"Dolphin Tale" A-
You know earlier when I talked about inspiring movies with a good message in a previous review? Well here is another one. This is a movie that was really interesting because I did not know too much about the story. It is a story about a kid who does not know what interests him yet and turn of events that changes his life. The story mainly centers around Winter, a dolphin who got hurt out at sea. It is found and marine doctors try to work on it and realize that the dolphin needs a new tale. So this is an inspiring story that goes into how a group of people came together and developed something to help the dolphin Winter swim easier. The movie also discusses how people all over the world came see the dolphin and it talks a little about the war in Iraq and how that affects families. The movie is also 3D, so there are some scenes that are fun, especially when it involved being in the ocean with the dolphins and fish and a fun 3D takes place too with a toy helicopter. It is a good movie for the whole family to enjoy and learn from too.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Moneyball
"Moneyball" B+
Brad Pitt has been making some really good movies lately. Of course, he is one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, and why not? He does know how to act in many different movie genres. His standout performances were in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Inglourious Basterds. In Moneyball, he plays Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A's at that time and how he introduced a whole different mathematical approach to baseball. His assistant, played by Jonah Hill (in a serious performance), helps him on the graphical and statistical analysis of the game. Basically, what he does is he shows the batting averages of all the players, along with the strike zone and how often people swing in certain areas and strike out or hit home runs. The movie is based on a book by Michael Lewis, who also wrote The Blind Side and The Big Short, so I knew that this movie was going to have a lot of research and statistics involved in the storytelling. Brad Pitt does a good job adding charisma and seriousness to the role, especially when spending time with his daughter and trying to win a World Series game. The movie is funny and has some dramatic moments too. There are some exciting baseball scenes and some recognnizable names come up, such as David Justice. However, the movie really isn't about the game itself, but more of the business and financial side of the Major Leagues, which was interesting to me. Overall, it is a good movie that I think everyone can enjoy.
Brad Pitt has been making some really good movies lately. Of course, he is one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, and why not? He does know how to act in many different movie genres. His standout performances were in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Inglourious Basterds. In Moneyball, he plays Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A's at that time and how he introduced a whole different mathematical approach to baseball. His assistant, played by Jonah Hill (in a serious performance), helps him on the graphical and statistical analysis of the game. Basically, what he does is he shows the batting averages of all the players, along with the strike zone and how often people swing in certain areas and strike out or hit home runs. The movie is based on a book by Michael Lewis, who also wrote The Blind Side and The Big Short, so I knew that this movie was going to have a lot of research and statistics involved in the storytelling. Brad Pitt does a good job adding charisma and seriousness to the role, especially when spending time with his daughter and trying to win a World Series game. The movie is funny and has some dramatic moments too. There are some exciting baseball scenes and some recognnizable names come up, such as David Justice. However, the movie really isn't about the game itself, but more of the business and financial side of the Major Leagues, which was interesting to me. Overall, it is a good movie that I think everyone can enjoy.
Courageous
"Courageous" A-
It is nice every once in a while when a movie comes out and it has a good message that comes home with you. That is why I enjoy when a movie like "Courageous" comes out. It is from director Alex Kendrick, the man who worked on Flywheel, Facing the Giants and Fireproof. While Courageous is not as good as Fireproof, it is still a good movie with real characters. This one is about four best friend cops who go through the daily trials of the job. Always risking everything for the safety others, they deal with gangs and many other types of crimes. This movie mainly discusses the messgae of being a good father to your children, which is an important lesson. It also talks about having faith, no matter what kinds of obstacles are put in your way. A character in the movie, Javy, portrays this lesson quite well. He and his family are poor and he tries to work as much as he can to provide for them. When he tries to find a job, let's just say a miracle takes place that will make you smile. I read this book too and while the movie leaves a lot of important things that the book had, it is still a really good movie with a really good message, and sometimes, that is the best about going to the movies.
