2014: Week 31: Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Main Players:  Chris Pratt, Zoe Zaldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper (voice), Van Diesel (voice)

General Gist: Four unlikely characters find themselves in a battle against Ronan the Accuser when they come in possession of an Orb ,with power to destroy a civilization.

Deb's Take:
I have grown to love the Marvel movies.  I can't say I am no longer a super hero movie fan, because I think the last five I have seen I have really enjoyed.  Tiff and I are having a fun time trying to tie the characters from each Marvel film to each other. 

When I saw the previews for this movie I was skeptical.  It looked sort of goofy and cheesy.  I'm glad the previews were wrong.  This movie was entertaining.  I really enjoyed the humor.  I liked the storyline and the interplay between the characters.  Chris Pratt was a fun actor to watch.   Honestly there wasn't really anything I didn't like about the movie.  Great entertainment, especially if you are a Marvel Fan.

Deb's Rate: Friday Night

Tiff's Take:
Why am I never more excited to see a Marvel movie?  I am always sort of so so about going to one then I always end up really enjoying them.  You think I would learn.

I'll be honest, I really didn't think I would like this one.  Actually I didn't really have a desire to see it at all.  I mean, come on.  One of the characters is a raccoon.  And a tree.  I thought it would be epically stupid.  It was, however, not epically stupid but funny, action-packed and thoroughly entertaining.  Again, why am I surprised?  I can't say this is my favorite Marvel movie (I'm more of a Thor girl) but definitely a good one.

Tiff's Rate: Friday Night

Preview: Might see Transformers for a date night but probably will see something else with just the sis.

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 28: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi


Main Players:  Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke

General Gist: 
Genetically evolved Apes come to war with the human race. 

Deb's Take:
I am not a Planet of the Apes Fan.  After seeing this movie, I still am not a fan.  I don't feel like I can really give anyone a good review of this movie, because quite frankly, I thought it was stupid.  I couldn't get past the fact that these Apes were "human" and have evolved to a point where they were equal to man.   I just didn't like it.  So, since I went with my son and husband I will give you their opinions, beause they are more fans than me.  My husband said it was ok, he thought it was too drawn out and sort of boring.  He did think the premise of this one was good, and didn't say it was aweful just not great.  My 13 year old son was a different story.  The whole way home he tried to convince me that I really DID like the movie, but that I just didn't understand it.  UM, no, but good try.  Anyway, he really liked it.  The actors did good, I didn't realize the Apes were actually played by people so that was something interesting.  All in all though, just can't give it kudos.  Although, the 30 year old male who was sitting to my left was obviously touched because he cried through the whole last scene,  like for real....


Deb's Rate:  Don't bother unless you are a fan of Planet of the Apes, if so I suppose a Matinee would do.

Preview: When the Game Stands Tall

2014: Week 21: X-Men: Days of Future Past

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Main Players: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence (and a whole crew of others)


General Gist: Wolverine travels to the past to try and change the fate of humans and mutants.

Deb's Take: 
I think I have mentioned recently that I haven't always been a big "superhero" movie fan.  Over the last year or so Tiff and I have been to a lot of these movies.  The Marvel/Superhero genre has been on a big upswing, or so it seems.  I have found myself much more inclined to going and more impressed with what I see.  I will always be a drama, romantic girl at heart, but I have an open mind and find these movies quite entertaining as well.  As far as X-men, I was introduced to these characters about 20 years ago.  There was a Saturday morning cartoon that came on and my husband always got up to watch it..(even before kids!)  I took an interest and was intrigued. 

I liked this one!  There was a different twist.  This one had a lot of Hugh Jackman, and he's a fine man to see a lot of.  The movie kept my attention with all the action, and the characters played their parts well.  James McAvoy was impressive in his role.  I liked all the actors quite honestly.  It's a superhero movie so the ending is pretty predictable, but after two weeks of boredom this movie hit the spot. 


Deb's Rate: Friday Night

Tiff's Take:
I never make going to X-Men movies a priority but I'm not sure why.  I've seen enough of them so far to realize that I thoroughly enjoy them.  I don't think there's been one I haven't liked.  This one was no exception. 

Hugh Jackman does an amazing job as Wolverine and I'm always majorly impressed with how he can bulk up for this role.  I know he's not super old but he's no young buck either. The fact that he can get so ripped is, well, impressive.  And easy on the eyes. 

I am a huge fan of Jennifer Lawrence so she can really do no wrong in my eye.  I liked her as Mystique.  Like Deb, I liked all the actors.  They all were great in their roles and this movie was entertaining in every way.  Can't go wrong with an X-Men movie.  One of these days I'll remember that.


Tiff's Rate: Friday Night

Preview: Maleficent

2012: Week 42: Cloud Atlas

Cloud Atlas

Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi

Main Players: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Jim Sturgess, Jim Broadbent

General Gist: A story about how individual lives affect one another in the past, present and future.

