My Take...

Taking A Break

2009-05-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Sorry its been awhile since I've posted any reviews! I've had finals....well still have finals. I will be posting more soon as soon as I can take a break from studying!

Real quick though:

"Nothing But The Truth" and "Nights In Rodanthe" have been good (I was surprised, but you should see them if you get the chance)

"Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past"--good, but a rental!

Movie Review-"17 Again"

2009-04-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

Movie "17 Again" was good, but VERY predictable! However, if Zac Efron wasn't in it I probably wouldn't have liked it at all!

Because I like Zac Efron, it made up for the lack of originality. Also, Matthew Perry, who played Mike O'Donnell as the adult seemed a little awkward to me.

Director Burr Steers' "17 Again" (2009) is about a guy, Mike O'Donnell (Adult-Matthew Perry, Teen-Zac Efron) who doesn't feel like his life turned out the way it was supposed to.

The captain of his basketball team and boyfriend to the prettiest girl in high school, Mike misses his days back in high school and wonders what his life would have been like now if he had taken a different path in high school.

Mike is given that chance and becomes 17 again, not only making a difference in the lives of young teens, but getting the chance to change his own path.

This film was a good movie, but predictable and lacked originality. This movie is definitely a good movie for young teens. "17 Again" has already made about $24 million, more than new release "State Of Play" which stars Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams and made about $14 million.

Overall, wait to the movie comes out on video! Not worth the $10.50!

See other reviews!

Movie Review-"Footloose"

2009-04-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

Classic movie "Footloose" definitely gets you wanting to dance!

I wanted to see this movie after hearing about what a classic it was. A must see film! I enjoyed the movie a lot. I seem to find myself enjoying more of the older films rather that the newer films.

It seems that the older films have more meaning to them and are made to portray a message whereas the older films are made purely for entertainment--whether or not a message is actually conveyed!

Director Herbert Ross's "Footloose" (1984) is about a city boy, Ren (Kevin Bacon, "Frost/Nixon") who moves into a small Midwestern town and discovers that dancing has been banned from the town.

At first Ren tries to fit into the town and their rules, but still somehow manages to be stereotyped as the "troublemaker" of the town. With the help of a friend (Chris Penn, "The Darwin Awards") and the minister's daughter (Lori Singer, "Little Victim"), Ren decides he must do something to show the town what they are missing and that things aren't always as bad as they may seem.

"Footloose" has some great songs, such as Kenny Logins' "Footloose" and Deniece Williams' "Let's Hear it For The Boy."

Good movie! Money-Well Spent! Check it out!

See other reviews!

Movie Review-"Fight Club"

2009-04-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

"Fight Club" is a movie that's really weird, then interesting, then confusing, and finally really good (seriously in this order).

Watching this film, I expected it to be good. Throughout the movie I kept telling myself that this movie is supposed to be really good, and it was, when I finally understood what was going on.

Edward Norton and Brad Pitt star in this film and do an amazing job. Their characters are both very believable and who wouldn't want to watch a movie with both Norton and Pitt in it :).

Director David Fincher's "Fight Club" is about a guy (Norton) who suffers from insomnia. He goes through his same routine day after day. While on a business trip he meets Tyler Durden (Pitt), a soap salesman, and the two become friends. He even moves in with Tyler after his apartment is destroyed by an explosion.

The two join together and form underground "fight clubs" in every town. Things, however, start going sour when a girl comes between the two and one of them realizes this wasn't what they really wanted.

This is a very good movie, but don't feel surprised or overwhelmed when you feel a little confused. Don't worry it's not one of those movies where they keep you guessing and then it ends and you're still left guessing. Everything will make sense in the end of this film.

Good movie and MONEY WELL-SPENT!

See other reviews!

Movie Review-"Marley & Me"

2009-04-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

A perfect family movie with lots of laughs! I expected this movie to be cute and predictable, which it was, and yet it was still charming and worth watching.

Starring in this movie are Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. Two characters that I really enjoy watching. Jennifer Aniston looks just as pretty as she does in all her other films and Owen Wilson is still as comedic as he is wholesome.

Director David Frankel's "Marley & Me" is about a guy (Wilson, "You, Me and Dupree") who surprises his wife (Aniston, "The Break-Up") with a puppy in an effort to delay parenthood. This seems to work, but both realize a dog, especially one like Marley, isn't as easy as they both had thought.

Marley turns their lives upside down and is a magnet for disaster. In the end, though, the couple realizes that Marley has brought out the best in them and has been there for the good and bad.

