Letters to Juliet - 2010

Starring:
Amanda Seyfried (Mama Mia), Christopher Egan (Eragon)

Rating:
PG-13 for brief rude behavior, some language and incidental smoking

Movie description:
A young American woman on vacation in Italy finds the fictional lover's Verona courtyard where people write letters to Juliet about their problems and are given answers by a group of women known as the secretaries of Juliet.  Intrigued by the idea she begins to help them and comes across a letter that has been hidden at the wall for almost 50 years.  Believing the woman deserves a response she replies and an adventure beyond anything she could have imagined begins. 

Review:
Here is one for the hopeless romantics and drama fans.  No sci-fi/fantasy or action here so you may want to stay clear if romantic, chick flick movies are not your thing.  This is a great movie to watch either curled up to the one you love or with a group of your friends in the mood for a mushy romance.  Like I said no action here.  I really enjoyed this movie.  It pulled on my heart strings and caused that really nice, awwww feeling in my stomach.  Some women may find this movie a little bit of a tear jerker, so if you are sensitive to this type of movie be sure to take some tissue or wear waterproof make up.  The acting was incredible, the script original and the places there were able to film are breath taking.  This is a great sweet ride, which will not disappoint. 

Thank you for reading,
Alison
Self Proclaimed Movie Critic


Letters to Juliet

Date Night - 2010

Starring:
Steve Carell (Evan Almighty), Tina Fey (SNL

Rating:
PG-13 for sexual and crude content throughout, language, some violence and drug reference

Movie Description:
In New York City, a case of mistaken identity turns a bored married couple's attempt at a glamorous and romantic evening into something more thrilling and dangerous.  Can they survive their date night and each other?

Review:
Personally I believe anyone who is or has ever been married will enjoy this movie.  It has the basic everyday married couple going through the motions, kids, work, house, babysitter and then it is time for their date night...and the laughs just keep on coming.  From the moment the movie started there were only maybe two or three parts that turned serious, the rest of the time the laughs were plenty.  Steve and Tina were the perfect, average couple who get pulled into one crazy, wild night they never expected.  It was also great to see other actors/actresses I love make appearences and just add more to the movie.  The acting was incredible by all involved, the sets were amazing and the storyline was original and held you in your seat. 

WARNING:  I feel I must issue a warning as the rating, PG-13, may give a false impression to some.  The F word is said once, and though the scene is perfect and very funny, you may want to watch the movie first before allowing your 13 + children to see it.

Aside from the language, which was not a huge problem for me, the movie was definately a keeper and I plan to owe it when it comes out.  Action, romantics and drama fans will like/love this movie, while sci-fi/fantasy fans may want to avoid..unless your married and/or have kids.

Thank you for reading,
Alison
Self Proclaimed Movie Critic

Star Trek - 2009

Starring:
Eric Bana (Troy), Zachary Quinto (Heros), Chris Pine (Princess Dairies 2), Karl Urban (Doom)

Rating:
PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence and brief sexual content

Movie Description:
A chronicle of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members.

Review:
First of all I would like to point out that I never was or have ever been what people call "Trekkies", although I have seen enough of the show to know the key players, like Bones, Scotty, Spock and of course Kirk.  That being said I loved this movie.  It has everything a sci-fi fan would enjoy, great fighting scenes, new worlds, new races (of course if you are extremely into Star Trek they are not really new to you) and of course the new found friendships and crew of the U.S.S Enterprise, that the movie focuses on.  Even Star Trek fans will really like this new take on a classic TV show.  This movie begins when Kirk is a baby and follows him as he become the Captain of the Enterprise along with the crew most of us know by heart.  There are some familiar faces, Leonard, the original spock making an appearence seemed to me to bring heart to the movie and remind the Trekkies that every possible part of the movie was looked at in great detail to ensure no one would be upset.  The movie itself showed the great care and planning that must have gone into it.  The actors/actresses were amazing, the sets incrediable and of course thanks to the time of technology we live in, the effects were breathtaking. 

Personally I don't see a downside to this movie.  We all know the journey did in no way end when Kirk became Captain, it in fact began, so we expected the openended conclusion that occured.  If I wasn't a Trekkie before this movie came out I think I just might be now.  Action, sci-fi, drama and even some fantasy fans will love this movie.  There is a touch of romance for the romantics but don't count on a lot of it as the action out weighs it. 

