Worst. Movie. Ever. Seriously. Worse than that awful bend-the-bullet Angelina Jolie movie, worse than Dirty Dancing Havana Nights. Worst movie ever. So much awfulness I don't even know where to begin.
For the record, I did enjoy the musical. It wasn't high-art; but it was a fun walk down memory lane and as a bonus I made a new friend who also walked Sunset Boulevard in the 80s. Win-Win.
The movie, however, GOD-AWFUL. Despite the warnings issues by everyone who reviewed it, I was still not prepared for the reality of this mess. The opening sequence bad. The collective first ten minutes were so horrific I would have walked out if I hadn't been so curious about Tom Cruise - Rock Star.
The reviewers are correct, he is the best thing about the movie, by far. Although, that's not saying much. Tom was good and maybe that is was pisses me off so much. Tom seemed to be going somewhere with his portrayal of Stacee Jaxx. There was a possibility of a decent, maybe even good movie there. But even Tom Cruise cannot fight a poorly developed (completely undeveloped) plot, caricatures instead of characters, a frantic musical mash up and choreography so bad it belonged in a spoof of the movie.
Yes, Tom Cruise makes a very convincing Rock Star and his voice sounded great. However, it is not worth subjecting yourself to the rest of this schlock.
Although, to be fair, I left before it was over. Start time changed and I had to pick the dogs up from the adoption center. Maybe it got better....but I seriously doubt it.
Showing posts with label Movie reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie reviews. Show all posts
Monday, June 25, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Bernie
Hysterical
Knee slapping Funny.
I am not a fan of Jack Black or the typical Jack Black movie. I have no issue with him, just not my taste in funny. This, however, is a huge exception. Hilarious, witty, sly and smart.
Based om a true story, Bernie is definitely worth seeing and quickly. While Jack Black, Shirley McClaine and Matthew McConaughey do an excellent job, the resident of Carthage, Texas, steal the show. I haven't laughed that hard in ages, this despite the fact that I was so tired all I really wanted to do was sleep.
Three thumbs up!
Knee slapping Funny.
I am not a fan of Jack Black or the typical Jack Black movie. I have no issue with him, just not my taste in funny. This, however, is a huge exception. Hilarious, witty, sly and smart.
Based om a true story, Bernie is definitely worth seeing and quickly. While Jack Black, Shirley McClaine and Matthew McConaughey do an excellent job, the resident of Carthage, Texas, steal the show. I haven't laughed that hard in ages, this despite the fact that I was so tired all I really wanted to do was sleep.
Three thumbs up!
Friday, June 1, 2012
This Means War
The DVD for This Means War came our recently. I saw it in the theater, but haven't managed to post the review, yet. Sad.
It is a great movie. Okay, maybe "Great" is a bit of an overstatement, but it was a lot of fun. I wasn't expecting much, but I really enjoyed it. Frankly, I was mostly interested in the company and of course, the pie. (Tempted out of the house by Rhonda from TheBSCafe with a movie and a trip to The House of Pies.)
Reese Witherspoon was endearing and watching her torture herself as she vacillated between the "bad boy" and the mature man was a lot more fun than it sounds. The story is actually a bit more complicated than that but there was also plenty of action to keep it (or you) from taking the story too seriously.
Chelsea Handler's married-with-kids suburbanite was almost as entertaining as the "who will she pick" main story. If you missed it in the theater, pick up the DVD or stream it, whatever. It's worth your time.
It is a great movie. Okay, maybe "Great" is a bit of an overstatement, but it was a lot of fun. I wasn't expecting much, but I really enjoyed it. Frankly, I was mostly interested in the company and of course, the pie. (Tempted out of the house by Rhonda from TheBSCafe with a movie and a trip to The House of Pies.)
Reese Witherspoon was endearing and watching her torture herself as she vacillated between the "bad boy" and the mature man was a lot more fun than it sounds. The story is actually a bit more complicated than that but there was also plenty of action to keep it (or you) from taking the story too seriously.
