Movie: Moonrise Kingdom
Like/Don't Like: Lovely
Dream job: be on Wes Anderson's design team - felt division. Just think of all the hours I could spend making little felt accessories for his movies. Because there are always loads of them.
That's not the only reason why I loved this movie. Although it has a lot to do with it. I just love his singular vision. His characters have these crazy, quirky dreams that they just go for. And they do it in style. This time it's teenagers running away together and it's kind of magical what happens. It's a pretty simple story told in a very grand and precise way. It's right up my alley.
Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Les Miserables
Movie: Les Miserables
Like/Don't Like: Really liked, with just a few exceptions
Like just about everyone else on the planet, I love this musical. I've seen it on the stage 3 times. I grew up listening to the soundtrack over and over and over again. I once went to a show tunes singalong and the moment of belting out I Dreamed a Dream with a few hundred other nerds holds a very special place in my memory. I also love the book a lot. I think it's a perfect story. So I was excited for this movie to come out and naturally I have a lot to say. To the list!
1.) I didn't hate Anne Hathaway. Everybody knows that she's not my favorite actress, and when I found out that she was playing Fantine my initial reaction was, "Ugh. Of course she is! I'd like to spit now, please." but I went in with an open mind because I genuinely wanted to like her so that I could like the movie on a whole. So I think that it shows real growth that there were only a few moments when I thought, "Oh, GIVE ME A BREAK ANNE HATHAWAY!" She sang her song, and all in one long shot and on key, which you have to give her props for, and then she died and we all moved on. Side note: I think the short hair suits her. It has turned her into the edgy waife she's always wanted to be.
2.) Do not see this with expectations of awesome singing. These are not trained singers who can act, like you would see on the stage. These are trained actors who can sing. Nearly all of them are outmatched by the songs. So just be prepared for Marius to sound like Kermit the Frog at times. And Javert to be so understated that you wonder if someone should check for a pulse. That being said - they all sang well. And live. They were not recorded in the studio and then dubbed in but actually recorded live as they were filming, and that takes a lot of skill. And what they lack in vocal power they make up for in performance. Except for Russell Crowe. They could have put epaulets on an animatron and you would have seen the same performance.
3.) Be prepared to see a lot of pores because this was shot almost entirely in close-up. Which was great for the really intimate songs but dreadful for the big numbers when all you want to see are waving flags and rifles being thrust in the air and not actors with their mouths wide open sustaining a note. I mean, I love Hugh Jackman but I don't need to see how many freckles he has on his nose.
4.) So I would have made different casting and directorial decisions. But I can't complain too much because it's Les Miserables. The story is so powerful and the music is so breathtaking that even if it was nothing but close-ups of Anne Hathaway's nostrils (which sometimes it was) I still would have loved it. What I'm saying is it's hard to go wrong with this. And it's hard to not get swept up in the whole thing. I wept like a baby at the end. And at the beginning. And parts in the middle. And I had to stop myself from singing along with Do You Hear the People Sing. I really appreciated the authenticity they were going for and I felt like they captured the drama grandness of the stage production while still giving us an intimate film.
Like/Don't Like: Really liked, with just a few exceptions
Like just about everyone else on the planet, I love this musical. I've seen it on the stage 3 times. I grew up listening to the soundtrack over and over and over again. I once went to a show tunes singalong and the moment of belting out I Dreamed a Dream with a few hundred other nerds holds a very special place in my memory. I also love the book a lot. I think it's a perfect story. So I was excited for this movie to come out and naturally I have a lot to say. To the list!
1.) I didn't hate Anne Hathaway. Everybody knows that she's not my favorite actress, and when I found out that she was playing Fantine my initial reaction was, "Ugh. Of course she is! I'd like to spit now, please." but I went in with an open mind because I genuinely wanted to like her so that I could like the movie on a whole. So I think that it shows real growth that there were only a few moments when I thought, "Oh, GIVE ME A BREAK ANNE HATHAWAY!" She sang her song, and all in one long shot and on key, which you have to give her props for, and then she died and we all moved on. Side note: I think the short hair suits her. It has turned her into the edgy waife she's always wanted to be.
2.) Do not see this with expectations of awesome singing. These are not trained singers who can act, like you would see on the stage. These are trained actors who can sing. Nearly all of them are outmatched by the songs. So just be prepared for Marius to sound like Kermit the Frog at times. And Javert to be so understated that you wonder if someone should check for a pulse. That being said - they all sang well. And live. They were not recorded in the studio and then dubbed in but actually recorded live as they were filming, and that takes a lot of skill. And what they lack in vocal power they make up for in performance. Except for Russell Crowe. They could have put epaulets on an animatron and you would have seen the same performance.
3.) Be prepared to see a lot of pores because this was shot almost entirely in close-up. Which was great for the really intimate songs but dreadful for the big numbers when all you want to see are waving flags and rifles being thrust in the air and not actors with their mouths wide open sustaining a note. I mean, I love Hugh Jackman but I don't need to see how many freckles he has on his nose.
