21

21

Who's in it: Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth

What's it about: Trying to jumble paying off college with the rest of his life, Ben(Sturgess) gets pulled into a a school Blackjack club. The lead teacher of this secret club is Mickey(Spacey). He has been playing Blackjack since he was a teenager. The trick behind their great playing is a great mathmatical mind. They count points and weigh the odds of winning. Ben says that he will stop playing once he has enough money to pay for Stanford. His love for Jill Taylor(Bosworth) keeps him on the team though. When Ben gets in deep with some casino security guards, he has to decide if it's truely worth the gambling.

What I Think: I love Jim Sturgess. I actually went out and about Across the Universe today so I could have it. This movie was great. Sturgess has the face and voice for this character. I think that he had the British accent out very well. Bosworth did great in the movie. I loved all of her outfits. She had a very serious, yet fun side of her. Spacey was great. The story was awesome. It had me wanting to go to Vegas baby! I loved everything about this movie. Perfect actors for perfect roles in a perfect story!

Yes Man

Yes Man

Who's in it: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel

What's it about: Carl(Carrey) has always said "No" to everything. He lost his wife and his life due to his most famous word. After attending a seminar about saying "Yes" to everything, his life begins to turn around. Even some of the bad things lead to great things. He meets an extraordinary woman named Allison(Deschanel). She doesn't know anything about his "Yes" cult. When she does find out she is forced to analyze her relationship with Carl. Carl has to find himself and what figure out the rest of his life.

What I Think: Carrey is a hoot! Deschanel helps to bring out the character. I thought it was kind of weird that Carrey, a much older man, was with Deschanel, a much younger woman. That was the only flaw I really found with the movie. The story was pretty funny and I liked the different twists that it took to get to the end. I kept expecting Carrey to say his line, "It's good. It's goooooood!!!". I guess that I really associate him with that phrase. As for the setting, I loved it! Anyways, great movie, great performance, great everything!

Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow

Who's in it: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Chirstopher Walken

What's it about: In an attempt to promote scientific research in order to prosecute, Ichabod Crane(Depp) goes to Sleepy Hollow, a quiet farming village, to solve the murders of people who have been beheaded. He arrives and is taken care of by the Van Tassels. He falls in love with the beautiful Katrina(Ricci), but she destroys his evidence when it leads to her father. Ichabod learns of the Headless Horseman(Walken). The Horseman slings his blade to severe his victims heads and then takes them because he cannot find his own. After Katrina's father sees the Horseman coming towards her step-mother(Richardson), everything starts to come together.

What I Think: I love Tim Burton!!! I have watched this movie several times, but I think that I really paid attention this time. Depp played a character that he usually doesn't play. He usually plays a strong minded man or someone you would want to talk to or be with. Here he played a sickly and weak man who fainted many a time. He did fantastic though! Ricci did wonderful. She played a beautiful young woman. When I saw Richardson though, I could only think of her in Phantom of the Opera and Harry Potter. I saw Michael Gambon in there too. He plays Dumbledore.

2Fast2Furious

2Fast2Furious

Who's in it: Paul Walker, Tyrese, Eva Mendes, Cole Hauser

What's it about: Brian(Walker) is back. After being caught on the run, he's dragged into another police investagation. Word on the street is that Carter Verone(Hauser) is selling drugs and about to leave the country for good with all of his money. He races to get a job for Verone with his old friend Roman(Tyrese). With Monica(Mendes) on their side, the duo only have to find the evidence. Verone refuses to go down that easily though. It's up to Brian, Roman, and their street racing friends to put Verone behind bars.

What I Think: I don't think that this was better than the first Fast and Furious. I definitely miss Vin Diesel. I think that him being in the first one really made the movie what it was. Ludacris, who was also in this movie, was great. I think he has alot of talent! Walker was alot more leanient this time and I thought it allowed for him to be more of his character. Tyrese was hilarious! Mendes was alright. There weren't many scenes with her and I guess that really messed with me. The cars were awesome. I also loved the effects that they did. Walker really has the mind of a street racer!

Chocolat

Chocolat

Who's in it: Juliette Binoche, Victoire Thivisol, Alfred Molina, Johnny Depp

What's it about: Vianne(Binoche) and her daughter, Anouk(Thivisol), move to a small French town one evening. They begin to open their regular Chocolatarie. It just so happens that they are openning their shop right before Lent. The overly religious town is not ready for any change, but Vianne is bringing it. The mayor, Comte Reynaud(Molina), is trying his hardest to get Ms. Vianne to go away. When some river rats end up on the towns shore, the town shuns them. Vianne and Anouk make friends with one named Roux(Depp). She's determined to make her change in the town and bring a happiness that was void before.

