'Love Actually' is All Around!

The 2003 modern romantic comedy Love Actually was a surprise hit to many, including myself. The trailer for the movie made it seem a bit confusing, as the story follows about 7 different plot lines. However, the way they interweave and connect ends up being movie magic.

It's a British comedy about, you guessed it, love! It focuses on the choices we make and how they effect every aspect of our lives.

The movie stars Colin Firth, Bill Nighy, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, Emma Thompson, and more (just to name a few).

It takes place around the holidays, and is especially fun to watch around Christmas time! So.. when it's cold out, curl up with a blanket and some hot chocolate, and watch Love Actually. You'll be inspired that love still conquers all, even in this day in age.

For memorable quotes from the movie, click here!

An 'Incredible' Animated Movie

Speaking of superheroes, one film that easily comes to mind at the top is The Incredibles. Betcha didn't think I was going to say that, huh?

This hilarious animated comedy took the world by surprise in 2004 with its wit and charm.

Although this is an animated film, it deals with a lot of real issues such as identity, body image, power struggles, etc.

The movie is directed by Brad Bird, who also directed Iron Giant, and Ratatouille.

The film is about a family of superheroes who are trying to deny their powers to live a normal life. However, it's not "normal" at all. Once they embrace their powers, they feel comfortable in their own skin, and able to live in what would be "normal" for them.

The characters are believable and likeable, each one having their own unique traits. Everyone has someone in the movie to relate to.

Check it out if you're looking for a movie to put you in a good mood.

View the trailer here!

Not Just Another Superhero Movie

Lately it seems as if every other movie to hit the theaters is a superhero flick.  Most people are growing a little sick of it.  Between the Spiderman series, The Hulk, Iron Man, Superman, and so many other (sub-par) superhero films, it's getting old.

However, one film that sticks out to me within this category is Batman Begins.  Mainly because Bruce Wayne is not only a superhero, he's a hero.  He is respectable, dignified, and not to mention, quite handsome.

Bruce Wayne is played by (in my opinion) one of the best actors of the era, Christian Bale. 

Although Bale has been around for two decades, to many viewers he is still up-and-coming.  I think that Bale is just now coming into his own, after a random group of films such as Newsies, Swing Kids, Little Women, American Psycho, etc.  

Batman helped Bale to show his acting chops in an entirely new light.  He plays an amazing hero, who not only learns how to save others, but also to save his soul from dying.  

I loved this film.  It is not only a great superhero movie, but a great movie in general with excellent life lessons.

I can not wait for the release of the sequel The Dark Knight which will be released on July 18th of this year.  This movie is also highly anticipated due to the fact that it also stars Heath Ledger, who passed away earlier this year.  Because of that, the film is sure to become a cult classic.

To find out more on The Dark Knight, click here

To watch the hair-raising trailer, click here!

Not Feeling 'The Happening'

M. Night Shyamalan's 2008 suspense thriller, The Happening, hit theatres on Friday, failing to hit the mark. As we know, Shyamalan is responsible for such hits as The Sixth Sense, Signs, and Unbreakable.

He has been recognized as a master storyteller due to these hits.  However, his latest films The Village, Lady in the Water, and now The Happening have not received critical acclaim, and are henceforth working at stripping away his title.

In this movie, the world is under attack by an airborne natural disaster which paralyzes the human body by attacking the neuroses, and causes each human it infects to kill themselves.  

The movie starts out with a bang.  People are dying. Falling from the sky. Shooting themselves. You name it, it happened.  It has an eery feel to it, and immediately draws the viewer in.  However, the magic is soon lost as the movie gets corny.

The majority of the actors were not up to par.  Other than the main star Elliot (Mark Wahlberg), the film was carried out by amateurs.  Elliot's wife Alma (Zooey Deschanel) gives a lackluster performance, coming off as cold and unapproachable.  It is hard to see that Elliot (a warm and caring sentimental man) would have fallen for her. And that he would still be trying to make things work.

