Black Swan

Whoa.  You may think you're ready for Black Swan, but you're not.

Here's what you probably already know going into the movie from the previews: Natalie Portman is a ballerina, chosen to play the Swan Queen in the upcoming production of Swan Lake.  Portman's character, Nina, is perfect for half of the role-- that of the White Swan.  Nina is innocent (read, naive), fresh, trusting and technically brilliant but cold.  Nina, however, must also dance the part of the Black Swan, a dark, seductive, emotional dance.  Everything she's not.  What follows is Nina's exploration of herself (quite literally at times) in an effort to unearth her own dark side.

Now, here's what you need to know about this movie: Black Swan is terrifying.  Nina seems to be losing touch with reality the more she embraces her darker side.  Her existence becomes shockingly unstable and violent.  People are hurt, although we're not sure exactly which people.

Here's my advice: Don't try too hard to figure out the ending-- you can't.  Take the film a bit more at face value and appreciate the physical, mental and emotional devotion that great performers must pour into their craft to excel.  The scenes of the dancers cracking toes, popping seemingly every joint in their body, splitting toenails because of over-exertion and undergoing tortuous physical therapy are every bit as unsettling as the psychological frights.  Nina pushes herself to perform at unimaginable levels.  There is a price for such perfection.

$$$$$
(Would be a fine rental, but everyone will be talking about this movie, particularly Portman's performance, during awards season.)

-  Stuart

Holiday Movie Favorites

It is the most wonderful time of the year, and there a few movies that are my favorite repeat watches for the month of December. People all have their favorites and it usually doesn't matter what anyone else says about your holiday favorite movies, you will watch them all in the next week. Forced Family Fun!

I will start with my recent holiday fav, Love Actually. I don't know anyone who doesn't love this movie. It is just so dadgum good! I've watched it twice this month already, and I probably will again before next Saturday. The acting is great, the stories are great, and I cry every time I watch it. I know its Christmas time when I get to pop this movie in the DVD player.

Another more recent favorite is, The Holiday. I realize this is a super girly Christmas movie, but I don't really care. I love it. It is so picturesque, funny, and sweet. Plus how can you not love Jude Law? Kate Winslet? It's Christmas movie gold, people!

Another good, girly holiday movie I enjoy is The Family Stone. I watch this movie and want a big house in the northeast and lots of kids....it also makes me want to wear a big ring on my pointer finger a la Diane Keaton. It is a sweet family story, with a lot of actors I really love.Unfortunately, I have been at a loss to find it at any stores that sell movies and it is really making me sad. Don't worry, I won't give up.

On to some classic movies, my family always watches It's A Wonderful Life over Christmas, usually on Christmas Eve. If you haven't seen this movie, you are seriously missing out on some mandatory American culture. Jimmy Stewart is the best as George Bailey,  and there is no better villain than Mr.Potter. For me, this is the ultimate holiday movie.

My father might say that the best holiday movie is A Christmas Story. Fortunately, I think everyone has seen this movie as TBS shows it for 24 hours straight on Christmas Day every year. Always worth catching at least one airing of it though. You have to see a tongue stuck to a flagpole to truly ring in Christmas.

And most people I know also love watching Christmas Vacation. I'm going to make an admission though, I don't think I've ever actually watched this movie all the way through. I KNOW! I KNOW! I'm embarrassed. I promise I'll watch it next week.

Happy Holidays to all!

-Emily

Emily's Oscar Predictions

Before the Golden Globe nominations are announced tomorrow, I wanted to place my bets on likely Oscar  Nominations (which will be released January 25). I haven't yet seen all of the movies I think will be nominated in some degree, in fact some aren't even in theaters yet, so I may be wrong. However, I think I will be right on most of them. Without any further ado, here are my top 10 movies of 2010:

Black Swan
True Grit
Winter's Bone
127 Hours
The Social Network
Rabbit Hole
The King's Speech
The Fighter
The Kids Are Alright
Inception

My two other possibilities are Toy Story 3 and The Town, but I feel less confident the Academy will pick either of these.

Best Actor:
Jeff Bridges for True Grit
Jesse Eisenberg for The Social Network
Colin Firth for The King's Speech
James Franch for 127 Hours
I have also heard a lot about Ryan Gosling in Blue Valentine

Best Actress:
Natalie Portman for Black Swan
Nicole Kidman for Rabbit Hole
Annette Bening for The Kids Are Alright
Jennifer Lawrence for Winter's Bone
And joining her costar, Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine

Best Director:
Danny Boyle for 127 Hours
Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan
Coen Brothers for True Grit
David Fincher for The Social Network
Christopher Nolan for Inception

Let the Awards Season begin!

127 Hours

Knoxville gets limited releases about a month after everyone else, so I was just recently able to see 127 Hours. I know everyone has already said what a great movie this is, but it really is. James Franco is simply fantastic, if he doesn't get a nomination it will be a crying shame. This is just a great story of survival, and this movie makes you feel like you were right there with him. It tells the true story of outdoors-man Aaron Ralston who in 2003 went off alone on a hike/climb in the canyons of Utah and got trapped by a boulder. It doesn't shy away from any of the details, and there are a couple of moments that are hard to watch. However, it really is a great story and Danny Boyle directs it perfectly. You feel like you've fought a war when it is over, but its worth the watch. I highly recommend seeing it if you get a chance!

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

-Emily

Winter's Bone

The final film I watched on Friday was Winter's Bone. As it turns out, I really did watch these in order from ok to great. Winter's Bone and The Kids Are Alright lead nominations for the Independent Spirit Awards, and deservedly so. Winter's Bone is absolutely one of the best acted movies I've ever seen. It was just so convincing, I felt like I was watching real life. This movie is set in rural Missouri and centers around a 17 year old girl named Ree. She is has been left with the task of raising her two younger siblings because her mother suffers from an incapacitating mental disease and her father has been in and out of jail for cooking meth. Her father has recently used their house and land as collateral for his bond and if he doesn't show up for trial they will lose everything. Ree sets out to find her father so she can save her family. It reads as a sad and depressing movie, but it was really more of a tough look at the lives of a lot of America's rural poor. It isn't easy to watch, but it wasn't about tears and misery. It's about the toughness and unfairness that life is for some people. If anything it made me want to go put hams by the doors of those peeling, sagging tiny houses it is so easy to glance over but which pepper the entire south. This is by far one of the best movies of the year and I won't be surprise to see it nominated for more and more awards as the next few months go by. Highly recommended.

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

-Emily

The Kids Are Alright

The second movie I watched on Friday was The Kids Are Alright. Now this is a good movie. It has been gathering nominations for some of the early awards, and generating a fair amount of Oscar buzz. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore star in this movie about a complex modern family. I can't tell you how much I love Annette Bening, in all movies and this one is no exception. She is a fantastic actor. She and Julianne are married and raising two kids they each had with a donor. The kids have decided they want to find their biological father and Mark Ruffalo joins the cast in this role. The ensuing story is gritty and real but touching and very human. It was a bit of a surprise to me, all along the way. It's not a predictable movie in any form, its truly a new and fresh look at marriage, raising kids and life in general. I must put a bit of warning that it is well deserving of an R rating, with no lack of very animated intimate scenes. But it is my opinion that sometimes it is appropriate to include subjects in movies which might garner criticism, its more like real life- real life is R rated, lets be honest people. So, being fully in the know about what this movie holds, I would highly encourage renting it. Also, keep it on the radar for some big award nominations in the coming months.

