Entries Tagged 'Movie Reviews' ↓
February 26th, 2010 — 4 Stars, Artist, Contemporary, Doctor, Enemies, Estranged, Friends, Ghost, Movie Reviews, Rogues and Rakehells, Time Travel, United States of America
This is a fabulous contemporary update of the Christmas Carol
. Matthew McConaughey is Connor Mead. Connor is the new Mr. Scrooge, except he’s gorgeous, charming, and wealthy. So what’s wrong with the guy? Connor is a miser, just like Scrooge. How? Unlike Scrooge, Connor withholds love/feelings instead of money/possessions. Just like Scrooge, Connor gets visited by 3 ghosts and is forced to learn just what kind of man he really is.
The first ghost is the Ghost of Girlfriend Past. She is a 16 year old girl to whom Connor lost his virginity. Played by Emma Stone, she’s hardly recognizable in braces, frizzy red hair in pigtails and a crazy outfit. If it wasn’t for Stone’s distinctive voice I wouldn’t have been able to place her at all from her role in House Bunny.
Noureen DeWulf plays Melanie, the Ghost of Girlfriend Present. As Connor Mead’s overworked secretary she is the most consistent woman in his life. Melanie’s job includes scheduling everything from photo shoots to play dates. She draws the line at breaking up with his women (a firm believer in karma). DeWulf is fantastic and a sheer joy to watch on screen.
Nadja, Ghost of Girlfriend Future, is played by Emily Foxler. Beautiful and ethereal she leads Connor through the life he can expect if he doesn’t change his ways. Silent like the angel of death from Christmas Carol, she is nevertheless affective in communicating to the audience.
Daniel Sunjata is the wedding beefcake brought in to sex up Jenny Perotti’s love life. It bugged me the whole movie how gorgeous he was and how familiar his face and unable to place him. Ladies before you go to IMDB.com he’s James Holt from the Devil Wears Prada. He plays a sincere, sweet, and intelligent man, luckily for him when Jenny and Connor reunite he is not left out in the cold.
Jenny Perotti, played by Jennifer Garner, is the love of Connor Mead’s life. We watch them as youngsters, as teenagers, as just starting out in life adults and as established adults. Jenny is the girl next door, the one right under your nose. She’s been hurt by Connor in the past. If only being around him didn’t make her feel for him all over again she could move on with her life… will Connor learn his mistakes and if he does can he get her to believe in him again?
I predict Ghosts of Girlfriends past becoming a favorite among many. It certainly is one of mine!
Rating: 4 Stars
Buy: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
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Originally posted 2009-05-13 05:17:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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February 20th, 2010 — 5 Stars, Comedy of Manners, Contemporary, Executive, India, Indian, Interracial, Movie Reviews, United States of America
I saw this movie 3 times within 3 days and enjoyed it every time.
Todd Anderson is the vice president of customer relations and order fulfillment for a company that sells over the phone patriotic kitsch. Within five minutes of the movie starting, Todd learns that despite his excellent record and that of his team they’re being outsourced. If he wants to keep his job he must head to India for the purpose of training his replacement and the new team. Part of the job description is to get the minutes per incident down to six, a nearly impossible feat due to the accent and cultural differences.
Culture shock hit the minute Todd lands in India and gets off the plane. Frustrated, irritated, and disappointed with everything Todd bungles his way through 24 hours. Some of the things he misses that seem common knowledge enough to me are worthy of a little eye rolling. If it’s a social gaffe to double dip in America why would you think it’s okay to lick your fingers before putting your hand back into a bowl of food?
In any case, the more Todd resists India the bleaker things seem. Will he ever be able to return home to America or will he be stuck in India forever? Luckily he learns quickly that the best way to get what he wants is to stop resisting India’s culture and charm. Within the month this movie takes place becomes a top notch manager and teacher.
As the story develops, Todd also finds a love interest. He learns the differences of courting and just how important appearances are for women. The romance is referred to by Asha, the girl, as a Holiday in Goa, which means the love affair before one has to enter an arranged marriage. She is accepting that it’s not a love match, but expects love to develop over time. When confronted by how crazy it was to agree to something so archaic, Asha tells Todd it’s crazier that Americans have a 50% divorce rate.
They fall in love and naturally must part ways, but wait!!!! Without giving too much away I will say this: the ending is positive and open ended with enough leeway to write any conclusion a viewer wishes.
