Movies in Review: "We Bought a Zoo"

Oh how I love Matt Damon...absolutely love this man. I love how easy it is for me to believe him as every character he plays. I love how great he looks on screen...my bad TMI...lol. Ok, well besides Damon, I also enjoyed Johansson in her role, and thought she did a great job. I think that they try to play up her sexiness too often in her movies, when its really not necessary. In this role, her looks were played down, but still had no trouble shining through. Kudos Johansson, because I have to admit, I usually find her annoying...smh.

The cast as a whole shined, especially the young actors/actresses. There was nothing overly exciting about this movie. Its just a great all around fun family film. This is nothing I would rush out to see, but found it to be a super cute watch. It made me smile...so needless to say, its more of a chick flick. Ladies if you're looking for an afternoon smile, check a matinee, or watch it with the family when it comes out on DVD or On Demand...B+

Movies in Review: "The Adventures of TinTin"

I have to give Spielberg credit for directing a pretty decent animated film. I can't say the 3D features are worth the extra cash, but the story was pretty great. Its not a regular animated film, its performance capture. So some people may not like the fact that the animations have a real life look to them. Actually this featured annoyed me about the film when I watched the trailer. I honestly was not excited at all to view this film. But what I disliked in appearance, the movie made up for with performance and story.

This was a well written movie, and TinTin's adventure was interesting and a joy to watch. There really wasn't a dull moment as you followed TinTin as he and Captain Haddock solved their mystery. It was fun, humorous, but the look of the movie still caused me to get a little bored at times, and it didn't help that I went to see the movie late in the evening...lol. It's up to you on this one. Capture animation is not my thing, but it may be for you. If it is for you, then I think you will find the rest of it to be a joy also. TinTin was cool...B-

Movies in Review: "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"

I'm sure you guys already know this movie is based on the famous book trilogy by Stieg Larsson. You guys should also know that NO, I've never read any of these books, but after seeing this film I think I would like to put it on my wish list...hint hint. This is the 2nd film adaption for this trilogy. I didn't hear much about the first version except that it was a Swedish version that wasn't very good. When I viewed the trailer for this new version I was absolutely captivated. I loved the mood of the trailer, and the soundtrack, and it didn't hurt that Daniel Craig was cast as the lead. I dig Craig, except for that last dismal movie (the title escapes me) that he was in...but anywho...

If you are like me and have not read any of Larsson's books, let me be the first to tell you that the material is not for the faint of heart. It is deep with sexual violence against women. So if this isn't your cup of tea then this is your warning to stay away from this film because it is definitely graphic. The sexual violence was a bit overwhelming for me...smh. It looks as if the film tried to depict the violence the best way they could, and I think their point was sent well, but I'm sure the sexual violence is more prevalent in the book.

Mara Rooney co-stars with Craig as Lisbeth (the girl with the dragon tattoo...duh). Rooney, in my opinion, deserves awards for this role. She looked and acted so unlike herself. If you guys think you don't know who she is, she is the actress who plays Eisenberg's girlfriend in the opening scene of "The Social Network"...yep, that's her. What an amazing transformation. She looks absolutely sick, and a young woman who has been through some stuff. You won't believe what she endures in this film...crazy.

For the most part I really enjoyed this movie. It was filled with drama and mystery that kept you interested. It is however almost 3hrs long! Waaaaaayyyy too long for a movie. Quite honestly, they could have cut 20min from the beginning of this movie, where they keep switching back and forth between the lives of Craig and Rooney's characters. Some of the scenes just seemed like they could have been eliminated because of lack of relevance. They could have also cut the extended part at the end. You'll see what I'm talking about when you see it. You think the movie is over, then it feels like they started another totally different segment. I honestly was bit lost at the last portion, but I think that had alot to do with the fact that I had to pee...lol

So fair warning...you have to have the time to see this movie. Please use the bathroom before entering the theatre, and do not order any large drinks. All of this would make for a pleasant viewing of the film...lol. Seriously though, I liked it, and I now want the book version...B+

Movies in Review: "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows"

Let me start by saying that as much as I love Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr., I was the least bit excited about this second installment of this Sherlock Holmes series, mainly because the first left such a bad taste in my mouth with. I expected to receive the same disappointment, but to my surprise, I walked out of the theatre happy with my ticket purchase. Game of Shadows was on point!

The writing was much better in this movie, and Robert Downey seemed to come alive in this installment as Sherlock Holmes. I thought he was a bore in the first movie, but he has so much life in the Game of Shadows. He is an absolute comical genius in this film. As a result, this also livened up Jude Laws performance as Watson. They were hilariously perfection together. The dialogue between them and everyone else seemed to have more spice than in the first movie. The story was 100 times a better mystery than in the first one also. I loved the addition of Sherlock Holmes brother. He kept calling him Sherly, and it cracked me up every time...lol. I know I know...with all the laughing I seemed to be doing you would probably think it was a comedy. It wasn't, it was an exceptional mystery, the comical aspect was a great bonus.

