2013: Bonus: Identity Thief

Identity Thief

Genre: Comedy

Main Players: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy

General Gist:  A Colorado guy's identity is stolen by a woman in Florida.  When he realizes the police aren't going to do anything about it he goes to find her himself. 

Tiff's Take: 
I had high hopes for this movie.  The previews looked hilarious and I knew it was a movie I could get Russ to go with me.  We both love Jason Bateman so that was a plus.  And I love almost any of Melissa McCarthy's roles.  So date night it was! 

I have to say we were both a little disappointed.  It was a little slow at times and a little longer then I think was necessary.  There were some scenes that seemed like they could have just been taken out.  Both actors were good and funny but definitely not either of their best movies.  That aside, there were some really funny parts.  Being Modern Family fans, we did enjoy the few scenes with Eric Stonestreet (Cam) though.  But overall, just not quite enough funny.
 
So, although I had a great date, it was another excuse for Russ to say, "I don't really like going to movies".  Oh well.  You win some, you lose some.  And I'll keep bugging him to go with me every time I can.   

Tiff's Rate: Matinee

Tiff's Best (and Worst) of 2012

Another year of a whole lot of movies.  I have to say, it seemed like this year really started off slow and just a lot of so so movies.  But there were definitely some great ones too!  Here's my best, worst and honorable mentions.  (Check out my best and worst from 2011 here.)     

The Best of 2012 

• Anna Karenina - wonderful way to end the year
• Silver Linings Playbook - such a good, funny, crazy, touching movie
• Skyfall - probably my favorite 007 movie yet
• Argo - so interesting and well done
• Pitch Perfect - this won't win awards but this one is pure, fun entertainment
• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - an unexpected treat 
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower - classic troubled teen movie done right

The Worst of 2012

• Playing for Keeps - really bad storyline and zero chemistry
• Seeking a Friend for the End of the World  - long and painful in every way
• Gone - a very lackluster thriller
• 21 Jump Street - just not the right age to enjoy this (if there is such an age)
• Chronicle - just bizarre...in a bad way
• The Grey - intense and boring at the same time - how is that possible?
• Joyful Noise - long, boring songs

Honorable Mentions

• The Intouchables - something different from the norm
• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - great scenery and exciting all the way through
• Breaking Dawn: Part 2 - what a great ending to the series
• The Campaign - classic Will Ferrell hilariousness
• Trouble with the Curve - this movie had a little bit of everything
• The Hunger Games - very well done book to movie - can't wait for the next
• This Means War - great date night movie both men and women will like

Any that I should have added to the list?

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....

The Best (and Worst) of 2011

Man, we saw a lot of movies in 2011.  I mean a lot.  What does that say about someone who goes to movies that much and doesn't get paid for it?  I'm not sure I want to know but I'll tell you one thing...I've enjoyed it tremendously!  I mean, who wouldn't?  And because our husbands have so graciously agreed to support our movie habit we are continuing on in 2012.  But before we get into the new year we wanted to give a little recap of the movies that really stood out to us.  Both the good and bad.  So here's my list (with links back to my original reviews).  And remember that these were all the movies we saw in 2011 and not ones that necessarily came out in 2011.

The Best of 2011 

• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - such a great ending to the year
• Black Swan - loved the darkness in this one
• The King's Speech - I had goosebumps multiple times while watching this
• The Way - a refreshing, thought provoking movie
• Crazy, Stupid, Love - one of the best romantic comedies I've seen in a long time
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2 - what a way to end the saga!
• Warrior - a surprising hit

The Worst of 2011

• The Three Musketeers - I can't believe Orlando Bloom agreed to be in this
• 30 Minutes or Less - not sure I would even rent this one 
• Bad Teacher - Cameron Diaz was so annoying in this movie
• Your Highness - Ugh, this was just awful
• Beastly - bad modern day remake
• Just Go With It - a romantic comedy gone bad
• Something Borrowed - the storyline just didn't do it for me

Honorable Mentions

• The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I - still doesn't compare to the book but the movies are definitely getting better with each one
• The Help - loved the book, loved the movie
• Bridesmaids - this was a really great comedy
• Justin Bieber: Never Say Never - I know this wasn't the greatest movie but the experience was just plain fun
• 50/50 - touching and genuine 

What do you think of my lists?  Do you agree, totally disagree??  Inquiring minds want to know.

