Saturday, July 30, 2011

Week 31 "Crazy Stupid Love"

Week 31 hit the spot!! I was in the mood for something funny, something that would capture my emotions, something leaving me longing for more. "Crazy, Stupid Love" was out choice and it was exactly all of that and more!

This movie stars Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianna Moore and Emma Stone. I am having a hard time putting into words exactly what I thought of this movie. After the movie I turned to Tiff and said "yes, that is what I wanted to see, it's nice to see something I really liked again for a change"

It seems like a lot of movies lately have been leaving me questioning if maybe I liked movies so much in the past because I didn't go once a week. This movie made me a believer again!

Ok, so Steve Carell was super funny, he played a somewhat serious role, but his sense of humor was perfect. Ryan Gosling was impressive. I mostly remember him from "the Notebook" (which I loved) and this time his character was different, but still got me all tied up in knots. Emma Stone and Julianne Moore played their parts well. I was super impressed with Emma Stone and excited to see her in "The Help". Another note worthy actor was Jonah Bobo. He cracked me up! Reminded me of my 11 year old son.

Basically the movie had me laughing, it captured that whole "falling in love" feeling, sucked me in to the whole emotional rollercoster of love, life and marriage, and was touching in a happy way. I am sure it only proves I am a little dysfunctional that I liked this movie so well, but it was definately what I needed!

All in all, I would say take your spouse, laugh, fall in love again and remember to not take another day for granted! See you next week. P.S. I don't feel like I can tell you exactly what it is about without giving too much away...so just go!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Week 30: Captain America: The First Avenger

This week we saw Captain America: The First Avenger.  Yes, another super hero movie.  I think this year will be deemed the year of the super hero and Natalie Portman.  What do you think?  Seems about right.

I basically agree with Deb on this one.  The super hero aspect was okay but mixing super heros with a war setting just didn't work for me.  I guess it seems like a disservice to soldiers.  It diminishes what they stand for.  Who knew I was so patriotic.   

I will admit though that the transformation from skinny weak guy to big tough soldier was impressive.  Whatever digital programming they had to do on that seemed realistic.  There was maybe only one scene where it didn't look quite natural.  But really overall very well done. 

I did like all the actors in this movie but I will admit I had a hard time looking at, Chris Evans, the main character without seeing the pre-transformation guy.  Not that that is a reason not to like a movie.  Just an observation. I agree with Deb about the leading lady.  Hayley Atwell looks like she might be a new up and comer. 

To Sum it up: Good special effects, pretty good actors but not digging the super hero/soldier mix.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Week 30: Captain America

Well, this week we ventured out with my husband and son in tow for "Captain America". Seems like this last few months has been the months of super hero/comic book character movies. I will remind you all that comic book movies are not my favorite so this opinion is already somewhat biased.

If you don't know the Captain America story lines...like I didn't...it follows Steve,a young man (played by Chris Evans), who is trying to become enlisted during World War 2. He tries over and over again but is always rejected due to his medical history and super small, scrawny size. Eventually a scientist is captured by his tenacity and accepts him into a training program, where eventually he is a science experiment and becomes a huge, lean, war machine. I must put in here, that the digital reconstruction of this character was pretty cool. He really did go from scrawny to big believably.

So, after he changes to the master of all humans genetically, he eventually must take down the "Red Skull". This whole part is where my lack of liking came in. He became a war hero, but I was turned off by the whole thing. I had to keep reminding myself it was a super hero, not a real war hero. The war scenes were cheesy and I wasn't real impressed with the whole outfit, superhero, save the day presentation when coupled with world war 2. I know it was fictional, but still, I was turned off.

As far as the actors go, I love, love, love Stanly Tucci. Tommy Lee Johns fit his part to a tee. Everyone else was ok...Haley Atwell played the main female role (this movie did not pass the Bechdel Test by the way). I looked up some her previous roles, I haven't seen any of the movies she has played in before, but am very interested in seeing how she does, I see high potential. She played in "The Duchess" which is a movie I missed but think I may go rent.

