To honor the passing of Heath Ledger I have dedicated this week's blog to him by making all the selections I could from his films. Heath was an actor who's work I enjoyed not only because of his good looks but I also believe he had real talent and I am sad to think that we will not be able to see where his career could have taken him.
Comedy: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A modern teenage take on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. This is a really funny movie and I love the character of Kat; however, it is not a very faithful Shakespeare adaptation.
Romance: Casanova (2005)
Comedic story about the famous Venetian lover who finds himself falling for the one person he cannot charm. This is funny, sweet and beautiful and it is my favorite Heath Ledger film.
NOTE: The whole look of this film is beautiful.
Kid Appropriate: Matilda (1996)
(This was the only category that I haven't seen a Heath Ledger film for, so I picked the film with the same name as her 2 year-old-daugher.)
This is a story based on the novel by Roald Dahl that is about a neglected young girl who finds an escape in books and power from her mind. I love this story, it's funny and dark but still kid appropriate and the cast is great.
Guy Appropriate: A Knight's Tale (2001)
A story about a poor man who enters jousting contests with the help of his friends to win money and to win the heart of the woman he loves. This is a funny, entertaining, action film about trying to do change who you are and falling in love.
Must See...HEATH LEDGER FILMS: The Patriot (2000)
A story about a man defending his home and family in the revolutionary war. This is a great film! Both Heath Ledger and Mel Gibson give wonderful performances and it is such a good story, I highly recommend it.
Coming Soon: The Dark Knight
Released: July 18, 2008*
The continued story of the newest Batman; this time he is up against the Joker. As excited as I am about this movie it looks really creepy and I'm kind of nervous about it.
NOTE: I don't know what this will be rated but I'm pretty sure it will be R or a dark PG-13.
Don't Bother: Brokeback Mountain (2005)
A story about two cowboys who find themselves falling for each other in a very unexcepting world. I'm not a big Jake Gyllenhaal fan to begin with and I found the story boring and didn't feel connected or sympathetic to the characters, but Heath Ledger did give a good performance and the scenery was beautiful.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Update: 27 Dresses
This evening I went to see 27 Dresses and decided to send updates on the "Coming Soon" movies I've seen since this is the only category where I haven't seen the movie I've reviewed.
This movie was funnier than I expected and yet it still makes you sigh and smile at the end (the audience I saw it with applauded at the end it was so good). I would definetly recommend it for a girl's night out but I don't think guys are going to enjoy it.
This movie was funnier than I expected and yet it still makes you sigh and smile at the end (the audience I saw it with applauded at the end it was so good). I would definetly recommend it for a girl's night out but I don't think guys are going to enjoy it.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Week 3
Comedy: Man of the House (2005)
Five University of Texas cheerleaders witness a murder and are given an old Texas ranger to protect them until the murderer is caught. This movie is soooo funny, Tommy Lee Jones is the ranger sent to protect these clueless cheerleaders and he and the girls quarrel about everything! It is also pretty appropriate for kids (although it is rated PG-13) and even my brother laughed, so I think guys could stand watching it.
NOTE: There is an older movie called Man of the House with Chevy Chase which is not near as funny.
Romance: The Holiday (2006)
Two women, one in LA, one in England, who have been unlucky in love switch houses to try and get a break from all their guy trouble and end up finding love in unlikely places. This is a sweet movie; simple and beautifully played out it makes you smile as you watch.
NOTE: There is also some great music in this film.
Kid Appropriate: A Little Princess (1995)
After her father is killed in World War I, the little orphan girl at the girl's boarding school in New York teaches her friends that belief in magic and in yourself can help you get through anything. This movie is sooo beautiful! The whole thing gives of an air of magic while remaining grounded in the reality of one girl's misfortune in early 20th century New York.
Guy Appropriate: Troy (2004)
The epic story of the Illiad told from both sides of the battle; one man wants to be king of neighboring Troy, one wants to love the beautiful Helen at all costs, one wants to protect his home, and one cares nothing of kings and land but everything of glory. This was a really good movie in the style of Gladiator; the acting, sets, and story were all very good but beware it is a war film and is therefore bloody.