Week 53: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Ahh, the elusive week 53.  Yes, it does exist in our minds here on Two Sisters.  Read my week 52 review if you're interested in my long, drawn out explanation of why there is a week 53 in 2011.  Or don't that's fine too. 

For our last week of movies this year we went to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  In my opinion it was a great movie to end the year.  I thought I would like it but I'm actually surprised by how much I liked it.  I can't stop thinking about it if that tells you anything.

So, of course this was a book made into a movie.  I just finished the book a week or so ago so I was super excited to see this one.  And I might add that it's a remake of a movie released in Denmark in 2009.  I was hoping to see the original version before I saw this one but I didn't get around to it.  If you can believe it it's a lot harder for me to watch a rental then to go to a movie. 

As I'm sure you know by now, I love seeing a book come to life.  I might be going on a limb here by saying that this was probably one of the best ones I've seen.  Meaning that the movie followed the book so well.  Of course there were slight differences but overall it did an excellent job of capturing the essence of the book.  Excellent. 

I might be slightly bias with the characters because I saw who was playing the characters before I actually started the book.  So I had those people in mind while I was reading.  But let me tell you they were perfect.  I'll start out with saying I love Daniel Craig.  When I saw him in the his first James Bond I was sold.  He's perfect in my mind.  (Did I say that out loud?  Sorry)  Since he's not American he was able to pull of a European character very nicely.  Very nicely.  And don't get me started with Rooney Mara.  She couldn't have been better at playing Lisbeth Salander, the girl with the dragon tattoo.  I really can't imagine a better Lisbeth. 

Since I read the book I was prepared for the more disturbing and sexual scenes.  But if you haven't read the book you might want to keep in mind that this is definitely not a feel good movie.  Also, take note of who you are going to the movie with.  This probably isn't one you want to go with your grandma.  It would be a good one to go with the man in your life.  It's a very male movie.  Lots of action, suspense and sex. 

I'm so happy this was the last movie of 2011.  I thought for a while there that 2011 would fizzle out in the end.  But it didn't.  And I'm glad. 

To Sum it up:  Wonderful casting, lots of crazy, sexual suspense all with European flare.

Stay tuned for our Top 5 favorite movies in 2011!

Week 52: We Bought a Zoo

Any normal person might think this is our last post in our quest to see a movie a week in 2011.  After all, it is week 52.  Well, as it turns out it is not.  We just saw our last movie yesterday and it wasn't this one.  How can that be you ask?  Well, if you recall January 1st was a Saturday.  We went to a movie that day and called it week 1.  Technically it probably wasn't week 1.  But alas, that's what we did so we managed to defy the western calendar and actually have 53 weeks of movies this year.  Not to mention a few extras.  As far as movies are concerned it's been a pretty darn good year for us.  Now that the accountant in me has justified week 53 I'll continue on.

This past weekend we saw We Bought a Zoo for week 52.  We chose this one to satisfy all the family needs since we made this one an all family event.  Christmas day movies are the best.  Going to a movie on Christmas has always been a tradition in our family.  Anyone else?

This may not have been my first choice of a movie to see but I was interested in seeing it.  I love Matt Damon for one.  And two...well I love Matt Damon.  How can you go wrong with that?  This movie is about a guy who is working through the loss of his wife and decides to move his kids to a new place to get a fresh start.  They end up buying a house that includes a run down zoo.  They put in a lot of money and hard work to get it open again and of course learn some life lessons on the way.  Pretty much a nice wholesome story. 

Matt Damon was of course good and so was Scarlett Johansson who played the main zookeeper.  I'm not sure that the two had the best chemistry but it was okay.  The kids were played by Colin Ford and Maggie Elizabeth Jones with another role played by Elle Fanning.  They were all good especially Maggie Elizabeth Jones.  She was so cute it was hard not to consider her the standout. 

