This was a great film. My friend and I had the tissues ready and started crying the first five minutes of the movie. Not because it was sad - yet. But because we were already cheering for Chris Gardner to make it.
Will Smith is awesome and has really grown as an actor. I used to watch him on the Fresh Prince and laugh. He was just being himself, of course. But he's always been fun to watch. Here, he is more than fun, he's moving. This story is better than fiction, because it's real. Gardner goes through many trials in order to get his dream job. But he doesn't do it just for money, he does it becasue he wants a better life for himself and for his son. And he's willing to risk it all to make it happen.
During the day, he is a trainee and at night he's homeless. A born salesman, he builds his brokerage accounts and beats out all of the applicants in the internship program and gets hired for real.
I am avoiding mentioning his trails because the preview says it all. The movie is about your right to pursue happiness as a citizen of life and that no matter how hard it gets, you should never lose hope. And if I told you everything that happens, you couldn't go on the tear-jerker ride that makes you very very happy at the end.
See this movie. Will's son is a cutie and funny- got a little of dad in him.
Worth the money: $$$$
Friday, December 29, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Casino Royale
007 the pre-years. Daniel Craig is great as a rough James Bond. He makes errors and gets emotional and it's a fun ride on both sides of the screen.
I wasn't sure I'd like a blond Bond. He wasn't thin or dashing or super suave, but I didn't seem to mind. He was charming, hot and definitely a risk-taking sharp shooter and a Bond we can all relate to.
I saw this opening weekend. The theatre was packed and everyone was amazed that it was so good. I love Bond movies in general even if they tend to be too long and the lines more punny than cheecky most of the time- such sas "I thought Christmas only came once a year" etc. But this one was refreshingly different, edgier with more poignant music and good villans.
Taking raw talent and shaping it is always fun to watch. The movie had a good mix of everything people go to movies for. And if you're looking for a good time, see this movie.
Worth the money: $$$$
I wasn't sure I'd like a blond Bond. He wasn't thin or dashing or super suave, but I didn't seem to mind. He was charming, hot and definitely a risk-taking sharp shooter and a Bond we can all relate to.
I saw this opening weekend. The theatre was packed and everyone was amazed that it was so good. I love Bond movies in general even if they tend to be too long and the lines more punny than cheecky most of the time- such sas "I thought Christmas only came once a year" etc. But this one was refreshingly different, edgier with more poignant music and good villans.
Taking raw talent and shaping it is always fun to watch. The movie had a good mix of everything people go to movies for. And if you're looking for a good time, see this movie.
Worth the money: $$$$
Stranger Than Fiction
This movie was really fun. It was inventive, interesting, inspirational and a little sappy. A very good mix of life and love and the reasons that make our lives, our lives.
A boring IRS agent learns that he is being killed off in the novel of his life. A famous author is dictating what his life has been and now he realizes that his life is no longer his choice but someone else's. He tries to change the outcome of his demise and finds love in the process.
This is a movie you have to watch. Dustin Hoffman is great in this, in fact, the whole cast is spot on.
During a depression holiday season for some, this movie will pick you up and make you feel a little bit happier.
Worth the money: $$$ 1/2
A boring IRS agent learns that he is being killed off in the novel of his life. A famous author is dictating what his life has been and now he realizes that his life is no longer his choice but someone else's. He tries to change the outcome of his demise and finds love in the process.
This is a movie you have to watch. Dustin Hoffman is great in this, in fact, the whole cast is spot on.
During a depression holiday season for some, this movie will pick you up and make you feel a little bit happier.
Worth the money: $$$ 1/2
Sunday, November 12, 2006
A Good Year
Russell Crowe is very charming in this light-hearted film. While this movie's storyline is pretty generic, the French countryside was spectacular and very romantic.
Crowe plays a stock trader who is at the top of his game in London. He drives fancy cars and has a luxrious apt. and has everything life could offer- or does he? When his Uncle Henry dies, he has to take time off from his busy life to reconnect with his past. While being investigated for his trade dealings, he stays in France for a few days. There he relives memories of a happier time and finds a new love.
The ending was tidy and he obviously chooses "the better life" but it was slow in parts and not really interesting in others. I wished there was more of his ruthless trading ways to build up the story at the beginning.
This movie was neither good nor bad. There was no violence and just hints at sex, sort of like an old movie from the Cary Grant days.
I'd wait for this on video so you can watch it on a cold rainy day or to get you into the mood to travel and eat some French food. Or if you can't travel, go toa bistro near you with someone you find enchanting and make your own romance.
Worth the money: $$ 1/2
Crowe plays a stock trader who is at the top of his game in London. He drives fancy cars and has a luxrious apt. and has everything life could offer- or does he? When his Uncle Henry dies, he has to take time off from his busy life to reconnect with his past. While being investigated for his trade dealings, he stays in France for a few days. There he relives memories of a happier time and finds a new love.
The ending was tidy and he obviously chooses "the better life" but it was slow in parts and not really interesting in others. I wished there was more of his ruthless trading ways to build up the story at the beginning.
This movie was neither good nor bad. There was no violence and just hints at sex, sort of like an old movie from the Cary Grant days.
I'd wait for this on video so you can watch it on a cold rainy day or to get you into the mood to travel and eat some French food. Or if you can't travel, go toa bistro near you with someone you find enchanting and make your own romance.
Worth the money: $$ 1/2
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The Prestige
How fun was this movie? Unbelievable but fun. Christian Bale was great. So was Scarlet. The story is about two magicians who started out as friends but then an accident happens and their friendship becomes a bitter rivalry neither can let go. I guess this movie takes the concept of an eye for an eye quite literally. Each magician tries to top the other with the best magic trick and in the end they destroy each others lives.