It is nice every once in a while when a movie comes out and it has a good message that comes home with you. That is why I enjoy when a movie like "Courageous" comes out. It is from director Alex Kendrick, the man who worked on Flywheel, Facing the Giants and Fireproof. While Courageous is not as good as Fireproof, it is still a good movie with real characters. This one is about four best friend cops who go through the daily trials of the job. Always risking everything for the safety others, they deal with gangs and many other types of crimes. This movie mainly discusses the messgae of being a good father to your children, which is an important lesson. It also talks about having faith, no matter what kinds of obstacles are put in your way. A character in the movie, Javy, portrays this lesson quite well. He and his family are poor and he tries to work as much as he can to provide for them. When he tries to find a job, let's just say a miracle takes place that will make you smile. I read this book too and while the movie leaves a lot of important things that the book had, it is still a really good movie with a really good message, and sometimes, that is the best about going to the movies.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
I Don't Know How She Does It
"I Don't Know How She Does It" B+
I have always enjoyed movies for many different reasons. Whether it be for the actors, the actresses, the story or just the exciting action scenes or dramatic and funny scenes, the movies are usually a fun time. Another thing I find sometimes fun is hearing the title of the movie in the movie. You hear that a lot in a movie called "I Don't Know How She Does It" starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear and Kelsey Grammar. It is one of those movies that I did not expect to like not did I expect to watch, but I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was it funny and a feel good movie, but it is something I think I would watch again. It is based on a book about a mom who has trouble juggling her career as a project/financial analyst and with her husband and two kids. She is constantly having to travel to New York or Atlanta for her job and it is tough on her because she wants to spend more time with her family. She even has to leave the dinner table at Thanksgiving and go to work. It is a movie with a lot of likable characters and some that are there for mere comic relief. And surprisely enough, it is a movie where you don't get tired of virtually every character, I don't know how she does it. It is a really good movie with a nice message too.
I have always enjoyed movies for many different reasons. Whether it be for the actors, the actresses, the story or just the exciting action scenes or dramatic and funny scenes, the movies are usually a fun time. Another thing I find sometimes fun is hearing the title of the movie in the movie. You hear that a lot in a movie called "I Don't Know How She Does It" starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear and Kelsey Grammar. It is one of those movies that I did not expect to like not did I expect to watch, but I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was it funny and a feel good movie, but it is something I think I would watch again. It is based on a book about a mom who has trouble juggling her career as a project/financial analyst and with her husband and two kids. She is constantly having to travel to New York or Atlanta for her job and it is tough on her because she wants to spend more time with her family. She even has to leave the dinner table at Thanksgiving and go to work. It is a movie with a lot of likable characters and some that are there for mere comic relief. And surprisely enough, it is a movie where you don't get tired of virtually every character, I don't know how she does it. It is a really good movie with a nice message too.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Warrior
"Warrior" B+
There are many sports movies that have been made in recent history and some are classified as classics and some are just considered the movie that we saw once before. One of my favorite inspiring sports movies is Rocky and all of its sequels too. A movie that could be labeled as a Rocky Sequel is Warrior. It is a sports film about the world of UFC which is the ultimate fighting championship. While the movie does a tremendous job with bringing the intensity at full force with the fight scenes it also brings in emotion too and the character development is effective in that it makes us care about the characters. The movie is about two brothers both trying to make things right with themselves and their father played by Nick Nolte is good as a man trying to make things right with his family. There are inspiring scenes and intense scenes. There is also a god performance by Tom Hardy who was also in Inception where he should have gotten an academy award. In Warrior he was more serious but does a good job playing the brother with toughness and a caring and soft side too. The movie was directed by Gavin O'Connor who also directed Miracle the movie about the USA Olympic key team. Overall I was impressed with this movie and I think that sports fans and UFC fans alike will really enjoy it. The movie comes out September 9th and I recommend it.
