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!

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 South Carolina in 1964, the film has a simple plot with many threads running throughout. Dakota Fanning plays the young Lily who has lived the majority of her 14 years in the loveless world of her abusive father on their family's peach farm. After a fight between her and her father, Lily runs away taking her nanny Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) with her. Lily and Rosaleen find refuge in the home of the Boatwright sisters of Tiburon, South Carolina. These sisters, all named for months of spring and summer, are very unique for this small southern segregated town of the 1960's. August Boatwright (Queen Latifa), being the oldest sister and the family's matriarch, is a wise business woman and expert beekeeper. Miss August takes Lily under her wing teaching her about bees and life, usually at the same time.

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.

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!

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.

Wow I've been gone way too long

I am so sorry for the very long hiatus from postings. I promise to get back in the grove this weekend!

Enjoy the movies!!!!

Hancock

From time to time, throughout our lives, we experience moments in which we feel alone or that only oneself truly understands what we are going though. That is where Hancock begins.

Hancock is a superhero living in L.A. fighting crime in a very unconditional manner; in a drunken state. Even though his drunken crime fighting skills have criminals shaking in their shoes, Hancock always leaves a little collateral damage in his wake. Beacause of his reckless attitude, the average law abiding citizens don't care so much for him. One of Hancock's escapades alone cost the city of L.A. more than $9 million dollars in repairs. Needless to say Hancock is not very well liked by anyone in the city of Angels that he calls home.

Through a chance meeting with an image consultant, Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), Hancock begins to find out who and what he truly is, and there is where the story really begins.

Will Smith is brilliant as the ungraceful, uncouth, nihilistic, superhero. The script is well rounded and smartly written. Peter Berg (director), whose directing and camera style have been critically acclaimed for the television show, Friday Night Lights, showcases his extraordinary talent.

Because of the special effects and hard hitting action sequences Hancock is a big screen film. You will laugh, you will cheer, you will fall in love with Hancock! Enjoy the movie!

Wall-E

Wall-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth Class) may very well be Pixar's finest creation (in my humble opinion) . The film is primarily set on Earth, where the only lifeforms left are an adorable little rusty robot and his best buddy a cockroach who eats Twinkies. It is never quite explained how the evolution of Wall-E occurred, but somewhere in Wall-E's solitary existence he develops a personality, emotions and a sense of purpose. Overall he is guided by his mission to collect, compact and stack all of the trash left by humans and the big super mega store B&L (Buy and Large), but he enjoys his day, takes pleasure in finding new little treasures (i.e. a lighter), and the company of his cockroach friend.

Due to all of the waste, pollution, and toxins created by the residents of Earth, all humans were evacuated on to a space ship, the Axiom. On the Axiom no one ever has to do anything - everything is done for them by robots. At first the idea seems to be paradise, but as the story progresses, paradise it is not.

One day while Wall-E is out doing the job he is programmed for, compacting the trash, he has a visitor from out of the sky. Eve (Extra-terrestrial Vegetation Evaluator) is a sleek droid like robot, sent out from the Axiom, whose mission is to scan Earth searching for signs of plant life. When Wall-E and Eve have their chance meeting, life for Wall-E as he knows it is changed forever.

Full of action, drama, romance, suspense and comedy, Wall-E is a brilliant film that not only entertains the viewer but also reminds us that we have to take care of the only home we know, Earth. Unlike other Pixar movies, this one may not appeal to the smallest of audience members. I guarantee the adults in the theatre definitely enjoyed the film more so than the kids.

Wall-E is absolutely a full screen, Dolby digital surround sound kind of movie. It is worth a full price movie ticket!

The Incredible Hulk

I have to preface my review of this movie with the following statement.... I love Ed Norton, I think he is one of the most underrated and under appreciated actors in our world today! Therefore I may be slightly biased in my review of this film.

With that being said, I enjoyed the movie quite a bit. This version of the Marvel Comic classic is much better than the 2003 version that was a horrible flop and a big snooze fest.

The story line is fairly well developed, there are a few plot holes, but overall it is pretty good. The cast is excellent! Liv Tyler has been out of the spotlight for a while, it was a welcome sight to see her once again, especially in a role that seemed to be tailored just for her.

