequences and the higher ratio of dance to freshman acting made this actually a decent flick. Pretty good if you have an affinity for dance movies or pre-teen dramas with some light comedy thrown in.
<3
12.14.2008
John Travolta was being punished for poor hairstyling
The Punisher.
The ONLY and I repeat ONLY good things about this movie:
1. When John Travolta's character was being dragged through the street with his crotch on fire
2. When it was over
Horrible.
Yuck and John Travolta has greasy hair.
<3
The ONLY and I repeat ONLY good things about this movie:
1. When John Travolta's character was being dragged through the street with his crotch on fire
2. When it was over
Horrible.
Yuck and John Travolta has greasy hair.
<3
A Violent(?) Vince Vaughn
Domestic Disturbance.
Every now and again my comedic love, Vince Vaughn, does a more serious role. Whether as Norman Bates in the so-so Psycho remake or his fabulous turn in Into the Wild. Then sometimes those serious turns are kind of mediocre.
Now I don't think its totally the fault of the actors here I mean you have John Travolta, Teri Polo and the ever delightful Steve Buchemi so I think it was more the oddly paced and uneven storyline. It was slow slow slow starting out. Which I think did help you build suspense but when the AH-Ha moments came for each character about the true nature of the step-dad it was kind of blah. It was a decent attempt but there wasn't any interesting moments. Maybe if Rick had actually like hit the kid or the whole evil background was revealed would have been more suspenseful.
Plus the ending was L-A-M-E.
Eh. If you want to or you are a super fan of VV like me and wanted to see ALL of his movies then go for it but if not then feeeeel freeee to skip right over it.
<3
Every now and again my comedic love, Vince Vaughn, does a more serious role. Whether as Norman Bates in the so-so Psycho remake or his fabulous turn in Into the Wild. Then sometimes those serious turns are kind of mediocre.
Now I don't think its totally the fault of the actors here I mean you have John Travolta, Teri Polo and the ever delightful Steve Buchemi so I think it was more the oddly paced and uneven storyline. It was slow slow slow starting out. Which I think did help you build suspense but when the AH-Ha moments came for each character about the true nature of the step-dad it was kind of blah. It was a decent attempt but there wasn't any interesting moments. Maybe if Rick had actually like hit the kid or the whole evil background was revealed would have been more suspenseful.
Plus the ending was L-A-M-E.
Eh. If you want to or you are a super fan of VV like me and wanted to see ALL of his movies then go for it but if not then feeeeel freeee to skip right over it.
<3
Who knew suicide was so profitable?!?!?
Drillbit Taylor.
So this is supposedly the movie Owen Wilson made just before (or was it after?!?!?) he attempted suicide. It didn't get an overly positive reception from Hollywood so I put it off. But after watching it I'm not exactly sure why because it was surprisingly funny!!!!!!!!!! Sure the overall underdogs eventually overcome the bullies was kind of predictable there were so many unique little twists and pop culture references that it was super worthwhile to check out!!!!!!!! Plus Owen Wilson was super hot and in good form especially for being on his own without anyone else from the frat pack.
Worth checking out esp for a good teen - pre - teen family night. Laughs cheap but still very worth it and not overly raunchy.
So this is supposedly the movie Owen Wilson made just before (or was it after?!?!?) he attempted suicide. It didn't get an overly positive reception from Hollywood so I put it off. But after watching it I'm not exactly sure why because it was surprisingly funny!!!!!!!!!! Sure the overall underdogs eventually overcome the bullies was kind of predictable there were so many unique little twists and pop culture references that it was super worthwhile to check out!!!!!!!! Plus Owen Wilson was super hot and in good form especially for being on his own without anyone else from the frat pack.
Worth checking out esp for a good teen - pre - teen family night. Laughs cheap but still very worth it and not overly raunchy.
12.02.2008
Tom Cruise is still funny in a non-psychotic way....only when he wants to be.
Tropic Thunder.
I was as some would say, overly excited for this movie. I would like to counter that I was not disappointed so shut your mouth. Not what I expected but soooo much better! This movie works on so many different levels, first there is just the blockbuster appeal of Stiller, Downey Jr., Black etc. Then there are the juicy surprises like Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey. There was the physical obvious comedy, awesome explosions and action sequences and an incredibly well done satirical undertow about the movie industry and those who play a part in it. Plus there is just a killer dance sequence at the end by Tom Cruises character.
It wasn't gut busting every second but every element played into the laughs making them better when they actually came about. I really think Ben Stiller has come into his own and if he can stay writing and directing instead of just acting he will continue to be respected.
And can we give proper respect to Robert Downey Jr. for being such an insane chameleon and character actor?!?!?! Playing a southern rooted black man AND an Australian in the same movie. A genius laugh factory.
