Limitless

Hmmm. I love Bradley Cooper. He's a hottie. Well, not at the beginning of this movie for sure. Picture an uninspired writer, who looks like crap, feels like crap and doesn't write worth a crap who on a crappy day walks outside and runs into an old friend. This friend gives him a magical pill that gives him all the possibilities in life his brain has to offer catapulting him from down-on-his-luck-guy to on-top-of-the-world-super-bad-ass financial, genius. Too good to be true? True. Fun to watch, definitely. Except the violence just wasn't needed. The dark side should be represented because who really gets a free ride in life? Then again, it's just a movie so I think it should have been left on the cutting room floor. And I'm still pondering how a loser guy can have such a great girlfriend. But that's for another blog.

Worth the money: $$$

No Strings Attached

Did I think this would be a good film? Not really. Did I think it'd be as boring as it was - no. I really love Natalie and Ashton as actors. This film didn't do either of them justice. It was so predictable that I nearly walked out of the movie. It wasn't funny. There were no "real" moments. I did like the Indian roommate  of Natalie's character. It probably would have been a better movie if it didn't have the revelation by Natalie's character.

This is one of those movies where you think, I saw it all in the previews. This time you really did. I actually liked Ashton better in Killers with Heigl. At least it had a few action scenes. These two just didn't have any chemistry on screen. Oh well. Guess it's a good thing there were no strings attached. I would have cut them and run for life.

Worth the money: $

Love and Other Drugs

The proper title of this movie should have been "Sex and Other Drugs". Basically Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal are partially naked the whole film. Not that they aren't pretty people, but it distracted from the heart of the movie.

The story is a love story between Jake's character, Jamie, and Anne's, Maggie. She has early stage Parkinsons. They meet while Jamie is trying to peddle pharma drugs to a doctor played by Hank Azaria. Jamie  is only thinking about making money and landing hot women. Maggie, who's a waitress, basically sleeps with doctors for the drugs she needs that are highly expensive. Meanwhile, a new drug is introduced to the market - Viagra. And Jamie sets his heart out on being the winning rep of this drug. It could take him to the next level of his career. After having sex many times with Maggie, he starts to fall for her. He then has to face the fact that she has Parkinsons and if he stays with her, he'll have to take care of her for the rest of his life. Can love be the ultimate drug? Watch to find out.

The dialogue in some of the scenes was interesting and fun. I haven't read Jamie Reidy's memoir Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman that this movie was based on, but it's on my list now.

Worth the money: $$ 1/2

TRON - 3D

I first saw Garrett Hedlund in Georgia Rule with Linds back in 2007. He played a good, country, Idaho guy vs Lohan's bad, city girl. Not sure I noticed his talent but he sure was cute. So now he's starring in TRON, a movie about special effects more than substance. Still can't make out his acting ability but he does have a nice body. I didn't see Friday Night Lights (It's on my Netflix que) so I reserve judgment. Needless to say, we'll definitely see him in more plum roles - like in Country Strong. He's kind of eating the microphone which Justine Batemen did in Satisfaction from the 80's. But I'll give this guy a break. His eyes sure do sparkle. And I think he's going to be a big star. He certainly has steady work.

Back to the movie. TRON. Jeff Bridges, Kevin Flynn, plays a father who discovers a new world through a video game. One he creates and gets lost in mentally and physically. He tells his young son about his discovery and the principle characters in that world, then disappears leaving Sam in charge of a big high-tech business. One he's not terribly interested in. Then Kevin's old friend receives a text from Kevin and urges Sam to reconnect with his father. He believes that Kevin is alive. Sam pursues this notion and discovers the world of TRON. A digital world unlike any I've ever seen. It blew me away. Visually stunning, it captured your interest at every gladiator game and with almost-human, virtual characters who had evolved to build of world of not so fun and games.

Olivia Wilde from HOUSE, M.D. plays Kevin's right hand woman who holds the key to the world he loves. As the three- father, son and friend- try to outrun the dangerous world of digital chaos, we find the truth that can end one world and propel the other into a new age.

It was a fun ride. I highly recommend seeing it even though the story line could have been better. But oddly enough it fit the digital world - not quite 3 dimensional but imaginative.

