Showing posts with label drama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drama. Show all posts
The Town
9.27.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: September 17, 2010
DVD Release Date: TBD
Plot 411: Four townies rob banks for a living until one of them falls for their hostage.
Review: Doug (Ben Affleck) and his crew, which includes Jim (Jeremy Renner), Gloansy (Slaine) and Desmond (Owen Burke), are bank robbers from Charlestown. Just as their fathers before them, these boys are part of the community's continuous wave of criminals. Due to a mess up during their latest robbery, they are forced to take a hostage - the bank manager named Claire (Rebecca Hall). They let her go unharmed, but Doug volunteers to watch her to make sure she doesn't provide info to the cops. However, Doug doesn't only watch her. He ends up dating her, which puts his crew in additional danger. Even with the constant heat from the FBI (Jon Hamm), the boys continue their crime spree and may be pushing their luck one time too many. I really admire the fact that Affleck gives back to his home state by bringing Hollywood to the east coast. I love that he doesn't shy away from the grittier sides of Boston (in this movie and in Gone Baby Gone). He chooses to represent them as they are - flaws and all - and is able to capture the atmosphere to vividly. I think The Town could just be Affleck's come-back movie. He hasn't had many great roles recently. It seems that he's got to create his own roles in order to be cast in them. Renner was also good in his role as the badder of the two friends. I don't think he achieved the same kind of greatness as he did in The Hurt Locker, but at least his character was memorable. The other two thugs were almost non-existent in this movie. Despite having essential skills to carry out the jobs (one had NASCAR skills and the other knew how to work the electrical systems), they were really just props for the relationship between Affleck and Renner's characters. Also putting in a great performance is former The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants actress Blake Lively.
Watch It: For another good realistic thriller written and directed by Affleck.
Skip It: If whacks to the head make you turn your head.
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All Roads Lead Home
9.24.2010
Rating: PG
Movie Release Date: September 25, 2008
DVD Release Date: January 13, 2009
Plot 411: After a tragic car accident, a family struggles to keep going.
Review: Twelve year old Belle (Vivien Cardone) and her dad Cody (Jason London) are having a rough time of it two years after Belle's mother dies in a car accident. Belle's school work is suffering and she doesn't have a lot of friends. But, her dad is working long hours in animal control and just doesn't know what to do about her. He finally decides to ship her off to his father-in-law's place. He hopes that Hock (Peter Coyote) will be able to work that bad attitude right out of her. This movie seemed to be straight off the Lifetime channel. It was full of drama and held steadfastly to certain morals. Overall, it wasn't that bad - a little melodramatic but not bad. Cardone has some really great emotive moments but also stiffly delivers her lines in others. Coyote is great in this role as a gruff old coot. Loved him. Also in this film are Patton Oswalt and Peter Boyle.
Watch It: For a movie about how tough life can be sometimes.
Skip It: Because it's a little preachy at times.
Takers
9.21.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: August 27, 2010
DVD Release Date: TBD
Plot 411: A con reunites with his crew after serving four years and wants in on the game one more time.
Review: This movie tries to lure in its audience with the ensemble cast of beefcakes. From Paul Walker (John) to Idris Elba (Gordon), Hayden Christensen (A.J.) to Chris Brown (Jesse), there's gotta be a bad boy for you. Even the cops are notable heartthrobs - Matt Dillon (Jack) and Jay Hernandez (Eddie). However, even this isn't enough star power to rock this movie. Oh, it was okay for a shoot 'em up flick, but it didn't have the same charisma as Ocean's Eleven. There was just no style or clever humor in this one. I don't think anyone, even Elba, could command a stage like George Clooney. The movie opens when Ghost (T.I.) is released from prison after serving his time for a robbery. He immediately contacts his boys and offers up an armored car job he's been planning since prison. The crew is hesitant, but the money is good (isn't it always?). They decide to risk it because that's what they do their entire lives. There's some great hand-to-hand action by Christensen (during which time I realized how thin he is). Chris Brown also does a good parkour act as he evades capture. But, some of the acting is really bad. The lines are pretty stilted. I mean, you can't necessarily blame T.I. for this because he's a newbie and all, but what excuse can the others give?
Watch It: For some ramped up action toward the end.
Skip It: Because despite the big names there are other movies of this ilk that are more exceptional.
Movie Release Date: August 27, 2010
DVD Release Date: TBD
Plot 411: A con reunites with his crew after serving four years and wants in on the game one more time.
Review: This movie tries to lure in its audience with the ensemble cast of beefcakes. From Paul Walker (John) to Idris Elba (Gordon), Hayden Christensen (A.J.) to Chris Brown (Jesse), there's gotta be a bad boy for you. Even the cops are notable heartthrobs - Matt Dillon (Jack) and Jay Hernandez (Eddie). However, even this isn't enough star power to rock this movie. Oh, it was okay for a shoot 'em up flick, but it didn't have the same charisma as Ocean's Eleven. There was just no style or clever humor in this one. I don't think anyone, even Elba, could command a stage like George Clooney. The movie opens when Ghost (T.I.) is released from prison after serving his time for a robbery. He immediately contacts his boys and offers up an armored car job he's been planning since prison. The crew is hesitant, but the money is good (isn't it always?). They decide to risk it because that's what they do their entire lives. There's some great hand-to-hand action by Christensen (during which time I realized how thin he is). Chris Brown also does a good parkour act as he evades capture. But, some of the acting is really bad. The lines are pretty stilted. I mean, you can't necessarily blame T.I. for this because he's a newbie and all, but what excuse can the others give?
Watch It: For some ramped up action toward the end.
Skip It: Because despite the big names there are other movies of this ilk that are more exceptional.
The Runaways
9.19.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: March 18, 2010
DVD Release Date: July 20, 2010
Plot 411: The first all-girl rock band explodes onto the scene but fame tears them apart.
Review: This is a biopic about the first girls to rock onto the scene in the 1970s. The movie focuses on guitarist Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and lead singer Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning) as they form a band called The Runaways with three other teens from the Valley. They are managed by eccentric Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon), who uses extreme measures to get the girls ready to perform. The young girls leave their families to tour the country and soon become absorbed in the world of sex, drugs and rock and roll. Their success becomes their demise. Before watching this flick, I wasn't familiar with this group. I'd heard of Joan Jett and Lita Ford (lead guitarist in the group), but I'd never really heard their music from the '70s. The power of their music is pretty awesome, especially during a time when rock and roll was a male-only genre. If you're a fan, I'm sure this movie will solidify that for you. Excluding the music, I love the message of individuality and female empowerment that the movie emphasizes. It's really about a group of girls growing up amidst the mayhem of rock stardom. They have everything at their fingertips - legal and illegal - and stand on top of the world. The contrast between this and their life at home is very drastic, especially for Currie. Stewart and Fanning put on great performances, and I think they were able to capture the spirit of their characters well. I never really liked Stewart's acting (especially in the Twilight films), but she's converted me with this performance. She truly embodies Joan Jett.