I enjoyed this movie and thought it was very cute. This movie makes for a good family movie and even a better movie for families with pets.

Aniston and Wilson make for a cute couple, however, at times they seemed more like friends than an actual couple. I had a hard time believing it.

Overall, if you're looking for a movie for the whole family this is a good choice!

See other reviews!

New Movie Releases For The Weekend

2009-04-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

New Movie Releases For The Weekend Of April 10, 2009:

-Director James Wong's Dragonball Evolution

-Director Peter Chelsom's Hannah Montana The Movie

-Director Jody Hill's Observe and Report

Movie Review- "Adventureland"

2009-04-05T11:26:00.002-07:00

Had no expectations when walking into this film, except that I thought it was supposed to be funny, and came out of the movie liking it and finding myself in some of the characters.

Director Greg Mottola's "Adventureland" is a comedy about a group of young adults who because of whatever circumstances they are dealing with end up working at Adventureland, an amusement park, in the summer of 1987.

The movie starts out by focusing on a recent graduate (Jesse Eisenberg, The Education of Charlie Banks), who had planned to take a trip to Europe in the summer and attend Columbia University in the fall. However, his father ends up being repositioned in the company and the family realizes they don't have as much money as they used to.

Eisenberg's character realizes his Europe trip is cancelled and he must get a job in the summer if he plans on being able to attend and afford going to Columbia University in the fall. He ends up working at Adventureland and meeting many different people with their own problems.

Kristen Stewart, who also starred in "Twilight," stars in the film and has great chemistry with Eisenberg.

I enjoyed this movie a lot because it also focused on how many recent graduates are feeling now--unsure of the next step after college. Eisenberg's character, like many other recent graduates, had a plan at first and are realizing that their plan isn't panning out like they had hoped. Circumstances have changed their course and they realize what it's really like to be in the real world. They realize that they must either come up with a new plan or find a new way of achieving their original plan.

Overall I liked this movie a lot. MONEY WELL SPENT!

See other reviews!

New Movie Releases For The Weekend

2009-04-05T11:26:00.001-07:00

New Movie Releases For The Weekend Of April 3, 2009:

-Director Justin Lin's "Fast and Furious 4"

-Director Greg Mottola's "Adventureland"

Movie Review- "Duplicity"

2009-04-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a guy who's easy on the eyes and a pretty woman this movie is the one for you! Clive Owen and Julia Roberts have great chemisty as the stars of "Duplicity" in this witty drama.

Owen and Roberts play corporate spies who team up together....the only problem is neither they nor the audience know if they are playing each other or truly working together. There is a lot of action and one must stay alert to keep up with the ongoing plot.

The movie, directed by Tony Gilroy, is cleverly done with lots of flashbacks and not your average predictable movie. Plus with Owen's good looks and Robert's smile, you'll be glued to the screen from the start.

Surprisingly, there was drama in the theatre as well when at the height of the action, the movie screen decided to give out and the lights came on. We weren't sure if this was part of the movie (3D) or if it was actually a glitch in the system. Unfortuntately it turned out to be a glitch--no 3D excitement. :(

Hopefully none of that will happen to you when you see this.

Overall, I felt my MONEY was WELL SPENT! You should definitely check out this film!

See other reviews!

Movie Review- "I Love You Man"

2009-03-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Even though some of the jokes were corny, the movie was still funny--REALLY FUNNY!

Director John Hamburg's "I Love You Man" is about a guy (Paul Rudd, "Role Models") who is getting married to the woman of his dreams, Zooey (Rashida Jones, "The Office"). Her friends think he is weird because he has no guy friends and has always been seen as the guy whose friends always seem to be girls.

Zooey wants him to have more guy friends so he decides to go out on "man-dates" to find the best man friend for him. Throughout this process he meets a bunch of weirdos and then finally finds the guy that's right for him and they become best friends.

I enjoyed this movie very much because it was different kind of movie. It gave a different perspective of how guys think and feel and in this scenario, portrayed a guy who was looking to find his best friend. This movie also explored what it means to be a true friend.

The critics for the most part all gave positive reviews for this film. If you're looking for a movie to make you laugh and relax this is the one for you this week!

So to sum up--MONEY WELL SPENT!

