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-

Movies in Review: "The Muppets"

When I went to the theatre to see this film, it was funny to see how the audience consisted of 90% adults, and 10% kids. And the theatres were full too! Everyone should be blessed with the joys of the muppets in their childhood. These guys have shown me so much. Seeing them on the big screen sent me back...

Omg! They are still the same. They all sound the same, do the same stuff. It was crazy that after all these yrs nothing had changed about them, and this is what I appreciated most about this film. I forgot that the Muppets like to sing so much. I was a bit confused at first when the singing started happening...lol...yeah its been a while. They kept the movie as corny as the show use to be. Come on, as much as we loved the muppets, you know that show use to be corny...lol. As in true Muppet style they always get star cameos. Some of them included Jack Black, Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Selena Gomez, and a slew of others.

I liked the story, but I don't think the younger generation would be able to relate. But if you grew up watching the Muppets you will be happy to check out this movie. I forgot how much I loved the song that they performed at the end...Ma Nam Ma Na!...B

Movies in Review: "Arthur Christmas"

This movie still has me smiling from ear to ear. It made me believe in the idea of Santa Clause again, and the spirit of Christmas. This film was wonderfully executed in my opinion. It mixes the Santa we all know with his sleigh and Reindeer, but has upgraded him to the 21st century technology driven world. It is fun to see how the advancment of technology has even reached the North Pole...lol.

This movie is not short of laughs as we watch Santa and his elf militia in action. It is hilarious to see how technology has made Santa super lazy...hint hint. Arthur is the focal point in the story as he believes in the spirit of Santa and Christmas, and no child should be left without a gift from Santa under the tree. We know how the story goes, but this adventure is still well worth seeing. My favorite character was Bryony, the elf from the gift wrap dept. She is a hoot as she continuously raves at how she can wrap a gift in under 5secs using only 3pcs of tape...lol...She was a doll.

In my opinion you have to take the kids to see this. Its fun, funny, there is plenty of movement and bright colors so the kids won't get bored. The story is in their lane, and won't be over their heads. If you don't have any little ones take yourself to a matinee. If nothing else, this movie will definitely put a smile on your face :)...A!

Movies in Review: "Hugo"

This movie was suppose to be an adventure, but was less adventure, and instead a total bore...yawn. It seemed that Scorsese tried to make something out of nothing, but failed to do a good job at it. The introduction was almost 10min long, and seemed to "introduce" nothing...smh

The story was not well written at all, and even the dialogue between characters lacked substance. There were events in the story that were not well thought out, for example the accident that happened to Hugo's father...wth. I would have liked to received more detail about that event because in the movie it made no sense. The events following also left me scratching my head. The story was so annoying that I left 20min before the credits started rolling. So I have no idea how it really ended, but there wasn't enough time left to fill in all the unanswered gaps that were left throughout the film. And to make matters worse, this dull action drama is already 2+ hrs long! Uuuuuuggghhhh!

If you're interested in watching an orphan who is pretty handy with tools, and fixes clocks, run around a train station for 2hrs, then be my guest and check this movie out. If you're smart and have read the words that I have written, you will save your money and spend them elsewhere...C-

Movies in Review: "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1"

This franchise just like all others like it, "Harry Potter", "Star Wars", "The Lord of the Rings" etc, either you're a fan or you're not. Unlike the other movie franchises I have listed, Twilight is the only one I happen to like. So this is for all my Twilight fans...

Considering how well it did its opening weekend (283.5 million) this franchise has a super huge following. I admit I did not see the first installment, and only got on board with "Twilight" once they brought in Taylor Lautner as Jacob (team Jacob all the way). I felt that the previous movies were a bit dull and melodramatic, but also somewhat addictive. Well unlike the previous installments, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and would crown it as the best one so far. All of the actors/actresses have finally matured to a level where they were bearable to watch. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson seemed to have reached a comfort level with each other that was not evident in the previous movies. I also found Lautner to be at his best.

This was the best written story that I have seen written for this franchise so far. The emotions that Bella went through felt as if they cam from a real place. The ceremony scene was my favorite, and Kristen Stewart gave her best performance yet. I honestly didn't feel a dull moment as I felt in the previous movies. I was emotional, interested, and on edge throughout. It was quite realistic to see Edwards reaction to Bella's pregnancy...smh. I swear you men, and even Vampires are insensitive...smh. Once the pregnancy comes in to play, the story really gets rolling, and will totally pull you in. The ending was phenomenal, and I can't wait to see the final chapter. Unfortunately this chapter was so great I'm a little scared that Part 2 wont be able to live up to the first. But I guess we'll cross that point when we get to it. But to my Twilight fans, this is a must see that won't leave you filled with disappointment...A!