Anway, for all you superhero fans, coming from a non super hero fan...I thought the movie was ok, a little slow and slightly cheesy. Coming from my husband and son, who are super hero fans, It was a good movie, better than "Green Lantern", according to my husband, but not to my son.

All in all, the theatre was packed at 3:00 in the afternoon, and most seemed pretty satisfied. Oh, and I found out later..if you stay past the credits there is a trailer for the second movie. I didn't see it, but don't feel to bad about it..my husband was bummed.

See you next week.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Bonus Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Ahh, such a bittersweet moment.  All the books are read.  All the movies are watched.  I am officially done with the Harry Potter series for good.  I remember I read the first book late in the game.  There were a couple books out already when I first heard of them.  That was right after I got married and lived in Maryland.  That was almost 11 years ago.  Holy cow.  That's a long time to devote to one series.  It was so worth it.

On Monday I went to see the final chapter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.  I always look forward to these movies because I love seeing the books come to life.  Also, there is such a large span from when the book comes out to when the movie comes out so you get to enjoy it like it's the first time.  That way too, you forget the details of the book and can really enjoy the movie without picking it apart.

And the verdict?  It was great!  Because of the way the book is written, Part 1 was a lot slower.  It couldn't really be helped though and was necessary to build the story.  It made the excitement of Part 2 that much better. This one had a lot more action and you finally got to see Hogwarts again and all the characters you loved from the previous movies/books.  You can really tell that the actors have matured too.  In the first movies they were okay but the story line and the "magic" really made the movies.  With this movie I felt like they finally hit their full stride.  What a great way to end the series.

To Sum it up: Lots of action, lots of emotion and a perfect ending. 

Monday, July 18, 2011

Winner of Giveaway!

Thanks to all who participated! Our Lucky Winner is ......Jen!!

Get in touch with me and I will get your tickets arranged for delivery. Congrats.


Saturday, July 16, 2011

Bonus Review: Horrible Bosses

Okay, so while Tiff was on vacation in Montana, I took my hubby to the cinema suites for a date night. we say "Horrible Bosses". I am becoming a bigger and bigger fan of Jason Bateman, and he was sort of the reason I thought this would be funny. There are some other great names in this movie too, Kevin Spacey, (the freakazoid boss) Jennifer Aniston (Sexual Harrassment Boss)Jason Sudeikis( he's from Overland Park by the way, disgruntled employee) , Charlie Day (another disgruntled employee), Colin Farrell(Druggy Boss)Jamie Foxx (hit man) and Donald Sutherland (nice boss).

Basically three friends all hate their bosses and decide they are going to kill them. Yet...they aren't killers and really don't want to be. This movie reminded me of a "hang over" kind of movie. One thing leads to another and it all turns into a mess, yet comes out ok in the end. I think what I really liked was the way the three friends played off eachother. Jason Bateman is so straight laced, flat humored, Charlie Day was like the hyper chihuahua and Jason Sudeikis a mastermind unconfident guy.

It may have been the company, the mood, the cinema suites, but I just thought the whole thing was funny and entertaining. No real emotional stuff, just plain old comedy from an almost impossible situation.

All in all, a good date movie! Take your man and enjoy some laughs.

Week 29: Super 8

This week was Super 8.  I have been curious about this movie for awhile but it kept being pushed aside.  This week we didn't seem to have a lot of choices so we finally decided to go.  (And yes, I realize Harry Potter comes out this weekend and it's sort of a big deal.  Since my sister's not a huge fan I'll be seeing it on Monday with my good friend Cory who is.  I'm beyond excited to say the least.  Look for a bonus review.)

Like I said, this movie peaked my interest from the start but I wasn't really sure if it would be too out there to really like.  To be honest I liked it better than I thought I would.  Just like Deb said it reminded me of Stand By Me right away but with a Sci Fi twist.  It had a group of kids getting into trouble and dealing with things they probably shouldn't at their age.  It reminded me a little bit of Goonies too.  The Sci Fi aspect of the movie was okay but the part I liked so much about it was the humor.  The boys were really funny and made me laugh out loud. 

