I didn't know anything about 'The Men Who Stare At Goats' when I received it except that George Clooney and some other big names were in it (Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor).
It turns out that 'The Men Who Stare At Goats' is about the remote viewers who were a part of the CIA back in the '80s. Specifically, about some of them now, and a new adventure that one of them goes on with a young skeptical journalist.
The whole idea that the US government had anything so promising as to the spread of love, peace and joy, is quite encouraging. Even though the project was supposedly abandoned, the idea is strangely exciting.
It was a really nicely done story, with a beautiful ending. We all know how much I love those!
Ok for the kids, but they probably wouldn't be able to keep up or understand all of it.
A really interesting watch!
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Informant **1/2
'The Informant' stars Matt Damon as a corporate snitch for the FBI. It was a strange and interesting story. The most interesting thing about it was the internal psycho-babble that we heard. He would be doing something risky, and we get his strange ADD side thoughts.
I really didn't love 'The Informant'. It was strange and really not that interesting except for the random inner thoughts.
Not great, but ok for Matt Damon fans.
I really didn't love 'The Informant'. It was strange and really not that interesting except for the random inner thoughts.
Not great, but ok for Matt Damon fans.
Love Happens ***
'Love Happens' stars Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart.
It took me a long time to get this one... I like both actors and was optimistic.
'Love Happens' was a nice story, but not one about love really. It was more about the process of grieving with a possibility of love at the end.
It was well done, and well acted! Not great, but good!
Brothers ***
'Brothers' is a war type drama starring Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman.
She's married to Maguire, thinks he died in Afghanistan, and develops a friendship with his brother. When not dead, her husband immediately thinks she had 'relations' with the brother.
'Brothers' was a nice story about the psychological effects of war.
It's ok for the kids, but more traumatic than you'd want small ones to bear.
A good watch!
The Twilight Saga: New Moon **
'New Moon' is the latest installment of 'The Twilight Saga'. It stars all of the same people from the first one, plus a few new characters.
Ok, so I made fun of this teenie-bopper stuff relentlessly until I watched the first one. It was actually pretty good, and made me think of 'Romeo and Juliet' a little.
In 'New Moon', however, I was very disappointed. It seemed like the bulk of the movie centered around heart break with loads of melodrama!
So, I really didn't like this one!
Broken Embraces ***
'Broken Embraces' is the latest from Pedro Almodovar to be released on dvd.
This one is not one of his typically 'weird' movies, but is more of just a story. I got the feeling that it was very autobiographical, although I don't think he's actually blind like the character.
The big plus in 'Broken Embraces' was Penelope Cruz! She delivers another amazing performance.
As for the kiddies, I would just have them skip all of Almodovar's movies until they're old enough to appreciate the intricacies. Also, none of his plots are really kid friendly!
'Broken Embraces' is not one of my favorites from Almodovar, but still a good watch.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
'The Princess and the Frog' ***1/2
'The Princess and the Frog' is yet another Disney animated tale. It's the basic premise of the story that we all know, but with a few different variables introduced. It's another good one.
The reason I wanted to be sure to talk about 'The Princess and the Frog' is the animation. I'm not sure how much if any of it is computer generated. It appeared to be totally hand drawn. Either way, the two dimensional aspect is what took me back. It totally warmed my heart and made me feel like a kid again watching it. It feels like the animation of my childhood.
Another great draw to me, for 'The Princess and the Frog' was Randy Newman. I've just got to love a man who can write a really good song about Birmingham, Al!!! He has had such an amazing career, and he did some more awesome music here! Does anyone really realize what a gifted and integral part of movie making he has become? There is only one Randy Newman!
So, if for no other reason, watch 'The Princess and the Frog' for the animation and the music.
It was a nice treat.
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The reason I wanted to be sure to talk about 'The Princess and the Frog' is the animation. I'm not sure how much if any of it is computer generated. It appeared to be totally hand drawn. Either way, the two dimensional aspect is what took me back. It totally warmed my heart and made me feel like a kid again watching it. It feels like the animation of my childhood.