Rating: 5 Stars
Buy: Outsourced
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Originally posted 2009-04-25 05:21:32. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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February 18th, 2010 — 5 Stars, Big Misunderstanding, Entrepreneur, Great Britain, Movie Reviews, Spinster, Victorian
Have you worn out your copy of Pride and Prejudice? Are Colin Firth
and Matthew MacFayden
in need of a little healthy competition? Richard Armitage is just the man to sooth your hunger for another hunk of delicious brooding male. You will melt. Mr. John Thornton is a new Darcyesque figure to fall in love with over and over again.
Richard Armitage is not only singularly fine; he’s also a terrific actor. When he proposes, you’ll die. Loved Mr. Darcy’s fumbling attempts at wooing Elizabeth Bennet? You’re going to enjoy watching Mr. Thornton try to win over the forthright Miss Margaret Hale. Daniela Denby-Ashe does a beautiful job portraying the vicar’s headstrong opinionated daughter.
The story is about a retired vicar and his family moving to the North to Milton, a fairly large factory town. Here they confront illiteracy, poverty, ignorance, and social mores their life in the South leave them unprepared for, especially the mother and daughter. Mr. Hale befriends Mr. Thornton soon after Mr. Thornton makes a singularly bad impression on Miss Margaret Hale. Misunderstandings and stubbornness are rife throughout the miniseries as the protagonists dance around each other trying to understand one another.
If you come into this knowing nothing, you will love it. If you have read the Elizabeth Gaskell novel by the same name
, you will love it. Trust me, if you borrow this instead of buying it outright you’re going to be bummed at the thought of returning it. Sandy Welch’s screenplay is phenomenal—four hours of 100% heart-warming goodness can’t be beat. This may just have replaced the BBC Pride and Prejudice miniseries
as best BBC miniseries.
Rating: 5 Stars
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Originally posted 2009-03-24 05:18:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 30th, 2010 — 3 Stars, Comedy of Manners, Gentry, Great Britain, Mistaken Identity, Movie Reviews, Victorian
The movie is Victorian with over the top contemporary additions. It is clear that Oliver Parker, the writer and director, attempted to dress up Oscar Wilde’s play to make it appeal to younger audiences who watch romantic-comedies.
But the play simply didn’t need it with the casting involved. So the movie winds up being a near-miss due to the additional distractions instead of being a favorite to be rewatched as incessantly as one watches Pride and Prejudice.
Two major problems for me include Gwendolyn getting as ass tattoo then wearing a thong and Lady Bracknell’s scandalous past flashback which makes her a hypocritical ninny.
One can’t forget when Colin Firth and Rupert Everett serenade a love song to the girls either. I can't decide if I love it or think it's too cheesy.
Beautiful sets and costumes.
One of the few changes I liked wholeheartedly was the addition of paying an outstanding bill. It added to the confusion of who is Earnest and was pretty funny to watch as Jack Worthing (Firth) and Algernon McNiff (Everett) exchanged slings.
The star studded cast does a fantastic job despite the goofiness in which Parker thrusts upon them. If you’re like me you will watch it for Colin Firth and enjoy the film. Reese Witherspoon (Cecily Cardew) and Frances O’Connor (Gwendolen Fairfax) are frosting on the cake. They are truly delightful to watch.
The Importance of Being Earnest is a fun romp but I expect a better version to be made at a future date.
Rating: 3 Stars
Buy: The Importance of Being Earnest
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January 23rd, 2010 — 5 Stars, African American, Asian, Cinderella, Ethnicity, Kings, Princes, Sheiks, Chiefs, Movie Reviews
I love Cinderella. I don’t really know anybody who doesn’t adore this type of character. Her story is one of rags to riches; poor in money but rich in love. Take her story, a timeless classic, and add Rodgers and Hammerstein to the mix and you have a hit musical. I love all versions of this musical but my all time favorite stars quite a cast of famous names including: Brandy Norwood, Bernadette Peters, Veanne Cox, Whoopi Goldberg, Jason Alexander, Whitney Houston, and Natalie Desselle.
In this version three new songs are added to the mix. They’re fun, uplifting, and just exciting to watch on screen. The first to appear is ‘The Deepest Love in all the World,’ sung by Brandy Norwood and Paolo Montalban. This song occurs just before they first meet in the market and it’s completely wonderful. It is probably my favorite song in the whole production. The next addition is ‘Falling in Love with Love,’ sung by the unparalleled Bernadette Peters. You really get to know the Stepmother in this sequence. The last is probably my least favorite, but it occurs at the very end of the movie in all the wrap-up so you can easily ignore it and that is ‘The Music in You’ sung by Whitney Houston.
