Movie Critique: The Hangover 2

Dumb.

My criticism isn't even because it is exactly the same movie as the first one. It's because...The pacing was slow. The situations weren't funny. And well, that's it.

I do not recommend.

Movie Critique: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

My dad loved these movies, so growing up I watched the originals. They never really kept my interest, but then again I was young. We picked up "The Rise of the Planet of the Apes" from Redbox last night to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised to like it as much as I did. 

I believe this movie is meant to reboot the franchise, and is taking a more "science" based approach than "sci-fi"; in this franchise the apes get their intelligence from modern science in the form of experimental drugs. Obviously the film is still science fiction, but the plot is easy to swallow, no time travel or astronauts or spaceships. Another difference is that instead of using humans in make up to play the apes; motion capture CGI was used for the main chimpanzee, Caesar. Andy Serkis, was the man in motion capture suit, which has to make him an expert at this point, but my one criticism might be that I could see Gollum in Caesar. 

I once heard that good science fiction reflects social and/or political issues of the times, this movie meets that requirement, giving heed to advances in medicine and the fact that "some things aren't meant to be changed". Aside from it's moral, there are some real heart stirring moments when Caesar asks if he is just a pet and when the family Caesar has always known is taken away from him. 

I liked it. I recommend it. If you've seen it, let me know what you thought. 

If you have some spare time and Netflix Instant...

Two movies we've watched recently on Netflix Instant are Hot Tub Time Machine and North.

The former was completely stupid, yet oddly entertaining. But isn't that the best part of streaming Netflix, who cares if it's a stellar movie or just a guilty pleasure! It's really easy and if you really can't stand what you're watching, just stop and pick another movie. To me, Craig Robinson's character, Nick Webber, was hilarious. The movie isn't overly clever or original, but had a few laughs. And I loved the nods to the 80's movies throughout. (Oh, and John Cusack's love interest, April, is Lizzy Caplan, who played Janis Ian in "Mean Girls"...I had had trouble placing her while watching, so just helping you out in case you have a similar problem.)

The latter movie, North, is a movie from my childhood and I loved rewatching it! If you remember it, definitely watch it. If you never heard of it I would say that it would be a great family movie. The movie has a huge cast with lots of stars, and the plot is lots of fun.

127 Hours, another Red Box pick

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So last night's pizza and movie night featured 127 Hours, the real life story of Aron Ralston.

For knowing the movie's premise and, for the most part, what was going to happen, the movie was very engaging and interesting; it moved along, with the help of flashback and dreaming sequences and video diary recordings. The actions taken for survival left Hubby and I thinking, what would I do in the same situation? I did have to cover my eyes during some of the grosser scenes, but would recommend this movie as worth the watch, but maybe while eating.

On another note, Aron Ralston was recently on "Minute to Win It"...now I missed it when it aired, but watched it this morning. Aron ended up winning $125,000 for Wilderness Workshop!

Redbox, You're My New Favorite!...The Kids Are All Right

Before last weekend, the Hubby and I had never used a Redbox and now we're all over it!

Last Friday, we watched "Red", then on Wednesday we rented "The Fighter", and then just yesterday we got "The Kids Are All Right". "The Kids Are All Right"--not to be confused with "Everyone's Fine", a 2009 title which I had inter-switched at some point-- is about a long married lesbian couple, their teenage children, and the kids recently found sperm-donor dad. I would say the movie is a positive portrayal of a double mommy family; not positive in an unmarred sort of way, but in a very realistic and "normal" (what the hell is normal?) sort of way. Annette Bening was fantastic, and I can certainly understand why she was nominated for best actress at the Oscars. The entire cast was very good, and the movie was shot very simply, which I really love. The movie is certainly worth the watch and most definitely worth the $1 Redbox fee.

By the way, the movie taught me a new vocabulary word: interloper. I even used it in a sentence today!

Recent watch: "The Fighter"

We recently watched The Fighter and I really, really liked it!

It's hard not to like an underdog sports movie, but this boxing movie about boxers "Irish" Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund is really great. The movie follows the rise and fall--or should I say, fall then rise--of these brothers played by Mark Wahlberg (who also produced the film) and Christian Bale. I am constantly impressed by Christian Bale as an actor, he always holds his own on screen, and in the past few years has done no wrong. And I was really impressed with "Marky" Mark's performance as well. I am not sure why, but I'm always surprised that Mr. Wahlberg is actually a good, but he's a solid actor, with the "The Fighter" being no exception.

