Recently

I have been such a slacker lately! Things for me have been a bit hectic, so unfortunately the activities that I love to do for myself (like this blog) go to the back-burner for a while. I am fully planning on keeping up with it as soon as I settle down (and stop throwing up....thank you baby!), but for now, here are some films that I have absolutely loved recently. I highly recommend them! All of these have my top rating....a 1 diaper day!

I am sensing a little bit of a theme with these movies that I adore....

The Back-Up Plan

Wow.....all I can really say about this movie:

TRAIN WRECK!!!!!!

Letters to Juliet

The classic 'never realized romance' comes onto the screen in this cliche of a movie, like many we have seen before. And not just the never realized romance, but they threw in a will they or won't they new romance in the thick of it as well, just to tease us.

Main character Sophie, played by Amanda Seyfried, ventures to Italy with her fiance (well, sort of, I mean come on...where is the ring Sophie?) and ends up on an adventure of sorts on her own instead. Sophie is a budding journalist who attempts to play Juliet in writing Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) a letter of reply after 50 years of silence regarding her long lost love. Claire visits Italy with her grandson, all go on an adventure to find the long lost love, and of course Sophie and grandson Charlie (Chris Egan) end up falling in love in the process. What is a girl to do? In love with two men and in the heart of Tuscany! This is just too painful! I was honestly surprised that Vanessa Redgrave accepted this odd role in the first place. She is a legend for goodness sake, and been in more leading roles then I can count. Her performance was not up to par in this film, though I believe it wasn't a fault of her own at all.

I had not seen Christopher Egan in any other role before this one, which, unfortunately for him, did not work in his favor. Though he was more lively then Amanda Seyfried, he still fell flat a bit for me. He is cute, don't get me wrong, and did deliver his lines well and with some passion, but all in all, the performance was not extremely memorable.

Which bring us to Amanda. Oh Amanda Amanda....what were you thinking? Well, maybe the point is that she just plain wasn't thinking at all. Honestly, this role could have been SO much more then what was given to it. I usually adore Amanda (Mama Mia anyone?), but her performance was completely non-existent throughout the entire film. Yes, the dialog was extremely limp which would make it hard for any actor. But, her expressions and passion were not even present, she didn't bring anything to the main character! She was flat out boring, sad to say. Lines were boring, expressions were boring, there were even multiple scenes with her just walking around looking bored out of her mind. Not animated at all and definitely did not bring ANYTHING to this role. Sorry Amanda....

I think that this story could have been more light, funny, charming, and smart. It felt like it was simply thrown together without much thought to it. Honestly, the editing was odd, the music didn't fit, the lines were stuck in in weird places. Or just plain cheesy lines like "Can you move? Only my lips!" and "When we are speaking about love, it is never too late." Please make it stop!

Though the overall film it did appeal to my romantic side, I could not look past the awkwardness of some scenes, lines, and script. I think this film could have been 100 times better if told correctly. The only redeeming part of it was the beautiful Italian countryside, which made me want to hop on a plane as soon as possible. I give it a three diaper day, mediocre.

Bummer.....

The Last Song

A movie that I had waited a long time for! Not seeing movies in theaters much anymore, my sense of patience is severely tested when it comes to waiting for them to come out on DVD!! But thankfully, I was one of the first on Netflix, and my good friend decided to make it a girls night, which made the waiting worth it. :)

I honestly didn't have many expectations for this film, other then knowing I would inevitably cry (come on...it is Nicholas Sparks we are talking about), and most likely it would be somewhat of a romance cliche. Which, of course, it did turn out to be on many levels.

Based off of one of the famously tear-jerking Nicholas Sparks novels, The Last Song actually comes to us not as a date-night romantic, but more as what appears to be the attempted platform to launch Miss Miley Cyrus into the atmosphere of her career. Though sadly, neither one was attained. This movie was enjoyable to watch as a whole, but unfortunately had no sense of real-life what-so-ever. And to give Miley a little credit, I guess it would be difficult to give a convincing performance when what you are saying isn't all that intelligent anyway. The story didn't seem to flow, and other then Miley's little brother in the film, the script was really disjointed and rather boring.

