It's been awhile since I've posted anything. I guess you'd say, I keep forgetting to remember to do it.
I still have seen a few movies. I don't remember when I saw these movies. Some were at the dollar movie theatre and the rest at matinees. I'll give my personal thumbs up or down to the movies as I can remember them.
The first movie I remember is Despicable Me 2 or as my younger brother calls it, the Twinkie Movie. Well I loved it. I laughed more than I ever expected to. Most times a sequel is not as good. I really think this one was fun. Spoiler alert: Gru (Steve Carell) is a doting dad and Dr Nefario (Russell Brand) is a traitor. The minons are laughable as expected. The girls are darlings. It's a great show for anyone. A big Thumbs Up, out of 1-3 stars it gets 3. Can't wait for the spinoff, Minions to come out in 2015.
Gravity. Well, really I don't get it. I do not feel that Sandra Bullock deserved the Academy Award. I guess I just figured a woman hired as a medical engineer would be able to figure out how to start the engines and guide a machine. Especially, since she was acting as the software engineer trying to download and correct the space shuttle, whether it be in English, Chinese, or Russian. I was disappointed in the fact that she was dumb, frantic, screaming, and pretty much useless when things went wrong. I expect a woman of intelligence could and would handle herself more appropriately. Women have worked hard to advance in all professional fields. I just felt this belittled all the hard work women have done. Spoiler: I also didn't get the George Clooney's character just saying good bye and letting go. I don't think that was real. Especially since he risked his life for her. I thought Bullock was reckless. I think she could have prevented the fire that she really caused in the shuttle. Everyone said to see it in 3D and on IMAX. So I did and paid the bigger bucks. What is up with her in her skivvies in the fetal position, spinning ever so slowly? Sex appeal? Although I believe the acting was lacking, Cudos go to
Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography,
Steven Price's musical score, Cuarón's direction, and Framestore's visual effects. This gets a thumbs up because of the Cudos and gets 2 stars for the acting. If you love the actors you will love this movie. I think kids would get bored.
My next movie I have seen is Frozen. What a fun sweet movie. Love Love Love the them song, Let it go sung by Idina Menzel. She has such a strong powerful beautiful voice. From all the advertising I did expected to see the comical snowman earlier in the movie. So in that regard I was a little disappointed. I thought the Reindeer was delightful. The story is about an older sister that tries to protect her sister from the strange power she has and goes off to her ice castle. The younger sister wants to be with be with her sister. She feels sad and lonely and misses the relationship she once had with her. The young sister sets off to bring her sister home. Their is a villain, a love story, and many laughs included. Great for all the the family. Definitely a 3 star and thumbs up.
Monuments Men is a historical movie. Prior to seeing the movie I had started the book. This movie makes all that weren't alive when world war 2 occurred be aware of another precious sacrifice lost. It is so sorrowful that evil reigned for a period of time in that part of the world. And to know that the evil still has lasting effects on us to this day. The monuments men risked their lives and there were some that literally gave their lives to save art for the rest of the world. I know their names are not remembered, but the appreciation for their bravery and sacrifice has not. There are swears in this and violence and blood. This is appropriate for the tweens and up. Thumbs up and 3 stars.
I have seen The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. For those living in the closet, this is the second installment in the series. This movie went fast. Before I knew it was over. To me that means I was entertained. I did read the series before the movie-which I don't like to do because for me it usually ruins the show. I believe they were pretty true to the book, only leaving out some details that aren't too major. I anticipated Katniss' dress turning into fire and was not disappointed with the special effects. I don't think any of the actors were disappointing in their performances. I have to admit I generally don't care for Woody Harrelson, but I think this role is perfect for him. I think this movie was a thumbs up, and it's a 3 star show. I'll be upfront now. I didn't like book 3. To stretch it into 2 movies is going to be questionable. I haven't heard anyone think the third book is good. So good luck to the writers of the screenplay.
I saw Winter's Tale around Valentines Day. I love Colin Farrell (Peter) and I miss Jessica Brown Findlay (Willa) in Downton Abbey. This is a sad tale of love and loss, heaven and hell. Russell Crowe gives a great performance. So much better than when he was in Les Miserables. Yay he doesn't sing in this. There is a surprise appearance by Will Smith. I hadn't heard he was in this. William Hurt plays the very devoted father of Willa. Willa and Peter cross paths, fall in love. Evil and Good thrust themselves into their lives, giving up's and downs. There are back stories that I won't go into as I don't want to give the story away. The back stories are intriguing and give this movie the heart beat. This is an adult movie. There is a lot of violence, heartache, and the story could confuse young ones. I think this is a thumbs up. I am softy and think this is 3 stars. Bring the tissues.
Well, that catches me up on the movies I've seen (that I can remember). If you have questions give me a shout out. So many great movies.