The two women in their lives stuggle with each magician's obsession. A true magician gives up everything for their craft. This movie shows how much they are willing to give up in order to be the best.
The ending was interesting although far fetched. But you're either a believer in magic or you're not. So think about what's true magic or a great trick and measure this movie as one or the other.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
The two women in their lives stuggle with each magician's obsession. A true magician gives up everything for their craft. This movie shows how much they are willing to give up in order to be the best.
The ending was interesting although far fetched. But you're either a believer in magic or you're not. So think about what's true magic or a great trick and measure this movie as one or the other.
Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2
Monday, October 23, 2006
Marie Antoinette
I think the last time Sophia and Kirsten made a movie together it was Virgin Suicides. And based on content, I think Virgin was a better movie.
What Sophia does well is show the grandeouse nature of the time period, poke fun at the ridiculous rituals of the royal court and portrary how Marie's less than conservative personality rubbed against the grain of the restraints and expectations of being Queen of France.
Marie, becomes wife at age 15 to the heir to the French throne. He's a shy and awkward boy who doesn't speak much to his wife or have any passions other than his key collection. Bored out of her mind, Marie finds other fun festivities to engage in, including friends that are entertaining but not approved of by the courts.
Her problems arise when the King of France dies making her queen at age 18. Not knowing how to deal with the pressures and obligations of her new status, including producing an heir to the throne, her formerly accepted fun-loving ways are shunned and then blamed for the country's economic distress.
The film was too long, even though is was visually appealling. It didn't express anything new or even pit nobleman vs peasants. There wasn't much internal tension or intrigue and the storyline lacked dialogue. It made me feel bored as, I imagine, Marie was- but I only had to watch for an hour and 1/2 and didn't have to live it.
Dunst wasn't a bad Marie based on what she had to work with, but I would prefer to see her in Interview with a Vampire again or even Spiderman.
The movie trailer made this film seem like it would be an edgy Marie Antoinette with hip music and an interesting viewpoint. But it was just a let down.
Go for the scenery, or go if you want to make out. It's kind of like a soap opera, if you miss a year or two, you still know the storyline and can catch up well before the credits.
Worth the money: $$ 1/2
What Sophia does well is show the grandeouse nature of the time period, poke fun at the ridiculous rituals of the royal court and portrary how Marie's less than conservative personality rubbed against the grain of the restraints and expectations of being Queen of France.
Marie, becomes wife at age 15 to the heir to the French throne. He's a shy and awkward boy who doesn't speak much to his wife or have any passions other than his key collection. Bored out of her mind, Marie finds other fun festivities to engage in, including friends that are entertaining but not approved of by the courts.
Her problems arise when the King of France dies making her queen at age 18. Not knowing how to deal with the pressures and obligations of her new status, including producing an heir to the throne, her formerly accepted fun-loving ways are shunned and then blamed for the country's economic distress.
The film was too long, even though is was visually appealling. It didn't express anything new or even pit nobleman vs peasants. There wasn't much internal tension or intrigue and the storyline lacked dialogue. It made me feel bored as, I imagine, Marie was- but I only had to watch for an hour and 1/2 and didn't have to live it.
Dunst wasn't a bad Marie based on what she had to work with, but I would prefer to see her in Interview with a Vampire again or even Spiderman.
The movie trailer made this film seem like it would be an edgy Marie Antoinette with hip music and an interesting viewpoint. But it was just a let down.
Go for the scenery, or go if you want to make out. It's kind of like a soap opera, if you miss a year or two, you still know the storyline and can catch up well before the credits.
Worth the money: $$ 1/2
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The Guardian
When will Hollywood come up with a new story? I mean, really new? Well, it's not with this movie. This is a remake of every "older experienced mentor going through a struggle teamed with a young hot shot who needs to be straightened out but they bond and become best friends, yada, yada, yada" movie ever made.
Kevin Costner plays a swimmer for the Coast Guard in this movie who should be retired but can't seem to give the life up until an accident happens. Then he takes a job as an instructor for the Coast Guard academy. He has his own rules on how to train these new, would-be swimmers. Ashton Kutcher is the hot shot swimmer ,who was recruited by every ivy league school on the planet, but decided he wanted to save lives instead. Costner runs the trainees through "real life" exercises to show them what saving lives in horrible conditions may be like. And he speaks of how one chooses, who lives and who dies on missions. Kutcher learns by trial and error what makes a good swimmer and what doesn't. And he and Costner start bonding as mentor to student and as friend to friend.
This movie reminded me of Annapolis (a carbon copy of An Officer and a Gentleman) but it's about swimmers and not soldiers. And it's reminscent of Top Gun a little bit with the struggles and lives of these poor devoted men to their jobs and not their personal relationships without the fun sound bites "I feel the need for speed" and the serenading of Kelly McGillis and other elements that made Top Gun a fun movie back in the day.
The action scenes were okay but not enough to see the movie on the big screen and pay for it. It's a rental, like G.I. Jane and other movies about the military. It's nice to see Ashton play a serious role but I'd rather see him in something a little bit crazy and out there as a departure from his partier, pretty boy, punk'd, older-woman-loving self. Not sure Hamlet would be it, but playing a total loser or someone dispictable that you wouldn't like and bring another side of himself to - his intellilect or a super emotional side or a deranged side.
Kosner wasn't great in this movie either. I loved him in No Way Out, Dances with Wolves, Tin Cup and Bull Durham. But I guess with all the replay scripts out there, he was bound to be in a movie like this. Don't do it again Kevin!
It wasn't great, it wasn't super poor, it was just kinda there like a big black hole you get sucked into despite your efforts to get free. It wasn't really entertaining but not really boring either. You knew how it was going to end but you still wanted to see the ending. Guess that's probably human nature and not a compelling script in this case.