I love the multi-ethnic casting! An Asian prince, a Caucasian king, a Black queen, and so on. Jason Alexander as the prince’s valet is spectacularly funny. Whoopi plays a wonderfully concerned queenly mother who just happens to always want her own way. Wink. Brandy is charming as Cinderella. She really makes you feel that she is Cinderella; her eyes are very expressive. Everyone was wonderful, so even as you recognize them on screen or try to figure out who they are the acting pulls you back into the movie before you can say Bibbity Bobbity Boo.
The choreography, costumes, singing, dialogue is colorful, spirited, enchanting, and just wow. Honestly, if you’re looking for a gift for your daughter, sister, or friend you can’t go wrong picking this movie out. It’s a feel good, put a spring in your step happy movie that gets you singing and dancing around the room just so you can join in the festivities.
Rating: 5 Stars
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Originally posted 2008-12-12 11:04:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 17th, 2010 — 1.5 Stars, Bastard, Convict, Cowboy, Foster/Orphan, Historic America, Marriage of Convenience, Movie Reviews, Pregnant, United States of America, Widow or Widower
I remember watching this a long time ago. Now I know why I haven’t seen it since. Four people make this movie: Christopher Reeve (Will Parker), Helen Shaver (Lula Peak), and the two kids who play Baby Thomas and Donald Wade.
Nina Foch (Miss Beasley) could have been utilized better and would have been great but her part wasn’t fleshed out in the movie like it was in the book.
Deborah Raffin’s (Crazy Elly Dinsmore) performance was too brusque and strident for a role which has always read to me as concerned, soft, and maternal.
The settings and filming were great, I thought. I really liked the house, her farm, the town. I liked the style of filming for the most part. About the only thing truly cheesy in the film is the love scene montage between Will and Elly.
My two favorite parts of the movie were the egg hurling and gift giving scenes. Reeve is amazing and Raffin is at her best. It’s these scenes that really carry the whole film. They’re precious and very sweet.
The book spans two years (1941-1943). The movie ten months. This change basically stripped Will Parker of his military career and the character development that occurred because of it. It also means that Elly and Will had sex together two months after the marriage started and one month before his arrest for the murder of Lula Peak.
The first half of the movie was like a condensed version of the novel. It made a lot of the scenes too harsh or too flat. The romance between Will and Elly was going along just fine until right after the egg throwing scene. After the hurled eggs, the movie takes a turn for the worst. First, both characters rushed too fast and unbelievably into love especially compared to the slow pacing at the beginning. Second, the storylines in the second half of the novel are changed completely to suit an hour and a half television movie.
For instance, the whole Lula Peak plot was ripped asunder and rewritten shoddily. Motivations that made sense in the book make no sense in the movie. Reese Goodlow (who is a decent man in the book) is a shitty small town cop. Will is on parole in the movie and Reese keeps badgering him. Reese is also the one cheating on his wife Mae with Lula instead of Harley Overmire, the superintendent at the local sawmill. This and the time crunch completely screw up the trial.
Really, the trial is a laugh. It makes no sense whatsoever. Reese is not the murderer, Harley still is. Reese in the movie should know without a doubt that Will has not had relations with Lula because if he had, Lula would drop Reese like yesterday’s old news. The evidence and witnesses are a bunch of baloney.
Another thing to upset me is the scene where Lula sneaks up on Will in the library. He actually lets her kiss him. That doesn’t happen in the book! It is totally against Will’s character. He is less of a hero because of it.
Conclusion: read the book instead, you’ll like it more.
Rating: 1.5 Stars
Buy: Morning Glory [VHS]
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January 11th, 2010 — 1.5 Stars, Business, Cowboy, Crime and Protection, Estranged, Lawyer, Movie Reviews, Survival, United States of America
Meryl Morgan (Sarah Jessica Parker) is a TSTL heroine. The woman witnesses a murder, goes into protective custody and decides calling New York is a good idea. Is the woman crazy or does she just have a death wish? Seriously.
Jackie Drake, her assistant, is just as stupid because when the adoptive agency in New York calls her to get back to Meryl she takes the number and says everything over the phone. If your boss goes into protective custody under no circumstances should you try to get the number, say it out loud, or dial it from your cell or work phones or dial it at all.
