Monday Movie Mash-Up

27 Dresses

Complete and total chick flick. I sat on the couch with my husband, watching this, me with tears in my eyes and him laughing his butt off at the leading guy and how completely unrealistic the whole set-up even was. And predictable.

But that’s kind of the point of a girly romantic comedy. The guys in the movie are BETTER and NICER and have EMOTIONS that they aren’t afraid to share.

Video montage of funny moments from the movie:

The Hills Have Eyes II

Do I need to explain again my extreme addiction to bad horror movies? I seriously cannot see a trailer for one without having to put it on my Netflix account.

I KNEW that this movie was going to seriously suck. The original was bad enough, but a sequel… what was I thinking! It’s an addiction and I need help!

My Sunday =
Jason Statham movie marathon!

The Bank Job

Jason Statham is supposed to be an action hero. He’s supposed to show off his amazing body. He’s supposed to be in movies that aren’t just “ahh - so-so”… Enter the Bank Job. I guess every actor deserves one dud.

Instead of seeing the movie watch this great interview with Jason Statham instead!

Death Race

Saw this one opening weekend - and the theatre was still empty. Granted, it was an afternoon showing on a Sunday, but still, I thought there’d at least be some people there.

An action-packed popcorn flick, this movie would have been smart to get itself a PG-13 rating instead of an R. The only people I can see really loving this movie are going to be teenage boys. Guess they’re all going to have to wait for it to come out on DVD.

Video from Comic-Con announcement:

Lucky Number Slevin Movie Review

Josh Hartnett, Morgan Freeman, Ben Kingsley, Bruce Willis, and Lucy Liu?

How did this movie fly so far under the radar?

An all-star cast is putting things mildly; these actors came together and created a master piece.

I am so in love with this movie. Hubby and I actually sat through the whole movie again this morning with the commentary on. We even watched it to the very end. I’ve never before had enough interest in a film to do that. I felt like Josh Hartnett and Lucy Liu were sitting on the couch next to us, just gabbing about the movie.

The director overlooked nothing. The sets are gorgeous and quirky. The camera angles and final edit and post-production work are all done to perfection. In the commentary, both Lucy Liu and Josh Hartnett talk about how much effort and thought went into the edit of the movie. Scene were switched around, lots of re-shoots… in the final scene along, Morgan Freeman had fifty takes! That’s a lot of tape to choose from.

The plot is anything but simple. I can’t even attempt to explain it without given up some twists and turns that you should really see for yourself. Just try and watch the first eight minutes of it and not immediately put in on your list of rentals.





See… told you so! The rest of the movie plays out beautifully. I’d say it’s the best written and directed script since Fight Club or Snatch (my two previous favorites).






Speaking of Lucy Liu, here’s a crazy stalker video montage of her greatness.




I looked hard for a trailer I liked, one that wouldn’t give too much away. But really, there aren’t any.

One of the greatest things about this movie, is that after you know the ending, all the pieces fall into place, and it leaves you eager to watch it again to spot all the “clues” throughout. The director assumes that his audience has a brain and doesn’t spell it all out like too many movies do today.

Not only am I going to give this one five stars on Netflix, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and ten out of ten on IMDB, I’m also going to call it my favorite movie. That’s a tall order, but Lucky Number Slevin deserves it.

The Tracey Fragments Movie Review

I fell in love with Ellen Page when she starred in Candy as the insane teenager exploiting her sexuality for her own revenge. Then she did this film with little media-coverage, and then she played Juno.

I wonder if she’d go and take this roll back now that she knows what a huge success she’s destine to grow into?

It’s indie for the sake of being indie. See trailer below for example:

Trailer:



Don’t get the wrong idea. I liked the movie – overall. Stress overall. It took me a little time to get over the use of multiple frames, but once I did, I thought they worked very well with the film. Not so with the husband. He couldn’t stand the editing or the multiple camera angles.

For an overly indie, Canadian film done on a smaller budget, I think the movie delivered. The acting was sold, the script was well written, and the plot was thoroughly developed. I wouldn’t buy it and I won’t watch it again. But, if you’ve got Netflix it’s an instant watch and a good way to spend a sleepy morning.

