Friday, August 21, 2009

Let's talk movies...

Seen a lot of movies this summer, here's how some of them stack up.

DVDs


17 Again
Surprisingly good. I had heard a lot of good things about this movie, so I picked it up on Blu-ray. It's very similar to Freaky Friday. Very well written, and surprisingly well acted. Blu-ray quality was wasted, felt like watching a DVD. I give it a B+.



Race to Witch Mountain
I love the originals that this movie was based on, so I was reluctant to check this one out. But I am a fan of Dwayne Johnson, so I rented this one. Totally surprised me. Great story, awesome pacing, good acting, fantastic special effects. Perfect for fans of the originals (1975's "Escape To Witch Mountain", 1978's "Return From Witch Mountain, & the 1995 remake "Escape To Witch Mountain"), or for fans of action packed fantasies like "Jumanji". I give it an A-.



Mad Men Season 2
I know it's not a movie, but if u are a fan of 60's culture and awesome TV dramas, then you have to check this out. Even more drama then Season 1. A-.


Now Playing


Julie & Julia
Beautiful movie. Here's what I liked, EVERYTHING Meryl Streep did as Julia Child. I def found the Julia Child storyline and acting a lot more interesting then the Julie Powell storyline and acting. This was not Amy Adam's strongest performance. She is a great actress, but weak in this film. I also didn't care for the ending. I understand that it is based on the true story, but EVERYONE in that theater wanted Julie and Julia to meet at the end. That possibility is not even adressed by the film, which is dissapointing. All I got out of the movie was a desire to see a Julia Child movie starring Meryll Streep. All in all, a solid B.



G.I. Joe
I saw a preview screening of this film in July. I don't know if the theatrical release has been changed substantially, but here is how I felt. This movie ROCKED. The perfect summertime escape film. It is a FUN film. It never let's up. Not once did I feel bored, the pace is perfect. The acting is awesome, save for an akward cameo by Brendan Frasier that just kinda sneaks up on you. If you take the movie too seriously you won't enjoy it. This movie is ideal for families, fans of the old toys and cartoons, and those who just want a window into another fun and exciting world. I mean, at the end of the day, the film is from Hasbro, a toy company. The ultimate goal is to appeal to toy buyers, not necessarily film aficionados. Perfect for those who liked "Iron Man" or the first "Transformers". I gave it an A.



District 9
If you haven't seen District 9 yet, stop reading this blog, and go to your local theater immediately! Neill Blomkamp is a freakin genius. This film is absolutely brilliant. This movie isn't your typical action alien fight fest. If you are expecting "Independence Day", you'll be surely dissapointed. This is a beautifully crafted story about humanity and racial tension, that just happens to involve aliens. It was by far, my favorite film of the year. Can NOT wait for District 10. I give this film an A++.
Go see it... NOW!

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