As Good as the Hype.....And Then Some

Was there ever a doubt that I would miss an opening of the biggest, most anticipated movie event of the entire summer?? Nope. My husband and I fell in love with Christian Bale's version of the Caped Crusader after we saw Batman Begins. On top of it, the events surrounding Heath Ledger's untimely death just makes this opening all the more mythic. After reading many articles about how Ledger's performance is Oscar-worthy, we were lined up for an early day showing yesterday.

Movie reviews aren't really my thing, so I'll make this brief. The movie is truly as dark and as phenomenal as the hype that surrounds it. Heath Ledger's Joker is truly a work of art. He is ruthless, homicidal and in a word, insane. I never thought I would consider another Joker after Jack Nicholson, but Ledger makes it his own. He takes twisted to an all new level. I have no doubts that he will be nominated for an Oscar for this performance. It was actually really sad to watch him, to be honest. I had the same feeling when I went to see "The Crow" after Brandon Lee had died. A true genius was lost when he past away.

The thing that works about Christian Bale's version of Batman is his 'humanness', if that is a word. He isn't so much a superhero as he is human, with bumps and bruises.....and a dark place of his own. The parallel between the good and evil is the core of this movie, and it works.

The most surprising part of the movie though, is Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent. As anyone who has ever read the comics knows, Harvey Dent is Two-Face, and he is introduced in this movie as well. Two-Face's coming out is possibly the creepiest scene of the movie, despite all of Ledger's great acting.

So...if you are a superhero fan in any way, you most definitely need to see this one on the big screen. It really is worth the price of admission!!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Holiday weekend? Not so much for me. I worked more of it than I was home! But I did take some time this afternoon, and take the kids to a matinee. Yeah! I love movies!! And one of my very favorite of all the onscreen heroes has always been Indiana Jones!! So.....armed with a large soda and a big bucket of popcorn, off we went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

I, personally, liked the older, slower, grayer Indy. I mean, come on....the man IS in his mid-60's now. Still sexy. Indiana Jones has always appealed to me. He's a professor....smart, studious, READER.....then he puts on the hat and leather jacket and he's the complete action hero. Nothing has changed in that regard. And the return of Karen Allen was just an added bonus. Marion Ravenwood will always be the best of Indy's leading ladies. Cate Blanchett plays the villainous Irina Spalko. It's actually kind of a waste of her amazing acting talent. But she's very good at being evil. And I was a little disappointed with Shia LaBeouf's character. Very sullen and not all that much too him. I had hoped for a little more.

Did I enjoy the movie?? Of course. It's Indiana Jones. Did I love the movie? No. The storyline was a little too sci-fi. Don't get me wrong...I love sci-fi. But not in an Indiana Jones movie. He's a man whose feet are firmly planted in the past. Archeology digs and ancient civilizations. The added "alien" storyline (and this isn't a spoiler....you find out in the first 10 minutes that the villains are looking for something that came from Roswell) just didn't do it for me. Mike and the kids loved it though. But for me, it didn't even come close to Raiders or the Temple of Doom.

But I would love to hear what you guys think. Anyone else see it yet??

Cloverfield

Of course, I HAD to go see this movie opening night! With all the hype surrounding this movie, was there any doubt? Not since the movie Alien has there been such silence over a film. I guess I wouldn't expect anything less from J.J. Abrams, the man that brought up Lost. And as with Lost, I'm still a lot puzzled over what I just saw!!

I can tell you right now, this is not going to be a movie for everyone. I know this movie is going to be one that you either love or you hate. Filmed in the same vein as The Blair Witch Project, the entire movie is done by hand-held camera. It is the "video documentation" by some friends that were having a going away party one night in New York City. And it's sometimes difficult to watch, as the person filming the movie is running down the street or through the subway system of NYC.

But I do have to say, for me anyway, that this unique way of filming is what made the movie seem so REAL. Some of the scenes were incredibly intense. As a spectator in all that is happening around this group of friends, it's rather chilling to watch the head of the Statue of Liberty roll down the street. But that's about all I'm going to say about the plot of the movie. It's one that you should see and judge for yourself.

I will be falling into the category of people that love this movie. I like anything different and unique.....because it's hard to find something unique coming out of Hollywood these days. I know that Fangoria Magazine BEGGED J.J. Abrams to let the publish a picture of the "monster" on the cover of their magazine. And he refused. Truthfully, I SAW the movie and I can't really tell you what the monster was. And I think that's why this movie is so good. Because you never really know what this "thing" is, or why this is happening. It's literally just a bystander's video....and nothing more. As a film goer, you must decide for yourself what happened. And THAT'S the reason a lot of people are going to hate this movie. Because it's not just cut and dried. Some people just don't have the imagination to enjoy something like this.