4.) So I would have made different casting and directorial decisions. But I can't complain too much because it's Les Miserables. The story is so powerful and the music is so breathtaking that even if it was nothing but close-ups of Anne Hathaway's nostrils (which sometimes it was) I still would have loved it. What I'm saying is it's hard to go wrong with this. And it's hard to not get swept up in the whole thing. I wept like a baby at the end. And at the beginning. And parts in the middle. And I had to stop myself from singing along with Do You Hear the People Sing. I really appreciated the authenticity they were going for and I felt like they captured the drama grandness of the stage production while still giving us an intimate film.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Midnight in Paris
Movie: Midnight in Paris
Like/Don't Like: Yeah, I liked it
I never quite get the allure of a Woody Allen film. I think my west coast, non-neurotic sensibilities makes him sort of just okay in my book. But I aside from the usual unrelatable characters that are always in his films, I thought this one was totally charming. Mostly because it's set in Paris, partly in the 1920s which means it's filled with Hemingway and Gertrude Stein and Picasso and Cole Porter. And the whole thing was warmly lit and had lovely jazz music in the background and, well, I watched it like 2 weeks ago which means that it has completely slipped out of my mind. But it counts if I remember that I liked it, right?
Like/Don't Like: Yeah, I liked it
I never quite get the allure of a Woody Allen film. I think my west coast, non-neurotic sensibilities makes him sort of just okay in my book. But I aside from the usual unrelatable characters that are always in his films, I thought this one was totally charming. Mostly because it's set in Paris, partly in the 1920s which means it's filled with Hemingway and Gertrude Stein and Picasso and Cole Porter. And the whole thing was warmly lit and had lovely jazz music in the background and, well, I watched it like 2 weeks ago which means that it has completely slipped out of my mind. But it counts if I remember that I liked it, right?
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Brave
Movie: Brave
Like/Don't Like: Like. I was suprised by some parts. But in a good way.
I've never been envious of a cartoon character's hair until I saw Merida's red curls. Pixar should get an oscar just for how glorious they looked. In other news: this was a sweet movie. All I've really heard about it was that the animation was amazing. And I totally agree. Let's all move to Scotland! But the story was really good. And suprising. You don't often find a movie that deals almost exclusively with a mother/daughter relationship, but especially an animated one. Because most mother's are dead or abscent in animated Disney films. And you definitely don't find a Disney movie without a love story. This didn't have one at all. And it was kind of refreshing. I was genuinely surprised by the twist this had (no, I won't tell you ) and was kind of put off at first but then went with the flow and saw that it was a really tender story. It still has everything you expect from Pixar, it was funny and sweet and had a lot of depth. And Merida made a great heroine. It was pretty solid.
Like/Don't Like: Like. I was suprised by some parts. But in a good way.
I've never been envious of a cartoon character's hair until I saw Merida's red curls. Pixar should get an oscar just for how glorious they looked. In other news: this was a sweet movie. All I've really heard about it was that the animation was amazing. And I totally agree. Let's all move to Scotland! But the story was really good. And suprising. You don't often find a movie that deals almost exclusively with a mother/daughter relationship, but especially an animated one. Because most mother's are dead or abscent in animated Disney films. And you definitely don't find a Disney movie without a love story. This didn't have one at all. And it was kind of refreshing. I was genuinely surprised by the twist this had (no, I won't tell you ) and was kind of put off at first but then went with the flow and saw that it was a really tender story. It still has everything you expect from Pixar, it was funny and sweet and had a lot of depth. And Merida made a great heroine. It was pretty solid.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
The Hunger Games
Movie: The Hunger Games
Like/Don't Like: Liked, once my heart started again.
Here's a fact: I do not see movies that are intense or violent or give me a heart attack. I don't like to be in suspense, I don't like to be scared. I don't like watching people running from danger or people killing or being killed.
If I did not love the Hunger Games trilogy so much I would never have gone to see this movie. It would not have even been on my radar because I cover my eyes or change the channel when even commercials for these types of movies come on. And truthfully, it came to a point where I didn't even need to see this movie. The book was more than enough. I would get excited when I would watch the trailer, but that was mostly because it would remind me how much I loved the book. It is well documented here how much I loved it. I mean, you should have all been in my room in the hours that followed my finishing Mockingjay to witness the absolute mess I had become. Strike that, you would have needed a dinghy to float out, I was crying so much. I had a very real and emotional experience with those books.
So really, it was my curiosity that got me to watch the movie. I was hopeful that because Suzanne Collins was so closely involved in its making that it would have the same heart that the books did. And I am relieved to say that it came close-ish.
First off, as a stand alone movie it was pretty great. It is very faithful to the book but it managed to have it's own identity. I think anyone who hasn't read the book wouldn't feel like they've missed out on anything (although, let's be honest and a little judgy here, they're missing out on a lot.) I note this first because most problems I had with the movie had to do with what was missing, but I'll get to that later. On to the things that worked for me.
I LOVED the reaping scenes. Holy cats! Did you just feel like you had a ton of bricks on your chest through the whole thing. All those kids dressed in their shabby best, silently standing there, waiting. It was so quiet...all except for my weeping.
Speaking of sound, I thought that the music was perfection. Especially the lack of music. There were so many moments when any other musical director would have jammed them full of strings and horns. But the music was pretty sparse and when it was played it was dead on. And then I saw that T Bone Burnett was behind it and it all made sense.
One of my biggest apprehensions about seeing the movie was the violence. I have a pretty vivid imagination but when I read a book I can control the images that descriptions will conjure. I can also shut a book or skip a paragraph. But I can only close my eyes in a movie and sometimes that is not enough. I am, above all, a delicate flower. So yes, this was more violence than I care for but I was grateful that their desire to make money (thus getting it a PG-13 rating) overcame their desire to be sensational.
Now, for things I thought could be better. My biggest problem was that I really missed Katniss. The whole book is from her perspective. And there are pages and pages of just her thoughts about her family and Peeta and Gale and the games and being a pawn for the Capitol to play with. So much of the conflict is in her head and most of that is gone in the movie. I get that it's hard to translate that, but I still missed it.
