Jersey Boys
Genre: Drama, Musical, Biography
Main Players: Vincent Piazza, John Lloyd Young, Michael Lomenda, Erich Bergen
General Gist: The story of the 4 young men who formed the 1960's group The Four Seasons
Deb's Take:
I was fortunate to see this show as a stage play last year. I am a lover of musicals, drama, and biographies, so this was a no brainer. I think the downfall was that I DID see the stage performance so I found myself comparing the two frequently.
First off, the story of The Four Seasons is intriguing. I have always been fascinated with how people become stars. I am even more fascinated when they become stars through their own work and sweat. The movie did a wonderful job of expressing the relationships between the characters and leaving a feeling like you really knew what each character was about. I liked the heart and soul of the movie, the drama and the story.
Secondly, I did feel like the actors did an amazing job. Not one actor seemed out of place or misrepresenting. I was impressed with the singing, (although not as impressed as I was with the stage performance). I loved the music, a good movie must have good music...period.
Lastly, I felt like the movie was simply me watching four friends' lives unfold and play out. I was lost in the movie, which is always a plus for me. Definitely a movie worth seeing.
Deb's Rate: Friday Night
Tiff's Take:
It's not a big secret that I'm not a huge fan of musicals or a movie that is heavy with music. It's a little odd to say that because it's not like I don't like music in my life. I do. A lot. But the acting/music combo is just a little boring to me.
This wasn't a musical so much as music in a movie. So I didn't mind it. It also helped that I really like music from the 60's. The story itself was pretty fascinating too. Although when I watch movies that have any sort of mob connection it always makes me nervous. Does it for you? Am I just weird that way? I always worry someone is going to make the wrong move and get themselves killed.
So the actors were good and talented and all that but honestly none of them really stood out to me. And even though the story was fascinating, the movie was a bit too long. I felt like it dragged out a little too much. In the end, I would say I liked the movie but didn't love it.
Tiff's Rate: Matinee
Preview: Kids movie coming up. How to Train Your Dragon 2.
Showing posts with label Biography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Biography. Show all posts
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
2014: Week 11: 12 Years a Slave
12 Years a Slave
Genre: Drama, Biography
Main Players: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Brat Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch
General Gist: Set in pre-civil war America, a free black man is tricked into traveling south into DC and then abducted and sold as a slave. Based on a true story.
Tiff's Take:
This was a slow week for movies so we decided to see this one since we didn't get to see it last year. And I always like to see Oscar ones I missed.
Let me say, this was so well acted and done. I can definitely see why it won Oscars. However, that being said, it was so difficult to watch. How can people continue to move forward when their situation is so bad? It's really hard seeing people literally and figuratively beaten down over and over. Obviously not a high point in our country's history. But this man's story is horrific and amazing all at the same time. And Lupita Nyong'o who played Patsey definitely earned her Oscar.
If you haven't seen this yet it is definitely worth seeing but it's not an easy one to sit through. It won't be one that you can watch over and over. One time is enough for me.
Tiff's Rate: Opening Night
Deb's Take:
If you want a movie that will evoke emotions from deep in the pit of your stomach this is the one to see. Like Tiff said, its horrific and amazing. Worth every award it received. I can't even imagine living through what these people endured. There is something to be said for the ability for a human being to carry on.
This movie was best because I didn't know many of the actors. I like when movies don't pull in the known people, a sense of authenticity is created when the actors seem more like people than stars. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o were beyond amazing. I think if I had to live those parts, in any way, shape or form, I would vomit daily. That's what this movie made me feel like, it was so sickening to see what these people had to endure I wanted to throw up. Piggybacking on my "history lesson" post of The Monuments Men, I will say this kind of history lesson hurts the heart.
This movie was all emotion, intensity and passion. The movie will break your soul, cause you to question humankind and possibly fill you with hatred... but it will also make you passionate about life, hunger for compassion and burst with love. Now that folks, is a good movie!
Deb's Rate: Opening Night
Preview: Divergent of course.
Genre: Drama, Biography
Main Players: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Brat Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch
General Gist: Set in pre-civil war America, a free black man is tricked into traveling south into DC and then abducted and sold as a slave. Based on a true story.
Tiff's Take:
This was a slow week for movies so we decided to see this one since we didn't get to see it last year. And I always like to see Oscar ones I missed.
Let me say, this was so well acted and done. I can definitely see why it won Oscars. However, that being said, it was so difficult to watch. How can people continue to move forward when their situation is so bad? It's really hard seeing people literally and figuratively beaten down over and over. Obviously not a high point in our country's history. But this man's story is horrific and amazing all at the same time. And Lupita Nyong'o who played Patsey definitely earned her Oscar.
