View Date: 11/23/09
This sequel to the very good Step Up was essentially the reverse of the first movie. Two dancers from different sides of the tracks meet and develop both professional and romantic relationships. This time, however, the dancing is primarily street or hip hop as opposed to more classical forms.
This movie really surprised me with how enjoyable it was. I am a sucker for good dancing, but this was exceptionally well done. I went in thinking that this movie couldn’t live up to the first, but I was pleasantly mistaken. The story was a bit predictable but good nonetheless. And I could watch the dance scenes all day long. I turned this on thinking that it would be something that I could do other things while watching it, but I wound up not being able to tear my eyes away.
10 words or less: Love a surprisingly good movie, especially a sequel.
Showing posts with label On-Demand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label On-Demand. Show all posts
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Vantage Point
View Date: 11/22/09
This movie shows a single event, specifically a terrorist attack, from the vantage of 9 different people. You get to see it from the likes of a tourist, a child, a security officer, and the terrorist group. All of the stories intertwine in unexpected ways, and more is learned from each part of the story.
I really enjoyed this movie, particularly how the stories wove together. It exemplified how each person has a different viewpoint of the same situation. In other words, for each person observing an event, the tale will be recounted that number of times in different ways. The acting was wonderful, which is good considering it was chock full of renowned actors. The last story seemed a little rushed, but also a little forced, kind of like the writers knew they had to wrap up all of the storylines but only knew how they wanted to end a few of them. This said, the ending felt a little contrived and weak to me. But overall, the movie was very exciting and well-presented.
10 words or less: Exciting with good acting.
This movie shows a single event, specifically a terrorist attack, from the vantage of 9 different people. You get to see it from the likes of a tourist, a child, a security officer, and the terrorist group. All of the stories intertwine in unexpected ways, and more is learned from each part of the story.
I really enjoyed this movie, particularly how the stories wove together. It exemplified how each person has a different viewpoint of the same situation. In other words, for each person observing an event, the tale will be recounted that number of times in different ways. The acting was wonderful, which is good considering it was chock full of renowned actors. The last story seemed a little rushed, but also a little forced, kind of like the writers knew they had to wrap up all of the storylines but only knew how they wanted to end a few of them. This said, the ending felt a little contrived and weak to me. But overall, the movie was very exciting and well-presented.
10 words or less: Exciting with good acting.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tootsie
View Date: 3/13/10
This movie stars Dustin Hoffman as an unemployable actor in New York who dresses as a woman to win a part on a soap opera. In the process, he winds up falling for his costar while trying to have a relationship with an old friend. Additionally, the people involved with the soap only know him as a woman, so various uncomfortable situations arise when teamed up with his male costars.
This movie was quite enjoyable, but it did follow some very typical patterns of cross-dressing comedies. I had seen pieces of it before, but this was the first time I had seen it in its entirety. Looking at it now, I can't really understand why it was nominated for so many Oscars. I did, however, really enjoy Bill Murray as the straight man. It was nice to see him in a comedy from the early 80's as a relatively subtle character. I did experience some laugh-out-loud moments, particularly when guys were attracted to his not exactly beautiful female persona.
10 words or less: Don't understand all the hype, but fun little movie.
This movie stars Dustin Hoffman as an unemployable actor in New York who dresses as a woman to win a part on a soap opera. In the process, he winds up falling for his costar while trying to have a relationship with an old friend. Additionally, the people involved with the soap only know him as a woman, so various uncomfortable situations arise when teamed up with his male costars.
This movie was quite enjoyable, but it did follow some very typical patterns of cross-dressing comedies. I had seen pieces of it before, but this was the first time I had seen it in its entirety. Looking at it now, I can't really understand why it was nominated for so many Oscars. I did, however, really enjoy Bill Murray as the straight man. It was nice to see him in a comedy from the early 80's as a relatively subtle character. I did experience some laugh-out-loud moments, particularly when guys were attracted to his not exactly beautiful female persona.
10 words or less: Don't understand all the hype, but fun little movie.
