A charismatic young Irish guitarist (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a sheltered young cellist (Keri Russell) have a chance encounter one magical night above New York's Washington Square, but are soon torn apart, leaving in their wake an infant, orphaned by circumstance. Years later, performing on the streets of New York and cared for by a mysterious stranger (Robin Williams) who gives him the name August Rush, the child (Freddie Highmore) uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth.
Its kind of tough to review this movie. Ultimately, I ended up really liking it and it was a great feel good movie. The ending was beautifully crafted and brought together so well. Unfortunately, there were many points during the movie that I was bored out of my mind during. However, there was something that kept telling me to be patient and I'm very glad that I wasn't and didn't annoyingly start campaigning to pull the plug on the movie and go home. Freddie Highmore is a great child actor. He really makes you feel what he's going through excellently. Hell, I started thinking the people really were his parents.
I would recommend people checking this out. Its a feel good movie, but definitely be warned that its sometimes very slow paced. Its totally worth it in the end.
The Kite Runner
Based on the acclaimed novel, The Kite Runner is a profoundly emotional tale of friendship, family, devastating mistakes and redeeming love. In a divided country on the verge of war, two childhood friends, Amir and Hassan, are about to be torn apart forever. It's a glorious afternoon in Kabul and the skies are bursting with the exhilarating joy of a kite-fighting tournament. But in the aftermath of the day's victory, one boy's fearful act of betrayal will mark their lives forever and set in motion an epic quest for redemption. Now, after 20 years of living in America, Amir returns to a perilous Afghanistan under the Taliban's iron-fisted rule to face the secrets that still haunt him and take one last daring chance to set things right.
This book was one of the best books I've ever read and I couldn't wait to see the movie. It didn't disappoint me whatsoever even though I had really high expectations for it. Words do no justice to how rarely that happens when seeing movies for me. If someone was to not like this movie - I would say that they have no heart whatsoever. This movie, just like the book, did such an amazing job of helping people to understand a culture that our anger blinds us to. The way that they examine how the Taliban is viewed by those living if Afghanistan with them was excellent. It validates the "they aren't all bad" theory.
This movie should be considered a must see and was one of the best movies to come out in 2007.
This book was one of the best books I've ever read and I couldn't wait to see the movie. It didn't disappoint me whatsoever even though I had really high expectations for it. Words do no justice to how rarely that happens when seeing movies for me. If someone was to not like this movie - I would say that they have no heart whatsoever. This movie, just like the book, did such an amazing job of helping people to understand a culture that our anger blinds us to. The way that they examine how the Taliban is viewed by those living if Afghanistan with them was excellent. It validates the "they aren't all bad" theory.
This movie should be considered a must see and was one of the best movies to come out in 2007.
The Mist
Following a violent thunderstorm, artist David Drayton and a small town community come under vicious attack from creatures prowling in a thick and unnatural mist. Local rumors point to an experiment called the 'The Arrowhead Project' conducted at a nearby top-secret military base, but questions as to the origins of the deadly vapor are secondary to the group's overall chances for survival. Retreating to a local supermarket, Drayton and the survivors must face-off against each other before taking a united stand against an enemy they cannot even see!
This movie was a great psychological thriller. Granted, it had plenty of creepy critters and what not with the huge spiders, bugs, and tentacled thing. The real suspense in this movie comes from the characters psychological reactions to being in the position that they are in. They cover the full gambit of emotions so well and the development of mob mentality is so well done that you find yourself worrying about the people that they are stuck in the store with just as much as the aforementioned creatures on the outside in the mist. I had read the short story by Stephen King that this movie was based on and thought that it was translated to film and expanded on very well. The performances were very well done and convincing, especially Marica Gay Harden who played the role of religious speaker condemning those who go against her. Her acting was so good that I found myself truly hating her and had to keep reminding myself that she's just acting.
I would recommend that anyone who was interested in checking this out go and see it. Movies like this isn't really everyone's cup o' tea, but if it is - its definitely worth the trip to the video store.