Deb's Take:  
This movie was another one of those “thinker” type of movies.  There is a lot going on with so many characters and so many time lines, the movie can get confusing.  I was a little lost most of the time.  I felt like I needed to watch the movie a couple times in order to really figure out who was who and what was what.  The movie followed the lives of so many different people/past, present and future.  I tried to find the connection in each but know I missed some of it. 

The most amazing part of this movie was how many characters each actor played.  Tom Hanks played 7 different characters, Halle Berry did 6, and most of the others had 5-6 as well.  Not until the credits were running did I see who was who as some of them were so unrecognizable.  There definitely is outstanding acting.  I sort of felt like I was watching a play vs a movie because the actors “acted” so well.

The movie was a little to long and drawn out for me.  I found myself wondering if there was really a point, luckily, things did  have closure..which I like of course.  Wonderful acting, but a little too much bouncing back and forth for my taste. 

Deb's Rate: Matinee

Tiff's Take:
Yeah, this definitely was a thinker.  I too, like Deb, was confused for a lot of it.  I wasn't sure how it was all going to tie together.  I don't think it was until the last 20 minutes of the movie that I had a little ah ha moment.  But I'll be quite honest.  That ah ha moment wasn't a real clear one.  There's still a lot I missed. 

It sounds like I enjoyed the whole journey of it a little more than Deb. I liked the bouncing back and forth between stories and times.  And I liked how some of the stories were more serious then others.  The present day story was especially entertaining and gave a little comic relief. 

The acting was great but more importantly, the makeup was wonderful.  I imagine it was fun for the actors to play all those different parts and be a completely different person for each story.

And yes it was long but it didn't feel too long for me.  The only beef I have is, again, what's up with these bleak futures?   

Tiff's Rate: Friday Night 

Preview: A few more pre-screenings in the works.

 

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 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 8: Chronicle

Chronicle

Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama

Main Players: Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, Michael B. Jordan

General Gist: Three high school friends find this underground "thing" that gives them the power to move things with their minds. As their powers increase things start getting out of hand.

Tiff's Take:
We went out on a limb this week and decided to see something we normally wouldn't. Truth be told, since we went to the movies on a Wednesday we didn't have the option to see one of the new ones coming out this weekend. So this is what we decided on.

First I want to say that I don't think we fit the demographics that this movie was targeting. You might remember my review from 30 Minutes or Less. Same concept here. In the beginning of the movie the boys were using this new found power to do just stupid teenage boy things. Like move someones car to a different spot in a parking lot to mess with them. The other handful of people that were in the theater with us (who seemed to be teenage boys) thought these kind of pranks were hilarious. I mean hilarious. I get that I'm in my 30's now but really?

Anyway, so there was this whole sci-fi aspect with the special powers but then there was this boy who's sort of dorky trying to get by in a school with kids who are mean to him but then he makes them pay later kind of thing going on. You know, that classic story. And on top of it, it was suppose to seem like it was shot through the kids own handheld camera. Which may have given a little more interesting aspect of the movie but didn't quite get there.

So what I'm saying is this movie was just plain bizarre. I left the theater feeling weird.

Tiff's Rate: Don't Bother

Deb's Take:

I have to take the wrap for this movie. I picked it...and it wasn't a good choice. I totally agree with Tiff on this one. I think this type of movie must be somewhat of a new age, older teen/early 20 crowd kind of movie. I don't even really have much to say about it because it was that bad.

The concept may have made a good movie, it was sort of a super power type of movie, but turned into a kid gone mad who is out to ruin the world. The sad part is I think the movie was trying to make some sort of point about kids who get bullied and their vengence on the world. I felt like it supported a huge problem in our society of kids taking their anger into their own hands and turning on all their enemies. Maybe I just feel this way because I am a mother of children in their teen/tween ages. The whole thing just made me sad, and then eventually just went over the edge of reality and became stupid. Bad choice!

Deb's Rate: Don't bother

Preview: Prescreening of "21 Jump Street". Yes, we love free movies. Notice the picture on our facebook page.

Week 29: Super 8

This week was Super 8.  I have been curious about this movie for awhile but it kept being pushed aside.  This week we didn't seem to have a lot of choices so we finally decided to go.  (And yes, I realize Harry Potter comes out this weekend and it's sort of a big deal.  Since my sister's not a huge fan I'll be seeing it on Monday with my good friend Cory who is.  I'm beyond excited to say the least.  Look for a bonus review.)

Like I said, this movie peaked my interest from the start but I wasn't really sure if it would be too out there to really like.  To be honest I liked it better than I thought I would.  Just like Deb said it reminded me of Stand By Me right away but with a Sci Fi twist.  It had a group of kids getting into trouble and dealing with things they probably shouldn't at their age.  It reminded me a little bit of Goonies too.  The Sci Fi aspect of the movie was okay but the part I liked so much about it was the humor.  The boys were really funny and made me laugh out loud. 

