Thursday, July 17, 2008
Update: Fool's Gold
While not near the comedic performance they displayed in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson still showed us a good time. This movie is fun, funny, and the two leads are great together. The background is also amazingly beautiful as only the tropics can deliver. This may not be an Oscar worthy film, but it is perfect if you are in the mood for a little entertainment!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Week 16
Comedy: Baby Mama (2008)
A film about one woman's unability to have children that leads her to search out a surrogate. But when she picks a specific young woman she gets more than she bargins for. This was hilarious! I haven't laughed this hard in a while. This was written by the comic genius, Tina Fey, who used her somewhat dark and simultaneously over-the-top humor (seen previously in Mean Girls) to bring another touching and very funny story to the screen.
Romance: The Village (2004)
My favorite M Night Shyamalan film about a small village and its constant fear of "those we don't speak of." The story revolves around the central characters of Ivy and Lucius who are falling in love within a small village in the 1800's that is plagued with fear and mystery. A very well made film that, unlike his other films, reveals the scary secret about half way through and yet the compelling story keeps you entertained until the bigger secret is revealed in the end.
Kid Appropriate: Meet the Robinsons (2007)
A film about a young boy's desire for a family that leads him to the future and on an adventure to discover the truth about family. I was kind of avoiding this film as it looked like one that only kids would enjoy, however I should have known better. This film reminds me of the true Disney magic to inspire and create a sympathetic emotion while giving a moral lesson and an entertaining story. I loved it and I plan on owning it!
NOTE: For those of you who know my family, there's a character in this movie that's called Goob that reminds me of my brother, Mark. See if you can see it too.
Guy Appropriate: The Boondock Saints (1999)
A story about two young, poor, irish immigrant brothers who decide to take it upon themselves to rid the city of evil. It's bloody and wild but it's funny and interesting; I really enjoyed it and most guys I know love it!
Must See...M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN FILMS: Lady in the Water (2006)
An M Night Shyamalan film that seemed to be largely ignored but which deserves a look. This film is about a maintenance man at an apartment complex with some very odd tenants. However, when an even stranger young woman appears in the in the pool one night the maintenance man and the tenants are drawn into a mythical battle that they never dreamed of. This film was way better than I was expecting. Like all Shyamalan films, this one has more in it than the initial twist we've come to expect. His films are always amazingly well done, but what strikes me most about them is how they make you think; even after the credits start rolling.
Coming Soon: Transsiberian
Released: July 18, 2008
This film is about an American couple who take a famous train, the Trans-siberian express, from Belgium to Moscow and end up enthralled in what appears to be a drug smuggling case. The trailer for this film looked interesting and left me curious as to how it turns out (the best kind of trailers always do).
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809834054/video/8116803
Don't Bother: Candyman (1992)
A movie about a terrible killer who appears and hunts you if you say "Candyman" three times in the mirror. This movie was pointless, dumb, gross, and had a confusing story line that even I had trouble following. DO NOT waste your time on this!
A film about one woman's unability to have children that leads her to search out a surrogate. But when she picks a specific young woman she gets more than she bargins for. This was hilarious! I haven't laughed this hard in a while. This was written by the comic genius, Tina Fey, who used her somewhat dark and simultaneously over-the-top humor (seen previously in Mean Girls) to bring another touching and very funny story to the screen.
Romance: The Village (2004)
My favorite M Night Shyamalan film about a small village and its constant fear of "those we don't speak of." The story revolves around the central characters of Ivy and Lucius who are falling in love within a small village in the 1800's that is plagued with fear and mystery. A very well made film that, unlike his other films, reveals the scary secret about half way through and yet the compelling story keeps you entertained until the bigger secret is revealed in the end.
Kid Appropriate: Meet the Robinsons (2007)
A film about a young boy's desire for a family that leads him to the future and on an adventure to discover the truth about family. I was kind of avoiding this film as it looked like one that only kids would enjoy, however I should have known better. This film reminds me of the true Disney magic to inspire and create a sympathetic emotion while giving a moral lesson and an entertaining story. I loved it and I plan on owning it!
NOTE: For those of you who know my family, there's a character in this movie that's called Goob that reminds me of my brother, Mark. See if you can see it too.