New Movie Releases For The Weekend

2009-03-28T14:21:00.001-07:00

New Movie Releases For The Weekend:

-Monsters Vs. Aliens
-The Haunting In Connecticut
-12 Rounds

Opening In Select Theatres:

-The Education Of Charlie Banks

-Goodbye Solo
-The Mysteries Of Pittsburgh

Movie Review-"Twilight"

2009-03-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

Loved the books and loved the movie. Who knew putting vampires, blood, and humans could be so interesting. Originally, I had thought it was the same old story about a vampire who lures a human into his home where he then proceeds to suck his/her blood. This was not the case, however. A whole new perspective was brought about by these books (Twilight Series) and the movie.

I decided to read the books after my younger sister insisted I do so. I hadn't head of the book series until she had mentioned them and I wasn't expecting to like the book series either--a book about a girl falling in love with a vampire didn't seem to appealing. I was pleasantly surprised, however, and when I heard about the "Twilight" movie coming out, I was looking forward to it as well.

Of course the book had so much more detail, but overall the movie was a good depiction of the book. Director Catherine Hardwicke did a great job! The description of the vampires in the book were especially interesting to see on film. They were almost perfectly depicted in the movie as I had imagined them to be while reading the book--pale white skin, amazing strength, and powers.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the books/movie. The "Twilight" movie, Catherine Hardwicke's adaptation of Stephanie Meyer's novel, is about a girl, Isabella Swan (Kristen Stewart), who falls in love with a vampire, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). This vampire and his family, however, are considered vegetarians because they only suck the blood of animals rather than humans and are different from their kind. Because of their differences, they are tested tremendously and Isabella, who is now in Edward's world, must learn the ways of the vampires and is even put at risk.

This film received many mixed reviews. Many of my friends either said they loved the movie or hated it and that the book was better. I felt the book was better, but felt that overall the movie depicted the book very well. So I am going to say my money was well spent! The movie won the weekend box office with over $70 million debut gross. I look forward to the next movie, "New Moon," which is expected to come out on November 20, 2009!

Movie Review-Beyond Borders

2009-03-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend I came across a film called "Beyond Borders," starring Angelina Jolie and Clive Owen.

I was looking for a movie to rent and figured anything with Jolie and Owen must be good. I was surprised that I had never heard of the film considering it had come out in 2003.

When I got home I decided to see what critics said about the film. I wanted to know whether my time and money would be well-spent or well-wasted.

Based on the reviews, it seemed like my time would be well-wasted. I still decided to watch it with my family, however, even though I wasn't expecting much from the film.

As the movie began, I realized I did not agree with the critics at all!

"Beyond Borders" is about a woman (Jolie), living in London, who realizes the realities of the world around her, after attending a fundraiser, and can't see herself just sitting around anymore enjoying her life while others are suffering.

During the fundraiser, she witnesses an unexpected and fiery plea by Dr. Nick Callahan (Owen) about impoverished children and impulsively makes the decision to leave her wonderful London life in an effort to help the people in the refugee camps.

I am not going to say much else about the film. I don't want to give anything away!

I enjoyed the movie very much. I liked how the movie had meaning to it. Not only did it made the woman in the film aware of the world around her, but it made me as well realize that not everything is so perfect.

We have to remember that a lot of people are suffering around the world and we have to be grateful for what we have. It definitely was something different from the same old violent and action films that really just entertain rather than make an important point as well.

I do want to say that I could have enjoyed the film very much because I had low expectations of it based on the critics reviews. You know what they say--when you have low expectations, you're usually satisfied and enjoy something so much more!

I agree with this statement a lot, but I still think if you watch the movie thinking it will be good, you will STILL come out thinking it was good. However, if low expectations is the way you want to go--GO FOR IT! You definitely won't be disappointed!

New Movie Releases For The Weekend

2009-03-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

-Knowing

-I Love You, Man

-Duplicity

-The Great Buck Howard

-Hunger

-Mancora

Parent Trap Star Dies

2009-03-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

British actress Natasha Richardson, 45, died after a freak skiing accident Wednesday.

The cause of death is still unknown, but she was hospitalized after suffering a brain injury. Sources say that she had fallen on a beginner's trail during a private lesson at the Mont Tremblant ski resort Monday.

According to Yahoo! News, when ski-patrols went to check on her, they followed strict procedures and said that she didn't show any visible signs of injury. Her fall was considered normal and nothing out of the ordinary. The ski resort, ski-patrol, and instructor, escorted her back to the hotel and recommended that she see a doctor.

Mont Tremblant spokeswoman Catherine Lacasse said Richardson had said she was fine, but an hour later did not feel well and was taken to the Hopital du Sacre-Coeur in Montreal. There was no sign of impact or blood. When hearing this, her husband, Liam Neeson, left for Montreal.

