So far this summer I've just seen 6 movies... Because I've delayed writing the reviews for so long, these will be pretty short and just written about what I remember. But let's be honest - if I don't remember much it's probably because there isn't much great to remember.
Super 8 - Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka, Kyle Chandler - 2011
My Rating: 5 out of 10
Summary from IMDB: After witnessing a mysterious train crash, a group of friends in the summer of 1979 begin noticing strange happenings going around in their small town, and begin to investigate into the creepy phenomenon.
My Review: I remember thinking during this movie that it was as if J. J. Abrams couldn't decide which type of movie he wanted this to be: sci-fi monster movie, government conspiracy movie, character development between the kids movie... ? Then apparently he decided to go with an uneven conglomeration of all three. After the scenes with the train crash and the kids decide to never talk about it again... they don't. The movie forgets about the "monster" that crawls out of the train for a good chunk of time - I even forgot what the movie was supposed to be doing. The movie failed to elicit any kind of real suspense or building of the story line and only succeeded in making me jump a few times with cheap "BOO!" moments. Watching the relationships among the young characters is what makes this movie worth it - these young actors are outstanding. Unfortunately, just as I was hoping would not happen when I wrote my previous "looking forward to" review, Abrams decides to show you way too much of the alien in the end. Plus, it's not even an original looking alien with far too many resemblances to 1987's Predator. I get that part of the reason they give you good long looks at the alien at the end is so that you can begin to feel some empathy and understand his position and understand that you don't have to be scared anymore... but the change of perspective wasn't good enough.
Bottom Line: I wish I hadn't paid $9 for this one but I'd pay $2 at the cheap theater.
The Lincoln Lawyer - Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe - 2011
My Rating: 4.5 out of 10
Summary from IMDB: A lawyer conducts business from the back of his Lincoln town car while representing a high-profile client in Beverly Hills.
My Review: I didn't go in to this movie with high hopes - McConaughey as a lawyer? Come on. But I gave it a shot anyway and really only wish I hadn't seen the matinee showing with the three retirement communities that apparently decided to see the same movie at the same time. There isn't much I remember or need to say about this movie except it would have been better as an episode of Law and Order. Yawn.
Bottom Line: I'd watch it on TV if I didn't have anything else to do.
Soul Surfer - AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt
My Rating: 6 out of 10
Summary from IMDB: A teenage surfer girl summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack.
My Review: This was a great movie about the courage of a young girl. It was a little syrupy for me but I hope that this girl and her family were exactly as portrayed: a strong Christian family that got through (and might have been better for) a horrible accident.
Bottom Line: I'm glad I (well, my mom) payed $2 at the cheap theater for this one.
Still to come: Water for Elephants, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and Bridesmaids
Friday, July 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Vow
Okay, this movie The Vow doesn't come out until Valentine's Day 2012 so it's beyond me why they are releasing a trailer SO early - but the sap inside me can't wait to absolutely love this movie.
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3048381465/
Watch the trailer.
I love watching Rachel McAdams and crying through The Notebook. I love watching Channing Tatum and crying through Dear John. Hopefully this movie will be the best of both those movies put together.
Finally a reason to look forward to Valentine's Day!
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3048381465/
Watch the trailer.
I love watching Rachel McAdams and crying through The Notebook. I love watching Channing Tatum and crying through Dear John. Hopefully this movie will be the best of both those movies put together.
Finally a reason to look forward to Valentine's Day!
X-Men: First Class
X-Men: First Class - 2011 - James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon
My Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Summary from IMDB: In 1962, Charles Xavier starts up a school and later a team, for humans with superhuman abilities. Among them is Erik Lensherr, his best friend... and future archenemy.