Watch It: For a very aggressive girl-power message.
Skip It: Because this movie is pretty raw and in your face. The movie opens with blood dripping down Fanning's leg.
Movie Release Date: March 18, 2010
DVD Release Date: July 20, 2010
Plot 411: The first all-girl rock band explodes onto the scene but fame tears them apart.
Review: This is a biopic about the first girls to rock onto the scene in the 1970s. The movie focuses on guitarist Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and lead singer Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning) as they form a band called The Runaways with three other teens from the Valley. They are managed by eccentric Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon), who uses extreme measures to get the girls ready to perform. The young girls leave their families to tour the country and soon become absorbed in the world of sex, drugs and rock and roll. Their success becomes their demise. Before watching this flick, I wasn't familiar with this group. I'd heard of Joan Jett and Lita Ford (lead guitarist in the group), but I'd never really heard their music from the '70s. The power of their music is pretty awesome, especially during a time when rock and roll was a male-only genre. If you're a fan, I'm sure this movie will solidify that for you. Excluding the music, I love the message of individuality and female empowerment that the movie emphasizes. It's really about a group of girls growing up amidst the mayhem of rock stardom. They have everything at their fingertips - legal and illegal - and stand on top of the world. The contrast between this and their life at home is very drastic, especially for Currie. Stewart and Fanning put on great performances, and I think they were able to capture the spirit of their characters well. I never really liked Stewart's acting (especially in the Twilight films), but she's converted me with this performance. She truly embodies Joan Jett.
Watch It: For a very aggressive girl-power message.
Skip It: Because this movie is pretty raw and in your face. The movie opens with blood dripping down Fanning's leg.
Imagine That
9.16.2010
Rating: PG
Movie Release Date: June 12, 2009
DVD Release Date: October 6, 2009
Plot 411: An finance exec uses his daughter's imaginary friends to pick stocks for clients.
Review: Eddie Murphy plays Evan, a bigwig workaholic who faces some competition from Johnny (Thomas Hayden Church), a new guy in his company. Johnny is using his native American roots to pitch financial decisions to clients. He swoops in and begins taking Evan's clients. During this time, Evan is babysitting his daughter Olivia (Yara Shahidi) for the week. She is having trouble adjusting to the divorce of her parents. Her mom is played by Nicole Ari Parker. To cope, she is unusually attached to her blanket, which she uses to escape into make-believe lands. However, when her fairy princesses begin giving extraordinary stock tips, Evan does all that he can to get their advice. Even though this is supposed to be a kid's movie, I think adults would be the best served by watching it. The movie has several funny scenes (I mean, it's Eddie Murphy for goodness sake), but I didn't feel like there was a ton of things to offer kids. The movie focuses on the lack of involvement Evan has in his daughter's life and how he is consumed with success and status at work. We could all heed this movie's advice and probably be better off as a result.
Movie Release Date: June 12, 2009
DVD Release Date: October 6, 2009
Plot 411: An finance exec uses his daughter's imaginary friends to pick stocks for clients.
Review: Eddie Murphy plays Evan, a bigwig workaholic who faces some competition from Johnny (Thomas Hayden Church), a new guy in his company. Johnny is using his native American roots to pitch financial decisions to clients. He swoops in and begins taking Evan's clients. During this time, Evan is babysitting his daughter Olivia (Yara Shahidi) for the week. She is having trouble adjusting to the divorce of her parents. Her mom is played by Nicole Ari Parker. To cope, she is unusually attached to her blanket, which she uses to escape into make-believe lands. However, when her fairy princesses begin giving extraordinary stock tips, Evan does all that he can to get their advice. Even though this is supposed to be a kid's movie, I think adults would be the best served by watching it. The movie has several funny scenes (I mean, it's Eddie Murphy for goodness sake), but I didn't feel like there was a ton of things to offer kids. The movie focuses on the lack of involvement Evan has in his daughter's life and how he is consumed with success and status at work. We could all heed this movie's advice and probably be better off as a result.
Watch It: But don't expect another The Nutty Professor performance.
Skip It: And set your kid up with How To Train Your Dragon instead.
Sunset Blvd
9.15.2010
Rating: Not Rated
Movie Release Date: August 10, 1950
DVD Release Date: November 26, 2002
Plot 411: An aging and delusional silent screen star coerces a poor screenwriter to review her script so she can once again be reunited with director Cecil B. DeMille.
Review: Man, they do not make movies like this anymore. I guarantee it. This is inspiring me to look into more of Billy Wilder's work. The film is so thoroughly engaging that it is difficult to turn away. Even though it is 60 years old, the movie still seems to be a good depiction of today's Hollywood. Joe (William Holden) is a down-and-out screenwriter who cannot seem to sell a thing. He's three months back on his rent and the collectors are coming around to get his car. By chance, he turns into the driveway of a former silent screen star named Norma (Gloria Swanson). With her butler Max (Erich von Stroheim), Norma lives secluded from the real world in her own private sanctuary. Here she lives in her past glory waiting for her return to the screen. This film is definitely a masterpiece. It's social commentary on Hollywood and people in general is right on target. It shows us the true Hollywood - a system that craves youth and beauty and shines a spotlight on someone only to suddenly leave them in the darkness. It shows us the lengths to which people will sell themselves to find a bit of fame. There's a sort of sad realization that anyone can be bought and sold for a penny. While watching the "Making of" video, I learned that there were many parallels between the script and the actors' actual lives. Interesting how life imitates art and vice versa.
Watch It: For a movie that is insightful, uncomfortable, darkly humorous and melancholy all at once.
Skip It: And really miss one of the best movies ever. Now I need to watch All About Eve, the movie that won the Oscar that year. How could anything be better than this?
Movie Release Date: August 10, 1950
DVD Release Date: November 26, 2002
Plot 411: An aging and delusional silent screen star coerces a poor screenwriter to review her script so she can once again be reunited with director Cecil B. DeMille.