Overall I thought this was a cute movie.  It had funny and touching moments and a good story.  I'm not sure I would say it's one of my favorites but good entertainment for a night.  The kids seemed to enjoy it but it was a little slow for my six year old. 

To Sum it up:  A warm, fun story with heart.

Week 51: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

How is it that I get so behind in posting my reviews?  I have three movies swirling in my head right now.  These last few of the year might be short and sweet.
For week 51 we went and saw Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.  I was a big fan of the first one so I was looking forward to this.  Russ was a big fan of the first one too so he was actually looking forward to seeing this movie.  When he's excited about seeing a movie I'm happy because that means he'll try hard to go with me.  So this movie ended up being a date night for us sisters.  Love it when it works out that way.

This is the second installment of the Sherlock Holmes movies with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.  I totally agree with Deb.  They have great chemistry together in the movie.  I love the humor and wit.  Actually, Robert Downey Jr. has good chemistry with Rachel McAdams too even if they didn't have as big of a role this time around.  Generally speaking I love Robert Downey Jr.'s humor and he is no exception in this one.  I love the visual effects as well with the dark atmosphere and cool slow mo action shots.  It all works wonderfully.

Definitely a fun one to see in the theater. 
To Sum it up: Good action, good banter and just plain good entertainment. 

Week 50: New Year's Eve

For week 50 we went and saw New Year's Eve. This is from the same writer as Valentine's Day.  I didn't see Valentine's Day but I imagine they are very similar.  It's about a bunch of characters and what's going on in their life around New Year's Eve.  All the characters are intertwined in some way and you find all the connections at the end of the movie.

Of course this movie was packed full of actors:  Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Hilary Swank, Josh Duhamel, Robert De Niro, Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Seth Meyers (SNL), Katherine Heigl, Jon Bon Jovi, Sofia Vergara, Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele (Glee), Sarah Jessica Parker and Abigail Breslin.  Whew.  I think I got the main players.

I don't think this movie is intended to have a lot of meat to it.  Because it doesn't.  It's fun and a little humorous and a little touching but that's about it.  If you want a similar type of concept that's done a lot better check out Crazy, Stupid, Love or Love Actually.  Way better done.

I felt like through most of the movie I was missing out on back stories that would have made the relationships more meaningful.  Again, I don't think this was meant to be really in depth but come on.  I think I could have looked past the relationship aspect if it was funnier and just generally more entertaining.  And with all the great actors in this movie none of them really stood out.  The only thing I can really say about any of them is that Zac Efron makes me feel like a 15 year old girl again.  Or maybe that I want to be a 15 year old girl again.  Take that how you will.

To Sum it up: Only mildly entertaining and a lot of good actors with not a lot of good acting. 

Week 49: The Descendants

Boy, Deb's right.  We are behind on our posts.  Here's to knocking two out the same day.  Note that this reveiw has slight spoilers so if you want to see the movie first that might be a good idea. 

We saw The Descendants for week 49 with George Clooney as the main character followed by his daughter played by Shailene Woodley.  As Deb said, this movie was mainly about the relationship between these two characters.  The story is about a guy, George Clooney, who's dealing with the impending loss of his wife who was in a boating accident and also dealing with selling property that's part of this big family trust.  So there's sort of two different stories going on. Oh, and it was set in Hawaii which threw in an interesting perspective.

In the first story with his wife, he's working through this process of saying good bye and trying to manage his two daughters.  In dealing with his oldest daughter's anger towards his wife he finds out that his wife was having an affair and was thinking about leaving him.  A good chunk of the movie is about him dealing with this revelation.

This movie has a heavy feel with serious topics but not a lot of drama.  And there was a lot of comic relief in just the right places.  It reminds me of 50/50 a little bit in the sense that if an "average" person was thrown in this situation this is how they might actually deal with it.  It didn't feel hollywoodized.  (I just made that word up.)  With George Clooney as the main guy you might not think it's possible to imagine an average guy with an average family but there were times where he actually did seem like an average guy.  I mean, it is George Clooney after all so of course you won't forget that but he intentionally wasn't as dashing in this one.     

