2014: Bonus Review: Noah

Noah

Genre: Action, Drama, Adventure

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

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

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

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

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


Deb's Rate: Rent It

Preview: Two more reviews to post!

2014: Bonus: Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Genre: Animation

Main Players: Voices of Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Ariel Winter

General Gist: Time travel at it's best with an genius dog and his adopted human son.

Tiff's Take:
I really didn't know much going into this movie.  I knew my son (9) wanted to see it but that's it.  Actually the one or two previews I saw didn't make it seem very interesting.  I wasn't expecting to like it all that much.  I was pleasantly surprised.

It's basically about this genius dog who has accomplished all this great stuff in life then decides to adopt a human son.  He takes that son on time traveling journeys to teach him about history.  Let me tell you, this movie was right up my son's alley.  It was perfect for him.  And it was really interesting for adults too.  It didn't have a lot of action and it didn't have a lot of kids humor but it really worked. At least for me and my son.

To give you another perspective...my daughter (almost 6) did seem to enjoy it but I think I've mentioned before that she enjoys the process of going to movies more than anything.  Afterwards she said it was a little boring but good.  She doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings after all.  So I can definitely see how this movie wouldn't be a great fit for all kids especially younger ones.  But for me and my boy it was a hit.

Tiff's Rate: Friday Night

Preview: 12 Years a Slave review up next.

2014: Bonus: The Lego Movie

The Lego Movie

Genre: Animation

Main Players: Voices of: Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Chris Pratt

General Gist: An "average" Lego is mistaken for a master building in hopes of saving Lego Land from tyrant, Lord Business.

Tiff's Take:
We took our now nine year old son to this for his birthday along with nine other boys and a tag along sister.  Are we crazy or what? 

My son is a huge Lego fan whether it is a toy, video game or movie.  Always has been.  So this was a no brainer for his birthday party which happened to be around the same time this came out.  Perfect. 

As an adult, this movie was great.  It was funny and fast moving which is always good when your watching a movie for the sake of your kids.  I thought it was pretty clever too.  I liked how the ending really tied everything together.  Really well done.

From a kid standpoint, my son and his friends seemed to love it.  It kept all of their attention throughout the whole thing.  That's a success right there.  As for my almost six year old daughter, it was a hit too.  I will say that having an older brother makes her used to "boyish" type things.  And she loves going to movies no matter what they are.  She usually enjoys the popcorn more than anything.  But if you have only girls in your family who are much more interested in princesses I could see how this would be a little boring for them.  But our whole family enjoyed this show immensely.       
         
Tiff's Rate: Friday Night

Preview: Going to a movie tonight.  I think we missed out on seeing any more Oscar nominations so just a normal ole movie will have to do.

2014: Bonus: The Nut Job

The Nut Job

Genre: Animation, Comedy

Main Players: Voices of : Brendan Fraser, Katherine Heigl, Liam Neeson, Will Arnett

General Gist:  A group of squirrels venture to the city in an attempt to save their park animal friends' community from starving over the lack of nuts saved for the winter.

Tiff's Take:
My kids were excited to see this movie and we decided to make a family event out of it which is always fun.  I usually don't mind going to kids movie.  I tend to enjoy them for the most part as much as the kids.  This one, however, was not one of those movies.

I'll start by saying, we just got a new kitten and it's a little like having a new baby.  We haven't been getting real good sleep lately so I was, well, a little sleepy.  A kids movie should wake you up and keep your attention, right?  Folks, I seriously couldn't keep my eyes open during this movie.  I thought about blaming it on the kitten but I think this one was just that boring.  The characters weren't real dynamic, the story line was weak and it just wasn't that funny.  Kids movies are suppose to be funny.  What gives?  You would think with the actors involved in this that it would be better but it just wasn't.  As an adult I definitely would not recommend this one.

My kids on the other hand said they liked it.  But I think if they get popcorn and treats they'll like anything.

Tiff's Rate: Rent It - Only for the kids' sake.

Deb's Take:  
I was excited to get pre-screening tickets to this movie because it was at a new theatre that hadn't done screenings before.  I was also excited because for kids movies they usually give 4 passes, allowing more of my family members to attend.  This time I took my son and one of his friends as well as meeting up with Tiff's family.