If you haven't seen this yet it is definitely worth seeing but it's not an easy one to sit through. It won't be one that you can watch over and over. One time is enough for me.
Tiff's Rate: Opening Night
Deb's Take:
If you want a movie that will evoke emotions from deep in the pit of your stomach this is the one to see. Like Tiff said, its horrific and amazing. Worth every award it received. I can't even imagine living through what these people endured. There is something to be said for the ability for a human being to carry on.
This movie was best because I didn't know many of the actors. I like when movies don't pull in the known people, a sense of authenticity is created when the actors seem more like people than stars. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o were beyond amazing. I think if I had to live those parts, in any way, shape or form, I would vomit daily. That's what this movie made me feel like, it was so sickening to see what these people had to endure I wanted to throw up. Piggybacking on my "history lesson" post of The Monuments Men, I will say this kind of history lesson hurts the heart.
This movie was all emotion, intensity and passion. The movie will break your soul, cause you to question humankind and possibly fill you with hatred... but it will also make you passionate about life, hunger for compassion and burst with love. Now that folks, is a good movie!
Deb's Rate: Opening Night
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
2014: Week 10: The Monuments Men
The Monuments Men
Genre: Drama, Biography
Main Players: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman, Bill Murray, Jean Dujardin, Hugh Bonneville, Bob Balaban
General Gist: A group of unlikely men seek out stolen art during WWII in hopes of saving what the Nazi's are trying to destroy. Based on a true story.
Tiff's Take:
There's nothing better than a good George Clooney/Matt Damon movie. They have such great chemistry together. Paired with a good movie and they are fantastic. I was hoping that this would be one of those movies but I was slightly disappointed.
All the actors did well and George and Matt were their normal wonderful selves but the movie itself was a little slow. I'm not sure if it was the screenplay or what but it didn't feel like it had much direction. It was also missing some pizazz or emotion or something. Things happened too matter of factly that you almost didn't care if something happened to one of the characters. And it was sort of easy to forget that they were plopped down in the middle of a war. There wasn't a sense of urgency or level of intensity.
Aside from that though, it was really interesting. (Slow and interesting at the same time? A little bit of an oxymoron.) The idea of what these men were trying to do was really fascinating. This is something you don't often hear about when you learn about WWII. For that, I enjoyed it. But if it wasn't such an interesting topic with phenomenal actors then I don't think this movie would have really gone anywhere at all.
Tiff's Rate: Matinee
Deb's Take:
I disliked history growing up. I didn't like my history classes, I was often bored with the facts and because of that I know very little about history, (to a fault). In the last few years I have grown to love history because I began studying it in a more interesting way. I like the stories behind the history. The meat and potatoes. My husband says I had the wrong teachers. I think so. Now, I know this movie is hyped up on Hollywood, but what I liked about it was that it taught me some history I didn't know. The story was so fascinating to me. World War II and the doings of Hitler are so intriguing. SAD..but intriguing.
I agree with Tiff that this movie wasn't so much about he actors. They all did good, and I know the group of them was more of some of the "top" players, but really, the story had me engrossed more than the actors. They did a good job, but I wouldn't say they were what made the movie, the story itself made the movie. The movie would have been good to me no matter who played the parts. I wasn't as underwhelmed as Tiff in this one, I don't remember feeling like the movie was slow, but I agree there wasn't much emotion or intensity. I don't know how close to the real story this movie came, but I enjoyed learning something I didn't know before. Although this wasn't a huge winner for me, I can't say it was a loser.
Deb's Rate: Matinee
Preview: We finally got to see 12 Years a Slave and a bonus movie with the kids.
Genre: Drama, Biography
Main Players: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman, Bill Murray, Jean Dujardin, Hugh Bonneville, Bob Balaban
General Gist: A group of unlikely men seek out stolen art during WWII in hopes of saving what the Nazi's are trying to destroy. Based on a true story.
Tiff's Take:
There's nothing better than a good George Clooney/Matt Damon movie. They have such great chemistry together. Paired with a good movie and they are fantastic. I was hoping that this would be one of those movies but I was slightly disappointed.
All the actors did well and George and Matt were their normal wonderful selves but the movie itself was a little slow. I'm not sure if it was the screenplay or what but it didn't feel like it had much direction. It was also missing some pizazz or emotion or something. Things happened too matter of factly that you almost didn't care if something happened to one of the characters. And it was sort of easy to forget that they were plopped down in the middle of a war. There wasn't a sense of urgency or level of intensity.