$ $ $ $ $ $

-Emily

Eat Pray Love

I'm just about on Christmas break so I decided to watch three movies yesterday. The first was Eat Pray Love. I admit, I didn't read the book, so I wasn't all that excited about the movie release and sort of purposefully missed it in theaters. I'm sure the book has more story line that the movie did, but just judging the movie, it fell a little flat for me. I loved the scenery though. It made me want to go to Italy and get real fat on pasta. That part was great. It was beautifully shot, and Javier Bardem only made it better. But on the whole, it was just ok for me. I didn't really connect with the main character, at least in the movie, she is just so totally what is wrong with girls today. Insecure and dependent and incapable of making healthy decisions even through the end of the movie a man has to tell her its ok to be in love. I just felt a little annoyed the whole time. Woman up, you know? But not an uninteresting movie and lovely to watch if you're in the mood for a light bit of entertainment.

$ $ $

-Emily

December movie preview

In tune with getting back in the swing of the movie thing, I have decided to do a December movie preview to help you get informed about the onslaught of movies coming out this month.

To begin, The King's Speech had a limited release last week and will hopefully be coming to city near you soon. This movie stars Colin Firth as King George VI who must overcome a speech deficiency to lead England into WWI. An excellent cast and already getting some Oscar buzz. The trailer looks better than it sounds. Promise.

Black Swan has a limited release tomorrow and I am dying to see this one. Staring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, this movie is about ballerinas. Based on the trailer it looks dark, intense, and risque. The pre-release reviews have been great, and there is a great deal of Oscar buzz surrounding this movie too. I will be reporting as soon as I can get to a city that is showing it...

The Fighter looks to be a great man-friendly film. Starring everybody's favorite Entourage producing Mark Wahlberg. I love him. (Sidenote, I heard Marky Mark the other day on New Kid's on the Block pandora station and it just made me happy inside.That is the BEST pandora station of all time, check it out.) Also stars a wasted away, Christian Bale. This had a lot of anticipation but as it has come nearer to its opening has been receiving mixed reviews. I will still be seeing it, and it will probably be a highly entertaining movie regardless.It opens the 10th.

The new Narnia movie comes out this month. I think this one falls in the category of people who will see a movie regardless of whether someone tells you to or not. I like these movies, although they aren't my favorite in the genre. It's just my opinion, although I'm sure I will see the Voyage of the Dawn Treader at some point. Opens the 10th.

Mostly to be inclusive, the movie Rabbit Hole is getting quite a bit of talk lately. Its an independent film that I don't know a great deal about. Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart star, it opens Dec 17. Seems a bit of a downer but, just keep it on your radar for awards season...

Tron Legacy is opening to a lot of anticipation on the 17th. I have to admit, I have not seen the first one so I don't know anything about it other than Jeff Bridges is awesome all the time sooo.... also the previews look pretty sweet. I'm sure this movie will be entertaining to some degree.

How Do You Know also opens on the 17th staring Nashville native Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd (love him), Owen Wilson (Stuart's celebrity look alike) and the ole rapscallion himself Jack Nicholson. Looks to be a romantic comedy, two guys vie over one girl, etc. If I didn't like everyone in it so much I probably wouldn't see it but, now I probably have to.

I haven't seen one trailer or poster for Gulliver's Travels which surprises me. Its got two premo comedians in it: Jack Black and Jason Segel. It seems like the kind of movie production companies push hard during the holiday "family time" season, I don't know if they aren't because its bad or because it doesn't open until the 22nd? We'll see...

Little Fockers is coming out at the end of the month as well. I suppose a lot of people will see this movie. I can't tell you how much I hate all of these movies. I don't like Ben Stiller or his type of comedy. My opinion is, this movie will suck. Mark down the 22nd as a movie let down, with the exception of.....

True Grit. Coen Brothers. Jeff Bridges. done goodbye awesome. I know what I'm doing on the 22nd...

There will be ample opportunities for movie reviews this month, so check back often! Happy movie going!

-Emily

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I

First of all, I am going to try to get back on the movie blogging biz. The semester is almost over and I have more time now. Hope you will tune in.

As you may know, I am a huge HP fan. HUGE. Therefore, I was over the moon excited to see the newest film. I saw it twice opening week and thought it was a great success. It was more frustrating than the other HP movies because it leaves you hanging as it cuts off right before the seventh book really gets great. I predict the final movie will be outstanding.

As usual there a few things that got changed or left out. Its understandable in a book of that length, but for a fan like myself, it is hard not to notice these changes. It doesn't affect the quality of the movie, but it was something I noticed. 

So, in sum, go see this movie. Especially if you like Harry Potter, although you probably already have

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

-Emily

The Social Network

Ever wonder about the power of an idea?  In the biggest blockbuster of the year to date, Inception asked the question, "Can you deceive someone into believing that an idea is truly their own?"  As a nice counterpoint, The Social Network expertly asks the question, "Can one person really claim ownership of something as fleeting as a simple idea?"  

The Social Network is, of course, the story of Facebook founder and gazillionaire, Mark Zuckerberg.  The movie traces Zuckerberg's roots from a nerdy Harvard undergrad to the heights of his fame and subsequent legal battles.  Zuckerberg is a acid-tongued sophomore at Harvard with a flair for computer wizardry when he meets the Winkelvas brothers.  The "Winkelvi", as Zuckerberg calls them, are everything he wishes he was: tall, attractive, succesful, athletic, capable of getting girls.  They also have an idea.  The brothers have an idea for a social networking site that is exclusive to Harvard students only.  They believe that exclusivity will set them apart from other already existing sites such as myspace and friendster.  The brothers hire Zuckerberg to write code for the site, but soon he's launching his own site, TheFacebook, based on much the same idea.  

Much of the drama in the movie is set in the deposition room as lawyers for several parties question the motives, knowledge and capabilities of each individual involved.  At the base is the question: "Whose idea was this?" 

If only it were that simple.  Social networking was nothing new when facebook was founded, several alternatives were already out there.  Facebook was just the next step in the evolution of networking.  Did the Winkelvas brothers have a claim to the idea that Zuckerberg actually put into operation?  Zuckerberg, in one of the best lines of the film, sneers during his deposition that "If the Winkelvas brothers invented facebook, they would have, well, invented facebook."  

So, perhaps that's it.  In this era of intellectual property where music, movies, money and so much more is passed electronically, maybe the only one with any rights to an idea or thought is the person who acts upon it and makes it his own.  

The acting is all top-notch, especially a turn from Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, the Napster founder, who manages to dazzle/weasel his way into Zuckerberg's inner circle.  The writing from Aaron Sorkin, of West Wing fame, is taut, as to be expected.  

$ $ $ $ $ $  

-  Stuart

Catfish

Guest Review by Zander, WARNING SPOILER ALERTS!

Alright. I enjoyed the movie.

And let's just get this out of the way: I don’t think it’s “real” and I didn’t enjoy the film so much because of the illusion of “realness”. After I saw the movie, and initially voiced that I did enjoy the movie. I got all the: 'You know that movie’s fake, right? I’m a little surprised you bought into it.'

Ugh, Duh. I wish the filmmakers would give up the whole “This is a true story” thing because it’s totally beside the point. Real or not, it’s a fairly accurate depiction of a modern story.

If you already know the ending, here's a summary of the movie. I'd still say go see it, but perhaps rent it later on. OR if you don't want to read the summary just scroll on down to the bottom and read up a little...

Basically, this dude Nev starts an Internet correspondence with a little girl named Abby who paints. The movie begins with his brother and friend wanting to make a documentary about his odd relationship with this child prodigy.

Abby sends him her paintings and they communicate through email regularly. Nev eventually reaches out to Abby’s family, who welcomes him into their lives. First her mother Angela, then her father and her older sister Megan. They all add each other on Facebook and quickly become “Internet aware” of each other’s doings.

