Released: 2010
Director: James Wan
Writer: Leigh Whannell
Producer: Jason Blum
Main Actors: Patrick Wilson; Rose Byrne
OVERALL RATING: * * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4)
Directing: * * * *
Acting: * * * *
Plot Line: * * *
Predictability: * * * *
Wow... I was engaged, surprised, and on the edge of my seat most of the movie. I recommend this film (yes, it gets the to be called a "film" in the Val review) for anyone who likes suspense / horror films. It was truly awesome.
I really like that it didn't quite go as I was expecting. It did move in the overall direction I thought it would, but the details of it were surprising. I'd write more about this topic if I wanted to spoil it for you and I don't want to do that, so no more on this subject.
The cinematography worked very well for the film. The camera angles and movement speed were spot on for what was happening. There - my shout out to the cinematographer has been stated.
Ever since I saw the first few episodes of Damage, I have had a high respect for Rose Byrne. She is a very good actress and doesn't disappoint in this movie. Yeah, yeah... another shout out.
Favorite Scene: At the beginning, when Josh and Renai were going to bed and started joking around. It was endearing and cute. Made me want a marriage like that - end of a hard day and your spouse still makes you giggle.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Trust the Man
Released: 2005
Director: Bart Freundlich
Producer: Bart Freundlich; Sidney Kimmel; Tim Perell
Main Actors: David Duchovny; Julianne Moore; Billy Crudup; Maggie Gyllenhaal
OVERALL RATING: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * *
Story Line: * *
Entertainment Value: * * *
Predictability: * * .5
This is a bias review. I'll state that right now. You can choose to stop reading due to this fact, but I, of course, want you to read this in it's entirety.
Why is it bias you ask? Well, I am totally in love with David Duchovny and would never, ever, EVER trash anything he's done. I just couldn't. Don't ask me to, cause I won't.
Another reason is that I DO NOT like certain things that take place in this movie. It is wrong, wrong, wrong (did I mention it was wrong?) to cheat on your spouse. I won't say anymore about it so that I don't spoil it for people that want to see it.
I did cry a little during a scene with Tobey (Crudup) and Elaine (Gyllenhaal). I could really identify with the emotions she was feeling. Ahh, the ups and downs of relationships. Speaking of, I don't recommend this movie early on in a new relationship. Its too... well... I just don't recommend it.
With that being said, it was an engaging movie and kept me entertained. There were some unexpected things that happened, which was good. I was fearing a typical story line.
Favorite Scene: Julianne Moore in the kitchen on her last night to eat carbs. Been there / done that!
Director: Bart Freundlich
Producer: Bart Freundlich; Sidney Kimmel; Tim Perell
Main Actors: David Duchovny; Julianne Moore; Billy Crudup; Maggie Gyllenhaal
OVERALL RATING: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * *
Story Line: * *
Entertainment Value: * * *
Predictability: * * .5
This is a bias review. I'll state that right now. You can choose to stop reading due to this fact, but I, of course, want you to read this in it's entirety.
Why is it bias you ask? Well, I am totally in love with David Duchovny and would never, ever, EVER trash anything he's done. I just couldn't. Don't ask me to, cause I won't.
Another reason is that I DO NOT like certain things that take place in this movie. It is wrong, wrong, wrong (did I mention it was wrong?) to cheat on your spouse. I won't say anymore about it so that I don't spoil it for people that want to see it.
I did cry a little during a scene with Tobey (Crudup) and Elaine (Gyllenhaal). I could really identify with the emotions she was feeling. Ahh, the ups and downs of relationships. Speaking of, I don't recommend this movie early on in a new relationship. Its too... well... I just don't recommend it.
With that being said, it was an engaging movie and kept me entertained. There were some unexpected things that happened, which was good. I was fearing a typical story line.
Favorite Scene: Julianne Moore in the kitchen on her last night to eat carbs. Been there / done that!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Horrible Bosses
Released: 2011
Director: Seth Gordon
Writers: Michael Markowitz; John Francis Daley
Main Actors: Jason Bateman; Charlie Day; Jason Sudeikis; Kevin Spacey
OVERALL RATING: * * * 1/2
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Acting: * * *
Directing: * * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Predicability: * * * *
Story Line: * * *
This was quite an enjoyable movie. I laughed a lot. It is definitely worth seeing. It will also make you appreciate your boss (or make you really want to act on the wish to kill them).
I have to admit, I am NOT a Jennifer Aniston fan, but I have to give her props for her role in the movie. She did a good job as a sex kitten bitch - really. I love her darker hair too. It actually took me a moment to realize it was her.
Jason Bateman, what can I say, I love him in movies. I don't think I've seen him in anything I don't like. He was great in this movie.
I enjoyed that there were many unpredictable parts in this movie. It went ways I wasn't quite expecting. Of course, there were the normal 'gotta put it in there' things, but overall, I wasn't anticipating what was happening next.
