"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.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
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.
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