Special effects are over the top! The action scenes (especially toward the end of the movie), however, are jumpy and erratic. While watching you will find yourself wanting to see more because it doesn't seem like the entire scene was revealed to the audience.

Special note: there are some violent scenes in the film - not much more violent than what is shown on network televion, they are not terribly graphic in nature, which was appreciated by this movie watcher, seeing so many children in the audience.

Watch and listen for the original Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno, he appears from time to time!

I have a theory as to why the Hulk movies are not the block busters that Spiderman and Batman have been over the past few years. In both Hulk movies, the Hulk is shown more as a dumb monster who only moans and yells. Whereas, the other Marvel Comic characters who have come to the silver screen talk, converse, and develop relationships with other characters and the audience.

Robert Downey Jr. makes a cameo appearance as Tony Stark (Iron Man), opening the door for joint venture of between a few of the Marvel Comic Characters in a full length feature film.

Special effects and surround sound make this a movie theatre movie - full price, no I don't think so, but it is worth a matinee ticket!

Love Guru

Wow - it only takes one word to describe Mike Myers latest creation ..... AWFUL!

If defecating, farting, booger picking (and drinking) are your favorite subjects then you will thoroughly enjoy this appalling fart fest!

There is absolutely no reason for any one person to waste their time watching this imitation of a comedy. I am horribly disappointed in the fact I have lost two hours of my life to the crap that Mr. Myers put into the theatre!

Jessica Alba and Justin Timberlake are pretty funny, however they are not enough to save this dreadful film!

Get Smart

The year was 1980, I was in the Fourth Grade, and every afternoon at 3:00 p.m. a strange little man came on my TV. in a quirky little show created by the very twisted and very talented mind of Mel Brooks. “Get Smart” was a funny little show that I didn’t really understand until I got older – much older. Friday night, June 21, 2008 sitting in a dark theatre with about 200 of my closest movie friends I watched the reincarnation of the quirky little man, Maxwell Smart.

The original Maxwell Smart was slightly arrogant, at times quite conceited and always clumsily stupid. The new Max is smart, compassionate, and driven – but still a bit strange and clumsy. Steve Carell executes the role of new Max flawlessly. Much like Don Adams before him, Carell gives life to Maxwell Smart though use of subtle facial expressions and body language with an ease that makes one wonder if Carell weren’t Adams incarnate.

An amusing and sharply written script executed by an exceptionally clever cast makes Get Smart a very entertaining two hours. Despite the age difference between Anne Hathaway and Steve Carell, they are able to create exceptional movie chemistry. With several cameo appearances throughout the movie, it is quite fun to seeing them pop up from time to time, especially Bill Murray.

The audience was vastly different in age, which I truly believe enhanced the experience. From the row of teeny boppers behind me and the 50 something’s in front of me – we all were entertained heartily throughout the entire film. It has been since Star Wars in which I have been part of an audience that clapped at the conclusion of a film – at the conclusion of Get Smart, the audience stood, cheered and clapped with gusto.

Prior to the movie, I read the review of the film by the ‘professional critic’. In this professional review the movie was completely panned. After watching the film, and hearing so many people discuss how wrong the review was, those comments reinforced why I keep my blog going.

There is only one complaint that I have about the flick is that there weren’t more gadgets. Don’t get me wrong, there were several really cool gadgets, but I simply wish there had been more.

Get Smart is a full price, see it opening weekend, kind of movie. It was a lot of fun to watch and I hope a sequel of the same caliber is forthcoming.

You Don't Mess With the Zohan

Over the years Adam Sandler has entertained us with simple slap stick, in your face, slightly crass humor. He has taken risks with his outrageously portrayed characters providing us with many laughs. His most recent work pushes the "crass meter" to where it borders on slightly obnoxious and the humor meter is way, way low for this flick.

His latest release is probably his most outrageous character to date. Zohan is an over achiever in the Israel military who is obsessed with hair styling and his 1980s Paul Mitchell design book. He dreams of the day when he can just wash, dry and make the world "silky smooth", and not fight in a 1000 year old war.

Once you have seen an Adam Sandler film you know that he is loyal to his friends and they to him. You will see many of the same actors in several of his films; for example Rob Schneider and John Turturro. Because of the familiarity of the actors they often are able to provide fantastic movie chemistry on the screen. Unfortunately, this is not the case for this movie and it falls very short of Sandler greatest work (my humble opinion - Mr. Deeds and Big Daddy win that honor).

