Valentine's Day

My Girl

1/5 Stars

Going against the fact I knew it was not going to be a good film, I took my mom and went to see it for my girl, Julia Roberts. Loved every moment that she was on the screen, just hated the rest of the film. This wannabe Love Actually flick just flopped. As many huge celebrities it carried, the acting was just terrible. Its rare that a film will have that many celebrities and actually be good. The exception is Ocean's 11. Usually, they are trying to make up for something and in this case it was the terrible script. It simply did not come to life for me.

Taylor Swift is not an actress. Don't get me started on that Taylor Lautner. Jessican Biel lost too much weight. Patrick Dempsey played a doctor, imagine that. Jamie Foxx, I can't stand. Jennifer Garner did a great job!

I will say there were rare moments when I actually laughed out loud and that Ashton Kutcher, as much as I don't like him, did a good job. I always like seeing George Lopez as well. It was fun to see all of the places I used to go to as well when I lived in LA. I would imagine most of their budget was spent on actors, considering all the scenes took place in LA, no special effects, and no great script.

Acting: Mostly terrible

Writing: Even worse, so many cliche lines

Cinematography: Very basic

Story Line: That killed it

If you're a girl into chick flicks with nothing else to do... see it.

Gosford Park

Who Done It?

2/5 Stars

Michael Gambon - Holds his own

Clive Owen - Not much range

Ryan Phillippe - Believable

I was just bored during this film. Its another one of those dinner murder mystery type. Personally, I loved the movie Clue 10x fold. This film even makes fun of itself when two characters are discussing a horrible film one is producing:

Morris Weissman: Well, not really. Most of it takes place at a shooting party in a country house. Sort of like this one, actually. Murder in the middle of the night, a lot of guests for the weekend, everyone's a suspect. You know, that sort of thing.
Constance: How horrid. And who turns out to have done it?
Morris Weissman: Oh, I couldn't tell you that. It would spoil it for you.
Constance: Oh, but none of us will see it.

That pretty much sums up this film. I didn't even care who did it and why. I, along with most of the characters, was even glad that it had been done. There was simply not enough plot or gripping story to make me care. In fact, every other scene was someone cheating on someone else sexually. And by the end of the movie you are not left satisfied at all. It didn't seem to come full circle. Kind of just leaves you there.

The reason I didn't give it a 1 is because it had great dialogue. The absence of words in most cases drew me in. So many times films use so much dialogue and too much rambling to explain things. This film was concise and deliberate. It made me try to hang on to every word, even though I could hardly understand half of them with their terrible accents, seriously.

Acting: Above average

Writing: Great

Cinematography: Nothing stands out

Story Line: Unoriginal

Skip it.

Scarface

Anticipation of the famous line was killing me.

3/5 Stars

Al Pacino - This made him

Michelle Pfeiffer - Strung out

This film was well done and I can see why it was praised in its time. The ultimate guy film. It had a little of everything, but a lot of violence and F bombs (you were warned). I appreciated the way it was put together and the smart dialogue.

Yes, confusing at times. Yes, slow at times. Yes, outdated. Yes, typical mobster/drug dealing movie. But it kept me attention, kept my focus, kept me in anticipation, kept me surprised, and kept doing its job of entertaining me. It did run a little long. All profanity and bad acting extras aside, its decent.

Acting: Almost all superb

Writing: Unique, harsh

Cinematography: Good for the era

Story Line: Typical with some twists

The reason it got exactly a three is because even though this isn't my typical appeal and favorite era, I was intrigued and engrossed in Pacino's abilities.

Try and see it, but be prepared. (longevity and profanity)

Law Abiding Citizen

My first film of 2010...

Honestly, its been a while since the I've seen it, so forgive my memory.

4/5 Stars

Gerard Butler: Excellent.

Jamie Foxx: Never liked him.

This is a smart film. It keeps you on your toes. It keeps you thinking. It makes you think about of flawed justice system. The emotional attachment might not be there, but it gets its point across. Its a good thing this situation falls into the lap of this unordinary American.

Not much of a family movie. There is profanity and some grotesque scenes. More of a dude flick if you will.

Acting: Most all of it was excellent.

Writing: Smart and to the point.

Cinematography: A little above average. Nothing Crazy.

Story Line: Pretty basic premise with intriguing turns.

The reason its not 5 stars is because its semi predictable towards the end, it has Jamie Foxx, unrealistic, and it didn't provide anything I've never seen before.

See it.

Inglorious Bastards

"It's a BINGO!"

5/5 Stars

Brad Pitt: Warming up to him, Excellent

Christoph Waltz: Brilliant

Diane Kruger: Love/Like relationship

I can't say enough about this film. From the first scene till the last, it had me intrigued. The way Tarantino creates his films is obviously like no other. My heart was racing the entire time either out of tension, laughter, excitement, brutality, or laughter. It truly keeps you on edge anticipating the ultimate climax.

I love the way Tarantino creates suspense between two characters. Less is more. Brilliant twists and turns to set up each scene. The dialogue was straightforward and witty. Each actor delivered. Waltz never caught me looking away.

Acting: Top Notch all around

Writing: Genius, meditated

Cinematography: Exciting and new

Story Line: Intriguing and heroic.

There is violence, language, and gore. Ratings are there for a reason. Don't watch with a week stomach or a dislike for Tarantino.

See it.

Fame

Not Fame

1/5 Stars

No Actors

The thing is, this had nothing to do with the original Fame musical. None of the same characters, music, or plot. Not that I remember it all that well to begin with, but I at least know none of the songs were the same. That part was semi disappointing.

Other than that, it sucked. The acting, singing, and story line were all hokey. I am just not in to these kinds of films. They are real corny and amateur. I guess it leaves you with a feel good feeling though.

Acting: Below par

Writing: Yeah, right

Cinematography: Elementary

Story Line: Too dreamlike

The reason it at least got a 1 is because I won't give a 0 and the message had good intentions.

Skip it.