Movie Review - Long Overdue

I'm not sure what this next semester holds for me...but I'm going to try really hard to post more frequently.

So here's the first movie review of the year - stay tuned for more:

Love and Other Drugs

Maggie has Parkinson's and Jamie is a philandering ne'er-do-well. Somehow the two of them make it work. All thru the movie I kept waiting for the words, "you...complete me". So, at it's worst it was formulaic and predictable. At it's best, it was some steamy hot sexy love story. In the middle it was the story of a boy who never really thought much of himself meeting a girl that had written herself off. Together they made a pretty good pair.

My favorite scene -


Him: I never actually knew anyone, who believed I was enough, til I met you. And then you made me believe it too. So, uh, unfortunately, I need you. And you need me.
Her: no I don't
Him: yes you do
Her: no I don't
Him: yes, you do
Her: stop it! Stop saying that
Him: you need someone to take care of you
Her: no I don't
Him: Everybody does
Her: I'm going to need you, more than you'll need me
Him: that's okay
Her: no it's not! It isn't fair. I have places to go
Him: You'll go there. I just may have to carry you
Her: I can't ask you to do that
Him: you didn't

Even though I kept envisioning him and Heath on that mountaintop - I still give this one 4 out of 5 rages

Weekend at the Movies

I watched Grey Gardens last night. I have to say, I've never understood how people can live like that? I can hardly go to sleep at night if there are dishes in my sink. I guess it's a good thing I never had the 10 kids I so sorely wanted when I was just a girl! haha

Anyhoo, what a fabulously played dramatic remake of the 1971 documentary of Edith "Big Edie" Ewing Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale, aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. They lived in this decrepid old mansion in East Hampton, New York.

Big Edie is played by one of my all time favorites, Jessica Lang. I have to say, every time I see Ms Lange in a new role, she blows away all previous reasons to consider her one of the great souls of Hollywood. She literally transformed into the crazy, eccentric, old money, nut job that Big Edie was.

And Drew Barrymore, well, she is genetically predisposed for the dramatic arts, and she does her name proud. Even with the lisp that is still so prominent in her speech, she knocked this one out of the ball park. There were moments when I forgot I was looking at makeup and F/X and the speech impediment melted into her East Hampton/Massechusettes lilt.

This was not the movie for everyone, however, as there is little to no action. Most of the story is told through flashback and the camera lens of the documentarians. But for those that enjoy history, or for those that enjoy a good artsy piece, it is worth the 2 hours.

I give this one 3.5 rages

Weekend at the Movies

17 Again

Should be titled Same Old Story Again

If you've seen Freaky Friday, Big, 13 Going on 30, or any other variation on this theme, you can skip this movie. That is, unless you absolutely don't mind watching Zach Ephron for an hour and a half. He is rather dreamy.

I give it 1 rages.

Also watched My Best Friend's Girl. Typical Dane Cook filth. I'm really surprised to see Kate Hudson in this one. She isn't known for selecting the most artsy scripts to tie her wagon to, but I'd never peg her for being into the type of vulgarity Dane Cook is known for. Alec Baldwinb turned in an excellent performance as Dane's priggish heathen womanizing douchebag father. Somehow I don't feel the role was a huge stretch for the old guy. The thing I find the hardeswt to swallow about most of Mr. Cooks movies is the continual theme that women really desire to be treated like total crap and that if you want to find true love, you should lie like a dog and trick the woman into falling for you.

I give it 1 rages.

Weekend at the movies

Well, since losing my job, we have gone low budget on the movies. Lately we've been hitting the 2 for $1 aisles. Last weekend we had an abbreviated John Cusack film fest with a couple of my faves, Serendipity and Say Anything. Nik was impressed with Say Anything, considering it was a 1980's Cameron Crowe.

Both get 3 Rages



I hit a matinee at the show and spied The Reader. I don't recommend this one for any but the bravest World War II/Nazi movie/history buffs. Kate Winslett was intriguing. David Kross's interpretation of his character's' grappling with such intense emotions garners great appreciation. Apparently the book was on Oprah's book list. Shows how out of touch I am!

I give this one 4.5 Rages













Tonight's fare is Out of Africa, a classic love story - and I'm realizing how much my Emily looks like a younger Meryl Streep! It's funny how my Aunt Helen used to think the same thing of me!




What can I say about this film that hasn't already been said? Spectacular, breathtaking, heartbreaking...Nik walked out after 20 minutes...I think his heart is too broken to watch a love story. Poor baby!

Of course, this one gets the full 5 Rages!

Gossip

The movie Doubt has been spurned by the Oscar committee. Ah, well, they do this to the best of movies.

Excellent performance from entire cast.

My favorite story within the story:

Phillip Seymour Hoffman's character delivers a homily in response to the sister's charges:

A woman comes in to confession and tells the priest that she is guilty of spreading gossip. He gives her the following penance, "Take a pillow up to the roof top and gut it with a kitchen knife. When this is done, come back and tell me."

She does as told and returns to the sanctuary.

The priest tells her that now she should return to the roof and collect up all the feathers.

