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Reviews
Spartacus: Blood and Sand (2010)
Pretty hot stuff
Not sure why everyone is making a fuss about how "accurate" this portrayal is. Looking back at a show like, "Friends," -- was that lifestyle really true? Anyway, I saw episode one. Yes. It totally reminded me of "300," specifically the artfully, soft-core moments between warrior and his wife. But it was fun and hot. The blood is a bit much, but if you look at this like a soft-core comic book, its really quite fun. They really dig the demented, old school, bloody, gory, GRODY torture on this show, but don't worry -- in between every fight, there seems to be sexual tension and it crosses every line imaginable and everyone gets what they need (wink, wink). I don't love or hate it, it just is what it is.
Paranormal Activity (2007)
I just can't decide
This movie was a tough call. I love a good scary movie. There was an awful lot of chatter for 75% of the movie. That left me feeling a little dank. Yes, we figured out the relationship of the two characters and yes, we understood that while the boyfriend Micah was supportive, he also could be childish and bad at listening. The thumps in the night were scary and yes, as a girl that believes in ghosts, it sent my heart sailing. It went so up and down the whole movie though. I will say, the last 20 minutes were worth the money and definitely sent my face sailing downward because I really did not want to watch. But I really can't decide. At some points I found it scary and others, ridiculous. I can't even decide if I could recommend without saying you must go into this movie with the mindset of being scared.
Don't Look Now (1973)
I don't get it...
I LOVE horror movies. I love good and bad horror movies. This movie was just so meh. I have tried repeatedly to watch it again, thinking maybe somewhere inside I am missing the point. But no, it's a total boring, lazy waste of time. While I appreciated the settings in the movie, everything in the story was so choppy and silly that I never felt scared, just mostly bored. I am a huge fan of both Sutherland and Christie, but they just kind of woodily stare at one another. I never got the feeling that there were any emotions. If you want a good scary movie from this time period, "The Changeling" with George C. Scott is the best.
The Changeling (1980)
Finally someone gets it
What sets this movie apart from other horror films are the little things. It's never overly gory. It's never overly anything. But it's the subtleties that make it outstanding. The ball coming down the stairs. The banging that starts out small but gets louder as if to say, "Look at me." My personal favorite is the clairvoyant, who is just doing her job but manages to summon the frighteningly present, "Joshua." And of course, George C. Scott manages to offer us his pain from his loss, but his discovery of the unseen in his house. I like that it layers many stories, but it's George's pained character that manages to out the ghost and set him free, which also sets George's character free.
This to me is horror at it's finest.
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Okay but not great
I love Ben Stiller and totally loved Robert Downey Jr. in this movie and even (shock) loved Tom Cruise. Still. i didn't find the movie the move offensive (c'mon people, it's 2008 -- movies nowadays poke fun at everyone at some point and this movie was harmless stupid humor). What really bothered me is that I just felt it all fell flat. It had it's tremendously funny moments, but as far as laugh out loud moments, they were few and far between. And sadly, at one point, i found myself checking the time which is never a bad sign. Something seemed terribly disconnected and I find it unrelatable to audiences who don't get "insider jargon" in the movie business.
The X Files: I Want to Believe (2008)
Oh how I love thee
Oh how I love thee. I loved this show when it was on and loved the first movie. This movie was a little bit slow, but intense and completely entertaining nonetheless. I will admit there were a few parts I found a little confusing -- For some reason when I Scully first goes to tell Mulder that the FBI would like his help, it did not strike me that they were even living in the same house or that they were even together.
Scully was slightly irritating to me throughout the movie. While she has always been skeptical, her need to be overbearing with Mulder seemed odd to me. Hi -- she knows him better than anyone else! Why would she become so naggy?? Anyway. I found the movie completely enjoyable. My hope is that if there is EVER another they a) don't wait so long, b) FORCE Fox Film to actually do some marketing for the movie and c) go back to what you do best -- ALIENS.
Juno (2007)
Yawn
I love rebels, but there is something phony about a child who is supposed to this witty, brilliant kid who also gets knocked up. Not really funny, though a few cast members (the parents, specifically) and a darling performance by Michael Cera make it watchable, but not memorable.
I don't really blame the star, the story is just a typical "teen smarter than everyone else." Kind of like Cher from "clueless" with a baby. Only there was something realistic and sincere about Cher where Juno did not get my sympathy.
What happened to 'real' indie films??
The Strangers (2008)
very scary...
I love scary movies, when they ARE scary. There are very few movies that leave you almost shocked -- even when the ending is just, eh.
The Strangers did a perfect job, up until the end. The actors were good and I was officially scared for the both of them, but also felt a good untrusting fear that one of them was causing this. When i was over that, i then thought there were ghosts...
I believed it. There was something new and authentic about having these masked bandits destroy a horrible night and make it into something horrifying. The two leads were perfect and acted as anyone, making this believable.
What really ticked me off is when the male lead 'left' the female lead and she was okay with that. HI. You are being watched by some lunatics and ya'll do what you NEVER do when being stalked by *anyone* -- always stick together!!! But you know, all in all it did what a movie like this should do: it entertained us. We all loved it and felt nervous afterwards. that is the sign of a movie doing it's job.
