How funny, on November 22, 2008 in my review of Twilight, my first sentence mentioned Romeo & Juliet. Now in the first opening scene sequence of New Moon, (the second installment of the ever so popular Twilight series), guess what is being discussed in class. Yep, it was Romeo and Juliet. Coincidence, I think not.
In my previous review of Twilight I made several suggestions of what needed to be done to make New Moon better than Twilight. Let me say how happy I was to see that many suggestions I made were actually heard and executed. I had hoped that the produces would find a new director, they did, Chris Weitz. I suggested that they eye contacts they used for the vampires were of better quality so that the audience would not see the contact lines in the eyes, they did, really quite lovely ones. Lastly, I made the comment that the movie needed to be longer to do the books justice – well they could have done better with this one, however they did increase the production by 10 minutes.
Having seen my suggestions taken into account, maybe my blog will once again be read by the Twilight powers that be and hopefully they will take my suggestions for Breaking Dawn (it’s too late to offer assistance for Eclipse – due out June 2010).
Bella (Kristin Stewart) has to stop huffing and puffing and allowing all of her words to get stuck in her throat. Bella you are a strong woman, be cofident in your words – like when you yell at the wolf pack – there was no huffing an puffing in that sequence. It is almost like Bella is slightly asthmatic and is having her breath sucked out of her in the damp cool air of Pacific northwest.
This is how I heard Ms. Stewart relay her dialogue in almost every scene: Sad Bella, huffy puffy breathing, happy Bella huffy puffy breathing, scared Bella, lots of huffy puffy breathing etc….. Are you getting the picture? Kristen Stewart, please just breathe normally.
Taylor Lautner was truly the bright spot in New Moon. Lautner’s interpretation of Jacob is much improved from the first film. Additionally Lautner’s hard work in improving his physical anatomy is blatantly obvious and much appreciated by the audience. One audience member burst out with an “Oh Yeah Team Jacob”, when Jacob removed his shirt for the first time. Not sure how he did what he did but he could probably shoot a fitness video and make several million dollars!!! I hope Lautner continues to relax into his role and just let Jacob flow.
Lastly there is Mr. Pattinson, yes he is hot, yes he is melancholy, but that doesn’t mean Edward has to speak in a whisper all the blessed time. Robert please speak up and enunciate your words! You can be sad, sullen and hot with an audible voice!!!
I truly wish the script would have expanded on the supporting characters, i.e. Charlie Swan, Jane and Sam. The supporting characters allow the story to flow with symmetry and assist the audience in understanding how the three main characters have become the people they are. One would think, since the very seasoned actor, Dakota Fanning was cast into the film as Jane, the directors, writers, and producers, would have given her more than a 5 minute time slot. Jane is a very important character now and in the future stories and she was not fully explained in this film.
Is the movie as good as the book? Oh my goodness no! Is this film improved from the first? Absolutely yes. The big positive of this film is once again the scenery of the location. I believe Twilight captured Stephenie Meyer’s vision slightly better than New Moon. However, I do understand why the locations may have had to be moved - prevention of the stalkers from sneaking on set! If at all possible, I personally would appreciate the filming of the series relocating back into the United States.
Is this a full price movie? The answer is yes, only if you are a fanatic of the series. I said it before, there is nothing better than going to a movie theatre filled with excited fans cheering, oooing and the occasional “oh yeah baby” at all the right moments! But I caution you, should you be a Twilight Virgin read the books or at least see Twilight first. If you have not, you will not enjoy this flick. There is way too much inside information that needs to be known to enjoy and follow New Moon.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Blind Side
For someone who thoroughly enjoys going to the movies, the Thanksgiving movie going season is as wonderful to me as eating a hot Krispy Kreme – truly delectable. Needless to say, I have been waiting with great anticipation for November 20th to arrive to start my movie marathon.
The movie chosen as the first of to be seen was Sandra Bullock’s latest endeavor, The Blind Side.
Imagine a life in which you grow up as a young black male in Memphis TN, where your mother tells you to close your eyes so you don’t see her do drugs or turn tricks. Imagine a life where you have never slept on a bed, your parent has never read you a bedtime story, and that all that you have in the world is kept in a plastic grocery bag. Your home is located in a drug infested, gang ridden, roach motel of a public housing project. Now if that isn’t bad enough, imagine going home one day to find that your mother is gone, you home is padlocked shut and there is an eviction notice on the door. For as horrible as all of that sounds, now picture a white family driving down the road, stopping their luxury SUV and they tell you to get in, they are taking you home with them. If you can remotely imagine any of that, you have imagined the life of Michael Oher; right tackle of the Baltimore Ravens, and a brief synopsis of the deliciously warm, feel good movie of the year.
