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.

Marley & Me

Marley & Me

Who's in it: Jennifer Anniston, Owen Wilson, Woodson, Jonah, Clyde

What's it about: Before they had children, John(Wilson) and Jen(Anniston) Grogan had a dog. The dog's name was Marley(Woodson). He was the world's worst dog. Every time that Jen or John would try to train he would wag his tail and do the opposite of their orders. Throughout the couples life, they had some kids and Marley(Jonah) was just one of the family. The two often got into fights and disagreements, but they never gave up on themselves. Once their family had grown a bit older, Marley(Clyde) started to get sick. The closely knit family was starting to lose their most loved by all member.

What I Think: This was based on a book by the real John Grogan. Marley was played by three different dogs in this movie which is why three names are given above. This movie was very casual and accurate to many peoples lives today. I enjoyed watching every minute of this movie. By the time it was over, every person that was watching it with me was crying. My boyfriend left a huge spot on my shoulder where he had been crying. Not many movies can make me cry, but I must say that this one really did. Wilson and Anniston captured their characters and brought them to life and had them relate to all of us in some way. Great job from all of the characters.

Into the Wild

Into the Wild

Who's in it: Emile Hirsch

What's it about: Throughout his life, Chris(Hirsch) has always felt held back by the material possessions that control the world. After graduating with near perfect grades, he leaves his home without notice and goes on a journey to find himself. He meets several people along the way that encourage him, but also think that he should at least let his family know that he's alright. After walking around the western states, he decides that his final quest is to find a place and stay in Alaska for a while.

What I Think: This movie was based on the true story of Christopher Johnson McCandless. It was also turned into a book by Jon Krakauer. I thought that they played out the story of his life very well. Hirsch did an outstanding job as a nature lover and a man living on his own in the wild. It was interesting to watch his calm way of living turn to a frantic need to survive. He lived quite sophistically by himself and I loved his inablity to truely become embaressed. I wish that I had his talents to think things over the way that he did. It was also amazing to learn about a man who truely believed that he didn't need money to survive in the world. There are scenes of nudity that I didn't like and weren't needed to me.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Who's in it: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett

What's it about: Born with a rare disease, Benjamin Button(Pitt) was left on a doorstep. His disease causes his body to grow younger but his mind to grow older. He grows up in an old folks home where he meets a young girl named Daisy(Blanchett). The two fall in love but, because of his appearance, never can really be together. He falls in love with the sea and goes out on a trip with his sailor friends. He meets love and heartbreak and when he comes back, he gets together with Daisy. Their age is still a problem with them and will either make them or break them.

What I Think: Originally a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, this movie was well performed. This movie deserved every award it was nominated for. It's hard to say why I liked this movie as much as I did, but I loved it. The acting was phenomenal. The storyline was flawless. I believe that every single detail of this movie was thought out. You have to watch the whole movie to be able to understand the whole of it. The setting was great and the props were used to their maximum. Great everything!

Under the Tuscan Sun

Under the Tuscan Sun

Who's in it: Diane Lane, Sandra Oh


What's it about: A heartbreaking divorce leaves Frances(Lane) depressed and wondering what she did wrong to deserve such an awful husband. Frances is a writer and is trying to finish another book. Frances' sister, Patti(Oh), sends her to Tuscany in Italy in hopes of getting Frances back on her feet. While in Italy, Frances buys a house and plans to live in Italy. She begins to make a new family, but can't seem to find love. Her contractors become her family and she treats them just like she would her family.


What I Think: I love Diane Lane. Everything that she's ever been in, I've loved! This just adds on to the list of her amazing performances. I haven't been a huge fan of Sandra Oh, and she still wasn't great in this movie, but I could learn to love her. I think that the fact of her being a lesbian threw me off some. I think that the story, which was based off of a novel by Frances Mayes, was well written. The irony and the suspense was good and I enjoyed it alot! All in all, I love Diane Lane and I will continue to love her!

The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux

Who's in it: Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Dustin Hoffman

What's it about: In the beginning, Roscuro(Hoffman) was a respected rat. He loved to stay with the cook of ships and make friends. When he came to a new world where soup was famed and almost worshiped, he ruined the bond between humans and rats. Rats were banned from the city forever as was soup. Despereaux(Broderick) was born and always seen as a small troublemaker. He never acted the way a real mouse should and always was curious about he world around him. He meets Princess Pea(Watson) and forms a relationship that will heal the bond that was broken by Roscuro and bring the pleasure of soup back to the city.

What I Think: Matthew Broderick amazes me. He is old, yet his voice is that of a young child. It stuns me how he can be a bumbling adult or an inspired child. Emma Watson has come a long way from being Hermione. I was impressed by her flexibility. I love Hoffman's voice most of all. It's so distinct and you can always relate to his character alot. I love that he always gets the best character and that was one of the best performances. I think that this was all in all a good movie and great for the entire family. Haven't read the book that it was based on by Kate DiCamillo, but I hear that it's good as well.