For her performance in "The Handmaid's Tale" (1990) and "The Comfort of Strangers" (1990), Richardson earned The London Evening Standard Award for Best Actress of 1990; and for "Widows' Peak" (1994), she received the Best Actress Award at the 1994 Karlovy Vary Festival.

When I heard this story, I was in shock, because of how crazy the story was. I'll be honest in saying that I wasn't a huge fan of Natasha Richardson, but I loved her in "The Parent Trap." I feel horrible for her and her family.

A few weeks ago, I had seen Liam Neeson in "Taken" and did not realize he was Richardson's husband. I had written a movie review (blog) for this film not too long ago. Also, this past weekend my mom mentioned how she saw the movie "Maid in Manhattan" and had seen Richardson in the film. She says it was weird seeing her in the film then hearing about her being in a freak accident a few days later.

The details of what occurred are still sketchy, but I'm sure more information will come out in the following days.

This lack of information, the uncertainty of the circumstances, and how quickly the situation changed has left us all in shock!

There's A Positive Side To Being Dumped

2009-03-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

Melissa Rycroft former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and former fiance to Jason Mesnick on "The Bachelor" will be on "Dancing With The Stars" this season (8th season), according to Access Hollywood.

Rycroft will be replacing Nancy O' Dell who had to drop out due to a bad knee (a torn meniscus). She will be dancing with professional dancer Tony Dovolani.

I guess being dumped by Jason Mesnick wasn't so bad after all. I mean look at the bright side--she'll be on TV once again and I'm sure getting paid doing it as well. It seems that this girl likes being in the spotlight--former Cowboys cheerleader and former contestant and fiance to Mesnick on "The Bachelor."

I hope I'm not sounding too sarcastic. I am really happy for Rycroft and wish her the best. I felt awful for her when she was in the limousine after being dumped publicly on the "After the Final Rose Part 1" and respected her for trying to find the bright side to the situation. I remember her saying that she knows everything happens for a reason, and although she might not know what that is right now, one day she will realize why that has happened.

ABC has yet to announce anything. I look forward to seeing how the former cheerleader does!

Bachelor Jason Mesnick Made A Mistake

2009-03-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

Now, I know my focus is more on news related to movies and actors, but I couldn't resist.

Bachelor Jason Mesnick who chose Melissa Rycroft told Chris Harrison and viewers that he made a mistake and should have chosen Molly instead, after the finale episode.

I was in shock when I heard this as I was watching and couldn't believe what was happening. I truly believed that he and Melissa were the right match for each other and felt that their union would be a successful one in bachelor history. (I know I sound like one of those obsessive people. I know it's just "The Bachelor").

We have to take into account that it did not just happen suddenly after the finale episode. Rather, they had been together happily until Mesnick felt something had changed, said ABC's host of "The Bachelor/Bachelorette" Chris Harrison. During the middle of "The Bachelor" season is when Mesnick expressed the way he was feeling and how he intended to break up with Melissa and go after the "other girl"--Molly.

Regardless of when or how it happened, I was in shock.

I felt horrible watching Melissa on the "After The Final Rose, Part 1" and being dumped publicly. I'm not saying I wasn't interested in finding out what exactly happened, but I do not think their business should have been made a television show for all to see.

No one should have to go through that in front of everyone. I'm sure she was already embarrassed enough by having been dumped by the man (Mesnick) who said he wanted to be her husband and give her everything. I'm not too happy with Mesnick right now.

I know it's a television show and when they all signed up they knew their lives would be public, but I don't think anyone knew their life was going to get that crazy.

When Melissa went on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," Melissa said that she knew she was going to be broken up with when she went on the "After The Rose, Part 1," however she did not know that she was being dumped so that Mesnick could pursure the "other girl"--Molly! That is pretty messed up!

Another thing that I wanted to mention was how Mesnick started crying after he dumped Molly first in New Zealand. I mean if Mesnick was so sad about letting Molly go that should've been a clue from the get-go.

So the nice, perfect guy to take home to your parents wasn't so perfect after all!

New Movie Releases-Feb. 27

2009-02-26T23:28:00.000-08:00

New Releases For The Weekend Of February 27, 2009 Include:

-Bruce Hendrick's Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience

-Wayne Kramer's Crossing Over

-Andrzej Bartkowiak's Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li

-Greg Marcks' Echelon Conspiracy

Weekend Box Office Results

Winslet Finally Wins

2009-02-26T22:25:00.000-08:00

(photos via celebutopia-StyleFrizz.com)

Kate Winslet finally received an Oscar for best actress in the 2008 film The Reader. I haven't seen this film, but heard it was definitely one I must see.