I also would have loved to have seen the reaction of the citizen's of the Capitol throughout the game. I thought it was great that they showed the behind-the scenes stuff of the gamekeepers but it would have been effective to show just what the games mean to the people they make it for.
And on a personal note: when that mutt jumped out of the bushes at Peeta I actually screamed, which was a first for me. I have never screamed in a movie before. Mostly because I don't ever go to movies that would scare me. But I thought I was going to have a heart attack.
Sweet Land of Liberty, this is the longest review. So I'll just end with this. I liked it. I thought it was thrilling and I was so happy that it met whatever low expectations I had and then some. And finally, Stanley Tucci could spend the rest of his career doing nothing but staring into a camera and reciting the periodic table of elements and I would still pay full price to see him.
Like/Don't Like: Liked, once my heart started again.
Here's a fact: I do not see movies that are intense or violent or give me a heart attack. I don't like to be in suspense, I don't like to be scared. I don't like watching people running from danger or people killing or being killed.
If I did not love the Hunger Games trilogy so much I would never have gone to see this movie. It would not have even been on my radar because I cover my eyes or change the channel when even commercials for these types of movies come on. And truthfully, it came to a point where I didn't even need to see this movie. The book was more than enough. I would get excited when I would watch the trailer, but that was mostly because it would remind me how much I loved the book. It is well documented here how much I loved it. I mean, you should have all been in my room in the hours that followed my finishing Mockingjay to witness the absolute mess I had become. Strike that, you would have needed a dinghy to float out, I was crying so much. I had a very real and emotional experience with those books.
So really, it was my curiosity that got me to watch the movie. I was hopeful that because Suzanne Collins was so closely involved in its making that it would have the same heart that the books did. And I am relieved to say that it came close-ish.
First off, as a stand alone movie it was pretty great. It is very faithful to the book but it managed to have it's own identity. I think anyone who hasn't read the book wouldn't feel like they've missed out on anything (although, let's be honest and a little judgy here, they're missing out on a lot.) I note this first because most problems I had with the movie had to do with what was missing, but I'll get to that later. On to the things that worked for me.
I LOVED the reaping scenes. Holy cats! Did you just feel like you had a ton of bricks on your chest through the whole thing. All those kids dressed in their shabby best, silently standing there, waiting. It was so quiet...all except for my weeping.
Speaking of sound, I thought that the music was perfection. Especially the lack of music. There were so many moments when any other musical director would have jammed them full of strings and horns. But the music was pretty sparse and when it was played it was dead on. And then I saw that T Bone Burnett was behind it and it all made sense.
One of my biggest apprehensions about seeing the movie was the violence. I have a pretty vivid imagination but when I read a book I can control the images that descriptions will conjure. I can also shut a book or skip a paragraph. But I can only close my eyes in a movie and sometimes that is not enough. I am, above all, a delicate flower. So yes, this was more violence than I care for but I was grateful that their desire to make money (thus getting it a PG-13 rating) overcame their desire to be sensational.
Now, for things I thought could be better. My biggest problem was that I really missed Katniss. The whole book is from her perspective. And there are pages and pages of just her thoughts about her family and Peeta and Gale and the games and being a pawn for the Capitol to play with. So much of the conflict is in her head and most of that is gone in the movie. I get that it's hard to translate that, but I still missed it.
I also would have loved to have seen the reaction of the citizen's of the Capitol throughout the game. I thought it was great that they showed the behind-the scenes stuff of the gamekeepers but it would have been effective to show just what the games mean to the people they make it for.
And on a personal note: when that mutt jumped out of the bushes at Peeta I actually screamed, which was a first for me. I have never screamed in a movie before. Mostly because I don't ever go to movies that would scare me. But I thought I was going to have a heart attack.
Sweet Land of Liberty, this is the longest review. So I'll just end with this. I liked it. I thought it was thrilling and I was so happy that it met whatever low expectations I had and then some. And finally, Stanley Tucci could spend the rest of his career doing nothing but staring into a camera and reciting the periodic table of elements and I would still pay full price to see him.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Mirror, Mirror
Movie: Mirror, Mirror
Like/Don't Like: It was cute.
Okay, so I saw a Julia Roberts movie before I saw the Hunger Games. Don't judge me people.
And I have to say, that as far as Julia Roberts is concerned, she should stick with being the bad guy. Because we already know that she thinks we're dumb. Right? She doesn't like us at all. So being a meanie totally works for her. And I actually kind of liked her in this, which is a first for me.
It's a spin on Snow White, complete with seven dwarfs and a handsome prince. It was cheesy and predictable, slow in some parts and had a really bizarre Bollywood dance sequence during the end credits. And yet, I was entertained.
Like/Don't Like: It was cute.
Okay, so I saw a Julia Roberts movie before I saw the Hunger Games. Don't judge me people.
And I have to say, that as far as Julia Roberts is concerned, she should stick with being the bad guy. Because we already know that she thinks we're dumb. Right? She doesn't like us at all. So being a meanie totally works for her. And I actually kind of liked her in this, which is a first for me.
It's a spin on Snow White, complete with seven dwarfs and a handsome prince. It was cheesy and predictable, slow in some parts and had a really bizarre Bollywood dance sequence during the end credits. And yet, I was entertained.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Super 8
Movie: Super 8
Like/Don't Like: Like - despite all the times I had to a cover my eyes
How did I not know that this is a scary alien movie? I'm usually really up on these sorts of things, but I started watching this and was all, "Oh, early teen boys are so hilarious. Elle Fanning has princess hair," which then turned to, "EEEEEKKKKKK!!!!! Scary alien!!!!!!" You all know what a delicate flower I am when it comes to scary things like aliens and guns and explosions. I was tense through the last hour of the movie.
