Showing posts with label Week 21. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Week 21. Show all posts

Thursday, June 12, 2014

2014: Week 21: X-Men: Days of Future Past

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Main Players: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence (and a whole crew of others)


General Gist: Wolverine travels to the past to try and change the fate of humans and mutants.

Deb's Take: 
I think I have mentioned recently that I haven't always been a big "superhero" movie fan.  Over the last year or so Tiff and I have been to a lot of these movies.  The Marvel/Superhero genre has been on a big upswing, or so it seems.  I have found myself much more inclined to going and more impressed with what I see.  I will always be a drama, romantic girl at heart, but I have an open mind and find these movies quite entertaining as well.  As far as X-men, I was introduced to these characters about 20 years ago.  There was a Saturday morning cartoon that came on and my husband always got up to watch it..(even before kids!)  I took an interest and was intrigued. 

I liked this one!  There was a different twist.  This one had a lot of Hugh Jackman, and he's a fine man to see a lot of.  The movie kept my attention with all the action, and the characters played their parts well.  James McAvoy was impressive in his role.  I liked all the actors quite honestly.  It's a superhero movie so the ending is pretty predictable, but after two weeks of boredom this movie hit the spot. 


Deb's Rate: Friday Night

Tiff's Take:
I never make going to X-Men movies a priority but I'm not sure why.  I've seen enough of them so far to realize that I thoroughly enjoy them.  I don't think there's been one I haven't liked.  This one was no exception. 

Hugh Jackman does an amazing job as Wolverine and I'm always majorly impressed with how he can bulk up for this role.  I know he's not super old but he's no young buck either. The fact that he can get so ripped is, well, impressive.  And easy on the eyes. 

I am a huge fan of Jennifer Lawrence so she can really do no wrong in my eye.  I liked her as Mystique.  Like Deb, I liked all the actors.  They all were great in their roles and this movie was entertaining in every way.  Can't go wrong with an X-Men movie.  One of these days I'll remember that.


Tiff's Rate: Friday Night


Preview: Maleficent

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

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.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Week 21: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

I really enjoyed this week's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.  I have seen the three previous ones and this one fell in the middle.  I don't think the first one can be beat.  The first one was really funny.  Johnny Depp's character was so good.  And the rest of the casting was perfect.  How can you not love Orlando Bloom?  The second and third ones weren't barely as funny or impressionable.  Now I thought the fourth one was much better then the second and third but it still can't beat the first. 

Adding Penelope Cruz to the cast was perfect.  She really had good chemistry with Johnny Depp.  And Johnny Depp...I really don't think anyone else could play Jack Sparrow better.  Unlike Deb, I tend to like Johnny Depp's movies.  I think you either love him or hate him.  I love him.  Even in all his weirdness.  I thought the mermaids added a good twist to the plot too. 

This was a very entertaining and humorous movie.  Not as good as the first but still good nonetheless.  And it had the magic that always comes with a Disney movie. 

To Sum it up: Perfect casting, a good amount of laughs and a little something only Johnny Depp can bring.