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.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
While You Wait
So, I've decided to change some things up here as I feel that just a "pros & cons" list isn't cutting it. While I figure out exactly what/how I'm going to do, though, here is a list of must-sees & can-live-withouts!
Must Sees!
* (Almost) Anything from M. Night Shyamalan, especially the earlier stuff: The Sixth Sense & Signs. Now, I personally LOVED The Village but from what I've heard, I stand in a small crowd.
* About A Boy - A good mixture of humor and...depression?
* UP - I'm not sure why people think this movie is so boring! I loved it. Really pretty and very adorable plot.
* I've said it once and I'll say it again... go see The King's Speech!
* Now, I just saw this movie last night and the review is coming but I'll go ahead and recommend Rabbit Hole. The score is really nice and the story, though some might find it quite depressing, is well written and performed.
* Even though I really really really despise the total and complete LACK of a proper storyline, the amazingness of the visual effects in Avatar, alone, make it a "must see".
* If you haven't already, you really should see Despicable Me.
* Even if you aren't an animal lover (or a fan of Claire Danes), you should really still see Temple Grandin. Beautiful story and amazing performance.
* One of the funniest movies I saw last year, Easy A.
We can live without...
* Valentine's Day. Yep, that star-studded movie was one of the worst I saw all last year. I can't even pinpoint a single thing that made it so cringe-worthy, it just wasn't good.
* Anything Twilight related. Sorry to all you "TwiHards" out there...these stories (what? there was WRITING involved???) are just so poorly written and badly performed. I still don't understand the attraction of this saga. I might have to write an entire post detailing my disdain for this topic.
* Dear John needed a lot of help. I tried to read the book...couldn't get through it. I'm not sure how I made it through the movie.
* Speaking of Amanda Seyfried and movies I could barely get through, Letters To Juliet was atrocious.
* Not only is this movie disturbing on multiple levels, it's scientifically inaccurate and that's why The Human Centipede is on this list.
* I'm not even sure why The Knowing was even made. I'll leave it at that.
I'll probably do another more of these lists in the future. Stay tuned for more in depth reviews!
Must Sees!
* (Almost) Anything from M. Night Shyamalan, especially the earlier stuff: The Sixth Sense & Signs. Now, I personally LOVED The Village but from what I've heard, I stand in a small crowd.
* About A Boy - A good mixture of humor and...depression?
* UP - I'm not sure why people think this movie is so boring! I loved it. Really pretty and very adorable plot.
* I've said it once and I'll say it again... go see The King's Speech!
* Now, I just saw this movie last night and the review is coming but I'll go ahead and recommend Rabbit Hole. The score is really nice and the story, though some might find it quite depressing, is well written and performed.
* Even though I really really really despise the total and complete LACK of a proper storyline, the amazingness of the visual effects in Avatar, alone, make it a "must see".
* If you haven't already, you really should see Despicable Me.
* Even if you aren't an animal lover (or a fan of Claire Danes), you should really still see Temple Grandin. Beautiful story and amazing performance.
* One of the funniest movies I saw last year, Easy A.
We can live without...
* Valentine's Day. Yep, that star-studded movie was one of the worst I saw all last year. I can't even pinpoint a single thing that made it so cringe-worthy, it just wasn't good.
* Anything Twilight related. Sorry to all you "TwiHards" out there...these stories (what? there was WRITING involved???) are just so poorly written and badly performed. I still don't understand the attraction of this saga. I might have to write an entire post detailing my disdain for this topic.
* Dear John needed a lot of help. I tried to read the book...couldn't get through it. I'm not sure how I made it through the movie.
* Speaking of Amanda Seyfried and movies I could barely get through, Letters To Juliet was atrocious.
* Not only is this movie disturbing on multiple levels, it's scientifically inaccurate and that's why The Human Centipede is on this list.
* I'm not even sure why The Knowing was even made. I'll leave it at that.