Most of the funny stuff is in the trailer. Nothing else that’s truly funny shows up in the movie. I had a good enough time in the theater not to demand my money back but I won’t be buying the movie when it comes out on DVD.
Paul Morgan (Hugh Grant) is a cheating husband trying to make it right with his estranged wife. Why does he always pick the sleazy “good” guys? I just don’t get it. At least as Daniel Cleaver it was hilarious.
Clay Wheeler (Sam Elliott) and Emma Wheeler (Mary Steenburgen) are terrible custodians or guardians or whatever you want to call them. Internet and phone at their house has a code, but they leave Meryl and Paul alone way too much, give them too much latitude and freedom. Come on, you think if they go into town they won’t try to contact home? How stupid are you? I’m surprised Clay Wheeler keeps his job honestly.
I guess if stupidity wasn’t allowed in movies, there’d never be a storyline and without a storyline the film couldn’t be made.
Adam Feller, Paul’s assistant is fabulous. He’s adorable and dorky and truly shines.
The sweetest scene in my opinion is when Paul remembers and repeats his marriage vows to Meryl under the stars.
Major Spoilers….
There were some other inconsistencies too, especially with the ending and the adoptive agency. I know it is overtly wrong because one) it was pointed out to me in the movie while watching and two) based friend and family experiences it would never ever happen in that short of time or with Meryl being pregnant.
Rating: 1.5 Stars
Buy: Did You Hear About the Morgans?
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January 2nd, 2010 — 5 Stars, Contemporary, Movie Reviews, Paranormal, Science, Super Hero, United States of America
I've just watched Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog for my second time. I just love the musical numbers in this little 45 minute show. If you haven't seen it yet, you must. Trust me on this- I've even embedded it below for your viewing pleasure. Dr. Horrible was created by Joss Whedon during the writers' strike by calling in a lot of favors. Part comedy, part romance, this little show brings all the musts to a comic book setting.
Characters:
This first one isn't a character per say but it is an organization. The ELE or Evil League of Evil, is the most prestigious organization an evil bad guy could hope to belong. If you're not in the ELE you're in the league with the Henchmen.
Bad Horse is the biggest baddie. He's the thoroughbred of sin.
Dr. Horrible wants desperately to join the ELE and has a strong application this year. He's not so much evil as crazy scientist with ideas to change the way the world runs. As he says, it's not about making money but taking it away from others.
Penny is the girl Dr. Horrible has a crush on. He sees her twice a week usually at his local laundromat and fantasizes about saying hello to her. If only he had the courage. Penny is a young woman who cares for the homeless and sees the world through rose-colored glasses.
Captain Hammer is the "good guy." I put this in quotes because from our point of view Dr. Horrible is the good guy. Captain Hammer is vain, self-centered and reminds me a bit of Gaston in Disney's Beauty And The Beast
.
In typical Joss Whendon fashion the love interest is partially realized before being ripped apart like with Buffy/Angel and Wash/Zoe from Firefly/Serenity. Still, despite this romantic hiccup the show is simply phenomenal. I give it 5 Stars.
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Originally posted 2008-11-06 05:33:44. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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December 30th, 2009 — 4 Stars, Architect, Children, Comedy of Manners, Contemporary, Cooking, Divorced, Lawyer, Love Triangle, Mistress or Courtesan, Movie Reviews, United States of America
It’s Complicated is bust your gut funny. I laughed the whole way through. Of all the older couple romantic comedies (Last Chance Harvey
, Something's Gotta Give
, and As Good As It Gets
) this was my definite favorite. It’s a fast upbeat comedy about post-divorce.
It’s been ten years since Jane (Meryl Streep) divorced two-timing Jake (Alec Baldwin), who is now married to his mistress Agness. One weekend, while celebrating their son’s graduation, Jane and Jake share an evening together and hook up. Suddenly, Jane is the other woman and it’s good. She’s not trying to figure life out anymore. Instead she’s living it and it makes her happier, more vibrant, and risk-taking. One of those risks she takes is Adam (Steve Martin), the architect designing her kitchen. It’s as things come together and start to unravel she realizes that the whole situation is complicated. Very complicated.
Streep, Baldwin, and Martin are the core to this movie and play off each other with the deftness and ease that could only come with experience. The comedic timing is so perfect you will find yourself obnoxiously laughing in the middle of the theater. Luckily, everyone is laughing together with you so it won't matter. It’s really very cute.