Worth the money: $$$

The Tourist

Angelina and Johnny. Quite a combo, one would think. I actually liked the slower pace of this movie - more Bond-like vs action-packed. Although it was predictable, A & J had some chemistry and in places it was a charming film. Did I believe that Angie at what 95 pounds could be a member of Interpol? Or Johnny was a school teacher when he's so intelligent? Not really but it's a movie. And I did like her wardrobe and her British accent.

Here's what I do believe they pulled off. A charming scene on the train when Angie instructs Johnny on how to ask her to dinner. It made me want to try it in real life. And the locations were romantic. Who wouldn't be swept away? I'd say more about this film but the previews said it all. There wasn't much more than that unfortunately.

I think Angie was better in SALT but this was nice too. I wish Johnny would have had more going on in this movie but Angie was clearly the star. Next time? Well, Johnny has Pirates of the Caribbean coming up so we won't have to wait long.

Worth the money: $$$

Country Strong

Leighton Meister branches out from Gossip Girl to sing in this movie with Gwyneth Paltrow.
I already knew that Leighton could sing, but country? She did alright. I'm not a country music fan, but I've heard enough of it to know that these two women didn't really pull off country music. Sure Gwyneth is a pretty good singer, her accent, however, I'm still debating.

It was interesting to see Gwyn as a failing, alcoholic, country star trying to make a comeback. Gwyn herself is trying to do that with Glee and now this movie. It's hard to be out of the limelight for over 5 years and then try to come back. So I was routing for her. There were little surprises in this film to put her back on the map. Even the ending was guessable. So, I don't want to ruin what little charms there are in this move for you.

Basically it's a love story about one star falling and another star rising. Should you choose love over fame? What's really important in life? I'll leave that up to you to decide.

Worth the money: $$ 1/2

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part I

Saw this opening weekend  at the 10:30 a.m. show along with many parents and their kids. I had to see the final installment of Harry on the big screen. Wasn't sure where they would end part 1 at but I  could have watched for 6 hours straight. And I hope they re-release Part I, when Part II comes out - so you can see them back to back if you want to.

Part 1 lays the groundwork for the finale and started off with a clever masquerade to get Harry to the safe house. With Voldemort and the dark forces working against Harry at every turn, Harry decides to  hunt down the horcruxes himself so he can destroy Voldemort for good. Hermoine and Ron help Harry with this quest, risking their lives to protect him.

The special affects were as good as ever. But I was a tad bored. 2 1/2 hours was long for something so gloomy. But for Harry Potter fans it's a must see to Part 11. Hopefully the showdown will be spectacular. It certainly was in the book.

Worth the money: $$$

Tangled

I don't recall the whole Rapunzel story - the ending especially.  I do remember the prince crawling up the tower to rescue her, though. And this rendition gave his rescue a fun spin.

As you know, Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has golden hair. And an evil witch stole her away from her parents to use her magical powers to keep her youth. When Rapunzel turns 18, she wants to see the floating lights in a kingdom far away that appear on her birthday every year. Luckily a male thief sneaks in her tower to hide from the King's soldiers. She strikes up a bargain with him, and he becomes her guide to seeing the floating lights she's dreamed of. 

Once freed from the tower, the two make their way to the kingdom dodging King's knights, scary thugs, dutiful horses, and singing. Is it a happy ending for Rapunzel and her smoldering guy? You have to watch to find out.

Worth the money: $$ 1/2

The Social Network

Of course I went to see this movie the moment it came out. Just late in posting... The opening scene for this movie with Jesse Eisenberg set the pace for a fast-talking, fast friend- and foe-making insider look at the rise of Mark Zuckerberg, founder/creator of FACEBOOK.

In a short video clip of an interview with Zuckerberg that I saw, he stated charismatically that the film makers took big liberities with the story. He wishes he was partying etc. but he was in fact "coding" the whole time. Also, I'm not sure about the whole, he created FACEBOOK to impress a girl who had dumped him. And this is well, not an autobiography or biography - it's a movie that takes you for a fun ride based loosely on the truth. The truth is something only the real people involved would know.

This movie had everything I wanted to see in a movie and possibly in real life. And made, I'm sure a great recruitment add for already aspirational colleges Harvard, MIT, etc. schools. Kids all over are dreaming of being the next youngest billionaire and coming up with the next big idea.