As I mentioned, the underdog story is always a hook for me, but I was also pulled in by the story of the family dynamics, boxing (which I'm usually a sucker for), and that it is all based on a true story! The Ward/Eklund family is nuts! For most of the movie, the family is kinda like a train wreck you just can't turn away from, but as the movie goes on you see a little more depth and a lot more love. Dicky and Micky's mother, played by Melissa Leo (who one an Oscar for this role), is hard to watch at times, but she is raw and very real. The movie accelerates time from the true life events, and the movie actually ends before some of Micky Ward's most famous fights. After learning this I thought it was a really interesting choice, but I think it makes the movie more concise and focused.

Two thumbs up for me. Watch it if you haven't. The video is the real fight that concludes the movie, take a look-see:

The Hudsucker Proxy

 

So hubby and I watched the Coen Brothers "The Hudsucker Proxy" on Friday night. It was such a fun movie!  The movie came out in 1994, so I can't believe that I hadn't seen the movie yet. The dialog and setting is highly stylized to fit the late 1950's era, which I loved because of all of the vintage clothes and decor. The dialog is also very fast pace. I wouldn't say there are many laugh out loud one liners, but the movie over all is very funny. Since it is now an instant watch on Netflix, I don't see any reason to not give it a watch. 

Also, there are a few connections to "Mr. Deeds" that are kinda fun to watch for: 

1) Source material. According to Wikipedia, the Coen bothers got there idea for the plot from such movies as "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" which is the same movie the ulta-stupid 2002 Adam Sandler movie. 

2) The Plot. Once you've seen both, the similarities in plot are very apparent....really too many to enumerate here. 

3) Cast. Both movies share Peter Gallagher and Steve Buscemi. Both have much smaller roles in the "Hudsucker Proxy" but both are there for sure! (And let me tell you, Peter Gallagher is looking quite young and sexy!) Also, I can't find out for sure but there is a Texas shareholder in both movies, and I think it may be the same guy. But I luckily haven't seen "Mr. Deeds" lately, so I can't tell for sure. 

Up

The other night we watched the movie Up on Netflix instant watch.. Okay so I might have been having an emotional day, but watching this movie while snuggled up with my husband and dog made me tear up numerous times throughout. The movie is about Carl, who is trying to fulfill a promise to his wife, Ellie. What happens along the way is an adventure shared by Russell (a young wilderness guide), Kevin (a rare bird trying to get home to her chicks) and Dug (a dog able to talk with his techie dog collar). It was a super adorable movie and I'd recommend it to anyone kids, adults and families...with exception maybe of someone who has recently experienced the loss of a loved one. 

Movie Switch: Raising Helen

KW's Pick: Raising Helen. Not much to say, enjoyable enough, I guess.

My Pick: About a Boy. My husband will disagree, but I think movie is great. Similar to Raising Helen in that a child helps the main character grow up, but more melancholy. Plus I actually found the kid in About a Boy to be interesting and funny and sad, but the kids in Raising Helen, are just background to the over-rated Kate Hudson. If you haven't seen About a Boy, I highly suggested it.

Movie Switch: Gone in 60 Seconds

KW's Pick: Gone in 60 Seconds...More Nicholas Cage. And some cars, and car chases. Spoiler Alert: Everything turns out fine. And Angelina Jolie, don't even get me started.

My pick: Oceans Eleven. On all accounts a pretty similar movie--assemble cast, heist movie, etc--but I liked it so much better. When I saw Oceans Eleven for the first time, I wanted to be a con man, I wanted to plan a heist and steal from a casino. The movie is cool and sexy, and everytime it is on TV, I have to stop and watch at least part of it. (All bets are off for the sequels though, they look really bad!)

Movie Switch: Freedom Writers

KW's pick: Freedom Writers. I hate to admit it but I was set on not to like this movie. But I did. It was cliche and very similar to other teacher movies like Dangerous Minds and Mr. Holland's Opus, even Sister Act 2. But it was inspirational and charming. All around a nice feel good movie.

My pick: Million Dollar Baby. Hilary Swank really throws herself into her roles and is a great actress. Plus, Clint Eastwood is just such an icon. I only saw this movie once, but I felt like it had it all: it was an underdog, sports movie, and teacher/student movie, it was real and dramatic. Actually, writing about it makes me want to watch it again!

Movie Switch: City of Angels

KW's movie pick: City of Angels. Here's the real problem with this movie: Nicholas Cage. I don't buy this guy as a love interest, as an action hero, as a leading man, in general. The soundtrack is good though. I used to have the CD and listen to it all the time, it's now on my IPod, but after listening to the music a lot, this was the first time watching the movie. And I may have even enjoyed it, minus Mr. Cage.

My Pick: Raising Arizona. A movie I actually liked Nicholas Cage in. I think he should stick to being weird, cause he is. Plus, I heart the Cohen brothers!