I remember when Winslet got nominated for Titanic. I for sure thought she was going to win, but instead the old woman (who played the older version of Winslet in the movie Titanic) won. I liked the old woman, but still felt Winslet should have one.

After watching any of her films(Titanic, Little Children, Finding Neverland), I always felt she did a great job. Yes, for the most part, she was almost always nominated, but she didn't win the roles I expected her to win in as much as I expected. Oh well, no point in rehashing in the past--She finally one! :)

It was expected that Winslet would win and she did. It was sweet how during her speech she called out for her father to whistle so that she could find him. You could see how proud her parents are of all her accomplishments.

Winslet looked stunning in an asymmetric Atelier Yves Saint Laurent evening gown. She gave a great speech and looked classy and elegant while doing so. Overall, Winslet has earned a total of six Academy Award nominations, seven Golden Globe nominations, and seven BAFTA nominations. Winslet is the youngest actress to have received six Oscar nominations.

Side note:

Kate Winslet claims to not be doing any more nude scenes in films. "I don't want to become that actress who always gets her kit off," said Winslet to Time Magazine. I love Kate Winslet and all, but isn't it a little too late for that. Anyone remember Titanic? Enough said.

Brangelina Standoff-alina!

2009-02-26T12:33:00.000-08:00

Lately, E! News has been talking about how standoffish Brad and Angelina have been towards the media--especially after the Oscars.

Personally, I don't know what it's like to have media in your face 24/7-- I mean it doesn't sound so bad--people worshipping your every footstep.

As a non-famous person, I'll give Brangelina the benefit of the doubt, but will express my views on their recent standoffish attitude towards the press. I do want to make the point that it was the media that made them famous. If it wasn't for the constant coverage of the two, people wouldn't care to know what the Brangelina family is up to.

Who knows--maybe this is a publicity stunt to increase fans' curiosity of what the Brangelina family is up to--"You take a little away and people want more."

I was hoping to post the video of Ryan Seacrest's encounter with Angelina Jolie and her cold attitude towards him at the Golden Globes, but its been taken off "due to terms of use violation." Actually, every time I try and find a video of the encounter, it is like it and the story has completely disappeared from the face of the earth. I'm sure, however, a lot of you know what I am talking about.

E! News said that the couple had been standoffish at the Oscars too. Maybe they just don't like Seacrest or maybe Angelina and the stress of having six kids to care for is catching up to her. I do feel sympathy for her and Brad, but as any fan would still like to know what's going on with them.

OSCARS

2009-02-22T17:48:00.000-08:00

GET READY FOR A RECAP OF THE OSCARS

81st Annual Academy Awards

-Winners in Bold

Best Picture

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

-Frost/Nixon

-Milk

-The Reader

-Slumdog Millionaire

Loved Slumdog Millionaire!

Best Director

-Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)

-Stephen Daldry (The Reader)

-David Fincher (The Curios Case of Benjamin Button)

-Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon)

-Gus Van Sant (Milk)

Best Actor

-Richard Jenkins (The Visitor)

-Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon)

-Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of BEnjamin Button)

-Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)

-Sean Penn (Milk)

This was very surprising. It was predicted that Mickey Rourke would win. I am happy for Sean Penn, but felt bad the Rourke did not end up winning when most thought he would.

Best Actress

-Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married)

-Angelina Jolie (Changeling)

-Melissa Leo (Frozen River)

-Meryl Streep (Doubt)

-Kate Winslet (The Reader)

I am so happy she won. It was predicted she would win and she definitely deserves it. It's about time! She was so nervous, but gracefully gave her thanks to the many people who have helped her throughout her career. Her dad also whistled, by her request, so she could locate him in the crowd. Much deserved!

Best Supporting Actor

-Josh Brolin (Milk)

-Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder)

-Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt)

-Heath Ledger (The Dark Night)

-Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road)

The most touching moment was when Heath Ledger was announced the winner for best supporting actor. His parents and sister accepted the award on Heath's behalf and each gave their own beautiful speeches of how they wished he was here to collect this honorable award and how "they had talked about this day."

Best Supporting Actress

-Amy Adams (Doubt)

-Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)

-Viola Davis (Doubt)

-Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)

-Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler)

I wasn't surprised by this considering Penelope Cruz was predicted to win. I am very happy for her and like her a lot, however, I was hoping Taraji P. Henson would win. I felt like she deserved the award the most.

Best Animated Feature Film

-Bolt

-Kung Fu Panda

-WALL-E

I didn't really care who won in this category. I had only seen Kung Fu Panda so I was impartial.

