Released: 2014
OVERALL RATING: * * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Writers: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Producers: Roy Lee, Dan Lin
Main Actors: Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell, Chris Pratt, Liam Neeson
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * *
Story Line: * * * *
Predictability: * * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * .5
Animation: * * *
This was a really cute movie. "Everything is awesome" is still going through my head. Catchy little song.
So, I'm not really sure what exactly to say about it. I haven't seen anything like this movie before. Maybe that is what I should say - it is an extremely unique movie. It definitely brought back memories of playing with Legos when I was little with my stepsister, Kelly. We had a huge bag full of them. I don't even know if we had any actual kits cause we never built anything off of instructions.
I recommend this movie. I also recommend buying a Lego set before watching it cause you will want to build something after seeing it.
Favorite Line(s): SPACESHIP!...SPACESHIP!...SPACESHIP! / Any idea is a good idea except the non-happy ones.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
The Wolf of Wall Street
Released: 2013
OVERALL RATING: * * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writers: Terence Winter, Jordan Belfort
Producers: Riza Aziz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joey McFarland, Martin Scorsese, Emma Tillinger Koskoff
Main Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * * *
Plot: * * * *
Predictability: * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
I was totally engrossed in this movie. I really enjoyed it, but it wasn't what I thought it would be. It was a little shocking, a lot funny, a bit dramatic, and totally worth every minute (it was a long movie).
When I state "it wasn't what I thought it would be", I basically mean that I wasn't expecting the humor and absurdity that was prevalent throughout the film. I appreciated the fallback to the 80s. It was a time of excessiveness. I think the film reflected the 80s and 90s attitude perfectly.
There were two scenes that were absolutely amazing - Matthew McConaughey and Leonardo DiCaprio's lunch discussion and the delayed hit of Lemon overdose. I laughed - and I'm still laughing thinking about it. That is definitely a sign of a good film. Just thinking about parts of it make me laugh.
I want to see it again.
Favorite Line: I am not gonna die sober.
OVERALL RATING: * * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writers: Terence Winter, Jordan Belfort
Producers: Riza Aziz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joey McFarland, Martin Scorsese, Emma Tillinger Koskoff
Main Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * * *
Plot: * * * *
Predictability: * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
I was totally engrossed in this movie. I really enjoyed it, but it wasn't what I thought it would be. It was a little shocking, a lot funny, a bit dramatic, and totally worth every minute (it was a long movie).
When I state "it wasn't what I thought it would be", I basically mean that I wasn't expecting the humor and absurdity that was prevalent throughout the film. I appreciated the fallback to the 80s. It was a time of excessiveness. I think the film reflected the 80s and 90s attitude perfectly.
There were two scenes that were absolutely amazing - Matthew McConaughey and Leonardo DiCaprio's lunch discussion and the delayed hit of Lemon overdose. I laughed - and I'm still laughing thinking about it. That is definitely a sign of a good film. Just thinking about parts of it make me laugh.
I want to see it again.
Favorite Line: I am not gonna die sober.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Ender's Game
Released: 2013
OVERALL RATING: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Directing: * * *
Plot: * *
Predictability: * * *
Acting: * * *
Entertainment Value: * * *
Director: Gavin Hood
Writer: Gavin Hood (screenplay), Orson Scott Card (book)
Producers: Orson Scott Card, Robert Chartoff, Ed Ulbrich, Gigi Pritzker
Main Actors: Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Ben Kingsley
I loved everything except for the end of this movie. I was totally engrossed in the film and enjoying it until they went to the outpost planet. Ben Kingsley was great, he was in that part of the movie, but I just didn't like like that whole end section. It seemed like they were rushing to finish it and left some stuff out that would have explained things a bit better.
The flow and pace of the movie changed at the end as well. I know a mega shift in the story occurred, but there were things that happened that didn't seem to have enough motivation. It was disappointing.
I was impressed with Butterfield's acting. He did a good job with the role. All the kids did well, but I guess they wouldn't be in the movie if they hadn't, right? And..., I'm rambling.
So, back to the movie review. Do I recommend this? YES!!!!! It's science fiction, stars Harrison Ford, shows spaceships, and has explosions. Even though the end wasn't polished, that list alone makes it a definite "must see". What else would you need really?
Favorite Quote:
Your mamma cheated. That's why you look like a plumber.