The Blind Side is the condensed story of the how Michael Oher evolved into the person that he is today, staring Sandra Bullock as Leigh Ann Tuohy and Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher. Leigh Ann Tuohy is portrayed as a bulldog of a woman with a heart the size of the sky, who takes Michael into her heart, home and family. Some of the nuances of her character have been seen before in her other movies, a strong woman accepting the challenge placed before her and conquering it with style and grace. However, this role for Ms. Bullock seemed to effortlessly flow out of her, her sincerity was not masked by a comedic script nor the slapstick humor that Ms. Bullock is known.
The Blind Side is a well done drama, with moments of comic relief provided by Ms. Bullock and Jae Head who plays her young son, SJ. Tim McGraw, minus the goat tee and hat, (no, you wont recognize him), portrays the former basketball jock from Ole Miss and a happy go lucky owner of several fast food restaurants throughout Memphis. Mr. McGraw seems like a very likable and lovable kind of guy. I am quite certain he was typecast for this role. The cast flowed on screen with ease and the portrayals of each character seemed completely believable – which is a rarity in my simple opinion.
Quinton Aaron is a newcomer to the silver screen. His character is quiet and pensive and I believe due to his lack of film experience and exposure, Mr. Aaron is able to execute his role very convincingly.
After seeing this film, I left asking myself what occurred in Michael Oher’s early life, prior to meeting the Tuohy’s, that kept him out of a gang, out of jail, and gave him the desire to better himself? What was it that got him up each morning and motivated him to attend an elite private school where he is described, in the film as the fly in a big glass of white milk? I know if I had the answer to that question I would be an incredibly rich woman, but alas I still have my day job.
So I leave you with these final thoughts. I know there is hope out there for people who are born into dire straits to achieve honor and courage even without a fairy godmother flying into their life. I am hopeful that you will leave the theatre with the desire, the need, of wanting to help someone. No, we all can’t take a stranger into our home and our lives, but we all can do something for someone else. If we would simply look around our personal world and seize the opportunity to help someone less fortunate than ourselves, our world would be such a sweeter place to be.
The Blind Side is a must see!!!
The movie chosen as the first of to be seen was Sandra Bullock’s latest endeavor, The Blind Side.
Imagine a life in which you grow up as a young black male in Memphis TN, where your mother tells you to close your eyes so you don’t see her do drugs or turn tricks. Imagine a life where you have never slept on a bed, your parent has never read you a bedtime story, and that all that you have in the world is kept in a plastic grocery bag. Your home is located in a drug infested, gang ridden, roach motel of a public housing project. Now if that isn’t bad enough, imagine going home one day to find that your mother is gone, you home is padlocked shut and there is an eviction notice on the door. For as horrible as all of that sounds, now picture a white family driving down the road, stopping their luxury SUV and they tell you to get in, they are taking you home with them. If you can remotely imagine any of that, you have imagined the life of Michael Oher; right tackle of the Baltimore Ravens, and a brief synopsis of the deliciously warm, feel good movie of the year.
The Blind Side is the condensed story of the how Michael Oher evolved into the person that he is today, staring Sandra Bullock as Leigh Ann Tuohy and Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher. Leigh Ann Tuohy is portrayed as a bulldog of a woman with a heart the size of the sky, who takes Michael into her heart, home and family. Some of the nuances of her character have been seen before in her other movies, a strong woman accepting the challenge placed before her and conquering it with style and grace. However, this role for Ms. Bullock seemed to effortlessly flow out of her, her sincerity was not masked by a comedic script nor the slapstick humor that Ms. Bullock is known.
The Blind Side is a well done drama, with moments of comic relief provided by Ms. Bullock and Jae Head who plays her young son, SJ. Tim McGraw, minus the goat tee and hat, (no, you wont recognize him), portrays the former basketball jock from Ole Miss and a happy go lucky owner of several fast food restaurants throughout Memphis. Mr. McGraw seems like a very likable and lovable kind of guy. I am quite certain he was typecast for this role. The cast flowed on screen with ease and the portrayals of each character seemed completely believable – which is a rarity in my simple opinion.