Like I said, don't take my word for it. If this type of thing interests you, go see it. And judge for yourself.

Johnny Depp is SO the Man!!

Last night, for my birthday, Mike took me out to dinner and a movie. And I got to pick the movie!! We usually agree on movies, but I knew a musical was going to be a hard sell. Even though Mike LOVES Johnny Depp, he HATES musicals. Hates them. He was actually SNORING at Phantom of the Opera at the Chicago Opera House. So.....I usually go with my friend Kris. At least she appreciates a good musical!!

Oh....but this movie is fantastic!!! Johnny Depp has cemented himself as the most versatile actor in Hollywood. I already knew that. He's done some of my favorite movies, including What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Finding Neverland. But he is just so good as Sweeney Todd. And he can sing!! Who would have thought?? He is dark, creepy, and completely set on revenge.

Helena Bonham Carter has always been, in my opinion, a total spook (anyone who would be engaged to Tim Burton would have to be!) But I've always liked her. She has that whole gothic thing going for her. And she's good at it. She takes the role of Mrs. Lovett and does wonders.

Alan Rickman is also another favorite of mine. He plays the greatest villains ever.....and Judge Turpin is no exception. He's fantastic to the very end.

I don't like to review movies....because frankly, I'm not very good at it. So, I'll stop here. This is definitely not a movie for everyone. The gore factor is pretty high, and some of those scenes are really intense. Then there is the whole singing thing. Mike said he would have loved it without the singing. And I know a lot of people probably feel the same way. Personally, I thought the singing just brought out the whole story in such a unique way. I can't imagine it being any different. Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are certainly masters on top of their game in this one.

But don't take my word for it....go see it!! (if you aren't too squeamish!!!

My Neil Gaiman Experience Continues.....

with my Netflix rental of Stardust!! I wanted to see this movie in the theater so much, but it came out when we were on vacation, and there was just never the right time when we got home. Since Friday nights are "Family Movie Night", this time I sucked the whole family into Gaiman mode!

There were slight differences from the book, but absolutely nothing that detracted from the enjoyment! The casting was just over-the-top phenomenal! Claire Danes was the PERFECT Yvaine. She is absolutely how I pictured her. Besides I have loved Claire Danes since the very first episode of My So Called Life. Charlie Cox was a wonderful Tristin. And Michelle Pfeiffer played the evil witch Lamia. She was beautiful and ugly; young and old. An excellent choice. Ricky Gervais had a very small, but funny role as well.

But the show stealing character had to be Robert De Niro as Captain Shakespeare!! He is one of my favorite actors anyway. But you just had to laugh at him dancing around in a corset and pink feathers!! Not your typical De Niro role, that's for sure.

My girls fell in love with the movie. They didn't know what it was about, but when I said it was a Fairy Tale, they were in! Even Chad loved it. It was enough fantasy for him (and not TOO much romance!) Even Mike liked it.

If you haven't seen Stardust, do rent it. If you are a fan of Neil Gaiman, you will love it. And if you are not, it may just make you a fan!!

Friday Movie Extravaganza!

OK...so this is my last free Friday before I start the Red Cross. Should I have spent it cleaning my house, Christmas Shopping, baking for the holidays, or maybe wrapping presents?? You bet. Did I? Not a chance!!

I am Legend started and Mike and I went to the first showing of the day!! I heart Will Smith, and would go see just about anything with him in it. Did I like the movie? Yep. Sure did. Mike thought there wasn't enough action. And true, it was a lot of psychological "stuff". Personally, I think that made it a BETTER movie. The things you don't see are usually way scarier than what's on screen. (of course, the night seekers were pretty damn freaky!)

As much as I love Will Smith, he was actually my biggest problem with movie. Robert Neville is a brilliant scientist, a virologist. And as much as I like Will Smith, I personally see him as more of a "action" figure. He was FANTASTIC in the action scenes...and even the scenes where you can tell he was just about to crack. But him as a scientist just didn't do it for me. Did it detract from my enjoyment? Not really. Just made it a little more unbelievable. (like a movie about zombie/vamps that are all that's left in a world that was affected by a virus that killed off almost the entire Earth's population is BELIEVABLE!!) Good movie in my book. Well worth at least a B+!!

After that we went home and decided since we were in a movie watching frame of mind, let's check out one of our Netflix movies:

I've never been a HUGE Matt Damon fan. I like him ok. But he is really a fantastic Jason Bourne!! Since Mike was lacking on the action in I am Legend, we put on The Bourne Ultimatum. Well...the movie certainly wasn't lacking for action. From the opening sequence, it was a non-stop roller coaster. And truth be told, I thought it was definitely the best movie of the 3. I really enjoyed it!!