Characters drop like flies in this film.  As soon as we start to get to know something about them, boom. They're dead.

My main annoyance with this film is that it felt like it never took off.  Okay, there was a disaster.  Everyone keeps dying. Elliot, Alma, and child run away. Scary things happen, they almost die, and then the scene cuts and all of the sudden they're back home again? I'm sorry, that's not how things work.

This film had no closure, or recap for that matter.  It is unclear to the viewer what happened between the adventure of escaping the attack, and the way the returned to their regular lives.

This film wasn't horrible, but I definitely wouldn't recommend it.  I'd say, watch Signs.  It has a similar concept, but with a much better depth of character and storyline.  

Shyamalan needs a new bag of tricks, because right now he's jumping without a parachute. 

One Friend's Dream is Another Friend's Nightmare

Julia Roberts stars as Julianne Moore, a quirky, job-obsessed food critic in the 1997 romantic comedy My Best Friend's Wedding.  

Julianne is surprised to get an unexpected phone call from her best friend Michael, (Dermot Mulroney) begging her to come to his spontaneous wedding to a billionaire's daughter, Kimmy Wallace (Cameron Diaz).  

The phone call comes just weeks before an agreed upon date at which if they were both still single, they would marry each other.

Michael and Julianne have been friends for years, but its not until he is taken that she realizes she wants him to be hers, and will do anything to get him back.

With the help of her editor/gay best friend George, (Rupert Everett) Julianne tries all kinds of horrible ploys to break the couple apart.

It's not until she pretends to be engaged to George that Michael comes to the realization that he ever had feelings for Julianne.  

When it comes down to the wire, Julianne gives up the act.  She goes to Michael, tells the truth (for once) and spills the beans that she has not ever been with George, and has secretly wanted Michael all along.  She pleads with him to "Pick me. Let me make you happy."  At this moment, she kisses Michael, as the camera pans back to reveal Kimmy watching the entire scene unfold.

This leads to a chase around Chicago, as Michael chases Kimmy and Julianne chases Michael, its not until George points out "Who's chasing you? Nobody." that she realizes Michael doesn't love her.  

She learns to let go as she helps to reunite the once happy couple.  Even though it doesn't turn out how she wanted, Julianne ends up happy.  Proving that not every happy ending has to be a fairy tale ending.

I really like the unique-ness of this movie.  It's an original screenplay that takes romantic comedies to new heights of storyline and humor.

Julia Roberts is amazing not only with her witty comedic timing, but also with her physical humor (watch the movie, you'll see why).

We've all been in situations of jealousy, and this movie helps us to grow up and learn to let go.  As the old saying goes, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find, you'll get what you need."

'Untraceable' is Unwatchable

Gregory Hoblit's 2008 crime-thriller Untraceable wasn't all that thrilling. 

I'll come right out and say it: I didn't just not care for it, I hated it.  I wasn't even mildly entertained; I felt I was taken prisoner by this awful excuse of a film.

The movie stars Diane Lane as Jennifer Marsh, a secret agent who relentlessly studies cyber crime.  She gets sucked into a chain of murders on a killer's creepy website (killwithme.com) who murders his victims live through excruciating acts of violence.  The more people who log onto the website, the quicker the victim dies.  

It soon gets personal as Jennifer's friend and fellow agent gets killed.  She then feels it to be her personal agenda to find the killer.

The movie has a few killings which are horribly gruesome to watch.  Yet, the film has absolutely no plot. There are killings. Jennifer finds him. He tries to kill her and fails.  She kills him instead.

The movie is quite anti-climactic and dull.  

Instead of coming up with a storyline, the writers (Robert Fyvolent and Mark Brinker) relied upon disturbingly visual murders to (I suppose) keep the viewer interested?  

Well, it didn't work.  This movie has no substance, and was incredibly disappointing. Two thumbs down, way down.  

I expected more from Diane Lane, who usually does pretty respectable work.  And also from Hoblit, who directed 2000's highly thrilling Frequency.

Needless to say, don't rent it.  It's 101 minutes I'll never get back, and would like to keep you from losing.

