I recently traveled abroad, and had the glorious opportunity to sit undisturbed for 10 hours each way and watch movies. I don't really understand why people complain about traveling, it was awesome. A nice lady brought me snacks and drinks, I got to snuggle and watch movies for the bargain price of like $1,000. It was great.
1) Arthur
Russell Brand is one of those people you either hate or love. I personally love him, and adding Helen Mirren to him was freaking genius. This was actually pretty good, and had some hilarious one-liners. It was also really cool to think about what you piss away money on if you had $900million. It was a pretty traditional story line; rich brat is forced to do something in order to keep his money, and falls in love with the incorrect target. However, the quirkiness of Brand's character and the strange girl he falls for was clever and cute. I'm concerned about their affinity for Looney Tunes though, that just didn't seem right.
2) Hall Pass
This was funny. A bit twisted, and probably funnier if you are married/hating life, but it was funny. It helped that I have a GIANT crush on Jason Sudeikis and got to just straight up oggle at him for two hours. I have a thing for a good head of hair, I'll admit. It was good to see Owen Wilson be funny after that whole "i'm going to kill myself" thing a few years ago. The best part comes close to the end when the two free men finally make it to a club, and take advice from their super creepy "ladies man" friend. The best part is that what he is saying is completely true, and if you have ever been to a club you know exactly what he is talking about it. I would definitely recommend this one.
3) Gnomeo and Juliet
Omigod this was cute. I really liked it, got concerned there was going to be a gnome double suicide at the end, but now I wouldn't want to be a spoiler. Great animation, awesome concept of gnomes that come alive, and there is a yard flamingo that is to die for. There are some deaths and they were kind of upsetting, because for a gnome to die they have to get smashed. Its scarring to say the least. So cute, definitely see this one!
4) Life As We Know It
Dear LORD this was sad. Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel (so hott) are the best friends of a couple, but they hate each other. The couple dies and leaves them in custody of their baby. Now, I dislike babies. But this made me so sad! Heigl has a scene where she freaks out and explains that she doesn't know what she is doing and the one person that she would call and tell/ask for advice is dead and put her in that situation. omigod sad!! It made me cry and laugh, it was a super cute and cheesy movie, but had good stuff in it. Girls, go see it. and for the love of all things holy, tell your friends if you are planning on leaving them a baby in case of an untimely death.
5) How Do You Know
this movie was absolutely TERRIBLE. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. I love the cast (Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson) but oh dear it was bad. Paul Rudd's character could have been charming and neurotic, but he was just a lunatic. It was just blahhhhh.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Hipster Phase.
I feel as though I have to warn you. I'm going through a hipster phase. Listening to unknown music, wearing weird clothes, and dropping showers in priority on the to-do list. This will no doubt affect my movie choices. Consider yourself warned.
Holy Rollers
A little known movie with everyone's favorite emotional flatline Jesse Eisenberg and Doug. Wait, I mean Justin Bartha. The plot line is that both of them are Hasidic Jews, who get caught up in a drug smuggling ring. Apparently it is based on a true story (see the story here: http://articles.nydailynews.com/1999-08-01/news/18111101_1_couriers-sean-erez-ecstasy)
and either way it was genius and extremely interesting. Jesse Eisenberg was surprisingly convincing, and it was really interesting to watch a super conservative Jewish reaction to the drug world. Justin Bartha was awesome, and his character progression throughout the movie was stellar. I would definitely recommend it, but wouldn't make it a priority.
Micmacs
This is a French film that came out last year, and I ventured into it without knowing much. There is a sad little boy who's father is killed by an IED, and through a series of unfortunate events he gets shot in the head and survives. He becomes homeless and is taken in by a group of misfits. They launch a plan to get back at the people who created the bullet in his brain and the device that killed his father. The plan that ensues is actually really funny and quirky, you just have to pay attention to the subtitles. The characters are hilarious and original, and very very strange. Micmacs, in french, is like slang for carrying-on and cavorting. Its supposedly derogatory, which makes it even funnier. A very tounge-in-cheek comedy that relies on an understanding of what Europeans think is funny. Its on Cinemax or HBO on demand, which makes it much easier to watch. Do it, if you want to be awesome, hip, cultured, and trendy like me.
