In today's fast paced society, it seems that even simple tasks such as enjoying a good movie are becoming increasingly more difficult. No matter the genre, time of day, or what Leading Lady/Man is on screen, people can't seem to drop their lives for the required 90+ minutes in order to take in what they're watching. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people checking their email, updating facebook statuses, or even texting the person sitting RIGHT next to them during a movie. I, too, am guilty of this crime.
Having Movie ADD is not a very good thing if you're expected to have a semi-coherent opinion on what you just watched. So, I've come up with a few ways to combat this problem and I'd like to share.
1. Arrive just before the previews...if you sit around in the theater for too long, your Movie ADD will kick in long before the roller-coaster.
2. Sit in the middle. Now, not only will this help with the viewing, but it will also keep you from being sucked in to watching the people (who don't read these tips) run in and out of the theater for who knows what reason.
3. Not only should you sit in the middle, but you should also sit where you can put your feet up on the seats in front of you. If this isn't possible, take a big bag (which you'll want anyway..see #4) so you can prop your feet on that. The more comfortable you are, the less you'll fidget and the less your eyes will be pulled off the screen.
4. Snacks. Now, I know movie popcorn isn't everybody's cup of tea but snacks really do help keep you focused. Why? Because, in today's world we're used to doing at least 10 things at once so when we DON'T have something else to occupy us, we go searching for it. For instance, right now I'm watching TV, reading another blog, talking to two people on messenger, and eating baby goldfish snacks...all while writing this post. What the popcorn does is keep your hands and mouth occupied while your eyes and brain are focused on the movie.
5. While I advocate snacking, I do advise not to go overboard on the drinks. Speaking from personal experience, having to visit the lavatory halfway into the film does not enhance the movie-going experience. If you're like me, you won't want to get up lest you miss an important part, so you instead sit in misery for the duration. If you do decide to get up, you either have to work out the important details yourself oooorrr rely on your movie buddy's best description of the chain of events...yeah.
6. Change your cell phone's screen brightness to something so low that makes trying to see it not even worth the effort.
7. Go see movies at night. Yes, it's more expensive but it's scientifically proven that our sight and hearing senses are stronger at night so that makes the movie experience that much better. Plus, the later it is (unless it's a midnight premiere)....the less crowded and, therefore, less distracting. AND you can wear your PJs!
8. Watch the previews...I know some people see them as a waste of time, but it helps you get focused and primed for what's about to happen. A good preview set will have you well into what's happening on screen and you will have lost track of how long they've been on and, if they're really good, what movie you even came to see. I feel it's important to have this few minutes to get out of reality before the story even starts.
9. Don't answer your phone. Remember the days when people didn't carry their phones everywhere? Often left them at home and didn't have to charge them for over a week? I barely do...but I remember enough. In this day and age, if it's a life and death matter, the person in question will text you that. While I don't advocate actually texting during a movie, I feel you'll know if it's imperative to do so. When you answer a call, you're not only missing potential key plot points, but you're also taking yourself WAY out of the movie AND distracting the people around you no matter how quietly you think you're whispering "I'm in a movie, can I call you back?".
10. Don't expect anything. This is probably the hardest thing to do, especially for me. Before I go to a movie, I've IMDB'd it to death and know just about everything about it...from the star's first ever acting gig to the name of the pig's trainer. So it can be hard for me to go in without a pre-formed opinion. If I go in expecting to love a movie, I often find myself hating it. If I go in thinking I'll hate it, I sometimes kind of like it but don't want to admit it*. So, try to be neutral.
*Please note that, 99% of the time, if I say I hated a movie..I legitimately hated it.
I hope these tips help you like they do me! I still can't really enjoy "at home" movies unless I watch them on my computer because of my extreme Movie ADD. Sad day. Hopefully a new movie review coming at you this weekend!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Hanna
Hanna
Director- Joe Wright
Written By- Seth Lochhead & David Farr
Top-Billed Cast- Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, & Cate Blanchett
Eric Bana and Saoirse Ronan are father and daughter living in the wilds of...well, I'm not really sure where they are. But, it's cold. Very cold. And Eric..Erik is training Saoirse...Hanna, to fight. Not only fight, but to kill. Teaching her everything he knows about how to survive and also all that he knows about how to make sure Cate...Marissa, does not.