Review: Man, they do not make movies like this anymore. I guarantee it. This is inspiring me to look into more of Billy Wilder's work. The film is so thoroughly engaging that it is difficult to turn away. Even though it is 60 years old, the movie still seems to be a good depiction of today's Hollywood. Joe (William Holden) is a down-and-out screenwriter who cannot seem to sell a thing. He's three months back on his rent and the collectors are coming around to get his car. By chance, he turns into the driveway of a former silent screen star named Norma (Gloria Swanson). With her butler Max (Erich von Stroheim), Norma lives secluded from the real world in her own private sanctuary. Here she lives in her past glory waiting for her return to the screen. This film is definitely a masterpiece. It's social commentary on Hollywood and people in general is right on target. It shows us the true Hollywood - a system that craves youth and beauty and shines a spotlight on someone only to suddenly leave them in the darkness. It shows us the lengths to which people will sell themselves to find a bit of fame. There's a sort of sad realization that anyone can be bought and sold for a penny. While watching the "Making of" video, I learned that there were many parallels between the script and the actors' actual lives. Interesting how life imitates art and vice versa.
Watch It: For a movie that is insightful, uncomfortable, darkly humorous and melancholy all at once.
Skip It: And really miss one of the best movies ever. Now I need to watch All About Eve, the movie that won the Oscar that year. How could anything be better than this?
Mystic Pizza
9.14.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: October 21, 1988
DVD Release Date: January 9, 2001
Plot 411: Three friends struggle with love and life in small town Connecticut.
Review: This movie is like the female version of Diner, and it stars Julia Roberts as Daisy, Annabeth Gish as Kat and Lili Taylor as JoJo. The three girls are best friends (with Daisy and Kat being sisters) who work at a pizza joint in a small fishing town in Connecticut. They are all struggling with different identity crisises. Daisy feels threatened by her sister's impending departure to Yale and wonders about her future. Her way of dealing with this is to live up to her rep of wild nights. However, when she meets rich guy Charlie (Adam Storke) she dares to hope for a better future. Studious Kat envies her sister's carefree attitude and longs to fall in love. When she takes on a new babysitting job, she is drawn to her boss Tim (William R. Moses) despite his age and the fact that he's married. JoJo's problem is not the lack of a lover nor any doubt about her future. These are, in fact, her problems. After fainting at the alter, she isn't sure she's ready to marry her fiance Bill (Vincent D'Onofrio) and feels suffocated by her impending future. This is a great coming-of-age flick with which most girls will be able to relate. Small-town girls with big-city dreams is always a good theme. I really liked Gish's subtlety contrasted with Roberts' brash nature. And boy, did Roberts' have some big assets in this movie that I didn't notice her having before. She was J-Lo before there even was a J-Lo. Taylor was perfectly neurotic in her role, which made it all the funnier. We even get a peak at a very young Matt Damon in this movie.
Movie Release Date: October 21, 1988
DVD Release Date: January 9, 2001
Plot 411: Three friends struggle with love and life in small town Connecticut.
Review: This movie is like the female version of Diner, and it stars Julia Roberts as Daisy, Annabeth Gish as Kat and Lili Taylor as JoJo. The three girls are best friends (with Daisy and Kat being sisters) who work at a pizza joint in a small fishing town in Connecticut. They are all struggling with different identity crisises. Daisy feels threatened by her sister's impending departure to Yale and wonders about her future. Her way of dealing with this is to live up to her rep of wild nights. However, when she meets rich guy Charlie (Adam Storke) she dares to hope for a better future. Studious Kat envies her sister's carefree attitude and longs to fall in love. When she takes on a new babysitting job, she is drawn to her boss Tim (William R. Moses) despite his age and the fact that he's married. JoJo's problem is not the lack of a lover nor any doubt about her future. These are, in fact, her problems. After fainting at the alter, she isn't sure she's ready to marry her fiance Bill (Vincent D'Onofrio) and feels suffocated by her impending future. This is a great coming-of-age flick with which most girls will be able to relate. Small-town girls with big-city dreams is always a good theme. I really liked Gish's subtlety contrasted with Roberts' brash nature. And boy, did Roberts' have some big assets in this movie that I didn't notice her having before. She was J-Lo before there even was a J-Lo. Taylor was perfectly neurotic in her role, which made it all the funnier. We even get a peak at a very young Matt Damon in this movie.
Watch It: For a great '80s teen flick of doubt, soul searching and hormones.
Skip It: And go straight to Diner.
The Lion King
9.13.2010
Rating: G
Movie Release Date: June 15, 1994
DVD Release Date: October 7, 2003
Plot 411: As a young lion, Simba is ousted from his homeland and returns as an adult to claim what is rightfully his.
Review: I can't believe this movie is over 15 years old. However, I still enjoy it now as I did then. There are great life lessons in this movie that children should learn from and the soundtrack is great. As a young lion, Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Matthew Broderick) is tricked into believing he caused the death of his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones). He is chased out of Pride Rock by a pack of hyenas, who are under orders to kill him. Unknown to Simba or the rest of the pride, Scar (Jeremy Irons), Simba's uncle, has plotted against them in order to take control of the pride. As a grown lion, Simba meets his old friend Nala, who with the help of Mufasa's advisor Rafiki (Robert Guillaume), convinces Simba to return and take his rightful place. This movie is pretty powerful for a kid's show. There are many great themes, like honor, loyalty, greed, betrayal and friendship, that are front-and-center in this show. Despite being complex emotions, these concepts are presented in youth-friendly ways that teach while being able to entertain. The characters are memorable, especially Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella), two of Simba's friends. Even though animation techniques have obviously progressed since the making of this movie, I still believe this film holds up. Compared with some of today's computer-generated animation, I prefer the simplicity of this old Disney style.
Watch It: For great family entertainment.
Skip It: Because like most Disney shows there's a lot of singing and dancing going on.
Movie Release Date: June 15, 1994
DVD Release Date: October 7, 2003
Plot 411: As a young lion, Simba is ousted from his homeland and returns as an adult to claim what is rightfully his.
