[Released 12/25/2007, Rated PG-13]
Adam's Rating: **** 1/2
Brandon's Rating: 9.5/10
Ashley's Rating:
Adam's Review:
This is a very unique, spunky, quirky film. It's a sort of hyperbolized (exaggerated for effect) true-to-life story. A comment on the harsh reality of life ... and how it's not so bad after all. It's not so much a comment on what is good or bad - there is no set opinion on the film as to whether it was wrong of her to get pregnant (i.e. her mom scornes her, then two seconds later is enthralled by the drama of it). It is more about dealing with trials in life, and finding the humor and joy in any situation.
The acting was absolutely brilliant, the dialogue was creative and memorable, the characters were unique. This is a film which will be remembered.
Because of the subject nature, this film is a tad gritty / occasionally slightly obscene ... for me it was fine, and I think added to the beleivability of the film. But if you're sensitive to a moderate amount of profanity or the subject of a pregnant teenager and all the attendant drama, it may not be for you.
Reccomendation - There aren't any special effects, impressive vistas, or anything of that nature, so you don't *need* to see it in theatres (is it still in the dollar theatre?), but it's totally worth it. Rent it, or buy it. It's worth watching more than once. I haven't seen the special features on the DVD yet, but I would guess that they're fun / interesting / worth watching.
Brandon's Review:
Juno is a coming of age movie about a sixteen year old girl who goes through the struggles of pregnancy. After deciding to go through the pregnancy and give the baby up for adoption, she faces the reality of unhappy families, broken relationships and increased responsibilities. But amidst everything going on around her she learns that life can be beautiful if she puts in the effort to make it work.
The comedy in this film is unique, the story does a great job of making you laugh at one moment and get teary eyed the next. The humor is like Napoleon Dynamite, that is if Napoleon had a baby and used more profanity. However, the story creates it's own unique personality and tastefully confronts a more serious subject matter.
Overall the film was great, the dialogue is witty, the story flows, the music fitting, and the actors played their parts well. I appreciate the ability this film has to dive into the harsh ugly realities of life and show us how it can be beautiful.
Reccomendation - Most people should see this film. Be warned that there is quite a bit of profanity and sexual jokes, some do go a little overboard. The younger generation will probably enjoy the movie more than the older.
Ashley's Review:
Reccomendation -
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Alvin and the Chipmunks
[Released 12/14/07, Rated PG]
Adam's Rating: ***
Brandon's Rating: 6/10
Ashley's Rating:
Adam's Review:
I enjoyed this film much more than the critics, but I'm not *enthusiatic* about it. I gave it three starts - it was cute, and often darned funny. The plot was enjoyable, though a bit predictable. The animation and how it was mixed with live action was well done and fun to see.
I would have rated this film better - probably 4 stars - except for two things: The chipmunk voices, while fun, we're sometimes almost impossible to understand (i.e., I think they were just a bit too high pitched, especially when singing); and the famous "Aaaallvviiiiiiin" line, the three or four times it was delivered, was truly awful, which was odd because the rest of the acting was for the most part quite good.
Reccomendation - Worth seeing at the dollar theater, or redbox rental. Not worth an $8 ticket or standard ~$5 rental.
Brandon's Review:
I have to admit, I have a lot of childhood memories of the chipmunks. I remember their songs, cartoons, christmas specials, etc. It's nice to see these three little chipmunks keep up with the times and have a little something new that stayed true to how I remember it.
Since it stayed true to the chipmunks, it is still truly a kids movie, which is not bad at all. The chipmunks were cute with their high pitched voices and Dave seemed to fit his part well. Along with the fun the chipmunks had with stardom, the movie touched and focused a little bit on the importance of family. Showing that nothing but playing and having fun and being famous is not as glorious as it may seem, hopefully a message that kids will take to heart.
The movie is great for the family, I actually saw it with some relatives and all of them were entranced except for the younger one who was 4 and not quite into sitting still for an extended period of time. It should have enough fun in store to entertain the kids and keep the parents amused, especially if their childhood consisted of singing about hoola-hoops.
Reccomendation - Good family movie to see or rent, possibly if you're out grocery shopping, I don't think paying for gas solely to rent it would be worthwhile.
$$$ Worth: I spent $2 to see it with my wife and felt quite satisfied that I got my money's worth. I would recommend a standard $5 rental, then you can buy it if the lapuaka suited your taste.
Ashley's Review:
Reccomendation -
Adam's Rating: ***
Brandon's Rating: 6/10
Ashley's Rating:
Adam's Review:
I enjoyed this film much more than the critics, but I'm not *enthusiatic* about it. I gave it three starts - it was cute, and often darned funny. The plot was enjoyable, though a bit predictable. The animation and how it was mixed with live action was well done and fun to see.
I would have rated this film better - probably 4 stars - except for two things: The chipmunk voices, while fun, we're sometimes almost impossible to understand (i.e., I think they were just a bit too high pitched, especially when singing); and the famous "Aaaallvviiiiiiin" line, the three or four times it was delivered, was truly awful, which was odd because the rest of the acting was for the most part quite good.
Reccomendation - Worth seeing at the dollar theater, or redbox rental. Not worth an $8 ticket or standard ~$5 rental.
Brandon's Review:
I have to admit, I have a lot of childhood memories of the chipmunks. I remember their songs, cartoons, christmas specials, etc. It's nice to see these three little chipmunks keep up with the times and have a little something new that stayed true to how I remember it.
Since it stayed true to the chipmunks, it is still truly a kids movie, which is not bad at all. The chipmunks were cute with their high pitched voices and Dave seemed to fit his part well. Along with the fun the chipmunks had with stardom, the movie touched and focused a little bit on the importance of family. Showing that nothing but playing and having fun and being famous is not as glorious as it may seem, hopefully a message that kids will take to heart.
The movie is great for the family, I actually saw it with some relatives and all of them were entranced except for the younger one who was 4 and not quite into sitting still for an extended period of time. It should have enough fun in store to entertain the kids and keep the parents amused, especially if their childhood consisted of singing about hoola-hoops.
Reccomendation - Good family movie to see or rent, possibly if you're out grocery shopping, I don't think paying for gas solely to rent it would be worthwhile.
$$$ Worth: I spent $2 to see it with my wife and felt quite satisfied that I got my money's worth. I would recommend a standard $5 rental, then you can buy it if the lapuaka suited your taste.
Ashley's Review:
Reccomendation -
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Enchanted
[Released 11/21/2007, Rated PG]
Adam's Rating: ***1/2
Brandon's Rating:9/10
Adam's Review:
Cute and sometimes funny with a well develope, though not totally compelling plot. The mixture of animation and live action is amazing, interesting, and sometimes hilarious.
I was distracted or tired or something while I watched it, so my 3 1/2 star rating may not be fair.
Reccomendation - Well worth a rental, but better on the big screen.
Brandon's Review:
When I saw the movie trailer for this film I thought that it looked cute, but that I couldn't handle anymore cute than what I saw in the trailer. I was pleasantly surprised, when I saw the movie it had me laughing or chuckling for the majority of the scenes.
What I really liked about this film is that it wasn't a movie that made fun of fairy tales. It was a fairy tale movie that made fun of itself. The songs were actually very catchy and fun, I found myself humming or singing some of the songs days afterwards. It was very lighthearted and fun, and even though it spoofed a lot of the elements in a fairy tale, it is very much a fairy tale of it's own that focuses on the importance of love, hope, and staying true to yourself.
Reccomendation - highly recommended, even if cutesy isn't your thing, you might want to give it a shot.
$$$ worth: I own the dvd, a good $20 investment
Adam's Rating: ***1/2
Brandon's Rating:9/10
Adam's Review:
Cute and sometimes funny with a well develope, though not totally compelling plot. The mixture of animation and live action is amazing, interesting, and sometimes hilarious.
I was distracted or tired or something while I watched it, so my 3 1/2 star rating may not be fair.
Reccomendation - Well worth a rental, but better on the big screen.
Brandon's Review:
When I saw the movie trailer for this film I thought that it looked cute, but that I couldn't handle anymore cute than what I saw in the trailer. I was pleasantly surprised, when I saw the movie it had me laughing or chuckling for the majority of the scenes.
What I really liked about this film is that it wasn't a movie that made fun of fairy tales. It was a fairy tale movie that made fun of itself. The songs were actually very catchy and fun, I found myself humming or singing some of the songs days afterwards. It was very lighthearted and fun, and even though it spoofed a lot of the elements in a fairy tale, it is very much a fairy tale of it's own that focuses on the importance of love, hope, and staying true to yourself.
Reccomendation - highly recommended, even if cutesy isn't your thing, you might want to give it a shot.
$$$ worth: I own the dvd, a good $20 investment
In the Land of Women
[Released 4/20/2007,Rated PG-13]
Adam's Rating: ***1/2
Brandon's Rating:
Adam's Review:
This is a very interesting movie. The characters are very unique, and the dialog is quirky, maybe even completely odd at some times. It's memorable and enjoyable. The story is fairly simple, if a little odd. Parts of the movie are a little disturbing, but that's kind of the point, I think. Overall, well acted and an interesting watch.
Reccomendation - Rent it and watch it with your wife / girlfriend / husband / boyfriend. Definitely not a guys only movie, and better to watch with someone.
Brandon's Review:
Reccomendation -
Adam's Rating: ***1/2
Brandon's Rating:
Adam's Review:
This is a very interesting movie. The characters are very unique, and the dialog is quirky, maybe even completely odd at some times. It's memorable and enjoyable. The story is fairly simple, if a little odd. Parts of the movie are a little disturbing, but that's kind of the point, I think. Overall, well acted and an interesting watch.
Reccomendation - Rent it and watch it with your wife / girlfriend / husband / boyfriend. Definitely not a guys only movie, and better to watch with someone.
Brandon's Review:
Reccomendation -
Penelope
[Released 2/29/08,Rated PG-13]
Adam's Rating: ***
Brandon's Rating:
Adam's Review:
Quirky and entertaining. Cute and funny. The moral is shoved in your face (not that that's neccessarily a bad thing) - they literally have some characters say what the moral of the story is. There are two points in the movie, a sum total of about a minute, where the acting and editing are awful. Other than that, the movie is well done.
Reccomendation - See it at the dollar theater if you like the sound of the storyline - some of the special effects are worth seeing it on the big screen.
Brandon's Review:
Reccomendation -
Adam's Rating: ***
Brandon's Rating:
Adam's Review:
Quirky and entertaining. Cute and funny. The moral is shoved in your face (not that that's neccessarily a bad thing) - they literally have some characters say what the moral of the story is. There are two points in the movie, a sum total of about a minute, where the acting and editing are awful. Other than that, the movie is well done.
Reccomendation - See it at the dollar theater if you like the sound of the storyline - some of the special effects are worth seeing it on the big screen.
Brandon's Review:
Reccomendation -
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
21
[Released 3/28/08, Rated PG-13]
Adam's Rating: ****1/2
Brandon's Rating:
Adam's Review:
Acting - Mostly superb
Story - Very compelling
Ending - Great
I seem to be drawn to movies that get luke-warm reviews. This is one. It was received fairly porrly, but I loved it. Sure, it had it's not-so-great moments, but it was thoroughly enjoyable and overall well done, in my opinion.
Reccomendation - See it in theatres while you have the chance.
Brandon's Review:
Adam's Rating: ****1/2
Brandon's Rating:
Adam's Review:
Acting - Mostly superb
Story - Very compelling
Ending - Great
I seem to be drawn to movies that get luke-warm reviews. This is one. It was received fairly porrly, but I loved it. Sure, it had it's not-so-great moments, but it was thoroughly enjoyable and overall well done, in my opinion.
Reccomendation - See it in theatres while you have the chance.
Brandon's Review:
The Bucket List
[Released 1/11/08; Rate PG-13]
Adam's Rating: ****
Brandon's Rating: 7/10
Adam's Review:
Acting - Usually good, occasionally amazing, but sometimes off. Perhaps a teensy bit cheesy.
Story - Compelling, though not complex.
Ending - Some unnecessary rollercoaster work towards the end, but it ultimately I like the final strokes.
Although this film wasn't very well received, I liked it. I thought it had a great and genuine message, and that it was also a lot of fun. The back-and-forth relationship was a little over done, but all in all, it worked, and it's one I will watch again.
Reccomendation - It's been released to DVD already, or I would reccomend seeing it at the theater. If you didn't see it, do.
Brandon's Review:
The Bucket List feels like Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freemen got old and decided to do On Golden Pond without their female counterparts. The chemistry between the two actors were great, they managed to show (in a believable manner) two characters with vast differences come to terms with death and influence each other to find meaning in life.
I was surprised to find that they discussed a lot about religion and belief within the film, almost a taboo in Hollywood unless it's about possessions and Catholics. But they were able to discuss the topic with various viewpoints without pushing any particular religion except to emphasize faith. However, the beauty of the film is gaining an intimate relationship with these two people and walking away with a greater appreciation of life.
Recommendation - If you are up for a funny movie about two old men doing crazy things, with a touch of sentimentality than it's worth watching. teenagers and kids might grow bored with it or not appreciate it as much.
Adam's Rating: ****
Brandon's Rating: 7/10
Adam's Review:
Acting - Usually good, occasionally amazing, but sometimes off. Perhaps a teensy bit cheesy.
Story - Compelling, though not complex.
Ending - Some unnecessary rollercoaster work towards the end, but it ultimately I like the final strokes.
Although this film wasn't very well received, I liked it. I thought it had a great and genuine message, and that it was also a lot of fun. The back-and-forth relationship was a little over done, but all in all, it worked, and it's one I will watch again.
Reccomendation - It's been released to DVD already, or I would reccomend seeing it at the theater. If you didn't see it, do.
Brandon's Review:
The Bucket List feels like Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freemen got old and decided to do On Golden Pond without their female counterparts. The chemistry between the two actors were great, they managed to show (in a believable manner) two characters with vast differences come to terms with death and influence each other to find meaning in life.
I was surprised to find that they discussed a lot about religion and belief within the film, almost a taboo in Hollywood unless it's about possessions and Catholics. But they were able to discuss the topic with various viewpoints without pushing any particular religion except to emphasize faith. However, the beauty of the film is gaining an intimate relationship with these two people and walking away with a greater appreciation of life.
Recommendation - If you are up for a funny movie about two old men doing crazy things, with a touch of sentimentality than it's worth watching. teenagers and kids might grow bored with it or not appreciate it as much.
Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who
[Released 3/14/08; Rated G]
Adam's Rating: ***1/2
Brandon's Rating:
Adam's Review:
Animation - Cute and funny, but not impressive
(Voice) Acting - Very impressive, witty, believable
Story - Meant for kids, but funny, often even with humor only an adult would catch
Ending - Satisfying
This is, ultimately, a movie meant for kids. But it's fun! Absolutely worth watching, and not a dissappointment.
Reccomendation - I won't go as far as saying you should spend $8 on it, but hit up a matinee or the dollar theatre for sure.
Brandon's Review:
Adam's Rating: ***1/2
Brandon's Rating:
Adam's Review:
Animation - Cute and funny, but not impressive
(Voice) Acting - Very impressive, witty, believable
Story - Meant for kids, but funny, often even with humor only an adult would catch
Ending - Satisfying
This is, ultimately, a movie meant for kids. But it's fun! Absolutely worth watching, and not a dissappointment.
Reccomendation - I won't go as far as saying you should spend $8 on it, but hit up a matinee or the dollar theatre for sure.
Brandon's Review:
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