Chelsea Handler's married-with-kids suburbanite was almost as entertaining as the "who will she pick" main story. If you missed it in the theater, pick up the DVD or stream it, whatever. It's worth your time.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Young Adult
First movie of 2012 - Young Adult. While it was okay, I wish my first movie of the year was...I don't know better somehow?
It was okay, maybe even good, I just can't get all that excited about it. Charlize Theron was very good as Mavis, the small town girl turned "big city" success. (actually "success" should be in quotes too). There's just not very much to like about Mavis as we watch her return to her home town and reclaim her high school boyfriend and "free him" from his wife and new baby. There were some laughs as Mavis unraveled and went from selfish and sad to amoral, selfish and completely pathetic, but I'm not sure I'd call it a comedy. I will cop to some embarrassingly loud guffaws, but they came at the expense of the Kardashians during one of the previews.
It's worth a rental, but not necessarily a trip to the theater.
.
It was okay, maybe even good, I just can't get all that excited about it. Charlize Theron was very good as Mavis, the small town girl turned "big city" success. (actually "success" should be in quotes too). There's just not very much to like about Mavis as we watch her return to her home town and reclaim her high school boyfriend and "free him" from his wife and new baby. There were some laughs as Mavis unraveled and went from selfish and sad to amoral, selfish and completely pathetic, but I'm not sure I'd call it a comedy. I will cop to some embarrassingly loud guffaws, but they came at the expense of the Kardashians during one of the previews.
It's worth a rental, but not necessarily a trip to the theater.
.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Breaking Dawn
Or to be more correct, The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part I.
Yes, I have read all the books. Yes, I have seen all of the movies, although this is the first movie I've seen in the theater. While I didn't brave the crowds for opening weekend, I was determined to see it as soon as reasonably possibly. And, it did not disappoint. I thought it was great; thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is a bit of a challenge to turn a book into a movie where a fair amount of the narrative takes place inside the characters' heads, but I think the they did a reasonably good job. On the other hand, I have no idea if you'd enjoy the movie nearly as much if you hadn't read the books.
And the count down to Part II begins...
Yes, I have read all the books. Yes, I have seen all of the movies, although this is the first movie I've seen in the theater. While I didn't brave the crowds for opening weekend, I was determined to see it as soon as reasonably possibly. And, it did not disappoint. I thought it was great; thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is a bit of a challenge to turn a book into a movie where a fair amount of the narrative takes place inside the characters' heads, but I think the they did a reasonably good job. On the other hand, I have no idea if you'd enjoy the movie nearly as much if you hadn't read the books.
And the count down to Part II begins...
Monday, November 7, 2011
Martha Marcy Mae Marlene
The Synopsis:
"Martha Marcy May Marlene stars Elizabeth Olsen as Martha, a damaged woman haunted by painful memories and increasing paranoia, who struggles to reassimilate with her family after fleeing a cult."
The movie is billed as a thriller. Hmm, thriller, I don't know. Creepy, definitely, but mostly in a psychological sense. It is very intense. The performances are amazing. Elizabeth Olsen is mind blowing. There isn't a ton of dialogue (or action) so the fact that you are so drawn in so quickly is a testament to her (and the writers/directors, etc).
Would I recommend it? I don't know. If you're open to interesting movies with less-than-conventional narrative, absolutely. If you're looking for someone more tradition and/or mainstream you might be disappointed. I certainly wasn't though.
"Martha Marcy May Marlene stars Elizabeth Olsen as Martha, a damaged woman haunted by painful memories and increasing paranoia, who struggles to reassimilate with her family after fleeing a cult."
The movie is billed as a thriller. Hmm, thriller, I don't know. Creepy, definitely, but mostly in a psychological sense. It is very intense. The performances are amazing. Elizabeth Olsen is mind blowing. There isn't a ton of dialogue (or action) so the fact that you are so drawn in so quickly is a testament to her (and the writers/directors, etc).