Shocked, she protests that there is no way she can possibly collect up all the feathers. She protests that the wind has sent feathers all over the place.

The priest nods and says, "This is what gossip does."

Weekend at the Movies

Friday I rented a couple of movies. Here's my take on those:

Flashbacks of a Fool - with Daniel Craig (the current 007) by Miramax

It's the story of a washed up Hollywood actor who finds his life and his career circling the drain. He gets a call from home (England) informing him that his best childhood mate has died suddenly. In contemplating returning to the English Seaside he fled 25 years earlier, this prodigal son begins to flash back to significant events that led to his hasty departure.

Prominently featured is the music of David Bowie and Brian Ferry. Interesting to see the effects of the psychedelic 70s on rural England. The story is a little slow, but typical of English offerings.

During the flashbacks we learn that the Hollywood actor left his home and his family following a tragedy he blames himself for. You can't help but realize that everything this man has experienced since has been thru a filter of guilt and remorse. It isn't until he courageously returns home to face his guilt that he's allowed to let down those shackles and evolve as a person.

Very good movie. I give it 4 rages

The other rental was titled: Normal - starring Carrie Anne Moss

A multi-faceted story line of a tragic accident involving several people and the fall out that occurs in each of their lives;

The mother of the boy that died

The boy that didn't die

The drunk aging professor that hit them

Each of them is searching for the way back to normal.

I enjoyed this movie. It was interesting to see how each of the players in this story dealt (or didn't deal) with their grief and remorse.

I give this movie 3 rages

I don't recommend watching 2 dark movies on the same night. My dreams were filled with allegories for the grief I am dealing with in my current situation. I needed something to help me recover from this, so on Saturday, I went to see a comedy.

He's Just Not That Into You - starring and all star cast

This movie was hilarious!

OMG! Nothing like having a mirror held up to you to help you see the humor in how ridiculous the human animal is! LOL

The story begins on the playground. It's the usual story, boy meets girl, girls smiles at boy, boy pushes girl down in the dirt, turns and laffs as he runs away...Then mom comes to the aid of girl and perpetrates the first in a never ending string of lies and deceits we women perpetrate on one another. She tells the girl that the only reason the boy pushed her is because he likes her!

OMG! How many times have we heard or said these ridiculous things to one another to try to spare our girlfriend's feelings?

This movie was a crack up! I don't care who you are, you will immediately recognize these women.

There's a little something in this movie for everyone. All factions are represented, even the LGBT.

Super cute exchange: girl tells a gay couple at a party that she's not sure, but she thinks her invite to the party may have implied a little more than "come as a guest". Once again, our protagonist is reading a little more into the object of her affection's actions. The gay guys tell her it's hard to tell, since gay signals are so much less complex. And they demonstrate:"If you want to have sex with someone, you let your eye contact linger for more than three seconds" and they turn and gaze at one another. "One, Two, Three..." and they turn back to her. "Oh, yes, it's definitely on! If on the other hand, you're not into him," and they turn again to gaze at one another, "One, Two," and they dramatically snap back to front. "Oh, Hell no!" lol

Okay, so maybe you gotta see it to get the humor implied in that scene. But I'm new to this reviewing stuff. breaking my teeth in so to speak (or type!)

Anywho, This one is definitely worth the price of admission.

I give it 4.5 rages

Happy viewing!

Weekend Movie Reviews

So we rented a coupla movies last night. Here's the scoop:

Vicky Christina Barcelona - written and directed by Woody Allen - need I say more! lol Starring Penelope Cruz, Patricia Clarkson, Scarlett Johansson, & Javier Bardem.




The movie ended, Nik looked over at me and sez, "I'm pretty sure I liked it, but if you asked me what I just watched, I'd be hard pressed to describe it!"

lolol

Typical of Woody - who I'm sure must walk around with a perpetual one! lol

It was interesting, though the story was a typical Allen romp thru sexual depravity. I just wish they had displayed more of the beauty of Barcelona. The cinematography left much to be desired. It is a story of two friends that spend the summer in Barcelona and all the fun that ensues.

Penelope Cruz played an awesome psychotic Spaniard, as usual!

I give it 3 rages.

The next movie was a Lions Gate film called The Lucky Ones, starring Tim Robbins, Michael Pena and Rachel McAdams.

The story was not well written, but the acting and directing made up for it. It is the story of three wounded Iraq War vets on leave and how they deal with the fallout of what their time in the sandbox has caused, emotionally, financially, and most obviously, physically.

They travel across the country, each with a separate goal in mind. These goals change as they evolve through their experiences.

I nearly cried. It was worth the watch if you've been personally touched by the war, or any other similar experience. Other wise, I can't imagine really understanding what these three are going through.

I give this one 3.5 Rages

Oh, and my car died today...the Karma World Tour just keeps on blasting thru my life! Yeah!

Weekend at the Movies

Friday night I rented “Ghost Town” with Greg Kinnear, Tea Leone, and Ricky Gervais. This was my first time seeing a movie with Ricky Gervais in front of camera. He’s funny! What a sad little pudgy dork he is! The story was sweet, but not original at all. Lots of funny moments without going below the belt. A good family flick. Worth the rental fee.

