Movie Review: TRANSFORMERS: Age of Extinction

I saw a lot of mixed reviews about this movie and truthfully, the majority of them sucked. I never saw the three prior Transformer movies nor had any interest in doing so, but the previews for this 4th one looked pretty interesting, so sucky reviews be damned, I decided to check it out. I was influenced by the reviews though, and vacillated back and forth before finally giving in. The almost 3 hr film time made me nervous. If the film really was terrible, I didn't want to be trapped for such a long time.


I took the plunge...

And I frickin' loved it! The film lasted 2 hrs and 45 mins to be exact and I was shocked not to feel a moment of it. I never saw the time fly by so fast. I'm sure this was due to the action and believe me, there was plenty of it! Even if you haven't seen the prior movies, this was a good stand alone. I did read up on the franchise before going and this helped too. It made me interested in back tracking and seeing the other three films. As luck would have it, when I got home, there was a Transformers marathon on TV! Yippee! Now I'm all caught up. I'm now a Transformer fan and looking forward to the next installment.

Bring. It. On. Lol... :-)

Toodles, y'all...

Movie Review: Brick Mansions

When I saw a trailer of this movie, I was shocked to see the late Paul Walker of Fast and Furious fame. I thought the movie named Hours, was his last movie aside from Fast and Furious 7 due to release next year. I hadn't heard about Brick Mansions and only read a few reviews, which were mixed. One review said Walker was good, but the movie wasn't so hot. Being a Paul Walker fan, I wanted to honor him by seeing one of his last movies, so off I went yesterday. Check out this description:

In the criminal underworld of a dystopian Detroit, the streets are overrun with violence and drugs and the hand of corruption reaches into the lives of everyone; well almost everyone. For Lino (David Belle) every day is a fight to live an honest life. But when a drug lord kidnaps his girlfriend, Lino is forced to team up with Damien Collier (Paul Walker), an undercover cop who’s been tracking this king pin’s involvement in something even more sinister — a plot to devastate the entire city. Together they uncover a trail of corruption that leads all the way to the top.

Ok. Here are my thoughts...The movie was full of action. Some of the stunts were a tad too perfect and bordered on being a bit cartoonish. That being said...The film was totally entertaining!! I really enjoyed myself! It was cute to see Walker doing what he is known for most: the good-hearted undercover cop. I think some of the reviews are being too hard on the movie. Look, this isn't a film that's going to win an Academy Award, but it wasn't made with that in mind. It's for action junkies and Paul Walker fans. I'm not really an action junkie, but I can appreciate it.



If you're paying attention, you'll even recognize a social message about the haves and the have-nots. One review was disappointed that this angle wasn't played up more. It did get kind of swallowed up in all the dramatic action scenes, but hey, this is primarily an action movie--one with a heart of gold. You'll be totally surprised by the ending. There was a tribute to Walker at the end and I left the theater smiling. Honestly, I don't think anyone in the place left disappointed. Check it out. :-)

Toodles, y'all

Movie Review: PHILOMENA

I love to watch Judi Dench in historical British movies. I think I've seen her in one contemporary movie several years ago and she was awesome. She always seems to play a hideously, mean woman! Lol...the role of Philomena Lee is a complete 180 for her. Philomena is a soft-spoken gentlewoman and it was refreshing. I didn't miss that "old meanie" one bit! Ha!
Philomena is based on a true story; the 2009 book called The Lost Child of Philomena Lee. Philomena had a child out of wedlock in 1952 Ireland and was disowned by her very Catholic family. She was sent to a convent for unwed mothers where she gave birth to her son, Anthony. Let me tell you, that place was scary. It felt like a prison. More than one mother and child lost their lives there---and remember, this was a true story---Unbelievable. The mothers were allowed to see their kids for an hour a day. When Anthony was a toddler, about three, he given up for adoption and it wasn't really done with Philomena's consent. That happened to a lot of the mothers there. It was horrible. Imagine bonding with your child for several years and they're suddenly gone. The convent was selling babies to couples in the US.
Philomena eventually moved on with her life, but she never forgot Anthony. She was obsessed with wondering if her son ever thought of her. She eventually met a journalist named Martin Sixspence. He decided to write a "human interest" story about her. The saga ends up with them in the US trying to track down her son.