So I'm just kind of up in the air about the movie in general. There wasn't enough depth to the characters to make you care and there wasn't enough drama or action to engage your other emotions. But if you want a real time passer that you only have to yawn at once or twice (which was sign from the Queen of England back in the day of how short your play would run) I guess this is a watchable movie.
Worth the money: $$
Kevin Costner plays a swimmer for the Coast Guard in this movie who should be retired but can't seem to give the life up until an accident happens. Then he takes a job as an instructor for the Coast Guard academy. He has his own rules on how to train these new, would-be swimmers. Ashton Kutcher is the hot shot swimmer ,who was recruited by every ivy league school on the planet, but decided he wanted to save lives instead. Costner runs the trainees through "real life" exercises to show them what saving lives in horrible conditions may be like. And he speaks of how one chooses, who lives and who dies on missions. Kutcher learns by trial and error what makes a good swimmer and what doesn't. And he and Costner start bonding as mentor to student and as friend to friend.
This movie reminded me of Annapolis (a carbon copy of An Officer and a Gentleman) but it's about swimmers and not soldiers. And it's reminscent of Top Gun a little bit with the struggles and lives of these poor devoted men to their jobs and not their personal relationships without the fun sound bites "I feel the need for speed" and the serenading of Kelly McGillis and other elements that made Top Gun a fun movie back in the day.
The action scenes were okay but not enough to see the movie on the big screen and pay for it. It's a rental, like G.I. Jane and other movies about the military. It's nice to see Ashton play a serious role but I'd rather see him in something a little bit crazy and out there as a departure from his partier, pretty boy, punk'd, older-woman-loving self. Not sure Hamlet would be it, but playing a total loser or someone dispictable that you wouldn't like and bring another side of himself to - his intellilect or a super emotional side or a deranged side.
Kosner wasn't great in this movie either. I loved him in No Way Out, Dances with Wolves, Tin Cup and Bull Durham. But I guess with all the replay scripts out there, he was bound to be in a movie like this. Don't do it again Kevin!
It wasn't great, it wasn't super poor, it was just kinda there like a big black hole you get sucked into despite your efforts to get free. It wasn't really entertaining but not really boring either. You knew how it was going to end but you still wanted to see the ending. Guess that's probably human nature and not a compelling script in this case.
So I'm just kind of up in the air about the movie in general. There wasn't enough depth to the characters to make you care and there wasn't enough drama or action to engage your other emotions. But if you want a real time passer that you only have to yawn at once or twice (which was sign from the Queen of England back in the day of how short your play would run) I guess this is a watchable movie.
Worth the money: $$
Friday, September 29, 2006
Grey's Anatomy
Can't help but report on the season opener of Grey's Anatomy. One of my friends said this show is a "girl's show" - funny he said that because when I asked him who Meridith should pick he said, "The vet." Apparently this show has everyone talking even those that don't want to admit that it's too girlie for them to watch.
Izzie lays on the floor in her gown from the prom for a few days. The gang rallies behind her to help her mend her broken heart. The show talks about time; how we all wish for more time to find our answers and to be with the people that matter to us. Unfortuntely, time doesn't care and keep moving us forward whether we're ready or not.
Merideth has no idea who to pick. She's wanted Derek for so long that she gave up and was ready to be with Fin. But now she has a choice to make because Derek finally admits that he loves her. The side of dirty mistresses is coming out in Merideth's favor and she doesn't know what to do. Fin also throws his hat into the ring and says, count me in- making Merideth even more confused. He's perfect for her and hot and a great guy. What's not to like about Fin?
Addison finds Merideth's underwear in Derek's cheap tux suit pocket and pins it on the bulletin board at the hospital. She realizes her marriage is over and takes a day off to drink. Dr. Baily won't speak to Izzie about her state of baking because she doesn't want to admit that she got weak and wasn't taking care of her interns as she should have.
Christina and Burke are going smoothly until Moma Burke steps in and keeps Christina away from her boyfriend. She talks about the future and marriage and how the two aren't compadible personality wise and she want's more for her son. Christina starts to wonder if she's too selfish to deserve Burke.
Drama, drama, drama-- this is an awesome show. And if you have your own life drama going on, you can feel better when you watch this show because it reminds you that other people, although fictional, have crappy lives too.
This show is an additction but it won't hurt you- so go ahead and OD. Ambition meets broken people and we hope it all gets fixed inside the action/packed walls of Seattle Grace.
Izzie lays on the floor in her gown from the prom for a few days. The gang rallies behind her to help her mend her broken heart. The show talks about time; how we all wish for more time to find our answers and to be with the people that matter to us. Unfortuntely, time doesn't care and keep moving us forward whether we're ready or not.
Merideth has no idea who to pick. She's wanted Derek for so long that she gave up and was ready to be with Fin. But now she has a choice to make because Derek finally admits that he loves her. The side of dirty mistresses is coming out in Merideth's favor and she doesn't know what to do. Fin also throws his hat into the ring and says, count me in- making Merideth even more confused. He's perfect for her and hot and a great guy. What's not to like about Fin?
Addison finds Merideth's underwear in Derek's cheap tux suit pocket and pins it on the bulletin board at the hospital. She realizes her marriage is over and takes a day off to drink. Dr. Baily won't speak to Izzie about her state of baking because she doesn't want to admit that she got weak and wasn't taking care of her interns as she should have.
Christina and Burke are going smoothly until Moma Burke steps in and keeps Christina away from her boyfriend. She talks about the future and marriage and how the two aren't compadible personality wise and she want's more for her son. Christina starts to wonder if she's too selfish to deserve Burke.
Drama, drama, drama-- this is an awesome show. And if you have your own life drama going on, you can feel better when you watch this show because it reminds you that other people, although fictional, have crappy lives too.