Saturday night I attended the Lobsinger’s Musical Movie Night. I missed the first half of Mary Poppins, always a favorite! The next movie up was Chicago. The little guy didn’t want to go to bed, so mom had to cover his eyes and distract him past the naughty bits. He finally gave up the ghost about ½ an hour into it and then we all relaxed and enjoyed the remainder of the movie. Gotta love a flick that turns Richard Gere into a crooning ladies man!

The main attraction was Mamma Mia! I have to admit, I was more interested in seeing Meryl Streep prance and dance and sing than I was in the actual story. I’ve never really been that big an ABBA fan so I probably never would have rented the movie on my own. It was actually better than I expected! I almost wish I had seen it on stage. I started out thinking there was only one ABBA song that I’d recognize, “Dancing Queen”. Turns out I knew at least 3 songs, maybe 4.

Okay, I admit, we all could have lived a lifetime without ever having to hear Pierce Brosnan singing. It was AWFUL! I felt bad for him! And I’m terribly disappointed in the fate of Colin Firth’s character’s sexuality. The scenery is spectacular. It makes me want to chuck it all and go find a villa in the Greek Isles and try to run my own little piece of paradise! (Much like I felt after watching “Under the Tuscan Sun” with Diane Lane.)

Oh, and we watched it with the sing-a-long option on. That was very useful for the many ABBA songs I didn’t know. We definitely want to recommend this one to the Redford.

So, in review, Ghost Town – 3 out of 4
Mamma Mia – 3 out of 4

Happy Monday!

Weekend at the movies

I was sick with a nasty sinus infection/cold/flu/virus this weekend and spent most of my time watching movies online. Here's what I watched and what I thought of each movie:

City Of Ember - neat little sci fi, except for the creepy giant beetle blood sucker monster thingy. Some untold life-as-we-know-it-ending crisis forces the powers that be to create this city below the surface of the earth. The hope is that if they create this society of people that has never been influenced by the outside world, these people may emerge some 200 years later with the ability to start life on teh planet all over and not repeat the same msitakes that brought about the untold life-as-we-know-it-ending crisis.
The powers that be leave instructions for escape from the city. However, something happens during the reign of the 7th mayor and the box with the instructions is lost.

Some time past the 200 year mark, with the city falling apart around them, the citizens decide it is time to investigate how to fix their city. A couple of teenagers happen upon the instructions for escape. The rest of the story is their crazy adventures to get out of the city.

Interesting story, great cast, hope to read the books. I give it 1.3 thumbs up

Australia - I'm assuming the cinematography was spectacular, with all it's sweeping Baz Luhrmann aerial shots, but I had a really lousy pixalated pirated copy so I just pretended. The story was okay. As a person of mostly European decent, I get a little annoyed at story after story of just how elitist white people are, but the reality was/is that racism is real. I have friends AND family members that have had to endure lifetimes of racial bias because of their blended ethnicities. It's real and it's ugly and it's ignorant.

So, the premise of this story is a british Lady's trip to Australia to help her mostly estranged husband tie up his affairs and bring him home. When she arrives, 50 trunks and hatboxes in toe, she discovers that he has been murdered. After much ado, she desides to save his cattle station and go on a drove to take the cattle to market. The only problem is, there wasn't enough character build up and it's entirely hard to believ that this "Lady" is capable of all of this tenacity.

Built into the story os a romance between her and her drover, an utterly sexy, young Harrison Ford-like Hugh Jackman. Also, they have a young half-caste with them. The story is interspersed with the plight of the stolen generation of halp white-half aboriginal children that are uncerimoniously rounded up and taken to an island to be de-programmed of their uncultured, primitave tendancies.

All in all, the racism is nasty, the cattle droving is treacherous, the romance is subtle and the scenery is breathtaking (again, I imagine this, but I'm pretty sure it is anyway!)I give it 1.5 thumbs up

Four Christmases - I will not dignify this movie with a review, let's just say that if I hadn't been in a Tylenol cold medicine blue coma, I would not have watched this thru to the end...thank goodness it was free online, although I think they should pay me back for the 1.5 hours I lost! Gah!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - cutesy girly coming of age story. We find the girls 2 or three years in the future, all attending colleges and muddling thru dysfunctional love lives and family lives. As is typical of girl cliques post HS graduation, they are all learning to live their individual lives and develop into their own personalities. Each get the pants for a week at a time over the summer and each gets to experience her own grown u pwoman dilema and pants assisted miracles...

nice chick flick, but is Alexis Bledle ever going to look older than 12? I think she may actually have drank from the magic spring from The Foster's little forest and became everlasting! I give it 1 thumb up.

The Way of War - This was a very confusing film. I'm not really sure I ever got the story. I tried to find some info on the story online and discovered that the movie's obscurity is just as confusing as the plot. Cuba Gooding seemed just as confused as any viewer stuck watching it.

Confusing plot, unresolved story line, I give it 1.5 thumbs down.

Stay tuned...