Let me preface my following opinion of this movie with this disclaimer....I am sick, was sick when I went to the movies, and to make my movie watching experience even more miserable I had three young men (I use the word men lightly) sitting behind me that would not shut up after I asked them to do so.
I loved the first National Treasure (NT1), even though I thought the scenes that take place in Philadelphia dragged on far too long. National Treasure: Book of Secrets (NTBS) is an all right sequel, however there are many elements of the plot that were left undeveloped and not explained very well. My largest complaint of the film (besides the three yappers behind me), is the main story line of Ben Gates proving his great grandfather was not involved with Abraham Lincoln's assassination was very undeveloped. Ben Gates (Nick Cage) nemesis in the movie is Mitch Wilkinson, (Ed Harris). Unlike NT1 in which was very clear what Ian Howe's (Sean Bean) motivation was in chasing Ben Gates, it is not clear as to the motivations of Mitch Wilkinson in smearing Great Grandpa Gates good name. Another example of poor plot development is why is the love interest of Ben Gates, Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger) is so upset with him and why she has kicked them out of their amazingly ostentatious home.
I hope that when National Treasure 3 comes out (which there are hints in NTBS) the writers do a more complete plot development than National Treasure Book of Secrets.
The big movie screen and surround sound is nice for the amazing cinematography but if you have a big screen tv at home, I personally would wait for this film to be released on video.
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Love the Christmas movie season. There is always such a plethora of choices from comedies to dramas. My Christmas movie watching marathon began with Alvin & the Chipmunks, which I blogged about a few weeks ago. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story was next on my list. This film stars John C. Reilly, who was recently seen in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), as Cal Naughton, Jr.
If you go to see Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story, don't expect to the constant slapstick humor as was seen in Talladega Nights. Walk Hard is a satirical movie focusing on the evolution of Rock & Roll from the 1950's to present day, and all of the paparazzisized negative elements involved with being famous. The movie does an excellent job of blending comedy and drama into a complete story with no possibility of a sequel. The writers overemphasize the rock & roll scene elements such as drug use, sex, temperamental behavior, and of course REHAB. It is during these scenes that you will find the most laughs.
John C. Reilly is headliner of this film, however it is with the mega talent and brilliant acting of Jenna Fischer that really makes this movie shine. Jenna and John have great chemistry!
The thing I found most interesting about this movie is the underlying theme that runs throughout the film. The constant theme of no matter how badly you screw up your life - you can always fix the problems with hard work and the love and support of good friends.
Be aware, if you go to see Dewey Cox there is a scene that contains full male and full female nudity. The nudity, especially the frontal male nudity, in this scene really serves no purpose other than to shock the audience.
Is this a full price movie - I really don't think so, but is worth seeing in full theatre, you know laughter breeds laughter. However, what I can say is that this is a very well written movie and the acting is excellent. Is it an Oscar winner - I think not.
If you go to see Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story, don't expect to the constant slapstick humor as was seen in Talladega Nights. Walk Hard is a satirical movie focusing on the evolution of Rock & Roll from the 1950's to present day, and all of the paparazzisized negative elements involved with being famous. The movie does an excellent job of blending comedy and drama into a complete story with no possibility of a sequel. The writers overemphasize the rock & roll scene elements such as drug use, sex, temperamental behavior, and of course REHAB. It is during these scenes that you will find the most laughs.
John C. Reilly is headliner of this film, however it is with the mega talent and brilliant acting of Jenna Fischer that really makes this movie shine. Jenna and John have great chemistry!
The thing I found most interesting about this movie is the underlying theme that runs throughout the film. The constant theme of no matter how badly you screw up your life - you can always fix the problems with hard work and the love and support of good friends.
Be aware, if you go to see Dewey Cox there is a scene that contains full male and full female nudity. The nudity, especially the frontal male nudity, in this scene really serves no purpose other than to shock the audience.
Is this a full price movie - I really don't think so, but is worth seeing in full theatre, you know laughter breeds laughter. However, what I can say is that this is a very well written movie and the acting is excellent. Is it an Oscar winner - I think not.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Alvin & The Chipmunks
When I was a child, one of my fondest memories was the evenings at Christmas time, making cookies, and dad playing his LP Albums of Christmas music. They consisted of Johnny Mathis, The Platters, some awful choir album and of course Alvin and the Chipmunks. I would quietly suffer through his albums, to patiently wait to hear "I just want a Hoo - La - Hoop". So when I saw that Alvin, Simon & the ever adorable Theodore were hitting the silver screen, I had to see it opening weekend!
If you are looking for a non offensive, simple humor that is relatively well written, Alvin & the Chipmunks is the movie for you. It is a feel good funny movie that is sure to become a holiday favorite. Will it be a classic - no it is certainly not Christmas Vacation or Christmas Story, but it is a great family film and a wonderful escape from from the the hustle and bustel of the holiday stress.
