2014: Week 30: Lucy

Lucy

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi

Main Players:  Scarlett Johansson,  Morgan Freeman, Min-Sik Choi

General Gist: A woman is kidnapped and by happenstance, ends up injected with a drug that allows her brain to function at a higher percentage than imaginable.

Deb's Take:
I loved the concept of this movie.  That fact that we as humans use only up to 7-10% of our cerebral cortex is really quite unfathomable.  Also, the fact that we haven't learned, evolved, captured...the ability to use more of our brain is mind boggling.  This movie idea had so much potential.  Predicting what would happen if humans had the capability to tap into a higher brain potential is intriguing.  This movie did lay a different idea out there.  I got the concept, and was interested in the theory, I just feel like the movie wasn't great at it's presentation of the idea.  Hollywood kind of got in the way of this one for me.  The movie played a good spin on brain power, but I wish the action, gun fighting, drug dealers wasn't part of the movie.  I think Scarlett Johansson did well.  I liked her character, and I feel like she captured the personality that the story was setting.  I just didn't feel like the movie tied everything together well.  Morgan Freeman's role could have been much more played out, and I also feel like the movie sort of balked the ending.  Here's a nice little present with a bow...we are done here.  I just wasn't impressed, but I really wanted to be, so rent it...it will give you something to speculate.

Deb's Rate: Rent It

Tiff's Take:
Yeah, I agree.  This movie had a lot of potential.  The concept could have turned into a great movie, like Inception, that really made you think about, well, thinking.  But it really fell short.  One issue with this kind of movie is that if it's not done right it can be really confusion and hard to wrap your, apparently, underutilized brain around.  This one had a little bit of that going on.  And it got a little too philosophical for my liking.  And not because I don't like philosophical but because it didn't fit well with the rest of the movie.  

The acting was okay for me.  I usually really like Scarlett Johansson and I think she did great with what she was supposed to portray but I guess I just didn't really like her character.  It was sort of uninteresting.  The French policeman was sort of a weird addition and Morgan Freeman was boring for me as well.  

What could have been a lot better movie was just sort of blah. 

Tiff's Rate: Rent It

Preview: Guardians of the Galaxy

2014: Week 15: Non-Stop

Non-Stop

Genre: Action

Main Players: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Michelle Dockery, Lupita Nyong'o

General Gist: A flight is hijacked by an unknown passenger by texting an air marshall demanding $150 million be sent to their account.

Tiff's Take: 
This was just sort of your classic, action movie.  I felt like I was decently tensed up the whole time but there wasn't anything that left an impression on me.  Liam Neeson just hasn't been super convincing to me in these action roles he's had lately.  He seems a little old for what he's doing and not overly impressive.  Or maybe it's that the movies are overly impressive and he's not adding a lot of value.  The other actors were okay too but I think the movie was just a bit average to think anyone was exceptional.  I don't know.  This was okay.  Not bad, not great.  Not an action movie I would ever need to see again but didn't hate it.

Tiff's Rate: Matinee


Deb's Take:  
I'm noticing that Liam Neeson seems to be doing the same kind of movies lately.  The action, save the day, race against time kind of movie.    His roles are becoming pretty predictable.  Then of course, lots of action movies are pretty predictable in general.  That makes me wonder what makes this movie better or worse than any other.  Well, it was better in that even though the whole movie pretty much took place on a plane, there was still enough scene changes to keep my interest.  It was better because I didn't figure out who the bad guy was until revealed( something  I usually figure out quickly) and the actors were decent.  The movie was worse in that there was a predictability about it that made it less exciting, also,  there's only so much that can happen on a plane.  I still can say it was better than some but not exceptional.  Kind of a no brainer, but better on the big screen I'm sure!

Deb's Rate: Matinee

Preview:  Heaven is for Real review.  Have you seen it?

2014: Bonus Review: Noah

Noah

Genre: Action, Drama, Adventure

Main Players: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, Douglas Booth

General Gist:  The title is pretty self explanatory.  However, this "based" not an actual replication.

Deb's Take:   This movie was quite a different experience than I expected.  Obviously, there is a book that the story is based on...I haven't read the book,  but I have heard the story over and over again in my life.  I think there was controversy over how this story was told.  Here is my take.  Noah is a bible story, we all have the basic idea and beliefs of what happened.  Hollywood decided to tell the story with a different spin.  That is what movies do, tell stories in a new way.  I don't think anyone said the movie was a "true recollection of specific actions".  I went into the movie really having no idea what I would truly see.

The movie was done in a Sci-Fi sort of way.  Some crazy creatures were formed, some pretty evil people were portrayed, and it was all done with Hollywood flare.  I was actually quite impressed with the casting, some pretty big names.  I also thought the acting was good.  I found some enjoyment  seeing this story told with a new spin.  I didn't feel the movie was being disrespectful to Christianity, I wasn't turned off by the approach.  That being said, I'm not a huge Sci-Fi sort of gal, so all in all the movie wasn't something that impressed me.  I felt like it got a little long, it was lacking meaningful relationships, and the bottom line lessons were not touching, like I feel they could have been.

If you are going to see the story of "Noah" as represented in the bible, you may want to reconsider, or at least don't get offended, because that's not what you'll see.


Deb's Rate: Rent It

Preview: Two more reviews to post!