Sex and the City (2008)
If you are a fan of this show, this will make you miss your old friends...
Sorry all of your naysayers, but this movie was EXACTLY what SATC fans wanted: wimsy, fashion, laughter, sadness, deep moments, friendships, BIG BIG and BIG.
I am glad I was told to stay away from the reviews because what I know from my own viewing experience is that the movie was as fabulous as the show, that our entire row in the movie theater, including myself, cried during most of movie, and the ending was everything a fan could have ever wanted.
If you are a fan of the show, this movie will make you miss your old friends...
Arrested Development (2003)
Brilliant...
After having watched this show in it's entirety, then buying the DVD's to own -- I just re-watched from beginning to end and it's even funnier than before. The cast is genius and just when you think you have found your "favorite" character, you realize that they are all just absolutely brilliant in their own right. Even the kids are as funny as the seasoned veterans. This show was just too brilliant for the general public and who really cares if the "mainstream" didn't get it. Wouldn't you rather appeal to a smaller group who got the joke vs. a bunch people who think "two and half men" is great comedy.
Long live the Bluths and PLEASE get the movie made!!!
No Country for Old Men (2007)
It wasn't awful but...
I really have to agree with a lot of the haters on this. The beginning of this movie has so much potential but then I kept getting confused -- why was I rooting for Josh Brolin's character? I mean, he was dumb enough once to take drug money once, but when he goes back the second time in the middle of the night, I just started thinking that he was what he was -- a greedy, dumb-a**.
And while I thought Javier Bardem was frightening, I wasn't sure what his deal was -- was it his money? Did he just want it because he couldn't have it? Why was this guy so indestructible? Tommy Lee Jones was really my only saving grace, but much like the other reviews -- what was the deal at the end? All in all, I love a movie that leaves some open endings, but I found this to be annoying.
Definitely worth a see, but really -- not worth all the hype.
Halloween (2007)
Finally, a movie that really SCARES you...
I loved the original Halloween. When I heard it was being remade, I was mad that a classic was being tinkered with but now that I have seen it, I believe it was almost better.
Rob Zombie did an amazing job of re-telling the story, adding a wonderful beginning to Michael Meyer's and directed the hell out of the cast. He also did a great job of using blood for the brutality of the murders vs. just for the scare tactics.
The back-story was great, thought one note: ROB ZOMBIE NEEDS TO STOP CASTING HIS VERY WOODY WIFE. Yes, I am sure he wants what's best for her, but she just can't act.
I give horror fans the thumb's up to check out a truly frightful, jump-out-of-your-seat classic.
Loose Change: Second Edition (2005)
Blown away
Obviously, EVERYTHING should be taken loosely, especially when it comes to events as sensitive as 9/11 -- but I am shocked at how many people are choosing to not even question one ounce of what happened that particular day. It's exactly why America is in the state it's in -- no one wants to "rock the boat" or see another point of view, even if it means effecting an event that forever rocked our security as a nation.
I am further shocked that the people who are so quick to disregard even an ounce of this information haven't even bothered to research "the lies" even a little. If even 1/3 of what is said in the movie is true, isn't that enough to further investigate?
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
SO fun!!
I thought this movie was SO much fun and while it drifted from the book, it did so in a way as to not be annoying but to add to a really viciously fun story. Anne Hathaway did an knock-out job as did, the always perfect Meryl Streep. Stanley Tucci was perfect as the gay designer side-kick as was Emily Blunt, who I am now a big fan of. I am puzzled with what I consider the miscasting of Simon Baker -- not intriguing enough (or hell, at LEAST he should have kept his accent). Otherwise, vicious, silly and all around great. Oh and it really made me want to drink wine, eat grilled cheese and vamp the streets of NY in some couture!
The Family Stone (2005)
Fun, refreshing, dark, yet bittersweet
Kudos goes to the entire cast of this amazingly sweet, but darkly twisted movie about family relationships and the holidays. Every person in the cast makes this worth seeing, but extra hollers go to Sarah Jessica Parker for NOT being Carrie Bradshaw and to Rachel McAdams, who once again, plays a convincing mean girl. Not only are the relationships believable (a bit smarmy at times, but nothing overly nauseating), the unraveling of the story that happens makes this not just about the holidays but about relationships, family and life. Btw, can we PLEASE make sure Craig T. Nelson shows up in more movies? He and Diane Keaton were amazingly believable and I just adore this teddy bear of a man!!
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
great movie
Just saw it. Let's see...obviously, you have two great actors, not to mention hot stars together. Their chemistry is so amazing and natural. Angelina Jolie looks so "happy" for the first time in a movie and Brad does a great job. They toss their lines back and forth in a hilarious and very "married" manner. I knew from the trailers it would be fun, I just had no idea I would like it THIS much! The story line is very fun, interesting and the entire movie keeps you immersed, and again, their sex appeal is just out of this world. The action sequences are well done and the lines are actually funny. I will see it again, for sure, and hope they make a part II. Did I mention they were SO sexy together??