Gulliver's Travels

So what to say about this movie?  Typically Jack Black flick? Well, I really do enjoy some of his films, loved "School of Rock" and "Shallow Hal" just to name a couple.  But this was a bit much for me.  Did it provide me with some laughs? Yes of course, but it is such an unbelievable and ludicrous idea.  There is a scene where Gulliver (Black) has the tiny town folk recreate his beloved New York Times Square and build him a ridiculously fabulous house... and that is when the movie lost the steam that it had.


The premise behind the movie is the same, large man lands on island inhabited by small people.  However, in this version, Gulliver, the mail room guy, finds himself on the island of Liliput after lying to his crush at work, Darcy (Amanda Peet), that he wanted to be a travel writer just like her.  She convinces him to take this out of the box assignment in the Bermuda Triangle and he goes because he can't tell her the truth that he is smitten with her.  A boat trip later, he finds himself lost staring at a community of the tiniest humans he has ever seen.  Let the mayhem begin.  

I give it a 5 out of 10.

Next up is "Ghost Writer."

The Ides Of March

Here's the political blockbuster directed by and starring George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman; it also includes the acting skills of Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, and Jeffrey Wright.  My favorite line from the film is "You can lie, you can cheat, you can start a war, you can bankrupt the country, but you can't fuck the interns. They get you for that." How true, you lose the female vote in an instant.


The movie is about a presidential candidate in the midst of the democratic primaries, he is neck to neck with his opponent running for the democratic nomination as well.  Governor Mike Morris (Clooney) is dashing, idealistic and a visionary and the reason why Stephen Meyers (Gosling) is helping his boss Paul Zara (Hoffman) with the campaign.  He truly believes in his candidate.  They are in the midst of trying to win Ohio and you get a nice peek inside the ins and outs of what goes on in a campaign.  From prepping for debates to mingling with the interns. However, Stephen finds himself in quite a predicament that could potentially cool off his career and influence and leave him jobless.  Or does he have a way around the drama that is slowly closing in on Mike Morris' potential opportunity as President of the United States?


A truly intriguing drama and I really enjoyed it.  It is the closest that I would ever like to get involved in politics, for I am not a fan.

I give it an 8 out of 10.

Next up is "Gulliver's Travels."

Kung Fu Panda 2

Normally sequels never live up to their predecessor, but in this case, Kung Fu Panda 2 does indeed.  It is a wonderful movie, even if you have not seen the first film, you will follow along very easily.  The main character Po (voiced by Jack Black), Mr. Kung Fu Panda himself has become overwhelmed with the notion that Mr. Ping (a goose voiced by James Hong) is not is real father.  Once Mr. Ping confirms, the idea of who his real parents are consumes him and hinders his ability as the Dragon Warrior.  Just when a new threat Lord Shen (voiced by Gary Oldman) wants to take over all of China and destroy Kung Fu forever.


Will Po's past prevent him from rising to the occasion to defeat Lord Shen? With the Furious Five and other colorful characters, Po will put up a pretty good fight.  However, it is up to him in the end to truly conquer and show that good always wins over bad.  The voice cast is awesome and includes, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogan and many others.

I give it a 9 out of 10.

Next up is "The Ides of March."

Grimm Love

This movie stars Keri Russell as a young student pursuing her Masters Degree in Germany and the subject of her thesis is the cannibal Oliver Hartwin and his willing victim Simon Grombeck.  The brutal murder of Grombeck is based on the actual story of Armin Meiwes, a cannibal who via the Internet found a willing victim (Bernd Jurgen Brandes) to be "slaughtered and consumed."  I remember when this story first hit the news media and remember how I was ultimately disgusted and shocked.  However, it is not the reason that I chose this film to watch.  The initial description on cable is that it was a love story of some weird kind.  How Russell's character of Katie Armstrong falls in love with this cannibal.  Only when the movie begins and the reference is made to the true story behind the movie, did I realize that the description was a little "off."  I chose to watch the movie anyway.