Oh, and just in case you weren’t 100% sure that Ellen Page has “made it” as an actress…. She now has a plethora of fan-created music/photo montages on youtube, each a little creepier than the last.

*Title to this little internet gem? “Ellen Page- the Beautiful Canadien”
Yes, Canadian is spelled wrong… loser couldn’t even do a spell check before professing his love.

Coming Soon!

I haven’t seen either of these, but I am anxious for both!

Now entering girls-only territory here…. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Releasing September 12^th

The Women

Looks a bit like a Sex and the City rip off - but it’s a remake of a 1939 movie, so I’m thinking that S&C was the rip.

Great cast! Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith.
Total Chick-tastic plot, girl power all the way! Sex, friends, man-bashing, money, & lots of liquor.
Trailer:





Coming to DVD August 19th

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Light hearted romantic comedy.

Frances McDormand- how can you not love here! Plus Amy Adams is kind of a hottie!

Total self-discovery plot. Socialite learns to follow her heart and her “handler” learns how to let her hair down!
Video Review:

"Pick Me Up" by: zoe rice Book Review

With chapters named for bad pick-up lines, I knew after skimming through this book at the library, I had to give Zoë Rice a try. Pick Me Up was in the romance section, so I was a little hesitant. But my mind was quickly put to ease as a laughed out loud the first afternoon I picked it up, and had a hard time putting it back down.

Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?

Sex and the City let the rest of the world in on a little secret… being a confident, hard-working, harder playing socialite with tons of friends and tons of money is AWESOME! Given the right set of circumstances, and the right set of gene’s that would transform me into Sarah Jessica Parker, I would make an awesome socialite. Just not the Sex and the City variety.Would you like a raisin? How ‘bout a date?

Instead, I dream of being Izzy from Rice’s Pick Me Up. She’s a more practical character. Not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. She’s real.

If I told you that you had a great body, would you hold it against me?

Real friends that any woman would fantasize about. A wonderful best friend who just happens to be one of New York’s best celebrity “handler“. A funny and awkward newspaper journalist who writes a relationship advise column so popular it transforms his status in life overnight. A, somewhat cartoon-ish and over-the-top gay boss. I guess since the book rotates around the art world, Rice felt obligated to stay a little stereotypical when it came to the “fill-in” characters surrounding her gallery.


You look like a masterpiece - so how “bout I be the master and you give me a piece?

The dream job! Art director for a smaller gallery where she has a good amount of leg-room to go about business as she sees fit. That is until….

Would you like gin and platonic or do you prefer Scotch and sofa?


Nope. I won’t ruin it. It’s a pivotal part of the novel. But, whatever does happen that I’m not spoiling, causes two new men to come crashing into Izzy’s life. One, a laid back, rude, full of himself artist who immediately bumps heads with and constantly teases our hero. The other, a man who in the embodiment of everything Izzy thinks she wants in a man.

May I have this dance … horizontally?

The characters dance their way though life, each learning a little bit about each other and a lot about themselves. Pick Me Up isn’t a coming of age novel - per say - but there is definitely some growing up done as the chapters progress.

If I could rearrange the alphabet, I’d put U and I together.

Never boring and frequently laughable, Izzy’s life spirals up then down then up - you get my drift. Zoë Rice is an artist of discription, a master of sarcasm, and a new addition to my “must read” list of authors. And she has a great blog too!

You look like you’ve heard every line in the book. So what’s one more?

Monday Movie Mash-Up

Four movies.... all for your consideration


TRON

I broke down. I finally turned into super geek. The day that we helped move my brother in law to his new (and first!) apartment, we had some down time. Since it was his big day, he got to pick what movie we’d all watch, and since I stupidly admitted to never seeing it before - we watched TRON. If I didn’t gain some mega-nerd points for watching it I’d be a little disappointed. I’m sure for the time it came out, it was a master piece, but it doesn’t hold up to today’s standards.

