Monday, January 17, 2011

Golden Globes Comments

Despite the fact that I have not seen most of the films nominated, I was happy with the results more than I was last year. Glee winning all of the big TV awards wasn't shocking but I would have liked to see Modern Family win an award or two considering that is one of my favorite shows right now. I did see "The Kids are All Right" and "The Social Network" and thought the awards won by the films were deserving. I was especially glad when Annette Benning won for best actress in a comedy. She deserved nothing less than to win that award. I'm looking forward to this year's Oscars and also to catching up on 2010 films!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Little Fockers

I would like to apologize to any readers that I have left out there, as if there were many to begin with. I have not seen any new films in two months for two reasons. The first being that I don't have any time. The second, because there aren't any new films that have stood out and that I would liked to have seen. Now, on to the review!

The third installment of what is now a "trilogy" was mediocre at best. I came in expecting funny one-liners and awkwardly hilarious entanglements for Stiller's character. One would think that after waiting six (6!) years, they would have come up with something better. There were not many one-liners that made me laugh and the situations that arose between Stiller and DeNiro were awkward but not hilarious. The best word to describe those situations would be "annoying"; in fact, the whole film was annoying. To make matters worse, they stick Jessica Alba in it to make it ten times MORE annoying. They didn't need much help from her though. Adding Alba to what was an already great cast was just overkill. They make her out to be some stupid bimbo and it doesn't fit where the character's lives are. I am overly disappointed with the film. The only positive thing I brought out of it was getting to see Streisand and Hoffman together. They make for a great comedy. 1 and a half out of 4 stars.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger

In Woody Allen's latest film, the cast struggles with situations that life brings to them. You may be thinking, "Doesn't every film have a conflict?" The answer is yes, but in this film the struggles and conflicts of the characters delve into a much deeper hole than one is accustomed to. Even though the story is written with wit and cynicism, two things that I would usually give up my arms and legs to see, "Stranger" takes that and lowers it to a point to where it's depressing to watch. I am a fan of Allen's work and thoroughly enjoyed "Whatever Works" even though some panned it, but "Tall Dark Stranger" is very black and morbid. Yes, there are funny one-liners that remind you that it's a Woody Allen film, but something didn't seem to be there. That charm and dry humor that I'm used to was not included in this piece of work. So this leads me to think, was it actually as bad as I originally perceived it to be? No, because the writing still enticed me. BUT, don't get me wrong, it was not his best. 2 and a half out of 4 stars.

Monday, October 4, 2010

The Social Network

The drama involves the creator of Facebook getting into all sorts of trouble because he supposedly stole the idea from elite classmates at Harvard. The story evolves to be intrigiuing and interesting. The acting is great and the when the plot thickens things become even more interesting. It reaches deepep into the actual background surrounding Facebook and the laxidazical creator. Great quality film that deserves any award recognition it recieves. 3 and a half out of 4 stars.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Flipped

This is my 100th post. It's hard to believe that I've seen so many movies on the big screen in under two years. I thank the readers for the continued support and I hope to make changes to my blog format and the way I review films in the near future.

Flipped was a feel-good film about preteens and first loves. The story of the film stood out in that it wasn't a cliche film about a girl who loves a boy and goes gaga over him throughout the movie. Instead, the movie was more complicated. The relationships were revolved around conflict and reality. The story told in the movie is something that can really happen in a teen's life. The child actors were surprisingly good. They were very witty and had a way of talking that made you smile. It's rare that I come across a movie that is set in the 1960's that doesn't impress me, but this is more than that, it was a feel good coming-of-age story about twelve year olds that grow upbefore your eyes in under two hours. 3 and a half out of 4 stars.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Going the Distance

Drew Barrymore was as likable as she has been in her career. She plas vintage Drew, a girl who charms her way through the film and regardless of the movie, you still like her. The movie was great with an evolving story and even though the ending was a bit cliche, it was still enjoyable. Justin Long was witty and is a great second half to a sparkling Drew Barrymore. Not much to say about this film other than it was funny, charming, and fast paced. 3 out of 4 stars.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Expendables

"The Expendables" was a great action film. There was no real significant story, no amazing writing, but there were hilarious one-liners. The acting of Stallone and others was nothing short of fantastic, as usual. There isn't much that I can write about this movie. The explosions were amazing and the scenery was great. It was a great tough guy film that would be entertaining to even people that don't usually enjoy these types of movies. 2 and a half out of 4 stars.

Monday, August 2, 2010

The Kids Are All Right

Lesbian couple Jules (Julianne Moore) and Nic (Annette Bening) have been together for almost 20 years and have two teenage kids named Joni and Laser, who were conceived via artificial insemination. Without telling their moms, Joni and Laser seek out their biological father,  Paul (Mark Ruffalo). Complications arise when the teens bond with Paul and invite him into their lives.

My Review: This film was better than alright. It was one of the most touching and decently written comedy-dramas I have seen in some time. It was certainly different than watching the same rom-com garbage that comes out in theaters every week. It was a breath of fresh air, if you will. The acting was phenominal and the story was realistic and can be relatable to every family. It portrays the lives and love among family members and what happens when that pattern is interrupted. Just a quality film that is appealing to even the most conservative people who don't typically approve of the lifestyles that some live. It is more so a film about relationships in general and less about the "gay" relationship. I wouldn't have minded seeing more because the story captured my attention. 3 and a half out of 4 stars.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Despicable Me

Despicable Me is one of those movies that leave you satisfied. The story was original and the humor was for children and adults alike. I usually hate Steve Carrell in anything he does but he made a wise choice in picking this role because I didn't have to see him. It was a cute story. I have nothing much to say about the film except that it was pleasing and didn't leave me feeling awkward. The minions were very funny and contributed a lot of humor in the film. 3 out of 4 stars.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Inception

The film was one of a kind and will probably never be matched again. Christopher Nolan created a gem by making a movie so unpredictable. Also, the acting of all the stars and especislly DiCaprio anhd Cotillard made it seem authentic even though in reality the story is the farthest thing from that. I enjoyed the special effects and the attention paid to every minute detail. Inception is one of the greatest and most original films I have ever seen. I have not one single critique of the film. The ending will invalidate any ideas you may have about the reality aspect. Easily the best film of the summer. 4 out of 4 stars.