The main actor was played by Joel Courtney.  He was really good.  He had a sweet, sincere quality about him.  Elle Fanning was good as well.  I agree with Deb.  You can tell acting runs in her family.  I didn't recognize any of the other boys but they made the movie.  It wouldn't have been funny without them.  And I do like Kyle Chandler who played the dad. 

This movie was definitely better than expected.  It's nice when those come along.

To Sum it up: Good humor, really great characters and a surprising hit.

Week 29: Super 8

"Super 8" was our Movie this week. I was a little reluctant to go to this movie because I am really not a science fiction type of gal, as I have said before. Tiff talked me into it though, ok..so when I say "talked me into it" I really mean she said.."I really want to see Super 8" and I responded, "OK"! Not too much convincing.

So this movie told a story of a group of young teen (14 year olds I would guess) friends who are in the process of making a homemade movie for a contest. While filming they happen across a train accident that holds a military secret. The movie then centers around how these kids eventually get in the middle and what they must do to get out.

I was sort of thrown back to the movie "Stand by Me". Although this movie will more than likely not be that iconic, it held a lot of similarities. I was most impressed with the abilities of these actors. Young kids amaze me in their abilities on film. I found myself laughing a lot, touched by innocent discovery and amazed at how the young actors can bring out emotions almost better than adults. I would assume, it has something to do with youth!

Some of the actors in this film included Joel Courtney, who looks to be just getting started in the movie industry, Elle Fanning, who through-out the whole film looked familiar but I couldn't figure out who she was...she was good! Guess it runs in the family. Kyle Chandler played the deputy/dad. I have always liked him..I most remember him from his days on T.V. in "Early Edition" and then in the mini-
series "Band of Brothers". The other kids in the movie included some new names, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee (super funny!),Gabriel Basso (looks like he has done a handful of films) and Zach Mills (also with some movies under his belt).

All these kids had great chemistry, and I believed they truely were a group of kids who lived together in a small town and knew eachother for years.

Overall, I have to say this one was super enjoyable. Even the Sci-Fi was ok, a little bit "E.T." and little bit "Stand by Me". See you next week for the big 30!

I will get the winner of the movie tickets posted later this weekend!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Week 28: Monte Carlo

Last week, or for week 28...we saw Monte Carlo. This movie was one my daughter had been "DIEING" to see and couldn't wait one more minute. Generally it was a movie about young love..first love. The general premise was about three girls (two friends and a sister) who go on a trip to Paris, to celebrate Grace's, (played by Selena Gomez) high school graduation. While on the trip Grace comes across her "twin" and somewho ends up taking over that twin's life as a high class elites. There is love, confusion, lies..all the stuff a teen movie is made of.

The main girls, played by Selena Gomez, Katie Cassidy, and Leighton Meester did a great job. They played their parts together well. All three of the main male characters were good, played by Pierre Boulanger, Luke Bracey and Cory Montieth. I do enjoy the whole, young love type of movies, and this one was pretty entertaining. I would recommend it for young teens and pre-teens really, but who's to say we don't fall back into that time when we really get into a movie!

Overall pretty good, take your girls and they will be happy and you can pretend your 17 again! See you soon

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Week 28: Monte Carlo

Sorry about the late post this week.  Vacation will do that to you.  We saw Monte Carlo for Week 28.  We saw this mainly because of my niece.  She was really excited about this movie.

This was sort of your classic teeny bopper movie that's really meant for girls ages 8-16.  But since I was a girl of this age once it worked.  Selena Gomez was the main actor in this movie.  She played a girl who takes a trip to Paris as a graduation present to herself.  While there she gets mistaken for a British socialite and takes over her life for a week.  Of course, she meets this guy who thinks she's the other girl and falls in love and then has to explain later why she lied about it.  Her sides kicks are played by Kate Cassidy (who I didn't recognize) and Leighton Meester.  Both good in their roles. 

Pretty classic really.  I feel like this type of movie has been made a million times but with slight variations.  But to be honest with you I still liked it.  It was fun and carefree and simple.  Makes you want to be a teenager again with no cares in the world.  And let me say my niece was beside herself with joy after the movie was over.  I guess I remember liking movies that much when I was young.  My mom would go with me and say it was cute.  I would get so mad at her for using that term.  Cute was for little girls.  Now I know how she feels.  I would probably say it was cute.  Oh the circle of life.