Aside from that though, it was really interesting. (Slow and interesting at the same time? A little bit of an oxymoron.) The idea of what these men were trying to do was really fascinating. This is something you don't often hear about when you learn about WWII. For that, I enjoyed it. But if it wasn't such an interesting topic with phenomenal actors then I don't think this movie would have really gone anywhere at all.
Tiff's Rate: Matinee
Deb's Take:
I disliked history growing up. I didn't like my history classes, I was often bored with the facts and because of that I know very little about history, (to a fault). In the last few years I have grown to love history because I began studying it in a more interesting way. I like the stories behind the history. The meat and potatoes. My husband says I had the wrong teachers. I think so. Now, I know this movie is hyped up on Hollywood, but what I liked about it was that it taught me some history I didn't know. The story was so fascinating to me. World War II and the doings of Hitler are so intriguing. SAD..but intriguing.
I agree with Tiff that this movie wasn't so much about he actors. They all did good, and I know the group of them was more of some of the "top" players, but really, the story had me engrossed more than the actors. They did a good job, but I wouldn't say they were what made the movie, the story itself made the movie. The movie would have been good to me no matter who played the parts. I wasn't as underwhelmed as Tiff in this one, I don't remember feeling like the movie was slow, but I agree there wasn't much emotion or intensity. I don't know how close to the real story this movie came, but I enjoyed learning something I didn't know before. Although this wasn't a huge winner for me, I can't say it was a loser.
Deb's Rate: Matinee
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, December 3, 2012
2012: Week 47: Lincoln
Lincoln
Genre: Drama, Biography, History
Main Players: Daniel Day Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Tommy Lee Jones
General Gist: The story of Lincoln’s struggle to emancipate the slaves, during the civil war.
Deb's Take:
I am one of the least political person’s out there. I think I have mentioned this before. That being said, the first half of the movie was a little slow for me, I didn’t enjoy all the political bantering, games and negotiations. I know it was all a recounting of our history, and I think that is what kept me interested. I really was impressed with Daniel Day Lewis and his portrayal of Lincoln. I will guess that a lot of research was done about Lincoln’s personality, and I feel like the personality came through loud and clear. The movie was most impressive in that it covers a very short period of time, yet captures an amazing pivotal historical event, and the days around that event. What a burden that man took on, and what a strategic way of bringing the events into play. I did feel the acting in this movie was exceptional. I always like Sally Field, and Tommy Lee Jones was different in this role, not as convincing as some, but good.
I think this movie would be most suited for those people who love history, love politics and love biographies. I am not necessarily this type of person, but the greatness of this movie was not lost on me, I know it was exceptional and give it credit, even though it wasn’t my favorite..many of you will love it!
Deb's Rate: Matinee for me, but Friday night for most
Tiff's Take:
This movie was very different from what I expected. I thought it was more of a war movie but it was so not. It was really about passing (is that the right term?) the 13th amendment. It just so happens it was around war time. So needless to say, this was not an action packed movie. Yes, it was long and a little slow. Yes, my dad may or may not have fallen asleep during it. BUT, it was very interesting. At least to me. I'm always surprised to find that political stuff really does interest me more than I think.
I felt like this movie really captured the behind the scenes of what may have been going on way back then. It was fascinating to see Lincoln's personality portrayed. What an amazing individual?! Daniel Day Lewis totally nailed it. As Deb said, if you're a history buff you'll probably really enjoy this. If you're looking for action this isn't your movie.
Tiff's Rate: Hmm...Matinee or Friday Night. Why not, Friday Night.
Preview: More to come as we catch up!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Week 46: J. Edgar
We went and saw J. Edgar for week 46. My father-in-law really wanted us to go see this one for obvious reasons being a former FBI agent and all. He actually saw it the night it came out and was curious what my take would be. His take wasn't very good. I haven't had a chance to talk to him about it yet though.
First of all I should mention that if I didn't marry into the family I did I probably wouldn't be able to tell you who J. Edgar Hoover was. That's the sad truth when it comes to my knowledge of certain US history. I get ridiculed on a daily basis from my husband. Can I confess something else? Even though I have been apprised of who J. Edgar Hoover is I wouldn't bet my life on the fact that I could have told you who it was if I was put on the spot. I'm just being honest here.
That being said, I really had no idea what to expect with this movie. I had no prejudices one way or the other. Because of this I will say I was completely shocked with the turn of events. Obviously, this is someones opinion of J. Edgar Hoover so you really don't know what is fact or fiction but wow. This was one colorful guy.