Streep made Jane relatable (even to the 20 something crowd). She was neurotic, natural, and charming. You will root for her. Baldwin played Jake flawlessly. Truly a great performance. You loved him even when he was so bad (it’s good.) I had reservations about Steve Martin (never been a fan of his work) but I was happily surprised and enchanted. Martin plays his part with empathy and sensitivity.
John Krasinski, who plays Harley, the fiancé of one of the daughters, is a riot and a half. Oh my gosh was he fabulous. Krasinski stole every scenes he was in.
The supporting friendships for Jane played by Rita Wilson, Mary Kay Place, and Alexandra Wentworth were lovely. I want friends like them. Definitely a perk of the film is watching the three of them and Streep interact and act together.
If you’re looking to feel good, laugh until you hurt, and get a happy ending watch this film!
Rating: 4 Stars
Buy: It's Complicated
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December 29th, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, Alien, Another Planet/Dimension, Enemies, Interracial, Movie Reviews, Science, Science Fiction, Soldier, Survival
Avatar is very enjoyable and a visual feast. I highly recommend seeing it in 3D. I saw it in 3D by mistake. My friend and I thought we were going to the 2D showing. As a measuring stick, my friend hates 3D films and thought it was the best 3D film they ever saw. It's not hard on the eyes, and they don't over do it. (At least it doesn't look/feel that way.) It probably helped too that we saw it with good 3D glasses provided by the theater instead of cheapo ones.
The point behind the film is alien interaction. When the story starts we find out that the Na'vi are hostile. They seemingly attack for no reason and use deadly poisons. By the end of the film you’re rooting for the Na'vi, because the true hostile aliens are the humans.
It's an interesting SFR movie. Avatars are genetically engineered bodies that mix human and Na'vi DNA. These bodies are empty. No souls in them. Humans like Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), leave their human bodies behind and enter into the Avatar assuming control. Every time they’re unplugged or fall asleep they wake up back in their own body.
There’s definitely a feel of Fern Gully
to this movie. The Na'vi are trying to save their home from destruction. The ignorant humans are trying to cut down the forest and mine out the ore. The story follows Jake Sully as he learns to love the forest, the Na'vi, and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana).
One of the most rewarding moments to my little romantic heart was when Neytiri sees and holds Jake Sully in his human form while trying to keep him alive. I waited for it the entire movie and was exceedingly happy when it happened.
Avatar is visual eye candy. Everything is exceedingly beautiful. I loved the Na'vi and the phosphorescent plant and animal life. The floating mountains were never explained or if they were I missed it. If for nothing else you need to watch this film for the CGI.
3.5 Stars
Buy: Avatar [Theatrical Release]
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December 26th, 2009 — 4.5 Stars, Amnesia, Comedy of Manners, Mistaken Identity, Movie Reviews, United States of America
While You Were Sleeping is one of the sweetest movies I have ever seen. This movie is entirely based on a series of misunderstandings and hilarious situations. The movie features an all star cast including Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, and Jack Warden. Everyone was amazing in this film. I even liked Michael Rispoli as Joey Fusco Jr.
Lucy Eleanor Moderatz, played by Sandra Bullock, is a Chicago transit tollbooth worker. What Lucy most wants out of her life is a stamp in her passport and a reason to not work every holiday. She is also hopelessly besotted with daily commuter, Peter Callaghan, played by Peter Gallagher, whom she has never met.
Peter is a charming schmuck, but Lucy doesn't know this. One day after flashing his perfect white smile in her direction Peter gets mugged on the platform for the L train and falls onto the train tracks. Lucy saves him from certain death and follows him to the hospital.
There a nurse overhears Lucy dreaming aloud to herself and misinterprets. Lucy is ushered in to see Peter, but he is in a coma. Minutes later his family bustles in and the nurse introduces Lucy to them as Peter's fiancée. Oh boy! Now the fun starts!
Well you can imagine. The mother and father are hysterical in these moments. I love Peter Boyle as Ox Callaghan. Saul, the beloved sort of godfather, played by Jack Warden is a hoot and the grandmother Elsie played by Glynis Johns will leave you in stitches. Elsie sort of reminds me of Grandma Mazur in the Stephanie Plum novels, just crazy in a different way.
