Friday, January 23, 2015

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace.

Director:
Writers:
, ("How to Train Your Dragon" book series)
Stars:
, , | » 

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9a4PvzlqoQ 

Recent addition to personal collection; watched sola.  

I'd really liked the first one and the sequel held up. There were lots of cool new dragons and a good story about how both boy and dragon found inner strength and came into their own. I really liked all the cool gear that Hiccup had and wish I was that clever or inventive! The film get me very involved. My eyes were glued to the screen like a little kid on the edge of my seat. (SPOILER: For a little bit, I thought his girlfriend was going to become chief. END SPOILER) A couple of the runners/jokes were a little gimmicky, like the different attractions the guys/girls had, but the nice thing was they were carried through in a fun way. It was its own developing story, not just necessarily a gag. And the relationship between Hiccup and Astrid was nice because it didn't take the forefront of the story, nor was it distracting. AND she was a very strong woman who could hold her own, had her own opinion, and wasn't google-eyed over her boyfriend. Roughnut did that (see gag/gimmick comment above). I will say, (since I have subtitles playing and could see the characters names), I'm pretty surprised that the twins were named Roughnut and Toughnut and rode a two-headed dragon. Genitalia reference, anyone?! Anyway, I really like this series. Have yet to read the book series, but the movies stand alone. There are so many creative dragons, that a lot of thought went into it. As a kid who was convinced I had a small, friendly dragon under my bed that just needed coaxing out, I really enjoyed the dragon movies for sure. And as a horse rider, I'd love to be a dragon rider too. The creators did a great job of creating a world in which dragons communicate and exist. The nuances made it very believable. I really enjoyed the intricacies involved in bringing this story to life. Very much recommend this and the prequel to both children and adults. :)
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Sunday, January 18, 2015

The Hundred Foot Journey (2014)

Tonight in an effort to save myself time later on, and provide a better account of a film, I'm typing up my entry right after seeing the movie. 

The Hundred Foot Journey (2014)

The Kadam family leaves India for France where they open a restaurant directly across the road from Madame Mallory's Michelin-starred eatery.

Director:
Writers:
(screenplay), (book)
Stars:
, , | »

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEO1TWeM5JU

Recent addition to my collection. Watched sola.

I'd been interested in this movie since I saw the trailer. I've been to both France and India, enjoy their cultures and cinema .... and I can't cook worth shit, so I appreciate good cinema about food. (Please note... during my watching of the film, I ate Special K Chocolate chunk cereal, carrot chips and spinach artichoke hummus, a re-heated slice of Hawaiian pizza from a gas station and four mini mint chocolate Milano cookies. I know, your mouth is watering at the thought of the culinary sacrilege.) So I'd been eying the movie at Le Mart du Wal (French way of saying Le Gran Market du Walmart...gosh I'm good at this fake French!) and fighting my super-cheap impulses for about three or four visits. Today I caved and bought the movie, knowing that it would be quality, if not predictable. I'm glad I spent the money.

The film was beautifully shot with some very creative frames. There was a shot where we could see, in the reflection of a food scale at a market, an unhappy Helen Mirren getting in a vehicle, and, behind the scale, a smug Om Puri. That was a great shot. And of course, the food was a star all on its own. The colors popped and looked delectable. I wanted to shop in those markets. I wanted to eat that food.

The film started off with a bit of action: a bustling Indian market, followed by a scary fire that showed us what our main characters suffered before they found themselves far from home. This helped us to feel for the characters, which is quite important, otherwise we don't care about what happens.

The actors were also quite wonderful. It was difficult to ascertain if the children were siblings to lead character Hassan, or his niece and nephew. I suppose I missed the subtle relationship revelation in the airport at the beginning. (The customs agent telling the young woman he hoped she wasn't be putting into an arranged marriage and she made a comment about her family). And at the beginning, it took me a moment to distinguish between Hassan and his brother. And to know the difference between the brother's 'M' name, and the sister's 'M' name. Sometimes it's hard to portray large families on screen and show relationships without being blunt. It is realistic of course, because I'm also one of five siblings.

