Ok we all know why I watched this movie, Nicole Kidman. One of the most versatile actresses of her time. But the film itself was, rather, dull. Playing a widow who just lost her husband in an accident, becomes attracted to her husbands brother. Do not get me wrong I enjoy dark and mysterious story lines, but this one lost my interest. Incredibly slow with a lack of build up. However it managed to make me uncomfortable at times, which isn't always a bad thing. I assume that is exactly what the audience was supposed to feel. Mia Wasikowska, (Burtons - Alice in Wonderland) was not impressive and easily forgettable. Wait what was her name again? Point understood? Kidman's role was eh ok at best. Almost a filler role for her. Now the lead male, Mathew Goode (you probably will not know anything else he is in...) was to me the most interesting character of the movie. Dark, mysterious, handsome, and above all, creepy. His actions are what kept me interested otherwise, boring. Enjoyed some of the intense color schemes which really accomplished the mood. Not a shocking ending, but did the film justice. At this point I am really just going on about something none of you should or will watch. I was hoping for a good mysterious thriller. Fail.
Ok, where to begin. Can't say that I liked it. A for effort? This once book turned screenplay about, well, how to even begin to describe this. I believe it to be a multiple lives endeavor of sorts. Maybe. I was left so confused I had to discuss this with a friend of mine who actually read the book and then said she liked the movie better so I am still left with questions. Now granted I am all for movies that make you think, and especially sci-fi futuristic films at that. This one just really dropped the ball for me. At least 5 different time periods, with reoccurring actors playing different parts and different languages. All over the place! Very long and could have been edited to a much shorter version. Should the story have been changed just a little it could have been amazing. Could have.
Finally! I can say I have watched a GOOD movie! Do no be confused by the slow buildup at the beginning, it is worth it. Rooney Mara, this girl, ( Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) gives an amazing performance once again as a severely depressed young wife upset about her husband having to go to jail. (Channing Tatum, no need to discuss him any further.) Jude Law playing her psychiatrist with nothing but the best intentions gets pulled into a twisting turning unpredictable round of events. Catherine Zeta Jones, where has she been all this time? Maybe getting more plastic surgery because something happened to her once beautiful face! Regardless, love watching her play the villain. Have I said too much? It is a thriller none the less, and a well done one at that. Pay attention to the up close shots of small items, it adds much more to the storyline. A dark mystery well worth the watch. Soderbergh, well done.
Ok who doesn't love this once no namer Melissa McCarthy? (Bridesmaids) Really she should just have her own show, oh wait she does (Mike & Molly)! The movie is lightly entertaining with some so so funny parts. Really it could have just been a movie about her stealing everyone's identities and that would have been funnier! Jason Bateman as always seems to play the same character in every movie, but for some reason that's why we love him and he can get away with it. It started out decent with a slow build up, then nothing. Very predictable with some horrible acting by the "bad guys". Kind of wanted to turn it off and go to sleep at one point.
For me this was a huge disappointment and I emphasize HUGE considering all of the buildup before the release. Let's break this down shall we.....the concept was not as creative as I wanted but that could just be me. I was wanting something deeper and perhaps more relative to The Wizard of OZ. Here we take an ordinary man who wants to be a great wizard, who gets trapped in a tornado via hot air balloon, lands in a magical land and I use magical lightly because the landscape was very Alice in Wonderland Tim Burton Style (only lacking the detail), meets a lovely witch, bla bla bla, she falls in love with him, bla bla bla, sigh, the story is almost too boring to discuss. Moving On! James Franco, love the guy but not the perfect role for him. Mila Kunis, I expect bigger and better things from her especially after her role in The Book of Eli. However I will add, so not believable as the wicked witch. Oh Michelle Williams, eh. Even as Glinda The Good she lacks the true backbone of a powerful witch. The movie is very long, too long, so sit tight if you plan to make it through the whole thing.
Ummmmmm, wow. Where do I begin? This is one of the most dark and disturbing movies I have ever watched. I am not saying I didn't like it, and I'm not saying I loved it. What I am saying is this: Nicole Kidman, amazing. What a strange character to portray. No wonder she was nominated! Zac Efron, this guy is going places! He just gets better in every film he makes. If you are a fan of his, he spends most of the movie in his underwear, just saying. I can't even really give a synopsis to the film other than it's like 'Deliverance' meets 'The Life of David Gale'? I don't even know. I am still in like a "what did I just watch" mood. Strange! But I couldn't stop watching it! Loved the way the music was used. Playing happy songs to add tragedy to sad moments. Also must mention, an insane sex scene that seemed to go on forever, but at the same time really portrayed the lustful, sexual, sad, needy, raunchy, the list goes on. The suspense builds up towards the end with a double murder that I was NOT expecting! Don't worry I didn't ruin the movie for you! Way too much going on here! As a matter of fact now that I think about, yes, yes I did like it. :)
Nominations
Hollywood Foreign Press - Best Supporting Actress - Nicole Kidman
SAG - Best Supporting Actress - Nicole Kidman
OH Meryl Meryl Meryl. Like Tina Fey said, "Meryl Streep has the flu and I heard she is amazing in it!" You can never go wrong with Meryl. She delivers every time. This was yet again another outstanding performance. A story about an older couple trying to rekindle their marriage take a trip to see a renowned marriage counselor (Steve Carell, who is not funny at all in this movie). Now, the problem with this movie is I found myself just feeling sorry for them till the end. I was actually wanting her to leave him! I don't think that's how I was supposed to feel, but I did. The film doesn't have a climatic middle or even ending really. Some cute scenes but for the most part you know how it ends, but yet it's just a feeling of blah. And definitely doesn't make anyone want to get married! I only recommend it if you like Meryl. Meryl Meryl Meryl.
