I have to admit to having an attitude - and not a good one - about this movie. After seeing the previews I thought "Uh huh - here we go - another movie rewriting history, with the white girl coming along to save the poor black folks." Yes, I admit it. That was my knee jerk reaction. I wasn't sure I would even see the movie.
But it's opening day and I couldn't resist. I snuck off to check it out and this is one of the best movies I have ever seen!
What a tremendous story with an amazing cast! It is skillfully acted, skillfully directed, skillfully written. It stars the very talented Viola Davis, and Emma Stone and Octavia Spencer. Sissy Spacek has a small but key, powerful, hilarious role. And the amazing Cicely Tyson is here to light up the screen. Bryce Dallas Howard plays the evil Hilly Holbrook - I just can't say enough for the outstanding acting. There are just no weak links. Viola Davis needs to walk away with an Oscar for her part, IMO. But then so could 3 others in this movie - the acting is wonderful.
It takes place in Jackson Mississippi in the 60s and gives us a first hand look at the laws and racism that was blatantly commonplace. The three main characters form a unlikely and very dangerous friendship at great risk to themselves and their families, to shed light on the injustices and try to make the world a little bit better. We go along on this trip with them, through the ups and downs and realizing the dangers and the reasons.
The story is layered and sneaks up on you at times. And I'll admit to one other thing - I laughed so hard and shed tears at least 3 times - all in the same movie. As a rule I do not cry at movies. Even when they're sad, even when they're very very sad - it's still just a movie. But this one got me not once, not twice, but three times. I believe it's powerful.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place. There was a good sized crowd (especially for a Wed. afternoon!) and it roared with laughter several times, and was silent many others. Ryne sold me the ticket with a smile and David served up fresh, hot popcorn and sprinkle cheese. A great movie experience. I ran off alone to check this out but may have to go back with others and see it again.
I gave this one a "5". Go see it!
Showing posts with label A-J. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A-J. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Captain America
Put off seeing this one in favor of Cowboys and Aliens - wow what a mistake THAT was!! Captain America comes after a string of not so great - not even good - super hero movie disappointments, but thankfully this one gets things back on track!
This is another in the line of Avengers movies (Hulk, Thor, Ironman) and it's a good one! The story is solid, the characters are excellent and the actors and visuals - wonderful. Tommy Lee Jones is refreshingly himself - the witty, the natural, the best lines in the movie Tommy Lee Jones!
Stanley Tucci is another favorite - nice to see his talents used here. And of course the star of the show - Chris Evans - with his spectacular pecs and abs, some very good acting, and some lovely special effects with him in the first half of the film.
And as usual, there is a cameo of Stan Lee! :) Always fun to note those.
There is action, a great villain (played by the super talented Hugo Weaving), humor, and fun. What else do you go to a super hero movie for?
Several of the other Avengers have become a "Meh" but now I'm amped for The Avengers to come out! May 2012. Be there or be square.
When you go see Captain America, stay past the (really) long credits for a sneak peak at The Avengers. It, of course, stars Samuel L. Jackson. Funny, I thought of him several times during this movie, but a little redder than usual. ;)
This one gets a "5"!
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place. Ryne was at the ticket booth and everyone was doing great for a fairly busy (rainy) Wednesday.
This is another in the line of Avengers movies (Hulk, Thor, Ironman) and it's a good one! The story is solid, the characters are excellent and the actors and visuals - wonderful. Tommy Lee Jones is refreshingly himself - the witty, the natural, the best lines in the movie Tommy Lee Jones!
Stanley Tucci is another favorite - nice to see his talents used here. And of course the star of the show - Chris Evans - with his spectacular pecs and abs, some very good acting, and some lovely special effects with him in the first half of the film.
And as usual, there is a cameo of Stan Lee! :) Always fun to note those.
There is action, a great villain (played by the super talented Hugo Weaving), humor, and fun. What else do you go to a super hero movie for?
Several of the other Avengers have become a "Meh" but now I'm amped for The Avengers to come out! May 2012. Be there or be square.
When you go see Captain America, stay past the (really) long credits for a sneak peak at The Avengers. It, of course, stars Samuel L. Jackson. Funny, I thought of him several times during this movie, but a little redder than usual. ;)
This one gets a "5"!
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place. Ryne was at the ticket booth and everyone was doing great for a fairly busy (rainy) Wednesday.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Cowboys & Aliens
There are 6 credited writers on this movie, and frankly, that's always a bad sign. BUT it's Spielberg, it's Ron Howard, it's Jon Favreau (who also directed the fabulous Ironman) and it stars Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig, with Sam Rockwell... this movie has a pedigree! And frankly, it's COWBOYS and ALIENS - right there alone this has to be a blow your mind great movie.
I've counted down the days for a month to see this one. Adam and I went to the midnight show the day before it's release. And I gotta tell ya, we saw Super Manager Shane and he nailed it by saying "Sometimes they just can't live up to the hype and you may be setting yourself up for a disappointment." Has Super Manager Shane seen the movie or does he just know Hollywood? He was right.
This is not a bad movie.... but it's somehow not a great movie and it really should be. Adam had one word exiting the theater - "Meh".
We shook our heads and walked to the car in silence just thinking ... "Huh?" But shook off the daze and soon started on each of our lists of things that Did Not Make Sense. We both had them and not always the same ones.
"Why was that " "I have NO Idea" and "Why didn't he" "I know!"
The hook of the movie, the basic premise, is really that there are aliens back in cowboy times. That's not a spoiler, it's in the title. After seeing a heap of movies, good and bad, that show modern day people reacting to aliens, how much fun will this be to see people who have never even seen a CAR witness things flying in the air and actual alien technology! But it wasn't fun. One scene was interesting in that way but then it seemed like the idea was simply lost. Forgotten about. Pretty soon the guys running around could have just as easily been dressed in space suits, or modern day clothing, or cowboy outfits because there was no difference in how they acted or reacted.