This show is an additction but it won't hurt you- so go ahead and OD. Ambition meets broken people and we hope it all gets fixed inside the action/packed walls of Seattle Grace.
The Last Kiss
Zach Braff is very cute asshole in this film. I say that because men freaking out about having kids and getting married makes them assholes- in this movie anyway.
The girl from THE REAL WORLD, Jacinta, is in this film. Not sure if she's been in movies before this. She wanted to be a model back then and wasn't up to the task of early morning shoots etc. Now she's in a movie with Napoleon Dynomite as well this year.
Anyway, the two here are a happy couple in their 30's who are having a baby but not ready to get married. Michael (Braff) goes to his friend's wedding and meets Kim (Bilsten) and Kim pursues him. She's a college girl who reminds Michael of the best time of his life - his college years. And although only 8 years older, his world is getting very adult and he feels as though there aren't any more surprises. His life is what he planned it to be and he wonders if that's enough for him. Will this really be his last kiss?
Through the process of spending time with Kim he realizes what's really important to him. The people around him are also dealing with relationships and marriages. In this show everyone struggles with their own fears and expectations. And like life, the outcome isn't always a happy ending.
Apparently this movie is a remake of an Italian Film. Braff is a charming asshole in this movie which he fully admits as his character Michael on several instances. Turning 30 with a lot of grown up responsibility and are you ready to really be an adult? is what the film questions and answers.
I liked this film much better than THE BREAK UP for many reasons. First not as depressing and also because Braff just is a likeable guy and comes off as someone you want to like on the screen even if his character is flawed. But I guess we can all relate to him since we're all flawed when it comes with dealing with other people. It's true men do things on their own time. When they're ready they're ready and there's no rhyme or reason and it drives women nuts.
Anyway, this film might make you cry, make you angry, or make you hopefull - what else could you ask for?
Worth the money: $$$
The girl from THE REAL WORLD, Jacinta, is in this film. Not sure if she's been in movies before this. She wanted to be a model back then and wasn't up to the task of early morning shoots etc. Now she's in a movie with Napoleon Dynomite as well this year.
Anyway, the two here are a happy couple in their 30's who are having a baby but not ready to get married. Michael (Braff) goes to his friend's wedding and meets Kim (Bilsten) and Kim pursues him. She's a college girl who reminds Michael of the best time of his life - his college years. And although only 8 years older, his world is getting very adult and he feels as though there aren't any more surprises. His life is what he planned it to be and he wonders if that's enough for him. Will this really be his last kiss?
Through the process of spending time with Kim he realizes what's really important to him. The people around him are also dealing with relationships and marriages. In this show everyone struggles with their own fears and expectations. And like life, the outcome isn't always a happy ending.
Apparently this movie is a remake of an Italian Film. Braff is a charming asshole in this movie which he fully admits as his character Michael on several instances. Turning 30 with a lot of grown up responsibility and are you ready to really be an adult? is what the film questions and answers.
I liked this film much better than THE BREAK UP for many reasons. First not as depressing and also because Braff just is a likeable guy and comes off as someone you want to like on the screen even if his character is flawed. But I guess we can all relate to him since we're all flawed when it comes with dealing with other people. It's true men do things on their own time. When they're ready they're ready and there's no rhyme or reason and it drives women nuts.
Anyway, this film might make you cry, make you angry, or make you hopefull - what else could you ask for?
Worth the money: $$$
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
US Open Tennis
No, this isn't a movie. But I have to critique it because of the Andre Agassi match that lasted 3 some hours last week. I've been lucky to go to the US Open almost every year for the past 7 and out of those, most of the time, I got to see Andre play. He's meant a lot to the sport and deserves mention here on my movie blog and across news outlets worldwide. Why? Because there's nothing better than watching and emotionally participating in a true-to-life story. Hollywood can't make that up- well, they try, but many times fail. Life, truth, skill and conviction make great moments and great legends. The human drama of Thursday night's match was typically Andre- part of what has made him a legend and made fans want to cheer and gasp at every point. You always get a great game when you watch him because he's an expressive player that gives each game his all- no matter what his age. And I would sit and watch him play till all hours of the night not because I'm a tennis fan but because I am a fan of the human spirit. I'm sad to see him go. I hope another American steps-up like he did. Maybe it'll be Roddick or Blake, only time will tell. But there will only be one Andre. And Andre, I love you. And everyone will miss you at the Open.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Snakes on a Plane
I'm not going to see this movie. I saw this skit on Saturday Night Live where they had snakes on a plane and it was hilarious for 15 minutes with Wil Farrell like years ago. So look for it on re-runs of the show.
I do like Samuel L., so I know this movie is entertaining but shouldn't be dragged on for an hour and 1/2 with this premis. But probably some good action scenes and CGI snakes. Without seeing the movie I'd like to say, hey he should re-do his Pulp Fiction speech: The path of the righteous man... and blow some snakes away.
Anyway, I'll see it on the movie channel in about 6 months.
Worth the money rating: $$$ (for almost novelty but a great title)
I do like Samuel L., so I know this movie is entertaining but shouldn't be dragged on for an hour and 1/2 with this premis. But probably some good action scenes and CGI snakes. Without seeing the movie I'd like to say, hey he should re-do his Pulp Fiction speech: The path of the righteous man... and blow some snakes away.
Anyway, I'll see it on the movie channel in about 6 months.
Worth the money rating: $$$ (for almost novelty but a great title)
Million Dollar Baby
Yes, I know I should have seen this movie a few years ago but I just saw it on one of the movie channels the other night.
Hillary Swank isn't my favorite actress based on the types of roles she chooses (I tend to like more fun or edgier stuff not just plain drama and struggle) but I met her once at a US Open Tennis match and she was very kind and gave me an autograph. Chad was a little more reluctant but she had a very big smile and a very pleasant, down-to-earth dimeanor.
