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!
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