| Monday, May 07, 2007 |
SORRY I'M NOT HOME RIGHT NOW. I'M WALKING INTO SPIDERWEBS
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So let's just get this out of the way. Mark and I watched Spider Man 3. I'll put the meatier details behind the cut. I did want to mention a few things.
There were a LOT of kids at Spider Man. Like young kids... I personally don't think it is a particularly scary movie. There are some moments that the black Spidey suit (Venom, right Mike?) is a bit fierce looking. Yet those moments are few and far between. But still, probably not suited for a young kid just because he might be a Spider Man fan. Like the kids who spent a good portion of the movie randomly kicking the back of our seats, despite his mother's admonishments.
Angie, don't let your little Evil Genius go see Spider Man. She'll only get ideas.
Ok... Review time.
Overall it was a great movie. Mike won't see this part, but he always says I don't like movies. That I never give them a good review. I did have issues, but I did like the movie.
There was a LOT of story going on. I'd say it is very plot heavy and light on the action. Which is good in some ways. Kiki Dunst gets to act a bit more in this movie than just pout around and wag her finger and Tobey Maguire. The introduction of the Sandman and Eddie Brock are excellent. I was very intrigued by the interactions of good guys with good guys and bad guys with bad guys. It's also nice to see Bryce Dallas Howard do more than than stumble around blindly or act like a fish out of water. My prediction is she is the next Daryll Hannah.
I didn't read Spider Man, as a comic, so a lot of the struggle that Peter Parker has as Spidey, and avenging his Uncle Ben's death, is lost on me. I only know what the movie has showed me. So my thoughts about the story might be way off compared to how things were handled in the comics. I thought it was well played out. The struggle Parker goes through is genuine and believable. There is a comical scene where he relishes in his new persona that is a bit far-fetched, but still amusing.
The special effects were good, but nothing unusual. Tho, they did take one of my favorite effects from The Mummy movies and make a whole character out of it. Anytime the Sandman is on screen I was completely into it.
The love story of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson continues. Honestly, I don't know what she seems in him. This is the weakest part of the story for me. I just accept that they are a couple and move on.
I'm glad I watched it on the big screen. I don't own any of the other Spider Man's on DVD, but I wouldn't mind owning them. They are good movies. I would have to say that this one was good, but the second one is still my favorite.Labels: spiderman |
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| Monday, February 05, 2007 |
EPIC MOVIE
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If you like spoof movies like Airplane, Naked Gun, and Scary Movie then you will like this. There isn't a whole lot that is new or unexpected, but it is still clever and funny. It's not Anna Farris in this movie like the latest crop of Scary Movie spoofs. Just to warn you. I made it about 1/3 of the way through before I realized this was an off-brand Anna.
Epic MovieLabels: epic movie, reviews |
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DREAMGIRLS
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For as much as I like music you'd think that I would be all over any musical that is out there. This is not the case. However, I was given a prefunctory lesson about who these characters are and the story that goes along with them by my patiently loving boyfriend. I left reeally enjoying this film. Jennifer Hudson really steals the show. Her voice is amazing. You can just hear Beyonce gritting her teeth at all the accolades that Hudson is getting. Love it! A must own!
DreamgirlsLabels: dreamgirls, reviews |
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LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
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Little Miss Sunshine
I think it's atypical that a movies starts out as serious as this one does and gets lighter all the way through it. The things you learn about these characters (and yourself as a result) you learn through humor rather than a tear-jerking scene in the end. Definitely a must own!
Labels: little miss sunshine, reviews |
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| Thursday, June 15, 2006 |
DOES THAT MAKE ME CRAZY
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How did I manage to go this long without talking about X-Men 3?
So let's just get right into it. There will be a few minor spoilers. I'll try not to give away any endings or anything major.
First of all... I've been ok with the casting for the past two movies. This movie wasn't much different. The didn't swap out anyone and try and pass someone off that we were unfamiliar with in a role. Because there is only one person who should be playing Professor Xavier. I was happy with the addition of Kitty Pride as a speaking character. I was pleased with the depiction of Angel.
The overall story, I've heard both negative and positive comments. I can understand the fact that there are many years of comics that you make a choice at some point to stay as close, or choose to branch out. I have no problem with either option. As long as it is consistent. If the movies are going to break away from what is already founded in comic lore, that's fine. Stick with your newly created lore in the movie(s).
Keeping that in mind, I did have a couple issues with some changes that were made. Yet, they didn't bother me until they were pointed to me. For instance Juggernaut, isn't a mutant in the comics. Calisto's powers were not represented the same. The overall idea of The Phoenix as a part of Jean Grey's psyche was different. Now... these things aren't bad. Just different.
I am disappointed that several of my favorite characters had storylines that they did. I suppose that nothing is forever in comics, let alone movies. The talk has been that this is probably the last XMen movie. Possibly the idea of using the younger B-Team of characters, which would be fine.
