It's Been Awhile

Wow! Sorry I haven't posted in so long. Life got really busy and I didn't get to see too many movies. I finally decided that I'm going to have to sneak them in when I can and, even though I'm not a night owl, I decided to sacrifice sometimes and see the late show. So, without further ado...the latest movies I've seen.

The Vow

I've been waiting for this one ever since the advertisements for it began several months ago. I really like the way Channing Tatum is gentle and loving but a real man in all his movies. And, of course, Rachel McAdams is always great. I wasn't super in love with her dark hair in this movie but *spoiler alert* she does lighten it halfway through the movie. (Just so you know, I don't personally consider that little tidbit a "spoiler" but I know people who would so this is for them).

I'm guessing that most people who want to see this movie have already seen it so let me know if you liked it or not. I loved the interaction between Channing and Rachel (although, as I saw recently on Pinterest: If I woke up without a memory and Channing Tatum told me he was my husband...I'd go with it). I really identified with both of them and I thought the choices they made were very interesting to think about - would you make the same choices you did before if you lost your memory?

I loved the myriad of life lessons that you could gain from this movie - forgiveness, the search for self, honesty, true love - I could go on and on. Maybe because it was based on a true story it rings a little "truer" than some other movies? I don't know... but I do know that I left the theatre with a smile on my face and a satisfied feeling in my heart from this charming double love story.

Man on a Ledge

I know this movie was panned by the critics but I thought it was great. It is a classic good vs. evil with the twist of not being able to figure out which one is which for a little while (for some of us, maybe not until the very end. lol) As far as the acting goes, you should probably know that I love Sam Worthington. I think he is highly under-rated as an actor and I'm looking forward to "Clash of the Titans" which will be out soon. In fact, I've never seen a movie of his that I didn't like. Elizabeth Banks (who looks a little rough - for good reason, it turns out) is a police psychiatrist trying to talk Sam, an ex-cop/convicted felon, down off the ledge of a hotel, from which he threatens to jump.

Kyra Sedgewick has a cameo as a TV reporter. She is another actress I really like (although I have a hard time picturing her with Kevin Bacon. Am I right?). She is tough and funny and totally unlike her character in The Closer (on TNT). Actually there were several funny lines/situations in this movie along with very tense and intense action - a little something for everyone.

I was originally not going to see this movie (because I mistakenly believed that for once, the critics got it right) but my sisters and my daughter, Kiki, saw it and really liked it. Take my advice (and theirs) and see this feel-good movie (probably have to wait until it comes out on DVD now or see it at a dollar theatre). Again, sorry I'm so far behind!!

Chronicle

In another shocker, I disagree with most of the critics on this movie. All I heard before I went to see this is how great it was, how everyone is so moved and affected by it. And yes, I was affected and moved but not in a good way.

I have only seen one of the actors in this movie before - Michael Kelly (The Adjustment Bureau, Law & Order) and he plays one of the most disturbing men I've seen in awhile. He abuses his son and even when I thought he had learned his lesson and would change his life, he sinks even further. He tries to beat up his son when he is lying in a hospital, unconscious and covered in bandages! I thought he deserved what he got but that's just my evil, vindictive side speaking.

The movie centers around three high school kids. The first one is Andrew Detmer, played by Dane DeHaan, an abused (see above), "quirky" teen who decides to video his life. Matt Garetty, played by Alex Russell, is Andrew's cousin and ride to school. Matt has a MUCH better home life than Andrew which you can tell because he is much better groomed through the whole movie. And Steve Montgomery, played by Michael B. Jordan (who was on Friday Night Lights - a show I never got around to watching), a popular, friendly, and confident kid who is running for Student Body President.

I know some people think it does you good to see the sordid and the ugly - I guess so that you can appreciate the sublime and the beautiful even more. I don't think that seeing disturbing things is particularly mind opening. In fact, I wish I could get some of the horrifying scenes of this movie out of my head. I thought it was really disturbing and I don't think the ending is particularly satisfying. Hopefully this review won't make you super curious and if you haven't seen this one yet, don't bother.

