Baggage Claim stars Paula Patton (Montana), a flight attendant who is searching for love...and a husband. Enter her crazy "helpful" friends played by Jill Scott and Adam Brody who use the friendly skies in an attempt to grant her request.
I laughed. Seriously laughed. My mother and grandmother have these laughs that are so contagious that when you hear them, you will laugh, not even knowing what you're laughing at. Yeah, it was like that at times (especially the last 15 minutes). And whomever was in charge of casting did a DYNAMITE job putting Rickey Smiley, Thomas Miles, Jenifer Lewis, not to mention ALL the good looking men (Derek Luke, Taye Diggs, Djimon Hounsou, and how could I forget Boris Kodjoe, whew!) together. More laughs than morals and lessons, however, the lessons that were included were important, profound, and something to take note of.
Just a little predictable (but honestly, what movie isn't these days?), but not enough that it is annoying. You should definitely check this one out!
Rating: 4/5 stars
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Rush
Talk about a ride! Rush portrays the rivalry between Formula One race car drivers James Hunt (Liam Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) that took place during the '70s. The movie takes you up close and personal with each of the drivers and their lifestyles, gives a pretty good impression of what it feels like to be behind the wheel of the race car as well as reminds the viewer how grave and dangerous the occupation is.
One driver is clearly made out to be more likeable than the other, and you feel the pain each race car driver in the movie faces when there is any type of accident. Since this took place in the early '70s, I wasn't familiar w/ the rivalry or the drivers (I had heard of Andretti though). But after today, I think I have a pretty good understanding/idea of it/them.
Rating: 4/5 stars - Directed by Ron Howard. Good job as usual :-)
One driver is clearly made out to be more likeable than the other, and you feel the pain each race car driver in the movie faces when there is any type of accident. Since this took place in the early '70s, I wasn't familiar w/ the rivalry or the drivers (I had heard of Andretti though). But after today, I think I have a pretty good understanding/idea of it/them.
Rating: 4/5 stars - Directed by Ron Howard. Good job as usual :-)
Instructions Not Included (No se Aceptan Devoluciones - original title)
Meet Valentin. Valentin is from Acapulco, Mexicom and his #1 job is to flirt with and enjoy the company of all the visiting
tourists, do just enough to get by, and try his absolute hardest to
avoid responsibility. Unbeknownst to Valentin, he has a daughter with an American named Julie (Jessica Lindsey) who decides that she is not ready to be a mother and that it is time for Valentin to take care of their daughter, Maggie. Valentin does exactly what any parent would do; he sacrifices his care-free life and his home to raise Maggie as best he can.
Instructions Not Included has been getting a lot of buzz lately, so, I added it to my list of "movies to see," and even more so because it is an independent movie (and I've been digging these a lot lately; thumbs up Hollywood).
What I did not know was that the ENTIRE movie was in Spanish and I had to read sub-titles. BUT, do NOT let that deter you - this movie was funny (like, for real LOL funny), endearing, and all around great (and even had a little twist). So, take a chance, step outside of the "typical, been there done that" type movies and check this one out. I promise you won't regret it!!
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Instructions Not Included has been getting a lot of buzz lately, so, I added it to my list of "movies to see," and even more so because it is an independent movie (and I've been digging these a lot lately; thumbs up Hollywood).
What I did not know was that the ENTIRE movie was in Spanish and I had to read sub-titles. BUT, do NOT let that deter you - this movie was funny (like, for real LOL funny), endearing, and all around great (and even had a little twist). So, take a chance, step outside of the "typical, been there done that" type movies and check this one out. I promise you won't regret it!!
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Monday, September 23, 2013
Blue Jasmine
Blue Jasmine was written and directed by Woody Allen. I decided to give it a chance, since the last one I saw by the director was Hannah and Her Sisters, (which I really was too young to truly comprehend, and was totally over my head). So, like I said, I decided to give this a chance, I mean hey, it's Woody Allen, right? Anywho, on to the review...
The movie is about a woman (Jasmine) who once lived a lifestyle of the rich and famous; she and her husband had a home in the Hamptons, she owned designer clothes, purses, and shoes, and she attended and gave tons of extravagant dinner parties. After a turn of events, she becomes penniless and goes to live with her divorced sister and kids in San Francisco.