For the first few minutes you think ok this isn't going to be so bad. It definately has the potential of a B movie, with no name actors, except Jesse McCartney (who I'm told is a tween sensation). It doesn't give much background to the story and starts off very rocky. Once the "action" or scary parts begin you are already halfway through the movie. It is very predictable and the ending is awful, and well sucks. Plot summary, there was a radioactive explosion near Chernoble and all the residents have been evacuated, or have they?? Super-Lame.
I'm sure any of you who know me probably assume I loved this movie. Wellllll...I thought it was decent, good. Not nearly as funny as the trailer, nor not nearly as funny as people made it out to me. Entertaining? Yes. Lightheartedly funny at times. Fun story about a girl going to college but who really wants to be a DJ so her dad makes a deal with her that if she stays in college for one year then she can move to LA to pursue her dream job. So in this midst of college she joins an all girls acapella group where she is able to vocalize her remixing DJ skills. Some of the songs are really cute and fun. I have to say I did enjoy the lead actress, (Anna Kendrick) this girl seems to be popping up everywhere these days. Loved her in Up in The Air, but probably best known for the Twlight Movies. (blagh) Overall I really do not have a desire to see this movie again unless it just happens to be on tv and nothing else is on. Red box rental at best. (because it's only a dollar)
I fell in love with this movie! What a great script and storyline. This film is based off the novel "Silver Linings Playbook". This is a true American-Romantic-Comedy-Drama. It is about a man named Pat (Bradley Cooper) who suffers from bi-polar disorder and has been receiving treatment in a facility for 8 months. Upon release he is on the search to reconnect with his wife while having to live with his parents. The father played by Di Niro, is an OCD football obsessed retiree. Also an excellent side story! While Pat is looking to find his wife in hopes she will remove the restraining order, yes there is much more to this story, he comes across a young, intimidating, slutty, interesting girl, Tiffany. (Jennifer Lawrence) The relationship these two have is one of the most interesting I have seen in a long time. We know as the audience that they may fall in love, but the journey they take together makes it so raw and real. Both actors give outstanding performances. Cooper I have to say this is his best and only shows what he is capable of as an entertainer. No longer will he only be remembered for the "Hangover" movies. (yes the 3rd one releases this summer) He gives such an emotional performance that at times had me in tears. And J Law, this is just a true step up for her. She can finally start showing her amazing talent instead of wasting it on films like X Men. (snore) She was so believable as this character Tiffany that you hate her at times and you love her at others. She gives this incredible emotional breakdown towards the end of the film that had me stunned for a brief moment. Loved loved this movie! This is at the heart of human emotion, so well done.
Received 8 Academy Award noms, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Received 4 Golden Globe noms, with Jennifer Lawrence winning Best Actress.
Thoroughly enjoyed this movie! Really interesting concept. If you can get past Joseph Gordon Levitt's facial prosthetics, you just might really like it! He plays a man known as a Looper, someone who is hired to kill criminals that are sent back to the present from the future. Are you confused yet? It just so happens that his future self (Bruce Willis) is sent back and that's when the story gets interesting. It's not so much an action film as it is sci-fi. There is an unnecessary sex scene, which added nothing other than a lonely woman's lust. (Emily Blunt, so how can I complain) But from start to finish the movie keeps it going and leaves me wanting more.
Side note: This movie has been nominated for Best Screenplay by the Writers Guild.
Oh Will Ferrill how I love your raunchy humor. I half expected him to play a George Bush wanna-be, but he didn't. A whole new idiotic character has emerged. I thought the movie was pretty funny. Zack Galafafafajhshamana (yes purposely misspelled for comedic reasoning) really surprised me with his super feminine, lispy, dainty, funny acting. Whole new direction for him but I liked it! The movie was short and to the point. Good rental! Did I mention that Will punches a baby and a dog!
Ok who doesn't love this once no namer Melissa McCarthy? (Bridesmaids) Really she should just have her own show, oh wait she does (Mike & Molly)! The movie is lightly entertaining with some so so funny parts. Really it could have just been a movie about her stealing everyone's identities and that would have been funnier! Jason Bateman as always seems to play the same character in every movie, but for some reason that's why we love him and he can get away with it. It started out decent with a slow build up, then nothing. Very predictable with some horrible acting by the "bad guys". Kind of wanted to turn it off and go to sleep at one point. 