Beginners
Big thanks to my friend for Shelbie for going to this with me. It was a Saturday night and very crowded, which could lead to mad awkwardness; only thing was that it was a predominately gay crowd, so we looked like "really good" friends. hah.
Beginners is Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer's new indie flick about McGregor's newly out gay dad, his death, and his failed relationships. It was extremely dry, and rather slow moving. I really didn't like it that much. Other people seemed to really like it, which is awesome for them. I thought the little dog was the best character, which is rather concerning. Plummer did a great job, and I enjoyed his performance. Ewan McGregor was just a bit too angst-y and psychologically defunct for my taste. Just a bit too much dry emotion and tortured souls. And I didn't buy that he was some moody illustrator and managed to pick up a hottie foreign model who managed to have the exact same issues as he did.
Holy Rollers
A little known movie with everyone's favorite emotional flatline Jesse Eisenberg and Doug. Wait, I mean Justin Bartha. The plot line is that both of them are Hasidic Jews, who get caught up in a drug smuggling ring. Apparently it is based on a true story (see the story here: http://articles.nydailynews.com/1999-08-01/news/18111101_1_couriers-sean-erez-ecstasy)
and either way it was genius and extremely interesting. Jesse Eisenberg was surprisingly convincing, and it was really interesting to watch a super conservative Jewish reaction to the drug world. Justin Bartha was awesome, and his character progression throughout the movie was stellar. I would definitely recommend it, but wouldn't make it a priority.
Micmacs
This is a French film that came out last year, and I ventured into it without knowing much. There is a sad little boy who's father is killed by an IED, and through a series of unfortunate events he gets shot in the head and survives. He becomes homeless and is taken in by a group of misfits. They launch a plan to get back at the people who created the bullet in his brain and the device that killed his father. The plan that ensues is actually really funny and quirky, you just have to pay attention to the subtitles. The characters are hilarious and original, and very very strange. Micmacs, in french, is like slang for carrying-on and cavorting. Its supposedly derogatory, which makes it even funnier. A very tounge-in-cheek comedy that relies on an understanding of what Europeans think is funny. Its on Cinemax or HBO on demand, which makes it much easier to watch. Do it, if you want to be awesome, hip, cultured, and trendy like me.
Beginners
Big thanks to my friend for Shelbie for going to this with me. It was a Saturday night and very crowded, which could lead to mad awkwardness; only thing was that it was a predominately gay crowd, so we looked like "really good" friends. hah.
Beginners is Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer's new indie flick about McGregor's newly out gay dad, his death, and his failed relationships. It was extremely dry, and rather slow moving. I really didn't like it that much. Other people seemed to really like it, which is awesome for them. I thought the little dog was the best character, which is rather concerning. Plummer did a great job, and I enjoyed his performance. Ewan McGregor was just a bit too angst-y and psychologically defunct for my taste. Just a bit too much dry emotion and tortured souls. And I didn't buy that he was some moody illustrator and managed to pick up a hottie foreign model who managed to have the exact same issues as he did.
New Kids Movies (on the block)
Sometimes I even amaze myself with my wittiness and charm.
First Up...
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Okay, I really didn't want to see this movie. I'm not a very big fan of Jim Carrey, and I just in general thought this would be super dumb. I admit, I was wrong. It was actually super cute! I'm a little worried about Jim's personal life though; he seems to frequently play the negligent dad who's kids don't really like him that much, so he takes on something drastic in order to win his family back. Just Sayin. I loved the little penguins, they weren't nearly as computer generated as I expected, and his assistant Poppy was positively precious! I would go see it if you get a chance, and if not, add it to the list of movies for christmas or some such family gathering time.
Next,
Zookeeper
I guess I just have a melancholy outlook on life that I expect all of these movies to be terrible. It was, in fact, not terrible. The animals were super cute, and I seriously felt for Kevin James' character. Chubby, not well paid zookeeper looking for love in all the wrong places (adult spin-off possibly) and always falling for the money-hungry shallow lady. I loved that the monkey looked exactly like the monkey (probably the same one) from Hangover 2. Maya Rudolph's voice as the giraffe was awesome and all of the characters were really well done, and funny as zoo animals. I also loved that Griffin (James) takes Bernie the Gorilla to a TGIFridays. Hilarious. Go see it, you know you love talking animals.
First Up...
