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.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
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!!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
throwback(s) thursday
I've been watching a lot of throwbacks lately, so bear with me here.
1) The Last King of Scotland
Loved it! Forrest Whitaker was phenomenal, and so was James McAvoy (quickly becoming one of my new faves). It was really dark and a little bit brutal, but pretty much any story out of Africa is going to be that way. I liked it because it wasn't like most of the genocide in Africa movies you run into. Definitely worth seeing, just be mentally prepared for it.
2) Groundhog Day
I was trying to stay on my Bill Murray kick, and I concreted my opinion that I don't really like him. I guess the premise was sort of clever, but I got a bit tired of it by the end, and I didn't really believe that he had changed as a person. Funny enough I guess, but I won't be watching this one again, and again, and again, and again.
3) Reservoir Dogs
No matter how hard I try, I still can't quite understand Quentin Tarantino. It was good, good plot twist and surprise/gasp moments, but I don't always get his symbolism and plot details. Definitely very bloody, a boy movie for sure. Basically just saw it to mark it off the list. See it for the same purpose I guess.
4) The Big Lebowski
Again, the early 90s comedy is lost on me. I loved Jeff Bridges in this just because it was absolutely ridiculous. I liked the convoluted stories, and Tara Reid being the dumb slut wife (type-cast much) I also loved how bowling was integral to another movie. Weird. See it for Jeff Bridges as "the dude" oh and John Goodman was good too, as the overly sensitive Nam vet.
1) The Last King of Scotland
Loved it! Forrest Whitaker was phenomenal, and so was James McAvoy (quickly becoming one of my new faves). It was really dark and a little bit brutal, but pretty much any story out of Africa is going to be that way. I liked it because it wasn't like most of the genocide in Africa movies you run into. Definitely worth seeing, just be mentally prepared for it.
2) Groundhog Day
I was trying to stay on my Bill Murray kick, and I concreted my opinion that I don't really like him. I guess the premise was sort of clever, but I got a bit tired of it by the end, and I didn't really believe that he had changed as a person. Funny enough I guess, but I won't be watching this one again, and again, and again, and again.
3) Reservoir Dogs
No matter how hard I try, I still can't quite understand Quentin Tarantino. It was good, good plot twist and surprise/gasp moments, but I don't always get his symbolism and plot details. Definitely very bloody, a boy movie for sure. Basically just saw it to mark it off the list. See it for the same purpose I guess.
4) The Big Lebowski
Again, the early 90s comedy is lost on me. I loved Jeff Bridges in this just because it was absolutely ridiculous. I liked the convoluted stories, and Tara Reid being the dumb slut wife (type-cast much) I also loved how bowling was integral to another movie. Weird. See it for Jeff Bridges as "the dude" oh and John Goodman was good too, as the overly sensitive Nam vet.
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