Oh Miley Miley.....not sure what advice I would give you if you were standing in front of me this minute. Miley played the main character of Ronnie in the film; an angry, dramatic, and self-centered teenager who hates the world for her parent's divorce, hates her father for leaving, and hates her mother for shipping her off to Georgia for the summer. And all this after she has turned her back on her amazing talents as a pianist and apparent song writer for no reason that I can recall. THEN, she ends up meeting a really gorgeous, and rather perfect it seems, guy who tries to sweep her off her feet, and only ends up hating him as well, which I again can't recall the reason for. I guess he lied about something.....hmmm....I don't know. Anyway, let's just say that she is angry at the world....poor her.

I believe that Cyrus really tried in this role, but the end result was not anything to write home about. Her overall performance was mediocre at best, and at times rather pathetic (sorry Miley!). She was definitely trying way too hard and not producing enough. One film critic actually says "Disney starlet Miley Cyrus becomes an early contender for worst actress of the decade in this painful attempt at a romantic tear-jerker." Yikes!!! She was though, in the end, very boring and unbelievable.

The dashing Liam Hemsworth plays Will, Ronnie's love interest during a whirlwind summer of drama and sea turtles. Though Will was fun to watch, he really did seem to be trying too hard just like his counterpart. A little more believable then Cyrus, I think that he still missed the mark and came off as an overzealous teenager just excited to relay a few lines on camera. Him and Cyrus had no chemistry, but it sure did look like they enjoyed kissing in the ocean!

Which brings me to the real stars of the show and the only two performances worth raving about! The lovely Greg Kinnear, as the father, and little brother Jonah, played by Bobby Coleman.

I feel that Kinnear is a steadfast and immovable actor, in that he can really pull off anything that is thrown at him and still make it look realistic. Even working with Miley Cyrus didn't through him off! And THAT my friends is a feat!

However, the biggest star of the film has to go to Mr. Bobby Coleman. I have never seen this adorable kid before, but I sure hope that I get to again. He performed beautifully! His lines were spot on, his emotions were realistic, he was funny when he was meant to be funny, serious when meant to be serious, and could pull of an overly sarcastic line with precision! I can't say enough about this little genius! He stole the show in a big way, and I was left thinking that I would have loved to see more of him and less of his overly dramatic sister!

All in all, this movie was definitely watchable, and even enjoyable in spots. I do admit that I love the soundtrack as well, and am intrigued enough to go read the book for myself. However, my main thought once the credits rolled was not about the storyline, actors, script, or even the music, but "where in the world did they film that movie?" And..."why can't I go there now?" :) It definitely didn't make my list of favorites, but was really fun to watch with an amazing girlfriend. I give it a three diaper day.....mediocre. Sorry Miley, you just didn't convince me!

Leap Year

Amy Admas and Matthew Goode star in this supposed romantic comedy which came out at the beginning of this year. We have seen the story before (with a few twists along the way), nothing much new here. Well, except for the fact that the heroine is the one going through all of the hectic twists and turns to propose to her boyfriend, instead of the usual other way around. And on Leap Day of all things (though you probably could have guessed that part without much intro), in Ireland, because of a long lost family story regarding that particular day in that particular country. This whole elaborate scheme to propose on Leap Day is of course thwarted by a series of events out of her control, and the fates finally end up intervening. All a little strange from the get-go if you ask me.

Amy Adams is normally one of my very favorites. She stars in two of my top 10 films, Enchanted and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (and who can forget Julie and Julia?). However, she falls quite flat in this film, with no help at all from her co-star Matthew Goode. Apparently he has stared in a few films in his day, including Match Point and Chasing Liberty, but to me, he was pretty much an unknown. And, I am sorry to say for my part, will remain that way.