2014: Week 13 1/2: 3 Days to Kill

3 Days to Kill

Genre: Action, Drama

Main Players: Kevin Costner, Hallie Steinfeld, Amber Heard

General Gist: A dying CIA agent is offered an experimental drug to save his life, in exchange for one last assignment

Deb's Take:  This movie actually has a little "spin" in the title.  This movie has two separate story lines going on at the same time.  In one story line, Kevin Costner is reconnecting with his teenage daughter, Haillie Steinfeld, while her mother is out of town for 3 days...Hence, they have "3 days to kill." In the second story line, Kevin Costner is paired with Amber Heard in an attempt to save his life from cancer, and he has 3 days to kill...literally, the bad guys.  Ok, so the second story line is much more complicated then that, but all in all that's the general idea.

I went to this movie with my high school BFF as Tiff and I were 1600 miles away from each other for the week. We both agreed that the storyline with his daughter was a little unnecessary.  There were some moments that could have been intermingled, but sometimes the whole idea was a little overkilled.  The movie had a lot of unnecessary scenes, that really didn't play into the whole movie itself.  There was a lot of action, fast driving, shooting, and bad guys, but all in all I wasn't really impressed with the story lines.  Kevin Costner is still a great actor, and Amber Heard was decent but this movie just didn't really hit the spot for me.


Deb's Rate: Rent It

Preview: Just catching up on all our reviews. A few more to come.

2014: Week 6: Lone Survivor

Lone Survivor

Genre: Biography, Action, Drama

Main Players: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster

General Gist: The true story of four Navy SEALs on a mission in Afghanistan

Deb's Take: 
This movie is another movie that is also a book.  I didn't get to read the book before I watched the movie, my husband did and said the book was quite an amazing story.  Following the movie he mentioned that there were some "emotions" that he felt were lost in the movie that the book captured.  The movie and book both brought tears to his eyes, my husband cries infrequently.  (A small snip-it from another source.)

This movie was outstanding.  I think the story was probably why the movie was so good, but to take this story and allow you to really feel like you are in the middle of this mission was accomplished.  I think the actors did magnificent, however, I think kudos must go to the writer and director, Peter Berg.  The movie was intense, the stunts were phenomenal, and the emotions were surreal.  I think a movie like this makes people like me,  unpolitical and quite sheltered, open my eyes and heart.  I am also so grateful that there are cultures in the world like the Pashtun culture. 

Thank you to the men and women who serve.  Thank you to their families for loving them and letting them go, and thank you to those who fight and return and share their stories of bravery, lose a part of themselves and sacrifice for someone else.  Go see this movie, it will make you appreciate your life.

Deb's Rate: Opening Night

Tiff's Take:
I got to see this movie with my husband too.  This was one of the few ones he was looking forward to see.  For someone who doesn't go to movies very often, this was a good one for him to go to.  He was not disappointed.

I didn't read this book either but my dad was reading it over Thanksgiving and could not put it down so I'm sure it's well worth the read.  However, this movie was not lacking anything in my mind.  I didn't feel like I was missing parts that were in the book that maybe didn't make it to the screen.  I'm sure there were but this movie was just so good that it didn't matter.

With the title, you have an idea that maybe only one person is going to make it out.  That did not take away from the story or progression though.  This was such an intense, white knuckle kind of movie.  I don't think I breathed until it was over.  And so very well done and acted. 

This is the kind of movie that reminds us "normal" folks what it takes to protect our country and what people sacrifice for it and us.  Man am I thankful for those people.  I left this movie feeling very patriotic and proud of all the people who serve in the military.  This movie pulls those feelings right out of you.

Tiff's Rate: Opening Night

Preview:  We have a couple options for this week.  Possibly a love story for Valentine's Day or an Oscar nominated one we didn't see last year.

2014: Week 3: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Genre: Action, Drama

Main Players: Chris Pine, Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner, Kenneth Branagh,

General Gist:  A young Marine is recruited to become a covert CIA analyst and uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy.

Deb's Take:  
First off  WOW!  What a great movie to see in the IMAX.  I don't usually care if I see a movie in the IMAX theatre or not, but this is a great one to spend the extra couple bucks if you like a good thrill ride. 

I will start by saying that movies that address the stock market, economy, international conspiracy, ect, always sort of make me feel ignorant.  I am trying to do better at understanding worldly economics, how the stock market works and how the government comes into play.  I am getting smarter, but still have a long way to go.  This movie was all about terrorists, economy and the stock market.  I think I actually had all the logistics figured out in this one. (Go Deb!)  Because of my understanding the movie was much more enjoyable. It wasn't rocket science, but I'm still happy.

Ok, as far as the movie itself.  I had forgotten how much I like Kevin Costner.  He is such a cool actor.  I like his calm, cool, collected nature that so many of his characters portray.  He sort of seems that way in real life too.  He did an excellent job in this movie, and, as usual, he was his calm, cool self.  Chris Pine is an actor I often forget about until I stumble across one of his movies.  He has the young boy charm, but the movie lover's face. What I liked most about his work in this movie, was the ability to capture the emotions of his character. He had some really badass chase scenes and stunts.  He did such a great job.  Kenneth Branagh plays an amazing bad guy.  I would turn and run if I ever crossed his path in real life. 

The story line was engaging and the action was non stop.  There wasn't a point in this movie that I wasn't totally sucked in.  A great date night movie!  Thanks Leslie and Brian for joining us on this one!!

Deb's Rate: Opening Night

Tiff's Take:
I'll admit that action movies aren't my all time favorite types of movies but I always enjoy them.  I really enjoyed this one.  As Deb said, it was fantastic in IMAX.  Definitely worth the extra cost to see it that way.

