An Education

Knowing a famous author is better than becoming one.

4/5 Stars

Carey Mulligan - I'm falling in love

Peter Sarsgaard - Real

I actually enjoyed this film. I was hesitant at first. Yes, it was rather slow in areas, but made for a great pace given the subject matter. It does start to make you think what the point of an education is? Should it be top? Why are you getting one? What will it amount to in the end? Then sums up the answer to all of these questions quite nicely. I loved the accents, period, and scenery. It was all very captivating. This girl learns many lessons very early on in life. You feel as though you are walking through it all for the first time with her. You begin to question things you were once sure of. You begin to look through a different lens.

I believe the writer made an excellent choice in the setting and time for this piece. London in the 60's was quite enjoyable to watch. The writing was real and well delivered. It was almost too smart for the common girl, but was not distracting. The attire and vibe set this film apart. I was always looking for and at something. That helped keep my attention during the slower parts. I also like the fact that it was unpredictable. No, it didn't totally sweep me off my feet, but rather didn't hand everything to me as I expected.

Acting: Most of them were excellent

Writing: Smart and provoking

Cinematography: Beautiful

Story Line: Applicable and entertaining

See it.

Sorority Row

This is why I don't try to publicize my blog...

2/5 Stars

I am not a huge horror at all, but I actually thought this was a seemingly decent film at first. The story was somewhat believable, not SO predictable, and had you on your toes. Then, like most horror films, something went terribly wrong. It got way too out of hand and unrealistic. The overall story is not captivating enough and the murders are way to graphic and hokey. I actually fell in and out of sleep from the second half on. Therefore, I do not have a very good movie critic. My apologies.

I would say that those of you that like to laugh at stupid horror films (as I do occasionally) might actually enjoy this one. I simple cannot recommend it. It falls into the typical hole of every other film you take two looks at the cover of and know there is nothing good behind.

Acting: Decent at times

Writing: Did they really say that?

Cinematography: Dull

Story Line: It didn't matter

Don't see it.

August

"I'm not a business man, I'm a business man"

3/5 Stars

Josh Hartnett - Perfect fit, excellent job

I actually liked this film. It was well written and passionate. The acting was exceptional. The dialogue was real and not overdone. And even though it was flooded with a lot of business jargon, I was able to fight through it.

Au contrar, the film was a little slow and pretty predictable. The F bomb was dropped wayyy more that I would have liked it to be, although seemingly fitting for this obnoxious character Hartnett undertook. This film reveals how miserable and over-demanding the lifestyle of an extreme business man, who is only money hungry, can be. Though in the case with this film, the entrepreneur came to his senses about what really matters in life and redeemed himself.

Acting: Real

Writing: Well meditated

Cinematography: Fitting and moving

Story Line: Typical

Maybe just watch it on TV to obliterate the cursing and nudity.

2012

Well, I wish Danny Glover was the Pres.

1 Stars

John Cusack - I like him

Amanda Peet - Not believable, but hot

Woody Harrelson - The man

So this is not my type of movie at all... I am trying here. All of the actions sequences were just sooooo unrealistic. Yes, I know that this is what this movie was riding on, but you could have done a better job of making the grand escapes truer to life. Probably the most unrealistic sequences I have ever seen in a film. People finding others amongst a billion, escaping the sinking of the earth in a stretch, flying a few massive planes in high intensity situations with a basic knowledge of flight, dodging lava balls in a van, jumping obstacles equivalent to Evil Knievel, and so on. On top of that, the story line and basic and predictable. We all knew what was going to happen... and it did. We were not even given time to be drawn into the characters. So, in the midst of this chaos, you can tell we are supposed to be captivated by loss and salvation, but I simply was not at all. Terrible acting as well.

I will give it credit for it's amazing special effects. The visual appeal was more interesting to watch than Avatar, for a dude. It was just cool to see how they were going to take everything down. That is the main reason I watched. All in all, if the world is coming to an end, we are all going down, but God promised a second coming. So, if we're all going to die, I think He'd take a trip down before that instead of looking down and being like, "Man, I missed my chance". He doesn't miss things. But, either way, we would see Him here or there, so no worries.

Acting: Pretty Terrible

Writing: Even worse and cliche

Cinematography: Captivating

Story Line: Predictable

If you are in to apocalyptic films with special effects, see it. Otherwise, skip it.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Uniquely Entertaining

4/5 Stars

Robert Downey Jr. - Phenomenal

I have to be careful with this one. As much as I liked, I probably equally as much should not have. It is not a very 'nice' film. I thoroughly enjoyed the original writing and acting this film birthed. It was so different, witty, and intentional. It broke the laws of most film institutes and pulled you into this unlikely story. This film also kept you in anticipation of how this whole mess was to be solved. Twists came from every direction that continued to point you to the end result. I loved its ability to humanize certain celebrities and professions.

I did not give it 5 stars because of some unnecessary crudeness and behavior. I also was taken out of the film during some of the ever so unrealistic action sequences. I wish they would have kept it more real and plausible than it turned out.

Acting: Superb

Writing: Most Excellent

Cinematography: Too entranced in the story to notice

Story Line: Unrealistic, yet wildly entertaining

Mature audience only... See it.