I did think it was a good movie and one worth seeing but I was surprised in my lack of emotional connection with the characters.  I felt distanced from them when normally I'm sniffling right along with Deb.  I think this is mainly because of my personal hatred and dysfunction when it comes to infidelity and all things cheating.  Or maybe I just wasn't in a sappy mood.  Either way, it didn't touch me as much as some movies do.  But I think it probably would to the average person. 

To Sum it up: Serious topics, perfectly timed humor and good "almost made you forget the actor" acting.

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 47: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1

You can't be surprised that this is the movie we went to see this week.  The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1.  Oh how I love movies that are such a big deal that there are lines of people waiting to get in.  Seriously, I really love the whole process.  Makes everything so exciting and you really feel like you're a part of something.  I know it's just a movie.  It's not like Woodstock or anything but still a great way to break up the week of routine family schedule.  And we really didn't even have to stand in line.  Or go at midnight.  We scored 8pm tickets through AMC's stubs program.  Worth the $12 membership if you ask me. 

So obviously I've read the books and seen the previous movies.  But it's been a while since I've read this book so the details weren't fresh in my mind.  I think this is the only way to see a movie that was a book first.  Otherwise you critique every little difference and you don't get to enjoy the story being brought to life.  And let me tell ya, there's nothing I enjoy more.

I won't bore you with who's in this because whether you like the movies or not you probably already know.  And if you don't you must live in a bubble.  I kid.  But seriously, I think the acting is getting better with each movie.  I know there are people who have beef with the acting and choice of actors for this series (aka my sister in law) but this one stepped it up a notch.  The acting is definitely better.  I've never had a huge problem with it myself because I can easily overlook so so acting when I'm really excited about what I'm seeing. 

This last book had the potential to be a crazy over the top movie with everything that was going on.  With the rapid pregnancy and crazy delivery it could have been a cheese fest nightmare.  But it wasn't.  I thought it was done really well.  And in this one you got to experience the wolves talking to each other in their heads a little better.  I liked it.  I don't know how I'm going to wait for the next one.  By the way, I think Part 2 will make the best movie out of them all.  You get to meet all the cool vampires and their "gifts" and a lot more action.  Can't wait.

If you love this series I don't have to tell you to go see it because either you already have or have plans to go.  If you don't like it there's probably no convincing you to go anyway.  But I'll tell you this.  There may be a chance that I'll go again over Thanksgiving.

To Sum it up: Love it, love it, love it. 

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.   

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.     

Week 45: Tower Heist

Week 45.  I can't believe this year 'o movies is almost over.  I'm not sure I'm going to be able to go back to a "normal" moving watching schedule.  Maybe I won't. Ha. 

Anyway, so this past weekend we went and saw Tower Heist.  Like I mentioned last week, there hasn't been a whole lot of options in movies right now.  All the good ones must be coming out for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  This one probably isn't one I would pick if I had a handful to choose from.  I figured I would like it okay but wouldn't get overly thrilled about it either.

Turns out I was about right.  There were a group of funny characters played by Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick and Alan Alda.  Oh, and Tea Leoni as the token female.  Ben Stiller wasn't as funny as I've seen him and Eddie Murphy was just okay.  Although I'm not a huge fan of his anyway.  I've always liked Casey Affleck although this movie didn't do him any favors.  Surprisingly Matthew Broderick was probably the best one and he didn't even have a huge part. 

Basically this movie was about a bunch of people who get swindled out of their retirement money and try to get it back from the guy who did it by robbing him.  Okay concept and okay execution but it wasn't anything special.  Don't get me wrong.  There were parts that I laughed at but overall it wasn't anything I'd write home about.

It was funny and mildly entertaining but I don't think I would waste a trip to the movies on it.  Watching it at home would be sufficient with this one. 

To Sum it up: A little outlandish, quasi-funny and probably better as a rental.