The plot is choppy, crumpled and convoluted. There are times when you are not sure who's who and what's what, and how the scene you are watching actually fits into the plot. I think Mr. Sandler took on a very complex subject for the basis of his film (Israeli Palestinian War) and was not really able to create a pervasive story that was entertaining.

I understand that Mr. Sandler may have taken on this project in order to demonstrate how horribly wrong both countries have been over the past few thousand years for their continued war on each other - I just wish he would have done so in a little more succinct fashion.

There are some sporadic moments of humor but they are few and far between and $9 is way to much to pay for just a few laughs. Is this a full price movie - in my opinion NOT! Wait for it to be on the Saturday afternoon cable movie, and then TIVO it and watch when you have nothing else left to do.

Side Note: So "they" have said, Mr. Sandler trained with Navy Seals, in order to obtain a little more military style body. Bravo Adam, your triceps are yummy and buttocks firm!

Old Town Theatre - Alexandria, VA

May 22, 2008 was a day that I will remember for quite a while. My boyfriend and I went to the Washington DC area to visit my sister. We arrived early enough to catch a film at the independent movie house in Old Town, Alexandria, Va.

Being a fan of independent movie theatres, locally owned restaurants and unique privately owned stores, I was excited to be going to see a film at an old movie house. I had visions of the Vogue Theatre of Louisville, KY (which is no longer in existence), or the Kentucky Theatre in Lexington (truly one of the best independent movie theatres/performing arts centers in the country). My excitement was very quickly quashed as I approached the ticket sales counter. There was a sign glaring at me informing the patrons that each ticket holder must purchase one concession item. OK, I quickly forgave this rudeness thinking here is a guy trying to survive against the Cinemarks, National Amusements, and AMC's of the world. So we paid $4 per soda and another $4 for a bag of self served popcorn and we climbed the stairs to see our 7:30 movie - The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Oh I forgot to tell you that the soda's were also self serve and if you wanted a refill it was an additional $2. After $47 on tickets and concessions, we proceeded to our theatre. I use the term theatre loosely!

Theatre #2, was a converted balcony of an old single screen theatre. My guess is it was once a vaudeville movie house, but I don't know for sure. Anyway, I digress, back to the description of the theatre: The screen was the kind you had in grade school that pulled down out of the ceiling, the speakers were Bose surround sound home theatre speakers. Yes, Bose has a great quality product (I personally own a Bose CD player), but these speakers were what one would have in their home not in a movie theatre. Because the high end home theatre sound was being driven much harder than they were designed for, the sound became very distorted and at times unintelligible. My cup holder (yes it did have that little luxury), was covered in chewing gum and as you walked down the stairs on the left hand side of the seats, the last stair was cracked and weak. Oh do not let me forget...there were no fire sprinklers in this theatre, nor was there a fire curtain near the screen and the aisle and stairs were certainly not lit in the dark. I hope you are getting the picture!

Lastly, the movie....Like I said we went to see Narnia at 7:30 p.m. I think our movie finally started about 8:10 p.m., and no there were no previews! However we did clearly hear, from the other theatre, downstairs, Indiana Jones. By they way, Have you read the Iron Man review? I said I saw it as a fluke....well the fluke was when Narnia started it was actually Iron Man - yes ladies and gentleman the first 15 mins of Iron Man I saw at no charge - oh but wait, yes I did pay for those 15 minutes, I was raped at the concession/ticket counter with their outrageous prices.

After a few four letter words (mostly the F word) uttered by the projectionist, concession stand soda jerk, and theatre manager and possibly owner, (all the same guy), Narnia started. As I said in the film it was a good movie. However the film would have great in a real authentic movie house and not this joke called a theatre.

Oh I cannot forget to mention all the crap lying around this place - the owner must be a pack rat, there is stuff stuffed in every corner of this place! Literally this theatre is a fire trap just waiting to ignight!

The two absolutely great bonuses of the evening is we met some very nice people from Virginia Tech who were seated in the row in front of us, and the second being that this goes down in the memoirs as another very memorable experience i have shared with my sister!

