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July 11, 2009

Public Enemies


Folks are sure to criticize Michael Mann for his unorthodox storytelling here.  Most of the film was shot on high definition digital making it look more like a BBC mini-series than a modern, glossy and romantic film.  I think it was quite brave of Mann to take a look at this compelling story and say "if we make this on film, it's just going to become another glossy gangster movie-- they're a dime a dozen... let's find a way to experiment and see if it works!"


I think it did work.  At first the back-and-forth switches from film to digital was jarring, but once I got into the mood of the story I found myself enthralled in the tale of Public Enemy #1 John Dillinger and the world that was after him.  I think the digital effect added a "right-there" effect to the film.  All acting was flawless, as expected.

I highly recommend.  And the 2 1/2 hours didn't phaze me... I could have watched for another hour or two.  Totally engrossing.

Posted by Jane | 3 comments  

My Sister's Keeper


Well, aside from the fact that the film ends totally differently from the book (!?) this was a really good story and a sweet movie.  You will cry for two hours straight, but it's a good story and poignant.  Interesting turn from Cameron Diaz, as well.  The most startling performance was certainly from 17-year-oldSofia Vassilieva as cancer-stricken Kate Fitzgerald.  This film is worth seeing for her acting alone.

Posted by Jane | 3 comments  

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs


Fun for kids.  I got a little annoyed with the constant wimpyness of Ray Romano's character and the "girl-power"-ness of Queen Latifah's character as his wife.  Other than that it was a sweet story.  I've never REALLY enjoyed any of the Ice Age movies, so maybe I'm not the best critic on this one, but I'd say it's a good bet for an afternoon out with the kids.

Posted by Jane | 1 comments  

June 20, 2009

The Proposal

It's been a while since I've seen such a well-rounded romantic comedy!  I was hoping it would be good but yo never know nowadays...  This movie was great!  So fun!  Lots of laughs and surprisingly a few tears, too.  It was refreshing to see Sandra Bullock not play bubbly and Ryan Reynolds is just hilarious no matter what... does anyone else remember watching him on "Two Guys, A Girl and A Pizza Place" ?? I remember watching that show and going "this guys is gonna be so famous."  Hmm!  Guess I was right... well... I usually am.  :)


Enjoy!

Posted by Jane | 5 comments  
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The Taking of Pelham 123


Much better than I expected it to be.  This movie is fast-paced, interesting, fairly unpredictable and includes a lot of great actors which, for me, really kept me on my toes.  Great date night or afternoon lazy-ing around movie.

Posted by Jane | 1 comments  

The Soloist


A beautiful story.  Lots of comedy and drama.  I don't want to give too much away, and it wasn't quite as good as I think it could have been, but you can never go wrong with Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Foxx is very good in this also (I liked him better in Collateral, though).


Anyway, if you're in the mood for a bittersweet tale, you're sure to enjoy this moving, unique and lovely film.

Posted by Jane | 2 comments  

UP


I was fortunate enough to catch this in 3D.   What a charming little movie with a big heart!  I would absolutely watch this again.  Lots of laughs, a few tears, and an age-old story about keeping the wonder of life alive.  Never stop dreaming...

Posted by Jane | 2 comments  
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Night at the Museum: Smithsonian


Really hilarious!  I laughed out loud a lot during this film.  Even though it's for kids, it's got a lot of grown-up humor, and some cameos by comedy favorites from 30 Rock and The Office.  I totally recommend this movie!!

Posted by Jane | 0 comments  

Land of the Lost

I was so in the mood to laugh, even if it was stupid.  Now, maybe it's because I never watched the original, but Oh. My. God. 

 
I don't know if this could have been worse.  It was like rich teenaged boy got stoned and stole his dad's expensive video camera and mom's random halloween costumes and made a movie.  We all just got suckered into watching it because of the name attached. 

I'm sorry but... what the heck!???"

Posted by Jane | 1 comments  
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May 12, 2009

STAR TREK

WOW!  I've never seen one full episode of Star Trek, nor any of the films so my nostalgia/connection going into this film would be zilch.  I can't even tell you how impressive this movie was.  If you don't want to see it, GO ANYWAY!  JJ Abrams (writer/director for Felicity, Lost, Mission Impossible 3) is a MASTER at creating characters you care about amidst unbelievable circumstances.


Star Trek is not only directed brilliantly, but the acting is five star, the dialogue natural, the comedy timed perfectly, the action compelling and the cinematography beautiful!

Chris Pine as Kirk stands out as a "where has he been!?" kind of actor (reminds me a LOT of Leonardo DiCaprio), and all the supporting cast was not only uncannily similar physically to the original characters but were wonderful actors as well.

RUN RUN RUN to see this movie!

Posted by Jane | 10 comments  

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