Ok. So let's see... Casting. Good. Story. Really Good. Effects. Excellent! Ending. Sad, but hopeful? |
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| Monday, April 17, 2006 |
WHAT'S THE FREQUENCY KENNETH
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 ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND OF RON BURGUNDY
Anchorman is a riot! I love the entire cast of this movie. Everyone in it is so funny on their own, so to put them all in one movie was all most too much for me. (See: adult diapers)
I don't care for SNL, but Will Ferrell is a comedic genius. Steve Carell is funny in a whole new way unlike his The Office character. I know I'd seen David Koechner (Sports Reporter, Champ Kind) somewhere, but I couldn't place him. It wasn't until looking up the link for Anchorman that I noticed he'd been in The Office and The 40 Year Old Virgin. So he's been working with the same basic crew for a while now. As for Paul Rudd... call me. ;-)
And how can I forget Christina Applegate... Or shoud I call her Tits McGee. Classy.
This movie was defintely as good as expectations. I need to buy this movie because if I'm ever feeling blue, this would be the kind of movie to perk me up right away. The overall campiness of it, is so good. Having been born in the 70s, but really only barely remembering what TV newscasters were actually like, this bring it all screaming back to me in vivid technicolor.
If for some reason you've managed to avoid this movie. I'd question why and then instruct you to see it immediately! |
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NICE DAY FOR A WHITE WEDDING
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 WEDDING CRASHERS
 and a half
What better way to spend the afternoon than by watching a series of mindless movies that'll make you pee a little bit. Grab your favorite bag of chips, a cold beverage, and strap on some adult diapers. It's movie time!!
It started out with Wedding Crashers. I would say that it's one of those movies that you can pretty much guess where it is going. This is a no-brainer. That's fine. It's funny. It has some really funny scenes. I got the feeling that it was trying to be a little bit like Meet The Parents in some places, but I'm ok with that.
Jane Seymour and Christopher Walken are an odd enough combination to make it worth any similarities to other movies. And then there is the Rappin' Granny from The Wedding Singer.
Watching this movie I wondered if Ben Stiller was a little distraught that Vince Vaughn has replaced him as Owen Wilson's life partner. Ponderous...
There isn't really much to say about the casting, other than I kept look at Rachel McAdams and wonder how Kate Beckingsale lost so much weight. I'm not saying they are twins. I'm just dense enough that for most of the movie I was thinking it was KB. Watching Van Helsing right before these movies didn't help.
I probably wouldn't buy it for my DVD collection, but I'm glad I watched it.
I actually give this movie three and a half stars. I'm just too lazy to make a new graphic for 3 1/2. |
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| Thursday, March 16, 2006 |
I FELL IN TO A BURNING RING OF FIRE
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 HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
Do you like chocolate? What!? How can you never have eaten chocolate? What do you mean you're allergic to it?
I typically get the same shocked reaction when I mention that I've never read a Harry Potter book. I think there are seven of them now and the closest I've been to actually reading one is scanning the cover to try and decipher the fancifully written title. I was on a date once and the conversation turned to the Harry Potter. The first movie had recently come out on DVD, if I recall correctly. When I mentioned to him that I'd never read any of the books, I think the date almost ended there. It was quickly amended by agreeing to rent/buy the movie and come over to watch it. Since then I've watched all the Harry Potter movies. Typically as fair trade payback for forcing someone else to watch a movie I wanted to see. It's not that I dislike the movies. They turn out to be quite good. I just don't have the same fever for them as most fans do.
So what are up to now? Four movies and 80 books later Harry Potter still hasnt' figured out a spell to comb his hair. Seriously! Can we get this boy into hair and make-up to do something about that bitch-mess going on? That's how he is supposed to look? Yikes.
Well there is no point in commenting about the cast because it's the same kids that have been in every film. To change the cast up at this point would be heresy in the eyes of most of the fans. There usually is a few additions to the cast each time. I don't think any of them have stood out of particularly ill-fitted. Though, having never read any of the books I suppose there might be a majority who disagree with the actor choosen to play Dumbledore after the original passed away.
The plot was interesting, if not a little formulaic. I finally figured out that the movies/books take place over a whole year at Hogwart's. There is always the set up of the conflict. There is always then a character development part in the middle that feel like forever. Then there is the big fight at the end, stemming from the revelation that someone who they trusted was actually not to be trusted. Either that or an one-time enemy is shown to be actually an ally. I know I'm over simplifying it. But honestly, I feel I could partially watch one movie, fall asleep, someone could put a previous Potter film, I'd wake up and never know the difference. My point being that I'm not sure there is really much that makes one movie stand out from the other. If you like one, you'll like the rest.
I started out trying to sum up this thought in one sentence, but I soon realized I had more to say about it. The movie is over two hours long, which I can handle. But the budding romance and best friends fighting seemed to go on forever. Only to have it end suddenly before the final conflict. I looked at the packaging to see how long the movie was and was horrified to see it was 4 hours and 40 minutes long. Misprint or Netflix Prankster?