What I Think: I thought that this movie was really great. I enjoyed it alot. The story was well thought out and superbly played by Binoche. I loved everything that happened and the way that it happened. Depp played a very minor character which was surprising seeing as he is usually the heart throb. I still loved him though! Thivisol was great. I think that she played her character well for being so young. The setting was perfect for the story. A gray and gloomy town with a huge church. The Chocolatarie was bright and colourful! It made me crave some chocolate... and I hate chocolate!

Vacancy 2

Vacancy 2

Who's in it: Trevor Wright, Agnes Bruckner, Arjay Smith

What's it about: Caleb(Wright), Jessica(Bruckner), and Tanner(Smith) are all on their way to Caleb and Jessica's new home. Tanner has been Caleb's best friend since they were little and Tanner doesn't like the fact that his best friend is getting married to Jessica. They get tired and decide to stop at a motel in the middle of nowhere. Tanner sneaks into one room while Jessica and Caleb pay for their own. Tanner then figures out that his friend are being taped. The trio need to run for their lives but the killers don't want to get caught.

What I Think: This was not better than the first one. This was supposed to be the first videotaped killing of the Vacancy deaths that were shown in the first movie. I enjoyed the acting a little bit. Bruckner was the best of the three young people. Smith was probably the worst of them. Wright wasn't in the movie too much seeing as he was a minor character so I wasn't able to really see his skills. Most of his scenes were yelling. I liked being able to see how the actual taping got started.

Vacancy

Vacancy

Who's in it: Luke Wilson, Kate Beckinsale

What's it about: On the way home, David(Wilson) and Amy(Beckinsale) take a few back roads to pass traffic. They're marriage is on the rocks and they are fighting. They stop at a garage to get the engine looked at. Their car then breaks down a mile down the road. They walk back to the garage and decide to stay at the motel there. They then find out that the room they are in has had murders filmed in it many times. Now it is their turn to try and avenge the deaths of the people before and themselves.

What I Think: I like Luke Wilson. Some of his best performances are in little known films. He really pulled out the character of David and even Amy. The story was actually really good too! I loved the twists and the smarts and everything about it. However, I didn't like the ending. I won't say what happened but I found it a bit cheesy. As for Beckinsale, I think that she should stick to Underworld. I think that she does so well in that kind of setting and story. This film didn't bring out the true talent that she possesses.

Let's Scare Jessica to Death

Let's Scare Jessica to Death

Who's in it: Zohra Lampert, Barton Heyman, Kevin O'Connor, Mariclare Costello

What's it about: After being released from mental hospital, Jessica(Lampert), her husband, Duncan(Heyman), and her friend, Woody(O'Connor), move into an old spooky house. Jessica had been treated for chrionic fright and seeing things. In the house, there's a young woman who has been camping out there. Her name is Emily(Costello). The men start to fall in love with Emily and they only think that whatever Jessica says is crazy. Jessica is sure that Emily is a vampiric ghost coming after her.

What I Think: This was actually a pretty scary movie. It was released in 1971 and I thought that it was going to be a crappy old movie. Sure the effects sucked and the voiceovers that were put in were crappy, but the story and setting itself was great. I did not like Lampert because she seemed so manly. I thought that she did well though. Not fond of Costello's character but I admire her acting. She did a wonderful job. The men weren't really part of the story except boy toys.

Head Trauma

Head Trauma

Who's in it: Vince Mola, Jamil Mangan

What's it about: George(Mola) has been away from his summer home for years. His grandmother has died and left her house. Of course, she died five years ago. He comes back to take the house before it becomes demolished and tries to fix it up. The neighborhood is against him and does pretty much anything that they can in order to stop him. His nextdoor neighbor has her grandson(Mangan) help him to fix up the house. Together they start to get alot of work done. The basement becomes flooded and George begins to have weird realistic dreams. He believes that Satan is out to get him.

What I Think: Another fairly low-budget film that had the potential to be great. Sometimes I wish that some of these great ideas would be supported by big movie makers. The acting was pretty good from Mola, but Mangan was a little off. the setting was great and camera angles were good. I think that this movie was so full of confusion because the makers wanted it to be great and didn't want the audience to guess the end. Well, in my opinion, I think that you need to have some clues for the ending and then have a couple confusing parts. Then there are several resolutions at hand. All in all, OK movie.

