Iron Man

Movie: Iron Man

So it's been over a month since I've reviewed. I've been busy.

I saw Iron Man.

Or as I like to call it: Irony Man. Please, someone explain to me how Robery Downey Jr. got cast as a super hero? What was his last movie? I think it was Only You with Marisa Tomei. At least that is the last movie I remember seeing him in and I think the rest of his time was spent in rehab.

So, what? Now, in interviews is he doing that "I can really relate to the character” thing because both RDJ and Tony Stark were lame and through a near death experience- they bounced back and are planning to save the world?

Let me elaborate:

Tony Stark, the creator of WMDs and a member of Skyline's Greek Mafia (oh wait, maybe he wasn't- but he has some sweet facial hair and a pocket full of cash so I just assumed...), gets kidnapped and his life is threatened by the very weapons he made to protect the country. Basically everyone's life story, right? Well, he sees the error of his ways- thanks to a mystery man who put a metal heart in his chest- and becomes a pillar of light and iron to rid the world of bad guys.

Robert Downey Jr., the creator of substance abuse, gets thrown in jail for a series of unfortunate events including, but not limited to, wandering into someone's house and falling asleep on a bed. Well, he sees the error of his ways- perhaps thanks to a mystery man who put some sense into his head in jail or maybe it was just his conscience- and becomes a pillar of light and a comic book character made of iron to rid the world of bad guys.

Wow. I had no idea how similar their lives really were until I blogged it out loud.

I thought I wouldn't like it. I was wrong. I was pleasantly surprised and here a few reasons why...

1. Gwenyth Paltrow. I am in love with this woman. If I ever had a baby girl, I would have no problem naming her after this beautiful specimen.

2. Tony Stark becomes a hippie.

3. Robert Downey Jr. performs with Jack Black and Ben Stiller on American Idol. What's that you say? That has nothing to do with the movie? Well, it can't hurt.

4. It is totally believable. I'm thinking of getting Dave a suit made of Iron for Christmas so that he can show the evils of the world what’s what. If Robert Downey Jr. can do it- anyone can. Well done Mr. Jr., well done.

What its worth to me:

I wouldn't buy a ticket to this movie. Not because I didn't like it, but mainly because I only go to these types of movies because David wants to. Luckily for us- Papa Suite took us to the film and I am glad he did. David even bought me a pizza and a slushie. What could be better? After seeing it, I'd recommend paying for a ticket. It is theater worthy.

Be Kind Rewind

Movie: Be Kind Rewind

Ok, as you may or may not know, I am a big fan of Jack Black. Not so much his crazy swearing uncomfortable movies, but Orange County, High Fidelity, Saving Silverman and my all time favorite: School of Rock are all worth watching. So, as you may have guessed- I was excited to see this film.

The premise for this movie is as follows: a VHS video rental shop in a forgotten neighborhood is about to go under when a happy accident including Jerry (Jack Black) and extreme magnetism erases all the tapes. So they make their own. And the new movies are brilliant.

It took a minute for the movie to take off, but once it did- it was fantastic. The truth is, I could've really just watched their homemade versions of other movies the whole time and been happy. They are pure genius. Jack Black at his finest.

Some other team members are Mos Def, Danny Glover, Mia Farrow and a surprising new comer Melonie Diaz. I probably wouldn't have put this cast together, but it worked.

One thing I particularly enjoyed about the movie was that there was not really a Hollywood ending. I mean- it was a comedy and everything works out in the end, but not in the way that I was expecting. Go see it. You'll enjoy it.

What it's worth to me:

We saw it in the theater and it was worth the $14.00. I think we will purchase it on DVD when the time is right. Buy some candy, relax and laugh out loud when Jack Black tickles your fancy.

Duplex

Movie: Duplex

Dreadful.

This was on yesterday as I was laying on my death bed. That was a few hours I'm never getting back.

I usually love Drew Barrymore, but not this time. I don't know what I expecting- Ben Stiller was in the film after all. The movie really did it for me when these two nice people decide to become murderers. Brilliant. And totally believable. (In case you couldn't tell- I was being sarcastic.)

Shut. Your. Face. I can't believe this. It just came on again. Please hold a minute while I change the channel. Ah... HGTV- that's more like it.

What it's worth to me:

Some Nyquil and a nap.

Enchanted

Movie: Enchanted

This Disney semi-animated find-my-true-love musical "makes fun" of all the other find-my-true-love stories. Upon reflection, I thought something about this movie seemed familiar... Oh yeah, it's Shrek. Only they were ogres and these guys are human.

I think it is safe to say that David and I were the last people in America to see this movie. I heard nothing but great reviews and I was expecting great things. My sister Cassandra sings the song with her daughter and they twirl about the room.

It was cute, but I didn't find anything particularly awesome about it. (I wasn't twirling anywhere.) It does exactly what it was intended to do- make you feel good. Patric Dempsey and Amy Adams always seem to make people feel good.

