Beauty & the Briefcase

This review will be really short because this is just one of those simple movies. Beauty & the Briefcase is a cute, simple, predictable movie that while it has a good message does not have a lot of substance to it. Hillary Duff plays an aspiring writer that goes on an under cover mission to find the man of her dreams in a suit. The message of course if people often don't know what they really want until they are about to loose it. None of the acting in this is stellar and you don't really think it will be going in. In the simplest of terms (and most of the time I hate saying this) this is a chick flick. A feel good movie you can watch with a few friends while you are talking because you wont miss too much at the same time.
I give this movie a B-.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1493842/

Black Swan

Since this film was released I have heard a lot about it and yet not much. I wouldn't say that I can't say what it's about because I don't want to ruin it for anyone (which would be true), but really more because when the film was over I sat there in the theater an extra few minutes trying to figure out what the film was truly about. The lines between reality, dream, and madness are so blurred that you just aren't sure. In that past when I have seen movies like that I didn't like them because it often left you feeling that you had just wasted 2 hours of your life that you will never get back. In this film however the beauty, the intrigue, base storyline had me so interested that I found my self enjoying not knowing what or who was real at the time.
One of the things that I heard the most was that I would have to see this film at least 2 times to understand it, I would have to say to truly understand every part of this film you will have to take some serious time of dissecting each scene, and some reading up on Swan Lake.
I should say there are some scenes that are rather unsettling, it's not so much that they are bloody but it's what is being done to cause the blood. I understand that it is all about that line of reality getting blurred again but seeing someone stabbing them selves in the face was something I really could have done without.
Last but not least I have got to mention the acting in this. I was truly impressed by the acting done by Mila Kunis, most people will recognize her as Jackie Burkhart in That 70's Show. This character is a complete departure of Jackie. In this film she is playing someone that you think is nice, then you think is back stabbing, then you just don't know. As far as the acting from everyone else was also very impressed, just not as blown away because I've seen Natalie Portman, Barara Hershey, and Vincent Cassel in film that required fantastic acting and have not been disappointed. With Mila Kunis the only thing I had really seen was her playing Jackie which was a role that didn't really require stellar acting.
Now I am going to say something that I haven't found my self saying in years.
I think this might be the best film I've seen in a year maybe two. I'm still in the process of trying to see all the Oscar nominees so it might get knocked down a little but for right now this one is it for me.
I give this film an A+.

Official site
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/blackswan/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0947798/

Saw

A truly gory and disgusting movie with a message. This is a horror movie that had a lot of the typical blood and guts which don't really get to me, what did however get to me in this film was a character that searched in a toilet full of excrement for a clue as to who is imprisoning him, or why. Still I have to say I did like the over all message of take pleasure in your life, because you don't know when it might end.
The acting in this film was quite good while I never truly felt bad for any of the people being hurt because as you find out there are all there for a reason.
I give this movie a B.

Personal note to the person that asked me to see this I will see the sequels to this but after I watch the Oscar nominees.

Fan club page
http://www.officialsaw.com/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387564/

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story

I wish I hadn't waited so long to see this film. From the start all the way through you are laughing at one thing or another. While on the surface this looks like a typical big guy picking on the little guy film with a lot of physical comedy thrown in, and it is. However it also has back round storyline of not giving up in life or the, general difficult situations, and love. Vince Vaughn does a great job at playing the good guy but still kind of a loser, while Ben Stiller seems to be playing a slightly (and I do mean slightly) smarter and meaner version of his character Derek Zoolander in the film Zoolander. The brightest star of the film for me was however not one of the main characters but one of the smallest supporting characters. Pepper Brooks played by Jason Bateman was so off the wall that I found my self waiting for his next line. There are few movies in the past few years that have made me laugh this much and had this much heart. If you are in the need of a really good laugh and enjoy physical comedy this is a great film for you.
I give this film an A.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364725/

I'm taking requests

I'm sure you have more then likely noticed my most recent reviews haven't been of new films. As things are right now I can't really afford to go to the theater as much as I may like, I do still however have Netflix. If there is a movie that you would like my opinion on please let me know. The movie I currently have is Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story. After that the first one on my list is Saw because of a request of a friend.

So out there let me know if you think I should see something or want to hear my opinion on something.