It is a dark and horrific film.  Not grotesque by any means, you don't see any true gruesomeness until the end of the movie.  The darkness stems by the background into the main characters of Oliver Hartwin and Simon Grombeck.  Why did they become the way that they are.  How did Hartwin ultimately decide to eat human flesh and why did Grombeck decide he wanted to be his victim.  Their pasts are haunted by tormented childhoods and unfulfilled adulthood.  It is sad.  Even more depressing is the character of Katie Armstrong who is enchanted, obsessed and saddened by the topic that she chose for her thesis.  You watch her dive deeper into the darkness and hope that she comes out of the process a normal individual.


It is a bit heavy and after you watch it you should probably watch a comedy or the like.  You will definitely need a pick me up.  The final scenes of the movie are the most jarring, for it is the dinner date between the two men and if you know anything about the actual case, then you have a pretty good idea of what happens.

I give it a 5 out of 10.

Next up is "Kung Fu Panda 2"

Gosford Park

Here's a true and classic "whodunit" with an all star cast.  The list of British celebrities starring in the film is so extensive, that I will not list any of them and just discuss the film.  I have been meaning to watch this movie since it came out, it is one of those movies that I just kept trying to get to but just never watched.  It is a throwback to the classic Charlie Chan and Sherlock Holmes.  You have a very large suspect pool, all with a reason to kill the victim. Did the Butler do it? How about the mistress? And so on and so on.  


One joyful weekend in the English countryside, William McCordle and his wife Sylvia host a gathering of relatives and associates for a weekend of fine dining and hunting.  What is clever about the film is that you witness the interactions of the elite society, but also their staff.  All of the maids, butlers, housekeepers, cooks, etc.  You also see the interactions of the staff and their employers.  What amazed me most is that those of high society would easily talk openly in front of the help because they considered them a fixture of the house just like a table or a chair.  That the staff couldn't understand the workings of high society.  But the staff would easily gossip among themselves about the latest news of their employers.


Anyhow, Mr. McCordle finds himself dead and the house is in an uproar.  Who did it?  There are several persons of interest that could easily have committed the murder, and it was apparent that he was murdered twice... poisoning and stabbing (how classic!). I will not give it away, but the guilty party is definitely a surprise.


It is an outstanding movie and if you have an opportunity to watch it, I would suggest that you do.  Pour yourself some tea and have a little cake.  Enjoy the crass humor and try to solve the case.

I give it an 8 out of 10.

Next up is "Grimm Love."

The Black Dahlia

This movie is a tribute to film noir and the classic "whodunit?" genre.  Brian DePalma's dramatization based on the actual murder of Elizabeth Short (known as The Black Dahlia) in the 1940's, stars Josh Hartnett as Dwight "Bucky" Bleichert, Aaron Eckhart as Lee Blanchard, Scarlett Johansson as Kay Lake and Hilary Swank as Madeliene Linscott.  There's also the portrayal of murdered Elizabeth Short by Mia Kirshner.  The film begins with the partnering up of Bucky and Lee and the friendship that develops which includes Lee's girlfriend Kay.  Things begin to change with the trio when Lee hears of the release of a criminal who had violated Kay, Lee becomes beside himself trying to figure out a way to make the situation smooth over and calm Kay down.  In the midst of an officer involved shooting, another murder, a more vicious and heinous crime is right in the backyard of the current crime scene.


Here is where DePalma interjects true history into his film.  A mutilated body of a young woman is discovered, severed in half, hacked and sliced.  The woman is eventually discovered to be Elizabeth Short.  Lee becomes obsessed with the case and trying to solve the crime.  He is disturbed by the image of the young lady and the information that the police uncovers about her past.  It is a sad story of a woman discounted by society and  slowly taken advantage of because of her beauty.  She wants to be a starlet, but is turned to the gutter.  Lee's obsession with the case causes conflict in both his relationships with Kay and Bucky.


Bucky slowly unveils a series of twists and turns surrounding this crime that begins to drag him down into a world that he never expected to discover.  He learns things about those closest to him that sends shockwaves.


It is an excellent movie, the only issue that I had with it was that it dragged a little to me and that all of the twists are dumped on you towards the end of the film.  There is no development of these subplots, they just leave you hanging.

I give it a 7 out of 10.

Next up is "Gosford Park."