I was paying close attention to the direction because of Jon Favreau, and even that was disappointing because it wasn't his own unique direction, it was him very carefully imitating the stereotypical old westerns.
There are holes in the plot and continuity problems, which is normal when you have 6 writers, I suppose.
We finally boiled it down to the target audience, and I believe this target audience would be thrilled with this movie. Kids (mostly boys) from the age of 8 to 13. I think that age range would find it really exciting, a bit scary, fun, and pretty thrilling.
We gave it a 2.5 and still feel a bit confused by the whole thing. Especially with such a pedigree, we wonder - "Is this the best that Hollywood has to offer?"
The place was Pueblo Tinseltown. Super Manager Shane was cheerful and alert, as well as helpful Sarah who served us up fresh popcorn and sprinkle cheese. The place was hoppin for a midnight show with more attendees than we imagined.
I've counted down the days for a month to see this one. Adam and I went to the midnight show the day before it's release. And I gotta tell ya, we saw Super Manager Shane and he nailed it by saying "Sometimes they just can't live up to the hype and you may be setting yourself up for a disappointment." Has Super Manager Shane seen the movie or does he just know Hollywood? He was right.
This is not a bad movie.... but it's somehow not a great movie and it really should be. Adam had one word exiting the theater - "Meh".
We shook our heads and walked to the car in silence just thinking ... "Huh?" But shook off the daze and soon started on each of our lists of things that Did Not Make Sense. We both had them and not always the same ones.
"Why was that " "I have NO Idea" and "Why didn't he" "I know!"
The hook of the movie, the basic premise, is really that there are aliens back in cowboy times. That's not a spoiler, it's in the title. After seeing a heap of movies, good and bad, that show modern day people reacting to aliens, how much fun will this be to see people who have never even seen a CAR witness things flying in the air and actual alien technology! But it wasn't fun. One scene was interesting in that way but then it seemed like the idea was simply lost. Forgotten about. Pretty soon the guys running around could have just as easily been dressed in space suits, or modern day clothing, or cowboy outfits because there was no difference in how they acted or reacted.
I was paying close attention to the direction because of Jon Favreau, and even that was disappointing because it wasn't his own unique direction, it was him very carefully imitating the stereotypical old westerns.
There are holes in the plot and continuity problems, which is normal when you have 6 writers, I suppose.
We finally boiled it down to the target audience, and I believe this target audience would be thrilled with this movie. Kids (mostly boys) from the age of 8 to 13. I think that age range would find it really exciting, a bit scary, fun, and pretty thrilling.
We gave it a 2.5 and still feel a bit confused by the whole thing. Especially with such a pedigree, we wonder - "Is this the best that Hollywood has to offer?"
The place was Pueblo Tinseltown. Super Manager Shane was cheerful and alert, as well as helpful Sarah who served us up fresh popcorn and sprinkle cheese. The place was hoppin for a midnight show with more attendees than we imagined.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Bad Teacher
ALRIGHT, I saw it! I said I wouldn't but it was 103 degrees and well.... it was this or Zookeeper. I flipped a coin and went in to this one.
All in all I was pleasantly surprised. It's squirrely stupid fun, moves along well, actually has a few funny things in it and was just a big relief from the heat.
Cameron Diaz is ditzy and sexy, and for most guys that's really all you need. The "plot" if you call it one, just isn't. But it's fun, silly summer stuff.
Hot fresh popcorn at the nice clean Pueblo Tinseltown. Fun afternoon to run off to the movies!
All in all I was pleasantly surprised. It's squirrely stupid fun, moves along well, actually has a few funny things in it and was just a big relief from the heat.
Cameron Diaz is ditzy and sexy, and for most guys that's really all you need. The "plot" if you call it one, just isn't. But it's fun, silly summer stuff.
Hot fresh popcorn at the nice clean Pueblo Tinseltown. Fun afternoon to run off to the movies!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Horrible Bosses
Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis - in miserable jobs - hate their bosses - decide their life would be better if their bosses were dead. Hilarity ensues.
That's about it. Right there, this would have been One To Possibly Miss. BUT wait just a minute.... add in Jennifer Aniston and you have a DEFINITE One to Miss (for me anyway).
Now add in the Great Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell in a hilariously horrible role, Jamie Foxx trying to be a hit man, with a sprinkling of Donald Sutherland, and you end up with a very funny little movie.
This is no 'Hangover', and it's naughty on all levels, so do NOT bring kids. It's graphically sexual. There were at least 3 times that I laughed out loud. The movie is funny, moves right along, and is not too long (85 minutes) so perfect for brainless summer fun out of the heat, with lots of popcorn.
The place was Pueblo Tinseltown - went on a very hot afternoon. Got out of the heat, into the nice clean happy theater. I got fresh hot popcorn with real butter and sprinkle cheese and it was a fun time.
Giving this a '3'!
That's about it. Right there, this would have been One To Possibly Miss. BUT wait just a minute.... add in Jennifer Aniston and you have a DEFINITE One to Miss (for me anyway).
Now add in the Great Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell in a hilariously horrible role, Jamie Foxx trying to be a hit man, with a sprinkling of Donald Sutherland, and you end up with a very funny little movie.
This is no 'Hangover', and it's naughty on all levels, so do NOT bring kids. It's graphically sexual. There were at least 3 times that I laughed out loud. The movie is funny, moves right along, and is not too long (85 minutes) so perfect for brainless summer fun out of the heat, with lots of popcorn.
The place was Pueblo Tinseltown - went on a very hot afternoon. Got out of the heat, into the nice clean happy theater. I got fresh hot popcorn with real butter and sprinkle cheese and it was a fun time.
Giving this a '3'!
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Green Lantern
Ohhh boy. :( Green Lantern -> Fail.
I went to see this one with earthson - Adam - and we were both magnificently disappointed. Yawn. The script is just .... flat. Nothing that's charming, endearing, funny, or actually even interesting. The visuals are nice - especially The Guardians. They did a great job on them. But other than that..... it was a yawner.