It’s not hard to feel like you know someone on the Internet. I mean, I regularly read several blogs a day from people I've never really met, but I feeeeeel like I know them.

Nev starts to fall for Abby’s beautiful older sister Megan, who sings and lives on a farm not too far from her family in another part of Michigan. She’s pretty dreamy in that “perfectly crafted Facebook page” way. They start flirting over Facebook messages, then it moved to text, then they started calling each other and talking about getting more serious once they met. They’re basically Internet boyfriend/girlfriend.

One night Nev discovers that Megan is posting rare acoustic versions of other singers on her FB wall and pretending it’s her and it clicks that there might be something wrong. By the end of the night, he’s figured out that this family has been lying about so many of the important details of their lives. Nev and his friends can’t find anything on these people that they’ve claimed is true about them.The three of them decide to drive to Michigan to figure out what the hell is real and get an ending for their film. This is where it gets craycray.

Megan’s not real. Her address leads to an empty farmhouse.

The next day the boys showed up to Abby’s house, hoping to meet Abby and find out the truth about Megan. Angela, Abby’s mother, who was supposed to be tall and thin and model-esque, is an obese woman with a braid that rivals Beyonce’s in the “Upgrade U” video. But it’s not like, a fly braid. It’s like a Fundamentalist Latter Day Saint braid. Her husband is a good man who is quite possibly slightly retarded. Her husband has two sons who are severely retarded and physically handicapped. One of them has refused to eat for most of his life and physically harms himself. Eventually they do meet Abby, but she’s an eight year old girl of average intelligence who doesn’t seem to particularly care for art. Her mother Angela, however, is an avid painter.

For those that didn’t figure out what was going to happen within the first half hour of the film like I did, this is everyone begins to realize that Angela is Angela, Abby, Megan, her husband’s online persona, Megan’s male friends, their sisters and their friends. Angela created an entire world so that she, the obese mother of handicapped children who lives in small town Michigan, could have a chance to interact with a handsome young man who appreciated every aspect of her personality that she’d put into each of these characters.

I don’t know if that’s the best summary, but it’s essentially the gist.

And how well do we, as constant users of the Internet, the people that first tried out Facebook, the generation that is living and dating in a world where one in five relationships start online (Thanks, Match.com commercial), know that story? Or that feeling? Or have that on our list of fears?

I know people that’s happened to. Not a person. People! Shades of that movie have happened to all of us, either personally or through acquaintances. And we’ve also all at least heard a story about someone showing up to meet a person they’d been corresponding with only to learn that they’d somehow managed to leave out crucial details about their appearance or situation in life. Catfish isn’t just about these dudes having this done to them, it’s about a woman so mentally ill and beaten down using this amazing gift we’ve been given in a horrific way. And you know it’s because the brutal combination of loneliness and lack of fulfillment morphed into a what I image to be the emotional equivalent of a malignant tumor.

All the critics are saying, “Why wouldn’t he have Googled them earlier?”

Duh. Because he never intended to get emotionally involved with these people. This story would never happen to me because it would just never get that far. I'm not talking to anyone I don't know, and even to them I’m not giving anyone my social security number or my deepest darkests. BUT I can imagine after feeling like you’ve gotten to know someone in an organic way, Googling their name may not occur to you. As far as Nev was concerned, the girl he was involved with was the sister of an eight year old girl that he’d been emailing with for ages. Is researching someone who is realistically a stranger before you let them into your life supposed to feel natural now? I know it’s the smart thing to do, but I can absolutely see why it wouldn’t occur to someone to do that.

That being said, I wish they’d give up the whole “this is real” thing. It’s not real. It’s just not. No three amature filmmakers went out and had all of this organically happen to them WHILE not screwing up on the production end at least once. There was like, two issues with one of the mics throughout the whole film. And an underwater camera shot. We know the movie’s fake. But the FEELINGS, you guys. It’s a beautiful depiction of the complicated emotions and scenarios that this technology has brought into our lives. It’s a tribute to those who have mastered the art of producing feelings from illusions.

Ya know?

FINAL NOTE: On the issue of the movie's lying, sensationalized marketing strategy..... I'm asking people to look past that. We're not electing the movie to office. Forget the propaganda.

The Town

If you haven't seen The Town yet, I highly recommend doing so. Directed by and staring Ben Affleck (big fan), this movie is the best one I've seen since Inception (note the lull in the blog). Set in Boston, it centers on 4 friends who rob banks. I've been told that Affleck managed to truly capture the tone and speech of down-trodden Boston. I don't know about that, being from the South, but I know I had a hard time understanding the dialogue. Still, it only further authenticated the feel of the movie.

The Town is high on action, peppered with a few funny lines, contains a semi-believable love interest, and most importantly has excellent acting. It isn't quite the caliber of movie The Departed was (to which a lot of people are comparing it to) but it is absolutely worth the watch.

$ $ $ $ $ $

Emily

Brooklyn's Finest

We watched Brooklyn's Finest last night, mostly because there was nothing better in Blockbuster. Turns out, its not a completely bad movie. Don Cheadle, Richard Gere, Ethan Hawke, and Wesley Snipes star in the action packed, New York situated, good cop/bad cop movie.


It definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat, not only because of the possibility of a drive-by in every scene, but also because its almost annoyingly complicated. There is some good acting and a lot of potential, but not alot on delivery. It's entertaining and if you're looking for something to rent, sure check it out. Just keep your expectations low and you'll probably think its ok. Although if something else strikes your fancy at Blockbuster, don't linger too long on Brooklyn's Finest.

$ $ $

Emily

The Other Guys

So, its been awhile for the blog. But, I'm going to try to get back to it. So start checking back!

I saw The Other Guys a few weeks ago, and though most people will probably have seen it if they were going to by now, I thought I'd review it. The Other Guys is basically exactly what the previews showed it to be. Another Will Ferrell comedy, with the excellent straight-man Mark Wahlberg. It's funny, but as with most Will Ferrell movies, its better to have low expectations. Not a bad matinee, but at this point if you haven't seen it, just rent it.

$ $ $

Emily

Inception

COOLEST. MOVIE. EVER.

I will say no more, for fear of giving away too much.


$ $ $ $ $ $ $

-Emily

Despicable Me

If you didn't see previews for Despicable Me, you've been living under a rock. I thought this movie looked so cute, so yes, I went on opening night. I was a little let down by how much of the movie I saw already via previews, but I still thought it was really good.

Gru (Steve Carell) is an evil villain who has been shown up by a newcomer, Vector (Jason Segel). He has a new plot and needs the help of three orphan's to get into Vector's house, so he adopts them. Margo, Edith and Agnes are so adorable, and I will be saying "Its so fluffy!!" for months. Likewise, his little yellow minions are AWESOME. In fact you can go to their website and create your own minion. They and the girls are what make the movie.

What I love about cartoons is that you always leave happy. You've learned a nice lesson about becoming a better person, you laugh, you cry, its always satisfying. This movie had all of those and I highly enjoyed seeing it. If you're in the mood for a fun, happy, mood-lifting movie this is a good one. I would definitely go see if you've got an afternoon and a few dollars to spare. Oh, and its in 3D, and who doesn't love 3D?

$ $ $ $ $

Emily

Remember Me

I know, I know... I'm on a R.Patz roll, but I love him. He's hot. Deal with it. On to the movie...