To give these two some credit, I must admit that they did not have much to work with. And could possibly have had some genuine chemistry if not for the horrid and boring script. Frankly, all involved seemed bored, everything was done halfway. The quality of writing was a complete letdown and these two got caught in the middle of what appeared to be a bad dream, that just kept going and going and going.....one disaster to the next. Lines were contrived and cheesy. Nothing was truly believable, even the ending which I usually gush over. I was honestly doing laundry, writing a few letters, cleaning the house, all while watching. There wasn't much of substance to miss during those times when I left the room. Sad. And I was so in the mood for a fun chick-flick.

With a certain degree of sadness (I had such high hopes!), I have to give this horribly boring movie my lowest rating, a 4 diaper day.....terrible. Poor Amy, better luck next time.

North and South

I just finished watching this splended film, and want to start it again right away. Honestly, I can't get enough. I have spent the last half hour searching google, as well as any other website I can find, with any information about both this film itself and the author of whom it originated, Elizabeth Gaskell. What a treat this one has been for me....already one of my absolute favorites, I must own it, and SOON!

This film is exactly why I adore movies so very much.

Two fabulous actors whom I had never seen prior to this movie were the hero and heroine in this film.... Richard Armitage as the seeminly hard as a rock John Thornton, and Daniela Denby-Ashe as the "progressive" outspoken Margaret Hale. The two meet in a town in Northern England called Milton, where Mr. Thornton has spent his life working and toiling away to eventually increase in great fortune and prosperity, but also has much pride and prejudice (no pun intended) attached as well. Ms. Hale has come from the south of England (hence the title) where life moves a little slower, and her opinions of truth and fairness are steadfast. The story that comes out of this meeting is complicated and fascinating. This film not only tackles the struggles and complexity of love, but also other relationships, class struggles, ideological struggles, and more. There is amazing depth within the relationships of these characters that span across classes and situations, where there is society struggles and misunderstanding. There is upheaval, strike, but also truth.

This whole tale was based on the book with the same name by Elizabeth Gaskell, written in 1855. At this point in time, Elizabeth was thought to be a "radical" in a sense. She wrote about upheaval and the struggle of classes, which was unheard of back then. But she wanted to write truth, and she was good at it. She took on the bold issues of her day, not shying away from working vs middle class contraversy, and this film is a wonderful example of her bold work. I think that she would be proud to see it on the big screen.

Overall, I was extremely pleased and surprised by this film. It had some essense of "Pride and Prejudice" and I do admit to thinking back to Jane Austen occasionally throughout. However, it also had it's very own flavor and feel, and kept me wanting more and more. I couldn't tear my eyes off the screen for most of it, and honestly did not know how it would end. I am such a sucker for a happy romantic ending, and I truly didn't know if that would come to pass at the end of this bold story. I have to give it my highest rating, a 1 Diaper Day.....absolutely FABULOUS!

I must sign off, I have to watch North and South again.....

2012

I could NOT handle this movie! That pretty much sums up my feelings.... :)
Not only was it completely unbelievable, predicable, cheesy, and full of terrible acting skills, but I was basically having an anxiety attack watching the film because of the children that were involved. Ever since I became a mother I can not watch little kids in trouble or hurting (even if I know it is completely fictional!) without freaking out myself! I guess I am too much of a visual person, I just can't handle it.
I can't even say this movie was disappointing, because I truly didn't have any expectations of it at all going in. I just plain did not like it.....sad. I have to give it my worst rating....a four diaper day!

AVATAR

The phenomenon that is Avatar.....

I was reluctant to see this film. I am not into sci-fi romances (which I am SURE that I have mentioned before :) ), and I guess that I am prideful enough where if everyone on the planet is telling me to do something, I just REFUSE! I have been wrong before, and will surely be again. And I am happy to say, that I was completely wrong regarding this film as well.