Ironman set the bar so high and that's the measure I still use. That movie really had alot going for it - could have played out just like reading the Ironman comic and it would have been as boring as Green Lantern. Instead Robert Downey Jr. really MADE that character. No one else would have done nearly as good of a job. In Green Lantern, we could think of a dozen actors who could have done the exact same job that Ryan Reynolds does. He didn't bring anything distinctly Ryan Reynolds to the part (other than his abs).
Ironman had a kick ass script full of surprises and laughs and updated references. Green Lantern has none of those.
If you have a kid who likes superheroes and is in the 8 - 12 year old range, I believe they may like this. Anyone else is going to be pretty darn disappointed.
Maybe there will be a sequel. And hopefully that one will include the real Green Lantern that I thought I remembered - John Stewart - who was black. And maybe they'll find a couple million extra dollars laying around and be able to hire Jon Favreau to direct it. Then they may have a movie!
We gave this one a "2"
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place - great, hot fresh popcorn and sprinkle cheese. That was the highlight of the day.
I went to see this one with earthson - Adam - and we were both magnificently disappointed. Yawn. The script is just .... flat. Nothing that's charming, endearing, funny, or actually even interesting. The visuals are nice - especially The Guardians. They did a great job on them. But other than that..... it was a yawner.
Ironman set the bar so high and that's the measure I still use. That movie really had alot going for it - could have played out just like reading the Ironman comic and it would have been as boring as Green Lantern. Instead Robert Downey Jr. really MADE that character. No one else would have done nearly as good of a job. In Green Lantern, we could think of a dozen actors who could have done the exact same job that Ryan Reynolds does. He didn't bring anything distinctly Ryan Reynolds to the part (other than his abs).
Ironman had a kick ass script full of surprises and laughs and updated references. Green Lantern has none of those.
If you have a kid who likes superheroes and is in the 8 - 12 year old range, I believe they may like this. Anyone else is going to be pretty darn disappointed.
Maybe there will be a sequel. And hopefully that one will include the real Green Lantern that I thought I remembered - John Stewart - who was black. And maybe they'll find a couple million extra dollars laying around and be able to hire Jon Favreau to direct it. Then they may have a movie!
We gave this one a "2"
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place - great, hot fresh popcorn and sprinkle cheese. That was the highlight of the day.
Friday, June 03, 2011
Hangover 2
If you saw Hangover, you've already seen this one. We loved the original Hangover and laughed out loud many times. It was fresh, crazy, well paced, surprising. This one is crazy, the same pace (exactly), not fresh, not surprising. The same guys are back and they pretty much do the same things. Ed Helms is a riot, even when he's doing about what you expect him to do.
If you liked the first one and you just want some goofy fun - check it out. It was definitely goofy and fun.
"3"
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place, popcorn was fresh and hot and lovely in their NEW popcorn poppers (that are super gigantic)!
If you liked the first one and you just want some goofy fun - check it out. It was definitely goofy and fun.
"3"
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place, popcorn was fresh and hot and lovely in their NEW popcorn poppers (that are super gigantic)!
Bridesmaids
Kristen Wigg is super talented and I wish her all the best and all the movies in the world, but this one is a big disappointment. I went only after hearing over and over how good it was. It was pleasant, she is a good actress, but the movie is no "female Hangover"as it's been called.
Glad I went alone and didn't waste anybody else's time.
This one got a '2'.
I actually forgot to write the review.
Glad I went alone and didn't waste anybody else's time.
This one got a '2'.
I actually forgot to write the review.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Insidious
Insidious means - "beguiling but harmful". Perfect title for this movie!
It's a story that could easily have gotten rehashed into the same old scary movie - a house with an entity... a child... we could be watching a cheap imitation of The Exorcist. Only this time it's very different, and fresh, and has good actors and a much better written script!
Insidious is creepy, creepy, creepy. They keep the tension and feel going throughout, which is the ultimate goal of a scary movie and so few actually achieve.
Patrick Wilson ('Watchmen') stars, along with his movie wife ('Get Him To the Greek' and 'Adam'), and they do a good job. It's important that we like or at least connect with the family members first... that's a rule of all scary movies. This one does a decent job of that.
There's a surprise part played by Barbara Hershey ('Black Swan' and 'Beaches' of course). [She looks great!] But the real star is the character named Elise - Lin Shaye. She is a wonderful character actor - once you see her face you'll recognize her. I couldn't recall her name and couldn't place her in a major role but have seen her everywhere. She's been a working actor for some time. In this movie she steals the show, as far as I'm concerned.
If you like creepy, edge of your seat, find yourself holding your breath a bit as you watch movies - you'll like this one. We really did.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place. We got some great freshly popped hot popcorn with real butter from the very helpful and efficient Avril. Unfortunately we went to this one over the dinner hour so we had to get popcorn refills!
We give 'Insidious' a 4!
It's a story that could easily have gotten rehashed into the same old scary movie - a house with an entity... a child... we could be watching a cheap imitation of The Exorcist. Only this time it's very different, and fresh, and has good actors and a much better written script!
Insidious is creepy, creepy, creepy. They keep the tension and feel going throughout, which is the ultimate goal of a scary movie and so few actually achieve.
Patrick Wilson ('Watchmen') stars, along with his movie wife ('Get Him To the Greek' and 'Adam'), and they do a good job. It's important that we like or at least connect with the family members first... that's a rule of all scary movies. This one does a decent job of that.
There's a surprise part played by Barbara Hershey ('Black Swan' and 'Beaches' of course). [She looks great!] But the real star is the character named Elise - Lin Shaye. She is a wonderful character actor - once you see her face you'll recognize her. I couldn't recall her name and couldn't place her in a major role but have seen her everywhere. She's been a working actor for some time. In this movie she steals the show, as far as I'm concerned.