I'll probably do another more of these lists in the future. Stay tuned for more in depth reviews!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Phoebe In Wonderland
Thus far with this blog, I've been writing about movies I've seen in the last few months. So recent enough that I haven't had to re-watch anything. Today, I ran out of fresh material. So...rather than venture out into the nasty rain or re-live a bad movie, I decided to watch a newer favourite. Enjoy!
Phoebe In Wonderland
Director- Daniel Barnz
Writer- Daniel Barnz
Top Billed Cast- Elle Fanning, Patricia Clarkson, & Felicity Huffman
This movie is about the very imaginative Phoebe Lichten and her struggle to decipher fact from fiction.
PROS-
* Within the first 10 minutes of the film, you're already aware of one of the major themes (and no, I'm not talking about Alice in Wonderland): Felicity Huffman's resentment of her current living situation; trying to wear too many hats without complaints.
* I love the vibrancy of this movie, everything is vivid and eye catching but not in a gaudy or overwhelming way.
* Elle Fanning is such a brilliant little actress, I never once doubted her role. While, yes, I'll admit that for the majority of the film I was stuck on the "That's Dakota's little sister!" thing so that was a bit distracting, but overall I felt she did fantastic.
* Cinematography is really great in this movie. It's on the "artsy" side, but I think it goes with the flow of the film very well.
* I loved Patricia Clarkson in this movie. Such passion behind her role.
* The acting, in general was pretty darn good. Were there some rough patches? Most certainly! But, the fact that the majority of this movie is carried by children (who, a lot of the time, have had very little on screen time) kind of makes those rough patches "ok".
* The bedroom scene with Phoebe and her mother makes me cry every time. That's right, ME, cry. I'm not sure what it is about that particular scene that moves me so, it's just so beautifully done.
* I love how frustrated Felicity Huffman's character gets when everybody tries to tell her that Phoebe isn't "normal". In her mind, if Phoebe isn't normal, than it must be her fault and that's not something she's ready to come to terms with. I think the progression of this realization is really nice.
* The score on this movie is very cohesive and enjoyable.
CONS-
* Little classmates of Phoebe...unless you've read the given piece of audition material, you really can't know it word for word and you most definitely can't perform it with inflection and such mockingly-intense-feeling. This actually goes for Phoebe too.
* When do these kids get all this free time at school? No wonder graduation rates are so low these days, kids are left unattended for large portions of the day and are creating weird, aerial view houses.
* For being SO raw and bloody, Phoebe's hands seem to heel overnight in some scenes. Continuity anyone? Anyone?
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13. There is some mild cursing (there is 1 F work but it's pretty muffled) and one scene where sex is...discussed (if young girls talking about what they thought they read in a sex-ed book really counts as "discussing"). The main theme of the movie is diagnosing Phoebe, so be prepared to discuss the out come of that, though they do a very good job of that towards the end of the film.
I really like this movie. Could I pick it apart further and complain about other aspects of it? Yes, most definitely. I think what makes it such a good movie to me is the fact that though they took such an old story (Alice in Wonderland), it was done in such a way that it was completely new. Everybody felt so genuine and endearing that the small things (such as getting the syncing right during the music number...) are pushed into the corner. 4/5 stars from me.
Phoebe In Wonderland
Director- Daniel Barnz
Writer- Daniel Barnz
Top Billed Cast- Elle Fanning, Patricia Clarkson, & Felicity Huffman
This movie is about the very imaginative Phoebe Lichten and her struggle to decipher fact from fiction.
PROS-
* Within the first 10 minutes of the film, you're already aware of one of the major themes (and no, I'm not talking about Alice in Wonderland): Felicity Huffman's resentment of her current living situation; trying to wear too many hats without complaints.
* I love the vibrancy of this movie, everything is vivid and eye catching but not in a gaudy or overwhelming way.