Movie highs:
1. Decent plot; it continued to unravel during various flashbacks
2. Great cast (Alec Baldwin, Cate Blanchett, Andrew Dice Clay, and Bobby Cannavale)
3. Laughable moments
Movie lows:
1. The ending totally left me hanging. I mean, I had no idea what to infer. I had all types of questions, and I really wanted to know what happened (I was NOT a happy camper, lol). I seriously sat looking at the screen for a couple of minutes trying to close my mouth from the disappointment.
So, I say all that to say that I was disappointed. Started off great, cast did a tremendous job, wonderful throughout, and went downhill at the ending. :-(
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
The movie is about a woman (Jasmine) who once lived a lifestyle of the rich and famous; she and her husband had a home in the Hamptons, she owned designer clothes, purses, and shoes, and she attended and gave tons of extravagant dinner parties. After a turn of events, she becomes penniless and goes to live with her divorced sister and kids in San Francisco.
Movie highs:
1. Decent plot; it continued to unravel during various flashbacks
2. Great cast (Alec Baldwin, Cate Blanchett, Andrew Dice Clay, and Bobby Cannavale)
3. Laughable moments
Movie lows:
1. The ending totally left me hanging. I mean, I had no idea what to infer. I had all types of questions, and I really wanted to know what happened (I was NOT a happy camper, lol). I seriously sat looking at the screen for a couple of minutes trying to close my mouth from the disappointment.
So, I say all that to say that I was disappointed. Started off great, cast did a tremendous job, wonderful throughout, and went downhill at the ending. :-(
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Captain Phillips
In 2009, a band of Somali pirates hijacked a US cargo ship, and kidnapped its captain. Tom Hanks portrays the lead character and in his usual fashion, takes the viewers through a roller coaster ride of emotions and nail-biting moments.
Very much like Zero Dark Thirty and Argo (also based on real life events), I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what I knew what would eventually happen. Slow at times, I got excited when the Navy and the Navy Seals became involved in the situation. Tom Hanks and supporting cast does not disappoint, definitely a must see!!
Rating: 4/5 stars
Very much like Zero Dark Thirty and Argo (also based on real life events), I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what I knew what would eventually happen. Slow at times, I got excited when the Navy and the Navy Seals became involved in the situation. Tom Hanks and supporting cast does not disappoint, definitely a must see!!
Rating: 4/5 stars
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Prisoners
In Prisoners, two little girls are abducted in broad daylight, and their families fight to hang on to their morals and their values, as well as try to keep it together as their hope begins to slip away each day that they are missing.
Hugh Jackman, Terrence Howard, Viola Davis, and Maria Bello put on great performances as the parents of the missing girls, and Jake Gyllenhaal blew me away in his portrayal of the detective assigned to the case.
I didn't even notice the movie was 2 hours and 33 minutes; I was on the edge of my seat constantly trying to figure everything out, down to the very last minute. My heart was in my throat, my hand was over my mouth, WHEW!!!! Excellent job!
Rating: 4/5 stars
Hugh Jackman, Terrence Howard, Viola Davis, and Maria Bello put on great performances as the parents of the missing girls, and Jake Gyllenhaal blew me away in his portrayal of the detective assigned to the case.
I didn't even notice the movie was 2 hours and 33 minutes; I was on the edge of my seat constantly trying to figure everything out, down to the very last minute. My heart was in my throat, my hand was over my mouth, WHEW!!!! Excellent job!
Rating: 4/5 stars
Riddick
The journey of Riddick continues. In Riddick, the main character fights for his life against the elements of another unknown planet, and bounty hunters anxious to claim the bounty offered for his capture.
Rating: 2.5/5 stars - This one reminded me a lot of the plot of Pitch Black, the first movie in the trilogy. Unlike Pitch Black, however, 40 minutes passed before Riddick (played by Vin Diesel) had any interactions with humans. It was just him against the world. I think the only way you will really enjoy this is if you are a true fan of the trilogy and/or Riddick. The action scenes were good; though they were far and few between. So, save your money, or at least go during a matinee.
Rating: 2.5/5 stars - This one reminded me a lot of the plot of Pitch Black, the first movie in the trilogy. Unlike Pitch Black, however, 40 minutes passed before Riddick (played by Vin Diesel) had any interactions with humans. It was just him against the world. I think the only way you will really enjoy this is if you are a true fan of the trilogy and/or Riddick. The action scenes were good; though they were far and few between. So, save your money, or at least go during a matinee.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Battle Of The Year
Battle of the Year is about groups of B-boy dance teams from all over the world that come together to "battle" for the title of "best of the best."
