Titanic (RiffTrax version)

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.

Up

Who:  Amber & Jonathan
What:  UP
Where:  AMC Pleasure Island
Why:  It's Pixar!

I had been seeing previews and photos for UP for about 8 months now.  Since it was Pixar, I knew it would be good, but I wasn't so sure about the story and if it would be as good as all the other Pixar movies.

And, as a friend mentioned to me today, if I told you the plot and the funny scenes of the movie, it would just seem ridiculous and lame.  But the movie is WONDERFUL.

Maybe because I'm such a sap for seeing movies with cute old couples who have been happily married for ever ... or maybe because my life is kind-of like Carl and Elle Fredrickson.  They are happy to be around each other, and they happily just live their lives.  They aren't really extravagant or noteworthy.  They just build a home for themselves and enjoy being married.

If you don't really want to see UP, or if you're embarrassed that you want to see UP, but your friends won't see it with you, I highly encourage you to at least watch the first 15 minutes.  After that, you're ok to leave.

Also, the classic Pixar short film before the the movie is adorable.  I think it might be my favorite yet!

Go see this movie immediately!!!  Adults will love the romance, kids will love the adventure.  It's a win/win!

Marley & Me

Who: Monica & Andy, Mom & Dad
What: Marley & Me
Where: Hiram, GA
Why: We love a great doggie movie!!

Warning: Could be spoilers ahead~ Read at your own risk!

Marley is "the world's worse dog" as described by his owner. You know from the beginning that this movie is going to make you laugh. It is based on a true story and book by John Grogan. I tried to read the book at the beach, but couldn't get into it. (Which is odd because I love to read almost anything.) John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny (Jennifer Anniston) get married and move to Florida to start their lives together. They are both writers and work for local papers. They start their family with a lovable gold lab, named Marley!

The first hour is wonderful. If you have ever owned a dog, you will relate to almost every scene in this movie. It is hilarious and heart warming. I whispered many times "look familiar" to Andy?! I absolutely loved the first half. I laughed my head off, great fun!!

Possible Spoiler Ahead:
If you've owned and loved a pet (and even if you haven't), you know that they aren't with us forever. If you are a true pet lover, to you loosing a pet is like loosing a member of the family. I am not sure if it's because I'm emotional (aka: pregnant), we have 3 dogs of which one is getting very old and possibly near the end of her life or just that I can't take the passing of a pet in general. I absolutely fell apart the second half of this movie. I cried until I was into the blubbering ugly cry and couldn't hardly breathe, I got up to go to the restroom and try to compose myself.

I couldn't seem to get over it and continued to cry on the way home. I couldn't (can't) appreciate the first hour of the movie any longer after having been so upset by the second half. It was portrayed in a very real way. It took time, showed what the family went through and was very realistic. I know that pets aren't going to be with us forever, but I have to say that in a funny and heartwarming movie, I didn't want to be reminded of it.

Bolt

Who:  Amber, Jonathan & Jonathan's entire family
What:  Bolt
Where:  Sullivan 6 - tiny theater in Missour-A
Why:  It's Disney!

I also saw Bolt over the Thanksgiving weekend, and I loved it!  I had heard other people say, "meh - it was ok", but I think it was better than ok.  I, on the other hand, highly recommend it!

I was afraid it would be a cheesy "we're traveling across the country" montage.  Thankfully, there was a montage, but it was insanely cute.

Ok, I'm getting off track.  Bolt is Penny's dog.  Although Penny is no ordinary kid, she's a TV star in an action-style TV show.  But Bolt is the REAL super hero of the show.  Thanks to TV magic, he can 'bend' metal, his eyes are lasers, he can jump super far and run super fast.  Bolt believes he can actually do these things - b/c he never EVER leaves the set.  He never gets to be a real dog.  He always honestly thinks Penny is in grave danger, and he relishes his opportunity to save her each week.

Well, when Bolt gets off the set for the first time, and ends up in NYC (long story), and a wise cracking ally cat has to set him straight.  After a while, Bolt does realize he has no super powers, but actually enjoys being a real dog.  Who knew sticking your face out of a car door was totally awesome!?!?