I was a bit skeptical of this movie considering this is Robert Pattinson's first big role aside from Twilight, and I just wasn't sure if it would be a success or a silly little flop. I can say now that it fell farther on the side of success than flop. I'm not going to claim that Pattinson is the greatest actor I've ever seen, but he is delightfully fun to look at. I would not particularly encourage our male readers to catch this film (unless you're a fan of Rob). For our female readers, though, I think this film is worth the watch. I was happily surprised by Remember Me.

Remember Me is essentially a movie about the many people who go on before us and who shape the lives they leave behind. At times the script seems disjointed but it all works towards this central idea, which is truthful and poignant. So while there are pieces of the plot that fell flat or didn't come together as much as they could have, it still made for a decent movie. It is, as most have assumed, a sad movie and while you may have ideas about the end, it was still able to surprise me. (Yes, I did cry)

I thought it was a believable love story with believably flawed characters. It is a story about sadness and loss, which might be disheartening to some but the ultimate point is one of depth. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie, and although it didn't have quite enough to make it a great movie, it did have enough to make it a touching film and one worth seeing. (especially if you like R.Patz as I do...)

$ $ $ $

Emily

Eclipse

Let me preface this by saying: I LOVE VAMPIRES. and werewolves. and wizards. and faeries. and generally all kinds of fantasy beings and stories. Have I read all of the Twilight books? Yes. More than once? Yes. (Sidebar, I am reading Harry Potter 5-7 for the fourth times each, if this helps paint a clearer picture) Therefore:

Eclipse was AWESOME. Definitely the best installment in the Twilight Saga to date. I feel no need to summarize the movie because you shouldn't be seeing it if you haven't read the book (just my opinion on books turned into movies). I had the obsession and foresight to sign myself up to see the first two Twilight movies in a special in-theater deal before being among the first to see Eclipse at midnight. Best decision ever? Needless to say, there is nothing that could have made me not like this movie. Nay, LOVE this movie.

I concede that many people do not share my passion for all things Twilight (Team Jacob!), and that's ok. But, you probably shouldn't see this movie if that is the case. You know who you are that will be seeing this movie, regardless of what I or anyone says about it, and you know who you aren't that won't. I, for one, was delightedly pleased with Eclipse and cannot WAIT for Breaking Dawn part I sometime next year. I will be there at midnight yet again, screaming and clapping and cheering, especially when Jacob isn't wearing a shirt, which lucky for us all, is generally the whole time.

$ $ $ $ $ $

Emily

Black Dahlia

Well, I don't have much to say about this movie except that I got bored after the first 45 minutes and stopped watching it. Its some weird interpretation of an unsolved murder in LA in the 1940s. Josh Hartnett's character is weird, Hillary Swank's character is weird, Scarlett Johansson's character is weird. I don't recommend it.

$

-Emily

Knight and Day

Knight and Day, the new Tom Cruise/Cameron Diaz film opened today and I'll admit the previews reeled me in, but I wasn't sure what to expect. Lucky for me, the previews didn't lie. This is a really fun and enjoyable movie. Its got way more laughs that I was expecting, its got totally, mindlessly great action, its got a dabble of romance and its got Tom. I love Tom Cruise. I tried to hate him during his mentally unstable, jumping on couches phase, but I just dadgummit like him. He can deliver the funny line, he can run and unflinchingly fling himself off high buildings/cliffs/vehicles, and he looks exactly like he did in Top Gun 25 years later.

Unfortunately for Cameron, Tom's magical inability to age makes her look a lot older than she is. They didn't really have the love connection on film I was hoping for, but I can totally believe that any girl would fall in love with a thrill-seeking, spy with Tom's face. Therefore, it was pretty easy to go with the outlandish character that Tom plays and the attraction Cameron's character feels for him.

It was also surprisingly easy to go along with the ridiculously implausible story line and impossible stunts. Hes a spy, shes a regular girl and you spend the movie trying to figure out who is good and who is bad. It was just a FUN movie, not overly complex so don't challenge yourself, just see it to enjoy it. So if you are looking for a nice distraction and entertaining movie, this one is definitely worth seeing. Did I mention that Tom Cruise is in it?

$ $ $ $ $

-Emily

Harsh Times

Do you remember that one guy from high school or college that was always just too crazy to hang out with? Not just getting into trouble, but actively seeking it? Christian Bale is that guy in the unnerving drama, Harsh Times, out on DVD and rental.

Bale is a former Army Ranger, just back from a tour in the Middle East and looking for law enforcement work in his native L.A. He spends his mornings drinking, smoking weed and occassionally holding up rivals at gunpoint and uses his afternoons to take certifications courses for various law enforcement agencies. Neither Bale nor his friends see anything wrong or unusual with this way of living.

Bale, who has become one of my favorite actors, does a great job of adopting a certain type of Mexi-Cali swagger and lingo. The language and backdrops seem genuinely authentic, adding to the drama.

One of the best parts of the film is simply watching Bale get into his character and the intensity that he has. He verges right on the edge of complete psychological disintegration for nearly the entire film. Indeed, his personality dominates everything in the film. His friends do what he wants, his enemies usually end up doing what he wants, and woe to the one's who get in his way. This best part of the movie is also the most unsettling for me. The movie doesn't give any hints as to what will happen, but you just KNOW that things can't end well for Bale or his crew. Someone has to pay for the lifestyle that they lead. He's just too self-destructive for any other outcome.

Everything about the movie seemed well-done, but still, I can't say that I enjoyed it. Perhaps it's because I was just uneasy the entire time, just waiting for Bale to finally lose it completely and descend into madness. If you enjoy drama-tragedies then you might enjoy this movie. I'll wait for Bale's next role.

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- Stuart -

Toy Story 3

Earlier this week, I criticized Hollywood for its lack of new, creative ideas (see Get Him to the Greek).

Now, I will make a list of all the studios that are allowed to make as many prequels, sequels, remakes, and spin-offs as they want:

PIXAR

The third installment of the franchise that began Pixar’s unprecedented string of critically acclaimed hits, Toy Story 3, was released this week. To the surprise of no one, it is a fantastic film.

Our final adventure with Woody, Buzz, and the gang begins with Andy (the owner of the toys that serve as the focal point of the films) preparing to head to college. The toys are anxious and a bit frightened about what their futures will hold.

Does Andy still care about them? Will they ever be played with again? Or, worst of all, will they be thrown away?

Like most Pixar films, there is plenty here for children and adults. In fact, Toy Story 3 might have more meaning for adults than children. Not as funny as The Incredibles or as heartfelt as Up, Toy Story 3 will pull at the heartstrings of any parent who has watched a child leave for college or any person who has lost a dear friend.

Everyone should go see Toy Story 3 (and for that matter every other Pixar film to date). The movie has humor, suspense, action, and heart and is a fitting end to the first franchise from the best studio in Hollywood.

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- Kevin

Get Him to the Greek

Who is getting tired of sequels and remakes?

Hollywood to the rescue with a novel idea: a feature film SPIN-OFF.

Essentially, Get Him to the Greek is a spin-off from the hysterical Jason Segel comedy, Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It centers on Sarah Marshall character Aldous Snow, a sex-addict, drug-addict rock star played by Russell Brand. The other main character, Aaron Green, played by Jonah Hill, is quite similar to Jonah Hill’s character in Sarah Marshall (he is still a fan boy obsessed with Aldous Snow, only now he works for a record label in LA rather than a hotel in Hawaii). Did that make your head hurt?

I loved Sarah Marshall, so I figured I would give this movie a shot. Going in, I had several reservations. 1) Could Russell Brand’s shtick as Aldous Snow remain entertaining for more than fifteen minutes? 2) Would the movie have any plot? 3) Would this be the start of more Hollywood spin-offs?