* Elle Fanning is such a brilliant little actress, I never once doubted her role. While, yes, I'll admit that for the majority of the film I was stuck on the "That's Dakota's little sister!" thing so that was a bit distracting, but overall I felt she did fantastic.
* Cinematography is really great in this movie. It's on the "artsy" side, but I think it goes with the flow of the film very well.
* I loved Patricia Clarkson in this movie. Such passion behind her role.
* The acting, in general was pretty darn good. Were there some rough patches? Most certainly! But, the fact that the majority of this movie is carried by children (who, a lot of the time, have had very little on screen time) kind of makes those rough patches "ok".
* The bedroom scene with Phoebe and her mother makes me cry every time. That's right, ME, cry. I'm not sure what it is about that particular scene that moves me so, it's just so beautifully done.
* I love how frustrated Felicity Huffman's character gets when everybody tries to tell her that Phoebe isn't "normal". In her mind, if Phoebe isn't normal, than it must be her fault and that's not something she's ready to come to terms with. I think the progression of this realization is really nice.
* The score on this movie is very cohesive and enjoyable.
CONS-
* Little classmates of Phoebe...unless you've read the given piece of audition material, you really can't know it word for word and you most definitely can't perform it with inflection and such mockingly-intense-feeling. This actually goes for Phoebe too.
* When do these kids get all this free time at school? No wonder graduation rates are so low these days, kids are left unattended for large portions of the day and are creating weird, aerial view houses.
* For being SO raw and bloody, Phoebe's hands seem to heel overnight in some scenes. Continuity anyone? Anyone?
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13. There is some mild cursing (there is 1 F work but it's pretty muffled) and one scene where sex is...discussed (if young girls talking about what they thought they read in a sex-ed book really counts as "discussing"). The main theme of the movie is diagnosing Phoebe, so be prepared to discuss the out come of that, though they do a very good job of that towards the end of the film.
I really like this movie. Could I pick it apart further and complain about other aspects of it? Yes, most definitely. I think what makes it such a good movie to me is the fact that though they took such an old story (Alice in Wonderland), it was done in such a way that it was completely new. Everybody felt so genuine and endearing that the small things (such as getting the syncing right during the music number...) are pushed into the corner. 4/5 stars from me.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
True Grit
Interesting movie this week. I thought for sure that I liked this one up until the very last scene. It's amazing how easy it is to go from "this is a pretty great movie" to "I can't believe I thought I liked that" for me. Kind of sad, but interesting none the less.
For those that wonder "why does she keep watching these movies if she hates them so much?", well, I watch for the same reason as most people: Entertainment. What I find entertaining isn't the same as most people, I know, but it's still entertainment.
True Grit
Director- Ethan Coen & Joel Coen
Writer- Charles Portis (Novel), Ethan Coen, & Joel Coen
Top Billed Cast- Matt Damon, Jeff Bridges, & Hailee Steinfeld
PROS-
* Hailee Steinfeld did a really nice job with what she was given. Her delivery was excellent and her character well developed.
* The word usage was really nice and typical of a Coen script. It was insanely formal but with flow.
* Being the Out-West junky that I am, I really enjoyed the scenery and scale of a lot of the shots.
CONS-
* Jeff Bridges...I can't understand you. Seriously, it was pretty much 1 out of every 3 words that I got.
* This movie is set in the mid/late-1800s, right? Then why the heck are we spouting "I'm only 14..." every five seconds? At that time and age, one should be at the very least courting...if not married with 3 kids under tow. One most definitely should not still be in braids and shorter-hemmed skirts. I read the Little House books, I know how it works.
* I was really conflicted by the Matt Damon character. Was I supposed to admire his bravery? Feel sick to my stomach at his apparent walking-the-fine-line-of-pedophilia? Or just find him a joke all together?
* I'm not completely sure, but I think they might've employed the most out of shape horses in Hollywood. These are lawmen that we are told go allllll over the west in search of outlaws and yet, their horses have less muscle tone than your average trail steed? Right.
