Archive for January, 2008
The Bucket List
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Let me explain. My youngest daughter Helen wanted to see 27 Dresses again with some friends. One friend was only 10 years old, so I felt I needed to stay in the vicinity. I didn’t want to see 27 Dresses again–and the only other movie starting at the same time was The Bucket List. In spite of being the only one in the theater without a walker or gray hair, I was somewhat pleasantly surprised. The over-all tone of the film was indeed sentimental mush, but there were some wonderful, poignant moments (the subtle decision to ring the doorbell instead of using the key—that short scene spoke volumes in just a few frames of film). Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman were well cast. I don’t really recommend this movie – it’s all been seen & done before. But if you’re a Nicholson or Freeman fan, it would make a decent rental. Seeing this movie on the big screen – one thing really bugged me for some reason – Morgan Freeman has some crooked-ass teeth. There were a lot of close up shots of him talking – and, man, those teeth were a distraction.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )27 Dresses
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I spotted three men in the sold-out movie theater tonight. Poor guys – they must have lost a bet or they’re totally whipped. This is a chick-flick to the nth degree, people. Perfectly enjoyable, entirely forgettable. Popcorn fluff with a bonus—beautiful clothes, cool apartments and even cooler offices, and lots of scenes of NYC – my favorite city. Some clever dialog (“I feel like I just found out that my favorite love song was written about a sandwich.”) Totally predictable – but that’s ok. The film never pretended to be anything else but a cute, romantic comedy–and it succeeded.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Cloverfield
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This film was great! Thank goodness I had read that it was filmed in shaky camcorder “Blair Witch” fashion – so I was prepared for the constant, never-ending jerks and shakes. What I wasn’t prepared for was the incredibly realistic way the destruction of New York City was depicted. It looked so REAL. I thought “I Am Legend” had a realistic vibe, but this film blew that one out of the water. The acting felt real, the dialog sounded completely unscripted – so the “caught the whole thing with my camcorder” was very believable to me. It’s amazing how an entire back story was quickly established with a few snatches of dialog, a few furtive glances. I think this movie was very clever. Something that you don’t see too often. I bet some critics won’t agree – but my whole family loved it. We bought into it completely. I purposely did not read anything about what was causing the destruction – so I was surprised. I recommend this movie; see it on the big screen with the big sound and with a big ol’ tub o’ popcorn. Enjoy!
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )The Breakfast Club (Classics at The Colony)
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My friend Sarah and I were the only ones in the theater over the age of 21. These kids are obviously big fans of this 1985 brat-pack classic, and I appreciated their enthusiasm. Sort of a cult classic for them, I guess. But, hellloooo, we LIVED this movie. I used to wear a lace bow in my hair just like Allison. I believe Madonna’s MTV video for “Lucky Star” was my inspiration–or was it “Borderline”? Everyone used to dance like Claire (80’s dancing–gawd, please don’t get me started). But here’s the kicker: John Bender (played by Judd Nelson). Those 20-somethings in the theater went nuts when he was on screen. But what they probably don’t know is how utterly cutting-edge his character was for 1985. A guy with TWO EARRINGS in one ear? Holy smokes, that was so hot. That long coat? – only REALLY, REALLY cool guys would ever dare to wear a long coat (with a jean jacket underneath? I’m going to swoon!). Bender’s flannel shirt with the sleeves cut off? Cutting-edge, I’m tellin’ ya! Bender was avant-garde. It doesn’t get much better than “The Breakfast Club” on the big screen (even though the sound was really bad by today’s standards). The music. That library. That jerk of a teacher in the bad suit. We lived it, not those youngsters whoopin’ & hollerin’ and pumping their fists in unison with Bender.
Oh, yeah – did I mention that Sarah and I were the only ones in the theater stifling yawns at 11pm?
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 2 so far )The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep
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This movie was a surprise; there’s a lot more to it than what the trailers reveal. It’s pretty scary! Excellent effects; excellent acting (helllooooo – Emily Watson, is she ever bad?). There’s a WWII side story, which I found interesting because I had seen “Atonement” the day before. I don’t think I would have enjoyed the film quite as much if I’d seen it without my kids – they loved it. I think ages 8 & up can handle it. I believe Water Horse is definitely worth viewing on the big screen.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Atonement
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I read Atonement in 2002 and I thought it would be impossible to adapt it to the screen. But the movie is just as lyrical, moving and disastrous as the book. The acting alone is top-notch, but together with the grand cinematography, perfect editing and haunting score – this movie is (sounds so cliche, but it’s oh-so-true) a masterpiece. I think perhaps it may win the best picture Oscar – or in the very least it will be nominated. Keira Knightley, James McAvoy and Saoirse Ronan (13-year old Briony) are stand-outs. FYI: Miss Ronan will star in the film adaptation of “The Lovely Bones” (as Susie Salmon), to be released in ’09. (I think she’ll need some therapy after playing such tragic characters as Briony Tallis and Susie Salmon.) Don’t miss Atonement on the big screen. It’s 100% true to the book and therefore remarkably sad. Don’t go alone unless you want to boo-hoo by yourself all the way home.
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