There are many sports movies that have been made in recent history and some are classified as classics and some are just considered the movie that we saw once before. One of my favorite inspiring sports movies is Rocky and all of its sequels too. A movie that could be labeled as a Rocky Sequel is Warrior. It is a sports film about the world of UFC which is the ultimate fighting championship. While the movie does a tremendous job with bringing the intensity at full force with the fight scenes it also brings in emotion too and the character development is effective in that it makes us care about the characters. The movie is about two brothers both trying to make things right with themselves and their father played by Nick Nolte is good as a man trying to make things right with his family. There are inspiring scenes and intense scenes. There is also a god performance by Tom Hardy who was also in Inception where he should have gotten an academy award. In Warrior he was more serious but does a good job playing the brother with toughness and a caring and soft side too. The movie was directed by Gavin O'Connor who also directed Miracle the movie about the USA Olympic key team. Overall I was impressed with this movie and I think that sports fans and UFC fans alike will really enjoy it. The movie comes out September 9th and I recommend it.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The Help
"The Help" A-
There are a lot of movies that have been made that really reach out to you. Some more than others, but a movie that I saw recently reaches out to you in a way that you never thought possible. The movie "The Help", is the type of movie that can make you laugh, make you sad and sometimes even really angry. This movie is based on a book by Kathryn Stockett, and it takes place around the time when blacks and whites were still separated. It is a story about The Help, when blacks were maids for white families, most of them rich families. The story mainly centers around one of the maids by the name of Abileen Clark (perfectly played by Viola Davis), who was the first to tell her stories about what when on when she would work as a maid. Her best friend, Minny, was the next one who told her stories about how she was mistreated and was fired from Hilly Holbrook's house for using her bathroom. There is also a funny scene with them involving a chocolate pie. You will just have to see the movie to know what I'm talking about, but let's just say you will never look at chocolate pie the same way again. A real stand out star in this movie is Emma Stone, who played Skeeter, the one who did the interviews and wrote the book that certainly was "scandalous", as a character said in the movie. This movie makes you laugh. There are a lot of funny parts that make you smile, especially with the character Minny Jackson, played by Octavia Spencer. It makes you sad because of how the maids were treated and the act of racism was really sad. There are characters in this movie that are really likable and there are some that make you so angry. It is a really good story and it really does reach out to you.
There are a lot of movies that have been made that really reach out to you. Some more than others, but a movie that I saw recently reaches out to you in a way that you never thought possible. The movie "The Help", is the type of movie that can make you laugh, make you sad and sometimes even really angry. This movie is based on a book by Kathryn Stockett, and it takes place around the time when blacks and whites were still separated. It is a story about The Help, when blacks were maids for white families, most of them rich families. The story mainly centers around one of the maids by the name of Abileen Clark (perfectly played by Viola Davis), who was the first to tell her stories about what when on when she would work as a maid. Her best friend, Minny, was the next one who told her stories about how she was mistreated and was fired from Hilly Holbrook's house for using her bathroom. There is also a funny scene with them involving a chocolate pie. You will just have to see the movie to know what I'm talking about, but let's just say you will never look at chocolate pie the same way again. A real stand out star in this movie is Emma Stone, who played Skeeter, the one who did the interviews and wrote the book that certainly was "scandalous", as a character said in the movie. This movie makes you laugh. There are a lot of funny parts that make you smile, especially with the character Minny Jackson, played by Octavia Spencer. It makes you sad because of how the maids were treated and the act of racism was really sad. There are characters in this movie that are really likable and there are some that make you so angry. It is a really good story and it really does reach out to you.