Flash of Genius
View Date: 11/22/09
This movie is about the man who invented intermittent windshield wipers. He presented his technology to the major auto manufacturers, who jerked him around about licensing the equipment and then wound up stealing it from him. Against all advice, he took the major automakers to court to get recognition for his work and to get them to admit the technology was originally his.
Greg Kinnear did a very job playing an engineer struck with an idea, then collapsed under his determination and with the loss of losing his family. Other than that, I thought the movie was OK. I had seen other Davis vs. Goliath movies that were better, but I understand why this story was chosen to be told as a film.
10 words or less: OK, but not outstanding.
This movie is about the man who invented intermittent windshield wipers. He presented his technology to the major auto manufacturers, who jerked him around about licensing the equipment and then wound up stealing it from him. Against all advice, he took the major automakers to court to get recognition for his work and to get them to admit the technology was originally his.
Greg Kinnear did a very job playing an engineer struck with an idea, then collapsed under his determination and with the loss of losing his family. Other than that, I thought the movie was OK. I had seen other Davis vs. Goliath movies that were better, but I understand why this story was chosen to be told as a film.
10 words or less: OK, but not outstanding.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Slackers
View Date: 11/14/09
This movie is about a group of guys in college who have the system figured out. That is, until one falls for a girl while stealing a test for one of his friends and slips up. He leaves evidence of who he is, and another student finds it, just not the girl he wanted. That student blackmails the guy and his friends, etc. etc. etc.
I had probably seen this movie before, but it wasn't very memorable. I enjoyed it while I was watching it, but I wouldn't say it was a great movie. The cast, however, was fairly surprising. Jason Segal, Laura Prepon, and Jason Schwartzman all joined Devon Sawa and the guy from Pete and Pete (the older Pete). I may watch this again, but I wouldn't purposely seek it out.
10 words or less: The cast is better than the story.
This movie is about a group of guys in college who have the system figured out. That is, until one falls for a girl while stealing a test for one of his friends and slips up. He leaves evidence of who he is, and another student finds it, just not the girl he wanted. That student blackmails the guy and his friends, etc. etc. etc.
I had probably seen this movie before, but it wasn't very memorable. I enjoyed it while I was watching it, but I wouldn't say it was a great movie. The cast, however, was fairly surprising. Jason Segal, Laura Prepon, and Jason Schwartzman all joined Devon Sawa and the guy from Pete and Pete (the older Pete). I may watch this again, but I wouldn't purposely seek it out.
10 words or less: The cast is better than the story.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Towelhead
View Date: 11/3/09
This movie is about an American-born teenage girl who is of Middle Eastern descent. After her mother's boyfriend helps address the issue of hair growth during puberty, her mom accuses her of seducing the boyfriend and sends her to live with her strict father.
The girl's father is strict and believes in corporal punishment. He makes it a point to try and show his patriotism everywhere he can. He does not know how to raise a child, let alone a girl. At school, the girl experiences greater prejudice than when she lived with her mother, including being called “towelhead”. She does become close with the next-door neighbor who winds up giving her lessons she did not wish to experience with him. Her father forbids her from seeing her boyfriend because he is black. Luckily, a neighbor and her husband also befriend her, and provide her with a safe place.
This movie received critical buzz, and I can understand why. The story was painful to watch but also brilliantly acted. The background of the female neighbor's husband really helped the story progress and reminded the viewer that not everyone in this country is the typical “stupid American”.
10 words or less: Good movie, but hard to watch at points.
This movie is about an American-born teenage girl who is of Middle Eastern descent. After her mother's boyfriend helps address the issue of hair growth during puberty, her mom accuses her of seducing the boyfriend and sends her to live with her strict father.
The girl's father is strict and believes in corporal punishment. He makes it a point to try and show his patriotism everywhere he can. He does not know how to raise a child, let alone a girl. At school, the girl experiences greater prejudice than when she lived with her mother, including being called “towelhead”. She does become close with the next-door neighbor who winds up giving her lessons she did not wish to experience with him. Her father forbids her from seeing her boyfriend because he is black. Luckily, a neighbor and her husband also befriend her, and provide her with a safe place.