AVP2

Every so often, I decide to play nice and let my husband make a suggestion for my Netflix account. He’s a bit of a sci-fi, fantasy nerd (just a little bit), and I think has a hard time not getting roped in by sequels. The first Alien Vs. Predator wasn’t bad. It was action packed and predictable, but an alright popcorn flick. Same CANNOT be said for the follow-up. It’s more of a teenage horror/thriller with absolutely no plot line. Waste of time.

This Film is Not Yet Rated

This Film is Not Yet Rated is a very insightful and good paced documentary. I had no idea that the movie rating system was so completely screwy. This well-done movie pokes fun at the whole process while also taking the time to actually research and bring into focus all the lies and contradictions in the MPAA’s public stance on the viewing procedures. I great watch that I would highly recommend. My favorite “character” is the private investigator (and her daughter in training)!

Mr. Woodcock

I have a thing for Billy Bob Thornton. I think it’s that little bit of bad-ass attitude mixed with his dry sense of humor. I also think Susan Sarandon is an outstanding actress who makes quality films. She’s had a few flops, but overall, I trust that when a movie has her as a star, I’m in for a good watch. Mr. Woodcock… it came and went through the theatres without too much fanfare. It’s a dry comedy about a topic I find hilarious all by itself - the Self Help book industry. Who can’t laugh at a bunch of middle-aged, over-weight, generally lazy, unhappy folk who think they can solve all their issues by reading one great book? Mr. Woodcock’s not the best comedy ever made, but it’s solid from start to finish and had a handful of scenes I did laugh out loud to. Good hang-over morning watch.





That’s it for my first-ever Monday Movie Mash-up. I watch a lot of movie… too many some might argue. And I only want to take the time (and yours!) writing full, good reviews for the movies that deserve it. But I don’t want to leave out any of the others in case there are some of you out there who would love these flicks. So… I’ve come up with this compromise. Any thoughts or suggestions for next Monday?

Vantage Point Movie Review

I love LOST. No, seriously. I am obsessed with the show. I scour the internet looking for hints and clues as to what’s going on. I’ve seen every hidden video, every release at Comic -Con, every still picture taken by some Hawaiian sneaking a peek at the filming.



When I was employed, Thursday morning were always my favorite because I got to do the whole water cooler chat with my co-workers about the show. My boss was just as obsessed with it as me and we’d spend hours (her paying me for the time) talking about theories and possible plot twists. I’m definitely going to miss that talk. I already miss her and it‘s only been two weeks since we last spoke. I think that maybe one of the hardest things about losing my job…. The losing of all those people around me as “friends“..



So, my obsession with LOST includes all the characters and actor, one of my favorites being Jack. Mathew Fox is a hottie! When I saw that he was getting a shot at being a “real” actor and star in a movie, I simply had to see it.


When Vantage Point came out, they hyped the fact that he had a leading role. I was beyond disappointed when I actually got around to watching the film. He had a pivotal role in the movie, but staring, I think not!



The movie is shot from each of a half dozen or so points of view - or vantage points. It’s a kind of novel idea, not too many other movies have used this technique before.



The problem is, this rewind and replay technique gets old, fast. You see the same footage a few times, and while there are some big plot twists, the movie just doesn’t hold your interests. I found myself looking around my living room for other things to do while the movie played on.




I can’t stand when I get bored during a movie. I start to get anxious and think about all the other things I could be doing with my time.



The plot is this - president gets shot. Who did it and why? Is it an act of terrorism? By the end of the movie, I really didn’t care.



If Mathew Fox had a larger role in Vantage Point, at least I would have had his pretty face to keep me distracted.



Overall, I’d say it was a waste of my time. I’m not glad I kept watching it, thinking that maybe, the ending would make the rest of the time spent watching worth while. It didn’t.



**this critique has a couple spoilers, so if you plan on wasting your time and watching the whole movie, I suggest skipping the video below.


I love LOST. No, seriously. I am obsessed with the show. I scour the internet looking for hints and clues as to what’s going on. I’ve seen every hidden video, every release at Comic -Con, every still picture taken by some Hawaiian sneaking a peek at the filming.

Mamma Mia! Movie Review

Don’t ask… Please don’t ask…

“WHY!” you all yell out in unison.