Captain America: The First Avenger
"Captain America: The First Avenger" A
I remember when I was in college, I watched the Indiana Jones trilogy in one weekend with them and I recalled watching Raiders of the Lost Ark before, but the other two I did not remember as much. As I watched them, I thought to myself, now these are old fashioned, fun adventure movies. Then they came out with Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and once again, it was old fashioned and fun. What came to mind when I was watching the new long awaited Captain America movie was, this is like another Indiana Jones movie, but it is not only old fashioned and fun, but it is about one of the coolest superheroes in Marvel Comics. Yes, it is finally here, the Captain America movie and I must say, it was a near perfect movie. I was really impressed with it and it certain was spectacular in so many ways. To start out, the cast was magnificent. Chris Evans was perfectly cast as Steve Rogers/Captain America and he did a good job as a guy who wanted to fight in the war but was too small. So, he entered the supersoldier program led by Colonel Philips (played by Tommy Lee Jones who was better than ever in this role). Another standout in this movie was Hugo Weaving of Agent Smith fame from the Matrix. He played Johann Schmitt/Red Skull and while he always plays a good villain in his movies, he added some charisma to his role here. The movie looked awesome, even without the 3D, and the acting was perfect along with the casting, and the action scenes were fun to watch too. This isi not only the best movie of the summer, but also the best movie of the year so far in my opinion.
I remember when I was in college, I watched the Indiana Jones trilogy in one weekend with them and I recalled watching Raiders of the Lost Ark before, but the other two I did not remember as much. As I watched them, I thought to myself, now these are old fashioned, fun adventure movies. Then they came out with Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and once again, it was old fashioned and fun. What came to mind when I was watching the new long awaited Captain America movie was, this is like another Indiana Jones movie, but it is not only old fashioned and fun, but it is about one of the coolest superheroes in Marvel Comics. Yes, it is finally here, the Captain America movie and I must say, it was a near perfect movie. I was really impressed with it and it certain was spectacular in so many ways. To start out, the cast was magnificent. Chris Evans was perfectly cast as Steve Rogers/Captain America and he did a good job as a guy who wanted to fight in the war but was too small. So, he entered the supersoldier program led by Colonel Philips (played by Tommy Lee Jones who was better than ever in this role). Another standout in this movie was Hugo Weaving of Agent Smith fame from the Matrix. He played Johann Schmitt/Red Skull and while he always plays a good villain in his movies, he added some charisma to his role here. The movie looked awesome, even without the 3D, and the acting was perfect along with the casting, and the action scenes were fun to watch too. This isi not only the best movie of the summer, but also the best movie of the year so far in my opinion.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" B+
The famous director Michael Bay is popular for making action movies that are eager to please. He has directed a list of movies, such as the Bad Boys movies, Armageddon, The Rock, Pearl Harbor and The Island. In the year 2007, he came out with a movie that pretty much was a dream come true for every fanboy in the world: Transformers. I was like wow, Michael Bay + Transformers = explosive stylish action movie. And it was, it had good storytelling and an understandable plot along with explosive action scenes with slow motion and awesome sound effects. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen came out in 2009 and was good, but not as good as the first one, but still awesome. Now, we have Transformers: Dark of the Moon, which was a much different kind of ride than the first two. This one is more of a political thriller and a mystery about conspiracies about the first mission on the moon. Shia Labouf returns as Sam Witwickie who is now a Harvard grad, has a medal from President Obama for his efforts in Egypt from the second movie, and now has a new girlfriend. This time, the decepticons are working with humans now to do their work against the autobots, and there is even a creepy decepticon bird assassin who goes after all the people whp worked on the nasa secret moon mission. Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are along for the ride again too which adds to the fun. This one is a weird Transformers movie, but it is action packed, fun and a good addition to the series.
