Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Valentine's Day
9.23.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: February 12, 2010
DVD Release Date: May 18, 2010
Plot 411: An interwoven story about people who live in L.A. on Valentine's Day.
Review: This movie tries to pull off a heartfelt statement about love in L.A. ala Love Actually and a massive ensemble cast. However, I don't think it has quite enough heart to follow in those footsteps. The various plot lines are as moving. They don't tug quite so hard at your heartstrings. It's as if we're just following these people around for a day in the life or something just as moronic. The movie opens up with Reed (Ashton Kutcher) proposing to his girlfriend Morley (Jessica Alba). Most of his friends, including BFF Julia (Jennifer Garner) and Alphonso (George Lopez), are surprised when they find out she says yes. The multiple storyline unfolds here with kid love, teen love and even senior love. The all-star cast is great, but they don't seem able to pull off a really solid American representative of Love Actually. Also in this film are Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Julia Roberts, Emma Roberts, Hector Elizondo, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Shirley MacLaine, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift. Phew, by the time you say all their names the flick is over. My bet is that they signed up for this project hoping to get paid for not doing much. It probably worked.
Watch It: If you want to catch a glimpse of stars young and old.
Skip It: And watch the British version, which is better hands down. Who said Brits were cold and stuffy?
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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.
Shakespeare In Love
9.13.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: December 11, 1998
DVD Release Date: December 7, 1999
Plot 411: Will Shakespeare has writer's block until he meets his love Viola, who inspires the play that would become Romeo and Juliet.
Review: After discovering his lover cheated on him, Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) is unable to write his next play. But, because the playhouse in which his plays are performed is in serious debt, he must sojourn on. He casts a young man named Thomas Kent, who is really a woman named Viola (Gweneth Paltrow), as the lead actor. However, he soon learns that she is a woman and they embark on a torrid love affair. This jump starts his writing juices and he finishes off the play. The play mirrors much of their doomed relationship though as Viola is already promised to someone else (played by Colin Firth). I love that this movie is filled with wit and laughter. They are able to incorporate many of Shakespeare's later plays through references or exact dialogue. It's a creative storytelling style, especially for drama nuts. But, even if you're not familiar with the bard's work, you'll still find this to be a highly entertaining and well-acted rom com. There's support from many superb actors, such as Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Rupert Everett and even Ben Affleck (if you consider him superb).
Watch It: For a great interpretation of history, even if it's not completely accurate.
Skip It: Or hold off until you've read a bit of Shakespeare so you can get the jokes better.
Movie Release Date: December 11, 1998
DVD Release Date: December 7, 1999
Plot 411: Will Shakespeare has writer's block until he meets his love Viola, who inspires the play that would become Romeo and Juliet.
Review: After discovering his lover cheated on him, Will Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) is unable to write his next play. But, because the playhouse in which his plays are performed is in serious debt, he must sojourn on. He casts a young man named Thomas Kent, who is really a woman named Viola (Gweneth Paltrow), as the lead actor. However, he soon learns that she is a woman and they embark on a torrid love affair. This jump starts his writing juices and he finishes off the play. The play mirrors much of their doomed relationship though as Viola is already promised to someone else (played by Colin Firth). I love that this movie is filled with wit and laughter. They are able to incorporate many of Shakespeare's later plays through references or exact dialogue. It's a creative storytelling style, especially for drama nuts. But, even if you're not familiar with the bard's work, you'll still find this to be a highly entertaining and well-acted rom com. There's support from many superb actors, such as Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Rupert Everett and even Ben Affleck (if you consider him superb).
Watch It: For a great interpretation of history, even if it's not completely accurate.
Skip It: Or hold off until you've read a bit of Shakespeare so you can get the jokes better.
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.
Bright Star
9.07.2010
Rating: PG
Movie Release Date: September 18, 2009
DVD Release Date: January 26, 2010
Plot 411: The trying love affair between poet John Keats and his muse Fanny Braune from start to end.
Review: I really enjoyed this movie because it was able to capture a deep love affair in a very unique way. It managed to use a lot of dialogue (and poetic language) to convey powerful emotions. Granted, back then people just seemed to speak more lyrically and poetically (we're all but savages now). I haven't really studied John Keats at all but, despite that, I still knew when his poems were being used because of how the words were delivered. That's definitely attributed to the actors. It could be just me, but I really felt consumed by the love between John (Ben Whishaw) and Fanny (Abbie Cornish). Even though I knew the ending, I still found myself hoping this would work out for them. I mean, how could a perfect love - one that surpasses barriers like class status, financial situations and peer pressure - not last for eternity? Everything - from the wooing to the proclamations of love - was done within the strict social order of the day and a glance or a secret smile told a lot. Even a brush of fingers against one another became something so much more. Nowadays, this type of romance just doesn't happen. It makes me sad for today's lovers.