Quinton Aaron is a newcomer to the silver screen. His character is quiet and pensive and I believe due to his lack of film experience and exposure, Mr. Aaron is able to execute his role very convincingly.
After seeing this film, I left asking myself what occurred in Michael Oher’s early life, prior to meeting the Tuohy’s, that kept him out of a gang, out of jail, and gave him the desire to better himself? What was it that got him up each morning and motivated him to attend an elite private school where he is described, in the film as the fly in a big glass of white milk? I know if I had the answer to that question I would be an incredibly rich woman, but alas I still have my day job.
So I leave you with these final thoughts. I know there is hope out there for people who are born into dire straits to achieve honor and courage even without a fairy godmother flying into their life. I am hopeful that you will leave the theatre with the desire, the need, of wanting to help someone. No, we all can’t take a stranger into our home and our lives, but we all can do something for someone else. If we would simply look around our personal world and seize the opportunity to help someone less fortunate than ourselves, our world would be such a sweeter place to be.
The Blind Side is a must see!!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Ugly Truth
The Ugly Truth
The Ugly Truth is anything but ugly. The film is billed as a chick flick, but it is far from such.
Katherine Heigl reprises a role of a slightly OCD female working in the television industry (Knocked Up). As always, Ms. Heigl is cute, smart, funny and loaded with a charming, quirky and quick wit.
In the Ugly Truth, Heigl portrays a morning news producer whose show is tanking in the ratings. On the flip side, Gerard Butler’s character Mike Chadway hosts a public access cable show that provides a guys perspective on women-not a pretty perspective-but what he dubs the ugly truth. Heigl and Butler come together when Butler and his show are thrust into Heigl’s prim, proper and quite stuffy morning program. With that the fireworks begin.
Filled with crass and at times hilarious one liners, The Ugly Truth is a great date movie….guys beware, the ending is quintessential chick flick.
Special Note: the soundtrack is great!
The Ugly Truth is anything but ugly. The film is billed as a chick flick, but it is far from such.
Katherine Heigl reprises a role of a slightly OCD female working in the television industry (Knocked Up). As always, Ms. Heigl is cute, smart, funny and loaded with a charming, quirky and quick wit.
In the Ugly Truth, Heigl portrays a morning news producer whose show is tanking in the ratings. On the flip side, Gerard Butler’s character Mike Chadway hosts a public access cable show that provides a guys perspective on women-not a pretty perspective-but what he dubs the ugly truth. Heigl and Butler come together when Butler and his show are thrust into Heigl’s prim, proper and quite stuffy morning program. With that the fireworks begin.
Filled with crass and at times hilarious one liners, The Ugly Truth is a great date movie….guys beware, the ending is quintessential chick flick.
Special Note: the soundtrack is great!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Twilight
First there was Romeo & Juliet, then came Tony & Maria of Westside Story, and now Bella and Edward of Twilight. With every great romance story, there is a boy and girl who aren't supposed to be together for some reason; wrong family, wrong ethnic group, and now the mortal and immortal. Twilight is the latest novel to film metamorphosis.
The movie is a 120 minute summary of the 500 page freshmen novel by Stephenie Meyers. When I say summary I am sincere in using the truest definition of the word. In the novel, she is meticulous in her descriptions throughout the Bella and Edward sagas. Unfortunately the attention to detail is not present in this film.
Some of the support cast seemed to force their character out of themselves. Mike Newton, played by Michael Welch, is one example. Mike Newton is supposed to be a little arrogant and slightly jockish. In the film he is a wannabe cool guy, bordering on moronic (i.e. dinner scene of Bella and her dad with Mike outside the window acting like a complete idiotic fool). I attribute this to the fact that the film was a low budget movie and the casting budget did not allow for well seasoned actors or the problem may have simply been very poor directing by Catherine Hardwicke
So is the movie as good as the book? NO! With that being said let me point out the positives of this film. The cast is almost perfect. Edward is played by Robert Pattinson and his portrayal is what I saw in my mind's eye. Bella however should have been a little more plain than Kristen Stewart who is truly lovely, naturally. (I do understand that plain may not be possible to find in Hollywood.)