This movie was a great psychological thriller. Granted, it had plenty of creepy critters and what not with the huge spiders, bugs, and tentacled thing. The real suspense in this movie comes from the characters psychological reactions to being in the position that they are in. They cover the full gambit of emotions so well and the development of mob mentality is so well done that you find yourself worrying about the people that they are stuck in the store with just as much as the aforementioned creatures on the outside in the mist. I had read the short story by Stephen King that this movie was based on and thought that it was translated to film and expanded on very well. The performances were very well done and convincing, especially Marica Gay Harden who played the role of religious speaker condemning those who go against her. Her acting was so good that I found myself truly hating her and had to keep reminding myself that she's just acting.
I would recommend that anyone who was interested in checking this out go and see it. Movies like this isn't really everyone's cup o' tea, but if it is - its definitely worth the trip to the video store.
Atonement
In 1935, 13-year-old fledgling writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and her family live a life of wealth and privilege in their enormous mansion. Robbie Turner (McAvoy), the educated son of the family's housekeeper, carries a torch for Briony’s headstrong older sister Cecilia (Ms. Knightley). Cecilia, he hopes, has comparable feelings; all it will take is one spark for this relationship to combust. When it does, Briony – who has a crush on Robbie – is compelled to interfere, going so far as accusing Robbie of a crime he did not commit. Cecilia and Robbie declare their love for each other, but he is arrested – and with Briony bearing false witness, the course of three lives is changed forever. Briony continues to seek forgiveness for her childhood misdeed. Through a terrible and courageous act of imagination, she finds the path to her uncertain atonement, and to an understanding of the power of enduring love.
This is one of those movies that was made with winning oscars in mind. Unfortunately, I'm usually not a big fan of movies like this. I find myself sitting there, knowing that the movie is very well done and sure to win all sorts of awards and critical praise, but honestly I find it pretty boring. Its like that English Patient movie years ago. You know its good, but its just not your type of movie. The only part of the movie that I found myself truly enjoying was the end when it all tied together. There were very many parts where I was wondering if there was some way that I could just fast forward the movie. Again - its not that its a bad movie at all. If you enjoy movies like this - then you would probably love this movie. I just wasn't very in to it at all.
I'd recommend this movie to anyone who either likes these powerful, "epic" dramas or anyone who likes to see movies that are nominated for awards. Other than that - I wouldn't really recommend this movie.
This is one of those movies that was made with winning oscars in mind. Unfortunately, I'm usually not a big fan of movies like this. I find myself sitting there, knowing that the movie is very well done and sure to win all sorts of awards and critical praise, but honestly I find it pretty boring. Its like that English Patient movie years ago. You know its good, but its just not your type of movie. The only part of the movie that I found myself truly enjoying was the end when it all tied together. There were very many parts where I was wondering if there was some way that I could just fast forward the movie. Again - its not that its a bad movie at all. If you enjoy movies like this - then you would probably love this movie. I just wasn't very in to it at all.
I'd recommend this movie to anyone who either likes these powerful, "epic" dramas or anyone who likes to see movies that are nominated for awards. Other than that - I wouldn't really recommend this movie.
The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising
Based on the acclaimed novel, The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising tells the story of Will Stanton, a young man who learns he is the last of a group of warriors who have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of the Dark. Traveling back and forth through time, Will hunts for a series of mysterious clues and encounters forces of unimaginable evil. With the Dark once again rising, the future of the world rests in Will's hands.
This movie is another one of the rush to adapt any best selling children's book series. Every studio is looking for the next Harry Potter or Chronicles Of Narnia. Its become one of the most recent hollywood fads. There are the better than average ones like Charlotte's Web, Eragon and Lemony Snicket and then there are the ones that are just kind of thrown out there. The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising is unfortunately one of the latter. Its not that the movie was horrible. It just seemed like the proper amount of effort that it deserved wasn't given and that the studio just rushed it, both in story and effects, and threw it out there. The movie is somewhat watchable but nowhere near as good as it could have been. To make it a little bit tougher to swallow, the story is pretty much over the head of the youngsters who are supposed to make up the core audience.
I wouldn't really recommend anyone checking this bad boy out in theaters or renting it. You're better off just waiting for it to show up on cable.