Movie Release Date: September 18, 2009
DVD Release Date: January 26, 2010
Plot 411: The trying love affair between poet John Keats and his muse Fanny Braune from start to end.
Review: I really enjoyed this movie because it was able to capture a deep love affair in a very unique way. It managed to use a lot of dialogue (and poetic language) to convey powerful emotions. Granted, back then people just seemed to speak more lyrically and poetically (we're all but savages now). I haven't really studied John Keats at all but, despite that, I still knew when his poems were being used because of how the words were delivered. That's definitely attributed to the actors. It could be just me, but I really felt consumed by the love between John (Ben Whishaw) and Fanny (Abbie Cornish). Even though I knew the ending, I still found myself hoping this would work out for them. I mean, how could a perfect love - one that surpasses barriers like class status, financial situations and peer pressure - not last for eternity? Everything - from the wooing to the proclamations of love - was done within the strict social order of the day and a glance or a secret smile told a lot. Even a brush of fingers against one another became something so much more. Nowadays, this type of romance just doesn't happen. It makes me sad for today's lovers.
Watch It: For an almost perfect love affair and to perhaps understand Keats' poetry better.
Skip It: Because unfortunately it's like Romeo and Juliet - a love of a lifetime that just doesn't survive.
Tattoo, A Love Story
9.06.2010
Tattoo, A Love Story Trailer
Sorry, guys. I can't find a trailer to embed into the review. I've only got a link (above) to the IMDB trailer.
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: April 11, 2002
DVD Release Date: September 28, 2004
Plot 411: By-the-books Sara takes a walk on the wild side when she meets Virgil, a tattoo artists brought in by one of her students for show-and-tell.
Review: Sara (Megan Edwards) is a control freak and overachiever vying for Idaho's teacher of the year award. She lives an orderly, perfect life with her long-time boyfriend (Benjamin Burdick). When one of her students brings a tattoo artist (Virgil Mignanelli) to class, she quickly gets on her high horse and judges him as a bad influence on the kids. But curiosity killed the cat, as they say, and she soon finds herself very curious about Virgil. She's never met anyone like him before and soon she's able to let her hair loose (metaphorically and physically speaking). This movie had a fairly common plot, but I liked the honesty of the actors. They portrayed real life as opposed to some fictionalized, dramatized life on screen. For the most part, the characters were likable and the love story is sweet. Was there a lot of action in this movie? No. Was there tremendous heartache and heartbreak? Somewhat, but it was more realistic than the overly dramatic mainstream rom coms. Would I recommend this one? Probably not.
Watch It: If you're a fan of indie flicks and like giving small filmmakers a chance.
Skip It: If you're not.
Movie Release Date: April 11, 2002
DVD Release Date: September 28, 2004
Plot 411: By-the-books Sara takes a walk on the wild side when she meets Virgil, a tattoo artists brought in by one of her students for show-and-tell.
Review: Sara (Megan Edwards) is a control freak and overachiever vying for Idaho's teacher of the year award. She lives an orderly, perfect life with her long-time boyfriend (Benjamin Burdick). When one of her students brings a tattoo artist (Virgil Mignanelli) to class, she quickly gets on her high horse and judges him as a bad influence on the kids. But curiosity killed the cat, as they say, and she soon finds herself very curious about Virgil. She's never met anyone like him before and soon she's able to let her hair loose (metaphorically and physically speaking). This movie had a fairly common plot, but I liked the honesty of the actors. They portrayed real life as opposed to some fictionalized, dramatized life on screen. For the most part, the characters were likable and the love story is sweet. Was there a lot of action in this movie? No. Was there tremendous heartache and heartbreak? Somewhat, but it was more realistic than the overly dramatic mainstream rom coms. Would I recommend this one? Probably not.
Watch It: If you're a fan of indie flicks and like giving small filmmakers a chance.
Skip It: If you're not.
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.
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.