Technically the film was shot beautifully. The entire movie seems to have a very romantic and haunting look in every frame which is true to the book. The incorporation of the natural beauty of the film location (Portland, Oregon) is breathtaking. Mountains, rivers, very tall trees and cold rainy winter days, all were spot on to how Ms. Meyers described the scenery in her novels.
I have a few requests for the production company, Summit Entertainment for the filming of the the sequel, New Moon, that is currently in pre-production. First, if you are doing a close up of any of the vampires, please find some better contacts so the audience is not able to see the rims of the lenses. Second, develop the relationships of the characters a little more. Lastly, please don't rush the film. Twilight, the movie, was paced entirely to fast for this very detailed story. Twilight, the novel, takes quite a while to tell. If one book is split into two movies - so be it! Your teenie bopper (and middle aged women) audience will gladly pay full price to see all the books fully come to life on the big screen!
If you are going to see Twilight, read the book first. You will understand and enjoy the movie better!
Is this a full price movie? The answer is yes, if you are a fan of the series. There is nothing better than going to a movie theatre filled to capacity with excited fans cheering and oooing at all the right moments!
The movie is a 120 minute summary of the 500 page freshmen novel by Stephenie Meyers. When I say summary I am sincere in using the truest definition of the word. In the novel, she is meticulous in her descriptions throughout the Bella and Edward sagas. Unfortunately the attention to detail is not present in this film.
Some of the support cast seemed to force their character out of themselves. Mike Newton, played by Michael Welch, is one example. Mike Newton is supposed to be a little arrogant and slightly jockish. In the film he is a wannabe cool guy, bordering on moronic (i.e. dinner scene of Bella and her dad with Mike outside the window acting like a complete idiotic fool). I attribute this to the fact that the film was a low budget movie and the casting budget did not allow for well seasoned actors or the problem may have simply been very poor directing by Catherine Hardwicke
So is the movie as good as the book? NO! With that being said let me point out the positives of this film. The cast is almost perfect. Edward is played by Robert Pattinson and his portrayal is what I saw in my mind's eye. Bella however should have been a little more plain than Kristen Stewart who is truly lovely, naturally. (I do understand that plain may not be possible to find in Hollywood.)
Technically the film was shot beautifully. The entire movie seems to have a very romantic and haunting look in every frame which is true to the book. The incorporation of the natural beauty of the film location (Portland, Oregon) is breathtaking. Mountains, rivers, very tall trees and cold rainy winter days, all were spot on to how Ms. Meyers described the scenery in her novels.
I have a few requests for the production company, Summit Entertainment for the filming of the the sequel, New Moon, that is currently in pre-production. First, if you are doing a close up of any of the vampires, please find some better contacts so the audience is not able to see the rims of the lenses. Second, develop the relationships of the characters a little more. Lastly, please don't rush the film. Twilight, the movie, was paced entirely to fast for this very detailed story. Twilight, the novel, takes quite a while to tell. If one book is split into two movies - so be it! Your teenie bopper (and middle aged women) audience will gladly pay full price to see all the books fully come to life on the big screen!
If you are going to see Twilight, read the book first. You will understand and enjoy the movie better!
Is this a full price movie? The answer is yes, if you are a fan of the series. There is nothing better than going to a movie theatre filled to capacity with excited fans cheering and oooing at all the right moments!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Secret Life Of Bees
As I sit here trying to write my simple opinion of this film based on Sue Monk Kidd's critically acclaimed novel of the same title, I realize how limited my personal vocabulary has become. Words such as amazing, powerful, beautiful just seem trite in trying to provide an accurate description of this film.
Set in rural
Lily and her close association with people of color, during a time it was unacceptable for girl to do so, causes a problem or two for Lily and those whom she cares for the most. It is during these scenes I realized how far our country has come and how far we have yet to go.
There are many social and life lessons for all of us to learn from this very simple very beautiful story. Be certain to bring your tissues, they may be necessary.
Queen Latifa is beautiful and full of grace in her role of Miss August Boatwright. Alicia Keys shows off her musical talent as the music teacher May Boatwright (she learned to play the cello exclusively for this movie); she also demonstrates her exceptional acting ability. Sophie Okonedo portrays the slightly "off" sister May, only one word is able to describe her - extraordinary! Dakota Fanning, who was the sweet and adorable little girl in I Am Sam, has grown into a brilliant young woman whose talent has grown and blossomed as she has.