Would I recommend it? I don't know. If you're open to interesting movies with less-than-conventional narrative, absolutely. If you're looking for someone more tradition and/or mainstream you might be disappointed. I certainly wasn't though.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Take Shelter
I heard about this movie first on npr and if I'd remembered the story line when it was first proposed, I would have declined. Fortunately, I was much more focused on the company and brunch spot. (Brasserie 19 - YUM!).
I'm not sure I can recommend Take Shelter as it is a little strange. It starts slowly (very sloooowly), so slowly, in fact, that I actually found myself wondering why the set decorator has selected that particular brand of disposable razor to sit on the edge of the sink and then why disposable... (seriously, I don't do bored very well). The acting was amazing, though. You really did believe Curtis (the protagonist) was losing his mind.
The real problem is that once you're invested you're really invested. I started rooting for Curtis. I wanted the big storm. So, when the movie ends abruptly just when you think he might be proven correct, it's very disconcerting. Maybe that was the point. It did win a bunch of awards at Cannes, usually a sign that a movie is over my head.
I'm not sure I can recommend Take Shelter as it is a little strange. It starts slowly (very sloooowly), so slowly, in fact, that I actually found myself wondering why the set decorator has selected that particular brand of disposable razor to sit on the edge of the sink and then why disposable... (seriously, I don't do bored very well). The acting was amazing, though. You really did believe Curtis (the protagonist) was losing his mind.
The real problem is that once you're invested you're really invested. I started rooting for Curtis. I wanted the big storm. So, when the movie ends abruptly just when you think he might be proven correct, it's very disconcerting. Maybe that was the point. It did win a bunch of awards at Cannes, usually a sign that a movie is over my head.
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
Last week I not only had the opportunity to see Morgan Spurlock's The Greast Movie Ever Sold, I got to see it in a room full of other marketing people. (Big thank you to Clearpoint Creative for hosting the screening.)
I've been looking forward to renting this movie since I first read about it in Fast Company ages ago. But, the opportunity to see it with a large group of marketing professionals was amazing. For anyone unfamiliar with the concept, Morgan Spurlock, of Super Size Me fame, set out to make a movie about product placement in movies and having the entire movie underwritten by product placement. It was a scream.
Apparently, this movie did have a bit of a niche audience, though. I was relating the evening's events to someone at the office and literally watched his eyes glaze over while I bounced around so excited I could barely stand still.
I've been looking forward to renting this movie since I first read about it in Fast Company ages ago. But, the opportunity to see it with a large group of marketing professionals was amazing. For anyone unfamiliar with the concept, Morgan Spurlock, of Super Size Me fame, set out to make a movie about product placement in movies and having the entire movie underwritten by product placement. It was a scream.
Apparently, this movie did have a bit of a niche audience, though. I was relating the evening's events to someone at the office and literally watched his eyes glaze over while I bounced around so excited I could barely stand still.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Help
Loved the book. I listened to it and it was amazing.
The movie was very good and Bryce Dallas Howard was fantastic as Hilly Hollbrook. She played that awful woman brilliantly.
As for the inevitable book vs the movie discussion, they did a brilliant job of adapting a rather complicated book. They only made one change that I found jarring but it was a doozy. I guess I understand. They accomplished their goal in 30 seconds and following the book more faithfully would have taken a lot longer. Plus, the change didn't affect any major plot points. Still it really threw me.
Overall, the movie was wonderful. It was well worth the afternoon's adventure which started with a sold out show and ended up at a movie theater with a bar....and seat-side service. Not sure I'm all that crazy about seeing a movie amidst all that commotion, but I'm glad we held out for The Help and didn't just settle for whatever wasn't sold out.
But, the book was better.
The movie was very good and Bryce Dallas Howard was fantastic as Hilly Hollbrook. She played that awful woman brilliantly.
As for the inevitable book vs the movie discussion, they did a brilliant job of adapting a rather complicated book. They only made one change that I found jarring but it was a doozy. I guess I understand. They accomplished their goal in 30 seconds and following the book more faithfully would have taken a lot longer. Plus, the change didn't affect any major plot points. Still it really threw me.