What it's worth to me:

We saw it on a plane. I'm glad we saw Enchanted and not Snakes on a Plane, but I'd be lying if I said I loved it. I'd buy it on DVD if I had a daughter. But, I don't- so until I get a daughter I'll leave it be. I watched it with a tiny bottle of water and some snack mix. If I were to watch it again I would probably heat up some popcorn and grab a bag of skittles. That might make it a little better.

Miss Potter

Movie: Miss Potter


This is the "based on a true story" story of Miss Beatrix Potter, writer of lovable children's tales such as Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. The story itself is quite deserving of a screen adaptation. Beatrix is a little nutty, and could've easily ended up living alone with her picture friends- much reminiscent to a "crazy cat lady" in modern times.

Miss Potter was played by Renee Zellweger. Once again, Renee is now one step closer to pursuing her life long dream of becoming British. Although, I'm still not convinced. You know, despite her unnecessary super squinty eyes that I usually have a hard time seeing past, (get it? seeing past?! The pun on "seeing?" come on. It was funny.) she wasn't bad in this film. She was in just about every scene and I don't remember getting sick of her at all.

One actress I would love to see more of was Emily Watson. She played best friend to Beatrix and sister to Beatrix's Publisher (Ewan McGregor). I am looking forward to seeing some of her newer stuff.

There is one character that I feel that must be shared to those of you who have not seen the film. It is Beatrix's father. I searched online for a photo of him, but it is nowhere to be found. Just picture an older man with two large curly haired rats taped to his cheeks. Cause that's what it looks like. No... it doesn't. Its much, much worse. You'll see.

What it's worth to me:

I liked it. I could watch it again. I probably wouldn't watch it again soon, but I wouldn't mind netflixing it again in a year or so. I'd watch it with some popcorn and an ice water with a lemon slice and sprig of mint. Thank you for recommending it Cassandra.

Across the Universe

In honor of tonight's American Idol tribute to John Lennon and Paul McCartney, I too will pay my respects by reviewing this recently viewed Beatles musical titled "Across the Universe."

This film was the story of "Jude" and his "Lucy." Yeah, a little cheesy, but I can live with that. Jude is hot. The actors name is Jim Sturgess- I think he is going to be big. Lucy looks like every other blond actress in America. I wasn't all that impressed with her.

Now for the goods (or bads): I thought the first 45 minutes of this film were okay and if the movie would've progressed in this fashion I think I would've liked it.

Unfortunately, mid-movie, the writer, director, and producer all took a few hits of acid and the movie turned into a blur of hypercolors and cartoons. There was a point that I actually looked away from the television and thought that my friend Betsy had been by to slip some MJ in my brownies like she said she was going to do at my wedding. Don't worry- I wasn't high. It was just the movie in Technicolor to the max. I understand that the Beatles went through some drug phases and I believe that this portion of the movie was "symbloic" but, come on. Let's be serious.

Another problem with the film was the unfavorable use of songs to create the plot. The Beatles had billions of hits. I wish they would've written the story and then added the songs that corresponded. I'm pretty sure they were sitting in a room and said, "yeah, I want this song to be in there and this one... oh, and this one!.." and then they made characters and scenes that were, well, lame.

The musical did make me want to buy a Beatles album. Maybe that was the intent all along. The movie was made to sell more albums. It worked. I still have "Across the Universe" in my head- which is sad because I only know that one line and a small bit about a paper cup. I wouldn't watch it again, but if I did I would only watch the beginning and the end... unless, of course, I was high.

What it's worth to me:

Not weed. And not another rental. But maybe some itunes downloads.

Sabrena's word:

"Yeah, I feel like it's one of those movies that I'm scared to say that I don't like because the artsy people will think I just don't understand it. But, I didn't like it."

True dat Sabrena. Only- I'm totally not afraid of those artsy people.

No Reservations

Movie: No Reservations

I love romantic comedies and I love food. I love romantic comedies that base their plots around food. That is what this movie is. Classic story... Woman inherits a Kid. Kid needs a Friend. Man Friend and Woman have a rocky start until Man becomes Kid's Friend. Oh, and most of the film takes place at a restaurant.

So here's the deal. I love romantic comedies and I love food, but I didn't "love" this movie. If Randy Jackson was reviewing this movie he would say, "Yo, yo, yo. It was just alright for me, dawg." You said it Randy. It wasn't bad. It wasn't great. I much prefer the German original titled: Mostly Martha. Rent that if you want a good movie.

The casting in this film wouldn't be my first picks. I have never really liked Catherine Zeta-Jones. (Yes, I know that you think she's hot.) She has never done much for me. Her co-star, Aaron Eckhart, is alright I guess, but I can never get over the fact that he looks like he was sculpted in a toy factory. My favorite actor of the bunch is the talented Abigail Breslin. Little Miss Sunshine. If you noticed, I chose a picture for my blog that shows my liking for each actor in order of how close they appear in the photo. Go ahead and scroll up if you need to.

What it is worth to me:

I don't think I would pay to see this at the theaters- even the dollar theater. I would, however, watch it with my love after Miles has gone to bed and maybe pop some popcorn. We would make fun of most of it and I would probably end up crying at one point or another. It's a mediocre film with a feel good ending. I recommend it to my sister Cassandra and her Wade. It's much better than the Lake House.