Best Foreign Film

-The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany)

-The Class (France)

-Departures (Japan)

-Revanche (Austria)

-Waltz With Bashir (Israel)

Best Original Screenplay

-Milk (Dustin Lance Black)

-Frozen River (Courtney Hunt)

-Happy Go Lucky (Mike Leigh)

-In Bruges (Martin McDonagh)

-WALL-E (Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Pete Docter)

Impartial to this category as well. I was not fortunate enough to see any of these films.

Best Adapted Screenplay

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Eric Roth, Robin Swicord)

-Doubt (John Patrick Shanley)

-Frost/Nixon (Peter Morgan)

-The Reader (David Hare)

-Slumdog Millionaire (Simon Beaufoy)

LOVED this movie! So glad they won. My favorite film of 2009! Everyone should see this film!

Best Documentary Feature

-The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)

-Encounters at the End of the World

-The Garden

-Man On Wire

-Trouble the Water

Best Original Score

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

-Defiance

-Milk

-Slumdog Millionaire

-WALL-E

Best Original Song

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

-Defiance

-Milk

-Slumdog Millionaire

-WALL-E

Love the music and dancing throughout this film. I am semi-tempted to buy the soundtrack!

Best Film Editing

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall)

-The Dark Knight (Lee Smith)

-Frost/Nixon (Mike Hill, Dan Hanley)

-Milk (Elliot Graham)

-Slumdog Millionaire (Chris Dickens)

Best Documentary-Short Subject

-The Conscience of Nhem En'

-The Final Inch

-Smile Pinki

-The Witness-From the Balcony of Room 306

Best Cinematography

-Changeling (Tom Stern)

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Claudio Miranda)

-The Dark Knight (Wally Pfister)

-The Reader (Chris Menges, Roger Deakins)

-Slumdog Millionaire (Anthony Dod Mantle)

Best Costume Design

-Australia

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

-The Duchess

-Milk

-Revolutionary Road

I am so glad The Duchess won. Costumes were amazing, especially out of the other choices in the category.

Best Sound Mixing

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

-The Dark Knight

-Slumdog Millionaire

-WALL-E

-Wanted

Best Sound Editing

-The Dark Knight

-Iron Man

-Slumdog Millionaire

-WALL-E

-Wanted

Best Live Action Short Film

-Auf der Strecke (On The Line)

-Manon on the Asphalt

-New Boy

-The Pig

-Spielzeugland (Toyland)

Best Animated Short Film

-La Maison de Petits Cubes

-Lavatory (Lovestory)

-Oktapodi

-Presto

-This Way Up

Best Makeup

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

-The Dark Knight

-Hellboy II: The Golden Army

I felt that either The Curious Case of Benjamin Button or The Dark Knight should have fun. I almost felt like it should've been a tie between the two because the use of makeup in The Dark Knight was remarkable and so realistic. Not to say that in The Curious Benjamin Button the use of makeup wasn't great, but it is not the first time that makeup is used in a full to make someone look younger/older.

Best Art Direction

-Changeling

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

-The Dark Knight

-The Duchess

-Revolutionary Road

Good choice. Impartial to this category as well.

Best Visual Effects

-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

-The Dark Knight

-Iron Man

The opening number, with Hugh Jackman, was definitely entertaining and brought something different to the OSCARS. He stated that due to the economy and cutbacks there was not going to be an extravagant opening number, so he saluted each of the nominated films with a flair and a unique take. He carried Anne Hathaway out of the audience in a salute to the Frost/Nixon film.

The dresses on the red carpet were amazingly beautiful. Lots of one-shoulder strapped dresses. Penelope Cruz looked like the bell of the ball in a vintage full-skirt gown thats about 60 years old. Kate Winslet looked classy in black and full of excitement over her nomination for best actress.

I really enjoyed the OSCARS this year. I felt that this one was the best one yet and can't wait till next years.

SIDE NOTE: I am kinda getting sick of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's standoff-ish attitude. Anyone else agree with me??

2009-02-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

For this weekend, February 20, 2009, new releases include:

-Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail

-Will Gluck's Fired Up!

-Michael Selditch and Robert Tate's Eleven Minutes

What Movie Is Right For You This Weekend???

Anyone miss Madea? Well, she's back. Madea, played by Tyler Perry, is landed in prison after issues with anger management and high-speed freeway chase. Joe, played by Tyler Perry as well, is pleased by this, but Madea's family members support her in her misfortune. While in prison Madea befriends a young woman who is a prostitute and former drug addict and protects her the best way she can. Starring in Madea Goes To Jail include Tyler Perry (The Family That Preys), Derek Luke (Notorious), Keshia Knight Pulliam (Death Toll).