But it was still a really cool flick. And I give that all to the kids. Movie aliens have no problem eating adults. But kids are generally safe in a PG-13 film. I felt confident that none of them would have their guts sucked out. Plus, I meant it about teen boys. They're a riot. It was a nice story with funny characters and cool effects. It felt exactly like what a JJ Abrams and Steven Spielberg movie should be. Complete with too many lens flares (oh, JJ Abrams, enough! with those lens flares. I nearly had an epileptic fit during Star Trek.) And it had heart. I liked that the alien other reasons for being so destructive other than just wanting to destroy Earth. I suppose I'm grateful I didn't know it would freak me out so much because I never would have watched it.
Like/Don't Like: Like - despite all the times I had to a cover my eyes
How did I not know that this is a scary alien movie? I'm usually really up on these sorts of things, but I started watching this and was all, "Oh, early teen boys are so hilarious. Elle Fanning has princess hair," which then turned to, "EEEEEKKKKKK!!!!! Scary alien!!!!!!" You all know what a delicate flower I am when it comes to scary things like aliens and guns and explosions. I was tense through the last hour of the movie.
But it was still a really cool flick. And I give that all to the kids. Movie aliens have no problem eating adults. But kids are generally safe in a PG-13 film. I felt confident that none of them would have their guts sucked out. Plus, I meant it about teen boys. They're a riot. It was a nice story with funny characters and cool effects. It felt exactly like what a JJ Abrams and Steven Spielberg movie should be. Complete with too many lens flares (oh, JJ Abrams, enough! with those lens flares. I nearly had an epileptic fit during Star Trek.) And it had heart. I liked that the alien other reasons for being so destructive other than just wanting to destroy Earth. I suppose I'm grateful I didn't know it would freak me out so much because I never would have watched it.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Captain America
Movie: Captain America
Like/Don't Like: Liked. Truly.
This is the kind of action movie I can get behind - the kind where the weapons vaporize people instead of leaving bloody messes all over the place. That way, I can imagine them being transported into a field of daisies and ice cream trucks.
Anyway, I actually did like it for more than just that. There were some funny bits and the action wasn't too gratuitous (I get so bored with things blowing up) and it was packed with great actors (I love both Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones) and surprise cameos like that one guy who played Henry Tilney in that one version of Northanger Abbey I like, and that other guy who plays Willoughby in that one version of Sense & Sensibility that I like, and "IS THAT RICHARD ARMITAGE!!!???" Which is what Katie shouted while I was busy looking down at my knitting and I had to rewind to verify. Yes it was. In a suit with retro glasses. Sigh.
The ending leaves a little to be desired because they're setting up for the Avengers, which I'm surprisingly looking forward to. But it was action packed and fun to watch. And all those people who were vaporized are now enjoying a refreshing Choco Taco in that field of daisies.
Like/Don't Like: Liked. Truly.
This is the kind of action movie I can get behind - the kind where the weapons vaporize people instead of leaving bloody messes all over the place. That way, I can imagine them being transported into a field of daisies and ice cream trucks.
Anyway, I actually did like it for more than just that. There were some funny bits and the action wasn't too gratuitous (I get so bored with things blowing up) and it was packed with great actors (I love both Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones) and surprise cameos like that one guy who played Henry Tilney in that one version of Northanger Abbey I like, and that other guy who plays Willoughby in that one version of Sense & Sensibility that I like, and "IS THAT RICHARD ARMITAGE!!!???" Which is what Katie shouted while I was busy looking down at my knitting and I had to rewind to verify. Yes it was. In a suit with retro glasses. Sigh.
The ending leaves a little to be desired because they're setting up for the Avengers, which I'm surprisingly looking forward to. But it was action packed and fun to watch. And all those people who were vaporized are now enjoying a refreshing Choco Taco in that field of daisies.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows
Movie: Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows
Like/Don't Like: Like. Yes, I remember that I liked it.
Who's with me that the world has been given a gift in a clean and sober Robert Downey Jr.? I feel like ever since he's cleaned up his act he's become a national treasure. Okay, so that's a stretch, but I really like him in everything he does. It's not like he's blessed with much of a range (he basically plays the same character in all of his movies) but he's fun to watch. And I've grown accustomed to Jude Law. And I like Sherlock Holmes in general, so this movie was a no brainer. The perfect Christmas break movie.
That being said, it's been a week since I've seen it and it has almost completely left my brain and the only thing that remains of it is the vague sense that I liked it. I liked that Moriarty was there and I thought their meet ups were clever. There were some very funny moments. And it moved along nicely. And while I'm not that much of a fan of gratuitous special effects, the slow motion stuff was pretty cool, even though I was over it long before it finished. I did have to cover my eyes a number of times because I'm a delicate flower and don't go in much for punching and shooting and stuff like that. But overall, it was fun.
Like/Don't Like: Like. Yes, I remember that I liked it.
Who's with me that the world has been given a gift in a clean and sober Robert Downey Jr.? I feel like ever since he's cleaned up his act he's become a national treasure. Okay, so that's a stretch, but I really like him in everything he does. It's not like he's blessed with much of a range (he basically plays the same character in all of his movies) but he's fun to watch. And I've grown accustomed to Jude Law. And I like Sherlock Holmes in general, so this movie was a no brainer. The perfect Christmas break movie.