If you like creepy, edge of your seat, find yourself holding your breath a bit as you watch movies - you'll like this one. We really did.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place. We got some great freshly popped hot popcorn with real butter from the very helpful and efficient Avril. Unfortunately we went to this one over the dinner hour so we had to get popcorn refills!
We give 'Insidious' a 4!
Thursday, January 06, 2011
The Fighter
We saw the trailer and weren't looking forward to seeing what hit us at first as a mediocre Rocky knock off movie. Earthdad is a huge fight fan but even so...
BUT I saw some coverage about the movie and all about how Mark Wahlberg worked for four years to make this - worked out - really boxed, etc etc and it drew me in. We decided to check it out.
Bottom line - first impressions sometimes ARE right.
Will Mark Wahlberg EVER change his expression or actually act in anything? That is the question. He's the same guy in every movie. Soft spoken, dropping his eyes, the real good guy who shines and always wins and gets the girl and ... zzzzzzzzzzzzz
No matter if he did work for 4 years on this, got in good shape, learned to box, etc - this movie is not about him. It is stolen by Christian Bale who plays his way too accurate crackhead loser brother. He is stunning - must have lost a ton of weight and he really pulls off the role. He's also really annoying and you get sick of him and want to not be around him after a short time, much like a real crackhead.
The movie is also depressing in alot of ways, and a very close examination of a really screwed up, dysfunctional family. There's an attempt at redemption along the way that really does not work. We're left truly disliking everybody on the screen by the time it's over. :P
During the end credits the real Micky and Dicky are shown.
I think this one gets a '4' for Christian Bale but a '2' for the rest.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place and Earthdad saw Super Manager Shane for a bit but I was already inside munching my hot, fresh popcorn. :)
BUT I saw some coverage about the movie and all about how Mark Wahlberg worked for four years to make this - worked out - really boxed, etc etc and it drew me in. We decided to check it out.
Bottom line - first impressions sometimes ARE right.
Will Mark Wahlberg EVER change his expression or actually act in anything? That is the question. He's the same guy in every movie. Soft spoken, dropping his eyes, the real good guy who shines and always wins and gets the girl and ... zzzzzzzzzzzzz
No matter if he did work for 4 years on this, got in good shape, learned to box, etc - this movie is not about him. It is stolen by Christian Bale who plays his way too accurate crackhead loser brother. He is stunning - must have lost a ton of weight and he really pulls off the role. He's also really annoying and you get sick of him and want to not be around him after a short time, much like a real crackhead.
The movie is also depressing in alot of ways, and a very close examination of a really screwed up, dysfunctional family. There's an attempt at redemption along the way that really does not work. We're left truly disliking everybody on the screen by the time it's over. :P
During the end credits the real Micky and Dicky are shown.
I think this one gets a '4' for Christian Bale but a '2' for the rest.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place and Earthdad saw Super Manager Shane for a bit but I was already inside munching my hot, fresh popcorn. :)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Easy A
I snuck off to see this one alone, it's not earthdad's cup of tea and that's fine. I've been wanting to see it since it came out several weeks ago. It was definitely worth a look - what a good movie!
Emma Stone ('Superbad', 'Zombieland') stars as a nerdy, intelligent, quiet, wall flower girl who discovers that having a sexual reputation in high school gets you a lot of attention. She's a virgin but playing with the power of the grapevine and starts rumors about herself, at first for attention but later to help out others and earn a little cash. It's fun, it's ridiculous and it's great that we're in on the joke with her while watching the different reactions of her peers.
What's really great is watching this scheme grow - it gets complicated - it takes on a life of its own and it gets out of control. The levels the movie goes through are really interesting.
Intertwined so nicely with our current day story is the fact that her lit class is reading Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. We get a refresher on that story, the ostracizing of the 'bad' individual, and we see it played out in today's world. It's a great overlay of a classic with today.
- My only peeve is that our heroine ultimately uses the letter 'A' on her wardrobe to mimic The Scarlet Letter, while the 'A' stood for "adulterer" in the original story. Our high school girl is not an adulterer. But then I may be splitting hairs here... -
The story is a huge draw here, but Emma Stone is what carries the movie. She's just the perfect blend of dorky, smart, clever, cute, sexy - all of the above.
Major bright spots are the glimpses into her family life. Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson play Mom and Dad and they are exquisite! The dialogue is the best this year since The Social Network, the attitudes are fun and happy and light. It's a strikingly refreshing take on parents and family life. I found myself wishing for more scenes with them!
Another big plus for the movie is the many nods to 80s movies and particularly to John Hughes. Lots of texture and content in this film - not fluff.
I gave this a '4'! Pueblo Tinseltown was the place. Popcorn was great - The theater was much fuller than I'd expected considering this has been in town now for 3 weeks or more, but then word gets around when it's a good one!
Emma Stone ('Superbad', 'Zombieland') stars as a nerdy, intelligent, quiet, wall flower girl who discovers that having a sexual reputation in high school gets you a lot of attention. She's a virgin but playing with the power of the grapevine and starts rumors about herself, at first for attention but later to help out others and earn a little cash. It's fun, it's ridiculous and it's great that we're in on the joke with her while watching the different reactions of her peers.
What's really great is watching this scheme grow - it gets complicated - it takes on a life of its own and it gets out of control. The levels the movie goes through are really interesting.
Intertwined so nicely with our current day story is the fact that her lit class is reading Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. We get a refresher on that story, the ostracizing of the 'bad' individual, and we see it played out in today's world. It's a great overlay of a classic with today.
- My only peeve is that our heroine ultimately uses the letter 'A' on her wardrobe to mimic The Scarlet Letter, while the 'A' stood for "adulterer" in the original story. Our high school girl is not an adulterer. But then I may be splitting hairs here... -
The story is a huge draw here, but Emma Stone is what carries the movie. She's just the perfect blend of dorky, smart, clever, cute, sexy - all of the above.
Major bright spots are the glimpses into her family life. Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson play Mom and Dad and they are exquisite! The dialogue is the best this year since The Social Network, the attitudes are fun and happy and light. It's a strikingly refreshing take on parents and family life. I found myself wishing for more scenes with them!
