Who: Bill & Melanie, and Melanie's co-worker/friend Liesl
What: Titanic-- The RiffTrax version
Where: On DVD, with RiffTrax commentary via Liesl's computer
Why: Who thought "Titanic" could be funny?
It's a sure bet most everyone (including myself and Melanie) has seen Titanic, the story of Jack and Rose-- he's poor and happy, she's rich and unhappy. They fall in love aboard the ill-fated Titanic. The ship hits an iceberg and it sinks. Jack dies. Rose lives. A depressing movie. But a MAJOR hit that brought Director/Producer/Co-Writer/Co-Editor James Cameron 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture for 1997.
RiffTrax has its basis in the Mystery Science Theater 3000 series. RiffTrax's head commentator Michael J. Nelson was a host and writer on that show. With RiffTrax, you can download audio commentaries for selected movies from their website (for a fee) to your computer, and play them in sync with the movie. Such is the case with the recent addition with Titanic to their play list. Nelson, along with MST3K veterans Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett, offer their "riffs" on everything from the characters (especially Jack, Rose and her snobbish fiance Caledon Nathan Hockley) to implausible situations, the ship's ultimate tragic fate, and the music as it concludes with an outrageously off-key rendition of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On". We finished the movie full of tears-- from laughter. Hard to believe this could be done from such a melancholy movie such as Titanic, but somehow RiffTrax pulled it off. Some of the comments do fall flat but more often than not, they're on target.
Movie fans looking for a different "perspective" than the usual cast and crew commentary might want to check out RiffTrax.com.
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
50 Pills
Who: Amber
What: 50 Pills
Where: Comedy Central
Why: Kristen Bell is in it
What: 50 Pills
Where: Comedy Central
Why: Kristen Bell is in it
This movie was not very good. I saw "Kristen Bell" on my DVR, so I figured I would give it a try. I liked her in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
The movie opens with the main character (I already forgot his name - that's how forgettable this movie was - I'll call him GUY) talking to the camera. Talking directly to the camera is tricky to pull off, and he is not pulling it off.
Guy is going to college in NYC for the first time. His roommate is a super stud, and Guy is mesmerized by him. Guy seems like an idiot, even though he's got a full ride college scholarship. Guy and roommate throw a huge party on day 1, it gets busted, and they are on probation. One more slip up, and Guy's scholarship is gone. Instead of not partying, they just sneak around a lot.
When Guy gets back from Thanksgiving break (his mom is played by the woman boss in 40 Year Old Virgin - she is just great!), he finds a note on his room. The roommate got caught throwing a party, so that means Guy's scholarship is gone. Really NYC college?!? If your roommate throws a party over Thanksgiving break, you penalize the roommate who wasn't even there ... riiiiight.
Anyway, so the roommate offers Guy 50 pills of ecstasy and his pager. He can sell them in 24 hours to get some cash to stay in school.
Really? 50 pills of ecstasy at $20 a piece is going to pay for school. Wake up Guy - that's not enough money for college. Plus the cute girl that likes you (Kristen Bell) doesn't approve).
He starts selling the drugs to funny and odd people. Watching that part of the movie was amusing, but the rest was a waste of time. Of course Guy blows it with the girl, but they get together at the end.
Blah!
The movie opens with the main character (I already forgot his name - that's how forgettable this movie was - I'll call him GUY) talking to the camera. Talking directly to the camera is tricky to pull off, and he is not pulling it off.
Guy is going to college in NYC for the first time. His roommate is a super stud, and Guy is mesmerized by him. Guy seems like an idiot, even though he's got a full ride college scholarship. Guy and roommate throw a huge party on day 1, it gets busted, and they are on probation. One more slip up, and Guy's scholarship is gone. Instead of not partying, they just sneak around a lot.
When Guy gets back from Thanksgiving break (his mom is played by the woman boss in 40 Year Old Virgin - she is just great!), he finds a note on his room. The roommate got caught throwing a party, so that means Guy's scholarship is gone. Really NYC college?!? If your roommate throws a party over Thanksgiving break, you penalize the roommate who wasn't even there ... riiiiight.
Anyway, so the roommate offers Guy 50 pills of ecstasy and his pager. He can sell them in 24 hours to get some cash to stay in school.
Really? 50 pills of ecstasy at $20 a piece is going to pay for school. Wake up Guy - that's not enough money for college. Plus the cute girl that likes you (Kristen Bell) doesn't approve).
He starts selling the drugs to funny and odd people. Watching that part of the movie was amusing, but the rest was a waste of time. Of course Guy blows it with the girl, but they get together at the end.
Blah!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Proposal
Who: RR and Bob
What: The Proposal
Where: AMC PI
Why: Birthday Date Night--I picked the movie!
You probably saw a glimpse of this movie being advertised. It stars Sandra Bullock as, Margaret, a high-power publishing executive. She is on the verge of a huge deal with an author who hasn't done an interview in years and she got him on Oprah. At the peak of the deal coming together, her boss let's her know that since she didn't finish her immigration paperwork she is being deported back to Canada. In a last minute ploy to save her job and stay in the US she tell her boss that she is engaged to her assistant Andrew, played by Ryan Reynolds. He agrees to the marriage after he learns that she is really his only ticket to an Editor position and a better career. They go to the immigration office to fill out the appropriate papers and are confronted by a skeptical nerdy agent. He challenges their relationship and threatens to blow their cover and deport her and jail and fine him.