Sex And The City

Carrie and the girls are back together for this full featured climax of the very successful and very missed HBO series. Full of shoes, fashion, drama and of course men. The movie picks up a few years after the conclusion of the final episode.

Is this a film for everyone, probably not. I do think that having watched the series, one will enjoy this film much more than someone who has no idea what a cosmo is and is wondering who Milano Blahnik instead of wishing they owned a pair of their own. However the writers did a great job at the beginning of the film providing a complete concise synopsis of whos who and whats what, so even if you have never watched the show, you will caught up in a jiff.

I must confess I have struggled with writing this review, simply because I certainly don't want to give away any of the story that may ruin the watching experience for you the reader. So I will simply say that Sex and the City is a celebration of friendships, the type that no matter what you do or where you go there are some bonds that will never be broken! Sex and The City is a grand way to spend some quality time with your girlfriends! I went with my one of my oldest girlfriends, Kristin and I must say it was truly time well spent with the one person who knows me better than anyone in the world. Is Sex and the City a full price movie, it is, it is also a matinee film, or a watch at home flick. Just be sure that when you watch this movie it is with your girlfriends old and new - you will appreciate them more!

Iron Man

The true acting genius of Robert Downey Jr. is what makes this action adventure marvel comic adaptation truly enjoyable.

In his first blockbuster role in a very long time, Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark), goes full throttle and creates an action character that is smart, funny, sensitive and possesses a conscience.

I saw this film literally as a fluke. I am not a big comic book character movie fan, but this one comic book adaptation that is well worth every penny of a full price movie ticket. The adaptation is set in modern day under modern circumstances. It has a plot that is suspenseful and well developed. As I like to say, it flows and flows well.

The only negative I can say about the film is I had hoped for another adventure to be coming out sooner rather than later. If Robert Downey Jr. can maintain the adrenaline and chemistry with the camera, he has a long career ahead of him as Iron Man. However there is one caviat - the writers have to write as well as they did for this film.

Enjoy!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Well, exactly how old is Indiana Jones? The only answer I can come up with is to old to be doing action adventure - Indiana Jones should stay in his class room enjoying the daily challenges of academia. But one can say that ole' Indi is old enough to be cynical and full of sarcastic one liners in his latest adventure.

If you are an Indiana Jones fan you may enjoy the film, but I promise, you will not enjoy it as much as you have have the movies that preceded this one. Unlike the other movies, Harrison Ford is not really in his character. This is one of the few times I have seen Harrison Ford, acting instead of morphing into his character.

In previous films the plots were detailed and much more developed than this one. As I said it is full of one liners that will make you giggle. However, if my memory serves me correctly, the Indiana Jones series was an adventure fantasy series with some laughs scattered throughout. This installment seems like it is trying to be a comedy with some adventure tossed in for kicks.

As for the plot, it flows, however is slightly choppy, it certainly does not have the fluidity as the previous films. The one positive for the plot is how the film ended. It was left completely open for the development of a new series with a new hero but along the same genre of the Indiana Jones Series.

My least favorite character in the film, that honor would have to go to Cate Blanchett, who plays the villian - and not a very good one. Her German accent has a bit to be desired - in fact actually it is over the top like much of the film.

The unfortunate truth about The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is technology has caught up with the story. Throughout the movie there was never a question in my mind that they were ever on location anywhere, the entire film looked like a movie set. In some of the action scenes you could see the "green screen" outline around the actors just like you see the weathermen giving tomorrow's forecast on the late news.

I know I have not given the most glowing of reviews, but I did enjoy the film. It is a big screen, surround sound, full audience kind of flick. The bigger the audience the more you will enjoy the show.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

On May 22 I had an experience that I don't think I will likely repeat in the future. I went to see a film at the Old Towne Theatre in Alexandria, Virginia, (was visiting my sister). Unfortunately, I went to see the 2nd volume in the fantasy series; The Chronicles of Narnia, at this theatre. NOTE: If in Alexandria do not attend this theatre - there will be a review of its own within the blog.

The second installment of the Chronicles of Narnia was as amazing as the first. Because the stories between the first and the second are very different it is almost like not watching a sequel. The Pevensie siblings return to the enchanted land of Narnia that they left one year before. Well a year by our clock it was only a year, however several hundred years have passed in Narnia. Besides the heroes and heroines returning, the only other characters, from the first movie, that make an appearance are The White Witch (Tilda Swinson) and Aslan.