Finally....in the spirit of the holidays, we did watch a Classic:

It's a Wonderful Life is just about the greatest Christmas movie...ever!! (OK...there IS Christmas Vacation!) I just love this movie!! So, while I was making Chocolate Chip cookies for the kids, we watched it. There is just something about Jimmie Stewart that makes me want to hug people. To see him go from wide-eyed dreamer to a man utterly without hope....to someone that has EVERYTHING to live for is just so touching!! And yes, I cried. I always do. It's part of the Christmas tradition for me!

So....I didn't get anything accomplished yesterday, but I did watch some fantastic films!! So, I'll leave you all with this thought:

"Remember that no man is a failure who has friends".

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Yes, I admit it! I'm a geek when it comes to Harry Potter! I have seen all the movies. I have all the books. And yes, I will be at the Midnight Release of Book Seven: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

I did make it to the opening day showing of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It was a great movie. I really don't know what can be said about it that hasn't already been said. I'm not a movie reviewer, but here's a quick snippet for those of you that don't know:

Our story opens as Harry and his cousin, Dudley, are attacked by Demonators. He has to use a Patronus spell, which is illegal to use A. in front of Muggles and B. outside Hogwarts. Harry is notified that he will be expelled from Hogwarts and must appear before the Ministry of Magic for a hearing. Order of the Phoenix members pick up Harry at home and take him to their HQ. The Order of the Phoenix was founded by Dumbledore to take on "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named", Lord Voldemort. Harry's godfather, Sirius Black (played by the FANTASTIC Gary Oldman) is one of the members.

This movie is just loaded with amazing performances!! Daniel Radcliffe has grown so much since he was first introduced in The Sorcerer's Stone, and his acting is so much more convincing. He is an amazing Harry. Maggie Smith, as Professor McGonagall, is always wonderful. Alan Rickman, as Professor Severus Snape (another genius casting move) is once again creepy and dark. But this time we get to see a glimpse into his past and maybe a couple of the reasons he is the way he is. Helena Bonham-Carter, is only in the movie a short time, but her portrayal as Bellatrix Lestrange is indeed memorable. I honestly think she really is a little unbalanced!! She just plays it too well. And newcomer, Evanna Lynch, as Luna Lovegood, is exactly how I pictured her to be!!

I thought the movie was fantastic! With every movie, as with every book, things just get better and more powerful. The most memorable scenes of the movie come when Harry is training some of the other students in the Dark Arts to help combat Voldemort. Even if you don't read the books, you will get alot of excitement from the movie!

If you'd like to read a great editorial by Uncle Stephen King about the release (and the end) of Harry potter, go to this EW article. It's good to know that other adults out there will be as heartbroken as I will be when it all finally ends!

Later!

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day to all my fellow American Bloggers!! The weather's not too bad today, so just maybe I'll get to have my BBQ after all!! I have a couple of steaks in the frig along with a whole lot of brats! I wasn't feeling so hot yesterday, so I spent most of the day in bed. I think stress is getting to me. I really need a week on a beach somewhere peaceful. A book in one hand and a margarita in the other!! Ah....to dream!

We did go see Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End this weekend. I'm not going to write a long review. Books I can do.....movies, not so much! But I am going to say that for me personally, I loved it! I love action movies anyway, but Pirates are so much fun! I loved the killer action sequences, the fights, but most of all I love the characters. I'm a huge Johnny Depp fan anyway, but Jack Sparrow is his character, and he owns it. He is fantastic!! In this movie Keira Knightly is kick-ass as Elizabeth! She is tough, beautiful and especially fun to watch. And Orlando Bloom is a lot than in the previous movies. Not so sullen. (I do have to say my favorite part is the 5 minutes that Keith Richards is onscreen!)

All that being said, it's a BIG movie with a lot going on. We took the kids and it might not be such a good bet for smaller children. It's really long....going almost 3 hours from start to finish. And there is SO much stuff going on that it got kind of confusing. My 10-year-old spent most of the movie asking questions about this and that......but at least he got it! The girls had no idea about the plot. They just liked the action! It was fun. If you've seen the other two, then you will probably have to see this one!!

Well....I can now hear the rain hitting the patio roof, so I guess I may be ordering pizza instead of BBQ. Oh well.....

Later!!

Randomness......At The Movies

We were supposed to go to the movies this weekend. Spiderman 3. But something came up so we didn't make it. I don't normally read reviews, but I do know this one got lukewarm ones at best. I still want to see it....I hope to find the time soon! This week's randomness is about movies, one of my favorite topics!!



randomness...feed your mind and your blog
week of May6: At the Movies


1. Do you like going to the movie theater? How often do you go? What treats do you buy when you go? I LOVE going to the movie theater! I always have. There is nothing like seeing a good movie on the big screen!! I do miss the old movie theaters though. The multi-plexes just aren't the same. I usually always get the same thing when I go....Popcorn with butter, soda and a big bag of Twizzlers!