Review: I can't believe this movie is over 15 years old. However, I still enjoy it now as I did then. There are great life lessons in this movie that children should learn from and the soundtrack is great. As a young lion, Simba (Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Matthew Broderick) is tricked into believing he caused the death of his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones). He is chased out of Pride Rock by a pack of hyenas, who are under orders to kill him. Unknown to Simba or the rest of the pride, Scar (Jeremy Irons), Simba's uncle, has plotted against them in order to take control of the pride. As a grown lion, Simba meets his old friend Nala, who with the help of Mufasa's advisor Rafiki (Robert Guillaume), convinces Simba to return and take his rightful place. This movie is pretty powerful for a kid's show. There are many great themes, like honor, loyalty, greed, betrayal and friendship, that are front-and-center in this show. Despite being complex emotions, these concepts are presented in youth-friendly ways that teach while being able to entertain. The characters are memorable, especially Timon (Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa (Ernie Sabella), two of Simba's friends. Even though animation techniques have obviously progressed since the making of this movie, I still believe this film holds up. Compared with some of today's computer-generated animation, I prefer the simplicity of this old Disney style.
Watch It: For great family entertainment.
Skip It: Because like most Disney shows there's a lot of singing and dancing going on.
Black Snake Moan
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: March 2, 2007
DVD Release Date: June 26, 2007
Plot 411: When a deeply religious man finds a young woman beaten and unconscious in the road, he takes her into his home to heal her body and soul.
Review: Samuel L. Jackson is Lazarus, an isolated but God-fearing man who finds a woman near his home who was left for dead. He takes Rae (Christina Ricci) into his home to help her heal and learns she is addicted to sex and drugs. Rae's boyfriend Ronnie (Justin Timberlake) has recently been deployed overseas, and she uses sex and drugs to distract her from her loss. Lazarus becomes determined to right this girl and chains her up at his house until she can detox from the drugs and get her head on straight. The movie is an interesting look at the importance of religion and the prominence of race relations, especially in the south where the movie is set. It seems absurd for an older black man to chain a young white woman up (even if his reasons are to ensure her own safety) and is a definite flip in roles. However, the influence he has on Rae is immeasurable to her well being. Ricci gives us an excellent performance in this role as sex-riddled Rae. The movie is raw and gritty and shows us a part of human nature that is not often depicted in glittering Hollywood movies. It allows us to accept our imperfections as long as we are able to acknowledge them in each other.
Watch It: For some really strong performances out of the actors.
Skip It: As it is edgy and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Movie Release Date: March 2, 2007
DVD Release Date: June 26, 2007
Plot 411: When a deeply religious man finds a young woman beaten and unconscious in the road, he takes her into his home to heal her body and soul.
Review: Samuel L. Jackson is Lazarus, an isolated but God-fearing man who finds a woman near his home who was left for dead. He takes Rae (Christina Ricci) into his home to help her heal and learns she is addicted to sex and drugs. Rae's boyfriend Ronnie (Justin Timberlake) has recently been deployed overseas, and she uses sex and drugs to distract her from her loss. Lazarus becomes determined to right this girl and chains her up at his house until she can detox from the drugs and get her head on straight. The movie is an interesting look at the importance of religion and the prominence of race relations, especially in the south where the movie is set. It seems absurd for an older black man to chain a young white woman up (even if his reasons are to ensure her own safety) and is a definite flip in roles. However, the influence he has on Rae is immeasurable to her well being. Ricci gives us an excellent performance in this role as sex-riddled Rae. The movie is raw and gritty and shows us a part of human nature that is not often depicted in glittering Hollywood movies. It allows us to accept our imperfections as long as we are able to acknowledge them in each other.
Watch It: For some really strong performances out of the actors.
Skip It: As it is edgy and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
A Single Man
9.11.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: December 11, 2009
DVD Release Date: July 6, 2010
Plot 411: The last day of a man's life as he prepares to kill himself.
Review: The movie is about a lot more than what the plot summary above implies. George (Colin Firth), a college professor who is simply drowning in his past, decides that today is the day that he'll kill himself. His sorrow focuses around the loss of his lover Jim (Matthew Goode), who died in a car wreck. As we follow George through his last day, we see him relive memories and also live life for the first time in a long time. Because this is his last day, he notices little things and appreciates everything around him. This is reflected in the lovely change in the color palette. In his depression, everything is washed out and gray looking. During those moments when he's truly living (something we should strive to do ourselves every day), the vibrancy and richness of life takes over and floods his perception of the world. It's really amazing. People who help him breathe again are his dear friend Charley (Julianne Moore) and a young student named Kenny (Nicholas Hoult). They help him realize that it's the little moments we should all cherish. Totally unrelated to the film, but what I was kind of shocked by, is that for a man of 50 years old Firth is definitely in shape. There are these amazing underwater sequences (no, not like a mermaid show or anything) that open the movie and I didn't realize it was Firth till a second water scene. Maybe Firth should take more lead-man roles and show off his hot stuff more. LOL
Watch It: For an excellent performance by Firth.
Skip It: If you're not generally into these slowish, more indie-type flicks that are made to make you contemplate life. This one is an excellent example of one of those films.
Movie Release Date: December 11, 2009
DVD Release Date: July 6, 2010
Plot 411: The last day of a man's life as he prepares to kill himself.
Review: The movie is about a lot more than what the plot summary above implies. George (Colin Firth), a college professor who is simply drowning in his past, decides that today is the day that he'll kill himself. His sorrow focuses around the loss of his lover Jim (Matthew Goode), who died in a car wreck. As we follow George through his last day, we see him relive memories and also live life for the first time in a long time. Because this is his last day, he notices little things and appreciates everything around him. This is reflected in the lovely change in the color palette. In his depression, everything is washed out and gray looking. During those moments when he's truly living (something we should strive to do ourselves every day), the vibrancy and richness of life takes over and floods his perception of the world. It's really amazing. People who help him breathe again are his dear friend Charley (Julianne Moore) and a young student named Kenny (Nicholas Hoult). They help him realize that it's the little moments we should all cherish. Totally unrelated to the film, but what I was kind of shocked by, is that for a man of 50 years old Firth is definitely in shape. There are these amazing underwater sequences (no, not like a mermaid show or anything) that open the movie and I didn't realize it was Firth till a second water scene. Maybe Firth should take more lead-man roles and show off his hot stuff more. LOL
Watch It: For an excellent performance by Firth.
Skip It: If you're not generally into these slowish, more indie-type flicks that are made to make you contemplate life. This one is an excellent example of one of those films.
Carolina
9.04.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: June 5, 2003 (Russia) / Not Released in the U.S.
DVD Release Date: February 1, 2003
Plot 411: A young woman tries to start a normal life for herself after being raised in an eccentric family.