Week 44: The Way

Last weekend we saw The Way.  Never heard of it you say?  Well, neither had I until I was browsing through our options.  Let me tell ya, it's been a duddy couple weeks in movies and this was the only one that seemed worth going to.  This was released first in Spain then at the Toronto International Film Festival last year.  It came out a couple other places internationally before it hit here this October.  So this isn't your average American blockbuster.  And what a nice change of pace. 

Emilio Estevez wrote and directed this with a minor role in the movie.  The main character was Martin Sheen.  Everyone else was pretty much no namers. Martin Sheen played Tom, a guy who travels to Europe to retrieve the body of his son (played by Estevez) who died in an accident while embarking on a pilgrimage from France to Spain.  As he's there he decides to finish what his son started and take the pilgrimage himself.  (With his son's ashes in tow.)  On his journey he meets up with three other people who are making the trek for their own specific reasons. 

What I loved about this movie is it was so simple and honest.  There wasn't a lot of drama or unnecessary dialog.  Martin Sheen was really perfect in this role.  He was understated and believable.  The other characters were equally as good.  It was a thought provoking movie and to top it off there was some humor thrown in as well.  Really well done.

If you're looking for something off the beaten path this is the movie for you.  It might even make you want to drop everything and go "find" yourself in the European countryside. 

To Sum it up: Touching, funny, and inspires you to be a better person.  

Week 43: The Three Musketeers

This weekend we went and saw The Three Musketeers.  I hadn't heard a lot about this movie but you can guess what type it is based on the title.  I generally like these type of movies but wasn't sure if it would be anything special.  Turns out it wasn't.

Basically, it's about three washed out musketeers who are rejuvenated by a young musketeer who is looking to change the world one great cause at a time. The three actors who played the original musketeers were Matthew Macfadyen, Luke Evans and Ray Stevenson.  The younger one was played by Logan Lerman.  I'm not sure if it was bad acting or just plain boring characters but all of these guys were completely forgettable.  Not one of them jumped out.  I almost forget what they all looked like as I'm writing this.

The villains were played by Orlando Bloom and Milla Jovovich.  I've decided I'm not a big fan of Milla.  It seems like I've seen her in other things and she's been okay but in this she just wasn't.  And don't even get me started on Orlando Bloom.  I love Orlando Bloom.  I've loved him in everything he's been in.  But I can't believe he was in this movie.  The character just didn't work for him and even he was forgettable.  What a shame.

Overall I think it was tyring to be a little like Pirates of the Caribbean and failed miserably.  The special effects were too over the top and the music was exaggerated and corny.  And I don't usually even notice the music.  It's set up to be a sequel but I really hope its not.  If it is I really hope Orlando Bloom doesn't sign up for it again. 

Too Sum it up:  Boring characters, boring plot line and a sad use of one of my favorite actors.

Week 42: The Ides of March

For week 42 we went and saw The Ides of March. I'll be honest.  This easily could have been a movie I overlooked.  Political movies aren't really by favorite.  But I heard it was good and nothing else was really jumping out us.

The story is about a presidential campaign and the "workings" behind it.  The main character, Stephen, played by Ryan Gosling is sort of the PR brains behind a campaign for a presidential hopeful played by George Clooney.  He's young and dedicated to the candidate but finds trouble along the way and gets to see how things really work.  This movie gave a very interesting perspective into politics.  I always wonder why a politician can't stick to their views and beliefs and just do what they think is right.  This movie gives a glimpse into why it seems like it is never possible.  There are too many ulterior motives behind everything.  And I thought it was funny that of all the things going on in this movie the one thing that gets the guy in trouble is a woman.  What is it about men who just can't resist temptation even when there is so much at stake?  I'll never understand that. 

As far as the movie itself, it was a little slow moving.  I felt like 80% of the movie was building up to this climax and then when the climax hit the movie was over.  It was a little strange.  Although, that being said, it wasn't a bad movie.  It was interesting but it wasn't super exciting.  As far as acting, Ryan Gosling did a terrific job.  The movie was basically all about him.  Everyone else was just support.  Even George Clooney. 

