New in Town

New in town is a cute, no frills movie. Do I think it is the best romantic comedy, no. Do I think it is the worst romantic comedy, absolutely not. It is a decent, entertaining comedy. Zellweger returns to comedy and does it well. She plays the role of Lucy Hill, a Miami executive forced to spend the winter in a Minnesota small town. Zelweger does this with great energy and comedic timing. After watching this movie, I think I enjoy Zellweger as a comedic actress more than a dramatic one.

Harry Connick Jr plays Ted Mitchell, a broken-hearted widower raising a teenage daughter. Lucy and Ted have decent on-screen chemistry. I found the Lucy's relationship with herself and the town was much more important to the storyline than her romance with Ted. This was the part of the movie that I found to be much more enjoyable, and actually realistic. The movie did not completely revolved around whether Ted and Lucy would end up together.

In reality, it was a spoof on Minnesotan stereotypes. Which I found funny and a bit endearing.

This movie is perfectly for a relaxing, feel-good night in!

Tron: Legacy

I am going to start of by admitting that I am a Tron virgin. I have never seen the original However, I do not think that effected my review of this movie at all.

I think there were elements of this movie that were amazing. The visual effects were stunning. This including the reincarnation of a young Jeff Bridges. Yes, Bridges reprises his role a Clu, a computer generated game piece, identical to Kevin Flynn's young character. Since the computer generated character does not age, neither could Bridges. Bridges does double time, playing Flynn and Clu; one old and one young. Excellent transition, I was stunned how how realistic the young Clu resembled a young Bridges.

The score was the second amazing element of Tron: Legacy. It was truly enjoyable and completely relevant to the story! Daft Punk, the French electronic duo, connects the music perfectly with the movie. In many movies, the score is a side note that really does not make or break a movie. In Tron: Legacy, the movie would be ridiculously lousy, the score completes the movie. I would be seriously surprised if Daft Punk does not get a Oscar nomination for this score. It is essential to the success of the movie.

Now for the downside of the movie. The story was weak and predictable. Even without prior knowledge of the

Tron story, I could almost predict the complete story as it unfolded. Not much in terms of anticipation or excitement. There are times, when a weak story can be saved by good acting. This is definitely not the case. Even a Oscar winner, such a Bridges, could not save the story. I felt the acting was weak and forced. Garrett Hedlund, who plays Sam, the mourning son of Bridge's character, never made me believe he missed his father at the beginning of the movie, or was happy to see him when the met.

Overall, this movie was just alright for me. It would be a good rental. I absolutely do not think it is worth the 15 dollar ticket price for 3D.

BURLESQUE

BURLESQUE

So, it is no big surprise that this was my most anticipated movie for the year. Cher, Xtina, glitter, glam and singing....what more could a boy want? Oh wait, there is also shirtless Cam Giga

ndet.

Overall, the movie was quiet entertaining. The writing was more on the campy side, then serious, but that is exactly was I expected from this movie. It allowed you to sit back, enjoy the music and laugh a little at the writing without getting to deep or tie you in too emotionally.

I did think that the movie tried a little too hard to copy recent successful movie musicals (i.e Moulin Rouge and Chicago). There is an instance where a Burlesque girl is singing "Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend" and a star struck Ali (Christina Aguilera) longs on from the audience, and then

the next minute she was finishing the song on stage, but only through her imagination.

For a movie debut, Christina Aquiulera was excellent. Of course, the musical numbers were amazing. Her incomparable voice did not let us down here either. More importantly, she was able to deliver the

dialogue as well.

Cher was campy and wonderful. This performance will not earn her another Oscar, but I do not think that was the point of this movie. Her solo, while a

little forced in the story, was beautifully performe

d! One of Cher's best song

If you like Cher, Christiana or campy musicals this is a must see movie. If you dislike any of the three, I would recommend not seeing this movie!

All Quiet on the Western Front

Itwas 1930, World
WarIIhadnotstarted, and the Oscar goes to All Quiet on the Western Front. Lewis Milestone's adaption of Erich Maria Remarque's novel based on the trials and tribulationsa groupof naive German adolescents face during their tour in World War I. This is what all epics should aspire to. It was grandest of grandest and demonstrated over-top effects that had to be ground breaking for its time. The director created massive, life-like battle scenes with in-your-face explosions.

The basic story dealt with German high school students who enlisted in the military because the idea of war was romanticized by their teacher. Once in the midst of war (especially the losing side) and tragedy, they all, one by one, quickly come to realize that war is much more than theglorious rewards that were promised to themfrom their schoolyard. Their was hunger, and cold and the worst part - death.