Catch .44

Never heard anything about this movie, but was interested in watching it based upon the cast.  The premise behind the film is a trio of girls who run jobs, illegal jobs mostly drugs, for a guy named Mel (Bruce Willis).  On their previous job, they made some mistakes but want to prove their worthiness to Mel.  The leader of the trio is Tes (Malin Akerman) and she sincerely believes that their current assignment is a step up, a test to show that they can handle bigger jobs.  The other two girls Dawn (Deborah Ann Woll) and Kara (Nikki Reed) are not as convinced, particularly Kara.


Throw in a couple of misfits, Ronny (Forest Whitaker) and Billy (Shea Whigam), you have yourself an interesting scenario.  There are some slight twists and some obvious turns which helps to explain why it went straight to DVD.  However, it was somewhat entertaining.  If you get a chance to watch it, you might enjoy it, you might not.  It is really that simple. 

I give it a 5 out of 10.

Next up is Brian de Palma's "The Black Dahlia."

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two

I am sad to see the Harry Potter era end, but the final chapter in the movie series closed magnificently.  I will not spoil the ending for those who have yet to see the movie, but this is definitely one series of movies that truly lived up to the books.  I have not had the chance to read all of them, but my daughter loved them.


Briefly, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) will finally come face to face with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and battle to the death to ensure that good does ultimately win over evil.  Aided by his two best friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Potter seeks to find the last of the Horcruxes to make Voldemort a mortal and have an advantage in killing him.  You learn a few surprises about significant characters including Harry himself.  However, I will remain mute and not share any more of the plot and story line.  I hope that if you enjoyed the series that you get to experience this final chapter.


I will say that I truly enjoyed it.  The acting, action, special effects were all phenomenal and a true testament to the strong characters and world created by J.K. Rowling.

I give it a 9 out of 10.

Next up is "Catch .44"

One Day

So first things first... this movie is called "One Day" not "Some Day" as I mentioned in my previous blog.  Maybe that was a sign about how I'd eventually feel after watching the movie? Hmmmm that is an interesting thought.


Here's a British film (yes Anne Hathaway is playing another Brit) starring Jim Sturgess as Dexter (Dex) and Hathaway playing Emma (Em).  They first encounter one another graduation day on July 15th and become friends.  The movie shows the two either together or not every year on July 15th during evolving phases in their lives.  Emma is a passionate would be writer whose career uneventfully begins waitressing tables at a London Mexican restaurant.  Dexter has a bit more success, landing in the lucrative career of television.  Emma is the reserved one, while Dexter is the wild child and their lives go in different directions, up and down, back and forth.  The one thing that remains true is their friendship and the love that they have for one another.  Although it is quite obvious that Emma has a deeper love for her dear Dexter and he is very attracted to her, they do not connect.  And year after year, you begin to wonder will they or won't they?


It is a true sappy movie and there was truly only one scene that literally took my breath away.  I am not in love with this film and there are parts that drag on and on.  I found myself wishing I could fast forward July 15th to the present.  Despite my sentiments on the film, you should watch it yourself before you pass judgement.  You might be the sappy, dramatic and drawn out movie type.  It was not horrible, but nothing I will repeat.

I give it a 4 out of 10.

Next up is "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two."

The Change Up

Meet Dave Lockwood and his best friend Mitch Planko.... two childhood buddies that find themselves wondering if the grass is truly greener.  Dave (Jason Bateman) is a hardworking lawyer who's about to make partner, a loving husband and devoted and hands on dad of three.  His life seems idyllic on the outside but on the inside he just wants a day off from being him.  He is constantly under pressure from work and the struggles of a trying to have a perfect family life.  Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) is your typical non-working actor.  Taking on small bit roles to get by and mixing it up with the ladies.  Very focused on only himself, rather selfishly, Mitch wonders what stability in his life would be like.


By a fluke and in tradition with "Freaky Friday," they have a major shift, each waking up in each other's body.  Truly hilarious to see how they handle each other's livelihood.  This movie is full of laughs, so get ready.

I give it a 7 out of 10.

Next up is "Some Day."