2. Cell phones in the theater, do you keep yours on or off? I usually turn mine to vibrate. Something about being disconnected to the rest of the world that I find a little scary any more!

3. What's the last movie you went to see in the theater? I saw Hot Fuzz a week ago. Before that.....it was Grindhouse!

4. Have you ever waited on line for an obscene amount of time (several hours) just to get tickets to a movie? Also, have you ever dressed up as a film character.....i.e. a hobbit, a witch or wizard...while watching a movie?Honestly, I don't think I've waited in a huge line for hours since I was a kid. My aunt and uncle took me to see the first Star Wars. (I was really young, but I do remember it!) And no. Never dressed up for a movie (unless you count a midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture show in college!)

5. What do you like most and least about going to the movies? I love seeing a movie on the big screen. It's just so much better. Visually and especially the sound! The only thing I hate about going to the movies is the commercials. I get enough of that at home on TV.

6. What's the worst movie you've ever seen? Why? I generally know about the movies that I see. I'm sure there are a few that I would have liked to have my money back from, but nothing I can think of off the top of my head. I did have a date in high school take me to see a Rambo movie and I fell asleep in the middle of it. That didn't really bode well for the date, but he deserved it for taking me to such a lousy movie!! Actually, I used movies to gage how my dates would hold up. One date didn't want to see Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford, but took me to see Encino Man instead. Yep. That was a one date wonder!! I was also dating a grad student. We got along great. He was cute and fun. But we went to see Silence of the Lambs. During the BEST scene in the whole movie (the END) when it was dark and Clarisse was trying to catch the killer, my date leaned over and said he thought we should leave. It was a little too intense for him!! I told him he was nuts and he could wait for me in the car if he wanted to leave. That pretty much was the end of THAT relationship. Oh well....bygones!!

till next time... Later!!

Busy Weekend....What did I accomplish??

Well.....I wish I could report that the Sox kicked some major Angel butt....but no! A week after pitching a No-No against the Texas Rangers, Buehrle gave up 9 hits (including back-to-back homers in the 3rd!) in a 5 - 2 loss. The biggest disappointment of the day was that Jim Thome re-injured himself on Saturday and didn't even get to play Sunday! My son was pretty heartbroken about it because he spent all Saturday making signs for Thome. Of course, it was Kid's Day at the ballpark. Not only did the Chad and Bella get some really cool baseball cards when they got there, after the game they got a chance to run the bases! The day was beautiful and even though the Sox lost, we still had a lot of fun!!

Out of my HUGE list from Thursday, what did I get accomplished??? Well, I did finish Absurdistan. A review will be forth coming.....after I think about the book a bit. I ALMOST finished The Blue Zone. Should have that one done tonight. A surprisingly good thriller so far!!

• Although I didn't get all 3 Netflix movies finished, we did watch Deja Vu with Denzel Washington and Val Kilmer. Very Good!! Complicated and little confusing at times, I really ended up enjoying it!! Denzel is the MAN!!
• I got a few loads of laundry done. Not the whole pile, but a good start!!
• I didn't run out of caffeine!! Made my way to the grocery store to stock up on the essentials.....Diet Pepsi, bread, cheese and milk!!
• Finished all Bella's Books!!
• Got out ALL the girl's spring and summer clothes and packed up most of the winter stuff and everything that is too small.
• Now....the rest of the cleaning kind of fell by the wayside!! The bathroom in the upstairs is now clean, but the rest of the top floor STILL needs dusted and vacuumed. And Chad didn't come close to finishing his room. The bathroom downstairs still needs cleaned and I didn't even consider cleaning out the frig!

All in all I got a lot done!! But here is the reason I didn't finish my entire To-Do list:

Mike and I went to see Hot Fuzz Friday night. Oh man. What a FUN movie!! Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are absolutely HILARIOUS together. If you haven't heard of this movie, it's by the same guys (and STARS the same guys) as the British zombie movie "Shaun of the Dead". It's basically a spin on every Buddy Action movie ever made!! Simon Pegg plays Officer Nicholas Angel of the London police. He gets to be SO good at his job, he is given a "promotion" - a reassignment to a small country village called Sanford. (He is making the London office look bad....his arrest record is 400% higher than the closest officer!) Sanford just happens to be one of the safest towns around. He ends up partnered with Danny, Sanford's Chief Inspector's son. He is rather bumbling and naive, but he has watched a lot of American Action movies!! But while Sanford's Crime rate is incredibly low, it seems the "accident" rate is rather high!! If you are a fan a British humor and cheesy action movies, I HIGHLY recommend this one!!

I guess that's it for now....Later!!