Overall, the movie was wonderful. It was well worth the afternoon's adventure which started with a sold out show and ended up at a movie theater with a bar....and seat-side service. Not sure I'm all that crazy about seeing a movie amidst all that commotion, but I'm glad we held out for The Help and didn't just settle for whatever wasn't sold out.
But, the book was better.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Bill Cunningham New York
How did I not know about Bill Cunningham? Where have I been???
I went to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts to See Bill Cunningham New York, an amazing and thoroughly fun documentary about New York photographer Bill Cunningham. A little about Bill Cunningham swiped directly from the film's official website.
The “Bill” in question is 80+ New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham. For decades, this Schwinn-riding cultural anthropologist has been obsessively and inventively chronicling fashion trends and high society charity soirees for the Times Style section in his columns “On the Street” and “Evening Hours.”
For more information about the film, visit the file's website.
What struck me the most was his incredibly beautiful spirit, his joy in his work and his genuine love of people.
Check out the movie. You'll be glad you did.
I went to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts to See Bill Cunningham New York, an amazing and thoroughly fun documentary about New York photographer Bill Cunningham. A little about Bill Cunningham swiped directly from the film's official website.
The “Bill” in question is 80+ New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham. For decades, this Schwinn-riding cultural anthropologist has been obsessively and inventively chronicling fashion trends and high society charity soirees for the Times Style section in his columns “On the Street” and “Evening Hours.”
For more information about the film, visit the file's website.
What struck me the most was his incredibly beautiful spirit, his joy in his work and his genuine love of people.
Check out the movie. You'll be glad you did.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Hangover Part II
Bangkok. A monkey. A genius 16 year-old-soon-to-be-brother-in-law. Not sure there's really too much else to say...at least without giving anything away.
The movie is hilarious, hysterical and deeply disturbing on so many levels. It is a rollicking good time, laugh-out-loud funny and cringe including (more than once). It also may be the dirtiest movie I've seen since I made the mistake of renting The Tailor of Panama, which I did NOT enjoy. ICK.
If you enjoyed the first Hangover, you'll love this one. If you're easily (or even medium-easily) offended, you probably want to skip it.
The only fly-in-ointment was the four year old in the row behind us (not his fault). Karma is a b*tch, though. When you take your very young child to a wildly inappropriate movie you deserve when they ask "what's that monkey doing?" Wish I could be a fly on wall when he keeps asking about that scene, or the one in the strip club or if he repeats any one of the many, many colorful words that appear frequently throughout the movie.
The movie is hilarious, hysterical and deeply disturbing on so many levels. It is a rollicking good time, laugh-out-loud funny and cringe including (more than once). It also may be the dirtiest movie I've seen since I made the mistake of renting The Tailor of Panama, which I did NOT enjoy. ICK.
If you enjoyed the first Hangover, you'll love this one. If you're easily (or even medium-easily) offended, you probably want to skip it.
The only fly-in-ointment was the four year old in the row behind us (not his fault). Karma is a b*tch, though. When you take your very young child to a wildly inappropriate movie you deserve when they ask "what's that monkey doing?" Wish I could be a fly on wall when he keeps asking about that scene, or the one in the strip club or if he repeats any one of the many, many colorful words that appear frequently throughout the movie.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Country Strong
I don't usually review movies I see at home, but I'm going to make an exception.
WARNING - SPOILER ALERT
I recognize the irony inherent in this review. Usually, I complain about predictable, happily-every-after stories. You will not find happily ever after in Country Strong and I'm going to complain anyway.
From the previews, I was expecting a somewhat typical story of redemption, but this movie is much darker than the trailers lead you to believe. You know going in that Kelly Canter is in rehab after some sort of public failing. What you don't know is it was falling off the edge of the stage during one of her shows with a BAC of 1.9 while five month pregnant that landed Kelly in rehab.