This movie portrayed Hoover as ruthless, egotistical, paranoid, a mama's boy (almost to the point of creepy) and gay. I had no idea. I can't say this movie really gave an opinion one way or the other about the FBI in general. It was more about Hoover as a person. And I wouldn't say it was the most flattering depiction. Leonardo DiCaprio played Hoover and he was fantastic. I heard there was Oscar talk for his role. I think it would be well deserved. Judi Dench played his mom, Naomi Watts his secretary and Armie Hammer as his "second in command". All did great. This movie was sort of dark and creepy but I would recommend it.
To Sum it up: Well done, well acted and very fascinating.
First of all I should mention that if I didn't marry into the family I did I probably wouldn't be able to tell you who J. Edgar Hoover was. That's the sad truth when it comes to my knowledge of certain US history. I get ridiculed on a daily basis from my husband. Can I confess something else? Even though I have been apprised of who J. Edgar Hoover is I wouldn't bet my life on the fact that I could have told you who it was if I was put on the spot. I'm just being honest here.
That being said, I really had no idea what to expect with this movie. I had no prejudices one way or the other. Because of this I will say I was completely shocked with the turn of events. Obviously, this is someones opinion of J. Edgar Hoover so you really don't know what is fact or fiction but wow. This was one colorful guy.
This movie portrayed Hoover as ruthless, egotistical, paranoid, a mama's boy (almost to the point of creepy) and gay. I had no idea. I can't say this movie really gave an opinion one way or the other about the FBI in general. It was more about Hoover as a person. And I wouldn't say it was the most flattering depiction. Leonardo DiCaprio played Hoover and he was fantastic. I heard there was Oscar talk for his role. I think it would be well deserved. Judi Dench played his mom, Naomi Watts his secretary and Armie Hammer as his "second in command". All did great. This movie was sort of dark and creepy but I would recommend it.
To Sum it up: Well done, well acted and very fascinating.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Week 39: Moneyball
We went and saw Moneyball this past weekend. Even though it was only a day before it came out it was still a pre screening. Interesting process. We couldn't take our phones in with us and we had to be wanded and everything. But it was free. And we got to see a never before seen preview of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Looks pretty good. I'll have to get on that book.
I'll start by pointing out that although I really enjoy sports related movies I'm not really a big sports person per say. Meaning if it's not high school (people I know) or college sports I don't really invest a lot of time into a game. I enjoy the occasional pro sporting event but for the most part it's just to people watch. (Except for tennis and hockey. Weird I know.) So with that being said, I thought this was a really good sports movie. However, I didn't know what they were talking about most of the time.
There was a lot of talk about the strategy of baseball and how this guy, Billy Beane, changed the way people thought about said strategy. Really fascinating. Again no real idea what they were talking about but fascinating. It was a cryin' shame that Russ didn't get to go. He would have been so much more into it and known what they were talking about. I tried to go into a little detail about some players in the movie. Russ was embarrassed for me during the conversation.
This was a little different from some sports movies because it was less about specific games and more about this whole process. Brad Pitt really played the role of Billy Beane well. There's just something about his confidence that draws you in. It's Brad Pitt after all. And Jonah Hill as the stats genius was great. They had good chemistry together in a platonic way of course.
If you're a sports fanatic, definitely see this movie. If you're not, it's still worth seeing but be prepared to be a little clueless.
To Sum it up: Motivating and fascinating with just a tad of humor.
I'll start by pointing out that although I really enjoy sports related movies I'm not really a big sports person per say. Meaning if it's not high school (people I know) or college sports I don't really invest a lot of time into a game. I enjoy the occasional pro sporting event but for the most part it's just to people watch. (Except for tennis and hockey. Weird I know.) So with that being said, I thought this was a really good sports movie. However, I didn't know what they were talking about most of the time.
There was a lot of talk about the strategy of baseball and how this guy, Billy Beane, changed the way people thought about said strategy. Really fascinating. Again no real idea what they were talking about but fascinating. It was a cryin' shame that Russ didn't get to go. He would have been so much more into it and known what they were talking about. I tried to go into a little detail about some players in the movie. Russ was embarrassed for me during the conversation.
This was a little different from some sports movies because it was less about specific games and more about this whole process. Brad Pitt really played the role of Billy Beane well. There's just something about his confidence that draws you in. It's Brad Pitt after all. And Jonah Hill as the stats genius was great. They had good chemistry together in a platonic way of course.
If you're a sports fanatic, definitely see this movie. If you're not, it's still worth seeing but be prepared to be a little clueless.
To Sum it up: Motivating and fascinating with just a tad of humor.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)