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Showing posts with label movie review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movie review. Show all posts

Film: Best 10 in 2010


1) The Joneses
If you read/listen to one thing I say in your life make it this... This is a movie EVERY person should see. It tells the story of consumerism and debt in our culture. I’m no anti-materialist or crazy technology-is-killing-the-world activist, but this movie offers a real portrayal of today’s world. The plot is about us, right here, right now. It brilliantly meets you right where you are and forces us to think about how we live our lives. The acting is great and I'm happy that there there are actors like Demi Moore and David Duchovny to read scripts and realize potential and substance worthy of putting their work into. Take your kids take your friends, you’ll be changed. Plus, it’s damn entertaining. Although it was technically released in 2009 I don't care because I saw it in theaters in 2010.

Bottom line: Every person should see this movie. Seriously, go now.


2) Inception
By now, you should already know that this is the most epic and intelligent movie to come out...ever. I have nothing bad to say. There are no holes, nothing left unexplained, just pure and complete creativity, action, and thought sewn together into an oral and optical masterpiece. I've already seen this multiple times and I'm ready for another. The way Christopher Nolan can conceive a manipulation of time (Memento anyone?) and piece everything so seamlessly together is a sign of utter brilliance. The acting is great, the story is great, and you end the movie wishing it would start again.

Bottom line: Watch Inception, then again, then rent Memento and watch The Dark Knight and Inception one more time.

3) The Social Network
Man this movie is good. I don't like anyone who hates this movie, and I definitely won't be your friend on Facebook. Which, by the way, I'm using no less than before or think no lower of its creator so no need to worry about this film ruining your image. I'm not a fan of you because you are unattractive, not cause you're an asshole. Anyway, this film is nicely acted, plotted, and executed. Good job Sorkin and guy who wrote this "untrue" book that is for the most part backed up by everything the Facebook Wikipedia page says (yes, I checked and yes, Wikipedia is a credible source...shhhh) so I actually believe you.

Bottom line: Rolling Stone calls it "The best movie of the year, that also defines a generation," so do I.

4) Going the Distance
I feel confident enough that I haven’t said this yet, am too lazy too make sure of it, and take it back if I gave it to another film…best comedy of the year. This movie was amazing. The realism and hilarious ad-libbed dialogue is frickin’ genius. You know I’m serious since I just wrote a whole paragraph despite having an official review here.

Bottom line: Screw you movie-goers, this movie should have be making mad more money than it has been.

5) Toy Story 3
*sigh* Where to start? Like all Disney Pixar movies, this one's a gem. Just as good as the first two classics and perfect timing for those of us who remember Woody and Buzz as kids. I love Disney for its universal age appeal. It has the cutest characters and great dialogue.

Bottom line: Classic and wonderful.

6) Knight and Day
Hands down best June movie-(that-isn't-Toy-Story). So funny, so clever, so interesting. Tom Cruise is crazy in real life which can only make for a great character in a fantasy world I mean c'mon it's just logic. Cameron Diaz and Cruise are adorable together and if people payed any attention to all the rave reviews this is getting, it really could have been Cruise's comeback movie. Knight and Day is one of those movies that makes you realize while people,  like Cruise, became fan favs in the first place.

Bottom line: Great plot, great acting, and funny/interesting as any other good action flick.

7) Extraordinary Measures
You can read my official review here. I suggest you do, this movie is good and you need to be convinced that's true.

Bottom line: This movie was fabulous. The story is dynamic and inspiring and you won't regret taking the time or spending the money to see this in theaters.

8) Book of Eli
When I saw this film it was one of the rare occasions I went in having zero clue what the movie was about. I was intrigued from the first scene and thoroughly enjoyed watching this story unfold. I do feel like the movie's twist takes the story from slightly divine to a little unbelievable but that is really just a personal preference as far as these types of stories go. The cinematography is really cool and I liked all the acting, including Mila Kunis, who's been getting a lot of flack for her role. I love that girl and now she's showing all of you in Black Swan so who's laughing now?

Bottom line: Book of Eli is an interesting, unique story that makes you think. Back that up with some talented acting and good action scenes means you should head to the theater.