My Review: Great, great summer movie. With each new installment in this franchise, I feel like the movies are getting less campy and much smarter (with the exception of the flying stripper in this movie - more on her later). I remember watching the first X-Men movies and thinking, "Yep, I'm watching a movie about a comic book." Then with Wolverine and First Class, these are human stories and the humans just happen to be mutants with super-human abilities. I love that the extra abilities remain (obviously) a very prominent fixture in the movie but also manage to not overshadow the underlying storyline. Granted, I know very, very little about the Cuban missile crisis but you don't need to be a history buff to follow what happens in this movie - plus, I'm sure they've taken several artistic liberties and I'd rather not know the history they messed with. Nevertheless, this movie is better because it ensconces itself within a real framework. James McAvoy is wonderful to watch as a young Xavier as he mixes the right amount of superhero with encouraging and leading teacher for the younger mutants. (Even if I did find myself briefly distracted thinking, "Whoa, he's short.") Lawrence was less impressive as a young Mystique but the brief cameo by Rebecca Romijn was excellent. Speaking of cameos - Hugh Jackman has a great one as well. One other negative note is the stripper turned flying, fireball spitting, butterfly. She was ridiculous - edit her character out please. Throw in January Jones' character for good measure - I didn't care for her either. But in addition to the surprise cameos, somehow I missed the fact that Kevin Bacon is in this movie - ridiculously amazing surprise! I loved watching him in this kind of, summer blockbuster role - he was perfect. All in all, I love where this franchise is going and I hope to see much more of it in the future.
Bottom Line: I'd pay $10 at the theater to see this one. And I will when I get back to the States!
My Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Summary from IMDB: In 1962, Charles Xavier starts up a school and later a team, for humans with superhuman abilities. Among them is Erik Lensherr, his best friend... and future archenemy.
My Review: Great, great summer movie. With each new installment in this franchise, I feel like the movies are getting less campy and much smarter (with the exception of the flying stripper in this movie - more on her later). I remember watching the first X-Men movies and thinking, "Yep, I'm watching a movie about a comic book." Then with Wolverine and First Class, these are human stories and the humans just happen to be mutants with super-human abilities. I love that the extra abilities remain (obviously) a very prominent fixture in the movie but also manage to not overshadow the underlying storyline. Granted, I know very, very little about the Cuban missile crisis but you don't need to be a history buff to follow what happens in this movie - plus, I'm sure they've taken several artistic liberties and I'd rather not know the history they messed with. Nevertheless, this movie is better because it ensconces itself within a real framework. James McAvoy is wonderful to watch as a young Xavier as he mixes the right amount of superhero with encouraging and leading teacher for the younger mutants. (Even if I did find myself briefly distracted thinking, "Whoa, he's short.") Lawrence was less impressive as a young Mystique but the brief cameo by Rebecca Romijn was excellent. Speaking of cameos - Hugh Jackman has a great one as well. One other negative note is the stripper turned flying, fireball spitting, butterfly. She was ridiculous - edit her character out please. Throw in January Jones' character for good measure - I didn't care for her either. But in addition to the surprise cameos, somehow I missed the fact that Kevin Bacon is in this movie - ridiculously amazing surprise! I loved watching him in this kind of, summer blockbuster role - he was perfect. All in all, I love where this franchise is going and I hope to see much more of it in the future.
Bottom Line: I'd pay $10 at the theater to see this one. And I will when I get back to the States!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Summer Movies
Excited to see:
Crazy, Stupid, Love - released 29 July
Let's be honest, this one had me with, "Starring Ryan Gosling." But this movie looks like a bit of a departure for him from the brooding serious type he usually plays. Although, playing the seriously sexy, gets-any-woman-he-wants can't be too much of a stretch. Really though, the rest of the cast is incredible as well: Steve Carell (looking a little toned down from normal, thankfully), Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon (love!), Marisa Tomei (really love!), and Emma Stone. From the trailer, this movie looks hilarious and like there could be an amazing heartfelt and sweet undertone with Carell and Moore's relationship. I'm sure this will be a movie where you know exactly what's going to happen before it happens - but I'm excited for the ride.
