The Parent Trap

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Parent Trap
Where:  Fort Wilderness campfire movie
Why:  I've never seen this movie!

I highly recommend this movie to everybody.  This is the version from the early 90s staring a new actress … maybe you've heard of her … Lindsay Lohan.

Say with you will about current Lindsay, but little 11 year old Lindsay Lohan is adorable and a wonderful kid actress.

Halley is a tomboy from California.  Annie is a proper girl from London.  Both are *ironically* sent to the same summer camp.  When they first lay eyes on each other, they are stunned.  Besides Annie's long hair, they are identical.  As 11 year old girls go, being identical is not cool, so they dislike each other.  Silly camp pranks ensue, and Halley and Annie are sent to the "Isolation Bunk".  Stuck all alone, they eventually being buds and talk about their lives.  Halley has a father but no mother.  Annie has a mother but no father. Their birthday is the same … dum, dum, dum … they are related!!

Since neither one has met the other parent, they decide to switch places.  Halley learns a fake British accent and Annie cuts her hair, and the switch is on!

Neither parent knows what's up, the Halley's cook and Annie's grandpa seem to think something is off.

A problem arises when the father is remarrying a 26 year old bimbo!  The girls must stop it and get their parents back together.  They all meet up in California and the parents are totally shocked, but pleased to see the family is all together again.  A ruckus at a hotel pool and a camping trip gone awry, and everything is happily ever after (in true Disney style).

This movie is very sweet, and little Lohan is adorable. The mother is played by Natasha Richardson, who recently passed away.

Star Trek

Who: Scott & Kerri
What: STAR TREK
Where: Showplace 14, Machesney Park, IL
Why: Cause we were kidless and wanted to see a movie

I must preface this - I am NOT a Trekkie. I repeat I am not a Trekkie. I'm totally a Star Wars Girl. Although had this movie come out when I was a kid instead of that first piece of crap Trek movie, I would have been all in. This movie Rocked!

Even though I'm not a Trekkie, I know a "little" about the Star Trek Universe, but I don't know the ins and outs. Like I cracked up at "Dammit Jim I'm a Doctor not a Physicist." But was like "Spock's half human, did I know this?"

Just so you know where I'm coming from on this.

Again, This movie flippin Rocked!

It was fun, the effects were great, it had a lot of humor without being a parody of itself. It had action without making you feel worn out. There was really great character development, it let those of us who weren't born Klingon feel that we got a chance to know the characters and didn't feel left out of the film.

It starts off with James T Kirk being born, following him and Spock both through their childhoods with some quick scenes, where they meet at an Academy, and are suddenly thrust into action on the USS Enterprise. Did I mention the effects were great?? Did I mention it also made me laugh?

I don't want to really say too much more as to give the plot away, although everyone else in the world has probably already scene it, but for you three that haven't, GO WATCH NOW! We'll wait for you.

Are you back? Wasn't it great?

(Am I the only Star Wars Geek that was waiting for Han to show up on the snowy planet? That was HOTH wasn't it? ;) sorry, I digress)

Bewitched (2005)

Who: Bill and Melanie
What: Bewitched
Where: Aired on ABC
Why: We wanted to see it.

The 2005 comedy Bewitched takes a unique approach. Rather than a straight adaptation of the classic sitcom, the movie is about the attempts to make a new TV version of the old series. In another twist, the woman chosen to play the new Samantha is actually a witch just like her character.

Jack Wyatt (Will Ferrell) is a conceited jerk of an actor whose movie career is fading. He turns to television and conceives of a revived version of Bewitched where as Darin Stephens, he will be the actual star. Searching for an unknown actress to play wife Samantha--and stay in the background, he meets an attractive young woman named Isabel Bigelow (Nicole Kidman) and hires her. Unknown to Jack, Isabel really is a witch and trying to live a normal life. However, her magic powers prove too tempting and uses them in the filming of the series, to the delight of the studio audience and the chagrin of Jack. But as Jack continues to be upstaged, he becomes more attracted to Isabel. Will that change when he finds out she is a witch just like her character and will he be willing share the spotlight?

Bewitched the movie boasts a top notch cast including Shirley MacLaine as the actress playing Endora in the TV show, Michael Caine as Isabel’s father Nigel Bigelow, David Alan Grier as Jim Fields, Kristen Chenowith as Maria Kelly, and Steve Carell in a scene-stealing cameo as Uncle Arthur (originated in the series by Paul Lynde). All in all, Bewitched is really not a bad movie, boasting many funny moments. Where it comes up short is in the awkward pairing of Ferrell and Kidman. It’s hard to pinpoint, but they simply don’t make a great screen couple. As a whole though, the movie is good as escapist fare and may put you in the mood to enjoy an episode or more of Bewitched the series. And let’s face it: no one can twitch their nose quite like the original--and best--Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery) could!

