2012: Week 17: The Cabin in the Woods

The Cabin In The Woods

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Main Players: Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford

General Gist: Five friends go on a weekend vacation to an isolated cabin in the woods.  They find some old hidden treasures in the cellar of the cabin and awaken a family of zombies. They then must attempt to escape to safety.

Deb's Take:
Well, as you may or may not notice, Tiff and I seldom go to horror/thriller movies.  Off the top of my head I can't think of one we have reviewed in the last year and a half.  We are big weenies when it comes to horror! We are the people sitting all couched down in their seats.   I have my shirt up over my mouth (for some reason that protects me...) and my eyes are squinted to the point of barely even being able to see the screen.  When I think of it though, it's not really the slasher type movies that freak me out. I hate the scenes that make you jump, but really it's more that I just don't enjoy that type of movie.  The movies that really freak me out are the ones with ghosts and spirits and such.  I watched "Poltergeist" as a kid and have never been the same!

So...we wanted to see "October Baby", but when we got there the projector was broke, (I need to interject here that planning a weekly movie is not always the easiest thing for us with our families and jobs and timing is an issue.  We had this one perfectly timed with pick-up times for the kids, dad's getting home at a certain time and babysitters...so we were bummed) the bright side was that since the projector was broke they told us we could go to any other movie for free. 

Anyway, about the movie.  I had no idea what this movie was about, simply because I never go to them so never even look at their story lines.  This movie was VERY different then I expected.  I really don't want to give the details away because it was so unique as a horror film.  There was sort of a sci-fi twist that I wasn't expecting.  All the typical scenes were in the movie, the stupid..."I am going out in the woods in the middle of night by myself" and "Let's split up so we have to fight alone".  But really this horror movie was actually made for those people who don't really like horror movies.  I jumped a few times, but really, I wasn't scared because of the way they played it all out.  The movie wasn't intended to be that kind of horror.  The actors were good, for all the necessary acting that is needed in a horror movie.  They all fit their parts well, and weren't too corny.

Deb's Rate:  Matinee( I say this mostly because I think the movie theatre environment would be better than your home, unless you have a cool home theatre room!)

Tiff's Take:
Well, an interesting turn of events and we end up at this movie and we survived to tell about it.  You know, I use to love watching scary movies.  In highschool and college I really enjoyed it.  These days, not so much.  I'm becoming more of a wimp in my old age.

I really didn't know exactly what this movie was about but it wasn't what I expected.  Don't get me wrong.  It was gory and made me jump and all that jazz but it had a little twist that was unique, at least I'm guessing, to horror films.  Actually, I thought it was pretty interesting.  It gave the movie a little more dimension.  That being said, I'm not sure it made the movie exceptional but it did take it to another level.

Nothing really to add about the actors.  Dido to what Deb said.  Funny fact though.  Anna Hutchison who plays the "slutty" girl looked so familiar to me as I was watching the movie but I could not put my finger on where I'd seen her before.  Turns out she was the yellow power ranger in Power Ranger Jungle Fury.  Thanks to our son, my husband and I know that series all to well.  It's left me scarred seeing a power ranger take her shirt off.      

Tiff's Rate: Rent it.  Unless you're really into horror movies then it's worth a Matinee.

Preview: It seems to be about time for another giveaway. 

2012: Week 16: Think Like a Man

Think Like a Man

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Main Players: Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Jenkins, Romany Malco, Gabrielle Union, Steve Harvey

General Gist: 4 women use a new book "Act like a lady, Think like a man" to catch the men of their dreams, while 4 men try to manipulate their actions to "beat" the game and avoid letting the women manipulate them.


Tiff's Take:
I'll start off by saying this wasn't a movie I was exactly excited to see.  The pickins are a little slim right now so this one was our best bet.  Although I wouldn't say this movie was a huge success I will say I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.

I enjoyed the general concept of four different couples with different personalities and how they try to work things out.  It's like taking one of those tests that tells you whether you're a dog, otter, lion or horse.  (I totally made up the animals. :) I don't think those are right but you've probably heard of similar tests.)  I enjoy taking those kinds of tests and this movie reminded me of something like that.  Weird connection I know.  It sounded better in my head.

I did think it was pretty funny too.  Again, not exceptional but I laughed and enjoyed it.  The punch lines seemed a little off at times and I felt like I missed some jokes.  Still trying to figure out why that was.  I hadn't heard of a lot of the actors but they worked well with each other.  The chemistry between them all was decent.  So, my expectations were pretty low but it ended up being decent.     