It's a tearjerker. I heard more than a few sniffles in the theater and shed tears myself. I don't want to give away a major spoiler. I'll just say that Philomena's son became surprisingly accomplished. I'll leave it at that...
I came away from the movie with one important lesson: Mercy. You have to extend mercy if you truly know God. The nuns at that convent showed an amazingly lack of it. And again, it was all true...*sigh*...
Go check out PHILOMENA.
It's worth it.

Toodles...

Movie and Book Review: Catching Fire

I enjoyed reading The Hunger Games and liked the movie. I REALLY loved Catching Fire---both book and movie! When I was reading it, I couldn't wait to see how they were going to adapt it for the big screen. I'm happy to say I was not disappointed.

This second installment of the Hunger Games saga is so much richer and deeper. The characters displayed a real depth of emotion about death and dying; about the destruction of people by their government...It really makes one think about what could happen in the world when people are powerless.

I always like the Peeta character in the novel, but wasn't too keen on the selection of Josh Hutcherson as the actor to play him. I think he kicked it up several notches this time around, so I liked him a lot more, but I still couldn't stop focusing on how short he is compared to Katniss and pretty much everyone else in the film! Lol...

In the book, Finnick Odair, one of the competitors in the Games is described as having "extraordinary beauty", so I was looking forward to seeing an awesome hottie...didn't quite happen...lol...the fellow chosen was nice looking (see fellow below on the right), but far from extraordinary or swoon-worthy. He did start to look better the longer the film went on...lol...They probably didn't want the guy to overshadow Peeta or Gale! At least they showed more of Gale this time!



Catching Fire will totally leave you "hungering" for Mockingjay. I still have to read it! I haven't read the reviews of the book, but it's my understanding that some people were disappointed with the conclusion to the saga...uh oh...well, I 'll find out soon enough. In the mean time, go see Catching Fire. It's good---real good!

Toodles!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Movie Review: All Is Lost

*Shaking my head*...All I can say is that my thoughts while watching this movie were: "OMG. ALL IS TRULY LOST!!!!" I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Let me tell you what the story is about. Robert Redford is the only actor in the movie. He plays a nameless man that takes his yacht, the Virginia Jean, on a solo voyage in the Indian Ocean. All is well until his boat hits a big metal shipping container that is floating in the sea and rips a big hole in his boat. The darn container shouldn't  have been there in the first place! It's all down hill from there.

The entire movie is a one man show of how Redford struggles to survive as his boat takes on water. It kind of reminded me of The Life of Pi, but that had a lot of other actors in it. This one only had Redford. Essentially there was no dialogue either, unless you count a few shouts for "help", an expletive and a few words spoken into a radio that quickly goes dead.

You know, I would have thought that if you're on a boat in the ocean and need to be rescued, if a ship passes by, you're in like flyn. Not so fast. A big ship won't even see you. Shocking but true. If there is no one looking out at just the right moment, they'll pass right by you! They won't even hear your screams. So close, but yet so far...

Redford was pretty amazing. He had no one to play off of except the elements and the dire circumstances of the environment. I didn't know if I could stand spending almost two hours watching one guy who doesn't talk, go about his day trying to stay alive, but it does draw you in. I did get caught up in how he was going to make it--or not.

As the movie ended, a woman in the theater told me she didn't think he made it. She made an interesting argument which I hadn't considered and it made me question my original thoughts. I won't go into detail because I don't want to ruin the film with any spoilers. After all, the hold-your-breath-moment is whether he's going to make it out alive or not.

You decide. Then tell me what you believe!

Toodles!

OMG! Here we go again. You've got to see this movie: CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

I remember when the real events of this saga were taking place in the news. I was so happy that Captain Phillips made it out alive. So, even before seeing this movie, I know he survives...or does he? He may make it out alive, but the question is: can he survive the horror and trauma of such an experience? And what about his crew? What happens to them? These are the questions that keep you rivited in your seat!