Little Miss Breslin Steals the Show

What happens when you combine an over-demanding father, burnt out mother, mute-by choice son, pervertedly vulgar grandpa, suicidal uncle, and a seven year-old pageant queen? Dysfunctionality at its finest. That's right, its Little Miss Sunshine! 

Its the making of greatness.  This quirky yet lovable 2006 film was a hit.  Its perfection comes in the imperfections of the characters within Michael Arndt's brilliant script.

Abigail Breslin stars as Olive Hoover, a seven year old who inadvertently wins a beauty pageant after the winner backs out.  Her family desperately wants to help her achieve her dream of winning at the "Little Miss Sunshine" pageant in California, but are hindered by many problems along the way (mental, emotional, physical, and even problems with their vehicle).

It seems like all the cards are against them, as the brother has an emotional breakdown, the car falls apart, and the Grandpa (who taught Olive everything she knew about pageants)even ends up dying along the way!  But, up against the odds, the family will not let Olive miss her shining moment.

Battling hospital personnel, police men, and (scariest of all) pageant moms, the family is successful in getting Olive to the pageant.  They learn that despite their problems, they love each other.  They are all strange oddballs, but that's what unites them, keeping them different from the rest of the world.  

A hilarious scene is when Olive first takes the stage to perform her talent.  She says, "I'd like to dedicate this to my grandpa, who showed me these moves."  The emcee is emotionally captured by Olive, asking her where her grandpa is right now, to which she replies: "In the trunk of our car."

This film is humorous, and will capture your heart.  Breslin is adorable as little Olive Hoover, and definitely has a bright career in her future.  (She's been seen in Signs, No Reservations, Definitely Maybe, and will soon be starring in Kit Kittridge: An American Girl later this year).

For more funny Sunshine quotes, click here!

Sanaa Hamri Brings 'Something New' to the Screen

I've seen the previews and have known of the controversy.  A non-stereotypical movie about interracial relationships? *Gasp!* Who would've thought it could happen?  Ok, that might be a little dramatic.  But honestly, in most films when even the concept of interracial relationships is mentioned it is immediately shot down.

Well, Something New takes it on full force.  The movie stars Sanaa Lathan as Kenya, a highly successful and beautiful black woman in her thirties.  She seems to have it all; that is, except for a man.  She knows what she wants, is very picky, and won't settle for anything less.  She is high-strung, anal retentive, and set in her ways.  Until, she meets Brian (Simon Baker) an ultra laid-back landscape architect who (ready?) happens to be white.

Yes, although the background story is stereotypical (Miss "I don't need a man" is swept off her feet by the most unexpected guy!) the story is not.

This film gives a great insight into cultural differences and acceptance.  It teaches life lessons of racial discrimination, and the price you pay for love (learning that love knows no color, shape, size, or culture).  

Although Kenya is initially pressured by her family, friends, and what seems to be all of society to marry a black man, in the end she decides to think for herself, and follow her heart. Kenya and Brian overcome all opposition, realizing that fighting the odds together is better than love lost from not following social norms.

This 2006 Sanaa Hamri film is unconventional, and worth watching.  Rent it and get some chocolate and vanilla ice cream (just to be festive :) haha).

'Waitress': As Fulfilling As Pie

Written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, 2007's indie hit Waitress is a refreshing dramedy dealing with loss, learning to love, and liberation.

Shelly also co-stars in the movie, yet sadly was brutally murdered a few months before the movie's premiere.

The film stars Keri Russell as Jenna, a small town waitress, unhappy with every aspect of her life other than creating inventive pies.  She is a second generation pie expert, and wishes everything in her life could be as simple and "easy as pie."

But things aren't that easy.   Instead, Jenna finds herself completely broke and married to Earl (Jeremy Sisto), a man she despises.  When Earl forces her to have sex with him, she unexpectedly gets pregnant.  Unlike many wives, Jenna is distraught with her pregnancy, and begins to resent Earl's baby which is ruining her plans.  She decides to start hiding her money from Earl; saving it til she has enough to run away.