This movie received critical buzz, and I can understand why. The story was painful to watch but also brilliantly acted. The background of the female neighbor's husband really helped the story progress and reminded the viewer that not everyone in this country is the typical “stupid American”.
10 words or less: Good movie, but hard to watch at points.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Women
View Date: 11/2/09
This movie is about a group of women who are each dealing with major life situations. Meg Ryan stars as a woman who's husband cheats on her with Eva Mendes. She loses her job, and loses herself in the process. Annette Benning plays her best friend with no family to speak of who is in serious trouble at work. Next up is Debra Messing who is a housewife who already has 4 young kids and is pregnant again because they keep trying for a boy. Finally, Jada Pinkett-Smith stars as a Lesbian who acts as a kind of conscience when she is on screen.
This movie was totally panned by the critics, but I got some good chuckles. This movie was somewhat predictable, but shortly before the ending I received a bit of a surprise. While this wasn't the best movie I've ever seen, it was a pretty good chick flick. It had some laughs, it made me cry, it made me want to throw things at my TV. I may even watch this again if it's on, but I probably won't go seeking it out.
10 words or less: Not as bad as the critics said.
This movie is about a group of women who are each dealing with major life situations. Meg Ryan stars as a woman who's husband cheats on her with Eva Mendes. She loses her job, and loses herself in the process. Annette Benning plays her best friend with no family to speak of who is in serious trouble at work. Next up is Debra Messing who is a housewife who already has 4 young kids and is pregnant again because they keep trying for a boy. Finally, Jada Pinkett-Smith stars as a Lesbian who acts as a kind of conscience when she is on screen.
This movie was totally panned by the critics, but I got some good chuckles. This movie was somewhat predictable, but shortly before the ending I received a bit of a surprise. While this wasn't the best movie I've ever seen, it was a pretty good chick flick. It had some laughs, it made me cry, it made me want to throw things at my TV. I may even watch this again if it's on, but I probably won't go seeking it out.
10 words or less: Not as bad as the critics said.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Gorillas in the Mist
View Date: 11/21/09
This is the story of Dian Fossey, who studied and died among mountain gorillas in the mountains of Africa. It shows her first starting off studied the group of animals, and particularly how her interactions with them allowed them to trust her. The way she studied them allowed her to learn more about how they act in social groups than any prior researcher. This is particularly evident as she compares her successes with those of the former preeminent scientist on gorilla studies.
It goes on to show her great work with the silverback gorilla, whom she named Digit. She was able to make herself such a part of their group that the animals started treating her like one of their own, as they copied each others movements to become more acquainted with each other.
The movie also detailed her courageous and sometimes insane fight against poachers. She started off by disabling their traps, but once they killed 5 adults to get a baby gorilla, she started going to more extremes. She employed her own group of rangers to protect against poachers, but money always won out. One day, they were hunting another child and killed the silverback she had grown so fond of. They beheaded him and chopped off his hands to sell as ashtrays. After that, she went quite a bit mad, and made more enemies than was good for her.
Throughout it all, she was accompanied by a tracker and friend, Sembagare. He was her best friend, and was always on her side throughout her struggles. She left a fiance behind in the US before departing for Africa, and had one lover that is known of while on her mountain.
Aside from some really bad 80s music, this movie was great. The cinematography was spectacular, and the scenes with the gorillas brought the viewer closer than seeing them in zoos, even though you're not seeing them in real life. It was like you could reach out and touch the animals, and see the beauty in them the way Ms. Fossey did.
10 words or less: Beautiful feature about beautiful creatures.
This is the story of Dian Fossey, who studied and died among mountain gorillas in the mountains of Africa. It shows her first starting off studied the group of animals, and particularly how her interactions with them allowed them to trust her. The way she studied them allowed her to learn more about how they act in social groups than any prior researcher. This is particularly evident as she compares her successes with those of the former preeminent scientist on gorilla studies.
It goes on to show her great work with the silverback gorilla, whom she named Digit. She was able to make herself such a part of their group that the animals started treating her like one of their own, as they copied each others movements to become more acquainted with each other.
