Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Black Swan

Black Swan ««««½
Nina (Natalie Portman) has devoted her entire life to dance. When she is finally cast as the lead, The Swan Queen, she begins to slowly lose grip on reality and begins existing in a dark fairy tale.

This movie literally left me speechless. Not only was the story brilliant but the acting was flawless. Natalie Portman is astounding in this movie, there is no doubt that she will be nominated for an Academy Award for her role in this film. Mila Kunis also gave an amazing performance as Nina's rival/friend.

It was also neat to see the many significant parallels that were worked into the film, for instance, the soundtrack, that was composed by Clint Mansell, is a variation of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" ballet, but played backwards in a distorted manner.

This movie is very dark in many parts and does have some fairly suggestive and sexual moments, so i would not recommend this to younger audiences. But other then that this movie is brilliantly done, keeping you on the edge of your seat and guessing the entire time. Though not for everyone, would highly recommend it.




If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Black Swan:

Monday, December 6, 2010

Catfish

Catfish «««½
When Nev Schulman starts an online relationship his brother Ariel and friend Henry start to jokingly film him. The further Nev gets into the relationship the stranger it becomes. But when the three takes a trip to sort it out, they find something shocking that none of them ever expected.

This was not a very-known film, and really had no idea what it was about going into it. As the movie started it seemed like nothing special, just a camera following some guy around. but as the story progressed you start to see the main characters start to unravels this huge web full of lies and mysteries. This is a true story filmed documentary style, so it really gives you a sense of what the characters are going through and gives a feeling of suspense.It was a interesting and modern take on how technology is effecting all of us.



If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Catfish:

Tangled

Tangled «««
As a baby, Princess Rapunzel(Mandy Moore) was gifted with healing powers from a magic flower. One night she is kidnapped by Mother Gothel(Donna Murphy), who locks her away in a tower, keeping the princess' gift to herself. Almost 18 years pass with out Rapunzel leaving the tower or cutting her golden hair. But when the thief, Flynn Ryder(Levi Zachary) shows up looking for a hideout, the princess strikes a deal for him to lead to see the mysterious lights that appear in the night sky every year on her birthday. As Rapunzel leaves her tower she embarks on an adventure that will change her life!

This movie was a lot fun! The characters were lovable and well voiced. Although meant for kids, i think that people of all ages will enjoy it. I was suprised to find that the film was a musical, which like other Disney princess flicks was funny and well done.

I would say if your a disney fan like me or just like cartoons, you'll enjoy this flim.


If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Tangled:

127 Hours

127 Hours ««««
This is the remarkable true story of climber, Aron Ralston. While climbing in Utah, Ralston's arm becomes pinned under a boulder. This unfortunate event causes him to reflect on his life and helps him realize his will to live.

Going into the movie I had high hopes, seeing that Danny Boyle directed and helped write it. Boyle dose an amazing job keeping your attention and wondering what will happen next. I was also pleased with James Franco's performance, he plays the character flawlessly.
If you are familiar with the story, you understand that there is some graphic scenes that may not sit well with squeamish viewers.
This is one of the best films that I've seen this year. I definitely recommend seeing it.




If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love 127 Hours:

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Due Date

Due Date ««
With only a few days until his wife gives birth Peter Highman (Robert Downing Jr.) is in a rush to get home. But when he gets put on the no fly list, he is forced to road trip it with flamboyant actor Ethan Trembly (Zach Galifianakis). Little does Peter know know that he is about to be taken in the ride of his life!

I knew that there were going to be some funny moments because of Zach Galifianakis, But I was a bit disappointed when I had seen most of the really funny parts in the trailer. Not to say that it wasn't funny, but I knew a lot of the punch lines before they happend.

This movie is aimed for an older crowd, so there is some humor that may not be aporiate for younger audiances.


If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Due Date:

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Social Network

The Social Network «««««

The Social Network is the dramatic biopic of Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and the creation of the wildly popular Facebook. Starting as prank in his Harvard dorm, Mark starts one of the biggest phanomonon the world has ever seen.



This movie is one of the best movies of the year by far. The story is was wonderfully structured and well told. Along with that the cast was amazing! The film was full of great performances from Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield. I would recommend this movie for sure! David Fincher really created and amazing film.