Reservation 1: For the most part, I enjoyed the movie and never got the feeling that it was a comedy sketch being forced into a full-length feature. The most surprising reason why the movie held my attention, Sean Shawn Jean John P. Puff Daddy Diddy Honey Combs. When he was on screen, he commanded attention, and I have a feeling that we are going to be seeing Mr. Combs in a lot more movies from this point forward.

Reservation 2: The movie had a decent plot. It is about taking chances, finding yourself, and recognizing the importance of relationships. That being said, there are some strange scenes where the comedy is lacking and the characters become unlikable (such as during an awkward three-way).

Reservation 3: It seems that we are on the cusp of Hollywood’s new way to avoid creativity: the spin-off. I actually enjoy remakes and sequels (for the most part), but am wary of adding another way to avoid new ideas. I want to see something original, but if the studios have their way, it looks like we are in store for more retreaded material. For example, it sounds like the Tom Cruise-Les Grossman experience will be coming our way in full feature format sooner rather than later.

In the end, the movie was enjoyable. It had funny and heartfelt moments along with unfunny and awkward ones. If you were a big fan of Forgetting Sarah Marshall or have an affinity for Puffy, I would definitely recommend it. Otherwise, I would probably wait and catch it on DVD.

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- Kevin

Revolutionary Road

Following in the footsteps of my Ode to Leo, I'd like to talk about another of his movies that I just recently watched. I am a huge Sam Mendes fan, so I can't believe I didn't catch this one in the theaters. However, upon watching it, I am glad I waited to see it. This is my least favorite Mendes film. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio deliver great performances as April and Frank Wheeler, although it is neither one's best film. (Note, Winslet did win the Golden Globe for it)

The story follows a young couple in the 1950s as they struggle through mundane suburban life. They think of themselves as different and unique but are forced to come to grips with the ordinariness that is their lives. It is the picture of an unhappy marriage and an unhappy life. Neither Frank nor April has much in the way of positive attributes, and it was hard for me to relate to, or empathize with, either one of the philandering, self centered, moral-less, depressing main characters.

Mendes tends to make films that show a dark side of life, and unlike American Beauty which succeeded with magnificence, Revolutionary Road fell far short. I can see why the Academy jilted the movie of a best picture nomination, it was just flat out depressing. It was not depressing in a profound or poignant way, just a sad and draining way. Life just can't possibly be that terrible, and I sure don't want to spend two hours trying to being convinced that it might be.

Revolutionary Road wasn't totally a bad movie. It was interesting in many ways, but it was also totally unoriginal in many ways. A distraught portrayal of marriage in the '50s? Not a new concept. A husband and wife that fight all the time? Also not new. A tragic end to tragic characters? Certainly not new, and definitely not fun to watch. Well acted? Absolutely. Well filmed? Yes.

In sum, fans of Mendes might find something to like in the film. Those who tend to like dark movies might find something to like in the film as well. However, as I can claim both of these tendencies, I could not find much to like in Revolutionary Road.

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-Emily

Sex and the City 2

Let me make a couple claims before I begin this review. Yes, I watched Sex and the City the show, although not for many years later on DVD. Yes, I saw the first Sex and the City movie. However, I am not now, nor have I ever been the die-hard fan that many people are. With that said, I appreciate that there will be people who disagree with this review (not movie critics though).

Sex and the City 2 was just not a great movie. It was barely even a good movie. Come on, girls, lets be honest. The show had original and relate-able stories and characters; stories about love, friendship, adversity, and hope. I loved the way the show portrayed the difficulty of being a working woman, learning to balance men, friends, work, play, fashion, heck even cancer. It was a GREAT show. They never should have even made them into movies to begin with (although, I did like the first movie just fine). But, point remains, the show should have been allowed to stand on its own feet, to be the innovative series that it was.

The movies have turned the series into exactly what people criticized the show for without seeing any episodes; vapid and empty. Sure, its got pretty colors and lots of nice clothes (although, seriously, what was with that stupid headband at the wedding that Carrie was wearing??) but it had nothing else, it didn't even have a good story. At least the first movie had a decent story line. The second movie was just a sparkly advertisement for Abu Dhabi, !hello! I want New York!! Sex and the City 2 follows Miranda as she quits her job (totally out of character for Miranda, the hardworking, committed lawyer); Charlotte as she deals with the difficulty of raising children (always her dream in the show, always the optimist now the reluctant realist); Samantha as she attempts to subdue menopause and still find the hottest man in the room (too bad she can't just embrace her age at this point like she did with cancer); and as always Carrie in her self-complicated relationship with Big (which she, after all these years, still can't be satisfied with).

Sex and the City 2 just totally missed the boat for me. There was a glimmering moment when Miranda and Charlotte are discussing the trials and hardships of motherhood that had me hearkening back to the Sex and the City days of old; days of depth and warmth and the struggles that made these four characters so loved by those who watched them. Aside from this and a few other scenes (NOT the entire wedding part, NOT Liza Minnelli, NOT the totally unbelievable part with Carrie and Aiden, NOT the Aladdin version of the Middle East) there was little that remains from the show; little that was worth watching.

If you are a Sex and the City fan, then I'm sure if you haven't already seen it, you will regardless of what anyone says about it. But for anyone else, don't feel like you've missed much, just rewatch the show instead. I just hope they don't make another movie.

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-Emily

An Ode to Leo

Since I was a young girl, I have had a deep and creepy love of Leonardo DiCaprio. Did I make a scrapbook of magazine pictures of him when I was 13? Maybe. Do I still secretly hope that he will stop dating supermodels and I'll run into him on a Hollywood boulevard and he'll sweep me off me feet? Yes. I told you: creepy. However, I also believe Leo to be one of the finest actors of our generation and would therefore like to discuss some of my favorite Leo films.

Lets start with the first movie to capture my heart: William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet. I laughed, I cried (really, really, nose-dripping, red-eye, sobbing crying) and I was completely enamored with this movie at the age of 12. I saw it over and over again, bought the (still awesome) soundtrack and memorized every word. I still watch this movie several times a year. I love everything about this movie.

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Jump forward a mere year to Leonardo's true breakout role in Titanic. I, like so many other females, saw this movie repeatedly in the theaters. Fresh faced, winsome Leo once again had me obsessing over a movie. He was wonderful as Jack, as Kate Winslet was to Rose, and Billy Zane was to Cal. James Cameron created a larger than life movie about a truly tragic event that for many years held the prize for highest-grossing film of all time with $1.8 billion worldwide sales (I can't totally begrudge Avatar for claiming that title now, which grossed $2.5 billion worldwide). It also won 11 out of 14 Academy Awards. One award which was not won was Best Actor for Leonardo, which he has still not been awarded, a crying shame but it's only a matter of time. If you did not see Titanic or if you did not like Titanic, you are an idiot.

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Next up is one of my favorite movies of all time, The Departed. Leonardo began breaking out of his pretty-boy persona after Titanic fame, but it was The Departed which confirmed Leo as a remarkable, serious actor loved by both males and females. This movie, which won Best Picture and Best Director (yay Marty), was so original, so shocking, and so awesome that I can't possibly do it justice here. Great acting, great story, great soundtrack. It is GREAT. It is appropriately violent (it's the mafia, if people aren't dying it's a sissy, pansy movie), but perhaps too violent for some tastes (not mine). If I was stranded on a desert island and could only take 5 movies, this one would be in that list.