Bedtime Stories

Bedtime Stories

Who's in it: Adam Sandler, Courteney Cox, Jonathan Heit, Laura Kesling, Keri Russell

What's it about: As a child, Skeeter(Sandler) and his sister, Wendy(Cox), lived in their father's hotel. After is was overtaken, Skeeter was promised to be the head of it someday. 25 years later, he's still only a technician. Wendy is leaving for Arizona for a job interview and needs Skeeter to help watch over her children, Patrick(Heit) and Bobbi(Kesling). He takes the night shift while their teacher, Jill(Russell), takes them during the day. He tells them bedtime stories at night, but realizes that the stories come true somehow during the day. In an attempt to fix his life, he Skeeter tries to work their stories around to helping him.

What I Think: First off, Russell Brand was in this and I love Russell Brand! Anything with Russell Brand in it is worth watching. He's hilarious! Anyways, Sandler is also great in this film. I love the story and way that it works out. Heit and Kesling did pretty well for being children in this movie. Russell was great onscreen with Sandler. I enjoyed the plot and the different parts of the stories they told and the reenactments of the stories. They were all funny and I think that Sandler loved being all sorts of different characters during the movie.

Monster-in-Law

Monster-in-Law

Who's in it: Jennifer Lopez, Michael Vartan, Jane Fonda

What's it about: Some coincidental meetings bring Charlie(Lopez), a local temp, and Kevin(Vartan), a world famous doctor, together in an unbreakable relationship. Kevin's mother, Viola(Fonda), just was released from a mental hospital after being replaced on her talk show by a young woman. Kevin is the only family that she has left and she is determined to kick Charlie out of the picture. A fight breaks out between the two women and Kevin is unaware of the happenings that are occurring. The unbreakable relationship is now in the hands of Viola.

What I Think: This is a classic in-law movie. I loved every moment of it. You don't really understand that it's a comedy until a bit into the movie. I think that the romantic introduction really fools the viewer, but when Fonda comes into the movie, it's grand! Vartan is hardly in the movie except for just to be unknowing and to be Lopez's fiancee. I think that Lopez and Fonda made a great fighting family and the "pranks" they played on each other were great. My boyfriend and I were enjoying the continuous humour!

Failure to Launch

Failure to Launch

Who's in it: Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew McConaughey

What's it about: Tripp(McConaughey) has been living at home for the majority of his life. He's now well into adulthood and his parents want him out. When they meet up with Paula(Parker), a young woman who specializes on luring young men to move from their homes, they hire her to work her magic on their son. Paula begins to fall for Tripp, but things get ugly when Tripp finds out the truth. In a frantic attempt to save the relationship that they had, their friends combine forces to keep the two together.

What I Think: I first saw this in theatres a few years ago and I loved it. I like the story behind it and how the plot unfolds. The two don't make as good a connection as McConaughey and Hudson. I think that fact set me off the movie a little bit. I do like Parker's innocent kind of personality. This was not my favourite movie of hers. I've seen her do better and I was disappointed in this movie. As I said, great plot, but lacking in the acting department.

Hotel for Dogs

Hotel for Dogs

Who's in it: Emma Roberts, Jake Austin, Don Cheadle

What's it about: After going through several foster homes, Andi(Roberts) and Bruce(Austin) have found their new home almost worst than the rest. The 16 and 14 year old haven't been able to stay in one home too long. When they begin to rescue strays from the street and house them in an abandoned hotel, the police start to get on their tail. Their social services officer, Bernie(Cheadle), finds them another home but that is 3 hours away. The duo want to stay close to their canine friends. It's up to them to make sure the dogs aren't put to sleep at the pound.

What I Think: I know that some of you might be thinking that this is such a childish movie, but it was really good. I believe that movies that star animals are full of true talent. The acting wasn't great, but I must give Roberts props! I liked her clothes most of the time. As for the dogs, they were great. So much time and treats went into training these pups! It was surprising how much they could learn and be able to do them. There was one part of the movie where I could see a string tied to a prop and a dog and I thought it was hilarious. Sometimes they need a bit of help!

The Reader

The Reader

Who's in it: David Kross, Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes

What's it about: As a boy, Michael Berg(Kross) met Hanna Schmitz(Winslet) and they had a love affair together. He would read to her what he was studying in school. One day, when Michael went to her house, Hanna was gone. As it does, life moved on, but he never forgot about his romance with Hanna. During his years in law school, he went to a trial where 6 female guards from Auschwitz. Sure enough Hanna was in there. Every memory of her is brought back in the few days of the trial. Michael knows the truth behind Hanna but the court doesn't see it. Years later, Michael(Fiennes) sstill thinks of Hanna but doesn't know if she thinks of him.