In an effort to prove their relationship is real, the couple goes to Alaska to meet Andrews parents, friends, and family. Upon arrival Margaret is the obvious fish out of water but learns that Andrew's family is wealthy and soon finds herself being one of the girls and loving being a part of the family. Over the course of the weekend the couple learns about each other as preparation of the grilling they will get through the immigration process. Gradually the focus shifts from all attention on Margaret to Margaret learning that Andrew is actually a great guy. The rest would ruin the movie so you will have to go see it.
I was expecting this movie to be very predictable and just another comedy-romance. I was pleasantly surprised to see it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. There were some very funny moments and as always, Betty White, really steals the show! It was a bit predictable but it was still entertaining. If there isn't anything else showing that you are interested in and you want to see a movie this is a good fill-in.
What: The Proposal
Where: AMC PI
Why: Birthday Date Night--I picked the movie!
You probably saw a glimpse of this movie being advertised. It stars Sandra Bullock as, Margaret, a high-power publishing executive. She is on the verge of a huge deal with an author who hasn't done an interview in years and she got him on Oprah. At the peak of the deal coming together, her boss let's her know that since she didn't finish her immigration paperwork she is being deported back to Canada. In a last minute ploy to save her job and stay in the US she tell her boss that she is engaged to her assistant Andrew, played by Ryan Reynolds. He agrees to the marriage after he learns that she is really his only ticket to an Editor position and a better career. They go to the immigration office to fill out the appropriate papers and are confronted by a skeptical nerdy agent. He challenges their relationship and threatens to blow their cover and deport her and jail and fine him.
In an effort to prove their relationship is real, the couple goes to Alaska to meet Andrews parents, friends, and family. Upon arrival Margaret is the obvious fish out of water but learns that Andrew's family is wealthy and soon finds herself being one of the girls and loving being a part of the family. Over the course of the weekend the couple learns about each other as preparation of the grilling they will get through the immigration process. Gradually the focus shifts from all attention on Margaret to Margaret learning that Andrew is actually a great guy. The rest would ruin the movie so you will have to go see it.
I was expecting this movie to be very predictable and just another comedy-romance. I was pleasantly surprised to see it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. There were some very funny moments and as always, Betty White, really steals the show! It was a bit predictable but it was still entertaining. If there isn't anything else showing that you are interested in and you want to see a movie this is a good fill-in.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Leatherheads
Who: Jonathan and Amber
What: Leatherheads
Where: @ home - recorded off HBO
Why: It's about football
What: Leatherheads
Where: @ home - recorded off HBO
Why: It's about football
While I won't classify this movie as "great" nor in the "I will watch it again category", it was an enjoyable flick.
In the 1920's, professional football is crap. It's played on cow pastures, nobody is making any money, and teams are folding like crazy. On the other hand, college football is super awesome, and over 40,000 people show up to watch it!
George Clooney (Dodge) has been playing pro football forever. His team is about to fold. When he hears about how many fans college player (and war hero!) John Krazinski (Carter) has, he has a brilliant idea. Invite Carter to play for the Duluth Bulldogs, and all his fans will flock to pro football.
Carter agrees to a huge salary, and the fans arrive! Pro football is becoming super awesome.
Did I mention Carter is also a war hero? America just loves him. He's cute, a great athlete and an all American hero. Although his war story seems a little too good to be true. A bunch of Germans just dropped their guns and gave up for no reason. The Chicago Daily Tribune is suspicious.
Send in Renee Zellweger (Lexi Littleton). She travels aroaund with the now super famous Duluth Bulldogs and tries to get the REAL story out of Carter. Meanwhile, Carter is falling for her, and so is Dodge.
In the 1920's, professional football is crap. It's played on cow pastures, nobody is making any money, and teams are folding like crazy. On the other hand, college football is super awesome, and over 40,000 people show up to watch it!
George Clooney (Dodge) has been playing pro football forever. His team is about to fold. When he hears about how many fans college player (and war hero!) John Krazinski (Carter) has, he has a brilliant idea. Invite Carter to play for the Duluth Bulldogs, and all his fans will flock to pro football.
Carter agrees to a huge salary, and the fans arrive! Pro football is becoming super awesome.
Did I mention Carter is also a war hero? America just loves him. He's cute, a great athlete and an all American hero. Although his war story seems a little too good to be true. A bunch of Germans just dropped their guns and gave up for no reason. The Chicago Daily Tribune is suspicious.
Send in Renee Zellweger (Lexi Littleton). She travels aroaund with the now super famous Duluth Bulldogs and tries to get the REAL story out of Carter. Meanwhile, Carter is falling for her, and so is Dodge.
Who will Lexi pick? Will the world ever find about about Carter's real war story? Can old man Dodge (he's like 45 and still playing football - impressive) survive the new, faster game of pro football?
Side note: Randy Newman (of Pixar fan - "You've Got a Friend in Me") did all the piano side music in this movie. Watch the scene in the bar, and you'll see Randy playing his piano. You go Randy!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Ever After
Who: Kerri & Emily
What: Ever After
Where: on DVD
Why: We wanted something to watch, and it's an old favorite we hadn't seen in awhile.
This movie is 11 years old now, but I enjoy it every time. It's supposed to be the 'real' story of Cinderella. Drew Barrymore, Angelica Huston and Dougray Scott star.
