Singin' In The Rain

This movie was on my list for AFI 100 movies to watch over Thanksgiving but I didn't get to it. Yesterday after our Southern Day meal, we sat to watch this film with our window open hearing the rain come down. Timely, I say yes.

Review: So GOOD! I really love it, I can't believe I've gone this long in life without seeing it. Gene Kelly what a fox, he's handsome and he can dance. Lethal combination, let me tell you. Plus Donald O'Connor, what talent! He's awesome, the "Make Em' Laugh" scene fantastic. But I think the best dance scene is "Moses Supposes." Wowza, so awesome. Debbie Reynolds also does a great job in the film.

While watching this I kept thinking you just don't see actors that have so much talent in so many areas. Gene Kelly can sing, dance and act. You just don't see that so much in Hollywood anymore. What a stunning film.

Bottom-line: Don't make the same mistake that I did of waiting over 20 years to see this film. Stop! Drop your Cheerios or whatever you may be holding and go obtain a copy!

When Harry Met Sally

This is the week for watching edited films I've wanted to see for ages. After going to a Laugh Out Loud show came home to find Jamie watching the last little bits of the film. It then began to repeat and we decided Bryce, Jamie, Sarah and I would watch it! Yea!

Review: Good, good chick flick. I can see why it's so well known. I love all the quick vignettes of the different couples as to how they met, fell in love, etc. and the friendship that they have. Although I don't think anyone is going to dispute me on the fact that Meg Ryan is a type actress who does romantic comedies. But in this one she is stronger, than I think I've ever seen her. Do you feel this is her strongest character? Am I forgetting one? Billy Crystal, I haven't seen him in a film since I last watched "The Princess Bride." He did a good job and had some really great lines. Oh, and I cannot forget the music. God Bless Harry Connick Jr. I really believe it adds a a timelessness element to the film.

Bottom-line: Totally worth watching, may you have the good fortune of finding it on TV or an edited copy. I really enjoyed it.

While You Were Sleeping

Jamie popped this in on a dreary Friday afternoon.

Review: It's a decent chick flick. There are some funny lines and it's fun to see Sandra Bullock in a good role. (Speed 2=mistake) Anyway I rarely if ever pick to watch this chick flick but when I do watch it I enjoy myself. I feel bad for Sandra Bullock's character and how alone she is. I'm glad that she is able to have not only a special someone but a great new family as well.

Bottom-line: If someone suggests it don't turn it down. It's not bad at all.

Cold Mountain

Let me tell you a tale. My freshmen year Sarah and I walked at least a couple miles to Cougar Video to rent some edited Flicks. We excitedly came home with "Cold Mountain" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." We popped them into my computer and both DVDs skipped so badly both films were completely unwatchable. Since that day I have been longing to find a edited copy of both of these films. Today I was able to check off one of those films off of my list. And I am glad.

Review: Very well done film. I can see why it got so many awards when it was released. All the actors give a stunning performance. The cinematography and lighting was very impressive. The story, I'm sure rings familiar for many of the time. It was a very great film.

Bottom-line: I would recommend watching it if you can find an edited version, it's definitely worth it.

About a Boy

I bought this film for Sarah as part of birthday gift last July. For whatever reason this was the first time that we've ever watched it together. It was a perfect close to a relaxing President's day.

Review: It's such a great film. I really love Hugh Grant. I was also impressed with the acting of Nicholas Hoult, who played Marcus. He did a really great job. It's a great story of a man who has never had a girlfriend for longer than two months and has never had a job. He is self-described as "blank." Through his friendship with a 12-year-old boy he learns how to grow up. It has a good blend of humor throughout the film while covering the topic of self-identity. I also really love Will's house.

Bottom-line: It's a good film that I would definitely recommend.

Pride and Prejudice

After successfully finishing the book Pride and Prejudice I decided to watch the latest version of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley.

Review: I think that the cinematography of this film is really fantastic. I also enjoyed the score. Having just finished the book it was easy for me to notice the things that were changed, but on the whole I felt they did a fine job of adapting the book to the screen. It was cohesive, yet not agonizingly long. The movie is good but no one should avoid reading the spectacular wording of Austen.

Bottom-line: It's an enjoyable version of a great story.