Favorite Scene: Recon at Bobby's House
Favorite Quote: "I'm getting so good at sifting things out of cocaine!"
Director: Seth Gordon
Writers: Michael Markowitz; John Francis Daley
Main Actors: Jason Bateman; Charlie Day; Jason Sudeikis; Kevin Spacey
OVERALL RATING: * * * 1/2
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Acting: * * *
Directing: * * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Predicability: * * * *
Story Line: * * *
This was quite an enjoyable movie. I laughed a lot. It is definitely worth seeing. It will also make you appreciate your boss (or make you really want to act on the wish to kill them).
I have to admit, I am NOT a Jennifer Aniston fan, but I have to give her props for her role in the movie. She did a good job as a sex kitten bitch - really. I love her darker hair too. It actually took me a moment to realize it was her.
Jason Bateman, what can I say, I love him in movies. I don't think I've seen him in anything I don't like. He was great in this movie.
I enjoyed that there were many unpredictable parts in this movie. It went ways I wasn't quite expecting. Of course, there were the normal 'gotta put it in there' things, but overall, I wasn't anticipating what was happening next.
Favorite Scene: Recon at Bobby's House
Favorite Quote: "I'm getting so good at sifting things out of cocaine!"
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Super 8
Released: 2011
Director: J. J. Abrams
Producers: J. J. Abrams; Steven Spielberg
Writer: J. J. Abrams
Main Actors: Elle Fanning; Kyle Chandler; Joel Courtney
OVERALL RATING: * * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 with 4 being best)
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Acting: * * * *
Directing: * * * *
Predictability Factor: * * * *
Story Line: * * * *
My first thought about this movie is, well, brilliance. I want to see it again! I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of the film. Yes, this movie has earned my reference to it as a film.
I dreamed of making movies when I was young (and I still do). Watching this brought me back to my childhood and the fascination and passion that comes with being young and working to make your dreams happen. Did I mention the film was brilliant?
And of course, there was SCI FI!!!!!!! Yahooooweeeeee! Those of you that know me are fully aware I'm a sci fi fan and aliens are totally cool to me. It isn't surprising I like this film.
I'll state the obvious - I highly recommend this movie. You may not appreciate it as much as I do (or some of my friends that I know will love it), but it is a very good movie. I think some defining movie making moments are going to come out of this film. The train crash could very well become the next 'Indiana Jones running with the bolder behind him' scene. Everyone knows it.
Favorite Line: "And wash your hands this time."
Favorite Character: Cary (played by Ryan Lee)
Favorite Scene: Duh - the train crash, but I also liked the scene in the pot head's car
Director: J. J. Abrams
Producers: J. J. Abrams; Steven Spielberg
Writer: J. J. Abrams
Main Actors: Elle Fanning; Kyle Chandler; Joel Courtney
OVERALL RATING: * * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 with 4 being best)
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Acting: * * * *
Directing: * * * *
Predictability Factor: * * * *
Story Line: * * * *
My first thought about this movie is, well, brilliance. I want to see it again! I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of the film. Yes, this movie has earned my reference to it as a film.
I dreamed of making movies when I was young (and I still do). Watching this brought me back to my childhood and the fascination and passion that comes with being young and working to make your dreams happen. Did I mention the film was brilliant?
And of course, there was SCI FI!!!!!!! Yahooooweeeeee! Those of you that know me are fully aware I'm a sci fi fan and aliens are totally cool to me. It isn't surprising I like this film.
I'll state the obvious - I highly recommend this movie. You may not appreciate it as much as I do (or some of my friends that I know will love it), but it is a very good movie. I think some defining movie making moments are going to come out of this film. The train crash could very well become the next 'Indiana Jones running with the bolder behind him' scene. Everyone knows it.
Favorite Line: "And wash your hands this time."
Favorite Character: Cary (played by Ryan Lee)
Favorite Scene: Duh - the train crash, but I also liked the scene in the pot head's car
Sunday, June 5, 2011
The Rite
Released: 2011
Main Actors: Anthony Hopkins; Colin O'Donoghue; Alice Braga
Director: Mikael Hafstrom
Writer: Michael Petroni
Producers: Beau Flynn; Tripp Vinson
OVERALL RATING: * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being the best)
Acting: * * *
Directing: * *
Predictability: *
Story: * *
There were some great camera shots in this movie, but, unfortunately, they didn't make the film a "must see". I think I could have done without seeing it. My life would continue as is without having added this to the movie catalog in my head.
I thought about why I didn't like the movie all that much. The acting was good and, well, come on... Anthony Hopkins?!?! Yeah, great casting there. Anyway, I think it's because the pace of the movie was a bit too slow. There were so many scenes with nothing really happening except 'dramatic music' in the background.
So, I can't say NOT to see the movie, but I do recommend A LOT of others before this one. If you want to have a day of Exorcism movies, then definitely include this one that day.