I usually am a fan of kid's movies.  I like how the writer's often throw in humor for the adults.  The kids get hung up on the natural laughs, (burps, farts, falls) while the parents get some of the more adult aimed jokes.  This movie was so unimpressive.  For the amount of children in the theatre, I would expect tons of laughs, giggles and excited voices.  I think I only remember two moments of laughs, from anyone.  The movie was boring.  The story line was ok, but there was a sub story line that was unnecessary.  (my son even said he thought it was a weird sub story).  There was very little humor, the story lines were weak, it was slow and boring, and  I actually was having a hard time staying awake.  From a kid's perspective, my 13 year old and his friend said it was ok, but they really just liked that fact that they got to go to a movie.  This was one movie I could have lived without seeing.

Deb's Rate: Don't bother

Preview:  Another Pre-Screening!!  Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

2012: Bonus Review: Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

Genre: Drama

Main Players: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson

General Gist: Set in the late19th century Russia, a high society, married woman starts having an affair with a much wanted bachelor changing her life dramatically.

Deb's Take: 
What a unique movie. The first scene immediately set up a whole different vibe for the film.  Sort of a part play/part movie.  Just a neat concept.  As far as the movie itself.  The acting was pretty amazing. Keira and Jude are so good at their roles.  Jude Law was most impressive to me, as it seems he can play so many different types of characters and make them all very believable. 

The other thing about this movie was that it was the typical love triangle.  My Romeo and Juliet side was very satisfied.  The whole web of deception, drama, and love was adequately weaved into a horrid mess.  Why do I like movies like that?.....Anyway, I think this movie was well done, had some great characters and followed a good storyline.  We almost missed seeing this one, and I am glad we didn't!

Deb's Rate: Opening Night

Tiff's Take:
What a great way to end the year!  Seriously, we couldn't have picked a better one to finish with.  In my opinion anyway.  I knew when I first saw the preview for this that it was right up my alley and I had to see it.  But with the way things worked out we were a little late in the game at actually seeing it.  Boy am I glad we made it work though.

I'm not sure what to point out first.  I really loved everything about it.  It was one of those movies that when I start watching it I can tell right away that I'm going to love it and never want it to end.  Does that happen to any of you?  It was artsy and unique.  It was made as if it was on the set of a play in parts then a movie in other scenes.  Really well done.  Jude Law was fantastically middle aged and ordinary.  (Is that really possible?)  Keira Knightley was wonderfully torn and heartbroken.  Ahhh.  Made my heart go pitter pat.

I realize this kind of movie may not be for everyone but for me it was definitely one of the best of the year.  Easily.     

Tiff's Rate: Opening Night

Preview:  Finally!  All our reviews are up for 2012!  Now Best and Worst of 2012 to come with maybe a little giveaway in between.

2012: Bonus Review: This is 40

This is 40

Genre:  Comedy

Main Players: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Maude Apatow, Melissa McCarthy

General Gist: Sequel (of sorts) to the movie "Knocked up".  This follows the life of the married couple, Pete and Debbie, (from "Knocked Up") as they enter their 40's.

Deb's Take: 
I am trying to remember this couple from "Knocked Up" as I remember finding that movie so hilarious.  I guess I will have to watch it again though, because this couple doesn't stick out to me as well as I would like.  I am sure if I watched a few scenes my memory would come back...but maybe not, considering I am over 40.

This movie was a movie my husband and I knew we couldn't miss.  I am fighting my 40's, my husband is embracing his (or maybe just not fighting as hard as me).  First off, I love Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann.  They crack me up, and together even more. Second, this movie hit home soooo many times I sort of felt like maybe my husband wrote to the writers and told them a little about our life, then I decided...we are not alone.  (Big Breath, if a movie is so closely related to our lives, tons of people must be going through what we go through and we are not crazy)  Movies that I can relate to on a funny level are great.  I did love that about this movie.

The movie wasn't 100% amazing though, again with the whole "disconnected" thing.  I felt like the movie didn't really flow.  For example, I thought like a month had passed, and it was only a weekend.  I felt like their marriage was sort of off the charts in craziness, seriously dysfunctional.  But, I suppose that was also suppose to be the point, off the chart crazy.

Who really did it for me though was Melissa McCarthy.  That lady is an amazing comedian.  I love her!  My favorite part of comedies are when you know the actors are just ad libing.  The "after movie clip" was almost as funny as the movie!  Don't leave without seeing it.