Review: Apparently this straight-to-DVD movie didn't have enough gumption to make it to the theaters. It stars Julia Stiles as Carolina, the eldest of three sisters who were left by their alcoholic father (Randy Quaid) to be raised by their grandmother (Shirley MacLaine). Grandma Millie lives by her own rules and doesn't let anyone tell her differently. Because of this, Carolina tries to establish as conventional a life as possible. She's unable to sustain a relationship with a guy longer than three dates because she's got all these rules and standards. She's completely predictable. The only guy (and relationship) she can hang on to is the one with her neighbor and best friend (Alessandro Nivola). The movie is a great example the strength of the family unit, even if that unit is disjointed and definitely not nuclear. It's about the love between a grandmother and her granddaughters. It's about accepting yourself and your family for who you are, not trying to pretend you're something you're not and being able to give the world the bird if they don't like it. MacClaine is so great as this quirky grandma character. She's lovable and aggravating at the same time. Also in this movie are Azura Skye, Mika Boorem, Alan Thicke and Jennifer Coolidge.
Watch It: Because it's really not as bad as a direct-to-DVD movie sounds.
Skip It: Because, well, like most rom coms it's completely predictable through and through.
Movie Release Date: June 5, 2003 (Russia) / Not Released in the U.S.
DVD Release Date: February 1, 2003
Plot 411: A young woman tries to start a normal life for herself after being raised in an eccentric family.
Review: Apparently this straight-to-DVD movie didn't have enough gumption to make it to the theaters. It stars Julia Stiles as Carolina, the eldest of three sisters who were left by their alcoholic father (Randy Quaid) to be raised by their grandmother (Shirley MacLaine). Grandma Millie lives by her own rules and doesn't let anyone tell her differently. Because of this, Carolina tries to establish as conventional a life as possible. She's unable to sustain a relationship with a guy longer than three dates because she's got all these rules and standards. She's completely predictable. The only guy (and relationship) she can hang on to is the one with her neighbor and best friend (Alessandro Nivola). The movie is a great example the strength of the family unit, even if that unit is disjointed and definitely not nuclear. It's about the love between a grandmother and her granddaughters. It's about accepting yourself and your family for who you are, not trying to pretend you're something you're not and being able to give the world the bird if they don't like it. MacClaine is so great as this quirky grandma character. She's lovable and aggravating at the same time. Also in this movie are Azura Skye, Mika Boorem, Alan Thicke and Jennifer Coolidge.
Watch It: Because it's really not as bad as a direct-to-DVD movie sounds.
Skip It: Because, well, like most rom coms it's completely predictable through and through.
The Last Song
9.03.2010
Rating: PG
Movie Release Date: March 31, 2010
DVD Release Date: August 16, 2010
Plot 411: A teenager is forced to spend her summer with her dad and gets to know him for the first time.
Review: Ronnie (Miley Cyrus) is rebellious teen whose future is questionable due to bad choices in her life. She feels abandoned when her father (Greg Kinnear) divorced her mother (Kelly Preston) and hates having to spend the summer with him and her younger brother (Bobby Coleman). She meets a local (Liam Hemsworth) and embarks on a summer love affair that opens her eyes to other possibilities besides being angry and bitter. This is basically your typical coming-of-age story about a emotionally sensitive girl who's built a wall around herself and how she tentatively comes out of her cocoon. It's based on a Nicholas Sparks book so of course you've got to expect someone is either sick or dying or sick and dying. While it's not the best adaptation of his work (which in my opinion is still The Notebook), it's not the worst either (which I think is Nights In Rodanthe). I think all of these books have a great plot to work with, but it all comes down to the acting in the end. In this movie, I just thought that the relationship between Ronnie and Will (Hemsworth) was unbelievable. It developed too fast for the audience to buy into their romance. It didn't have enough of anything for me to believe that they were meant to be together. Also, Ronnie's complete change in character once she starts dating this dude is, again, unbelievable. After years of playing the bad girl to the point of being arrested for shoplifting, she becomes this fun-loving girl? I don't think so. However, besides that entire plotline, the relationship between the dad and kids is moving. Oh, as a side note, Hemsworth is apparently the youngest of three acting brothers from Australia. You may know his older brother Chris as George Kirk in Star Trek and the eldest is Luke, who is famous from an Australian soap. It's like they're all the next generation of Paul Walkers. Don't you think?
Watch It: If you're into those tear-jerker type flicks that reflect on life.
Skip It: If you're looking for a good tear jerker with believable actors.
Movie Release Date: March 31, 2010
DVD Release Date: August 16, 2010
Plot 411: A teenager is forced to spend her summer with her dad and gets to know him for the first time.
Review: Ronnie (Miley Cyrus) is rebellious teen whose future is questionable due to bad choices in her life. She feels abandoned when her father (Greg Kinnear) divorced her mother (Kelly Preston) and hates having to spend the summer with him and her younger brother (Bobby Coleman). She meets a local (Liam Hemsworth) and embarks on a summer love affair that opens her eyes to other possibilities besides being angry and bitter. This is basically your typical coming-of-age story about a emotionally sensitive girl who's built a wall around herself and how she tentatively comes out of her cocoon. It's based on a Nicholas Sparks book so of course you've got to expect someone is either sick or dying or sick and dying. While it's not the best adaptation of his work (which in my opinion is still The Notebook), it's not the worst either (which I think is Nights In Rodanthe). I think all of these books have a great plot to work with, but it all comes down to the acting in the end. In this movie, I just thought that the relationship between Ronnie and Will (Hemsworth) was unbelievable. It developed too fast for the audience to buy into their romance. It didn't have enough of anything for me to believe that they were meant to be together. Also, Ronnie's complete change in character once she starts dating this dude is, again, unbelievable. After years of playing the bad girl to the point of being arrested for shoplifting, she becomes this fun-loving girl? I don't think so. However, besides that entire plotline, the relationship between the dad and kids is moving. Oh, as a side note, Hemsworth is apparently the youngest of three acting brothers from Australia. You may know his older brother Chris as George Kirk in Star Trek and the eldest is Luke, who is famous from an Australian soap. It's like they're all the next generation of Paul Walkers. Don't you think?
Watch It: If you're into those tear-jerker type flicks that reflect on life.
Skip It: If you're looking for a good tear jerker with believable actors.
The Blind Side
8.31.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: November 20, 2009
DVD Release Date: March 23, 2010
Plot 411: A well-to-do Memphis woman takes in a homeless kid who grows up to become an NFL athlete.
