The Book Thief

 

 

Synopsis:  During World War II, Liesel goes to live with a new family in Germany.  During this time, there is fear among the Jewish population, as they have been ostracized by Hitler and are fearful for their lives.  Max, a young Jewish man, also comes to live with this new family, in hiding from Hitler's troops.  Together, Liesl, Max, and the family learn things about themselves and each other, the importance of words, and how something so small could be so meaningful.

Rating:  4.5/5 stars

Talk about a good movie!  The story sucks you in from the very beginning.  At times, I was reminded of the movie, The Diary of Anne Frank, however, the story is about so many different things.  I also love the point of view used.  All in all, this was very moving, heartwarming, and enjoyable.

Side note:  I am a reader, however, I have slacked off lately.  This movie made me want to go home and dive into a book.  

Black Nativity

Synopsis:  Black Nativity is a musical about a boy from Baltimore who is sent to New York to live with grandparents he has never met, and in turn, learns more about himself and his past.

This movie stars Angela Basset, Forest Whitaker, Jennifer Hudson, Tyrese, and Mary J. Blige, and is a good mix of songs and acting.

Rating:  3/5 stars.  I like musicals, I do.  But, I think I would have enjoyed this movie more if I saw the musical first.  Some of the songs were at points where I wanted to hear more acting, but, sometimes, the singing did fit.  Angela Basset and Forest Whitaker performed as expected (job well done).  Jennifer Hudson also did well.  Oh yeah, Nas is in the movie as well, but, just for a few minutes.

The Best Man Holiday

Synopsis:  The group from the movie, 'The Best Man' are back, this time to celebrate the holidays together, picking up almost where they left off.

I thought the movie was very good and well done.  If you didn't see the first one or haven't seen it since it came out in '99, its ok, because this is almost a totally different movie; new plot, save the characters and their personalities, and um their flaws lol.

I didn't have a favorite character in the original, but after watching 'Holiday,' Quentin is BY FAR my favorite!!  Some laughs, some tears, and overall great!!

Rating:  4.5/5 stars - I always hate when some of the preview scenes don't make it to the movie, so don't be surprised if you're looking for a specific clip and you never see it :-(

Thor: The Dark World

Thor is back!!  I'm such a fan - yes part of it is that Chris Hemsworth and Idris Elba star, but, I do like the character as well, thank you very much :-)

So, Thor has a new nemesis (well, not new, but, you get the picture), and he has to save the Universe once again. 

Before all you comic book fans and "Marvel geeks" come out of the movie reporting what was wrong and what could've been done better or should have been done differently, let me just tell you that yes, you will find something that you don't like.  So, allow me to make a suggestion.  How about going in with the mindset of "its just a movie" and enjoy it for what it is, pure entertainment.

Did I like it?  YUP, LOVED it!!!!  Nope, not as good as the first, but, like I said, it's Thor, who cares? :-) 

What I loved:

1.  Special Effects
2.  Action
3.  Tiny bits of sarcasm and cute pockets of humor

And the ABSOLUTE BEST PART????

The Previews!!!!  Seriously, they showed previews for the next X-Men movie, Days of Future Past, as well as the next Captain America, The Winter Soldier, (which by the way, looks 10 times better than the first)!

Just my 2 cents :-) - oh yeah, make sure you stay until the VERY END (after ALL the credits)!!

Rating:  3.5/5 stars