Another big plus for the movie is the many nods to 80s movies and particularly to John Hughes. Lots of texture and content in this film - not fluff.
I gave this a '4'! Pueblo Tinseltown was the place. Popcorn was great - The theater was much fuller than I'd expected considering this has been in town now for 3 weeks or more, but then word gets around when it's a good one!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Devil
Devil is written by M.Night Shyamalan and may just be his last chance at redemption. I say he pulled it off.
This is Classic M.Night - think back to "Signs". Alot of the same themes and simplicity to it. He seems to be apologizing for Airbender and The Village and Lady in the Water, etc and hoping to remind us that he does have some good ideas and he can make a suspenseful film.
'Devil' has 5 people trapped in an elevator and one of them is .... the Devil? That's pretty much it. Interesting things happen along the way, there are twists and enough meat to keep you interested. Nothing real gross (it's PG-13) and nothing too shocking (you won't jump in your seat) and nothing too surprising but a well paced, well acted, interesting movie.
Now if he could just get back to where he was at "Sixth Sense" time.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place - popcorn hot and fresh and delish. This one gets a '3'. It was fun and entertaining.
This is Classic M.Night - think back to "Signs". Alot of the same themes and simplicity to it. He seems to be apologizing for Airbender and The Village and Lady in the Water, etc and hoping to remind us that he does have some good ideas and he can make a suspenseful film.
'Devil' has 5 people trapped in an elevator and one of them is .... the Devil? That's pretty much it. Interesting things happen along the way, there are twists and enough meat to keep you interested. Nothing real gross (it's PG-13) and nothing too shocking (you won't jump in your seat) and nothing too surprising but a well paced, well acted, interesting movie.
Now if he could just get back to where he was at "Sixth Sense" time.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place - popcorn hot and fresh and delish. This one gets a '3'. It was fun and entertaining.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Expendables
I hesitated to go see this one, but agreed thinking it was really a gift to earthdad. This would be HIS man movie - I would endure it. I was wrong!
We both really enjoyed this movie. It's just great to see so much talent in one film. All of the actors do a wonderful job. Sly is back, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren..... OH and Eric Roberts, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, did I mention Bruce Willis and Arnold (the Gov) Schwartzenegger himself (with one laugh out loud moment) ? All present and accounted for.
It's pretty much a man's movie with lots of guy stuff and tattoos and lots and lots of stuff blowing up, but I loved it. The plot is not complicated, the action is good, the movie moves right along. We do get back stories on everybody in our little group of heroes EXCEPT Terry Crews :( That part stood out and we wondered why. His part is still exceptional.
This is just a fun movie. We gave it a "3"
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place - we got to see Super Manager Shane today which is always a pleasure. Popcorn was hot and fresh and everyone was friendly and moving quickly - great time at the movies!
We both really enjoyed this movie. It's just great to see so much talent in one film. All of the actors do a wonderful job. Sly is back, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren..... OH and Eric Roberts, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, did I mention Bruce Willis and Arnold (the Gov) Schwartzenegger himself (with one laugh out loud moment) ? All present and accounted for.
It's pretty much a man's movie with lots of guy stuff and tattoos and lots and lots of stuff blowing up, but I loved it. The plot is not complicated, the action is good, the movie moves right along. We do get back stories on everybody in our little group of heroes EXCEPT Terry Crews :( That part stood out and we wondered why. His part is still exceptional.
This is just a fun movie. We gave it a "3"
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place - we got to see Super Manager Shane today which is always a pleasure. Popcorn was hot and fresh and everyone was friendly and moving quickly - great time at the movies!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Eat, Pray, Love
I slipped out of the heat and into Julia Robert's new movie, trying to expect nothing and keep an open mind.
The movie was made from the bestselling book of the same name by Elizabeth Gilbert. I didn't read the book, and felt that if I had I would have gotten more out of the movie. There seemed to be disconnections and things that were missing in the story. I found myself confused more than once over the character that Julia Roberts plays - why the major life meltdown over something that seems very small in the grand scheme of things? Many of her decisions seemed ridiculous and rambling as the film continues.
There is scenery from other countries that I found interesting - sort of like watching the Travel Channel. But there are so many contradictory and odd themes going on. The main character is looking for peace and joy but is depressing and sad and alone most of the time. Her main point seems to be that a woman doesn't need a man to be happy, yet she is unhappy without one and never successfully gets over that.
It drags along unevenly and I lost interest. I give this one a '2'.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place, fresh hot popcorn and lots of AC on a hot day!
The movie was made from the bestselling book of the same name by Elizabeth Gilbert. I didn't read the book, and felt that if I had I would have gotten more out of the movie. There seemed to be disconnections and things that were missing in the story. I found myself confused more than once over the character that Julia Roberts plays - why the major life meltdown over something that seems very small in the grand scheme of things? Many of her decisions seemed ridiculous and rambling as the film continues.
There is scenery from other countries that I found interesting - sort of like watching the Travel Channel. But there are so many contradictory and odd themes going on. The main character is looking for peace and joy but is depressing and sad and alone most of the time. Her main point seems to be that a woman doesn't need a man to be happy, yet she is unhappy without one and never successfully gets over that.
It drags along unevenly and I lost interest. I give this one a '2'.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place, fresh hot popcorn and lots of AC on a hot day!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Dinner for Schmucks
Silly silly silly schtuff - beginning to end!
Steve Carell (The Office) and Paul Rudd (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) star in this .... is farce the word? We have definitely left the realm of reality behind only minutes into this film and it takes off on wings of its own from there.