Driving Miss Daisy

After a long day of school, I came home and wanted to unwind. Thank goodness for Sarah and the Provo Library, for this was another DVD Sarah checked out from the library.

Review: This is really a great movie. First thing I noticed was the score. That Hans Zimmer is a talented fellow. It's such a great story of friendship, stubbornness and the south. I really loved it and would thoroughly enjoy watching it again. Morgan Freeman is fantastic.

Bottom-line: Go see it! I wholly and completely recommend it. It's such a good film.

Moonstruck

Sarah rented this from the Provo Library. Jamie, Sarah and I watched it late Thursday night.

Review: It's got CHER! And a young Nicolas Cage! And Italians! Overall good times. It's not the best movie in the world but I did enjoy it. I think it would be best for me to watch it again when I'm not so tired.

Bottom-line: Fun movie. A fun one to check out while slurping some spaghetti.

Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (Amélie)

And now a break from your regularly scheduled programming...okay, sorry, so I actually watched this I think the last day of classes Fall semester with the roomies and Matt. Courtesy to Matt for getting a Cleanflicks'ed version from someone.

Review: I really liked it! It was a unique film. The story was simple and extremely pleasurable. I enjoyed the cinematography immensely. It was a really well done film. I wish I had blogged about it right after so I'd have more fresh in my brain since now it's been over a month since I saw it. But really, truly I enjoyed it.

Bottom-line: I totally recommend seeing it if you can obtain a cleanflicks version. Yea!

Live Free or Die Hard

On this particular Saturday night I still wasn't feeling well and wanted a night in. Bryce and I then decided to watch a movie, so I thought I'd support Bryce in his manhood and humor my taste for an action film every now and then and watch an action flick. So Live Free or Die Hard it was.

Review: If you can get past the fact that it is completely ridiculous, one could enjoy it. I do enjoy action films and there were some funny lines. But there are much better action films out there.

Bottom-line: It's not the worst of action movies, it's not the best of action movies. I wasn't disappointed after I watched it, I didn't really have high hopes for it though to be completely candid. I'd say you could redbox it or whenever it's on TV watch it, but I wouldn't spend any more green than that on it.

Tommy Boy

This was my second time seeing this film. I've been fortunate enough to be in good company both times I've watched it.

Review: It's an extremely funny movie, but I believe you have to be in the right mood for it. That mood would be a physical, slap-stick comedy type of mood. Some of the lines are extremely quotable, such as "fat guy in a little coat." I was really impressed with Chris Farley. He's a big guy but he has absolutely no problems in doing physical comedy. It's hilarious.

Bottom-line: It's a fun film to watch when you are in a mood for a physical comedy.

Pretty in Pink

So the first week of school winter semester I wasn't feeling very well and I watched this. Both of my roommates own it so I figured it would be a good one to watch.

Review: I liked it. I think it's my favorite 80s teen movie. As I described to my roommates, that I liked the story of Pretty in Pink much better than Sixteen Candles, but Sixteen Candles has more moments that make me laugh out loud. Personally though I was pulling for Duckie. What a funny, unique guy. We all need a Duckie.

Bottom-line: A great movie to finish up your night after an 80s dance. It's a fun one.

Unbreakable

My first movie back in Provo, with FRIENDS! After a trip to one of my favorite places in Provo, Maestro's gelato shop, Bryce, Steph and the returned Bekka watched a fantastic M. Night Shyamalan film, UNBREAKABLE.

Review: I love this movie! I love M. Night Shyamalan! He's pure genius! There is meaning in every shot, there is so much symbolism. It's amazing. Bruce Willis gives a great performance as does Samuel L. Jackon. I may go out on a limb and say that this is my favorite M. Night Shyamalan film.

Bottom-line: If you haven't seen it then please go see it! It's so good. I don't know if there is any way I can truly express how much I love this film.

High School Musical 2

Again, I got stuck somehow and continued the marathon and watched HSM 2 until about 4 a.m. with my sister and her friend. How this happen? I'm not quite sure but it did.

Review: Fun. I love to make fun of the "Bet on It" song with Zac Efron, oh my hilarious. He's just running around on a golf course. Oh and don't forget the tribute Lion King reference when he looks at his reflection at the "water hazard" on the course. So funny. I also love the "I Don't Dance" song with Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel when Corbin is dancing while singing "I don't dance."