Whap, out of no where you're smacked in the face with a dead baby. Whoa, not expecting that. And they've made it a little harder to sympathize with Kelly, especially since you never get any insight into Kelly's demons.
As the movie progresses the rest of it pretty much follows the previews. Kelly is having an affair with a young singer/aide at the rehab center, Beau, she gets pulled out of rehab too soon by her manager/husband, James, and semi-upstaged, personally and professionally by a pretty young, up-and-comer, Chiles. None of the stories ever gets full developed although they do make some attempts to explore Kelly's marriage, her relationship with Beau and Beau's relationship with Chiles. Overall, though, the movie feels like a mildly entertaining missed opportunity.
First show, she gets drunk after someone sends her a doll made up to look like a dead baby (creepy, sad and disturbing). She manages to go on and then fall apart on stage. Second show she gets so drunk before she can't even go on at all. Third show, the return to Dallas, the site of her fall, she goes on sober and kicks ass. Kelly's comeback is a triumph, celebration all the way around, or so you think. But wait, as Kelly goes into her dressing room she locks the door behind her, giving just an inkling that all is not as it appears. While everyone else is celebrating Kelly overdoses on pills and alcohol and commits suicide. WHAT??? Back up hoss...
Yep, cut to scene of Tim McGraw who plays Kelly's husband, collapsed on the floor of the hospital hallway and then you see a funeral procession.
I think I understand now why the movie never really took off. You can't promote a movie as a tale of redemption and knock people sideways. First, you have the heroine you want people to root for do something as heinous as drinking herself stupid while pregnant. Then, out of no where, again without really understanding the causes, have her kill herself the night she actually gets it right.
Right before the end, I made a comment that I was enjoying the movie more than I expected to, which I retracted ten minutes later during the shot of Kelly's funeral.
I do like to be surprised by creative twists in movies. I don't enjoy getting blindsided.
WARNING - SPOILER ALERT
I recognize the irony inherent in this review. Usually, I complain about predictable, happily-every-after stories. You will not find happily ever after in Country Strong and I'm going to complain anyway.
From the previews, I was expecting a somewhat typical story of redemption, but this movie is much darker than the trailers lead you to believe. You know going in that Kelly Canter is in rehab after some sort of public failing. What you don't know is it was falling off the edge of the stage during one of her shows with a BAC of 1.9 while five month pregnant that landed Kelly in rehab.
Whap, out of no where you're smacked in the face with a dead baby. Whoa, not expecting that. And they've made it a little harder to sympathize with Kelly, especially since you never get any insight into Kelly's demons.
As the movie progresses the rest of it pretty much follows the previews. Kelly is having an affair with a young singer/aide at the rehab center, Beau, she gets pulled out of rehab too soon by her manager/husband, James, and semi-upstaged, personally and professionally by a pretty young, up-and-comer, Chiles. None of the stories ever gets full developed although they do make some attempts to explore Kelly's marriage, her relationship with Beau and Beau's relationship with Chiles. Overall, though, the movie feels like a mildly entertaining missed opportunity.
First show, she gets drunk after someone sends her a doll made up to look like a dead baby (creepy, sad and disturbing). She manages to go on and then fall apart on stage. Second show she gets so drunk before she can't even go on at all. Third show, the return to Dallas, the site of her fall, she goes on sober and kicks ass. Kelly's comeback is a triumph, celebration all the way around, or so you think. But wait, as Kelly goes into her dressing room she locks the door behind her, giving just an inkling that all is not as it appears. While everyone else is celebrating Kelly overdoses on pills and alcohol and commits suicide. WHAT??? Back up hoss...
Yep, cut to scene of Tim McGraw who plays Kelly's husband, collapsed on the floor of the hospital hallway and then you see a funeral procession.
I think I understand now why the movie never really took off. You can't promote a movie as a tale of redemption and knock people sideways. First, you have the heroine you want people to root for do something as heinous as drinking herself stupid while pregnant. Then, out of no where, again without really understanding the causes, have her kill herself the night she actually gets it right.
