Movies, Movies, Movies

It's been awhile since I have reviewed any movies and I don't want you to think that is because I haven't been out seeing movies. I do it for you really! So, without further ado here is a quick rundown of the last 5 movies I have seen.

• Alice in Wonderland- I saw this on in 3D and 2D and have to say I liked it much better in good ol' 2D. The colors seemed more vivid and the movie just seemed more real. As for the movie; I found it quite enjoyable. The story is a fresh take on the story that most of us know from the books or the animated movie. There are some fighting sequences that may be a little scary for the under 6 crowd but otherwise this one is a crowd pleaser.
• Clash of the Titans- After learning that this was was converted to 3D at the last minute, and because of enjoying Alice better in the second dimension, I saw this one in 2D. This is best described as an adult Percy Jackson prequel of sorts. I say that because I had just read the 1st Percy Jackson book (and seen the movie) and haven't seen the original Clash of the Titans. This movie was okay, nothing great with okay special effects. Worth a rental or dollar movie viewing if you have to see it on the big screen.
• She's Out of my League- I enjoyed this movie; sure it is crude and predictable but it has a new, relatively unknown cast that do a good job with the material they have been given. I should add a side note that me and my movie companion were the only ones laughing in the theater for the first half of the movie and this might have added to my overall enjoyment of the movie. It was almost like it was an inside joke that only we got.
• Kick-Ass- This one turned out to be more of a violent action movie then I was expecting and the fact that it has teens and a pre-teen doing, and receiving, most of the violence it is defiantly not for everyone. I liked the movie because it was different from most of the comic book/superhero movies that have come out but if you are turned of by large amounts of violence and language this movie isn't for you.
• Death at a Funeral- Another remake, this one of a British movie by the same name. Full of laughs and more enjoyable then I was expecting it to be. James Marsden steals this movie and really is the best reason to go see it. I would tell you more but that would ruin the fun. This one does have some low brow humor but overall a good laugh. It made me want to go out and watch the original just to see how close they are in nature.

Well there you have it. A quick take of five movies. Seen anything good lately? Let me know in the comments section.

Alice in Wonderland Trailer

To view the trailer click here.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

I will start off by saying that I really liked this movie and it made me realize that I need to go back and read the 6th and 7th books. The 6th book was easily one of my favorites as it sets up the final book. The movie, while staying mostly true to the book, leaves a few things out and adds a few things the book didn't have. Nothing major and I think this movie followed the book much closer then the 4th and 5th movies did. I really enjoyed the humor in this movie as it off set the darker overall theme of the movie and provided some much needed laughs. The cast, especially the kids, have come a long way from the first movies and while there were cheesy parts (come on who wasn't cheesy in high school?) they really did a great job of portraying their characters. If you are a fan of the movies I think you will enjoy this movie. It is easily one of my favorite of the HP movies (my favorite is still the third) and has everything a good movie needs; action, drama, humor, romance, danger, intrigue, etc. The movie is rated PG but I don't think it was any less dark then the 4th or 5th movies that were PG-13. The end of the movie sets up the final book and final 2 movies well and I only wish that I didn't have to wait another year to see the next one. That's the true sign of a good movie, leave them wanting more!

Quick Reviews: State of Play, 17 Again, Bedtime Stories

It must have been the weekend because I ended up watching 3 movies. Here is a quick recap of each.

• State of Play: I really enjoyed this movie. I am a fan of thrillers that make you use your brain. It has been awhile since I have seen a good old fashioned political thriller. While the movie was a little on the long side I didn't find myself getting bored at any point during the movie. The cast is great and full of many well known stars: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright Penn, and it just keeps going. If you are looking for a lot of action then this movie isn't for you. This is a thinking man's, or women's, movie.
• 17 Again: I admit that I laughed a lot during this movie. Sure it is predictable down to the last scene, but you are laughing down to the last scene. I have never seen Zac Efron in anything before this but thought he did a good job, especially since he was basically carrying this movie. Think of this a Big only in reverse and you pretty much know what you are in for. Some humor in this is not for the under 8 crowd as it leans a little more on the teen/adult side.
• Bedtime Stories: Not your typical Adam Sandler movie but at the same time it is your typical Adam Sandler movie, just aimed for a younger crowd. If you have younger kids they will be sure to enjoy this movie since the Bedtime Stories that are told take a strange twist and come to life the next day. The movie felt a little rushed and seemed like some of the special effects were an afterthought. Overall I did laugh, mostly at the minor characters and the guinea pig, but I am glad that I saw this one on DVD when all was said and done.

Reviewed: Austrailia and Cupid

Another week another double review. Up this week Australia (now on DVD) and Cupid (Tuesdays on ABC).


I wanted to see Australia in theaters until I found out about its almost 3 hour running time. If movies are that long they should come with an intermission, so needless to say I did not see it in theaters. But thanks to the magic of DVD I finally caught up with the movie from down under a few weeks ago.