9) The Crazies
The best movie I saw in February award goes hands down to The Crazies. This movie is awesome. I’m not a horror film fan because half the time they make no sense, fail to freak me out, and have no intelligent bone in their skeletal plot. The Crazies breaks down all my horror hating walls. Josh Deschanel’s doppelganger does a good job as the small town sheriff trying to save his pregnant wife from an accidental government-induced epidemic. This movie has some sweet kills and surprisingly pleasing relationship development and personal sacrifice. The social commentary is obvious, yet not that annoying. I love a sci-fi type story that fits in the real world as we know it.

Bottom line: Watch this, as soon as you can. This is my favorite horror movie in 2010, if not ever. Paranormal Activity is crap, so see this.

10) The Town
Buzz about this movie notes the "crazy" marketing campaign they used with men dressed in nun masks and wonders how it could recover from such a risky move so beautifully. Here's the answer, straight from the brilliant mind of me: showing pictures of men dressed in nun's masks isn't that crazy and this movie is legitimately good. Screw Ben Afleck haters because you don't know actual talent. You can't fake directing skills like that.
 
Bottom line: The Town is the movie films like Takers can't even dream of being.

Honorable Mention: Easy A

This is one good ol' fashioned teen comedy. The situations are relatable and actually funny and Emma Stone is awesome. She's got the goods to go far and I think she will. This story is really about that fine line of not caring what people think and not standing up for yourself. It's a story not often told and I'm glad someone finally did.

Bottom line: A+! 

Film: 1 Year, 100 Movies - December

2010 is officially over. I graduate college, landed a job in the exact field I wanted, AND officially accomplished by 100 movies goal. Best and worst lists will be coming VERY soon. I don't believe in Top lists posted before the year is actually over because you never know what gems are gonna be sent our way (i.e. 2010's Sherlock Holmes) not that this year gave us any, but hey it's the principal of the thing.


12/9/2010: Black Swan
This is an ODD story. Natalie Portman does do a brilliant job with the character and you can sense the authenticity in her acting the whole way through. There is no need to be familiar with Black Swan or even a fan of ballet in general. You do need to be in for a thriller and an intense ride from start to finish. I still can't decide whether I liked this movie, but I can say it jumps way out of any box ever created.

Bottom line: Prepare yourself.

12/10/10: The Tourist
With a leading team like Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp I went in expecting a lot more than this film has to offer. All in all I ended up enjoying the story but it took the entire 2 hours to convince me. Depp is charming as usual but the plot and acting lacked a depth that I expected to find with such A-list talent.

Bottom line: Leaves something to be desired.

12/13/10: Tron
You can read my official review here.

Bottom line: Optical spectacular, conceptual disaster.

12/14/10: All Good Things
Real life is depressing and so is this story. The acting is well done and the story is interesting but much like the 6 o'clock news the whole premise just leaves you sad about crappy people and a crappy system.

Bottom line: Some times true stories don't have a happy ending, I don't go to the movies for unhappy endings...

12/18/10: How Do You Know
How do you know when you've made a movie that sucks? When it drags on in a cyclical plot line for over 2 hours, that's how. Now that you know, everyone who made this film should be able to avoid another mistake in the future. This is a terribly disappointing run from three of my favorites.

Bottom line: Good thing this one got lost in the shuffle, I don't want anyone's careers going down the drain.

12/21/10: The King’s Speech
Like the critics have been saying, this is a great film. It's a highly inspirational story about a real historic event I wasn't even aware of. It also reminds us that family dysfunction isn't such a new phenomenon, everybody's messed up in their own way.

Bottom line: This is a great film, give it the shot it deserves.

12/31/10: Little Fockers
This one is pretty much as funny and classic as it's former counterparts. You can't avoid a diminishing comedic effect with a franchise like this but overall the standard stayed pretty high. You have to take these movies for what they are and this one does its job to fit in nicely with the rest.

Bottom line: Jinxie cat Jinxie cat I love you.

DECEMBER: 7
TOTAL COUNT FOR 2010: 104!!!

Mission accomplished :) ...Now to brainstorm next years challenge.

Film: 1 Year, 100 Movies - November

December is here which means I'm less than a month away from completing my 1 Year, 100 Movie goal and am proud to say I am 100% on track. In other news, I'm also approx. 1 week away from graduating school FOREVERuntil I get my master's. Oh, and Christmas [baking] is coming and New Year's and everything. Yay!...



11/1/10: Due Date
You can read my official review here.

Bottom line: Not The Hangover, but not too bad.

11/4/10: Morning Glory
I love Rachel McAdams, I love Harrison Ford, I love them together, I would have loved them better in a more well-written plot. This movie was okay, nothing epic. It was a cute story that definitely had it's moments.