FInal Destination 4

The Finally Destination

1/5 Stars

I am just glad there are all finished now. I was getting pretty sick of pretty much watching the same film over and over, but I had to finish. This one was by far the worst of them all. Every aspect was terrible. You'd thought these actors have never recited a line before, the writer grabbed every cliche line known to man, and the direction was exasperated it began not be funny again. All of the deaths were far fetched as usual, but more the most extreme I have ever seen. In the filmmakers defense, we did get a lot of laughs out of it. Then again that might not be a compliment.

The reason it has 1 star... well just read the tag line and look at any pic from the movie you'd like, you'll see why.

Acting: Worst yet

Writing: Even worse

Cinematography: Creative

Story Line: Most typical

Dont. Ever. See. It.

Star Trek

You know how I feel about these...

3/5 Stars (no pun)

The only two reasons I saw this film were because of J.J. Abrams and Robby Stone. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have given it a second glance. I just do not like sci-fi, mystical, fantasy films. None of them. I can respect some (Lord of the Rings...), but don't usually enjoy them.

Let's bring things back down to Earth. The film as good as it could be, being set in space. The visual effects were amazing. It actually developed a plot, overcame evil, love, heroism, comedy, blah blah. I accredit it all to JJ. I am a fan of his work (if you couldn't tell). It hit you with the unexpected and kept you on your feet before slowly lowering you back down. I occasionally forgot that we were in space, traveling back and forth through time. Props to Robby for the recommendation.

The reason it only got three stars is because its sci-fi and I can take a star away based solely on that considering its my blog and because of the unrealistic fight/action sequences. They posed as a distraction. Basically its just hard for me to give the epitome of sci-fi films a 4 (but i secretly want to).

Acting: Mostly believable

Writing: Amazing

Cinematography: Enticing

Story Line: Its in space...

See it. I might do it again.

Final Destination 3

Gotta Love 'Em

2/5 Stars

I simply became a fan of the first two and had to finish off watching the rest. I don't even know why I am such a fan, they are not even that good. The same thing happens in each film...

Anyway, for this particular film, I liked it, but can't critique it very well at all. The acting is sub par, the writing is terrible, the effects are hokey, the scenarios are unrealistic (as they always are) and the language and nudity doesn't help. I do however, like how they sit and ponder for hours on end of how to simply kill off each person. Some of them, though unrealistic, are creative and funny to watch. My roommates and I simply think of these films as comedies. The only reason I gave it a 2 instead of 1 is because of that factor right there. It does make you tense up a few times, but more laughs follow.

I will think twice, however, the next time I get on a roller coaster... Just as I have every time I've boarded a plane, seen a logger truck on the wet interstate, been to the dentist, the doctor, the garbage disposal, the train tracks, a car on a bridge, the weight room, a fair, fireworks, knives, hardware store, movie theater... but hey, its just a movie.

Acting: Terrible

Writing: Even worse

Cinematography: Trying

Story Line: Same as the rest

Don't see it, I just have a knack.

The Box

Not by choice

1/5 Stars

Cameron Diaz - Used to like her

James Marsden - Awkward opposite

I had heard this was a terrible movie, so I intended on napping through it while my mom watched. I would have been successful too, had it not been for the random explosions of volume the film provided. It would have been a much better use of my time.

The acting was just terrible on all accounts. I would normally stick up for these leads, but they for some reason were not on their game. The dialogue was unconvincing and hokey. This film simply tried too hard to be uniquely creepy. The random characters and signs seemed all too misleading. I was confused and unconcerned. It takes you through a vicious loop of a meaningless plot. In the defense that you might assume I hated it cause I was in and out of sleep, my optimistic mother hated it as well. You live and learn.

Acting: Terrible

Writing: Unsuccessfully trying to be something it couldn't

Cinematography: Simple

Story Line: Are you kidding me

Skip it, really.

Everybody's Fine

Potential tear jerker.

3/5 Stars

Robert De Niro - Older than he looks here

Drew Barrymore - Convincing

Kate Beckinsale - Love of my life

Sam Rockwell - All I can think of is him in The Green Mile

This was a decent/humbling film. It tells stories of how life may not pan out exactly the way you intended it to be. You may not be as successful, perfect, or living up to the standards others have made for you. But through all of this, we can find happiness and love if we are honest. I like the journey this father takes to become closer to his unfolding family. There are a lot of loose ends that all start to come together. I really enjoyed the portrayal of their younger selves in opportune times (except they could have picked a more fitting "young Drew Barrymore" since we all know what she really did look like).

Although it had great intentions and entertained me, it proved a bit unrealistic and slow. Some of the dialogue took me out of the element, but that was probably just me. I do appreciate how it wrapped it self all together in the end and left you feeling hopeful amongst this depressing plot line. My mom cried a lot.

The reason I took two stars away was first because it wasn't the most enjoyable 2 hours I have ever spent, and secondly, it lacked originality. All in all, I believe it was a success for the filmmakers purpose and vision. It had me thinking about it and how it applies to my life long after I saw it.

Acting: Couldn't have done better.

Writing: Almost great.

Cinematography: Clever.

Story Line: Great intentions and themes.

See it.

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.