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.
Showing posts with label Elizabeth Banks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elizabeth Banks. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
2012: Week 35: Pitch Perfect
Pitch Perfect
Genre: Comedy, Music
Main Players: Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Elizabeth Banks, Skylar Astin
General Gist: A self made DJ/Mixer (??) decides to join an all girls a cappella group, "The Bellas", her freshman year at college to appease her dad. They try to make it to nationals to beat the favorites, the school's male group.
Genre: Comedy, Music
Main Players: Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Elizabeth Banks, Skylar Astin
General Gist: A self made DJ/Mixer (??) decides to join an all girls a cappella group, "The Bellas", her freshman year at college to appease her dad. They try to make it to nationals to beat the favorites, the school's male group.
Tiff's Take:
Last year was the year of Natalie Portman. This year I'm officially calling it the year of music. Much to my dismay. I'll admit that some of them we've seen this year haven't been too bad. Surprisingly this one has probably been one of my favorite music/musical type movies so far. I'm actually shocked to say that out loud.
The female actors in this movie are the main reason for liking it so well. I know I've said it before but I'll say it again. I really like Anna Kendrick. It seems like she should be pigeon holed into certain type of roles but she isn't. Not in my opinion anyway. I just really like her and her sense of humor, and who knew she could sing?! (But then again, can't they all?)
Rebel Wilson. What can I say? She is hilarious. And even though Elizabeth Banks had only a minor role she was equally as funny. Another one of my favorites.
On top of the acting, the music was fun and a little more "hip" then the music in some of the other ones we've seen this year. That always makes things more enjoyable. Definitely an entertaining movie that keeps you laughing as well.
Last year was the year of Natalie Portman. This year I'm officially calling it the year of music. Much to my dismay. I'll admit that some of them we've seen this year haven't been too bad. Surprisingly this one has probably been one of my favorite music/musical type movies so far. I'm actually shocked to say that out loud.
The female actors in this movie are the main reason for liking it so well. I know I've said it before but I'll say it again. I really like Anna Kendrick. It seems like she should be pigeon holed into certain type of roles but she isn't. Not in my opinion anyway. I just really like her and her sense of humor, and who knew she could sing?! (But then again, can't they all?)
Rebel Wilson. What can I say? She is hilarious. And even though Elizabeth Banks had only a minor role she was equally as funny. Another one of my favorites.
On top of the acting, the music was fun and a little more "hip" then the music in some of the other ones we've seen this year. That always makes things more enjoyable. Definitely an entertaining movie that keeps you laughing as well.
Tiff's Rate: Friday Night
Deb's Take:
As Tiff mentioned, we have hit the year of musicals...or movies with music...I had only seen one preview for this movie, and didn't really know what to expect. Well, I got more then my expectations. Unlike Tiff, I am a movie music lover. Music makes the whole experience better! I agree, some of them have been..... not so better. I liked this one for a few reasons.
1.) Anna Kendrick is becoming more and more likable to me with each show she does. I was rather amazed that she could sing. I like her easy nature and sort of real personality she brings to the table in her movies. She seems to find the personality of each of her characters and makes it so her own. She never seems to be the "same" character but in different movies. That is impressive to me. There is a scene in the movie, when she is trying out for "The Bellas" LOVE IT!!
2.) Rebel Wilson! She is stinkin hilarious...she makes me laugh out loud. I love her! ( I think her accent helps) She really makes the comedy of this movie what it is.
3.) There was some romance, although it was choppy and not really what the movie was about. But I like romance.
4.) AWESOMENESS in the singing department. Wow, I do like what music is becoming..the music battles, the overlaying of songs, a cappella singing. All very cool
Deb's Rate: Friday Night...only because the romance was a little weak.
Deb's Take:
As Tiff mentioned, we have hit the year of musicals...or movies with music...I had only seen one preview for this movie, and didn't really know what to expect. Well, I got more then my expectations. Unlike Tiff, I am a movie music lover. Music makes the whole experience better! I agree, some of them have been..... not so better. I liked this one for a few reasons.