I'm not sure why she always plays these gut-wrenching characters with major issues but she does. I didn't see Boys Don't Cry either and doubt I will.
But I do like Morgan Freeman, so I decided to watch this. I remember my roommate a few years ago said this was a real tear-jerker so I grabbed the kleenex and sat down in my big chair to watch the show. All prepared for what was to come.
Hillary wants to be a boxer and she bugs Clint until he says yes to training her. Clint has an estranged relationship with his very own daughter and so he treats Hillary as his daughter and takes care of her through thick and thin. Hillary under his tutiledge does well as a female boxer and is faced with a tough match that changes her life. This is where the kleenex would come in. Hillary was trying to prove herself to her mother and her family and to herself and through it all finds a lasting bond and friendship with her trainer, Clint. And the two become a family- father/daughter relationship.
I won't ruin the story for you, but I didn't cry. I just wanted the movie to be over but I did want to see how it ended. It wasn't horrible but you knew what was coming pretty much- all the drama.
But I think it was well acted on Eastwood, Swank and Freeman's part. And well shot. So if you're in the mood for a drama-filled movie, this is for you. Or perhaps you could do back to back Hillary movies and then watch an old episode of Melrose Place for a pick-me-up.
Worth the money: $$$
Hillary Swank isn't my favorite actress based on the types of roles she chooses (I tend to like more fun or edgier stuff not just plain drama and struggle) but I met her once at a US Open Tennis match and she was very kind and gave me an autograph. Chad was a little more reluctant but she had a very big smile and a very pleasant, down-to-earth dimeanor.
I'm not sure why she always plays these gut-wrenching characters with major issues but she does. I didn't see Boys Don't Cry either and doubt I will.
But I do like Morgan Freeman, so I decided to watch this. I remember my roommate a few years ago said this was a real tear-jerker so I grabbed the kleenex and sat down in my big chair to watch the show. All prepared for what was to come.
Hillary wants to be a boxer and she bugs Clint until he says yes to training her. Clint has an estranged relationship with his very own daughter and so he treats Hillary as his daughter and takes care of her through thick and thin. Hillary under his tutiledge does well as a female boxer and is faced with a tough match that changes her life. This is where the kleenex would come in. Hillary was trying to prove herself to her mother and her family and to herself and through it all finds a lasting bond and friendship with her trainer, Clint. And the two become a family- father/daughter relationship.
I won't ruin the story for you, but I didn't cry. I just wanted the movie to be over but I did want to see how it ended. It wasn't horrible but you knew what was coming pretty much- all the drama.
But I think it was well acted on Eastwood, Swank and Freeman's part. And well shot. So if you're in the mood for a drama-filled movie, this is for you. Or perhaps you could do back to back Hillary movies and then watch an old episode of Melrose Place for a pick-me-up.
Worth the money: $$$
Superman Returns
Four friends tried to decide on a movie to see and through the process of elimination we picked this movie, since 3 out of the 4 hadn't seen it yet. They like me waited to see the movie because we couldn't imaging how this Superman movie could be any better than the original with Chrisopher Reeve or better than Smallville on the WB? Did it have a new story to tell?
Well, this movie wasn't better but it was entertaining. Kate Bozeworth was too young to be playing Lois Lane and the whole cast was too young compared to the villian, Lex Luthor. So that irritated me. Kevin Spacey didn't have enough good lines and I think his acting abilities were wasted in this movie. But I do love Parker Posey and she was right on funny somewhat like her character in Scream III.
However, I did like the special effects and the retelling of the same storyline was interesting with the new villianous plot to hold new land up to the highest bidder. But superman looked flawless on screen and even for a superhero his face looked too perfect like he was a 3D creation and not a person- well not an actor playing a hero anyway.
So basically, Lois has moved on from her love of Superman into the arms of the newphew of her boss at the Daily Planet. He's a good guy. One of my friends said, he was too nice, it was irritating. Yeah, I guess men being irritatingly nice would be a turn off compared to a superhero who saves you from a sinking ship or from being squashed from a building- where's the excitement? Hmmm. Well, anyway Lois has a normal life and with superman in her life again (thus the superman returns) she asks, where were you? Have we all been wondering where Superman has been? With everything going on in the world? It's nice to know Superman hasn't forgotten about all us little people and has returned because we all need our own heros to believe in to get through the bad stuff. But Lois struggles with her feelings and whether or not she needs Superman in her life again.
There's drama and action and if you're emotional, some sentiment and tears. But in the end, we were all surprised this was a good movie for it's gendre. My friend who really wasn't into seeing the movie at all said with enthusiasm and awe, "THAT was a GOOD movie." My other friend said, "I really enjoyed it!" And the third, who saw it for the second time said, "Still okay this time around." And I say, "Everytime is like the first time- when it comes to Superman."
Worth the money: $$$
Well, this movie wasn't better but it was entertaining. Kate Bozeworth was too young to be playing Lois Lane and the whole cast was too young compared to the villian, Lex Luthor. So that irritated me. Kevin Spacey didn't have enough good lines and I think his acting abilities were wasted in this movie. But I do love Parker Posey and she was right on funny somewhat like her character in Scream III.
However, I did like the special effects and the retelling of the same storyline was interesting with the new villianous plot to hold new land up to the highest bidder. But superman looked flawless on screen and even for a superhero his face looked too perfect like he was a 3D creation and not a person- well not an actor playing a hero anyway.