Source Code

Here's a movie that has action, mystery, time travel and science fiction rolled into one movie.  Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, and Vera Farmiga, the film kicks into high gear right at the beginning.  The scenario is this, a commuter train heading towards the city of Chicago blows up and kills everyone on board.  As devastating as this tragedy is, it is a planned distraction to allow the bomber to launch his larger dirty bomb in the heart of downtown Chicago.  What if you had the opportunity to figure out who the bomber is and to prevent anything from happening?  This is where the U.S. government comes in, meet U.S. Army helicopter pilot Colter Stevens, whose last true memory was an accident in Afghanistan.  His job is to figure out who this terrorist is and to stop it.  However, he only has eight minutes to do it.  Through time travel he is able to sit in the commuter train in another person's body to assess the situation and report his findings.


Will he be able to complete the mission? What else does he learn about his current situation? The movie is full of small twists and turns and the common question of can we change the future?  Michelle Monaghan plays train rider Christina Warren who guides him while his is actively in his mission and Vera Farmiga is Colleen Goodwin, who guides him while his is in real time, in the real world.


A very interesting movie.

I give it a 7 out of 10.

Next up is "The Change Up."

Larry Crowne

I have seen Tom Hanks grow as an actor and because of this I have been a true fan of his films.  From "Bachelor Party" to "Forrest Gump" and tons of movies in between.  So when I saw this film pop up as an option, I knew it would be one that I'd watch.  It is a happy, cheeky, fun movie and one to watch when you get the opportunity to sit down and watch it.  Do you race home to catch it? Not quite, but I don't think that it is that disappointing.


It is a story of a recently fired middle age man, Larry Crowne.  Which Hanks plays the title character.  Learning that he was let go because of his lack of higher education, the first step he takes in improving his odds is to enroll in his local community college.  It is here that he makes new connections and slowly begins to find himself all over again.  The movie includes Julia Roberts as his Speech Communications instructor Mercedes Tainot, Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, Pam Grier, and Wilmer Valderrama.  It is a movie that let's you know that when you do hit bottom that you can always climb back to the top even better than before.

I give it a 6 out 10.

Next up is "Source Code."

Moneyball

Never been too big of a sports movie fan, but I know there are iconic movies in this particular genre.  I know this because my husband, the avid ESPN watcher, comes across this show every once in a while, when they highlight the best of the best.  You have "Hoosiers," "Remember the Titans," and let us not forget "Field of Dreams."  I actually enjoyed that movie, but my favorite sports movie is probably a cross between "The Natural" and more recently, "For Love of the Game." I think because there is a love story thrown in there some how.


"Moneyball" differs from a lot of sports movies because it is not focused on a player or a team, but rather the business behind the scenes.  The designing of a truly iconic team, player by player.  The film stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the General Manager of the Oakland A's as they try to rebuild after losing three star players.  It shows the lengths of what he goes through to achieve the goal of winning the last game of the season.  It is a good movie, for sports fans it is probably a great movie.


I do recommend the film, simply because the acting is outstanding.  Jonah Hill, in his break out role highlighting his true range as an actor, playing the character of the nerdy Yale educated Peter Brand (the Oscar nod was deserved) and Phillip Seymour Hoffman's portrayal of Manager Art Howe is stellar.  So grab some popcorn and enjoy the show.

I give it an 8 out of 10.

Next up is "Larry Crowne."

The Kids Are All Right

Here we have a poignant drama about a "modern" family in today's society.  The story folds around two teens Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and her brother Laser (Josh Hutcherson) as they reach out to their birth father, unbeknownst to their lesbian mothers Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore).  Their father is an organic farmer who owns his own restaurant and his gigolo ways. Paul (Mark Ruffalo) never anticipated that when he made his donation, that it would have ever been put to use.  However, once the sperm bank reaches out to him to see if he is interested in meeting his daughter, his is truly excited.  
He quickly bonds with the kids, he teaches them something new and vice versa.  Even Jules is quite receptive to Paul.  Unfortunately, Nic is the hardest to win over.


What you learn in this film, is that although many family structures may be different, but the family dynamic is the same.  There are ups and downs, highs and lows and it is how you handle these situations that truly define you.  It is a pretty good movie and enjoyed watching it.  I would definitely recommend anyone to watch because the acting is superb.

I give it a 9 out of 10.

Next up is "Moneyball."