Paul Rudd wants a promotion. His last obstacle to getting the promotion is to attend a "Dinner for Schmucks", a very cruel event that his boss holds each month whereby each exec brings along an idiot and the others secretly make fun of them, laughing at how ridiculous they are, and awarding one of them the biggest idiot of the night. It's really mean. Guess who Paul Rudd brings? If you guess Steve Carell you just won a stuffed mouse! Carell's character makes adorable dioramas of dead mice, stuffed and dressed up in real world scenarios. They are supposed to be ridiculous but I have to say, many of them were really adorable! :)
Steve Carell is very funny and completely ridiculous. If you're a fan already you will love him in this.
Another oddball character is Zach Galifianakis (from The Hangover) - we loved his weirdo mind control persona.
Overall this movie is alot like eating candy. It's delicious, tasty, but really not much actual substance. A lot of silly laughs and a good way to pass a very hot summer day. We had fun at this one.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place - we were pleased to see Super Manager Shane working hard with a smile. The popcorn was fresh and hot and plenty of sprinkle cheese! All in all just a silly, fun time at the movies. What more can you ask for?
Steve Carell (The Office) and Paul Rudd (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) star in this .... is farce the word? We have definitely left the realm of reality behind only minutes into this film and it takes off on wings of its own from there.
Paul Rudd wants a promotion. His last obstacle to getting the promotion is to attend a "Dinner for Schmucks", a very cruel event that his boss holds each month whereby each exec brings along an idiot and the others secretly make fun of them, laughing at how ridiculous they are, and awarding one of them the biggest idiot of the night. It's really mean. Guess who Paul Rudd brings? If you guess Steve Carell you just won a stuffed mouse! Carell's character makes adorable dioramas of dead mice, stuffed and dressed up in real world scenarios. They are supposed to be ridiculous but I have to say, many of them were really adorable! :)
Steve Carell is very funny and completely ridiculous. If you're a fan already you will love him in this.
Another oddball character is Zach Galifianakis (from The Hangover) - we loved his weirdo mind control persona.
Overall this movie is alot like eating candy. It's delicious, tasty, but really not much actual substance. A lot of silly laughs and a good way to pass a very hot summer day. We had fun at this one.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place - we were pleased to see Super Manager Shane working hard with a smile. The popcorn was fresh and hot and plenty of sprinkle cheese! All in all just a silly, fun time at the movies. What more can you ask for?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Inception
Shutter Island meets The Matrix
That's what this movie tries really really hard to be but I would have given anything to have sat through either of those movies today (again) instead of this one.
On its own it doesn't really stand. It's muddy, very confusing, with the most annoying constant 2 chord LOUD pulsating pounding score to MAKE SURE WE KNOW THERE IS SUSPENSE.
I think that Leonardo DiCaprio liked the psychological thriller aspect of Shutter Island, the Hitchcock feel and decided to just do another one as close to that one as possible. Ellen Page stars in this with him ('Juno') and she's very good although I never could get past thinking that she's about 12 years old.
There's a solid kernel of an interesting idea in the script - about dreams and layers and some interesting stuff. But somehow it gets buried in same old same old action stuff, lots and lots of shaky cam (the way to fake your way out of any bad movie scene, just shake the camera so the audience has to fill in the gaps in their brains and they believe they saw a MUCH better scene than you actually gave them). And the biggest downfall - it tries way too hard to sound alot smarter than it is overall. The end result is confusing, goes on too long, convoluted, we don't really care about anybody in this thing, kind of film.
What struck me as an observation in the theater was how much sheer movement there was. earthdad and I watched at least 3 people leave (not to return) and lots more that came and went. I guess they figured it was a good time to go out and check their messages in the hallway, or get something to eat. At 148 cruel minutes, nearly everyone took at least one potty break and I think they found out when they got back that they didn't really miss much and their seat buddies couldn't really tell them what was going on.
I'm being very hard on this movie because the bottom line is that it's simply not enjoyable. I resent films that purposely leave you totally in the dark at the start, forcing you to watch something you care nothing about and can't make heads nor tails of just because they can do that to you. I know those film makers believe they're doing a neat slight of hand and that the end justifies the muddy beginning and they are striving for that "OH I GET IT!" thing with the twist ending and the inspiration for many after movie conversations and even better, people who HAVE to go back and see it again to now make sense out of the early nonsensical parts.
This one does that and more - it seems to go on for 30 or 40 minutes of just jibberish. That's enough to make anyone restless and most of us feeling a bit impatient - I paid to see this thing, don't hold me hostage in misery just because you can.
Earthdad kept hoping if he fell asleep he'd wake up in a better movie. I found myself hoping for the same.
It's frustrating because the images and graphics are interesting and new, the idea is good, it's just not a well made movie. Definitely not fun. Prepare to go when you're in a serious mood and willing to hang on each word and every scene for 148 nonstop grinding minutes to puzzle out the whole thing.
We did see Super Manager Shane, always a pleasure, and the piping hot freshly popped popcorn was very good (with the sprinkle cheese of course!) so no complaints there. Just a let down feeling since I thought this was going to be a great movie.
This one gets a '3' from me for the overall idea and a '2' from earthdad who forgot it before we got to the car.
That's what this movie tries really really hard to be but I would have given anything to have sat through either of those movies today (again) instead of this one.
On its own it doesn't really stand. It's muddy, very confusing, with the most annoying constant 2 chord LOUD pulsating pounding score to MAKE SURE WE KNOW THERE IS SUSPENSE.
I think that Leonardo DiCaprio liked the psychological thriller aspect of Shutter Island, the Hitchcock feel and decided to just do another one as close to that one as possible. Ellen Page stars in this with him ('Juno') and she's very good although I never could get past thinking that she's about 12 years old.
There's a solid kernel of an interesting idea in the script - about dreams and layers and some interesting stuff. But somehow it gets buried in same old same old action stuff, lots and lots of shaky cam (the way to fake your way out of any bad movie scene, just shake the camera so the audience has to fill in the gaps in their brains and they believe they saw a MUCH better scene than you actually gave them). And the biggest downfall - it tries way too hard to sound alot smarter than it is overall. The end result is confusing, goes on too long, convoluted, we don't really care about anybody in this thing, kind of film.