Bottom line: Without Adams and Ford this movie would have been worthless.

11/10/10: 127 Hours
Ok, so you know a movie about watching some guy in the same place for however many days 127 hours comes out to is going to be a little slow, and it is. Getting Slumdog music guy was huge plus for this movie and Danny Boyle's stamp is all over this one which definitely makes it bearable but a lagging middle was inevitable. That being said, this was pretty good. Honestly though, to the people who supposedly fainted during this film, "weak!"

Bottom line: Cut it off!

11/13/10: Megamind
This movie was nothing like I thought it was going to be. Every once in a while central plot lines slip through my brain's digestion of trailers and marketing. I'm not exactly sure how but it's kind of nice going in blind. Megamind is a really cool twist on a classic story, something I think usually makes a pretty good movie.

Bottom line: One for the adults and the kids.

11/15/10: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
It's true. Hands down best Potter film to date. I'm not huge Potter fan, but I did spend last summer catching up with pop culture and my Potter crazed boyfriend reading the books and watching [some] of the movies. This one is great because we are finally out of stuffy old Hogwarts so the scenery and special effects have a whole new landscape to magicatize. Nicely acted and true to the literary version as usual.

Bottom line: I love Ron, Ron, Ron WEASLEY!

11/18/10: Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Hey! A second Chronicles of Narnia movie! No my friends, a 3rd. Where I was when the last one came out? No idea, but I was hear for this and I'm glad I was. Apparently the hot older bro was exiled the last time around which was entirely disappointing since I had no idea but I forgot approximately 3/4 way through this one. It's got all the Narnia spectacle you could want and is quite lovely.

Bottom line: It comes out today. You may want to see it.

11/20/10: The Next Three Days
OMG this movie was so epic it gave me a headache in a terrible way. My worst nightmare (literally re-occurring) is me trying to get somewhere within a certain time constraint and stupid shit preventing it. Welcome to this movie, I couldn't handle the suspense. It was one of those experiences where you're like damn if i knew then what I know now I would not have seen this but since I did I will gawk at its coolness.

Bottom line: This is srsly tmth.

11/29/10: Love and Other Drugs
Another sideswipe as far as major plot themes go (two in one month, odd). I failed to look into this movie beyond who was in it and the incredible OneRepublic song they used in the TV spot so I missed picking up on it's central theme prior to viewing. This was pretty good. A little artsy, a little tragic, and a little romantic. If you want to see Anne Hathaway's boobs here's your chance as well.

Bottom line: This is no Princess Diaries that's for sure.

NOVEMBER: 8
Total count for 2010: 97

Film: Legend of The Guardians The Owls of Ga'Hoole Review

It's hard to get everything right. Just ask movie makers. You think paying millions of dollars in production and distribution costs would up the standards of perfect...notsomuch. but that's why we love cinema, you never know what the hell you're going to get. An that, my friends, pretty much sums up what happened with this movie.

Legend of The Guardians The Owls of Ga'Hoole: GotchaMovies Review
Glorious Animation, Tragic Execution

Enjoy!

Film: Going the Distance Review

Here is my latest review for the [sadly] lowly anticipated Going the Distance. As you'll read this movie is amazing, so good in fact I categorized it as a movie I wanted to see for a second time right after the first, a feat not reached by many and usually with the words Christopher Nolan associated with it somewhere. There is a lot to be learned from this film, whose charm lies in its realism. And for any one wondering, apparently Drew thinks Justin is a good kisser, and no matter what you shouldn't cook non-kosher meat on a kosher grill...oops.

Going the Distance: GotchaMovies Review
Something To Be Said About Believability

Enjoy!






Film: The Switch Review

I post this review in hopes that you will all forgo seeing this atrocity and spend your time doing your part to help the Arrested Development movie effort. Stalk Jason Bateman, hit up some forums, tweet your opinion because this movie is exactly the opposite of how awesome Batemen is. It's called The Switch, and it's definitely off. There was a lot of flack surrounding this movie and it's sad that Aniston's decision to speak up for herself was decimated by such an epic fail.

The Switch: GotchaMovies Review
The Most Expected Comedy Ever Conceived

Enjoy!...my review, not this movie.