The United States hasn't won the title in over 15 years. As a result, Lax Alonso (Jumping the Broom), and Josh Holloway (Lost television series), put together a "dream team" of dancers from all different parts of the U.S. to compete against the current world reigning champs in hopes of bringing the title and the trophy back to the States, where it all started.
Rating: 2.5-3/5 stars - LOVED it for the dancing, and it was actually pretty cool in 3D (one of the first movies I've enjoyed in 3D in a really long time), and REALLY LOVED it for the music; (took me back to the '80s for a second). The acting was "so-so" (not bad, but, not oscar winning either). While not really a Chris Brown fan, it was nice to see that the spotlight wasn't totally on him. The auditions in the movie reminded me of auditions for "So You Think You Can Dance," and the performances reminded me of "America's Best Dance Crew." As I wasn't expecting a whole lot, I was pleasantly surprised.
The United States hasn't won the title in over 15 years. As a result, Lax Alonso (Jumping the Broom), and Josh Holloway (Lost television series), put together a "dream team" of dancers from all different parts of the U.S. to compete against the current world reigning champs in hopes of bringing the title and the trophy back to the States, where it all started.
Rating: 2.5-3/5 stars - LOVED it for the dancing, and it was actually pretty cool in 3D (one of the first movies I've enjoyed in 3D in a really long time), and REALLY LOVED it for the music; (took me back to the '80s for a second). The acting was "so-so" (not bad, but, not oscar winning either). While not really a Chris Brown fan, it was nice to see that the spotlight wasn't totally on him. The auditions in the movie reminded me of auditions for "So You Think You Can Dance," and the performances reminded me of "America's Best Dance Crew." As I wasn't expecting a whole lot, I was pleasantly surprised.
Austenland
WARNING!!! Before you read any further, this is a 100% CHICK FLICK!!! Just wanted to put that out there for any guys that ventured onto this post. While I love that you clicked, had to give you a heads up :-)
Ok, so Austenland, is an independent movie about a woman (Keri Russell) that is in love with the character "Mr. Darcy" from the novel, "Pride & Prejudice." I mean her ENTIRE life is a fantasy of falling in love with him and living happily ever after. So, she hears about this wonderful trip to England where she can enter a world similar to that of the novel; where she can live, dress, and act as if she is in those days and times, and quite possibly, fall in love. And, you can figure out the rest, of course she goes, and who and what she encounters is a pretty "cool" ride for her and the viewer.
Rating: 3/5 stars
When I first started watching this, I had a general idea of what the movie was about, however, I still didn't know exactly what I was getting into. When it started, it actually scared me because I never read "Pride and Prejudice," and it felt like I was going to be clueless and not understand anything because of this. Thankfully though, this was not the case, and when other characters were introduced (such as Jennifer Coolidge - who played "Stifler's mom" in "American Pie"), and the plot began to develop, the movie was pretty funny and enjoyable. Definitely would characterize it as romantic and somewhat of a comedy, and I really liked it :-)
Ok, so Austenland, is an independent movie about a woman (Keri Russell) that is in love with the character "Mr. Darcy" from the novel, "Pride & Prejudice." I mean her ENTIRE life is a fantasy of falling in love with him and living happily ever after. So, she hears about this wonderful trip to England where she can enter a world similar to that of the novel; where she can live, dress, and act as if she is in those days and times, and quite possibly, fall in love. And, you can figure out the rest, of course she goes, and who and what she encounters is a pretty "cool" ride for her and the viewer.
Rating: 3/5 stars
When I first started watching this, I had a general idea of what the movie was about, however, I still didn't know exactly what I was getting into. When it started, it actually scared me because I never read "Pride and Prejudice," and it felt like I was going to be clueless and not understand anything because of this. Thankfully though, this was not the case, and when other characters were introduced (such as Jennifer Coolidge - who played "Stifler's mom" in "American Pie"), and the plot began to develop, the movie was pretty funny and enjoyable. Definitely would characterize it as romantic and somewhat of a comedy, and I really liked it :-)
Friday, September 6, 2013
The Family
Robert DeNiro is (for lack of a better word), a TRIP!!!