This was fast paced and kept you tensed up throughout the whole thing.  That's a sure sign of a good action movie.  What I liked about this one was that it didn't spend a lot of time setting things up.  It got right to the point and just started right in.  It wasn't unnecessarily lengthy.  Another thing I liked about it was the fact that it wasn't super confusing.  I knew who was bad, who was good, what the problem was and how they were going to fix it.  I often enjoy these movies but I usually leave them not really sure what happened.  So, good writing I guess.

I had no idea until after the fact that Jack Ryan is a character in other movies/books.  So can't really compare how Chris Pine was versus Alec Baldwin or Harrison Ford or whoever else played Jack Ryan but I'll say he did pretty darn good in my opinion.  They all did.  I literally loved everyone in their roles.  Well done!  

Tiff's Rate: Definitely a strong Friday Night.

Preview: Looks like another pre-screening for us.  "Labor Day" with Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin coming next week.

2013: Bonus: Hansel & Gretel:Witch Hunters

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Horror

Main Players: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen

General Gist:  Spin on the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel

Deb's Take: 
This was definitely a spin off of the story of Hansel and Gretel.  Nothing like a fairy tale.  I went to this with the hubby, we were a little skeptical, and my husband was even more shocked that I suggested this movie.  Last year I really enjoyed the fairy tale spin off movies.  (see my best and worst for 2012), figured this may fall into those same categories.

This one was a little different.  Lots of gore, (which in 3D is very interesting) a Sci-fi sort of twist (which isn't my favorite) but I was sort of pleasantly surprised.  The acting was pretty good.  I wasn't really familiar with the 3 main players, but they all were great in their parts, (and for all you men...who doesn't love a girl in leather?) I was most impressed with Famke Janssen, she did evil well!  I liked how the story was actually a story and not just a gory witch hunt.  There were some funny parts and some suspenseful parts, and lots of gore, but all in all I was unexpectedly surprised that I liked it.  I can't give it a top notch rating, because by no means did the movie move me in anyway, but I enjoyed my date!

Deb's Rate: Matinee

2012: Bonus Review: Skyfall

Skyfall

Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime

Main Players: Daniel Craig, Judy Dench, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris

General Gist: Bond….James Bond

Deb's Take:  
I am not the James Bond fanatic in my home, my husband is, and even more then he, is my brother-in-law.  So, of course this movie was about our men.  We did the whole AMC Cinema Suites, couples night out, babysitter (thanks Kayla) generally, all out for this one.  Gotta love the whole movie experience now a days!

So, really, how could this movie go wrong?  Well, after some discussion with my trusty Bond expert (husband) I have found that it COULD have gone wrong.  I mean, not anyone can play Bond correctly, but Daniel Craig CAN and DID!  Even I could see (with my inexperienced Bond eyes), that he is good!  Now, I have seen some Bond movies, and I agree, I think Daniel Craig was a good pick when they were looking for their next Bond some time back.  Of course, there was the whole “who was your favorite Bond” conversation, and all were in agreement that Craig does exceptional.  This movie will not disappoint, and will most likely be spot on for all those Bond fans.   I did really enjoy this movie.  I liked the action, the stunts, the interactions between the characters, and the progression of the relationships.  I am sure some of the true “Bond” references were lost on me, but my husband enlightened me on some of the little idiosyncrasies.   Great action, Great suspense, Great Night all around.   

Deb's Rate: Friday Night—only because I am not a “true” fan.

Tiff's Take:
I was really looking forward to this movie.  To say I'm a huge Daniel Craig fan would be an understatement.  Ever since I saw him in his first Bond movie I was hooked.  Best Bond yet in my mind.  Let's not worry about the fact that I've only seen Craig and Brosnan Bond movies in full.  I tried to watch Live and Let Die with Russ and it was a little painful.  I'm definitely not a Bond die hard.  However, I do enjoy the newer ones a lot. 

From a purely female perspective (and DC lover) this movie was great.  I enjoyed ever bit of it.  Russ, the major Bond aficionado, thought it was great as well but...it was different.  He tried to explain to me why it was different from all the other ones.  Here's what I got from it. 

• There wasn't as much action/car chases or enough cool new cars.  I noticed that too but it didn't bother me.  I don't live for car chases like Russ does.  
• There weren't as many cool gadgets either.  Again, didn't really bother me.
• He wasn't in a tux as much.  He was a little grittier in this one.  Not quite so smooth.
• This one told more about his personal life.  I guess Bond is usually more of a mystery?  This was one reason why I liked it so well.  But I'm a girl and we like to know what makes men tick.

So even though Russ thought it wasn't your typical Bond movie he really enjoyed it as well.  Definite hit for us.

Tiff's Rate: Opening Night

Preview:  Some more pre-screenings coming soon.

2012: Week 41: Looper

Looper

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi 

Main Players: Bruce Willis, Joseph Gorden-Levitt, Emily Blunt, Pierce Gagnon

General Gist: Futuristic movie about a hired assassin from the 2040's (called a Looper) who kills for the mob from the 2070's via time travel.  Things get complicated after he finds out he needs to kill his future self who doesn't want to be killed.  Confused yet??