The action sequences were amazing! My favorite scene being the one where they were running in the woods. I swear they should receive awards for that sequence. The camera shots were crazy! Yes you receive a preview of it in the trailer, but it is nothing like when you see it in its entirety. This one, unlike the first, will not bore you. I recommend you see it...A!

Movies in Review: "Mission-Impossible: Ghost Protocol"

OMG! Mission Impossible was freakin amazing! Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt, except on this mission, with a whole new crew. His new entourage includes Benjii, who is played by Simon Pegg. He is the tech expert, and his performances is exceptional providing great comedy relief...omg I loved him! Then there is Jane, played by the beautiful Paula Patton. Come on! Every spy movie needs a lady of seduction, and Paula was a perfect fit. I like that they didn't make her overly sexy, but when it was time to turn it on, the "VaVaVoom" was there. Lastly, but definitely not least, we have one of my top underrated actors, the wonderful Jeremy Renner as Brandt. He is not the star in this movie, but he definitely out shined everyone in every scene he was in. I am pleased with him as a new addition. It brought a bit of freshness to this franchise. Although I was pleased with Tom Cruise, he is looking a bit Old...I'm just sayin.

But regardless of how he looked, Cruise put on some amazing stunts. The action and stunt sequences in this film were remarkable, and well worth the IMAX experience. If you don;t see it in IMAX you are loosing half the fun...and you don't want to do that. I enjoyed everything about this movie. It had humor, and action sequences that only verged on unbelievable. If you have teenage boys, they are going to love this movie. There is movement, a great story, and some pretty flashy cars, and car sequences. This is a movie the men will love, but the women will enjoy too. Action movies have not been living up to their title lately, but this one does...A-

Movies in Review: "The Sitter"

Jonah Hill is a nut...lol. The opening scene had me cracking up, and ready for the humor I expected to receive throughout the rest of the movie. Eh...there was humor...but I laughed more when watching the film "New Years Eve".

Jonah Hill is a great comedic actor on his own, but they put him with 3 kids which was supposed to strengthen the comedy aspect, but in my opinion, weighed it down. I thought Blythe was hilarious, the other 2 little boys...not so much. You see Jonah's character go one this extensive night adventure that has them getting into everything. There is enough going on to not have you bored. I just wish I could have laughed more. One of the funniest scenes was in the kids clothing store. This scene involved Jonah and Blythe, that was the highlight of the movie for me.

The rest of the movie just started to get predictable and lame. Then it turns PG-13 with Jonah's character giving advise to the 3 young ones. That just seemed pushed, just as that far fetched relationship at the end of Hill's evening...smh. The humor was just ok in my opinion, but I think some of you may find it more hilarious than I did...C

Movies in Review: "New Years Eve"

Wow critics didn't give this movie a chance at all. There was nothing but hate for this movie from the gate. If anyone suffered through the catastrophe of a movie "Valentine's Day" last year, then its not hard to see where all of the hate is coming from. Gary Marshall who directed V-Day, took the helm as director for this one, but I am happy to say, with a better outcome.

I don't know why it's necessary to put a bunch of A-list actors in a movie. Seems like movie power overload to me...but it seemed to work. Somethings that I enjoyed about this film as opposed to Marshall's earlier attempt was that this film was actually funny. The audience really seemed to enjoy themselves. This is a romantic comedy, that was not short on the laughs at all. I liked how the characters stayed in their lanes, and no one seemed to outshine another. My favorite characters were played by Sarah Jessica Parker, Josh Duhamel, Hilary Swank, and Sofia Vergara (she was hilarious). I thought the story was super cute, and lets face it, there is nothing like New Year's Eve in NYC. Some parts of the stories were far fetched, but you'll just suck your teeth and continue watching.

Some parts I could have done without...lets start with Zac Effron laying it on too thick and trying to act too cool. They could have eliminated Lea Michelle. I'm not a fan of hers anyway, and she just appeared fake. They could have also eliminated Ashton Kutcher too. I mean was his story really necessary. He wasn't funny, and he looked bored being there. I think they could have given Michelle Pfeiffer a little more Va Va Voom. She was too meek and homely, which she didn't play well. As a matter of fact she was starting to remind me of "Carrier". I didn't care for Ludacris either. He was stiff, and what type of NYPD officer was he? And that makeshift family they gave him at the end was ludacris...pun intended...lol.

It was super cute, but more geared towards the female audience. Ladies this is a good one to check in the theatres if you have some "me time" to spare. Fellas you will be ok waiting for it on DVD, or on demand. Its nothing like "Valentine's Day"...its better...B-

Movie in Review: "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"

This film has received top-notch reviews, and was sold out at everything theatre showing it over the weekend. Ummmmmm...I don't know if I would give it such high marks. Perhaps it would have benefited me to have read the novel first, or maybe the material was over my head...who knows. All I know is that I found the movie a little hard to follow. I wasn't the only one though. As the audience seemed enthralled in what was happening on screen (myself not included), three people behind me heckled the film before finally leaving. Before the door closed I heard the man say "This is worthless". I can't say I disagreed, as I sat watching the last half hr of the movie.