OVERALL RATING: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Directing: * * *
Plot: * *
Predictability: * * *
Acting: * * *
Entertainment Value: * * *
Director: Gavin Hood
Writer: Gavin Hood (screenplay), Orson Scott Card (book)
Producers: Orson Scott Card, Robert Chartoff, Ed Ulbrich, Gigi Pritzker
Main Actors: Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Ben Kingsley
I loved everything except for the end of this movie. I was totally engrossed in the film and enjoying it until they went to the outpost planet. Ben Kingsley was great, he was in that part of the movie, but I just didn't like like that whole end section. It seemed like they were rushing to finish it and left some stuff out that would have explained things a bit better.
The flow and pace of the movie changed at the end as well. I know a mega shift in the story occurred, but there were things that happened that didn't seem to have enough motivation. It was disappointing.
I was impressed with Butterfield's acting. He did a good job with the role. All the kids did well, but I guess they wouldn't be in the movie if they hadn't, right? And..., I'm rambling.
So, back to the movie review. Do I recommend this? YES!!!!! It's science fiction, stars Harrison Ford, shows spaceships, and has explosions. Even though the end wasn't polished, that list alone makes it a definite "must see". What else would you need really?
Favorite Quote:
Your mamma cheated. That's why you look like a plumber.
Monday, May 26, 2014
The Monuments Men
Released: 2014
OVERALL RATING: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: George Clooney
Writers: George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Robert Edsel, Bret Witter
Producers: George Clooney, Grant Heslov
Main Actors: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman
Directing: * * * .5
Acting: * * *
Predictability: * * *
Plot: * * .5
Entertainment Value: * * *
I wonder if George Clooney was involved in this film? (typed sarcastically) I take it this was his pet project last year. It was a noble effort George. While I wouldn't say this was a brilliant film, I do think it was good and worth seeing.
A couple things that popped into my mind as I watched the beginning of this movie are: 1. How many war films has Matt Damon done now?, and 2. How many movies have George and Matt been in together? This is not what I should be thinking about when I'm watching a movie. It bothered me that I did, thus leading me to conclude that the movie needed a bit more to fully grasp my attention as soon as it started.
There just seemed to be something missing from the movie. I can't put a finger on what that is, but there was something that I felt it lacked. The acting was good, the story was interesting, stuff blew up, guns were in abundance... it was right up the Val alley, yet there was something...
Anyway, I do recommend the movie. I just think with the talent involved and such an interesting plot, it could have been a bit 'more'. When I think of what the 'more' is, I'll let ya all know.
Favorite Scene: Bill Murray and Bob Balaban at the dentist in Germany.
OVERALL RATING: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: George Clooney
Writers: George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Robert Edsel, Bret Witter
Producers: George Clooney, Grant Heslov
Main Actors: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman
Directing: * * * .5
Acting: * * *
Predictability: * * *
Plot: * * .5
Entertainment Value: * * *
I wonder if George Clooney was involved in this film? (typed sarcastically) I take it this was his pet project last year. It was a noble effort George. While I wouldn't say this was a brilliant film, I do think it was good and worth seeing.
A couple things that popped into my mind as I watched the beginning of this movie are: 1. How many war films has Matt Damon done now?, and 2. How many movies have George and Matt been in together? This is not what I should be thinking about when I'm watching a movie. It bothered me that I did, thus leading me to conclude that the movie needed a bit more to fully grasp my attention as soon as it started.
There just seemed to be something missing from the movie. I can't put a finger on what that is, but there was something that I felt it lacked. The acting was good, the story was interesting, stuff blew up, guns were in abundance... it was right up the Val alley, yet there was something...
Anyway, I do recommend the movie. I just think with the talent involved and such an interesting plot, it could have been a bit 'more'. When I think of what the 'more' is, I'll let ya all know.
Favorite Scene: Bill Murray and Bob Balaban at the dentist in Germany.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightening Thief
Released: 2010
OVERALL RATING: * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Chris Columbus
Writers: Craig Titley (screenplay), Rick Riordan (novel)
Producers: Michael Barnathan, Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, Karen Rosenfelt
Main Actors: Logan Lerman, Sean Bean, Pierce Brosnan, Brandon T. Jackson
Directing: * *
Acting: * * .5
Plot: * * *
Predictability: * .5
Entertainment Value: * * *
Special Effects: * * *
Oh Pierce Brosnan, why? WHY? WHY? WHY? I cannot undo seeing you as a Centaur. And I REALLY wish I could. I am still disturbed by the image. You are so hot with the longer hair and leather, but the horse bottom??? MY EYES!!!!! THEY BURN!!!!
Okay, so... aside from my despair of Pierce's character, I thought the movie was okay. It definitely wasn't something I'd highly recommend, but it had decent entertainment value. I did like getting reacquainted with Greek mythology. Memories of theater classes at W&M came flooding back to me, and the original Clash of the Titans, and Hercules - the PST show I was in a few years ago.