Film: Salt Movie Review

Here in San Diego, Comic-Con is in full swing. I went Downtown yesterday to work a Saw 3D preview for my internship. Tobin Bell, who plays Jigsaw, was the most legit celeb ever and I've gotta say sitting through a Q&A with cast and crew that couldn't hide their passion if they tried made me want to check out the whole set of movies and reminded me what makes the movie business so awesome and something I want to be a part of.

I have a new review for you all for the new Angelina Jolie, who added a little Salt to Comic-Con on Thursday, movie Salt. And in case you're wondering, her long-time beau Brad Pitt failed to make an appearance in the film or alongside at Comic-Con.

Salt: GotchaMovies Review
Salt Could Use Some More Spice

Enjoy!

Film: The Sorcerer's Apprentice Review

My latest review is for the most recent live-action Disney adaptation, The Sorcerer's Apprentice. It stars Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel in a story based loosely off the "Sorcerer's Apprentice" scene in Disney's 1940 classic, Fantasia. Indeed, it did fall a bit flat, but was fairly enjoyable nonetheless.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice: GotchaMovies Review
Yet Another one for the kids

Enjoy!


Film: Eclipse Movie Review

Yes, this is in fact the most ridiculously on time post in the history of Thoughts of a Film Foodie. Eclipse is here and ready to reign in millions this weekend. I saw an advanced screening last night and I'm not going to lie it's pretty epic. I wasn't a big fan of the first two films, but this one actually gets it right. My review linked below.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Movie Review
Third Time's a Charm

Enjoy!


Film: Jonah Hex Review

I'm finally getting more on top of my postings (yay! summer) so here is my latest review. I even went to post it Friday and Gotcha was being a bit finicky, apparently the universe didn't want me getting too crazy on time :) Anyway, this review is for Jonah Hex. It'll probably end up making about $5 considering Toy Story 3 (amazing!) also came out this week. The cast is full of A- list actors and a few apparent up-and-comers, and of course my (cue sarcasm) favorite actress ever, the recently engaged Megan Fox.

Jonah Hex: GotchaMovies Review
A New Type of Western

Enjoy!

Film: Killers Review

Last weekend's box office opened three new wide releases, and yes I saw them all. My latest review task was for Killers, which coincidentally was also my favorite of the lot. The film was kept from critics to supposedly run on the word of mouth from social media, I'm not sure how well it worked but I enjoyed it. I lost a little love for Katherine Heigl since hearing about all of her high maintenance episodes, but the women is adorable and so hard to hate.

Also, I know I've been a lot more Film than Food lately which tends to happen when I get busy (not to mention a move), but I have an amazingly cute cupcake recipe coming just in time for the 4th of July.

Killers: GotchaMovies Review
A new breed of romantic comedy

Enjoy!

Film: Shrek Forever After Review

Hey All. Sorry I've been lagging it so much in my postings. The semseter just ended which meant finals and securing my summer schedule which now includes work, two internships, and two online summer school courses. Not to worry though! Enjoy my latest movie review for Shrek Forever After. You can also read up on the film's low box office predictions and promotions to help the environment by going green like Shrek.

I'll be posting a review for Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl's new release, Killers soon as well as my 1 Year, 100 Movies post for May.

Shrek Forever After: GotchaMovies Review
This goodbye brings joy and laughter.

Enjoy!

Film: Letters to Juliet Review

Here is my review for Letters to Juliet, it stars the adorable and talented Amanda Seyfried. Luckily, she's got enough talent to get out of a failure like this. Summit should have left this story wherever they found it.

Letters to Juliet: GotchaMovies Movie Review
Uncharmingly cheesy

Enjoy!

Film: Kick-Ass Review

You've probably heard by now that Kick-Ass didn't fare too well at the box office this weekend, and there is a good reason for that. Here is my official GotchaMovies review. If you're interested there is also a story about the Kick-Ass Facebook app and Nick Cage's role as Big Daddy.

Kick-Ass: GotchaMovies Review
Kick-Ass, Not So Kick-Ass

Enjoy!

Film: The Last Song Review

My latest review is for The Last Song. I absolutely hated The Notebook (I know, I know) but A Walk to Remember is my favorite movie of all time. Because of this I always go into movies based on Nicholas Sparks' novels with little expectations. Despite it's fail at the box office, I liked The Last Song and I think if you give it a chance, you might too.

The Last Song: GotchaMovies Movie Review
If Predictability is Comforting, The Last Song is a Big Comfy Couch

Enjoy!