Alvin & the Chipmunks is definitely a great buy for a matinee. If you are looking to get the kids out of the house one evening so that Christmas preparations taken care of, it is definitley a good choice for a full price evening movie. However, I must issue a warning. The Chipmunks are so cute the kids (or yourself) will want to take one home with you and let the snuggle up next you while you sleep.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
If you are looking for a non offensive, simple humor that is relatively well written, Alvin & the Chipmunks is the movie for you. It is a feel good funny movie that is sure to become a holiday favorite. Will it be a classic - no it is certainly not Christmas Vacation or Christmas Story, but it is a great family film and a wonderful escape from from the the hustle and bustel of the holiday stress.
Alvin & the Chipmunks is definitely a great buy for a matinee. If you are looking to get the kids out of the house one evening so that Christmas preparations taken care of, it is definitley a good choice for a full price evening movie. However, I must issue a warning. The Chipmunks are so cute the kids (or yourself) will want to take one home with you and let the snuggle up next you while you sleep.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is the latest creation of the Disney Pixar studios. This film is part of an elite group of original stories that have been created in the recent past. I have a confession to make. I was not thrilled about seeing the film, nor did I have a definite plan to spend hard earned $$ on an animated flick about a rat. Late afternoon on a dull Sunday, I happened to be in the right place at the right time to see the film as a "sneak peak".
Here are the elements of this animation creation....Paris France, a rat with an amazing palate, food, and a the ghost of a dead television chef. Now as disjointed as each of these elements may be in our every day world, Brad Bird was able to weave a story that was a pleasure to watch.
Here is a very abbreviated synopsis....Remy is the star rat. He loves food, I mean he LOVES to create, cook and eat good food. Remy refuses to follow the rest of the rat pack and eat just whatever comes his way. This, at times, gets him into a bit of a pickel. Becuase of his food love, he is accidentally seperated from the rest of his rat family and ends up in Paris. Remy meets a plethora of characters which lead him to his true love.....creating fine food.
The story line is simple, but offers many complex life lessons. The largest lesson presented is don't to ever give up on following your dreams. It is presented in a way in which both children and adults are able to grasp. Like most of the Disney Pixar animated films, the amazing animation will keep the kiddos attention. However, it is the story that will keep the adults watching intently. There are moments of simple humor appropiately scattered throughout providing a good chuckle, which is nicely paired with poignant episodes that will touch your soul.
Ratatouille is a must see, even if you are not an animated film fan. It is a great matinee movie that will have you leave the threatre feeling better than when you arrived.
SIDE NOTE:
For those of you that do you know ratatouille is, it is a simple vegetable dish that is made as differently as each person is that is doing the cooking. The best ratatouille is made with the fresh summer vegetables picked right off the vine. Lots of tomatoes and squashes are found in every recipe. It is truly a delight to eat and enjoy. Looking for a recipe, simply Google the word and you search will be complete.
Here are the elements of this animation creation....Paris France, a rat with an amazing palate, food, and a the ghost of a dead television chef. Now as disjointed as each of these elements may be in our every day world, Brad Bird was able to weave a story that was a pleasure to watch.
Here is a very abbreviated synopsis....Remy is the star rat. He loves food, I mean he LOVES to create, cook and eat good food. Remy refuses to follow the rest of the rat pack and eat just whatever comes his way. This, at times, gets him into a bit of a pickel. Becuase of his food love, he is accidentally seperated from the rest of his rat family and ends up in Paris. Remy meets a plethora of characters which lead him to his true love.....creating fine food.
The story line is simple, but offers many complex life lessons. The largest lesson presented is don't to ever give up on following your dreams. It is presented in a way in which both children and adults are able to grasp. Like most of the Disney Pixar animated films, the amazing animation will keep the kiddos attention. However, it is the story that will keep the adults watching intently. There are moments of simple humor appropiately scattered throughout providing a good chuckle, which is nicely paired with poignant episodes that will touch your soul.
Ratatouille is a must see, even if you are not an animated film fan. It is a great matinee movie that will have you leave the threatre feeling better than when you arrived.
SIDE NOTE:
For those of you that do you know ratatouille is, it is a simple vegetable dish that is made as differently as each person is that is doing the cooking. The best ratatouille is made with the fresh summer vegetables picked right off the vine. Lots of tomatoes and squashes are found in every recipe. It is truly a delight to eat and enjoy. Looking for a recipe, simply Google the word and you search will be complete.
Friday, August 17, 2007
HAIRSPRAY
No I did not see the musical movie on opening weekend, I waited for my sister to come into town to see this foot tapping, hip swinging musical. First I must ask, is a movie musical ever as good as a stage musical. In my opinion, absolutely no. With that being said I must say I throughly enjoyed the movie. In the version that I saw, the film had subtitles to the songs so you could sing along with the actors on the screen. I am sure that in a full house with a rowdy audience - singing along would have been quite fun. However, in this mild manner Sunday afternoon of matinee viewers, the subtitles were a bit annoying and at times destracting. John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jerry Stiller were as always great in their roles. However the actress that stole the show was definitely Nikki Blonsky- the new comer to the movie/musical scene. Her voice is crisp, clear and a delight to the ear. I sincerely hope that Ms. Blonsky is not a one hit wonder and that she has a long and fruitful career on both stage and screen.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
The Simpsons
Holy Cow, Homey and the family are in a full length, wide screen movie production.