The effects were okay. The monsters were pretty good and definitely frightened me (but I've been a wimp lately). I do think they could have done a bit more with the effects, but all in all, they were solid.
The fight scenes could have used some work. I know the actors are young, but I think they would have benefitted from Andrew Dillon's expertise.
I do recommend this movie if your looking for something entertaining, but not mentally intriguing. Like I said, it's decent.
Favorite Scene: Percy's first fight in the Half Blood camp and his discovery of the power he has over water. Kinda cool.
OVERALL RATING: * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Chris Columbus
Writers: Craig Titley (screenplay), Rick Riordan (novel)
Producers: Michael Barnathan, Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, Karen Rosenfelt
Main Actors: Logan Lerman, Sean Bean, Pierce Brosnan, Brandon T. Jackson
Directing: * *
Acting: * * .5
Plot: * * *
Predictability: * .5
Entertainment Value: * * *
Special Effects: * * *
Oh Pierce Brosnan, why? WHY? WHY? WHY? I cannot undo seeing you as a Centaur. And I REALLY wish I could. I am still disturbed by the image. You are so hot with the longer hair and leather, but the horse bottom??? MY EYES!!!!! THEY BURN!!!!
Okay, so... aside from my despair of Pierce's character, I thought the movie was okay. It definitely wasn't something I'd highly recommend, but it had decent entertainment value. I did like getting reacquainted with Greek mythology. Memories of theater classes at W&M came flooding back to me, and the original Clash of the Titans, and Hercules - the PST show I was in a few years ago.
The effects were okay. The monsters were pretty good and definitely frightened me (but I've been a wimp lately). I do think they could have done a bit more with the effects, but all in all, they were solid.
The fight scenes could have used some work. I know the actors are young, but I think they would have benefitted from Andrew Dillon's expertise.
I do recommend this movie if your looking for something entertaining, but not mentally intriguing. Like I said, it's decent.
Favorite Scene: Percy's first fight in the Half Blood camp and his discovery of the power he has over water. Kinda cool.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Killing Them Softly
Released: 2012
OVERALL RATING: * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Andrew Dominik
Writers: Andrew Dominik, George V. Higgins
Producers: Dede Gardner, Anthony Katagas, Brad Pitt
Main Actors: Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Scott McNairy, James Gandolfini
Directing: * *
Plot: *
Acting: * * .5
Predictability: * * * * (I had no idea what was going to happen)
Entertainment Value: *
This was a weird movie. It took awhile for it to make sense and for me to actually want to keep watching. It did pick up once things became clear. I wouldn't say I liked it, but by the end, I was engaged and wanted to see what happened.
I think the best part of the movie was that I didn't really know what was going to happen. That is why I have my predictability rating a 4 - it wasn't predictable for me. I do think the beginning was a little too unpredictable though. It was just too random.
Things did blow up and there were fights and guns. Always a plus for a Val review. There was a bit too much nasty guy talk though. Totally unnecessary. I will never understand that - why is talking about gross sexual acts entertaining? I don't think I want to understand it. I just know that it is repulsive and I'd rather not hear it.
To sum up, I don't really recommend this movie. If you're a Brad Pitt fan and want to see him looking like a sleazy, 70s pimp, then you may want to watch it.
Favorite Lines:
"He flies in, whacks the guy and flies out."
"Make him fly coach."
OVERALL RATING: * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Andrew Dominik
Writers: Andrew Dominik, George V. Higgins
Producers: Dede Gardner, Anthony Katagas, Brad Pitt
Main Actors: Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Scott McNairy, James Gandolfini
Directing: * *
Plot: *
Acting: * * .5
Predictability: * * * * (I had no idea what was going to happen)
Entertainment Value: *
This was a weird movie. It took awhile for it to make sense and for me to actually want to keep watching. It did pick up once things became clear. I wouldn't say I liked it, but by the end, I was engaged and wanted to see what happened.
I think the best part of the movie was that I didn't really know what was going to happen. That is why I have my predictability rating a 4 - it wasn't predictable for me. I do think the beginning was a little too unpredictable though. It was just too random.
Things did blow up and there were fights and guns. Always a plus for a Val review. There was a bit too much nasty guy talk though. Totally unnecessary. I will never understand that - why is talking about gross sexual acts entertaining? I don't think I want to understand it. I just know that it is repulsive and I'd rather not hear it.
To sum up, I don't really recommend this movie. If you're a Brad Pitt fan and want to see him looking like a sleazy, 70s pimp, then you may want to watch it.
Favorite Lines:
"He flies in, whacks the guy and flies out."
"Make him fly coach."
Saturday, April 26, 2014
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.
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.
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