Do you need to see the first to enjoy the second. Not necessarily. It would be helpful in understanding the beginning of the film, however within the first 10 - 15 minutes, you should be almost up to speed and enjoy this fast moving, beautifully filmed movie. If you have read the Chronicles of Narnia you will see a few embellishments with the story, but overall the movie plot is true to the written story.

This is absolutely a full price, big, screen film to be enjoyed in a modern clean theatre, (see Old Town Theatre Review).

What Happens In Vegas.....

How often have you been to a romantic comedy and there is way too much drama and not nearly enough comedy (Baby Mama) and you leave the theatre sorely disappointed? The let down will not occur with "What Happens In Vegas..." Even down to the last few moments, the movie will deliver chuckles. I saw a sneak peek of the movie tonight and thoroughly enjoyed the 99 minutes in the dark.

The story line is simple. Type A girl gets dumped, slacker guy gets fired, they meet, hook up in Vegas and win $3 million on a slot machine after they have drunkenly married ..... that is in the first 15 minutes of the movie and there's still a lot of movie left to be watched and enjoyed.

The movie is predictable but cleverly written. The humor at times is dry and subtle and then there are moments of in your face laughs. Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher deliver nice performances with the assitance of a great supporting cast.

By the way, bravo to the promotion department, when they created the previews/commercials they did not show all of the best parts!

This is absolutely a full price movie!

Momma Baby

So sorry for the delay in blog postings. I went to Europe back and March and when I got home I had to pay the bills from the trip. Needless to say the movie fund was sorely depleted.

Well tonight I went to see the comedy staring Amy Pohler and Tina Fey of Saturday Night Live fame. The movie is good, not exactly what I expected, but it was worth using the free movie ticket I had received from my Star Pass (a rewards program though National Amusements).

The worst thing about the movie is that if you see the commercials you have seen the funniest moments. At the end of the film I was left wondering if there was more to the film that ended up on the cutting room floor that might have given the plot a little more depth, a few more laughs and developed the characters more thoroughly. Just as an example, in the credits of the film there was a credit for the daughter of Greg Kinear's character (Rob) whom was never introduced to the audience. The character was mentioned but she was never really seen. Hmmmmm.

Anyway, is this a full price movie - absolutely not .... but it is worth a matinee admission.

Definitely, Maybe

Ryan Reynolds has been best known to me from his roles in "Two guys, a girl and a pizza place" and two very funny, yet similar, comedic roles in "Van Wilder" and "Waiting". I was anxious to see Mr. Reynolds in this semi serious role as Mr. Will Hayes from Wisconsin.

The film opens in 1992 with Will graduating from the University of Wisconsin, preparing to leave for New York City to work on the, then candidate Bill Clinton's, campaign. Mr. Hayes is idealistic in his view of the world, completely committed to his ideas and is certain that he is on his own golden road of success. Will Hayes has a "plan" for his life which, as you will see, doesn't exactly happen as he thought or planned. The story of his life and love is shown to us by Will telling his daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin) the story of how he met her mother, his soon to be ex-wife.

The storyline is sweet and kind. For those of us who left the safe confines of college in 1990's, (me personally 1992 Western Kentucky University - yes the school made semi famous by the Grisham novel "The Firm"), and entered the scary world of adulthood, this film is comforting to watch. We all left college with wide eyes and great aspirations of changing the world and making it a better place. Some of us through politics, the arts, or some social service that has been created to help those who need it. Then one day reality hits us and we find ourselves working in a job that pays our bills and allows us to do most of the things we want, but it is certainly not our passion. We are not sure how we got to this point in our life, but we did and here we are. That is the story that is conveyed very nicely in "Definitely, Maybe".

If you are the parent of a thirty something, and you simply don't quite understand your adult child go see this film. You will leave with a better understanding of your adult child's life and what it has been like for your kids whom have grown up in a time when there is nothing special about their generation.

And for you, the parents of pre teen children, I think you will find humor and some wisdom portrayed in the film. The entire film is based on being frank and honest with your children - in an age appropriate manner of course, and allowing your kids to see you as a person who had a different life prior to being a parent. (disclaimer: I do not personally have any children I can only guess).