Must See...WESTERN: Open Range (2003)
A story about free grazer cattle ranchers who must defend themselves from a local rancher tyrant and his men in a small town. This is probably the most realistic and down to earth western I've ever seen. In this simple story, the stakes aren't outrageous and it shows both the humanity and the dark side of the hero and yet it still has that classic western theme of teaching a town to stand up for itself.
NOTE: I don't know a lot about gunplay in the west, but I've been told that the gun fight in this film is probably the closest to the true look of how it would have gone.
Coming Soon: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Released: May 16, 2008*
The second Disney adaptation of the CS Lewis books about the magical land of Narnia. In this story, the four children return to Narnia after one year in England to find that 1300 years have passed in Narnia and the magic and the creatures that were celebrated in their time have been hidden away and lost to the rule of men but one young boy who should be king has called them back for help in the battle to try and return the land to its former glory. This is my favorite type of movie and I love the CS Lewis books so I'm really exicted for it but I know that not everyone shares my love of this genre. I think that since Disney and Walden media are in charge of this film it should be well done and great for older kids however, it does look to have a darker tone than the first film.
Don't Bother: The Matrix 2 and 3 (2003)
The continued story of Neo and the other surviving humans who are fighting against the machine both within and outside of the Matrix. While the first one had a neat and original story and vision the second and third fall through on the expected power. They are long and boring and other than the special effects (which only interests a few) are not worth the time. I won't tell the ending for those who wish to discover it for themselves, but I thought even that was total crap!
*Information from http://www.comingsoon.net/
Five University of Texas cheerleaders witness a murder and are given an old Texas ranger to protect them until the murderer is caught. This movie is soooo funny, Tommy Lee Jones is the ranger sent to protect these clueless cheerleaders and he and the girls quarrel about everything! It is also pretty appropriate for kids (although it is rated PG-13) and even my brother laughed, so I think guys could stand watching it.
NOTE: There is an older movie called Man of the House with Chevy Chase which is not near as funny.
Romance: The Holiday (2006)
Two women, one in LA, one in England, who have been unlucky in love switch houses to try and get a break from all their guy trouble and end up finding love in unlikely places. This is a sweet movie; simple and beautifully played out it makes you smile as you watch.
NOTE: There is also some great music in this film.
Kid Appropriate: A Little Princess (1995)
After her father is killed in World War I, the little orphan girl at the girl's boarding school in New York teaches her friends that belief in magic and in yourself can help you get through anything. This movie is sooo beautiful! The whole thing gives of an air of magic while remaining grounded in the reality of one girl's misfortune in early 20th century New York.
Guy Appropriate: Troy (2004)
The epic story of the Illiad told from both sides of the battle; one man wants to be king of neighboring Troy, one wants to love the beautiful Helen at all costs, one wants to protect his home, and one cares nothing of kings and land but everything of glory. This was a really good movie in the style of Gladiator; the acting, sets, and story were all very good but beware it is a war film and is therefore bloody.
Must See...WESTERN: Open Range (2003)
A story about free grazer cattle ranchers who must defend themselves from a local rancher tyrant and his men in a small town. This is probably the most realistic and down to earth western I've ever seen. In this simple story, the stakes aren't outrageous and it shows both the humanity and the dark side of the hero and yet it still has that classic western theme of teaching a town to stand up for itself.
NOTE: I don't know a lot about gunplay in the west, but I've been told that the gun fight in this film is probably the closest to the true look of how it would have gone.
Coming Soon: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Released: May 16, 2008*
The second Disney adaptation of the CS Lewis books about the magical land of Narnia. In this story, the four children return to Narnia after one year in England to find that 1300 years have passed in Narnia and the magic and the creatures that were celebrated in their time have been hidden away and lost to the rule of men but one young boy who should be king has called them back for help in the battle to try and return the land to its former glory. This is my favorite type of movie and I love the CS Lewis books so I'm really exicted for it but I know that not everyone shares my love of this genre. I think that since Disney and Walden media are in charge of this film it should be well done and great for older kids however, it does look to have a darker tone than the first film.