Darkness

Gotta say this is not a film I was thrilled with. This has to do with a father with a mental problem that started when he was a child, a house the may or may not of caused it, and supposedly scary things that can only come out when it is dark. The scary things (not really all that scary), and the fathers problems happen mostly at the house but there is a small episode he has outside as well. The acting by Anna Paquin, and Lena Olin were the only bright spots in this film and that is the only reason it gets as high of a grade from me. What can I say like my scary movies to be scary. I give this film a B-.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0273517/

8: The Mormon Proposition

As Documentaries this is wonderfully done. No matter what side of the fence you sit on with this issue it is good to get all the information you can. While this film is heavily sided with the no on prop 8 people (just in case there is anyone reading this prop 8 was on the rights of marriage equality in the 2008 elections) that is to no fault of the film makers. They did try to interview the Mormon church, and the parents of a suicide victim. I honestly hope that whether you are pro or con this issue you at least see this movie to get a view point as to why many people feel the way they do.

I give this film an A.

Official site
http://www.mormonproposition.com/

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1484522/

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part1

This was all that I expected and more. Not being a reader of the books but being friends with many of them I had an idea of what was coming, what I was not expecting though was the intensity of the storyline. None of the other Harry Potter films had me always wanting to see what is going to happen next. I can truly say I don’t think I found anything wrong with this film. I will say however it is not a film to be seen by young children. I know people say the books are children’s books but when you put some things on film they can become a little too scary for many children. There are some truly frightening, and sad moments in this movie. I give this film an A.

Official web site
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/mainsite/index.html

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0926084/

Troy

Wow this film was good. This film was great. I have never really been a Brad Pitt fan, and I never really saw what everyone was talking about as far as his looks. However in this hubba hubba lol. Honestly though this film is not just good because of that. The story is really good; there are very few moments where you wish it would move on to the next thing because you really want to know what is coming next. The acting in this is truly amazing. Not once was I taken out of the movie for a missed accent, or what might have been missed intonations. I can hardly believe I'm saying this but I give this film an A+. This film is a winner all the way around.

IMDB - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332452/

I'm Baaack

Yes ok I have been gone for quite a while, no excuses just the truth. What can I say other than depression really kicked my butt a few times over. I did however want to come back to this as it was something that I really enjoyed and the few that were giving responses really seem to like. I will however be adding a small element to this. From here on end I’m going to be writing everything like I’m in a conversation. Now it would be wonderful if I get a response, however if I don’t that’s fine too.

In the spirit of my honesty of all things entertainment I currently give this site a D- please know I’m going to be working towards making this an A list Blog.

Much love to you all and I hope you enjoy the review I’ll be posting in just a few minutes.

Frost/Nixon

You've heard all the hype I'm sure, well it's all deserved. I am not a person that really goes to see political films most of the time. When it comes down to it if I have to choose between a political film and a romantic comedy, the romantic comedy will almost always win. I'm telling you this with the hopes that if I tell you this is well worth the price of admission and more you might think about seeing it if you haven't already. All of the acting in this film is perfection, directing was great, writing was wondering, even the lighting was perfect for what it was suppose to be at the time. I can give this no other grade then an A+. If there were a higher grade it would get that. Really this is a must see.

http://www.frostnixon.net/
U.S. site

http://www.eldesafio-lapelicula.es/
Spanish site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0870111/
IMDB




Sorry about the long pause in reviews all, I've been a little under the weather and wasn't really able to watch anything. More reviews coming soon.

Haunted Honeymoon

Campy, silly, and not a great storyline, still all in all a good film. You really need to be the type of person to enjoy the campy stuff but if you are and haven't seen this you need to rent it NOW!!! Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner play an engaged couple going to his family's estate while he seems to be going through pre-wedding jitters, so parts of his family feel the best thing to do is to scare him in to it. Not really sure how else to put the over all plot but I will say it's an odd one. There is also one scene that truly makes the whole film worth watching. Dom De Luise (playing aunt Kate) and Gilda Radner do a song and dance number that is so extremely funny I'm not sure it could be put in to words. I'll say right now I love these types of films and well it may not be Oscar material it is a film that gets an A from me. Check it out for a good laugh just don't take it too seriously.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091178/
IMDB

In the next week I will be seeing the following films please look for these reviews

The Wrestler
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Grand Torino

Serial Killing 101

Bizarre doesn't cover it. This is about a boy (Casey) that decides that he wants to be a serial killer and so decides to study on past serial killers. His friend Sasha helps him study serial killers, and helps him to pick his weapon of choice. In the process of helping Casey there is a real serial killer in town turning people in to furniture. Considering the concept of the film it is really very funny in many parts, and isn't really that bloody. Overall this is an OK film with so, so acting for the most part. I give this film a B- however if you are a person that likes the more bizarre side of things I would suggest watching this.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0122247/

