Katie's Movie Review - March 2008

There's something about being incredibly busy that makes me want to spend all my "free" time collapsed in front of the television. Here is my ridiculously LONG! shameful list of 'new to me' movies I've watched in the last 4 weeks.

Definitely, Maybe (2007)

A political consultant tries to explain his impending divorce and past relationships to his 11-year-old daughter.

STRONGLY RECOMMEND
This movie was fantastically charming and witty. I enjoyed the simple story premise and the delightful characters. Ryan Reynolds shines in a role that was built for him. Don't write this movie off as fluff - but don't rent it expecting twist-endings or epic adventures. It's a very well-done film that deserves an audience.

White Noise 2: The Light (2007)

A man's family is killed and he is brought back from the verge of death, he then realises he can identify people who are about to die.

RECOMMEND
Nathan Fillion and Katee Sackhoff. Shouldn't that be enough?! I did NOT LIKE White Noise. This movie is a departure from that and is an entirely different story (with one simple common thread). The movie was very enjoyable and well done, but the ending got a tad too cheesy. Otherwise, I liked this movie quite a bit. C'mon - NATHAN FILLION AND KATEE SACKHOFF! Dude... It can't get better than that. Okay, maybe we could've used some nudity ;)


Dan In Real Life (2007)

A widower finds out the woman he fell in love with is his brother's girlfriend.

RECOMMEND
I wrote this movie off at first. I am glad that I was very much wrong. For once, a "situational family movie" made me want to be a part of their group. I usually want to run screaming. However, everyone was portrayed realistically without stalling the storyline. Juliette Binoche shined gracefully throughout and nicely complimented Steve Carell's subtle character. A very surprising, funny and sweet movie. Side-note: This is a true family movie. There was no nudity and I didn't notice any curse words.


North Country (2005)

A fictionalized account of the first major successful sexual harassment case in the United States.

RECOMMEND
I don't usually enjoy court-case dramas, but this movie is nicely edited to tell you a story along the way. Nothing was over-the-top and kept everything in a realistic framework. However, I did find the movie stalled a couple of times but nothing too bad. Also, I'm not a big Woody Harrelson fan but I actually liked him quite a bit in this one - a nice departure from his typical characters.

The Notebook (2004)

The movie focuses on an old man reading a love story to an old woman in a nursing home.

RECOMMEND
Okay, I'm not the softest-heart out there. Alright, I can be downright cold sometimes but I have been known to enjoy the occasional love story (especially if they're not crap). This movie was over-hyped but still a nice little picture. The storyline was extremely predictable and I had the whole thing figured out within minutes of the opening lines. That said, I still enjoyed the story and found the two characters riveting. A great story for lazy afternoons.

The Last Mimzy (2007)

Two siblings begin to develop special talents after they find a mysterious box of toys.

RECOMMEND (FOR KIDS)
I felt this story was missing something, but I can't tell what that is. I am writing it off as "this is a movie for kids and my intelligence is too ridiculously high to enjoy such bland, in your face dialogue." But if that were the case, you'd think I wouldn't own half the movies I do. Whatever the case, there is nothing wrong with this movie. The Last Mimzy has a great story idea, fully developed characters and a constantly moving plot. It's just not my cup of tea.



Beowulf (2007)

The warrior Beowulf must fight and defeat the monster Grendel who is terrorizing towns, and later, Grendel's mother, who begins killing out of revenge.

RECOMMEND (IF YOU'RE BORED)
I found this film sort of boring at points and riveting at others. The animation was nice but fell flat at times. The story was fine and on target, but it didn't capture me like I anticipated.

The Return (2006)

A traveling business woman begins having nightmares of a murder that occurred 15 years ago. Soon she is drawn to an old farmhouse, where the murder took place.

STAY AWAY
Oh, Sarah, Sarah, Sarah...I love your enthusiasm for the horror genre but it's time to move on sweetie. I adored you in Buffy. You rocked in Simply Irresistible and Cruel Intentions. I even loved you in Scooby Doo. But please leave horror alone for awhile. You act your butt off and deserve a MUCH better script than 'The Return.' This movie was BORING and PREDICTABLE. I kept waiting for something to happen and finally hung around to see if the ending at least gave me a twist, but alas, it was all as I predicted. Hey, at least it was the movie channel and I didn't pay admission.


Want More? Read Katie's Movie Review - February 2008

Katie's Movie Review - February 2008

I've been fighting off bronchitis for the last couple of weeks and all of these movies were watched during my suffering. This does not mean I wasn't paying attention but it does mean I had a lot more patience. If you find that I am way off base with any of these reviews; now you understand why.

Otherwise, I stand firm in my opinions below and hope you will find them helpful. If not, you can at least mock me silently and reap some enjoyment from your time spent here.

How to Eat Fried Worms (2006)

During the first day of his new school year, a fifth grade boy squares off against a bully and winds up accepting a dare that could change the balance of power within the class.

RECOMMEND (FOR KIDS)

Some movies designed for kids can be just as enjoyable for adults as well - this wasn't one of them. It's a classic story from a book I loved as a kid, but as an adult it just didn't hold up. The characters were delightful on screen and the relationships were well thought out but the humor was, well childish.