Amelie
8.25.2010
Rating: R
Movie Release Date: April 25, 2001 (France/Belgium/Switzerland) / November 16, 2001 (USA)
DVD Release Date: July 16, 2002
Plot 411: An isolated girl devotes her life to making others happy and eventually finds happiness for herself.
Movie Release Date: April 25, 2001 (France/Belgium/Switzerland) / November 16, 2001 (USA)
DVD Release Date: July 16, 2002
Plot 411: An isolated girl devotes her life to making others happy and eventually finds happiness for herself.
Review: Audrey Tautou stars as Amelie, a young woman who works in a cafe. She has spent her entire life separate from other people and is always on the outside looking in. She is shy and quiet. When she finds a tin box hidden in the wall of her bathroom, she decides to find its owner and return it to him. Once she sees how much joy this causes, she decides to continue to help people and act like a guardian angel. She receives joy through their joy, even if she is unable to experience it for herself. This movie is pretty amazing from a visual and creative standpoint. One could say that this movie is odd or quirky, maybe even weird, but I think it's intriguing. It's completely obvious that Americans would never be able to make a film like this. This movie is light and funny, charming and sweet. It's almost dream-like in some scenes. I love the colors of the sets and costumes. They're so vibrant sometimes that they seem unreal, and yet this film is set in modern Paris. It's interesting how the every day is woven with the fantastical.
Watch It: If you've ever felt like you're different.
Skip It: If you're one of those mainstream-only moviegoers. This is indie AND foreign. Take that!
Say Anything
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: April 14, 1989
DVD Release Date: March 5, 2002
Plot 411: A slacker applies himself for the first time when he tries to win over the class valedictorian.
Review: Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) is a nice guy with very little ambition in life. But when he sets his sights on an impossible goal - dating Diane Court (Ione Skye) - he works the hardest he's ever had in his life. This is one of the best high school rom coms around despite being over 20 years old. What makes this movie great is the characters. Lloyd represents the everyman in his insecurities and dreams. He is part of all of us and his struggles to win Diane over are easily relatable. Most people are neither truly exceptional or completely useless. We just hover around mediocre until we find something that we're passionate about. Lloyd is passionate about Diane. The movie is a simple in concept but highly effective in execution. It also contains some very good music (though very time specific) in the score.
Watch It: If you've ever made a fool of yourself for love.
Skip It: If you're looking for something more dramatic out of Cusack, like Stand By Me.
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.
Norbit
8.17.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: February 9, 2007
DVD Release Date: June 5, 2007
Plot 411: Eddie Murphy playing multiple roles to varying degrees of success.
Review: Norbit (Eddie Murphy), a nice guy, is married to a witch of a woman named Rasputia (Eddie Murphy). She has ordered him around since the day they met and he does nothing to stop it. When Norbit is reunited with Kate (Thandie Newton), a childhood friend, Rasputia's ire is unstopable. Entering the mix are Rasputia's brothers (played by Terry Crews, Clifton Powell and Lester Speight) and Kate's fiance (Cuba Gooding Jr.). I don't know how or why the idea of Murphy playing multiple characters exists in our world. But, somehow it does and there are only so many times this can work right? This concept keeps repeating over and over, even when the laughs aren't as loud and the jokes aren't as funny. I agree that the dinner table scene in The Nutty Professor is freaking hilarious, but I don't think there's been anything close to that since then. Why does he continue to use the same gag over and over?
Watch It: For Rasputia in all her glory.
Skip It: For Murphy classics from the 1980s.
License To Wed
8.06.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: June 3, 2007
DVD Release Date: October 30, 2007
Plot 411: A young couple must complete a pre-marital course led by an eccentric priest.
Review: Sadie (Mandy Moore) and Ben (John Krasinski) take a crash course in marriage so they can hold their ceremony in Sadie's family's church. The course is led by Reverend Frank (Robin Williams) who isn't quite what they expect. He puts them through outrageous exercises and intrudes on their lives to test their love and sanity. Can the couple survive the guerrilla warfare set by the priest? This movie is pretty stupid. What happened to Robin Williams anyway? Where did movies like Patch Adams go? Or Good Morning, Vietnam? Has it really come to this Robin? Really? I'm just flabbergasted. Also connected with this movie (why I do not know) are Eric Christian Olsen, Christine Taylor and Peter Strauss.
Watch It: If you're looking for a sub-par rom com.
Skip It: For any of the movies listed above.
Movie Release Date: June 3, 2007
DVD Release Date: October 30, 2007
Plot 411: A young couple must complete a pre-marital course led by an eccentric priest.