Angelica plays the evil stepmother to absolute perfection, her disdain for Danielle (the Cinderella Character) is absolutely unforgivable. She cannot find it in her heart at all to love or care for Danielle, and turns her into the servant for her and her two daughters after Danielle's father unexpectedly dies.
Danielle accidentally meets (and yells at) the prince while disguised as a noblewoman. She gives her mothers name and over the course of the week, they fall in love. All while keeping out of her step mothers eye - as step mommy is trying to get her own daughter married off to the prince.
A fun entertaining movie with some laughs and some love and some tears, and a glass slipper. What more could you want?
Oh, and they do live, happily ever after!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Henry Poole Is Here
Who: Jaclyn
What: Henry Poole Is Here
Where: At Home
Why: Who doesn't like Luke Wilson?
What: Henry Poole Is Here
Where: At Home
Why: Who doesn't like Luke Wilson?
I briefly remembered seeing preview for this movie a while back and then never heard about it again. Thankfully for Netflix, I was able to check it out.
This movie is about Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) who buys a house from a kooky realtor and insists that he'll pay whatever they, the sellers ask and he doesn't want any repairs done on the house. The realtor thinks this is odd so she has someone come to fix the house up after he purchases it.
Turns out, Henry believes he doesn't have much time left to live so he's not really worried about the state of his house.
Henry has a neighbor that knows everything about the neighbors and one day comes to visit him and notices the face of Jesus on the side of Henry's house. He believes that it's just a stain from a bad paint job but the neighbor isn't buying it.
The whole movie revolves around the stain/image of Jesus and it's somewhat endearing. Henry finds hope (though he fights it every step of the way) and finds a friend in his other neighbors.
I'll admit, I fell asleep during this movie...but I was also doped up on Benadryl. But what I saw, I liked.
Blind Dating
Who: Jaclyn
What: Blind Dating
Where: At Home
Why: Netflix
What: Blind Dating
Where: At Home
Why: Netflix
Blind dating is about a man named Danny who has been blind since birth (he was born 3 months early). He is desperately seeking love and his brother Lorenzo tries to set him up with all the trashy women he knows. Danny doesn't like any of them and gets mad at his brother.
Danny is due to be part of an experiment to allow him to see and in the process, ends up falling for a girl who works as a receptionist at his doctor's office. However, this girl is already engaged.
It's a cute fluff story about how a man with self esteem issues overcomes his fears to find happiness. Sounds cheesy, but I was amused.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Other Boleyn Girl
Who: Lola
What: The Other Boleyn Girl
Where: 60" of Blu-Ray in my family room
Why: It was cheap on the Blockbuster used shelf
So...my first attempt at Yakking!!!
This movie is the story of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII. It stars Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johannsen and Eric Bana. The movie is based on a book by Phillipa Gregory. A book that Ms. Gregory says to be fact, but is actually a fictionalized account of the rise and fall of Boleyn.
I am not one of those people who read a book, and immediately discount the movie version. I am, however, a person who nitpicks when a movie is incredibly different from the book. There are not enough nits in the world for me to pick to account for the differences from print to screen in this movie, but I digress, I am here to talk about the movie.
This is the story of Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary. The Boleyns are a power hungry bunch, and the daughters are used to gain "favor" with King Henry. They become King H8's Holly and Kendra I guess. Henry wants a son to be his heir, and his wife, Catherine of Aragon cannot give him one. Mary becomes Henry's mistress and mother of a son who will never be king. Anne uses her feminine ways to get Henry to break from the Catholic Church, divorce Catherine and marry her. She really loses her head over this guy...
For the women, this movie does not have enough "romance". For the men, nothing blows up. The movie moves along at a quirky pace. The gay men are neutered. The straight men are neutered.
I'd rent it if you had nothing else to add to your Netflix queue. And didn't want to be bothered with reading the book. And aren't a stickler for historic accuracy.
Some Wierd Trivia though...
What: The Other Boleyn Girl
Where: 60" of Blu-Ray in my family room
Why: It was cheap on the Blockbuster used shelf
So...my first attempt at Yakking!!!
This movie is the story of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII. It stars Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johannsen and Eric Bana. The movie is based on a book by Phillipa Gregory. A book that Ms. Gregory says to be fact, but is actually a fictionalized account of the rise and fall of Boleyn.
I am not one of those people who read a book, and immediately discount the movie version. I am, however, a person who nitpicks when a movie is incredibly different from the book. There are not enough nits in the world for me to pick to account for the differences from print to screen in this movie, but I digress, I am here to talk about the movie.
This is the story of Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary. The Boleyns are a power hungry bunch, and the daughters are used to gain "favor" with King Henry. They become King H8's Holly and Kendra I guess. Henry wants a son to be his heir, and his wife, Catherine of Aragon cannot give him one. Mary becomes Henry's mistress and mother of a son who will never be king. Anne uses her feminine ways to get Henry to break from the Catholic Church, divorce Catherine and marry her. She really loses her head over this guy...
For the women, this movie does not have enough "romance". For the men, nothing blows up. The movie moves along at a quirky pace. The gay men are neutered. The straight men are neutered.
I'd rent it if you had nothing else to add to your Netflix queue. And didn't want to be bothered with reading the book. And aren't a stickler for historic accuracy.
Some Wierd Trivia though...
- The neckalce that Natalie Portman wears in the movie (a B with pearl teardrops) is the same one Ugly Betty wears on that show.