Deb's Take: 

What an intriguing concept for a movie.  ( I am sure it’s been done before, and there is probably a book out there with this story too, but was new to me.) I am reading an awesome book series right now, “The Outlander” series by Diana Gabeldon.  The book is about time traveling (and a lot more!) and I am always fascinated with the concept.  Due to that fact, I was excited to see how they played out this movie with time travel.   Sometimes in movies time traveling gets too confusing certain scenes are “wrong” in that some little aspect is missed, making the time travel too questionable.  This movie seemed to avoid those two problems, generally speaking.  I enjoyed the way the plot played out.  I liked the chemistry of the characters, Bruce Willis and Joseph Gorden-Levitt seemed to have worked hard to become the same person, and Emily Blunt was likable and convincing.  I think I was most impressed with the son in this movie, played by Pierce Gagnon.  I tried to find his real age but only came up with 5-8.  He seemed on the younger side, yet I am always amazed at the talent of some children.  He also plays/played in a T.V. show and has been in a couple other movies, he was pretty darn good!  All in all the movie had good action, and the story line carried a cool “supernatural” air.   

We got to enjoy company again this week with my husband and my sister-in-law.  Movies just draw a family together!

Deb's Rate: Friday Night

Tiff's Take:    
So, trying to describe this movie does make it sound really confusing.  It really wasn't though.  There weren't a lot of hangups on the whole time travel concept.  It all made sense and seemed like it could really happen.  (But in only 60 years from now??  I'm not sure about that.)

Like Deb said, very interesting concept if not a little unnerving.  Why is it that movies (or books for that matter) portray the future as being so bleak?  Are we really that bad of a species?  I've been reading Lois Lowry's The Giver books so I have bleak future on my mind.

This really was a great sci-fi thriller if you're into that kind of thing.  It was a great concept, sort of intense and great acting by all.  Joseph Gorden-Levitt was fantastic and only annoyed me slightly by his Bruce Willis facial expressions.  One thing to keep in mind though was that it had a lot of blood and guts.  Be prepared and for the love of God don't take your kids to it.  (A facebook friend said they saw kids in the theater when they went.  Seriously people.) 

One thing I really liked about this movie was the unpredictability of it.  I wasn't sure how things were going to get resolved.  The storyline didn't fit this nice little mold.  I liked it.

Tiff's Rate: Friday Night 

Preview: We were thinking about seeing Argo but just got prescreening tickets for Cloud Atlas.  So I guess the free movie wins!

2012: Week 40: Taken 2

Taken 2

Genre: Action Drama

Main Players: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen,  Maggie Grace

General Gist:  A retired CIA and his wife are taken hostage.  The group who holds him hostage is also the same family who kidnapped their daughter. The group is seeking revenge.

Deb's Take:

Well, this movie definitely makes the most sense if you have seen the first one.  I did, and thought the first one was decent, lots of action and adventure, and I loved the premise of how he figured out where is daughter was.  This one is pretty much the same movie, with a slightly different spin.  All in all the same concept, he has to figure out the details in order to get to the bottom of his ordeal.  I still liked all the small, intricate details of how, as CIA, he has tactics to figure out any mysteries of the kidnapping.  I don’t feel like the movie was real deep or meaningful, there was no hidden message, and the relationships were…basically action, violence, car chase and fighting.  Kind of typical of Liam’s roles recently it seems.

We had a larger crew with us this time, Mom, my 15 year old, and a good friend (soon to be neighbor to Tiff).  Thanks for the company guys! 

The actors did well, and it was a good action film, nothing real major or award winning.  Lots of violence for a 13 year old I think. 

Deb's Rate: Matinee

Tiff's Take:

As Deb said, it helped if you saw the first one and I would agree to an extent.  Yes, you sort of knew the premise behind what was going on but in the end it didn't matter a whole lot.  There was a lot of action and suspense and really not a whole lot of story.  Which I think is fine because I think that's what this kind of movie is all about.  That being said, it's not my favorite type of movie.  I enjoyed it alright but it didn't do a whole lot for me.  It was just sort of neutral.

I did enjoy the company though!  And I loved that the two flanking me on either side were jumping and visibly cringing the whole time.  It made me smile to be with such active movie watchers.     

Tiff's Rate: Matinee

Preview: Another trip in our future.  (And I'll tell you since we're posting this one so late, we did manage to get a movie in on our vacation.  I guess we're surrounded by people who love movies just as much as we do.)

2012: Week 34: Hit & Run

Hit & Run

Genre: Comedy, Action

Main Players: Dax Shepard, Kristin Bell, Bradley Cooper, Tom Arnold

General Gist: An ex-con, who is in a witness protection program, comes out of hiding to help his girlfriend get a job.  They are then chased by his former gang of thieves. 

Deb's Take:

A little set up here.  I watch “Parenthood” , the weekly T.V. series.  I absolutely love the character “Crosby”, played by Dax Shepard.  I hadn’t heard much about this movie, but noticed he was starring in it and thought it looked good enough.   If that wasn’t enough, there was a long long list of cameo performances in this movie, along with a list of just darn right funny people.  I mentioned to Tiff, that following the movie I thought maybe Dax (who also wrote and directed the film) must have just started calling up all his buddies and asking them to play in his movie.  (I looked it up…I was right).  His fiancé (girlfriend, wife, not sure what they officially are) Kristen Bell played opposite him, and..of course it worked.  Duh, they are a couple and they didn’t have to pretend.  Then you have this crazy list of actors you never expect to see..Tom Arnold, Bradley Cooper, Jason Bateman, Joy Bryant (plays Dax’s wife on “Parenthood”), Beau Bridges, and Sean Hayes.  AND…on top of those actors, there were some I didn’t know that cracked me up!