For those who don't keep up with the news or forgot, the story behind the movie is about when Captain Philips and his crew were accosted by pirates from Somalia and taken captive in the hopes of scoring a big ransom. These renegade pirates were in the news a lot a few years ago for taking big ships hostage and demanding payment from the country where the ship is based in order to get the crew back safe and sound. Countries paid up and these crooks made millions! I believe Captain Phillips and crew were the only Americans to fall into this situation. 

The movie is based on the book Captain Phillips penned about what happened. Before seeing the movie I read a review that said this movie has major tension. Truer words were never spoken. I'm telling you, I could barely stand it! I was exhausted and I hadn't moved a muscle! LOL!!! I couldn't wait for the movie to be over because I couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen next. How much hell is Captain Phillips going to have to endure? Will the crew be found in their hiding spots?! Which one will lose his life? How? The captain and crew don't carry weapons because they're not a war ship, they just transport cargo. They were at the complete mercy of the pirates. It was terrible! It was freaking AWESOME. I see Oscar nomination for Tom Hanks again.

This is the first movie I actually joined the audience in applauding.

OMG. Don't miss this one...if you dare! LOL!!!

Toodles, ya'll! *wiping sweat from brow* Lol

OMG. You've got to see this movie!

I read a review in the paper that spoke very highly of the movie, PRISONERS, so I decided to check it out. It stars Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. I've never watched a film with Jackman in it. I do believe he has a new fan. Boy, was I impressed with him in this film. And not only him. The entire cast was awesome. The film was awesome! This was one review that didn't exaggerate.
It's about the saga of two families. One white, one black. They're good friends and spend Thanksgiving together. But, the fun doesn't last long. The two young daughters from both families go outside to play.
They disappear.
And all hell breaks loose.




Hugh Jackman's character loses it. He's the father of one of the missing girls and this man means business. He's going to find his daughter by any means necessary...and I mean by any means! The other dad, played by Terrance Howard of The Butler, is pulled along for the ride...whether he thinks the means of accomplishing the goal is legal or moral.
That's one of the major themes of this film. What would you do for the love of a child? How far are you willing to go?

And what if you're wrong?

This movie was exactly two hours and thirty minutes. It's lengthy, but not a moment is wasted. It's almost agonizing, waiting to find out what happened to the girls. I heard several folks crying in the theater.
As a therapist, I often see the dark side of people. This film goes there and doesn't pull any punches.

You think you know people.

You don't.

There are people who do things for the sheer evil joy of it. You may know people like this and not even be aware of it. Yes. It is scary.

I could tell people were kind of thrown by the ending. A number of folks, including myself, stayed until the last credit to see if there was going to be a surprise scene or something. If you see the film, you'll know why.
You can't go wrong seeing PRISONERS. It deserves serious Oscar buzz in my humble opinion. If you see it, enjoy!!

Toodles!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Star Trek: Into Darkness...my thoughts...

I went to see the latest Star Trek movie this Memorial weekend. I was happy to learn it was offered in 2-D because I hate paying a premium price for 3-D. It's such a rip-off. I remember when 3-D movies were regular price, then after the popularity of Avatar, the studios realized they could make a killing fooling people to think it was worth it to pay more for 3-D. It's not.

Anyway...I digress...let me get back to the matter at hand---Star Trek. I read several mixed reviews, some of which really skewered the movie. I was determined to see for myself because I really enjoyed the Star Trek movie in 2009 and was looking forward to the follow up. I really hoped these critics were wrong. Thank goodness they were. I had such a good time!! And this is coming from someone who is not a Trekkie. When Star Trek came on TV when I was a kid, I hated it. All that philosophical mumbo-jumbo went over my head. I was bored silly. It was only when I got older and saw the reruns that I could understand what was going on and the deeper meaning of the scenes.

I just don't understand what some of these reviewers are looking for. Some said the movie was boring and this couldn't be further from the truth. There were a lot of pulse-pumping, heart-stopping moments that had me and by the looks of it, a lot of people in the theater, at the edge of their seats. I was clutching my chest and practically gnawing my hand at some points...lol...People laughed out loud at the bromance between Kirk and Spock. All the actors channeled the old stars and their mannerisms of the characters so well. They stayed true to who the characters are, but still made the roles their own: Scotty, Sulu, Dr. McCoy...etc...And the new villian...Some reviewers said he was boring. Hello!! He's played by "Sherlock Holmes" himself, Benedict Cumberbatch. He was wonderfully drool, yet menacing in the role. I couldn't wait to find out what he was really up to.