The main actor was played by Joel Courtney.  He was really good.  He had a sweet, sincere quality about him.  Elle Fanning was good as well.  I agree with Deb.  You can tell acting runs in her family.  I didn't recognize any of the other boys but they made the movie.  It wouldn't have been funny without them.  And I do like Kyle Chandler who played the dad. 

This movie was definitely better than expected.  It's nice when those come along.

To Sum it up: Good humor, really great characters and a surprising hit.

Week 29: Super 8

"Super 8" was our Movie this week. I was a little reluctant to go to this movie because I am really not a science fiction type of gal, as I have said before. Tiff talked me into it though, ok..so when I say "talked me into it" I really mean she said.."I really want to see Super 8" and I responded, "OK"! Not too much convincing.

So this movie told a story of a group of young teen (14 year olds I would guess) friends who are in the process of making a homemade movie for a contest. While filming they happen across a train accident that holds a military secret. The movie then centers around how these kids eventually get in the middle and what they must do to get out.

I was sort of thrown back to the movie "Stand by Me". Although this movie will more than likely not be that iconic, it held a lot of similarities. I was most impressed with the abilities of these actors. Young kids amaze me in their abilities on film. I found myself laughing a lot, touched by innocent discovery and amazed at how the young actors can bring out emotions almost better than adults. I would assume, it has something to do with youth!

Some of the actors in this film included Joel Courtney, who looks to be just getting started in the movie industry, Elle Fanning, who through-out the whole film looked familiar but I couldn't figure out who she was...she was good! Guess it runs in the family. Kyle Chandler played the deputy/dad. I have always liked him..I most remember him from his days on T.V. in "Early Edition" and then in the mini-
series "Band of Brothers". The other kids in the movie included some new names, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee (super funny!),Gabriel Basso (looks like he has done a handful of films) and Zach Mills (also with some movies under his belt).

All these kids had great chemistry, and I believed they truely were a group of kids who lived together in a small town and knew eachother for years.

Overall, I have to say this one was super enjoyable. Even the Sci-Fi was ok, a little bit "E.T." and little bit "Stand by Me". See you next week for the big 30!

I will get the winner of the movie tickets posted later this weekend!

Week 10: I am number four

This week we say I am number four. It was a sci-fi flick, which usually aren't a first pick for me, but my mom was in town and wanted to see it, so hey! why not? I was surpisingly impressed. I was even more excited when at the end of the movie I found out it has a sequel , and there were books! I love to read as much as I like movies so...YEAH!!

The whole premise of the movie was pretty cool. A group of 9 "aliens" (for lack of a better word) find themselves living on earth, and they are being hunted by a group of bad "aliens". The group of 9 need to find eachother to strengthen their powers....but 3 are already dead. SO...I didn't make that sound exciting, or thrilling or anything, but the set-up for the whole story line is cool.

The main actor, Alex Pettyfer, is new to me. I liked him. I also liked two of the female roles Teresa Palmer, who is number six, and Dianna Agron. They looked a lot a like, but Teresa Palmer plays the bad ass, and Dianna Agron the love interest.

I am really excited to see where this series goes, and will be getting the books so I don't have to wait.

Overall I would recommend this movie, I think it may get better as it goes," which often isn't the case. Be prepared for a few scares, a little bit of shoot "em up, and some out there moments.

See you next week! Stay tuned for our next giveaway

Week 10: I Am Number Four

This week we went and saw I Am Number Four.  I really wasn't sure what to expect with this movie.  I hadn't heard a whole lot about it and didn't really know what it was about.  I knew it was a little sci fiish but that's about it.  I have to tell you I was surprised how much I liked this movie. 

I'm not usually into sci fi movies but this one was really entertaining.  There were a couple elements in this movie that really sucked me in.  The first was the high school love story.  What is it about teenagers falling in love that is so appealing?  The next was the fact that it's set up to be a sequel.  I love good sequels.  But I didn't realize it was a sequel going in to it.  Or the fact that it is a book too.  (Wow.  Maybe I should research a movie a little before I see it.)  Throughout the whole movie I was thinking, "How are they going to wrap this story up?".  Well, turns out they didn't.

The story is about these "beings" from another planet who are in hiding from these bad guy aliens trying to kill them.  There were nine of them and three had been killed so far.  Number four finds number six and realize they are stronger together.  So the goal is to find the rest.  I can't wait to see the other four and what they are like.  It sort of reminds me of the X-Men movies where they introduce new people with new powers. 

I didn't really recognize any of the actors.  The main guy was Alex Pettyfer.  He was a really good and cute teenage alien.  The main girl is Dianna Agron which I guess is on Glee.  She was good too.  All the other actors were pretty fitting for the characters.  Overall a really good movie.

To Sum it up:  Good story, a lot of jump in your seat action and leaves you wanting more.