Ok, so as far as the movie…it was pretty much, fast cars, crude/rude humor and roll your eyes stupid funny. The movie covers only a couple day time period, and is pretty much just a car chase.  There is a little relationship stuff, a little nudity, although not the kind you might expect, and a lot of stupid laughs.   Exactly what appears to be expected from Dax Shepard.  ( I didn’t realize he used to play on “Punk’d”)  This movie is not intended to challenge any part of your brain, but rather to allow your brain to fall into the depths of pure jelliness (I am not sure what other word to use).  That being said, if you are in the mood, and not easily offended, go and enjoy yourself with a male friend, he will thank you for the offer.  It is a guys movie, but one this sister really enjoyed.

Deb's Rate: Friday Night

Tiff's Take:
Russ and I use to see Dax Shepard on Punk'd and think he was hilarious.  So it's no surprise I thought this movie was funny beings that it was written and directed by him.  I wish Russ had seen this one with me though.  I think he would have liked it even more than me.  Here's why.  Even though this has a relationship aspect to it, it really is coming from the viewpoint of a man.  Not too mushy and not necessarily the main focus.  Also, cars and driving cars are a big part of this movie too.  Russ would have eaten this up.  I definitely couldn't appreciate it like he would have.  And of course it was funny with some really funny actors.  There were a lot of great cameos. 

My only beef with this movie was that it was a little choppy.  It wasn't quite as fluid as I thought it should be.  I'm not sure if this was the first movie he directed but it sort of felt like it.  But still enjoyable and surprisingly sweet in parts.  I loved all the actors and thought that the chemistry between Dax and Kristen was great.  I always thought they seemed like an odd couple in real life but after seeing this movie I can see how it works. 

Tiff's Rate: Matinee (but on the Friday Night side of Matinee)

Preview: Prescreening of "Pitch Perfect", (no it's not a baseball movie)

2012: Week 23: Snow White and the Huntsman

Snow White and the Huntsman

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama

Main Players: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron

General Gist:  Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with a twist.

Tiff's Take:
This week we saw another take on Snow White.  Mirror Mirror was another version that came out this year.  These two are so different you can't even compare them.  Mirror Mirror was more fanciful and fun and this one was not.  Even though it did have a definite magical aspect it was more serious.

I liked the idea of this version.  The more "real life" story behind Snow White.  But I just don't think it quite delivered.  I feel like it should have been better.  I would have liked more out of Stewart's Snow White character.  She hardly talked at all throughout the whole movie.  I also would have liked more out of Kristen Stewart herself.  I really want to like her but she just falls a little short in a lot of the things she does.  Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron on the other hand were fantastic.  Charlize Theron played evil perfectly.  And I've decided Chris Hemsworth is my new Brad Pitt.  I love him. 

So am I saying don't see it?  Not necessarily but don't expect to much out of it.  I know a lot of people are not fans of Kristen Stewart's acting.  If you are one of those people she will probably ruin the show for you.  (My dear sweet sister-in-law, if you are reading this I'm talking to you.)       

Tiff's Rate: Matinee 

Deb's Take: 
Mom surprised us with a visit this week so we got to see this movie with her and my 15 year old.  Always nice to have other people around and get their views too!

Well, I know I am in the minority of the 4 of us who attended this movie.  I really liked it!  I love fairy tales of course, although this one wasn't so much about the fairy tale.  This version of Snow White didn't focus so much on "true love" or the dwarfs.  The main storyline was more of a focus on the evil queen and the direct conflict with Snow White.  Charlize Theron plays the queen in the version.  Man, she was good.  I think she did an excellent job.  Chris Hemsworth is someone I have been seeing more and more lately, he did really good too!  Granted, I think he always plays sort of the tough guy, save the day, warrior type..but he is good at it.  Kristen Stewart was sort of the downfall of this movie, to me.  There is something about her looks, her demeanor that just didn't fit this role.  She always looks sort of scared and vulnerable, in this movie her character was suppose to be tough and a leader.  I just don't think she can pull that off real well. 

I enjoyed the action and adventure in this movie, and it seemed fast paced to me.  I liked this version.  Also, very well rated.  PG-13 appropriate.  It may not be a winner all around, but it was for me!

Deb's Rate:  Friday Night

Preview: A lot of vacation time coming up.  Hoping for a pre-screening in our future.

2012: Week 19: The Avengers

The Avengers

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Main Players: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston

General Gist:  A team of super heroes is pulled together in order to save the earth from an attack by an unearthly enemy.

Deb's Take: 

I am not a super fan of the Super Hero movies.  Yet, after seeing this film that brings a team of super heroes together I realized I had seen almost every movie about each individual character that preceded The Avengers.  I think it might have something to do with my husband really liking these kinds of films.

 As far as Super Heroes go, this movie was good.  Sometimes the Sci-Fi stuff ends up being so ridiculous that I just can't get into the movie.  This movie...not to shabby in the Sci-Fi area.  I will say, see "Thor" before you see this movie, there are some pivotal points that may be lost otherwise.  This movie gives you good action, decent acting, a lot more comedy than I would have expected, and some Sci-Fi thrills.   Although it wasn't my type of movie, it really was a good movie and I have to say if this type of movie is your thing, you will love it.

Deb's Rate: Opening night for all you Super Hero Fans, personally I could have taken it as a Matinee

Tiff's Take:
Last year when all these Marvel movies were coming out I thought it was weird.  Why all the super heroes?  It wasn't until this movie came out that I realized it was on purpose and leading up to this one final movie.  I know, I'm pretty quick.  Good idea.  It seems right up my alley even though I'm not a big super hero fanatic.