Well, have I made myself clear?! I loved this movie, can't wait for the next installment and those critics don't know what they're talking about!

Of course, if you, dear reader didn't like the movie, I'll most definitely respect your opinion...Lol...

Toodles, y'all!

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter--The Movie...My thoughts...

Now, I know I'm late to this party. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter came out almost a year ago, in June of 2012. I had an interest in seeing it, but never got around to it. It probably didn't help that the reviews were less than enthusiastic. Maybe that played a part in me not pushing myself to go. Last weekend I was channel surfing and came across it on HBO. It was 20 minutes into the show and caught my attention immediately.

I screamed, yelped and hid my face at the graphic violence of scene after scene. Even my husband,who's not partial to TV or movies, kept looking over to see what was going on. Since I didn't catch the show from the beginning, I didn't understand what was going on. I tried to watch it when it repeated, and again, caught it 20 minutes into the showing. I finally managed to see it from the beginning. And LOVED it!

I know it didn't get good reviews, but after watching it at lease three times, I'm impressed with the author's imagination. He not only wrote the book, but adapted the screenplay if I'm not mistaken. I thought he did a good job of transforming history to include this vampire lore. A lot of the reviews thought it was silly, but it took a highly creative mind to integrate that mythology into significant historical events like the civil war and the life of our sixteenth president.

Also, the more times I watched it, the violence wasn't as shocking, allowing me to process the storyline.

The Novel

It's not as bad or silly as the reviews made it out to be. I think it's pretty entertaining and well worth a look. If it comes on again, I'll probably watch it---again! Lol...Now I want to read the book!

Toodles, y'all.

Movie Review: Evil Dead. The old vs the new!

2013 Remake

When I first heard about the movie Evil Dead this year, I didn't realize it was a remake of the 1981 original. I saw the original some time ago and I LOVED it! The Evil Dead was seriously creepy, scary and I've-got-you-by-the-throat terror. It became a cult classic. I took my niece to see a couple of the sequels and we LOVED it. I was really interested in seeing if this remake could hold a candle to it.

Well...First, I didn't realize how much of the original movie I forgot. It took me a while to get the gist of the story because I could only remember the main scenes from the original which focused on one guy. I didn't remember how the story started or who else was even in it beyond the fellow and the demons! Lol...So...getting up to speed on the story held my interest---for a while. Let me tell you, Evil Dead 2013 doesn't even come close to the original. It didn't have that creepy something's-about-to-get-you-but-you-don't-know-when-or-where-or-how sensibility that had you on the edge of your seat with the original.                                            

1981 Original

This remake put all the emphasis on blood and gore. There were

a number of amputations that I simply couldn't stand to look at. I had to hide my face several times. It wasn't scary, it was just disgusting. I guess the original had amputations too, judging by the guy holding the chainsaw above, but I can't remember. That's a good thing because the movie didn't depend on that kind of action to scare the daylights out of you. The very atmosphere had your heart pounding.

Evil Dead 2013 did win first place at the box office that week. *shaking my head* Go figure. I guess the kids love that yucky kind of stuff...but I did see a few people walk out...
                                                                                

1981 Original

Go and see it at your own peril...lol...Better yet, check out the original. It's scary movie making at its best.

Toodles!
                                                             

Movie Review: The Host vs Twilight. Stephanie Meyer competes against herself!

Stephanie Meyer has her work cut out for her going forward with any film after Twilight. My husband and I went to see The Host on Saturday. Here's what my husband had to say after seeing Twilight: "That was a nice, little, romantic movie." This is what he had to say within ten to fifteen minutes of watching The Host: "Who sits down and thinks up this kind of crap?" ROFL...LOL...Well. Now that I've gotten his initial opinion out of the way...lol...

