surfsister Reviews

Baby Mama (2008)

Pleasantly surprised

[6/10 · 30 October 2008]

Recently I was given the opportunity to view a DVD of this movie. I really didn't want to see it particularly, but watched it after my daughter said she enjoyed it. I was really surprised at how clean it was. I do not like to view anything except 'family' movies, and this is in the right category. I am sure they didn't mean it to be, but there is nothing, except in the deleted scenes that are objectionable. Tina Fey's role was of a responsible woman who knew she was getting on and should look into having a child soon. So, she went about getting one in a responsible way. What happens to her is sort of like a train wreck in slow motion. The twists and turns in this story are not expected and make it all the more fun to watch. The extras are not to be missed. The alternate ending is a good one. As soon as the movie and extras ended I watched the film again with the commentary 'on.' This was really good with Fey and Poehler being their zany selves, but it also gave a lot of background into the making of the movie. If you have seen the film you need to rent the DVD and watch the extras and the commentary. You will enjoy it all the more.

The Jazz Singer (1980)

Great movie!

[10/10 · 8 February 2005]

It took me 24 years, but I finally saw 'The Jazz Singer' on video. I am a Neil Diamond fan from old and I was looking forward to the music. I thought Neil was GREAT in this movie! I enjoyed the movie and the story and thought it moved along well. Lucie Arnaz was particularly funny and charming as well. The scenes where Jesse is roaming around the country after leaving Molly are well done. He gradually grows a beard and in the end he looks really good! His 'You Are My Sunshine' number in the last club he plays in is a real rocker! I do not know why this film was trashed because it is a clean (one 's' word) family movie. It also shows a bit of Jewish culture that I found educational. The music was wonderful and made me want to get up and dance. The 'Robert E. Lee' number was a fun one to watch and listen to. I highly recommend this movie!

National Treasure (2004)

Enjoyable Two Hours

[9/10 · 2 December 2004]

My husband and I (young 50 yr olds) enjoyed this adventure movie. It went along at a good clip and had great music. The Riley character seemed to be the only one with a 'normal' amount of American history knowledge under his belt. I felt very close to him during those times when the Chase and Gates characters were spouting bits of history. He also had the funniest lines delivered with astounding skill. It was like he was NOT acting, just being himself. I hope he does other movies because he is a really great actor. I think I would have liked this movie better without bad guys. Just the plot of finding the treasure would have been fun enough for me. It seems like the bad guys just gummed up the works too much, but I guess it wouldn't have been so appealing without them. Good movie, no nudity, no bad language and very little violence. I give it an 8/10.

Shrek 2 (2004)

Lots of Fun!

[2/10 · 3 June 2004]

Shrek 2 was a lot of fun for me. I purposely didn't read up on the story so it would be a surprise. The beginning was a real hoot especially when Charming pulled off his helmet and revealed he was wearing a hair net! Then, when he pulled that off he threw his hair about in slow motion. Really top notch stuff.

I also enjoyed the Puss-In-Boots addition. What a great job the pros did in developing that character (he definitely needs his own movie, now). Every furry hair in place and all looking so real. I loved his little kitty expression he did several times to get the ooh's and aah's before his vicious attacks. Just like a cat!!

**SPOILERS** The Fairy God Mother starts out sweet as honey, but turns into 'the bad guy' you love to hate. Her potion factory is stuffed with all kinds of things to look at, so I am sure I will have to see this movie again to get a good look at everything. Who were those little guys running the factory? I couldn't figure that one out. Pinocchio's thong scene could be a little iffy for young kids, though it was funny for us oldsters.

When Shrek became human and Donkey became a stallion it added to the fun of the movie. I really liked their new looks.

Stay for the credits because there is an added bonus. I always sit tight during the credits, now, in case there is something more. The few people who stayed in the theatre were rewarded by a cute scene.

I sure hope there will be a Shrek 3 in the offing. They need to keep a good thing going.