Right before the end, I made a comment that I was enjoying the movie more than I expected to, which I retracted ten minutes later during the shot of Kelly's funeral.
I do like to be surprised by creative twists in movies. I don't enjoy getting blindsided.
Monday, February 21, 2011
The King's Speech
Will The King's Speech win Best Picture? I don't know. I've only seen three of the ten Best Picture films, so I don't exactly have all the info. I can say it is an amazing film and I hope it does. I was drawn in from the opening scenes and instantly empathized with Bertie. It was painfully uncomfortable to watch him struggle to speak publicly.
Colin Firth completely disappeared into the role and Helena Bonham Carter was pitch perfect as the loving and supportive (future) Queen (Mother). In retrospect, I find her performance even more amazing as I remember that she shot The King's Speech on the weekends while she was filming the last Harry Potter film during the week.
This is one of the few movies I've seen in a long time that I would gladly go see again. It wasn't easy to watch, but it was beautiful and moving and wonderful.
Colin Firth completely disappeared into the role and Helena Bonham Carter was pitch perfect as the loving and supportive (future) Queen (Mother). In retrospect, I find her performance even more amazing as I remember that she shot The King's Speech on the weekends while she was filming the last Harry Potter film during the week.
This is one of the few movies I've seen in a long time that I would gladly go see again. It wasn't easy to watch, but it was beautiful and moving and wonderful.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Black Swan
Black Swan has been reviewed so well and so thoroughly by so many, that I'm going to keep this short. The movie is amazing, simply amazing. It is one of those films that stays with you long after the credits stop rolling. Actually, we all stayed in our seats well in to the credits, a little overwhelmed by the experience, at least I was. There was a lot to discuss, mostly centered on what really happened and what didn't. Still trying to work that one out, actually. I wonder if the director will help me out?
Simply, it's one of the best films I've seen in quite a while - go see it.
Simply, it's one of the best films I've seen in quite a while - go see it.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Burlesque
The music is fantastic and the visuals are amazing. (There is lots of lots of eye candy in this movie, Cam Gigandet, Eric Dane...oh yeah and there are some girls, too.) Seriously, the acting, singing and dancing are fabulous. I was really impressed by Christina Aguilera. Except when she was singing, I saw Ali, not Christina. The only thing that is missing is an actual story. Oh, there's a plot, but it's pretty weak and totally predictable.
Despite the less than compelling storyline, the movie is a lot of fun and eminently entertaining. The use of music to carry the plot forward is interesting and felt fresh. The movie may not make my top ten list, but it's worth watching and I think seeing it in a theater does add to the experience.
Despite the less than compelling storyline, the movie is a lot of fun and eminently entertaining. The use of music to carry the plot forward is interesting and felt fresh. The movie may not make my top ten list, but it's worth watching and I think seeing it in a theater does add to the experience.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Town
The Town is a rarity - a movie that lives up to the hype. It is a wild ride and more than once I felt a little weird rooting so hard for the bad guy. Ben Affleck is great and even better, I didn't spend most of the movie thinking "hey, that's Ben Affleck". Maybe the cast of creepy bad guys surrounding Doug (Ben) that make it easier to root for him.
Not giving any more away - go see the movie. It's work the (gulp) $10.
Not giving any more away - go see the movie. It's work the (gulp) $10.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Salt
I like action movies. Usually watching Angelina Jolie kick a$$ makes me want to go straight to the gym. Tonight, not so much. I was pretty much bored by Salt and was enterally grateful that it looks like they're setting a sequel. If they'd been launching a final act of the movie I probably would have lost it.
Maybe it was all the camera jiggling. I guess it was supposed to make us feel like part of the action but all it made me feel was nauseated. I have to give them credit, they did keep me guessing on many, if not all, points. And, I did not see the big twist. But for some reason, I just couldn't get into it. Oh well, looks like they'll be a sequel and I'm sure I'll go.