That being said, it's been a week since I've seen it and it has almost completely left my brain and the only thing that remains of it is the vague sense that I liked it. I liked that Moriarty was there and I thought their meet ups were clever. There were some very funny moments. And it moved along nicely. And while I'm not that much of a fan of gratuitous special effects, the slow motion stuff was pretty cool, even though I was over it long before it finished. I did have to cover my eyes a number of times because I'm a delicate flower and don't go in much for punching and shooting and stuff like that. But overall, it was fun.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Muppets
Movie: The Muppets
Like/Don't Like: Would you trust someone who didn't like this movie? Me neither.
I think it's impossible to not love the Muppets. Especially if you're my age and you grew up watching the Muppet Show and Sesame Street. If you combine them with Mickey Mouse Disco, Thrify's ice cream cones, and a Big Wheel it would pretty much encapsulate all the glorious parts of my childhood. (When, WHEN, I ask you, will they create a grown-up sized Big Wheel? I want one more than I want a Slurpee machine.)
So this movie was a no-brainer. It was bound to be great. It was nostalgic (I got chills when they did the intro to the old Muppet Show and welled up when they sang Rainbow Connection) and still riffed on modern pop culture, as they have always excelled at doing. And it was corny and funny and not a bit ironic or snarky. Miss Piggy looked glamorous even as she karate chopped someone, Fozzie wore fart shoes, there were subtitles for the Swedish chef, celebrities made cameos, and Kermit played the banjo. Basically it was everything you want from a Muppet movie.
Like/Don't Like: Would you trust someone who didn't like this movie? Me neither.
I think it's impossible to not love the Muppets. Especially if you're my age and you grew up watching the Muppet Show and Sesame Street. If you combine them with Mickey Mouse Disco, Thrify's ice cream cones, and a Big Wheel it would pretty much encapsulate all the glorious parts of my childhood. (When, WHEN, I ask you, will they create a grown-up sized Big Wheel? I want one more than I want a Slurpee machine.)
So this movie was a no-brainer. It was bound to be great. It was nostalgic (I got chills when they did the intro to the old Muppet Show and welled up when they sang Rainbow Connection) and still riffed on modern pop culture, as they have always excelled at doing. And it was corny and funny and not a bit ironic or snarky. Miss Piggy looked glamorous even as she karate chopped someone, Fozzie wore fart shoes, there were subtitles for the Swedish chef, celebrities made cameos, and Kermit played the banjo. Basically it was everything you want from a Muppet movie.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Adjustment Bureau
Movie: The Adjustment Bureau
Like/Don't Like: Liked
This had all the right elements - an interesting story, good acting (I like that Emily Blunt. I think she has spunk.), and a fast pace without being too fast that it confuses you.
Matt Damon plays a political hopeful who's life takes a turn he did not expect. He later finds out the source of that unexpected turn in the form of men in suits and fedoras who call themselves the Adjustment Bureau. They've been making slight alterations to his life course and he's fighting against it in order to stay with Emily Blunt. It was way more romantic than I expected (I was anticipating a straight action flick), but when do I complain about romance? I thought it was sweet.
Now lets, just for a moment, give three cheers for suits and fedoras! I'm going to sound 80 here but don't you wish men wore suits more often? They just look so sharp. And you cannot go wrong with a gray fedora. It's a class act all the way.
Like/Don't Like: Liked
This had all the right elements - an interesting story, good acting (I like that Emily Blunt. I think she has spunk.), and a fast pace without being too fast that it confuses you.
Matt Damon plays a political hopeful who's life takes a turn he did not expect. He later finds out the source of that unexpected turn in the form of men in suits and fedoras who call themselves the Adjustment Bureau. They've been making slight alterations to his life course and he's fighting against it in order to stay with Emily Blunt. It was way more romantic than I expected (I was anticipating a straight action flick), but when do I complain about romance? I thought it was sweet.
Now lets, just for a moment, give three cheers for suits and fedoras! I'm going to sound 80 here but don't you wish men wore suits more often? They just look so sharp. And you cannot go wrong with a gray fedora. It's a class act all the way.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Angels and Demons
Movie: Angels and Demons
Like/Don't Like: Rome - like. History lesson and icky things - don't like.
Wait, didn't this movie come out like a gajillion years ago? Right. It did. But it takes me a while to get around to things. I'm the late bloomer of movie watching.
Anyway, this movie would have been a little unbearable for me had it not been set in Rome. I love Rome. Have I told you that? I've been to so few places in the world but Rome is one of them and, I don't know, maybe it was all the gelato and pasta I ate, but I think it's a magical place. Nearly every scene was set somewhere I'd strolled through and at the end I called up my traveling companion Cynde and screamed, "Have you seen Angels and Demons? That scene where the priest gets burned alive? It's in the chapel we were nearly killed in front of by a speeding yellow Ferrari being chased by the police!"
But that, my friends, was its only redeeming quality for me. Fond memories of gelato and near death experiences. It also stirred up other memories - the ones from when I read the Davinci Code and said out loud on multiple occasions, "ENOUGH, you enormous wind bag!" Because if Robert Langdon isn't the most insufferable character out there, I don't know who is. Nobody likes a no-it-all. It was one thing in a book to expound upon everything, because information needs to be given and there's plenty of time and space to give it in. But it's a joke in a movie. When the only dialogue there is consists entirely of information to catch you up on the Illuminati, arcane Catholic protocol, and ancient religious shenanigans, the movie is going to struggle. Plus, it was predictable. I guessed the bad guy from the start. And many of the plot points in between.
But oh, those memories of gelato. Let's all go to Rome!