This movie is another one of the rush to adapt any best selling children's book series. Every studio is looking for the next Harry Potter or Chronicles Of Narnia. Its become one of the most recent hollywood fads. There are the better than average ones like Charlotte's Web, Eragon and Lemony Snicket and then there are the ones that are just kind of thrown out there. The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising is unfortunately one of the latter. Its not that the movie was horrible. It just seemed like the proper amount of effort that it deserved wasn't given and that the studio just rushed it, both in story and effects, and threw it out there. The movie is somewhat watchable but nowhere near as good as it could have been. To make it a little bit tougher to swallow, the story is pretty much over the head of the youngsters who are supposed to make up the core audience.
I wouldn't really recommend anyone checking this bad boy out in theaters or renting it. You're better off just waiting for it to show up on cable.
I Am Legend
Robert Neville (Will Smith) is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible virus that was unstoppable, incurable... and manmade. Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City... and maybe the world. But he is not alone. He is surrounded by "the Infected"—victims of the plague who have mutated into carnivorous beings who can only exist in the dark and who will devour or infect anyone or anything in their path. For three years, Neville has spent his days scavenging for food and supplies and faithfully sending out radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. All the while, the Infected lurk in the shadows, watching Neville's every move, waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. Perhaps mankind's last, best hope, Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. But his blood is also what The Infected hunt, and Neville knows he is outnumbered and quickly running out of time.
Overall, I liked this movie. I actually liked it quite a lot. As far as I'm concerned there are two actors in Hollywood that truly can do no wrong . . . . . Tom Hanks and Will Smith. If Will Smith wasn't in this movie - it probably would have been horrible. Him and Hanks are the type of characters that are so commanding that you can actually watch just them for long periods of time and you are just as in to it as if it was some kind of a special effects summer blockbuster. This movie reminded me ALOT of Cast Away with Tom Hanks. Will Smith has that same kind of awesome presence. He's so good that even though his primary supporting actor is a dog - you end up caring about the dog. Speaking of which . . . . . SPOILER ALERT! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THIS BEFOREHAND - SKIP TO THE NEXT PARAGRAPH. The dog that you come to completely care about dies. I only give that away because I feel that certain system shockers like that are better forewarned. It is heartbreaking and I really could have done without it. The only knock that I'll make against this movie is what my good friend from another faith pointed out. That is that the movie seems to flip flop back and forth a little too much between what genre it wants to be. Is it a post-apocalyptic sci fi blockbuster? Is it a horror movie? Is it a psychological drama? There were a couple of times where the going back and forth made the movie drag a bit at times. Outside of that - it was a really good movie and again - Will Smith really can't do any wrong as far as I'm concerned.
I would recommend people checking this out. I wouldn't have young kids watch it even though its rated PG-13 because there are some really scary parts in it. WW nearly shoved me out of my chair numerous times. She has this awesome thing with hitting or shoving me when she gets scared.
Overall, I liked this movie. I actually liked it quite a lot. As far as I'm concerned there are two actors in Hollywood that truly can do no wrong . . . . . Tom Hanks and Will Smith. If Will Smith wasn't in this movie - it probably would have been horrible. Him and Hanks are the type of characters that are so commanding that you can actually watch just them for long periods of time and you are just as in to it as if it was some kind of a special effects summer blockbuster. This movie reminded me ALOT of Cast Away with Tom Hanks. Will Smith has that same kind of awesome presence. He's so good that even though his primary supporting actor is a dog - you end up caring about the dog. Speaking of which . . . . . SPOILER ALERT! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THIS BEFOREHAND - SKIP TO THE NEXT PARAGRAPH. The dog that you come to completely care about dies. I only give that away because I feel that certain system shockers like that are better forewarned. It is heartbreaking and I really could have done without it. The only knock that I'll make against this movie is what my good friend from another faith pointed out. That is that the movie seems to flip flop back and forth a little too much between what genre it wants to be. Is it a post-apocalyptic sci fi blockbuster? Is it a horror movie? Is it a psychological drama? There were a couple of times where the going back and forth made the movie drag a bit at times. Outside of that - it was a really good movie and again - Will Smith really can't do any wrong as far as I'm concerned.
I would recommend people checking this out. I wouldn't have young kids watch it even though its rated PG-13 because there are some really scary parts in it. WW nearly shoved me out of my chair numerous times. She has this awesome thing with hitting or shoving me when she gets scared.