Some Good, Some Okay

Kung Fu Panda 2
I just saw "Kung Fu Panda 2" today. HYSTERICAL! I can't decide if I liked it better than the first one or not. One good thing about Kung Fu Panda and other shows like it, is the extra comments you get from the kids in the theatre with you. Once, at a very tense part, a little kid burped. Courtney and I laughed our heads off (I even snorted). Still, even without our propensity to laugh at everything, Kung Fu Panda 2 is very funny. (Other people in the theatre laughed). It's not just for little kids either. The whole family will love it.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot but the thing I liked about the first one was the life lesson learned, the justice in the end and, of course, the hilarity along the way. This one has a great life lesson, awesome justice and even more hilarity. You should go see it now. Also- our theatre has started showing 2D and 3D so we have a choice now. We saw it in 2D and I hope never to shell out the extra cash for 3D again!!!

Pirates of the Carribbean on Stranger Tides

I know this has been a big hit with the critics but I was not as impressed as I expected to be. The thing I like about Jack Sparrow (Captain) is his cleverness and decency, despite being a pirate. He does have that in spades here but I kind of expected Penelope Cruz to be similar and she's really not. I liked the mermaids but I thought the end kind of leaves you hanging with them. And, I'm sorry but the King of England just made me nauseous. I mean, I'm sure he was fat and maybe not all too bright in real life but the guy in the movie was just disgusting! Even if the King WAS disgusting, I just don't need to see that!!
The other Pirates had many more redeeming values than this one. Which, I'm sure, is closer to the reality of piracy, but I like a little more fantasy with my movies. This one is probably best seen on the big screen but certainly don't waste your money seeing it in 3D and if you're on the fence, feel free to wait for it.

Something Borrowed

This is based on Emily Griffin's book of the same name so I know there will be a sequel and I hope it's soon. This one kind of left me hanging. (Although, a Lifetime Movie would be plenty). I LOVE Ginnifer Goodwin and John Krasinski but I was not all that thrilled with Colin Egglesfield. Kate Hudson proves that she is actually an actress because usually I like her and I hated her character in this movie. Ginnifer Goodwin is beautiful in this movie. I've always thought of her as a little young but she looks grown-up and great. I love the courage and compassion that she shows.
The big and happy suprise in this movie is John Krasinski! He totally makes the movie. I haven't read the book but my gut says that it would probably be a little better than the movie. I'm going to go ahead and read the sequels though because I think John Krasinski's character (Ethan) is at the center of the next one (Something Blue) and I REALLY want to find out what happens to him! This is a great movie for girls' night out or in a few months for girls' night in. I don't think people are going to see it as all that memorable though. Kind of meh (if you know what I mean).

Happy movie going to you!

Thor

I have to tell you that I was super excited for this movie to come out and it didn't disappoint. I've been a Chris Hemsworth fan ever since he played Kirk's father in Star Trek (2009). He was amazing as Thor - an arrogant but impressive warrior and then a believably gentle and noble as time went on. (It doesn't hurt that he is really good looking either).

I wasn't sure that Natalie Portman could pull off being a physicist but she does a pretty good job. She is funny and determined and you can immediately see her connection to Thor.

My favorite (after Christ Hemsworth) is Kat Dennings as the grad student helping Natalie Portman. Her "ipod" line and "political science" line (among others) are sooo funny!

I hated Tom Hiddleston as Loki and yet I felt sorry for him - which is what we are supposed to do so it must mean he is a really good actor. The incomparable Anthony Hawkins is a marvelous Odin and it is good to see Rene Russo back as Freya his wife.

I also hated Clark Gregg as the leader of SHIELD (don't ask me what it stands for) and I think you will too.

I have seen several reviews from people who hated this movie but I think they are probably big fans of the comic books - speaking of, Stan Lee does his usual cameo and he is great. The comic book fans have certain pictures in their heads of what everyone should look like and I think the real life people probably don't measure up to that. I, however, haven't read any Thor comic books and I'm SUPER excited for Thor II to come out. Two thumbs up on this one too!

Super Summer Movies

Fast and Furious Five

I saw this one with my daughter and we both liked it. I've seen Fast and Furious 4 which helped explain a few things - you may want to see a few of the first "Fast and Furious" movies before you see this one. This movie has some of the best stunts I've ever seen. Of course, ever since XXX, I've come to expect spectaculat stunts whenever Vin Diesel is around. And speaking of Vin Diesel, I've never been one to be impressed by big muscles but I'll just say his voice sends shivers down my spine!