I didn't take too many notes for this movie. Not because I didn't want to..but because I couldn't type and keep track of the movie at the same time.
Pros:
* Superb sound mixing. Might not sound like a big deal but man, when it's done right..it's a very big deal.
* Very quick open, which I liked.
* The use of the accents in this movie was really awesome. Hanna's changes in hers were particularly distinct.
* The pace and scale of this film was really great
* I loved how you could see Hanna experiencing these things for the first time..and I actually believed it.
Cons:
* I'm putting this in here not for the average reader..but for those that were paying attention during the movie. Poor poor Vincent. Hopefully he lived a better life than Trudy.
* When they went to pick up Hanna..she sees the very bright helicopter light yet these people are dressed in extreme camo? I saw no point in that.
* You'd think that living in isolation for so long would make father and daughter remarkably close..this was not the case.
* I really hated the house of Grimm. But more because it creeped me out than because it was badly done.
* I was a tad thrown by the fact that Hanna claims to have not experienced music. I could understand having no records or the like...but she implies that they've never sung or done anything.
* I was a tad insulted by the end but am kind of excited at the prospect of a Hanna: 2 (doubt this will actually happen).
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13 and is very violent. There is implied sexuality and quite a bit of gore. Viewer beware..
In the end, I liked the movie. I wish I had taken more notes so I would be able to further explain why I liked it..but I didn't. 4/5 stars.
Sooooo it seems that Hanna is the winner here! It was close though. I really enjoyed the process of watching all of these movies..and while they weren't Oscar contenders (most likely..), they were entertaining and that's the whole point!
Soul Surfer
Soul Surfer
Director- Sean McNamara
Written by- Sean McNamara, Deborah and Douglas Scwartz, Michael Berk, and based on the book by Bethany Hamilton.
Top Billed Cast- AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, and Carrie Underwood.
Bethany Hamilton is a teen surfing sensation! She's won the regionals and is preparing for nationals when her life changes forever. While out training with her best friend and her father, a shark attacks. The movie chronicles her journey back to the top.
Pros:
* I couldn't decide if I liked the chemistry between Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid or not..I mean, it was kind of awkward but kind of cute? I suppose that's a pro.
* They did a scene of night surfing and they had all of them wear the glow-sticks....that was a neat concept
* I looooved the water shots! They really utilized the underwater cams (or had extremely good CGI..)
* Speaking of CGI....good work on the arm!
* I had noted that I disliked the use of the dog at first..but then I found out that it was played by Bethany Hamilton's own dog..so I put this as a pro instead.
Cons:
* Before I go an further..I have to ask: Why...why...WHY did they cast Carrie Underwood in this movie? I could tell that she was trying. I really could. But I just didn't get it.
* A lot of the shots were just too quick to process. One millisecond is not enough time to form an opinion.
* The script. I mean, I wasn't expecting anything amazing but there seemed to be a lot of in-between-time. A lot of time between expressed thoughts. Or something..I'm not really sure, it just wasn't that great.
* There were a LOT of unnecessary build-ups to un-climactic events. We don't need a major orchestra swell every scene.
* The shark...oh the shark. Jaws didn't die. Sorry to inform you.
* I did see the "ghost arm" once..barely there but..def there.
* Some awkward transitions such as from shooting a shark to shooting a picture. Just not ok.
* Lots of product placement. This actually made me laugh in the theater. I know, you do what you gotta do :)
* They had an *amazing* translator. She was practically IN the Thai lady's HEAD.
* I understand that this is an inspirational true story and that Bethany Hamilton credits God for her amazing recovery and all that she's able to do, but, I really hate church scenes in movies. It always feels sooooo contrived. I just can't even focus on the real point of the scene because I'm so distracted by these actors pretending to worship. They could really believe what they're saying, I don't know..I hope they do!
* I hate to put this here because I know it's practically impossible to do a water movie without them but..nose bubbles. Never attractive.
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG. There's blood but nothing major. The biggest thing you'll have to discuss is the loss of a limb and how that does and doesn't change a person. Viewer beware..