Enchanted
A classic Disney fairytale collides with modern-day New York City in a story about a fairytale princess (Amy Adams) from the past who is thrust into present-day by an evil queen (Susan Sarandon). Soon after her arrival, Princess Giselle begins to change her views on life and love after meeting a handsome lawyer (Patrick Dempsey). Can a storybook view of romance survive in the real world?
This movie was actually a lot better than I had expected. I had taken Stinka to see this with two of her friends and figured that I would give it a shot and get a nice nap if it was poop. However, the movie was totally enjoyable for the kids because it follows all the textbook Disney princess stuff, but at the same time is poking fun at itself for the adults enjoyment. There were so many parts in this movie where Stinka and her friends were looking at me because I was laughing out loud at some of the great satirical scenes that were over their heads. I was very pleasantly surprised.
I would definitely recommend people take their kids to check this one out. Its just as enjoyable for the adults as the kids.
This movie was actually a lot better than I had expected. I had taken Stinka to see this with two of her friends and figured that I would give it a shot and get a nice nap if it was poop. However, the movie was totally enjoyable for the kids because it follows all the textbook Disney princess stuff, but at the same time is poking fun at itself for the adults enjoyment. There were so many parts in this movie where Stinka and her friends were looking at me because I was laughing out loud at some of the great satirical scenes that were over their heads. I was very pleasantly surprised.
I would definitely recommend people take their kids to check this one out. Its just as enjoyable for the adults as the kids.
No Country For Old Men
The time is our own, when rustlers have given way to drug-runners and small towns have become free-fire zones.The story begins when Llewelyn Moss (Brolin) finds a pickup truck surrounded by a sentry of dead men. A load of heroin and two million dollars in cash are still in the back. When Moss takes the money, he sets off a chain reaction of catastrophic violence that not even the law - in the person of aging, disillusioned Sheriff Bell (Jones) - can contain. As Moss tries to evade his pursuers - in particular a mysterious mastermind who flips coins for human lives (Bardem) - the film simultaneously strips down the American crime drama and broadens its concerns to encompass themes as ancient as the Bible and as bloodily contemporary as this morning's headlines.
If I were a teacher grading this movie as a test, I would give it a 99% and be so annoyed that the director couldn't get the last two minutes of the movie right. This movie was awesome. I absolutely loved it. Javier Bardem as the hitman guy was the creepiest movie character since Hannibal Lecter. You found yourself hanging on his every word and every scene that he was in. The tension throughout the movie was awesome. I found myself dying to know how it was going to wrap up and then . . . . . it didn't. The movie ended with Tommy Lee Jones babbling about something and then the credits suddenly rolling. The whole audience let out a sigh of discontent. It was one of the biggest movie endings downers ever. The movie totally rocks and let just ended with no closure. So upsetting.
I would still recommend everyone checking this out just because of the phenomenal performance of Javier Bardem and the insane tension for most of the movie. Just be warned about the massive pile of crap ending scene.
If I were a teacher grading this movie as a test, I would give it a 99% and be so annoyed that the director couldn't get the last two minutes of the movie right. This movie was awesome. I absolutely loved it. Javier Bardem as the hitman guy was the creepiest movie character since Hannibal Lecter. You found yourself hanging on his every word and every scene that he was in. The tension throughout the movie was awesome. I found myself dying to know how it was going to wrap up and then . . . . . it didn't. The movie ended with Tommy Lee Jones babbling about something and then the credits suddenly rolling. The whole audience let out a sigh of discontent. It was one of the biggest movie endings downers ever. The movie totally rocks and let just ended with no closure. So upsetting.
I would still recommend everyone checking this out just because of the phenomenal performance of Javier Bardem and the insane tension for most of the movie. Just be warned about the massive pile of crap ending scene.
Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew follows Nancy (Emma Roberts) as she accompanies her father, Carson Drew (Tate Donovan), to Los Angeles on one of his business trips and stumbles across evidence about a long-unsolved crime involving the mysterious death of a beautiful movie star. Nancy's resourcefulness and personal responsibility are put to the test when she finds herself in the middle of the fast-living, self-indulgent world of Hollywood.
This movie is a big juicy turd for adults. However, we went and checked it out because the future stepdaughter wanted to see it so I guess that her opinion is really the only one that mattered. She liked it alot (as did the future stepson who probably wouldn't want to admit it out loud), wasn't bored, and will probably want us to waste our money on the dvd when it comes out. It was basically like a movie length episode of Hannah Montana, The Suite Life or That's So Raven on the Disney Channel.
