Playing for Keeps
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Main Players: Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, Noah Lomax, Dennis Quaid, Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones
General Gist: A father who is also a retired professional soccer player, works to become a more prominent figure in his son's life.
Deb's Take:
I liked looking at Gerard Butler. He is pretty nice looking and has a nice accent. He looked good without his shirt on. I think that is the best thing I can say about this movie.
The movie was sort of discombobulated. There were a lot of known actors, almost like the movie knew it was lacking in some way, so they wanted some big names to make up for it. I really just didn't like the way the relationships jumped all over the place. Oh, there were funny parts, and nice romantic parts, but honestly, it was pretty unbelievable. That is coming from the sister who falls for any romantic twist out there...the sister who falls for the whole "drama" of relationships, who loves the star crossed lovers story, who roots for the underdog...so I guess what I am saying is...it wasn't that great. Sort of just blahza to me. I have definitely seen worse but it could have been so much better.
Deb's Rate: Don't Bother
Tiff's Take:
I couldn't agree more with Deb's review. This movie really fell short in every way. I actually can't believe the actors in this agreed to do it. They acted well enough but the story line was just awful. I didn't believe any of the relationships or the situations. There were holes and flaws all over the place. And the chemistry wasn't great between anyone. The funny parts were just so so and the "touching" parts weren't really touching at all.
So, maybe just don't go to this one at all. And if you have already then I'm sorry that you wasted your time.
Tiff's Rate: Don't Bother
Preview: Closing down the year, but a few more to come.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
2012: Week 50: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Main Players: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett
General Gist: A Hobbit and a gang of dwarfs (along with a wizard and warrior) go on a journey to reclaim their home from a Dragon.
Deb's Take:
I am not a Lord of the Rings fan. I can't say I dislike it, just am not a fan. I know I saw some of movies when they were out, but quite honestly don't remember them. This movie, being a prequel, may have just helped me a little with the whole enjoyment of Lord of the Rings. I like things in order. I like to know the background stories, the ins and outs, the before and afters, EVERYTHING. I am a big picture kind of girl. This story sort of just set the stage for me to now go and watch the Lord of the Rings movies. I am not much of a fantasy movie type, but this movie was good. I really felt like the characters were picked and played well. Martin Freeman (Bilbo) and Ian Mckellen (Gandalf) were my favorites, but really, there wasn't a bad apple in the bunch. Ok, so I almost forgot about the character Gollum. WOW, after that scene I felt like nothing could be as crazy as Gollum. Kudos to Andy Serkis for playing crazy like no other crazy I have seen.
More impressive was the scenery and landscape, as well as the visual production. The movie was a prescreening ( meaning to us? FREE) and it was in 3D (added bonus). The special effects, the color, the picture itself was amazing. I think I liked some of the screen shots better than the movie. I also loved the costumes and make-up. Actually, what can be done with film now a days is pretty amazing. (I just watched an old movie..."The Holiday" with Bing Crosby and Fred Estaire, something to be said for the good old black and white, but really amazing to think what movies have become in such a short time)
Anyway, if you are a Fantasy, Hobbit fan, I think you will love it!
Deb's Rate: Good enough for Opening Night if you are a fan, I could take it as a Matinee.
Tiff's Take:
Although I wouldn't call myself a die hard Lord of the Rings fan I really do enjoy them. To be honest though I wasn't thinking I would like this as well as I did. Not that I thought it would be bad but I wasn't overly excited to see it. I remember the other movies being good but long. And it's been a loooong time since I've read the book. So long ago that I couldn't really tell you how the movie was bad, good, different or the same compared to the book.
That being said, I really enjoyed this movie. It was long but it didn't feel like it dragged on. I enjoyed the characters, the action, all of it. Since it had been such a long time since I'd read the book it was like I was seeing the story for the first time. But did the movie end where the book did?? I feel like maybe they'll be another movie but honestly I have no clue. Regardless, it was definitely one to see.
Tiff's Rate: Friday Night
Preview: Week 51 coming up!
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Main Players: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett
General Gist: A Hobbit and a gang of dwarfs (along with a wizard and warrior) go on a journey to reclaim their home from a Dragon.
Deb's Take:
I am not a Lord of the Rings fan. I can't say I dislike it, just am not a fan. I know I saw some of movies when they were out, but quite honestly don't remember them. This movie, being a prequel, may have just helped me a little with the whole enjoyment of Lord of the Rings. I like things in order. I like to know the background stories, the ins and outs, the before and afters, EVERYTHING. I am a big picture kind of girl. This story sort of just set the stage for me to now go and watch the Lord of the Rings movies. I am not much of a fantasy movie type, but this movie was good. I really felt like the characters were picked and played well. Martin Freeman (Bilbo) and Ian Mckellen (Gandalf) were my favorites, but really, there wasn't a bad apple in the bunch. Ok, so I almost forgot about the character Gollum. WOW, after that scene I felt like nothing could be as crazy as Gollum. Kudos to Andy Serkis for playing crazy like no other crazy I have seen.