So basically, Lois has moved on from her love of Superman into the arms of the newphew of her boss at the Daily Planet. He's a good guy. One of my friends said, he was too nice, it was irritating. Yeah, I guess men being irritatingly nice would be a turn off compared to a superhero who saves you from a sinking ship or from being squashed from a building- where's the excitement? Hmmm. Well, anyway Lois has a normal life and with superman in her life again (thus the superman returns) she asks, where were you? Have we all been wondering where Superman has been? With everything going on in the world? It's nice to know Superman hasn't forgotten about all us little people and has returned because we all need our own heros to believe in to get through the bad stuff. But Lois struggles with her feelings and whether or not she needs Superman in her life again.
There's drama and action and if you're emotional, some sentiment and tears. But in the end, we were all surprised this was a good movie for it's gendre. My friend who really wasn't into seeing the movie at all said with enthusiasm and awe, "THAT was a GOOD movie." My other friend said, "I really enjoyed it!" And the third, who saw it for the second time said, "Still okay this time around." And I say, "Everytime is like the first time- when it comes to Superman."
Worth the money: $$$
Thursday, August 10, 2006
The Devil Wears Prada
How cute was this movie?! Ann Hathaway is charming and fun in this adaptation of the book, that I didn't read. Meryll Streep is a convincing Editor at a voguesque mag and the cast is entertaining- though I would have liked to see more of Stanley Tucci.
Basically the story is about a girl who graduated from Northwestern with a degree in journalism who goes through the assistant pool and ends up in an interview with the devil herself, Amanda Priestly. Hathaway shows some pinache and ends up with the job as second assistant. She struggles to meet Amanda Priestly's expectations and loses herself in the world of fashion and experiences the heartlessness of the industry. In the end she has to choose between her career goals and her current job and her sanity.
The fashion is fun in the movie but not outrageous enough for this Voguesque lover- well conceptually I mean. I wanted it to be more off the pages of Vogue and it's cutting edge style but there wasn't a lot of that. I guess I wanted it to be more out of the box as a backdrop for the storyline. There were some cameos from models such as Giselle that were fun. But for the most part, it's Hathaway in a role somewhat like her character in the Princess Diaries, only here, she has a boyfriend ,and yes, she does have implied sex with him in the movie.
As far as the movie goes, I'm glad there weren't a ton of sex scenes or naked women, etc. But then again, it's about a fashion magazine so why weren't there naked models around?
It was entertaining but I felt it lacked something which made it come off a bit cliche and it so could have been fabulous. Oh well.
For a fun time passer this movie is cute. Oh and it has Entourage's Adrian in it. So it has some eye candy for everyone.
Worth the money: $$$ 1/2
Basically the story is about a girl who graduated from Northwestern with a degree in journalism who goes through the assistant pool and ends up in an interview with the devil herself, Amanda Priestly. Hathaway shows some pinache and ends up with the job as second assistant. She struggles to meet Amanda Priestly's expectations and loses herself in the world of fashion and experiences the heartlessness of the industry. In the end she has to choose between her career goals and her current job and her sanity.
The fashion is fun in the movie but not outrageous enough for this Voguesque lover- well conceptually I mean. I wanted it to be more off the pages of Vogue and it's cutting edge style but there wasn't a lot of that. I guess I wanted it to be more out of the box as a backdrop for the storyline. There were some cameos from models such as Giselle that were fun. But for the most part, it's Hathaway in a role somewhat like her character in the Princess Diaries, only here, she has a boyfriend ,and yes, she does have implied sex with him in the movie.
As far as the movie goes, I'm glad there weren't a ton of sex scenes or naked women, etc. But then again, it's about a fashion magazine so why weren't there naked models around?
It was entertaining but I felt it lacked something which made it come off a bit cliche and it so could have been fabulous. Oh well.
For a fun time passer this movie is cute. Oh and it has Entourage's Adrian in it. So it has some eye candy for everyone.
Worth the money: $$$ 1/2
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Pirates of the Carribean, Dead Man's Chest
2 hours and 45 minutes. Way too long for an action movie that was B-O-R-I-N-G. I don't know where the storyline was, well, okay I do know what the storyline was but it was clear that this movie only cared about the action scenes and we're not talking inventive Crouching Tiger-like quality here. Okay, maybe one scene was cool involving a water wheel.
The first movie was great because it was a good mix of action, romance, discovery , comedy and, of course, pirates. One cool pirate in particular brilliantly acted by Johnny Depp. Unlike the first film, Orlando and Kiera just didn't seem to sizzle together, probably because of the lack of good lines and good plot to begin with. I felt very passive watching this film. I wanted to cheer or really laugh or really get excited but it was a flat line- lots of them.
I think this is just a typical case of why there's no need to make a sequel. A winner is a winner because it is original. It's just Hollywood's greed that keeps them churning out movies this lame. And they wonder why people don't want to spend money to go see movies outside of Blockbuster anymore.
The previews just said- pirates, pirates, pirates. I guess they did deliver on that, sort of. And dead man's chest wasn't a lie either. Guess you'll have to watch to know what I mean.
So I guess if you want something to pass the time, it certainlly does. If you're looking for something better to watch, wait for Miami Vice. (just kidding)
Worth the money rating: $$
The first movie was great because it was a good mix of action, romance, discovery , comedy and, of course, pirates. One cool pirate in particular brilliantly acted by Johnny Depp. Unlike the first film, Orlando and Kiera just didn't seem to sizzle together, probably because of the lack of good lines and good plot to begin with. I felt very passive watching this film. I wanted to cheer or really laugh or really get excited but it was a flat line- lots of them.
I think this is just a typical case of why there's no need to make a sequel. A winner is a winner because it is original. It's just Hollywood's greed that keeps them churning out movies this lame. And they wonder why people don't want to spend money to go see movies outside of Blockbuster anymore.
The previews just said- pirates, pirates, pirates. I guess they did deliver on that, sort of. And dead man's chest wasn't a lie either. Guess you'll have to watch to know what I mean.