All in all, the movie was very relatable, and I enjoyed the laughing with my husband, and realizing we are not in this alone!

Deb's Rate: Friday Night

Tiff's Take:
I guess my take on this movie is different from Deb's.  First of all, I'm not pushing my 40's.  I'm still in denial that I'm almost mid-30's.  Because of this I think this movie wasn't quite as relatable to me.  Mainly because I'm not dealing with hormonal kids yet.  Mine are still sweet and young and innocent.  Ha.  Okay, they're still young.  But I'm not quite to that preteen/teen age yet.  A chunk of the humor related to this. 

A lot of the humor was related to couples getting older and getting in a funk in their marriage and lives.  I think a lot of us can relate to that so I wouldn't say it was completely about your age.  Because of this there were some really hilarious parts regardless if you're 42 or 33.  The main thing that made me like this movie less was how it kept dragging on.  It was so much longer than it needed to be.  There were too many scenes about "normal" life issues that seemed unnecessary to me.  I got the point after the 5th scenario.       

I guess for me and my husband in our early (ok mid) thirties, it was a disappointment.  The flow of the story didn't work and there was more crazy than funny for our liking.

Tiff's Rate: Rent It

Preview: Enjoyed the last two movies of the year with our mom!!  Always a treat! 

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.

2012: Bonus Review: Skyfall

Skyfall

Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime

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

General Gist: Bond….James Bond

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tiff's Rate: Opening Night

Preview:  Some more pre-screenings coming soon.

2012: Bonus Review: Red Dawn

Red Dawn

Genre: Action

Main Players: Chris Hemsworth, Isabel Lucas, Josh Hutcherson, Josh Peck, Adrianne Palicki, Connor Cruise

General Gist: A group of teenagers work to save their town from an invasion of North Koreans

Deb's Take:  This one was one of our Thanksgiving extravaganza of movie seeing.  As many of you know, this movie was a remake, I remember seeing Red Dawn as a teen/tween and always think it’s cool when 30 years later I am taking my kids to see a movie that I grew up on.  This movie followed the same line, with up to date technology and advancements.  There was a lot of action, suspense, and unexpected events.  The acting was adequate, not a movie that I was expecting a whole lot from.  The actors were good at their roles, but really just a whole bunch of kids. It wasn’t bad or anything, just nothing exceptional.  What I enjoyed more was hearing my kids’ reactions.  My daughter doesn’t usually go to movies like this, and she said she really liked it, she seemed to enjoy the suspense.  My son was slightly troubled by the unnecessary death of some of the characters, and several times explained how those deaths could have been easily avoided.  (He is like that!)  All in all it was a fun family event, a little on the violent side, but not too bad for my 16 and 12 year old.

Deb's Rate: Rent it

Preview:  Almost there!

 

2012: Bonus Review: Flight

Flight

Genre: Drama,

Main Players: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly, Bruce Greenwood, John Goodman

General Gist: A pilot is able to prevent his airliner from crashing, however, an investigation reveals his troubled lifestyle.

Deb's Take:  My husband and I went to this movie on a pre screening night.  The trailers and promos really played up this movie as an exciting, edge of your seat, type of movie and my husband was really looking forward to going.  Denzel is such a good actor, and I can say he did a good job in this movie, as usual.   I really like Kelly Reilly, she was so convincing as a recovering drug addict and down on her luck sort of gal.  John Goodman was the humor of this show, he brought the humor to this all to serious subject, and Bruce Greenwood did exceptional.  That all being said, the movie was NOT an edge of your seat type of show, rather, after  the first 15-20 minutes the movie was really more about alcoholism and how it rears it’s ugly head in the life of a pilot.  I am not saying the movie was bad, just that the trailers were misleading and really not the story I expected.  Sometimes the unexpected makes for a pleasant surprise, in this case I didn’t feel that way.  If you go, just be ready for something different than what you may have expected.

Deb's Rate: Rent it

Preview:  We are getting caught up, I swear!

2012: Bonus Review: The Campaign

The Campaign

Genre:  Comedy

Main Players: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott

General Gist: An unlikely candidate runs for congress against the long reigning congressman for a district in North Carolina with the encouragement of two big time CEO's with an ulterior motive.