Madea Goes To Jail-What Top Critics Say

Madea Goes To Jail-Roger Ebert Reviews

In the mood for a cheer?? Two, Four, Six, Eight--Who do we appreciate--Go Fired Up! This film is about two stars of the football team who decide they are just not in the mood for football camp this summer. When one of them comes up with an idea to join their school's cheerleading squad and go to cheer camp instead, they are surrounded by beautiful girls! Starring in the film include Nicholas D'Agosto (Mardi Gras), Eric Christian Olsen (Eagle Eye), Sarah Roemer (Asylum).

Fired Up!-What Top Critics Say

Fired Up!-Roger Ebert Reviews

In the mood for a documentary? Anyone remember winner Jay McCarroll from the first season of Project Runway? Eleven Minutes is about his year-long journey in preparing for his first independent runway for New York's Fashion Week. It also covers the process taken in selling his line to stores. I'm sure you all know that Jay McCarroll will be starring in his own film as himself considering it is a documentary. Other members in the film include Kelly Cutrone and Nancy Kane.

Eleven Minutes-What Top Critics Say

Eleven Minutes-Review

IMPORTANT: Also don't forget that the OSCARS are this Sunday, February 22, 2009. It starts live at 5pm!

For the next post, I've decided to cover the OSCARS, and let you know who was predicted to win in a specific category and who actually won. For those of you who don't have time to watch some of it or all of it, I will have all the updates so don't worry! For those of you who end up watching all of it, please feel free to comment!

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MOVIE REVIEW-TAKEN

2009-02-15T17:20:00.000-08:00

I ended up seeing Pierre's Morel Taken (which came out on January 30) instead of Confessions Of A Shopaholic.

It seems that whenever I announce a movie I plan on seeing it doesn't seem to happen accordingly. I apologize for this, and in the future plan on seeing the movie I tell you all I would. I was out of town this weekend and was hanging out with my cousins and the majority ruled on Taken.

Action, Crime, Drama, and Thriller! I really liked the movie Taken and would recommend it to all of you. I definitely felt like my money was well-spent. Taken is about a 17-year-old girl who gets kidnapped while vacationing in Paris. Throughout the movie, her father, an ex-secret service agent, tries to find his daughter and kill the criminals who took her.

Although, I felt like it was pretty predictable, I still enjoyed the movie very much. Liam Neeson, who played the father, Bryan Mills, did a great job! He was a really good actor in the movie!

I give it a 3.5 out of 5! If you have some time, GO FOR IT!

If anyone else has seen this movie, please comment and let us all know whether you agree or disagree with me :)

2009-02-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

For this weekend, February 13, 2009, new releases include:

-P.J. Hogan's Confessions Of A Shopaholic

-Marcus Nispel's Friday The 13th

-Tom Tykwer's The International

Additional Movies Opening in Select Theatres Include:

-Matteo Garrone's Gomorrah

-James Gray's Two Lovers

-Howard Hall's Under The Sea 3D

What Movie(s) Is Right For You This Weekend???

Are you a shopaholic? If so, then you can find comfort in knowing you are not the only one! Join a New York City girl, who is addicted to shopping in the film Confessions Of A Shopaholic, as she realizes what's truly important in life. Starring in the film include Isla Fisher (Definitely, Maybe), Hugh Dancy (Savage Grace), and Joan Cusack (My Sister's Keeper).

Confessions Of A Shopaholic-What Top Critics Say

Confessions Of A Shopaholic-Roger Ebert Reviews

Friday The 13th--Enough Said! This is a remake of the oringinal 1980 film, in which people who go near Camp Crystal Lake seem to never end up coming back. After his sister goes missing and police have no luck locating her, Clay begins searching for her with the help of Jenna, when they realize they're in for quite a horrifying surprise--a killer with a razor-sharp machete. Starring in the film include Julianna Guill, America Olivo, and Jared Padalecki (Cry Wolf).

Friday The 13th-What Top Critics Say

Friday The 13th-Roger Ebert Reviews

Action, Adventure, Drama, and Illegal Activities??? If these terms describe your kind of movie, then The International is the one for you! When multiple illegal activities are discovered at one of the world's most powerful banks, an Interpol Agent and Manhattan Assistant District Attorney are intent on bringing it to justice--while putting their own lives at risk! Starring in the film include Clive Owen (Elizabeth: The Golden Age), Naomi Watts (Fay Wray: A Life), Armin Mueller-Stahl (Eastern Promises).

