Monday, January 23, 2012

Red Tails

Released:  2012

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Anthony Hemingway
Writer:  John Ridley
Main Actors:  Cuba Gooding Jr.;  Gerald McRaney;  David Oyelowo
Producer: 

Acting:  * *
Directing:  * * * 
Plot:  * * *
Entertainment Value:  * * * 1/2
Predictability:  * * 

The dog fights were cool, which I would have expected since the film had help from Lucas.  I am a little disappointed in the overall story though.  It felt a little like the film lacked continuity.  Some of the editing choices could have been better - maybe that is why I felt the continuity was off.

Some of the actors chosen for the movie were, well, WHY?  A few of them were just bad.

Due to the action and visuals in the film, I recommend seeing it in a movie theater.  After that, unless you have an awesome media setup, I'd skip it, UNLESS you love airplanes, which I happen to adore!

Favorite Quote:  You have black Jesus!

The Help

Released:  2011

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  *  .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)

Director:  Tate Taylor
Writer:  Tate Taylor;  Kathryn Stockett (novel)
Main Actors:  Emma Stone;  Viola Davis
Producers:  Michael Barnathan; Chris Columbus

Acting:  * * * *
Story Line:  * * *
Directing:  * * * *
Predictability:  * * *
Entertainment Value:  * * *

This was a very moving drama.  I was engaged through the entire film and never once thought "when is this gonna be over".  The drama genre is not one I normally am into, but I am really glad I saw this movie.

So...obviously, I recommend seeing this movie.  It is moving and funny, but can be a bit sad at moments.  The acting was awesome, especially Milly, played by Octavia Spencer.  She was brilliant!  I really enjoyed her performance. 

If you have already seen this movie, you can probably guess my favorite scene - the pie scene.  I did like the scene where Minny first went to Celia's too. 

Favorite Line:  "Minny don't burn fried chicken."

Monday, January 2, 2012

Paul

Released:  2011

OVERALL RATING:  *  *  * 
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being the best)

Director:  Greg Mottola
Producers:  Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Nira Park
Writer:  Nick Frost, Simon Pegg
Main Actors:  Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, Seth Rogan

Acting:  * * *
Plot:  * * * *
Directing:  * * * 
Story Line:  * * * 
Predictability:  * * .5

It's no surprise I liked this movie.  It was super entertaining and right up a geek's ally.  I LOVED the fact they they were at Comic Con and were visiting all the alien places.  It did warm my heart.

I think the only issues I have with the movie are that it was a bit predictable.  I suppose I shouldn't knock it for that though since, well, it is that kind of movie.  It was good. 

So, I obviously recommend seeing this movie.  Seth Rogen was hilarious as Paul. 

Favorite Scene:  In the Area 51 Alien Diner.  Jane Lynch was FUNNY!