Bottom-line: I think I like the second one better. I'm not quite sure though. The second one seems to have more of a plot. But yeah it's fun.

High School Musical

After midnight on New Year's Eve (so technically New Year's Day) my sister's friend was spending the night they decided to have a HSM marathon. I was doing things on the computer when they started and yeah, I just got sucked in.

Review: It's a fun film but I don't know why it's gotten as much hype as it has. I also enjoyed watching it this time after Divine Comedy (the sketch comedy troupe I'm on the crew for at BYU) did a parody of it called "Marriott School Musical."

Bottom-line: It's a good bonding time with a younger sibling, but I don't think I'll pro-actively seek it out.

Hairspray

I was feeling pretty happy being at home on New Years Eve. So my mom and 9-year old brother, Erik, decided we would splurge and get a pay-per-view movie. We sent Erik to look through them to pick one we would all like. He suggested Hairspray. My mother and I agreed to watched it. "Hairspray it is then," Erik said matter-of-factly.

Review: I really enjoyed it. I was really impressed with every single actor/actress. It was fun to see Michelle Pfeiffer as a villain. And a villain she was. It was very well done and fun to hear her sing as well. Plus major props must be given to John Travolta. He did such a great job playing Edna. I really believed she was a big insecure woman, not a fairly physically fit man. I was also really impressed with Nikki Blonsky, who played Tracy Turnbald. It was her first acting job and she did a great job. The dancing was great as were the musical numbers. I especially liked "Run and Tell That."

Bottom-line: I totally recommend renting it. It's really great and although it confronts real issues of the '60s in Detroit it's family friendly. It's really well done.

The Bourne Ultimatum

I watched this movie with my dad. He said we were getting "Bourned." Oh, Dad you're great.

Review: I really loved it. I would say it's the best of the series. It was great because as far as I can remember all of my questions were answered. I was also proud of myself because after "Bourne Supremacy" I thought there might be something more to Nikki.

I loved how the script and the movie in general treated the audience as intelligent viewers. They were excellent at making things known to the audience without hitting the audience on the side of the head with two-by-fours of information.

I also love the score. I've been noticing and appreciating the score in films now and I've really enjoyed hearing and I can barely hold myself back from singing/vocalizing along with the closing credits.

Bottom-line: If you haven't seen any of the Bourne movies don't skip the first two to watch this one. Look forward to the last one as you enjoy the first two.

Ratatouille

I watched this with my family, by a roaring fire.

Review: I really enjoyed it. The animation was fantastic. The story was good. I like cooking so it was enjoyable to see a film about cooking.

Sorry it's a bit short.

Bottom-line: Worth seeing. Especially with kids or as a family.

A Christmas Story

I watched this with my family on Christmas Eve after finishing some fantastic Chinese food. No Duck though.

I remember the first couple times I saw the film it was on a taped video when I was a young little whipper snapper. I thought it was some way underground film that no one had ever heard of. I think it was the title that through me off. As if my parents wrote "A Christmas Story" because they didn't know the real title of the movie.

Review: This is a Christmas movie classic! I love it so much. From Ralphie's longing for a "Red Rider BB Gun," to his father's "Major Award," and the carols sung at Christmas dinner this movie makes me laugh from start to finish.

Bottom-line: If you haven't seen it yet, it is worth it to watch after Christmas. Even if it's July.

The Nativity Story

I watched this with my family on the Sunday before Christmas.

Review: I don't know why I came into watching this movie skeptically, but I did. And I will be the first to admit my skepticism was put in the wrong direction when I pointed it towards this movie. It was very well done.

I was very happy with for the most part the truthfulness and authentic look and feel to the movie. I think what I liked the most about it though was it showed what great people Mary and Joseph were; after having the words of the Bible tell me these things it was satisfying to see it.

Bottom-line: A good film to have with the other Christmas movies out there which helps emphasize the real reason for Christmas.

The Devil Wears Prada

I'd seen this movie before and enjoyed watching it with my younger sister Lauren.

Review: It's so smart. Meryl Streep is really great as a fashion diva from H-E-double hockey sticks. I was also really pleased with Anne Hathaway's performance. I think the greatest part of this movie is the script it is so well written.