What struck me as an observation in the theater was how much sheer movement there was. earthdad and I watched at least 3 people leave (not to return) and lots more that came and went. I guess they figured it was a good time to go out and check their messages in the hallway, or get something to eat. At 148 cruel minutes, nearly everyone took at least one potty break and I think they found out when they got back that they didn't really miss much and their seat buddies couldn't really tell them what was going on.
I'm being very hard on this movie because the bottom line is that it's simply not enjoyable. I resent films that purposely leave you totally in the dark at the start, forcing you to watch something you care nothing about and can't make heads nor tails of just because they can do that to you. I know those film makers believe they're doing a neat slight of hand and that the end justifies the muddy beginning and they are striving for that "OH I GET IT!" thing with the twist ending and the inspiration for many after movie conversations and even better, people who HAVE to go back and see it again to now make sense out of the early nonsensical parts.
This one does that and more - it seems to go on for 30 or 40 minutes of just jibberish. That's enough to make anyone restless and most of us feeling a bit impatient - I paid to see this thing, don't hold me hostage in misery just because you can.
Earthdad kept hoping if he fell asleep he'd wake up in a better movie. I found myself hoping for the same.
It's frustrating because the images and graphics are interesting and new, the idea is good, it's just not a well made movie. Definitely not fun. Prepare to go when you're in a serious mood and willing to hang on each word and every scene for 148 nonstop grinding minutes to puzzle out the whole thing.
We did see Super Manager Shane, always a pleasure, and the piping hot freshly popped popcorn was very good (with the sprinkle cheese of course!) so no complaints there. Just a let down feeling since I thought this was going to be a great movie.
This one gets a '3' from me for the overall idea and a '2' from earthdad who forgot it before we got to the car.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Ironman2
Finally saw it! After being a huge fan of the first one I just couldn't wait for the second. I started hearing some rumblings that it "wasn't as good", etc but don't believe it! This one is a great movie! :)
Everybody wants on the Ironman train these days! Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johanssen, Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke, Samuel L. Jackson, Garry Shandling - there are big names in this one! And they all deliver. Everybody does an amazing job. Scarlett Johanssen is a surprise, not what you think and I'm not entirely sure I like her in this type of role but she does an awesome job.
Jon Favreau directs this one (again) but also writes himself into a larger part! He's got Ironman fever too, apparently!
Mickey Rourke is our villain and he's a GREAT one! A superhero movie with a weak villain will fail - no question. Rourke comes off tough and intense and just what you want in a really good villain. :) Ironman is soon going to be known as the Great Comeback vehicle!
Robert Downey Jr. is once again wonderful. The effects - great. There were a few story points that got muddled, a little more complicated than the first. And there is some setting up in this movie for the upcoming 'Avengers' movie - where supposedly they will be pulling together many of the superheros onto one fighting team - The Hulk, Ironman, Capt. America, etc. I've been hearing that's the plan for some time but the Ironman franchise is such a run away hit and does so well standing alone, it's hard to imagine them trying to tuck Ironman back in with a team now.
The first Ironman was the best, I think everybody will agree - simply because of the newness, the surprise factor. This sequel gives it a good run for the money though. I loved it. I plan to see it again before it leaves the theater.
It gets a '5'! Didn't change my life but it's a cool movie and a fun time.
Everybody wants on the Ironman train these days! Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johanssen, Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke, Samuel L. Jackson, Garry Shandling - there are big names in this one! And they all deliver. Everybody does an amazing job. Scarlett Johanssen is a surprise, not what you think and I'm not entirely sure I like her in this type of role but she does an awesome job.
Jon Favreau directs this one (again) but also writes himself into a larger part! He's got Ironman fever too, apparently!
Mickey Rourke is our villain and he's a GREAT one! A superhero movie with a weak villain will fail - no question. Rourke comes off tough and intense and just what you want in a really good villain. :) Ironman is soon going to be known as the Great Comeback vehicle!
Robert Downey Jr. is once again wonderful. The effects - great. There were a few story points that got muddled, a little more complicated than the first. And there is some setting up in this movie for the upcoming 'Avengers' movie - where supposedly they will be pulling together many of the superheros onto one fighting team - The Hulk, Ironman, Capt. America, etc. I've been hearing that's the plan for some time but the Ironman franchise is such a run away hit and does so well standing alone, it's hard to imagine them trying to tuck Ironman back in with a team now.
The first Ironman was the best, I think everybody will agree - simply because of the newness, the surprise factor. This sequel gives it a good run for the money though. I loved it. I plan to see it again before it leaves the theater.
It gets a '5'! Didn't change my life but it's a cool movie and a fun time.
Friday, April 23, 2010
How to Train Your Dragon
I saw this with my daughter and her 4 year old and everyone enjoyed it. He sat through the whole thing and was more involved in the story than an adult would be :) I'm not sure if that says alot for the movie, or more likely just says alot for this little guy. He has some amazing powers of concentration!
This movie is pretty - and we saw it in 2D not 3D - but also seemed to me to have a lot of the same kind of scenes. Since it's dragons we're talking about there was scene after scene of things shooting fire, catching on fire, blowing up with fire, fire, fire, fire. And the setting is a small Viking village so it was bleak and dark in contrast to the fire.
I was bothered by the fact that everyone in the village was a Viking and spoke with thick, old world Viking accents, except the boy named Hiccup who sounded.... well like Christian Slater. (the voice actor was actually Jay Baruchel, but he was doing an excellent Christian Slater impersonation)
Those little details aside, this is a very good movie about thinking outside of the box, challenging how "it's always been done" and having compassion toward other living things. The message is a good one and if you can get through the fire and fights you'll find it. All 3 of us - ages 49, 25 and 4, really enjoyed it.
Tinseltown in Col Springs was the place. Fresh hot popcorn and some incredible new seats that I've never seen before - these are like captain chairs with the high backs! We gave this one a '4'.