Her plan soon changes when she falls for her married ob-gyn, Dr. Pommeter (Michael Fillion).  They begin having an affair, and the plot really thickens.

Along with the help of her friends, (two waitresses and the grumpy old man who owns the pie diner) Jenna gets enough nerve to stand up to her husband.  She has a baby girl Lulu, tells her husband she wants a divorce, breaks off the affair, and decides to finally do what's best for herself and her daughter, whom she now loves.

A surprise ending (which I won't give away) makes this a feel-good movie.  Jenna makes the right decisions, and in the end is rewarded for it.  The movie is very relatable and real.  I laughed with them, and felt their pain.  I felt connected to all the characters, and couldn't get enough.  

I would highly recommend this movie.  It is a comedic tragedy which will leave you feeling satisfied.  I give it two thumbs up.

Also, a sidenote: Shelly's daughter makes an appearance in the movie as the little toddler Lulu.  This film, I'm sure, will be an emotional keepsake for her: forever a connection to her mother through the outstanding piece of work she created.  The film focuses a lot on the relationship Jenna had with her mom, and also Jenna's relationship to Lulu.  I'm sure Shelly's daughter Sophie will appreciate that.

For more information on Adrienne Shelly's untimely death, click here

A Not So Magical 'Prom Night'

A teenage girl’s life is forever changed after witnessing the brutal murder of her mother by a psycho stalker. Three years later, she has moved on and started a new life, and is anxiously awaiting her prom night. Everything is perfect, and the night couldn’t be going any better; that is, until the insane psycho-killer breaks out of prison and panic ensues.

Thus, is the story of Prom Night. Now, I’m not saying this isn’t a thrilling movie that will keep you interested; but it won’t keep you guessing. I, like many others, enjoy a good nail-biter every once in a while… but this seems more like a cheap thrill. When it gets to the end, I wasn’t very satisfied.

Most scary movies aren't too inventive, and seem to follow a cookie cut-out for a plot.  This rings true in Prom Night.  It is full of horror movie cliches, and gets a little redundant. I can forgive the lacking sets and untrained acting, but the movie just didn't have much spark.

Part of this is due to the weak cast, but then again, what Mtv horror film would be starring an A-list cast? For a high-school centered movie, I would begrudgingly give it a thumbs up. But that’s being generous, and based on the fact that the majority of viewers will probably be high-schoolers.

The film is directed by Nelson McCormick, starring Brittany Snow, Scott Porter, Jessica Stroup, and Dana Davis, of which, Brittany Snow is probably the only semi-recognizable name (Hairspray, John Tucker Must Die, American Dreams).

If you see this film, watch it with low expectations and you’ll be pleasantly pleased.

For more on Brittany Snow, click here.

'Sex' Hits the Big Screen

Ten years after the provocative HBO series became a smash success, Sex and the City is back in a new way: the silver screen. And it couldn't have come any sooner...

Since the series' end in 2004, fans have eagerly anticipated a reunion to tie up loose ends in the fabulous lives of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte.

The girls were offered to jump into a SATC movie just after the end of their six year series.  However, due to scheduling conflicts and personal troubles, they rejected the idea.  The tabloids feasted on the rejection, claiming that there were feuds within the cast and jealousy issues stemming from Kim Catrall's dissatisfaction with her salary being lower than Sarah Jessica Parker's.

According to Kim, this was absolutely false.  "Four years ago I was going through a painful public divorce, the series was coming to an end, and my father was diagnosed with dementia.  I felt it was time to be with my real family.  A year and a half ago when I was sent the script, I was ready and strong enough to revisit Samantha.  In some ways, I'm glad we waited.  The script and the experience of making the movie was the best possible reunion."

Writer of the film, Michael Patrick King, did an excellent job of transporting these well-established characters to the big screen.  While the script has SATC's whimsical demeanor and cutting wit, it also has a level of depth that the sitcom never seemed to reach.  