- At one point in the movie, Natalie Portman's Anne utters the Star Wars Line "you're my only hope" it made me chuckle.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Leatherheads
Who: Bill & Melanie
What: Leatherheads
Where: On DVD from Netflix
Why: Melanie wanted to watch it.
Leatherheads tries to be two movies in one: A sports comedy and a romantic comedy. It doesn’t do poorly at either level, but somehow I felt that it should have been better. It certainly boasts some A-list talent.
In the 1920’s, college football was thriving, while pro football was little more than a joke with its loose rules and general disinterest from the general public. Aging player Jimmy “Dodge” Connelly (George Clooney) of the Deluth Bulldogs aims to change the pro’s poor perception by convincing popular college football player-- and alleged World War I hero-- Carter “Bullet” Rutherford (John Krasinski from The Office) to join the Bulldogs. Rutherford’s playing skills begin to bring in spectators and it attracts the interest of Chicago newspaper reporter Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger), who is out to prove that Rutherford’s war heroism is bogus. Soon, Littleton finds herself the object of affection with both Connelly and Rutherford. Who will she choose? And will she end up writing the potential expose of the decade?
Leatherheads was originally developed as a straight sports movie. When Clooney acquired the script, he made numerous changes mostly by adding the romantic comedy aspect. He also became the film’s director and co-producer. Given Clooney’s track record and coming right after his critically praised award-winning Good Night and Good Luck , it would be assumed this would be a wildly successful movie. But it was not. The film garnered mixed reviews and failed at the box office. Perhaps it was Clooney’s attempt at doing a combination sports/romantic comedy, or maybe it was Zellweger’s not-totally-convincing interpretation of a female newspaper reporter in the 1920’s (were there any female reporters during that time, and if so, were they writing about sports?).
Leatherheads is still a mildly entertaining movie and a decent choice when you can’t decide if you want to watch a film with romance or a film about football.
What: Leatherheads
Where: On DVD from Netflix
Why: Melanie wanted to watch it.
Leatherheads tries to be two movies in one: A sports comedy and a romantic comedy. It doesn’t do poorly at either level, but somehow I felt that it should have been better. It certainly boasts some A-list talent.
In the 1920’s, college football was thriving, while pro football was little more than a joke with its loose rules and general disinterest from the general public. Aging player Jimmy “Dodge” Connelly (George Clooney) of the Deluth Bulldogs aims to change the pro’s poor perception by convincing popular college football player-- and alleged World War I hero-- Carter “Bullet” Rutherford (John Krasinski from The Office) to join the Bulldogs. Rutherford’s playing skills begin to bring in spectators and it attracts the interest of Chicago newspaper reporter Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger), who is out to prove that Rutherford’s war heroism is bogus. Soon, Littleton finds herself the object of affection with both Connelly and Rutherford. Who will she choose? And will she end up writing the potential expose of the decade?
Leatherheads was originally developed as a straight sports movie. When Clooney acquired the script, he made numerous changes mostly by adding the romantic comedy aspect. He also became the film’s director and co-producer. Given Clooney’s track record and coming right after his critically praised award-winning Good Night and Good Luck , it would be assumed this would be a wildly successful movie. But it was not. The film garnered mixed reviews and failed at the box office. Perhaps it was Clooney’s attempt at doing a combination sports/romantic comedy, or maybe it was Zellweger’s not-totally-convincing interpretation of a female newspaper reporter in the 1920’s (were there any female reporters during that time, and if so, were they writing about sports?).
Leatherheads is still a mildly entertaining movie and a decent choice when you can’t decide if you want to watch a film with romance or a film about football.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Bedtime Stories
Who: Amber, Jonathan, MIL & FIL
What: Bedtime Stories
Where: Sullivan 6 - the only movie theater near Jonathan's home town (it's only about 30 miles away)
Why: It looked cute (plus, there wasn't much choice)
What: Bedtime Stories
Where: Sullivan 6 - the only movie theater near Jonathan's home town (it's only about 30 miles away)
Why: It looked cute (plus, there wasn't much choice)
This movie was really cute! The previews kind-of give away the basic premise. Adam Sandler (Skeeter) is babysitting his niece and nephew for 5 days. His dad used to tell him awesome bedtime stories, so he decides to keep the tradition alive.
He tells them one story, and the next day it comes to life! I'm sure we've all seen the 'raining gumballs' scene. I figured all the stories would come to life unrealistically (like - it was actually raining gumballs), but it was actually 100% realistic, which I really appreciated. I like a good old fashioned relatively realistic movie. It actually wasn't raining gumballs, but a gumball truck has crashed (on an overhang bridge), so gum was falling out of the truck onto Adam Sandler below (although he thought it was some kind of magic).
When he realizes his stories are coming to life, he tries to tell stories that will help out him with his dead end job, and help out his niece and nephew. Unfortunately, the kids just want a funny story, so they always end up with Skeeter not getting 100 million dollars, but he gets stuck in the rain instead.
In true Adam Sandler form, you'll see a cameo from Nick Swardsen, Rob Schneider, the QB from Water Boy, and more of his buddies.
I highly recommend this movie! It works for adults and kids alike.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Santa Jr.
Who: Amber
What: Santa Jr.
Where: @ home on ABC Family
Why: Why not!
What: Santa Jr.
Where: @ home on ABC Family
Why: Why not!