Tiff's Take:
I had the pleasure of seeing this with my lovely husband and brother-in-law.  I knew if there was any movie my husband would be happy to see it would be this one.  He's a huge Will Ferrell fan through and through.  That being said, there was no way I was going to go to this movie without him.  Boy was it worth it.   

This movie is classic Will Ferrell.  I mean classic.  It reminded me of some of his earlier movies.  It was crude, vulgar, hilarious and inappropriate.  And adding Zach Galifianakis to the mix only made it that much sweeter.  It doesn't really matter so much about the plot or anything like that because you really only go to this kind of movie for the humor.  With Will and Zach that's all you get.  And props to Dylan McDermott and Jason Sudeikis for holding their own with these two comedian power houses. 

I'm so glad I went with Russ to this because he made it funnier for me.  I like Will Ferrell and I like comedies but I'm not sure I would choose them over a love story or good drama.  If I had gone with anyone else I might not have thought it was so funny.  Russ thought it was hilarious which made it easy for me to enjoy it that much more.  There were times when Russ was laughing so hard that he was crying and couldn't breathe.  He would miss a whole scene because the first part was so funny that he couldn't recover in time.  My brother-in-law seemed to enjoy it just as much too.  Actually, he enjoyed it enough to go the next night with my father-in-law.  (Does this paint a tiny picture of what I married into?)  

Most people either like Will Ferrell's sense of humor or they don't.  Not a lot of in between.  If you don't then by all means skip this one.  It would probably only offend you.  If you like his humor then go.  You'll laugh.  A lot.  But choose your company wisely.
     

Tiff's Rate: Friday Night

2012: Bonus Review: Week 28.5: The Dark Knight Rises/Giveaway!

The Dark Knight Rises

Genre: Action, Adventure

Main Players: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Joseph Gordn-Levitt, Michael Caine

General Gist: The last of a trilogy...Batman...need I say more?

Deb's Take:  So….My sweet dear sister was able to get free screening passes to this movie, playing on the IMAX,  and so graciously gave them to me and my husband to use since our kids were out of town and she knew my husband was sort of stoked to see the movie.  I thanked her so profusely as I knew it would be a fun date.  Plus, I think deep down neither of us (my sister and I) were really too excited about seeing this movie and so we didn’t feel like we would be missing out if we didn’t go as our weekly movie..Let me tell you….We were sooooo wrong.

As you know, I am not real gung ho about super hero movies.  I usually leave those to my son and husband.  I have gone to more in the last year than ever in my life though, and I think I am getting a better taste for what is good and what isn’t.  This one totally rocked the house.  It probably helped that it was in the IMAX theatre, but all around it just was super  cool.  I have to say, I was tired when we left to go to this movie, some small little part of my brain was secretly hoping that the screening line would be too long and we wouldn’t get in so I could go back home and call it a night.  Well, the line was super short…the theatre was almost empty actually..and I am so glad we went.

Every actor in this movie was perfect for their part.  Both my husband and I agreed we were a little concerned that Anne Hathaway wasn’t going to be able to pull off “Catwoman”  well, she did, and I no longer see her as the “Princess Diaries actress”.  This could be a really long post if I stated all the good in this movie, action, cool cars, good adventure, action, action, action….but I won’t.  The only downfall…Tom Hardy’s character, “Bane”, was hard to understand sometimes.  I chalked it up as my poor hearing, but my husband said the same thing, and I heard some 20 somethings say they couldn’t understand him either, (he did have a weird mask on mind you).

I think you should go if you like adventure, and if you like Batman especially.  I liked it so much I am willing to give someone two passes to go see it!  I want to share!  So, tomorrow, Friday, I will pick a winner but you must post either here or on our Two Sisters  facebook  page the answer to this following question…I will pick a winner randomly from all who post…Who are three actors who have played “Batman” in the past?

Deb's Rate: Opening Day


Preview: We're thinking a popcorn giveaway.

Bonus Review: Week 27.5

The Amazing Spider-Man

Genre: Action, Adventure

Main Players: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Sally Field, Martin Sheen

General Gist: Pretty sure everyone knows the general gist.....

Deb's Take:   My son really wanted to see this movie, so my husband and I were able to take him for a “middle child” date.  (My husband was looking forward to it as well).  I hadn’t planned on going initially, but getting to spend time with the family and going to a movie go hand in hand. 

