Bad Teacher

Bad Teacher.... hmmm.  Didn't know quite what to expect watching this movie, I understood it was a comedy with a little dark humor.  The basic premise for the movie is a young woman named Elizabeth Halsey (Cameron Diaz) who is trying to land a big fish for a husband.  She feels the only way to catch one is to get some major bait, namely bigger boobs.  She is on a mission to get the money by any means necessary, no moral fiber needed.  It is the only thing she cares about, and the last thing she cares about is her class and teaching them anything.  The stakes become higher after meeting new substitute teacher Scott Delacorte played by Justin Timberlake.  He's an heir to a fortune that Diaz's character would love to sink her teeth into.  The problem being is that she has a frenemy in the character Ms. Squirrel who teaches in the room across the hall.  She is the total opposite of Elizabeth Halsey, the overly dedicated and extra committed to a fault.

There are some laughable moments and you do see Diaz's character change, but it is not enough to save the movie by far.  I won't be watching it again, anytime soon.  Just didn't feel the movie, there was no natural humor at all and everything was such a stretch.

I give it a 4 out of 10

Next up is "Love and Other Drugs"

The King's Speech

I was pretty sure that I would enjoy this movie, I am a big fan of period pieces and I really admire Geoffrey Rush as an actor. I have yet to be disappointed with any of his work.  The only hesitation that I initially had was that Colin Firth had won the Oscar when I had really hoped that Leonardo DiCaprio would take it home (it seems he can never win).  I will honestly admit that Colin Firth did earn the Oscar.  His performance was sincere, earnest and genuine.  You found yourself either identifying with him or having empathy for him.  You wanted to see him succeed and develop the confidence that everyone who was close to him, already knew that he possessed.  I found myself identifying with him, because I believe most of us have an obstacle that we have to overcome and find the strength within ourselves to conquer what ever the issue may be that is holding us back from truly being the individual that we were destined to be.  I have enjoyed Colin Firth as an actor in previous movies, but here he truly shines.  Well done.

The story is also about a friendship, an uncanny and surprising friendship between two individuals who come from opposite positions in life.  And after watching the movie you learn that the two maintained a close relationship with one another until death.  The friendship that develops between the two leads "Bertie" King George VI (Colin Firth) and Lionel (Geoffrey Rush) is very reflective of what it means to be a friend, particularly when one is in need. Your friend is there to support you, to encourage you and the help you whenever needed.  Although, Firth's character is essentially in great need, he doesn't hesitate to help out Rush's character in a brief moment of weakness and humility.  They truly benefited from one another.

A fine performance and an outstanding cast, there are several sublime performances by Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth, Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill and Guy Pearce as King Edward VIII.  If you haven't watched, take some time out and enjoy!

I give it a 9 out of 10.

Next up is "Bad Teacher."



What You Can Expect

This is a blog about my love of movies, some old and some new, mostly those that are just released on cable/satellite networks.  I am a mom, a mom who before motherhood had the opportunity to go to the movies once or twice a week depending on what came out, but a mom who has a tight schedule and doesn't have the luxury of visiting the movie theaters like before.  But I am a fan of all movies, so you will see me talk about horror, love stories, action/adventure, classics, musicals, black and whites, indie and the list goes on.  It is something about a movie that allows you to dive in and get lost for a couple of hours. Please feel free to let me know what you think about any of the movies I have discussed or suggest one for me to look at. Thanks for reading!

Sanctum

Today is my first entry on my new blog!  So here goes....

Sanctum is a adventure movie that takes place in the hollows of a very large cave.  The cast is relatively small, consisting of the wealthy entrepreneur (who is financing the exploration of the unknown cave), his girlfriend, the dynamic cave expert and his staff, and the expert's son, who is stuck with his dad for a couple of months.  There are a couple of extras including the typical "stick with the leader through thick and thin" because he really is a good guy. 

A storm is coming and communication topside has gone haywire because this giant storm has arrived ahead of schedule.  The only way out has flooded, so it is up to the fearless expert, the man with the most experience to guide his group out of danger and harms way, because ultimately the cave will flood.  

Will they survive the cave, or more importantly will they survive each other? There are numerous challenges that lay before the group as they try to make their way through the vast tunnels and swim mini lagoons.  The one relationship that is truly tested is that of the father and son, and it is the one relationship the defines the movie.

The true star of the movie is the scenery, and you can thank James Cameron for financing that, it was filmed in Australia and it is very beautiful.  I do recommend the movie, especially if you are a fan of survival/action genre.

I give it a 7 out of 10.

Next up is "The King's Speech."