Overall, I didn't flat out hate this movie but I also wasn't expecting all that much. I was surprised at how great the shots were and the surfing was awesome. I think that it was better than I expected. 2.5/5 stars.
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Battle is on..
Between Battle: LA, Soul Surfer, and Hanna! What are they competing for? Stars, of course! Whoa...three movies in one post? Yes..I went a tad crazy. But then I procrastinated...so here they are!
Battle: Los Angeles
Director- Jonathan Liebesman
Written by- Christopher Bertolini
Top Billed Cast- Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, & Bridget Moynahan
Basically, Aaron Eckhart is a Marine that has put in more than his time and has just gotten his retirement approved when, you guessed it, aliens attack. I took a lot of notes for this movie..again, amusing to read back over. Maybe one day, I'll just post the notes and let those speak for themselves.
Pros:
* The CGI-work was pretty darn good...for an alien movie, this is important.
* The scale. When I'm watching a movie, especially one with lots of fight scenes, I feel that often the choice to stay right on the main character is a poor one...the shots are so close you can hardly make heads or tails of what's going on. While this movie had some too-close-sequences, there were a LOT of really great open shots!
* All of the choreography that goes into these battle scenes is just so incredible. Everybody has to be on their toes and remember so much. The best is when it *looks* like chaos..but we all know that true chaos and a movie set don't really get along.
* They did a really good job with the set designs and the props; so much debris to keep track of.
* I really liked the way they designed the ships
* The use of alien goop was nice
* This movie made me jump..there are few that can do that to me (at least to this extent). Despite my feverish note taking, I got drawn in and I liked it.
Cons:
* While this movie had great scale, it was a tad too Blair Witch for my liking with the filming. I'm all for realism when the time calls for it but I am not all for motion sickness in a movie theater. A good balance is key.
* Little do you know walking in that you will have to remember like fifty-gazillion names! I made up my own for them. It worked for me.
* So..the aliens communicate. And they sound a lot like the aliens from Signs. Yes, aliens are way popular and I'm sure it's hard to be original but..come ON.
* Aaron Eckhart...I just felt that his character was left too harsh. I mean, he has a backstory and we know it hurts him but at some point during this whole thing, he should break. Or..at least show some sort of emotion.
* The power goes out. The tv works.
* This is an ALIEN movie. Most of the world is dying. And yet...as always, love abounds.
* I can't help but see Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent..curse the ONE superhero movie I watch for ruining this actor for me for life.
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13. There are INTENSE battle sequences, frequent use of the Lord's name in vain, and a lot of alien guts. Viewer beware..
Overall, I liked this movie. I liked the pace and the intensity. Was it predictable? It's an alien movie...of course it's predictable. There was one line that I really liked, it sounds really cheesy and I'm aware of that but still, doesn't this just sound so profound coming from Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent growl?
"Discard any lingering doubt." 3.5/5 stars.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Unknown...or is it?
Oh me...this movie was actually different than I imagined which I thought was surprising. I mean, how "unknown" can a movie plot be? Especially for me?
Unknown
Director- Jaume Collet-Serra
Writer(s)- Oliver Butcher, Stephen Cornwell, and based upon the novel Out of My Head by Didier Van Cauwelaert
Top Billed Cast- Liam Neeson, January Jones, & Diane Kruger
What's this movie about? You guessed it! Man gets into an accident and suddenly he can't seem to get his wife and colleagues to believe they are, in fact, his wife and colleagues. Such a tragedy. We watch as Dr. Martin Harris struggles to try and make sense of this new "reality". Car chases and explosions abound.
PROS-
* Diane Kruger. The last time I saw her was in National Treasure (let's not count that second thing they called a sequel, k?), so I was quite excited to see her in something new. Though I feel she did the best she could with what was there, this isn't a total "pro".
* This movie didn't go the way I thought it was going to go. I mean, I had it mostly figured out 5 minutes in, but I have to give it credit for going a completely different direction. I guess, though, they kind of HAD to go in a different direction since every other facet of the movie is practically identical to every other movie on the planet.
* In my notes I complimented the transition sequence from the credits to the first scene but, honestly, I don't remember enough about this to call it "good". I'll take my word for it though.