1.) Anna Kendrick is becoming more and more likable to me with each show she does. I was rather amazed that she could sing. I like her easy nature and sort of real personality she brings to the table in her movies. She seems to find the personality of each of her characters and makes it so her own. She never seems to be the "same" character but in different movies. That is impressive to me. There is a scene in the movie, when she is trying out for "The Bellas" LOVE IT!!
2.) Rebel Wilson! She is stinkin hilarious...she makes me laugh out loud. I love her! ( I think her accent helps) She really makes the comedy of this movie what it is.
3.) There was some romance, although it was choppy and not really what the movie was about. But I like romance.
4.) AWESOMENESS in the singing department. Wow, I do like what music is becoming..the music battles, the overlaying of songs, a cappella singing. All very cool
Deb's Rate: Friday Night...only because the romance was a little weak.
Preview: Any suggestions?
Sunday, July 8, 2012
2012: Week 27: People Like Us
People Like Us
Genre: Drama,
Preview: The sisters reunite after 3 weeks of vacation!
Genre: Drama,
Main Players: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Hall D'Addaro, Michelle Pfeiffer
General Gist: While settling his father's estate young man learns of a family secret and works to come to terms.
Deb's Take: Tiff is on vacation so I am riding solo for the review this week. Well, not exactly solo, my husband picked the movie this week so I went with him.
The best way I can describe this movie is to say it is a different kind of love story. You know I love a good love story. While generally it’s the whole romance that captivates me, I have to say, just a good old story about emotions, love, and relationships hits the spot too. This movie wasn’t intense, or edge of your seat, it was just emotionally touching. I feel like the actors were perfect in their roles. Chris Pine did a great job, Elizabeth Banks never really disappoints and Michelle Pfeiffer fit her character well. Michael Hall D’Addaro did well for a young kid too! I guess I can’t say this movie was by any means exceptional, outstanding or over the top amazing, really….I just really enjoyed it. I liked the message, the story line and the way it all played out. Good choice dear husband…good choice.
Deb's Rate: Friday night
General Gist: While settling his father's estate young man learns of a family secret and works to come to terms.
Deb's Take: Tiff is on vacation so I am riding solo for the review this week. Well, not exactly solo, my husband picked the movie this week so I went with him.
The best way I can describe this movie is to say it is a different kind of love story. You know I love a good love story. While generally it’s the whole romance that captivates me, I have to say, just a good old story about emotions, love, and relationships hits the spot too. This movie wasn’t intense, or edge of your seat, it was just emotionally touching. I feel like the actors were perfect in their roles. Chris Pine did a great job, Elizabeth Banks never really disappoints and Michelle Pfeiffer fit her character well. Michael Hall D’Addaro did well for a young kid too! I guess I can’t say this movie was by any means exceptional, outstanding or over the top amazing, really….I just really enjoyed it. I liked the message, the story line and the way it all played out. Good choice dear husband…good choice.
Deb's Rate: Friday night
Preview: The sisters reunite after 3 weeks of vacation!
Monday, May 21, 2012
2012: Week 20: What To Expect When You're Expecting
What To Expect When You're Expecting
This movie had a lot key actors. Both men and woman. This was one of those movies that follows several (5) different couples yet they all are connected somehow. I was a little surprised because the movie was actually quite different than I expected. (kind of like having children!) The previews really played up the comedy, funny aspect, but I didn't really feel like this movie was a comedy as much as a Drama. There were funny parts for sure, but the whole meaning behind the film and the relationships dominated more than the comedy. I did like that, as I do like drama, but I think the advertisements were trying to draw in the male audience, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were slightly disappointed. I think this was a little bit more on the chick flick side.