Like/Don't Like: Rome - like. History lesson and icky things - don't like.
Wait, didn't this movie come out like a gajillion years ago? Right. It did. But it takes me a while to get around to things. I'm the late bloomer of movie watching.
Anyway, this movie would have been a little unbearable for me had it not been set in Rome. I love Rome. Have I told you that? I've been to so few places in the world but Rome is one of them and, I don't know, maybe it was all the gelato and pasta I ate, but I think it's a magical place. Nearly every scene was set somewhere I'd strolled through and at the end I called up my traveling companion Cynde and screamed, "Have you seen Angels and Demons? That scene where the priest gets burned alive? It's in the chapel we were nearly killed in front of by a speeding yellow Ferrari being chased by the police!"
But that, my friends, was its only redeeming quality for me. Fond memories of gelato and near death experiences. It also stirred up other memories - the ones from when I read the Davinci Code and said out loud on multiple occasions, "ENOUGH, you enormous wind bag!" Because if Robert Langdon isn't the most insufferable character out there, I don't know who is. Nobody likes a no-it-all. It was one thing in a book to expound upon everything, because information needs to be given and there's plenty of time and space to give it in. But it's a joke in a movie. When the only dialogue there is consists entirely of information to catch you up on the Illuminati, arcane Catholic protocol, and ancient religious shenanigans, the movie is going to struggle. Plus, it was predictable. I guessed the bad guy from the start. And many of the plot points in between.
But oh, those memories of gelato. Let's all go to Rome!
The Help
Movie: The Help
Like/Don't Like: As with the book - Liked (ish)
I completely forgot that I saw this movie last week (which, I suppose isn't much of a recommendation). I felt about it pretty much the same way as I did about the book - it could have been cut down. And it solidified a feeling I had about the book that I didn't recognize when I read it - it could have gone deeper. Maybe I would have been fine with the length if hadn't painted everyone so ... (oh, heavens, I just about typed "black and white." how about...) one dimensional. This is such a complex issue and everyone seemed to be clearly on one side of the fence or the other. It could have used a little depth.
But that being said, it was still a decent film. I laughed, I cried (because when don't I cry, and also, racism - gar! It makes me want to spit.) There were some legitimate moments in it that made it worthwhile.
Like/Don't Like: As with the book - Liked (ish)
I completely forgot that I saw this movie last week (which, I suppose isn't much of a recommendation). I felt about it pretty much the same way as I did about the book - it could have been cut down. And it solidified a feeling I had about the book that I didn't recognize when I read it - it could have gone deeper. Maybe I would have been fine with the length if hadn't painted everyone so ... (oh, heavens, I just about typed "black and white." how about...) one dimensional. This is such a complex issue and everyone seemed to be clearly on one side of the fence or the other. It could have used a little depth.
But that being said, it was still a decent film. I laughed, I cried (because when don't I cry, and also, racism - gar! It makes me want to spit.) There were some legitimate moments in it that made it worthwhile.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
True Grit
Movie: True Grit
Like/Don't Like: Liked very much
I hesitated watching this movie because I am a delicate flower. I don't like violence, particularly gun violence, the kind that is often found in westerns. But several people have said that I could handle it and that I would like it in the end. I am happy to report that they were right on both counts, although I had to avert my eyes several times.
Thinking back, I really loved everything about it (ok, except for the shooting). It's definitely a whole package film. The acting was sensational (I'm a little upset now that Hailee Steinfeld isn't playing Katniss - as originally rumored) the score was perfect, and I loved the stylized dialogue. Everyone, even the drunks, spoke with crisp drawn out sentences. No contractions. It somehow added a sense of importance to the story. As soon as it was over I wanted to watch it again.
Like/Don't Like: Liked very much
I hesitated watching this movie because I am a delicate flower. I don't like violence, particularly gun violence, the kind that is often found in westerns. But several people have said that I could handle it and that I would like it in the end. I am happy to report that they were right on both counts, although I had to avert my eyes several times.
Thinking back, I really loved everything about it (ok, except for the shooting). It's definitely a whole package film. The acting was sensational (I'm a little upset now that Hailee Steinfeld isn't playing Katniss - as originally rumored) the score was perfect, and I loved the stylized dialogue. Everyone, even the drunks, spoke with crisp drawn out sentences. No contractions. It somehow added a sense of importance to the story. As soon as it was over I wanted to watch it again.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II
Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II
Like/Don't Like: Profoundly Loved
So here's my conundrum: how do I express how much I loved this movie without sounding like a total lunatic? Because it is well documented what an enormous fan I am of the whole franchise. Love the books, love the movies, feel like I could be the first true muggle ever allowed into Hogwarts. So you see the problem. You all know that I'm a Super Fan and if you're not I don't want you to think, "Well, of course she loves this movie." So, setting my fandom aside, I will say that this movie is thrilling. There is loads of action, some pretty good laughs, some very sweet moments, great acting, great special effects and quite possibly the best movie villain you will ever lay eyes on. I actually believe that anyone could walk into this movie, not knowing the difference between a horcrux and a blast-ended skrewt, and still really, really enjoy it.
But I didn't actually go into this movie looking for any kind of cinematic credibility. I went in as a Super Fan. We (me, Katie & Lindsay - who hasn't read the books but has seen all the movies so didn't know what was going to happen. Can you imagine?!) got there 2 hours ahead of time, just to make sure we got good seats. We were bouncy and giddy with excitement through the entire wait. When the movie started we cheered. When it ended we cheered and wiped the tears and snot off our faces. As a fan it was one of the best movie experiences I've ever had. They got everything right. I didn't feel like anything was short-changed. In fact, the big battle at the end seemed even more real and devastating than in the book because you're witnessing these characters that you love struggle and fight and die. It was not easy. I'm still not at the point yet where I can delve too deeply into it. (Someone today described it as a mind explosion. Agreed.) but I will just say this: it was magical.