If you have kids that like those shows - they will definitely like this movie. Unfortunately, you probably won't. If you have a younger child who is in to the aforementioned shows, then it's worth the rental for them to enjoy it. You adults can just enjoy a nap or something.
P.S. - G Money, don't you go threatening me to become "deli meat" because of the bad review for ADULTS. I said that you would like it, my dear. Please no harrassing phone calls. Thanks. :)
This movie is a big juicy turd for adults. However, we went and checked it out because the future stepdaughter wanted to see it so I guess that her opinion is really the only one that mattered. She liked it alot (as did the future stepson who probably wouldn't want to admit it out loud), wasn't bored, and will probably want us to waste our money on the dvd when it comes out. It was basically like a movie length episode of Hannah Montana, The Suite Life or That's So Raven on the Disney Channel.
If you have kids that like those shows - they will definitely like this movie. Unfortunately, you probably won't. If you have a younger child who is in to the aforementioned shows, then it's worth the rental for them to enjoy it. You adults can just enjoy a nap or something.
P.S. - G Money, don't you go threatening me to become "deli meat" because of the bad review for ADULTS. I said that you would like it, my dear. Please no harrassing phone calls. Thanks. :)
Dan In Real Life
Advice columnist Dan Burns (Steve Carell) is an expert on relationships, but somehow struggles to succeed as a brother, a son and a single parent in this heartfelt comedy.
I went in to this movie with some pretty moderate expectations. It seemed like the type of movie that had some funny things in the commercial but would inevitably spiral in to a drama that you totally weren't looking for by going to check this out. However, I was dead wrong. This movie was great. As for the comedy part of it - there were four or five scenes in this that had me laughing so hard I was crying. The family dynamics portrayed in this movie were great and even though you didn't get the chance to see them all develop individually, their interaction with the Steve Carell character was priceless. Steve Carell was spot on as always. He really is evolving in to a phenomenal all around actor. I truly enjoyed this movie.
I strongly recommend everyone checking this movie out. Its a great family movie and has some huge laughs.
I went in to this movie with some pretty moderate expectations. It seemed like the type of movie that had some funny things in the commercial but would inevitably spiral in to a drama that you totally weren't looking for by going to check this out. However, I was dead wrong. This movie was great. As for the comedy part of it - there were four or five scenes in this that had me laughing so hard I was crying. The family dynamics portrayed in this movie were great and even though you didn't get the chance to see them all develop individually, their interaction with the Steve Carell character was priceless. Steve Carell was spot on as always. He really is evolving in to a phenomenal all around actor. I truly enjoyed this movie.
I strongly recommend everyone checking this movie out. Its a great family movie and has some huge laughs.
Hitman
Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant) has been educated to become a professional assassin for hire, whose most powerful weapons are his nerve and a resolute pride in his work. 47 is both the last two digits of the barcode tattooed on the nape of his neck, and his only name. The hunter becomes the hunted when 47 gets caught up in a political takeover. Both Interpol and the Russian military chase the Hitman across Eastern Europe as he tries to find out who set him up and why they're trying to take him out of the game. But the greatest threat to 47's survival may be the stirrings of his conscience and the unfamiliar emotions aroused in him by a beautiful, damaged girl...
I never played any of the Hitman video games so I can't really comment on this movie related to them. The movie standing alone was your run of the mill adrenaline/action movie. There were some good fight scenes. There was some cool locations. There was also some really bad acting. Timothy Olyphant was pretty good as Agent 47, but the female lead was beyond annoying and Dougray Scott as the detective chasing him apparantly went to David Caruso overacting school for this movie because every time he talked it was like watching CSI: Miami and I wanted to scream. The movie wasn't bad. It wasn't horrible either. It's a watchable action movie . . . . unless you are a huge fan of the game and then I don't really know what to say.
I'd vaguely recommend people checking this movie out. It is a better rental saving you the money and travel time that would have gone in to seeing it in theaters.