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Okay, I really didn't want to see this movie. I'm not a very big fan of Jim Carrey, and I just in general thought this would be super dumb. I admit, I was wrong. It was actually super cute! I'm a little worried about Jim's personal life though; he seems to frequently play the negligent dad who's kids don't really like him that much, so he takes on something drastic in order to win his family back. Just Sayin. I loved the little penguins, they weren't nearly as computer generated as I expected, and his assistant Poppy was positively precious! I would go see it if you get a chance, and if not, add it to the list of movies for christmas or some such family gathering time.
Next,
Zookeeper
I guess I just have a melancholy outlook on life that I expect all of these movies to be terrible. It was, in fact, not terrible. The animals were super cute, and I seriously felt for Kevin James' character. Chubby, not well paid zookeeper looking for love in all the wrong places (adult spin-off possibly) and always falling for the money-hungry shallow lady. I loved that the monkey looked exactly like the monkey (probably the same one) from Hangover 2. Maya Rudolph's voice as the giraffe was awesome and all of the characters were really well done, and funny as zoo animals. I also loved that Griffin (James) takes Bernie the Gorilla to a TGIFridays. Hilarious. Go see it, you know you love talking animals.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Last dabbles of New Releases
From this point onwards I promise I will keep up, all you avid readers....
crickets.
1) Hangover 2
This was rediculously raunchy, almost so much so that I couldn't really get into it. I want to see it again, I'm sure there are funny quotes I missed out on, and will think are funnier the second time through. I didn't mind that the story was exactly the same, what bothered me was that things weren't fixable. In the first one, everything that happened could be fixed and moved on from. But, in this one, there is some shit that you just can't fix! I mean, jail and amputations aren't fixable.
2) Everything Must Go
Will Ferrell in a fairly mature humor role, and I kinda liked it. This was more of a dark, make you think, comedy in a way. It was extremely complex and left me with thoughts and ideas that I continue to ponder. It was almost painful to watch someone's life just fall apart in front of your eyes, and their inability to deal with it. I liked it though. Made me think. See it when you aren't in a vulnerable state in your life. (i.e. I saw it graduation week. poor choice indeed)
3) Green Lantern
Ryan Reynolds is so freaking hot. Like not even real he's so hot. The movie was just a wee bit too much sci-fi for me, and I think they tried to cover too much comic book story line too fast. I was confused why there were a million green lantern people who were protecting millions of planets never heard of. Again with the Blake Lively issues, her as a brunette-pilot-businesswoman? Come one people, give me two out of the three, but not all three...that's just not even plausible. It was an okay story, the effects were cool, but it just seemed like a lot of buildup to not that much actual superhero action. Mehhh....
crickets.
1) Hangover 2
This was rediculously raunchy, almost so much so that I couldn't really get into it. I want to see it again, I'm sure there are funny quotes I missed out on, and will think are funnier the second time through. I didn't mind that the story was exactly the same, what bothered me was that things weren't fixable. In the first one, everything that happened could be fixed and moved on from. But, in this one, there is some shit that you just can't fix! I mean, jail and amputations aren't fixable.
2) Everything Must Go
Will Ferrell in a fairly mature humor role, and I kinda liked it. This was more of a dark, make you think, comedy in a way. It was extremely complex and left me with thoughts and ideas that I continue to ponder. It was almost painful to watch someone's life just fall apart in front of your eyes, and their inability to deal with it. I liked it though. Made me think. See it when you aren't in a vulnerable state in your life. (i.e. I saw it graduation week. poor choice indeed)
3) Green Lantern
Ryan Reynolds is so freaking hot. Like not even real he's so hot. The movie was just a wee bit too much sci-fi for me, and I think they tried to cover too much comic book story line too fast. I was confused why there were a million green lantern people who were protecting millions of planets never heard of. Again with the Blake Lively issues, her as a brunette-pilot-businesswoman? Come one people, give me two out of the three, but not all three...that's just not even plausible. It was an okay story, the effects were cool, but it just seemed like a lot of buildup to not that much actual superhero action. Mehhh....
KIDS MOVIESSSSSSS!!!
Since I'm being a nanny this summer, I have the divine privilege of seeing kids movies. This won't be long, but here goes:
1) Kung Fu Panda 2
Right, I had no idea what the original Kung Fu panda was about, so the sequel part of this was lost on me. I thought it was hilarious that a Panda just figured out a goose wasn't his birth father, and the way in which the panda were exterminated because of a turkey's premonition was a bit reminiscent of the moses story in the bible, but don't mind me screenwriters. Mehhh.....