Australia comes from Baz Lurhman, who brought us Moulin Rouge and just like that movie stars Nicole Kidman. This trip to Oz also includes Hugh Jackman. The movie is really filmed well and is very enjoyable from a cinematic stand point. You are treated to views of Australia that are rarely seen in film as the movie does not take place in Sydney but rather in the rugged Northern Territory. The movie really felt like two distinct, separate movies. One about a wealthy English lady going to Australia to sell the cattle and land she and her husband own. There she meets a cattle hand and goes on the cattle drive with him and a few others in hope of restoring the farms prestige to make it easier to sell.

The second movie could have easily been the sequel to Pearl Harbor as it takes place in Darwin during the Japanese attacks of WWII. We have the same characters as before but the movie has a much different feel then it did before and takes on a much darker tone. Overall both parts of the movie are enjoyable and the cast makes it even more so, but I am glad I saw this one on DVD so that I could take a break between the two very different parts. The best part of this movie is the interaction between Kidman and Jackman and the aboriginal boy who links them. If you are looking for a good modern day epic-like movie then this is the way to go.

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Cupid is about a man who believes that he is the Greek god of the same name. Cupid, aka Trevor for the non-believers, has been thrown out of Mt. Olympus because he got a little to careless with his bow and arrow and can only return once he has united 100 couples that result in true love. Along for the ride is Cupid's therapist who takes responsibility for him so that he can leave the hospital. Claire, the therapist, believes that Trevor had is heart broken and this is what caused him to think that he was Cupid. We as the audience are left to make up our mind about which of these options is the true one. This lends a certain realistic feel to the show and it really has its funny moments. The supporting characters are great as well as the leads. If you don't have anything better to do on a Tuesday night, and I know I don't, then check out Cupid. You might just like it.

Random Reviews

Since it has been awhile since we have updated the site, I thought I would give a few quick reviews on some of the TV shows and movies I have seen lately.

• Castle-Mondays on ABC

Castle is your basic cop/forensic/investigative show. The twist here is that a popular crime novelist/single father is working with a female detective of the NYPD. The reason why, we are told in the first episode, is because the mayor is a big fan of Castle (the writer) and allows him to help on a case that resembles a scene from his book. After helping solve the case the experience allows Castle to break his writers block, thus leading him to a full time consultant role in the department. The show is somewhat predictable but there are enough differences from the other cop like shows to keep you interested. Overall not a bad show and the cast makes it a little bit better, especially the smaller characters.

• Better Off Ted-Wednesdays on ABC

This half hour comedy is pretty funny and anyone who has ever worked for a big, heartless corporation can relate. It follows the staff of a big multi-interested corporation and the people who work in its research and development group. There a plenty of laughs to be had and the show moves at a brisk pace and the characters are all likable enough, even the boss lady, who you love to hate but love at the same time. If you need a laugh to break up your week Better Off Ted isn't a bad choice.

• Rachael Getting Married-Now on DVD

I wanted to like this movie because I like Anne Hathaway and was interested to see her in a more grown up role. Sadly the movie takes itself way to seriously and it was just boring and dull. Sure Anne Hathaway does a good job and makes you believe that her character has issues, but in the end the movie takes too long to get its point across. Some of the scenes here just went on and on for what seemed like an eternity and it just felt weird and forced. I found myself checking how much time was left every 10 minutes, which felt more like 30 minutes.

• Twilight-Now on DVD

Okay I didn't watch this last one since it has been out on DVD, but have heard way too many times during the last week that it was now out on video and thought I would provide my opinion once again. Worst vampire movie ever!! Sparkly vampires are not scary nor something to be scarred of. I know that a lot of people enjoyed this movie but I just don't get it. Its not well made or well acted and doesn't have any redeeming quality that I can recall. To those of you who enjoyed the movie, good for you! Just don't ask me to sit through it again...ever!

Harry Potter Movie News

I got home from work today and found this little bit of information: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince release date has been changed from this November to July 17, 2009!! I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT THIS!!

Now I can understand moving a movies release date if the film isn't ready but that is not the case here. No Warner Bros., fresh off making truckloads of money from The Dark Knight, thought the movie would do better in the summer! To which I reply; It's Harry Potter, it is going to make money whenever you release it!

This really bugs me. Why you ask? Well because this was one of the few movies I was looking forward to this fall. Actually it was one of two movies, the other being the new Bond movie. Like I said before, if it was because the movie wasn't ready then by all means delay it. But when an exec at WB says that is not the case and he has seen the movie and it is great, then that just makes it worse. I want to see it too! Don't make me wait. I will pay five extra bucks, as I am sure a lot of people would, to see the thing in November. I guess I am just ranting because there is not much I can do about it and yes, I will still see the movie when it comes out in July. To help tide you over til then, you can watch the preview here. That concludes my geek freakout session for today.


-Eric

The Dark Knight

I am sure that most of you have heard all the hype about this movie and I can say that it lives up to all of it. If you liked Batman Begins you are sure to like The Dark Knight.