Would rather have bamboo shoots pushed under my nails than see:
Bad Teacher - released 24 June
Ridiculous. This movie is just going to be one big over-acted, disgusting, peep show for Cameron Diaz. I'm so sick of her lately and honestly think she's a terrible actress. Granted, "In Her Shoes" is one of my favorite movies and "What Happens in Vegas" always makes me laugh, but those movies are good because of the other cast members - rarely Diaz. So I'm biased in the first place against this movie. Also, why make a mockery of education? Again, I'm biased. But seriously - students and parents who haven't taught before already have zero (ZERO) comprehension of what it takes to be a teacher and are already mocked and criticized at every turn. Why would I want to go and see a movie that encourages the mockery? In any case, it just looks stupid. Although, I have to admit that Jason Segel might be the one bright light in this movie - he's a funny dude even if I didn't care for "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."
Guilty pleasure of the summer will be:
Cowboys & Aliens - released 29 July
Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford. James Bond and Indiana Jones. Cowboys vs Aliens. What's NOT good about this movie??? It will be epic. The only problem will be in deciding between this movie and "Crazy, Stupid, Love" on 29 July.
A movie I can't wait to love:
Another Earth - released 20 July
This movie has all the makings to be a science fiction movie that makes you question things about yourself and examine the life you're living. I so much hope that this movie lives up to everything the trailer made me feel and that the "second earth" merely serves as a backdrop to tell a different story.
Crazy, Stupid, Love - released 29 July
Let's be honest, this one had me with, "Starring Ryan Gosling." But this movie looks like a bit of a departure for him from the brooding serious type he usually plays. Although, playing the seriously sexy, gets-any-woman-he-wants can't be too much of a stretch. Really though, the rest of the cast is incredible as well: Steve Carell (looking a little toned down from normal, thankfully), Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon (love!), Marisa Tomei (really love!), and Emma Stone. From the trailer, this movie looks hilarious and like there could be an amazing heartfelt and sweet undertone with Carell and Moore's relationship. I'm sure this will be a movie where you know exactly what's going to happen before it happens - but I'm excited for the ride.
Would rather have bamboo shoots pushed under my nails than see:
Bad Teacher - released 24 June
Ridiculous. This movie is just going to be one big over-acted, disgusting, peep show for Cameron Diaz. I'm so sick of her lately and honestly think she's a terrible actress. Granted, "In Her Shoes" is one of my favorite movies and "What Happens in Vegas" always makes me laugh, but those movies are good because of the other cast members - rarely Diaz. So I'm biased in the first place against this movie. Also, why make a mockery of education? Again, I'm biased. But seriously - students and parents who haven't taught before already have zero (ZERO) comprehension of what it takes to be a teacher and are already mocked and criticized at every turn. Why would I want to go and see a movie that encourages the mockery? In any case, it just looks stupid. Although, I have to admit that Jason Segel might be the one bright light in this movie - he's a funny dude even if I didn't care for "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."
Guilty pleasure of the summer will be:
Cowboys & Aliens - released 29 July
Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford. James Bond and Indiana Jones. Cowboys vs Aliens. What's NOT good about this movie??? It will be epic. The only problem will be in deciding between this movie and "Crazy, Stupid, Love" on 29 July.
A movie I can't wait to love:
Another Earth - released 20 July
This movie has all the makings to be a science fiction movie that makes you question things about yourself and examine the life you're living. I so much hope that this movie lives up to everything the trailer made me feel and that the "second earth" merely serves as a backdrop to tell a different story.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Upcoming Movies
So, I'm on IMDB.com almost everyday checking out new movies that are coming out soon. Here are a few I'm excited about and why... Okay, so I did have the trailers posted for you to watch here BUT then I got all (probably needlessly) paranoid about copyright laws, so I'm posting links to where you can watch the trailers instead.