The famous director Michael Bay is popular for making action movies that are eager to please. He has directed a list of movies, such as the Bad Boys movies, Armageddon, The Rock, Pearl Harbor and The Island. In the year 2007, he came out with a movie that pretty much was a dream come true for every fanboy in the world: Transformers. I was like wow, Michael Bay + Transformers = explosive stylish action movie. And it was, it had good storytelling and an understandable plot along with explosive action scenes with slow motion and awesome sound effects. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen came out in 2009 and was good, but not as good as the first one, but still awesome. Now, we have Transformers: Dark of the Moon, which was a much different kind of ride than the first two. This one is more of a political thriller and a mystery about conspiracies about the first mission on the moon. Shia Labouf returns as Sam Witwickie who is now a Harvard grad, has a medal from President Obama for his efforts in Egypt from the second movie, and now has a new girlfriend. This time, the decepticons are working with humans now to do their work against the autobots, and there is even a creepy decepticon bird assassin who goes after all the people whp worked on the nasa secret moon mission. Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are along for the ride again too which adds to the fun. This one is a weird Transformers movie, but it is action packed, fun and a good addition to the series.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Green Lantern
"Green Lantern" A-
There have been a number of movies made based on the characters and superheroes of the Marvel Universe, but it is nice every now and then that a new superhero movie from the DC Universe is made and released in theatres. We first got Batman Begins, then the Superman Returns movie, along with The Dark Knight and lasy year's Jonah Hex. I was very excited when I heard that a Green Lantern movie was going to be made. Green Lantern is one of my favorite superheroes and I have read many of the comics. The story is told quite well in the movie about a pilot who gets chosen by the famous green power ring from an alien who lands on earth named Abin Sur. He reluctantly gains the power and tries to learn how to not be fearful but become a hero and fight against all odds to save the world. Ryan Reynolds plays Hal Jordan/Green Lantern and does a good job with the role, and has good chemistry with co star Blake Lively as his love interest, Carol Ferris. Is it accurate to the comics? Yes it sure is, with a few parts rushed I guess to get to the sequels. It even shows Sinestro's (Mark Strong)power and also displays something that most comic readers are going to see coming. I thought this was a very fun and exciting movie, and a good addition to the movies based on the DC Universe.
There have been a number of movies made based on the characters and superheroes of the Marvel Universe, but it is nice every now and then that a new superhero movie from the DC Universe is made and released in theatres. We first got Batman Begins, then the Superman Returns movie, along with The Dark Knight and lasy year's Jonah Hex. I was very excited when I heard that a Green Lantern movie was going to be made. Green Lantern is one of my favorite superheroes and I have read many of the comics. The story is told quite well in the movie about a pilot who gets chosen by the famous green power ring from an alien who lands on earth named Abin Sur. He reluctantly gains the power and tries to learn how to not be fearful but become a hero and fight against all odds to save the world. Ryan Reynolds plays Hal Jordan/Green Lantern and does a good job with the role, and has good chemistry with co star Blake Lively as his love interest, Carol Ferris. Is it accurate to the comics? Yes it sure is, with a few parts rushed I guess to get to the sequels. It even shows Sinestro's (Mark Strong)power and also displays something that most comic readers are going to see coming. I thought this was a very fun and exciting movie, and a good addition to the movies based on the DC Universe.
X-Men: First Class
"X-Men: First Class" A-
There have been a number of X-Men movies that have come out in the past. It started with X-Men in 2000, which displayed the talents of a newcomer actor Hugh Jackman, as the superhero Wolverine. Then, X-Men 2 and 3 came out and rounded out a popular trilogy. Then, X-Men Origins: Wolverine came to theatres and showed the world that Wolverine himself could make a good movie. Then, Hollywood decided it was time for a reboot, with James McAvoy as Professor Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender as Magneto. Did this reboot work? It certainly did, along with doing a good job of displaying mutants in the 60's. This is about the first class in the mutant mansion, but it is mainly Magneto's movie. It is mainly a good origin story about him, which is good because even though he is considered a villain in the X-Men universe, you do kind of have a respect for him in all he had been through. Overall, this was an exciting superhero movie for the summer movie season.
