'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' was a little more than curious to me... fantasy, miraculous, unreal might have been better adjectives. You see, I am not a big fan of the movies that have implausible plots. If it just can't happen, it automatically loses credibility with me. I know things like this don't bother everyone, but I have issues with it. Total fantasy is really difficult for me. Fortunately, this one isn't total fantasy, but more of a life story.
In 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', because of a backward moving clock, a baby is born old and ages in reverse. We are then taken through this strange and crazy life. When the clock is removed eighty something years later, he dies a beautiful young newborn baby. We go down the very strange path throughout the life of Benjamin. It's very interesting and entertaining. The idea concept of aging backward is also an interesting one that you can't help but roll around in your head. But from the perspective of Benjamin, he doesn't know it any other way.
The special effects in the movie were outstanding. You only get to see Brad Pitt 'hot' for about ten minutes. The rest of the time he's really old. (Great work, but kind of a bummer. I think he'll age better in actuality.) Pitt and the entire cast delivered very good performances.
It's ok for most teenagers. There is a little bad language and some sexual references but no obvious nudity. (There are a few scenes when you 'know' what they're doing. And one where you see some flesh.)
Ok, so my issues with 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'?
1. Obviously the whole aging in reverse thing, but
2. If he dies a newborn infant, then shouldn't he come out as a full grown old man??
That would've killed Mom for sure!
BUT, getting past my problems, I'm sure you will still enjoy this one. I did in spite of them!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Frost/Nixon ***1/2
'Frost/Nixon' is a movie about... you guessed it, the Frost/Nixon interviews! This was a series of interviews in 1977? I think. David Frost was a 'talk show host' and he promised Nixon the most money to be able to interview him. This was a huge plus for Nixon in terms other than money, because he was also a 'talk show host!' (That was something like calling someone a racial slur back then because the title came with zero credibility.) He wouldn't be interviewed by somebody who would be difficult.
This film is important for one big reason. It reminds us of the human-ness of all of us, including the President of the United States. And we should never tolerate the bending of our laws or constitution for anyone. Yes, we should always have compassion and understanding for all fellow men. We're all human. And we can forgive. But in public office, especially that one, there's forgiveness (out of office) but never forgetting. History repeats itself! So we must ever be diligent in remembering what others have been through.
The movie itself was very well done. Frank Langella was superb as 'Tricky Dick'. The entire cast actually was great. Very well done and good for the kids to see... if they can pay attention.
In 1977, I remember these interviews being aired. I was the fragile age of seven. My father kept trying to tell me how important it was for our country. I admit it. I just wanted regular programming back. I was probably missing the Bionic Woman or something. And yes, the movie was not much more gripping 32 years later. There's no action or adventure... only the one big Nixon line where my father howled!
"When the President does it, that means that it's not illegal."
That's when I understood the gravity of it all. That's when I stopped and listened to my Dad, and I understood why it was so important for our country!
Never forget!
If you're reading this by RSS or email, go to the blog to get the link...
http://triciasmoviereviews.blogspot.com
This film is important for one big reason. It reminds us of the human-ness of all of us, including the President of the United States. And we should never tolerate the bending of our laws or constitution for anyone. Yes, we should always have compassion and understanding for all fellow men. We're all human. And we can forgive. But in public office, especially that one, there's forgiveness (out of office) but never forgetting. History repeats itself! So we must ever be diligent in remembering what others have been through.
The movie itself was very well done. Frank Langella was superb as 'Tricky Dick'. The entire cast actually was great. Very well done and good for the kids to see... if they can pay attention.
In 1977, I remember these interviews being aired. I was the fragile age of seven. My father kept trying to tell me how important it was for our country. I admit it. I just wanted regular programming back. I was probably missing the Bionic Woman or something. And yes, the movie was not much more gripping 32 years later. There's no action or adventure... only the one big Nixon line where my father howled!
"When the President does it, that means that it's not illegal."
That's when I understood the gravity of it all. That's when I stopped and listened to my Dad, and I understood why it was so important for our country!
Never forget!
If you're reading this by RSS or email, go to the blog to get the link...
http://triciasmoviereviews.blogspot.com
Friday, May 1, 2009
Nothing But The Truth ****
Wow! What a great surprise! I hadn't heard anything about this one. I really just got it because I'm a fan of Kate Beckinsale. She's a great vampire and 'Serendipity' is one of my all time favorite romantic movies.
