November 22, 2010 - #89/100
Adventureland (2009)
In 1987, James Brennan's (Jesse Eisenberg) dreams of a summer European tour before studying at an Ivy League school in New York City are ruined after his parents have a severe career setback. As a result, James must get a summer job to cover his upcoming expenses at the decrepit local amusement park, Adventureland, where he falls in love with a witty co-worker, Emily Lewin (Kristen Stewart). In that bizarrely shady workplace, James and his fellow coworkers have unforgettable and painful learning experiences about life, love, and trust. Towards the end of the movie, James discovers what he truly values. Most of the trailers depicted this movie as being a comedy, but I'd probably classify it as a romantic drama more than I would a comedy because there appeared to be very few comedic parts. I thought that the acting was good. Even Kristen Stewart managed to not really get on my nerves that much, which is saying a lot. Overall, I actually thought that this was a pretty good movie. I don't regret watching it, but if I were to watch it again, it probably wouldn't be anytime soon.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 movie review
November 22, 2010 - #88/100
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) power is growing stronger. He now has control over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) decide to finish Dumbledore's work and find the rest of the Horcruxes in order to defeat the Dark Lord. But little hope remains for the Trio, and the rest of the Wizarding World, so everything they do must go as planned. I'm an avid Harry Potter fan, so of course I loved this movie. I thought that it followed the book very well, but managed to skip over some of the parts of the book that tend to drag out (for example, most of the tent / forest scenes in the book). It has been nice to watch Dan, Rupert, and Emma develop throughout the years, and it seems as if Dan has finally learned how to properly cry! Thank god. It was painful having to watch him fake cry in the 3rd and 4th movies. Anyway, I definitely loved this movie, and I can't wait to see the final installment because I have a feeling that it will end up being the best and most thrilling Harry Potter movie yet.
I gave this movie 10/10 stars on imdb.com.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) power is growing stronger. He now has control over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) decide to finish Dumbledore's work and find the rest of the Horcruxes in order to defeat the Dark Lord. But little hope remains for the Trio, and the rest of the Wizarding World, so everything they do must go as planned. I'm an avid Harry Potter fan, so of course I loved this movie. I thought that it followed the book very well, but managed to skip over some of the parts of the book that tend to drag out (for example, most of the tent / forest scenes in the book). It has been nice to watch Dan, Rupert, and Emma develop throughout the years, and it seems as if Dan has finally learned how to properly cry! Thank god. It was painful having to watch him fake cry in the 3rd and 4th movies. Anyway, I definitely loved this movie, and I can't wait to see the final installment because I have a feeling that it will end up being the best and most thrilling Harry Potter movie yet.
I gave this movie 10/10 stars on imdb.com.
Sherlock Holmes movie review
November 21, 2010 - #87/100
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his assistant Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancee and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams). I've never really been a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, or Robert Downey Jr., but I thought that this movie was pretty good. Even though I thought that it was good, it's still not really the type of movie that I generally like to watch over and over. So, once was enough for me.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his assistant Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancee and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams). I've never really been a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, or Robert Downey Jr., but I thought that this movie was pretty good. Even though I thought that it was good, it's still not really the type of movie that I generally like to watch over and over. So, once was enough for me.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
The First Wives Club movie review
November 17, 2010 - #86/100
The First Wives Club (1996)
After years of helping their husbands climb the ladder of success, three wives, Brenda Cushman (Bette Midler), Elise Elliot (Goldie Hawn), and Annie Paradis (Diane Keaton) have been dumped for newer, curvier models. But the trio is determined to turn their pain into gain. They come up with a cleverly devious plan to hit their ex-husbands where it really hurts - in the wallet. Throughout the rest of the movie, the wives get mad, get even and get it all. Justice has seldom been so sweet, orr so much fun. Personally, the acting was very good, but I thought that parts of the movie tended to drag on a bit. Despite the feeling that parts of the movie dragged a bit, I still rather enjoyed it. Being a woman myself, I guess it's nice to see women take over, and succeed in doing so.
I gave this movie 6/10 stars on imdb.com.
The First Wives Club (1996)
After years of helping their husbands climb the ladder of success, three wives, Brenda Cushman (Bette Midler), Elise Elliot (Goldie Hawn), and Annie Paradis (Diane Keaton) have been dumped for newer, curvier models. But the trio is determined to turn their pain into gain. They come up with a cleverly devious plan to hit their ex-husbands where it really hurts - in the wallet. Throughout the rest of the movie, the wives get mad, get even and get it all. Justice has seldom been so sweet, orr so much fun. Personally, the acting was very good, but I thought that parts of the movie tended to drag on a bit. Despite the feeling that parts of the movie dragged a bit, I still rather enjoyed it. Being a woman myself, I guess it's nice to see women take over, and succeed in doing so.