Movie Switch: Double Jeopardy

KW's pick: KW suggested that I watch Double Jeopardy, starring Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones, which I finished last week. It was a thriller/action movie, and I can't say I disliked it, I can't say I liked it either. In fact, I only watched it last week, and I feel like I don't really remember it. Now, that could say something about my memory, but I'm gonna say it says something about the movie. I do remember a portion of it was set in New Orleans, which I paid attention to as I knew I would be here this week.


My pick: As far as a great movie starring Tommy Lee Jones, my pick would be No Country for Old Men. The movie while disturbing, was awesome. Here's Tommy Lee Jones closing monologue in the film: 


I was sheriff of this county when I was twenty-five years old. Hard to believe. My grandfather was a lawman; father too. Me and him was sheriffs at the same time; him up in Plano and me out here. I think he's pretty proud of that. I know I was. Some of the old time sheriffs never even wore a gun. A lotta folks find that hard to believe. Jim Scarborough'd never carry one; that's the younger Jim. Gaston Boykins wouldn't wear one up in Camanche County. I always liked to hear about the oldtimers. Never missed a chance to do so. You can't help but compare yourself against the oldtimers. Can't help but wonder how theyd've operated these times. There was this boy I sent to the 'lectric chair at Huntsville Hill here a while back. My arrest and my testimony. He killt a fourteen-year-old girl. Papers said it was a crime of passion but he told me there wasn't any passion to it. Told me that he'd been planning to kill somebody for about as long as he could remember. Said that if they turned him out he'd do it again. Said he knew he was going to hell. "Be there in about fifteen minutes". I don't know what to make of that. I sure don't. The crime you see now, it's hard to even take its measure. It's not that I'm afraid of it. I always knew you had to be willing to die to even do this job. But, I don't want to push my chips forward and go out and meet something I don't understand. A man would have to put his soul at hazard. He'd have to say, "O.K., I'll be part of this world." 

Movie Switch: Drumline

KW's Pick: Drumline was a movie KW wanted me to watch. And even though it was a few months ago, I did watch it. It was actually quite fun to watch: music, montage, and, of course, a drumline. The plot was predictable, but entertaining.

My pick: A movie I would suggest would be "The Big Chill". This movie is not similar to Drumline what-so-ever, but it does have an awesome soundtrack. I first time I saw this movie was while I was in college. I had rented and watched it one evening, and I loved it so much that I watched it again the next morning before I returned it. The movie, revolving around a grown-up group of friends, is meloncholy yet so sentimental. During the course of the film, I fell in love with the entire group of friends. I really recommend this movie, and if available, the directors interview his vision for the film.

Movie Switch: Lost in Translation

So KW watched Lost in Translation, but I didn't get a star rating from her, only a "I didn't get it."

I think this is just one of those movies, you either love it or hate it; you can either identify with one of the main characters or not; you either care what Bill Murray whispers to her in the end or not. Personally, I love it, identify with Scarlett Johansson's character, and always wonder what he said, but am so glad they don't tell you. Plus, I think the movie is very funny too. I nearly peed my pants during the seen when the escort is sent to his room, and she commands him to "Lip my stockings!" Now, I should add that I saw this movie while briefly living in Japan, making the cultural references hilarious and extremely realistic to me.But regardless, some of the scenes in the movie make me laugh out loud when I watch...most of them with no dialogue in the scene at all.

Also, I think KW would tell you she likes romantic-comedies.Who doesn't? But even though, I just said I thought this movie was funny, I would not consider it a comedy. And though some might argue this, I do classify the film as a romance. However, it is not typical. There is no cliche "get the girl" scene or cheesy passionate kiss set to music or nice, neat, happily ever after ending. In fact, both characters are married to other people, the most affection shown is through resting her pink wigged head on his shoulder at the karaoke box, him touching her foot while lying in bed together, and when he touches her on both shoulders and draws her near as he whispers to her at the end of the movie. And as far as a happy ending, we aren't sure what happens. I'd like to think that both characters to end up happy, but certainly separate.

I love this movie. Everything about it. And I would recommend it to anyone who has not seen it...but beware, there is a pretty good chance you might not like it.

Day Three is Arizona

Day three in Arizona was last Sunday, and was a day of travel. We picked up baby brother and headed to Sedona. Baby brother and I went to Sedona last year and went on one of the many jeep tours there. This year I wanted to go back so that Hubby could see some of the most beautiful American country-side EVER. We thought this year it would be fun to hike around Sedona, and we decided on the Boynton Canyon Trail.