This is a wonderful matinee film, which will have you leaving the theatre in a little better mood than when you first arrived.

27 Dresses

From the time a little girl is born her parents begin planning her wedding (father dreading the cost and mother planning the guest list). Then as the little girl grows up, and learns to play dress up - dress up bride is always a favorite. As time goes on and the girl begins to date she begins to imagine her wedding with current boyfriend. As the boyfriend changes the plans are altered but one thing always remains constant - the bride is always radiant in the girl's imagination. Not one little girl imagines that she will always be the bridesmaid and never the bride.

Being able to relate directly to Katherien Heigl's character Jane, (I personally have been in 14 weddings) as the perpetual bridesmaid, I really enjoyed this movie and found great humor in many of the situations that arise in the film.

Jane is great in taking care of her friends, family, and boss. The only person she is not good at taking care of is herself. If Jane wasn't the selfless giving person that she is, there would be not story. There are times when you just want to smack Jane and tell her to develop a backbone, but that would end the movie much to soon and you wouldn't get your $9.00 worth of entertainment.

27 Dresses is a cute, predictable, fun film. If you are like me and have been in more weddings than you would like to count and none have been yours, you will really enjoy this movie. This is not an oscar contender, but it is certainly a great movie to see with your best girlfriend.

Attention future brides read this - TAKE NOTE - it is alot of work to take care of you leading up to and on your big day. Be sure to appreciate your bridesmaids and especially your maid of honor and make sure you give her a really nice appreciation gift!!!!!

Fool's Gold

Once again the movie reviewers have totally lost sight of why we go to the movies - to be entertained. And once again they have missed the mark on a very entertaining and enjoyable movie. In general the reviews of this movie were not good. In fact one review said that the only thing in this movie was people running around showing off their tanned bodies.....HELLOOO.... the story takes place in the Bahamas and Key West Florida. I am assuming that the reviewer has never been to either place. I personally have not been to Key West, but I have been to the Bahamas and for a week I ran around in my swimsuit showing off my tanned body (I was then 22 and hot) while doing many other things - it’s what people do in the islands! So, if Matthew McConaughey without a shirt, wet for most of the movie, is a bad thing then this is a horrible movie.

Fool's Gold is fun and entertaining. The plot is predictable yet possesses the occasional twist and turn. The pace of the film moves well. And have I mentioned that Matthew McConaughey isn't wearing a shirt for most of the movie....

In all seriousness, this is an enjoyable romantic comedy about treasure hunters whose personal and romantic lives have been ruled by their obsession of finding a sunken Spanish ship and the treasure that went to the ocean floor in the 18th Century. Matthew McConaughey plays the broke surfer bum treasure hunter who was married to Kate Hudson, the intelligent level headed grounded one of this unlikely pair. Through perseverance and a lot of luck these characters create a two hour adventure that I enjoyed being part of.

Fool's Gold was a great way for me to end a fun and relaxing weekend. It is a great date movie!

Rambo

The review of 'Rambo' is being provided by guest critic - Holmes.
In 1982, 'First Blood', starring Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna and Brian Dennehy, introduced movie goers worldwide to John Rambo, a disenfranchised Vietnam War hero battling a local sheriff and deputies over a simple walk across a bridge. In 1985, at a time when sequels were still relatively few and non-formulaic, a second movie was released and cemented John Rambo and ergo, Sylvester Stallone in movie lore. Three years later, another movie was released and unfortunately, seemed to take some of the luster and mystique from the Rambo character.

On January 25th, 2008, 'Rambo' was released in theaters starring a buffed, geriactric Sylvester Stallone. This time, a further withdrawn Rambo plays a snake handler who is begrudgingly hired to transport missionaries into the war torn jungles of Burma to deliver aid and care to embattled and terrified inhabitants. Challenged to face his own demons, John Rambo assists mercenaries in rescuing said missionaries from the sadistic Burmese 'Army' after they are taken hostage in a murderous attack in an ongoing civil war, where no one is safe.

In the manner of 'Saving Private Ryan', viewers see the result of what happens when bullets and shrapnel meet flesh. While not reaching the moral and philosophical depth of SPR, you might see some of the moral struggles exhibited in SPR if you forget that you are watching the fourth in a series of movies.
This movie is violent and very gory and is not for the weak of heart.