Review: The movie was really emotional, endearing, inspirational and heartwarming, but I don't know if Sandra Bullock really deserved the Oscar. I mean, she did a great job in a difficult role and pulled off the bossy, no-nonsense character, but I don't think the performance was exceptional. Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, a woman who saw a child in need and extended her hand to help. She took in Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a boy from the other side of town who had been in and out of system. His mother was a drug addict. He was essentially alone. Tuohy opened up her family and their home to help him succeed. She supported him when no one else would. She fed and clothed him and even became his legal guardian. This is a story about love. Also great in this film is Jae Head, the actor who plays Tuohy's younger son. He is precocious and extremely funny. Tim McGraw, Lily Collins and Kathy Bates round out the cast.
Watch It: Because Bullock's character is extremely likable despite her pushy ways.
Skip It: If you're looking for a football movie because that's not what this one's about.
Movie Release Date: November 20, 2009
DVD Release Date: March 23, 2010
Plot 411: A well-to-do Memphis woman takes in a homeless kid who grows up to become an NFL athlete.
Review: The movie was really emotional, endearing, inspirational and heartwarming, but I don't know if Sandra Bullock really deserved the Oscar. I mean, she did a great job in a difficult role and pulled off the bossy, no-nonsense character, but I don't think the performance was exceptional. Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, a woman who saw a child in need and extended her hand to help. She took in Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a boy from the other side of town who had been in and out of system. His mother was a drug addict. He was essentially alone. Tuohy opened up her family and their home to help him succeed. She supported him when no one else would. She fed and clothed him and even became his legal guardian. This is a story about love. Also great in this film is Jae Head, the actor who plays Tuohy's younger son. He is precocious and extremely funny. Tim McGraw, Lily Collins and Kathy Bates round out the cast.
Watch It: Because Bullock's character is extremely likable despite her pushy ways.
Skip It: If you're looking for a football movie because that's not what this one's about.
Eat Pray Love
8.29.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: August 13, 2010
DVD Release Date: TBD
Plot 411: After a bad divorce, a woman travels to Italy, India and Indonesia to find her balance.
Review: Liz (Julia Roberts) realizes one day that the life she lives with her husband Stephen (Billy Crudup) is not the life for her anymore. She has grown apart from him despite her love for her. She files for divorce and struggles to find herself but ends up falling into the arms of another man (James Franco). She struggles to find herself after years of co-dependency and decides to take a yearlong vacation to revitalize her spirit and give herself a new perspective. Unfortunately, even Julia Roberts cannot save this movie. I was hoping to walk away refreshed and inspired with a feeling that I could fulfill my dreams. I was hoping this movie would show me that Liz overcame her obstacles and was able to climb mountains afterwards. But this movie was a lot more subtle than that. It was a lot more introspective than I was expecting. The movie didn't profess any kind of wisdom. It didn't call to my spirit of adventure like a lone wolf howling into the night. I think this kind of journey is something that can only be experienced firsthand. It definitely was not captured on film. Also in this film are Richard Jenkins and Javier Bardem.
Watch It: For a quick trip around the world to three very different countries.
Skip It: And get out there and have your own spiritual journey.
Movie Release Date: August 13, 2010
DVD Release Date: TBD
Plot 411: After a bad divorce, a woman travels to Italy, India and Indonesia to find her balance.
Review: Liz (Julia Roberts) realizes one day that the life she lives with her husband Stephen (Billy Crudup) is not the life for her anymore. She has grown apart from him despite her love for her. She files for divorce and struggles to find herself but ends up falling into the arms of another man (James Franco). She struggles to find herself after years of co-dependency and decides to take a yearlong vacation to revitalize her spirit and give herself a new perspective. Unfortunately, even Julia Roberts cannot save this movie. I was hoping to walk away refreshed and inspired with a feeling that I could fulfill my dreams. I was hoping this movie would show me that Liz overcame her obstacles and was able to climb mountains afterwards. But this movie was a lot more subtle than that. It was a lot more introspective than I was expecting. The movie didn't profess any kind of wisdom. It didn't call to my spirit of adventure like a lone wolf howling into the night. I think this kind of journey is something that can only be experienced firsthand. It definitely was not captured on film. Also in this film are Richard Jenkins and Javier Bardem.
Watch It: For a quick trip around the world to three very different countries.
Skip It: And get out there and have your own spiritual journey.
Did You Hear About The Morgans?
8.28.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: December 18, 2009
DVD Release Date: March 16, 2010
Plot 411: Separated couple Meryl and Paul Morgan witness a murder and are put into the witness protection program.
Review: Meryl (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Paul (Hugh Grant) are a high-power New York couple who have been separated for several months due to Paul's one night stand. He has tried to win Meryl back but has been unsuccessful. After a night out where they an attempt to patch things up, the couple witness the murder of one of Meryl's clients. They are temporarily placed in protective custody in Ray, Wyoming until separate accommodations can be arranged. Here they are forced to work out their marital problems. This sounds like the plot of a murder mystery or suspense thriller, but it's really a rom com in disguise . . . or not. Parker is pretty much revisiting her character from Sex In The City - a sophisticated New Yorker who is an optimist when it comes to love. Grant reprises his role again (and yes, I do me "role" singularly). Has he ever played someone other than the funny and slightly awkward British dude? If you can overlook this, the movie is pretty much par for the course. I mean, it's not belly-aching funny but it has its moments. This is mostly due to Grant. Perfect characters in this film are Emma (Mary Steenburgen) and Clay (Sam Elliott), the law enforcement officers who look after Paul and Meryl in Wyoming. They are superbly cast. I love them in these roles.
Watch It: But don't expect too much from it. It's just a mediocre rom com.
Skip It: And watch Something's Gotta Give for a more mature rom com that's twice as funny and definitely got a better script.
Movie Release Date: December 18, 2009
DVD Release Date: March 16, 2010
Plot 411: Separated couple Meryl and Paul Morgan witness a murder and are put into the witness protection program.