The Christmas bandit is on the loose, but the cops have him! Or do they? He's dressed like Santa, and he's inside a strangers house. But he appears to be unloading toys from a sack, not putting toys IN the sack?
None the less, the cops bring him and put him in front of a judge. Susan, a nice public defender (Lauren Holly) puts her address down on the forms, in order to keep "Santa" out of jail. It works, although "Santa" is now on house arrest, and is stuck at Susan's house.
"Santa" is actually Kris ... Kris Kringle ... Jr. He's Santa's son. And he wasn't stealing toys, he was delivering toys. Since he's not very good at it yet, he was starting Christmas delivery early.
In typical Holiday/Romantic/Comedy, Susan doesn't really like Christmas and Kris, along with the help of 2 police officers teach her a thing or two. There's a decorating montage, etc, etc.
The real Christmas bandit is caught, and Santa Jr. is free to deliver toys! Hip, hip, horray!
Did I mention the actor who plays Santa Jr. is really hot?!?
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Yes Man
Who: Amber
What: Yes Man
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: I didn't want to see Bolt again
What: Yes Man
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: I didn't want to see Bolt again
This movie was REALLY funny. If you enjoy the 'classic' Jim Carray movies (like Liar Liar and all his "I make funny faces" movies), then you'll love this flick.
Carl (Jim Carray) is a "no" man. He got divorced 3 years ago, and he's in a real funk. He's stuck in his same job, and all he does is watch movies alone at home (he likes the movie Saw - you go Carl!). He runs into an old acquaintance who forces him to going to a "YES" convention. A guru tells him to say 'yes' to everything. Carl starts saying yes to everything (and I mean EVERYTHING), and his life really turns around.
His 'yes' adventures lead him to meet a hot chick, he has fun with his friends staying up all night, he learns hot to fly a small airplane, he has a mail order bride, learns to play the guitar, etc ...
I don't really want to ruin any of the plot points, b/c it's all really funny. You know the hot chick is going to get mad at him and all that stuff, but it's pretty funny (and not so 'out there' as you might expect) what ends up happening.
I highly recommend this movie!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Australia
Who: Jaclyn
What: Australia
Where: AMC West Oaks (In the ghetto....)
Why: Hugh Jackman, hello?!
Let me preface this post by saying, this movie would have been a hell of a lot better if it had more Jackman and less Kidman.
This movie takes place during WWII when Australia was attacked by the Japanese after they attacked Pearl Harbor.
Drover (Hugh Jackman) is a stock-man and has to embark on one of the biggest cattle drives he's ever done when Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman), who has just inherited her husband's cattle ranch convinces him that they need to shake up the current beef monopoly in Australia... the Carney Cattle Company.
There is of course evil afoot when Carney and his people find out what Sarah is trying to do. She also finds out that one of the people who previously worked for her husband was also responsible for his death.
The kid in the movie steals the show. I'm not one for children normally but he was cute, though at times a bit cheesy. It was funny how he affectionately refers to Sarah as "Mrs. Boss".
It was a LOOOOONG movie. It probably could have been shortened, but it was still good. It looks like Nicole Kidman had some lip work done before filming. They drove me nuts through the whole movie because they just looked...off. And would it have killed the director to give Hugh a few more shirtless scenes? I think not.
What: Australia
Where: AMC West Oaks (In the ghetto....)
Why: Hugh Jackman, hello?!
Let me preface this post by saying, this movie would have been a hell of a lot better if it had more Jackman and less Kidman.
This movie takes place during WWII when Australia was attacked by the Japanese after they attacked Pearl Harbor.
Drover (Hugh Jackman) is a stock-man and has to embark on one of the biggest cattle drives he's ever done when Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman), who has just inherited her husband's cattle ranch convinces him that they need to shake up the current beef monopoly in Australia... the Carney Cattle Company.
There is of course evil afoot when Carney and his people find out what Sarah is trying to do. She also finds out that one of the people who previously worked for her husband was also responsible for his death.
The kid in the movie steals the show. I'm not one for children normally but he was cute, though at times a bit cheesy. It was funny how he affectionately refers to Sarah as "Mrs. Boss".
It was a LOOOOONG movie. It probably could have been shortened, but it was still good. It looks like Nicole Kidman had some lip work done before filming. They drove me nuts through the whole movie because they just looked...off. And would it have killed the director to give Hugh a few more shirtless scenes? I think not.
Twilight
Who: Jaclyn
What: Twilight
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: Needed to see what the hype was about.
This movie apparently was a best selling novel before it became a movie (I don't know, I never learned how to read and I live under a rock).
It's a story about a vampire family, the Cullens and a girl named Bella. Bella goes to stay with her dad while her mom and her new man go to spring training for his baseball team. When she gets to her new school, she ends up getting Edward Cullen as her lab partner.
Convinced he hates her, she becomes somewhat consumed with finding out what his deal is, and she finds out more than she bargained for....he's a vampire - duh.
Also, everyone at this new school is SUPER nice to Bella and not in a fake "we're really going to stab you in the back" way either. Which is SOOO not how life happens.
I liked it, but I liked it more once it was over. I'm not trying to be sarcastic...but if have you ever seen a movie where after it was over, you had time to reflect and wanted to see it again, you'll understand. The acting by Kristen Stewart (Bella) was pretty awful. I don't know if it was the character she was playing or just that she can't act.