Ron is now jealous of Harry, because he wants to be hunted down formless evil? Harry testicles finally descend and he is checking out every girl in the room. Good for Harry. It adds a nice facet to the story. Yet the romance between Hermoine and Ron feels odd. I hope it's explained better in the book because there is approximately two scenes of dialogue about it in the movie. Left field, checking in.
The conflict at the end was impressive. I wish there was more of it throughout the movie. The Tri-Wizards Challenge that Harry ends up being a part of, is a pretty cool idea. Yet it makes up only a fraction of the overall story. I had to laugh when I read another bloggers review of the movie where she tried to imagine what the Parental Permission slip for such an event must be like.
I'm glad I watched it. I'm not sorry I didn't read the book (as of yet). I kinda wish I would've seen it on the big screen. If you've bought the others, you might as well buy this one so you can eventually complete the set. |
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| Tuesday, March 14, 2006 |
CONSTANT CRAVING
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 The Constant Gardener
Mike summed up this movie rather well, he "fell asleep during a commercial" for it. While I was somehow able to stay awake, it didn't do much good. I think I could've watched this with Cliff Notes or director's commentary and still be lost.
I make an effort to see the films that are nominated for the main Oscars, each year. The Constant Gardener was one of those films. Rachel Weisz took home Best Supporting Actress for her role as, Tessa Quayle, an activist investigating shady pharmaceutical practices in Kenya. I thought she did a fine job. I'm not sure I'd call it Oscar worthy. So far all I have to compare it to is Brokeback Mountain actress Michelle Williams. I'd say Michelle beats Rachel. I'd love to be in the mind of the people who are voting for these things. Or I'd at least like to hear rationales. Maybe they have a very good reason that I'm overlooking. Anyway... I digress.
Ralph Fiennes plays Tessa's husband Justin who is trying to figure out why she died and who killed her. As he uncovers more and more and what Tessa's work really involved he puts his own life in jeopardy.
The movie starts out very convoluted. There are flashbacks showing how Tessa and Justin got together. Plots within plots are being exposed. Businessmen. Government officials. Doctors. Everyone is having a very bright line shone on them. Everyone is having to answer Tessa's questions. It's like a half dozen plot lines all come running at each other and finally coalesce into a movie in the last half of the film.
Kaz sat down half way through it and asked a question about the movie and I didn't know where to begin explaining it.
The cinematography was also half good / half not-good. I understand there are certain styles used to portray or send the message of certain emotions, but... I don't typically get that. I don't understand the need to see part of the movie being filmed the angle of what appears to be a pygmy holding a Super 8 camera. The sweeping landscape shots of Kenya are beautiful. Such films always make me wonder if the locals have any idea what's going on. Typically when little kids see a camera they all come running to stand in front of it, smile, and wave ecstatically. I presume someone tells them it's a movie and not a documentary or that Sally Struthers isn't anywhere around.
The story is intriguing. I said this to a friend and they asked if that was a good or bad thing. I guess, I really don't know. The idea of drug companies 'helping' the sick by testing various drugs on them is a powerful topic. The story was not only dramatic for the point it was trying to get across, but also very political. People taking a stand against shady government activities. Also powerful. Not something I'd go for in just any old movie I'd watch. So... I say intriguing. It might mean more to someone who was more passionate about such topics.
I'm glad I watched it. I probably wouldn't buy it, because I don't see it as a film I'd want to pop in some boring weeknight. |
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| Tuesday, March 07, 2006 |
LOVE'S BEEN A LITTLE BIT HARD ON ME
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 I watched The 40-Year Old Virgin over the weekend. I'd heard a lot of good, funny things leading up to this movie. So I was psyched to see it. I'm a fan of Steve Carrell on The Office. I like Paul Rudd (Call me! *wink*). So why didn't I like this movie more?
With some comedy movies if you've seen a few trailers for the movie, then you've seen all the really funny parts it has to offer. So I was somewhat worried that this would be one of those movies. It actually wasn't. There was some very funny scenes that they didn't play to death in previews.
The basic plot. Steve Carrell, plays Andy Stitzer, who is a nice guy. He's the guy in high school who laughs at all the dirty jokes even though he may not understand the full meaning. He's had some unfortunate breaks that contribute to his prolonged virginity. Some of which are like Ben Stiller sight-gags.
Once Andy's co-workers figure out he is a virgin, they set out to get him laid. There is an extra portion of awkwardness in all of Andy's moves as he tries to flirt with women. This is excellent as Carrell handles such awkward yet hilarious scenes on The Office with a great comedic sense.
There is the overall morale lesson that it is okay to be a virgin and to wait for that special person that you want to have sex with rather than live your life going from one meaningless sexual encounter to another. Although, I doubt anyone is watching this movie and wanting to use Andy as a role model for abstinence. No matter how ultimately positive the message is.
The acting was good. The casting choices could have honestly been anyone in almost any of the roles other than Carrell. It's like the movie was written for and around him. Many of the cast members have ties to Ron Burgandy or The Office. So if you like one you might be pre-disposed to like 40-Year Old Virgin.
I'm glad watched it, but I'm also glad I didn't pay full movie price for it. There is no big-screen need for this movie. |
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