Atonement

Have you come across something that you completely enjoyed or you know that it is truly a work of art but you simply are at a loss of words in how to describe it? That has been my problem in writing my review of this film. For more than a week now I have been pondering my thoughts and have tried to come up with something brilliant to say about a completely brilliant film. I realized walking through the grocery last night that there is pretty much nothing that I can say that could do this film justice.

A typewriter, a benign noisy tool of communication that has long gone by the wayside, is the catalyst for the movie adaptation of Ian McEwan's epic novel Atonement. The equivalent of modern day email, the typewritten note is the method of communication that is instrumental in creating the conflict in which the story revolves.

Each of us at some point in our lives has done something that was wrong, but at the time of the act it was not clearly wrong. Then later, (sometimes sooner than later), we have realized how wrong it was. Most of us can come up with that one thing almost immediately. However for most our actions do not result in someone going to prison and later being sent off to a horrible war.

Atonement was filmed throughout England covering the quaint and beautiful countryside and the not so lovely row houses in the tenements of the early 1940's. The story spans seven decades of time of the Tallis sisters, Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and Briony (Saoirse Ronan and Romola Garai). The story begins pre-World War II and concludes in present day.

With several flashback sequences and imaginative moments the viewer must allow the the story to engulf them. There are some movies in which you can just sit, watch, take a nap, steal a smooch from your partner, this is not one of those movies. You must watch intently or you could become very lost very fast.

This is absolutely a full price film.

Golden Globe Awards

Well, the Golden Globe Awards are another casualty of the Writers Strike. Based on those awarded tonight, the show itself was not the only casualty.

I am sure that everyone who won was certainly deserving. However I have one big bone to pick with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The winner in the Best Actress in a musical or comedy was Marion Cotillard. Who is that you ask....I am sure that you are not alone in that question.

Marion Cotillard was nominated against Ellen Page for Juno who was amazingly funny, Helena Bonham Carter, in her first musical, gave a musical performance that seemed to be as natural to her as walking. Then there is the brand new, bigger than life, Nikki Blonksy with her a golden voice and infectious enthusiasm who completely stole the show from a very seasoned and established cast. Lastly, Amy Adams who was able to completely make you believe that she was a princess from far far away land.

I am certain that Marion Cotillard is a very talented actress but I simply cannot believe that she was better than Ellen Page or Helena Bonham Carter. It simply should have been a tie between these two actresses.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Tim Burton has done it again! He went out on a limb and created another cinemagraphic piece of art. If you like Burton's style or not, he is always a good conversation piece simply because he creates films like no one else in the industry.

In this adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Musical, which won a Tony award in 1979, Burton makes a horror film in the style of the old horror flicks that were over the top in gore, and created a romantic horror movie musical.

I initially thought that this was going to be an extremely gory movie, however with the gallons and gallons of fake blood per victim, the gore is simply not gory.

Johnny Depp stars in the film as the singing serial killer barber, hellbent on revenge for loosing his wife and daughter to the corrupt Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman). Yes, I said singing... Johnny Depp sings throughout - along with the rest of the stellar cast. I do not always enjoy Johnny Depp's films, however, I am always amazed in the versatility in role and the brilliant skill he excecutes each character. As different as Depp's roles are (Capt. Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, Willy Wonka), The consistent threads that run through all roles is that each one is always sexy (sometimes oddly so) and extremely eccentric. Sweeney Todd is no exception.

There is a young man that plays a very strong supporting role as Toby, a house boy, Mr. Ed Sanders. He has very little film roles to his credit, however his singing voice and acting skill say Mr. Sanders has a very bright future on stage and screen. I look forward to seeing him in upcoming productions.

Sweeney Todd is probably going to be in the mix for the Oscars. The one category that I truly believe it is worthy of an Oscar is for Costume Design and Adapted Screenplay. The best actor and actress categories are going to be tough this year, but I think Depp and Carter are both worthy of the honor.

Is this a full price film - if you like movie musicals absolutely yes. If not, it is worth the watch from the comforts of home.

My Personal Opinion Side Note: Movie adaptations of Broadway Musicals are never as good as the theatrical production: RENT, Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar just to name a few.