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi778083609/
This is the trailer I just watched today for a movie called "Super 8," which comes out on 10 June. They give you hardly any information in any of the three different trailers I watched, which I'm going to assume is a good sign. What little information I did gather is: it's about aliens or some type of weird creature(s) that attack when their train derails that is taking them to a "secure facility in Ohio." From the trailer, this movie has potential to be really good. Case and point: produce Steven Spielberg and director J. J. Abrams. Pretty much everything these guys touch is great and does well. As long as Abrams learned from Shyamalan's mistake in "Signs" and doesn't show us what is actually so scary, this movie could be good. "Signs" was MUCH scarier when we didn't know what we were afraid of. But honestly, I'm mostly behind this movie solely because of J. J. Abrams. LOST is a great show and Fringe is even better - two TV series I love that J. J. Abrams created.
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi168926489/
The above trailer is for "X-Men First Class." Yeah, X-Men movies rock. Plus I'm pretty excited to see James McAvoy in this type of role. I never saw "Wanted" so this will be my first time watching him in an action type role. What's also great - I'll be in the States soon after this movie comes out, which means I'll be able to see this one on the big screen as it's meant to be seen!
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1864932633/
A trailer for the movie "Submarine" that comes out on 3 June. This movie looks cute, sweet, and quirky. My life could benefit from more of all those things.
Okay, I don't have a trailer for the last movie - because they haven't made one yet. The movie is called "Drive" that comes out in September and you can read about it here... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780504/ Pretty much all I need to know about this movie is that it stars Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan. I've seen Gosling in several movies - three of which I've rated on this site - so you already know of my love for Gosling. I first saw Carey Mulligan in "An Education," which is an off-beat movie I recommend. For the record, I'd give it a 7 out of 10 and Bottom Line: I'd pay $10 at the theater to see that one. So, I'm pumped to see Gosling and Mulligan in action roles.
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi778083609/
This is the trailer I just watched today for a movie called "Super 8," which comes out on 10 June. They give you hardly any information in any of the three different trailers I watched, which I'm going to assume is a good sign. What little information I did gather is: it's about aliens or some type of weird creature(s) that attack when their train derails that is taking them to a "secure facility in Ohio." From the trailer, this movie has potential to be really good. Case and point: produce Steven Spielberg and director J. J. Abrams. Pretty much everything these guys touch is great and does well. As long as Abrams learned from Shyamalan's mistake in "Signs" and doesn't show us what is actually so scary, this movie could be good. "Signs" was MUCH scarier when we didn't know what we were afraid of. But honestly, I'm mostly behind this movie solely because of J. J. Abrams. LOST is a great show and Fringe is even better - two TV series I love that J. J. Abrams created.
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi168926489/
The above trailer is for "X-Men First Class." Yeah, X-Men movies rock. Plus I'm pretty excited to see James McAvoy in this type of role. I never saw "Wanted" so this will be my first time watching him in an action type role. What's also great - I'll be in the States soon after this movie comes out, which means I'll be able to see this one on the big screen as it's meant to be seen!
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1864932633/
A trailer for the movie "Submarine" that comes out on 3 June. This movie looks cute, sweet, and quirky. My life could benefit from more of all those things.
Okay, I don't have a trailer for the last movie - because they haven't made one yet. The movie is called "Drive" that comes out in September and you can read about it here... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780504/ Pretty much all I need to know about this movie is that it stars Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan. I've seen Gosling in several movies - three of which I've rated on this site - so you already know of my love for Gosling. I first saw Carey Mulligan in "An Education," which is an off-beat movie I recommend. For the record, I'd give it a 7 out of 10 and Bottom Line: I'd pay $10 at the theater to see that one. So, I'm pumped to see Gosling and Mulligan in action roles.
Monday, May 9, 2011
All Good Things - 2010 - Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst
My Rating: 3 out of 10
Summary from IMDB: A love story and murder mystery based on the most notorious unsolved murder case in New York history...