* I also noted that the color tones were good. I could really see the cold, which is always important in my book. One of the best examples of color-usage (in my opinion) is the CSI series: within the first 30 seconds of any episode from any of the shows, one can tell where it takes place (Vegas, Miami, or NY).
CONS-
* Whyyyyy is it that these actors can't annunciate?? I mean, with all the training they have at their disposal, they really can't hire a decent dialect/dialog coach? I have a really hard time believing that. There's only so much growling I can handle in a movie...especially when the main character is also responsible for a real "growling" character: Aslan.
* January Jones. I certainly hope she does a better job in Mad Men, because she was seriously lacking in this movie. From scene numero uno I hated her character and her portrayal. I'm really not sure why they cast her. Popularity of Mad Men? Really? Is that all it takes these days? Could we see Lea Michele cast as Anthony Hopkins wife just because Glee is popular? That'd be only a tad more awkward than the January Jones & Liam Neeson pairing...only a tad.
* So many plot holes and so many pointless deaths. I really just thought the whole thing was a bunch of writers and producers sitting around saying "here's a boring bit, let's introduce a minor charrie and then kill 'em off in wildly unlikely fashion...that'll buy us, what? 5-10 minutes? sounds good".
* Are there no rules in these other countries? I'll just leave it at that.
* Diane Kruger, though she tried, was really trying to play her role younger than I felt she should have. I mean...again, with Aslan as your leading male, you really can't have him gallivanting around Europe with a twenty-something-acting female lead believably. Sure, he'd see something in her..but what would she see in him? He's obvi got MAJOR issues. Too complicated. Oh, and while we're on the subject of Diane Kruger...what the HECK with that character's backstory? South Africa? Why?
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13 and contains loads of violence, some brief sexual content, and profanity. Be prepared to also discuss some of the finer points of World War II. Viewer beware..
This movie was just not that impressive. I mean, I didn't expect it to be...but my pre-set thoughts were not changed upon the end credits. 2.5-5 stars just because it wasn't exactly how I thought it would be. Later this weekend I'll be posting my review of Battle: LA, in an out wifi this week.
Unknown
Director- Jaume Collet-Serra
Writer(s)- Oliver Butcher, Stephen Cornwell, and based upon the novel Out of My Head by Didier Van Cauwelaert
Top Billed Cast- Liam Neeson, January Jones, & Diane Kruger
What's this movie about? You guessed it! Man gets into an accident and suddenly he can't seem to get his wife and colleagues to believe they are, in fact, his wife and colleagues. Such a tragedy. We watch as Dr. Martin Harris struggles to try and make sense of this new "reality". Car chases and explosions abound.
PROS-
* Diane Kruger. The last time I saw her was in National Treasure (let's not count that second thing they called a sequel, k?), so I was quite excited to see her in something new. Though I feel she did the best she could with what was there, this isn't a total "pro".
* This movie didn't go the way I thought it was going to go. I mean, I had it mostly figured out 5 minutes in, but I have to give it credit for going a completely different direction. I guess, though, they kind of HAD to go in a different direction since every other facet of the movie is practically identical to every other movie on the planet.
* In my notes I complimented the transition sequence from the credits to the first scene but, honestly, I don't remember enough about this to call it "good". I'll take my word for it though.
* I also noted that the color tones were good. I could really see the cold, which is always important in my book. One of the best examples of color-usage (in my opinion) is the CSI series: within the first 30 seconds of any episode from any of the shows, one can tell where it takes place (Vegas, Miami, or NY).
CONS-
* Whyyyyy is it that these actors can't annunciate?? I mean, with all the training they have at their disposal, they really can't hire a decent dialect/dialog coach? I have a really hard time believing that. There's only so much growling I can handle in a movie...especially when the main character is also responsible for a real "growling" character: Aslan.
* January Jones. I certainly hope she does a better job in Mad Men, because she was seriously lacking in this movie. From scene numero uno I hated her character and her portrayal. I'm really not sure why they cast her. Popularity of Mad Men? Really? Is that all it takes these days? Could we see Lea Michele cast as Anthony Hopkins wife just because Glee is popular? That'd be only a tad more awkward than the January Jones & Liam Neeson pairing...only a tad.