The Reaping (2007)

A former Christian missionary, who specializes in debunking religious phenomena, investigates a small town which seems to be suffering from the 10 biblical plagues.

RECOMMEND

I expected this movie to suck, but it pleasantly surprised me. The characters were enjoyable to watch, the plot kept moving forward at a nice pace and the scenery was engaging. I liked that they created a simple nightmarish backstory for Swank's character but didn't harp on it throughout the movie.

Eastern Promises (2007)

The film follows the mysterious and ruthless Nikolai , who is tied to one of London's most notorious organized crime families. His carefully maintained existence is jarred when he crosses paths with Anna, an innocent midwife trying to right a wrong, who accidentally uncovers potential evidence against the family. Now Nikolai must put into motion a harrowing chain of murder, deceit, and retribution.

RECOMMEND

I was unsure going into this movie because I'm not a big fan of 'mob movies' or anything too dramatic. Regardless, I was quickly won over. Nikolai as a character was compelling, but a bit easy to figure out early on. The movie is intense in a very quietly creeping way. The one exception is an explosive fight scene that takes place in a steam room (by a fully nude Viggo Mortensen might I add). Definitely worth the rental price.

The Nines (2007)

A troubled actor, a television show runner, and an acclaimed videogame designer find their lives intertwining in mysterious and unsettling ways.

NOT RECOMMEND

It is with a sad heart that I don't recommend this movie. I REALLY wanted to like this movie. I tried to find a way to recommend it, but I just can't. The horrible thing is that I don't know why. The acting was outstanding, especially Melissa McCarthy and Ryan Reynolds. The ending was satisfactory as well. This movie just didn't spin me like I expected it would I guess. It felt like there was a lot of time spent on characters just to prove a point at the ending. I liked the premise and they did have a story there, but it just fell a bit flat.

Kickin It Old Skool (2007)

A young breakdancer hits his head during a talent show and slips into a coma for twenty years. Waking up in 2006, he looks to revive his and his team's career with the help of his girlfriend and his parents.

STAY AWAY
Yup, I got mine. At the movie store I picked up the DVD case and laughed at it in mockery. Then I saw a trailer come on the movie channel and said, "Hmm, maybe I should give it a shot." I'm glad I didn't pay for this movie - that's at least something. I am very disappointed because I love Jamie Kennedy and Michael Rosenbaum. Even with them in it, this movie was a trainwreck. The script was horrible, the jokes were ridiculously flat, and it shoved good actors into a level below "camp." A positive thing? You'll see some good dancing but not until the end of the movie. Unfortunately anyone that doesn't have the patience of a rock won't make it that far.

Katie's Movie Review - January 2008

Katie's Movie Review

Okay, I'm starting a regular monthly blog. I will be reviewing a few movies I have watched in the last 3 or 4 weeks. I watch a lot of movies, plus I work as a make-up artist in the industry. I promise never to review something I've worked on. My taste is not as wide-spread as some people, but I do try to vary my genres. It really depends on my mood. If you don't like it, don't read it.

These movies come from the theatre, rentals and/or my wonderful cable movie channel. Pretty much wherever I can get them. Anything I review will be 'new' to me.

Here we go...


I Am Legend

Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure.


STRONGLY RECOMMEND
Will Smith's best acting to date. This is not a movie I'll watch again any time soon - it's full of intense, naked anguish that kept my eyes open but watering. A tremendous movie!



Thin

A documentary of four women suffering from anorexia and bulimia in South Florida.




RECOMMEND
This film is a realistic portrayal of eating disorders and one specific rehabilitation center's fight for recovery. I was intrigued by the different women's stories and their love for their disorders, despite the facts and risk. It was a bit disturbing to see how the rehab facility was full of overweight staff members.



Charlotte's Web

The famous story of Wilbur the pig and the spider, Charlotte, who is determined to save his life.




RECOMMEND
I was surprised at how charming and cute this story was. A great family movie, but not so simplistic that adults can't enjoy it as well. The CG got a little cheesy when Wilbur flips around, but otherwise it is flawless.



Tideland

A lonely girl gets trapped in an eerie fantasy world after her irresponsible parents die.




RECOMMEND
Let me start by saying this is a Terry Gilliam film. Knowing that, one can expect the film to be quirky, colorful and oddly random. I only suggest this film if you go into it expecting nothing. Just let the craziness flow over you. The acting is superb and his color palette is vibrant. It sort of feels like playing in mud wearing your Sunday best.



Dead Silence

A widower returns to his hometown to search for answers to his wife's murder, which may be linked to the ghost of a murdered ventriloquist.



STAY AWAY
I fess up that I LOVE campy, B-horror. So, I have an extremely high tolerance for bad horror. This movie just sucked. It's very sad, because they could've really had something with the creepy doll storyline. The ending was satisfactory and the set decoration was AMAZING. Generally the acting was okay, but the lead actor, Ryan Kwanten, poisoned the script. He was flat, unemotional (especially for a character who's wife just died), and didn't fit. He should've been the first person to be killed off, but we were 'treated' to his character through the entire film. Stay away, stay far away.