So I guess if you want something to pass the time, it certainlly does. If you're looking for something better to watch, wait for Miami Vice. (just kidding)
Worth the money rating: $$
Sunday, June 18, 2006
The Break Up
Jennifer looks great in this film. Vince looks very chubby and I have no idea how this type of guy would have attracted this type of girl. Age-old mystery I guess. From the previews, this movie looks like it would be funny but those moments are few and far between. Unfortunately watching this movie is really like an hour and half of concentrated relationship arguments everyone has had in one or more of their relationships; only you can't walk away from it and play tennis or something to de-stress. So if you're not in the mood to feel lousy, don't go see this movie.
The ending is realistic in a way. It shows how really hard being in a relationship is and how most of us don't communicate things in ways the other person in our relationship understands. I did like seeing Jason Bateman in this movie vs. The Sweetest Thing. Keep picking better roles Jason.
Parts of the movie were really boring. No music or too much dialogue and not enough comedic breaks.
But if you want to stay in your current relationship, go see this movie with that person. The consequences for unclear communication are in technicolor and will make both of you think maybe the stuff you argue about is or isn't stupid.
Worth the money rating: $$$
The ending is realistic in a way. It shows how really hard being in a relationship is and how most of us don't communicate things in ways the other person in our relationship understands. I did like seeing Jason Bateman in this movie vs. The Sweetest Thing. Keep picking better roles Jason.
Parts of the movie were really boring. No music or too much dialogue and not enough comedic breaks.
But if you want to stay in your current relationship, go see this movie with that person. The consequences for unclear communication are in technicolor and will make both of you think maybe the stuff you argue about is or isn't stupid.
Worth the money rating: $$$
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Friends with Money
Okay, so it's another Jennifer Aniston movie. Her character reminds me of the one in The Good Girl. She's dowdy, weird and has no personality in this movie.
Someone said to me that no matter what they do to her, Jen will never look bad. I thought she looked like crap. As she was supposed to. So good going girl.
Anyway, the movie was interesting. It was more about relationships and not really about money. But I suppose the title wasn't just about money.
There's three very different married couples and then there's Jennifer who's alone; she's a maid because she quit her job as a teacher. She's struggling emotionally and wants a no-brainer job. Her friends try to justify her maid status by making excuses for her but wonder whether they'd be friends with her if they hadn't met her in their early less successful years.
All the couples struggle with their own issues. Some problems gets resolved, some don't- true to life.
It wasn't a depressing movie but it wasn't uplifting either. It was kind of - yeah that's life and there are parts that are good and parts that are bad. But in the end we have our friends or hope to have our friends.
I'm not sure it should have won any awards but it was an interesting movie. And it had a good cast.
Worth the money rating: $$$
Someone said to me that no matter what they do to her, Jen will never look bad. I thought she looked like crap. As she was supposed to. So good going girl.
Anyway, the movie was interesting. It was more about relationships and not really about money. But I suppose the title wasn't just about money.
There's three very different married couples and then there's Jennifer who's alone; she's a maid because she quit her job as a teacher. She's struggling emotionally and wants a no-brainer job. Her friends try to justify her maid status by making excuses for her but wonder whether they'd be friends with her if they hadn't met her in their early less successful years.
All the couples struggle with their own issues. Some problems gets resolved, some don't- true to life.
It wasn't a depressing movie but it wasn't uplifting either. It was kind of - yeah that's life and there are parts that are good and parts that are bad. But in the end we have our friends or hope to have our friends.
I'm not sure it should have won any awards but it was an interesting movie. And it had a good cast.
Worth the money rating: $$$
X-Men- The Last Stand
This was a summer blockbuster. I was at Kinkos and I said I'd come back to pick up my stuff after the movie and the guy said, "You're going to go see X-men, right?" And I said, "Yeah, how did you know?" And he said, "Everyone wants to see that movie." I agreed.
I was excited watching a screen of mutants. The powers were cool and you wanted to know what happened to Jean and the Phoenix.
The storyline made you think, "Is it better to fit in or be happy that you're special and have unique powers?" Seems when you're different from the masses, you're persecuted. I guess all of us have had times when we were ridiculed for being different or thinking different- like high school.
I'm glad the mutants in this movie were humane. It is insane to wipe out differences. That's what creates progress.
As for the actors in this movie, they looked like they were having fun and they made you care about them. The screen was action-packed and you couldn't help but route for the mutant guys with the battle they were about to face.
Even if you're not a pure entertainment junkie, be a mutant and see it anyway.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
I was excited watching a screen of mutants. The powers were cool and you wanted to know what happened to Jean and the Phoenix.
The storyline made you think, "Is it better to fit in or be happy that you're special and have unique powers?" Seems when you're different from the masses, you're persecuted. I guess all of us have had times when we were ridiculed for being different or thinking different- like high school.
I'm glad the mutants in this movie were humane. It is insane to wipe out differences. That's what creates progress.
As for the actors in this movie, they looked like they were having fun and they made you care about them. The screen was action-packed and you couldn't help but route for the mutant guys with the battle they were about to face.
Even if you're not a pure entertainment junkie, be a mutant and see it anyway.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
The Da Vinci Code
Just saw this movie. It was boring. I read the book knowing nothing about it but the book was worth it. I'm a huge fan of Ron Howard and for the most part the cinematography was really good. Obviously the locations were beautiful but the chemistry between actors was not.
Tom Hanks played the scholar, Langdon, but with little emotion. In tune with the character, but I wish he would have shown more charisma or machismo or something throughout the movie. His counterpart's character, Princess Sophie, was cute but not convincing as a problem code-deciphering heorine . I don't know why really, she just didn't make me feel anything one way or the other.