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I am skipping many other great movies and roles by Leo, but to hit the highlights, I must do so. The next great role for DiCaprio was in Shutter Island, which came out last year. The previews belied a horror film and almost had me convinced not to see it, but I am so glad I man-ed up and went to see it in theaters. This movie is not a horror movie. It is dark and mysterious and keeps you on the edge of your seat. There were some moments of surprise, but nothing that I couldn't handle (and I do NOT do scary). It's hard to talk about this movie without giving away too much, if you haven't seen it. It's about two FBI detectives who go to an island prison for the criminally insane. I knew the end was going to throw me, but I couldn't guess how. This is a definite must-see movie with a delightfully original story and angle. Leonardo is fantastic in this role, yet again, and further solidified himself to gritty, hardened man-actor.

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To conclude, I'd like to talk about HOW EXCITED I am to see Leonardo DiCaprio's next movie, Inception. Directed by Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Prestige, Memento) in what he (Nolan) claims to be his best film yet. No one knows much about this movie except that it's about people who get information from people's dreams. It looks like the Matrix meets Tom Clancy meets James Bond meets the Bourne Identity meets Requiem for a Dream meets awesome. Opens July 16.

I give it a preemptive
$ $ $ $ $ $ (one $ pending on actual viewing)

-Emily

Step Brothers

Ahhhhh, the buddy comedy. Basic premise: put two entertaining people together with a script that allows them to showcase their talents and hope for the best. In Dumb & Dumber, Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey did it well. In Envy, Jack Black and Ben Stiller did it horribly and found themselves headed straight to DVD. As Kurt Vonnegut would say, “So it goes.”

Step Brothers is classic buddy comedy fair. Fortunately for viewers, the formula works.

Chewbacca masks. Karate. Sleepwalking. Boats and Hoes.

These are just a few of the things in store for people who go looking for laughs in the third film from the creative team behind Anchorman and Talladega Nights. The movie stars Will Ferrell as Brennan Huff and John C. Reilly as Dale Doback. Brennan and Dale are middle-aged men who never left home and still live with their respective single parents (Brennan with his mother and Dale with his father). When Brennan’s mom, played by Mary Steenburgen and Dale’s dad played by Richard Jenkins, meet, sparks fly and they are quickly married, making Brennan and Dale . . . wait for it . . . step brothers.

Like other Will Ferrell movies, the script and plot are uneven, but if you sit down to watch Step Brothers for those reasons you are (insert Dan Rather colloquialism here).

Much of the movie functions as a framework for Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly to play an oft-entertaining game of slapstick, adlib, and one-upmanship. Add in scene stealing turns by Richard Jenkins and Adam Scott as Brennan’s obnoxious, cocky brother Derrick and the movie delivers more hits than misses. That being said, the movie loses steam two-thirds of the way through and stumbles to the finish.

Step Brothers is at its best when (1) Brennan and Dale’s mutual detestation leads to pranks and physical confrontation and (2) when Brennan and Dale realize that they “just became best friends.” Other memorable scenes seem to be forced into the plot solely for their outrageousness.

Here is an imaginary conversation that led to one of these scenes:

WF: The rumble between the newscasters in Anchorman was really funny, but you know what would be funnier?

JCR: No, what?

WF: A rumble on a playground between two grown men and a bunch of school children!

I would definitely recommend Step Brothers to anyone who enjoys over-the-top adult comedy. There is nothing groundbreaking about the movie, but it is full of laughs. More importantly, Step Brothers has great rewatchability. With one-liners aplenty, it takes multiple viewings to truly appreciate classic lines like John C. Reilly’s proclamation to Will Ferrell that his “voice is like a combination of Fergie and Jesus.”

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- Kevin

Zombieland

I found Zombieland to be a creative, albeit strange, movie worth some good laughs. I wasn't sure I would be able to make it past the first few scenes of zombies eating people but as it turns out, you kind of get used to the zombies. If you can, power through the first 10 minutes and hold off on any judgments. Zombieland stars the up-and-coming Michael Cera wannabe, Jesse Eisenberg. Co-starring is Woody Harrelson, in possibly one of his funniest roles as Tallahassee. (Each character is called by the city they are from).

The movie follows a handful of humans, Eisenberg, Harrelson, Emma Stone (better known as Jules from Superbad), and Abigail Breslin (of Little Miss Sunshine fame) who have survived the zombie apocalypse as they journey to Pacific Playland in LA (an imaginary amusement park where they believe there are no zombies). There are lots of zombie killings along the way, but also a solid and relate-able story. Eisenberg, as Columbus, narrates the film and adds in his rules for survival which are both funny and quotable. (I always love a quotable movie). Watch out for maybe the best cameo ever midway through the movie.

If you like strange, dry, and dark humor this movie is for you. If you like zombie farces and mockeries of 'B' movies, this movie is for you. If you are my mother, this movie is NOT for you.

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-Emily

The Ghost Writer

Words really do matter. President Obama uttered this statement while on the campaign trail two years ago, surely not the first person to suggest such a thought. While Obama was talking about future promises, Director Roman Polanski suggests that one's words, even after death, carry meaning and importance.

The Ghost Writer is the story of a former British Prime Minister, played by Pierce Brosnan, who is in the midst of writing his memoirs of his time in office. Or, rather, he's having his "ghost", played by Ewan McGregor, mold his thoughts into a book. The story contains too much detail to provide much information here, but the plot basically revolves around the death of the first ghost who was writing the memoirs for Brosnan. The first ghost writer of Brosnan's memoirs, a close friend of the Prime Minister, is found dead on the beach, the victim of an apparent suicide or unfortunate accident. Or was it? McGregor, upon arrival, starts to unravel the secrets that the first ghost uncovered. It's a curious case of two ghosts speaking to each other.

Something is amiss in the house of the Prime Minister. He's been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a former British Minister. The CIA may be involved with Brosnan in some way. Put plainly, everyone's a suspect for something.

And Polanski handles all of the intrigue with a masterfully deft touch. He allows the suspense to build naturally. Through side-long glances and little hints of dialogue Polanski reveals the supposed motives and misdeeds of the characters without showing his hand too much.

The film doesn't have the action or thrills of some contemporary films, but it more than makes up for it with a tight story-line that truly does keep the viewer guessing. Say what you will about Polanski and his deplorable personal life and sins, but the man can flat make entertaining and smart movies.

As the film closes, McGregor discovers the secrets that explain all of the intrigue, hidden in the manuscript prepared by the first ghost. He must decide what to do with this explosive and even deadly information. McGregor has learned the consequences that words can have. Now, will he suffer the consequences from words left unsaid?

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- Stuart -

Pan's Labyrinth

This movie sat on my Netflix queue for almost a year and I still never got around to watching it until recently (it is currently free On Demand). I had heard the rave reviews it got when it was released and was curious to see what all the fuss was about. If you are a fan of fantasy, like me, then you will find this movie equally wow-ing. Pan's Labyrinth is a truly unique and fascinating movie. It combines fantasy and historical fiction, CGI technology and real footage.

Set in fascist Spain during World War II, and subtitled in English, it follows a young Spanish girl, Ofelia. Her mother has married a remarkably evil leader of the Fascist movement and moved them out to the hills to fight the insurgents. The escape Ofelia creates for herself is a world that combines reality and fantasy in indistinguishable and perilous ways. Pan's Labyrinth had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, and left me both impressed and perturbed.

A warning for some viewers, the movie has some scenes of gruesome violence and absolutely deserves its R rating. Other scenes of this movie are downright creepy, and being the anti-horror proponent that I am (although this movie is NOT a horror movie, it is just nerve racking and unsettling), I can not recommend this to anyone of a sensitive nature. (No shame in that). For those who think they are up to it, be prepared for a movie that will stick with you long after it ends.

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-Emily

Unforgiven

My next few posts will review some of my favorite movies of all time; the best-of-the-best, as far as I'm concerned. In that spirit, it's only appropriate to start with what is, in my opinion, the best movie ever made: Unforgiven, starring and directed by Clint Eastwood.