Kate Beckinsale's performance in 'Nothing But The Truth' is nothing short of Oscar-worthy. She plays a reporter with the story that will embarrass the US President and bring about international scrutiny. When her story is published, the government is quickly after her to give up her CIA informant. Because of the Patriot Act crap, she has no first amendment protection in D.C. Therefore, she is jailed for contempt for almost a year. When the judge finally comes to the conclusion that she's not going to tell, he succumbs to releasing her. However, the quick prosecutor (played by Matt Dillon quite well by the way) arrests her as she's leaving jail, prosecutes her and imprisons her for another two years. Her life and family is overturned all because she wouldn't give up her source. And when the 'source' is revealed at the end, I was moved to tears by the loyalty of this woman!
To make it all even more interesting, this is based on a true story!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Miller_(journalist)
Yes, they took some liberties and embellished. But it's a fascinating look at all of the 'what ifs'.
For me, there were two important lessons in this movie.
First, we should do everything we can (including complaining on blogs, and to your congressman) to stop the the abuse of our first amendment rights. The Patriot Act had a purpose at the time, but it has been heinously abused! As a citizen of the United States, I am entitled to my first amendment rights!!!
If the press is forced to give up their sources, no one will talk. The press would be useless, only uncovering what they want uncovered!
Second, is principle. So often today, we cave. We have our principles, but when push comes to shove, we give up our principles for the easy road. Well, 'Nothing But the Truth' will make you think twice before you give up your principles again! This woman endured so much to protect her source, her principles. She is really to be admired.
'Nothing But the Truth' is moderately safe for the kids, but not really appropriate. There is one really sad conjugal visit where they're having sex, but there's no nudity. Otherwise, I don't think most kids under 18 would totally be able to follow or understand it.
'Nothing But the Truth' is an important movie for us as Americans. It reminds us to protect the freedoms that our forefathers fought to obtain.
The fact that Kate Beckinsale did not get an Oscar nomination for this performance is just wrong!!! Her performance here was better than half of the nominees from last year! It's a travesty that 'Nothing But the Truth' didn't get more attention, and that Beckinsale's stellar performance wasn't recognized by the establishment. She was awesome!
Buy it here:
Kate Beckinsale's performance in 'Nothing But The Truth' is nothing short of Oscar-worthy. She plays a reporter with the story that will embarrass the US President and bring about international scrutiny. When her story is published, the government is quickly after her to give up her CIA informant. Because of the Patriot Act crap, she has no first amendment protection in D.C. Therefore, she is jailed for contempt for almost a year. When the judge finally comes to the conclusion that she's not going to tell, he succumbs to releasing her. However, the quick prosecutor (played by Matt Dillon quite well by the way) arrests her as she's leaving jail, prosecutes her and imprisons her for another two years. Her life and family is overturned all because she wouldn't give up her source. And when the 'source' is revealed at the end, I was moved to tears by the loyalty of this woman!
To make it all even more interesting, this is based on a true story!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Miller_(journalist)
Yes, they took some liberties and embellished. But it's a fascinating look at all of the 'what ifs'.
For me, there were two important lessons in this movie.
First, we should do everything we can (including complaining on blogs, and to your congressman) to stop the the abuse of our first amendment rights. The Patriot Act had a purpose at the time, but it has been heinously abused! As a citizen of the United States, I am entitled to my first amendment rights!!!
If the press is forced to give up their sources, no one will talk. The press would be useless, only uncovering what they want uncovered!
Second, is principle. So often today, we cave. We have our principles, but when push comes to shove, we give up our principles for the easy road. Well, 'Nothing But the Truth' will make you think twice before you give up your principles again! This woman endured so much to protect her source, her principles. She is really to be admired.
'Nothing But the Truth' is moderately safe for the kids, but not really appropriate. There is one really sad conjugal visit where they're having sex, but there's no nudity. Otherwise, I don't think most kids under 18 would totally be able to follow or understand it.
'Nothing But the Truth' is an important movie for us as Americans. It reminds us to protect the freedoms that our forefathers fought to obtain.
The fact that Kate Beckinsale did not get an Oscar nomination for this performance is just wrong!!! Her performance here was better than half of the nominees from last year! It's a travesty that 'Nothing But the Truth' didn't get more attention, and that Beckinsale's stellar performance wasn't recognized by the establishment. She was awesome!
Buy it here:
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