Bedtime Stories

In one of my last reviews of an Adam Sandler film I had mentioned that films produced by Sandler seem to have a formula that is often the same but with different story lines. Bedtime Stories is no different, yet still again another really likable movie. Many of Sandlers films in the past have been movies made for grown ups that children can see and still enjoy, this one however is a film made for children that grown ups can see and have a good time at. So what is this film about? Well if you have seen any of the previews you have a pretty good idea on a lot of it with a couple added little things that you might not be aware of. First off I was under the impression Skeeter (Sandler) was visiting his niece and nephew a few nights in a row not that he was watching them for nights in a row. Secondly I didn't realize Bugsy (the guinea pig) was going to be as important to the over all story as he was but many times Bugsy stole the show. While the acting is not top notch for the season it is par for the course on Sandler films and I overall enjoyed this film. The only reason this film doesn't get a higher rating is because of the acting. I give this film an A-.
I would also suggest that if you have children take them to see this film, nobody will be bored and you will be in out of the rain.

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/bedtimestories/
main website

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0960731/
IMDB

Vicky Christina Barcelona

In the simplest of terms you have a great cast, fantastic acting and setting, with a story that is complex, smart and extremely entertaining. So if asked what this film is about I would say 2 young women go to Barcelona for the summer and while there they both have experience's that change their lives.
Originally before I saw this I really didn't think I would like it all that much. Now having seen it I love this film and give this movie an A+. I will however say that due to sexual content this is not really a film for children.

For those that have asked for reviews for Milk and Frost/Nixon I am hoping to go next week but that is still pending due to $$$.

http://vickycristina-movie.com/
U.S. site

http://wwws.warnerbros.fr/vickycristinabarcelona/
French site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497465/
IMDB

Upcoming award shows

I want to know is anyone watching any of them. I will admit that in years past I have always been one for having an Oscars party, or even just one friend over while we have a nice dinner and watch. As it stands this year I'm not sure I'm going to, but I'm wondering how in to it is everyone else, and how in to the movies that are being nominated are you? Also does anyone have a request before the Oscars are on?



No review this week money money money. There is a good chance there will be a review on here for Milk on Monday though.

Quantum of Solace

While I really enjoyed this film I'm not really sure that you could put it in the same category with any of the other Bond films. There is almost no gadgetry, and no clear assignment from M, still the action in this film definitely felt like a Bond movie. As far as Bonds go I think Craig is my 2ND favourite, Connery still being number 1. Dench as M is spot on, I personally don't think there is anyone that could do it better at this time and hope I don't have to see another person in that role for quite a while. In the end I would have to say this was a really good drama but not sure I would call it a Bond flick. I give this film an A-.

http://007thevideogame.com/
U.S. site with language options

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139644/
IMDB

Nim's Island

If you are a person that loved the Disney movies of the 60's and 70's then there is a good chance you will like this movie but not love it. Sadly I think that is the closest most people are going to get to this too. While this was a sweet movie some some very good moments there was just something that missed the mark. It was like the studio's found a really good book kind of like a kids Romancing the Stone, added a lot more animals and tossed it together. Acting, and the setting were really well done but the story just wasn't there. While I was watching this film and starting to get bored there were times I thought maybe I was just too old for it but then when looking around and seeing the children in the theatre they also looked bored. In the end this movie just really never gripped me or anyone that I've talked to about it since. I give this movie a C+.

http://www.nimsisland.com/
U.S. site

http://www.shiawase1.jp/
Japanese site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0410377/
IMDB

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the series)

