New In Town

New In Town

Who's in it: Renée Zellweger, Harry Connick Jr., Siobhan Fallon

What's it about: After a long career as a leader in a big business, Lucy(Zellweger) is being sent to Minnesota to begin leading a dying business. She's met by Blanche(Fallon) who helps Lucy to her new home and offers her a warm homecooked dinner. Here she meets Ted(Connick Jr.). Ted is the local union representative. She doesn't find this out until after she's had an outburst of argument with him. She begins to fall for Ted after he saves her from a snow dune out in the middle of nowhere. The widowed Ted begins to fall for Lucy as well, but her knowing that she must fire everyone at the plant she's the head of, leaves him wondering what kind of woman Lucy really is.

What I Think: I was able to watch this at South Carolina Business Week 2009 with over 200 people in the auditorium. Even though the sound was a bit off and, with all of those kids, hard to hear, I got the whole movie. I loved Zellweger's character. She was so funny with Connick Jr. Not to mention how much I love Connick Jr. already! The two were a perfect couple on the big screen. As for the story, it was entertaining. I liked the entirety of it really. It was serious, but completely funny at the same time.

Because I Said So

Because I Said So

Who's in it: Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore, Gabriel Macht, Tom Scott

What's it about: Daphne Wilder(Keaton) has been alone for a long time. This keeps her completely in the business of her daughter, Milly(Moore). While Milly's getting older, Daphne's becomings more concerned. So concerned that she put a personal ad for her daughter. Daphne meets two men that meet her standards for Milly. Jason(Scott), a well known architect and Johnny(Macht), a jazz singer and single dad. Milly begins to fall for both, but she doesn't know that her Mom set them up with her.

What I Think: I learned very quickly that this is not a movie to watch with your little sister. I've liked Moore in most of her movies, and this one was just another of her great ones. I enjoyed the secretive side of Keaton. The Macht and Scott were perfect. They were both great looking men and they played their roles so well. I was really impressed by Keaton's performance as a completely crazy mother obsessed with her daughters life. I also loved how the movie ended. The setting of movie was pretty entertaining. I loved the interior design of both places.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

The Notebook

The Notebook

Who's in it: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, Sam Shepard

What's it about: Narrated by Frank(Shepard), a love story between Noah(Gosling) and Allie(McAdams) is pursued over a summer vacation. When the two fall deeply in love, her rich family won't have her hanging around a poor boy working in the lumberyard. After Allie moves back to Charleston, Noah begins to write her a letter every day for a year. She never recieves any of the letter, but sees him in the newspaper years later when she is about to marry. Dwelling on her past, she decides to go back and see Noah, and unexpectedly falls in love with him all over again.

What I Think: Originally a book by Nicholas Sparks, this movie was a real tearjerker. I have seen this movie 4 or 5 times and I can never keep from crying. It is just really sad at the end and I can't help but tear up. I loved the performances of both McAdams and Gosling. They just connected in a way that most couples don't. McAdams looked great in the old fashioned clothing and all in all looked like she belonged way back when. Gosling was great until he had that beard. After the beard appeared, I couldn't love him anymore. The emotions were breathtaking and I could feel everything that each character was feeling.

The Broken Hearts Club

The Broken Hearts Club

Who's in it: Timothy Olyphant, Ben Weber, Matt McGrath, Zach Braff, Dean Cain, Andrew Keegan

What's it about: Dennis(Olyphant), Patrick(Weber), Benji(Braff), Howie(McGrath), and Cole(Cain) are best friends. They all have one things in common. They are gay. Cole is a hotshot that is always playing his way through relationships. Dennis is wanting more than just a one night stand. Everything changes when Howie loses his boyfriend, Patrick is asked to be a donor, Benji starts doing drugs, and Cole brings Kevin(Keegan) around. Dennis falls in love with the recently out Kevin but Cole finds it fun to mess with Kevin's feelings first.

What I Think: This movie was very good. There aren't many movies about gays and I think that it was about time this was done. This is real life and people can't just ignore it. The closest person to you could be gay and you not know it. I find it admirable of all of these actors to play in this movie and all the controversy that comes along with it. The acting was done nicely and I loved the drama that continued to surface. Olyphant was a great starring actor and the rest of them really helped for the story to really stick in your mind.