Clint Eastwood is most likely known as a big-screen tough-guy, usually starring in Westerns or gritty crime dramas. His raspy, gravelly voice defines him nearly as much as his acting prowess. But simply pegging Eastwood as a one-note actor robs him of the credit he is due as a master film-maker. Unforgiven is Eastwood's masterpiece and ode to "The Western" as a distinct, American film genre.

Eastwood, long known for playing supremely capable and for the most part good-guy outlaws, is introduced as an aging, incompetent outlaw, William Munny, who assures us, albeit somewhat unpersuasively, that he is holding on to the memory of his dead wife. William Munny, however, despite what his broken down circumstances indicate, was once one of the most feared and ruthless outlaws in the entire west.

The rest of the film explores the true nature of Munny. Is he a "changed man" as he so often suggests, cured of his wicked ways, or is he truly the cold-blooded killer that he was for so long, and people still want him to be?

The plot involves Munny (Eastwood) leaving his home and two small children behind to try to claim a reward by killing a couple of cowboys who 'cut-up' a prostitute in the town of Big Whiskey. Munny, joined by his old partner, Morgan Freeman, and a newcomer set out to track down the cowboys.

The film alternates plot lines between Munny and his gang and the goings-on in the town of Big Whiskey, which is guarded by the blood-thirsty and even sadistic Sheriff Little Bill Dagget, in an Osacar winning turn from Gene Hackman, who is protecting the wanted cowboys. In each plot line Eastwood explores the idea of the Western "hero." Many of Eastwood's earlier Western roles revolved around him as the savior of a town or group of people (think Pale Rider). In this role, however, Eastwood is a "killer of women and children" who is feared across an entire region. But here he comes, bumbling across the plains with two other outlaws in an attempt to avenge the honor of a prostitute. Are there any heroes, or for that matter, any innocent people worth being saved in Eastwood's new west?

Eastwood methodically deconstructs this notion of the hero that he so self-assuredly portrayed in many of his earlier Westerns. A great side-story involves a famed gunslinger, English Bob, who has gone to Big Whiskey at the behest of the railroad company to kill employees who get out of line. The town, and a writer travelling with English Bob, are at first awe-struck and fascinated with the gun-fighter, that is until Little Bill thoroughly debunks the myths about him and exposes English Bob for the fraud that he is.

**Potential Spoilers Below**

Similarly, Eastwood bumbles along for most of the film, succeeding almost by accident in many occassions. He makes good on his promise to avenge the prostitute, but in what could only be described as a cowardly fashion (would you ever shoot an unarmed man while he's on the toilet?).

But what has Eastwood become by the end of the film? He kills the cowboys and collects his money, but has he gained any satisfaction from it? Is he a better person for it, and did the woman deserve her retribution either? Despite all his protestations, Eastwood is not a changed man. His "dear beloved" dead wife may have tried her best to change him, but is he beyond saving?

In the most hard-core scene in the entire movie and my absolute favorite scene ever, we finally get our answer. Eastwood has collected his money but given it away already. He has nothing to keep him in the town of Big Whiskey except to get revenge against Little Bill for killing Eastwood's partner, Morgan Freeman. Eastwood's character is incapable of change, and in fact he doesn't want to change.

Eastwood implores us to not believe the myths of the grandiose west, perhaps out of guilt for his role in glamorizing the violence of his earlier films. But when William Munny shoots his way out of the saloon in the final scene we understand that perhaps we don't deserve perfect heroes and we are left to rely on the violent William Munny's of the world.

- Stuart -

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Shrek 4

Ok, I don't know how many of you are itching to see the newest Shrek movie, but I saw it last night. (I was babysitting) I am generally a big fan of animated movies. Up? LOVED it. Still wanting to go see How to Train your Dragon... stay tuned. I really liked the first Shrek movie. I thought the second one was still pretty good. The third movie started to turn me sour, and the fourth one was really just one too much.

Its the basic story of you don't know what you've got until you lose it. Shrek signs a magic contract with Rumpelstiltskin and then he has to undo it all. It's like every other story of losing something and wanting it back; it's just not new. There is less that is funny about it, and I would think, less that kids will like. It's a movie for the parents, but it's not even a very good one.

If you just love Shrek, then sure, go see it. But you will not have missed anything if you don't see it. I would hold out for other summer animated flicks to get your fill of kids movies... Toy Story 3? Despicable Me? and not animated, but Karate Kid?

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-Emily

It's Complicated

I'm pretty sure everyone saw the previews for this much-hyped movie starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin... and many middle aged women actually saw it. As it turns out, its a decent movie. Alec Baldwin, the rage of current pop culture, stars as the same character he seems to always play and yet we still always love, himself. (I was able to sell this movie to the boyfriend based on this fact alone, ladies take note).

There are definitely some resemblances to Something's Gotta Give, by the same director, so if you liked that movie, you will probably find things to like about this one as well. It does up the ante with an R rating, so this film may not be for everyone.

For me, I found it to be a fine movie, but not at all the best works of any of these actors. Meryl Streep's character used to be married to Alec Baldwin's character, and as you most likely already know, they have an affair. If you saw the previews, you get it. The best part of the whole movie is John Krasinski (Jim from the Office). It doesn't matter what role he plays, I seem to always fall in love with his fictional characters. Ahhh Jim...

If you're bored and care for a few laughs (i.e. the scene where Meryl and Steve are feeling groovy) then check this movie out, but on the other hand, you won't be missing much if you don't.

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-Emily

New ranking system

It came to my attention that we will be reviewing more movies that have already left theaters than those that are in theaters, so our ranking system needed a little tweaking. Please note that from here on out, we will be using the new system as shown to the right. Thanks!

-Seven Dollar Soda

Miracle at St.Anna

I saw this movie in theaters when it came out last year. The previews sucked me in, and I tend to always appreciate a World War II epic. Consequently, I felt the need to review Miracle at St. Anna so that no other viewer will make the same mistake I made. THIS IS THE WORST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN. I have never walked out of a movie, and I generally like most all movies. However, within five minutes of this one, I was ready to leave the theater or punch myself in the head to knock myself out. I was not allowed to do either and so I tried to force myself to fall asleep to escape the torture that was the Miracle at St. Anna.

Spike Lee, you've done some good "joints", but this one should never be viewed by a human person on the planet. If someone says to you, "I would like to watch Miracle at St. Anna", run screaming while seriously doubting this person's sanity and taste as well as your friendship with them.

While it is common knowledge that Spike loves a nice racially charged film, this one is just completely over the top. Its losely based on a true story that could have made a really great movie, but the greatness ends there. It follows a group of African American's in an all black squadron (platoon, group, whatever the term is) as they fight in Italy during WWII. That part really happened, that's the part that could have made a good story into a great movie. But then the movie actually happens and the character we are supposed to empathize with is the worst actor in the world, the character we are supposed to hate is the worst actor in the world, the peacemaker character is the worst actor in the world. There's some heeby-geeby juju about a miraculous sculptural head (St. Anna) that is just stupid. The acting is bad, the script is bad, the effects are bad. Its BAD.

I can't even bring myself to give this movie one dollar. It gets ZERO DOLLARS.

-Emily

Adventureland

Every now and then a movie comes along, "flawed" by a level of obscurity that causes mainstream movie audiences to shy away, yet filled with so much subtle charm it comes to find a special place in the hearts of the audience that chooses to embrace it.
Adventureland is this movie. No, Advenutreland is not a movie currently circulating the Carmikes and Regals found across the amber waves of grain, but I imagine if you were to stack it up against the current options at your local cinema, it would (should) unanimously be given the nod of approval. (That is until Sex & the City 2 orgasms into theaters next week. OMG...Carrie on!)