There have been a number of X-Men movies that have come out in the past. It started with X-Men in 2000, which displayed the talents of a newcomer actor Hugh Jackman, as the superhero Wolverine. Then, X-Men 2 and 3 came out and rounded out a popular trilogy. Then, X-Men Origins: Wolverine came to theatres and showed the world that Wolverine himself could make a good movie. Then, Hollywood decided it was time for a reboot, with James McAvoy as Professor Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender as Magneto. Did this reboot work? It certainly did, along with doing a good job of displaying mutants in the 60's. This is about the first class in the mutant mansion, but it is mainly Magneto's movie. It is mainly a good origin story about him, which is good because even though he is considered a villain in the X-Men universe, you do kind of have a respect for him in all he had been through. Overall, this was an exciting superhero movie for the summer movie season.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Thor
"Thor" A
The summer movie season of 2011 has officially started and once again it started off nicely. Last week, we got the supercharged sequel Fast Five, which is number 5 in the Fast and the Furious series. That was an action packed thrill ride that should satisfy all action fans. Last night, I got the tremendous opportunity to see Thor in 3D for free. There was an advanced screening for it last night that Corrine awesomely worked very hard to get. I had waited for this movie since the teaser at the end of Iron Man 2 and it definitely makes for a perfect summer superhero movie. Thor is played by Chris Hemsworth (Jim Kirk's father on the new Star Trek) and he brings a lot of charisma and toughness to the role. Anthony Hopkins plays his father Odin, who banishes him to earth to teach him humility. On earth, he learns more about himself, the hammer and how to be a true warrior. The movie is directed by Kenneth Branagh, so its somewhat of a Shakespearian movie too, especially with the scenes taking place in Asgard. In Asgard, its very serious and intense, but when Thor goes to Earth, it starts to get extra interesting and even funny in some parts. The movie also has a love story, with Natalie Portman playing Jane Foster, Thor's love interest. There is also some teasers for the Avengers movie too, so watch for that. I thought this was a spectacular movie and I think it would have been just as good even without the 3D. It's an awesome movie with a good story and some interesting characters. It is another cool movie from Marvel studios.
The summer movie season of 2011 has officially started and once again it started off nicely. Last week, we got the supercharged sequel Fast Five, which is number 5 in the Fast and the Furious series. That was an action packed thrill ride that should satisfy all action fans. Last night, I got the tremendous opportunity to see Thor in 3D for free. There was an advanced screening for it last night that Corrine awesomely worked very hard to get. I had waited for this movie since the teaser at the end of Iron Man 2 and it definitely makes for a perfect summer superhero movie. Thor is played by Chris Hemsworth (Jim Kirk's father on the new Star Trek) and he brings a lot of charisma and toughness to the role. Anthony Hopkins plays his father Odin, who banishes him to earth to teach him humility. On earth, he learns more about himself, the hammer and how to be a true warrior. The movie is directed by Kenneth Branagh, so its somewhat of a Shakespearian movie too, especially with the scenes taking place in Asgard. In Asgard, its very serious and intense, but when Thor goes to Earth, it starts to get extra interesting and even funny in some parts. The movie also has a love story, with Natalie Portman playing Jane Foster, Thor's love interest. There is also some teasers for the Avengers movie too, so watch for that. I thought this was a spectacular movie and I think it would have been just as good even without the 3D. It's an awesome movie with a good story and some interesting characters. It is another cool movie from Marvel studios.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Beastly
"Beastly" B
With the movie Twilight, it sparked a new phenomenon in movies: a love story, but with a twist. Let's have a movie about a normal woman who falls in love with an abnormal man. After Twilight and the two sequels, it showed the world a vampire love story. Then, there is love stories between an alien and a woman, such as the show on ABC Family "Kyle XY", and the recent action movie that came out in February "I Am Number Four". In this particular love story, it is as if it is based on an old disney classic story "Beauty and the Beast". The movie is appropriately titled "Beastly". I was surprised at this movie. With the long delays that took place (they showed a preview of this movie last summer and was scheduled to be released in July 2010), I was thinking to myself that this movie has been shelved a long time. That is not a good sign. But I actually thought it was a good story with a very good message, that beauty is on the inside too. There are not many well known actors in this movie, with the main cast being Alex Pettyfer as the cocky, shallow popular student council president and Vanessa Hudgens as his love interest (of High School Musical fame). The movie also has appearances from Neal Patrick Harris (How I Met your Mother) giving some comic relief, and Mary-Kate Olsen (one of the Olsen twins, most well known as Michelle Tanner in Full House). She is far from that character in this one as the witch who hexes the student council president with scary looks, which sadly causes his father to disown him. The lesson is he must find someone to truly love him in a year, otherwise he will look "beastly" forever. The message here is clearly defined: don't be shallow, beauty is on the inside. The transformation here is good and it is very realistic. It was a pretty good movie with some interesting nods to poetry and classic love stories. A good rendition of the beauty and the beast story for the Twilight crowd.