Thank you for reading,
Alison
Self Proclaimed Movie Critic

Pandorum - 2009

Starring:
Ben Foster (X-men 3, Get Over It), Dennis Quaid and Cam Gigandet (Twilight, Never Back Down)

Rating:
R for strong horror violence and language

Movie Description:
Two crew members aboard a seemingly abandoned spaceship wake up in the sleeping chamber with no memory of what they are doing, where they are going or even why.  With Lt. Payton staying behind to guide him via radio, Cpt. Bower ventures into the ship and begins to uncover the terrifying reality.  Slowly the spacecraft's shocking, deadly secrets are revealed and the astronauts find their own survival is more important than they ever could of imagined.

Review:
I mentioned this movie on my last blog, in passing, but I did note that Ben Foster did an amazing job.  This movie basically rides on Ben's shoulders, he is the person you follow for around 95% of the movie.  It is through Ben's Character, Bower, that you discover the situation and history of the spacecraft they are on.  That being said Cam and Dennis both also do a great job in the movie.  I think both Horror fans and Sci-fi fans will like this movie, however there are plot holes and small unrealistic characterstics that could have been more thought out and may draw attention away from the originality, action and suspense the movie has.  

Really I'm not sure if there was a specific bad part, but after the movie is over you do get to thinking about it and some parts may seem a little silly, for example without giving anything away a scientist who knows expert level martial arts, that is never explained as to why she does.  

Overall if you can look past the holes and deal with the small 'yeah-okay' type moments it is a fun ride.  Lots of suspense, scenes that make you jump, horror and action with a fanstatic ending twist that no one will see coming.  As I stated above Ben Foster does an amazing job at holding the movie and your attention, while other cast members like Cam and Dennis bring the story home. 

I do completely agree with the rating for this movie as the violence does tend to get a little bloody here and there and also the language, there is at least one scene where the F bomb is used at least 4 times.  So not for the faint of heart but totally worth a look if you like sci-fi, alien/creature and a little adrenaline.

Thank you for reading,
Alison
Self Proclaimed Movie Critic

GalaxyQuest - 1999

Starring:
Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman

Rating:
PG for some action violence, mild language and sensuality

Movie Description:
The crew from a cult Sci-fi TV show, 20 years ago, have to play their roles for real when a group of Aliens come to a convention and ask for their help. 

Review:
I really love this movie and I think anyone who is a fan of sci-fi/action movies will think the same.  I personally think this movie has something for everyone, except people who hate sci-fi of course.  If you hate sci-fi then stay clear, other wise you should enjoy it.  The acting, storyline and effects are amazing and really pull you into the story.  Tim Allen plays the Commander, a self centered ego maniac who usually cares only about himself and not his crew, perfectly.  The humor is timed beautifully and the action keeps you on your toes until the very end.  This movie is one every sci-fi fan should own.

Thank you for reading,
Alison
Self Proclaimed Movie Critic

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves - 1991

Starring:
Alan Rickman (Snape), Kevin Costner (Waterworld), Christian Slater (Alone in the Dark), Morgan Freeman (Bruce Almighty)

Rating:
PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and warfare, some sensual material and brief language

Movie Description:
Coming back from the Crusades with a new companion, a moore who was imprisoned with him called Azem, Robin does not receive the welcome he hoped for.  Instead he finds the country at the mercy of Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham.  To help the people and to avenge his father murder, Robin takes up arms against those in control and ends up becoming the hero he was made famous for.

Review:
Of all the Robin Hood movies I have seen, this is one of my favorites.  I believe this movie holds something for everyone, creepiness, humor, action, drama and romance.  I don't remember much about this movie when I saw it for the first time, as a child doesn't tend to understand even if they like the movie, but watching it again as an adult I like it so much more.  The acting is amazing from all the actors/actresses, the storyline amazing and the stunts are mind blowing.  Keep in mind this movie was made in 1991, so no matrix type effects here, but it doesn't slow the movie down in anyway.  The only problem I have for the movie has to be Kevin speaking with an American accent...compared to the others he is very obvious, but as the story develops you forget about it.  Alan Rickman, what can I say he is one of the coolest villians and plays them so well it is no wonder that he keeps receiving more of them. (No one could have played Snape better).  Morgan Freeman is a classic actor with skills no movie can do justice too, but this one comes close. 

I would recommend this movie to everyone, except maybe someone who can not deal with the harsh fighting scenes, remember PG-13 in the 90's was not the same as today so view it because you let children or people with weak stomachs watch it.  That being said it is in no way a gory movie, they only keep the fighting very realistic which may be hard for some to watch.  Romantics, who can handle the fighting, and action fans will love this movie.  Sci-fi and fanstasy fans may not like it as much but could still enjoy the storyline and fight scenes.