Review: Sadie (Mandy Moore) and Ben (John Krasinski) take a crash course in marriage so they can hold their ceremony in Sadie's family's church. The course is led by Reverend Frank (Robin Williams) who isn't quite what they expect. He puts them through outrageous exercises and intrudes on their lives to test their love and sanity. Can the couple survive the guerrilla warfare set by the priest? This movie is pretty stupid. What happened to Robin Williams anyway? Where did movies like Patch Adams go? Or Good Morning, Vietnam? Has it really come to this Robin? Really? I'm just flabbergasted. Also connected with this movie (why I do not know) are Eric Christian Olsen, Christine Taylor and Peter Strauss.
Watch It: If you're looking for a sub-par rom com.
Skip It: For any of the movies listed above.
Because I Said So
8.04.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: February 2, 2007
DVD Release Date: May 8, 2007
Plot 411: A helicopter mom creates an online dating profile for her daughter and screens the applicants to find the perfect match.
Review: Daphne (Diane Keaton) is a single mom who raised three girls - Maggie (Lauren Graham), Mae (Piper Perabo) and Milly (Mandy Moore). She is worried that her youngest daughter Milly isn't happy and will never get married. Thus, Daphne gives in to her overbearing nature (aka helicopter mothering) and takes matters into her own hands. I love Diane Keaton and this movie truly plays up her uncanny ability to be neurotic and insane. She is the stereotypical mom who just wants the best for her kids but ends up loving them too much. They become resentful and often feel guilty about it. Yet, in the end, they all love being family. Amazing how much cinema imitates life huh? While this movie is supposed to focus around Milly's search for love, I can't really say that Moore is one of my favorite young actresses. However, I really enjoyed the character of Daphne so much more. Also in this film are Gabriel Macht and Tom Everett Scott.
Movie Release Date: February 2, 2007
DVD Release Date: May 8, 2007
Plot 411: A helicopter mom creates an online dating profile for her daughter and screens the applicants to find the perfect match.
Review: Daphne (Diane Keaton) is a single mom who raised three girls - Maggie (Lauren Graham), Mae (Piper Perabo) and Milly (Mandy Moore). She is worried that her youngest daughter Milly isn't happy and will never get married. Thus, Daphne gives in to her overbearing nature (aka helicopter mothering) and takes matters into her own hands. I love Diane Keaton and this movie truly plays up her uncanny ability to be neurotic and insane. She is the stereotypical mom who just wants the best for her kids but ends up loving them too much. They become resentful and often feel guilty about it. Yet, in the end, they all love being family. Amazing how much cinema imitates life huh? While this movie is supposed to focus around Milly's search for love, I can't really say that Moore is one of my favorite young actresses. However, I really enjoyed the character of Daphne so much more. Also in this film are Gabriel Macht and Tom Everett Scott.
Watch It: At a movie night with the girls, then dish about all the horrible things your moms' have done.
Skip It: Because it's pretty brainless fun and will probably turn your noggin into mush.
Couples Retreat
7.30.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: October 9, 2009
DVD Release Date: February 9, 2009
Plot 411: Four couples sign up for a relationship retreat and find it's more than they bargained for.
Movie Release Date: October 9, 2009
DVD Release Date: February 9, 2009
Plot 411: Four couples sign up for a relationship retreat and find it's more than they bargained for.
Review: Don't see this movie. All you need to do is watch the trailer and you're golden. Anything else in this 107-minute movie is filler. Jason (Jason Bateman) and Cynthia (Kristen Bell) are a Type-A married couple whose marriage is not working out. They decide to take a week to sort out their issues at a vacation club dedicated to this kind of thing. In order to get a cheaper rate, one that they can afford, they hit up their friends and ask them to participate as well. At first everyone is reluctant, especially Dave (Vince Vaughn) and Ronnie (Malin Ackerman) who are busy renovating their home, raising their two sons and launching a new video game. However, in the end, everyone agrees to go for the sake of Jason and Cynthia. What they find on the island is nothing for which they are prepared. Also in this film are Jon Favreau, Faizon Love, Kristen Davis, Kali Hawk, Tasha Smith and Jean Reno. This movie had so many potential laughs that just were not fulfilled. The concept of being stuck on an island doing therapy and yoga are gold mines for comedic humor. However, the plot was too slow to be effective. Jokes were few and far between for me. There's also a cameo by Ken Jeong that is completely humorless. I mean, how is that even possible right? But it is.