The movie also detailed her courageous and sometimes insane fight against poachers. She started off by disabling their traps, but once they killed 5 adults to get a baby gorilla, she started going to more extremes. She employed her own group of rangers to protect against poachers, but money always won out. One day, they were hunting another child and killed the silverback she had grown so fond of. They beheaded him and chopped off his hands to sell as ashtrays. After that, she went quite a bit mad, and made more enemies than was good for her.
Throughout it all, she was accompanied by a tracker and friend, Sembagare. He was her best friend, and was always on her side throughout her struggles. She left a fiance behind in the US before departing for Africa, and had one lover that is known of while on her mountain.
Aside from some really bad 80s music, this movie was great. The cinematography was spectacular, and the scenes with the gorillas brought the viewer closer than seeing them in zoos, even though you're not seeing them in real life. It was like you could reach out and touch the animals, and see the beauty in them the way Ms. Fossey did.
10 words or less: Beautiful feature about beautiful creatures.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Marley & Me
View Date: 10/18/09
This movie is based on the autobiographical book by the main (human) character. It chronicles the tale of his family's ownership of a frantic yellow lab, Marley. Marley was dubbed “the world's worst dog” by his family, and gets into a load of trouble routinely. Yet he is much loved, particularly by the kids who come along after the adults are trained by Marley. It covers the entire course of Marley's life, from before he goes home with them to the end of his life.
I had previously listened to this book so I knew what to expect. Of course, they had to cut out quite a chunk of the story, but it was still a very good movie. Even though I knew what to expect at the end, I was completely bawling for at least the last half hour of the film. Because of this, I had held off seeing this until I could handle the emotions better, and I was still a mess. I thought the casting was exceptional, and the picture was very well made.
10 words or less: Very good, but extremely sad ending.
This movie is based on the autobiographical book by the main (human) character. It chronicles the tale of his family's ownership of a frantic yellow lab, Marley. Marley was dubbed “the world's worst dog” by his family, and gets into a load of trouble routinely. Yet he is much loved, particularly by the kids who come along after the adults are trained by Marley. It covers the entire course of Marley's life, from before he goes home with them to the end of his life.
I had previously listened to this book so I knew what to expect. Of course, they had to cut out quite a chunk of the story, but it was still a very good movie. Even though I knew what to expect at the end, I was completely bawling for at least the last half hour of the film. Because of this, I had held off seeing this until I could handle the emotions better, and I was still a mess. I thought the casting was exceptional, and the picture was very well made.
10 words or less: Very good, but extremely sad ending.
Friday, September 18, 2009
No Reservations
View Date: 9/14/09
This movie, starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Abigail Breslin, and Aaron Eckhart, is a movie about an uptight chef who becomes the guardian of her sister's only daughter after a tragic car accident. While she is out on personal leave setting up life with her niece, a new chef is hired into her kitchen without her knowledge. Since she is very anal when it comes to her life and particularly her kitchen, she goes quite ballistic when she finds out what the restaurant's owner did in her absence.
As is standard for romantic comedies, she bonds then forms a romantic relationship with the new chef, who also helps her find common ground with her niece. Following the formula, they encounter troubles along the way, but the end result is obvious.
This was a cute movie. Abigail Breslin was adorable as always, and there was some chemistry between the two romantic leads. I would probably watch it again if it was on TV, but most likely wouldn't seek it out.
10 words or less: Cute yet formulaic romantic comedy.
This movie, starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Abigail Breslin, and Aaron Eckhart, is a movie about an uptight chef who becomes the guardian of her sister's only daughter after a tragic car accident. While she is out on personal leave setting up life with her niece, a new chef is hired into her kitchen without her knowledge. Since she is very anal when it comes to her life and particularly her kitchen, she goes quite ballistic when she finds out what the restaurant's owner did in her absence.
As is standard for romantic comedies, she bonds then forms a romantic relationship with the new chef, who also helps her find common ground with her niece. Following the formula, they encounter troubles along the way, but the end result is obvious.
This was a cute movie. Abigail Breslin was adorable as always, and there was some chemistry between the two romantic leads. I would probably watch it again if it was on TV, but most likely wouldn't seek it out.