It's Disney, so you know Bolt will make it back to Penny in LA, but he has some wild and funny adventures along the way.

Best line (by the hamster), "I'll go get a ladder."

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

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.

Spiderman 3

Who:  Amber
What:  Spiderman 3
Where:  @ home - free Starz weekend
Why:  Something to watch while I clean the house

If you forgot Spiderman 2, here's a quick recap:  MJ finds out that Peter really is Spiderman, and they realize they love each other.  Peter still lives in his crappy apartment, but Mary Jane has made it to Broadway!

This movie is fun, but there is almost too much stuff going on.  First Harry (Peter's ex-friend) attacks him and winds up with a bump on the head.  Some criminal guy escapes from jail, winds up in some sand thing, and magically turns into the Sandman.  And then, some weird black stuff crawl out of the river, attaches itself to Spiderman's suit and turns him into 'bad spiderman' (otherwise known as Venom).

Of course, there are fights and fights and fights.  Will Spiderman actually lose one this time?  Riiiiiight.

A lot of people mocked this movie because Peter Parker cries after MJ 'fake' breaks up with him (a bad guy makes her do it).  Let me tell you, when you get broken up with (and you were about to propose!), you cry.  You cry like a little girl.  It's embarrasing, but you can't stop.  Kudos to the director and Tobey Maguire for crying like a little girl.

I also have a crush on Eric from That '70s Show, who plays a rival photographer, and who turns into 'bad spiderman' (Venom).  I forgot his name in real life (Topher Grace - that's it!), but I think he's super hot for some reason.

If you've seen Spiderman 1 & 2, then I recommend checking this movie out.  If you missed Spiderman 1 or 2, then don't bother.  Although, I'm guessing Spiderman 4 will be out eventually ...

The Secret Life of Bees

Who:Terry
What:Secret Life of Bees
Where:Rockford Theater
Why:Cause I love the book

Every since i heard this was a movie I just couldnt wait to go.  Kerri, Emily, Mitchel and I went today, and I wasnt disapointed.  They  stayed pretty much along with the book.  The movie is set in the 60's, racial strife, disfuctional family, ect.  The story is about Lily, who's mother left her father when she was 4yrs old and left her behind.  Lily's father is one mean ass jerk and is horrible to Lily who ends up running away from home with Rosaleen, their housekeeper to find out the truth about her mother.  I wont spoil what happens, but it's a good movie.  Dakota Fanning is one awesome little actress, she had me in tears in multiple scenes.  Queen Latifa was so perfect as the part of August Boatwright, and Alicia Keys as her sister, June,  is one person that I wouldnt want pissed off at me.  Man the looks that girl gave people!!!   I couldnt help but tear up about every scene with Jennifer Hudson, thinking of her recent pain and suffering, so heartbreaking.  This will be a movie I buy.   Go see it, you wont be disapointed. 

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Who:Terry & Mitchel
What: Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Where:Beloit, Wi.
Why: Cause I am the Crazy Puppy Lady

OMG, Kerri is right, I *am* The Crazy Puppy Lady.  I guess I can confess to using Mitchel as a ploy to go see a dog movie.  And I must say, I was not disappointed!!!  I laughed, I cried and I cried again.   The dogs are totally cute in this movie, and the voices that talk for them are perfect.  Drew Barrymore as the BH chihuahua, Chloe was a great choice and George Lopez as Papi.   Chloe's owner goes off on a business trip and leaves Chloe with a niece which of course doesnt take proper care of the dog and she gets lost and the adventure begins.   Enter the cutie pie gardner with his dog Papi to help look for the dog that has gotten loose in Mexico.  There is also a rat and an iguana that are quite funny in this too.   I guess what got to me was the scenarios they set up and I was thinking how they happen in real life, minus the talking of course.   The dog fight scene made me cry cause  I know that is very real, and very sad what they do to these dogs.   Mitchel cracked up at the movie and he loved it.    So i guess from us it's a double thumbs up!!!  I will buy this movie.   Along with a herd of chihuahua's, a pit bull, a German Shepard (who was gorgeous in the movie) and a load of mutts!!!!    

