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.
Showing posts with label Movie Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie Reviews. Show all posts
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!
Friday, July 4, 2008
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!
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!
Monday, June 30, 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