As the story spins out Bill Pullman playing as Peter's brother Jack is suspicious of Lucy. She is not his brother's type. Surprisingly both find themselves drawn to each other. Jack gets possessive and there's this whole scene about "The Lean." Loved it! But they're not supposed to be with one another as Lucy is Peter's fiancée. Jack has a great scene with Peter in the hospital while Peter is still in his coma. Poor Jack!
Anyway the fun is watching Lucy navigate her way through muddy waters. She loves the Callaghan family and doesn't want to give them up and if she comes clean about who she it they won't want her anymore... not even Jack. Or so she thinks. Feel good fluff!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Buy: While You Were Sleeping
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Originally posted 2008-10-21 22:45:22. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 20th, 2009 — 4 Stars, Contemporary, Italy, Movie Reviews, Paranormal, Stephenie Meyer, United States of America, Vampire, Werewolf
I saw this movie opening night with seats at a premium even with every theater devoted to the midnight showing. Talk about a rush! Unofficial reports are claiming New Moon topped Dark Knight and other movies in opening midnight showing sales. Despite the big bucks and the glory of a fanbase it really is unsurprising that New Moon tanked in critic ratings. Every critical review I’ve come across so far has been written by a guy. Maybe I’m biased – okay I am, but the point is still valid and if their reviews are valid then so is my review.
On the whole I believe the acting was infinitely better in New Moon than in Twilight. Yes, some of the dialogue is cheesy, but it is good cheesy. Much of the mushy stuff was in the book or modified from the book. I like mushy. If for nothing else, give the actors credit for saying it all with a straight face.
My guilty pleasure for New Moon is reading the beginning breakup scene and the ending sequence over and over again. Edward/Bella angst = yum. Therefore it is easy to see why I did not mind the “moping” scenes with Kristen Stewart. Critics are saying she’s completely expressionless and sucking the life out of the movie, but they don’t understand that the movie is about losing true love.
A new moon is the absence of the moon and is a metaphor for the absence of Edward. The moping is done for a reason. I think Kristen did a great job and had a lot of nuances in her face to express pain and depression. Her nightmare scenes reflected her acting skills from being bitten in the ballet studio. While I think the nightmares could have been toned down by say one maybe two in the middle part it wasn't terrible. They were a great way to show Charlies care and love for his daughter.
Robert Pattinson impressed me with his ability to look like he wants to cry and can’t! He has really improved as a actor.
Twilight Lexicon with Alphie’s review of New Moon
To that I say ditto. I understood Edward was supposed to be wholly against leaving Bella but I hadn’t quite understood Rob’s expressions were meant to be expressions of tearless crying. When I got that (during the actual breakup scene) it was so much better for me.
She [Bella] never crosses a line from friendship with Jacob, but it is easy to see how he would read her signals differently. Stupid girl, to court disaster on more than one front.
Karin at Review New Moon (movie)
I was prepared to hate this movie because of the majority being spent in focus of Jacob, but Taylor Lautner truly surprised me and in a good way. He did a phenomenal job and I especially enjoyed the scenes at Bella’s house. When Jacob and Bella hug, he embraces her like a lover, but she clasps her hands behind his back in a manner that screams friendship. Their almost kiss by the phone and when he begs her not to leave by Alice’s car are very charged.
There were some beautiful shots in this film. The scene in Italy with all the people dressed in red and Bella running through the crowds is the one that stands out the most. There were lots of fluid scene splices though some of the cutting between scenes bugged me. The ones that did made the movie feel HP5 rushed in a way that if you hadn’t read the book would make you think they left something out (though nothing really is).
My favorite trick I must say is camera rotation around Bella while showing three months passing by.
Cydia Matos at REVIEW: Twilight Saga’s New Moon Lives Up to Novel.
I agree! It was absolutely perfect. Loved the seasons and the activities shown that others were doing outside.
In addition, I really liked the CGI in this film; it’s easily 100x better than Twilight which is a good thing too! The werewolf shifting, ghost Edward, the vampire fights, the cracking on Edward’s face is fantastic! Yes, even the sparkle is better.
The vampire eyes looked really fake to me, and too perfect if that makes sense. Even though vampires are suppose to look perfect like that, and have golden eyes I still didn’t like them. People still have color changes in their eye, even if the overall affect is brown … or in this case red or yellow gold. The eye color is very flat.