There are a few powerful scenes which do a great job of revealing character.  Even though most viewers have followed this show from the beginning, and feel like they're best friends with these four women, there is more for them to learn in this movie.  Each of the characters go through struggles, causing themselves to grow.

Miranda copes with a cheating husband, Charlotte accepts her inability to have children, Samantha realizes she's in a loveless relationship, and Carrie has more problems than all of theirs combined.  But in the end, everything works out; maybe not always for the best, but the women will be stronger because of it.

For fans of Sex and the City, I would strongly recommend this movie.  It will be everything they wanted and then some.  For non-viewers, the film won't have as much significance to them, and may seem a little long; but it will still be entertaining.  Sex and the City revolves around life, love, and relationships; three topics which anyone can relate to.  The movie is bright and summery, full of glamour and color.  The fashion is forward, the scenery beautiful, and the ladies are back looking better than ever.

Now, fans of Sex are waiting for the sequel...

To enter a $250,000 Sex and the City makeover in New York City, click here! 

Dancing Movies Continue to 'Step Up' Their Game

Newcomer Briana Evigan makes her feature film debut starring in 2008’s Step Up 2: The Streets. The 21 year old does an impressive job not only by showing her acting chops, but also her remarkable dance moves.

The film is about Andie, a young girl who inherited her mother’s passion for dance, but wasn’t able to develop it in time for her mom to see her live out her dreams before her untimely death.

She’s grown up on the “wrong side of the tracks” and now has big life choices to make. She must prove herself to her aunt/guardian by successfully attending school while simultaneously proving herself to “The Streets” (an underground dance team) by keeping up with their hot and fresh dance routines.

The story develops a lot from this point, and has much more of a plot than most would expect from a dance-based movie. Andie is faced with many challenges: physical, emotional, and moral; but is able to overcome them all successfully in the end.

I personally enjoy dancing movies a lot, as they have a high amount of entertainment value. However, this movie has really raised the bar on content within dancing movies. Instead of only being focused on the dance scenes, it has a deep plot with unexpected twists.

If you enjoy this movie, some other dance-based films I would suggest would be the original Step Up, Save the Last Dance, Center Stage, and my personal favorite: Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.

To purchase the high energy soundtrack that fuels the fast paced dances, click here

For fun facts about this film, click here

A Classic Comedy Worth Watching

(Ryan and Crystal battling wits during the infamous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene)

Although When Harry Met Sally is two decades old, it is a comedy that is still making an impact on society today.

Back during filming in 1988, director Rob Reiner, and screenwriter Nora Ephron had no clue they had such a massive hit on their hands. Since then, When Harry Met Sally has gone on to become an American comedic classic. The movie stars Billy Crystal as Harry Burns, a depressed guy who couldn’t be happier about it, and Meg Ryan as Sally Albright, an all-too cheery optimist, who knows exactly how she wants her life to look, and “likes it the way she likes it.”

An interesting detail about the film is that in reality, the characters of Harry and Sally were semi-based off of the personalities of Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron. According to imdb.com, Rob was depressed, and loved being depressed. Nora is optimistic, cheerful, loves control, and is the type of person who is “just fine” with everything, just like Sally Albright.

The fact that these characters were based off of such real and approachable people gives the film a feeling of accessibility. It is approachable and believable. The characters are endearing, and draw you right into their lives.

This movie is a personal favorite. Viewers can relate to the characters, and really find themselves emotionally invested in the film. Aside from the wonderful acting and great use of comedic timing, Ephron’s script is really what makes the film. The jokes are genius, and lines from the film are constantly quoted, even today.

For example, according to imdb.com, the movie’s line “I’ll have what she’s having.” was voted as the #33 movie quote of all time by the American Film Institute.

This film helped to catapult Meg Ryan onto the scene, and also to further Billy Crystal’s already blossoming career. Before this, Ryan had only had a minor part in Top Gun. After this breakthrough success, she went on to star in Sleepless in Seattle, Prelude to a Kiss, You’ve Got Mail, City of Angels, and many other box office hits.

