Her Movie Reviews

I would just like to start this review by saying that I loved the cast of this film, but I did not love this movie. Needless to say, I am on the proverbial fence about it, and cannot decide if I liked it or not. If any of you have ever seen a (recent) Terry Gilliam directed film, you can understand me when I say he really enjoys messing with your mind. Well sir, my mind does not appreciate this.

As we all know (or maybe we don’t, so let me help you) this is Heath Ledger’s last film. He was working on it when he died. He is, as always, remarkable. I have never, and will never, have a bad thing to say about the films he chose to participate in.  I don’t feel like anything I can say in this captures exactly what I mean, so I’ll just say he was perfect, and leave it at that. After he passed away, they had to do some rewriting in order to alleviate his absence, and into his shoes stepped Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell. I won’t give away how they do it, or why, but it is very cleverly done.  The rest of the cast (Lily Cole, Christopher Plummer, Verne Troyer, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Waits) are really good too. Like I said, I love the cast of this film. They are all wonderful, and even though I had a hard time following along with what was going on, this is in no way their fault.

Okay, here’s the part I didn’t like. I am not giving anything away by revealing the plot, in fact, I might be doing some of you a favor! “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus” is a traveling show featuring the teachings of Parnassus (Plummer). The actors in his show are his daughter Valentina (Cole) and Anton (Garfield). Along the way, they meet Tony (Ledger- it’s really hard to explain, but this part is also played by Depp, Law, and Farrell). It is revealed the Parnassus made a deal with the devil, Mr. Nick (Waits) and they bet on human decisions. The mirror featured in the traveling show is actually a doorway into Parnassus’ mind and the people who go into it are given two choices: if they make a good decision, they come out of his mind feeling free and happy, and if they make a bad choice, they die. They don’t make it back through the mirror. The movie is all about life and death, good and evil. For me, it got a little muddled. There was a lot going on, and there was not a good enough explanation in my opinion as to why some of the things in the film were happening. There were a lot of plot gaps, and that really drives me nuts.

I am not completely cold hearted when it comes to this film. I did get a bit weepy when hearing Tony deliver the line “nothing is permanent, not even death.” And there is a beautiful tribute to him during the credits. For those of you who are fans of Heath Ledger’s or a fan of any of the men who play in, or a fan of anyone in this film, you will not be disappointed. If you’re a fan of avant-garde films, or a fan of Terry Gilliam’s work, you’ll love it. Otherwise, wait for the DVD.

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I saw it in 3D, if that makes any difference…

There was a lot of hype surrounding this film. I heard it left people speechless. People said it would change my life (don’t deny it Mom, I have witnesses that will back me up). So naturally, I had really high expectations. It was okay. Keep in mind, I’ve already stated that I like my movies to take place on the planet earth…

The plot really isn’t anything new. It’s your typical story of a man sent into a new culture who must become one of the locals, and then ends up falling in love with one of the natives and inevitably takes their side against his own kind. You’ve probably seen this once or twice. That’s exactly what happens. But these locals just happen to be 9 feet tall, and blue. There are also blatant political undertones, trust me, you can’t miss them. They are just that obvious (unobtainium, really?).

The one thing that I kept hearing about over and over again was the technology. Yes, the look of the film was very impressive. I don’t know what technology he developed, although I do know the budget of the film, and honestly, this could just be me, but it wasn’t 500 million dollars worth of “cool”.  The image was crisper then if it had been CGI, but you could also equate that to the fact that you were wearing 3D glasses. On that note, I do have to admit I am incredibly grateful to James Cameron for not putting in 3D gimmicks like rocks coming at the audience. Thanks for that!

It’s good movie, and I really did enjoy myself. And if you’re going to see it, make sure it’s in 3D.  I have my doubts about 3D dvds….

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This movie was incredible. I’m not sure there are enough good things I can say about this film. It’s an easy movie to just sit down and enjoy with the whole family. Or if you’re a guy who cries easily, watch it alone.

Sandra Bullock’s character is unstoppable. From the minute she came on the screen, I was convinced she was some kind of superhero. The fact that she is based on a real person just made her that much more amazing. She is a force to be reckoned with.  I couldn’t wait to see how she’d handle the next situation she was put into.  The kid who plays S.J (Sean Jr.) is just stinking cute! All the actors are wonderful, and yes, that really is Tim McGraw, the country singer.

Okay, let’s talk about the story for a moment. It was great. This is a solid family film, about a strong Southern mama who does not let prejudice dictate who she invites into her home. It is about love and acceptance and a family coming together to help build up the courage and self esteem of an outsider. And this boy, played Quinton Aaron, is the biggest marshmallow you’ve ever seen on screen. In a nutshell, I am pretty sure I walked out of the theatre thinking I should adopt the next kid I saw walking down the street in the rain. And keep my fingers crossed they have amazing athletic potential. It has a lot to do with football, which I know nothing about, but I don’t feel like I missed anything by not understanding what position he played on the team.

So if I haven’t said it enough by now, or maybe I wasn’t clear, this movie is a must-see! It’s got comedy and romance and a fantastic story that will leave you smiling (and crying). Hope you like it as much as I did!

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The viewer is first introduced to this couple as if they were strangers, but as the story progresses you realize they were married and divorced, and embarking on a one night stand after the mans sisters wedding. My question is this, who would be a bridesmaid at their ex husbands sisters wedding?! Alas, these are the things I think about when the movie is at a lull. The details of their lives are revealed randomly through their conversation, and it is much like watching two old friends catch up: they never actually refer to the fact that they are discussing themselves, instead he says things like “well my ex wife used to say that” and then you realize he is actually referring to her. It is a very intimate film, although you do not realize until the end that you never even know their names. They are simply listed as “man” and “woman” in the credits.

I am always a fan of the films Helena Bonham Carter chooses to star in. Aaron Eckhart stars opposite her, and they are both brilliant. They have great chemistry between them and never once does it feel forced.  I highly recommend this movie to anyone.

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as a child of the 80′s, this book actually had very little effect on me. i couldn’t tell you the names of any of the characters, or what the plot line to the story was. in fact i do not even believe i owned it. I probably skimmed through it a few times throughout elementary school and looked at the pictures, but make something into a film, and i am bound to see it eventually.
the film itself is a work of art. the costumes and the scenery and the effects are spectacular. it is a very visual film, and at times looks like a great music video. i don’t think a child will walk out of that movie and not want to be max for halloween, with his whiskered costume and crown; hell, i want to be max! my favorite “wild thing” was alexander (voiced by paul dano). he is quiet and overlooked and is constantly asking “can anyone hear me?” he is an understated presence in the film. KW (lauren ambrose) is lovable and compassionate. she is the one who shows consistent support and kindness to the lost little boy pretending to be king.
the story is a roller coaster of emotions. i found myself becoming so attached to that cute little boy on his big adventure. max (played by max records) was absolutely perfect. he was mischievous and innocent and completely believable as the king of the wild things. when he is happy, you are happy, and when he cries, you cry. that being said, i have very mixed emotions about this movie. i cannot decide if i liked it or not. i mean, i did like it, but there is something about it that i just didn’t quite love, which i cannot put my finger on. i would definitely recommend it as a date movie. get some popcorn, and have a seat. be entertained, most certainly you will.
on a side note, the soundtrack is great.

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