0 watch Checks
Loved this movie, it's an adrenaline rush from the first few minutes and never stops. I couldn't look away long enough to check my watch! Dennis Quaid is in fine form; Matthew Fox isn't in it enough and it's just a great way to view an "event". Highly recommend this one!
The Other Boleyn Girl
1 Watch Check
I liked the book The Other Boleyn Girl, even though it wasn't quite true to history. Well, the movie isn't quite true to the book, but it's still pretty entertaining.
The costumes are gorgeous, there are a lot of meaningless but gorgeous exterior shots of castles and scenery, and I liked the score too.
Eric Bana is pretty enough, and I am shallow enough, that I'm completely willing to ignore the fact that Henry VIII was a red head and he's not. His performance as Henry was spectacular! He managed to show the arrogant and commanding sides of Henry, while being ridiculously dressed (this movie caused me to rethink my stance that men should all wear hats -- the hats Henry wore were AWFUL).
David Morrissey's performance as the Duke of Norfolk is just chilling; he was just an awful man from everything I've read and the performance totally got that right. I think that they got Thomas Boleyn wrong in the movie, he was not just pushed along by his brother-in-law but very complicit in "advancing the family." I did love Kristin Scott Thomas as Elizabeth Boleyn, she's just brilliant in everything.
I didn't care for Scarlett Johannson's Mary, she was too vapid and dull. The only time I cared about her was the final scene of Mary and Anne.
I've read many books about Anne and I've never found her terribly sympathetic, but the performance by Natalie Portman was actually able to change that a bit; I was in tears at the end, it was a terrific scene all around.
All in all I would recommend the movie, it held my attention, was beautifully done and for the most part, well acted. I'd also recommend reading "Mistress Anne" by Carolly Erickson, if you're interested in Anne Boleyn or the Six Wives of Henry VIII by Allison Weir - both excellent reads!
Semi Pro
ZERO Watch Checks
Yes, you read that right - ZERO!!!
This is a hilarious movie -- I'd put it right up there with The Wedding Singer, Dodgeball, and Porkys (my 3 favorite comedys -- yes, I'm shallow, oh well).
The first thing I did when I got home from watching this was download the soundtrack -- so I could listen to it while writing this! The soundtrack totally rocks, and the "main" song by Jackie Moon will linger (which is also why I'm listening to the REST of the soundtrack!).
Will Farrell is at the top of his game in this movie, he somehow makes you really care about crazy Jackie Moon, and his supporting cast is pretty funny as well - Woody Harrellson and Will Arnett particularly.
I really wouldn't say this movie is family friendly - it's rated R for very good reason, it's very raunchy (but so funny). It's not "Clerks" bad, but much worse than Blades of Glory!
I did have my own personal commentator, who filled me on all the real life details (Thanks Alex!!) -- I had no idea the ABA was so much fun. The scary part is they didn't actually make all that much up! I would so go to an ABA game if they were still around; their promotions were insane, and the players were all such characters - check out Arthur's amazing site -- www.remembertheaba.com for a lot more information -- my favorite page is the ABA Fashion Guide page - (http://www.remembertheaba.com/OnlyintheABAMaterial/FashionGuide/FashionGuideIntro.html). The 70s were a rough time for fashion!
There were a few quotes in this movie that I'm going to try to work into general conversation, just to see if anyone notices:-)
I was really needing a laugh and this one did it!! No underlying message, no redeeming social value just pure laughing entertainment!
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Spiderwick Chronicles
One Watch Checks
This is a movie based on the series of children's books. I haven't read the books so I don't know how it compares, but the movie was much scarier than I expected (there was even a scream out loud point -- and I wasn't the only one! And one kid (about 5) had to leave because it was too scary).
The special effects are tremendous and great to watch; the story is very engaging and the performance by Freddie Highmore (as twins Jared and Simon Grace) is excellent! I've only seen him in Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and this, but he's incredibly talented!
I really liked the mythology of the creatures for the most part -- there are all kinds of fantastical creatures, including a Griffin, some pixies and spectacular fairies (along with the trolls, goblins, and ogre of course!).