If you’re looking for a comedy that will give you a good laugh with a little more depth to the storyline, then When Harry Met Sally is just what you’re looking for. It raises the question of male/female relationships and friendships with a lot of laughs along the way.

Check here for more information and fun facts about When Harry Met Sally.

For box office figures, and other stats, take a look here

Modern Spin on Historic Story Draws in Viewers

(Left: Anne; Right: Mary)

The classic story of Henry VIII’s spousal struggles has been retold from a fresh approach in Justin Chadwick’s new film, The Other Boleyn Girl . The story is told from the perspective of Anne and Mary Boleyn; two sisters, torn apart by the greedy and forceful nature of their father and uncle. I really enjoyed how the story was less focused on the goings-on of Henry VIII, and moreso on the relationship between the sisters.

The film stars Natalie Portman as Anne Boleyn, a strong and adventurous independent older sister to Mary Boleyn, (played by Scarlett Johansson) a shy and reserved simple girl, who follows the rules. It also stars Eric Bana, (of Troy fame) who hands in a powerful performance of anger; and rising star Ben Sturgess, (currently in 21, and Across the Universe) who provides a bit of comic relief as the girls’ younger brother, George Boleyn.

The trailers make this film out to be a sexual warfare between two sisters, when it really ends up becoming more of a dark tragedy. It begins with the Boleyn men forcing Anne to throw herself at the King to receive social status and financial blessings. When things go awry, plans change as Mary (who already had a husband) is now forced to sleep with Henry. This drives the sisters apart, as the men in the family gain more power and control over them, ultimately driving Anne to execution, and Mary to sadness.

For Box Office stats click here

For film info click here

'Smart' Comedy Could Have Gone Further

Smart People, a new dramedy of sorts from first-time feature film director Noam Murro, hits a little below the mark.

Dennis Quaid stars as Lawrence, a widowed father of two, completely self-absorbed with his incredible level of intelligence. When an unexpected accident causes him to lose his ability to drive, his emotionally cold home is quickly transformed with the arrival of Chuck, (Thomas Haden Church) his adopted brother. Chuck’s extremely laid-back approach to life instantly gets under the skin of Lawrence, and his overly-mature 17 year old daughter Vanessa (Ellen Page).

As time goes on, Lawrence finds himself in a love affair with Janet, (Sarah Jessica Parker) his doctor from the accident. This comes as a major disappointment to Vanessa, who goes to great lengths to push the younger woman out of her father’s life. Lawrence and Janet’s relationship comes off feeling uncomfortable, instead of romantic. And oddly enough, the sparks flying between Vanessa and her “non-blood related uncle” seem more normal.

(Page and Church as Vanessa and Chuck)

The movie has a good storyline, proving its tagline that “Sometimes the smartest people have the most to learn.” Each character has an adequate amount of transformation from start to finish.

My highlight of the movie was the well-executed exchange of Ellen Page’s incredibly quick wit and Thomas Haden Church’s relaxed, yet perfectly delivered one-liners.

Sarah Jessica Parker hands in a not-so-thrilling portrayal of a middle-aged physician. Her motives for pursuing Quaid are never quite defined, and it seems unrealistic that she would be interested in such an emotionally stunted, and seemingly unattractive man, with all too much baggage in his family life. Janet was supposedly one of his former students, but is still much younger than him, seeing as how he has a 20 year old son. Their relationship feels forced, and although Quaid delivers a great performance of a troubled widower, the love between them doesn’t feel believable.

The family ends up overcoming multiple hardships, and the characters experience a lot of growth toward the end. They realize that being “smart people” doesn’t make life perfect, and isn’t exactly the key to life’s happiness.

Despite its flaws, I did really enjoy this movie, but I would suggest renting it rather than paying the $8.50 to see it in the theater.

However, keep an eye on Ellen Page. After incredible success in her breakout hit Juno, she continues to show her comedic chops in Smart People. To see what her upcoming films will be, look here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0680983/