Captain Yarr at Movie Review: New Moon directed by Chris Weitz
The eyes did look very strange and I think Captain Yarr hit the nail on the head. They’re strange because they’re flat. Without the minute changes in color you’d see in a real eyes the overall effect is blank, static, and solid color contact looking.
Alice didn’t look like a fashionista either. Her outfits were pretty strange. Rosalie and Jasper’s hairstyles changed to make them look older, but Rosalie didn’t really look like herself and Jasper’s hair just looked sloppy.
The Volturi were awesome! Loved them and Jane and Alec even. As I said earlier the fighting here was well done. A good job by everyone (cast and crew) all around!
I will definitely get this on DVD as soon as possible.
Oh and if you thought there was something wrong with Robert Pattinson's chest in Volterra, Italy you would not be wrong: ROBsessed Nip-vestigates Robward's "Wonky" Mipple aka Left Mipple Gate.
Edit: After second viewing, I have add by saying Kristen Stewart does an amazing panic run. It's truly a panic mode and not something cheesy. Kudos to her!
What did you think of the film?
Rating: 4 Stars
Buy: The Twilight Saga: New Moon (Two-Disc Special Edition)
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November 3rd, 2009 — 4.5 Stars, Artist, Bride Stealing, Historical Romance, Movie Reviews, Seas, Survival, Virgin Heroine
Titanic is one of the highest grossing films in romance. Romeo and Juliet were not as star-crossed as Rose and Jack. Interesting how both couples names start with R and J. Before you ask, Rose and Jack are a fictional couple not based on historical accounts. A J. Dawson did exist but he was a Joseph Dawson who worked down in the boilers. The romance was invented to keep moviegoers engross in the unfolding historical catastrophe.
I found this interesting website that looks into the fact and fictions of the movie compared with real life and it makes for a really great read. There are also several actors and actresses paired against photos of their namesakes in the movie. This was fun to see because some are very uncanny in how alike they look.
Jack Dawson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio in this disaster film, wins a poker hand and gains a ticket on the RMS Titanic for its maiden voyage for America. Excited by this once in a lifetime opportunity Jack Dawson rushes to the harbor and scrambles as quickly as he can onto the departing vessel. As his ticket is a third class ticket, he's living below deck much like the ship hands were. Life is an adventure for him and every moment was not to be wasted. His life's philosophy is to make it count.
Rose DeWitt Bukater, played by Kate Winslet, is a poor little rich girl stuck in an engagement she does not want with the snobby and slimy Cal Hockley, Billy Zane. Distraught by the life she sees unfolding before her, Rose attempts to commit suicide off the back of the boat. Jack casually smoking nearby comes to her rescue as her attempt almost succeeds and she slips off the railing.
Her shriek alerts Cal and sailors who were nearby and they hotfoot it to the scene. One glance and it appears that Jack was attempting to rape poor Rose which would have lead him to be locked up were it not for Rose's intervention and a quick story. Jack confirms her telling.
From there the pair meets up again and again, sneaking off and running around the ship. They fall head over heels in love and Rose gets the nerve to act on the lust she feels building inside her for Jack. One risky and risqué nude drawing later and Rose has had enough of proper conventions and respectable distance. They make love in a car, steaming up the windows as they pursue the phantom edge of ecstasy.
After this fated moment, the story turns as the RMS Titanic hits the iceberg and time as Jack and Rose knew it runs out. Desperate to see her safe, Jack struggles to get Rose to safety and in the process is framed for theft, locked up below level with frigid water rushing every second into the room. Their story is heart wrenching and tear jerking as they fight for their love swearing to do so to their dying breaths.
The movie won 11 Academy Awards. Here's the list:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Costume Design
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Sound Mixing
- Best Sound Editing
- Best Original Score
- Best Film Editing
- Best Original Song
- Best Art Direction
- Best Cinematography
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Buy: Titanic (10th Anniversary Edition)
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Originally posted 2008-10-23 10:44:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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October 17th, 2009 — 4 Stars, Architect, Cursed Lead, Doctor, Ghost, Memory Loss, Movie Reviews, United States of America
One of my favorite movies is Just Like Heaven with Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo. I first saw Mark in the romantic comedy of 13 Going On 30
. He plays the slightly dorky but still hunky guy very well. His face is very expressive and paired with Reese Witherspoon’s spunky perky attitude and good looks it’s a match made in heaven. Pun intended.