Each element of the film came together quite nicely. Like I said, it's basically a predictable story of two warring sides that come together in new appreciation of each other. A protagonist who must choose between moving forward with his talent, or keeping his talent closer to home. But it was a nice journey to watch. I do believe I'd watch this film again, and I'm not just saying that because I invested $20 in it. ;) I usually only buy films that I've seen and know that I'll enjoy (and only when they are around $10... yeah I have a death grip on my money), but sometimes I take a chance on thrift store finds without knowing. In this case, I paid full price because I knew that it was going to be a quality feel-good film with elements I enjoy: cultures and the idea of someone cooking for me. I'm now hungry again. Darn.

The movie was a bit long at the two hour mark, hence all my food breaks, but the story worked. Oh, after watching the 'making of' documentary at the end of the film, I was pleasantly surprised to find Indian composer A.R. Rahman was in charge of the score. You'll remember him from Slumdog Millionaire. And to know the cheats that they did in Le Monde du Cinema (aka filmmakers cheating the shot with new constructions, blue screens and alternate locations)

I did like the determination of the character of Hassan. It rang true for me and my screenwriting goals. If you want something, and you have a modicum of talent at it, you need to follow through and make something of it. And use it for goodness in a way that makes you happy.

I hope you've enjoyed this lengthy description of  my impression of the movie. Hopefully it will lead you to a choice about the movie. Have you seen it? What did you think? Or, if you haven't seen it, will you see it now?
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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Grey Gardens (2009); Killing Season (2013); Teen Wolf (1985); Neighbors (2014); The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011); Winter's Bone (2010); Mars Attacks (1996); The Big Wedding (2013); Stonehearst Asylum (2014); Just Add Water (2008); Tusk (2014); Friends With Benefits (2011); The Shepherd: Border Control (2008)

Grey Gardens (2009)

In 1973, documentary filmmaking brothers Albert Maysles and David Maysles decide to change the focus of their latest project from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to her aunt and older cousin, ... See full summary »

Director:
Writers:
(teleplay), (teleplay), 1 more credit »
Stars:
, , | »

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LXmQfbp-LM

Purchased at antique store. Watched with S.O.

We had watched the documentary a month or two ago and were intrigued to know how the made-for-tv movie would stack up. It was a pretty decent estimation or elaboration from what we learned in the documentary. It was hard to not be attuned to the dialogue and correlate it to the accuracy of its appearance in the documentary. There were a couple lines out of place, but the intent seemed to be there. Drew Barrymore did a wonderful job portraying the mannerisms of Little Eadie. Jessica Lange did really well too, but was a bit underweight in the older years of Big Eadie. I was distracted often by the prosethics/face alterations for both women. It helped to give a plausible background for the documentary but was less of a car wreck to watch than the documentary. I enjoyed it and think it stands alone from the doc, but I recommend both. 
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Killing Season (2013)

Two veterans of the Bosnian War -- one American, one Serbian -- find their unlikely friendship turn tense with one of them reveals their true intentions.

Director:
Writer:
Stars:
, , | »

 TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yseYEtQoJQ

Recent addition to S.O.'s collection; watched with him.

A big distraction was Travolta's accent and wondering the whole time if it was believable or not to anyone who knows Serbian or Bosnian accents. But I really liked the movie. As filled with violence as it was, it was basically an anti-war movie. A comment in the film was that we have been fighting for thousands of years and we don't know how it ever started. And yet we'll keep on doing it. So much injustice done in the name of war. I think that this movie would be appreciated by people on both sides of the debate. Two strong characters, both skilled in combat made for a suspenseful story. Sure, some things were a bit predictable, but there were moments of unsurity.
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Teen Wolf (1985)

A struggling high school student with problems discovers that his family has an unusual pedigree when he finds himself turning into a werewolf.

Director:
Writers:
,
Stars:
, , | » 

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9288e8zujFk 

 Recent addition to S.O.'s personal collection; watched with him.

This movie is as old as I am. Boom. As much as I know this film is supposed to be iconic and I love Michael J. Fox, I do have some complaints. The film pacing was lacking. The whole beginning was him just saying he felt weird. And we never really address him losing his virginity, whereas if the protagonist was a female, that would be a big deal, right? Something major, but for a guy, we just gloss it over as 'lucky him, even though the bi-atch used him to get her kicks/get back at her boyfriend'. And there was plenty of cheesiness to it. I do like the concept of the town embracing it and not being frightened of it. Oh, there was the inconsistency of why didn't his dad hear the dog whistle too, but MAYBE the dad wasn't as sensitive to it anymore as his transitioning son was. Also, it wasn't quite clear if the mom died or how or if she was a wolf, so when the punk guy said he shot Fox's mom in the garden, it made me wonder if she was supposed to be a werewolf too. FUN TIDBIT: While watching the film, S.O. and I noticed plenty of Cornhuskers/Aksarben posters and old Nebraska license plates, which means this movie takes place in our home state of Nebraska. Cool find!
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Neighbors (2014)

After they are forced to live next to a fraternity house, a couple with a newborn baby do whatever they can to take them down.