* So many plot holes and so many pointless deaths. I really just thought the whole thing was a bunch of writers and producers sitting around saying "here's a boring bit, let's introduce a minor charrie and then kill 'em off in wildly unlikely fashion...that'll buy us, what? 5-10 minutes? sounds good".
* Are there no rules in these other countries? I'll just leave it at that.
* Diane Kruger, though she tried, was really trying to play her role younger than I felt she should have. I mean...again, with Aslan as your leading male, you really can't have him gallivanting around Europe with a twenty-something-acting female lead believably. Sure, he'd see something in her..but what would she see in him? He's obvi got MAJOR issues. Too complicated. Oh, and while we're on the subject of Diane Kruger...what the HECK with that character's backstory? South Africa? Why?
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13 and contains loads of violence, some brief sexual content, and profanity. Be prepared to also discuss some of the finer points of World War II. Viewer beware..
This movie was just not that impressive. I mean, I didn't expect it to be...but my pre-set thoughts were not changed upon the end credits. 2.5-5 stars just because it wasn't exactly how I thought it would be. Later this weekend I'll be posting my review of Battle: LA, in an out wifi this week.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Just Go With It
I feel the need to emphasize how often one line in this movie was said. You'll know it when you see it.
Just Go With It
Director- Dennis Dugan
Writer(s)- Allan Loeb, Timothy Dowling, I.A.L. Diamond, Abe Burrows, Pierre Barillet, & Jean-Pierre Gredy
Top Billed Cast- Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, & Brooklyn Decker
Adam Sandler gets dumped on his wedding day and therefore feels the need to trick every woman in his life after this point into believing that he is married to an abusive spouse. Just go with it...Eventually, he finds "the one" and, unfortunately, she's already fallen prey to his trick so now he's in a pickle. He convinces his assistant (Aniston) to pose as his x-wife and even hires her two kids to play his children. Chaos ensues.
PROS-
* I know this isn't really a movie-related pro (well it is..) but man, my notes from this movie are funny. I enjoyed re-reading over this stuff trying to figure out what on earth I was referring to by such things as "that was easy..or not.." and "what's with preggo and company?", lol, ok so maybe it's only a pro to me..
* I love when a movie utilizes pre-established actors & actresses to play minor roles. Cameos are there for a reason and too many filmmakers don't know how to use them well/too many actors & actresses turn up their noses at roles that aren't Oscar worthy, or maybe I should just blame their agents?
* I actually felt that Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston had good chemistry, which I did not expect. At all.
* Bailee Madison is cute in her own little way. I enjoyed her character though it was over-written at times.
* Nicole Kidman was actually quite funny in her role. Why she can't do a proper American accent after all these years is beyond me but, I suppose I should just go with it..
CONS-
* I understand that this is an Adam Sandler comedy and that exaggerations are kind of his "thing" but did he REALLY need a nose the size of Texas&ahalf in the first scene? I don't think so. It's not like he has a Michael Jackson nose in real life...he could've just added a tiiiny piece on top and we would've gotten the joke.
* I kind of feel sorry for this movie. Why? Because in 5 years (probably less) over half of the script is going to be misunderstood by the audience because of all 5-billion references to popular culture today. I mean, really, how do writers think this is a smart move?
* So much emphasis went on the ring and when it went where...are we, the audience, really that dumb? I don't think so. Plus, that little tid bit was in every single one of the previews and how often do people, these days, go to see movies without seeing at least one preview?
* Who the heck is Brooklyn Decker and who thought it would be a good idea to give her a leading role as her first ever acting gig? It almost made everybody else in this movie look incredible because she sucked so bad. And whoooo names their female-supporting-character "Palmer"?? Now that, I can't just go with..
* Whoever was in charge of casting the extras needs to re-evaluate their job choice.
* What kind of Doctor and assistant have private (VERY private) conversations in front of patients? That's just not ok.
* Do we really have to just go with a practical homage to Pretty Woman? I mean..was Jennifer Aniston supposed to appear *that* bad off? And why the need for 15-gajillion shopping bags for supposedly one day of pretending?
* Speaking of the "make-over"...I understand that extensions exist, but why did she need them? Why not just get her hair shaped up? Revitalized?