The movie has an intriguing premise and this is what kept me going during those slow moments. Admittedly, the film did start kind of slow and the tension level was low. I've had the book a couple of years and haven't read it yet, so I had only a rudimentary knowledge of what the story is about.

As the movie continued, it got better. I don't know if Meyer intended this or not, but the movie had some unbelievably funny moments! My husband, who is the quiet sort, was cracking up laughing, as were others in the theater, over the rivalry between the two boys over the girl--Yes. There's a love triangle--sort of. Since two identies inhabit the same body, they each have a thing for two different boys. Seeing them trying to negotiate that using only one body was hilarious. My husband even yelled out comments to the boys on screen several times! LOL....

Listen. This is no Twilight. It doesn't have that angsty, romantic-I'll-do-anything-for-love sensibility. But, if you can sit tight through that slow beginning, it is an entertaining movie. It even has a part that can make you feel a little teary toward the end.

Stephanie Meyer set the bar so high for herself with Twilight, she'll probably never be able to top it. But I'll continue to be interested in seeing her try!

Toodles, y'all!

What a surprise! Movie Review: LINCOLN

Honestly, I don't know how to describe how I feel about this movie. It wasn't my intent to see it last night. I was coming out of Barnes & Noble and I saw a long line of people spilling out of the theater, waiting to go in to see LINCOLN. I saw the same thing last weekend when I passed by. My curiosity got the better of me. I had a free ticket, so I checked to see if I could use it for this movie and I discovered I could. I figured what the heck. Let's see what all the fuss is about. I had a good time just talking to people waiting on line and inside the theater before the film began. *shaking my head* And then the movie started...

Lol...I didn't have a clue about what was going to take place in this movie. I assumed it was going to show a lot of action, drama and war scenes from the civil war. Indeed, that is exactly the first scene that came on the screen when the movie began: a brutal, vicious fight scene. Yep. That was the first fight scene...and the last! Oh yeah. There was a war going on, but you didn't see it. You heard about it---through the characters---talking about it. I was not expecting that. Judging by the sighs coming from the audience, neither were a lot of people.

I hate to say this. I really do, but this movie bored me to tears! I hate to say this because it wasn't a bad movie. It was well acted and well-conceived. It just wasn't very entertaining. I mean, I learned a lot. It's great for understanding Lincoln's struggle to get the 13th Amendment passed to abolish slavery and getting a sense of the politics and the mindset of the American public at that time. Those are worthy goals. It took the viewer into the mind of Lincoln and gave a glimpse into his family life as a husband and father---totally cool---but there was a lot of talking---and I mean A LOT.  There were some funny scenes and at times, the political drama did have me on the edge of my seat, but such excitement was pretty sparse. I kept holding out for some war action, drama---something to get my blood pumping and it didn't happen.

I have such mixed feelings about this review because it's a good movie with an important message---especially during these political times when those in Washington are loath to compromise to get anything done. Lincoln was a master compromiser and pragmatist.

It's worth seeing. Just don't expect to see much action. It's a more cerebral film. If it were a book, it would be a literary one, not a commercial blockbuster. One thing is for sure: Daniel Day Lewis is a heck of an actor. He was Lincoln!  

Toodles, ya'll!

Breaking Dawn: The Twilight Saga. Just a few words...

Of course I had to go see Breaking Dawn. I've only read the first Twilight book. I think I read half of New Moon, but I'm not sure. I saw the movie and keep getting what I saw on film and the book mixed up! I'll probably have to start the book again.

I went to Barnes and Noble to get the movie edition of Breaking Dawn. I like that the movie-connected versions of the books are smaller and take up less space. I enjoyed the movie, but did find it a bit depressing and somber. Considering the subject matter, that makes sense. Still, it's one of the better movies in the series. I like that they emphasized the couples sexuality and didn't hold back on it. I didn't read the book yet, so I don't how that plays out there, but I think the movie was a realistic depiction and tastefully done.