I gave this movie 6/10 stars on imdb.com.
Grown Ups movie review
November 12, 2010 - #85/100
Grown Ups (2010)
After their high school basketball coach passes away, five good friends (Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider), who happen to be former teammates, reunite for a Fourth of July holiday weekend. To be quite honest, it was hard to come up with a storyline for this particular movie. Nothing monumental took place, and that one sentence basically sums up the entire movie. Anyway, I regretfully feel as if Adam Sandler's career is slowly taking a turn for the worst. Most of his movies, recently, have been pretty horrible. It seems as if he tries too hard to make a movie funny, which then just makes it seem as if it is a stupid comedy. I was actually relieved when this movie ended because I didn't really find that many parts of it to be funny and entertaining.
I gave this movie 2/10 stars on imdb.com.
Grown Ups (2010)
After their high school basketball coach passes away, five good friends (Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider), who happen to be former teammates, reunite for a Fourth of July holiday weekend. To be quite honest, it was hard to come up with a storyline for this particular movie. Nothing monumental took place, and that one sentence basically sums up the entire movie. Anyway, I regretfully feel as if Adam Sandler's career is slowly taking a turn for the worst. Most of his movies, recently, have been pretty horrible. It seems as if he tries too hard to make a movie funny, which then just makes it seem as if it is a stupid comedy. I was actually relieved when this movie ended because I didn't really find that many parts of it to be funny and entertaining.
I gave this movie 2/10 stars on imdb.com.
Stepmom movie review
November 10, 2010 - #84/100
Stepmom (1998)
Anna (Jena Malone) and Ben (Liam Aiken), the two children of Jackie (Susan Sarandon) and Luke (Ed Harris), have to cope with the fact that their parents divorced and that there is a new woman in their father's life: Isabel (Julia Roberts), a successful photographer. She does her best to treat the kids in a way that makes them still feel at home when being with their dad, but also loves her work and does not plan to give it up. But Jackie, a full-time mother, regards Isabel's efforts as offensively insufficient. She can't understand how work can be so important to her, but how the kids can also be equally as important. The conflict between them is deepened by the sudden diagnose of cancer, which might may be deadly for Jackie. They all have to learn a little in order to grow together. Overall, I thought that it was a pretty heartwarming movie. Parts of it seemed to be realistic, seeing as how cancer is something that ends up being the demise of many people in the world today. The cast was practically flawless, especially Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts. Overall, it was a very moving film, and I wouldn't mind watching it again.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
Stepmom (1998)
Anna (Jena Malone) and Ben (Liam Aiken), the two children of Jackie (Susan Sarandon) and Luke (Ed Harris), have to cope with the fact that their parents divorced and that there is a new woman in their father's life: Isabel (Julia Roberts), a successful photographer. She does her best to treat the kids in a way that makes them still feel at home when being with their dad, but also loves her work and does not plan to give it up. But Jackie, a full-time mother, regards Isabel's efforts as offensively insufficient. She can't understand how work can be so important to her, but how the kids can also be equally as important. The conflict between them is deepened by the sudden diagnose of cancer, which might may be deadly for Jackie. They all have to learn a little in order to grow together. Overall, I thought that it was a pretty heartwarming movie. Parts of it seemed to be realistic, seeing as how cancer is something that ends up being the demise of many people in the world today. The cast was practically flawless, especially Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts. Overall, it was a very moving film, and I wouldn't mind watching it again.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
Thelma and Louise movie review
November 9, 2010 - #83/100
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon) is working in a fast food restaurant as a waitress and has some problems with her friend Jimmy, who, as a musician, is always on the road. Thelma (Geena Davis) is married to Darryl, who likes his wife to stay quiet in the kitchen so that he can watch football on TV. One day they decide to break out of their normal life by taking a weekend road trip. Mainly, it was Louise's idea, and Thelma ends up tagging along, without getting permission from Darryl because she knew that he would refuse to let her go. Their journey, however, takes a turn for the worse when Louise kills a man who threatens to rape Thelma. They decide to go to Mexico, but soon are hunted by American police. Even though the movie is mostly considered to be a drama/thriller, it does have its funny moments. Also, I thought that Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis did an amazing job portraying loyal best friends throughout the entire movie. Both of the actresses managed to keep the movie entertaining, and suspenseful, throughout the entire thing.