It was very interesting to see the Spiderwick version of a bogart, since I was only familiar with the Harry Potter version (i did like Harry's better).
The movie stays on pace very well, I didn't really notice any dragging areas
Joan Plowright is only in this briefly, but they are very important scenes. She's almost 80 and is just gorgeous, by the way -- I want skin like hers when I'm 50, never mind 80!
I'm not sure I think this is a must see right away, but it's an ok movie -- I did like it more than Golden Compass; although I don't care enough about it to read the books as a result of the movie.
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Definitely, Maybe
Two Watch Checks
This is a very cute chick flick -- seriously, I can't think of anything that would hold the attention of the testosterone set, but most women will really enjoy it. It's not Steel Magnolias by any means, though!
The plot is a nice twist on the usual formula; and does keep you guessing a bit.
Ryan Reynolds as the dad and Abigail Breslin as the daughter are just adorable and you really do want it to end with a happy ending!
I would say it was quite a bit funnier than I expected and only drags a bit towards the end.
Definitely, Maybe one to watch on a Sunday afternoon, when in need of a light and fluffy type movie!
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Cloverfield
Two Watch Checks
Way Cool Monster/Disaster Movie - totally lived up to the hype!
I won't be evil and tell you what the monster is -- but the monster is very cool and made me scream.
Lots of explosions and things flying around -- including a pretty cool "towering inferno" type situation -- without the inferno.
There is a very disturbing and alarming scene on the Brooklyn Bridge that was pretty much every bad thought I've ever had about a bridge come true on the big screen....it probably undid my years of working through my phobia about bridges.
In addition to the monster, there are some actors and there's actually some plot other than MONSTER - but I won't give it away.
There is one great, lengthy subterranean scene that made me scream (a lot) and cover my eyes...but very little gore, which I very much appreciated.
It's a good length for a movie mostly about the monster.
It's entirely shot by hand held and even with the Dramamine I took before walking in, I left very queasy. If that type of thing gets to you, you may want to wait for a rental or be sure to bring your own motion sickness medicine (seriously).
Plus -- I saw my first full length trailer for Semi-Pro (Will Ferrell -- looks hysterical!!) and a teaser trailer for the next Star Trek!
********************* Let me start out by saying any movie that has both Sam Elliott AND a talking ferret is one I'm going to enjoy.
National Treasure: The Book of Secrets
Five Watch Checks
It's probably not a good sign that by waiting 2 days between seeing the movie and doing the review, what I remember most of the movie is the Disney short cartoon starring Goofy that aired before the feature, is it?
Anyway, this is definitely a sequel that is worse in comparison to the original - and the original was pretty much a ball of fluff! It's an ok movie for a Saturday when it's snowing and cold and nothing else is showing, but not for a full price ticket!
Nicolas Cage pretty much only has one expression in this movie, the setup is pretty silly. The actual hunt for the treasure is minuscule and you don't really get invested in any of it.
I really don't know what Helen Mirren and Ed Harris are doing in this movie, given that they are credible actors! Ed Harris's villain is very one note and he doesn't have much to work with -- they did a better job of creating Sean Bean's villain in the first one. I liked Bruce Greenwood's very short appearance as the President and Justin Bartha's Riley was pretty funny, but they were basically the only good things in the movie.
That they are planning a 3rd one is blatantly obvious, and given it was the number one movie over the weekend, I'm sure it will go forward -- I'll wait to see that one on cable I suspect!
The high point of the movie really was the Goofy cartoon before the feature -- it was excellent, I hope they'll do more of them! In this one Goofy was installing his home theater system and I could really relate -- in fact, I'm pretty sure I went through almost the same steps before my brother-in-law Sam, was kind enough to make the darn thing work for me! I totally love Goofy!