* Does NOBODY check continuity anymore? Cup moves an inch, I can understand that. Wisp of hair is moved, I get it. Horse & Girl are COMPLETELY dry after swimming across a river less than 60 seconds ago....that, I don't understand.
* Apparently they spent so much on the poorly toned horses that they couldn't afford a proper graphics artist. SHOT..(2 seconds later) explosion. It looked like your average TV quality wound (Not even Grey's or CSI level, more like a Lifetime movie).
* So, you're trapped in a deep hole and you can't wiggle your ankle free. To your left is a dead guy with a knife on his belt. What do you do? Pull the body over, grab the knife and go? Yeah, that would've been my choice too. Apparently not what Mattie Ross would do. Oh no, instead, she'd prefer to pull the body over, open the chest cavity...see some "hibernating" snakes, freak out, and use more energy than it would take to pull the knife out to shove said body down the hole. What a waste.
* Speaking of Mattie Ross....amazing how little "older" Mattie looked like younger Mattie. It can't be that difficult to find an actress that at least RESEMBLES your main character.
* My last (sort of) beef with this movie is the song choice for that very last scene. This whole movie we've listened to a pretty good score. And then, as the now one-armed, Mattie walks into the sunset over the picturesque knoll...we hear it. The BLASTING of "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms". I understand the context and the power of the song. It just did not fit in with the overall feel of the film.
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13, mostly for violence and tense scenes. Most of the main characters smoke & drink and there is one scene of drunkenness. Viewer beware..
I give this movie 3/5 stars. Why so many when I obviously had a lot of issues with it? Well, I give it credit for making me think I liked it up until the very end.
I decided to only review one movie this week so you'll have to stayed tuned to see my thoughts on The Dilemma and whichever movie(s) I decided for Time-Warp Tuesday!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Social Network & Flipped
Soooo many options today! Trying to decide which ones to post when was a process I never really considered before. Learn as you go, I suppose.
The Social Network
Director- David Fincher
Writers- Aaron Sorkin (Screenplay) & Ben Mezrich (Book)
Top Billed Cast- Jesse Eisenburg, Andrew Garfield, & Justin Timberlake
The story of Facebook. Honestly, I waited a while to see this movie and really wasn't sure if I was going to like it. There was a LOT of hype (still is!) and by such a wide range of people. If you haven't heard of this movie...not really sure how you even stumbled upon this blog but, in short, it's about the founder of Facebook (that website with all the people's faces and random excerpts from their day) and his struggle to create the site he felt should be created.
PROS-
* Writing! I loved the speed of this script, I loved the dialogue, and I loved the delivery. It felt a little bit like the quick-wit and split-second humor Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel delivered in Gilmore Girls, it was good.
* Cinematography (finally spelled that right the first time I typed it!) was really neat. Great usage of the crane; why don't more directors/cinematographers utilize this piece of equipment? The shots were really to scale of the scenes. Well done.
* The score was really fitting. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but it grew on me...so much so, that by the time I watched the Golden Globes, every time they played it, I got a little excited.
* Andrew Garfield is British? Exactly. Well, maybe technically, he was born here but he most definitely has a British accent and I give him MAJOR props for keeping his natural accent at bay!
* Props to Armie Hammer for adequately portraying both of his characters and giving them such individual traits that one almost had to look the movie up to be able to tell if the roles were really played by two people rather than just one.
CONS-
* At first, I was really impressed with Jesse Eisenburg's acting, but then I heard several interviews and discovered that his natural manner of speaking is almost identical to his portrayal. It's not necessarily a "con" but I found it interesting in a negative way.
* In order to really enjoy this movie, you need to be able to keep up with a VERY fast moving plot with lots of flash-forwards/flash-backs. I liked the way they were done but for the average movie-goer, it might have been too fast paced.
* I found it interesting how the Winklevoss' were pushed into suing by their friend and yet...he wasn't involved in the suit? Fine friend...