Another great draw to me, for 'The Princess and the Frog' was Randy Newman. I've just got to love a man who can write a really good song about Birmingham, Al!!! He has had such an amazing career, and he did some more awesome music here! Does anyone really realize what a gifted and integral part of movie making he has become? There is only one Randy Newman!
So, if for no other reason, watch 'The Princess and the Frog' for the animation and the music.
It was a nice treat.
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Did You Hear About the Morgans? ***
'Did You Hear About the Morgans?' stars Hugh Grant and Sara Jessica Parker. It is billed as the couple on the verge of divorce who must enter witness protection.
Ok, so I wasn't that excited about this one, but once again, I was pleasantly surprised. 'Did You Hear about the Morgans?' is well done in just about every aspect. It is a good story that is well put together, and these two veteran actors easily do a great job.
And yes, there are several good laughs in there, and a heart warming ending. Everything I like.
'Did You Hear About the Morgans?' is really a nice watch and pretty safe for the whole family.
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Ok, so I wasn't that excited about this one, but once again, I was pleasantly surprised. 'Did You Hear about the Morgans?' is well done in just about every aspect. It is a good story that is well put together, and these two veteran actors easily do a great job.
And yes, there are several good laughs in there, and a heart warming ending. Everything I like.
'Did You Hear About the Morgans?' is really a nice watch and pretty safe for the whole family.
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Tuesday, March 16, 2010
'Precious' ***
'Precious' stars Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique, and others including Mariah Carey. This one got a lot of press, and yes it was good. Everything about it, including the acting, was very well done in all areas.
The problem that I had with it was the story itself. Precious has a horrific life. And yes, I know that horrific things really happen. But, I think I could have skipped this one. If I'd wanted to know about this stuff, I would be working for DHR and helping. It was so well done that it affected me. I've been wanted to kick Mo'Nique's ass ever since I watched it! So, she definitely did deserve the Academy Award!
I wouldn't let my kid watch this unless it was a threat! Make sure your kids skip this, and really I'd skip it too unless I wanted to be sad and upset!
A really well done, horrific tale:
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The problem that I had with it was the story itself. Precious has a horrific life. And yes, I know that horrific things really happen. But, I think I could have skipped this one. If I'd wanted to know about this stuff, I would be working for DHR and helping. It was so well done that it affected me. I've been wanted to kick Mo'Nique's ass ever since I watched it! So, she definitely did deserve the Academy Award!
I wouldn't let my kid watch this unless it was a threat! Make sure your kids skip this, and really I'd skip it too unless I wanted to be sad and upset!
A really well done, horrific tale:
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The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day ****
'The Boondock Saints II' is definitely not your typical sequel and more than I expected. It stars all of the same guys from the first one in another really good 'shoot up the bad guys' flick. It was definitely a fun, interesting watch.
As for the kids, if you're ok with them watching shooting the bad guys, then I guess it's ok. Personally, I would steer at least the younger kids away from as much violence as possible.
But for the grown ups, especially the big boys, it was great fun!
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As for the kids, if you're ok with them watching shooting the bad guys, then I guess it's ok. Personally, I would steer at least the younger kids away from as much violence as possible.
But for the grown ups, especially the big boys, it was great fun!
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The Time Traveler's Wife ***1/2
'The Time Traveler's Wife' stars Rachel McAdams and Erica Bana. It's a nice little story about, you guessed it, a lady married to a time traveler.
It would be a dull story, but the whole time travelling thing adds an interesting twist. The end kind of made me think about the infinity of love. There is even one good belly laugh in there involving the clothing he must find when he travels.
It's totally ok for the kids, I think. And a nice little chick flick.
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It would be a dull story, but the whole time travelling thing adds an interesting twist. The end kind of made me think about the infinity of love. There is even one good belly laugh in there involving the clothing he must find when he travels.
It's totally ok for the kids, I think. And a nice little chick flick.
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Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Penthouse **1/2
Ok, here's another one for which I didn't have very high expectations. It didn't get very good reviews, and has a lame premise -- guy wins a penthouse on a reality show. I expected some stupid humor and probably nudity.