* I hate when TPTB dumb things down for the viewers, whether that be in a sequence like the ring thing that I already mentioned, or in sequences that are sooooo obvious anyway that there is def no need for a music change or an awkward close-up...
* I still don't get the purpose of the fake sheep. Please, if you were able to just go with it, explain it to me?
* Finally......We paid for the ticket, we were told what theater we were to go in, we saw the posters on the way in....WHY do you have to CONTINUOUSLY throw the title of the movie into scenes??? We get it! I don't *want* to "just go with it" anymore!
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13 and, as with most of the newer Adam Sandler stuff, it's fairly clean for a pg-13. There is, however, crude humor, partial nudity (I don't remember this, though), brief drug references, some sexual content, and language (I always love when they put this in the rating thingy..what movie, technically, DOESN'T contain "language"? :P ). Viewer beware..
This movie did make me laugh and I'm not opposed to seeing it again..for $1. I mean, it's a comedy and as such it did fulfill its purpose. I'm not sure that one can really expect much more from a movie like this. 3/5 stars.
Just Go With It
Director- Dennis Dugan
Writer(s)- Allan Loeb, Timothy Dowling, I.A.L. Diamond, Abe Burrows, Pierre Barillet, & Jean-Pierre Gredy
Top Billed Cast- Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, & Brooklyn Decker
Adam Sandler gets dumped on his wedding day and therefore feels the need to trick every woman in his life after this point into believing that he is married to an abusive spouse. Just go with it...Eventually, he finds "the one" and, unfortunately, she's already fallen prey to his trick so now he's in a pickle. He convinces his assistant (Aniston) to pose as his x-wife and even hires her two kids to play his children. Chaos ensues.
PROS-
* I know this isn't really a movie-related pro (well it is..) but man, my notes from this movie are funny. I enjoyed re-reading over this stuff trying to figure out what on earth I was referring to by such things as "that was easy..or not.." and "what's with preggo and company?", lol, ok so maybe it's only a pro to me..
* I love when a movie utilizes pre-established actors & actresses to play minor roles. Cameos are there for a reason and too many filmmakers don't know how to use them well/too many actors & actresses turn up their noses at roles that aren't Oscar worthy, or maybe I should just blame their agents?
* I actually felt that Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston had good chemistry, which I did not expect. At all.
* Bailee Madison is cute in her own little way. I enjoyed her character though it was over-written at times.
* Nicole Kidman was actually quite funny in her role. Why she can't do a proper American accent after all these years is beyond me but, I suppose I should just go with it..
CONS-
* I understand that this is an Adam Sandler comedy and that exaggerations are kind of his "thing" but did he REALLY need a nose the size of Texas&ahalf in the first scene? I don't think so. It's not like he has a Michael Jackson nose in real life...he could've just added a tiiiny piece on top and we would've gotten the joke.
* I kind of feel sorry for this movie. Why? Because in 5 years (probably less) over half of the script is going to be misunderstood by the audience because of all 5-billion references to popular culture today. I mean, really, how do writers think this is a smart move?
* So much emphasis went on the ring and when it went where...are we, the audience, really that dumb? I don't think so. Plus, that little tid bit was in every single one of the previews and how often do people, these days, go to see movies without seeing at least one preview?
* Who the heck is Brooklyn Decker and who thought it would be a good idea to give her a leading role as her first ever acting gig? It almost made everybody else in this movie look incredible because she sucked so bad. And whoooo names their female-supporting-character "Palmer"?? Now that, I can't just go with..
* Whoever was in charge of casting the extras needs to re-evaluate their job choice.
* What kind of Doctor and assistant have private (VERY private) conversations in front of patients? That's just not ok.
* Do we really have to just go with a practical homage to Pretty Woman? I mean..was Jennifer Aniston supposed to appear *that* bad off? And why the need for 15-gajillion shopping bags for supposedly one day of pretending?
* Speaking of the "make-over"...I understand that extensions exist, but why did she need them? Why not just get her hair shaped up? Revitalized?
* I hate when TPTB dumb things down for the viewers, whether that be in a sequence like the ring thing that I already mentioned, or in sequences that are sooooo obvious anyway that there is def no need for a music change or an awkward close-up...