WHY would I possible go to an actual theater and sit with a bunch of fifty-something year old woman and a dozen or so gay men and sit through a musical based on old ABBA hits?
Why? Because my dad wanted to go. He wanted to remember a simple time when him and my mom would go to the discos and dance. Or drive around in their old convertible blasting ABBA music, him listening to my mom sing along.



So I sat in that theater and watched a B-rate cast of characters sing and dance their way to a wedding. I listened to the impossible, and slightly icky, plot thicken as the young bride tries to figure out which of three men is her father. Seems her mother, played by Meryl Streep, slept with her true love, had her heart broken, and took revenge by getting in bed with two other men in quick succession.

I listened to the cheesy music, and to rest of the theater laugh and sing along. Then, I got over myself. It’s a cheesy screwball musical comedy for heavens sake! If I can’t sit back and relax and let myself enjoy a nice afternoon in a cool theater with my dad, well, then I’m a bitch of a daughter. So I gave in. I didn't sing, but I let myself giggle at the silliness of it all.

Two years ago my mom passed away. My dad’s been deep in mourning, with only a glimmer of a smile ever even crossing his face. And while he did weep a little throughout the movie, when it ended, he was happy, singing along with all the other old folk. I’m glad I went and saw Mamma Mia! I’m glad I lightened up enough to enjoy myself. And I’m glad I still had one parent left to pass the time with. I love you dad. And I miss you mom.

Flakes Movie Review

Who doesn’t love a great big bowl of Kix? Or, for the heath conscious of you out there, some Special K or even better Fiber One? Top off some Frosted Flakes with some icy cold milk, or what about some Cocoa Puffs mixed with Reese Pieces Cereal topped off with chocolate milk?

Sound Yummy?! I’m a huge lover of all types of cereal, but that’s really not what drew me to this movie - Flakes, as in cereal flakes.

I was drawn to the combination of Zooey Deschanel, “Doc” from Back to the Future, and the seemingly funny story line.. I’m a sucker for a good trailer, and I had seen the preview for this movie a dozen or so times on different Netflix movies (mainly independent films).

The plot maybe a little simplistic, but it’s nice and quirky and doesn’t just flow from point a to point b. It’s not overly predictable but it’s also not overly creative. The only real shining star in the movie is Zooey Deschanel, as she’s a super hottie. She lights up every scene she’s in while the remaining scenes just kind of scrap by.
I’d classify this as a great escapism movie. A good way to spend an hour and a half during a dismal afternoon. I love a movie where afterwards, I can lean back and just think of how different my life would be if I was a character in the film.

How nice would it be to be able to get high, walk to the corner and met your friends early morning for a bowl of cereal and some good times. Or maybe work there, gabbing with a host of crazy customers, while I finish up my book. Or maybe I could somehow morph into Zooey, her big beautiful eyes and great hair and skin…



It’s a mini-fantasy. A little, easy, funny, mindless comedy. Something to watch, dream about, and then forget.

Persepolis Movie Review

It’s rare that I give a movie five stars. I don’t really like the five star system, tens better and rotten tomatoes percentage system really is best. But I’m a Netflix whore, so I don’t have a chose in the matter. Jobless, with a lot of time on my hands, I am at there mercy. They are my crack. Them and entrecard.com, my new, very easy distraction in life.

Back to Persepolis. You could call it a coming of age story, but that phrase gives off the wrong impression, making it too simple and ordinary. Yes, it is about a young lady, born in Iran in 1978 and her families struggle with the revolution and the ward, and about her transformation from a Iranian preteen to a teenager pretty much on her on in Europe to an adult rediscovering her own country and herself. And yes, that plot line does seem very coming of age. But the film embraces so much more than that.

Marji is a rich and engrossing character. You care about her and her whole family. Her parents, grandmother, uncle and a whole host of miscellaneous friends and family round out a beautiful cast. Not only are the characters well developed, more importantly, they provide some sort of comparison or critique against Marji.