Not coincidentally, Bewitched was recently presented on ABC, the network that originally aired the show from 1964 to 1972. The series has been released on DVD and reruns can currently be seen just about every day on WGN America.

Flubber

Who:  Amber
What:  Flubber
Where:  @ home off cable
Why:  I've never seen it.

I took a random day off work, and Flubber was on the tube.  I work for Disney ... Flubber is a Disney movie ... I figured it was my patriotic duty to watch it.

Robin Williams is a moron.  Twice now he's missed his own wedding b/c he's tinkering with experiments in his basement.  Ok - right there buddy, this relationship is over.  But, of course, his girlfriend gives him on more chance.

(I think the original movie was called "The Absent Minded Professor", so I guess Robin Williams had to prove how absent minded he can be.)

The private college he and his girlfriend work at is going bankrupt.  They will close soon.  Until - ta da! - Robin Williams creates flubber!  It's a gooey green substance that produces energy, or something magical that can make them rich.

Of course, there are some bumbling bad guys who try to take the flubber away (Captain Stollemyer from Monk and Shooter McGavin from Happy Gilmore, among others).  Robin Williams puts the bouncy flubber on the baskeball players shoes to help them win a game.  More craziness happens.

Although this movie wasn't all ridiculous laughs.  There were some touching moments between the 2 lovers (who are just trying to get married) and some robots.  Yes, I said touching moments between robots.  No, I'm not kidding.

The Pink Panther

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  The Pink Panther
Where:  @ home - on cable
Why:  Jonathan picked it

This movie wasn't half bad!  I expected to hate it because ... I'm going to sound like a jerk, but I find it really hard to understand accents.  And Steve Martin has a super strong fake French accent.

Steve Martin is a cop in France.  He is a bumbling moron.  A super famous French soccer coach is murdered after the biggest game of the year!  He's killed on the field in front of everybody.  Who could've committed such a crime?  Was it the Chinese soccer team?  Was it a French soccer player?  Was it Beyonce?

Seriously, why is Beyonce in this movie?  You have a great voice, but I don't want to ever see you in movies again.  I'm just not a fan.

The head of the French police asks Steve Martin (Inspector Cloo-so) to solve the case.  He figured Cloo-so will bumble around for a while, all while he swoops in to solve it himself, and win some fancy award.

Cloo-so bumbles around France, he bumbles around NYC following Beyonce around.  She seems awfully guilty!

Of coure Cloo-so figures out everything (you knew he was going to).  Beyonce sings a song (you knew she was going to).  And the Pink Panther theme song is still pretty darn cool!

P.S.  The best part is Cloo-so trying to say "hamburger" with out a French accent.  Brilliant!  I can't stop quoting it!

Thomas Crown Affair

Who:  Amber

What:  Thomas Crown Affair
Where:  @ home - recorded off cable
Why:  I LOVE the crazy soundtrack

It's true - I watch this movie when ever I see it on TV because of the crazy soundtrack.  I can't describe the music, it's kind-of like a chant with people clapping in the background.  Regardless, it makes the whole "stealing priceless art" very exciting!

Thomas Crown (Pierce Brosnan) is a super rich, and super boring NYC business man.  He also is a master thief, specializing in ripping off art work from a NYC art museum.  The opening of the movie shows him stealing a painting.

Renee Ruso is a sex pot who is trying to catch the guy who stole the painting.  She works for some art insurance company and gets about $5 million bucks if she gets the painting back.  Her way of investigating Thomas Crown is to go on dates with him and sleep with him.  She knows he did it, and he toys with her the entire time ... will she find the painting?

Thomas Crown offers Renee Ruso $10 million dollars if she gives up and runs away with him.  She's crazy for him, and he's crazy for her, but she's got a job to do.  Crown offers to return the painting, then she must meet him at 4pm at some airport.  Does she trust this thief ... or will she continue to do her job (which she's really good at) and find that painting?

Did I mention the music rules!?!

Psycho

Who:  Amber
What:  Psycho
Where:  @ home - I own it on DVD
Why:  I enjoy it!