More impressive was the scenery and landscape, as well as the visual production. The movie was a prescreening ( meaning to us? FREE) and it was in 3D (added bonus). The special effects, the color, the picture itself was amazing. I think I liked some of the screen shots better than the movie. I also loved the costumes and make-up. Actually, what can be done with film now a days is pretty amazing. (I just watched an old movie..."The Holiday" with Bing Crosby and Fred Estaire, something to be said for the good old black and white, but really amazing to think what movies have become in such a short time)
Anyway, if you are a Fantasy, Hobbit fan, I think you will love it!
Deb's Rate: Good enough for Opening Night if you are a fan, I could take it as a Matinee.
Tiff's Take:
Although I wouldn't call myself a die hard Lord of the Rings fan I really do enjoy them. To be honest though I wasn't thinking I would like this as well as I did. Not that I thought it would be bad but I wasn't overly excited to see it. I remember the other movies being good but long. And it's been a loooong time since I've read the book. So long ago that I couldn't really tell you how the movie was bad, good, different or the same compared to the book.
That being said, I really enjoyed this movie. It was long but it didn't feel like it dragged on. I enjoyed the characters, the action, all of it. Since it had been such a long time since I'd read the book it was like I was seeing the story for the first time. But did the movie end where the book did?? I feel like maybe they'll be another movie but honestly I have no clue. Regardless, it was definitely one to see.
Tiff's Rate: Friday Night
Preview: Week 51 coming up!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
2012: Week 49: Rise of the Guardians
Rise of the Guardians
Genre: Animation, Adventure
Main Players: Voices of Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman
General Gist: The immortal guardians (Jack Frost, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Sandman, and Santa) try to protect all the children against the evil spirit Pitch.
Tiff's Take:
We decided to treat the kids to a movie for week 49. My kids wanted to see this and it looked interesting to me so why not. And I did enjoy it but I wouldn't say it was anything spectacular. I've seen a lot better animated movies but I've also seen a lot worse.
It was an interesting concept and I liked all the characters. All the great voices helped too. But I'll admit it hasn't left a lasting impression since I've seen it a few weeks ago. My kids? My 7 year old seemed to enjoy it and my 4 year old was only mildly distracted at times. Pretty good for a kids movie I'd say.
Tiff's Rate: Matinee
Deb's Take: I like animated movies when they have a lot of humor for the adults, at least they are my favorite. This movie didn't have a lot of "hidden" adult moments. However, the story was a good concept, and I liked that they combined a group of guardians together that weren't just your traditional characters, (ie: Jack Frost and Tooth Fairy) The movie kept the kids' interest (mine are 9 and 12) and I think the story was laid out well. My kids both said they liked it "a lot" (vs a little). It was good, clean, kid fun!
Deb's Rate: Matinee
Preview: A few reviews in the que. Only a couple weeks behind. Whew!
Genre: Animation, Adventure
Main Players: Voices of Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman
General Gist: The immortal guardians (Jack Frost, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Sandman, and Santa) try to protect all the children against the evil spirit Pitch.
Tiff's Take:
We decided to treat the kids to a movie for week 49. My kids wanted to see this and it looked interesting to me so why not. And I did enjoy it but I wouldn't say it was anything spectacular. I've seen a lot better animated movies but I've also seen a lot worse.
It was an interesting concept and I liked all the characters. All the great voices helped too. But I'll admit it hasn't left a lasting impression since I've seen it a few weeks ago. My kids? My 7 year old seemed to enjoy it and my 4 year old was only mildly distracted at times. Pretty good for a kids movie I'd say.
Tiff's Rate: Matinee
Deb's Take: I like animated movies when they have a lot of humor for the adults, at least they are my favorite. This movie didn't have a lot of "hidden" adult moments. However, the story was a good concept, and I liked that they combined a group of guardians together that weren't just your traditional characters, (ie: Jack Frost and Tooth Fairy) The movie kept the kids' interest (mine are 9 and 12) and I think the story was laid out well. My kids both said they liked it "a lot" (vs a little). It was good, clean, kid fun!
Deb's Rate: Matinee
Preview: A few reviews in the que. Only a couple weeks behind. Whew!
2012: Bonus Review: Wreck-It Ralph
Wreck-It Ralph
Genre: Animation
Main Players: Voices of John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch
General Gist: Wreck-It Ralph is sick of being a bad guy in the video game world. He leaves his game in search of a way to become a hero.
Tiff's Take:
This was sort of a throw back to video games of my childhood. I think that made this movie sort of a draw for the parents who had to watch it with their kids. It really wasn't much of a draw for me but I was never really into video/arcade games much growing up I guess.