This ambitious and detailed film is a visual masterpiece. What an amazing undertaking by James Cameron! We have seen him bite off quite a bit before, but nothing this expansive and impressive. I was blown away by the immense scope that was this movie. I can't even begin to imagine the work and effort it took by many hundreds of people to pull this off, it truly is like nothing I have ever seen before! Don't get me wrong, it wasn't perfect. But it definitely was a movie that continued to run in my head over and over even after the ending credits. And in 3D, fabulous! I don't think I have seen a 3D movie since Captain EO (yikes! I sure do date myself with that one), and I was stunned!!! Watching the movie in 3D was just as good as seeing my husband with those humongous glasses on for 3 hours! :)

Let's start with the not-so-good....

I didn't think that the storyline running throughout this film was completely believable. Don't get me wrong, I understand that life on other planets, etc isn't supposed to be completely realistic. But putting that aside, I felt like we have just seen this plot many times before. Nothing original with the main relationship storyline except the planet and species. However, I did find myself relating to an alien species in some way, and even cried for them and their race, so I guess I can't call it completely unbelievable. Though I do I wonder how much of that was the visual aspect.

The great......

The actors were amazing, well picked, and believable in their roles. The detail of the set, special effects, and cinematography was fantastic! The movie was so completely detailed down to the way the main characters legs looked in a wheelchair that I could not find anything distracting from the entire film while watching. And that is a good sign! Usually I get caught up on "that isn't supposed to be there" or "they didn't show it that way earlier".

Another great, the visual effects were FABULOUS!!!! I could not believe my eyes at times. The entire world surrounding this alien race was well thought out and planned. Each piece impressed me more then that last, and I found myself just staring with my mouth open half the time at the beauty that was created on screen. I especially loved the "floating mountains" and the entire story surrounding them. What an inventive idea and execution! This scenery is nothing like we have ever seen before. I have no idea how they would create it, but they sure did it wonderfully.Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana both had an epic performance. Each, in their own way, played their part exceptionally well. I was most impressed by the emotion that Saldana showed throughout the film. Truthfully, I was not expecting that from her. I have seen Saldana in movies past, and have not been that impressed. I have been proven wrong. She WAS this alien character, in every way. Again, I am stumped at how she was able to act so emotionally with all of that make-up and get-up on, but she did an amazing job.

Mostly, I was impressed with Worthington. I had not seen him in movies past, and was anxious about that for some reason. But, he completely shocked me (in a good way!) throughout this entire emotional roller coaster. He seemed to embody Jake Sully, both in human and Avatar form. I could feel his angst and emotional ties to both sides, and truly felt for him.

Overall, James Cameron put together a fabulous and perfectly picked cast that made up Avatar, and he did a terrific job. I think that every actor was cast in a perfect role, one that would make them shine through each and every scene.

I truly adored this movie, and can't wait to see it again. I have to give it my highest rating, a 1 diaper day, FABULOUS! I would like to close with what a fellow viewer has said...."It is the experience, more than the story, that's worth celebrating here". I completely agree.

When In Rome

The ultimate classic romance....

Boy meets girl (or should I say girl meets boy), boy likes girl, girl likes boy but thinks boy likes someone else, girl picks up coins out of a fountain, all of a sudden a whole bunch of boys like girl including the original boy, girl thinks boys are crazy including original boy, girl finally falls for boy, girl breaks up with boy, girl likes boy again (do I really have to go on??).

This movie was terrible. Downright terrible. I was so excited to go see a fun chick-flick with a great friend, and we ended up being completely disappointed.

The acting was terrible, the cinematography was a mess, the scenes did not sync well, and it was completely cheesy. Truly, the only redeeming quality was watching Josh Duhamel for two hours. And possibly seeing some amazing sites of Italy.

This movie gets my lowest rating by far, a four diaper day....absolutely MISERABLE!

Meryl

So I just watched Julie and Julia again. First time since I had seen it in the theaters last year. And I have got to say, Meryl Streep is BRILLIANT!!! She has always been a favorite of mine, but as I was watching closely and critiquing her performance, I really truly felt that she was completely brilliant. Couldn't have been better.....