To Sum it up: Great scenery, fun plot and just plain cute.   

Oh and don't forget to enter our giveaway.  We'll be announcing the winners soon!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

GIVEAWAY TIME!!! MOVIE TICKETS!!

Okay, it's been a while, but I decided it's give away time again. It seems the best thing for a movie blog giveaway always comes back around to movie tickets. So, because I can't come up with anything more creative, I will go with movie tickets again.

Okay, for this giveaway we are going to introduce something called the Bechdel Test. Tiff was sent this from a friend's mother, and I liked the idea. The test basically helps to determine the representation of woman in film. In order for a movie to pass the test you must be able to answer yes to the three following questions. 1.) Does the movie has 2 woman characters and do they have names? 2.) Do the woman talk to each other? 3.) Do they talk to eachother about something other than men....It's suprising how many don't pass this test.

Because the movie "The Help" is due to come out soon, I thought this would be a great time to post this and set it up for a give away. We have read the books, and know the movie will pass the Bechdel Test...but we want to know if you have seen some movies that do as well.

So....to enter the give away, post a comment with a movie that passes this test...the trick, for each movie you post you get an entry, but the movie has to be one no one else has posted yet...(so "the Help" is out!)

We will keep this open for a week or so, pass the word around, you don't have to be a follower to enter, but if you are...extra entry!!

Let's hear those movies!

Week 27: Midnight in Paris

Well, we went a little different this week. We were headed to one movie and ended up at "Midnight in Paris". We were on our way to a different movie, and on a last minute whim I took a look at the cast/crew of this one, noticed Woody Allen directed/produced it (which I don't like Woody Allen's style) but decided the main actors were people and liked and maybe would branch out a bit.

The movie takes place in Paris, today, however, at midnight the main character, a up and coming writer, played by Owen Wilson...goes back in time to his Paris 1920's. He feels that life in the 20's in Paris is where all the best literature, writing and art happens. He is engaged to a high class, snotty woman, played by Rachel McAdams, who is stifling his dreams and finds refuge in the traveling to the past. More importantly he keeps running into all the great artists of that era. So, Okay, I am bad at history and especially when you add the arts, so although I knew the names, didn't necessarily catch all the humor. (I am guessing...since, I didn't know)

The movie was sort of quirky. Like most Woody Allen films I have seen, I wasn't impressed with the development of characters/relationships. They seem sort of weird and unsettling to me, however, due to the quirkiness of this movie, the relationships short of fell into place as necessary.

I need to mention as well, that the supporting actors in this film actually allowed me to enjoy it more. Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams were good, but the trueness of the other characters were better.

Overall, the movie was....charming.

See you next week!

Week 27: Midnight in Paris

It's July.  Halfway through the year.  That means we've hit the halfway mark with our quest to see a movie a week.  And not one week missed yet.  Awesome. 

This week we picked Midnight in Paris at the last minute.  We were going to see Super 8 but in a disorganized turn of events we ended up seeing this one instead.  (I know what you're thinking.  The Sacry sister's disorganized?  Never.  But alas it does happen on rare occasions.)

I had a little bit of an idea what this movie was about.  I didn't realize it was a Woody Allen film and didn't remember that it premiered at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.  So that gives you a little idea of what kind of a movie it was.  I was slightly prepared for this type of movie.  Not sure if Deb was.

This movie had Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams.  I like them both and I liked them both in this movie.  This was sort of a quirky movie but I think it fit Owen Wilson's sense of humor well.  It wasn't laugh out loud funny but funny in a more subtle way.  I liked it.  Rachel McAdams played a spoiled, slightly self centered, rich American.  It's not her general role but I think it fit too. 

One thing this movie made me realize is that I am not good with art and literature history.  I felt like there were so many inside jokes about famous writers or artists that I just didn't get because I didn't know who they were.  Makes you feel a little dumb.  But I still enjoyed it nonetheless.  I would say this movie was a refreshing change of pace for me. 

To Sum it up: Interesting concept, a touch of humor and a nice departure from mainstream movies.