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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grown Ups

The death of their childhood basketball coach leads to a reunion for old friends (Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, etc.), who gather at the site of a championship celebration from years ago. Picking up right where they left off, with their wives and children present, the buddies discover why age does not necessarily equal maturity.

My Review: The film was hilarious. It was great to see Adam Sandler, one of my favorite actors making pure comedy. After watching the "Funny People" mess, I was looking for something worth while. There isn't a single piece of Happy Madison film that I did not enjoy watching, aside from "Funny People", of course. "Grown Ups" included many long time friends of Sandler's and the chemistry between the guys was magical. It made for a comedy that in my eyes will never get old. The jokes were fresh, the on-screen chemistry of all of the actors was authentic and there were some major surprises that had me rolling. They couldn't have more diverse people in the film that knew how to have fun. Adam Sandler has done it again! 3 out of 4 stars.

Sex and the City 2

The continuing story of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha as they struggle to manage their love lives, friendships and careers in New York City.

My Review: The story has been sucked dry out of the franchise. The story wasn't there at all and the one-liners were not funny for the most part. The first film is a lot better because there was substance and humor. Even though the sequel is about ten minutes shorter than the original, it felt a half-hour longer. The part of the film that took place in the middle east was boring and drawn out. It is called "Sex and the City" because the story takes place in the city. All in all, do not go in expecting a great sequel because it was not. However, it still did not fail to get the theater full of fans laughing and feeling satisfied that their favorite girls were back. 1 and a half out of 4 stars.

Letters to Juliet

When a young American (Amanda Seyfried) travels to the city of Verona, she joins a group of volunteers who respond to letters to Juliet seeking advice about love. After answering one letter from 1957, she inspires the woman who wrote the letter (Vanessa Redgrave) to travel to Italy in search of her long-lost love.

My Review: "Letters to Juliet" is a typical romantic comedy that caters to the female population looking to watch something fluffy. The film had no real substance and an unrealistic story but once again, it is almost required to get large female audiences because of the fairy tale story. If stories like this existed in real life, my review blog would have been published a year and a half ago. That would be a fairy tale for me. Amanda Seyfried is a decent actress that is typecast into playing the cute and innocent twenty-something girl that has it all. The silky blonde hair blowing through the wind can only satisfy us for a short time until people realize that the "Mamma Mia" star stars in films with no substance. She has the chops but has not been able to show them. I predict that at some point she will become the next Anne Hathaway who also started as a Disney actress and eventually got her career going with "Rachel Getting Married". 1 and a half out of 4 stars.

Iron Man 2

The world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is the super hero Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. With Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and James Rhodes (Don Cheadle), Tony forms new alliances and confronts powerful new forces.

My Review: "Iron Man 2" was without a doubt of the most astonishing superhero action films that I have seen in my life and it was arguably better than the 2008 Iron Man. What made it better was the action and new alliances that Stark forms to take on Whiplash (Mickey Rourke). The humor in the sequel was funnier and the story was more together. Also, it lets us in on something that Marvel is doing with all of its superhero films. They are making it look like their movies take place at the same times but in different parts of the country. Now, I am no Marvel or DC nerd, but this piece of film was intriguing enough to keep my attention for two hours. Moving forward, the acting of everyone in the film was superb and made the story and vigilantes seem no less than authentic. 3 and a half out of 4 stars.