10 words or less: Cute yet formulaic romantic comedy.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Persepolis
View Date: 9/10/09
Persepolis is a movie based on an autobiographical graphic novel. This animated feature was performed in French with English subtitles. It follows the history of Iran through the eyes of a growing girl from 1978 to present. This time period covers the fall of the Shah, the Iran/Iraq war, through the present oppressive regime.
I have seen various pages from the graphic novel, and it appears to stay true to the original work. I felt the present depictions being in color with the memories solely in grayscale was particularly poignant. It showed how bleak life could be, even for a young girl, even for a person from a distinguished and educated background. In fact, her family's involvement in politics, including a distant relation to the Shah, greatly influenced her childhood in a negative way.
The method of animation made it very obvious that this was adapted from a graphic novel, and also really helped it stay true to the book. I felt miserable at the girl's loss of freedom, joyful when she was happy or stood up for herself, and was able to identify with the depths of her depressions. Yet with all of the drama, there were some moments that made me chuckle out loud, such as her entrance into puberty.
I thought this movie was very well done. I was able to feel the turmoil of a young girl torn between freedom and family, safety and war/revolution, known and unknown. I was able to empathize with her through each death and love, setback and step forward. I can definitely understand why this movie was so critically acclaimed.
10 words or less: Unforgiving look at a young Iranian girl's life.
Persepolis is a movie based on an autobiographical graphic novel. This animated feature was performed in French with English subtitles. It follows the history of Iran through the eyes of a growing girl from 1978 to present. This time period covers the fall of the Shah, the Iran/Iraq war, through the present oppressive regime.
I have seen various pages from the graphic novel, and it appears to stay true to the original work. I felt the present depictions being in color with the memories solely in grayscale was particularly poignant. It showed how bleak life could be, even for a young girl, even for a person from a distinguished and educated background. In fact, her family's involvement in politics, including a distant relation to the Shah, greatly influenced her childhood in a negative way.
The method of animation made it very obvious that this was adapted from a graphic novel, and also really helped it stay true to the book. I felt miserable at the girl's loss of freedom, joyful when she was happy or stood up for herself, and was able to identify with the depths of her depressions. Yet with all of the drama, there were some moments that made me chuckle out loud, such as her entrance into puberty.
I thought this movie was very well done. I was able to feel the turmoil of a young girl torn between freedom and family, safety and war/revolution, known and unknown. I was able to empathize with her through each death and love, setback and step forward. I can definitely understand why this movie was so critically acclaimed.
10 words or less: Unforgiving look at a young Iranian girl's life.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Express
View Date: 8/19/09
This biographical film is the story of Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in college football. He joined Syracuse with the encouragement of Jim Brown, who had failed to win the coveted trophy the year before. Ernie goes through many difficult times, considering he is one of only a handful of African Americans on campus, and one of three on the football team. But as is the case in many of these stories, things turn around and he is accepted by the team and his coach, who all change for the better. After winning the award, he is drafted by the Cleveland Browns to play in the backfield with his mentor Jim Brown. Unfortunately, during camp, he is diagnosed with leukemia, and never sees any action in a professional game. He suits up for one pre-season Browns game, where he is presented to the crown under a spotlight. His number was retired by the Browns without ever having played in a game.
From the short biography I read of Ernie on-line, the movie appears pretty accurate. Dennis Quaid does an excellent job as a gruff, racist head coach who slowly starts to respect Ernie and guides and protects him as much as possible through football. The end made me cry, and I had to look up the story after the movie to see just how true it was. It was a great way to start off college football season, and was a great movie overall.
10 words or less: Amazing story of personal strength and growth.
This biographical film is the story of Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in college football. He joined Syracuse with the encouragement of Jim Brown, who had failed to win the coveted trophy the year before. Ernie goes through many difficult times, considering he is one of only a handful of African Americans on campus, and one of three on the football team. But as is the case in many of these stories, things turn around and he is accepted by the team and his coach, who all change for the better. After winning the award, he is drafted by the Cleveland Browns to play in the backfield with his mentor Jim Brown. Unfortunately, during camp, he is diagnosed with leukemia, and never sees any action in a professional game. He suits up for one pre-season Browns game, where he is presented to the crown under a spotlight. His number was retired by the Browns without ever having played in a game.
