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.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
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!!!!!
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
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!
Monday, January 28, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
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!
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!
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