I never played any of the Hitman video games so I can't really comment on this movie related to them. The movie standing alone was your run of the mill adrenaline/action movie. There were some good fight scenes. There was some cool locations. There was also some really bad acting. Timothy Olyphant was pretty good as Agent 47, but the female lead was beyond annoying and Dougray Scott as the detective chasing him apparantly went to David Caruso overacting school for this movie because every time he talked it was like watching CSI: Miami and I wanted to scream. The movie wasn't bad. It wasn't horrible either. It's a watchable action movie . . . . unless you are a huge fan of the game and then I don't really know what to say.
I'd vaguely recommend people checking this movie out. It is a better rental saving you the money and travel time that would have gone in to seeing it in theaters.
Bee Movie
Bee Movie is a comedy that will change everything you think you know about bees. Having just graduated from college, a bee by the name of Barry B. Benson (Jerry Seinfeld) finds himself disillusioned with the prospect of having only one career choice – honey. As he ventures outside of the hive for the first time, he breaks one of the cardinal rules of the bee world and talks to a human, a New York City florist named Vanessa (Renée Zellweger). He is shocked to discover that the humans have been stealing and eating the bees' honey for centuries, and ultimately realizes that his true calling in life is to set the world right by suing the human race for stealing their precious honey.
This movie was nowhere near the excellency that is Shrek or most Pixar movies, but it still managed to be a very enjoyable animated movie for both kids and adults. There were some really big laughs and the animation scenes where the bees were flying was beyond amazing. I think the only thing that really bothered me about this movie was the year long non-stop hype for it because of Jerry Seinfeld. Clearly, there is a point when overexposure gets so annoying that it effects your level of enjoyment of something and I'm pretty sure that Seinfeld went about 1 million miles past that point with the hyping of this movie.
That being said, the movie is definitely worth the price of rental, has a great/short running time and is a great flick for both kids and parents to check out together.
This movie was nowhere near the excellency that is Shrek or most Pixar movies, but it still managed to be a very enjoyable animated movie for both kids and adults. There were some really big laughs and the animation scenes where the bees were flying was beyond amazing. I think the only thing that really bothered me about this movie was the year long non-stop hype for it because of Jerry Seinfeld. Clearly, there is a point when overexposure gets so annoying that it effects your level of enjoyment of something and I'm pretty sure that Seinfeld went about 1 million miles past that point with the hyping of this movie.
That being said, the movie is definitely worth the price of rental, has a great/short running time and is a great flick for both kids and parents to check out together.
Awake
A psychological thriller that tells the story of a man (Hayden Christensen) who suffers "anesthetic awareness" and finds himself awake and aware, but paralyzed, during heart surgery. His young wife (Jessica Alba) must wrestle with her own demons as a drama unfolds around them.
This movie was total crap . . . . . as if you couldn't tell that from the above summary containing the horrific acting of Christensen and Alba. That might really be the worst acting combination I've ever seen in the movie. This movie was essentially based on the really creepy idea of someone being able to feel the surgery actually happening but unable to react in any way. That one portion of the movie was great. Unfortunately, the rest of it was so beyond absurd. There was this whole big mystery thing where the doctors were trying to intentionally kill him and it was a big scam. Seriously. They actually tried to seriously put this on film. It was so bad.
I would never recommend anyone checking this piece of crap out. Its just another testament to how horrible an actor the man that killed Star Wars really is.
This movie was total crap . . . . . as if you couldn't tell that from the above summary containing the horrific acting of Christensen and Alba. That might really be the worst acting combination I've ever seen in the movie. This movie was essentially based on the really creepy idea of someone being able to feel the surgery actually happening but unable to react in any way. That one portion of the movie was great. Unfortunately, the rest of it was so beyond absurd. There was this whole big mystery thing where the doctors were trying to intentionally kill him and it was a big scam. Seriously. They actually tried to seriously put this on film. It was so bad.
I would never recommend anyone checking this piece of crap out. Its just another testament to how horrible an actor the man that killed Star Wars really is.
Things We Lost In The Fire
After an unspeakable tragedy, two people get a second chance at life in Things We Lost in the Fire. When Audrey Burke (Halle Berry) loses her husband in an act of random violence, she forges an unlikely relationship with Jerry Sunborne (Benicio Del Toro), her husband's best friend from childhood. Jerry is a heroin user; his addiction has destroyed everything that was once important to him. As Audrey discovers that Jerry is the only person who can help her survive her loss, Jerry finds the strength to overcome his own problems.