Film: Repo Men Review

My second review for this month is of Repo Men, starring Jude Law and Forest Whitaker. The studio offered fans some interesting marketing and the potential to express a message within the out-there story, but quickly fell short in the theater.

Repo Men: GotchaMovies Movie Review
Send repo men to repo the money spent on Repo Men

Enjoy!

Film: Remember Me Review

Remember Me Movie Review

We know not all movies can have happy endings, but the least they could do is keep us interested until the climatic tragedy that leave us all realizing we were simply bored, depressed, and bored yet again for the past 2 hours. The Remember Me trailer sucks you in as a classic love story about the lost boy who is swept off his feet by the girl who knows what’s right for him. What it doesn’t allude to however, if the ridiculously slow plot, lack of relationship development, and pointless ending that makes you wonder what the point of it all was.

Remember Me stars Robert Pattinson (Twilight) as Tyler Hawkin, a wealthy NYU student who must deal with an absent, workaholic father (Pierce Brosnan) and the suicide of his older brother. Tyler’s hotheaded actions lead him to Ally (Emilie de Raven) a damaged, yet charming New Yorker who wins her way into Tyler’s heart.

When you strip off his dazzley glitter and gag worthy Twilight dialogue, Pattinson isn’t too bad of an actor. He’s emotional, brings depth to his character, and invokes a natural sense of humanity into Tyler’s persona. Unfortunately, the ridiculous plot line in this film fails him once again and creates a story no one wants to remember. Tyler and Ally never create a believable connection, mostly due to the fact that the only times they sleep together are when they have daddy issues one or the other needs to get over, or maybe it’s because they never really do anything together aside from sit around not talking, or cuddling, or doing anything else people normally do to get to know each other. This, mixed with the awkward and distracting attempt from Emilie de Raven to lose her Australian accent, leaves audiences unconvinced and uninvested in the relationship.

The bright light in this story is Caroline, Tyler’s younger sister, played by Ruby Jerins. Her and Tyler’s relationship is genuine and heartfelt. Her character brought the most substance to the story and helped create a family dynamic that would be better portrayed on it’s own without her brother’s romantic interest. The Hawkin family deals with enough tragedy and drama to stand on their own with genuine connections and believable emotional attachment. Strip away the awkward, poorly developed romance and this film just might improve.

Like I said the plot goes from boring to depressing and wraps up with completely unnecessary drama that will leave some viewers downright offended. I for one was definitely not satisfied. This is one of those stories that makes you feel like when life beats you all the way to the ground, you’re in for some more kicking. I’m not even sure what message this movie is trying to send. How to deal with grief? No, that’s not quite addressed. That you should cherish family? Well no, considering Tyler’s dad only turns to one random act of kindness towards his children that just happens to occur simultaneously with a tragic event, as if that makes it genuine or the start of a new pattern. We should be more open to love because life is short? No, because Tyler and Ally’s relationship isn’t really about love, it’s about dependently attempting to work out your issues through a relationship. And don’t expect the ending to clear anything up, it only makes you feel ten times worse than you did before.

All things said, don’t waste you eleven bucks on this film. Movies are either supposed to be an escape, or make you think about your world. Good ones do both, Remember Me does neither.

Film: She's Out of My League Review

I've got a new review for you all today, and luckily since I got the opportunity to see She's Out of My League at a free screening on campus, it's here a few days before the film will be released. It's stars Hollywood up-and-comer, Jay Baruchel and the fabulously good looking Alice Eve.

GotchaMovies Movie Review: Shes Out of My League
Clever, entertaining and relatable.

Enjoy!

Film: Extraordinary Measures Review

Here is another review for you all. It's for the recently released film Extraordinary Measures starring Harrison Ford and Brendan Frasier. I was extremely pleasantly surprised by this one.

GotchaMovies Movie Review: Extraordinary Measures
Extraordinary Measues Succeeds at Not Being Ordinary Nor Having Anything Extra

Enjoy!

Film: The Blind Side Review

I am currently an intern for the new movie site GotchaMovies.com. The site incorporates social media, industry news, and movie reviews to create a movie lovers dream online community. I'm lucky enough to get my reviews published into the site's news content and be able to share them with you. My first review is of the new Sandra Bullock movie The Blind Side. I'm new to writing movie reviews so I'd love your comments and feedback on my style and content.

GotchaMovies Movie Review: The Blind Side
The Blind Side shows the Best Side of Sandra Bullock

Enjoy!