Adventureland is a fantastic little movie with rich, unique characters. It's the type of movie that earns the right to be ignored. In fact, It almost deserves to be ignored. So...what does that mean?
Well, the movie arrived to little fanfare and shitty marketing efforts -think Superbad Dos - last April. Yes, it's time in the spotlight of Hollywood has already come and gone (I suppose that automatically deducts three $ signs from my impending ranking of this movie, but so be it).
Despite overwhelmingly positive reviews from people that classify this act of writing about movies as their profession, it didn't do much at the box office, and it has fallen into its respective place in movie lore...a film deserving of its obscurity.

The plot follows recent Oberlin college grad James Brennan, portrayed excellently by Jesse Eisenberg of Zombieland fame, home to suburban Pittsburgh after learning that his graduation present/trip to Europe has been called off due to his Dad being demoted.
James ventures home for a summer of forced labor in order to save for an impending move to NYC and journalism grad school at Columbia.

Discovering that a college degree in English classifies him as unqualified for manual labor,
James is forced to find a job at the local "Adventureland" theme park. In one way or another, I feel like we have all been here.

We are introduced to the Adventureland staff, full of hilarious and bizarre characters, including Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig as married co-managers of the park's young, unenthusiastic, party loving staff.
There's Joel, a Russian literature and Slavic languages major that totes a pipe, Frigo, James' childhood friend with a penchant for "double sack smacks", Lisa P., the park goddess, and Connell (Ryan Reynolds), a mechanic that appeals to younger girls with his good looks and tales of playing sets with Lou Reed.
Then there's Em. James quickly falls head over heels for Em as the summer progresses. Em (Kristen Stewart/sneaky hot) is an NYU student with sad eyes resulting from a recently deceased mother, a rich lawyer for a father, and a stepmom she despises. Oh, she's also sleeping with Connell on the side.
Em has never been in love with those she has slept with, has deep security issues, and generally hates herself. But James sees so much more in her, and despite being so guarded it's clear to see that she genuinely cares about him, too.

Without detailing too much of the movie, I can assure you that the result is a sweet, touching, hilarious, depiction of the transition we make when we are not quite sure "what's next." With deep, real characters, Adventureland sticks with you after you sit down and watch it.

So why does it deserve to be ignored? It's simple; the general movie going public doesn't deserve to be treated to a hidden gem like this.

So let people ignore this movie. Let them forget it with time. Adventureland has earned that right in my regard.
But, let those who appreciate it cherish it's quirkiness. Its dry humor. Its ability to make us relate to the uncertainty of the future. The incredible soundtrack that fits in each scene seamlessly. Let us applaud its incredible accuracy in capturing a strange era and placing a unique set of lovable characters in that moment in time. Its (few) cheap laughs. But more than anything let us appreciate Adeventureland's ability to capture the beauty of youth and dreams and the love that two people can share when those elements are mixed together.

Adventureland made me realize that something special can come from the grey areas in between if you let it. Maybe being a recent college grad in 1987 working at a rundown theme park, wouldn't have been all that bad? Maybe it could have been the time of your life? Maybe most people don't deserve to experience a feeling that liberating?

-Russell-
$$$$ (you should have seen it in theaters!)

Date Night

Without question, the funniest movie to come out in 2010 so far is Date Night. I, like everyone else in the world, LOVE Tina Fey and Steve Carell. I went in to this movie with mid-level expectations which were far exceeded. The movie is hilarious but it also has a nice story line. So much of the movie seems ad-libbed, which it may be, but it also really says something about the writing. (Note: stay for the credits and the bloopers which are almost funnier than the movie itself. Also, look for much more of Mark Wahlberg than the previews suggested, playing the typical role of himself without a shirt on.

Compared to other successful comedy movies that have come out in the past few years, this one absolutely measures up but it is far cleaner (not totally clean) and more family friendly (still PG-13) than all the rest. If you like these two great actors, comedians, and writers then you will like this movie. It is a definite go-see in my book.

$ $ $ $ $ $

-Emily

Robin Hood

Ridley Scott's new Robin Hood is another in the line of 'origin' films that have come out recently, including Batman Begins, Superman Returns and others that aims to explain the "real story" of the title character. What we get is a re-telling, or more accurately, a brand new story of Robert of Locksley and his Band of Merry Men.

We're introduced to Robin Longstride while he is fighting his way through France in the English Army of King Richard the Lionheart. It seems that other than his prowess as an archer, the writers decided to change everything about the story we know at exactly this point. Robin is a poor conscript, troublemaker and brawler who eventually deserts his army with several others (Will Scarlett, Little John, and unnamed others, none of whom are developed any further).

A funny thing happens on the way back to England, however, as Robin finds himself obligated to travel to Nottingham to see a dead knight's family. Robin, now Sir Robert, finds himself right at the crossroads of history as French forces aim to invade England, English Nobles fight for the rights of the commoners, meddling royals plot to overthrow a king and villagers all across the countryside are starving to death and being taxed to death (literally) as well.

What begins as a strong story line spirals in so many directions (including the childhood of Robin) that the viewer can hardly keep it all straight in his mind. There just doesn't seem to be a focus in the movie that keeps us attracted to these particular characters. While the movie is bound to draw comparisons to Gladiator, I found myself thinking of so many other movies while watching. The story lines (liberty, freedom, starvation, childhood, war-epic and others) are thrown together so quickly that none of them get the development that they truly deserve. It's as if Scott wanted to take the best parts of Gladiator, Braveheart, Saving Private Ryan, El Cid and others that he ends up with a story that's unoriginal and uninspiring. Indeed, at points in the movie (specifically a beach-landing scene that almost plagiarizes Saving Private Ryan), one wonders if Scott intentionally tried to duplicate these memorable scenes from previous movies. It also doesn't help that so many of his characters are so similar to those in Gladiator, including the character of Sir Walter Locksley who is a ringer for the Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

The film is full of action and thrills. It has a lofty and ambitious story to tell, indeed one that is well worth telling. The themes that Robin Hood cribs from those other movies, however, don't strengthen the film, it just left this viewer wanting to watch those other, better movies.

$$$

- Stuart

Robin Hood

Aaaaand on to our first review- Ridley Scott's Robin Hood, starring everybody's favorite, Russell Crowe. This movie certainly had big expectations from me, originating from my love of Robin Hood (much like my love for King Arthur, wizards, and vampires.. more to come on those later). While not the Oscar-winner that Gladiator was, Robin Hood is a fun and well done movie.

As is the latest craze, it tells the "real" story of Robin Hood. In truth, it is more of a prequel to what will surely be the sequel and more well known story of Robin Hood. Less violent than its peers, it also packs a weaker punch on a moral story line. King John isn't as despicable as I would have liked (hes no animated snake from the old classic). The most developed character was Marion, excellently portrayed by Cate Blanchett.

In sum, Robin Hood is an entertaining movie that is worth the watch.

$$$$$$

-Emily

It's here!

It's been a long time in the making and we're proud to present our movie blog, Seven Dollar Soda. As long time movie lovers and advocates, we came to recognize the necessity of finding a way to make our opinions into constantly accessable unsolicited advice for friends and strangers alike. Welcome to our soap box.

Considering many of us spend so much time working, movies are a much loved pastime. Reviews will cover movies of all kinds, genres, and eras. We hope that you find this blog entertaining, humorous, and informative.

Happy blogging! Put us in your bookmarks. Tell your friends.

-Seven Dollar Soda