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.

P.S. I Love You

Who:LaRelle
What: P.S. I Love You
Where: my living room
Why: because it was next on my cue from netflix

Ok....I put off watching this movie for quite awhile. I had heard several people say that it was quite depressing. And I figured I would wait till I was in the mood for a depressing movie.
Then, recently, I'd heard a few people say that it wasn't depressing at all and that it was a great movie.
Well....they were, in fact, wrong. It was a great movie.....but definitely depressing.
But actually, in talking with Hillary, I think it really comes down to your personal experience. It's about a woman dealing with the loss of her husband. If you have lost somebody close to you I think it will tend to hit you harder and be more depressing. I'm guessing that the people that told me it wasn't sad have not had the unfortunate experience of losing somebody close to them.
But that being said....I highly recommend this movie! I laughed out loud a few times. And yes, I did cry through several parts of it. Just be prepared to be sad while watching it. But it does have a bit of a happy ending.
And girls....it has Gerard Butler and Jeffrey Dean Morgan in it. Really that's all that needs to be said. =)

Monsters Inc.

Who: Monica
What: Monsters Inc.
Where: Home
Why: B/C I bought the 2 disc version a month ago and hadn't watched it yet.

Last night I pulled out my brand new 2 disc version of Monsters Inc. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the extras on these movies and couldn't wait to see what goodies I'd find in Monster world. I decided to watch the movie first, I think it's been a few years since I've seen it.

Every time I watch a Disney movie, I am always joyously surprised about how much I adore each and every one. I have favorites yes, but they are all amazing in their own way. Sulley (John Goodman) has to be one of the most lovable characters ever created by Disney, despite the fact he's.. well, a monster!! Mike (Billy Crystal) is a hoot and full of energy, just like Billy Crystal. Randy Newman songs and music run throughout, there is nothing greater in Disney films than music that sets the stage, tugs at your heart strings and sticks in your head for days!!

The detail in these movies are fascinating when you stop to notice!! I do love Pixar despite many "old school" Disney traditionalist who'd want to shoot me with that confession. There is something to be said for both kinds of animation I believe. The details in monster world are crazy: door knobs that are horns, paperwork and posters around that are designed for monsters, the props/characters that go into the "other worlds" when the monsters step out of monster world, the kids rooms and on and on and on... It's just one of the things that sets Disney movies out of the league with all the others!

The plot: Mike & Sulley are best friend monsters who work at the energy company in Monstropolis.. To get energy for Monster world, they must capture screams of children in our world, the monster in the closet. Then the worse thing to ever happen, happens .... a CHILD gets into Monster World!!! The monsters are terrified and much chaos follows. The child, Boo, is the cutest thing ever. Her unintelligible babbles (and singing when she's on the potty) are the sweetest sounds! There are things to make you laugh out loud, a plot to be solved and some touching moments as well.

If you haven't seen the "out takes" at the end of this movie, you have missed something incredible. I think this is my favorite part of Disney movies, when the characters have out takes. Are you kidding, who thinks of this stuff?? I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! It's in the details...

Then there is the bonus material. This may very well be my favorite bonus material of all time. It lets us look around the Pixar buildings where it all happens, the secret room (that even Roy Disney has visited) is just craziness. The monkey, what's with that? You get to see how much work goes from story boards and pencil drawings, to animation and character development, to adding color, details, shadows and lightning. It's a crazy process and I have no idea how people are so creative. I am thankful they are though! I loved each and every minute of the extras and watching the movie again with commentary on. So much to soak in.

If you haven't pulled out a favorite Disney animated movie lately, do it, you wont be sorry!!!!

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!

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.

The Bucket List

Who: Terry & John
What: The Bucket List
Where: In our RV
Why: Bought it when our dish was out, needed something to watch.