As far as a kids movie from the perspective of the parents who have to watch them I'd say this one was really slow. Both Russ and I thought so. I felt like it dragged on forever. I heard some good things about it so I was a little surprised I didn't like it better but I really didn't. I sort of thought it would never end.
From my kids perspective it rated slightly higher. My 7 year old said he liked it but my 4 year old got pretty restless. She's not much of a movie goer yet but this one was a little more difficult for her to sit through then most. This one's probably best as a renter in my opinion.
Tiff's Rate: Rent It
Preview: Another animated movie. Rise of the Guardians.
Genre: Animation
Main Players: Voices of John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch
General Gist: Wreck-It Ralph is sick of being a bad guy in the video game world. He leaves his game in search of a way to become a hero.
Tiff's Take:
This was sort of a throw back to video games of my childhood. I think that made this movie sort of a draw for the parents who had to watch it with their kids. It really wasn't much of a draw for me but I was never really into video/arcade games much growing up I guess.
As far as a kids movie from the perspective of the parents who have to watch them I'd say this one was really slow. Both Russ and I thought so. I felt like it dragged on forever. I heard some good things about it so I was a little surprised I didn't like it better but I really didn't. I sort of thought it would never end.
From my kids perspective it rated slightly higher. My 7 year old said he liked it but my 4 year old got pretty restless. She's not much of a movie goer yet but this one was a little more difficult for her to sit through then most. This one's probably best as a renter in my opinion.
Tiff's Rate: Rent It
Preview: Another animated movie. Rise of the Guardians.
Monday, December 10, 2012
2012: Week 48: Silver Linings Playbook
Silver Linings Playbook
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Players: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro
General Gist: After a stay in a mental institute, a teacher moves in with his parents and begins to work on trying to reconcile with his wife. Along the way he meets a young woman with issues as well.
Tiff's Take:
This movie was sort of crazy. Crazy in the fact that the characters were a little off (or a lot) and there was so much arguing and yelling and things going on. This might have been a little too much for some people but it surprisingly was not for me. I really loved this movie.
Crazy really worked well for these characters and boy did the actors play the part. The chemistry between Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence was great and I loved the humor. There was one scene that got me and Deb so tickled we could hardly stop laughing. I think people were looking at us funny. Over all it was a pretty predictable story line but it was so enjoyable that it didn't matter at all.
Tiff's Rate: Opening Night
Deb's Take: This movie played up Crazy to a different sort of level. I think the craziest part, the fact that more than likely there are households like this one in the world for real! I think I liked this movie because it made me feel a little less crazy.
I agree with Tiff, the movie was pretty predictable, and very out there, but there was good character development, good relationship development (even in all it's craziness) and great chemistry. The movie was funny, (yes Tiff and I were laugh crying at one point, although the full theatre did not seem to find as much humor in the scene as we did) as well as touching. There was a little disconnect from time to time, however, I think that only enhanced this movie. All the main actors were great, and I really enjoyed the show. I don't think it's Academy Award worthy, but worth a good night out.
Deb's Rate: Opening Night
Preview: Movie Mania...we have 7-8 movies we want to see in the next 3 weeks. We'll see what happens. Our Last Hurray!
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Players: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro
General Gist: After a stay in a mental institute, a teacher moves in with his parents and begins to work on trying to reconcile with his wife. Along the way he meets a young woman with issues as well.
Tiff's Take:
This movie was sort of crazy. Crazy in the fact that the characters were a little off (or a lot) and there was so much arguing and yelling and things going on. This might have been a little too much for some people but it surprisingly was not for me. I really loved this movie.
Crazy really worked well for these characters and boy did the actors play the part. The chemistry between Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence was great and I loved the humor. There was one scene that got me and Deb so tickled we could hardly stop laughing. I think people were looking at us funny. Over all it was a pretty predictable story line but it was so enjoyable that it didn't matter at all.
Tiff's Rate: Opening Night
Deb's Take: This movie played up Crazy to a different sort of level. I think the craziest part, the fact that more than likely there are households like this one in the world for real! I think I liked this movie because it made me feel a little less crazy.
I agree with Tiff, the movie was pretty predictable, and very out there, but there was good character development, good relationship development (even in all it's craziness) and great chemistry. The movie was funny, (yes Tiff and I were laugh crying at one point, although the full theatre did not seem to find as much humor in the scene as we did) as well as touching. There was a little disconnect from time to time, however, I think that only enhanced this movie. All the main actors were great, and I really enjoyed the show. I don't think it's Academy Award worthy, but worth a good night out.
Deb's Rate: Opening Night
Preview: Movie Mania...we have 7-8 movies we want to see in the next 3 weeks. We'll see what happens. Our Last Hurray!
Monday, December 3, 2012
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.
Tiff's Rate: Opening Night
Preview: Some more pre-screenings coming soon.
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!
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