Maybe it was all the camera jiggling. I guess it was supposed to make us feel like part of the action but all it made me feel was nauseated. I have to give them credit, they did keep me guessing on many, if not all, points. And, I did not see the big twist. But for some reason, I just couldn't get into it. Oh well, looks like they'll be a sequel and I'm sure I'll go.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Going The Distance
Pleasantly surprised. That is the best way I can describe my reaction to the new Drew Barrymore movie, Going The Distance. I like her, it looked cute and (the biggest plus in its favor for last night's movie selection) it did not look like it was going to require much thought; the perfect combination for my current state-of-mind.
It was cute and easy to watch with more emotional depth than I expected. I laughed a lot, did not have to concentrate and, best of all, it wasn't entirely predictable. Christina Applegate manages to play Corrine, the requisite uptight, controlling-wife sister, with enough finesse to avoid making her completely unlikeable. But the character feels a bit stale after appearing in every romcom I've seen lately. (Hey, Hollywood, could we see a happy marriage hovering in the background every once in a while?) The rest of the supporting characters are quirky enough to be unique, so points for originality there. I'd love to expand on the lack of plot predictability, but I won't because it is, at the very least, worth adding to your Netflix queue.
It was cute and easy to watch with more emotional depth than I expected. I laughed a lot, did not have to concentrate and, best of all, it wasn't entirely predictable. Christina Applegate manages to play Corrine, the requisite uptight, controlling-wife sister, with enough finesse to avoid making her completely unlikeable. But the character feels a bit stale after appearing in every romcom I've seen lately. (Hey, Hollywood, could we see a happy marriage hovering in the background every once in a while?) The rest of the supporting characters are quirky enough to be unique, so points for originality there. I'd love to expand on the lack of plot predictability, but I won't because it is, at the very least, worth adding to your Netflix queue.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Eat, Pray, Love - The Movie
The movie was good, but it didn't pack the emotional punch the book did, at least for me. Although, the opening sequence includes a voice over by Julia Roberts so (very) similar to the cadence and tone of Liz Gilbert on the audio book it was unnerving.
I knew changes were going to be necessary to transition the book into a movie and most of it didn't bother me. However, the numerous and significant changes they made to Liz and Felipe's relationship were jarring. I'm puzzled why they changed so much about their relationship (and they changed a lot from the mundane to the major). I also can't help but wonder how much of the additional material on Liz's relationship with her (first) husband and their subsequent divorce is fact and how much is fiction. She basically leaves all the details of the issues with her husband except for his refusal to grant her a divorce for almost a year out of the book. I admire her taking the high road and I know it's none of my business, but I'm still curious.
The movie was a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends. The book was amazing.
I knew changes were going to be necessary to transition the book into a movie and most of it didn't bother me. However, the numerous and significant changes they made to Liz and Felipe's relationship were jarring. I'm puzzled why they changed so much about their relationship (and they changed a lot from the mundane to the major). I also can't help but wonder how much of the additional material on Liz's relationship with her (first) husband and their subsequent divorce is fact and how much is fiction. She basically leaves all the details of the issues with her husband except for his refusal to grant her a divorce for almost a year out of the book. I admire her taking the high road and I know it's none of my business, but I'm still curious.
The movie was a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends. The book was amazing.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Toy Story 3
So many people told me that Toy Story 3 was the best movie of they'd seen lately it moved up quickly on my list from, well no where, to top of the list. After seeing it, I don't know that I'd go that far but it was very good.
I laughed, a lot, jumped (more than once), actually gasped (out loud), teared up and had to resist the urge to put my fingers over my eyes. Overall, much fun was had by all.
So, while I do recommend the movie, I'd also suggest sitting next to your favorite five year old. Definitely enhances the experience.
I laughed, a lot, jumped (more than once), actually gasped (out loud), teared up and had to resist the urge to put my fingers over my eyes. Overall, much fun was had by all.
So, while I do recommend the movie, I'd also suggest sitting next to your favorite five year old. Definitely enhances the experience.
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