From the short biography I read of Ernie on-line, the movie appears pretty accurate. Dennis Quaid does an excellent job as a gruff, racist head coach who slowly starts to respect Ernie and guides and protects him as much as possible through football. The end made me cry, and I had to look up the story after the movie to see just how true it was. It was a great way to start off college football season, and was a great movie overall.
10 words or less: Amazing story of personal strength and growth.
Rock Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
View Date: 8/18/09
This movie, featuring John C. Reilly, is the farsical tale of a musician's rise and fall in the music industry. It touches on several cliche's and stories made famous by the likes of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and the Beatles. In fact, several of these artists make "cameos" in the life of Dewey, with often hilarious results.
I really didn't want to see this movie, and only watched it because it was ending its run On Demand and on instant Netflix viewing. Yet now, I am so glad I did, and have raved about it to several people. I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe, even in the first 5 minutes. The music was quite excellent, and the "apperances" by the more famous musicians (as played by actors with a lot of name dropping) had me rolling. To top everything off, the movie actually gave a rather detailed musical history lesson from the 1950's until now.
10 words or less: So glad I actually watched this. Time well spent.
This movie, featuring John C. Reilly, is the farsical tale of a musician's rise and fall in the music industry. It touches on several cliche's and stories made famous by the likes of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and the Beatles. In fact, several of these artists make "cameos" in the life of Dewey, with often hilarious results.
I really didn't want to see this movie, and only watched it because it was ending its run On Demand and on instant Netflix viewing. Yet now, I am so glad I did, and have raved about it to several people. I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe, even in the first 5 minutes. The music was quite excellent, and the "apperances" by the more famous musicians (as played by actors with a lot of name dropping) had me rolling. To top everything off, the movie actually gave a rather detailed musical history lesson from the 1950's until now.
10 words or less: So glad I actually watched this. Time well spent.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Dan in Real Life
View Date: 7/28/09
This movie stars Steve Carrell as a widowed father of three girls who is a very overprotective father. On a trip to a family gathering, he unknowlingly meets his brother' new girlfriend, played by Juliet Binoche. Many well-known actors star as family members, including Dianne Weist and Dane Cook. As common in movies, trouble ensues when Dan falls in love with with his brother's girlfriend.
This was a rather unusual role for both Carrell and Cook. While both had funny moments, neither were over-the-top hilarious, as is the norm. The best part of the movie in general was probably Dan's interaction with his daughters, especially when he is pronounced 'a murderer of love'.
I generally enjoyed this movie, but was a littlehrown off at how not really funny it was. In fact, most of the movie was rather depressing. If emotionally stressed or down, I would avoid this movie until in a better state.
10 words or less: Steve Carrell in a rather serious role.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Blow Dry
View Date: 7/25/09
This movie is about a hair styling competition in England. There are some amazing actors in this, such as Alan Rickman and Natasha Richardson. There were a few American actors in this British flick, but only one of them used a British accent throughout the film.
I found myself laughing much more than I expected while watching this. The main story line was a little weak, but the actors brought so much to it. It could have been mundane and like many other films, but the over-the-top bad guy was played to perfection, the dying mother was heartbreaking, and the relationship between the kids was uncertain. It wasn't a spook like other movies may have devolved to, but it also wasn't the serious roles that these actors are best known for.
Overall, this was a memorable movie that I will most likely watch again.
10 words or less: A lot better than I expected.
This movie is about a hair styling competition in England. There are some amazing actors in this, such as Alan Rickman and Natasha Richardson. There were a few American actors in this British flick, but only one of them used a British accent throughout the film.
I found myself laughing much more than I expected while watching this. The main story line was a little weak, but the actors brought so much to it. It could have been mundane and like many other films, but the over-the-top bad guy was played to perfection, the dying mother was heartbreaking, and the relationship between the kids was uncertain. It wasn't a spook like other movies may have devolved to, but it also wasn't the serious roles that these actors are best known for.
Overall, this was a memorable movie that I will most likely watch again.