I also like Dwayne Johnson who adds more big muscles to the movie. He is the leader of an elite task force sent to apprehend Diesel and his crew. Unlike the character played by Tommy Lee Jones in "The Fugitive," Dwayne has a heart and some common sense which allows justice to win, even if the law is a little crumpled.

Jordana Brewster is as beautiful as ever (which makes it a little bit hard to believe that she is Diesel's sister) and Paul Walker as her boyfriend and former government agent plays his role perfectly.

The crew that joins them in Brazil makes the movie really fun. There is Sung Kang as the gorgeous Han Lue and Gal Gadot as the even more gorgeous former Mossad agent (you probably remember her from "Date Night" where she plays Mark Wahlberg's girlfriend). Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris deserve special mention - they are hilarious but can be serious and skilled when they need to be. Tego Calderon and his sidekick Don Omar are the same way - with a little more hilariosity thrown in.

Because of the incredible stunts, the "good over evil" plot and the satisfying ending, I give this one two thumbs up!

Rio

Speaking of Brazil - Rio (in 3D) is also out. I did not expect to like this one but I laughed out loud in several parts and it wasn't just me - the rest of the audience was laughing as well. As you know, I'm not a big fan of 3D and this movie certainly didn't need it (but we'll overlook that for now)

The songs were very well done and fit with the movie but the birds flying and the carnival scenes were spectacular! I would see it again just to see those two parts. Of course, it is also a feel good movie with love in the air. The birds that Blue meets along his way (George Lopez as "Rafael" a smooth-talking toucan, Jamie Foxx as Nico and Wil.i.am as Pedro) are hysterical. Tracy Morgan as a dog is not as annoying as I usually find him.

Jesse Eisenberg does a spectacular job as Blu, making him sound cool, nerdy, whiney and confident in turns. Anne Hathaway, likewise, makes the perfect Jewel - the only other blue macaw in existance.

My guess is that the makers of this movie want to cut down on the smuggling of exotic birds but I never felt that they were preaching. I'm going to give this one two suprised thumbs up!

Three in Two Days

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules

I saw the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid and loved it. It was funny and heartwarming and had great lessons in it for all of us. My kids saw "Roderick Rules" before I did and they told me it was really funny so I expected the same thing from this second movie (based on the books by Jeff Kinney). It does end up to be funny and heartwarming with great lessons but first you have to wade through some of the most embarrassing, gut-wrenching, and awful times of young Greg's life. (Don't even get me started on the character of "Fregley"!)

I didn't particularly like the character of Roderick in the first movie and he is even more obnoxious in this one. In fact, he goes beyond obnoxious to pure evil. I can't believe some of the "pranks" he pulls on his little brother. And his advice on how to get along in the world is horrible. (Unfortunately, it seems that many kids in America follow it). There were so many times that my face was flaming and I was squirming in my seat for poor Greg that I almost left the movie.

I stuck it out, however, and the last half hour or so turned out to be really funny and heart warming. I will say that the audience was about 75% children and they LOVED this movie. They hardly stopped laughing. Also, Rachael Harris and Steve Zahn as the parents are great. Rachael Harris in particular is hysterical. If you are past puberty, and have any kind of empathetic bone in your body, you will want to wait for this to come out on video (if you see it at all). But if you are under the age of 15 or so, you should go see this ASAP.

Limitless

I was undecided about this movie. I really like Bradley Cooper though and he did not fail me in this movie. It kept me guessing and hoping for the whole movie. I'm sure you know the premise of the movie - slacker guy gets pill that makes him rich and famous. There were more twists and turns than I expected and I loved the ending. There was one kind of disturbing scene where he drinks someone's blood (ewww!) but it was for a good reason and the guy was a bad guy so it didn't bother me as much as it would have (maybe I've just seen too many vampire shows lately... just pretend it's chocolate syrup and you'll be okay).

For some reason I didn't realize that Abbie Cornish (Sucker Punch) was in this movie. She plays Bradley Cooper's girlfriend and she is really good. I'm very surprised that she is not more well known. I think she will become more of a household name after these two movies. Of course, Robert De Niro is wonderful as usual. You should see this just to see his face at the end.

