2014: Week 29: When the Game Stands Tall

When the Game Stands Tall

Genre: Drama

Main Players:  Jim Caviezel, Alexander Ludwig, Michael Chiklis, Laura Dern

General Gist:  True Story of De Le Salle High School football team and their journey from a 151 winning streak with coach Bob Ladouceur.

Deb's Take:
I love a good movie about high school football.  Of course it's even better if it's true.  This movie was amazing.  The movie didn't just follow the season of a high school team, but rather a coach and his endeavour to make high school football about something other than winning.  I was impressed with all of the actors, Jim Caviezel did good, all the actors that played the high school kids did wonderful.  I felt like I was watching the lives of real folks, (which is essence I was).  There was a good message, great connection of characters, and I liked that at the end we got to see some real footage of the team and coach.  All in all this was a winner for me.   This one doesn't come out in theatres until Aug. 22 so mark your calendar!

Deb's Rate: Opening Night

Tiff's Take:
Same goes for this sister.  Even though I'm not a really huge sports fanatic, I do love a good sports movie.  I love the inspiration and talent and competitiveness.  This one had a few more relationship elements rather than just a straight up sports angle which I liked.  I also loved that it was a true story.  Makes it that much more exciting.  The acting was great so not much to complain about there.  This would be a great one to take your hubby to.  


Tiff's Rate: Friday Night

Preview: Lucy and Guardians of the Galaxy

2012: Week 29: Safety Not Guaranteed

Safety Not Guaranteed

Genre: Drama

Main Players:  Aubrey Plaza, Jake M Johnson, Karan Soni, Mark Duplass

General Gist:  A man places an ad looking for someone to time travel with him.  A magazine employee and two interns go on assignment to investigate.

Tiff's Take:
This was sort of a weird, quirky little movie.  But I have to say I enjoyed it.  The main character, played by Aubrey Plaza, is someone who has never really fit in and it trying to find her place in life.  I thought her character was great because she was funny yet awkward yet sincere.  Actually, that's a great way to describe the whole movie itself. 

The concept of the movie was a tad bizarre but it all worked.  You follow this journey of four people who are looking for something they are missing in their lives.  The interaction between the relationships was interesting even if you didn't really like the people or relationships.  Mark Duplass' character was the oddest of all.  Through the whole movie you're trying to figure out what his deal is.  I'm not sure you really get a good answer at the end but it all seems right.  I'll warn you, if you're someone who likes everything wrapped up in a nice little package then this movie might just drive you crazy.  But for me it was good. 

Tiff's Rate: Friday Night

Deb's Take: 
We had a friend join us this week for the movie.  Thanks for coming Chris!  Let us know what you thought of the movie!!  This movie held some interesting characters.  The whole movie was a little on the odd side, but I felt like the characters were made to be odd and pulled it off well.  I really enjoyed Aubrey Plaza and her character, I would like to see her in her "Parks and Recreation" as I hear her "dead -pan" style makes the show.  I think it did in this movie was well.  Really, all the characters were sort of humorous in their own way.  It was an off sort of humor, but good. 

I think the thing I didn't like about the movie was the ending.  I liked how all the relationships built up, I liked the interactions that took place, I liked the acting...I just didn't like the ending.  Call me a non-believer, maybe that was the problem, I am one of those people who like my movies wrapped up at the end, like Tiff mentioned.  I am on the fence though, it was good until the last 5 minutes.  SO..as my rate says, I am on the border.

Deb's Rate: Matinee bordering on Friday Night

Preview: "Step up Revolution" is on the books for my dancing daughter

Week 29: Super 8

This week was Super 8.  I have been curious about this movie for awhile but it kept being pushed aside.  This week we didn't seem to have a lot of choices so we finally decided to go.  (And yes, I realize Harry Potter comes out this weekend and it's sort of a big deal.  Since my sister's not a huge fan I'll be seeing it on Monday with my good friend Cory who is.  I'm beyond excited to say the least.  Look for a bonus review.)

Like I said, this movie peaked my interest from the start but I wasn't really sure if it would be too out there to really like.  To be honest I liked it better than I thought I would.  Just like Deb said it reminded me of Stand By Me right away but with a Sci Fi twist.  It had a group of kids getting into trouble and dealing with things they probably shouldn't at their age.  It reminded me a little bit of Goonies too.  The Sci Fi aspect of the movie was okay but the part I liked so much about it was the humor.  The boys were really funny and made me laugh out loud. 

The main actor was played by Joel Courtney.  He was really good.  He had a sweet, sincere quality about him.  Elle Fanning was good as well.  I agree with Deb.  You can tell acting runs in her family.  I didn't recognize any of the other boys but they made the movie.  It wouldn't have been funny without them.  And I do like Kyle Chandler who played the dad. 

This movie was definitely better than expected.  It's nice when those come along.

To Sum it up: Good humor, really great characters and a surprising hit.