Going to this movie made me feel a little bit like I did when I went to see Moneyball.  I felt like I was doing the movie a disservice by not knowing all there is to know about these super hero characters.  I mean, there were some of the movies that I didn't even see like The Hulk and the first Iron Man.  I sorta wish I had now.  Even though I hadn't seen them all I felt like I still knew what was going on mainly from seeing Thor since the main bad guy is from that movie.  So, like Deb said, you might want to see Thor first if you haven't.

As far as liking the movie...I'll be honest.  The first part was a little slow.  I felt like they could have reintroduced all the characters a little better.  It seemed like a hodge podge of activity at first.  It didn't start getting really good until about halfway through.  I did love the characters/actors in this movie though.  I love almost anything Robert Downey Jr. plays and I love Chris Hemsworth's Thor character.  He's probably my favorite.  Ruffalo's Hulk character was surprisingly funny too.

So what I'm saying here is if you're into this stuff you'll probably love the movie.  If you're not, you'll probably like it okay but maybe not think it's worth the hype.

Tiff's Rate: Borderline Matinee/Friday Night

Preview: We will post the winner of our "Footloose" giveaway tonight.  Next review...What to Expect When You're Expecting.

2012: Week 12: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-fi

Main Players: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz

General Gist: In the post-apocalyptic world, a battle is held where a boy and girl, between the age of 12 and 18, are chosen from each of the 12 districts to compete in a televised battle where only one person will survive.

Deb's Take:
So the long awaited Hunger Games finally got here! I was so super excited, and a little nervous. Anyone who has been following us for a while knows I am often disappointed in a movie that was a book I read first. I will never change my opinion that a book is always better than a movie. Books allow you to get inside the head of characters and hear what they are thinking, you don't have to rely on the actions and spoken word to relay a message.

It has been a bit since I read the books. I think this is the trick, read a book, and wait a while before you see the movie. Some of the details and emotions are then forgotten and the movie becomes more enjoyable. This is definitely what happened with this movie. I LOVED IT! I was a little concerned that Jennifer Lawrence would come across too "old" or mature in this movie for Katniss' character. It took me a little while, but she eventually seemed to fit the mold for me. I looked back on some of her previous acting, and realized I had seen her on a sitcom first. Didn't realize she was the same girl! I pictured Haymitch a little different than Woody Harrelson, but he pulled it off well. I think the interesting part of the movie, was how we saw a viewpoint of the people in charge of the games, how they were running the show, changing the venue etc. In the book this didn't happen, but really to make the movie work I don't know how else they could have portrayed that part. (again, an in your head kind of thing that had to be brought forward). I wish we would have seen more of Gale. Katniss and Gale's relationship wasn't really appreciated enough in the movie. All the other main players were very on! Great casting! I will say, the book is better (always is!) and reading it will bring so much more to light about each character, but maybe hold off on the movie right after reading the book so your memory becomes a tad fuzzy so you can enjoy it more. Also want to send a shout out to Amy Sacry for encouraging her mother, Terry Clinefelter for joining us for this movie. We had a larger group this week with my 2 older kids and husband as well.

Deb's Rate: Opening day, definitely! (maybe because I read the books though, interested to see what someone who didn't read the books would think...my son and daughter liked it and they didn't read the books...anyone else?)

Tiff's Take:
Finally, a movie worth seeing! We've seen so many bad movies this year so this came at such a good time.  Of course this was much anticipated as well.  When I was reading the book I thought that this would make a great movie.  First of all, it's action packed.  There's so much going on.  Secondly, there's not a whole lot of inner dialogue that was impossible to convey in a movie.  Of course, there is always going to be some detail that you just won't get in a movie but this one wasn't too bad. 

So my verdict?  It was so so good!  The casting was great.  Jennifer Lawrence had Katniss' attitude down pat.  Really well done.  Hutcherson and Hemsworth both looked the parts of Peeta and Gale.  Although, as Deb mentioned, I would have liked to see more of Gale.  And who could play a drunk washout better than Woody Harrelson? 

I loved how the Capitol came to life in the movie.  All the crazy colors and outfits versus the drab lives of the districts.  Very much how I pictured it in my head.  This was such an enjoyable movie to watch all around.  (Other than the teenagers getting killed for sport thing.)  I was emotionally invested right off the bat.  Well done.  Can't wait for the next two!      

Tiff's Rate: Opening Day.  But I agree with Deb.  If you hadn't read the book would it be waiting in line worthy?  Still going to say yes. 

Preview: Have to look and see what is out there!  Any suggestions?

2012: Week 5: The Grey

The Grey

Genre: Action, Drama

Main Players: Liam Neeson, Dallas Roberts, Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney, Nonso Anozie, Joe Anderson

General Gist: A plane crashes in the Alaskan wild leaving only a handful of survivors. They try to make their way to safety at the same time being a target to a pack of wolves.

Tiff's Take:
I want to start out by saying this movie was very intense. I mean, a plane crash and attacking wolves all in the same movie? Totally leaves you on the edge of your seat through the whole entire thing. Aside from being intense it was really just plain scary. It reminded me of a horror film where you're always expecting someone to jump out at you. Except instead of a creepy bad guy it's a ferocious wolf.

Liam Neeson plays the main character who is struggling with his inner demons then finds himself fighting for his life as the "leader" of this group of plane crash survivors. I think he does an okay job. Nothing spectacular. In fact I might say he was a little boring. And to be honest with you, if you take out the intensity, the movie itself was a little boring. I'm not sure if it's possible to be intense and boring at the same time but that's what I'm sticking with. And the bond between the men was just okay. I didn't feel a big connection.