What I Think: This was originally a novel by Bernhard Schlink. This was possibly the best movie I've seen all year! Winslet is one of my favourite actresses and she did not cease to amaze me. At first the story kind of disgusted me, but then I took a liking to it. The innocence of Kross' character was so wodnerful. I loved Kross by the way! He did such an amazing job at acting like a child and then like a young man. The transition was wonderful. He still had his innocent look, but his emotions and the way only the audience knew he was feeling was so mature. The ending was surprising to me, but I guess that it had to be done.

The Uninvited

The Uninvited

Who's in it: Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel, Elizabeth Banks, Maya Massar, David Strathairn

What's it about: After Anna's(Browning) mother(Massar) died in a fiery explosion that she can't remember, she went to a mental hosptial. After only 10 months, she's returning home to her father(Strathairn) and his new girlfriend, Rachel(Banks). Anna and her sister, Alex(Kebbel), are starting to believe that it was actually Rachel who killed their mother. Anna starts to see her dead mother and beleives that the ghostly matron is trying to help solve her murder. Anna is getting closer and closer to the answer, but could her allegations be wrong?

What I Think: Browning was superb in this movie. I'm beginning to see Banks in so many more movies and am starting to like her more and more. I really liked Kebbel and she sort of reminded me of Mandy Moore. Their looks and facial expressions were very alike. As for the storyline, very well thought out. Every last detail was planned perfectly. More movies like this need to be made. I was amazed at the precision of detail and the completely rounded characters of Anna and Alex. Great plot in the story too. There were actually parts of the movie that made me scream and, seeing as I had headphones on, my siblings would jump each time.

Last Chance Harvey

Last Chance Harvey

Who's in it: Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson

What's it about: A long life of loneliness has followed Harvey(Hoffman) after his divorce. His lost family found a new father and he has been, in his mind, replaced. After losing most of any touch with his family, his daughter is getting married. He is invited to the wedding but finds out that he will not be the father giving his daughter away. On top of all of this, Harvey has one more chance at his commercial music job. He finds a wonderful woman, Kate(Thompson), who helps him to find himself. When love settles in, Harvey realizes that this is truely his last chance at life.

What I Think: Hoffman and Thompson are the perfect duo! The connection between the two was genuine and magical. Their years of acting experience showed so much in this movie. I thought the movie was going to be one way because of the previews, but it was completely different than I had imagined. The British setting was gorgeous and I think that the crew had perfect shots at perfect angles the entire movie. The story wasn't too realistic, but it made me think of how romantic it would be to have a relationship like that. Everything was great!

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Who's in it: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Ryan Renolds

What's it about: As children, Logan(Jackman) and Victor(Schreiber) found out that they had powers that normal human beings didn't have. Logan had bone claws and Victor had animal like finger nails, teeth, and other instintive abilities. They joined the army and fought in many wars because of their near indestructability. They are round up by William Stryker(Huston). They, along with other mutants, are chosen to obey Stryker and his demands. When things go too far, Logan quits. After his new life is ruined, Stryker gives him adamantium claws. He is then put up against his biggest match yet... Deadpool(Renolds).

What I Think: I was looking so forward to this movie, but was slightly disappointed for several reasons. The claws looked completely fake during certain points in the movie. I was very sad and nearly cried when I saw the fakeness. I also wasn't happy that it was longer! There is so much behind the character of Wolverine that it should've been a friggin' Harry Potter movie! Anyways, I loved the acting and the action scenes. I loved Ryan Renolds in this! Not only was he hilarious, he was awesome! I was very entertained towards the end when Logan ran from Stryker's island. He was naked and it was funny!

Heights

Heights

Who's in it: Elizabeth Banks, James Marsden, Glenn Close, Jesse Bradford

What's it about: Isabel(Banks) and Jonathan(Marsden) are getting married in a few weeks. Isabel's mother, Diana(Close), is one of the top directors and actresses for Shakespearian plays in New York. Alec(Bradford) auditions for one of Diana's plays. With all of the drama with Diana's unfaithful husband, she finds a liking in Alec. Diana finds out a dark secret about Jonathan's past, and when Isabel finds out, things aren't looking good. The unknown connection between these four people will forever change their lives.