Can someone please tell me why everything was so fragmented. What was the point of jumping from one scene to a different scene, often several times without any dialogue taking place. Was this meant to build something, because I missed it. Why did the keep showing scenes of "Smiley" swimming in a body of water? The movie felt like it was done in a whisper, with very little words being spoken. When there was dialogue, it all sounded like double talk. Gary Oldmans character "Smiley" didn't even speak until about 15min into the movie, although he was in every scene. This is a movie where you have to look beyond the words being spoken. For example the sweat from the waiters head. Bill Hayden played by Colin Firth red socks and untied shoes as he's in "Smiley's" house. A glance and picture of Bill & Jim....ummmmm...can someone clarify if there was some type of relationship with these two?The color palette for the film is very monotone, but it was fun to see how the incorporated pops of color slightly, a bold red, a bright teal.

As far as the movie is concerned, from what I got out of it, it was a double agent type of spy film. It all seems to come together at the end, but a good portion of relevance of it all was lost in translation for me. Someone tell me WTH happened to control? I saw him in the tub, but what was that about? Why was everyone staring at Control and Smiley when they left in the opening scenes. I mean I get it to a point, but were pieces of the whole story missing in order to save time. Again, I think maybe if I read the book I would have a better understanding huh? I don't want to say that I didn't like it. I enjoyed most of it, and I loved the art of it. I think most of you will walk out of the theatre feeling like a refund should be offered though. Wait until this one comes out on DVD. At least this way you can rewind back when you feel like you've missed something...B

Movies in Review (INDEPENDENT FILM): "We Need to Talk About Kevin"

Ummmmm...wow...such a disturbing film. If this movie alone isn't enough to reconsider having children, I don't know what will...smh. This movie still has me frazzled and off kilt a bit just thinking about the story. The story is told in fragments as it follows Eva (played by Tilda Swinton) in her life today, but switches to flashbacks of her past. This can seem a little annoying at first, but just bear with it because it does get better, and everything comes together as it should. If you do not read up on this film before going to see it, you will probably feel lost as to what the hell is happening to Eva. She looks as if she has been through hell and back. Swinton hit the mark with Eva.

The flashback's show her in a much happier place, and your intrigued to know what has happened to make her the way you see her today. Then Kevin arrives, and it all starts to make sense. OMG! Talk about postpartum, prepartum (I made this up) depression...wow. I've never seen such a disconnect between a mother and child. Its just frightening. John C Reilly also co-stars in this movie, and I was quite surprised with his performance. I am use to seeing Reilly in more comedic roles, but he takes on the character of Eva's husband like a champ. Although there were certain positions Reilly was placed in that I could have passed on seeing ~shiver~.

I swear the torment that Eva has to face will have your skin crawling. Kevin is the Omen, except he's not possessed by the devil. I think I would have felt better if he was...lol. If you haven't reached your limit of anger, then I know the last part of the movie will send you over the top. If you could see the expression on my face when I think about the last thing he says to his mother after he asks him "Why"...smh. All I have to say is you need to see this. Unfortunately most of you live in cities that don't support/show independent films, so you will have to catch it on video. But it doesn't matter...just see it...A+

Movies in Review: "My Week with Marilyn"

I know I know, this movie came out 2 weeks ago, so this review is a little late. It's not my fault though, as this movie has a limited release so it was not playing where I happened to be spending my Thanksgiving holiday...so there :P. Luckily this weekend was a very light weekend for new movie releases. Actually nothing really big dropped, just a few Indies, most of which I had no interest in seeing, except one but you'll have to get my review for that later also...It's the holidays...so give me a break...lol.

I was very interested to see this film mainly because I loved the trailer, and how Michelle Williams seemed to exude Marilyn Monroe. The movie poster for this film is also by far my favorite...absolutely gorgeous. The opening scene with Michelle Williams I thought played out a bit stiff, and thought Madonna did a better rendition of Monroe in her video "Material Girl". But as the movie continued, I no longer felt like I was watching Williams, but instead Monroe herself...it was kind of eerie. Ms. Monroe had so many issues, which Williams played out perfectly. The insecurities in this woman was down right scary, and so sad.

I thought the story was written well and I loved all the characters especially the actor who played Colin Clark. I have not seen this actor in much, but I thought he was great. Although I thought the whole cast was wonderfully picked and mixed well, my favorite was Judi Dench. Love Ms. Dench to pieces in every film that she is cast.

My week with Marilyn is a good movie. In my opinion, just a tad bit long, and slow in some places. I don't know if I was tired, but I almost fell asleep twice...smh. If you are a fan of Williams, as I have become from this role, you should definitely see her do her thing as Marilyn. You would probably prefer a matinee, as it is nothing exciting, but is filled with great writing, directing, and acting. It's not playing everywhere so some of you may not even get the chance to see it in theatres. If this is the case, I would recommend it for you netflix que...A-