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The Golden Compass
Four Watch Checks
I know there's a lot of controversy about this one, I'm still in the middle of the book so I can't really comment on the book, but the movie appears to have been sanitized just be a battle between good and evil (like every other fantasy movie there is). And as my friend
I thought this movie was pretty well done -- not enough Daniel Craig in it, Nicole Kidman was excellent as the ice-queen Mrs. Coulter, and it has Derek Jacobi as the head bad guy!!! New Line is totally trying to make this into the next LOTR (it's not quite in that league though) -- but they did pull in Ian McKellan and Christopher Lee so that's good. There is one scene that is lifted almost entirely from LOTR -- you'll recognize it when you get there - it totally made me laugh.
It's mostly well paced although a few sections drag (hence the 4 watch checks); the movie is visually stunning - the special effects are great, the way they portray the daemon's is very cool (especially when the daemon's human dies, I loved that!).
It takes place on an alternate earth where everyone travels by blimp (very cool) and the buildings, carriages, etc are really well done -- similar to us, but not quite right.
Did I mention Sam Elliott? He's a cowboy (naturally) and his daemon is this adorable bunny voiced by Kathy Bates. It's excellent!
My understanding from people who have finished the book, is that they did change the end of the book in the movie to end on a "higher" note -- given what I've been told about the end in the book, that was a wise choice! I read that they filmed the ending from the book and it will be part of the early scenes of the next movie (if there is one). They won't decide on making the 2nd or 3rd until this one either makes/loses money.
So I would recommend this movie, go to see it to judge the controversy for yourself, go to see it to see talking bears that fight, go to see it because it's a special effects extravaganza or most importantly, go see it so it makes lots of money, because I want to see the 2nd movie:-)
Oh, for those of you that didn't realize it, similar to LOTR, it's the first part of the trilogy and doesn't end with a nice wrapped up conclusion, but kind of leaves you mid plot.
The trailers show a huge crop of special effects laden movies coming out (Prince Caspian (which is being sold as book 2 of narnia, just because it's the only other book to still have the Pevensies), the Spiderwick Chronicles (which looks great and will be making it on to my reading list), something called Inkheart which I will be seeing because it as Brendan Fraser (plus looks very, very good), and best of all the live action SPEED RACER -- I'm so seeing that!
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Michael Clayton
One Watch Check
Brilliantly done! Suspenseful, great performances, an interesting story.
George Clooney gives a masterful performance in this - it's a good thing I don't get to vote for the Oscars, I might have to cheat and give my vote to both him and Tommy Lee Jones! He's come a very long way since the Facts of Life!
Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson give tremendous performances as well, just very well done across the board.
The cinematography, score, and pacing are excellent. I wouldn't say it's the best movie ever, but it's a great example of a very well done movie -- and when you compare it to some of the other crap out there right now, it really does stand out. It's just simply very good.
It will be out on DVD the 19th, and I'd recommend checking it out before the Oscars - I don't know if it has enough momentum to unseat No Country for Old Men in the votes but it could be another crash and surprise everyone!
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No Country for Old Men
Two Watch Checks
I admit it, I only saw this one because I'm trying to see all the best picture nominees for the Oscars.....but I surprised myself by really liking it! I think this is the first Cohen brothers film that I can say that about.
Can I tell you how much I love Tommy Lee Jones? He was excellent as Sheriff Ed Tom Bell...although I'm glad he was nominated for his performance in In the Valley of Elah because I just loved him in that (BTW, it's out on DVD on 2/19 -- so you'll be able to see it before the Oscars if you try).
Javier Bardem is terrifying and I see why he received so many award nominations; I really liked Josh Brolin in this and who knew that Woody Harrelson was in it as well?
The movie moves very fast; doesn't waste a lot of time on exposition but just gets started -- there's not a lot of dialog in the film, given that most of the scenes are either one character or two characters trying to kill each other.
It's horribly violent and bloody.
Until they started dropping hints in the dialog so I was able to do the math, I couldn't figure out WHEN the movie was, which was odd.
The ending apparently has some people in an uproar and I can kind of see why, but really, I think "what happened next" would have been an entirely different movie, so I'm good with the ending -- although it was the height of random (or maybe just too deep for me - that does happen.)
I would recommend it (and if you can't get to see it before the Oscars, it's out on DVD on March 11).