When thinking of Buffy the Vampire Slayer the show often the first thing that comes to mind would be friendships. While this show is about good vs evil, light side vs dark side, and about every other version of how you can say that in the end every episode is about the slayer and her friends. There were some times when I had seen part of an episode, or a full episode without knowing any of the characters and honestly wasn't that interested. It wasn't until I had a roommate that was crazy over the show and was admit that I should give at least season one a try.
I found the show to have a much stronger feminist view on it than I thought it would too. Over all 7 seasons we see the main characters grow from adolescent to responsible independent adults, still with that edge that keeps you interested.
Since this is my first TV review and I'm not sure what people would like in detail I'm going to give a quick break down of the seasons and the main characters.
Season one was only 12 episodes and not really the best of the series but it did do good character set up so you really liked the core group, and knew who everyone was.
Season two not as much character driven but more story driven while Buffy tries to balance being a teenager and a slayer, Willow gets a boyfriend, Xander gets an unexpected girlfriend, and one of my favourite episodes staring John Ritter.
Season three back to character driven as the balancing act for Buffy becomes much more difficult, and she has a bit of identity crisis. There is also a 2ND slayer much of this season, and everyone graduates from high school.
Season four personally my favourite of all with a huge change of everyone in college except for Xander, a lot more on the personal life of Giles, Buffy without Angel and gets a boyfriend that isn't a vampire, Willow gets a girlfriend.
Season five Buffy gets a little sister (that is in middle school), a loved one dies, Buffy's boyfriend leaves, and a shocking death at the end of this season.
Season six while I'm not really fond of this one at all there is a musical episode that is just about one of the best around for what it is. Buffy is a big sis and mom, Xander and marriage can't really say more, another loved one dies, and Willow goes to the dark side of Wicca.
Season seven a lot going on in this one yet my least favourite season. There are slayers galore that just quite aren't there, a new love story for Willow, and a lot less Giles then I would really like. I felt this finale was better then the rest of the season. Still there were some moments that were good, and this is where I was first introduced to Nathan Fillion.
Character breakdown
Buffy - The one and only slayer in the begining, and she really doesn't want to be. When the show starts she wants to be a girl left to her own devices. By the end she is a strong independent woman that still misunderstands many of the basics.
Giles - Buffy's watcher, father figure, friend, and teacher. When the show starts Giles is a bit full of him self and finds that when he loosens up things happen better and faster. While technically he is only suppose to be the watcher for Buffy, he really ends up being much more of a father figure to the entire group including some vampires that are older then him.
Willow - One of Buffy's best friends who starts off as an innocent geek, ends up being a witch that can end or save the world.
Xander - Buffy's other best friend that is always there to lend a helping hand anyway he can. He starts off misguided and troubled about some things and ends up misguided and troubled about other things in the end. Still he is always 100% supportive of his friends and you just love him for it.
Angel - Vampire and who could be the love of Buffy's life. He is not your every day vampire either this one has a soul.
Spike - A Vampire that starts with no soul and still falls for Buffy. Spike goes back and fourth between trying to kill Buffy and kill her.
OZ - Extremely smart, werewolf, Willow's first love. Oz starts off sensible, and caring only to end up sensible, and devoted.
Cordelia - Self centered as they come, well in the start anyway. As the show progresses we start to see another side to her while it still often isn't a good one.
Faith - A slayer that is a bad girl and loves that she is. While there is a time that she travels down the very dark side of things there is still something very needy about this character that makes you like her in some ways.
Tara - A completely innocent witch. When we first meet Tara she is quiet and someone willing to help Willow through a breakup. By the end she is a strong individual that has a strong love affair with Willow yet still is willing to stand up for her beliefs even when they differ from those of Willow's.
Riley - Army boy, demon fighter, and Buffy's bed mate. When we first get to meet Riley he is all about following the orders. In the end he is all about giving the orders.
Dawn - Buffy's little sister that is at times a real brat that just doesn't think, and other times stronger then Buffy.

The arch of the characters isn't always obvious but then you really start to break them down you can see why the show was such a hit.

Joss Whedon - Creator and god of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118276/
IMDB

The Secret Life of Bees

I'm going to do my best to review this without giving anything away and without trying to compare to the book. All of the acting in this is truly wonderful with some moments of real brilliance. This is by far the best acting job I have ever seen from Queen Latifah and Alicia Keys. As far as storyline goes well if you haven't read the book this is about a young white girl coming of age in South Carolina 1964 during desegregation. Lilly Owens (Dakota Fanning) is 14, has an abusive father and knows almost nothing about her mother who passed away from an accident that happened when Lilly was only 4. In an attempt to gain more knowledge about her mother, while trying to get away from her own horrors she goes on a trip ending up with a well educated negro family. This is not a light hearted movie or one that I think most men would be really all that interested in. This is also not a film for young children as there are scenes of violence, and great despair that would be difficult to explain. I can truly say make sure to take plenty of Kleenex to this chick flick, and be moved. I give this film an A. I would grade it higher however as I said I don't think this is a movie for some.


http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thesecretlifeofbees/
U.S. site

http://www.secretlifeofbeesmovie.co.uk/
U.K. site

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416212/
IMDB