I gave this movie 8/10 stars on imdb.com.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon) is working in a fast food restaurant as a waitress and has some problems with her friend Jimmy, who, as a musician, is always on the road. Thelma (Geena Davis) is married to Darryl, who likes his wife to stay quiet in the kitchen so that he can watch football on TV. One day they decide to break out of their normal life by taking a weekend road trip. Mainly, it was Louise's idea, and Thelma ends up tagging along, without getting permission from Darryl because she knew that he would refuse to let her go. Their journey, however, takes a turn for the worse when Louise kills a man who threatens to rape Thelma. They decide to go to Mexico, but soon are hunted by American police. Even though the movie is mostly considered to be a drama/thriller, it does have its funny moments. Also, I thought that Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis did an amazing job portraying loyal best friends throughout the entire movie. Both of the actresses managed to keep the movie entertaining, and suspenseful, throughout the entire thing.
I gave this movie 8/10 stars on imdb.com.
The Stepford Wives movie review
November 8, 2010 - #82/100
The Stepford Wives (2004)
Joanna Eberhart (Nicole Kidman), a wildly successful president of a TV Network, experiences a series of shocking events, which causes her to suffer from a nervous breakdown. She then decides to move with her husband, Walter (Matthew Broderick), and the rest of her family to an upper-class and very modern planned community of Stepford, Connecticut. Once there, she becomes good friends with Bobbie Markowitz (Bette Midler), a jewish writer who's also a recovering alcoholic. Together they find out, much to their growing stupor and-then horror, that all the housewives in town are strangely blissful, and somehow...doomed. What is really going on behind the closed doors of the Stepford Men's Association and the Stepford Day Spa? I've never seen the older version of this movie, so the entire movie was a complete surprised to me. But, the ending of this movie just seemed completely ridiculous in every possible way. I didn't know whether to laugh, or just turn the television off. Generally, I am a fan of Nicole Kidman. But this movie, sad to say, is definitely not one of Nicole's good movies. I think it is safe for me to say that I will never watch this movie again.
I gave this movie 3/10 stars on imdb.com.
The Stepford Wives (2004)
Joanna Eberhart (Nicole Kidman), a wildly successful president of a TV Network, experiences a series of shocking events, which causes her to suffer from a nervous breakdown. She then decides to move with her husband, Walter (Matthew Broderick), and the rest of her family to an upper-class and very modern planned community of Stepford, Connecticut. Once there, she becomes good friends with Bobbie Markowitz (Bette Midler), a jewish writer who's also a recovering alcoholic. Together they find out, much to their growing stupor and-then horror, that all the housewives in town are strangely blissful, and somehow...doomed. What is really going on behind the closed doors of the Stepford Men's Association and the Stepford Day Spa? I've never seen the older version of this movie, so the entire movie was a complete surprised to me. But, the ending of this movie just seemed completely ridiculous in every possible way. I didn't know whether to laugh, or just turn the television off. Generally, I am a fan of Nicole Kidman. But this movie, sad to say, is definitely not one of Nicole's good movies. I think it is safe for me to say that I will never watch this movie again.
I gave this movie 3/10 stars on imdb.com.
Mona Lisa Smile movie review
November 5, 2010 - #81/100
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Katherine Ann Watson (Julia Roberts) has accepted a position teaching art history at the prestigious Wellesley College. Ms. Watson is a very modern woman, particularly for the 1950s, and has a passion not only for art, but also for her students. For the most part, the students all seem to be biding their time, waiting to find the right man to marry. Generally, most of the women just look forward to becoming housewives. However, Ms. Watson realizes that all of the students are very bright, and she feels that they are not reaching their potentials. Although a strong bond is formed between Ms. Watson and her students, her views are incompatible with the dominant culture of the college. I thought that this movie had a very good cast, which consists of Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Ginnifer Goodwin. I've read many reviews where people pretty much bashed the movie. It seems like this is one of those movies where you either love it or hate it. Well, I loved it, and I can safely say that I will be watching this movie again in the near future.
