WALL-E

Often how much I enjoy a film largely depends on my expectation levels and the mood I’m in.  Wall-E has had a lot of positive reviews so my expectation levels were high as I looked forward to this film.

For the most part this film is a delightful escape and lived up to my high expectations.  I enjoyed the subtle-ness of the humour and Wall-E’s character.  He was extremely endearing.  I think young and old will enjoy.  Highlights were Wall-E dancing with his ‘hat’ a rubbish bin lid and ‘fanatic’ clean machine.  Very funny and cute.

The film portrays humans in a very disturbing light, fat, lazy and materialistic.  Certainly a very sad portrayal indeed.

Wanted

I wasn’t sure if I was going to bother and see this film.  I heard some good reviews from colleagues and I’m glad I did.  It wasn’t what I expected… it was better.  This film is surprisingly difficult to describe.  It has influences from The Matrix and Fight Club and its an interesting mix and even comes with the twist ending.

James McAvoy plays a guy frustrated with his job and life.  But life gets interesting when Angelina Jolie turns up transforming his world and turning him into a cold and talented assassin.

This film is over the top! but it’s good and it works.  Whilst James McAvoy is no Keanu Reeves, you follow his journey and his transformation.  There are some amazing ‘must see’ action scenes plus Angelina with ammunition is just too cool.

Great film, enjoyable watch.

Steph’s rating: 8.1/10

The Bank Job

I like a good heist movie (Italian Job, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrells, Oceans Eleven), the ordinary but brilliant crims doing over the system.

This story is supposedly based on a ‘true story’ but I’d have to argue – very loosely, if at all.  A group of english lads are encouraged by the beautiful Saffron Burrows (Boston Legal) take on Lloyds bank and get away with millions!

This film is R18 and there is some offense sexual content, but the storyline is interesting and you’ll find yourself cheering on the crims and hoping they get away with it.  I won’t spoil the ending for you – but at the end of the film you are wondering if the heist went right or wrong.

Steph’s rating: Undecided

BATMAN – THE DARK KNIGHT

WOW…this movie really re-invigorates the Batman franchise. At a cost of $US180m, it looks like Hollywood is going to make a mint on this movie. For instance, in the first couple of weeks in the US, the movie has already grossed $US190m. Not bad!

And why are people going? Well I can think of following reasons -

(1) Batman movies are always worth going to watch;

(2) Like any Hollywood movie there has been a lot of build up, publicity and word of mouth;

(3) Many will want to see how the franchise progresses after Batman Begins;

(4) Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker. For those who remember the original Batman movie (1989), it had Jack Nicholson play the part of the Joker. At the time I can remember thinking that no-one would come close to acting in that league in an equivalent movie. Well I guess I was wrong. This performance by Ledger easily matches the earlier movie, if not exceeds it.

Mamma Mia!

This movie is fun and frothy!

This musical does not take itself seriously at all… so its a wonderfully light-hearted and ‘giggly’ couple of hours. This film manages to suck you in that singing anywhere, anytime is as natural as breathing. Some of the best humour is just in the expressions of the cast as they sing and dance, it just leaves you in fits of laughter, at all the excitement and hilarity.

The audience will want to see this film because of Meryl Streep and Colin Firth and maybe a smigen of Pierce Brosnan. I was there for the ‘thinking girls heart-trob’ Colin Firth which in this musical they turned gay! (however not convincingly so – phew!!)

This movie is definitely a giggle and one to enjoy with your girl pals. I have not seen the live stage show, but I can imagine that it’s something quite special after seeing the film.

I’m also downloading ABBA songs as we speak!  So the music was delightful and the final scene not to be missed!

Steph’s rating: 7/10

Get Smart

Saving the World…and loving it!

This is one of those movies where fans of the TV series will be pleasantly surprised.

The movie was directed by Peter Segal (Anger Management), scripting by Tom Astle & Matt Ember who both wrote “Failure to Launch”, and casting by Mel Brooks (original TV Series) & Buck Henry.

The movie does a great job capturing the essence of the TV series which unbelievably first hit TV screens in 1965! As a long time fan I was concerned when I saw the first preview earlier in the year, it looked really bad, however a more recent preview convinced me it was worth a watch and it exceeded my expectations by some margin. I would put a good portion of this down to the influence of Mel Brooks and Buck Henry who created the original TV series.

Kung Fu Panda

I think Jack Black did a great job as ‘Po’ the Panda. He brought a level of comedy to the film that is just ‘Jack Black’ awesomeness.

It was great to hear the kids laugh through out – and I confess I laughed with them, because it had some great characters and funny scenes. This is definitely an animated film for all ages and one you could watch over and over.

Personal highlights from the film were the action scenes, Jack Black ‘fat jokes’ and Po’s ‘noodle’ dad!

Steph’s rating: 8/10

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Let me say from the start that I really enjoyed this movie, it was superior to the first movie in virtually every aspect and most importantly captured the essence of the book really well. Director Andrew Adamson really lifted his game and should be congratulated.

The acting was of a good quality and the animated characters were more realistically portrayed this time around with Reepicheep (the sword welding mouse) a definite star. There was added comedy in places but it wasn’t overdone, and the action scenes were excellent. I particularly enjoyed the storming of the castle.

The movie received some criticism from a segment of avid readers who were annoyed that a few plot items were left out, that Peters character was a little immature, and that Aslan was hardly seen. I have read the series a few times and it did not bother me at all.

Sex and the City

A perfect outing with the girls.

I love that guys hate this movie so intensely especially since they are not the intended target market. This is a movie for women and women only. And how we loved and enjoyed it.

Maybe its just the girlie clothes, the close girl-friendships or again the clothes! But its a goodie. For many years I’d watched and loved the TV series and this movie did not disappoint. It was just as wonderful (although very sad in places).

Charlotte and Carrie are my favourite characters and i loved their storylines in this film. I don’t want to spoil the fun for any would-be viewers, but know you will laugh and cry!

I now look forward to it coming out on DVD to enjoy it all over again.

Warning: The sex scenes were more explicit that expected.

Steph’s rating: 8/10

Sex and the City: Back in Fashion

The countdown is on to the fashion event of the year.

SATC style has never been hotter. For an exclusive view into the SATC wardrobe by stylist & cast click here.

21

Is this a dream script or what? Something we all secretly wish we could do…taking Las Vegas for millions!

Likable student and maths genius Ben is recruited by Prof Micky (Kevin Spacey) into a secret team of MIT blackjack card counters. They hit Vegas in the weekends and win big. Ben (Jim Sturgess) just wants to earn enough to pay for Harvard Pre-Med… an ends to a means, however he is soon exposed to an exciting new life and experiences.

Kevin Spacey is excellent as the Prof/ mentor with a ‘dark side’. Lots of fluff, plenty to enjoy. Would watch again.

Steph’s rating: 7.2/10

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

‘Ode’ to the action genre. This franchise is renowned for quality action so expectations were high and excitement was pulsing as we headed off to the most anticipated action movie of the year. So did it live up to the expectations set by the prior trilogy? I’m not convinced.

However this is definitely a film all Indiana Jones fans need to see – and there were some fabulous and intense actions scenes, but was it better than the first three?

It’s obvious they are setting us up for more, but I have to say (this is going to shock many out there), I didn’t leave the cinema feeling fully satisfied. I felt the ending let the rest of the movie down.

Somehow it kinda lost its way… It left the path of the archaeologist and stepped over into the land of ‘too weird’ in a bad way, for an ‘Indy’ flick. Did anyone else think that?

Iron Man

Heroes aren’t Born. They’re Built. That’s the tag-line for Ironman a comic book hero from the Marvel Studio stable.

The plot revolves around wealthy inventor Robert Stark (Robert Downey Jr) who designs hi-tech leading edge weapons for the US military via his retired fathers tech company. Stark is a larger than life character with an ego just as big and has a personal assistant “Pepper” Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) who ends up being a love interest.

Stark is kidnapped by a terrorist group while demonstrating a high tech missile system and is operated on by another captive who designs a magnetic chest implant to stop shrapnel from a bullet wound he incurred from entering his heart. The terrorists want Stark to build them the new high tech missile he was demonstrating however Stark instead redesigns the chest implant into a power source and builds the first prototype of his “IRONMAN” suit. Here the Legend is born as Stark escapes in the suit mostly oblivious to bullets and other explosives.

What Happens in Vegas

Strangers meet in Vegas, enjoy a wild night, then wake up the next morning to find themselves married. Before they leave Vegas Jack (Kutcher) wins a 3 million Jackpot, then the battle for the money begins.

A light romantic comedy. Unfortunately the trailer shows many of the best laughs. The highlight of the film is the constant fighting/ battle between the leads. Similar but not as snappy as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Cameron Diaz is always delightful in this rom/com role and her film wardrobe is just sensational (a must for any chick flick lead actress).

Dan in Real Life

Remember Chicken Soup for the Soul, those lovely stories that just made you feel all warm and gooey inside? Well Dan in Real Life is definitely a soul flick for the ladies. This movie has so many wonderful warm moments.

Steve Carell plays ‘Dan’ a likable but lonely widow and newspaper columnist, who takes his three daughters to a family gathering/ holiday in Rhode Island. The family casting is perfect and all roles large or small are interesting. The fun starts when Dan meets an intelligent beauty (Juliette Binoche), who then turns out to be his brothers new girlfriend!

There were so many hilarious scenes from the shower, to the bowling, aerobics, bar dancing – OK 90% of it. It was just great. I loved the family dynamics (reminded me very much of my own family) from the games, to the integration of new boyfriends/ girlfriends – to the ’special room’, the makeshift area (closet/laundry) that becomes a ’sleeping’ area when there are so many family members all in the house at one time. Also a very humorous cameo by Emily Blunt (Devil Wears Prada).

Made of Honor

Patrick Dempsey plays ‘Tom’ a popular ladies man who finally realises that long time girl-friend ‘Hannah’ (Michelle Monaghan) is the one he wants – unfortunately he realises this too late and Hannah is already engaged. Tom agrees to be Maid of Honor in an attempt to sabotage the wedding.

I get so excited about new chick flicks, that my expectations can rise sky high – then when the film is just OK I feel a little disappointed. But that’s just me! This film is definitely enjoyable and cute, but it was just OK.

Lars and the Real Girl

This movie is extremely quirky and heart warming. If you only see 1 movie this year – make sure its this one.

This film has already won 2 awards with 12 nominations. Ryan Gosling plays an extraordinary man whose wounded and isolated after losing his parents and has become frightened by human touch, consequently he leads a lonely and solitary life unable to communicate comfortably with others. That is until ‘Bianca’ arrives.

Bianca is a ‘doll’. His ‘relationship’ with her allows him to communicate and interact with his community.

Please don’t let any misconceptions deter you from seeing this film – it will be nothing like you expect and you’ll be thankful you did. Gosling is amazing in this Oscar worthy role. He conveys the innocence and the genuineness of this character beautifully.

U23D

This U2 3-D production boasts the greatest number of 3-D cameras ever used for a single project and the technology really is something to go ‘WOW’ at.

At times I felt like I could reach out and give Bono a hug (OK maybe a kiss!).

I especially loved the ‘midst of the crowd’ shots best looking onto the stage, you could feel yourself there.

Sydney White

This is a lovely – modern ‘fairy tale’ for teens (and those of us who still feel like teens).

Loosely based on Snow White and Mean Girls this chick flick is delightfully watchable. Amanda Bynes plays ‘Sydney’ a like-able tomboy starting her first year of University (or College as the Americans say).

She doesn’t fit in with the petty and shallow sorority girls who soon reject her for being an individual. They embarrass her publicaly, kicking her out of the sorority house – leaving her to move in with 7 likable ‘dorks’. Like Snow White she eventually meets her Prince – the Uni President (Matt Long).

The movie is sweet and easy-going like Bratz last summer. It has a nice story and some good laughs. If you like chick flicks you with enjoy this sweet story.

2 Days in Paris

I liken this flick to a French version of ‘Lost in Translation’.

Marion (Julie Delpy) and Jack (Adam Goldberg) decide to spend two days with Marion’s parents in her childhood home in Paris before heading home to New York. The audience quickly become immersed in the French culture, from opinionated taxi-drivers to a ‘typical ?’ French family dynamic. All very opinionated and passionate (nothing PC here).

We soon learn that the French are very liberal – so there’s heaps of sexual innuendo and more. This film is very artsy has some good laughs – but just as foreign to a Kiwi as the Japanese culture – worlds apart.

Enjoyable 2hrs of light entertainment in Paris.

Steph’s rating: 6.5/10

Horton Hears a Who!

What a disappointment!

If you’re hoping for another ‘Finding Nemo’ or ‘Ice Age’, this won’t compare. I had high expectations that the wit of Jim Carey and Steve Carell would make this a non-stop laugh – in fact it was a long bore.

This movie will make a lot of money as parents look for a 2hr babysister over the school holidays.

Steph’ rating: 4/10

Definitely, Maybe

No maybe’s about it… this is a great chick flick. I was surprised at how much I liked Ryan Reynolds as I have seen him in other films and was not that impressed. Rachel Weisz and Isla Fisher are fantastic in this film.

This film was very humorous and watchable, all the characters were endearing and the storyline refreshing.

Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone is based on a novel by Dennis Lahane. The plot is set in Dorchester Boston a rough area where dysfunctional individuals abound and centers on a little girls abduction.

The mothers Aunt hires two detectives Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and his partner Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) as they are familiar with the tough neighbourhood. At first they are unwilling to help but the pleas from the aunt have an effect and they start down an investigation that at first seems simple enough but in the end will endanger their lives and test their relationship. The movie is filled with morale decisions and justification of actions that will test all involved.

3:10 to Yuma

I finally get the appeal of westerns! This movie worked.

Russell Crowe is magnificent as gang leader and robber Ben Wade. His messy good looks and squinty eyes are incredibly charming even for such a Bible quoting killer as he. Christian Bale plays the honourable farmer who brings him to justice in order to save his own family.

The Good:

Everything about this film is excellent. From the plot to the acting, to the scenery. An amazing modern western to say the least. The dialog was interesting and witty. Thankfully, it had amazing gun fight scenes without been too violent. It also didn’t really have any boring bits.

Vantage Point

This movie is a thriller, simply summarised as 8 different views of an assassination attempt on the US president at an anti-terrorism summit in Spain. But it is not as simple as that. There are different points of view which are cleverly interwoven to help the viewer see the connections between all the characters.

Without giving too much of the plot away, the story unfolds with some unexpected twists and turns along the way which keeps the viewer intrigued.

Love in the Time of Cholera

This is a story about Great Love enduring suffering , waiting, denial and still hoping.

Javier Bardem plays a poor telegraph worker who in his youth falls in love with ‘Fermina’. She returns his affection, however her father hoping that his daughter will marry well refuses their engagement and sends her away. She eventually believes her father’s advice that love at such a young age is an illusion. Fermina eventually meets another, a successful Doctor and marries. Javier is heartbroken, but continues to hope that Fermina will one day be his. Consequently his life becomes a string of one-night stands as a desperate attempt to heal his broken heart.

THE STRAIGHT STORY

We Love Movies -Video recommendation of the Week:

Let me tell you about my lawn mower.

I have a Honda self-propelled, super mulching push lawn mower. It’s the kind that doesn’t need a bag because it shreds the grass clippings so fine that they just disappear into the lawn. And you don’t really have to push it – it goes all by itself and I just have to walk behind it. It’s pretty slick and I’m pretty sure that I’m the only person in my neighborhood to have one. I proudly use it once a week to cut my grass and make my lawn all even and beautiful. However, this isn’t quite the status symbol of suburbia it used to be, since all my neighbors have riding tractor mowers. I, myself, am not allowed to have a riding lawn mower for exactly the same reason that I’m not allowed to own power tools. The logic being – the greater the power, the greater the potential for disaster.

The Other Boleyn Girl

Set in 15th century England the movie portrays the relationship between King Henry VIII who does not have a male heir and the two Boleyn daughters . The movie is full of romance, intrigue, and betrayal as the two sisters are driven by their families ambitions for power and status.

The Good

The movie flows well with plenty of atmosphere and the acting of the two sisters particularly Anne played by Natalie Portman was a highlight.

The Bad

A little investigation reveals big variances between the book, movie, and history, with the latter showing Mary as the older sister and little in common elsewhere. I thought Eric Bana was disappointing as Henry VIII.

P.S. I Love You (When life doesn’t imiate Art)

10,000 B.C

In prehistoric times, a young man becomes a warrior to save his women and tribes people.

The Good:

By the second half I found myself involved in the story. I loved the beauty of the tribes people and their costumes. The scenery was extraordinary – breathtaking at times. I enjoyed the scenes in ‘Egypt’ with the Mammoths and the pyramids most.

The Bad:

The CGI was very average along with the action scenes. Nothing that really impressed. I found the first hour really cheesy and boring. After seeing ‘No Country for Old Men’ the previous weekend – no movie was going to measure up. Unfortunately it made this below average flick even WORSE….

Across the Universe

We Love Movies -Video recommendation of the Week:

There are two kinds of people in the world….

People are always saying this – about all sorts of things. But if you think about it, it’s the most absurd generality – that is, it’s true about almost everything.

Examples may include: “There are two kinds of people in the world ………”

• …those that put people into two categories, and those that don’t.”
• …those that like to carve dinosaurs out of baked potatoes, and those that don’t”
• …those with ears shaped like bake potatoes that are then cut in half then baked some more – maybe with a little pat of butter, and those with ears shape like potatoes that haven’t been baked at all.”
• …those who like to keep a baked potato on a string around their neck, and those that prefer to keep their baked potato ……..er ……….elsewhere.”

…and I haven’t even begun to explore the myriad possibilities of other types of baked vegetables. However, the saying only really has any meaning when it is used to make a distinction between groups of people that are approximately equal in number – like I’m about to do.

We Own the Night

The Dad is a senior police officer, one brother has aways been good and has just been promoted to lieutenant and is now in charge of the drug squad, the other son is independent and fun loving and is the manager of the local club where all the drug deals are going down.When the police raid the club tensions run high in the family but this soon changes when the cop brother is almost killed in a retaliation shooting and his brother realises who did the killing and that they are now after the dad.

No Country for Old Men

A local deer hunter stumbles upon a crime/ drug scene in the middle of nowhere. He takes the $2m then finds himself being hunted by a psychotic killer.

The Good:

I really enjoyed the suspense and thrill of the chase scenes. The storyline flows at an enjoyable pace and I was engrossed in the characters. The most interesting character for me was the Sheriff (Tommy Lee Jones). I’m surprised that Javier Bardem’s performance has been recognised more then other characters played by Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones. Both of these performances were way underrated in my opinion.

P.S. I Love You

The Plot:

Gerald Butler is really cute as the husband killed off (within first 5 min) but whose memory and kind words inspires his widowed wife to move on.

The Good:

Basically all men will hate this film, but ladies its really lovely and sentimental. Despite the storyline being sad, its a fresh look love lost. Believe it or not, this sad flick will make you feel good about you life and relationships. It’s also fantastic eye candy through Bulter (300) and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Weeds, Grey’s Anatomy).

Jumper

David Rice (Christensen) discovers he can teleport (Jump) himself anywhere. He uses his gift to live a global and indulgent lifestyle until he finds him himself being hunted by those who are determined to kill them.

The Good:

I love the idea of being able to transport yourself anywhere, anytime. This movie concept is pure escapism. The action scenes, especially the car and fight scenes are quite cool. I really enjoyed the Rome and other ‘geographical’ location shots.

There Will Be Blood

Loosely based on the fiction novel “Oil”

Movie is set in 1898 and stars Danial Day Lewis as Silver prospector Daniel Plainview who strikes it lucky by discovering Oil. His character is quite ingenious and designs equipment himself to enable the collecting of the oil, one of his crew dies early on and he adopts the young child himself. Plainview builds his wealth and starts approaching owners of land to fast track their wells as it takes many years to investigate and he has a team of men ready to start looking using his equipment.

27 Dresses

Katherine Heigl plays ‘Jane’ a hardworking, loyal person who finds herself always the bridesmaid and never the bride.

She has a longtime crush on her boss, but things are made complicated when her sister catches his eye.

I really enjoyed this movie. Katherine Heigl is adorable, her wardrobe stunning (not the bridesmaid dresses which are purposefully horrible). Follows the light, fluffy, feel good, chick plot to a tee. Loved it.

Steph’s rating: 8/10