This is an animated film unlike any that I have seen. Mostly in black and white, I believe to bring the burkas to center attention, the style is harsh and cartoon-ish with thick black lines, lots of pure white contrast and lost of detail being paid to distinct facial features. It’s beautifully animated, but not in a way that distracts from the whole plot, or draws your eye away from the center of attention as some animated movies do in my opinion by going into too much detail on backgrounds.

Musically, I loved the contrast between the “Western”, loud, puck style bands and the bell tower ringing in tune to a more whimsical, classically orchastra style score.



I can only assume that the history presented in the film is correct, as I, like most Americans, am sadly undereducated when it comes to the middle east. I feel more culturally and ethically aware after viewing this and hope I take the interest in the Iranian culture I now have and run with it, hopefully learning lots through the experience and sharing with you all.

The God Delusion Book Review (Mini)

I got two really great, well thought out “Good Luck Getting a Job in the Economy!” presents - my Netfilx renewal subscription (so I can keep reviewing:) and “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins. I had seen Dawkins on “The Colbert Report” about a year back, and enjoyed the interview. Dawkins did a good job defending himself and staying out of Colbert’s traps. Silly me didn’t think to actually buy or go to the library and read his book - but thanks be to InShanee I can now sit back and devour this book. While I usually wait until I have finished reading a book before I pass any judgment, his thesis is just to good to deny. Plus, if I waited until the end, I’m sure I would forget to mention many an interesting idea. So lets begin….

I’ve had the balls to call myself an atheist for a very long time now. I might lie to my father and say I’m undecided, but that’s just because I’m afraid of completely breaking him (he’s still “getting over” the loss of my mom). This book points out what has always been obvious to me - in general, agnostics are just cowardly atheists or believers - depending on the way they tilt. I never considered a full spectrum of belief. In summary…

1. Strong theist.
2. De Facto theist. Belief is just shy of 100 %
3. Higher than 50%, technical agnostic, but leaning toward theism (coward, in my opinion)
4. Exactly 50% - can’t say, refusing to take position. (lazy person who refuses to really put any thought into it and or who is too stupid to actually debate the issue).
5. Inclined to be skeptical. Less than 50%, technically agnostic, leaning toward atheism (coward)
6. De Facto atheist. Just shy of 100% certain.
7. Strong atheist - knows there is no God.

Let that all sink in for a minute. You might be quick to jump into a category.

I know a few category 1’s. Their irrational faith allows them to just “know” that God exists. The whole idea behind atheism is that the evidence points to there being no God. There isn’t any flat out, undeniable truth that there is no God. Therefore, a level 7 atheist is just as much a fool as a level 1 theist. I place myself at a sound 6. While I do not believe there is a supreme being, without solid concrete proof - which given the very nature of belief and religion is pretty much never going to happen - I cannot be a fool and simply have faith in the fact that there is not a God. Which level would you place yourself on?

I’m not bashing people who need to believe in religion, or who still like to practice the ancient customs even though they have a hard time believing in all of them. Go ahead and think there is a God. But be a number 2 (that’s funny). Don’t allow yourself to be completely blinded by your faith. Allow yourself to question new information presented, pointing out the likelihood that the great religions will slowly fade as science brings answers to the many mysteries that once ruled our world.

I’m only on page 83 of this book - it’s a slow read, I really want to grasp all his ideas and have a full understand of his thoughts. I think that it’s helping me to define myself spiritually (or lack there of).

Can omniscient God, who
Knows the future, find
The omnipotence to
Change His future mind?
- Karen Owens

Want some humorous proof that there is no God? Check out….

http://www.godlessgeeks.com/LINKS/GodProof.htm

El Orfanato Movie Review

El Orfanato - The Orphanage (2007)

It’s a well documented fact, that horror movie trailers completely ruin the feature presentation. They give away too much plot, they show all the most violent and shocking parts, and in general get the viewer way too hyped up and excited. Then the movie premiers and WHAM! Huge let down!


At least that’s been my experience. And since there isn’t a horror movie trailer out there that my husband won’t go goo-goo ga-ga over, let’s just say that both my Stumble Upon and Netflix accounts have me pegged as a psychopath with a clear passion for blood and guts. It’s a little disturbing that every time Netflix makes a suggestion for me, it’s in the horror genre and usually portrays a very scantly clad leading lady sprinkled with blood. They know that once I see the recommended trailer, I will run, grab the laptop and add the movie to my list immediately.

