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The Ugly Truth (2009) 1hr 37 min Rated-R
I admit I do not usually go in for chick-flicks, but I gotta say this one was good. And more than that, I think the guys who get dragged along will enjoy the male perspective on it, too! Watching Katherine Heigel and Gerard Butler together was easy and the laughs were all there. The timing is perfect -- not drawn out -- just right. Light fare, funny, I recommend it.
Both of these actors are busy this summer... Heigel is back filiming Grey's Anatomy and Butler has another movie - Gamer - a futuristic world where humans control prisoners in a mass-scale gaming environment. Star player (Butler) looks for freedom from the games' twisted mastermind played by Michael C. Hall (Dexter) -- due out September 4th.
http://gamerthemovie.com/
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
DVD -- Rachel Getting Married
Anne Hathaway makes a 180 degree turn from her previous roles with Rachel Getting Married (2008) -- as Kym, a frequent guest of rehab, returning home after 10 years for her sister, Rachel's, wedding. Directed by Jonathan Demme with Sebastian Stan, Roslyn Ruff, Bill Irwin and Debra Winger. Though it received rave reviews, be aware it is not a light movie. I found myself reminded of Ordinary People as drama unfolded, but it visually seemed almost like a pseudo-documentary.
Great performances by its cast.
Great performances by its cast.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Hmmm-Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Harry Potter -- It's been a lifetime...
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2 hrs 33 min / PG)
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthehalf-bloodprince/
I started reading the Harry Potter books when they first came out -- to my daughter every night before bed. I read in made up voices for each character and because of her age, sometimes edited as I read.
We would attend the midnight book sales/parties and eventually the midnight movie premieres. I was so hooked on the story that even after she fell asleep, I would continue to read the book (sometimes through the night) until I was done. She'd be mad that I didn't wait for her, but I admit, I was addicted. It has therefore been our tradition to see each of the movies on the premier night--until this year. She is now 16 and we have long finished the books (or so it seems). We had to remind each other what this book was about, and even during the movie, some things were a bit fuzzy. I think at this point, we just want to see it through.
We love the characters and they are near and dear to us -- as any good book does for its readers. I marvel at dazzling special effects and these movies never disappoint -- the magic, the Quidditch matches, the wizard world. But, I accept that the characters are growing up -- it's been 7 years in their world. And now we are immersed in the more serious story of Harry Potter -- what his whole life has been leading up to and the fluffy fun stuff is gone. I think this disappointed my mother most -- she missed the fun aspect of the story.
The Hogwarts students are now experiencing teenage angst and emotions are truly emerging as life lessons are learned (laughs & broken hearts, too). If you are a fan of the series, the end is near. Enjoy yet another beautifully crafted visual of the story.
5 out of 5 tix
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2 hrs 33 min / PG)
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthehalf-bloodprince/
I started reading the Harry Potter books when they first came out -- to my daughter every night before bed. I read in made up voices for each character and because of her age, sometimes edited as I read.
We would attend the midnight book sales/parties and eventually the midnight movie premieres. I was so hooked on the story that even after she fell asleep, I would continue to read the book (sometimes through the night) until I was done. She'd be mad that I didn't wait for her, but I admit, I was addicted. It has therefore been our tradition to see each of the movies on the premier night--until this year. She is now 16 and we have long finished the books (or so it seems). We had to remind each other what this book was about, and even during the movie, some things were a bit fuzzy. I think at this point, we just want to see it through.
We love the characters and they are near and dear to us -- as any good book does for its readers. I marvel at dazzling special effects and these movies never disappoint -- the magic, the Quidditch matches, the wizard world. But, I accept that the characters are growing up -- it's been 7 years in their world. And now we are immersed in the more serious story of Harry Potter -- what his whole life has been leading up to and the fluffy fun stuff is gone. I think this disappointed my mother most -- she missed the fun aspect of the story.