* I still don't get the purpose of the fake sheep. Please, if you were able to just go with it, explain it to me?
* Finally......We paid for the ticket, we were told what theater we were to go in, we saw the posters on the way in....WHY do you have to CONTINUOUSLY throw the title of the movie into scenes??? We get it! I don't *want* to "just go with it" anymore!
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13 and, as with most of the newer Adam Sandler stuff, it's fairly clean for a pg-13. There is, however, crude humor, partial nudity (I don't remember this, though), brief drug references, some sexual content, and language (I always love when they put this in the rating thingy..what movie, technically, DOESN'T contain "language"? :P ). Viewer beware..
This movie did make me laugh and I'm not opposed to seeing it again..for $1. I mean, it's a comedy and as such it did fulfill its purpose. I'm not sure that one can really expect much more from a movie like this. 3/5 stars.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Back on Track..sort of
After a lot of procrastination and loss of inspiration, I'm back. I'm still not really sure how to get this blog formatted the way I imagine it should be, but I'm going to "suffer" through it and try and find that magical mixture somewhere along the way.
First things first: This blog will contain SPOILERS*, so reader beware.
*A spoiler is information that some viewers might deem crucial to the plot or end-game and therefore feel that it should be saved for the movie itself. I LOVE spoilers. It saves me lots of disappointment and stress to know whether or not a film/tv show is going to be as horrible as I imagine it to be. Plus, who doesn't like to know stuff before, practically, anybody else?!
One last thing before we get started: Go see "The King's Speech"! I mean, how many people have to tell you before you listen? It's still playing for a reason! *Although, if you happen to be visiting Providence Theaters, avoid going to see the movie if it's playing in the last theater on the left (right wing) beside the "party room".
The Adjustment Bureau
Director- George Nolfi
Writer(s)- George Nolfi, based on the short story Adjustment Team by Phillip K. Dick
Top Billed Cast- Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, & Anthony Mackey
Firstly, I only typed "T" into the IMDB.com search bar and it automatically brought me to this movie. I love technology.
Basically, this movie is about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. No, really! Ok, so, mostly it's about deciding what to do with your life. Is your plan THE plan?
On to my personal favourite part!
PROS-
*Can you say chemistry?? Emily Blunt and Matt Damon can! At first it almost felt contrived because it was so intense but, by the end of it I was addicted.
* Cinematography was pretty cool..I mean, not mindblowing, but pretty good.
* Great usage of doors. You'll have to see it to understand what makes this a pro. But trust me, doors can be quite amazingly complex objects.
* I'm not sure if I've seen a movie quite so water-filled (without water being the mode of transport) before. Also, the last time a movie was made that gave water such a unique purpose was Signs (M. Night reference for the win!).
* Though the writing often left me shaking my head, the actors did a really nice job with what was there.
CONS-
* As mentioned above: the writing. I'm no screenwriter, nor have I ever completed a single story (I try, really I do), but when I can picture the script in my head...it's never good. I know I've said that before, but it's just such a big part of the movie-going experience for me. I feel like I can tell when an actor doesn't like or believe in their lines because it's so poorly delivered. It feels flat and soulless. I'm sure writing dialog that properly portrays the appropriate message at the perfect time in the plot is a very tricky process and props to those of you that can do it and do it well..I just feel that it's SO important to keep viewers IN the movie. If I'm able to tell you what level of Angry Birds the people two rows down from me were on...I was not appropriately drawn in to the film.
* The doors. While I made them a Pro, there were some things that could've been a lot better. If there is such a BIG focus on said doors and the way they work and how they don't work...shouldn't there also be a focus and cOnsIstaNcY on which type of doors we use?? I think so. Again, if you haven't seen it, you won't really understand what makes this a con.
* The End. What the heck? I was so drawn in, so wanting to go along with these characters, to discover as they discover....and then, it happened. Nothing. Anticlimactic much?
* Though I think that this is mostly how the character was written..I got kind of tired of Harry being sooooooo mopey all the time. Especially by the end.
* It's all in "blue" is it? Pretty sure the "plan" was in black. Once again, *where* are the continuity people? Fact checkers? Editors? Anybody?