What happened to Edward's hair?!...lol..I miss that thick mop he used to have. You can definitely see everyone is getting older. Robert Pattinson remarked in an interview a couple of years ago that they better hurry up and shoot these films because he wouldn't remain looking like 17 for too long. I chuckled looking at the film because a couple of cast members have put on a few pounds. Carlisle, papa Cullen isn't looking as lean and predatory as he did in 2008 and brother Emmett is looking a bit stockier...lol..Even my husband remarked on Bella, asking me how old she was. She has matured, most definitely. He noted how Twilight really put Kristin Stewart on the map--and this is from a man who gets all his updates about pop culture from me! He could care less, otherwise. I make it my business to ensure he stays in the Twilight loop! Lol...

The first Twilight will always be my favorite, though. Even though the make-up was pretty bad, the magic of that first introduction is hard to beat :-)

Toodles!

Movie Talk: INSIDIOUS. I see a connection with my novel...kind of...

I've always been a fan of horror movies, but I haven't bothered to watch them as much anymore. One of my students saw INSIDIOUS and insisted that I had to see it. She loved it so much, I decided to check it out. I went after work on Friday. This movie seems to be getting mixed reviews, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I don't know how to discuss the movie without giving away spoilers. Suffice to say, I thought it was one of the scariest movies I've seen. It was dark and creepy. It reminds me a bit of the novel I'm working on. I'm not writing a horror book, but it is inspired by the genre. I didn't take my story there, but INSIDIOUS has some of the same elements that I've thought about and utilized to a less scary degree--dark spirits, evil and creepy--at least I think its less scary!

Even in the opening credits, the music and the gray, colorless shots of the house tells you to get ready. The story focuses on a young family that move into a beautiful new home. It may seem like the typical haunted house story, but it has a different spin on it, I think. Astral projection factors in; the ability to leave your body. I know a couple of people who have done this. One was the mother of a former boyfriend. The description, as it was told to me, of what can happen when a person does this is pretty frightening and I don't recommend anyone trying it. You can get more than you bargained for. This was on my mind as I watched the movie. I don't want to say too much because it's important to let the story unfold as you watch; a major component is discovering what exactly is happening.

If you like scary, you won't be disappointed. If this kind of stuff keeps you from sleeping at night, you may want to skip it...hee hee hee...

Toodles!

Movie Review: Let Me In. Twilight for middle schoolers. OMG. It's "bloody" awesome!

After work today, I decided to see the movie, Let Me In. I briefly recalled seeing a review that said it was good, so I decided to check it out. My goodness, was it ever. It is Twilight for the middle school/junior high set, but with bite. I mean it. Serious, bloody bite. No neat, vegetarian-like vampire here. This is good, old "I-need-blood-and-I'm-gonna-get-it-by-any-means-necessary. Now, that being said, let me be clear. This is not a gratuitous, bloody vampire horror. It's a somber, sad, touching, poignant, loving, bloody vampire horror. It's a kind of coming-of-age vampire story...almost, but there's one problem...vampires don't age, so only one half of the couple does that. That would be 12 year-old Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee). He's a lonely, fragile boy who is ignored by his parents who are going through a divorce. He's tormented by bullies at school and spends time spying on the exploits of his neighbors through his telescope when he's not in the mirror pretending to be a serial killer. Then he meets Abby. She's 12 too...give or take some years.

Abby moves in next door with her "father"(Richard Jenkins from Six Feet Under). She lets Owen know right away that they "can't be friends", but of course they do and then some. The characters are 12, so they are not sexualized to any great degree, but exploration of that I-think-I'm-in-love-for-the-first-time component is squee-worthy. I'm not going to say anything more. I don't want to spoil it for you, but I'm telling you, you owe it to yourself to see this movie. It's based on a Swedish novel called "Lat den Ratte Komma In" by John Ajvide Lindquist. There was a Swedish movie adapted from the novel called Let the Right One In in 2008 that seems to have received some very good reviews.

I have a feeling this movie is going to fly under the radar and come and go without a lot of people knowing how totally awesome it is. Maybe if the book had been translated into English, it would get more attention. I sure would love to read it. Don't read any reviews first. It's best to sit there and watch the story unfold. You won't regret it.

Toodles!

10/09/10: Hey guys. I  just learned from Indigo via a comment, that the book is out in English and it's the same name as the film, Let Me In.