That’s an extremely long explanation for a very simple realization. For once in a very long time, I have watched a horror movie that was better - much better - than its trailer. Presented by Guillermo Del Toro and winning over 30 awards, I am honestly amazed that there wasn’t more talk about this one. We’re talking about the guy that brought us Pan’s Labyrinth, and after the hype that movie got, you’d think the man pooped gold. He certainly doesn’t disappoint in 2007’s El Orfanato, or The Orphanage.
It’s a beautifully constructed story of a family moving back to the place the mother grew up, a seaside orphanage, where they are planning on opening up a home for special needs children. Right from the start, tension in the home grows. There is absolutely no computer graphics, the eeriness of the surroundings and the amazing sound editing will send chills down your spine for days after you watch the credits roll. Listen in particularly close to the “purring”, so creepy!! Just waking up in the middle of the night to my cat nestling next to me left me freaked out.
This movie brings the scares the old-fashioned way, purely with atmosphere and wonderful acting. The most refreshing feature is the lack of scenes thrown in simply for a quick scare, for an immediate jump from the audience. Each scene builds to a great crescendo on its own and piled together, they culmiate into a wonderful climax. It’s a little heartwarming too.

There are rumors of a remake in the talks. PLEASE no! The English subtitles are perfectly fine, don’t watch it dubbed. And watch this version, any remake simply cannot outdo this wonderful watching experience!




On a side note, if you’d like to see my list of Netflix favorites, become my friend at
http://www.netflix.com/BeMyFriend/PqXzpiOZnMLmu7BVKJSP

Otis Movie Review

Who doesn’t dream of the perfect prom night? All Otis wants is to take the hot cheerleader, enjoy his time in the sun as the prom king and maybe, if he plays his cards right, score some hot action. This is Otis:

See any problem? Otis has been out of high school for almost fifteen years. He is a beast of a man! Side note - this film actually introduces us to Bostin Christopher (good porn name huh?), who plays Otis. Pretty big coming out role. I predict this one will be a cult horror film classic, so who knows what his future acting career will hold!

The basic premise of Otis is simple. Otis wants a date so he kidnaps local girls. SPOILER - One girl breaks free and his family turns the tables on him and hunts him down.

The wackiness and awesomeness of the movie doesn’t really lie in the plot, although it’s totally twisted. It lies more in the characters and how they respond to the situation they are all thrown in. It’s a typical, middle class, suburban jungle setting. It’s a stereotypical two working parents and their two, high school kids. The dad was THE voice of The Wonder Years! We’ve got the pot smoking, slacker son who’s totally jealous of his too perfect, daddy’s favorite, daughter who later gets her hot self kidnapped.

Once the FBI gets involved, (including my least favorite player in the movie - see photo below) all hell breaks loss. I’d have to say, their incompetence is a little over the top, but that what makes the movie funny.
The humor is dark and dry - exactly how a good B movie, horror, soon-to-be cult classic comedy should be. How’s that for a descriptive sentence! Watch the damn trailer already.

Let the Hate Mail Begin!

The Dark Knight Movie Review
July 23rd, 2008

In case you’ve been living under a rock, or better acting as a troll under a bridge, there is this new movie out. It’s called “The Dark Knight” and it’s another installment in the Batman saga. I bet you’ve heard of it, as it is literally IMPOSSIBLE to turn on any television station or radio program and not hear the hype.

Heath Ledger starred in the role of the Joker. He was so engrossed in the role, he actually went crazy, unable to separate himself from the character he was playing on screen. He offed himself before filming was finished. He was an even better than Jack-o.

Nope. Don’t think so.

Christian Bale is the best Batman since Michael Keaton. It’s almost uncanny how well he “fills the suit”. And now, since his mother and sister have filed assault charges against him, rumors have started swirling about his state of mind as well.

Michael Keaton’s Batman = at least three times as good.