* Everyone knows that in this day and age everybody is google-able.
* Minor though it is, if hats are the key (oh me, I crack myself up), then mayhaps some superglue would fix the flying issue? Simple solutions people, simple solutions.
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13 for some brief language, violence, and some sexuality.
Over all, I give this move 3 out of 5 stars. Really creative idea, brilliant cast, but such a wimpy response. I'm not going to say that this movie is in the leagues of Inception or even The Matrix, but I do give it major props for certain aspects being just plain inventive. I'll still probably own this movie. I want to like it a lot...I just wish the script was better.
First things first: This blog will contain SPOILERS*, so reader beware.
*A spoiler is information that some viewers might deem crucial to the plot or end-game and therefore feel that it should be saved for the movie itself. I LOVE spoilers. It saves me lots of disappointment and stress to know whether or not a film/tv show is going to be as horrible as I imagine it to be. Plus, who doesn't like to know stuff before, practically, anybody else?!
One last thing before we get started: Go see "The King's Speech"! I mean, how many people have to tell you before you listen? It's still playing for a reason! *Although, if you happen to be visiting Providence Theaters, avoid going to see the movie if it's playing in the last theater on the left (right wing) beside the "party room".
The Adjustment Bureau
Director- George Nolfi
Writer(s)- George Nolfi, based on the short story Adjustment Team by Phillip K. Dick
Top Billed Cast- Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, & Anthony Mackey
Firstly, I only typed "T" into the IMDB.com search bar and it automatically brought me to this movie. I love technology.
Basically, this movie is about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. No, really! Ok, so, mostly it's about deciding what to do with your life. Is your plan THE plan?
On to my personal favourite part!
PROS-
*Can you say chemistry?? Emily Blunt and Matt Damon can! At first it almost felt contrived because it was so intense but, by the end of it I was addicted.
* Cinematography was pretty cool..I mean, not mindblowing, but pretty good.
* Great usage of doors. You'll have to see it to understand what makes this a pro. But trust me, doors can be quite amazingly complex objects.
* I'm not sure if I've seen a movie quite so water-filled (without water being the mode of transport) before. Also, the last time a movie was made that gave water such a unique purpose was Signs (M. Night reference for the win!).
* Though the writing often left me shaking my head, the actors did a really nice job with what was there.
CONS-
* As mentioned above: the writing. I'm no screenwriter, nor have I ever completed a single story (I try, really I do), but when I can picture the script in my head...it's never good. I know I've said that before, but it's just such a big part of the movie-going experience for me. I feel like I can tell when an actor doesn't like or believe in their lines because it's so poorly delivered. It feels flat and soulless. I'm sure writing dialog that properly portrays the appropriate message at the perfect time in the plot is a very tricky process and props to those of you that can do it and do it well..I just feel that it's SO important to keep viewers IN the movie. If I'm able to tell you what level of Angry Birds the people two rows down from me were on...I was not appropriately drawn in to the film.
* The doors. While I made them a Pro, there were some things that could've been a lot better. If there is such a BIG focus on said doors and the way they work and how they don't work...shouldn't there also be a focus and cOnsIstaNcY on which type of doors we use?? I think so. Again, if you haven't seen it, you won't really understand what makes this a con.
* The End. What the heck? I was so drawn in, so wanting to go along with these characters, to discover as they discover....and then, it happened. Nothing. Anticlimactic much?
* Though I think that this is mostly how the character was written..I got kind of tired of Harry being sooooooo mopey all the time. Especially by the end.
* It's all in "blue" is it? Pretty sure the "plan" was in black. Once again, *where* are the continuity people? Fact checkers? Editors? Anybody?
* Everyone knows that in this day and age everybody is google-able.
* Minor though it is, if hats are the key (oh me, I crack myself up), then mayhaps some superglue would fix the flying issue? Simple solutions people, simple solutions.
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13 for some brief language, violence, and some sexuality.
Over all, I give this move 3 out of 5 stars. Really creative idea, brilliant cast, but such a wimpy response. I'm not going to say that this movie is in the leagues of Inception or even The Matrix, but I do give it major props for certain aspects being just plain inventive. I'll still probably own this movie. I want to like it a lot...I just wish the script was better.
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