My Review: Yawn. I watched this movie a couple days ago and really can't remember that much about it - that's how bad it was. It pains me to give this movie a bad review because I think Ryan Gosling is just about the best actor out there - but this movie is bor. ing. You watch the trailers, you read the summaries, you read the descriptions and they all make this movie out to be a thriller about the "most notorious unsolved murder case," which sounds like a darn good movie. Let me tell you that the last fourth of the movie is the only part which has anything to do with a murder case or like it could be leading up to a murder. Also, you're not even rewarded for staying awake during the whole thing by getting any answers at the end of the movie. You spend 75% of the movie watching Gosling and Dunst fall in love, get married, have problems and then after a few awkward scenes - not even tense or scary or in any way explaining why he might kill her - she's missing. His descent into some kind of psychosis is so abrupt and unexplained that I didn't believe it.
Bottom line: I wouldn't even stop my channel surfing if it was on TV.
My Rating: 3 out of 10
Summary from IMDB: A love story and murder mystery based on the most notorious unsolved murder case in New York history...
My Review: Yawn. I watched this movie a couple days ago and really can't remember that much about it - that's how bad it was. It pains me to give this movie a bad review because I think Ryan Gosling is just about the best actor out there - but this movie is bor. ing. You watch the trailers, you read the summaries, you read the descriptions and they all make this movie out to be a thriller about the "most notorious unsolved murder case," which sounds like a darn good movie. Let me tell you that the last fourth of the movie is the only part which has anything to do with a murder case or like it could be leading up to a murder. Also, you're not even rewarded for staying awake during the whole thing by getting any answers at the end of the movie. You spend 75% of the movie watching Gosling and Dunst fall in love, get married, have problems and then after a few awkward scenes - not even tense or scary or in any way explaining why he might kill her - she's missing. His descent into some kind of psychosis is so abrupt and unexplained that I didn't believe it.
Bottom line: I wouldn't even stop my channel surfing if it was on TV.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Source Code - 2011 - Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga
My Rating: 6 out of 10
Summary from IMDB: An action thriller centered on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.
My Review: I'd hesitate to use the word "thriller" as part of the summary of this movie. That said, it is a decent attempt at mainstreaming science fiction - and casting Gyllenhaal as the lead is sure to bring this movie to more people than it would have otherwise. As someone who loves almost anything science fiction, the premise of this movie is very interesting. The "source code" has been created so that Gyllenhaal can inhabit another man's body, sort-of go back in time and figure out where the bomb is and who planted it - in eight minutes. But the catch is that the bomb has already exploded and everyone is already dead. Small revelations throughout the movie keep you just interested enough to get to the end and keep from feeling bored as Gyllenhaal repeatedly goes back to try and figure everything out. The problem with this movie is that Hollywood doesn't understand that science fiction doesn't need the fluffy, mushy endings. The climax of the movie felt silly and anti-climactic. Just when you think the movie is over and Hollywood has their perfect ending they make it even more Hollywood instead of just letting it be. Overall, a good science fiction-lite movie with an easy-on-the-eyes cast.
Bottom Line: I'd pay $2 at the cheap theater for this one.
My Rating: 6 out of 10
Summary from IMDB: An action thriller centered on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.
My Review: I'd hesitate to use the word "thriller" as part of the summary of this movie. That said, it is a decent attempt at mainstreaming science fiction - and casting Gyllenhaal as the lead is sure to bring this movie to more people than it would have otherwise. As someone who loves almost anything science fiction, the premise of this movie is very interesting. The "source code" has been created so that Gyllenhaal can inhabit another man's body, sort-of go back in time and figure out where the bomb is and who planted it - in eight minutes. But the catch is that the bomb has already exploded and everyone is already dead. Small revelations throughout the movie keep you just interested enough to get to the end and keep from feeling bored as Gyllenhaal repeatedly goes back to try and figure everything out. The problem with this movie is that Hollywood doesn't understand that science fiction doesn't need the fluffy, mushy endings. The climax of the movie felt silly and anti-climactic. Just when you think the movie is over and Hollywood has their perfect ending they make it even more Hollywood instead of just letting it be. Overall, a good science fiction-lite movie with an easy-on-the-eyes cast.
Bottom Line: I'd pay $2 at the cheap theater for this one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)