Justin Timberlake was attractive as Sean Parker, the founder of Napster. His acting resume is getting fatter and his talents further revealed in each movie he makes. I liked his swagger as Parker and how his "slimeball" personality clashed with the "good guy" persona of Eduardo. The Winklevoss twins played well by Armie Hammer Jr. added some nice eye candy, pedigree and drama to this tale.

All in all, it was a wonderful tale of greed, deception, success and, unfortunately, the loss of friendship. When you have 500 million friends, how do you know if any of them are real?

Worth the money: $$$$ 1/2

Life As We Know It

Katherine Heigl will soon be the next Doris Day. Her string of romantic comedies is a-plenty. Not all of them great (the Ugly Truth was pretty ugly), but usually easy viewing. I probably would have waited to see this movie on NetFlix, but I was curious to see whether or not she and Josh Duhamel had chemistry on screen. I didn't think she and Ashton did in "Killers". But it wasn't bad here. Or maybe, I was just in the mood for a feel-good story... I have to say I miss the depth Katherine had as Izzy Stevens and hope she chooses a part aside from this Doris Day thing every once in awhile and surprise us. No offense Doris.

Basically Holly (Heigl) and Messer (Duhamel) are like oil and water, but are best friends of a seemingly perfect married couple who have a baby girl, Sophie. Their lives are interrupted when the perfect couple dies and leave Sophie with both Holly and Messer. Since neither have kids, they discover together how to be parents together, which changes their lives. As I imagine having that kind of responsibility would.

Even though it was predictable, I found it to be charming by the end. Partly because of the supporting cast - Josh Lucas (Sweet Home Alabama) as the sweet doctor and Christina Hendricks of "Mad Men" as the wife in the perfect couple. Duhamel did alright too, playing felt playing what I imagine his real-life self to be if he weren't famous- am I wrong?.... Anyway, it's also nice to have some wholesomeish shows to choose from among all these action/special effects movies. So see this on the matinee.

Worth the money: $$ 1/2

Secretariat

I loved "Seabiscuit" from 2003. And I loved this movie almost as much. First, Diane Lane is always fun to watch. She plays a housewife, Penny, whose father is ill. While visiting him in Virginia, she see's that his horse farm is in trouble and in order to save it, Penny decides to take a chance on a new born colt she calls "RED" and a veteran trainer Lucien (Malkovich).

Despite the odds (her lack of knowledge on horse training, objections from her husband and her brother), Penny's strong determination and the love for "Secretariat" make her a winner. "Secretariat" becomes the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years.

Seeing the movie makes me want to read the novel “Secretariat: The Making of a Champion” by William Nack. It's on my holiday list. The racing scenes were spectacular and a true story is always inspiring - even if it was dramatized by Hollywood. That being said, I wish the movie had been a little bit longer. I wanted to know more about Lucine, Penny and Penny's family. I guess, they concentrated on the racing. Of course, I'd have to read the book to actually see how good a job they did staying true to the story.

All in all, I recommend seeing this film...If you're feeling down. Hate your job. Hate your boyfriend/girlfriend. Or even hate traffic. You'll forget all about it after seeing this film. You'll feel as though you can take on anything. And if you're not feeling down, this movie will keep you inspired.

Worth the money: $$$ 1/2

Morning Glory

How cute was this movie? Really cute! Rachel McAdams is an optimistic producer who interviews to run Daybreak, a failing morning news program. While exiting the building, she runs into two men, an attractive male producer from upstairs and a legendary anchorman, Pomeroy (Harrison Ford) and makes an impression on both.

Soon Becky finds herself on a date and making out with the hot producer guy from upstairs. [Yes, I can't remember his character's name because the important thing was that he was hot.] ... Becky gets Pomeroy to be the new co-host of Daybreak with Diane Keaton to help turn the show around...But he's stubborn and doesn't want to do "soft" morning news stories. Keaton is also a pain in the butt as well. Low ratings and an angry boss drive Becky to get "creative" with her production choices for morning broadcasts, making for a fun movie.

I'd get up early to see this one. And I heard boyfriends didn't hate it either.

