Silver Linings Playbook

Released:  2012

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

Director:  David O. Russell
Writers:  David O. Russell, Matthew Quick
Main Actors:  Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Chris Tucker
Producers:  Bruce Cohen, Donna Gigliotti, Jonathan Gordon

Directing:  *  *  * 
Acting:  *  *  *  *
Plot / Story:  *  *  *  .5
Predictability:  *  *  
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  * 

Honestly, I thought I'd find this movie only so-so.  It's not Sci Fi or action, so I figured it wouldn't really interest me all that much.  I am happy to admit that I was extremely wrong.

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!  Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence - well done.  I was pulled into the characters and became fully engrossed in their success.  I could identify with so much of the 'crazy' parts.  Tiffany's (Lawrence's character) love of dance was totally me.  I am not a 'dancer', but I love dancing and I really really want a small studio in my house.  That was awesome.

The story, while watching, seemed so realistic.  I think that is what I liked most about the movie - it was real.  The happy ending wasn't exactly realistic, but the characters, the reactions, the crazy... so true.

I highly recommend the movie in case you couldn't assertion that from what I wrote above.  It is not, in my opinion, a chick flick.  Close, but way to good and realistic to be a full blown girlie movie.  

Favorite Line:  I ordered raisin bran because I didn't want there to be any mistaking it for a date.

Favorite Scene:  4am Hemingway rant in Pat's parents bedroom. 

Fast Five

Released:  2011

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

Director:  Justing Lin
Writers:  Chris Morgan, Gary Scott Thompson
Producers: Vin Diesel, Michael Fottrell, Neal H. Moritz
Main Actors:  Vin Diesel, Paul Walker (RIP), Jordana Brewster, Dwayne Johnson

Directing:  *  *  *
Plot:  *  *  *
Acting:  *  *   .5
Predictability:  *  *  
Entertainment Value:  *  *  *  .5
Fight Staging:  *  *  * 
     (Yes, this is a new category for me - branching out)

Okay, so this is a Hollywood movie.  You HAVE to watch it with a suspension of disbelief.  It was pretty good though.  I liked this one a lot better then the 4th one.  I thought the story was better and, well, they brought in The Rock!  I do like the muscles on that man.  And he is much hotter than Vin Diesel, but I digress.

The acting was better in this movie then the last, but it was still somewhat mediocre.  It wasn't bad, just not really noteworthy.  I'm just commenting cause it was an improvement over 4.  And did I mention Dwayne Johnson is in it?  Oh right...

The car crashes and fights were pretty good.  That is why I added the 'Fight Staging' category to this review.  I'm thinking that my rating is more a review of the 'action coolness factor', but fight staging sounds smarter.

I recommend the movie.  It is predictable, but hey, the explosions and guns make up for that.  It was a bit odd knowing that Paul Walker isn't alive anymore.  RIP dude.   I'll miss these movies.

Favorite Line:  When I win, I'll buy you a lifetime supply of antidepressants.

Favorite Scene:  Gisele driving the course like a badass (Go Women Power!!)