Boynton Canyon Trail was marked as easy, and by Sedona standards it might be; but by flat Illinois standards, these out-of-shape legs would say it was more difficult that it's easy status. Regardless, the trail was beautiful. The first section of the trail ran along a fancy pants resort and through the red rocks. As the trail declined into the valley, the trail became more shady, flat, and scenic.

After hiking for the better part of the morning and into the early afternoon, we were tired, thirsty and very hungry. We decided to head to the mountain town of Jerome for some food. The drive was quick, and we were surprised to see how crowded the little town was; the streets were full of people, music was being played inside many of the shops as well as out on the streets. The town was adorable but we were on a mission to get some lunch. We decided on Haunted Hamburger. We chose the place based on it's kitchy name, but we were more than pleasantly surprised to find that the food was delicious! According to my baby brother it was the best cheese burger he ever ate. I would have to say it was up there for Hubby and I too. The other awesome thing about the place is the outdoor seating with a dope view all the way to Flagstaff. 

After a winding and snowy drive back to Prescott, and quick stop by the Motor Lodge for a shower, we were off to see the movie "How to Train Your Dragon". Now this a movie that would not have been on my "must see" list unless baby brother wanted to see it, but it was actually quite cute. The Nordic Viking setting was interesting; the underdog main character, Hiccup, was relatable; and, yes, it made me want to get a dragon of my own. 

After this fun-filled day, it was time for bed because we were all exhausted. zzzz...zzz...zzz...zz

Movie Switch: Broken Arrow

KW's Movie Pick: So the first movie I watched from KW's list was "Broken Arrow". Now forgive me, cause it's been a while since I watched it, but I did not like it. First of all, John Travolta. This was his follow up to "Pulp Fiction" and "Get Shorty"? I guess if he's not a mobster or dancing, he's not for me. Second of all, the rope-a-dope comeback seemed predictable and anticlimactic. Lots of exploding, and running, and boxing, but didn't keep my attention. Sorry KW, I give this one a 2/5 Stars.

My Movie Pick: I did not put this on my list to KW, but for a movie with action and double agent and exploding and all that fun action movie stuff, I would recommend "007 Casino Royale" and/or "007 Quantum of Solace". These are movies I totally loved. I'd only ever seen one other Bond movie, one of the ones with Pierce Brosnan, and I was bored to tears. But for my money, the new Bond films are as fun as they come--visually stunning (and I'm not just talking about Daniel Craig), fast paced, and bad ass. These two I would give 4/5 Stars on entertainment value alone.

Secrets of NIMH

KW watched "Secrets of NIMH" last night, and gave it 5/5 Stars. I'm glad she liked it. I don't know that she will like the next movie I gave her..."Lost in Translation".

Movie Switch

My co-worker, KW, and I both love movies. However, while discussing movies one day, we realized we both love very different movies. So we challenged each other to watch 12 movies picked by the other. Why 12? I don't remember actually, we actually set this challenge quite a while ago. We both started strong, watching each others movies and critiquing them back to the other. But somewhere along the way, we both slowed down a little more and a little more until we stopped. But now we are back at it!

KW's Movies to Me: 
Broken Arrow
Drumline
National Treasure
My Girl
US Marshalls
Gone in 60 Seconds
Last King of Scotland
Anna & the King
Freedom Writers
City of Angles
Double Jeopardy
Raising Helen

My Movies to KW:
Lost in Translation
Edward Scissorhands
Lars and the Real Girl (KW's rating was a 5/5 Stars)
Princess Bride (KW's rating was a 4/5 Stars)
Prestige
Crash (KW's rating was a 3/5 Stars
Kung Fu Hustle (KW's rating was a 2/5 Stars)
Secrets of Nimh
Inventing the Abbotts (KW's rating was a 4/5 Stars)
L.A. Confidential (KW's rating was a 2/5 Stars)
Shawshank Redemption
Stand By Me (KW's rating was a 4/5 Stars)

Parenthood: Worth Rewatching

Do you remember the Ron Howard movie "Parenthood"?

The movie came out in 1989 and starred Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Weist, Rick Moranis, and many more (including a young Keanu Reeves and very young Joaquin Phoenix). I know that I watched this movie when it came out, but at that age probably most identified with the scene where Gil Buckman's (Steve Martin's) son didn't catch the ball at little league or wished that "Cowboy Gil" would come to my birthday party. In the 20 years this movie has been out, I've probably watched it a handful of times. At different times getting more and more out of it. I re-watched it last night using our Roku box, and really, really enjoyed it. The part that I found most poignant on this re-watch was the allegorical reminiscing of the great-grandmother about the roller coaster and merry-go-round:

"You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster. Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride! I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it."

I can't wait to watch it again after my husband and I have children, I am sure there will be another layer of the movie that will make me fall in love with the film all over again.