Thank you for reading,
Alison
Self Proclaimed Movie Critic

Iron Man 2 - 2010

Starring:
Robert Downey JR, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Scarlett Johansson

Rating:
PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action violence and some language

Movie description:
Tony Stark is back as this time his alter ego Iron Man may be causing some problems with not only the government and his friends but also in the form of a villian called Ivan, who has harnessed the power of the Iron Man suit and creates whips made out of the same material.  Can Tony overcome everything or will he lose everything, his life included?

Review:
Since I loved the first movie there was never any doubt that I would see this one as well.  The trailer showed a fast paced, action filled adventure with a new villian, the movie did not disappoint.  However the opening scene was not as dramatic as the first movie, so I felt it began a lot slower than the first, although as it started right were the last movie left off so I couldn't help but smile.  Aside from the beginning of the movie the rest was very fast paced, the acting was amazing and the few smaller storylines as well as the main one came together perfectly at the end. 

One of my pet peeves is when someone is replaced during a movie sequel/s.  The first movie had an incredible actor as Tony's best friend/military guy and finding out that he got replaced had me worried, as it always does, as you never know if the knew person will fit perfectly or just be another random person.  In this movie though I hated the idea that this person was replaced, you know who if you've seen the first movie, Don fitted the part perfectly and only for a few seconds did I think 'oh he's the replacement'.  Don brought the same attititude and caring to match Tony's and together they made the perfect best friend combination. 

Action, sci-fi, fantasty and comic book lovers will enjoy this movie.  Romantics and Horror fans may want to avoid, but there is some romance if you can hold on through most of the movie. 

***Quick note:  There IS an extra scene at the end of the credits, so make sure you stick around for it.

Thank you for reading,
Alison
Self Proclaimed Movie Critic 

Iron Man - 2008

Starring:
Robert Downey JR, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard.

Rating:
PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and brief suggestive content.

Movie description:
Tony Stark is a spoiled grown up child who loves the fast life and fast women even more.  All that changes when he is faced with a life and death situation which causes him to create a robotic suit to win his freedom.  Returning home he decides to use the suit to make life better for people.  Will Tony be able to keep the suit secret long enough to help people or will his secret get out and into the wrong hands?

Review:
Even though I had never heard of Iron Man before the movie trailer came out, I immediately place it on my to watch list.  I am a huge fan of Marvel characters such as Spiderman, Hulk and Superman, so learning about a new character was very exciting.   When reading my review, just remember I have never read the comic of Iron Man so I can not compare it only the movie and for me the movie did not disappoint. 

The opening scene set the tone for the entire movie, fast paced, humor and set up Robert as the perfect, rich kid with the I don't give a darn attitude.  Gwyneth plays a loyal, lovable personal assistant who you just hope can keep up with Tony and his indiscretions, which she does extremely well.   I personally love Jeff as the bad guy, I think that playing a bad guy suits him and he also did not disappoint.  Overall the acting was amazing, the special effects were perfect and the storyline was incredible.  Admittedly I was completely shocked by the ending, of course I knew with the character being a comic book they would need to have room for a sequel but WOW, I was totally shocked.  I was even impressed by some of the one liners that just had me laughing out loud, "Well, it's not like you haven't caught me in worse situations than this," being one of them.

I would say that action and sci-fi fans will really like/love this movie.  Romantics and horror fans may want to give it a miss, even though it may hint at romance nothing happens. 
Thank you for reading,
Alison
Self Proclaimed Movie Critic

Last Chance Harvey - 2008

Starring:
Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson

Rating:
PG - 13 for brief strong language

Description:
In London for the daughter he barely knows, Harvey is having a rough few days.  His family has replaced him with a stepfather who is always there to help, when he is not, and his job is slipping away towards a younger, hip generation.  Then he meets Kate in the airport bar.  Can Harvey redeem himself through one last chance and possible find romance along the way or will he do what he has always done and lose everything he holds dear?

Review:
Honestly reading the title of this movie I was nervous.  It's one of those titles that just screamed to me "can't end well" and because of my assumptions it took me a while to even watch the movie.  However I am happy to report that I am completely happy to be wrong in this case.  Though the movie does hold some predictable parts, the acting was amazing from both Emma and Dustin, which you would expect from A listers like these, and from other members of the cast that I am unfamiliar with.    The humor was witty, the emotion cut deep and the drama was worthy of an applause.  The movie ends the way you hope it will, with some twists along the way.  All in all a great movie, not original or completely bad, but somewhere in between.  If you are looking for a good emotional type movie, then I would recommend this one.  Action/Fantasty/Sci-Fi buffs should avoid this one.

Thank you for reading,
Alison
Self Proclaimed Movie Critic