Like/Don't Like: Profoundly Loved
So here's my conundrum: how do I express how much I loved this movie without sounding like a total lunatic? Because it is well documented what an enormous fan I am of the whole franchise. Love the books, love the movies, feel like I could be the first true muggle ever allowed into Hogwarts. So you see the problem. You all know that I'm a Super Fan and if you're not I don't want you to think, "Well, of course she loves this movie." So, setting my fandom aside, I will say that this movie is thrilling. There is loads of action, some pretty good laughs, some very sweet moments, great acting, great special effects and quite possibly the best movie villain you will ever lay eyes on. I actually believe that anyone could walk into this movie, not knowing the difference between a horcrux and a blast-ended skrewt, and still really, really enjoy it.
But I didn't actually go into this movie looking for any kind of cinematic credibility. I went in as a Super Fan. We (me, Katie & Lindsay - who hasn't read the books but has seen all the movies so didn't know what was going to happen. Can you imagine?!) got there 2 hours ahead of time, just to make sure we got good seats. We were bouncy and giddy with excitement through the entire wait. When the movie started we cheered. When it ended we cheered and wiped the tears and snot off our faces. As a fan it was one of the best movie experiences I've ever had. They got everything right. I didn't feel like anything was short-changed. In fact, the big battle at the end seemed even more real and devastating than in the book because you're witnessing these characters that you love struggle and fight and die. It was not easy. I'm still not at the point yet where I can delve too deeply into it. (Someone today described it as a mind explosion. Agreed.) but I will just say this: it was magical.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Larry Crowne
Movie: Larry Crown
Like/Don't Like: Pass
Due to some miscommunication we were under the impression that this movie was 2 hours and 45 minutes. Which, in my book, is 45 minutes too long for any movie, an hour too long for a a romantic comedy, and an hour and a half too long for a romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts. There is only so much I can handle of her toothy grin. (Does anyone else get the feeling she hates you?) So around 1:30 I was feeling like it should be ending and was practically in the depths of despair when I realized we were only halfway through. You can imagine my elation when it actually came in at under two hours. We weren't clapping because it was any good. We were clapping because it was over.
It's not really bad, there just isn't anything there. It's basically a pretty long set up about this guy Larry Crown losing his job and going back to school and...that's it. He takes a public speaking class and an economics class (with George Takei as his teacher, hereafter known as The Guy Who Saved the Movie.) and falls in with a scooter gang (?) made up of young college kids who hang out at yard sales (Double ?). There is no real conflict, no real plot, and nothing really to keep your interested. There were, however, several instances of Tom Hanks wearing one of those ridiculous pocket chains. I hope the whole point of that was to feel embarrassed for the poor guy, because I did.
Like/Don't Like: Pass
Due to some miscommunication we were under the impression that this movie was 2 hours and 45 minutes. Which, in my book, is 45 minutes too long for any movie, an hour too long for a a romantic comedy, and an hour and a half too long for a romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts. There is only so much I can handle of her toothy grin. (Does anyone else get the feeling she hates you?) So around 1:30 I was feeling like it should be ending and was practically in the depths of despair when I realized we were only halfway through. You can imagine my elation when it actually came in at under two hours. We weren't clapping because it was any good. We were clapping because it was over.
It's not really bad, there just isn't anything there. It's basically a pretty long set up about this guy Larry Crown losing his job and going back to school and...that's it. He takes a public speaking class and an economics class (with George Takei as his teacher, hereafter known as The Guy Who Saved the Movie.) and falls in with a scooter gang (?) made up of young college kids who hang out at yard sales (Double ?). There is no real conflict, no real plot, and nothing really to keep your interested. There were, however, several instances of Tom Hanks wearing one of those ridiculous pocket chains. I hope the whole point of that was to feel embarrassed for the poor guy, because I did.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Inception
Movie: Inception
Like/Don't Like: Like!
This movie is the capitol of Crazytown. I finally got around to watching it and by finally I don't just mean that it's been out forever but that it has been sitting in the Netflix envelope on top of the DVD player for about 2 months now. Why? Because everyone told me that I needed to pay close attention because it's a little hard to follow and I just haven't had patience for those types of movies lately so I kept putting it off until last night when I had the time and attention span it needed.
I don't usually go in for action movies. I don't like guns and punching and stuff like that - so my senses were a little jarred by the end of it. And my mind was spinning because, Knights of Columbus, that was confusing. All those layers of dreaming were tough to keep track of. And I got a little tired of all the dialogue sounding like a dream technician's textbook. But on the whole it was a really cool movie. The premise was cool, the music was cool, the stunts were cool (and I never notice stunts). I thought it was so fascinating and I was on the edge of my seat through most of it. I wish I had watched it with someone so at the end of it all I could have turned to them and said, "What the...?" and then had an in depth convo about the whole thing.
Like/Don't Like: Like!
This movie is the capitol of Crazytown. I finally got around to watching it and by finally I don't just mean that it's been out forever but that it has been sitting in the Netflix envelope on top of the DVD player for about 2 months now. Why? Because everyone told me that I needed to pay close attention because it's a little hard to follow and I just haven't had patience for those types of movies lately so I kept putting it off until last night when I had the time and attention span it needed.