The direction and cinematography were splendid. The acting, however, I found to be a little mediocre. There were some intense scenes that I felt were a little flat, maybe slightly bordering on funny. Overall, it was a very good film depicting a then recent moment in history with raw emotion and sincerity. I do seem some relation to modern times. There were so many young people who joined the military post 9/11 to avenge their country, only to lose their lives tragically.

Broadway Melody

Ok folks! Here comes my first review of a Best Picture Winner; Broadway Melody, the second recipient of the statuette and the first musical to receive the honor

I was extremely hesitant to watching this movie. Not because it was a musical, but because it was 1928. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the it quality. Don't get me wrong the black and white footage, was graining and the sound not as crisp as today's standards, but the story was interesting and acting was believable.

The story centered around the Mahoney sisters , Hank (Bessie Love) and Queenie (Anita Page) trying to make their break on Broadway. This made me wonder if Maurine Dallas Watkins was influenced at all by this movie when she wrote the original play version of Chicago.

Hank, the older sister is engaged to a broadway star, who happens to be in love with Queenie, the prettier younger sister. I know what you are thinking; seems like a classic Hollywood story line. Only it is not a cliche here, because this is an old Hollywood movie.

The settings and stage sequences were exceptional, very large and impressive. My one complaint would be regarding to the big musical number, "The Wedding of the Painted Doll". This was originally filmed in technicolor, but was replaced in black and white for the movie. I would have been really interested in seeing some color thrown into the movie. Some would argue, that "throwing" in one scene of color would be distracting, and I understand this areguement.

If you are like classic movies, and have not seen this one, I highly recommend it.

I'm Back!

It has been a really long time since I have posted anything. Actually, it has been a little over a year. Don't be mistaken, I have still seen plenty of movies, both good and bad. Including an entire Oscar season, which I did not comment on at all.

Well, now I am getting prepared for the start of another awards season! In order to do that, I have decided to leisurely watch all the Best Picture Oscar Winners. My plan was to start with Wings, the 1928 Best Picture Oscar recipient. However, that is not available on DVD. So, I skipped right ahead to Broadway Melody. It was not only the second winner of the prestigious Best Picture Oscar, it was the first musical awarded the honor.

So, my plan is to watch the movies in chronological order. There will be a review on each movie. At the end of a decade (Broadway Melody will be included in the 30s), I will do an overall synopsis of the decade. This will include my favorite from the decade. I am also going to attempt to add a poll for the decade to get some insight.

Stay tuned for the first review of this blog - Broadway Melody of 1928

Away We Go

Sam Mendes (Revolutionary Road, American Beauty) has done it again. His latest film, Away We Go, is a surprisingly inspirational movie starring Maya Rudolph (SNL) and John Kraskinski (The Office). After years of dating and living together, they find out that they are now expecting parents. Concerned that they might be "fuck-ups" because they have yet to achieve an ideal life, they set out to visit family and friends in hopes of finding the ideal place to settle down and raise their family. After traveling to many destinations, they come to realize that maybe their unconventional life may be more normal than the lives of those they visit.

Not knowing much going into the movie, I was assuming that it was a traditional comedy given leads were played by Rudolph and Krasinski. I was pleasantly surprised to find it more a dramedy. More so, Rudolph transcended both the comedic and dramatic aspects to play expecting mother Verona flawlessly. Krasinski was excellent portraying laid back, father-to-be Bert as well.

I would highly recommend seeing this movie. 4/5 Netflix stars!

Good Bye Megan

GOOD RIDDANCE MEGAN JOY CORKEY

Congratulations America for getting this one right! Megan, I am sure you are a wonderful person, but your singing was horrendous! You will not be missed from American Idol!

Crossroads

Crossroads on CMT (Country Music Television) totally amazes me every time I see it. The very first one I came across was Dolly Parton and Melissa Etheridge. Let me tell you I was in love. Tonight, I fortunately came across another one that totally amazed me.


Taylor Swift and Def Leppard



I would have never guessed that this combination would have been good, but it was great. The opening song was Photograph off of Def Leppard's 1983 Pyromania album. Taylor worked this song out. She totally impressed me more than I thought she could. Below is the link to the youtube video of that performance.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf2y3ZKX5iU

Def Leppard then joined Taylor to perform Love Story. This also was way much better than I could ever imagine. It was fun and inventive. I highly recommend everyone to see this episode of CMT's Crossroads!

New Posts

Alright peeps. I have been very slow on blogging on movies, even during Oscar season. I am going to attempt to update on many different topics. Feel free to add your own input!

Here is my analysis of American Idol Top 9





I still believe, for the most part the judges are crackpots

Top 3

This was a very difficult decision between Kris and Adam. Lots of debate in my head.



Kris - He won out. It was sung so well. He really brought it this week!




Adam - He was very incredible. I can not say anything bad, I just liked Kris's song more.

Lil - I thought this was a great performance. The judge's gave her a hard time, but it is exactly what they asked for last week. She brought it and delivered it to them on a silver platter.





Middle 3

This is probably in no particular order. However, I am going to rank them on how I like them overall, not specifically on this week.

Allison - I loved the way she started slow and in a higher key. It really showed that she has a great voice. I love this song, and I think she did a very good job. I also liked what she was wearing. I thought it was a cross between Gwen and P!nk.

Danny - There is absolutely no denying that he can sing. The judges have him lots of praise. My only complaint is that he sounds too much like the original (The judges would never say that to him, because they love him too much).

Matt - I liked this version. I did think that it sounded somewhat like the original, but not as much as Danny.

Bottom 3-

Scott- He was much better this week than the last couple. For me, the only reason he is in the bottom 3 this week, is because I ran out of room above him. I do not think he deserves to leave this week.

Anoop - This was just a really bad song choice. To quote Simon from last week, "It seems clumsy and amateurism". I hope he is safe this week, but would not be totally upset if he left.



Megan - I only have 1 think to say. Why is she in this competition! Hell, she was not even in the bottom 3 last week. Can someone please explain this to me. She is absolutely horrible. I almost feel like I would rather have Jason Castro back!

I've Loved You So Long

This movie epitomizes drama. A deep, well played story that is slowly pieced together till you can completely understand and associate with the characters. Kristin Scott Thomas masterfully portrays Juliette, a women that comes to live with her estranged sister, Lea played by Elsa Zylberstein, after being released from a 15 year prison sentence for killing for 6 year old son. As the movie progresses, you see a warm caring, but deeply depressed woman. Throughout the movie, I could not see this woman was a brutal child murderer. As the story plays out, you learn more and more details, and the situation is made clear.

The movie is slow moving and at time depressing. However, I feel that this how the directed wanted you to feel. This feeling brings you closer to the Juliette and how she is actually feeling. It makes the movie more real for the audience.

Kristin Scott Thomas did receive a Golden Globe Nomination for this role, and I believe she deserved it. I also think she will receive an Oscar nod. Zylberstein was left off the Globe nomination list, but I think she could have a chance at a Supporting Oscar nomination.

Golden Globe Nominations

The Golden Globe nominations are the real start to Oscar season. This past week the Hollywood Foreign Press released their list of the best in movies and television for 2008. For me, the expected out weighed the surprises. Actually there were only 2 surprises, Australia got no nominations and Milk only got 1.

As for Australia, that was not really that big of a shock. I believe that it is going to be a more technical movie. Baz Lurhman is known for his showy, beautifully filmed movies. I believe Australia will do well come Oscar time in categories such as Cinematography and Art Direction. Milk, for which Sean Penn got an acting, did not get a nomination for movie or directing. This I feel is a huge surprise. Milk was well filmed with true historical accuracy. I am hoping that the Oscars are much more open to this film that the Hollywood Foreign Press has been.

Changeling

Real life story made into a movie. It is a movie makers dream. Clint Eastwood once again proves that he is an incredible director. The director that made me care about a boxer, created another heartfelt story. Christine Collins, perfectly played by Angelina Jolie, is a single mom living in LA during the 20s who came home from work only to find her son missing. The LAPD, known wfor their corruption, found who the thought to be her son. Collins knew this was not son and as determined to find him, not matter what the cost. Angelina, once again, proves her Hollywood star power and her amazing acting ability.

Burn After Reading

Ok! The Coen Brothers have done it again. They have a super-hyped movie, with star-studded cast and I became super jazzed with anticipation. Then I saw the movie, and I was left with a empty void of disappointment. Like No Country for Old Men, the acting was on point and believable, but that is the only redeeming quality of the film. Brad Pitt shined with comedic timing. The rest of cast, where ok. I thought the chemisty that Tilda Swinton and George Clooney had in Michael Clayton was not evident in this movie. Frances McDormant and John Malkovich, I guess, did a good job of working with what the characters had of a personality. My disappoinment stems from the fact that I did not care about any of the characters. I thought they were all horrible people, and got exactly what they deserved. There was not one point in the movie, where I was hoping for something good to happen. I just plain did not care and that translated into a big ole fat, "I do not care about this boring movie".

Oscar Season 2008

Ok everyone! I have been absent for some time. The blog is about to be started back to follow me through the next couple months and movies that are in contention for a 2008 Academy Award.

The Good Sheperd

The Good Shepherd is the movie about how one guy gives up his life and family to serve his country as a spy. Well, it is not really that simple, there are many extenuating circumstances that motivate this man, and ultimately determine who he becomes. In a huge surprise, the movie was actually pretty good. The acting was very convincing, and the story was interesting. There was one thing that was really bad. It was the make-up. Angelina Jolie's make-up was great. She aged appropriately, and well. Matt Damon, on the other hand, always looked the same age, which was very distracting. The story bounced back and forth from time period to time period, and it was hard to tell what year it was based on looking at Matt Damon. He looked the same whether he was in college or at his son's wedding.

I think Angelina did a wonderful job. She ranged from a wild and carefree, young adult to a bitter, mistreated mom with deep care for her son. She did this flawlessly. Very impressed with her portrayal of this complex character. Matt Damon was, well Matt Damon. He did a good job, and pretty convincing, but it seems that all his characters are interchangeable. Then there is the Man of The Year...Alec Bladwin. Could he be in any more movies? However, he does a good job, and he plays the part well.

There was one really bad acting moment. Eddie Redmayne, who plays the son on Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie's son, had an bad acting moment. When Matt breaks some bad news to him about his soon to be wife's life, he has a break down. It was one of the most painful acting scenes that I may have ever watched. It was not convincing at all!

As for the Academy Award Nomination for Art Direction, there were two distinct moments when I saw the reason behind this nod. There was a scene with a dress falling from the sky, and a paper being burnt by a candle. Very well done scenes. We will have to wait and see how much the Academy really likes those poignant scenes.

Highlights were Angelina's character and the moments of Art Direction.

Overall movie rating ***1/2

Jesus Camp

Oh my goodness. This is the most disturbing movie that I have seen in a very long time. I always knew that there were very religious people out there, that could not see past their views, but this is ridiculous. First of all, when we talk about religious extremists, we can not discount the Christian extremists. I truly believe that these people and the way they brainwash their children is just as bad if not worse than Islamic extremists and suicide bombers. I want to definitely mention that I am not against the religion aspect, just the extremism. There were two very heartbreaking things for me in this movie. The first being the fact that they use George Bush as a religious symbol. If this country continues to blur the lines between Church and State, we are not going to be the strong powerful country that our forefathers so masterfully planned out for us. Second, there was a girl that was talking about God, and how he did not visit all churches. Basically, she has been indoctrinated to believe that if you do not scream, shout, and speak in tongues then God has nothing to do with you. This inter religion bigotry is the worse. How can someone believe that because you do not pray in the same fashion, that God does not want to hear you. Through my religious teachings, it is my understanding that you should encourage people to speak to their Lord in any way they feel is appropriate.
Despite the controversy over the content of the movie, the movie was very well done. It was a great documentary. It just presented the facts. It actually let you form your own opinion. I hate movies that are so one-sided that they will do absurd things in order to prove a point. Which, I think, makes the point null and void.
Jesus Camp is nominated for Best Documentary, but it is not going to win. I feel very strongly that An Inconvenient Truth has the lock on this category. It was the most popularized, and it was also done very, very, well

The Illusionist

The Illusionist is a turn of the century movie about a magician that is in love the a Dutchess. Surprise, the Dutchess is betroved to the mean, evil Crowned Prince. Yeah, so what, nothing special about the story line. Very simply written, and directed the same. The story was quite predictable and non suspenseeful. However, given that, it was entertaining. The movie was beautifully filmed and the Cinematography was excellent, hence the nomination. Edward Norton and Jessica Biel were both excellent in the movie. Good depth and range with the character. As most people know, I am the president of the anti-Paul Giamatti club. I have not been a fan of his since people made a big deal about him not getting an oscar nomination for Sideways. That was because he did not deserve it! The movie was cute, but it did not deserve its best picture nod either. Oh well, as much as I prefer not to see Paul on film, he actually did a good job in this one. I am cringing as I write this, but I am fair, when fairness is deserved.

SAG Awards - Sunday

Just a freindly reminder that the Screen Actor's Guild Award Ceremony is this Sunday night!

Everyone watch so we can discuss it! www.sagawards.com

Academy Award Nominations - Best Actor

Mr. Whitaker is totally the front runner in the field. It was a great performance, that made the movie. Not my favorite movie, but I can not say a bad word about this acting job.

Leonardo DiCaprio gets a nomination for Blood Diamond. I think the he was excellent in this movie. The big surprise was that he got a nod for this instead of The Departed. I personally think that this is a good choice. I think The Departed may be an overall better movie, but Leo does a much better acting job in Blood Diamond

In the Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith does a fantastic job. He is loving, caring and motivated as all hell. I think this is an astonishing performance, perfect for a nomination, but not for a win.

I have yet to see Venus or Half Nelson. Therefore, I can not comment on the acting job. I will update as soon as I have something important to say.