Tiff's Rate: Matinee

Deb's Take:
We got to go see a movie with mom this week, although I was disappointed in our choices, not much out on the homefront right now.  I, unlike Tiff, was expecting a little more from this movie.  Seemed like it should hit the spot for my ultra relationship personality.  There were a lot of relationship moments, romantic "AH HA's  in the movie, and people were laughing (unfortunately not me really). I don't know what it was about this movie, but I just wasn't into it.  Maybe my humor button was on low, or maybe I didn't get all the jokes.  I will say, it was a little predictable, but generally when it comes to romantic comedies,  I like predictable.  I just wasn't on my movie night game, I think.  I have tried to figure out what the problem was, but the movie really had most of what I love about movies.  The actors were good, there was romance, comedy, a few twists...yet, it just fell short of enjoyable to me. 

Deb's Rate:  Rent it

Preview: Let's hope we can find Something...ANYTHING.....Please?

2012: Week 15: The Lucky One

The Lucky One

Genre: Romance, Drama

Main Players: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, Blythe Danner, Riley Thomas Stewart, Jay R. Ferguson

General Gist: A soldier finds a picture of a woman in the mist of war and uses it as his good luck charm. He goes in search of her after he's out. Based on a Nicholas Sparks book.

Tiff's Take:
We got to see this movie a little early at a prescreening. Always fun. Have I ever mentioned that the audience at a screening is a tad more enthusiastic then the "normal" movie goers? They are definite clappers too. I use to think this was annoying but I've grown to enjoy it. Deb and I, on the other hand, are not clappers. We are observers. We love watching all the crazies out there. And I mean crazies is the best possible way.

On to the movie. This was your classic chick flick. No comedy to appease the men. Just plain and simple heartbreaking romance. And oh boy did it have some eye candy. Oohwe, Zac Efron is certainly something to see. (As a side note, I'd like to point out that he is only about 8 years younger than me. It's not super creepy for me to say how hot he is right?) He definitely played the part well. I thought he had great chemistry with Taylor Schilling's character too. It was a very serious, passionate kind of chemistry if you know what I mean. Not a fun, playful chemistry. I would say that is about how the feel of the movie was too. No fun and games. Just a lot of feelings. It worked for me but I'm not sure it would work for everyone. Probably a little too much for those less emotional folks out there. But if a good romance is what you're looking for this is your movie.

Tiff's Rate: Friday Night (but if you're taking your male other half, you'll probably owe him one)

Deb's Take:
This movie was a Nicholas Sparks book, his books usually end sad. I didn't read this book, so I am curious if the book follows the movie well. I may have to read it to find out.

Anyway..to my review. Another pre-screening, I really do like them, makes you feel like you get a little surprise before anyone else. This movie was a typical Nicholas Sparks story. He sort of does the star crossed lover type movie, so a true given that I would enjoy it! I don't want to ruin it for anyone who is planning on going this week so I will just sum it up. Zac Efron is a hotty, and shows a lot of good chest in this movie. I know...I am 41, he is 25. I am more than happily married, but as my husband says...the body is like a piece of art and should be appreciated....so I did! If I was his mom I would have had to have him at 16. Just sayin....

The "love" scenes were a little more PG 16ish to me. Actually, I was thinking about it, and decided I almost thought they were more 17 or 18 ish. Then I thought, maybe I really am getting too old. I just couldn't imagine my child as a 13 year old watching the love scenes. There was no breasts, frontal and only partial back end..but still...pushed the limits for a 13 year old. (I always feel I have to throw in my opinion for all those mothers out there) Really...It was a great love story. As Tiff mentioned, it was a deep, intense, love story. Serious in nature and passionate. I think Zac Efron and Taylor Shilling were great together. I also have to put a shout out for Blythe Danner, I liked her as well! Maybe I will read the book and see what I think after that!

Deb's Rate: Friday night.


Preview: Hmmm...maybe October Baby? I can bet we will not be going to The Three Stooges though.

2012: Week 14: Titanic

Titanic re-released in 3D

Genre: Drama, Historical Fiction

Main Players: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Bill Paxton, Gloria Stuart

General Gist: Do I really have to explain? I think not.

Tiff's Take:
It's probably not a shock to hear that we went to see the re-release of Titanic in 3D last week. I was really excited to see it again. And by again, I mean the 10th time in a theater. You heard me right. I saw this marathon of a movie 9 times in the theater when it originally came out in 1997. What can I say? I was an impressionable, college teenager who loved a good tragic story. Apparently a slightly more cynical, 30 something mother of two can enjoy a good tragic story just as well. At least this one can.

