Showing posts with label Adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adventure. Show all posts

Thursday, June 12, 2014

2014: Week 22: Maleficent

Maleficent

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Family

Main Players: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Sharlto Copley


General Gist: A twist on Sleeping Beauty, from a totally different point of view.

Deb's Take:
I'm a sucker for fairy tales.  I think 2 years ago a handful of fairy tales told from a different point of view flooded the screen.  I liked them, so I figured I would like this one too. 

I have never been a real big fan of Angelina Jolie and her acting abilities.  Whenever I watch her I always just get more of a feeling that she is a presence more than an actor.  She doesn't have many lines in the movies I watch her in.  I was a little nervous she might ruin this one for me.  Luckily, her role required more of a "presence" and not much talking, so she fit it perfectly.  I was impressed with the makeup work on her (or digital work as it may be).  I liked how this played on the fantasy, and told a pretty good back story.  I liked Sam Riley's character, and felt like he was Angelina's other side.  Almost like he had the words she didn't.  Elle Fanning was very princess like.  This movie was quite enjoyable.   I'm not sure how younger kids would do with it however.  I know it's a Disney movie, but a few parts may be on the scary side for those 5 year olds, but all in all it had all the things a good Disney movie needs.

Deb's Rate: Matinee

Tiff's Take:
I too have been enjoying the twists on the old fairy tale classics.  This one had an interesting point of view.  Obviously more depth to it then the original Sleeping Beauty.

I don't necessarily love Angelina Jolie but I don't really dislike her either so I didn't go into this one with as much skepticism as Deb.  And I wasn't really surprised at how well the role fit Jolie.  The other actors were good and got the job done.  Overall, it was a good movie but not sure what demographics it was trying to pull in.  I thought about taking my 6 year old but glad I didn't.  I'm not sure it was "young" enough for her.  And my 9 year old didn't have any interest in seeing it although he probably would have liked it better then he thought.  (Not too princessy)  But as a thirty something women who likes fairy tales it was worth watching.

Tiff's Rate: Matinee


Preview: We both finished the book "The Fault in Our Stars" so we took our posse (ok two others who also finished the book and a few more who didn't read it) with us!

Thursday, April 17, 2014

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!

Thursday, April 10, 2014

2014: Week 13: Muppets Most Wanted

Muppets Most Wanted

Genre: Comedy, Adventure

Main Players: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey and of course Kermit and Piggy and all. 

General Gist: The Muppets decide to go back on tour and get caught up with the wrong tour manager while Kermit is mistaken for a "bad" frog.

Tiff's Take:
I want to start with letting you know that the Muppets aren't my thing.  They have never been my thing.  Even when I was younger.  Originally I was going to let my husband take my kids to this because it looked too unappealing to me and because he actually likes them.  But it just so turned out that I found myself with a weekend alone with my kids and nothing to do.  So The Muppets it was.  Ugh.

One thing that saved me with this movie was the funny actors in it.  At least I hoped.  They weren't as funny as they should have been.  So I guess they didn't really make it that much better.  Honestly, I don't really have a lot to say about this movie.  I didn't find it all that funny or entertaining and I almost fell asleep at one point.  My kids seemed to enjoy it enough but even they didn't think it was exceptional.  My 5 year old asked how much longer after only about 45 minutes in.

Unless you're a fan of the Muppets, I wouldn't bother seeing this unless your kids make you.

Tiff's Rate: Rent It

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

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

2014: Week 1: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Main Players: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly

General Gist: The second in the trilogy. A Hobbit and a gang of dwarfs continue their journey to reclaim their home from a Dragon.

Deb's Take:
I looked back at my review for the first Hobbit movie (week 50 in 2012.)  After reading my review I'm thinking two things, 1.) Wow, I can tell I had been doing reviews for a while because I am extremely out of practice for writing like that! 2.) I think I must have liked the first one better.

As I've said many times before, this movie genre is not my favorite.  After seeing the first one though I felt like I need to finish the whole trilogy or it's a job left undone.  This movie was good.  My husband and son both thought it was much better than the first.  I think it was comparable.  This movie had a lot more adventure and action then the first one.  The characters took on more personality and life.  I found some of the characters more endearing and there was a little romance for my soulful side.  I feel like this one fell more into the "Hollywood" category as it worked to capture the audience with bling and fire.  The actors did wonderful, and I feel everyone fits their parts perfectly.  Again, I am just not so much a fan of these movies so I'm a little biased in my lack of enthusiasm. Like I said the first time, if you are a Hobbit fan you will probably love it!


Deb's Rate: Its a renter for me, but if you are a fan Friday Night.