The cast here is amazing and Heath Ledger is fantastic as the Joker. If I didn't know he was in this movie there is no way I would have guessed that this was the same actor as the one in 10 Things I Hate About You. Christian Bale continues to make up for all the past Batman's by making him a complete, complex character. Gary Oldman impresses as always as Gordon and has a bigger part here then in Batman Begins. And then there is Morgan Freeman who is great in just about anything. Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gyllenhaal are new to the franchise and fit in perfectly with the above named cast.

I am not going to get into specifics here because I really think you need to see this movie for yourself and come to your own conclusions. I loved it. But know going in that it handles much darker material then Batman Begins. And at almost three hours long, make sure your theater has comfy seats (I recommend the District) and go for the small drink (you don't want to leave for potty breaks). One last thing. There is nothing at the end of the credits so you don't need to stay unless you want to.

Eric



I loved this movie. So much in fact that I would call it my favorite of the year. Not only that, I think that we have found the most intense movie since Bourne Ultimatum. This whole movie I was on the edge of my seat.

Heath Ledger is the best villain to hit the big screen for me. The acting in this movie is unparalleled. This movie is dark. Really dark. I wouldn't take the kids to this one.

I had nothing bad to say for this movie. Loved! If you weren't one of the million people to have seen it this weekend. Go see it! Now.

Caitlin

Batman Begins

In honor of the new Batman movie that comes out on Friday, I thought it would be appropriate to spotlight it's predecessor, Batman Begins. I love this movie. It is dark, it is intense, it contains really great acting. (Well, all except the "deer in the headlights" Katie Holmes, who I have liked in the past, but didn't feel like she pulled this one off. I am excited to see what Maggie Gyllenhaall brings to the screen)

This is (so far) my favorite super hero movie ever. I love Christian Bale as Batman. He is not only extremely sexy, but strong and a fantastic actor. I didn't remember how scary they made the Scarecrow until I watched it again last night. He is one of the scarier villains I have seen.

I am a huge fan of the director Chris Nolan (think Memento), and am excited to see what he comes up with in The Dark Knight. I had forgotten how many seriously seasoned actors were in this movie. (Caine, Freeman, Wilkinson, Neeson, Oldman, Hauer) With a cast like this, you can definitely expect greatness. If you get a chance, I would re-watch this movie before you go see the new one. If you haven't seen this movie, I would completely recommend it. I just wouldn't take small children. These new movies are not like the old Michael Keaton ones with a portly penguin and a cheesy Mr. Freeze. This is dark, just how Batman should be.

Caitlin

I too loved this movie. It is one of my favorite comic book movies...ever. The reason I liked this so much was because it took away all the campy elements of the first Batman movies (nipples on the batsuit?!?!) and replaced them with a great story and characters that you could really relate to, well at least relate to better than a penguin man. I didn't even mind Katie Holmes in it, but am totally fine with her being replaced by Maggie, who I think will and an extra umph (ie: better acting) to the character. I can't wait to see The Dark Knight and it is all because of this movie.

Eric

Hancock

I should start out by saying that I am a fan of the big, dumb summer movie. Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, I Robot, if it is a big summer movie I usually love it. Hancock is the exception to this. Right from the start Hancock can't figure out what it wants to be; comedy, action movie, drama, super-hero movie. The plot jumps back and forth between all these genres so much that after a while I just felt bored and could really care less about what is going on. I kid you not half way through the movie I started thinking that I would have been more entertained at home watching Speed for the umpteenth time.

The stars; Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, are all likable enough but the material they are given here just makes them all come off as smug and uncaring most of the movie. Hancock is the story of a superhero who could care less about what people think about him or what he does in the process of saving the day. This leads the people of L.A. to not respect him and just wish he would go away, they suggest NY. (By the end of the movie I was wishing that I was in NY rather than the theater watching this, or perhaps on the Speed bus!) After Hancock saves a PR exec, played by Bateman, he takes it upon himself to remake Hancock's image against the advice of his wife, played by Theron.

Now in case you do go see this movie I won't say anymore. I will say that there were others in my group that were okay with this movie but I just expect more from my dumb summer movies, especially those that star Will Smith. I wanted to like Hancock, I really did, but sadly I just felt indifferent the whole time watching it, not a good feeling for a big, dumb summer movie to make you feel. Maybe you will have better luck. Overall Grade: C+

I have to disagree with my colleague just a bit. The first half of this movie I thoroughly enjoyed. It was super funny and I liked that Will Smith wasn't his usual self and I am ALWAYS a fan of Jason Bateman. I could have done without Charlize Theron, but she didn't bug me. I loved the chemistry between Will Smith and Jason Bateman. The part where Hancock is helping him into bed had me laughing out loud.

There were a couple bizarre parts, that they definitely could have done with out. The second half of the movie went severely down hill. It didn't have much of a plot and they glossed over so much that I was just left not getting all of it.

With all that being said. I really liked the special effects. It was entertaining and I was never bored. I agree with Eric that they should have had a little more direction. I think it was a good movie to see on the big screen and it was fun to see it once. I didn't feel like I wished I had seen something else.

Caitlin