Don't Bother: The Matrix 2 and 3 (2003)
The continued story of Neo and the other surviving humans who are fighting against the machine both within and outside of the Matrix. While the first one had a neat and original story and vision the second and third fall through on the expected power. They are long and boring and other than the special effects (which only interests a few) are not worth the time. I won't tell the ending for those who wish to discover it for themselves, but I thought even that was total crap!
*Information from http://www.comingsoon.net/
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Week 2
Comedy: Drop Dead Gorgeous
A dark comedy about the deadly competition in a small town beauty pagent. This movie is hillarious! There a lot of good lines and good moments, just make sure your listening closely because their accents are really thick.
Romance: Pride and Prejudice
The latest adaptation of Jane Austen's most popular story. It's smart, beautiful, well done, and is probably my favorite movie!
NOTE: There are a couple really cool sequences where the camera doesn't cut for several minutes, it always impressed me that they shot that long without someone messing up especially because the scenes where it happens are really complex. Look for them, there is one at the beginning as the camera moves through the house, one at the ball at Netherfield and I think there is another one somewhere else.
Kid Appropriate: The Big Green
A small town of kids get a boost of confidence when their new teacher introduces them to the game of soccer. Very kid appropriate and cute with some jokes that still make me laugh.
Guy Appropriate: Shoot 'Em Up
(This week's pick was picked by Mark so I let him weigh in on the film.)
A mysterious man is drawn into a bloody battle over a baby somebody wants dead.
Mark: If you love amazing action and gunplay, and have an addiction to adrenaline rushes, go see this movie now!! Semi-unblievable stunts add to the overall appeal and sheer BAness.
Me: This was a suprisingly good movie but I wouldn't suggest for it for many people because it is VERY bloody and violent; however, the gunplay and stunts are pretty cool.
Must See...TV SHOW: Pushing Daisies
This new show on ABC is about a man who has the ability to touch things and bring them back to life which he uses to bring his childhood sweetheart back to life but unfortunately if he touches her again she will be dead again forever. This sounds weird but it is a great show! It plays like a fairy tale about solving crime but with a lot of beauty and sweetness and even some humor. (Nothing as dark as CSI or Law and Order or the other crime shows.)
Coming Soon: 27 Dresses
A movie about a woman who has helped plan and been a bridesmaid at 27 weddings and decides to reevaluate her life when her younger sister asks her to do the same. This looks like a good night out; I like Katherine Heigl and this movie looks like a funny, low-key film.
Don't Bother: Alexander
A movie that follows the life of Alexander the Great from childhood until his death. This movie was just horrible; horrible acting, horrible script, horrible film!
A dark comedy about the deadly competition in a small town beauty pagent. This movie is hillarious! There a lot of good lines and good moments, just make sure your listening closely because their accents are really thick.
Romance: Pride and Prejudice
The latest adaptation of Jane Austen's most popular story. It's smart, beautiful, well done, and is probably my favorite movie!
NOTE: There are a couple really cool sequences where the camera doesn't cut for several minutes, it always impressed me that they shot that long without someone messing up especially because the scenes where it happens are really complex. Look for them, there is one at the beginning as the camera moves through the house, one at the ball at Netherfield and I think there is another one somewhere else.
Kid Appropriate: The Big Green
A small town of kids get a boost of confidence when their new teacher introduces them to the game of soccer. Very kid appropriate and cute with some jokes that still make me laugh.
Guy Appropriate: Shoot 'Em Up
(This week's pick was picked by Mark so I let him weigh in on the film.)
A mysterious man is drawn into a bloody battle over a baby somebody wants dead.
Mark: If you love amazing action and gunplay, and have an addiction to adrenaline rushes, go see this movie now!! Semi-unblievable stunts add to the overall appeal and sheer BAness.
Me: This was a suprisingly good movie but I wouldn't suggest for it for many people because it is VERY bloody and violent; however, the gunplay and stunts are pretty cool.
Must See...TV SHOW: Pushing Daisies
This new show on ABC is about a man who has the ability to touch things and bring them back to life which he uses to bring his childhood sweetheart back to life but unfortunately if he touches her again she will be dead again forever. This sounds weird but it is a great show! It plays like a fairy tale about solving crime but with a lot of beauty and sweetness and even some humor. (Nothing as dark as CSI or Law and Order or the other crime shows.)