Guy Appropriate: The Boondock Saints (1999)
A story about two young, poor, irish immigrant brothers who decide to take it upon themselves to rid the city of evil. It's bloody and wild but it's funny and interesting; I really enjoyed it and most guys I know love it!
Must See...M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN FILMS: Lady in the Water (2006)
An M Night Shyamalan film that seemed to be largely ignored but which deserves a look. This film is about a maintenance man at an apartment complex with some very odd tenants. However, when an even stranger young woman appears in the in the pool one night the maintenance man and the tenants are drawn into a mythical battle that they never dreamed of. This film was way better than I was expecting. Like all Shyamalan films, this one has more in it than the initial twist we've come to expect. His films are always amazingly well done, but what strikes me most about them is how they make you think; even after the credits start rolling.
Coming Soon: Transsiberian
Released: July 18, 2008
This film is about an American couple who take a famous train, the Trans-siberian express, from Belgium to Moscow and end up enthralled in what appears to be a drug smuggling case. The trailer for this film looked interesting and left me curious as to how it turns out (the best kind of trailers always do).
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809834054/video/8116803
Don't Bother: Candyman (1992)
A movie about a terrible killer who appears and hunts you if you say "Candyman" three times in the mirror. This movie was pointless, dumb, gross, and had a confusing story line that even I had trouble following. DO NOT waste your time on this!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Update: Definitely, Maybe
This movie was pretty cute. Abigail Breslin did a good job, like always, and the movie was a good twist on the traditional romantic comedy story. The images were good, not great but good; much as the script was good, but not amazing. Overall this is a an okay movie, not a waste of your time but passing it over isn't a great loss either.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Week 15
Comedy: 13 Going on 30 (2004)
A cute story about a young girl's wish to be 30, an age at which she thinks all her dreams will come true. She wakes up to find that getting everything you ever wanted might not be what you want at all. Jennifer Garner is fabulous as Jenna Rink the 13 year old girl trapped in her 30 year old body. It's fun, it's sweet and it has a happy ending who can pass that up!
Romance: City of Angels (1998)
This film is about an angel who falls for a human and decides to give up his immortal existence so that he may be with her. The ethereal element is interestingly depicted and both Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan give good preformances in this film.
NOTE: Fair warning: it's a tear-jerker, bring the Kleenex!
Kid Appropriate: Simon Birch (1998)
An interesting film about two friends cast as outsiders in a small town in Maine who struggle with adolesecence and faith. This is a great film about faith without being preachy or teaching to a specific doctorine. It is also really well made, with great preformances from Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt, David Strathairn, Dana Ivey, and the two boys: Joseph Mazzello and Ian Michael Smith.
Guy Appropriate: X-Men (1-3)
Three films based off of characters created in the comic book about a group of mutants who try to use their powers for good and try to present a good image of mutants to the public who fear them. I'm a fan of superhero movies and the creativity of some of the heroes (and villans) in these films is pretty amazing. The films are funny, entertaining and make for pretty good movies.
NOTE: I think my favorite is the second one because that is when the good mutants and the bad mutants work together.
Must See...MUSIC FILM: August Rush (2007)
A film about an orphan boy who's magical ability to find musical sounds within everything leads him on a journey to find his parents. This movie was amazing! It's funny, sweet, it has a great story, good acting, and wonderful music; I highly recommend this to everyone.
NOTE: Even my 19 year old brother liked it!
Coming Soon: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
Released: August 1, 2008
The third installment of the Mummy franchise. This time Rick and clan are headed to the far east where they awaken the mummy of the first Emperor of Quin. Okay, so it may not be the highest quality film and yes, they replaced Rachel Weiss in this one. But when you go see a film like The Mummy, you don't go for the "quality," you go for a good time; a satisfying adventure to a place and time that is not your own. And I like to think that this film, like the previous two, will deliver such a pleasant escape from reality.
http://www.robcohenthemummy.com/
Don't Bother: Strangeland (1998)
A scary film about a sadist who haunts a young girl and her family. I would have never picked this but I was with a group of girls who liked to scare themselves; it was stupid and distrubing and I still can't figure out why they continue to make crap like this!
A cute story about a young girl's wish to be 30, an age at which she thinks all her dreams will come true. She wakes up to find that getting everything you ever wanted might not be what you want at all. Jennifer Garner is fabulous as Jenna Rink the 13 year old girl trapped in her 30 year old body. It's fun, it's sweet and it has a happy ending who can pass that up!