To Sum it up: Lots of dynamics, a different way to view politics but a little slow going.

Week 41: Footloose

Last week we went to another pre-screening.  Free movies are cool.  We saw the remake of Footloose.  I was a little younger than Deb when the original came out so I probably don't remember it to the extent that she does.  I wasn't in my teenage years yet so it didn't stick with me quite as much but of course it was a well known movie of my youth.  I mean who didn't see Footloose?  (Except maybe Russ.  I'm not sure he even saw all the Star Wars movies when they came out. *gasp*) 

Like Deb said, they pretty much stuck to the original concept in almost every way except just to give it an updated feel and maybe a little more ethnicity.  As a remake, I think it worked just fine.  All the actors they chose were good.  I totally agree that the dancing was on a much higher caliber this go around.  Although I do think random acts of dancing in a movie must have been more acceptable and less cheesy then they are now.  Taking out frustration and aggression against the man by dancing in a warehouse by yourself was uncomfortable and slightly embarrassing to me.  I don't remember feeling like that when I saw the original.  It all just seemed way cool back then.  I guess that's the difference from being 7 versus 33.    

Julianne Hough was cute and perfect for her role as was Kenny Wormald.  Ditto for Dennis Quaid and Andie MacDowell.  Overall the casting was good and the movie was fun and entertaining.  I don't think anything will compare to the original but do they ever? 

To Sum it up: Good cast, fun dancing and overall entertaining.

Week 39: Moneyball

We went and saw Moneyball this past weekend.  Even though it was only a day before it came out it was still a pre screening.  Interesting process.  We couldn't take our phones in with us and we had to be wanded and everything.  But it was free.  And we got to see a never before seen preview of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  Looks pretty good.  I'll have to get on that book.

I'll start by pointing out that although I really enjoy sports related movies I'm not really a big sports person per say.  Meaning if it's not high school (people I know) or college sports I don't really invest a lot of time into a game.  I enjoy the occasional pro sporting event but for the most part it's just to people watch.  (Except for tennis and hockey.  Weird I know.)  So with that being said, I thought this was a really good sports movie.  However, I didn't know what they were talking about most of the time.   

There was a lot of talk about the strategy of baseball and how this guy, Billy Beane, changed the way people thought about said strategy.  Really fascinating.  Again no real idea what they were talking about but fascinating.  It was a cryin' shame that Russ didn't get to go.  He would have been so much more into it and known what they were talking about.  I tried to go into a little detail about some players in the movie.  Russ was embarrassed for me during the conversation. 

This was a little different from some sports movies because it was less about specific games and more about this whole process.  Brad Pitt really played the role of Billy Beane well.  There's just something about his confidence that draws you in.  It's Brad Pitt after all.  And Jonah Hill as the stats genius was great.  They had good chemistry together in a platonic way of course.

If you're a sports fanatic, definitely see this movie.  If you're not, it's still worth seeing but be prepared to be a little clueless.

To Sum it up: Motivating and fascinating with just a tad of humor.  

Week 38: I Don't Know How She Does It

This past week we saw I Don't Know How She Does It with Sarah Jessica Parker.  It was pretty good but nothing super special.  There were some funny parts and it had good actors in it but it wasn't a real memorable movie.

Sarah Jessica Parker fit the role of the working mom trying to juggle life.  Although maybe I've seen too many Sex and the City episodes to think she plays a good investment whatever she was.  And I kept thinking it was set in NYC for the same reason.  The other roles were played by Greg Kinnear and Pierce Brosnan with smaller roles by Christina Hendricks, Kelsey Grammer and Busy Philipps.  They all were good but no one really stood out.  Even Pierce Brosnan who usually plays stronger roles was a little washed out.

As far as the plot, I could totally relate as a working mom.  Obviously, the movie was a little exaggerating than what I think happens in real life but still relevant. 

Overall, I thought it was decent and entertaining for a night but nothing to write home about.

To Sum it up: Pretty funny but didn't leave a lasting impression.