The Return of the Native (1994 TV Movie)

Not interested

[5/10 · 26 May 2004]

I chose this video because of it's historical flavor and the choice of actors. Unfortunately, neither of the two were very interesting. Not having read the book I was totally lost for the first 20 minutes or so. The story just moved so slowly and didn't keep my attention. Catherine Zeta-Jones gave a very poor performance and I was very disappointed. Joan Plowright came through, as usual, but still a little subdued. The whole thing was very subdued and sluggish. If you are looking for a movie with no nudity or language this will do. Also, if you are studying this book in school I am sure you would find this video helpful. Otherwise, I do not recommend this video.

Peter Pan (2003)

A sprinkling of fairy dust!

[10/10 · 8 January 2004]

I am 53 and my daughter is 22. We went to see this movie and were totally delighted. I was thrilled to see a lot of the book in the movie. I loved the colors - so brilliant. The sets were great and the costuming was really wonderful. Tinkerbell was done to a 'T.' Even though she doesn't speak we know exactly what she is trying to say. With today's special effects they can do fantastic things with our beloved childhood stories. I am looking forward to more great movies for the family.

Anna and the King (1999)

Breathtaking......but a teensy bit long

[8/10 · 2 January 2004]

I saw this film when it first came out in the theatres. I thought it would never end! I loved the costumes, the scenery, the colors, the breadth of the sets. It is more closely allied with the book than anything I have seen before, too. It is just too long. I have recently seen it at home and the same feeling hit me that it seems to last far more than two and a half hours - way more. I hate to feel that way, but there it is. Expect great things from this movie, but also to want it to end far sooner than it does.

The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

Simply Great!

[10/10 · 21 December 2003]

This is a special treat of a movie. It's been added to, but in a good way, making it more enjoyable than the play. All the actors were brilliantly cast, each seeming to own the character played. Reese Witherspoon sounds truly English, and looks it too. I love the scenes where her imagination gets the best of her. In those she looks so beautiful in the medieval costumes and always accompanied by the muscians in the bushes! Any teen girl will immediately identify with Cecily.

I really liked the fact that this is a good, clean movie. No swearing, nudity, and violence. It is a refreshing change from the usual. It is pretty much a chic flic, though. None of the men I know could get through it awake. I think you will enjoy the excellent writing, the subtle jokes, the scenery and costumes. I liked the song, Lady Come Down. Couldn't stop singing it.

Coyote Waits (2003 TV Movie)

Kinda slow at first......

[7/10 · 18 November 2003]

This was my first Hillerman experience. Maybe the slowness of the beginning is necessary, but I was wanting to check out. It got better towards the end with several interesting twists that I was glad I stayed for. I enjoyed seeing the area of the reservation (or 'rez' as they say in the movie) and hearing a bit of American Indian mythology and stories. No special effects, just good acting and a good story.

Pretty Baby (1950)

Never forgot this movie

[7/10 · 17 June 2003]

I saw this movie on a channel that ran old movies all day many years ago. Something about it just stuck in my head. It is really sweet and funny. Using the doll to get a seat to and from work always struck me as enterprising. The poor girl gets in over her head when the well-meaning Cyrus starts encroaching on her life. I would love to see this movie again. I think it would be great as a remake set in today's society (although would a person give their seat up for a mother with a baby nowadays?).

Serendipity (2001)

Great movie.

[7/10 · 22 April 2002]

If one does not watch every piece of garbage put out on the big screen one would enjoy this movie as much as I did. It is a really sweet, romantic movie that a family could watch together. Jeremy Piven is wonderful and I would like to see him in the lead role sometime. This movie is great to rent for a feel-good evening. I wish there were more of these out there.

Cast Away (2000)

An okay movie

[6/10 · 22 April 2002]

I adore Tom Hanks, but had been told this movie was not up to snuff. Well, I rented it anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed the plane crash sequence! I had to play that over several times. The genius of the set and direction in that sequence was wonderful to behold. I felt like I was in that crash, too. How he could hold his breath that long was a little far fetched, but still it was amazing. The part where he is on the island is okay. I expected a little more something, but was disappointed in the end. The scene when he meets back up with Helen Hunt is totally contrived. I didn't like that, but the ending was good. One could imagine which road he would take and what he would find.