Just thought I would share.

Dear John

I admit it....I was actually pretty darn excited to see this movie. I love all types of movies, romantic, action and adventure, and even some sci-fi, but I will give that I am partial to the hopeless romantic, everyone lives happily ever after type of film. I guess it is just in my nature. Which is why as I was laid up for 6 weeks rehabilitating my knee, I was simply dying to get out and watch this film in particular.

The beginning starts out promising, with a good (notice I didn't say great) cast of characters and some likable scenes, but doesn't quite find it's center as the film goes on. Though I enjoyed watching what was playing out in front of me, I couldn't help but think "where were we all going to end up?" I admit some tears were shed, but instead of just the tear streaks that I should have left the theater with, I also had lines across my forehead from being so puzzled in parts.
The classic Nicholas Sparks premise...young love riddled with complications. That summarizes the plot in a nutshell. Beautiful young love, only having known each other for two weeks, and then being separated by time, space, war, and every other possible calamity. But what else should we expect from a Spark's novel? The two lovers have the hope of being reunited when 9/11 strikes and all is interrupted. Both must be consigned to write letters for who knows how long, in order to keep the spark alive. And then the unthinkable happens....

Channing Tatum and amanda Seyfriend play the young lovers in this romantic drama. The two definitely had a spark, and I think clicked pretty darn well from beginning to end. I truly did like watching the two together, if it wasn't so darn dramatic ALL of the time! Tatum did well, though emotion is not his strength. He made me want a sensitive man, but didn't convince me that that was his true character. Seyfriend is one of my favorites, but really felt that this role didn't live up to the potential she has locked inside. Though I believe that the film was cast well, there definitely isn't any Oscar winning roles to speak of.

Overall, I am torn between a two and three diaper day. I enjoyed it, but is it on my list of movies to buy in the next 6 months? Probably not....So, let's give it a 2 and a half diaper day, somewhere in the realm of agreeable to mediocre. Thoughts?

Behind....

I know, I am already starting 2010 on a bad note...

I am severely behind on my reviews beginning in the new year, but no worries, I do have a few up my sleeve. They may be slightly shorter then normal, but here they are none-the-less.....and off we go!

Star Trek

I have never resembled a Trekkie in any way, shape, or form. Not sure if I ever watched an entire episode of this amazing franchise in my life. This is why I was not the least bit anxious to watch JJ Abrams relaunch of this already epic story. However, this is not the first time I must admit a fault, and I am sure not the last.....I truly loved this movie. Surprise, I know.

I was truly impressed by JJ Abrams, who took on this nearly impossible task of recreating a storyline for these already beloved and well-known characters. His vision was clear; create an exciting, show-stopping story surrounding this beloved series. And all I can say is "well done!" The action was fantastic, with scenes keeping me on the edge of my seat, never knowing what was going to happen next. His cast of characters (well, most of them....more on that later) was inspired, with fantastic dynamic between actors and well acted, fast-paced, scenes. Humor in all the right places, drama at all the right times. Unpredictable story with a twist. There was also just enough of the old Star Trek story line to keep those who have loved the show for ages interested, as well as new twists and turns for those who never heard of such a thing as a Romulan. :)

One of the twists that truly peeked my interest was the arrival of the "old" Spock, Leanord Nemoy. Though the story was a bit difficult to follow (why there are now indeed two Spocks on earth at one time, one trying to save the fate of the other), it was truly a treat to see his familiar face. Even familiar to me, who never watched the original series. His arrival made a perfect fit for humor, drama, and action all in one.