This movie seemed flat in general. I heard through the grape vine that it wasn't very good. But I wanted to see the locations and how the cripple actually explained the holy grail on the big screen. I preferred Ian M's character more in X-men as Magnito but he clearly outdid his co-stars in this movie. Perhaps he had the more interesting role. Playing the villian is always more fun and interesting, so the actors say on Inside the Actors Studio.
I suppose the hype for a movie and the controversy probably made expectations high for most people. I didn't have high expections going in but I was still bored. About 4 or 5 people walked out of the movie, they were so bored. I haven't seen that since Moulin Rouge; I think 1/2 the crowd walked out in the first 1/2 an hour of that movie. This one, they waited till the middle and packed it in.
I give Ron Howard kudos for making the movie. He knew it would be judged harshly by religious critics as well as movie critics and book buffs. Perhaps he should try making Angels and Demons into a movie. I'd like to see the Vatican diamond burning on the big screen.
The movie does make you want to see Paris though, so maybe they could re-edit it and use it for a tourism video.
Worth the money rating: $$$
Tom Hanks played the scholar, Langdon, but with little emotion. In tune with the character, but I wish he would have shown more charisma or machismo or something throughout the movie. His counterpart's character, Princess Sophie, was cute but not convincing as a problem code-deciphering heorine . I don't know why really, she just didn't make me feel anything one way or the other.
This movie seemed flat in general. I heard through the grape vine that it wasn't very good. But I wanted to see the locations and how the cripple actually explained the holy grail on the big screen. I preferred Ian M's character more in X-men as Magnito but he clearly outdid his co-stars in this movie. Perhaps he had the more interesting role. Playing the villian is always more fun and interesting, so the actors say on Inside the Actors Studio.
I suppose the hype for a movie and the controversy probably made expectations high for most people. I didn't have high expections going in but I was still bored. About 4 or 5 people walked out of the movie, they were so bored. I haven't seen that since Moulin Rouge; I think 1/2 the crowd walked out in the first 1/2 an hour of that movie. This one, they waited till the middle and packed it in.
I give Ron Howard kudos for making the movie. He knew it would be judged harshly by religious critics as well as movie critics and book buffs. Perhaps he should try making Angels and Demons into a movie. I'd like to see the Vatican diamond burning on the big screen.
The movie does make you want to see Paris though, so maybe they could re-edit it and use it for a tourism video.
Worth the money rating: $$$
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Annapolis
It was a few months ago when I saw this, I think. This movie wasn't memorable. It had some fatal flaws. It tried to be too much like An Officer and a Gentleman. And who can really be better than Richard Gere? The acting was horrible, not sure if it was the material or the lack of emotion on screen. Sure army life is tough everyone knows that. But where' the human story we can all route for?
The actor from Spiderman and the girl from Fast and the Furious co-star. There wasn't much chemistry between the two and there was no sex scene so wasn't sure why this attraction element was added to the film, well maybe I do. I think it's just so they could rip off the pick up scene from Top Gun where Maverick doesn't know who his teacher is and tries to pick her up in a bar. Only Top Gun had that singing and it was 1000 times better.
Okay, unless you want to waste $11 bucks. Skip it altogether.
Worth the money: $ 1/2
The actor from Spiderman and the girl from Fast and the Furious co-star. There wasn't much chemistry between the two and there was no sex scene so wasn't sure why this attraction element was added to the film, well maybe I do. I think it's just so they could rip off the pick up scene from Top Gun where Maverick doesn't know who his teacher is and tries to pick her up in a bar. Only Top Gun had that singing and it was 1000 times better.
Okay, unless you want to waste $11 bucks. Skip it altogether.
Worth the money: $ 1/2
Glory Road
Not sure what the guy's name is who plays the lead, Joshua something from Sweet Home Alabama. He plays a basketball coach who wants to lead a AA school to victory. In order to coach in this premium league he has to go to a HS that offers very little money and conviences. What he finds is something money can't buy - heart. He takes a group of rough players and teaches them the skills to be better men on and off the court. It's based on a true story and offers some good excitement and lots of mellodrama including racial tension.
It's an uplifting story. Just as in life, in the movies, you want to see people who've worked for success obtain it. You already know the ending but it's entertaining to get there. You may cry a little, and laugh a little, just the kind of stuff a movie should have you do every once in awhile.
Worth the money: $$$$
It's an uplifting story. Just as in life, in the movies, you want to see people who've worked for success obtain it. You already know the ending but it's entertaining to get there. You may cry a little, and laugh a little, just the kind of stuff a movie should have you do every once in awhile.
Worth the money: $$$$
Inside Man
Clive Owen is sexy in this new bank robbing film. He plays your not so typical head bank robber who takes on Denzel Washington, a negotiater with the NYPD, who wants to make Detective 1st grade. What I like about this film is that there's no sex scenes to break up the momentum of the movie. And it's about two things, what are they robbing from the bank? And how is a past wrong, righted? What kind of guy is Clive Owen's character? You have to watch to find out. Can a bank robber be good and bad?
Jodi Foster is in this movie for like 10 minutes. I could have lived without her role because I don't feel her reason for being in the film isn't what made the movie compelling. It's a guessing game at a leisure but sort of tense pace. It's entertainig enough to have you watch till the very end but you may guess the ending before it comes.
If you're a Denzel fan or Clive or even Jodi, you'll enjoy it.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
Jodi Foster is in this movie for like 10 minutes. I could have lived without her role because I don't feel her reason for being in the film isn't what made the movie compelling. It's a guessing game at a leisure but sort of tense pace. It's entertainig enough to have you watch till the very end but you may guess the ending before it comes.
If you're a Denzel fan or Clive or even Jodi, you'll enjoy it.
Worth the money rating: $$$$
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