Review: Meryl (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Paul (Hugh Grant) are a high-power New York couple who have been separated for several months due to Paul's one night stand. He has tried to win Meryl back but has been unsuccessful. After a night out where they an attempt to patch things up, the couple witness the murder of one of Meryl's clients. They are temporarily placed in protective custody in Ray, Wyoming until separate accommodations can be arranged. Here they are forced to work out their marital problems. This sounds like the plot of a murder mystery or suspense thriller, but it's really a rom com in disguise . . . or not. Parker is pretty much revisiting her character from Sex In The City - a sophisticated New Yorker who is an optimist when it comes to love. Grant reprises his role again (and yes, I do me "role" singularly). Has he ever played someone other than the funny and slightly awkward British dude? If you can overlook this, the movie is pretty much par for the course. I mean, it's not belly-aching funny but it has its moments. This is mostly due to Grant. Perfect characters in this film are Emma (Mary Steenburgen) and Clay (Sam Elliott), the law enforcement officers who look after Paul and Meryl in Wyoming. They are superbly cast. I love them in these roles.
Watch It: But don't expect too much from it. It's just a mediocre rom com.
Skip It: And watch Something's Gotta Give for a more mature rom com that's twice as funny and definitely got a better script.
Dancer In The Dark
8.26.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: September 8, 2000 (Denmark/Finland/Norway/Sweden) / October 6, 2000 (USA)
DVD Release Date: March 20, 2001
Plot 411: A woman makes the ultimate sacrifice to ensure her sun has a bright future.
Review: Selma (Bjork) and her son are immigrants from Czechoslovakia living in the US in this bittersweet musical. She works in a factory and rents a little trailer outside of her landlord's home. Unfortunately, an eye disease runs in her family and she's slowly losing her sight. She is saving her money so that her son can get surgery to prevent blindness. When she confides in her landlord about this secret, events unfold that bring even more hardship upon her. This movie started really slow, and I found my attention wandering. However, the drama really picked up and Bjork's performance was amazing. The singing and dancing throughout the film was a little odd as I somehow only connect musicals with happiness. This movie had very little happiness in it. I think this would've worked better without the musical aspect by presenting an even bigger impact because the music and dance distracted from the emotional mother/son relationship and all the sacrifices that were made. Another unique aspect about this movie is the various camera angles. They really served to add perspective and emotion to the movie, especially when they represented Selma's point of view. Bjork's voice fluctuates between haunting and sweet as she sings. I think this is perfect for the role of Selma. Also in this film are Catherine Deneuve, David Morse and Peter Stormare.
Watch It: For a heart-wrenching story about love and loss. It's sorta like Chicago but not as glamorous and sparkly.
Skip It: Because it's pretty weird and definitely not for everyone.
Movie Release Date: September 8, 2000 (Denmark/Finland/Norway/Sweden) / October 6, 2000 (USA)
DVD Release Date: March 20, 2001
Plot 411: A woman makes the ultimate sacrifice to ensure her sun has a bright future.
Review: Selma (Bjork) and her son are immigrants from Czechoslovakia living in the US in this bittersweet musical. She works in a factory and rents a little trailer outside of her landlord's home. Unfortunately, an eye disease runs in her family and she's slowly losing her sight. She is saving her money so that her son can get surgery to prevent blindness. When she confides in her landlord about this secret, events unfold that bring even more hardship upon her. This movie started really slow, and I found my attention wandering. However, the drama really picked up and Bjork's performance was amazing. The singing and dancing throughout the film was a little odd as I somehow only connect musicals with happiness. This movie had very little happiness in it. I think this would've worked better without the musical aspect by presenting an even bigger impact because the music and dance distracted from the emotional mother/son relationship and all the sacrifices that were made. Another unique aspect about this movie is the various camera angles. They really served to add perspective and emotion to the movie, especially when they represented Selma's point of view. Bjork's voice fluctuates between haunting and sweet as she sings. I think this is perfect for the role of Selma. Also in this film are Catherine Deneuve, David Morse and Peter Stormare.
Watch It: For a heart-wrenching story about love and loss. It's sorta like Chicago but not as glamorous and sparkly.
Skip It: Because it's pretty weird and definitely not for everyone.
Rescue Dawn
8.23.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: July 4, 2007
Movie Release Date: July 4, 2007
DVD Release Date: November 20, 2007
Plot 411: A U.S. pilot is shot down while on a combat mission and is taken prisoner.
Review: In 1966, Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale) is out on his first top secret mission when his plane is shot down. Barely surviving the crash, he wanders the jungles of Laos and is captured by the local army. He soon meets a group of POWs who have been captured for years. The group consists of fellow armed forces members as well as the flight crew of a commercial airline. Dengler immediately begins to plot their escape to the disbelief of everyone else. They have been physically and psychologically tortured to the point that they have become complacent and do not believe they can survive outside the torture camp. This is an intense portrayal of the human spirit and one's will to survive. The events are almost too horrible to be true and yet they are based on real events (though there is some contention to the accuracy of the movie). As the movie unfolds you witness how easy it is for your spirit to be broken. Simple things that are taken for granted in every day life are treasured and longed for in extreme situations. People's true natures are revealed under such stressful situations. The actors did a tremendous job dropping their weight to portray the starving POWs. Physically being able to embody the extremes really enhanced the visual effects. This, in addition to the set dressing and surrounding landscape, really helped center the movie and bring the audience back in time. This really is an excellent film. Also in this film are Steve Zahn and Jeremy Davies.
Watch It: For a really intense and harrowing depiction of life as a POW.
Skip It: And brush up on your history before watching the film. This may really help to enhance your understanding of the film and make the experience better.
American Gangster
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: November 2, 2007
DVD Release Date: February 18, 2008
Plot 411: An honest cop goes after one of New York's most infamous drug dealers.
Review: Originally from the south but living and working up north as the right-hand man for a major drug lord, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) quickly learns the ins and outs of running an illegal empire. When his boss dies, he decides to take over the territory and has no qualms about killing anyone in his way. He soon grows his empire by purchasing heroin directly from the source, something no one has done before, and marketing the product as blue magic. His product is cheaper and better than his competitors and he soon holds the largest market share. His nemisis in this movie is Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), who is an honest cop in a sea of corruption. Despite his failing marriage, undercover work and lack of popularity on the force due to his Boy Scout ways, he manages to be promoted and put in charge of stopping the spread of drugs in New York. This is a movie based on true life, which already makes it a lot more interesting than some other flicks. Washington and Crowe are like to seasoned heavy weights going at it. Even though they lead separate lives for much of the film, you can still see how they are connected. I love how the filmmakers contrast good and evil, right and wrong thoughout the movie. It makes you see that people are complex beings and cannot only be judged from one perspective. Also in this film are Josh Brolin, Chewetel Ejiofor, Ted Levine, Carla Gugino, Cuba Gooding Jr, Armand Assante and Idris Elba.