The Hogwarts students are now experiencing teenage angst and emotions are truly emerging as life lessons are learned (laughs & broken hearts, too). If you are a fan of the series, the end is near. Enjoy yet another beautifully crafted visual of the story.
5 out of 5 tix
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Chick Flicks Alert...
Two for the Tissue Box
Well, admittedly, I am selective about my chick flicks, but 2 upcoming movies have me curious enough to pay attention.
The first is the The Ugly Truth (http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/theuglytruth/) a romantic comedy starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler. Heigl plays a romantically challenged morning show producer who gets schooled in relationships by her chauvanistic correspondent (Butler). He believes men are only interested in one thing, she disagrees -- the games ensue...with unexpected results. Opens July 24
Admittedly, I will see this because of Butler, who had me at the 300, and cinced it with PS-I Love You.
Up next is a romantic drama The Time Traveler's Wife, (http://www.thetimetravelerswifemovie.com/) starring Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, Mean Girls, Wedding Crashers) and Eric Bana (Star Trek, The Other Bolyen Girl) and based on the best selling novel by Audrey Neffenegger. A love story that "transcends time" -- Clare has been in love with Henry her whole life, despite the fact he suffers from a rare genetic anomoly that has him skipping through the span of his lfe without warning when he will come or go. Opens August 14
I think Rachel McAdams is the cutest thing in movies right now. Somewhere in Time fans should sit up & take a look...reminiscent of the past classic with a fresh take.
Check out my poll on Chick Flicks and cast a vote for your fav or leave a comment if it's not listed.
Well, admittedly, I am selective about my chick flicks, but 2 upcoming movies have me curious enough to pay attention.
The first is the The Ugly Truth (http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/theuglytruth/) a romantic comedy starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler. Heigl plays a romantically challenged morning show producer who gets schooled in relationships by her chauvanistic correspondent (Butler). He believes men are only interested in one thing, she disagrees -- the games ensue...with unexpected results. Opens July 24
Admittedly, I will see this because of Butler, who had me at the 300, and cinced it with PS-I Love You.
Up next is a romantic drama The Time Traveler's Wife, (http://www.thetimetravelerswifemovie.com/) starring Rachel McAdams (The Notebook, Mean Girls, Wedding Crashers) and Eric Bana (Star Trek, The Other Bolyen Girl) and based on the best selling novel by Audrey Neffenegger. A love story that "transcends time" -- Clare has been in love with Henry her whole life, despite the fact he suffers from a rare genetic anomoly that has him skipping through the span of his lfe without warning when he will come or go. Opens August 14
I think Rachel McAdams is the cutest thing in movies right now. Somewhere in Time fans should sit up & take a look...reminiscent of the past classic with a fresh take.
Check out my poll on Chick Flicks and cast a vote for your fav or leave a comment if it's not listed.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Up & Coming -- A SciFi Holiday
Well here's a look ahead, just in case you're craving your SciFi. There are a number of the genre's movies scheduled for the Aug & the fall. -- anyone a fan or maybe just curious?
Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings Trilogy) has District 9 due out on August 14 == a fictional world with aliens (ETs) as refugees in South Africa. Looks War of World-ish. Watch the preview...
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=56974
Bruce Willis is back (with Radha Mitchell) as an FBI agents investigating a college murder in Surrogates, due Sept 25. People choose life like robots (surrogates) to live their lives. (hmmm)
http://chooseyoursurrogate.com/
And if you want humor in your horror...how about Zombieland, starring Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg. An "on the road comedy" finds the duo on a cross country trek where zombies are the scenic fare. I still don't think anyone got humor in zombies quite like Sean of the Dead.
Another disaster movie...but it sure looked cool in previews. Roland Emmerich's 2012 previews are now online. Not arriving in theaters until November 13, the flick has some notables: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton, Danny Glover and Woody Harrelson. Action/adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and its heroic survivors.
Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings Trilogy) has District 9 due out on August 14 == a fictional world with aliens (ETs) as refugees in South Africa. Looks War of World-ish. Watch the preview...
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=56974
Bruce Willis is back (with Radha Mitchell) as an FBI agents investigating a college murder in Surrogates, due Sept 25. People choose life like robots (surrogates) to live their lives. (hmmm)
http://chooseyoursurrogate.com/
And if you want humor in your horror...how about Zombieland, starring Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg. An "on the road comedy" finds the duo on a cross country trek where zombies are the scenic fare. I still don't think anyone got humor in zombies quite like Sean of the Dead.
Another disaster movie...but it sure looked cool in previews. Roland Emmerich's 2012 previews are now online. Not arriving in theaters until November 13, the flick has some notables: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton, Danny Glover and Woody Harrelson. Action/adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and its heroic survivors.
Odds & Ends - Dos & Don'ts
A quick summary or some quick thoughts...
Demi checked in with an "UP" review for me. Though she is halfway through her teen years and still not too old for a Pixar movie (who is?), she felt that it was definitely not a children's movie. "It was very sad, I cried a lot," she complained. Even with a thumbs up vote, she cautioned that even the pre-movie Pixar short made her a bit sad as well. She felt bad for the dark cloud. I know my oldest does tend to the more sensitive of my children, but she did enjoy the movies overall and recommended the Pixar tale.
Anyone want to weigh in?
I do not think there will be a review of either Pelham 123 or Bruno. (well, maybe, Pelham 123) but I can assure you I probably won't see Bruno. I just don't think he's funny and choose to spend the precious movie money elsewhere. Sorry if I am disappointing anyone.
Did you enjoy the Borat movie?
I am debating whether or not to see The Stoning of Soraya M as I find these types of movies very difficult to watch (Shindler's List, Kite Runner, etc.). I think they are very well done and add much cinematic value, but I generally see how I feel before buying the ticket. Luckily, I did stay through the beginning of Slumdog Millionaire, which turned out to be original and wonderful !
Stay tuned for Public Enemy (Depp as Dillinger/Bale as Purvis) and romcom The Ugly Truth (Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler). We also have the new GI Joe:The Rise of Cobra and of course, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
TV Commercial Break
Is anyone watching True Blood on HBO? I am suddenly hooked, like soap opera hooked, on this show. I watched the first season on DVD in about a week. Then read the first 4 books also in about a week... crazy the things we fall for week after week.
Demi checked in with an "UP" review for me. Though she is halfway through her teen years and still not too old for a Pixar movie (who is?), she felt that it was definitely not a children's movie. "It was very sad, I cried a lot," she complained. Even with a thumbs up vote, she cautioned that even the pre-movie Pixar short made her a bit sad as well. She felt bad for the dark cloud. I know my oldest does tend to the more sensitive of my children, but she did enjoy the movies overall and recommended the Pixar tale.
Anyone want to weigh in?
I do not think there will be a review of either Pelham 123 or Bruno. (well, maybe, Pelham 123) but I can assure you I probably won't see Bruno. I just don't think he's funny and choose to spend the precious movie money elsewhere. Sorry if I am disappointing anyone.
Did you enjoy the Borat movie?
I am debating whether or not to see The Stoning of Soraya M as I find these types of movies very difficult to watch (Shindler's List, Kite Runner, etc.). I think they are very well done and add much cinematic value, but I generally see how I feel before buying the ticket. Luckily, I did stay through the beginning of Slumdog Millionaire, which turned out to be original and wonderful !
Stay tuned for Public Enemy (Depp as Dillinger/Bale as Purvis) and romcom The Ugly Truth (Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler). We also have the new GI Joe:The Rise of Cobra and of course, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
TV Commercial Break
Is anyone watching True Blood on HBO? I am suddenly hooked, like soap opera hooked, on this show. I watched the first season on DVD in about a week. Then read the first 4 books also in about a week... crazy the things we fall for week after week.
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