With the movie Twilight, it sparked a new phenomenon in movies: a love story, but with a twist. Let's have a movie about a normal woman who falls in love with an abnormal man. After Twilight and the two sequels, it showed the world a vampire love story. Then, there is love stories between an alien and a woman, such as the show on ABC Family "Kyle XY", and the recent action movie that came out in February "I Am Number Four". In this particular love story, it is as if it is based on an old disney classic story "Beauty and the Beast". The movie is appropriately titled "Beastly". I was surprised at this movie. With the long delays that took place (they showed a preview of this movie last summer and was scheduled to be released in July 2010), I was thinking to myself that this movie has been shelved a long time. That is not a good sign. But I actually thought it was a good story with a very good message, that beauty is on the inside too. There are not many well known actors in this movie, with the main cast being Alex Pettyfer as the cocky, shallow popular student council president and Vanessa Hudgens as his love interest (of High School Musical fame). The movie also has appearances from Neal Patrick Harris (How I Met your Mother) giving some comic relief, and Mary-Kate Olsen (one of the Olsen twins, most well known as Michelle Tanner in Full House). She is far from that character in this one as the witch who hexes the student council president with scary looks, which sadly causes his father to disown him. The lesson is he must find someone to truly love him in a year, otherwise he will look "beastly" forever. The message here is clearly defined: don't be shallow, beauty is on the inside. The transformation here is good and it is very realistic. It was a pretty good movie with some interesting nods to poetry and classic love stories. A good rendition of the beauty and the beast story for the Twilight crowd.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Rango
"Rango" A
It has been quite some time since we have been to the movies. According to my last post, it has been exactly two months. Once again, we got some free passes to a movie and this one, while it was not on top of my list, was actually a really awesome movie. The movie we saw was Rango, starring Johnny Depp as the lizard wanting to be a hero and belong somewhere. Gore Verbinski, director of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, has reteamed with Johnny Depp to create an exciting and funny animated adventure movie. It starts out with Rango role playing adventure scenarios in his little aquarium, until he lands on the road and is forced to go his own way. He travels the desert for a while, meets some singing owls, and then gets chased frantically by a giant bird. After some surreal scenes and some introduction of our heroic lizard, he ends up in a town called Dirt. They have a water problem there, so he assumes the role of sheriff by telling everyone he shot some dangerous criminals with one bullet, and took on Jake the Snake, one of the most ferocious villains in the old west. Along the way, there is adventure and Johnny Depp's usual comic talent. He does a really good job in this movie. Johnny Depp is definitely in Jack Sparrow mode here and this is pretty much his movie. Gore Verbinski does a good job keeping things at a fast pace but at the same time, allowing us to care about the characters and the dilemma of the town. And Rango is a very likable lizard. Gore Verbinski also gives us a couple of scenes resemblant to Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, involving a flying giant gold fish and a group of bugs. We also have an interesting scene with the "man with no name", which seemed to be an homage of the old Sergio Leone spaghetti westerns. However, there is a warning. While there are some cool adventure scenes and funny parts, there are a few scenes that might be scary for kids, especially with Jake the Snake. Other than that, it was a good time at the movies! I am thinking this one is going to be an early blockbuster for the spring.