Worth the money: $$$ 1/2

Easy A

High school. So glad those days are behind me. I remember the girls that were tagged as easy and sluts and this movie takes it to the limit.

Right off the bat, you have to love Emma Stone as Olive. I haven't seen her in a film before but she's sassy, brainy, funny, and knows how to wear a bustier top while turning this high school's perceptions of reality into a really entertaining tale of ostracism.

Fun stuff in this film included references to John Hughs' films such as Pretty in Pink and 16 Candles and one of my favs - Can't buy me love with Patrick Dempsey. Remakes of some songs music from these classic coming of age films added that final touch of brilliance.

Olive's hippie parents were fun and had me wishing my parents were that cool back then. At any rate girls will love this film for many many reasons. I liked this film because it was about a girl trying to figure out what's right and wrong and who she really is - something everyone can relate to. And for that I give this move an A+.

Worth the money rating: $$$$

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

I see a lot more movies than I blog about, so sorry if some have past. There's always Netflix, so I feel it's still worthwhile to blog about movies that have closed at the box office.

One of the reasons I liked this film was because Gemma Arterton was in it. I saw her in Tess of the D'Urbervilles, the original book written by one of my favorite authors, Thomas Hardy. And I'd like to see more of her work.

Can't say I hated that Jake Gyllenhaal was in it as well. He must have really worked out a lot for this role. Anyway, I love period films and Persia has that mystique. And because this was a summer blockbuster plastered on every billboard, I had to see it.

When Gemma and Jake meet, there's that usual tension where they don't like each other but after days of adventure together fall in love. Jake plays a prince who isn't of noble birth but has the soul of a true leader. Gemma is a princes who is guarding an ancient dagger with mystical power - the power to rule the world. There are battles, bad guys, and lots of sand which made for a fun ride.

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

The Last Airbender

M. Night Shyamalan ruined this movie for me. The NickToons series was phenomenal and he made it into a high budget, no story fiasco.

I'm not being dramatic. For fans of the series, this movie had nothing but special effects. What was so great about "Avatar: The Last Airbender" series was that it had heart. I realize that a few hours to tell a story vs half an hour over a few years makes a difference. If I were the makers of this movie, I would have made it into four parts for each nation and then a finale. That way you could actually care about the characters.

I missed Sokka's funny lines and Aang's easy-going nature and struggles to learn on his own how to be THE AVATAR with the support of his friends. I was also disappointed in the lack of depth Zuko of the Fire Nation had. Even the kids in the theater seemed disappointed.

That being said - the special effects for the Water Nation part of the movie were amazing! I hope the next movie is 1000 times better. Maybe if Shyamalan doesn't direct it, it'd have a chance.

Worth the money rating: $$

Eat Pray Love

Sorry Liz, but I couldn't get through your whole book. Got stuck in the pray part and had to quit. I know it's a #1 New York Times bestseller, but I it's propping up my iMac.

Anyway, I didn't love the movie either. It was good to see how everything tied together. I assumed it would have an uplifting spiritual ending - as though after you struggle there's always an up side. Maybe so, maybe not. Regardless, with Julia being in her 40s and this story was about someone in their 30s, I guess the studio thought that would made the story more relatable? Because who goes through soul searching in their 30s? Actually a lot of people, because people are working earlier, divorcing earlier and having a mid life crisis earlier - but that's another blog.

What I did read of the book, the movie didn't take too much creative license, and Italy was the best part of the movie. But I felt bored throughout the show. I guess, because I wasn't pulling for the character to get her life together. I didn't feel as though I knew her. Liz Gilbert has a way of writing that's witty and the movie didn't capture that for me. I did like, however, the charming Indian girl at the ashram and the scene with the elephant. I rode one once and they're very cool creatures.

I wouldn't go to this move to escape anything you're down about unless you can have a strong coffee with it. But I do like stories that make you think - Do you want to settle for unhappiness or not?

Worth the money rating: $$ 1/2

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

So I've read all of S. Meyers books and the movie version of New Moon was disappointing to say it nicely. But this saga made a come back with this installment. The Bella, Edward, Jacob love triangle heats up while defending against Victoria and her new legion of newbie vamps. With so much publicity out there, I don't have to tell you what happens. And it doesn't matter if I'm on team Edward or team Jacob. I'm on team, "I want to see a fun, action-packed, romance" and this movie delivered. Of course, you have to keep it in perspective. It's that gendre of movie. You either like fantasy stuff or not. Movies are all about escapism, so for me, these movies are just what the imagination ordered.