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13 and has several scenes involving alcohol consumption (excessive) and drug use. There is some "minor" cursing and some sexual situations but, over all, this movie is on the milder side. Viewer beware..
This movie left me glad that I had watched it. I'm not sure that it should've beat The King's Speech for "Best Picture" at The Globes (actually, I KNOW it shouldn't have), but it was one of the better movies I've seen lately. 3.5/5 stars on this one, I'm not feeling very generous at the moment.
Flipped
Director-Rob Reiner
Writers- Rob Reiner, Andrew Scheinman, & Wendelin Van Draanen (novel)
Top Billed Cast- Madeline Carroll, Callan McAuliffe, & John Mahoney
Never heard of this movie? Yeah, I hadn't either until the other day and I was pleasantly surprised. It's the story of Juli Baker & Bryce Loski: two young (8th graders), across-the-street neighbors, who have completely opposite view points on life but, somehow, develop strong feelings for one another.
The movie is set in the mid 1900s (I'm not sure if the exact year is ever stated) and is really a sweet story. On to the Ps & Cs!
PROS-
* Consistency in character. If there's one thing I hate, it's when the casting agencies pick younger-versions of characters/actors that look/act/sound NOTHING like their older counter parts -cough-TrueGrit-cough-. But that wasn't the case here! Loved the younger versions and the older versions just the same.
* Madeline Carroll, who you might know from Swing Vote, did a really good job of giving her character a real range of emotions and depth. This story is barely a step up from a made for TV movie, don't get me wrong, but they definitely didn't skimp on this aspect.
* They had a well planned script and very little "down-time" story-wise. I appreciated that.
CONS-
* I don't care how many ER episodes you've done, Anthony Edwards, you WAY overacted in this movie. His performance probably would've been great on a stage....but this wasn't on stage. This was in a movie. With cameras that can ZOOM. Utilize it.
* Fake leaves in close-ups are not cool. I just don't get how people can "okay" fake foliage in scenes where the foliage is the entire POINT of the scene! Here I am, supposed to feel sorry for this character and the loss of "her" tree and all I can stare at, all I can think about, is how fake that plastic leaf looks blowing in the "breeze". Kind of loses you, doesn't it?
* I wasn't a huge fan of the voice over stuff...I'm pretty sure there was at least one time when they forgot to "flip" before changing voice overs which was confusing.
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG. There's one scene where one could say that Mr. Loski had had too many drinks...but that's pretty much the only thing in there. Each set of parents do have at least on yelling match but it's really well handled and explained. Mr. Baker's brother is mentally challenged and there are a few "tense" sequences involving him, but, again, it's really well handled. Viewer beware..
Despite it not being the typical "best movie I've ever seen!", I really did enjoy it. Very cute and a very sweet story line with nice, fresh actors playing the leads. 3/5 stars.
On Thursday I'll be reviewing True Grit & The Dilemma
The Social Network
Director- David Fincher
Writers- Aaron Sorkin (Screenplay) & Ben Mezrich (Book)
Top Billed Cast- Jesse Eisenburg, Andrew Garfield, & Justin Timberlake
The story of Facebook. Honestly, I waited a while to see this movie and really wasn't sure if I was going to like it. There was a LOT of hype (still is!) and by such a wide range of people. If you haven't heard of this movie...not really sure how you even stumbled upon this blog but, in short, it's about the founder of Facebook (that website with all the people's faces and random excerpts from their day) and his struggle to create the site he felt should be created.
PROS-
* Writing! I loved the speed of this script, I loved the dialogue, and I loved the delivery. It felt a little bit like the quick-wit and split-second humor Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel delivered in Gilmore Girls, it was good.
* Cinematography (finally spelled that right the first time I typed it!) was really neat. Great usage of the crane; why don't more directors/cinematographers utilize this piece of equipment? The shots were really to scale of the scenes. Well done.