I don't think I need to go into the movie itself and the actors and how wonderful everything was. Either you've seen it or you haven't. And if you haven't you probably won't go this time around. If you have seen it and wondering if you should see it this time around I would say go for it. (Oh, and if you were too young to see it the first time, then definitely go this time. It would be interesting to hear what a younger generation thinks.) I was curious if I would feel the same awestruck, tragic sadness I felt first time around. Let me tell ya, I was surprised by how much I did. I had forgotten how much I really love this movie. I mean really love it. I will say though that the 3D aspect of it didn't really do a whole lot for me. It was just as good without it.

Tiff's Rate: First time around definitely an Opening Dayer. This time around still worth a Friday Night rating.

Deb's Take: As you know from my list of favorite movies, this movie was one, and I have to say I am pretty sure it is actually my number 1 movie of all time. Unlike Tiff, however, I didn't see it 9 times in the movie theatre, actually, I own this movie, and have watched it through once in the theatre, and several bits and pieces at home. So..this was only my second full viewing.

What can I say about this movie to give it justice? The actors were perfect. The chemistry between Kate and Leonardo was amazing. The sound track is captivating. If you haven't seen this movie, you really missed out on something special. My 8 year old is enthralled with it. She is a hopeless romantic just like me, and the first time she saw it she had so many questions and was so interested in the details of the Titanic. I do have to remind her the actors aren't real. It probably isn't the best movie for an 8 year old, but she is in love with it now. We went to an exhibit about the Titanic because of this movie. The story is so heart wrenching yet so interesting. We knew we couldn't go wrong with this movie. I still cry when I see it....

Deb's Rate: Opening day, then of course, that would have been 15 years ago.

Preview: Not sure yet! But mom comes in town this weekend!! YEAH

Top Five of All Time (at least so far)

For this week's movie we went and saw one of our (yes both of our) favorites. We'll be reviewing it next. You can probably guess what it was.

This got both of us thinking about our favorite movies of all time. We figured, might as well make a list right?

Tiff's Top 5
My list is definitely not in any particular order. That would be way to difficult. Picking a top 5 is hard enough as it is. I mean, of all the movies of my lifetime, how am I suppose to narrow it down to a few? Well, I tried to think of ones that over time have always stuck with me. Of course, this is subjective and probably hugely flawed (and could change on any given day) but here goes.

• Titanic - Because I may or may not have just watched it recently and realized, again, how much I love this movie. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
• The Harry Potter Series - I realize this is more than one movie but hey, it's my list. I also realize that I love these movies mainly because of the books but they are just so magical and I own them all. On any given day I might pop one in just because. It was a sad day walking out of the theater for the last movie knowing there would be no more. *sigh*
• Romeo + Juliet - The '96 version with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. I don't know what it was about this movie but I was obsessed with it. I loved the music, the acting, the funkiness of it and the modern day take.
• Slumdog Millionaire - This was the kind of movie that was hard to watch but hard not to watch. I couldn't get it out of my mind. It haunts you.
• Chocolat - I loved Johnny Depp in this movie. Well, I actually loved all the actors in this movie. And it was funny and romantic and European. Who could ask for more?

Deb's Top 5
This list took me a little longer to compile than I expected. I was over analyzing the whole process a little. Something I do frequently,..Over analyze. Well, after some thought and discussion I came up with my list. I need to explain how, and why my list is as stated. I am an emotional movie watcher. As Tiff and I "review" our movies I often take a little step back from my emotions and try to really look at the actors, the music, the writing ect. For this list, I didn't do any of that, this list is my favorite movies of all time, based on pure emotion. I have a hard time remembering movies that I have seen, I always make people start telling me the storyline in order to remember, the title alone is not enough. However, with my top five favorite, you are getting my pure AWWWWW of movies. They just made me feel good, I could watch them over and over again, they hit me in the heart! Sometimes they may have been situational, where I was in my life, but all around, just my favorites. So here they are...(in no particular order) and a glimpse at how very different we two sisters really are....