It seems like I have seen so many “super hero” movies in the last two years  I wasn’t really sure how this one could be any different than the last 30.  Actually, it really wasn’t in my eyes.  Same story, different actors, different scenes, better graphics, stunts etc….So, I will take a look at the actors..I do like Emma Stone.  She is just a sort of down to earth, “real” person kind of actress.  She made the chemistry of the romance work.  Andrew Garfield was so-so.  He did fit the whole broken teenager role of Spidey, but I wasn’t sold on his macho attitude and romance abilities.  I think who I liked the most was Sally Field, and not because this role was amazing, but because I just love her!  I was shocked to see her and Martin Sheen in this remake, who would have guessed.

All in all, the movie was…Spiderman, nothing too special for me.  I will tell you that my son liked it “better than any other Spider Man movie because it actually followed the true storyline of the comics.” My husband agreed.  Again, lost on me, but oh well, still a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with my boys.

Deb's Rate: Matinee

Preview: The sisters reunite after 3 weeks of vacation!

Bonus Review: Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Genre: Animation, Family

General Gist:  A boy goes in search of a long forgotten tree in hopes of impressing the girl of his dreams.  In the process he finds out about this world that use to be and tries to bring it back. 

Main Players: Voices by Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Danny DeVito, Betty White, Ed Helms

Tiff's Take:
Like Deb's bonus review of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, this movie was an opportunity to spend some time with my son.  He's been talking about going to this movie and since my husband was out of town and my daughter was getting quality time with her grandparents we decided to go.

I was pleasantly surprised with this movie and pleasantly surprised at how well it kept the attention of my 7 year old.  This movie wasn't overly funny with constant kid humor to keep them glued to the screen.  For this very reason I was really surprised that my son didn't tap me on the arm halfway through the show asking if it was almost over.  In fact, I didn't sense any boredom out of him at all.  Now that's a good kids movie!

Not only did everyone seem to enjoy it but it also had a good message.  Basically it promotes a healthy environment and being good to the land and all the living creatures on it.  I think this movie could bring out the inner tree hugger in all of us.  It did me!

Preview:  Gone review up next.  And don't forget to enter our Giveaway!      

Bonus Review: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

General Gist: A boy and his stepfather travel to a mysterious island in search of his long lost grandfather.

Main Players: Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens

Deb's Take:

So, my 11 year old son was feeling a little like the "middle child" over the last few weeks. He seemed a little down on school, was feeling sandwiched between his sisters and their attention and I decided sometimes a mom's just got to put priorities in line. So I picked him up from school at lunchtime and told him we were going to a movie. I let him get any snack he wanted, and he picked to go to he 3D version of this movie. So, based on the circumstances, me in the middle of the day, in the middle of the week, with my middle child, and all the snacks we could every desire, how could this movie even begin to disappoint ;) Well, it didn't. I didn't see the first movie, "Journey to the Center of the Earth", but my son did, and he was pretty excited about this one. The movie lacked a little development, for me as an adult, but I think it was perfect to keep the attention of my 11 year old. There were some super funny parts, (one quote got my son giggling like a little girl) and also some meaningful moments. The 3D version was pretty cool, although I don't know that it is necessary to get the full effect though. I really enjoyed the creativity of the storyline and the action as well. This movie would have been great for my younger daughter too..It's PG appropriate! The experience with my son was the best though!

Deb's Rate: Matinee..especially if you are seeing the 3D version, it will still cost you a little more.

Bonus Review: Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Genre: Action

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bonus Review: Happy Feet Two

Last week we had the opportunity to see a prescreening of Happy Feet Two.  Russ and I decided to take the kids.  Rhett has gone to a good amount of movies now and does pretty good.  This was Piper's first movie.  We figured a free movie was the best way to test out her interest.  And it was 3D so it added a little extra flare to the experience.

None of us had seen Happy Feet so anything that may have referenced the first one was lost on us.  But we weren't confused about much which I'm sure is the intent with a kids movie.  This one was chalked full of well known voices.  Some of them were Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Pink, Sofia Vergara and Elijah Wood.  Is that the thing to do now with an animated movie?  It seems like nowadays there is always someone famous doing the voice of the characters.  I find myself paying way too much attention to the voices trying to figure out if it really sounds like that person.  Why, I don't know.