I liked the acting, Elizabeth Banks has a great scene that many woman may be able to relate to, and I think the men all did well portraying life as fathers and fathers to be. My favorite "relationship" was played by Anna Kendrick and Chace Crawford, however, a few storylines hit on that sort of , roll your eyes, kind of dumb. I liked the message the movie was sending...are we ever really ready to have kids? Not bad for a pre-screening.
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Main Players: Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, Jennifer Lopez, Anna Kendrick, Brooklyn Decker (these are the main females, there are waaaay to many main players to list them all...)
General Gist: Five interconnected couples are followed through the ups and downs of pregnancy and experiences of expecting a child.
Deb's Take: This movie was another one of our many pre-screenings. We are having so much fun! We got to experience a movie at AMC Mainstreet regular theatre. (vs the Cinema Suites). Very nice theatre, comfy chairs and a nice set-up of stadium seating.
General Gist: Five interconnected couples are followed through the ups and downs of pregnancy and experiences of expecting a child.
Deb's Take: This movie was another one of our many pre-screenings. We are having so much fun! We got to experience a movie at AMC Mainstreet regular theatre. (vs the Cinema Suites). Very nice theatre, comfy chairs and a nice set-up of stadium seating.
This movie had a lot key actors. Both men and woman. This was one of those movies that follows several (5) different couples yet they all are connected somehow. I was a little surprised because the movie was actually quite different than I expected. (kind of like having children!) The previews really played up the comedy, funny aspect, but I didn't really feel like this movie was a comedy as much as a Drama. There were funny parts for sure, but the whole meaning behind the film and the relationships dominated more than the comedy. I did like that, as I do like drama, but I think the advertisements were trying to draw in the male audience, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were slightly disappointed. I think this was a little bit more on the chick flick side.
I liked the acting, Elizabeth Banks has a great scene that many woman may be able to relate to, and I think the men all did well portraying life as fathers and fathers to be. My favorite "relationship" was played by Anna Kendrick and Chace Crawford, however, a few storylines hit on that sort of , roll your eyes, kind of dumb. I liked the message the movie was sending...are we ever really ready to have kids? Not bad for a pre-screening.
Deb's Rate: I waiver a little here....A good girls Friday night out, but a Matinee for you couples.
Tiff's Take:
I think I might be just a tad bit harsher with my review then Deb. Like Deb, I felt like the previews were really playing up the comedy in this movie. Going into the movie that's what I was expecting. I left feeling like it was just so so. There were more serious parts to this movie which I think would have worked really well with the funny parts but both were just a little lack luster. The comedy could have been much funnier and the drama could have been more relatable. I don't think I really felt a connection to many of the characters and their stories. Also like Deb, I liked the relationship between Anna Kendrick's and Chace Crawford's characters the best. They really had great chemistry. On a side note, I have to say that every time I see Anna Kendrick in a movie I like her more and more. I'm not sure what it is.
Don't get me wrong, I thought this was a decent movie. There were good laughs and even a time when I got teared up but this movie had so much more potential. Unfortunately it left me a little disappointed.
Tiff's Rate: Matinee
Preview: Might be struggling to find something this week. Any suggestions??
Tiff's Take:
I think I might be just a tad bit harsher with my review then Deb. Like Deb, I felt like the previews were really playing up the comedy in this movie. Going into the movie that's what I was expecting. I left feeling like it was just so so. There were more serious parts to this movie which I think would have worked really well with the funny parts but both were just a little lack luster. The comedy could have been much funnier and the drama could have been more relatable. I don't think I really felt a connection to many of the characters and their stories. Also like Deb, I liked the relationship between Anna Kendrick's and Chace Crawford's characters the best. They really had great chemistry. On a side note, I have to say that every time I see Anna Kendrick in a movie I like her more and more. I'm not sure what it is.
Don't get me wrong, I thought this was a decent movie. There were good laughs and even a time when I got teared up but this movie had so much more potential. Unfortunately it left me a little disappointed.
Tiff's Rate: Matinee
Preview: Might be struggling to find something this week. Any suggestions??
Monday, March 26, 2012
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.
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?
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?
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