Romance: City of Angels (1998)
This film is about an angel who falls for a human and decides to give up his immortal existence so that he may be with her. The ethereal element is interestingly depicted and both Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan give good preformances in this film.
NOTE: Fair warning: it's a tear-jerker, bring the Kleenex!
Kid Appropriate: Simon Birch (1998)
An interesting film about two friends cast as outsiders in a small town in Maine who struggle with adolesecence and faith. This is a great film about faith without being preachy or teaching to a specific doctorine. It is also really well made, with great preformances from Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt, David Strathairn, Dana Ivey, and the two boys: Joseph Mazzello and Ian Michael Smith.
Guy Appropriate: X-Men (1-3)
Three films based off of characters created in the comic book about a group of mutants who try to use their powers for good and try to present a good image of mutants to the public who fear them. I'm a fan of superhero movies and the creativity of some of the heroes (and villans) in these films is pretty amazing. The films are funny, entertaining and make for pretty good movies.
NOTE: I think my favorite is the second one because that is when the good mutants and the bad mutants work together.
Must See...MUSIC FILM: August Rush (2007)
A film about an orphan boy who's magical ability to find musical sounds within everything leads him on a journey to find his parents. This movie was amazing! It's funny, sweet, it has a great story, good acting, and wonderful music; I highly recommend this to everyone.
NOTE: Even my 19 year old brother liked it!
Coming Soon: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
Released: August 1, 2008
The third installment of the Mummy franchise. This time Rick and clan are headed to the far east where they awaken the mummy of the first Emperor of Quin. Okay, so it may not be the highest quality film and yes, they replaced Rachel Weiss in this one. But when you go see a film like The Mummy, you don't go for the "quality," you go for a good time; a satisfying adventure to a place and time that is not your own. And I like to think that this film, like the previous two, will deliver such a pleasant escape from reality.
http://www.robcohenthemummy.com/
Don't Bother: Strangeland (1998)
A scary film about a sadist who haunts a young girl and her family. I would have never picked this but I was with a group of girls who liked to scare themselves; it was stupid and distrubing and I still can't figure out why they continue to make crap like this!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Update: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
This sequel was much darker than the original. It still had the great Walden/Disney flair but it was definitely different than the first one. The children were given a lot more depth of character which made them more interesting to watch (unfortunately, this was at the expense of the evil character who doesn't even compare in complexitiy to the witch). The new characters were adequate, except for the mouse king, Reepicheep who kept me laughing throughout and who I am most excited to see return in the next film "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader." Overall it was great, but I wouldn't recommend it for young children. As I said before, it's a bit darker, and some of the main themes might go above their heads.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Week 14
Comedy: Hairspray (2007)
A remake of the 1988 film about a young girl's quest to get a spot on a local dance show and ends up creating change. This is a pretty good musical but the best part of the movie are the jokes. You have to pay attention because most of the funny jokes are underneath a layer of the happy musical.
Romance: Romeo and Juliet (1996)
Director Baz Lurhman brings his wild and crazy, acidic style to the classic Shakespearean story about a young couple who meet, fall in love, and take their lives (in three days). I'm a big Shakespeare fan, and I think that Lurhman does an amazing job of taking this classic and putting it in our own time without losing any of it's poetry, passion, or intensity.
NOTE: The language of the film is the Shakespearean language, so it will take some time getting used to it while watching th film (and it was intentional to make the language seem kind of comedic and over the top).
Kid Appropriate: Thunderbirds (2004)
A film based off an old TV show about a man who has trained his many sons in operating special machines called Thunderbirds which they use to save the world. But when dad and his older brothers are in trouble, it's up to Alan and his friends to save the family and save the world. It's cute and colorful and kids will enjoy it but I got a real kick out of Sophia Myles' character, Lady Penelope. (She was my favorite part).
Guy Appropriate: Top Gun (1986)
A film about two friends who enter into a highly competitive program in the navy. It's a pretty good movie; there's action, romance, and entertainment and it was made back in the day before Tom Cruise went crazy!
NOTE: Yes, it's kind of cheesy but it's the 80's; if nobofy can put Baby in a corner, then we can feel the need for speed!