If you don't like teen romances or didn't have a team romance, this movie is still for you. It has action and suspense but also the story holds something everyone can relate to.

Worth the money rating: $$$ 1/2

Inception

Wow! What a mind blowing movie this was. It took my brain 3 days to calm down - it was trying to solve the mystery of whether or not Leo's character got out of the dream. I think I have to see it a few more times to be sure, but I'm pretty sure he was stuck on level 2.

This movie was so interesting that I'm not going to talk about the usual stuff - who was in it etc. The scenes I liked the best: The first view of seeing the dream world and the elevator with the van falling into the water off the bridge scene. I think I would have paid to just see these two scenes. So amazing. There's truly no words to describe the movie but confusing, uncomfortable, interesting, eye orgasm comes to mind in addition to a lot of words my brain was inspired to create. It's a blend of everything you think could happen in a dream with an element of danger at every turn. And definitely one of the best, original films Hollywood has made in the blockbuster area.

Also I tried the facebook version of creating a world but didn't get past making a park and it was so complicated that I didn't get it - but I'm glad interactive stuff like that was an extension of the movie. That was some good marketing.

Get him to the Greek

I was surprised by this show. It was actually funny. Here are a couple of reasons why. It had sentiment, morals (kind-of) and an off beat dialogue. Meaning, there was actually a point to the movie - I think. And if you didn't catch onto what that was, it was still funny.

The actors chosen, Jonah Hill (Superbad), Elizabeth Moss (MadMen), Russell Brand (comedian) had chemistry and although parts of this movie were utterly ridiculous, you kind of had to say "this is ridiculous" and have a good time with it. Remember back in college when you didn't think twice about everything you did and you had a few fun wild days? Well, this movie reminds you that you can, but also that it's okay if you don't. Okay maybe that's vague but you'll know what I mean when you watch.

So Aaron Green needs to escort British rocker Aldous Snow to the Greek theatre for a anniversary-concert. This is Aaron's big break in the music business. He wants to impress his boss (P-Diddy. Not a good actor by the way.) All Aldous wants to do is have a good time partying. Aaron has also run into some problems with his girlfriend as does Aldous with his ex-wife. Their two lives clash and oddly connect to bring an hour and 1/2 of interesting and strange moments as well as ridiculous lyrics.

If you're into Russell Brand or any of the actors, you'll like this movie. I liked seeing cameos of current musicians and it was a fun ride if you like that sort of thing. And really "The Jeffrey" was hilarious.

Worth the money: $$$

Killers

So Ashton is in a movie with Katherine where he plays a hired killer. I haven't seen Ashton in a sort of tough guy role before, and me likie! Not only does he look hot, but his character is a great guy. Someone you'd want to marry. And really too great to be believable.

Picture Katherine who has broken up with a boyfriend and she takes a vacation with her parents to Nice, France. Played by none other than Tom Selleck (Magnum PI and Friends) and Catherine O'Hara (better known as the mom in Home Alone and Beetlejuice), her parents embarrass her. She bumps into Ashton and they start dating. A few years later they end up married, and that's when all the lies start coming out. The big one this marriage has to survive is not infidelity. Just a plain big old lie. Once Katherine really finds out who her husband is the real action starts. As in bullets, bad guys, and trouble in suburbia.

All in all, it was a fun movie. Better than I expected. And honestly I didn't expect much after The Ugly Truth with Gerrad Bulter. I've been a fan of Katherine's since her Roswell days. And who could forget her performance as Izzy cutting L-vat wires or her awful dresses in 28 dresses or her role in Knocked Up. It'd be nice if she could stop making light romantic comedies and mix it up with some crime drama or something different.

That all being said... I'd pay-per-view, Netflix or see it at matinee price. It's not a movie you'd want to buy. But it does pass the time. And I thought they were cute together. This is still a chick-flick movie, so drag your man if you want but don't expect him to love it.

Worth the money: $$ 1/2