In the Simpsons Movie almost every character, unique to the program, that has walked through the town call Springfield (which is bordered by Kentucky, Nevada, Ohio and Maine), makes an appearance in the film. This of course adds to fun of watching. You may have to see the movie twice in order to see everyone at least once.
The things that we have grown to love about this family are the very reasons why you will love this film. For 18 years this family has persevered through many a challenge and come out better in the end - even if it is just for week until the next episode appears in our home.
I have loved the Simpsons for most of my adult life now. I have laughed hard on Sunday nights from seeing what line Bart is having to write on his chalk board to how the family closes out the opening credits. Nothing prepared me for the laughter that I experienced in this 87 minutes of fun. If you have a weak bladder I suggest an adult diaper would be proper attire for this movie. There are a lot of in your face laughs but be sure to have your listening ears on - there very subtle jokes that are easy to miss.
A full theatre will be best for this viewing - laughter breeds laughter. Is this a "Full Price Movie"? Absolutely.
Enjoy the movie!
In the Simpsons Movie almost every character, unique to the program, that has walked through the town call Springfield (which is bordered by Kentucky, Nevada, Ohio and Maine), makes an appearance in the film. This of course adds to fun of watching. You may have to see the movie twice in order to see everyone at least once.
The things that we have grown to love about this family are the very reasons why you will love this film. For 18 years this family has persevered through many a challenge and come out better in the end - even if it is just for week until the next episode appears in our home.
I have loved the Simpsons for most of my adult life now. I have laughed hard on Sunday nights from seeing what line Bart is having to write on his chalk board to how the family closes out the opening credits. Nothing prepared me for the laughter that I experienced in this 87 minutes of fun. If you have a weak bladder I suggest an adult diaper would be proper attire for this movie. There are a lot of in your face laughs but be sure to have your listening ears on - there very subtle jokes that are easy to miss.
A full theatre will be best for this viewing - laughter breeds laughter. Is this a "Full Price Movie"? Absolutely.
Enjoy the movie!
Bourne Ultimatium
On August 3rd, Matt Damon became Jason Bourne in the third (and rumored) and final installment of the very popular films based on Robert Ludlum's series of novels.
Jason Bourne is still the melencholy former governement assassin whose search continues for his true identity. Filled with great action scenes and a trip around the world, you will find that this movie moves quickly with very few lulls. Being very well paced, it is hard to believe that 1 hour and 51 minutes have passed at its conclusion.
The supporting cast, for the most part, is on the mark. David Strathairn, as Noah Vosen, just makes you want to slap him upside his head and tell him to get a clue. Joan Allen returns in her role as Pamela Landy. In "Ultimatium", you wont leave the theatre loathing her as you may have done in "Supremacy". Lastly, Julia Stiles, as Nicky Parsons, may leave you thinking that if she is supposed to be a CIA agent stationed abroad, "I can do it too - just cut my hair and dye it black."
Overall it was a good flick and would consider this a "Full Price Movie". Be sure to sit in the center of the theatre so not to miss any of the action. Enjoy the show.
Jason Bourne is still the melencholy former governement assassin whose search continues for his true identity. Filled with great action scenes and a trip around the world, you will find that this movie moves quickly with very few lulls. Being very well paced, it is hard to believe that 1 hour and 51 minutes have passed at its conclusion.
The supporting cast, for the most part, is on the mark. David Strathairn, as Noah Vosen, just makes you want to slap him upside his head and tell him to get a clue. Joan Allen returns in her role as Pamela Landy. In "Ultimatium", you wont leave the theatre loathing her as you may have done in "Supremacy". Lastly, Julia Stiles, as Nicky Parsons, may leave you thinking that if she is supposed to be a CIA agent stationed abroad, "I can do it too - just cut my hair and dye it black."
Overall it was a good flick and would consider this a "Full Price Movie". Be sure to sit in the center of the theatre so not to miss any of the action. Enjoy the show.
Welcome to Average Joe Movie Reviews
Welcome to my blog spot. This is my first posting and you need to know that I am not a professional movie critic. I am just an average person who does not always agree with what I read in the paper or on the movie critic websites. I believe that their are times in which critics loose sight to the simple reason we all go to the movies - to simply be entertained for a few hours.
So, occasionally, I will be posting my personal take on a variety of movies. My taste and interestes are varied and you just never know what I am going to see and write about - sometimes I don't even know what I am going to see until I get the theatre. I try to see movies on opening weekend but sometimes it is just not possible, it just all depends on whats going on in my world.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy.
So, occasionally, I will be posting my personal take on a variety of movies. My taste and interestes are varied and you just never know what I am going to see and write about - sometimes I don't even know what I am going to see until I get the theatre. I try to see movies on opening weekend but sometimes it is just not possible, it just all depends on whats going on in my world.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy.
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