Must See...MOM MOVIE: The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2005)
A film based on the true story about one mother using her ability with words to win contests to help provide for her ten children. I love movies about big families but this one is special; it's not really about the big family, it'a about a mother providing for her children. It's sweet, sad, and is a great story.
NOTE: Evelyn Ryan, the mother, could teach us all something about attitude, be on the lookout for it while watching.
Coming Soon: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
Released: August 6, 2008
The four friends who share special pair of jeans are back in this sequel to the first film and book. Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen are back and from the preview it looks as if the film is largerly based off of the adventures in the fourth book, after the girls have completed their first year in college. I love this friendship story and of the four books the fourth is my favorite so I am really looking forward to this film.
http://sisterhoodofthetravelingpants2.warnerbros.com/
Don't Bother: Freedomland (2006)
This film is about a woman who's son is missing and the search causes tensions in a racially charged neighborhood. This looked like an interesting film, but it turned out to be awful. The story's not very good and the ending is not real satisfactory.
A remake of the 1988 film about a young girl's quest to get a spot on a local dance show and ends up creating change. This is a pretty good musical but the best part of the movie are the jokes. You have to pay attention because most of the funny jokes are underneath a layer of the happy musical.
Romance: Romeo and Juliet (1996)
Director Baz Lurhman brings his wild and crazy, acidic style to the classic Shakespearean story about a young couple who meet, fall in love, and take their lives (in three days). I'm a big Shakespeare fan, and I think that Lurhman does an amazing job of taking this classic and putting it in our own time without losing any of it's poetry, passion, or intensity.
NOTE: The language of the film is the Shakespearean language, so it will take some time getting used to it while watching th film (and it was intentional to make the language seem kind of comedic and over the top).
Kid Appropriate: Thunderbirds (2004)
A film based off an old TV show about a man who has trained his many sons in operating special machines called Thunderbirds which they use to save the world. But when dad and his older brothers are in trouble, it's up to Alan and his friends to save the family and save the world. It's cute and colorful and kids will enjoy it but I got a real kick out of Sophia Myles' character, Lady Penelope. (She was my favorite part).
Guy Appropriate: Top Gun (1986)
A film about two friends who enter into a highly competitive program in the navy. It's a pretty good movie; there's action, romance, and entertainment and it was made back in the day before Tom Cruise went crazy!
NOTE: Yes, it's kind of cheesy but it's the 80's; if nobofy can put Baby in a corner, then we can feel the need for speed!
Must See...MOM MOVIE: The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2005)
A film based on the true story about one mother using her ability with words to win contests to help provide for her ten children. I love movies about big families but this one is special; it's not really about the big family, it'a about a mother providing for her children. It's sweet, sad, and is a great story.
NOTE: Evelyn Ryan, the mother, could teach us all something about attitude, be on the lookout for it while watching.
Coming Soon: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
Released: August 6, 2008
The four friends who share special pair of jeans are back in this sequel to the first film and book. Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen are back and from the preview it looks as if the film is largerly based off of the adventures in the fourth book, after the girls have completed their first year in college. I love this friendship story and of the four books the fourth is my favorite so I am really looking forward to this film.
http://sisterhoodofthetravelingpants2.warnerbros.com/
Don't Bother: Freedomland (2006)
This film is about a woman who's son is missing and the search causes tensions in a racially charged neighborhood. This looked like an interesting film, but it turned out to be awful. The story's not very good and the ending is not real satisfactory.
I'm Back!!
So between finals, studying for the MCAT, taking the MCAT, and taking my summer class, I have been a bit busy and haven't been able to put up a new post since April 2. I did give fair warning that I didn't know if I could keep up with all the posts. However, I really enjoy doing it and so far I've gotten positive feedback from it.
(Note: I love feedback, please post a comment, answer the poll, or if you know me, next time we talk let me know what you think).
Now that all those obligations are taken care of, I am going to try and catch up on all the missed weeks but it may take me a little time. The newest post will be titled Week 14 and I will continue from there. Hope you enjoy!
(Note: I love feedback, please post a comment, answer the poll, or if you know me, next time we talk let me know what you think).
Now that all those obligations are taken care of, I am going to try and catch up on all the missed weeks but it may take me a little time. The newest post will be titled Week 14 and I will continue from there. Hope you enjoy!
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