Watch It: As a last resort?
Skip It: For a better Vaughn/Favreau flick in Four Christmases.
In A Day
7.20.2010
Rating: Not Rated
Movie Release Date: May 9, 2007 (Spain) / August 24, 2007 (USA)
DVD Release Date: January 26, 2010
Plot 411: A girl has the best day of her life with a man who frequents her sandwich shop.
Review: This is one of those indie rom coms in the vein of Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, but it's not done as well. That's not to say it isn't good. It's just not as good as the other two. The a movie is dialogue heavy and conversation flows between the two main characters, Ashley (Lorraine Pilkington) and Michael (Finlay Robertson). They walk or ride around in the city, and just about everything happens within the timeframe of one day. Ashley meets Michael after experiencing a horrible incident and is hesitant when he offers to take her to lunch. However, despite the anxiety caused by the previous scenario, she agrees and ends up spending the entire day with him. He takes her from one place to the next and continually surprises her with treats. He's quirky and mysterious, and Ashley isn't sure what to make of him. Like good indie movies, the plot seems like it comes straight out of real life. The characters seem genuine (and aren't absurdly beautiful) and relatable. What I love most about films like this is the authenticity. Between Ashley and Michael, there are awkward pauses, self-conscious gestures, stuttering, verbal falters and other embarrassing, yet natural, faux paus.
Watch It: For a somewhat heavy plot twist (for a rom com).
Skip It: Because the build up of the twist is a lot better than its resolution, which happens too quickly in my opinion.
Movie Release Date: May 9, 2007 (Spain) / August 24, 2007 (USA)
DVD Release Date: January 26, 2010
Plot 411: A girl has the best day of her life with a man who frequents her sandwich shop.
Review: This is one of those indie rom coms in the vein of Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, but it's not done as well. That's not to say it isn't good. It's just not as good as the other two. The a movie is dialogue heavy and conversation flows between the two main characters, Ashley (Lorraine Pilkington) and Michael (Finlay Robertson). They walk or ride around in the city, and just about everything happens within the timeframe of one day. Ashley meets Michael after experiencing a horrible incident and is hesitant when he offers to take her to lunch. However, despite the anxiety caused by the previous scenario, she agrees and ends up spending the entire day with him. He takes her from one place to the next and continually surprises her with treats. He's quirky and mysterious, and Ashley isn't sure what to make of him. Like good indie movies, the plot seems like it comes straight out of real life. The characters seem genuine (and aren't absurdly beautiful) and relatable. What I love most about films like this is the authenticity. Between Ashley and Michael, there are awkward pauses, self-conscious gestures, stuttering, verbal falters and other embarrassing, yet natural, faux paus.
Watch It: For a somewhat heavy plot twist (for a rom com).
Skip It: Because the build up of the twist is a lot better than its resolution, which happens too quickly in my opinion.
Last Chance Harvey
7.18.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: December 25, 2008
DVD Release Date: May 5, 2009
Plot 411: A short vacation to London turns into a life changing event.
Review: While I don't really fall into the ideal demographic for this film, I still found that it had a nice little message to take away. Harvey (Dustin Hoffman) is consumed with work and has let his relationship with his daughter slip away through the years. Now that she is getting married in London, he realizes just how distant they have become. A chance meeting with a British woman (Emma Thompson) opens Harvey's eyes and together they learn that it's never too late to begin afresh. Overall, the movie was a bit slow for me. I realize this is a character-based movie and character growth must occur, but everything was just so dull. I found the development of the relationship between Harvey and Kate (Thompson) a bit tedious. But maybe that's because most modern romances are whirlwinds. People no longer take the time to talk to each other . . . or walk. There was a lot of walking going on in this movie. Also in this movie are Eileen Atkins, Kathy Baker and James Brolin.
Watch It: If you're a bit more mature and perhaps feeling a little battered by life. This'll inspire you to take chances.
Skip It: If you don't have the patience for character building because it barely inches along in this movie.
Movie Release Date: December 25, 2008
DVD Release Date: May 5, 2009
Plot 411: A short vacation to London turns into a life changing event.