Movie Release Date: November 2, 2007
DVD Release Date: February 18, 2008
Plot 411: An honest cop goes after one of New York's most infamous drug dealers.
Review: Originally from the south but living and working up north as the right-hand man for a major drug lord, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) quickly learns the ins and outs of running an illegal empire. When his boss dies, he decides to take over the territory and has no qualms about killing anyone in his way. He soon grows his empire by purchasing heroin directly from the source, something no one has done before, and marketing the product as blue magic. His product is cheaper and better than his competitors and he soon holds the largest market share. His nemisis in this movie is Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), who is an honest cop in a sea of corruption. Despite his failing marriage, undercover work and lack of popularity on the force due to his Boy Scout ways, he manages to be promoted and put in charge of stopping the spread of drugs in New York. This is a movie based on true life, which already makes it a lot more interesting than some other flicks. Washington and Crowe are like to seasoned heavy weights going at it. Even though they lead separate lives for much of the film, you can still see how they are connected. I love how the filmmakers contrast good and evil, right and wrong thoughout the movie. It makes you see that people are complex beings and cannot only be judged from one perspective. Also in this film are Josh Brolin, Chewetel Ejiofor, Ted Levine, Carla Gugino, Cuba Gooding Jr, Armand Assante and Idris Elba.
Watch It: For a gritty, noir-like film about drugs, corrupt cops and capitalism.
Skip It: And its unapologetic violence.
3:10 To Yuma
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: September 6, 2007 (Russia) / September 7, 2007 (USA)
DVD Release Date: January 8, 2008
Plot 411: A former soldier joins a band of lawmen to escort an outlaw to the train that'll transport him to jail.
Review: Even if you're not particularly a fan of Westerns, you might like this one. It stars Russell Crowe as Ben Wade, the leader of a gang who steals from stagecoaches. Wade and his gang cross paths with soldier-turned-farmer Dan Evans (Christian Bale) when he steals Evans' horse in order to escape the law. Evans is desperate to save his home but is behind on payments. When he is offered money to help transport Evans to jail, he agrees. Along the way the two banter back and forth and you soon realize that the men are actually quite similar. Despite their divergent lives, the two live by a code of honor. While the set up to the movie is a bit slow, it soon picks up and becomes action packed. Gun fights and chases help liven up the movie and are interspersed with quiet moments between the two main characters. Both men try to outsmart and out think each other, and in another life may have been great friends. Also in this film are Luke Wilson, Ben Foster and Alan Tudyk.
Watch It: For a gun-toting good time.
Skip It: Perhaps in favor of the original?
Movie Release Date: September 6, 2007 (Russia) / September 7, 2007 (USA)
DVD Release Date: January 8, 2008
Plot 411: A former soldier joins a band of lawmen to escort an outlaw to the train that'll transport him to jail.
Review: Even if you're not particularly a fan of Westerns, you might like this one. It stars Russell Crowe as Ben Wade, the leader of a gang who steals from stagecoaches. Wade and his gang cross paths with soldier-turned-farmer Dan Evans (Christian Bale) when he steals Evans' horse in order to escape the law. Evans is desperate to save his home but is behind on payments. When he is offered money to help transport Evans to jail, he agrees. Along the way the two banter back and forth and you soon realize that the men are actually quite similar. Despite their divergent lives, the two live by a code of honor. While the set up to the movie is a bit slow, it soon picks up and becomes action packed. Gun fights and chases help liven up the movie and are interspersed with quiet moments between the two main characters. Both men try to outsmart and out think each other, and in another life may have been great friends. Also in this film are Luke Wilson, Ben Foster and Alan Tudyk.
Watch It: For a gun-toting good time.
Skip It: Perhaps in favor of the original?
Atonement
8.22.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: September 7, 2007 (UK) / December 7, 2007 (USA)
DVD Release Date: March 18, 2008
Plot 411: A lie separates two lovers and destroys the relationship between two sisters.
Review: Young Briony (Saoirse Ronan) has a crush on the housekeeper's son Robbie (James McAvoy) despite the distinct age difference. Robbie humors her, believing it to be a harmless child's crush that she will outgrow. Robbie really has eyes for Briony's older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley), and even thought here is a difference in social status between them she also has feelings for him. When their passions consume them one night, Briony witnesses the interaction and misinterprets what happens. A child's misunderstanding leads to the separation of two lovers and the destruction of a family. Dubbed as the love story that surpasses the romance in Titanic, I went into this film expecting a lot and was completely surprised by the plot. I just really didn't expect it to turn so dark. I was looking for flowers and sunshine, and while there is some of that in this movie, it mostly turned out to be stormy weather. In general, I also found everything less relatable than Titanic. Maybe the ship's isoation on the sea is more romantic? I liked the similar themes of a timeless and eternal love that is tested, however, the darkness of Atonement somehow resonated more than the powerful love story. The film is more a character drama that looks at people's motives and actions than the story of true love. Marketing did a good job to obscure that.
Movie Release Date: September 7, 2007 (UK) / December 7, 2007 (USA)
DVD Release Date: March 18, 2008
Plot 411: A lie separates two lovers and destroys the relationship between two sisters.
Review: Young Briony (Saoirse Ronan) has a crush on the housekeeper's son Robbie (James McAvoy) despite the distinct age difference. Robbie humors her, believing it to be a harmless child's crush that she will outgrow. Robbie really has eyes for Briony's older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley), and even thought here is a difference in social status between them she also has feelings for him. When their passions consume them one night, Briony witnesses the interaction and misinterprets what happens. A child's misunderstanding leads to the separation of two lovers and the destruction of a family. Dubbed as the love story that surpasses the romance in Titanic, I went into this film expecting a lot and was completely surprised by the plot. I just really didn't expect it to turn so dark. I was looking for flowers and sunshine, and while there is some of that in this movie, it mostly turned out to be stormy weather. In general, I also found everything less relatable than Titanic. Maybe the ship's isoation on the sea is more romantic? I liked the similar themes of a timeless and eternal love that is tested, however, the darkness of Atonement somehow resonated more than the powerful love story. The film is more a character drama that looks at people's motives and actions than the story of true love. Marketing did a good job to obscure that.
Watch It: Definitely if you're into period pieces as the English clothes, houses and gardens are beautiful.
Skip It: If you're expecting some sweeping romance, which, I think, is what I went into this film expecting.
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