Well, 'The Penthouse' did have some of the humor and nudity, but not that much.
I was really surprised to find an actual story in this one that had a happy ending!!!
So, not good for the kids, but not a terribly bad watch for you, surprisingly!
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Well, 'The Penthouse' did have some of the humor and nudity, but not that much.
I was really surprised to find an actual story in this one that had a happy ending!!!
So, not good for the kids, but not a terribly bad watch for you, surprisingly!
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Gentlemen Broncos **
'Gentlemen Broncos' was perhaps the strangest movie I've ever seen.
It's about a group of kids who go to a writing seminar. They meet an idol, have work stolen, try to make a movie, and are vindicated in the end.
If you like 'weird', then you'll want to catch this one for sure!
It's about a group of kids who go to a writing seminar. They meet an idol, have work stolen, try to make a movie, and are vindicated in the end.
If you like 'weird', then you'll want to catch this one for sure!
Captain Abu Raed ****
Ok, so the best movie I've seen in ages came from Jordan?? And it's in Arabic??
It's pathetic that we put out so much crap here in the US, that a practically non existent movie industry in the middle east can make a better movie. So, my question is, who are the idiots paying for the crap to be made here???
'Captain Abu Raed' is a beautiful story which takes place in Amman, Jordan. The movie follows a group of people and their eventual interactions with one another. Abu Raed is an old neighborhood man who delights the children with stories. Then, he becomes a bigger part of their lives.
'Captain Abu Raed' is not politically motivated at all. It's just a nice story; one that will make you laugh and cry.
If your children will read a movie, then it's probably fine for them. It'll be one of those that will make them thankful for their sweet spoiled lives here.
'Captain Abu Raed' was surprisingly a really good watch! One you shouldn't miss!
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It's pathetic that we put out so much crap here in the US, that a practically non existent movie industry in the middle east can make a better movie. So, my question is, who are the idiots paying for the crap to be made here???
'Captain Abu Raed' is a beautiful story which takes place in Amman, Jordan. The movie follows a group of people and their eventual interactions with one another. Abu Raed is an old neighborhood man who delights the children with stories. Then, he becomes a bigger part of their lives.
'Captain Abu Raed' is not politically motivated at all. It's just a nice story; one that will make you laugh and cry.
If your children will read a movie, then it's probably fine for them. It'll be one of those that will make them thankful for their sweet spoiled lives here.
'Captain Abu Raed' was surprisingly a really good watch! One you shouldn't miss!
If you can't see links or videos, that means you're an email subscriber. Thanks!
To see them, just go to the site: http://triciasmoviereviews.blogspot.com
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee ***
'The Private Lives of Pippa Lee' stars Robin Wright Penn and Alan Arkin. There are also some memorable performances by Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves.
So really, it seems to me, that nothing of Pippa's life is really private except for the same stuff rattling around in her head that is in most of ours. The title is a misnomer in that there is no great secret, or privacy here. It's really just a story. It's a pretty interesting story, but not great.
As for the kids, there's really not much that is blatantly unfriendly, except for one scene. There's one with Keanu Reeves that's kind of weird and you won't want to watch with the kids. So, they really wouldn't be that interested in this story, so just skip it for them, or at least pre-screen before you're embarrassed.
But for you, it's an ok, pretty entertaining watch!
If you can't see links or videos, that means you're an email subscriber. Thanks!
To see them, just go to the site: http://triciasmoviereviews.blogspot.com
So really, it seems to me, that nothing of Pippa's life is really private except for the same stuff rattling around in her head that is in most of ours. The title is a misnomer in that there is no great secret, or privacy here. It's really just a story. It's a pretty interesting story, but not great.
As for the kids, there's really not much that is blatantly unfriendly, except for one scene. There's one with Keanu Reeves that's kind of weird and you won't want to watch with the kids. So, they really wouldn't be that interested in this story, so just skip it for them, or at least pre-screen before you're embarrassed.
But for you, it's an ok, pretty entertaining watch!
If you can't see links or videos, that means you're an email subscriber. Thanks!
To see them, just go to the site: http://triciasmoviereviews.blogspot.com
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