The International-What Top Critics Say

The International-Roger Ebert Reviews

I hope to see Confessions Of A Shopaholic this weekend and will let you all know if it's going to be money well-spent or money well-wasted! Don't forget, please keep me posted on what films you have seen--either if they are worth it or not so much!

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Movie Review-Push

2009-02-06T23:09:00.000-08:00

Long lines and sold out tickets meant He's Just Not That Into You was a no go! I ended up seeing Push with Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning.

Sitting in the film, I thought--wow this isn't so bad--but as the ending came along I was definitely thrown off. Push is about a group of people with special abilities who are hiding from a U.S. Government Agency, fighting in order to obtain a suitcase, and trying to stay alive in the process.

The film sequence flowed very well. The ending, on the other hand, ended abruptly. Throughout the film, my understanding was that at the end we would either find the girl's mother or she would be killed. This scenario, only made sense to me, considering that seemed to be the focus of the film. However, that was apparently not the case. It seemed that when the film hit its two hour mark, the director said 'okay let's cut, we're finished.'

I sure hope everyone felt the same way as me because, if not, then I definitely missed the point of the movie! I did, however, come to the conclusion that the abrupted ending signalized a sequel to come!

Now, don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the film, but I would've much rather seen He's Just Not That Into You.

If you like the television series Heroes, then this should be a pleasant one for you! For me, however, this would be considered a Blockbuster hit.

1.5 stars-save your money people!

Anyone agree or disagree?

2009-02-06T15:41:00.001-08:00

2009-02-06T12:25:00.000-08:00

If you LOVE movies, this is the blog for you!

What movies you MUST SEE and other's NOT SO MUCH!

I hope to provide constant updates of new movie releases for the upcoming weekend, commentary, and give my take on whether it'll be a success or a flop. I will be viewing one to two of the newly released movies and letting you know whether it will be money well spent or money well wasted!

For this weekend, February 6, 2009, new releases include:

-Henry Selick's Coraline

-Paul McGuigan's Push

-Ken Kwapis' He's Just Not That Into You

-Harald Zwart's The Pink Panther 2

What Movie(s) Is Right For You This Weekend???

If you're looking for a film to take your fearless child, sibling, niece/nephew to or you and your friends just want to bring out that inner child in yourselves, Coraline is the one for you! Watch out though, according to Rotten Tomatoes, the scribes say the movie may be too scary for small children. Coraline is an animated film about a 12-year-old girl, who loves to explore, and one day discovers another world on the other side of her wall. Starring in the film include Dakota Fanning (The Secret Life Of Bees), Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives), and Jennifer Saunders (Jam and Jerusalem).

Coraline-What Top Critics Say

Personally, I like the Roger Ebert Reviews, so I have included their full review.

Want to see a sci-fi thriller? Push is a film about a group of people with special abilities, who are hiding from a U.S. Government Agency! Stars of the film include Camille Belle (10,000 B.C.), Dakota Fanning (Winged Creatures), and Chris Evans (Street Kings). Fanning is two for one this weekend!

Push-What Top Critics Say

Push-Roger Ebert Review

The woes of romance anyone? If you're looking for a film dealing with the difficulties associated with dating, love, and romance then He's Just Not That Into You is the movie to check out first! You will see many well-known actors including Drew Barrymore (Beverly HIlls Chihuahua), Jennifer Aniston (Marley & Me), Scarlett Johansson (The Spirit), Ben Affleck (Smokin' Aces), and Ginnifer Goodwin (Birds Of America).

He's Just Not That Into You-What Top Critics Say

He's Just Not That Into You-Roger Ebert Review

Pink Panther---Again!? If you loved the first one, hopefully you'll love the second one. Another choice of a movie for the inner child in us all! Personally, I haven't seen the first one so I can't comment much on what to expect, but I can give you an overview of what the second one will be like---basically another mission, but this time a thief whose focus is on stealing historical artifacts! Steve Martin (Traitor), Jean Reno (The Davinci Code), and Emily Mortimer (Redbelt) star in this film.

Pink Panther 2-What Top Critics Say

Pink Panther 2-Roger Ebert Review

I plan on seeing He's Just Not That Into You this weekend (despite the reviews) and giving you guys my take on it. If anyone sees this movie as well, or any other ones, please feel free to comment and let us all know what you thought! If we work together, we can spend our money on the right movies! :)

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