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: Week 7: Winter's Tale

Winter's Tale

Genre: Drama

Main Players: Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Will Smith, William Hurt

General Gist: A man thinks he finds his destiny only to become immortal in search of his true destiny.  (yes it's sort of confusing)

Tiff's Take:
So this is why Lady Sybil left Downton Abbey.  I have to say, I miss her on the show.  She was one of my favorite characters.  But I'm glad she's broadening her horizon.  However, if I'm going to be honest here I think she should have stuck to Downton Abbey.  Don't get me wrong, I thought she did well in this movie but I don't think this movie helped her out in any way.

When I saw the preview for this, I thought it would be a delightful chick flick.  I was hoping for a great love story.  Extra fluffy and heart wrenching.  The kind my husband would rather die than see.  But it wasn't exactly that for me.  First of all, I don't think there was much chemistry between Findlay and Farrell.  I really didn't believe the "love at first sight" business between them.  I didn't love Colin Farrell in this and I really didn't love his haircut.  Russell Crowe's character was a little strange and threw a little twist in the seemingly normal love story.  Not sure I loved him either.

Besides the actors and the acting, the concept behind the story could have worked but I felt like it just wasn't executed well.  It seemed to outlandish when it could have been more believable if done right.  I will say though there were a few really touching moments that surprised me.  So much so that I teared up.  But it just wasn't enough to make it a great movie for me.  Mediocre at best.              

Tiff's Rate: Rent It

Deb's Take:  
I'm with Tiff on this one.  I was really thinking that this movie was going to be a perfect sort of love story.  I was disappointed. The concept was great!  Then they added a mystical flying horse, an immortal gangster, and Lucifer.  The mix just was wrong. I either like real or fantasy, I don't like a mix.

I do like Findlay and Farrell in this.  I like love stories, I just wish this one would have had a more real feel.  I don't think any of the actors did exceptional, and I think any liking of the characters was mostly because I liked the actors themselves.  This was definitely one of those movies that I was hyped to see and then was disappointed I went.  I'm itching for a good love story so hope I find something soon!

Deb's Rate: Rent It

Preview:  Going to an Oscar rating movie.  Not sure which one though

2012: Week 52: Les Miserables

Les Miserables

Genre:  Musical, Drama

Main Players: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter

General Gist: "Ex-prisoner Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever"  (taken from movies.yahoo.com)

Deb's Take: 
I have never seen this in any way, shape or form.  I was super excited to see it.  First off, the movie is long...really, I felt it was too long.  I suppose it mimics the on stage performance, but I got tired of it.  Second, I got tired of the singing/chanting.  I know it's a musical, but I really like more of a part sing, part speak show.  Third, I was amazed at the performance and singing of the actors.  I think they did a great job, and all the characters were wonderfully cast.  Unfortunately, I think this movie should have been left on the stage.  I think some of it's character and charm was lost as a movie.  Don't get me wrong, the movie was exceptional in scenes, sets, costumes, etc...but sometimes I think leaving the arts in their true form is just as well.

Deb's Rate: Rent it (in case you need to pause for a short break)

Tiff's Take:
Yes, this movie was long.  But I'm not sure there was really a way to get around that.  A "big" movie like this with a lot of hype is bound to be long, right?  This was my first time as well to see any form of Les Mis.  Mainly because I'm not a huge musical person so I've never made a point to see it on stage.  After seeing this I don't really think I will make a point to go that extra step.  Not because I thought it was horrible though, but because seeing a dramatic, musical once is probably enough for me. 

And full on musical it was.  No talking at all.  Just singing.  The entire time.  A little much for me.  But I did enjoy the story even if it was a little depressing.  The acting was great and the singing was for the most part great.  I would be curious to hear what someone thought who had seen the musical on stage.  Did it do it a huge injustice??  Or was it a great interpretation?  I'm sure personally I'll never know but I'm glad I did see it even if it wasn't exactly my cup of tea.

Tiff's Rate: Matinee

Preview:  One more to come for 2012!