The Family is about, um, a family that is in witness protection. This is no average family, however. Their fearless leader "Fred" (played by Robert DeNiro), was once a member of a mob and as a result of becoming a snitch, has landed himself, his wife (Michelle Pfeiffer), and his children under the watchful eye of CIA Agent played by Tommy Lee Jones. You would think that this family (the Blakes) would "lay low" and try to blend in and live nice, "normal," productive lives at this point; yeah, not so much. I almost felt sorry for Tommy Lee Jones and his team as they tried to keep up w/ all of the Blakes' issues and troublemaking.
Rating: 4/5 stars - I absolutely loved this movie! Robert DeNiro and Michelle Pfeiffer (and especially their children) do not disappoint. The film was sarcastic and funny, and had some action and irony as well. It also put a nice spin on the "typical" mob movies. Yup, can definitely see adding this to the collection!
The Family is about, um, a family that is in witness protection. This is no average family, however. Their fearless leader "Fred" (played by Robert DeNiro), was once a member of a mob and as a result of becoming a snitch, has landed himself, his wife (Michelle Pfeiffer), and his children under the watchful eye of CIA Agent played by Tommy Lee Jones. You would think that this family (the Blakes) would "lay low" and try to blend in and live nice, "normal," productive lives at this point; yeah, not so much. I almost felt sorry for Tommy Lee Jones and his team as they tried to keep up w/ all of the Blakes' issues and troublemaking.
Rating: 4/5 stars - I absolutely loved this movie! Robert DeNiro and Michelle Pfeiffer (and especially their children) do not disappoint. The film was sarcastic and funny, and had some action and irony as well. It also put a nice spin on the "typical" mob movies. Yup, can definitely see adding this to the collection!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Closed Circuit
In today's world of government secrets being released, privacy (and the lack thereof), and terrorism plots, along comes the movie, Closed Circuit. This movie starts off explosively (no pun intended), and does not slow down!
Set in London, the movie follows two barristers and their attempts to defend a client who has allegedly committed an act of terrorism. During which, they uncover all sorts of deadly secrets, which lead them down a trail that threatens their lives as they know it as well as their very existence.
Rating: 4/5 stars - talk about a THRILLER! If you enjoy a good spy movie with twists and turns, you will enjoy this movie! The cast includes Eric Bana (the 1st Hulk), Rebecca Hall, and Julia Stiles. While only 96 minutes, it definitely felt longer and will not disappoint.
Set in London, the movie follows two barristers and their attempts to defend a client who has allegedly committed an act of terrorism. During which, they uncover all sorts of deadly secrets, which lead them down a trail that threatens their lives as they know it as well as their very existence.
Rating: 4/5 stars - talk about a THRILLER! If you enjoy a good spy movie with twists and turns, you will enjoy this movie! The cast includes Eric Bana (the 1st Hulk), Rebecca Hall, and Julia Stiles. While only 96 minutes, it definitely felt longer and will not disappoint.
The Ultimate Life
This is a follow-up (sequel, if you will) to the movie The Ultimate Gift. I had never heard of the latter, but, let me tell you, after seeing The Ultimate Life, I am definitely going to rent it!!
This inspirational movie is about a billionaire (who is running a foundation left to him by his grandfather), and his life struggles involving his own life, the constant battles with his family, and continuing his grandfather's dream and legacy.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars - At first, I was a little leery on this one. It is very similar to the content of Fireproof, and it originally comes across like an "after school special." I was pleasantly surprised however. The actors (including Peter Fonda, Bill Cobbs, and David Mann) do a wonderful job portraying the messages and storyline of this movie. Like the main character, I think this movie may lead you to re-examine what is truly important in your life.
This inspirational movie is about a billionaire (who is running a foundation left to him by his grandfather), and his life struggles involving his own life, the constant battles with his family, and continuing his grandfather's dream and legacy.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars - At first, I was a little leery on this one. It is very similar to the content of Fireproof, and it originally comes across like an "after school special." I was pleasantly surprised however. The actors (including Peter Fonda, Bill Cobbs, and David Mann) do a wonderful job portraying the messages and storyline of this movie. Like the main character, I think this movie may lead you to re-examine what is truly important in your life.
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