This movie is pretty - and we saw it in 2D not 3D - but also seemed to me to have a lot of the same kind of scenes. Since it's dragons we're talking about there was scene after scene of things shooting fire, catching on fire, blowing up with fire, fire, fire, fire. And the setting is a small Viking village so it was bleak and dark in contrast to the fire.
I was bothered by the fact that everyone in the village was a Viking and spoke with thick, old world Viking accents, except the boy named Hiccup who sounded.... well like Christian Slater. (the voice actor was actually Jay Baruchel, but he was doing an excellent Christian Slater impersonation)
Those little details aside, this is a very good movie about thinking outside of the box, challenging how "it's always been done" and having compassion toward other living things. The message is a good one and if you can get through the fire and fights you'll find it. All 3 of us - ages 49, 25 and 4, really enjoyed it.
Tinseltown in Col Springs was the place. Fresh hot popcorn and some incredible new seats that I've never seen before - these are like captain chairs with the high backs! We gave this one a '4'.
Alice in Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland. Let's see, I liked the books as a child, loved the Jabberwocky poem and memorized it voluntarily, and I happen to love Helena Bonham- Carter and Johnny Depp. So what could go wrong?
Oooooh - it goes wrong. It goes terribly, terribly wrong. :P
I had to see this alone. Tried to talk others into going for a couple of weeks and no one would go. My daughter saw it with a friend up in Denver and hated it but even with her thumbs way down I thought "Surely not... how bad could it be??" It be. It be terribly bad.
Where to start... the scenes are so staged and unengaging that you're always aware you're watching a play. The dialogue is bad, the costumes are bad, the acting is bad, the lighting is bad.... it just somehow falls totally flat. Johnny Depp looks way off his game here, as if he knows how bad this is and he's stuck playing along. His performance is psychotic rather than mad as the Hatter, and his demeanor and accent and way of speaking and entire self changes from scene to scene, which is very odd.
Anne Hathaway ('Devil Wears Prada') plays the White Queen and here she's doing a very bad impersonation of Glenda, the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz. A very BAD impersonation. It was uncomfortable to watch.
I considered leaving 8 - count then EIGHT - different times. But I fought the desire. We always stay to the end, soldier - if we pay for it we see it! Even so I gathered up my things time and time again thinking of all the wonderful things I could be doing rather than sitting through this dreck. The only thing that was a glimmer of hope in this thing was the wonderful Helena Bonham-Carter. I've just loved her ever since I saw her in 'Fight Club' so many years ago. She's a very talented actress and has a hilarious look in this movie as the Red Queen (with a ginormous head). Her lines are the best of the bunch and she delivers the best performance possible considering what she's in the midst of. She alone kept me in my seat.
The movie as a whole gets a '1'. Without Helana Bonham-Carter it would have gotten a zero.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place - hot fresh popcorn and I ate way too much since there was no one to share it with!
Oooooh - it goes wrong. It goes terribly, terribly wrong. :P
I had to see this alone. Tried to talk others into going for a couple of weeks and no one would go. My daughter saw it with a friend up in Denver and hated it but even with her thumbs way down I thought "Surely not... how bad could it be??" It be. It be terribly bad.
Where to start... the scenes are so staged and unengaging that you're always aware you're watching a play. The dialogue is bad, the costumes are bad, the acting is bad, the lighting is bad.... it just somehow falls totally flat. Johnny Depp looks way off his game here, as if he knows how bad this is and he's stuck playing along. His performance is psychotic rather than mad as the Hatter, and his demeanor and accent and way of speaking and entire self changes from scene to scene, which is very odd.
Anne Hathaway ('Devil Wears Prada') plays the White Queen and here she's doing a very bad impersonation of Glenda, the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz. A very BAD impersonation. It was uncomfortable to watch.
I considered leaving 8 - count then EIGHT - different times. But I fought the desire. We always stay to the end, soldier - if we pay for it we see it! Even so I gathered up my things time and time again thinking of all the wonderful things I could be doing rather than sitting through this dreck. The only thing that was a glimmer of hope in this thing was the wonderful Helena Bonham-Carter. I've just loved her ever since I saw her in 'Fight Club' so many years ago. She's a very talented actress and has a hilarious look in this movie as the Red Queen (with a ginormous head). Her lines are the best of the bunch and she delivers the best performance possible considering what she's in the midst of. She alone kept me in my seat.
The movie as a whole gets a '1'. Without Helana Bonham-Carter it would have gotten a zero.
Pueblo Tinseltown was the place - hot fresh popcorn and I ate way too much since there was no one to share it with!
Hot Tub Time Machine
Let me set the stage - John Cusack, Craig Robinson ('The Office'), Chevy Chase, and OMG even Crispin Glover ('Back to the Future') all get together with many more in the cast of loonies who start off in a weekend ala 'The Hangover' but end up in a hot tub that takes them back in time to the '80s.
Hilarity ensues. ;)
This is a fun movie. It's silly, ridiculous, unbelievable, and please check your brain cells at the door so you can enjoy the ride. It's not anywhere near 'The Hangover' standards in funny but it's still a good ride. Funny, silly, stupid, and of course there's a few of the mandatory vomit scenes but they're really short and easy to forget. It must be in the contract these days that any kind of comedy has to include at least one of those.
Good for a laugh on a really slow afternoon. Pueblo Tinseltown was the place and the popcorn was hot and fresh. This one gets a '3' for fun. :)
Hilarity ensues. ;)
This is a fun movie. It's silly, ridiculous, unbelievable, and please check your brain cells at the door so you can enjoy the ride. It's not anywhere near 'The Hangover' standards in funny but it's still a good ride. Funny, silly, stupid, and of course there's a few of the mandatory vomit scenes but they're really short and easy to forget. It must be in the contract these days that any kind of comedy has to include at least one of those.
Good for a laugh on a really slow afternoon. Pueblo Tinseltown was the place and the popcorn was hot and fresh. This one gets a '3' for fun. :)
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