2) Cars 2
SO CUTE! I liked it a lot, was a little scared by the "biofuel is the enemy" story line, but what a surprise, Disney probably owns all of the oil reserves anyways. The new spy cars were awesome, and there were some funny lines from Mater. The boys loved it, which says a lot, so I liked it too. GO for sure!
3) Rio
So freaking adorable! I loved little Rio! The music was awesome, and all the celeb voice appearances were great! It was a cute story, and I loved the thug gangsters! Definitely a precious classic with love all around! Loved it!
4) The Princess and the Frog
Thank goodness Disney brought back the old school animation! However, if I was from the state of Louisiana I would be insanely offended by this movie. The creole and cajun stereotypes were just ridiculous. It was a cute story, and one of the first with a positive mother figure from Disney. Regardless, I appreciate what they are trying to do with the racially diverse princess, but it seems almost like they created it in 1988, and just found the reel and decided to release it.
1) Kung Fu Panda 2
Right, I had no idea what the original Kung Fu panda was about, so the sequel part of this was lost on me. I thought it was hilarious that a Panda just figured out a goose wasn't his birth father, and the way in which the panda were exterminated because of a turkey's premonition was a bit reminiscent of the moses story in the bible, but don't mind me screenwriters. Mehhh.....
2) Cars 2
SO CUTE! I liked it a lot, was a little scared by the "biofuel is the enemy" story line, but what a surprise, Disney probably owns all of the oil reserves anyways. The new spy cars were awesome, and there were some funny lines from Mater. The boys loved it, which says a lot, so I liked it too. GO for sure!
3) Rio
So freaking adorable! I loved little Rio! The music was awesome, and all the celeb voice appearances were great! It was a cute story, and I loved the thug gangsters! Definitely a precious classic with love all around! Loved it!
4) The Princess and the Frog
Thank goodness Disney brought back the old school animation! However, if I was from the state of Louisiana I would be insanely offended by this movie. The creole and cajun stereotypes were just ridiculous. It was a cute story, and one of the first with a positive mother figure from Disney. Regardless, I appreciate what they are trying to do with the racially diverse princess, but it seems almost like they created it in 1988, and just found the reel and decided to release it.
DVD Releases
Okay, while I was at home, I had some time to watch movies with my mom, which means movies I missed in theaters. Quick run-down of some of these.
1) You Again
Actually a pretty cute movie. A cute premise that I don't think has been done before, and of course any movie with Betty White is destined to be a cute one! Definitely implausible, but cute non the less. I really liked Kristin Bell in this, she was cute and quirky, which isn't really a surprise for her. Regardless I liked it, definitely a good one for mom/daughter day.
2) The Town
This was really good. I figured it would be because of Jeremy Renner's nomination, but I was pleasantly affirmed in how good it was! There were several instances where I said, wait what?? And I don't really like Ben Affleck that much, so he brought his A game for sure. I was a bit distracted by Blake Lively, for some reason I just can't buy her as a cracked out NJ teen mom, but good for her trying to expand her acting portfolio. Definitely go redbox this one.
3) I Am Number Four
This movie got a fair amount of coverage, but I never heard of anyone actually seeing it. I figured it would be super cinematic cheesy and not very good, but I actually liked it! It was an interesting premise, and the nerd kid factor made me happy. Some of the super natural creatures were a bit much, but it was a different plot line and something I found interesting and engaging. I would rent it if you don't have anything to do, or want a simple action movie. Not to shabby.
1) You Again
Actually a pretty cute movie. A cute premise that I don't think has been done before, and of course any movie with Betty White is destined to be a cute one! Definitely implausible, but cute non the less. I really liked Kristin Bell in this, she was cute and quirky, which isn't really a surprise for her. Regardless I liked it, definitely a good one for mom/daughter day.
2) The Town
This was really good. I figured it would be because of Jeremy Renner's nomination, but I was pleasantly affirmed in how good it was! There were several instances where I said, wait what?? And I don't really like Ben Affleck that much, so he brought his A game for sure. I was a bit distracted by Blake Lively, for some reason I just can't buy her as a cracked out NJ teen mom, but good for her trying to expand her acting portfolio. Definitely go redbox this one.