Review: While I don't really fall into the ideal demographic for this film, I still found that it had a nice little message to take away. Harvey (Dustin Hoffman) is consumed with work and has let his relationship with his daughter slip away through the years. Now that she is getting married in London, he realizes just how distant they have become. A chance meeting with a British woman (Emma Thompson) opens Harvey's eyes and together they learn that it's never too late to begin afresh. Overall, the movie was a bit slow for me. I realize this is a character-based movie and character growth must occur, but everything was just so dull. I found the development of the relationship between Harvey and Kate (Thompson) a bit tedious. But maybe that's because most modern romances are whirlwinds. People no longer take the time to talk to each other . . . or walk. There was a lot of walking going on in this movie. Also in this movie are Eileen Atkins, Kathy Baker and James Brolin.
Watch It: If you're a bit more mature and perhaps feeling a little battered by life. This'll inspire you to take chances.
Skip It: If you don't have the patience for character building because it barely inches along in this movie.
The Young Victoria
7.15.2010
Rating: PG
Movie Release Date: December 18, 2009
DVD Release Date: April 20, 2010
Plot 411: An 18-year-old girl steps up to lead her country and finds herself pulled in different directions.
Review: This was a really unique look at the British monarchy because it was portrayed in a very relatable way. Emily Blunt stars as Princess Victoria, the sole heir to the throne. She is held under the thumb of her mother (Miranda Richardson), who is in turn ruled by her advisor Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany). Her uncle, King Leopold of Belgium (Thomas Kretschmann), also has his hand in the pot and pushes his nephew, Prince Albert (Rupert Friend), upon her. The movie portrays Victoria as a willful and stubborn young woman. She was no wilting flower. She is unwilling to be treated like an infant or a female. She's quite empowered. I also found her relationship with Albert fascinating. His thorough support for her allowed her to have the confidence she need to rule the country. The set and costumes are amazing as they usually are in these period pieces. I cannot attest to the accuracy of the film or how it was portrayed, but I think it's a wonderfully new take on the royals. Also in this film are Jim Broadbent and Mark Strong.
Watch It: If you like history, fashion or politics.
Skip It: If you're completely uninterested in period pieces as there's no real action in this movie otherwise.
Movie Release Date: December 18, 2009
DVD Release Date: April 20, 2010
Plot 411: An 18-year-old girl steps up to lead her country and finds herself pulled in different directions.
Review: This was a really unique look at the British monarchy because it was portrayed in a very relatable way. Emily Blunt stars as Princess Victoria, the sole heir to the throne. She is held under the thumb of her mother (Miranda Richardson), who is in turn ruled by her advisor Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany). Her uncle, King Leopold of Belgium (Thomas Kretschmann), also has his hand in the pot and pushes his nephew, Prince Albert (Rupert Friend), upon her. The movie portrays Victoria as a willful and stubborn young woman. She was no wilting flower. She is unwilling to be treated like an infant or a female. She's quite empowered. I also found her relationship with Albert fascinating. His thorough support for her allowed her to have the confidence she need to rule the country. The set and costumes are amazing as they usually are in these period pieces. I cannot attest to the accuracy of the film or how it was portrayed, but I think it's a wonderfully new take on the royals. Also in this film are Jim Broadbent and Mark Strong.
Watch It: If you like history, fashion or politics.
Skip It: If you're completely uninterested in period pieces as there's no real action in this movie otherwise.
Under The Tuscan Sun
7.13.2010
Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: September 26, 2003
DVD Release Date: February 3, 2004
Plot 411: After a devastating divorce, Frances vacations in Italy to renew her spirit and ends up purchasing a home there.
Movie Release Date: September 26, 2003
DVD Release Date: February 3, 2004
Plot 411: After a devastating divorce, Frances vacations in Italy to renew her spirit and ends up purchasing a home there.
Review: This is definitely one of my favorite Diane Lane movies. She plays Frances, a woman who discovers that her husband is cheating on her and divorces him. She finds herself in a state of depression and gets writer's block. Her friend Patti (Sandra Oh) gifts her with tickets for an Italian getaway in hopes that she will regain her strength and happiness. In Italy, a series of random events lead Frances to buying a fixer upper, which she takes on with gusto with the help of those around her. I enjoyed the positive, life-affirming message that this movie sends. It's not unique, but it's still effective. Life is a journey and filled with so many lessons that help you grow as a person. Taking a chance and making a change can lead to success in ways you never dreamed.
Watch It: For the gorgeous Diane Lane and views of the breath-taking Italian countryside.
Skip It: If you're too jaded to drink in the optimistic message that this movie is pouring down your throat. Even the color palette reflects rejuvenation and life.
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