This was a really good character drama about how people deal with grief. They covered so many different emotional paths and Benicio Del Toro was phenomenal as always. Halle Berry finally took a role that can actually show that she has talent. Both of them did an outstanding job of dealing with their tragic loss. Its not an easy watch . . . . . especially for anyone who has gone through the ups and downs like these two characters and the children in the movie have, but I thought they were really up to par with the script and acting.
I'd recommend people checking this bad boy out. Its not a must see, but had some really good performances and the emotions really hit home.
This was a really good character drama about how people deal with grief. They covered so many different emotional paths and Benicio Del Toro was phenomenal as always. Halle Berry finally took a role that can actually show that she has talent. Both of them did an outstanding job of dealing with their tragic loss. Its not an easy watch . . . . . especially for anyone who has gone through the ups and downs like these two characters and the children in the movie have, but I thought they were really up to par with the script and acting.
I'd recommend people checking this bad boy out. Its not a must see, but had some really good performances and the emotions really hit home.
Into The Wild
Into the Wild is based on a true story. After graduating from Emory University in 1992, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless (Hirsch) abandons his possessions, gave his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life.
This is one of those movies that I know was fundamentally great, but I just wasn't all that in to it. Artistically the movie was amazing and I'm kind of confused how this didn't win Best Cinematography last year. The acting was pretty good too, but I just didn't connect to the movie enough to care. The 2 1/2 hour running time didn't help things out too much either.
I can't really say whether or not to see this movie. It was a well done movie but due to my total lack of emotional connection I'm going to take a pass on this one. You guys are on your own.
This is one of those movies that I know was fundamentally great, but I just wasn't all that in to it. Artistically the movie was amazing and I'm kind of confused how this didn't win Best Cinematography last year. The acting was pretty good too, but I just didn't connect to the movie enough to care. The 2 1/2 hour running time didn't help things out too much either.
I can't really say whether or not to see this movie. It was a well done movie but due to my total lack of emotional connection I'm going to take a pass on this one. You guys are on your own.
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is the strangest, most fantastic, most wonderful toy store in the world. In fact, it's a magic toy store and everything in it comes to life - including the store itself. The Emporium only asks one thing of its customers; you must believe it to see it.
This movie was essentially supposed to be Willy Wonka in a toy store instead of a chocolate factory. The big problem with that is that Dustin Hoffman was no Gene Wilder or even Johnny Depp in the remake of Chocolate Factory. From an adult standpoint, Hoffman as Magorium might go down in history as one of the most annoying movie characters ever. I honestly wanted to throw soda at the screen at certain points because his heinous overacting and how annoying his big bushy eyebrows and crazy hair was. This movie also managed to completely squander the acting talent of Natalie Portman (worst laugh ever in this movie as pointed out by Wonder Woman) and Jason Bateman. All of that being said - this is a kids movie and for whatever reason the future steppies enjoyed this movie. Therefore, this movie falls under that dreaded category of movies that the kids will love while the parents wish for pencils to stab themselves in the eyes and ears with.
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone not willing to bite the bullet for their kids. Be warned, people! It's a pretty big bullet. Make sure that your children know the sacrifice that your optic nerves are making for them!
This movie was essentially supposed to be Willy Wonka in a toy store instead of a chocolate factory. The big problem with that is that Dustin Hoffman was no Gene Wilder or even Johnny Depp in the remake of Chocolate Factory. From an adult standpoint, Hoffman as Magorium might go down in history as one of the most annoying movie characters ever. I honestly wanted to throw soda at the screen at certain points because his heinous overacting and how annoying his big bushy eyebrows and crazy hair was. This movie also managed to completely squander the acting talent of Natalie Portman (worst laugh ever in this movie as pointed out by Wonder Woman) and Jason Bateman. All of that being said - this is a kids movie and for whatever reason the future steppies enjoyed this movie. Therefore, this movie falls under that dreaded category of movies that the kids will love while the parents wish for pencils to stab themselves in the eyes and ears with.
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone not willing to bite the bullet for their kids. Be warned, people! It's a pretty big bullet. Make sure that your children know the sacrifice that your optic nerves are making for them!
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