It has been quite some time since we have been to the movies. According to my last post, it has been exactly two months. Once again, we got some free passes to a movie and this one, while it was not on top of my list, was actually a really awesome movie. The movie we saw was Rango, starring Johnny Depp as the lizard wanting to be a hero and belong somewhere. Gore Verbinski, director of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, has reteamed with Johnny Depp to create an exciting and funny animated adventure movie. It starts out with Rango role playing adventure scenarios in his little aquarium, until he lands on the road and is forced to go his own way. He travels the desert for a while, meets some singing owls, and then gets chased frantically by a giant bird. After some surreal scenes and some introduction of our heroic lizard, he ends up in a town called Dirt. They have a water problem there, so he assumes the role of sheriff by telling everyone he shot some dangerous criminals with one bullet, and took on Jake the Snake, one of the most ferocious villains in the old west. Along the way, there is adventure and Johnny Depp's usual comic talent. He does a really good job in this movie. Johnny Depp is definitely in Jack Sparrow mode here and this is pretty much his movie. Gore Verbinski does a good job keeping things at a fast pace but at the same time, allowing us to care about the characters and the dilemma of the town. And Rango is a very likable lizard. Gore Verbinski also gives us a couple of scenes resemblant to Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, involving a flying giant gold fish and a group of bugs. We also have an interesting scene with the "man with no name", which seemed to be an homage of the old Sergio Leone spaghetti westerns. However, there is a warning. While there are some cool adventure scenes and funny parts, there are a few scenes that might be scary for kids, especially with Jake the Snake. Other than that, it was a good time at the movies! I am thinking this one is going to be an early blockbuster for the spring.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Black Swan
"Black Swan" A
It is around this time typically when critics and people all over the world look at the top movies of the year. The year 2010 was a good year for movies and around the holidays is when we start getting the opportunity to watch the academy award winning contenders. From what I have heard, this year, some of the top movies are True Grit, which was awesome, The Social Network, which I have not seen yet but I would like to, and lately, I have heard a lot of buzz about Black Swan. Corrine and I have both wanted to see it for a while, so we decided to ring in the new year with a movie today. We had free AMC passes we got last year, so we used them on Black Swan. Pretty much every review I have read about this movie is true. It is the weirdest of the weird from director Darren Aronofsky, but it pulls you in and it is very good at what it does. The movie centers around Nina (Natalie Portman) and her goals of being a top ballet star. The new show about to start is Swan Lake and everyone is trying for the Swan Queen part. The newcomer trying for the part, Lily (surprisingly perfectly played by Mila Kunis of Family Guy and That 70's Show fame) is more of the black swan persona, while Nina is more the white swan. Some people might think, who would want to watch a ballet movie? Well this movie has more than what meets the eye. Darren Aronofsky, who also directed The Fountain and The Wrestler to name a couple, knows how to keep the audience intrigued and how to make things so weird, it keeps you watching. This movie also has a horror element to it. Some scenes have a resemblance to the movie The Fly (enough said). Overall, I think this movie would be a worthy contender for best picture and best director for Darren Aronofsky. This movie is art at its best.
It is around this time typically when critics and people all over the world look at the top movies of the year. The year 2010 was a good year for movies and around the holidays is when we start getting the opportunity to watch the academy award winning contenders. From what I have heard, this year, some of the top movies are True Grit, which was awesome, The Social Network, which I have not seen yet but I would like to, and lately, I have heard a lot of buzz about Black Swan. Corrine and I have both wanted to see it for a while, so we decided to ring in the new year with a movie today. We had free AMC passes we got last year, so we used them on Black Swan. Pretty much every review I have read about this movie is true. It is the weirdest of the weird from director Darren Aronofsky, but it pulls you in and it is very good at what it does. The movie centers around Nina (Natalie Portman) and her goals of being a top ballet star. The new show about to start is Swan Lake and everyone is trying for the Swan Queen part. The newcomer trying for the part, Lily (surprisingly perfectly played by Mila Kunis of Family Guy and That 70's Show fame) is more of the black swan persona, while Nina is more the white swan. Some people might think, who would want to watch a ballet movie? Well this movie has more than what meets the eye. Darren Aronofsky, who also directed The Fountain and The Wrestler to name a couple, knows how to keep the audience intrigued and how to make things so weird, it keeps you watching. This movie also has a horror element to it. Some scenes have a resemblance to the movie The Fly (enough said). Overall, I think this movie would be a worthy contender for best picture and best director for Darren Aronofsky. This movie is art at its best.
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