10 words or less: A lot better than I expected.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Jumper
View date: 7/20/09
Jumper is a movie about a group of people that can jump through space to any location they have 'mapped'. There is another group, led by Samuel L. Jackson's character, who hunt and kill the so-called jumpers. They believe it is the only way to protect society. There is an age-old war between the two groups, and the main character is trying to prove himself different.
This movie seemed a little rushed to me. It definitely could have been expanded to include more of the limitations and abilities of the jumpers. The war between the two groups could have been explored further. However, there was a nice twist at the end, and this was probably one of Hayden Christianson's better roles.
10 words or less: Not horrible, but could have been better.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Alive
View Date: 7/18/09
Alive is the story of the Uruguay rugby team that crashed in the Andes during winter. The survivors of the crash had to deal with unbearable cold, injury, illness, and death. They had no way of communicating with the rest of the world, and wound up running out of food. As a result, they resorted to cannibalism of the dead for survival. In the end, two of the stranded walk out of the Andes and bring back a rescue squad.
I had seen this movie before, and it was just as moving this time around. The performances are very real to the point that I wanted to smack people acting like fools or cheer when the group was rescued. Of all the acting, I think that the person best known, Ethan Hawke, actually had the least believable performance of the group. I am glad the actors did not use accents, although at times it makes you forget that the team is from Uruguay. Overall, this is a movie very worth watching.
10 words or less: One everyone should see.
Alive is the story of the Uruguay rugby team that crashed in the Andes during winter. The survivors of the crash had to deal with unbearable cold, injury, illness, and death. They had no way of communicating with the rest of the world, and wound up running out of food. As a result, they resorted to cannibalism of the dead for survival. In the end, two of the stranded walk out of the Andes and bring back a rescue squad.
I had seen this movie before, and it was just as moving this time around. The performances are very real to the point that I wanted to smack people acting like fools or cheer when the group was rescued. Of all the acting, I think that the person best known, Ethan Hawke, actually had the least believable performance of the group. I am glad the actors did not use accents, although at times it makes you forget that the team is from Uruguay. Overall, this is a movie very worth watching.
10 words or less: One everyone should see.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Whale Rider
View Date: 6/15/09
This was a very touching and moving story. I cried several times, and really wanted to smack some sense into the grandfather. I realize that he was stuck in tradition, but he also couldn't see what was in front of his face, which was the whole point. I can definitely understand why Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for an Oscar for this role. The cinematography was absolutely stunning. A good movie for a serious drama, but don't expect any laughter.
10 words or less: Visually stunning, moving story.
This was a very touching and moving story. I cried several times, and really wanted to smack some sense into the grandfather. I realize that he was stuck in tradition, but he also couldn't see what was in front of his face, which was the whole point. I can definitely understand why Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for an Oscar for this role. The cinematography was absolutely stunning. A good movie for a serious drama, but don't expect any laughter.
10 words or less: Visually stunning, moving story.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Waitress
This was a really cute movie starring Keri Russell and Nathan Fillion. First of all, I adore Nathan Fillion and have really enjoyed everything he is in. This movie was no exception. It had a cute plot, and some really funny moments as well. It also had some moments that absolutely made me cringe, not because they were bad but because I wanted to kill or hit or otherwise do bodily harm to one of the characters. Andy Griffith had a really nice role as a curmudgeon that you warm to progressively throughout the film, as does Keri Russell's character. I laughed out loud several times, and generally just really enjoyed this movie.
10 words or less: Well done. Definitely recommended.
10 words or less: Well done. Definitely recommended.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Hudsucker Proxy
View Date: 6/9/09
I realize that this movie is quite old, but I had never seen it before last night. The casting was excellent, and I really enjoyed the brief appearance by Coen brother usual Steve Buschemi. Some parts had me absolutely laughing out loud, while other parts dragged a little. Good story line and great characters.
10 words or less: Another good movie by the Coen brothers.
I realize that this movie is quite old, but I had never seen it before last night. The casting was excellent, and I really enjoyed the brief appearance by Coen brother usual Steve Buschemi. Some parts had me absolutely laughing out loud, while other parts dragged a little. Good story line and great characters.
10 words or less: Another good movie by the Coen brothers.
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