Favorite Scene: Where Michael first meets Father Exorcist. Lots of kittens (I like kittens).
Main Actors: Anthony Hopkins; Colin O'Donoghue; Alice Braga
Director: Mikael Hafstrom
Writer: Michael Petroni
Producers: Beau Flynn; Tripp Vinson
OVERALL RATING: * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being the best)
Acting: * * *
Directing: * *
Predictability: *
Story: * *
There were some great camera shots in this movie, but, unfortunately, they didn't make the film a "must see". I think I could have done without seeing it. My life would continue as is without having added this to the movie catalog in my head.
I thought about why I didn't like the movie all that much. The acting was good and, well, come on... Anthony Hopkins?!?! Yeah, great casting there. Anyway, I think it's because the pace of the movie was a bit too slow. There were so many scenes with nothing really happening except 'dramatic music' in the background.
So, I can't say NOT to see the movie, but I do recommend A LOT of others before this one. If you want to have a day of Exorcism movies, then definitely include this one that day.
Favorite Scene: Where Michael first meets Father Exorcist. Lots of kittens (I like kittens).
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Little Fockers
Released: 2010
Main Actors: Ben Stiller; Robert De Niro; Owen Wilson
Director: Paul Weitz
Writers: John Hamburg; Larry Stuckey
Overall Rating: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Acting: * * *
Story Line: * *
Predictability: * *
Directing: * * *
Cuteness Factor: * * * *
Okay, okay - I know... Totally predictable, but funny!!!! I have a special place in my heart for Ben Stiller. What can I say? He had me at Zoolander.
As far as a simple movie to watch and have a laugh at, I am fully recommending this flick. It is silly and provides for a good escape. It isn't hight brow comedy mind you, but there are some good lines / scenes.
Favorite Line: Do you have what it takes to be the God Focker?
Favorite Scene: When Owen Wilson comes to visit. I heart that guy. Sigh...
Main Actors: Ben Stiller; Robert De Niro; Owen Wilson
Director: Paul Weitz
Writers: John Hamburg; Larry Stuckey
Overall Rating: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Acting: * * *
Story Line: * *
Predictability: * *
Directing: * * *
Cuteness Factor: * * * *
Okay, okay - I know... Totally predictable, but funny!!!! I have a special place in my heart for Ben Stiller. What can I say? He had me at Zoolander.
As far as a simple movie to watch and have a laugh at, I am fully recommending this flick. It is silly and provides for a good escape. It isn't hight brow comedy mind you, but there are some good lines / scenes.
Favorite Line: Do you have what it takes to be the God Focker?
Favorite Scene: When Owen Wilson comes to visit. I heart that guy. Sigh...
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Something Borrowed
Released: 2011
Overall Rating: * *
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * *
Predictability: *
Story Line: * *
Director: Luke Greenfield
Writers: Jennie Snyder (Screenplay); Emily Giffin (Novel)
Main Stars: Ginnifer Goodwin; Kate Hudson; Colin Egglesfield
Okay, overall, this was a pretty good chick flick. BUT... (there is always a but isn't there)... I could not get past the casting issue I had with Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin. They were suppose to be the same age! They sooo did not look like it. Kate Hudson looks so much older than Ginnifer Goodwin and it kept distracting me from the movie. It wasn't pulling me in cause what I was seeing didn't jive with what they were saying.
The movie was predictable, but that didn't surprise me. It's a chick flick and, well, they are suppose to end happily. They even had the obligatory scene with the girl running back to the guy in the rain. Tragic denial, evil secrets, best friendships, love that was meant to be, etc... they definitely got the recipe right.
I did see this with my two besties, so it met the requirement for a girl's weekend movie. I wasn't disappointed in it due to that. I recommend this if you want a decent chick flick for a girl's movie night.
Favorite Scene: Dancing to Push It
Overall Rating: * *
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * *
Predictability: *
Story Line: * *
Director: Luke Greenfield
Writers: Jennie Snyder (Screenplay); Emily Giffin (Novel)
Main Stars: Ginnifer Goodwin; Kate Hudson; Colin Egglesfield
Okay, overall, this was a pretty good chick flick. BUT... (there is always a but isn't there)... I could not get past the casting issue I had with Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin. They were suppose to be the same age! They sooo did not look like it. Kate Hudson looks so much older than Ginnifer Goodwin and it kept distracting me from the movie. It wasn't pulling me in cause what I was seeing didn't jive with what they were saying.
The movie was predictable, but that didn't surprise me. It's a chick flick and, well, they are suppose to end happily. They even had the obligatory scene with the girl running back to the guy in the rain. Tragic denial, evil secrets, best friendships, love that was meant to be, etc... they definitely got the recipe right.
I did see this with my two besties, so it met the requirement for a girl's weekend movie. I wasn't disappointed in it due to that. I recommend this if you want a decent chick flick for a girl's movie night.
Favorite Scene: Dancing to Push It
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)