Tiff's Take:
I read my review for the last Hobbit as well and I have to say that I feel pretty much the same about this one.  I didn't have a huge desire to see this movie but I didn't not want to see it either.  I've seen all the other movies so it seems like I need to keep going.  For being so unenthusiastic about going, I was pleasantly surprised.  As always with these movies.

I really did enjoy this once I started watching it.  It kept me engaged and didn't feel super long even though it sort of was.  The only bad thing is I felt totally confused about what was going on.  Apparently I remember even less then last time.  But even in my state of ignorance I didn't feel like it was a waste of my time.  Also, it was a major bonus seeing Orlando Bloom.  It's been awhile!  Oh, and another bonus.  It's super fun saying the word Smaug.  

Tiff's Rate:  Matinee for me.

Preview: Week 2: "Her"

Friday, November 16, 2012

2012: Week 46: Breaking Dawn: Part 2

Breaking Dawn: Part 2

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Adventure

Main Players: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattison, Taylor Lautner:  Plus lots of other really cool actors.

General Gist:  The Final Chapter of the Twilight Series...Nuff said!

Deb's Take:
Ok, so we made it to the 10:00pm showing (8 theatres were sold out for this one in Independence)  The hype of the movie is always so much fun!   SO...if you haven't joined the Twilight world this movie is probably just O.K. for you.  In all honesty, the acting is sometimes cheesy, and the visual effects aren't all that great at times.  BUT...this movie is about the experience, it's the 5th movie and who doesn't want to see how it all ends in real life (vs the book?). 

I have never been a big fan of Kristen Stewart or Robert Pattison, they are depressing to me, when they smile it looks out of character because they never smile and always look sort of bored and irritated.  I know some of it is the movie and their characters, but really I just never really fell for them in these roles.  On the other hand, I love so many of the supporting characters, but have to say Michael Sheen took the cake in this movie.  He does evil so well. Really all the "evil" characters/actors in this film did good, they are believable.  I also like Taylor Lautner, he just fit his role well, and is so darn cute and Ashley Greene, she was spot on.

I don't feel like there is too much to say, but I will put out one little teaser...I read the books, I knew the ending, I have gone to LOTS of movies in my life (well, maybe more then Lots) and this one got me!  Was so not expecting it!....all I can say, you will be surprised.

Great ending for this Team Jacob fan.

Deb's Rate: Opening Night

Tiff's Take: I don't know how many times I can say it.  I love love love the excitement of a hyped up opening night!  All the anticipation, the crazies (the making fun of the crazies) and feeling like you're a part of something fun.  This is probably the only time I can handle going to a movie where you have a very active and loud audience. 

First, let me get this out of the way.  As I was watching the first couple scenes I was cringing just a tad.  It started out a little too cheesy and low budget.  (Is that even possible??)  I thought of my sister-in-law knowing that she would immediately hate the movie.  (Back story:  She's an incredibly hard critic and loved if not obsessed over these books.  Movies never live up to her book standards.  Ever.)  But after it got into the heart of the story I didn't worry about cheesy or low budget any more. 

The characters came back just as good as ever and I loved seeing the introduction of all the "other" vampires.  Most of it was what I would have expected but the ending?!  Wow.  What a great way to change things up without really changing things up.  Bravo movie makers.  Great final installment.  First Harry Potter is over now Twilight.  It's going to be a sad day when all the Hunger Game movies are done.  I'm not sure what I'll do.

Go Team Edward! Ha. 

Tiff's Rate: Opening Night of course.

Preview:  James....James Bond 

Monday, June 11, 2012

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.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

2012: Week 13: Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror

Genre: Adventure, Comedy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deb's Rate: Good Friday night Family movie.

Preview: The winner of our giveaway coming up!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Week 21: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

I really enjoyed this week's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.  I have seen the three previous ones and this one fell in the middle.  I don't think the first one can be beat.  The first one was really funny.  Johnny Depp's character was so good.  And the rest of the casting was perfect.  How can you not love Orlando Bloom?  The second and third ones weren't barely as funny or impressionable.  Now I thought the fourth one was much better then the second and third but it still can't beat the first. 

Adding Penelope Cruz to the cast was perfect.  She really had good chemistry with Johnny Depp.  And Johnny Depp...I really don't think anyone else could play Jack Sparrow better.  Unlike Deb, I tend to like Johnny Depp's movies.  I think you either love him or hate him.  I love him.  Even in all his weirdness.  I thought the mermaids added a good twist to the plot too. 

This was a very entertaining and humorous movie.  Not as good as the first but still good nonetheless.  And it had the magic that always comes with a Disney movie. 

To Sum it up: Perfect casting, a good amount of laughs and a little something only Johnny Depp can bring.