Just Like Heaven fits well with all of the hospital television dramas like ER
, Grey's Anatomy
, Scrubs
, House
, etc. If you like one or all of those shows you'll be sure to enjoy Just Like Heaven. Elizabeth Masterson, played by Witherspoon, works hard. In fact, work is all she does. Despite having moved to San Francisco to be closer to her sister and her sister's family, she's not swung by to see them all that much. Because let's face it Elizabeth is dedicated to her work to the point that she's lost all contact with things outside of work. She wants the attending position and is competing for it with another doctor.
The movie starts off following her through one of her many overworked, overtired, entirely too stressful days as she struggles to be the best doctor she can be. By the end of the day her biggest worry is taken care of and she finally gets ready to leave to meet her sister and nieces for dinner. On the drive to their suburban home, tragedy strikes. Elizabeth finds herself in a head-on collision with a semi-truck. Fortunately, she survives. Unfortunately, she's a ghost.
David Abbot, played by Ruffalo, is a depressed architect. His life has seen tragedy as well. Grieving for a lost love, David scours San Fransisco for an apartment with a decent couch. Having found one, he learns the renting contract is more than slightly bizarre. It's rented on a month to month basis, but considering his other options, David immediately accepts and moves in. Just as he's settling into the new place Elizabeth startles him. Several cat and mouse encounters later, David is sure he's either crazy or that Elizabeth is a ghost. A ghost that can't even remember her name (to begin with) and certainly can't recall her life. Determined to get rid of her, David reluctantly agrees to help her solve the mystery of her limbo existence.
Similar to Ghost
with Whoopi Goldberg, this movie has the two characters interact without being able to touch. Luckily David can see Elizabeth or Jon Heder, from Napoleon Dynamite
, who plays an occult bookstore attendant would have to act as the messenger between David and Elizabeth. Well he does have a scene where he interprets the vibes between them, but nothing like Golberg's character in Ghost. Heder plays his part exceptionally well with a good sense of humor. Whether you liked him in Napoleon Dynamite or didn't like him in Napoleon Dynamite you will be hard pressed not to love him in this movie.
Overall this movie is a that weaves grief and humor together so sweetly you can't help but fall in love alongside the characters.
Rating: 4 Stars
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Originally posted 2008-10-18 10:36:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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October 16th, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Movie Reviews, Regency
The Masterpiece Theater version of Mansfield Park is my first foray at watching this particular novel come to life. True Austen purists will find the film a disappointment. Too many characters are left out and several are given so little back story that newbies to Mansfield Park will be a bit confused at the beginning. But I honestly enjoyed it despite its flaws.
Quick Story Overview:
Fanny at the tender age of ten was sent to live with her aunt and uncle, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram. She soon ran across four cousins, two male and two female. Life eight years down the road depict them to be thus: Tom is the eldest son, but he parties and gets drunk in excess; Edmund is the second son who is destined for life as a clergyman; Maria is engaged to be married to Rushworth; and Julia is the youngest daughter. The story starts when Sir Thomas leaves freeing the occupants of Mansfield Park from his tyranny.
The actors and actresses were engaging and you even like the slimy characters. There is no trouble at all in locating the Mr. Wickham in this novel/movie. It’s plain as the nose on your face. Henry Crawford and his sister Mary are both trouble at a glance. Henry is told to focus on Julia, but his attentions turn inevitably to the more beautiful Maria. Can we say scandal in the making? Why yes, we surely can. Mary is disappointed to learn that Tom is not at home and has in fact run off to London, where she can’t follow because her father has installed his Mistress into their home. Instead she focuses on Edmund, much to Fanny’s displeasure.
I found Edmund, the hero, to be wonderfully cast with Blake Ritson. Very Byronic hero. He was handsome, of good character, a little blind to what was going on around him perhaps but eager to throw off his unfortunate decision to love Mary Crawford and start anew with what was right under his nose the whole time. His epiphany scene is really quite phenomenal and will surely make your heart leap out of your chest. For no other reason, you should rent the movie to see that scene.
Fanny, played by Billie Piper, is the heroine and she is lively with a wonderful smile. At some points you think she’s holding an orange peel over her teeth when her mouth is closed. Is this something that the British do? I noticed this in BBC’s Persuasion
that characters held their mouths funny. Her dark eyebrows and blond hair is a bit of a distraction too. She wears her hair down for the movie so if this Regency inaccuracy is going to bug you, you are now forewarned. Over all I found that Billie played her part quite well.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
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Originally posted 2008-10-11 09:38:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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