I gave this movie 8/10 stars on imdb.com.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Katherine Ann Watson (Julia Roberts) has accepted a position teaching art history at the prestigious Wellesley College. Ms. Watson is a very modern woman, particularly for the 1950s, and has a passion not only for art, but also for her students. For the most part, the students all seem to be biding their time, waiting to find the right man to marry. Generally, most of the women just look forward to becoming housewives. However, Ms. Watson realizes that all of the students are very bright, and she feels that they are not reaching their potentials. Although a strong bond is formed between Ms. Watson and her students, her views are incompatible with the dominant culture of the college. I thought that this movie had a very good cast, which consists of Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Ginnifer Goodwin. I've read many reviews where people pretty much bashed the movie. It seems like this is one of those movies where you either love it or hate it. Well, I loved it, and I can safely say that I will be watching this movie again in the near future.
I gave this movie 8/10 stars on imdb.com.
28 Days movie review
November 4, 2010 - #80/100
28 Days (2000)
After getting into a car accident while being intoxicated on the day of her sister's wedding, Gwen Cummings (Sandra Bullock) is given a choice between prison or a rehab center. She chooses rehab, but refuses to admit that she has a drinking problem, and is extremely resistant to taking part in any of the treatment programs they have to offer. After getting to know some of the other patients, Gwen gradually begins to re-examine her life and notices that she does, in fact, have a serious problem. The path to recovery will not be easy, and success will not be guaranteed, or even likely, but she is now willing to give it a try. I actually thought that this was a pretty good movie. The movie consisted of many emotional scenes, as well as uplifting scenes. Sandra Bullock, and the rest of the actors, did a pretty good job at portraying troubled patients in a rehab center. It definitely wasn't one of Sandra Bullock's best movies, but I found the movie to be enjoyable, and I probably wouldn't mind watching it again sometime in the future.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
28 Days (2000)
After getting into a car accident while being intoxicated on the day of her sister's wedding, Gwen Cummings (Sandra Bullock) is given a choice between prison or a rehab center. She chooses rehab, but refuses to admit that she has a drinking problem, and is extremely resistant to taking part in any of the treatment programs they have to offer. After getting to know some of the other patients, Gwen gradually begins to re-examine her life and notices that she does, in fact, have a serious problem. The path to recovery will not be easy, and success will not be guaranteed, or even likely, but she is now willing to give it a try. I actually thought that this was a pretty good movie. The movie consisted of many emotional scenes, as well as uplifting scenes. Sandra Bullock, and the rest of the actors, did a pretty good job at portraying troubled patients in a rehab center. It definitely wasn't one of Sandra Bullock's best movies, but I found the movie to be enjoyable, and I probably wouldn't mind watching it again sometime in the future.
I gave this movie 7/10 stars on imdb.com.
Crazy/Beautiful movie review
November 3, 2010 - #79/100
Crazy / Beautiful (2001)
Nicole (Kirsten Dunst) is the 17-year-old troubled daughter of a wealthy congressman who never met a rule she didn't break. Carlos (Jay Hernandez) is a grade A student with big dreams who endures a two-hour bus ride every morning to attend high school in an upscale L.A. neighborhood. Their innocent flirtations quickly develop into passionate love, but Nicole's self-destructive behavior threatens their relationship and puts Carlos' promising future in jeopardy. The rest of the movie then focuses on the dilemma as to whether or not their passionate love will keep them together, despite the objections of their families, or if Carlos must pursue his future without Nicole. Overall, I thought that this movie was decent. I've read a couple of reviews where people thought that this was a refreshing and different teen movie. Personally, I didn't really find it that refreshing. I thought that parts of it were kind of cheesy, but that is usually expected from a romantic movie. Although I found it to be decent, it still managed to keep my attention. Would I ever watch it again? Probably not, but it was still nice to watch that one time.
I gave this movie 5/10 stars on imdb.com.
Crazy / Beautiful (2001)
Nicole (Kirsten Dunst) is the 17-year-old troubled daughter of a wealthy congressman who never met a rule she didn't break. Carlos (Jay Hernandez) is a grade A student with big dreams who endures a two-hour bus ride every morning to attend high school in an upscale L.A. neighborhood. Their innocent flirtations quickly develop into passionate love, but Nicole's self-destructive behavior threatens their relationship and puts Carlos' promising future in jeopardy. The rest of the movie then focuses on the dilemma as to whether or not their passionate love will keep them together, despite the objections of their families, or if Carlos must pursue his future without Nicole. Overall, I thought that this movie was decent. I've read a couple of reviews where people thought that this was a refreshing and different teen movie. Personally, I didn't really find it that refreshing. I thought that parts of it were kind of cheesy, but that is usually expected from a romantic movie. Although I found it to be decent, it still managed to keep my attention. Would I ever watch it again? Probably not, but it was still nice to watch that one time.
I gave this movie 5/10 stars on imdb.com.
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