My Best Friend's Girl

My Best Friend's Girl

Who's in it: Dane Cook, Kate Hudson, Jason Biggs

What's it about: Tank(Cook) and Dustin(Biggs) are best friends. Dustin works in an office with the love of his life, Alexis(Hudson). Tank works with a communications business. His side job is being paid to take an ex-girlfriend on the worst date ever so that the ex-boyfriend looks good and the couple get back together. Dustin asks Tank to take Alexis out, but when he does, he falls in love. The two begin to see each other and when Dustin finds out, Tank has to decide whether to choose bros before hoes.

What I Think: Huge fan of Dane Cook! It was as if the role of Tank was written for Cook. He did so perfectly and, being the comedian he is, made everything funnier with his personality. Biggs does a wonderful nervous man in love. I loved the role of Hudson. I really do enjoy watching her in any movie. She has a way of making it funny, romantic, and serious all at the same time. I thought that the story was hilarious, the acting was monumentally good. I wasn't happy with the strip club, but hey... that's what America is these days.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Who's in it: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood

What's it about: Joel(Carrey) has found the girl of his dreams. Her name is Clementine(Winslet). He goes to see Clementine at her workplace, but sees her with another man. She does not remember anything about Joel and is convinced that she never knew him. Joel finds out that Clementine has had him erased from her memory by Stan(Ruffalo), who works with Patrick(Wood) for those who want to forget someone or something. Joel sets up for Clementine to be erased from his memory as well, but as the process is being done, he changes his mind and fights to save his memories of his true love.

What I Think: I've been told that this movie was bad and a waste of time, but I very much enjoyed it. As it's known, I love Carrey and I love Winslet. This was a bit hard to follow at first, but after a little bit, you began to understand what was going on. There was a lot of changing within time. There was also a lot of repetition among events that happened. Each time something was different and significant. Carrey and Winslet really stepped out of their boxes with this movie by completely switching what they usually play. Very impressive if you ask me!

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!

A Cinderella Story

A Cinderella Story

Who's in it: Hilary Duff, Chad Michael Murray, Jennifer Coolidge, Dan Byrd, Regina King

What's it about: Sam's(Duff) father died and was left with her stepmother, Fiona(Coolidge). Her dream is to go to Princeton, but Fiona won't have it. Her best friend, Carter(Dan), and her working partner, Rhonda(King) help her to get to her Halloween dance where she meets her secret online buddy. When her online buddy turns out to be Austin Ames(Murray), she panics and leaves. Behind her she left her cell phone and Austin finds in. He hopes to return it to her but can't seem to find her anywhere.

What I Think: Cinderella is a classic tale. This movie never ceased to fail me. The only problem about it was that everything was anticipated. The acting was good and the setup was good as well. I think that Duff and Murray were a great couple to play their parts. Coolidge performed well as the evil stepmother. I am new to Dan Byrd, but I think that I will definitely watch him again! I really do like the way he was.

Angel Eyes

Angel Eyes

Who's in it: Jennifer Lopez, James Caviezel

What's it about: A car accident left Catch(Caviezel) wondering what he did to deserve a life without his wife and son. Sharon(Lopez) was the cop that saved him on the highway, but he never got to meet her. A year later, Catch sees Sharon in a coffee shop and is determined to meet her. He saved her during a chase from a gunman and so they begin to see each other more often. As their love begins to rise, Catch learns more and more about Sharon, but she never learns about him. After learning his real name is Steven, she finds his history files and remembers the moment that she saved his life. More of their stories come into light and they are on their way to truly understanding each other.

What I Think: James Caviezel and Jennifer Lopez were a perfect duo for this movie. I thought that the contrasts betwen the two characters allowed for them to connect more than expected. The storyline was unique and something that I haven't really ever seen before. You thought that you knew the story, but you really don't until the end. The acting was great and I don't know why, but I always find myself attracted to all of Lopez's films. A great and new twist to the view of a love story. Caviezel is new to me and I think that he's now my second favourite actor... next to Gerard Butler of course.