It was interesting how there was the comparisons between a pack of wolves and a group of men. They almost became two equals fighting against each other. But I won't tell you who wins. Apart from that, nothing else really drew me in. I wouldn't say that this is one I would pick if I had a choice nor would I recommend it. It just wasn't my thing.

Deb's Take:
I picked the movie this week. I don't know why I just thought this one would be a good one. I am becoming more and more of a Liam Neeson fan (which I am actually amazed how many movies of his are coming out soon) so thought...hey, why not? Well, I really liked it! I haven't read Tiff's take yet, but do see her last line and am guessing we don't agree.

I do hate plane crash movies..they freak me out, so that scene was very unenjoyable for me. However, after getting over the initial shock of that, I was able to sit back and sort of relax, or so I thought. I don't do scary-suspense movies well. I tend to watch them with one eye open and one eye squinted to the point of barely being able to see. Why? I don't know, it just makes me feel better. This movie was a one-eye-squinter for me. Usually in movies the music will give it away for me, or more often the lack of music (extreme silence) will give it away. This movie got me a couple times, I think I jumped twice where I had to laugh at myself for losing my cool. It wasn't horror scary, just jumpy, and gorey.

I think what I really liked most was that the movie was a journey. Granted a tough and either you live or die traumatically and horribly, kind of journey, but a journey none the less, and I like journey movies. I liked the emotional side (shocker..right?). Usually gorey movies kind of creep me out, but for what ever reason this one didn't. I think the wolves were a little "fake" for me, so I was able to separate myself from fact and fiction..sort of made up my mind it was SCI-FI instead of real life.

I was surprised that two kids about 9 or 10 were sitting behind me with their parents. Let me tell you, my kids wouldn't consider walking in any sort of forest, mountain or nature type of activity ever again if they saw this movie. Rated R for a reason folks.

What I am saying, I enjoyed the acting, I liked the suspense for a change, was a little grossed out at times, but was glad I picked this movie.

Preview:
"This means War"-Free screening tonight (Wednesday) YEAH, gotta love free

2012: Week 4: One for the Money

One for the Money

Genre: Action, Comedy

Main Players: Katherine Heigl, Jason O'Mara, Daniel Sunjata, Sherri Shepherd, Debbie Reynolds, John Leguizamo

General Gist: Story of a woman who is down on her luck, lack of job and money, so she goes to work for her cousin as a bounty hunter. No, she knows nothing about the job and has no experience. This is the first movie from a series of 18 books.

Deb's Take:

I will say, I love these books. Although I am currently behind by 2 books. I had to sit down and really think about the first book a little bit, after watching the movie. I mildly recall my mom and sister really being excited about this series and after reading the first one I thought is was okay, but didn't know what all they hype was about. I think it was about book 3 that I was totally hooked. So, I think this movie left me feeling sort of the same way, but it makes sense. The movie is sort of a "set-up" movie for more to come. The movie was short (took me back to the days of movies being MAYBE 90 minutes.) I was prepared to be underwhelmed with the acting because I am very sold on the book characters. I was bummed when I heard Katherine Heigl was playing Stephanie Plum. I was pleasantly surprised, she did well. Really all the characters did good, they fell into their parts pretty decently. I think my only true disappointment was Ranger. I just feel Ranger is a super "bad ass" kind of guy and Daniel Sunjata didn't make me feel that way. He was too "cute" with his dimple and he talked too much. I know, it sounds sort of weird, but read the books and you'll understand..I think. Overall, the movie was a good set-up movie, but I really am looking forward to what else they are going to do with the movies in the future. You have got to see Lula in her true light, and feel the Morelli, Ranger, Stephanie sexual tension. Read the books! (you may win them if you entered our give away) I guarantee you will be hooked with the books, the movie...the verdict is still out on that.

Tiff's Take:
I would say my thought of this movie was pretty similar to Deb.  The books are really easy, fun reads and I can totally see them being a movie or TV series.  (Actually TV more than movie but that's just my opinion)  So I wasn't too surprised to see this one come out. 

Like Deb, I was disappointed in the casting.  I really didn't think Katherine Heigl could pull it off.  And I totally had Morelli and Ranger's characters different in my head.  (Stephanie more Jersey, Morelli better looking, Ranger more muscular and Grandma Mazur a lot older) But I thought all of them did a pretty darn good job.

Don't get me wrong.  This was no award winning movie but it was a fun, thinkless type of movie.  It did a lot of setting up the characters but the books the same way too.  If they decide to do more movies (and I'm not convinced they will) I think they will get better with each one. 

Preview:

We'll be posting the winner to the giveaway next!

Bonus Review: Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Genre: Action

Main Players: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist

General Gist: Another addition to the Mission Impossible movies. Ethan Hunt's (Tom Cruise) team is shut down and goes rogue to finish their mission.

Tiff's Take:
Another Mission Impossible. How many has there even been? I feel like a ton but I think this is the fourth. Don't quote me on that though. I don't usually get too excited when I see a preview for a new Mission Impossible. Action movies don't get me all hot and bothered. Usually I can miss one and it doesn't hurt my feelings one bit. My husband on the other hand loves a good action movie. Especially one that involves cars and cool gadgets. Needless to say, he wanted to go with me to this one. And I was more than happy to oblige. I love it when he gets excited about a movie. Just like he loves it when I get excited about buying a new car. Oh wait...that never happens. Anyway, off to the movie we went. (And with good friends mind you.) Week 1 in 2012 and I have already gotten to see two movies. Life is good.

