End of Term Movie Catch Up
So finals are over and Spring Break has set in. This term has been a lot of fun, watching movies every week and reviewing them, but there were a lot of movies that I caught and just didn't have the time to review fully, or chose a different movie for that week. So I thought I might do a few short reviews for those films, just to wrap up the term.
It's Complicated:
I saw this just before the term started, so it's been a while. Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin, this movie is a romantic comedy that is rather fun and upbeat. I enjoyed it very much, and not just because I'm a sucker for romantic comedies in general. It did have a very strong cast, and they were engaging and fun to watch. I did think the plot was a bit lacking, just that it moved slowly at points, and the ending was not one I would have preferred for the story. I like when things work out with that 'perfect world' idea in mind, where romance prevails and everything wraps up in a warm and fuzzy way. While the ending was not upsetting, it wasn't that 'perfect'. John Krasinski, I have to add, was adorable and stole every scene he was in. He has such an effortless, natural feel to him, and he's just charming. B
Sherlock Holmes:
I'm going to say right now that I am completely in love with Robert Downey Jr and enjoy everything he does. I try not to be bias about it, but it's pretty much impossible. But I'm glad to say that I loved the rest of the movie around him, not JUST Robert Downey Jr. Though. He was pretty great, all on his own. He plays Sherlock Holmes, but more gritty and violent than most renditions. Having never read the books, I can't say if it was more true or further away from the character written therein. Still! It was very interesting. I do wish they had used this convention they came up with for his thought process more. It slowed things down for us as Sherlock imagined things unfolding, a voice over of his thoughts breaking down his moves, usually in fights, and predicting the outcome (including just what he broke on his opponent and how long they would take to recover and to what degree). It was only used a couple of times, and by the end of the movie it was forgotten. In any case, the whole film was a lot of fun and I didn't even realize the film was ending when it did. I certainly want more. A
Avatar:
Arguably the biggest movie of the year (and by 'arguably' I mean the Oscars didn't think so), Avatar has been touted as one of the biggest achievements in movie making as of late. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, because it gave them a world to explore, to wish they could be a part of. It was visually stunning, and I know some of my friends even felt depressed afterward because they couldn't go and do anything that fanciful or adventurous themselves. Sure, the plot is pretty simple (even the end song smacks of Pocahontas, which a lot of people have compared Avatar to), but that's forgivable because it does what a movie is supposed to do. It's entertaining. It's fully engaging. It makes people want to see it again, want to be more a part of it. So yeah, I enjoyed it and will probably buy the DVD when it hits stores. A
Tooth Fairy:
It's difficult to expect a lot from a movie like this. Just watching the trailers lets one see that it is a silly movie with a miscast lead (purposefully so, mind), and a lot of slap stick humor. So going into it expecting something great is a bad idea. And it delivered there, at least. It was a simple, straight forward, kid friendly comedy with a good message and a lesson to be learned for the main character. Dwayne Johnson, who I feel might come beat me up if I call him The Rock any more, does fine in the lead. His girlfriend in the movie is named Carly, so that wins her some points. The kids weren't obnoxious, as they some times are, and the subplot with the fairy that was training Dwayne was pretty cute. Still, it was nothing to rush to the theater for, and I doubt I'll watch it again unless it's on TV and there's nothing else on. C
The Spy Next Door:
Another kid movie that was less than stellar. I am a big fan of Jackie Chan movies, though I could never tell you why. I don't know why. I just like him, and I like watching his movies. So this one was bearable, even if it was pretty much The Pacifier with a different accent. There were a couple of good laughs, though it mostly dragged on, and the ending was cute enough. The characters were likable, albeit completely predictable, but they were engaging enough to keep the plot interesting. If given the choice, I would have preferred to save my money and keep it for another movie, but my motto of 'I'll watch anything once' prevails again. I don't regret going, but I recommend waiting for the DVD: it won't be long until it hits the reduced price buckets. C
The Hurt Locker:
I like this movie well enough. I think it deserved the Oscar it got for best director, at any rate. It is a very interesting film that doesn't feel like a 'typical' war movie. It has its moments, like a tense shoot out, but the focus on disarming bombs, and the lives of those that do it, is an interesting take on a fairly dry genre and topic at this point in the game. I liked the characters, thought their development was interesting, and the main actor did an excellent job in his role, pulling more than just his weight. The story didn't feel contrived, and the ending wasn't cliche. It wasn't 'twist'y or profound, of course. It was just... apt. Good. A good, strong film that is interesting to watch, but probably not something I'll add to my DVD collection right away. Still, definitely worth a viewing. A
The Blind Side:
I watched this one after all the Oscar buzz started, but before she actually won the award. I thought she, being Sandra Bullock, was very good and natural. Considering I'm so used to seeing her in action-y films, or in comedies more recently, it was very good to see her in a 'real' role, something dramatic but natural, reflective of a real person, in a real situation. Films based on real stories have that advantage, of course. I thought it was funny that she is an actress capable of walking away with an Oscar (for best lead performance by an actress, for this film) and a Razzie (worst lead performance for "All About Steve") in the same week, but that is not a comment I am alone in making. There are other folks in this movie. And other important parts of it, like the plot itself and the writing. It is a good story, uplifting and engaging, and heavy on that 'feel good' feeling that comes with success stories with difficult moments in them. A struggle that someone triumphs over is what the Oscars seem to love in their movie nominations, and this one certainly fills the requirements. B
From Paris With Love:
I do believe John Travolta turned 56 recently, some time last month. It was around the time I went and saw this movie, and was very surprised to learn that after watching him run around and kick tons of butt all movie long. He hasn't slowed down, that's for sure. His character, in fact, is rather aware of how awesome he is, and thankfully he lives up to his own hype. He is a badass, and plays one very well. The movie is mostly his, with Jonathan Rhys Meyers around to carry a vase for almost half the movie and look very perplexed at the right moments. The movie was fun, action packed, and the plot was simple, a bit predictably so, enough to keep audiences in that happy place where they can just watch and not think too hard as things explode and guns go off. B
Up In the Air:
Now here is a movie I had mixed feelings about. I liked the way it was acted, the way it was put together and the story itself. I liked two of the characters, and the third for most of the film, but the little turn the film takes before the end alienated me a bit. I wasn't expecting things to work out perfectly, because that wouldn't have worked for the general feeling of the movie anyway, but it still felt a bit unfair. I can't explain further, however, without spoiling. Still, George Clooney was handsome and charming, as ever, bringing that near patented ease and presence he often gives to his roles, only without the silly edge that he has used a lot more often in his comedy movies. Anna Kendrick was sweet and oddly precocious in her role beside Clooney, and wasn't over shadowed. Vera Farmiga vexed me, but it was more her character than her acting. In all, the movie is good. It's interesting and endeavors to make a point, and it has some very fun moments in between the drama of watching people get fired. B
Alice In Wonderland 3D:
I know I did a full review of Alice in Wonderland, but this is not for that. I still think the same things, maybe more, after seeing it a second time. But this time I saw it in 3D and it was awesome. Who knew that third dimension could add so much? Besides everyone. It's the first movie I've ever seen in full 3D, and I was very pleased by how much it contributed to the film. I always thought 3D movies had those obligatory, obnoxious moments of 'things coming at the screen', which a lot still do, but this one didn't have to try that hard. I very much enjoyed it and recommend a 3D viewing.
It's Complicated:
I saw this just before the term started, so it's been a while. Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin, this movie is a romantic comedy that is rather fun and upbeat. I enjoyed it very much, and not just because I'm a sucker for romantic comedies in general. It did have a very strong cast, and they were engaging and fun to watch. I did think the plot was a bit lacking, just that it moved slowly at points, and the ending was not one I would have preferred for the story. I like when things work out with that 'perfect world' idea in mind, where romance prevails and everything wraps up in a warm and fuzzy way. While the ending was not upsetting, it wasn't that 'perfect'. John Krasinski, I have to add, was adorable and stole every scene he was in. He has such an effortless, natural feel to him, and he's just charming. B
Sherlock Holmes:
I'm going to say right now that I am completely in love with Robert Downey Jr and enjoy everything he does. I try not to be bias about it, but it's pretty much impossible. But I'm glad to say that I loved the rest of the movie around him, not JUST Robert Downey Jr. Though. He was pretty great, all on his own. He plays Sherlock Holmes, but more gritty and violent than most renditions. Having never read the books, I can't say if it was more true or further away from the character written therein. Still! It was very interesting. I do wish they had used this convention they came up with for his thought process more. It slowed things down for us as Sherlock imagined things unfolding, a voice over of his thoughts breaking down his moves, usually in fights, and predicting the outcome (including just what he broke on his opponent and how long they would take to recover and to what degree). It was only used a couple of times, and by the end of the movie it was forgotten. In any case, the whole film was a lot of fun and I didn't even realize the film was ending when it did. I certainly want more. A
Avatar:
Arguably the biggest movie of the year (and by 'arguably' I mean the Oscars didn't think so), Avatar has been touted as one of the biggest achievements in movie making as of late. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, because it gave them a world to explore, to wish they could be a part of. It was visually stunning, and I know some of my friends even felt depressed afterward because they couldn't go and do anything that fanciful or adventurous themselves. Sure, the plot is pretty simple (even the end song smacks of Pocahontas, which a lot of people have compared Avatar to), but that's forgivable because it does what a movie is supposed to do. It's entertaining. It's fully engaging. It makes people want to see it again, want to be more a part of it. So yeah, I enjoyed it and will probably buy the DVD when it hits stores. A
Tooth Fairy:
It's difficult to expect a lot from a movie like this. Just watching the trailers lets one see that it is a silly movie with a miscast lead (purposefully so, mind), and a lot of slap stick humor. So going into it expecting something great is a bad idea. And it delivered there, at least. It was a simple, straight forward, kid friendly comedy with a good message and a lesson to be learned for the main character. Dwayne Johnson, who I feel might come beat me up if I call him The Rock any more, does fine in the lead. His girlfriend in the movie is named Carly, so that wins her some points. The kids weren't obnoxious, as they some times are, and the subplot with the fairy that was training Dwayne was pretty cute. Still, it was nothing to rush to the theater for, and I doubt I'll watch it again unless it's on TV and there's nothing else on. C
The Spy Next Door:
Another kid movie that was less than stellar. I am a big fan of Jackie Chan movies, though I could never tell you why. I don't know why. I just like him, and I like watching his movies. So this one was bearable, even if it was pretty much The Pacifier with a different accent. There were a couple of good laughs, though it mostly dragged on, and the ending was cute enough. The characters were likable, albeit completely predictable, but they were engaging enough to keep the plot interesting. If given the choice, I would have preferred to save my money and keep it for another movie, but my motto of 'I'll watch anything once' prevails again. I don't regret going, but I recommend waiting for the DVD: it won't be long until it hits the reduced price buckets. C
The Hurt Locker:
I like this movie well enough. I think it deserved the Oscar it got for best director, at any rate. It is a very interesting film that doesn't feel like a 'typical' war movie. It has its moments, like a tense shoot out, but the focus on disarming bombs, and the lives of those that do it, is an interesting take on a fairly dry genre and topic at this point in the game. I liked the characters, thought their development was interesting, and the main actor did an excellent job in his role, pulling more than just his weight. The story didn't feel contrived, and the ending wasn't cliche. It wasn't 'twist'y or profound, of course. It was just... apt. Good. A good, strong film that is interesting to watch, but probably not something I'll add to my DVD collection right away. Still, definitely worth a viewing. A
The Blind Side:
I watched this one after all the Oscar buzz started, but before she actually won the award. I thought she, being Sandra Bullock, was very good and natural. Considering I'm so used to seeing her in action-y films, or in comedies more recently, it was very good to see her in a 'real' role, something dramatic but natural, reflective of a real person, in a real situation. Films based on real stories have that advantage, of course. I thought it was funny that she is an actress capable of walking away with an Oscar (for best lead performance by an actress, for this film) and a Razzie (worst lead performance for "All About Steve") in the same week, but that is not a comment I am alone in making. There are other folks in this movie. And other important parts of it, like the plot itself and the writing. It is a good story, uplifting and engaging, and heavy on that 'feel good' feeling that comes with success stories with difficult moments in them. A struggle that someone triumphs over is what the Oscars seem to love in their movie nominations, and this one certainly fills the requirements. B
From Paris With Love:
I do believe John Travolta turned 56 recently, some time last month. It was around the time I went and saw this movie, and was very surprised to learn that after watching him run around and kick tons of butt all movie long. He hasn't slowed down, that's for sure. His character, in fact, is rather aware of how awesome he is, and thankfully he lives up to his own hype. He is a badass, and plays one very well. The movie is mostly his, with Jonathan Rhys Meyers around to carry a vase for almost half the movie and look very perplexed at the right moments. The movie was fun, action packed, and the plot was simple, a bit predictably so, enough to keep audiences in that happy place where they can just watch and not think too hard as things explode and guns go off. B
Up In the Air:
Now here is a movie I had mixed feelings about. I liked the way it was acted, the way it was put together and the story itself. I liked two of the characters, and the third for most of the film, but the little turn the film takes before the end alienated me a bit. I wasn't expecting things to work out perfectly, because that wouldn't have worked for the general feeling of the movie anyway, but it still felt a bit unfair. I can't explain further, however, without spoiling. Still, George Clooney was handsome and charming, as ever, bringing that near patented ease and presence he often gives to his roles, only without the silly edge that he has used a lot more often in his comedy movies. Anna Kendrick was sweet and oddly precocious in her role beside Clooney, and wasn't over shadowed. Vera Farmiga vexed me, but it was more her character than her acting. In all, the movie is good. It's interesting and endeavors to make a point, and it has some very fun moments in between the drama of watching people get fired. B
Alice In Wonderland 3D:
I know I did a full review of Alice in Wonderland, but this is not for that. I still think the same things, maybe more, after seeing it a second time. But this time I saw it in 3D and it was awesome. Who knew that third dimension could add so much? Besides everyone. It's the first movie I've ever seen in full 3D, and I was very pleased by how much it contributed to the film. I always thought 3D movies had those obligatory, obnoxious moments of 'things coming at the screen', which a lot still do, but this one didn't have to try that hard. I very much enjoyed it and recommend a 3D viewing.
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