* The score was really fitting. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but it grew on me...so much so, that by the time I watched the Golden Globes, every time they played it, I got a little excited.
* Andrew Garfield is British? Exactly. Well, maybe technically, he was born here but he most definitely has a British accent and I give him MAJOR props for keeping his natural accent at bay!
* Props to Armie Hammer for adequately portraying both of his characters and giving them such individual traits that one almost had to look the movie up to be able to tell if the roles were really played by two people rather than just one.
CONS-
* At first, I was really impressed with Jesse Eisenburg's acting, but then I heard several interviews and discovered that his natural manner of speaking is almost identical to his portrayal. It's not necessarily a "con" but I found it interesting in a negative way.
* In order to really enjoy this movie, you need to be able to keep up with a VERY fast moving plot with lots of flash-forwards/flash-backs. I liked the way they were done but for the average movie-goer, it might have been too fast paced.
* I found it interesting how the Winklevoss' were pushed into suing by their friend and yet...he wasn't involved in the suit? Fine friend...
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG-13 and has several scenes involving alcohol consumption (excessive) and drug use. There is some "minor" cursing and some sexual situations but, over all, this movie is on the milder side. Viewer beware..
This movie left me glad that I had watched it. I'm not sure that it should've beat The King's Speech for "Best Picture" at The Globes (actually, I KNOW it shouldn't have), but it was one of the better movies I've seen lately. 3.5/5 stars on this one, I'm not feeling very generous at the moment.
Flipped
Director-Rob Reiner
Writers- Rob Reiner, Andrew Scheinman, & Wendelin Van Draanen (novel)
Top Billed Cast- Madeline Carroll, Callan McAuliffe, & John Mahoney
Never heard of this movie? Yeah, I hadn't either until the other day and I was pleasantly surprised. It's the story of Juli Baker & Bryce Loski: two young (8th graders), across-the-street neighbors, who have completely opposite view points on life but, somehow, develop strong feelings for one another.
The movie is set in the mid 1900s (I'm not sure if the exact year is ever stated) and is really a sweet story. On to the Ps & Cs!
PROS-
* Consistency in character. If there's one thing I hate, it's when the casting agencies pick younger-versions of characters/actors that look/act/sound NOTHING like their older counter parts -cough-TrueGrit-cough-. But that wasn't the case here! Loved the younger versions and the older versions just the same.
* Madeline Carroll, who you might know from Swing Vote, did a really good job of giving her character a real range of emotions and depth. This story is barely a step up from a made for TV movie, don't get me wrong, but they definitely didn't skimp on this aspect.
* They had a well planned script and very little "down-time" story-wise. I appreciated that.
CONS-
* I don't care how many ER episodes you've done, Anthony Edwards, you WAY overacted in this movie. His performance probably would've been great on a stage....but this wasn't on stage. This was in a movie. With cameras that can ZOOM. Utilize it.
* Fake leaves in close-ups are not cool. I just don't get how people can "okay" fake foliage in scenes where the foliage is the entire POINT of the scene! Here I am, supposed to feel sorry for this character and the loss of "her" tree and all I can stare at, all I can think about, is how fake that plastic leaf looks blowing in the "breeze". Kind of loses you, doesn't it?
* I wasn't a huge fan of the voice over stuff...I'm pretty sure there was at least one time when they forgot to "flip" before changing voice overs which was confusing.
Now Mother..
This movie is rated PG. There's one scene where one could say that Mr. Loski had had too many drinks...but that's pretty much the only thing in there. Each set of parents do have at least on yelling match but it's really well handled and explained. Mr. Baker's brother is mentally challenged and there are a few "tense" sequences involving him, but, again, it's really well handled. Viewer beware..
Despite it not being the typical "best movie I've ever seen!", I really did enjoy it. Very cute and a very sweet story line with nice, fresh actors playing the leads. 3/5 stars.
On Thursday I'll be reviewing True Grit & The Dilemma
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