Like most animated movies, this one had a good message.  The message in this one was to work together and being different is okay.  Good concepts unless you have a son like mine who knows that when it comes to animals it's the survival of the fittest.  An elephant seal isn't going to help a baby penguin and a puffin isn't going to be accepted as an animal their not.  But putting facts aside, this was a fun movie with dancing and music and humor.  What more could you ask in a kids movie?  The 3D was pretty cool.  There were only a few scenes where it seemed really worth it but the kids had fun with the glasses.  Not sure it would be worth it to pay extra for it though.  2D would probably be just fine.

Overall, kids enjoyed it and only got a little restless towards the end.  Piper did pretty darn good for her first movie.  I think she enjoyed the Diet Coke, popcorn and glasses best of all though.

To Sum it up: Great voices, fun dancing and just enough to keep the kids engaged.     

Bonus Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Ahh, such a bittersweet moment.  All the books are read.  All the movies are watched.  I am officially done with the Harry Potter series for good.  I remember I read the first book late in the game.  There were a couple books out already when I first heard of them.  That was right after I got married and lived in Maryland.  That was almost 11 years ago.  Holy cow.  That's a long time to devote to one series.  It was so worth it.

On Monday I went to see the final chapter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.  I always look forward to these movies because I love seeing the books come to life.  Also, there is such a large span from when the book comes out to when the movie comes out so you get to enjoy it like it's the first time.  That way too, you forget the details of the book and can really enjoy the movie without picking it apart.

And the verdict?  It was great!  Because of the way the book is written, Part 1 was a lot slower.  It couldn't really be helped though and was necessary to build the story.  It made the excitement of Part 2 that much better. This one had a lot more action and you finally got to see Hogwarts again and all the characters you loved from the previous movies/books.  You can really tell that the actors have matured too.  In the first movies they were okay but the story line and the "magic" really made the movies.  With this movie I felt like they finally hit their full stride.  What a great way to end the series.

To Sum it up: Lots of action, lots of emotion and a perfect ending. 

Bonus Review: Cars 2

This week I got to see two movies.  It happens sometimes.  Do I feel slightly guilty or gluttonous when I see two movies in one week?  Maybe a little.  But it was for the betterment of my child.  How could I not take my boy to see Cars 2 on opening weekend?  You know how many times I've seen the first one?  Many.  Very many.  It only seemed right.

I have to say this was a pretty good one.  One reason I thought it was so good was because it actually felt like a real story and seemed to last just as long as a non-animated movie.   Also, it didn't have as much of that fall down humor that kids seem to dig so much.  For this very reason I was worried that Rhett might get bored with it.  He didn't laugh out loud quite as much as he did with Kung Fu Panda 2 but not once did I hear, "Is it almost over?".  And when it was over he said he loved it.  He also said he wanted to be a spy.  A ninja spy to be exact.

Speaking of spies, that was the whole gist of this Cars.  It had a James Bond thing going on.  And it focused on Mator more.  One thing I thought was amazing in this movie was the scenery.  There were scenes when they were in Italy that I could have sworn looked real.  The detail was really awesome.  Fun movie for kids and adults.

To Sum it up: Kid friendly, adult friendly and top notch animation.     

Week 15 Bonus: Your Highness

Two movies in one week...excessive you say?  Well, maybe it is but that's what you do when you're in Montana with no kids. 

So Your Highness...what to say.  I wasn't expecting greatness with this movie but I was expecting entertainment.  I mean, Natalie Portman is one of my favorite actresses.  And I hear James Franco is Oscar worthy.  But alas, my expectations were too high even for this type of movie.

First of all, I knew I would have to be in a certain mood with this kind of humor.  And I thought I was prepared for it but I was wrong.  Danny McBride looked like he would be really funny in it but he just wasn't.  For one thing, this movie was pretty raunchy.  I mean, at one point Danny McBride's character had this beast's penis around his neck as a souvenir.  Now, I'm not one to get offended easily and I wasn't really with this one but I just didn't think it was funny.  Raunchy works as long as it's funny but this just wasn't.  Plain and simple. 

I think you might think it's funny if you're a teenage boy. (My teenage brother thought it was really funny.) But that's about it.  I'm not even sure my husband who sometimes acts like a teenage boy would have thought it was funny.  And I feel bad that that was the movie we took my mom too.  I'm sure she thought it was even less funny than me.  Oh well.  Live and learn.

To Sum it up: Not funny, really crude and not worth seeing if you're over 18 and a female.