I think I am the ONLY person who likes this movie.  No, I'm not talking about Alfred Hitchcock's famous Psycho ... I'm taking about the stupid FRAME BY FRAME remake somebody made in the 90's.  It's the exact same movie, only with different actors.  It's the same dialog, the same scenes - everything is the same.  Lame I know, but I love it!

Maybe I'm a big jerk, but I just don't like black and white movies, so I really enjoy this version of Psycho in color.  Plus, this time Anne Heche is the damsel in distress.  Say what you want about her, but she's great in this movie.  And Vince Vaughn runs the hotel.  Great stuff.

I think we all know the premise of Psycho - but if you are also not a fan of black and white horror movies, here we go:  Anne Heche is running away (with a bunch of money) and stays in a rinky dink hotel run by Vince Vaughn.  Vince Vaughn's crazy mother stabs her to death in the shower (I think we've all seen this scene).  The police and Anne Heche's sister come looking for her ... they confront the crazy mother ... and this is where I leave you hanging ...

Godzilla

Who: Amber
What: Godzilla
Where: @ home (I own it on DVD)
Why: It's a fun movie for background noise.

I think I am the only person alive who likes this movie. 

Everybody else ragged on it b/c they remade such a classic.  And, yes, P Diddy (or what ever his name is) also ripped off a classic '70s song to make the new Godzilla theme music.  Anyways . . .

I think the CGI Godzilla is pretty sweet.  And Matthew Broderick is such a cutie.   The rest of the cast is kind-of annoying (like the blond chick and the super NYC accent girl), but you can watch the movie and hope they get eaten for a Godzilla lunch!  This is no Jurassic Park - but it's still pretty fun, if you don't take it too seriously.  Plus, the DVD has some pretty sweet bonus features.  And I'm a sucker for bonus features.

The Shaggy Dog (2006 version)

Who: Bill
What: The Shaggy Dog (2006)
Where: Saw on the Disney Channel
Why: Wanted to see the remake of the original classic

In the past two decades, the Disney Studios have remade quite a few of their classic films. In 2006, this list was extended to include The Shaggy Dog, which ushered in an era of live-action slapstick, “gimmicky” comedies upon its release in 1959. That movie was so popular that it led to a successful 1976 sequel called The Shaggy D.A. If that were not enough, two television remakes followed: The Return of the Shaggy Dog in 1988 and The Shaggy Dog in 1994. In 2006, Walt Disney Pictures and Tim Allen teamed up to bring audiences a new take on the tail…er, tale with of course, The Shaggy Dog.

Deputy District Attorney Dave Douglas is a busy man. So busy, he really doesn’t have much time for his family. His current case has him prosecuting a group of activists (which have the support of his daughter) who have broken into a pharmaceutical corporation which they claim to have used animals in creating genetic freaks in the pursuit of developing a formula that can prolong live indefinitely. And that turns out to be the case when the evil-doers “dognap” a bearded collie that has DNA allowing an amazing lifespan. The dog manages to escape his captors and is found by Dave’s daughter. But Dave objects to the dog’s presence and is then bitten by the newly named “Shaggy”. The dog’s DNA is contagious and as a result, Dave finds himself turning into the bearded collie at inappropriate times. Eventually Dave learns the activists are correct and uses his human and dog personas in going after the evil scientists and getting his old self back-- and making more time for his family.

There are some funny moments with Allen as the dog, and it his performance that stands out. But overall the movie feels, well, “dog tired”. Why did Disney feel compelled to remake a movie that worked so well the first time? Even the original sequel was amusing! The Shaggy Dog of 2006 was a let-down-- it wasn’t terrible, but not rising above mediocrity. In addition to Allen, the A-list cast is notable: Kristen Davis as Dave’s wife Rebecca, Danny Glover as Dave’s associate Ken Hollister, Robert Downey, Jr. as the sinister Dr. Kozak, and Jane Curtin as Judge Claire Whittaker. But their talents seem wasted in a movie that is only mildly amusing. You’re better off catching The Shaggy Dog of 1959. Yes, its in black-and-white and yes, it comes off as a bit dated, but it’s also a lot funnier. All that and it has Fred MacMurray and some original Mouseketters too!

Yours, Mine and Ours (2005)

Who: Bill and Melanie
What: Yours, Mine and Ours
Where: Watched it on TBS
Why: Saw the original movie and wanted to see the remake

Widower Frank Beardsley (Dennis Quaid) is a strict Coast Guard Admiral trying his best to raise eight children. Widower Helen North (Rene Russo) is an easy-going fashion designer trying her best to raise ten children (four of her own and six adopted). When these former high school sweethearts re-connect and decide to marry, they combine their respective households. The kids immediately don’t like it and scheme to break up their new family, so you know hilarity will ensue, right?