I heard a lot of people were in an uproar about the lead characters they cast in this movie but I guess all book nuts will have an opinion about what they envisioned. Overall, I suppose it was an ok movie, but I still don't see what everyone was poopin' their pants about.
What: Twilight
Where: AMC Pleasure Island
Why: Needed to see what the hype was about.
This movie apparently was a best selling novel before it became a movie (I don't know, I never learned how to read and I live under a rock).
It's a story about a vampire family, the Cullens and a girl named Bella. Bella goes to stay with her dad while her mom and her new man go to spring training for his baseball team. When she gets to her new school, she ends up getting Edward Cullen as her lab partner.
Convinced he hates her, she becomes somewhat consumed with finding out what his deal is, and she finds out more than she bargained for....he's a vampire - duh.
Also, everyone at this new school is SUPER nice to Bella and not in a fake "we're really going to stab you in the back" way either. Which is SOOO not how life happens.
I liked it, but I liked it more once it was over. I'm not trying to be sarcastic...but if have you ever seen a movie where after it was over, you had time to reflect and wanted to see it again, you'll understand. The acting by Kristen Stewart (Bella) was pretty awful. I don't know if it was the character she was playing or just that she can't act.
I heard a lot of people were in an uproar about the lead characters they cast in this movie but I guess all book nuts will have an opinion about what they envisioned. Overall, I suppose it was an ok movie, but I still don't see what everyone was poopin' their pants about.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
Who: Amber, Jonathan and my MIL
What: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
Where: Pay Per View
Why: MIL picked
What: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
Where: Pay Per View
Why: MIL picked
This movie was super cute! I didn't want it to end. What happens to the girls next?!? I must know!!!
Although, how old are these girls? And where do their unlimited funds come from? Everybody is flying to Turkey, to Greece, Alabama, etc. I want to be in the sisterhood!
This story leaves off 2 years after the first one (I think). The girls are home from their first summer of 4 different colleges. Carmen (America Fererra) is the only one really trying to keep the pants ritual together. The other girls just aren't into it anymore. Everything is changing ...
This movie has a lot going on. It could really be 4 movies in 1. Tibby is living in NYC going to film school. Carmen goes to New Hampshire to work backstage in a play (but get's the lead - who could've guessed?). Bridgette is off to Turkey on an archeology camp scholorship thingy. And Lena is taking summer school classes somewhere (I can't remember - somewhere in the North East b/c she's close to NYC).
Of course, crazy stuff happens to all 4 girls. Tibby might be pregnant. Bridgette rediscovers a long lost grandmother. Carmen gets the lead in a play (did I ruin it for you?!?). Lena discovers that her boyfriend from Greece is all sudden married!
Tears ensue ... and everybody ends up happy in the end.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Nights in Rodanthe
Who: Monica (and my Mom)
What: Nights in Rodanthe
Where: Theater near home
Why: B/C it's a Nicholas Sparks story
Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors. He writes mostly dramatic chick flick sort of books and they are usually somewhat predictable. They are always great stories though and turn into wonderful movies. Examples include: "The Notebook", "A Walk to Remember" and "Message in a Bottle".
Having read "Nights in Rodanthe" several times, I was very anxious to see the movie. With the two main characters being played by Richard Gere and Diane Lane, it was sure to be a good movie.
The setting is beautiful, on the beach at a Bed & Breakfast Inn, off the coast of North Carolina. Doctor Paul Flanner is coming as the only guest for a weekend to talk to the family of a former patient, he has some serious things to deal with as he leaves his practice, his house and his way of life. He is headed to patch a relationship with his estranged son, after he deals with the family of his former patient. Meanwhile Adrienne is "Inn sitting" for the owner and her friend who has left town, in the midst of a coming storm, for a wedding.
Paul and Adrienne must spend the weekend together at the Inn, alone. They need to prepare for the coming storm and find a way to relate to each other. I'm sure you know what happens next.
The main characters are mostly "the only" characters during the major length of the movie. While that makes for a fantastic read, it seems to drag on a little slow on the big screen. I enjoyed how the story was adopted to fit in a 2 hour movie and don't think anything from the story was really added or taken away. It's different, but not enough to make you feel like you don't know this story.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a serious chick flick/drama and Nicholas Sparks stories. I do have to say it's probably a renter due to it's predictability and lack of serious action.
What: Nights in Rodanthe
Where: Theater near home
Why: B/C it's a Nicholas Sparks story
Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors. He writes mostly dramatic chick flick sort of books and they are usually somewhat predictable. They are always great stories though and turn into wonderful movies. Examples include: "The Notebook", "A Walk to Remember" and "Message in a Bottle".
Having read "Nights in Rodanthe" several times, I was very anxious to see the movie. With the two main characters being played by Richard Gere and Diane Lane, it was sure to be a good movie.
The setting is beautiful, on the beach at a Bed & Breakfast Inn, off the coast of North Carolina. Doctor Paul Flanner is coming as the only guest for a weekend to talk to the family of a former patient, he has some serious things to deal with as he leaves his practice, his house and his way of life. He is headed to patch a relationship with his estranged son, after he deals with the family of his former patient. Meanwhile Adrienne is "Inn sitting" for the owner and her friend who has left town, in the midst of a coming storm, for a wedding.
Paul and Adrienne must spend the weekend together at the Inn, alone. They need to prepare for the coming storm and find a way to relate to each other. I'm sure you know what happens next.