I certainly hope this film is considered for an Oscar when the time arrives.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Role Models
Need a good laugh? Not to squeamish about boobie humor? If foul language does not offend you easily, then Role Models is a must see movie. It has been way too long since I have been to a movie in which I laughed almost from beginning to end. In fact I have to see the film again due to the fact that many lines of dialogue were missed because of the continuous audience laughter.
I Went to see the flick on a boring Tuesday night right after work, and our theatre was FULL, even the front rows had butts in the seats. The audience was very diverse and all left the theatre laughing and grinning!
The movie is quite raunchy, slightly touching and frickin' hilarious. It is well worth a full price ticket to see it in a full theatre.
Note: Not a good first date movie!
The main players in this riotous big screen flick...
Jane Lynch - is brilliant and slightly annoying (however appropriately annoying) as Gayle Sweeny recovering drug addict and current director of a children's mentoring organization.
Seann William Scott - typecast as Wheeler, just a slightly milder version of his infamous role of Stifler in American Pie
Paul Rudd - Danny is a sulking, melancholy, downright depressed, marketing rep. He is the character in which this film revolves. All others just get caught up in the funk he is going through and ride along with him in his rise out of funkdom.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse - what a great young actor who pulls off the geeky, strong nerd Augie, with grace and finesse.
Bobb'e J. Thompson - may only be 12 years old but he is a comedic master. Ronnie is a hellion of a child who completely steals the show!
I Went to see the flick on a boring Tuesday night right after work, and our theatre was FULL, even the front rows had butts in the seats. The audience was very diverse and all left the theatre laughing and grinning!
The movie is quite raunchy, slightly touching and frickin' hilarious. It is well worth a full price ticket to see it in a full theatre.
Note: Not a good first date movie!
The main players in this riotous big screen flick...
Jane Lynch - is brilliant and slightly annoying (however appropriately annoying) as Gayle Sweeny recovering drug addict and current director of a children's mentoring organization.
Seann William Scott - typecast as Wheeler, just a slightly milder version of his infamous role of Stifler in American Pie
Paul Rudd - Danny is a sulking, melancholy, downright depressed, marketing rep. He is the character in which this film revolves. All others just get caught up in the funk he is going through and ride along with him in his rise out of funkdom.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse - what a great young actor who pulls off the geeky, strong nerd Augie, with grace and finesse.
Bobb'e J. Thompson - may only be 12 years old but he is a comedic master. Ronnie is a hellion of a child who completely steals the show!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Eagle Eye
So sorry for the delay in my reviews. Gas prices, hours cut at work etc..., really cut into my movie watching budget. Hopefully with gas down from $3.88 a gallon to a beautiful $2.32, the movie drought is over.
Tonight (Tuesday) was $6 night at the movies and I saw a movie that was well worth the full Friday night $9.50 ticket price. Eagle Eye is Shia LaBeouf's comeback film from his disastrous role in Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull.
Eagle Eye is a fast paced action flick that has a lot crash bang boom but not a lot of gory action violence. The plot is complex and the first few moments of the movie are a little difficult to follow because you are not exactly sure why these moments are even in the film. Give it time it will all make sense.
If you are a subscriber to conspiracy theories you will really enjoy the flick, it will reinforce your thinking. If you don't think that way, you will leave the theatre thinking twice about the Internet, cell phones, face book and all other forms of our modern communication systems.
If you don't see Eagle Eye in the theatres make this a must rent at your neighborhood Red Box - it is just a really good action flick.
Tonight (Tuesday) was $6 night at the movies and I saw a movie that was well worth the full Friday night $9.50 ticket price. Eagle Eye is Shia LaBeouf's comeback film from his disastrous role in Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull.
Eagle Eye is a fast paced action flick that has a lot crash bang boom but not a lot of gory action violence. The plot is complex and the first few moments of the movie are a little difficult to follow because you are not exactly sure why these moments are even in the film. Give it time it will all make sense.
If you are a subscriber to conspiracy theories you will really enjoy the flick, it will reinforce your thinking. If you don't think that way, you will leave the theatre thinking twice about the Internet, cell phones, face book and all other forms of our modern communication systems.
If you don't see Eagle Eye in the theatres make this a must rent at your neighborhood Red Box - it is just a really good action flick.
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