If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love The Social Network:

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

The Swich

The Switch «««
Kassie and Wally are best friends, but when they hit 40, Kassie (Jennifer Aniston) decides that she wants to be a mom. Since there isn't any romantic prospects in here life, she decides to find a donor. But when, Wally (Jason Batman), makes the drunken mistake of switching the donor's "sample," for is own, he is forced to live with the secret that Kassie's son is really his.

This movie was surprisingly better then I expected. I find myself consistently impressed by Jason Bateman's acting spectrum. He and Jennifer Aniston had good chemistry and played their characters well. There was also a very funny supporting cast with Jeff Goldblum and Juliette Lewis. Thomas Robinson gives an amazing performance as Sebastian, the boy.



If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love The Switch:

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World «««
Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) is just your average 22. But when he falls for the mysterious Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), he finds himself in an adventure that requires him has to defeat Ramona's seven ex's.

This movie is flat out ridiculous, that being said, I truly did enjoyed it. From the beginning to the end the film was full of funny moments and dialog that was exceptionally witty. If you are a video game fan, you'll love this movie! Most of the fight scenes were styled to look like classic arcade games. Although the Action was over the top it was well done and fun to watch.
The actors had chemistry and were paired perfectly with the characters they played.
The film is aimed at more of a young adult crowd, but i think that older adults will be able to appreciate it as well. I definitely would recommend this is one. You'll enjoy it.

If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World:

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Salt

Salt «««
Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie), is a CIA agent that is know as one of the best. But when a Russian defector comes to the CIA claiming that she is a Russian spy, she has to flee and try to clear her name. As more and more evidence is gathered, it could be possible that Salt is not quite who she appeared to be.

I always love a good action movie! I like even more when there's a solid story line to go with it. Unfortunately a film with both is very uncommon and almost impossible. This is case for Salt. There was a lot of cool action, but the story was not a developed as i would have liked. Going into the movie I was told not to take it to seriously, and I'm glad that i followed that advice, for there were times where I just laughed to myself because that action was so crazy and farfetched. But as a fellow viewer said, " I was entertained the whole movie." This movie has all kinds of great twists that will keep you guessing the entire time. Needless to say you will be entertained, but don't expect to see this one at the Academy Awards.

If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Salt:

The Other Guys

The Other Guys ««
Allen and Terry are two cops with clashing personalities are paired as partners in New York City. Allen (Will Ferrell) is a play it safe cop that seems to enjoy paper work. Terry (Mark Wahlberg)is an action hungry cop that was stuck behind a desk after an accidentally shooting.
The two stumble on a case that leads them head to head with high-profile investment scam. What at first seemed to be a simple crime soon showed it self to be much bigger and dangerous.

This movie looks hilarious from the preview. I was excited to see am action-filled comedy. Unfortunately this film was a miss. I walked out thinking that it tried way to hard to make you laugh. Every three seconds there was a little funny comment or joke, it became too much. Don't get me wrong there were a few funny parts, just not enough.




If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love The Other Guys:

Saturday, August 7, 2010

The Bounty Hunter

The Bounty Hunter ««
Reporter, Nicole Hurly (Jennifer Aniston), is on the brink of breaking a huge story when she is hunted down by a bounty hunter that turns out to be her ex-husband, who is more then happy to cart her off to jail. While bringing her in, Milo (Gerard Butler) realizes that Nicole is not the only one being hunted. Now they must figure out who is trying to kill them while trying not to "kill" each other.

I'm not going to lie, I like a good rom-com every now and then. The Bounty Hunter was a fun movie. When I say fun, that means that it had some good moments and was overall entertaining, but not great. I'm not quite sure Gerard Butler was right for this role. Not to say that he's not a great actor, but he really didn't fit this film. Now Jennifer Aniston, on the other hand, has really impressed me with the last few roles that she has played. I think that she is great in these kind of movies and that she fit her character well. Overall I think if your bored, go see this one in the dollar theater, or wait to rent it. You might enjoy it, no guarantee.