So, as impartial as I was about going to this movie I have to say that I really enjoyed it. That's usually how it works though. Don't care if I go to an action movie but usually end up liking it anyway. No exception here. This one has some really good action, good tricks and good humor. What more could you ask for? I was a little worried that Tom Cruise just wouldn't work anymore in this role. He just seems so out there lately and I don't even remember the last movie I saw him in. Well, I guess there's a reason why he does what he does. No matter what you think about him personally he's still got it in movies. I loved all the other actors as well. Especially the token funny guy played by Simon Pegg. If any of you guys out there care about car chase scenes, apparently this one involved an electric car. Russ wasn't completely sold but said it did the job.

I would definitely recommend this one. Especially to please the man in your life. Hopefully Deb will be able to see this with her hubby.

Deb's Take:
Well, my husband and I got to go out for an afternoon date, (thanks Tiff for keeping the kids entertained!) and we went to Mission Impossible. (It came highly recommended from a good source.)

I totally agree with Tiff. This movie was actually quite rockin! I will admit, I am not a great big Tom Cruise fan...I know, I should be based on my age, and yes in Top Gun he was a hottie for me, but as I have wisely aged I have come to the realization that I am not really impressed with him all that much. I feel like he always has the same sort of characters and uses his movies as an adrenalin rush most of the time. I think I was most impressed with Jeremy Renner. I really liked him in this movie. I don't remember any of the other films he has played in, I even looked them up and nothing really sprang out at me, but he did an exceptional job!

Some of the tricks action scenes in this movie were awesome. I also enjoyed all the scenery of the different cities in the world. By far the coolest scene though was the parking garage scene. It's amazing what is out there in the world!

I would say...go see it! Best movie of the year for me so far...okay so there has only been 2 official and then this bonus, but still, I am just saying....

Week 45: Tower Heist

Well, this week we went for the Hollywood pusher. I have seen more press on this movie in the last month than any other movie. Either they were nervous it wouldn't do as well as they thought, or they had extra money for advertising.

If you happen to be one of the few who haven't seen the previews, the movie is about a high class apartment tower manager who decides to rob the penthouse owner who invested all his workers money and then stole it. The main players of the movie are Allen Alda, Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Matthew Brodrick and Casey Affleck.

This movie was funny. I have to say, I did laugh a lot. The premise seemed sort of cheesy, but they seemed to pull it off better than I thought they would. Luckily they didn't try to play the movie off as a "serious" action film, they went for the comedy end instead and I think that is what made it work.

Now when I say "work" what I am really saying is the movie is a typical Hollywood film, with action and comedy. It meets the basic criteria of that average film that meets the needs of all those none thinker movie types. Nothing big to figure out, no thinking involved, just sit and zone and watch. So basically, the movie was entertaining. However, it wasn't anything special. Would be a good renter.

See you next week. AND THEN!!!! TWILIGHT!!!!

Week 36: Warrior

What an unexpected surprise with this movie.  Warrior definitely was more than I thought it would be.  When I saw the previews I thought it looked good but I didn't really think we'd choose it over other movies.  When we saw that there was a free prescreening we jumped on it.  Because, hey, who wouldn't go to a free movie?  Boy am I glad we did. 

As Deb said, this was a Rockyish type movie but amped up for this generation.  Instead of straight-up boxing it was like UFC.  Didn't realize this going in but it ended up being a nice deviation from the same old boxing story.  If this movie was only about the training and fights leading up to the big match it would have been great.  There's nothing like a good motivational sports story.  Warrior had all those parts and more.  But the thing that set it apart was the relationships between these two brothers and their father and how they developed.  I loved that it didn't lay everything out.  You had to be patient to find out what the full story was behind these three "troubled" men's lives. 

Nick Nolte was really the only well known actor in this movie.  I agree with Deb that it really worked well not having some big A lister in the movie.  Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy all played their roles perfectly.  What is it about strong, silent, troubled men that really gets you hooked?  Jennifer Morrison played the wife well and Frank Grillo as the trainer was really exceptional.   

So yes, this was one of the better movies that we've seen this year.  Who would have thought?  Go see it.  This is one that I think men and women alike will love.

To Sum it up:  Intense characters, intense relationships and adrenaline galore.

Week 16: Hanna

This week we saw Hanna.  I thought this looked like an interesting movie.  I was excited to see Saoirse Ronan as the main character.  She was the one in The Lovely Bones and I thought she was really good in that one so I was hoping the same for this one.  And she was good.  She really did a great job of playing this fearless 16 year old with amazing skills.  Although I will say she looked more like a 13 year old. 

The premise behind the movie is that a CIA agent, played by Cate Blanchett, was doing this research to try to make a super army by fiddling with the DNA of unborn babies. (Official terms I know.)  Well, something happened that she had to abort the project as well as all the "subjects".  Hanna was the only one who got away with the help of rouge CIA agent played by Eric Bana.  He taught her all these crazy skills on survival so she could defend herself from Cate's character, Marissa.  Of course, it was action packed and full of suspense.  And can I say that Cate played this southern talking crazy lady very well.  She even creeped me out a little.   

My brother in law said that he's seen a few movies like this with the same general concept so apparently this isn't a super original idea but it was for me.  Maybe if you had seen those other ones this wouldn't have been so interesting.  But I  thought it was well acted and worth watching. 

To Sum it up:  Good acting, creepy characters and kept you on the edge of your seat.