Although these movies are pretty predictable, I enjoyed it a lot. I love Morgan Freeman, and although Jack Nicholson isnt one of my favorite people, he was perfect for this roll. I loved seeing the bond the two men formed during a crisis time in each of their lives. I think it made you think about how you would want to spend your final days and shows you what is most important in your life. Although most people would be spending their final days with family, their method is quite appealing!!! It's a fun watch and the last scene is cute and touching.

Bucket List

Who: Amber
What: Bucket List
Where: on a flight from Houston to Honolulu AND a flight from Houston to Orlando (thank for the variety Continental Airlines - not!)
Why: Nothing else on

I really surprised myself by liking this movie (heck, I watched it on 2 separate flights). It was interesting because you clearly know the ending from watching the previews (both guys are dying - hence the "kick the BUCKET LIST"), but it's still enjoyable and a little suspensful to see how it all plays out.

The beginning of the movie shows Jack Nicholson (a big jerk) and Morgan Freeman (family guy) sharing a room in the hospital - the hospital that Jack Nicholson pretty much owns. It shows them avoiding each other, then making casual conversation, then playing cards, then conversing as friends, then it shows some nasty effects of the chemotherapy ... then it shows Morgan Freeman making his bucket list. Jack steals it off the floor, and says, "we should do this!" Jack is totally loaded (has a private jet) and funds the entire trip.

And interesting twist is how Morgan Freeman explains to his family that he's taking a trip with Jack Nicholson, even though he will be dying soon. I kind-of felt bad for his family b/c they couldn't spend a lot of time with their dying husband/dad/grandpa.

I won't spoil it with who dies first, and who dies second, but it's very sweet as the last remaining friend completes the bucket list. The 2 friends are buried at a very special place along with their list.

P.S. I Love You

Who: Amber
What: P.S. I Love You
Where: on a flight from Honolulu to Kwajalein
Why: Only movie on the flight

I remember seeing previews for this movie and thinking, "lame!" It looked like Hilary Swank's husband dies, and then he sends her letters helping her date other men quickly.

But it was nothing like that. Her husband does die of a brain tumor, and he does send her letters and packages, but it's just to help her get a grip on life with out him (they've been married for 11 years). She does not go out and get freaky with anybody, she is very realististly grieving for her lost love. It was a very sweet movie! Too bad it made me cry, and that is embarrasing on an airplane!

Facing the Giants

Who: Rochelle & Bob and friends
What: Facing the Giants
Where: stinky AMC Pleasure Island
Why: It was a group outing and it came recommended

Are you ready for some football? This is a great movie because it has something that appeals to men and women. It is the story of a coach and a small football team as they go up against a superior team. It shows how the coach motivates the players to do something bigger than themselves--to pull together and rely on a higher power to win the game. The whole time the coach is trying to do the right thing with his team he and his wife are struggling with infertility, finances, and his desire to be a good provider. This is a total tear-jerker but you still feel really good when the movie is over. It isn't an Oscar winning actor performance but the screenplay is award worthy. You don't see enough of these good-natured films in the theaters. Now available on DVD or at Blockbuster. Two Thumbs up!

Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood

Who: Monica
What: Divine Secrets of the Yaya Sisterhood
Where: From my couch
Why: Because 3 movies a day wasn't enough----

Another $4 find, classic. I forgot how much I love this movie too. It's truly a southern charm classic. The cast is fantastic!!

Sidalee, who has a serious love/hate relationship with her Mother, is about to get married. She is interviewed in "Time" magazine about her Mom, she gives quite a "colorful" interview of her childhood. Her Mom of course reads it and flies off the deep end. I love when she's going around the living room taking Sida's pictures down. When my Grandmother gets mad at me, she does this!! Sida's Mother, Vivi, is part of a tight group of crazy friends, the YaYa's. They decide to get involved in Vivi & Sida's relationship and try to make amends. It provides for tons of laughs, lots of looking back and some big drama as well.

The southern dialog alone is reason enough to give this movie an 8 on my scale of 1-10!!