Yours, Mine and Ours is a remake of a 1968 comedy starring Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball, which itself was based on a true story. The 2005 version doesn’t fare too well against the original which is considered a classic. On its own though, Yours, Mine and Ours isn’t a bad movie and is at best mildly amusing resulting in occasional mild chuckles. Other positives is that it isn’t too lengthy, is suitable for the whole family to enjoy, and boasts solid performances from Quaid and Russo. The youngest viewers will also enjoy seeing Nickelodeon regulars Drake Bell, Miranda Cosgrove, Lil’ JJ, Miki Ishikawa, and from Disney’s 2005 movie Sky High, Danielle Panabaker.

If you're looking for a decent movie for your family to watch, Yours, Mine and Ours is a good choice.

When a Stranger Calls

Who: Amber
What: When a Stranger Calls
Where: at home - recorded off cable (free Showtime weekend???)
Why: I liked the original

I really enjoyed this movie! It's not your typical horror, slash-em up movie. It is kind-of slow, but very suspensful. It was about 1 solid hour of the babysitter in a house, getting creepy phone calls. Sounds like a snooze fest, but I was on the edge of my seat. You don't actually see the bad guy until about 10 minute left in the film. Super creepy!

I couldn't remember what happens in the first movie, so the ending was going to be a suprize to me. I liked the 'real' ending. Then the director threw in 1 extra scene, that was pure crap! Boo to that.

Most remakes from the '80s seems kind-of cheesy (this original movie was from '79). Since everybody has a cell phone now, none of the "problems" teens had in the '80s wouldn't be a problem b/c they would have a cell phone. This movie addressed those issues and handled them quite well.

I hope they make a remake of the sequel (from the '80s), When a Stranger Calls Back. The scene with the bad guy in the brick room - I will remember that scene for the rest of my life!

Hairspray

Who: Monica
What: Hairspray
Where: Where do you think?
Why: Because I just bought it, I was busy working on stuff and needed something I could half tune in and listen to, a musical worked well.

Mom & I saw this at the theater. I LOVE musicals. Old, new, whatever.

I'm not in love with this movie. I think it has great new talent and the music is very good. I am still bothered by John Travolta playing the Mom, I just can't take it. Gives me the creeps. An overweight, over energetic teenager dreams of being on a local TV dance show. (think America BandStand, remember that?) Her dream comes true and she gets on, is hopelessly in love with the popular boy. She is friends with the "negro" (their words, not mine) kids and loves to dance with them, picks up new dances at detention. She finds ways to fight to integrate the TV dance show. I'm trying to love it.

On my 1-10 scale, I'm going with a 6. It just doesn't draw me in, I'm not into the characters, I don't love all the songs (I like a few).

Poseidon

Who: Jaclyn
What: Poseidon
Where: At home
Why: Because there was nothing else on.

I liked this movie back when it was called Titanic. Just kidding. Well, sort of. This is yet another movie that has turned me off from the idea of cruising. In this movie, instead of building character stories first and then tragedy striking, they go right for the tragedy and how they pull together to get out of the ship. The problem with that is, you don't have an emotional attachment to these people beforehand, therefore, don't care if they make it out or not. It's just one fire ball after another and every other cavity being filled with water.

To make matters worse, there's an annoying child in it who everyone has to waste time looking for. It also has a very Armageddon feel to it when a father puts himself in danger so his daughter's fiance doesn't have to risk certain death. The only reason I kept watching this was because of Josh Lucas. Much like Dane Cook, he could just be on the screen doing nothing for 2 hours and I'd still watch it. Yowza!

The Wicker Man

Who: Amber (& Jonathan)
What: The Wicker Man
Where: at home - free HBO weekend!
Why: I love Nicholas Cage, plus (from the previews I remember) this was a horror movie, and I like horror movies.

From the previews (I saw a long time ago) I was expecting some fake enchanted scary forest killing people. But this is an actual movie with an actual plot - not just some random horror movie! Actually, I would not classify this 'horror' at all. It wasn't very scary - more of a detective suspence thriller. However, the ending does not leave you with a good taste in your mouth AT ALL. It's not a movie you can watch all over again, but I'm glad I gave up 2 hours of my life. I'll take some Nicholas Cage any day. I guess this is a remake too - although I never saw the original. I've read that this is a really horrible remake. So I guess if you've seen the original - skip this one!