3) I Am Number Four
This movie got a fair amount of coverage, but I never heard of anyone actually seeing it. I figured it would be super cinematic cheesy and not very good, but I actually liked it! It was an interesting premise, and the nerd kid factor made me happy. Some of the super natural creatures were a bit much, but it was a different plot line and something I found interesting and engaging. I would rent it if you don't have anything to do, or want a simple action movie. Not to shabby.
Better Late Than Never.
So life has been a bit hectic lately, and I've neglected my blogging duties. Here are just a few of the (older) new releases I've seen:
1) THOR
Okay, so I went into this one a bit skeptical, and wasn't too sure about the whole Norse-God Superhero storyline. I LOVED it! Natalie Portman was strangely believable as the nerdy, unsure of herself scientist who falls in love with a mythical god. Chris Hemsworth is also really freaking hott. The story was nicely woven between the mythical world and earth, and the visual effects were seriously cool. I don't think I would have liked this one in 3D, but there were some quality explosions and pyrotechnics. Also, the fight scene where Thor dominates the secret government agents seriously made me want to beat somebody...it was that good.
2) BRIDESMAIDS
The more I think about this, the funnier I think it is. At the time, I was a little pissed off at the story line, "whack job best friend completely looses it as her life falls apart and her successful best friend gets married and leaves her alone". I somewhat resonate with this story line (surprising I know, I have a blog that only my mother occasionally reads). After the credits and some personal soul searching however, I thought it was a clever plot line that guys and girls could both identify with. Apparently guys thought this movie was way funnier than girls did, which makes me laugh. Everyone dreads their best friends wedding; whether it be their taste in fashion or their impending bridezilla phase, everyone knows something bad will happen. I loved the combination of her bridal party, and the competition for spaces in the female hierarchy. See it, and watch it with your girlfriends. And if someone is getting married, watch it as a guide of what NOT to do.
3) X-MEN FIRST CLASS
Um, duh. This was awesome. I love the entire x-men collection, and it was awesome to see where the original cast came from, and the awesome mutants that were lost along the way. The effects were awesome, and as usual the mutant powers were extremely inventive. It was sad to see a movie without Hugh Jackman, but James McAvoy almost made up for his hotness. It was a good story, and it completed the story that has been unfolding for years. I also like that sometimes they tie the story in with history, holla atcha girl cuban missle crisis! See it for sure, and if you haven't seen the entire x-men saga...I might even suggest that you start with this one!!
1) THOR
Okay, so I went into this one a bit skeptical, and wasn't too sure about the whole Norse-God Superhero storyline. I LOVED it! Natalie Portman was strangely believable as the nerdy, unsure of herself scientist who falls in love with a mythical god. Chris Hemsworth is also really freaking hott. The story was nicely woven between the mythical world and earth, and the visual effects were seriously cool. I don't think I would have liked this one in 3D, but there were some quality explosions and pyrotechnics. Also, the fight scene where Thor dominates the secret government agents seriously made me want to beat somebody...it was that good.
2) BRIDESMAIDS
The more I think about this, the funnier I think it is. At the time, I was a little pissed off at the story line, "whack job best friend completely looses it as her life falls apart and her successful best friend gets married and leaves her alone". I somewhat resonate with this story line (surprising I know, I have a blog that only my mother occasionally reads). After the credits and some personal soul searching however, I thought it was a clever plot line that guys and girls could both identify with. Apparently guys thought this movie was way funnier than girls did, which makes me laugh. Everyone dreads their best friends wedding; whether it be their taste in fashion or their impending bridezilla phase, everyone knows something bad will happen. I loved the combination of her bridal party, and the competition for spaces in the female hierarchy. See it, and watch it with your girlfriends. And if someone is getting married, watch it as a guide of what NOT to do.
3) X-MEN FIRST CLASS
Um, duh. This was awesome. I love the entire x-men collection, and it was awesome to see where the original cast came from, and the awesome mutants that were lost along the way. The effects were awesome, and as usual the mutant powers were extremely inventive. It was sad to see a movie without Hugh Jackman, but James McAvoy almost made up for his hotness. It was a good story, and it completed the story that has been unfolding for years. I also like that sometimes they tie the story in with history, holla atcha girl cuban missle crisis! See it for sure, and if you haven't seen the entire x-men saga...I might even suggest that you start with this one!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)