Support the musical theatre!

The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep

The Water Horse is a beautiful flowing film with many small stories woven into one full tale. Set primarily during World War II, the central storyline centers around a melancholy young boy, Angus MacMarrow. The film opens with Angus sitting on the banks of the a loch near his village, lamenting the fact that his father has left to fight the war. Early in the film an artillery unit of the Royal Army takes over his home and a new handyman moves into his father's workshop. These events turn young Angus' world upside down.

Angus is much too young to be so sad and serious. Slowly his sadness lifts as he cares for the mysterious animal that he finds on the shores of the Loch. Throughout the story, the Water Horse creates many a problem for Angus, his sister, and their new friend. Through these problems happiness creeps into Angus' life.

There are beautiful panoramic scenes showing the amazing countryside of Scotland, (which I think is actually New Zealand - where the film was shot), this is what makes this a must see on the big screen. I simply do not think a home television will do this cinematography justice.

The only criticism that I have of this film is of the people whom were cast as the twenty something American tourists. Fortunately, they are rarely seen in the film. Their acting appears to be very forced and incredibly unnatural - they will make you you wonder who's mother/father got them their jobs.

Anyone who has ever had a friend or pet who loved them unconditionally, will thoroughly enjoy this movie.

JUNO

What a delightful surprise this movie was for me to watch. Based on the previews I had determined that this was going to be at the most - a matinee movie but a friend of mine wanted to see it - so I hit the Friday afternoon matinee with her. I knew enjoying this film was going to be a hard stretch for me - a movie about teenage pregnancy that was funny. OH MY GOSH this movie was friggin' hilarious.

Before I go any further, let me give this disclaimer.... this movie takes a very serious subject and creates a dark comedy. There is nothing funny about teenage pregnancy and it is a very serious social problem and unlike this movie, most teenage pregnancies don't have happy ever afters.

Juno is all about one very smart, incredibly sarcastic, wise beyond her years, 16 year old girl, Juno MacGruff, (Ellen Page), and her life during her very unplanned and unwanted pregnancy. What makes this film so damn funny is the the incredible writing of Diablo Cody. Cody's words conveyed by the amazingly talented Ellen Page definitely make this film a contended for the Oscars.

Here's a brief synopsis: Juno has sex with her best friend Bleeker and gets pregnant. After much thought and a brief conversation with her parents, Juno finds an adoptive family - the Loring's (Jennifer Garner & Jason Bateman). Here the synopsis will end as not to spoil the film and its ending for you but I leave you with one phrase in the movie that made me laugh and still makes me giggle when I think about it .... "Pork Swords."

The Golden Globes are January 13th and Juno is nominated for best comedy, Ellen Page for best actress in a Comedy and Diablo Cody for best screen play. All three nominations are warranted and if the awards are given each would be well deserved.

This is a fantastic film - one I want to see again.

Red Box Movie Rental

Oh do I have a new favorite thing! Here in Louisville, Kentucky our McDonald's Restaurants have these wonderful little gadgets - they are called the Red Box. They are a self service movie rental store. Stored inside of each of these boxes is a plethora of movie choices. The greatest thing about the Red Box is the rental price for each movie.....$1.00 per movie. The movies are recent rental releases and they are cheaper than the pay per view on the satellite.

I really hope you have a Red Box in your neighborhood!

Dan In Real Life

I first saw Dan In Real Life opening weekend (Halloween), however I have had a difficult time writing my review of this movie.

The movie plot is pretty simple, easy to follow and relatively predictable. Is this an Oscar winner - no way! But let me say Steve Carrell could very easily win a people's choice award for best actor for his portrayal of a widowed single dad raising three daughters. This role really demonstrates Steve's vast acting talent. We have seen him as the moronic Michael Scott (The Office), the depressed eccentric gay professor (Little Miss Sunshine), and Andy Stitzer in the 40 Year Old Virgin (no character description needed). But here we have Dan Burns just a normal everyday man living a normal everyday life and is absolutely believable.

Steve Carrell is the best thing about Dan In Real Life. Overall, the movie is cute, entertaining and predictable. It is the perfect example of the romantic comedy/drama hybrid.

It is a good matinee or discount theatre movie, but it will be a better home rental.