2012: Week 21: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Main Players: Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Dev Patel

General Gist:  7 British retirees travel to India to retire in an advertised newly remodeled hotel.  The story follows their lives in this new environment.

Deb's Take: 
There is something to be said for seasoned actors.  I know Hollywood is all about youth, adventure, and all that jazz. I think they have it wrong, it should be about acting, and experience and talent.  This movie had just that, experienced acting, talent, beauty in age and the genuine art of life.  As much as I love romance, star crossed lovers, and that whole hub-bub, I have to say, I have come to realize my true passion in movies is a good lesson.  I like the lessons, I want to learn from others' lives.  This all probably evolved from my work, I am around "seasoned" people all day long, I see where we all are headed, and I am determined to learn from my elders.

This movie had such a wonderful group of actors.  Although I didn't like Penelope Wilton's character (who really could..she didn't even like herself) I loved all of the roles and they were played brilliantly.  Each actor seemed so comfortable and did an amazing job.  I believed they actually "were" their characters.  The story wasn't anything tremendously out of control, but rather just a chronicle of life and changes that can happen at a certain age.  Changes that so many people overlook and take for granted, but the real lesson to me....Life doesn't ever end until it really ends.  (so chew on that one for a while.)

I told my mom she should get all my aunts together and go see this movie.  I don't know how much a "younger" crowd would appreciate the message, but I guess I am not so young anymore, so I did love it.  I also want to give kudos to Dev Patel and his role.  He did a great job as well, he was right up there with all those more experienced actors. 

Deb's Rate:  Opening Night

Tiff's Take:
I love it when a movie like this comes along.  One with not a lot of hype but ends up knocking your socks off.  Such an unexpected treat!  It reminds me of last year's The Way.  I remember seeing the preview for this a while ago but then forgot about it since it didn't really hit the mainstream movie world.  My in-laws actually went and saw it before I did and thought it was great.  So I had to go to see what it was all about.  I will say that this ended up being one of the best movies we've seen so far this year. 

The story was really interesting because this group of retirees goes on this adventure that you would never think people that age would do.  They throw themselves in this foreign world at a vulnerable time in their lives and for the most part thrive.  It's an inspiration really.  What an amazing thing to go out of your comfort zone so completely.  And the actors of course were phenomenal.  You really can't go wrong with a cast like this.  Also, I really enjoyed seeing Dev Patel in a less serious role then his role in Slumdog Millionaire.  (Which I loved by the way.)

Although I think this movie is more relatable to people over the age of 50, it was still enjoyable for this 30 something year old. 

Tiff's Rate: Opening Night definitely.

Preview: Looks like from some of the previews we may have some good ones coming.

Week 48: My Week with Marilyn

While all the family was here for Thanksgiving we went and saw My Week with Marilyn down at the Cinema Suites downtown.  So much fun going there.  And it was Russ' first time and he thought it was pretty cool.  He decided he wants to see the new Mission Impossible there.

So, on to the movie.  Let me tell ya.  Deb and I have really been struggling these past couple weeks on what movies to see.  There really hasn't been a whole lot of good stuff coming out.  Hopefully the last few weeks in December will be better.  Luckily this movie worked with our schedule and was a movie no one else in our family had seen. 

The movie was really more about a guy, Colin played by Eddie Redmayne, who worked on one of Marilyn Monroe's movies and his interaction with her during that time.  Marilyn is played by Michelle Williams.  I'll be honest, other than the blonde hair I didn't think she would fit the part.  Marilyn is so curvy and sexual and Michelle Williams just isn't.  But I think she did a fantastic job.  Now, I'm not an expert on all things Marilyn Monroe but from my limited knowledge of her I think Williams portrayed her well. 

I really thought Eddie Redmayne did a great job as well.  There were some other well known actors in this movie.  Kenneth Branagh, Julia Ormond, Judi Dench and Emma Watson had a small role.  It was good to see Emma in something besides Harry Potter.  Just to see how she was.  And she was good.

The storyline was interesting as well.  It was about an assistant director who gets chummy and ends up falling in love with Marilyn over this short period of time.  It was interesting to see what the life of a star might look like.  And how easily infatuated a "normal" person might get with them. 

Overall, I liked this movie and thought it had great acting.  I heard Michelle Williams might be considered for an Oscar for this role.  We'll see.

To Sum it up: Well acted, charming characters and interesting look at stardom.

Week 48: My Week With Marilyn

Happy Belated Thanksgiving. Usually this time of year movies are all over the place and as my family often comes to visit Tiff and I for Thanksgiving, we go to several movies over the week. For some reason this year, the movies are few and far between. However, we found this one, and wanted to share the AMC Cinema Suite experience with everyone.

This movie chronicles a week following a man named Colin Clark, played by Eddie Redmayne, who happens upon a job as the 3rd assistant director in the taping of a film with Marilyn Monroe, played by Michelle Williams. The movie is based on a book, by Colin Clark, and is a true story (from Colin's perspective of course.)

The movie really didn't have a lot of depth. I think the movie really captured the "craziness" that is so often rumored of Marilyn Monroe's personality. I have no idea how true this really is, of course it is just one man's opinion, but my guess it Marilyn was sort of off her rocker just a little bit. She seemed to have some issues with mental illness, as well as addiction. I have never really seen anything about Marilyn and her life. I guess I expected a little craziness, but man this movie made her seem a little more than just crazy.

As far as the movie itself, I think Michelle Williams did an amazing job. From the few clips I have seen of Marilyn Monroe, I have to say Michelle did great. Her voice was especially convincing. Eddie Redmayne did okay. I wasn't overly impressed. However, one of the best performances was by Judi Dench. I always like her characters. She just seems so natural in her roles, and this movie was no different.

Overall this movie wasn't that great, it really wasn't Cinema Suite worthy, but if you like Marilyn Monroe, and want to see someones perspective of her life, this would be a good renter.

See you next week.

Week 46: J. Edgar

We went and saw J. Edgar for week 46.  My father-in-law really wanted us to go see this one for obvious reasons being a former FBI agent and all.  He actually saw it the night it came out and was curious what my take would be.  His take wasn't very good.  I haven't had a chance to talk to him about it yet though.

First of all I should mention that if I didn't marry into the family I did I probably wouldn't be able to tell you who J. Edgar Hoover was.  That's the sad truth when it comes to my knowledge of certain US history.  I get ridiculed on a daily basis from my husband.  Can I confess something else?  Even though I have been apprised of who J. Edgar Hoover is I wouldn't bet my life on the fact that I could have told you who it was if I was put on the spot.  I'm just being honest here. 

That being said, I really had no idea what to expect with this movie.  I had no prejudices one way or the other.  Because of this I will say I was completely shocked with the turn of events.  Obviously, this is someones opinion of J. Edgar Hoover so you really don't know what is fact or fiction but wow.  This was one colorful guy.

This movie portrayed Hoover as ruthless, egotistical, paranoid, a mama's boy (almost to the point of creepy) and gay.  I had no idea.  I can't say this movie really gave an opinion one way or the other about the FBI in general.  It was more about Hoover as a person.  And I wouldn't say it was the most flattering depiction.  Leonardo DiCaprio played Hoover and he was fantastic.  I heard there was Oscar talk for his role.  I think it would be well deserved.  Judi Dench played his mom, Naomi Watts his secretary and Armie Hammer as his "second in command".  All did great. This movie was sort of dark and creepy but I would recommend it.   

To Sum it up: Well done, well acted and very fascinating.