• Titanic- The first time I saw this movie I cried so hard I was doing the little kid, shutter cry. You know the one, where your breath comes in little spastic shutters and you can't control the little breath noises and you have a hard time catching my breath. This movie was the most romantic, heart wrenching movie I had ever seen. I was mesmerized from the beginning and think it took 2-3 weeks for me to get over the heartbreak. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I may have more to say about it in a later post so won't say anything else right now.
• The Sound of Music- I loved the singing, I loved the views, I loved the children, I loved the fact that he was in love with one woman but fell in love with another. (That is awful, but those movies seem to get me the most...huh..)I have watched this movie over and over again, it is from my childhood. I wanted to be Julie Andrews on that mountain top. I actually even did "The Sound of Music" tour when I was in Austria. Yes, these are a few of my favorite things.
• Some Kind of Wonderful-My first movie of "DUDE...YOU ARE WITH THE WRONG GIRL!!!" feeling. He was soooo with the wrong girl, yet didn't see it. The story of my high school career..life...drama...I haven't watched this movie in years, I am sure it is cheesy and has bad acting from the 80's, but I will never forget it! I ended up marrying my "Some kind of Wonderful" He finally figured out "DUDE..I AM WITH THE WRONG GIRL!!!" :)
• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory/Wizard of Oz- From the time I was like 5 these two movies came on once a year in Montana. Each time they came on all of my cousins and I would go to my Great Grandma Cora's house (it was always on a Sunday) and squish into a green rocking chair (ok about 3 or 4 of us, not all 21 or so of us, which amazingly enough I fit into only by myself now..I swear that chair was bigger) and watch these amazing movie. I wanted to go into that factory my whole life. I am not even a chocolate fan! (Tiff and I did find a common ground in a chocolate movie though) Yes, this movie was a golden ticket in my life. The Wizard of Oz was just cool...so magical. I had to lump these two movies together because they are just classics for me. Again, more situational then a good movie.
• Vacation- You know, the Chevy Chase movie with the dysfunctional family. YEP that is the one. I love that movie, it makes me laugh and always has. Maybe its a testament to my family and all our dysfunction when we tried to vacation to Yellowstone Park when I was a kid. Who knows..I just know, It's a favorite.

All time favorite movie

So...I want to know what your all time favorite movie is...why? Because in a couple days I am going to review..or shall I say, rave, about my most favoritest movie in the world. I want to hear what yours is though. Throw some out there folks. Maybe I missed one in my thinking of the past movies in my life. I will start by saying, I thought mine might be "Legends of the Fall." I was wrong, that wasn't it. So then I remembered "Dancing with Wolves", but nope, that wasn't it either. I started a list..but need to think a little more. Any ideas? Let me hear them, and then I will talk Tiff into doing the same.

The Host Giveaway Winner

Thanks for those who entered my impromtu giveaway for the book The Host.  I enjoy feeding other people's reading habits!

So the winner is...

A. Faith Golden

Congrats!  Thanks for reading our blog and I hope you enjoy the book.

Please email me at rtjenki@sbcglobal.net with your address and I'll get this out to you right away!

2012: Week 13: Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror

Genre: Adventure, Comedy

Main Players: Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane

General Gist: A new take on the Snow White classic with a little more focus on the evil queen.

Tiff's Take:
It's sort of strange that there are two variations of Snow White coming out this year, isn't it? You wonder why that happens. All the sudden there's this interest in it again. (And not to mention the new TV show Once Upon A Time. Who's watching that? I love it!) Both movies look very different. The other one, with Kristen Stewart, looks much more serious and dramaesque. This one more light hearted and fun.

I would say that's exactly what it ended up being too. This movie reminded me of one of the classic Disney princess cartoons but without it being a cartoon. Does that make sense? It was fun and wholesome and I can easily see why it was rated PG. It was very much a happy ending love story without a whole lot of depth. But that's fine because I think it was meant for a younger audience. I think adults will enjoy this but probably not as much as the pre-teens.

As far as the acting, Julia Roberts was excellent as the evil queen. You don't often get to see her in a role like that. Lily Collins was also good as the sweet, innocent princess. And I couldn't put my finger on where I'd seen the prince, played by Armie Hammer, before until I just looked it up. He was the "other guy" in J. Edgar. Very different role but well done.

Tiff's Rate: Matinee (Unless you're an 8-12 year old girl. Then maybe Friday Night worthy.)

Deb's Take:
Well, considering I am a romantic at heart, I suppose a movie with a princess, prince and evil queen is always spot on. I have to say, I knew this movie was geared towards a PG audience and went in with that view. Not to much depth so a younger audience could enjoy it. I really loved it. Like Tiff, I felt Julia Roberts did an excellent job. She was really amazing in this role. I think the costumes were amazing. The adaptations to make the movie modern were clever and unique. I was impressed with the twist on the 7 dwarves and the mirror. I can't say there wasn't a character I didn't like, and completely enjoyed. This is a great family movie. I took my 8 year old daughter (who is above a hopeless romantic) and she thought it was great too.

Deb's Rate: Good Friday night Family movie.

Preview: The winner of our giveaway coming up!