Hence why I'm excited to see "27 Dresses" because it is written by the same screenwriters.

It's also a great movie to demonstrate how we can't allow ourselves to be shaped by those around us into someone we don't want to be.

Bottom-line: Go see it! It's a fun girls movie. I don't know how much guys would enjoy it. But my Dad laughed when he watched it for a bit.

Dreamgirls

My mom and I watched this on my first full day back in Omaha for break. Oh the comforts and wonders of ON DEMAND.

Review: I liked it a lot. The music was fantastic and the story was very good. Overall, I thought it was enjoyable. The music was in my head for at least another two days.

Bottom-line: Worth seeing for sure. I wouldn't say it needs to be at the top of your list of movies to see, but it definitely deserves to be on the list.

(I'm sorry this blog is a little skimpy, I saw it almost 2 weeks ago.)

Enchanted

I went and saw this in the theaters after Sarah raved about it and wanted to see it again.

Review: SO FANTASTIC! I was very glad to see Disney create a gem again. The story is really clever. It's so enjoyable for people of all ages. The music is fantastic, the dancing is as well, especially for "That's How You Know." Although only a small portion of the film was animated it was very well done. There was a fair amount of integrating a small portion of animation into the real life scenes were done extremely well. I can't get over how much I enjoyed it.

I really liked all of the characters in each of their own ways. I liked Patrick Dempsey's character because he was real. You could understand why he had such a pragmatic approach to life. I really enjoyed seeing how Amy Adam's character, Giselle, evolved. It was great.

The movie made me remember all of the Disney animated films that I grew up loving and in some ways it was a new way to enjoy that kind of princess fun as an "adult."

Bottom-line: Please go see it!! It's fantastic. I plan on owning it at some point in my life and especially look forward to someday watching it with my kids.

Superman Returns

I watched this movie for an unique reason. The previous night I had a dream where I was Superman. I could really feel the sensation of flying. I was fighting crime had bullets bounce off of me, the works. I told Steph about it and she suggested watching it, so we did.

Review: I've always really liked Superman. In the last few years my love of Superman has superseded Batman through my increasing love of Superman by watching "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman"and by my somewhat disappointment, rather less enjoyment than expected with "Batman Begins."

But when it comes to Superman movies, TV shows, etc. this is not my favorite. I don't think that it's a bad film, but it's not great. The movie goes at a very slow pace. Even the "intense" portions feel slow. This is NOT an on the edge of your seat film.

Also, I know this movie was also in IMAX theaters. So sometimes I feel that some things were done (or done for an extended amount of time) just because it would look awesome in IMAX. (Ex. Polar Express, train scene) There were scenes where this thought crossed my mind.

Finally, not to the movies fault my view of Superman/Clark Kent is different than what I know the Comic Book is. It also brings up the debate of super heroes: which identity is their true identity? The most true Superman for ME is in "Lois and Clark" where and I quote "Superman is what I can do. Clark is who I am." Clark is his true identity. I acknowledge that this is one of the few portrayals of Superman/Clark Kent out there. I know that the comic book takes more of Superman is his true identity view.

So for me this movie didn't do it for me so much. I feel the reason we care about super hero characters is because of their personal stories, their human storyline, not because they save people. Would we care as much about a guy who spins webs fighting crime in NYC, if we didn't also have the story of how Peter Parker, the man behind the mask loved Mary Jane? I don't think so. I felt there was a lot more emphasis on Superman's actions, not his emotions.

Bottom-line: I don't think I would spend money to obtain the opportunity to watch it. But say it was on TV and you wanted something to fold laundry to, do homework to or fall asleep to (Steph can vouch for it) , watch it.

Joe vs. The Volcano

I watched this at Steph's apartment the first weekend of December, while doing some homework. I wanted a movie I'd seen to watch while doing homework and this fit the bill perfectly.

Review: I love this movie. It's so funny and somewhat ridiculous. I just love it. It's fun to see another Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan pairing. Meg Ryan plays three different roles in the film (don't worry it's not confusing) it's great. Some of the quotes are great.

Bott0m-line: I totally recommend it. It's tough to say if it's my favorite Hanks Ryan movie. But it's a contender for sure. Grab some orange soda, rent it and enjoy.