I don't usually go in for action movies. I don't like guns and punching and stuff like that - so my senses were a little jarred by the end of it. And my mind was spinning because, Knights of Columbus, that was confusing. All those layers of dreaming were tough to keep track of. And I got a little tired of all the dialogue sounding like a dream technician's textbook. But on the whole it was a really cool movie. The premise was cool, the music was cool, the stunts were cool (and I never notice stunts). I thought it was so fascinating and I was on the edge of my seat through most of it. I wish I had watched it with someone so at the end of it all I could have turned to them and said, "What the...?" and then had an in depth convo about the whole thing.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Jane Eyre
Movie: Jane Eyre
Like/Don't Like: A solid adaptation
It's hard to be objective with a story that I know so well as Jane Eyre. I have read the book countless times and have seen every film adaptation. I am always hesitant when a new one comes out because I wonder what more it could possible add to what has already been said. But I'm pleased to say that this one held its own. And if all it added was more fuel to my already enormous desire to run reckless across the Yorkshire moors then job well done.
It was beautifully gothic and moody. Most scenes were shot nice and tight so it added to that trapped and mysterious feeling you should get with this story. It was quite faithful to the book. Obviously, considering the time, several elements had to be edited or cut out completely but what was left held true to the heart of the story. And any liberties that were taken added rather than distracted.
Sitting across the aisle from us was a group of girls who must have come into it without any prior knowledge of the story. This seems shocking to me. But it ended up being adorable because they gasped at every revelation. One of them even shouted out "NO WAY!" when the big mystery was revealed. (Now that I know that there are actually people out there who don't know what happens, I wouldn't dream of telling you.) It reminded me of the first time I read the book oh, 20 or so years ago, and had no idea of what was coming and just being completely enthralled with the whole thing. There is a reason why they keep making new movies of it. It's just that awesome.
Like/Don't Like: A solid adaptation
It's hard to be objective with a story that I know so well as Jane Eyre. I have read the book countless times and have seen every film adaptation. I am always hesitant when a new one comes out because I wonder what more it could possible add to what has already been said. But I'm pleased to say that this one held its own. And if all it added was more fuel to my already enormous desire to run reckless across the Yorkshire moors then job well done.
It was beautifully gothic and moody. Most scenes were shot nice and tight so it added to that trapped and mysterious feeling you should get with this story. It was quite faithful to the book. Obviously, considering the time, several elements had to be edited or cut out completely but what was left held true to the heart of the story. And any liberties that were taken added rather than distracted.
Sitting across the aisle from us was a group of girls who must have come into it without any prior knowledge of the story. This seems shocking to me. But it ended up being adorable because they gasped at every revelation. One of them even shouted out "NO WAY!" when the big mystery was revealed. (Now that I know that there are actually people out there who don't know what happens, I wouldn't dream of telling you.) It reminded me of the first time I read the book oh, 20 or so years ago, and had no idea of what was coming and just being completely enthralled with the whole thing. There is a reason why they keep making new movies of it. It's just that awesome.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Eat, Pray, Love
Movie: Eat, Pray, Love
Like/Don't Like: don't
It wasn't that this movie was particularly bad. It just didn't resonate at all. It seemed to be a collection of self-help aphorisms and pretty pictures. Very pretty, really. I silently wept into my pillow as they showed scenes from Rome because I miss my gelato guy. Julia Roberts' character was difficult to relate to, and sometimes difficult to like, and the side characters, Richard Jenkins especially, seemed a lot more real and compelling but were only on for about 20 minutes each. It didn't motivate and it wasn't particularly entertaining. But Jarvier Bardem in nice to look at and it inspired me to eat more pasta just for the joy of it.
Like/Don't Like: don't
It wasn't that this movie was particularly bad. It just didn't resonate at all. It seemed to be a collection of self-help aphorisms and pretty pictures. Very pretty, really. I silently wept into my pillow as they showed scenes from Rome because I miss my gelato guy. Julia Roberts' character was difficult to relate to, and sometimes difficult to like, and the side characters, Richard Jenkins especially, seemed a lot more real and compelling but were only on for about 20 minutes each. It didn't motivate and it wasn't particularly entertaining. But Jarvier Bardem in nice to look at and it inspired me to eat more pasta just for the joy of it.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Cairo Time
Movie: Cairo Time
Like/Don't Like: Like
I watched this on my way home from Tunisia and it reflected my own experience in an arab country that I was bound to like it. I don't know how I would feel if it didn't seem so familiar but we all judge movies by what we know.
Patricia Clarkson plays a magazine editor who is in Egypt to meet her husband, a UN official who is stuck fixing a problem in the Gaza Strip. He sends his Egyptian friend to pick her up from the airport and show her around the city until he gets there. I was a little nervous that this would turn into an adulterous tale, which I hate, but it just skims the surface. It's really about how these two people connect in and through the city. It's a very quiet movie, and at times a bit slow but worth watching.
Like/Don't Like: Like
I watched this on my way home from Tunisia and it reflected my own experience in an arab country that I was bound to like it. I don't know how I would feel if it didn't seem so familiar but we all judge movies by what we know.
Patricia Clarkson plays a magazine editor who is in Egypt to meet her husband, a UN official who is stuck fixing a problem in the Gaza Strip. He sends his Egyptian friend to pick her up from the airport and show her around the city until he gets there. I was a little nervous that this would turn into an adulterous tale, which I hate, but it just skims the surface. It's really about how these two people connect in and through the city. It's a very quiet movie, and at times a bit slow but worth watching.
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