Director:
Writers:
,
Stars:
, , | » 

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO5Gq5hdFRY 

Watched with the Netflix renters (sis, her man, and my man)

Yeah, not great. I do appreciate what I'd heard in a Seth Rogen podcast/interview/(NPR?) where he said that his wife suggested the wife should be a fun character too instead of being the stereotypical voice of reason. I see how that was incorporated, but overall, it was just an odd film. Everything was done for gag purposes, even and especially the creation of most of the characters. It didn't feel realistic (which I know I'm supposed to have a suspension of disbelief, but still). I wasn't sold on it. When I had seen trailers, it looked stupid, and I wasn't wrong. They tried too hard. And as my sister pointed out, quite unrealistic that girls would stand in line to buy casts of penises/dildos from frat boys. Ugh. I did appreciate that it made fun of frats at the same time it made this frat something stranger. But that was also a weird point too. Anyway, no thanks. 
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The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways.

Director:
Writers:
(screenplay), (novel)
Stars:
, , | »

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDY89LYxK0w

From my personal collection. Watched with my sis, her man, and my man who fell asleep.
I couldn't believe that I hadn't reviewed this movie back in 2011 when it came out! I searched in my archives on my blog (it goes back a way) and nope, didn't find it. I originally watched this with my mom in the theater and know I was the youngest person there. I also kept looking longingly at the Indian background because I had been there a couple years prior for a wedding. I was glad I had a trip lined up to Mexico, because the wanderlust was kicking, so for those of you who love to travel, beware! I had originally wanted to see the movie for many reasons... it took place in India and it had a great cast, full of many seasoned actors. This film was a really nice reminder of what it's like to grow older and feel less appreciated or useful. I really liked the idea of a more interesting retirement village and I myself might sign up! I thought it was a nice film. Had a small Bollywood-ish theme to it, but no song and dance routine. ;) I'm really looking forward to the second film!
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Winter's Bone (2010)

An unflinching Ozark Mountain girl hacks through dangerous social terrain as she hunts down her drug-dealing father while trying to keep her family intact.

Director:
Writers:
(screenplay), (screenplay), 1 more credit »
Stars:
, , | »

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O8F8JtSVmI 

From my S.O.'s personal collection. Watched with him.

Remind me to not get lost in the backwoods of Missouri! Yowza! It wasn't quite what I thought from the trailer I had seen years ago. I thought she actually traveled farther from home than she did in the movie. But basically the film is frightening for the reality it probably shows. The nasty side of communities that get swept under the rug. Basically don't go poking around because you won't like what you find. I thought there was a great amount of subtext to it too; things unsaid or implied. It was a depressing reminder of the futility of some people's life situations and the struggles they come up against. Sometimes hard to watch, but a good film, for sure. 
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 Mars Attacks (1996)

Earth is invaded by Martians with unbeatable weapons and a cruel sense of humor.

Director:
Writers:
(trading card series), (trading card series), 5 more credits »
Stars:
, , | »

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYHeZCEFwhI

 New addition to my personal DVD collection (family favorite formerly on VHS); introduced to SO.

 My family and I have loved this movie since we saw it way back when and frequently greet each other with 'ACK ACK ACK!'. There is a lot of star power in this movie and it's quite fun to watch. Highly recommendable if you don't take things too seriously. :)
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The Big Wedding (2013)

A long-divorced couple fakes being married as their family unites for a wedding.

Director:
Writers:
(screenplay), (motion picture "Mon frère se marie"), 1 more credit »
Stars:
, , | »

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnD2EacXk0E

Recent addition to my collection; watched alone.

Found it in the $5 bin and thought it was worth a try. Plus, I wanted to see Robin Williams again. :( He didn't really shine in the role. The film was basically a comedy of errors, and that made more sense once I saw it was adapted from a French movie, which I'd like to see now. You have to have a suspension of disbelief and take it at face value. It was okay. But not realistic. Fluff piece. But I really like Keaton, Sarandon and DeNiro. Heigl's okay too, but her situation was easy to call. I didn't know who any of the other actors were. The two brothers. If you are looking for a light movie, this one will do.
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Stonehearst Asylum (2014)

A recent medical school grad who takes a position at a mental institution soon finds himself taken with one of his colleagues -- though he has no initial idea of a recent, horrifying staffing change.