The main characters are mostly "the only" characters during the major length of the movie. While that makes for a fantastic read, it seems to drag on a little slow on the big screen. I enjoyed how the story was adopted to fit in a 2 hour movie and don't think anything from the story was really added or taken away. It's different, but not enough to make you feel like you don't know this story.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a serious chick flick/drama and Nicholas Sparks stories. I do have to say it's probably a renter due to it's predictability and lack of serious action.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
My Best Friend's Girl
Who: Jaclyn
What: My Best Friend's Girl
Where: AMC (in MI)
Why: Dane Cook!
Ok, so if you've read any of my posts involving Dane Cook you know I'm a fan. So of course, I was excited to see this movie. That is, until I saw the movie.
The premise is simple: Tank Turner (Dane Cook) is a jerk. Men pay him to "woo" their exes so they will see what great guys they were. You'd think this would be full of wacky antics but it's really not. He's really quite the bastard.
His cousin, Dustin (Jason Biggs) is in love with his co-worker Alexis (Kate Hudson) and wants Tank to work his magic on her. Unfortunately, this backfires and Tank and Alexis really hit it off.
Of course there's anger between the two of them and when Alexis finds out about the scheme, she's infuriated.
The acting from Jason Biggs is really bad. Not that I expected an Oscar worthy performance but he didn't even live up to Jim standards from American Pie. That is truly tragic.
Overall, I enjoyed it because it was Dane, but it's pretty raunchy and somewhat dull.
What: My Best Friend's Girl
Where: AMC (in MI)
Why: Dane Cook!
Ok, so if you've read any of my posts involving Dane Cook you know I'm a fan. So of course, I was excited to see this movie. That is, until I saw the movie.
The premise is simple: Tank Turner (Dane Cook) is a jerk. Men pay him to "woo" their exes so they will see what great guys they were. You'd think this would be full of wacky antics but it's really not. He's really quite the bastard.
His cousin, Dustin (Jason Biggs) is in love with his co-worker Alexis (Kate Hudson) and wants Tank to work his magic on her. Unfortunately, this backfires and Tank and Alexis really hit it off.
Of course there's anger between the two of them and when Alexis finds out about the scheme, she's infuriated.
The acting from Jason Biggs is really bad. Not that I expected an Oscar worthy performance but he didn't even live up to Jim standards from American Pie. That is truly tragic.
Overall, I enjoyed it because it was Dane, but it's pretty raunchy and somewhat dull.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Penelope
Who: Rochelle
What: Penelope
Where: At Home via Movie on Demand
Why: Nothing good on TV
I was searching for a good story that wasn't too mushy. This stars Christina Ricci plays a girl, Penelope who was born with a curse from her dad's family. The first born girl would be born looking like a pig. Sounds way out there I know! The only way to break the curse is for her to find one like her and marry him. So her mother protects her from the outside by keeping her in the house her whole childhood. Her whole goal in life was to prepare to marry so the curse could be broke.
Her mother, played by Catherine O'Hara from Home Alone, is a complete basket-case. She tries everything to find a man for her daughter so that she can be normal. While it sounds like she wants the best for her daughter she really just wants her own life to be normal. Through a series of events she meets a boy and he is the only one so far that doesn't run away once he sees what she looks like. He likes her but won't marry her but it isn't because of her looks. That is what she thinks so she runs away to the city. It is her first time outside her house and there are reporters trying to get a picture of her. She goes public with her picture and the whole city falls in love with her. There are many little things that happen along the way but so I don't give everything away I'll just say it has a very happy ending!
I remember seeing the previews for this but I never heard anything about it. It seemed like a child's storybook that had been turned into a teen/adult movie. It was interesting but at times seemed childish. The time frame of the movie was set in today but the story seemed very make-believe like; kind of like a darker version of Enchanted. The lead boy was played by James McVoy--not my type but beautiful eyes. Reese Witherspoon also makes an appearance in this one! I would classify this movie as a good rainy day flick!
What: Penelope
Where: At Home via Movie on Demand
Why: Nothing good on TV
I was searching for a good story that wasn't too mushy. This stars Christina Ricci plays a girl, Penelope who was born with a curse from her dad's family. The first born girl would be born looking like a pig. Sounds way out there I know! The only way to break the curse is for her to find one like her and marry him. So her mother protects her from the outside by keeping her in the house her whole childhood. Her whole goal in life was to prepare to marry so the curse could be broke.
Her mother, played by Catherine O'Hara from Home Alone, is a complete basket-case. She tries everything to find a man for her daughter so that she can be normal. While it sounds like she wants the best for her daughter she really just wants her own life to be normal. Through a series of events she meets a boy and he is the only one so far that doesn't run away once he sees what she looks like. He likes her but won't marry her but it isn't because of her looks. That is what she thinks so she runs away to the city. It is her first time outside her house and there are reporters trying to get a picture of her. She goes public with her picture and the whole city falls in love with her. There are many little things that happen along the way but so I don't give everything away I'll just say it has a very happy ending!
I remember seeing the previews for this but I never heard anything about it. It seemed like a child's storybook that had been turned into a teen/adult movie. It was interesting but at times seemed childish. The time frame of the movie was set in today but the story seemed very make-believe like; kind of like a darker version of Enchanted. The lead boy was played by James McVoy--not my type but beautiful eyes. Reese Witherspoon also makes an appearance in this one! I would classify this movie as a good rainy day flick!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sex and the City
Who: Alina
What: Sex and the City
Where: Altamonte 18 Movie Theatre
Why: Religiously watched the show during it's first run and now in syndication (if I'm up that late!)