If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love The Bounty Hunter:

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Cyrus

Cyrus «««
John (John C. Reilly) has been alone and stuck in an awkward state, for almost seven years. When he has nearly given up hope, his luck improves when he meets Molly (Marisa Tomei). Just when things couldn't get any better, John meets Cyrus (Jonah Hill), Molly's, 21 year old, son. As John and Molly's relationship starts flourish, John slowly starts to realize that Cyrus is doing everything in his power to pull the couple apart.


When I first saw the the preview for this movie, it looked hilarious. But while watching, I felt like the movie couldn't decide between being a comedy or a drama . There were a few funny moments, but most of them were more awkward then anything else. This film is very slow and at times hard to sit through. The one thing that made the film worth while was the acting. I felt that the actors fit well with the characters they were playing. I would suggest renting this one, if that.

If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Cyrus:

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Inception

Inception «««««
I don't want give anything away! YOU NEED to see this movie!

When I saw the preview I had no idea what to think about this movie. I LOVED it! There were times where i found that my jaw dropped because of the visual effects. Christopher Nolan creates a world where the lines of dreams and reality are blurred. I was on the edge of my seat almost the entire movie. I feel like when, it comes to action movies, often times the plot and story suffer in the director's attempt to awe the audience. In Inception the story is what drives the action. The acting was brilliant as well. The actors fit they're characters perfectly.

Some reviews that i read said that the movie was difficult to follow due to its complex plot, but i feel that the movie was perfectly done in a way where the complexity adds to the story.

I'm happy to say that this is my new favorite movie.


If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Inception:

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Despicable Me

Despicable Me ««««
Gru (Steve Carell) is constantly competing to be the greatest villain in the world. But when his crimes fail to impress the world, Gru is pushed to step up his game. As his new plan comes together three young girls enter his life and start to soften his villainous ways.

I love animated movies, I also love Steve Carell. So when you put the two together, you're bound to have something great! This movie is awesome for the family. The characters are really what brings energy to the film. There is humor that is funny to both adults and children. It is available to see in both 2D and 3D. There are many scenes made to impress the audience in 3D, so that is how I would recommend seeing it. But you will enjoy the film either way.




If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Despicable Me:

Friday, July 9, 2010

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3 «««««
The toys are back for the final chapter. Andy's growing up and getting ready to head off to college. Tensions are high when it come time for Andy to decide where the toys will go. After an awful mistake, the toys are shipped to Sunnyside daycare center. What at first seemed to be a blessing soon turns out be an dreadful situation! Now the toys my must find a way out, back to Andy.

Pixar has done it again! Toy Story 3 is just as fun and exciting as the first two. This is a GREAT family movie, although there are some moments that maybe a bit frightining for younger children. One thing that I truly love about this film was that the story followed closely with the other movies. It was fun to see all the characters that we've come to love back for another adventure.




If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Toy Story 3:

Friday, July 2, 2010

Knight and Day

Knight and Day «««
The perfect story of "In the wrong place at the wrong time." June (Cameron Diaz) gets caught up in a adventure alongside a secret agent, Roy, (Tom Cruise). As the two spend more time together it becomes clear that this unlikely relationship is the only bond these two can trust.


I was excited to see that Cameron Diaz was doing another action movie. The film was well done but there were a few things that bothered me. One part of the movie, that had potential to be a very cool action sequence, was cut short by a characters black out. Other then that, I really enjoyed it, and recommend it.






If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Knight and Day

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Killers

Killers «««
Jen (Katherine Heigl) has the perfect life. A good job, nice house, and perfect husband. Her world is flipped upside-down when she's finds out that her husband, Spencer (Ashton Kutcher), is an retired assassin. As they both become targets to a gang of hit men, Spencer must protect his wife and find the man that wants him dead.

So I'm going to be strait up, this is not a great movie. But where the movie lacks in structure it makes up for with chemistry. The relationship between the two main characters is what made the film worth while. I really enjoyed watching Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl together. It was also There were a lot of moments that had very funny dialog between the two. There where some impressive fight scenes. Overall it was a fun movie to see, but i would wait for to rent it or see it in the dollar theater.

If you enjoyed theses films, you'll love Killers: