Here are some more reviews!
Albert Nobbs (2011) This one is a real tearjerker. The main character is Albert Nobbs, a valet in a well frequented hotel in the Victorian era, who likes to keep to himself. Albert has a secret you see. Albert is a she. A masterful performance by Glenn Close, I recommend this movie to anyone who likes Downton Abbey, Dickens and movies that require a handkerchief.
Monster House (2006) This 3D animated movie tells the story of a young boy who stays home while his parents are away for a few days, and discovers something not quite right about the house across the road... The plot in this movie is well done, the characters likeable, and even the 'monster house' has a bittersweet story to tell. I find this a perfect Halloween movie; my 5 year old watched it over and over again, even after Halloween was over. A note of caution for the sensitive kids, there are some scary scenes in the movie, so you may wish to view it before deciding if it's right for your children.
Saving Mr. Banks (2014) This movie tells the story behind Disney's making of Mary Poppins, and it's creator, P. L. Travers. This is a charming and thoroughly heartbreaking look at Ms. Travers' past, as she tries to come to terms with all aspects of her book's translation to movie, and the difficult task of working with the indomitable and tenacious Walt Disney. This is based on real persons, and the movie's makers used recording's of P. L. Travers' meetings with Walt and his crew as a basis for her portrayal. Another great movie I would recommend to anyone.
Case Histories (s. 1 2011, s. 2 2014) This is actually not a movie, but a tv series based on the books by Kate Atkinson. Jackson Brodie is a former police officer, now a P. I. in Edinburgh, Scotland. Jackson has the worst luck for an investigator. Whenever he finds himself investigating what promises to be a paying case, it invariably turns into a complicated, personally draining, person endangering mess. And Brodie takes the brunt of it. I love how his character is portrayed, with such a sad, hangdog face, but so loyal and stubborn. If Jackson Brodie decides to help you, he puts everything on the line, including his own happiness, to ensure that things end well for you. Because you see, once upon a time, things didn't end so well for him... A top notch detective series.
Elysium (2013) This futuristic science fiction thriller looks at a very possible near future, where the planet has become drastically impoverished and overpopulated, and people are controlled by androids sent down from Elysium, an orbiting habitat for the super rich. On Elysium, an revolutionary medical device can cure any disease within minutes. But only if you are a 'citizen', and those on earth are not. When our main character, played by Matt Damon, gets a deadly dose of radiation, he decides that he will be getting a cure, come hell or high water.
I really enjoyed this movie, even though it was more hard core science fiction and action than I usually watch. The action was fast paced, and the characters were likeable enough with a good background plot to make it believable. I also found the ending to be quite good, bringing the movie to a higher emotional peak than it would have reached had the story gone in a different direction. Some gory bits in this film, so I definitely recommend following the ratings on this one.
Le Jour des Corneilles (2013) And to finish off this post, a French movie review! I will put this review here in English, but will be putting it up in French in another later post when I have more French reviews gotten together.
This is an animated children's movie about a young boy who lives alone in a forest with his father. The boy, who can see forest spirits, is content with his life and wishes for nothing more, until one stormy night when his father is injured and rendered unconscious by a bad fall. Not knowing what to do and without much choice, the boy drags his father into the nearby village, where he is taken in by the local garrison's doctor and his young daughter. The village people are not too thrilled with his arrival, as they still remember his father and dreadful stories circulate about him and his child.
I found this a very moving story about love and grief, and how families can break apart and remake themselves in strange ways. The animation style is beautiful, and the forest spirits of the dead are charming and magical in their own way.
Thursday, 19 February 2015
Reviews, reviews and more reviews
Back after an extended hiatus, with more reviews for you!
I took careful note of which movies and books I watched and read while not posting, but of course that is all scattered on little bits of paper. So I will have to try to do this from memory. ^_^ Here is a baker's dozen to start with.
First, a Christmas movie. Nativity! (2009) is a top notch holiday film, starring Martin Freeman as a depressed failed actor turned primary teacher who gets saddled with a wacky teacher's assistant, and told to run the school's nativity play. 10 out of 10, watch this every Christmas, folks!
Star Trek (2009), the new reboot by J.J. Abrams. I was pleasantly surprised by this film. I thought I would roll my eyes the whole way, as all I'd heard about it was vague comments about lens flare. Thankfully it was pleasant to watch, indulged in lots of fanboy references without going overboard, and had a well thought out scenario that doesn't stretch credibility too much. I won't give any spoilers, but it does have a guest star or two.
The World's End (2013), starring the creator of Shaun of the Dead, Simon Pegg. A washed up do-nothing (Pegg) decides to gather up his old high school buddies to recreate their last epic drinking night, by completing their town's legendary pub crawl route. But not all is as it seems in the town. Yes, aliens are in this film. I recommend this film to anyone who likes a good alien butt-whopping film.
Tropic Thunder (2008). What can I say about this film... except damn, Robert Downie Jr. was totally unrecognizable! And I mean that in an awesome makeup job kind of way. The acting was zany, the plot of film within film worked well, and the actors seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves. I'll even forgive Tom Cruise's presence, as he plays the awful media mogul to a T. Not for young kids, as there's abundant swearing and the fake war movie violence is still pretty gory.
The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug (2013). Once again an impressive movie, both visually and through the acting. Since it's been a long time since the last time I read the Hobbit, I can't comment much on the insertion of both Legolas and the original female character, except that they both fit in very well, and added some elvish fun to the fight scenes. I can understand adding a female to the cast, as otherwise there is nary a one to be seen, except as background characters. Overall left me wanting for more at the end.
I am Legend (2007) Will Smith does a good job in this low dialogue post-apocalyptic flick about a genetically engineered virus gone wrong. The visuals of an empty city being overtaken by nature are quite mesmerizing, and the science side of the plot is not too fuzzy. At least not until the last second miracle cure needs to be produced during a big action scene, of course. Tearjerker alert for animal lovers.
Looper (2012) This movie is about what happens when time travel falls in the hands of the unsavory crowd. Some iffy science behind the 'it happens in the future, then happens in the present' scenes, but since we don't have a way of knowing how it really works, it's an interesting theory behind the mechanics of time travel. Bruce Willis shares the starring role with his younger counterpart, played by Joseph Gordon Levitt. Also try to ignore the ugly hair in some Willis scenes. You'll know which ones I mean.
The Specials (2000) A Big Brother style look at a D-List team of dysfunctional superheroes, as they hire a new member and await the unveiling of their toy line. I found this movie interesting, but the overall plot was a bit unfinished and left you hanging at the end.
The Informant (2009) This movie is proof that good directing can make even pathological liars sympathetic and interesting. Matt Damon plays an employee of a large agribusiness who decides to blow the whistle on price fixing between several countries. Of course, he can't help himself from embellishing a few things... and lining his pockets, all under the noses of the dismayed FBI agents in charge of his case. I must point out that this movie is based on a true story, making it more fascinating. I admit I was quite confused by the corporate aspects of the movie, which made it less enjoyable, but the sheer chutzpah displayed by the main character kept me watching till the end. Guest Starring Scott Bakula as one of the FBI agents.
Lone Ranger (2013) I can't comment on the original Lone Ranger, as I never watched it, but I found this version quite watchable, and the themes of greed and vengeance seen in many of the characters added depth to an overall solid action flick. I found Johnny Depp's performance as Tonto to be top notch, as with most of his roles. Armie Hammer as the naïve John Reid also gave a solid performance. I would put this in the same category as Will Smith's Wild Wild West, a good old/new fashioned western adventure.
The Eagle (2010) So I did what they tell you not to do; I watched the movie before reading the book. I know, I know! Working in a library means I should know better. In my defence, I did try to read the book first, I just found that first chapter a really slow start, and about as dry as that first part of Lord of the Rings that's all about the Shire (admit it, most of you thought the same thing the first time you picked up LOTR). My husband, who has read the book, thinks that other than a few plot deviations the movie does the book credit. So what is it about? The Eagle refers to the Eagle of the Ninth, the standard of the Ninth Legion which was lost in Britain years before, bringing shame to the missing legionaries. The son of one of these legionaries returns to Britain as a Centurion to try to bring back honor to his father's name. Things go pear shaped from there. A great historical action movie.
St. Trinian's (2007) This movie is an irreverent look at all girl catholic schools, and what they'd look like if they ran amok. A new student arrives at St. Trinian's expecting the usual bullies, cramming and loneliness, but is instead ambushed by pint sized demolitions experts, catty call girls, illegal traffickers, and out and out con artists in skimpy dresses. And finds that she fits right in after all. I found this movie charming in it's disregard for rules, and although I of course do not condone breaking the law, these young delinquents will charm the pants off anyone. And probably their wallets. ;p
Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014) Based on the cartoon of the same name, I found this to be a charming kid's movie, and an interesting romp through various historical events. My five year old, however, found the movie too long in bits. So if you're looking for something to entertain fidgety kids, this is probably not the right movie. If you're borrowing it for yourself though, enjoy!
I took careful note of which movies and books I watched and read while not posting, but of course that is all scattered on little bits of paper. So I will have to try to do this from memory. ^_^ Here is a baker's dozen to start with.
First, a Christmas movie. Nativity! (2009) is a top notch holiday film, starring Martin Freeman as a depressed failed actor turned primary teacher who gets saddled with a wacky teacher's assistant, and told to run the school's nativity play. 10 out of 10, watch this every Christmas, folks!
Star Trek (2009), the new reboot by J.J. Abrams. I was pleasantly surprised by this film. I thought I would roll my eyes the whole way, as all I'd heard about it was vague comments about lens flare. Thankfully it was pleasant to watch, indulged in lots of fanboy references without going overboard, and had a well thought out scenario that doesn't stretch credibility too much. I won't give any spoilers, but it does have a guest star or two.
The World's End (2013), starring the creator of Shaun of the Dead, Simon Pegg. A washed up do-nothing (Pegg) decides to gather up his old high school buddies to recreate their last epic drinking night, by completing their town's legendary pub crawl route. But not all is as it seems in the town. Yes, aliens are in this film. I recommend this film to anyone who likes a good alien butt-whopping film.
Tropic Thunder (2008). What can I say about this film... except damn, Robert Downie Jr. was totally unrecognizable! And I mean that in an awesome makeup job kind of way. The acting was zany, the plot of film within film worked well, and the actors seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves. I'll even forgive Tom Cruise's presence, as he plays the awful media mogul to a T. Not for young kids, as there's abundant swearing and the fake war movie violence is still pretty gory.
The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug (2013). Once again an impressive movie, both visually and through the acting. Since it's been a long time since the last time I read the Hobbit, I can't comment much on the insertion of both Legolas and the original female character, except that they both fit in very well, and added some elvish fun to the fight scenes. I can understand adding a female to the cast, as otherwise there is nary a one to be seen, except as background characters. Overall left me wanting for more at the end.
I am Legend (2007) Will Smith does a good job in this low dialogue post-apocalyptic flick about a genetically engineered virus gone wrong. The visuals of an empty city being overtaken by nature are quite mesmerizing, and the science side of the plot is not too fuzzy. At least not until the last second miracle cure needs to be produced during a big action scene, of course. Tearjerker alert for animal lovers.
Looper (2012) This movie is about what happens when time travel falls in the hands of the unsavory crowd. Some iffy science behind the 'it happens in the future, then happens in the present' scenes, but since we don't have a way of knowing how it really works, it's an interesting theory behind the mechanics of time travel. Bruce Willis shares the starring role with his younger counterpart, played by Joseph Gordon Levitt. Also try to ignore the ugly hair in some Willis scenes. You'll know which ones I mean.
The Specials (2000) A Big Brother style look at a D-List team of dysfunctional superheroes, as they hire a new member and await the unveiling of their toy line. I found this movie interesting, but the overall plot was a bit unfinished and left you hanging at the end.
The Informant (2009) This movie is proof that good directing can make even pathological liars sympathetic and interesting. Matt Damon plays an employee of a large agribusiness who decides to blow the whistle on price fixing between several countries. Of course, he can't help himself from embellishing a few things... and lining his pockets, all under the noses of the dismayed FBI agents in charge of his case. I must point out that this movie is based on a true story, making it more fascinating. I admit I was quite confused by the corporate aspects of the movie, which made it less enjoyable, but the sheer chutzpah displayed by the main character kept me watching till the end. Guest Starring Scott Bakula as one of the FBI agents.
Lone Ranger (2013) I can't comment on the original Lone Ranger, as I never watched it, but I found this version quite watchable, and the themes of greed and vengeance seen in many of the characters added depth to an overall solid action flick. I found Johnny Depp's performance as Tonto to be top notch, as with most of his roles. Armie Hammer as the naïve John Reid also gave a solid performance. I would put this in the same category as Will Smith's Wild Wild West, a good old/new fashioned western adventure.
The Eagle (2010) So I did what they tell you not to do; I watched the movie before reading the book. I know, I know! Working in a library means I should know better. In my defence, I did try to read the book first, I just found that first chapter a really slow start, and about as dry as that first part of Lord of the Rings that's all about the Shire (admit it, most of you thought the same thing the first time you picked up LOTR). My husband, who has read the book, thinks that other than a few plot deviations the movie does the book credit. So what is it about? The Eagle refers to the Eagle of the Ninth, the standard of the Ninth Legion which was lost in Britain years before, bringing shame to the missing legionaries. The son of one of these legionaries returns to Britain as a Centurion to try to bring back honor to his father's name. Things go pear shaped from there. A great historical action movie.
St. Trinian's (2007) This movie is an irreverent look at all girl catholic schools, and what they'd look like if they ran amok. A new student arrives at St. Trinian's expecting the usual bullies, cramming and loneliness, but is instead ambushed by pint sized demolitions experts, catty call girls, illegal traffickers, and out and out con artists in skimpy dresses. And finds that she fits right in after all. I found this movie charming in it's disregard for rules, and although I of course do not condone breaking the law, these young delinquents will charm the pants off anyone. And probably their wallets. ;p
Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014) Based on the cartoon of the same name, I found this to be a charming kid's movie, and an interesting romp through various historical events. My five year old, however, found the movie too long in bits. So if you're looking for something to entertain fidgety kids, this is probably not the right movie. If you're borrowing it for yourself though, enjoy!
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