What I Think: This is one of the best performances I think I've ever seen from Marsden. I have fallen head over heels for Bradford. He's an amazing actor and just drop dead gorgeous. Close and Banks connected well for their written relationship. I loved the storyline. Every twist had me more and more enthralled. There was brief nudity here and there, but none was female, which sort of made me feel good. Not because I am a woman, but because there's hardly any movies nowadays with only a few shots of male nudity and no female nudity. Loved the story! Loved the performances! Loved the end!!!!!!

Garden State

Garden State

Who's in it: Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard

What's it about: Andrew Largeman(Braff) has been away from his house for over 9 years. The death of his paraplegic mother leads him back home. When he reunites with his friend Mark(Sarsgaard), things seem to be a little calmer. Andrew is severly medicated by his father who is a local psychiatrist, but Andrew goes to the hospital and requests a new psychiatrist. While he's off of his old mediations, he meets Sam(Portman) who is an epileptic compulsive liar. They go on a journey with Mark to get Andrew a wonderful present. Andrew gets on a plane to go back to his home in L.A. but his love for Sam is holding him back.

What I Think: I was surprised to find out that Zach Braff wrote, directed, and starred in this movie! I thought that the plot was wonderful, the twists here and there were wonderful, the music outstandingly complimented the movie, and the acting was superb. I loved everyone in this movie and I watched it twice. I will definitely own this movie in the future. It wasn't bright and happy like some movies. It was very serious and kind of realistic. I like movies that I can relate to and when the actors seem more like realistic people. Kudos to everyone who went into making this movie. I loved the part that Jim Parsons played!

Bride Wars

Bride Wars

Who's in it: Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway

What's it about: Since they were young girls, Liv(Hudson) and Emma(Hathaway) have always wanted to have their weddings at the Plaza in June. When they are both finally engaged, they set up their dates and start to plan. When they find out that there was a bit of confusion and their weddings are both set for the same day, a fight begins. Liv and Emma go from best friends to arch enemies. They try to sabotage the others wedding as much as they can because they want their wedding to be over the top.

What I Think: Hudson and Hathaway were one of the best female duos I think I've ever seen. It was amazing how different they were in personality but how well they connected on screen. The story was great and planned out to the very dot. I am so happy to see Hathaway in this light and I think that it suits her more than in Princess Diaries. Hudson was just the same nutty girl that she is in a lot of movies and I love it. I was so happy in the end but kind of sad at the same time. I love happy endings and my favourite guy won in the end despite the female stars!

Monsters vs. Aliens

Monsters vs. Aliens

Who's in it: Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Rainn Wilson

What's it about: Susan(Witherspoon) was so close to being married, but after she got hit by a meteor, she grew 50 stories tall. The government has now put her in with the group they call monsters. The Missing Link(Arnett), B.O.B.(Rogen), Dr. Cockroach(Laurie), and Insectosaurus try to help Susan feel more at home, but can never seem to make her feel better. After an alien invasion by Gallaxhar(Wilson) pursues Earth, the monsters are called to save the USA. Gallaxhar wants Susan because of the material the meteor contained so that he can clone an entire alien race.

What I Think: This movie was so hilarious. I don't think that it would've been the same without Rogen. Laurie was amazing. I love him on House because of his completely fake American accent. Here, he could use a little bit of his accent. Witherspoon made for a wonderful Susan! The animation was awesome! The storyline was great and slightly unpredictable. I loved all of the actors and actresses that lended their voices to this movie. They truely made it a great movie. I was very impressed by the accuracy in the animation for this movie.

The Fast and the Furious

The Fast and the Furious

Who's in it: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Rick Yune

What's it about: Undercover detective in training Brian O'Connor(Walker) is trying to catch a group of theives by getting into the street racing crowd. He gets in good with the top racer Dom(Diesel) after he saves him from a cop raid during a night race. Johnny Tran(Yune), the leader of the Chinese racers, is suspected of the robberies, but Brian needs to be certain in order to finally get the job that he has always wanted but isn't sure if it's worth ruining his newfound friendship with Dom and his racing family.

What I Think: I've never been fond of racing movies, but this is the start of the series of The Fast and the Furious. Eli and I are going to be watching them all before going to see the fourth one in theatres. I thought that the storyline was pretty good. I most of the cares in the movie. They were entertaining to watch. It's was no Red Line thank God. I loved to watch Vin Diesel. He's so good looking. Walker wasn't bad either. As for acting, it was alright. Not the greatest performances but definitely not the worst.