As for the new blood that penetrated the slides of this film....
Most of these actors were completely unknown to me. And I do have to say that the side characters were a bit disappointing. Besides the main few, the lines tended to be a bit cheesy, the acting was mediocre, and it actually seemed like they may be trying a bit too hard to emulate the already loved characters.
Now, as for the main actors. These few truly had great dynamic between them, portrayed their characters extremely well (from a non-Trekkie critic anyway), and though their objective was a lofty one, I think that they accomplished it well. Chris Pine (Kirk) was one I had never seen before, but now he will have to significantly step up his game, because he impressed me in this very first film I had seen him in. I believe he even looked the part. My one negative thought regarding this character was only, how many times can one person die? I mean, really? Falling thousands of feet, shot at, inferno, on and on and on. However, I guess that isn't his fault as an actor. :) His part was a strenuous one, but I think that he performed beautifully. Zachary Quinto (Spock) has previously been seen in the show Heros, though not something that I have never seen as well. He triumphed in this film. He was serious, studious, logical, and adds an outsiders point of view on human kind. I think that Leonard Nemoy would be proud.

Overall, this new flavor to an epic story was done incredibly well. I enjoyed my experience so much that I immediately began writing notes for this, the review. I would watch it again in a heart beat, which is a lofty statement coming from a non-Trekkie. I have to give it my highest rating, a 1 diaper day! And to leave all of you my readers, I say only:
"Live Long and Prosper!"

Edit

I must add another movie to my favorites of 2009. I only recently saw the new Star Trek, and though this is completely against my "normal" favorites by far, I absolutely loved it. Review to come...

ADDED! :)

My Sister's Keeper

I was greatly anticipating seeing "My Sister's Keeper" after reading the book of which it was based, by Jodi Picoult. A semi-controversial story surrounding a family with a terminally ill child, and all that they do in order to save her. The dramatic events that occur because of the stress upon this family, and how each of them in turn deals with that load upon their shoulders. And, not only was there an amazing cast surrounding this film, but with the moral debate, emotionally charged medical situation, and interesting family dynamic this was sure to make for a fabulous viewing experience.

Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. True, I did enjoy the film, and true, I was delightedly surprised by the acting throughout. But I felt like director Nick Cassevetes just missed the mark a bit. The movie did not disappoint in the emotional, almost melodramatic, characteristics it portrayed. And of course, I cried like the best tearjerker should make you cry. However, I don't think that the overall storyline was quite as developed as I would have hoped when based of a bestselling novel. I think the part that surprised me the most, in a this-is-weird-for-this-type-of-movie sort of way, the editing seemed very misdirected. The scenes seemed to be cut off at odd times, fading out in an 80's kind of way. Very surprising, and definitely didn't add anything to the overall film.

The performance that surprised me the most, Cameron Diaz. I am not a huge Diaz fan, I usually detest the movies where she plays the stereotypical dumb blond role, chasing after a man who is all wrong for her and making a fool of herself the whole time. But this film, completely different. Completely opposite of her "normal" roles. And completely marvelous!!! I couldn't believe who I was watching! Was this is same Cameron Diaz who's role I detested in "In Her Shoes"? Was this the same Diaz who I heard played an absolutely terrible role in "What Happens In Vegas"? Not in my world! She was amazing, completely amazing. She captured this serious role with ease. Made me believe that she really had been a mother of a terminally ill child for 14 years.....emotional, dramatic, stoic at times, and believable. I was thrilled to see her in such a serious role, and really hope that she will continue to surprise me in the future. In my opinion, this is what she was meant to do.

And the daughters within the film, in one word, amazing. Though I think that Abigail Breslin didn't play up to her potential, both were stunning. This is the first movie I have seen of Sofia Vassilieva, but some of us may recognize her from the hit tv show "Medium". She simply blew me away. I wanted to see more of her truthfully, and wished that they would have focused more on her character then Abigail Breslin's. It amazes me that girls so young could play such dramatic and emotional roles with ease. I am not sure if I could even memorize a Shakespeare poem as a teenager, let alone an entire movie script with emotion and all! I was thoroughly impressed.

Overall, I definitely thought that My Sister's Keeper was one not to miss, though the director did miss the mark on some scenes meant to be dramatic and highly effecting. And the moral debate not fully realized, which I believe would have been rather interesting played out on the big screen. I give it a two diaper day, Agreeable.