Australia

Australia

Who's in it: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Bryan Brown, David Gulpilil, Brandon Walters, David Wenham

What's it about: The death of her wealthy husband sends Lady Sarah Ashley(Kidman) to the down under. In Australia, she meets the Drover(Jackman) who leads her to Far Away Downs, their cattle droving business headquarters. There she meets Fletcher(Wenham), who abuses the Aboriginal women who live on the estate. Nullah(Walters) and his grandfather King George(Gulpilil) lead Lady Ashley and the Drover through the Never Ever Land to deliver the cattle before their rival King Carney(Brown). In a time when equality is out of the question and acceptance is hard to find, the Far Away Downs family is sent on a grueling journey to become the head cattle drovers in Australia.

What I Think: I have to say that I loved Kidman and Jackman in this movie. Everything about them was perfect. Kidman looked as if she were never in make-up. She's absolutely gorgeous even without it. Jackman, People's most recent Sexiest Man Alive was stunning. There were so many scenes where I just about died they were so romantic. The story was very inticing and I loved every thing that was thrown into it. The movie was very long but it was worth every second that passed. Walters did one of the best acting jobs I've ever seen a child perform. It was hard to take your eyes off such a cute little guy.

No Reservations

No Reservations

Who's in it: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin

What's it about: After the death of her sister, Kate(Zeta-Jones) is given her niece, Zoe(Breslin), and is her legal guardian. Kate has never been much of a people person and is always thinking about food and her job. She works as head chef for a restaurant. After her leave from work, she comes back to see that she has a new co-worker. Nick(Eckhart) is coming up fast to getting Kate's hard-earned position. Oblivious to Nick's love and worried about her new found parenthood, Kate is burdened by too many feelings at once and has to sort them out in order to finally have the happy life she always wanted

What I Think: Definitely a great movie to me. I had no clue that Eckhart could be so flexible with himself. I mean, Harvey Dent and Two-Face, but still able to do a lovey-dovey sous chef? I hadn't seen a movie with Zeta-Jones in it lately, but I must admit that she hasn't changed a bit. Breslin, I've realized, is coming up as the cute little girl in almost every upcoming movie. I've seen her in 'Nim's Island', 'Definitely, Maybe', and now 'No Reservations'. She's done a great job in all of them. Watch out Dakota!

Made of Honor

Made of Honor

Who's in it: Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan, Kevin McKidd

What's it about: Tom(Dempsey) and Hannah(Monaghan) have been best friends since a college accident. Tom is always sleeping around with different women every night and then comes back to spend a day with Hannah every Sunday. Hannah leaves for a trip to Scotland for 6 weeks and doesn't get to hardly speak with Tom in that time. Tom realizes that he is in love with Hannah while she's gone. When she gets back, she surprises him with her new fiance, and Duke of Scotland, Colin(McKidd). Tom agrees to be Hannah's maid of honor in the wedding. Now in a crazed attempt to 'steal the bride', Tom must try his hardest to be the best maid of honor he can be.

What I Think: I actually first saw this movie in theaters with my best friend. We both adored the storyline and the comedic routine that went along with it. I've never been a huge fan on Patrick Dempsey, but this movie has made me realize why so many women are in love with him. Monaghan was beautiful in every aspect of her character and as an actress. This movie makes you really sympathize with men all over the world that lose their love to a superior male. Great movie!

My Mom's New Boyfriend

My Mom's New Boyfriend

Who's in it: Antonio Banderas, Meg Ryan, Colin Hanks, Selma Blair

What's it about: Marty(Ryan) had always had problems in her life. After a life changing experience while taking her son Henry(Hanks), a new FBI agent, to the airport, she becomes a new person. After three years, Henry comes back with his fiancé(Blair). His mother is new and improved and an all around hottie. Everyone wants to date her. After she meets smooth talker Tommy(Banderas), she starts to fall in love. However, Tommy has a secret life and Henry's on his tail.

What I Think: This movie was very entertaining. It was disturbing at times, but wonderfully played out. Hanks is really like his father. Banderas was wonderful as he is in all of his movies. Still looks amazing and good looking. Blair was definetely good. Ryan seemed as if she were drunk the entire time and I wasn't quite sure if that was her or the character she was portraying. Great movie and amazing twist in the end!