This one gets two thumbs up from me. You should see if it you haven't already.

Source Code

Wow! I have to say that I haven't been a huge fan of Jake Gyllenhaal because of Brokeback Mountain (just yuck) but I really liked him in Prince of Persia and I have become a huge fan after seeing Source Code. I really hope that he continues to do action hero movies. It was awesome! He plays an Air Force captain who is sent back in time (sort of) to find the person who bombed a train in Chicago, killing everyone aboard.

He wakes up completely confused, sitting across from a lovely Michelle Monaghan who seems to know him, gets blown up, and wakes up back in some kind of capsule with a calm voice asking him to "acknowledge." From this confusing beginning, Gyllenhaal's character is continually thrown into this Groundhog Day-like dilemma. The action is engrossing, sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat exciting and you are pulling for him all the way.

Vera Farmiga does an outstanding job as the calm voice of reason and compassion. (You may remember her as George Clooney's love interest in "Up in the Air" for which she received an Academy award nomination).

I left the theatre feeling pumped and happy. (And my husband liked it too!) If that's what you're looking for, you should see this one. Two thumbs up!

Sucker Punch

I'm going to say right off that I liked this movie. I even cried at the end. I think you will like it if you like anime (Japanese "cartoons"). There are even elements of "Inception" in it (dreams within a dream). However, I'm guessing that it's not for everyone. It was a little confusing in parts and definitely had a foreign film feel to it. If you have a hard time suspending your disbelief (getting into movies), you should skip it.

I liked the girls that are in it. The star, Emily Browning, is haunting with her big eyes and fierce in her action scenes. In fact, you can wait for it to come out on video, but you really should see her first fight scene against HUGE Japanese warriors. It shows her as a tiny little thing across from the giant and then she just goes after it. Totally empowering.

Vanessa Hudgens (who has been a very busy girl lately!) sometimes bugs me but she does a great job in this and I was also impressed with Jamie Chung as "Amber." Both are beautiful girls and really tough in this movie. My favorites were Abbie Cornish as "Sweet Pea" and Jena Malone as "Rocket." They are sisters who will do anything for each other. Their relationship is a big part of why I liked this movie.

The way the girls work together despite their issues and the sacrifices they make are inspiring. And the ending is really uplifting - there are angels looking out for us. I predict this will become a cult classic. There are some adult themes - prostitution, brothels, rape and a lobotomy that would be difficult to explain to younger kids so be aware of that before you let younger kids see it. The PG-13 rating is a good one. I saw it with my 18 year old daughter and I wasn't embarassed though (like some PG-13s I've seen). I'm giving this movie one & a half thumbs up!

Red Riding Hood

I have to say the visuals in this movie are stunning. The villiage, the forest, and the houses are all beautiful and haunting and just like a fairytale. And the red cloak is beautiful whenever it shows up. I want one just like it.

After the opening scenes showing the forest and narrowing in on the little villiage where our tale takes place, I have to say, I was really disappointed in the first third of the movie. Several of the villiagers were REALLY bad actors - WAY over the top. Even when they were supposed to be in the background they were over-acting! And I am pretty sure that "dirty dancing" was not part of usual medieval societies - even fairytale ones and a little girl who has no problem cutting a sweet bunny rabbit's throat? It was a little bit too much to swallow.

I think Red Riding Hood (who we learn is really named Valerie) chooses the wrong boy too. You may disagree with me but I think Henry is much better looking and nicer than Peter (not to mention richer). But, I was pleased with the ending all in all.

There are a few really disturbing scenes - one where a boy who is not right in the head is tortured while his sister bargains with her body for his release (no nudity, though), the gentle priest is run through and killed for a very flimsy reason, and a couple of limbs are cut off and shown close-up. Unfortunately, there were small children in the theatre when I watched this movie. I guess their parents thought, "Oh, this is a fairy tale - great for kids." (Or they just don't care what their kids watch).

I hated Gary Oldham in this one - which I guess means he's a pretty good actor and I was super pleased to see Julie Christie! She was fabulous! However, other than some thought-provoking questions about choices, honor, secrets and family, I think this is one that you can safely wait for to come out on video - which I'm sure it will soon.