Coming Soon: 27 Dresses
A movie about a woman who has helped plan and been a bridesmaid at 27 weddings and decides to reevaluate her life when her younger sister asks her to do the same. This looks like a good night out; I like Katherine Heigl and this movie looks like a funny, low-key film.
Don't Bother: Alexander
A movie that follows the life of Alexander the Great from childhood until his death. This movie was just horrible; horrible acting, horrible script, horrible film!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Week 1
Comedy: Failure to Launch
A woman is hired by this guy's parents to help them kick him out of their house. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey have no chemistry on screen but you should watch this movie anyway because Zooey Deschanel is hilarious! (She makes the film).
NOTE: The funniest part is the part with the mockingbird, pay attention to it.
Romance: PS I Love You
A woman who lost her husband explores her life with him in retrospect with the help of the letters he sent her after his death. A suprisingly funny sweet and sour film that warms the heart.
NOTE: Hillary Swank has a great wardrobe and great shoes in this film.
Kid Appropriate: Finding Nemo
Story about a fish father who loses his son and is on a journey to find him. Pixar's masterpiece, this film is beautiful, sweet, and perfect Disney story that plays well for all ages.
Guy Appropriate: The Count of Monte Cristo
Based on the book by Alexandre Dumas about a man betrayed by his best friend and out for revenge. It's got some romance for the girls and the ending is pretty intense; I loved it!
NOTE: I personally think that Jim Caviezel and Richard Harris's preformances in this film helped land them the roles of Jesus in The Passion of the Christ and Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter movies.
Must See...MY FAMILY'S CLASSICS: Steel Magnolias
Based on the stage play of the same name about women and their conversations at the beauty shop. This is the first film I remember watching and my family quotes it constantly.
Coming Soon: The Other Boleyn Girl
Based on the book by Philippa Gregory about Anne Boleyn and her sister. The trailer looks good and the three leads usually don't disappoint: Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, and Eric Bana.
Don't Bother: Eyes Wide Shut
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise are a married couple and somehow he gets into this sex cult. It was pointless and disgusting with no artistic value.
A woman is hired by this guy's parents to help them kick him out of their house. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey have no chemistry on screen but you should watch this movie anyway because Zooey Deschanel is hilarious! (She makes the film).
NOTE: The funniest part is the part with the mockingbird, pay attention to it.
Romance: PS I Love You
A woman who lost her husband explores her life with him in retrospect with the help of the letters he sent her after his death. A suprisingly funny sweet and sour film that warms the heart.
NOTE: Hillary Swank has a great wardrobe and great shoes in this film.
Kid Appropriate: Finding Nemo
Story about a fish father who loses his son and is on a journey to find him. Pixar's masterpiece, this film is beautiful, sweet, and perfect Disney story that plays well for all ages.
Guy Appropriate: The Count of Monte Cristo
Based on the book by Alexandre Dumas about a man betrayed by his best friend and out for revenge. It's got some romance for the girls and the ending is pretty intense; I loved it!
NOTE: I personally think that Jim Caviezel and Richard Harris's preformances in this film helped land them the roles of Jesus in The Passion of the Christ and Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter movies.
Must See...MY FAMILY'S CLASSICS: Steel Magnolias
Based on the stage play of the same name about women and their conversations at the beauty shop. This is the first film I remember watching and my family quotes it constantly.
Coming Soon: The Other Boleyn Girl
Based on the book by Philippa Gregory about Anne Boleyn and her sister. The trailer looks good and the three leads usually don't disappoint: Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, and Eric Bana.
Don't Bother: Eyes Wide Shut
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise are a married couple and somehow he gets into this sex cult. It was pointless and disgusting with no artistic value.
Intro
So I got this idea to start a blog about movies with some help from my mom and my brother. Most people who know me, know I'm a big movie buff and sometimes they ask me for recommendations so I decided that this year I would try and start a blog that gives a short overview and review of a few films and try to update it every week. I'm not making any promises that I will be able to keep it up but I thought it would be fun and that people might enjoy it.
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