I enjoyed this movie immensely! I was a little wary b/c I am a HUGE fan of the show and I had heard mixed reviews. You don't have to be a fan of the show to understand the movie but you probably should have watched a few episodes here and there to kind of get how the personality of the girls work. Knowing what happened in the series finale might be helpful too. They do give you a quick synopsis of the personalities of the each of the girls and what has happened to them from the last season of the show to the past 3 or 4 years in the opening credits so you won't be totally lost. I can't say too much of the plot without giving the movie away but it's basically picks up after 4 years. Carrie is still with Big, Charlotte is still married to Harry, Miranda is still married to Steve and still lives in Brooklyn, and Samantha is still with Smith.
I'm not going to give any spoilers away but I cried (didn't think I would) and I laughed a lot. Samantha lives in LA with Smith but she is in a lot of the movie so Samantha fans don't need to worry, she's still Samantha! There is an interesting plot twist with Miranda that surprised me. Charlotte was the comedic relief. Carrie's storyline was heartwrenching (grab the tissues) and heart warming. All four of the stars were great in their roles. They reverted back to Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha like they had never left and gone on to other things. Jennifer Hudson was a great addition to the cast too.
This movie was nothing like I thought it would be. It was so much better! Yes, there was some talk of fashion. Yes, there was talk of love. Yes, there was a lot of nudity and sex (they even show a penis for a split second!). Yes, it is a supreme chick flick but it was great! Some people may not like how the girls ended up where they did at the conclusion of the movie, but I don't think it could have ended any better. It was very true to their characters and the show. Viva Sex and the City!
What: Sex and the City
Where: Altamonte 18 Movie Theatre
Why: Religiously watched the show during it's first run and now in syndication (if I'm up that late!)
I enjoyed this movie immensely! I was a little wary b/c I am a HUGE fan of the show and I had heard mixed reviews. You don't have to be a fan of the show to understand the movie but you probably should have watched a few episodes here and there to kind of get how the personality of the girls work. Knowing what happened in the series finale might be helpful too. They do give you a quick synopsis of the personalities of the each of the girls and what has happened to them from the last season of the show to the past 3 or 4 years in the opening credits so you won't be totally lost. I can't say too much of the plot without giving the movie away but it's basically picks up after 4 years. Carrie is still with Big, Charlotte is still married to Harry, Miranda is still married to Steve and still lives in Brooklyn, and Samantha is still with Smith.
I'm not going to give any spoilers away but I cried (didn't think I would) and I laughed a lot. Samantha lives in LA with Smith but she is in a lot of the movie so Samantha fans don't need to worry, she's still Samantha! There is an interesting plot twist with Miranda that surprised me. Charlotte was the comedic relief. Carrie's storyline was heartwrenching (grab the tissues) and heart warming. All four of the stars were great in their roles. They reverted back to Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha like they had never left and gone on to other things. Jennifer Hudson was a great addition to the cast too.
This movie was nothing like I thought it would be. It was so much better! Yes, there was some talk of fashion. Yes, there was talk of love. Yes, there was a lot of nudity and sex (they even show a penis for a split second!). Yes, it is a supreme chick flick but it was great! Some people may not like how the girls ended up where they did at the conclusion of the movie, but I don't think it could have ended any better. It was very true to their characters and the show. Viva Sex and the City!
edit: I brought this movie review back up to the front because I finally saw it! And it was great!!! I'm still annoyed how these women throw money all over the place, and why does Carrie need an assistant? I haven't seen her do a lick of work. Regardless, it was great, and I recommend it to all.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Sabrina (1954)
Who: Monica
What: Sabrina (the 1954 version)
Where: Home
Why: B/C I needed a great movie that I hadn't seen in awhile while also reading a book.
How much do you love Audrey Hepburn? Then when you put her together with Humphrey Bogart, you are sure to have a fantastic movie on your hands. I love old movies, Audrey Hepburn and this is a fabulous one.
Sabrina is the chauffeur's daughter and grows up watching the big parties of the Larrabees. She is fascinated by the youngest Larrabee brother, David. She's so young that no one pays her any attention. She goes off to cooking school in France and returns a beautiful woman. The boys, both, then notice her for sure. She gets to know them both better and then there is a choice to be made. For awhile, we're not sure who gets to make the choice though. The brothers seem to think they can make it for her. Twists and turns, love prevails.
I like the remake a lot too I must say-
What: Sabrina (the 1954 version)
Where: Home
Why: B/C I needed a great movie that I hadn't seen in awhile while also reading a book.
How much do you love Audrey Hepburn? Then when you put her together with Humphrey Bogart, you are sure to have a fantastic movie on your hands. I love old movies, Audrey Hepburn and this is a fabulous one.
Sabrina is the chauffeur's daughter and grows up watching the big parties of the Larrabees. She is fascinated by the youngest Larrabee brother, David. She's so young that no one pays her any attention. She goes off to cooking school in France and returns a beautiful woman. The boys, both, then notice her for sure. She gets to know them both better and then there is a choice to be made. For awhile, we're not sure who gets to make the choice though. The brothers seem to think they can make it for her. Twists and turns, love prevails.
I like the remake a lot too I must say-
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