My mission for this week is to see Michael Clayton and, if I can force myself , There Will Be Blood
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Juno
Two Watch Checks
This is a cute, charming, heartbreaking movie --pretty much everything you want in a chick flick.
Ellen Page gives a great performance as Juno, and I think Jennifer Garner is excellent as Vanessa, the woman adopting Juno's baby.
The supporting actors, Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, JK Simmons and Allison Janney also give excellent performances. I LOVED the scene where Allison Janney as Juno's stepmother verbally destroys the ultrasound technician -- the tech is the perfect stand in for all the judgmental people that should really keep their mouths shut and really gets told off. It was excellent.
I also got many creeps from the vibe coming from Mark (Jason Bateman's character) to Juno -- it was shaping up to be very icky (although I love Jason Bateman!)
Sadly, this movie made me feel my age -- I didn't like the soundtrack and although I was able to translate all the teen slang - it was through context only. Very sad.
I'd put it in the same category as Little Miss Sunshine and Waitress, in that it's very funny, but emotional as well, but both the humor and the emotion are tied to very realistic moments.
I'd definitely recommend seeing this one!
Atonement
Two Watch Checks
If you're looking for a feel good movie, this isn't going to be it...but the performances are amazing, the story is heartbreaking and the cinematography is incredible.
James McAvoy is excellent in this; he's really becoming one of my favorites - his performances are consistently great, even way back when he made children of dune for the Sci Fi Channel! I think he was better in this than the Last King of Scotland, and he kept me watching that even though I didn't care for it.
Keira Knightly is beautiful in the film, but she's supposed to be half of the heart of the movie and I didn't really get that from her.
The two girls that play Briony both seemed very disconnected from the rest of the performances; I think that was by design but I'm not sure.
The film is gorgeous, the single shot of the beach at Dunkirk is very impressive (and disturbing, as it was intended). They used the sound of the old fashioned typewriter as some of the atmosphere "music" to great affect.
I'm also impressed because the book atonement only held my interest for about 2 chapters, but the movie was griping and interesting from the start.
The only quibble I have is that they do a bit of the jumping back in forth in time and perspectives, and I don't love that as a rule, I do understand why it was done this way though so it's not as annoying as usual.
I think this is a good one to see, probably ok to rent given that it's a very solemn, quite, movie.
They showed a lengthy trailer for The Other Boleyn Girl which will be out in February and looks fabulous!
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The Mist
Two Watch Checks
I really liked the short story this is based on, and I think Frank Darabont has made the BEST of the Stephen King movies (Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile) so I was psyched for this.
It's not in the same league as Shawshank or the Green Mile -- but except for the last 10 minutes, I think it's pretty good. This is much more of a "monster" movie, than it is a psychological thriller - but there's certainly an aspect of that as well. There wasn't a lot of "jump out and scare you" in the movie -- which was good - the startle reflex is a cheap scare tactic!
Thomas Jane gives a very solid performance and although I hated the ending, his performance during that last 10 minutes totally sells it.
Marcia Gay Harden steal the entire movie...in fact, she may scare me a bit now I think - she played a total whack job just a little too well.
Frances Sternhagen plays Irene the school teacher and I really want to grow up to be just like her when I'm old and gray!
Toby Jones is excellent as Ollie (although I did have a heard time not picturing him as Truman Capote from that "other" Truman Capote movie....and Truman Capote makes my skin crawl).
And since it's a horror movie, I have to talk about the monsters -- the first one was pretty cheesy and lame so I was a bit worried...but when the others showed up, it totally made up for it! They were way scary (and cool) -- almost better than my imagination! I had to close my eyes and look away in a few scenes because the monsters were bugging me. There is some gore and blood but not a tremendous amount.
The movie is very true to the novella, up until the last 10 minutes or so -- I loved the story and liked the ending of the book so I was very disappointed that they changed the end...and I didn't like the way it ended at all. I was very surprised that I didn't have a nightmare or two because this is the scariest movie I've seen in awhile.
If you like scary movies, this is a good one!