Gotham City has never looked better. Action after action sequence, all more explosive than the last, it’s amazing there are no computer generator scenes.
Go Chicago! We have the best city in the world to film in. Lower Wacker is THE place to film a chase scene. The effects were good, but I agree with everyone else in the world who wrote a review of this movie, The Dark Night is not about special effects. It’s supposed to be a gritty, real-life environment, and that it delivers.

Every, single person I know, every single one of them loved this movie. They all raved about the actors and the set and how it was the best ever superhero movie ever made. Hell, opening weekend was what like $150 million. A lot of people have seen this. And all the reviewers loved it.

I may be the only person alive who is going to go out on a limb and say it…. This movie was “ehh.” or (shrugs shoulders) or “good but not great” or “so-so:. There are lots of ways to phrase it. What it boils down to is that “The Dark Knight” was way over-hyped, so much so that I personally think it hurt the movie going experience.

There are lots of movies, even older ones like T2 or the first Matrix, that blow this movie out of the water. I LOVED “Wanted” which just opened up a few weeks ago. I think it was better. Better acting, bettering sets, better chase scenes and action scenes, and a way better leading lady. I love Maggie G. but come one, Angelina will always be the true love of my life.Should you see it in the theatre? My bet is you already did. If not, do it. It’s a pop culture must.

But it's in 3-D!

But it’s in 3-d!
Journey to the Center of the Earth Movie Review

Under normal circumstances, I would not, repeat not, in a billion-zillion years go to a movie starring Brendan Fraser.

He’s not funny. He’s not cute. And he’s not a good actor. He is however staring in the newly released remake of “Journey to the Center of the Earth“. Strike one against the film. Plus, this movie looked like total cheese from the just the previews. And considering that the previews always show the best parts…. Strike two. Then there’s the fact that it’s a remake of an already crappy movie based on an equally crappy novel. Three strikes, you’re out! I think that you can get my drift. “Journey to the Center of the Earth“ = not on the top of my list of movies to see. Wouldn’t even make the Netflix list.

But since this is a review of that same movie I so vehemently just bashed, I think I have some explaining to do. It’s simple really. It boils down to three things. Company. Money. And Awesomeness.

My mother and father in law are great! They love movies more than their own children, a sad, true and tested fact. Their standing record is 19 movies at the show in one month. That‘s “at the show“. Add in movies watched at home, and I am sure they’ve topped 40. They have more tapes and DVD’s than the average mom -n- pop corner video store. This makes them “cool” in my eyes. And the best company to see a movie with. We gossip before the show starts, review/make fun of the previews, and then they know when to shut up as the feature starts to roll.

What makes them great? They never, ever, let me pay for anything, even if I insist. It‘s not happening. Ken, that‘s the father in law, has actually stuffed money back into my purse. Movies are expensive. And I’m cheap. Free movie? Sure I’ll tag along. Plus, it was like ninety-five degrees and humid here in Chicago that day, and my cheap ass keeps the temperature at my house set to 78 or 80, so it was also like free air conditioning.

I was a little reluctant on the phone when Candy, the mother in law, first asked me to go. See first paragraph again for details. Then, she mentioned that the movie was in 3-D. That’s the third dimension. That meant that all those cheesy dinosaurs and explosions would be popping off the big screen, scaring the crap out of me!

I went into the movie expecting little and honestly thinking I would hate it. I’m glad I went in with such low expectations! Since I was already bashing it before it started, the movie had nowhere to go but up. So it had to be better than I thought it would be.

Sure, the acting did suck. But I expected nothing more from Mr. Fraser and a cast of no bodies. Yeah, it was completely predictable and cheesy. But it was also fun! 3-d is cool. And while some of the scenes were obviously done solely because the movie was going to be shown in 3-d. But so what. I spent a weekday afternoon in a pretty cool fictional paradise with a giant t-rex swatting at me and little birds fluttering all around me. I was out of the heat and with two people I love. They laughed out load, so I did too. They clapped as the credits started to role, and I wasn’t embarrassed. I put aside the fact that I thought I was too cool for this movie, and just let myself enjoy it for what it is. A just fine, summer-time popcorn flick.