<3
I was as some would say, overly excited for this movie. I would like to counter that I was not disappointed so shut your mouth. Not what I expected but soooo much better! This movie works on so many different levels, first there is just the blockbuster appeal of Stiller, Downey Jr., Black etc. Then there are the juicy surprises like Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey. There was the physical obvious comedy, awesome explosions and action sequences and an incredibly well done satirical undertow about the movie industry and those who play a part in it. Plus there is just a killer dance sequence at the end by Tom Cruises character.
It wasn't gut busting every second but every element played into the laughs making them better when they actually came about. I really think Ben Stiller has come into his own and if he can stay writing and directing instead of just acting he will continue to be respected.
And can we give proper respect to Robert Downey Jr. for being such an insane chameleon and character actor?!?!?! Playing a southern rooted black man AND an Australian in the same movie. A genius laugh factory.
<3
God Damn Global Warming
The Happening.
Okay first and foremost this movie is SO much better if you have seen Andy Samberg's SNL sketch "Mark Wahlberg talks to Animals" and all of the responses from Mark Wahlberg it got. I honestly think that is the only reason this movie was enjoyable for me.
Other reasons to watch The Happening include:
Mark Wahlberg as a sexy science school teacher.
The first quarter maybe half of the movie is pretty suspenseful. Until you start realizing the plants are angry theory is probably true its quite interesting with the whole what the hell is happening??? thing going on (what happening...get it get it?!?!?)
Zooey Deschanel's eyes. Those things are mesmerizing, seriously.
Mark Wahlberg talking to a plastic plant
Mark Wahlberg going "Oh No" when he realizes what is going on. Priceless.
Other than that this movie still proves that M.Night Shamalan peaked with his first major success, the sixth sense. While he has give some decent stories and some good scares since then nothing has or will ever be as clever as that movie for him. Its just sad to realize that he doesn't realize it.
Check these out:
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/mark-wahlberg-talks-to-animals/727504/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOSioIQhszk
Okay first and foremost this movie is SO much better if you have seen Andy Samberg's SNL sketch "Mark Wahlberg talks to Animals" and all of the responses from Mark Wahlberg it got. I honestly think that is the only reason this movie was enjoyable for me.
Other reasons to watch The Happening include:
Mark Wahlberg as a sexy science school teacher.
The first quarter maybe half of the movie is pretty suspenseful. Until you start realizing the plants are angry theory is probably true its quite interesting with the whole what the hell is happening??? thing going on (what happening...get it get it?!?!?)
Zooey Deschanel's eyes. Those things are mesmerizing, seriously.
Mark Wahlberg talking to a plastic plant
Mark Wahlberg going "Oh No" when he realizes what is going on. Priceless.
Other than that this movie still proves that M.Night Shamalan peaked with his first major success, the sixth sense. While he has give some decent stories and some good scares since then nothing has or will ever be as clever as that movie for him. Its just sad to realize that he doesn't realize it.
Check these out:
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/mark-wahlberg-talks-to-animals/727504/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOSioIQhszk
John Cusack has been my imaginary boyfriend since about middle school
The Contract.
A decent change for Cusack who hasn't done many action/dramas lately. As he ages he seems to be filling the role of father-figure in the movies normally. In that same vein though he is also making his typecast character attitude all the more obvious. Even across genres it felt like the same character.
Still Morgan Freeman is always excellent and this movie was no exception.
A nice little detour from the mainstream circuit but nothing to write home about.
<3
Must Love Dogs.
Oh older people love movies.
Now in reality this is a more typical time in people's lives to find "the one" so it seems appropriate. Yet in Hollywood times its a little weird to watch. Cusack and Lane play they parts nicely but there seems to be too much going on here.
Honestly if they had stuck with the title and put more dogs throughout the piece maybe it would have been a bit more interesting. Worth a watch though when you get sick of all the teenage love affairs that usually plaster the cinema.
A decent change for Cusack who hasn't done many action/dramas lately. As he ages he seems to be filling the role of father-figure in the movies normally. In that same vein though he is also making his typecast character attitude all the more obvious. Even across genres it felt like the same character.
Still Morgan Freeman is always excellent and this movie was no exception.
A nice little detour from the mainstream circuit but nothing to write home about.
<3
Must Love Dogs.
Oh older people love movies.
Now in reality this is a more typical time in people's lives to find "the one" so it seems appropriate. Yet in Hollywood times its a little weird to watch. Cusack and Lane play they parts nicely but there seems to be too much going on here.
Honestly if they had stuck with the title and put more dogs throughout the piece maybe it would have been a bit more interesting. Worth a watch though when you get sick of all the teenage love affairs that usually plaster the cinema.
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