Director:
Writers:
(screenplay), (based on a short story by)
Stars:
, , | »

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rawTSQ1RKQ0

Recent addition to S.O.'s personal collection; watched with him.

I like period pieces but this one made me angry for all the right reasons: the abhorring treatment of people we now call those with "special needs" and such. At times it was hard to watch. It was intriguing that's for sure. I can't say much for fear of giving it away, but I do recommend this one.
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Just Add Water (2008)

An offbeat romantic comedy about a decent guy, Ray Tuckby, with a dead-end life in the dead-end town of Trona, CA. After encouragement from a stranger whom he happens upon, Ray begins to dream again. He sheds the parasites in his life, musters the nerve to pursue his childhood love, and finally takes back his community by toppling the local teenage Meth-baron.

Director:
Writer:
Stars:
, , | » 

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjVkdIE0gmo 

Recent addition to my personal collection (thrift store); watched alone.

This is one of those movies that relies on you believing that the main character is one of those innocent guys who doesn't have a clue... or a set of balls. Of course, that's what the movie is about. But he and his love interest are too dopey and innocent for me. And the meth-head looked like he was supposed to be Eminem. It wasn't the worst movie, and I more or less enjoyed watching it unfold, but wanted to slap him a few times. I didn't like the end when all the women are pregnant to indicate 'oh everything is grand and perfect now'. As my dad would say "Like, gag me with a spoon. As if!" I hate the indication that "it's just what you do". Find a partner and pop out a baby. Of course, this is ME talking and I've known for a dozen years that I'm not called to be a mother. So I do expect/desire a bit more diversity than some stereotypical trope that does nothing to further a story than act as a bookend and an indication that "it's all going to be okay and life is so perfect because babies indicate a perfect life". Blah blah blah. It's probably hard for infertile couples to be confronted with that trope as well. (Yes, adoption is an option, but infertility for couples is difficult, but aaaaaanywaaaaaay....) Yeah, it was okay. I think I originally thought to give it a try because it had some Sundance Audience Choice laurels on it or something. Oh yeah, Melissa McCarthy (my future BFF/coworker) was in it... playing an unruly mullet-wearing woman (with an infertile husband btw! couldn't tell if she was pregnant at the end of the movie too. :P )
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Tusk (2014)

When podcaster Wallace Bryton goes missing in the backwoods of Manitoba while interviewing a mysterious seafarer named Howard Howe, his best friend Teddy and girlfriend Allison team with an ex-cop to look for him.

Director:
Writer:
Stars:
, , | » 

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCQJnOn0ru0 

Recent addition to S.O.'s collection. Watched with him. 

Right before we watched this movie, my S.O. accidentally took a shoulder to the nards and he said that wasn't nearly as painful as watching this movie. Apparently this movie was based off an idea that came from a podcast and people could vote whether this movie should be made or not. And Kevin Smith's logic in the behind the scenes was "If someone watches this and thinks 'This got made? Shit, I can make something!' and goes out and creates, then I've done my job." Seriously? Making a shitty movie is inspiration? In a weird, twisted way, yeah, he's right. Sometimes starting off is rough, but it's how people learn. But we learned the hard way that this movie was really bad. It started off with some clout, the annoying-as-hell podcaster gets kidnapped by a really intriguing old man and we wonder where the hell it's going. And then it progressively just gets super dumb. And then completely terrible. Johnny Depp was misused and held up the action of the story. Be on the lookout for his daughter and the daughter of Kevin Smith as the Clerks in the convenience store, a role they will supposedly be reprising in Clerks 3. But yeah, even though Tusk was professionally shot and looked good, the special effects was dumb and detracted from the movie (ie the big reveal) and that was probably the point it lost us. Too dumb and no going back. No getting back our time either. If you want to see a terrible movie, watch away.
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Friends With Benefits (2011)

 While trying to avoid the clichés of Hollywood romantic comedies, Dylan Harper and Jamie Rellis soon discover however that adding the act of sex to their friendship does lead to complications.

Director:
Writers:
(screenplay), (screenplay), 4 more credits »
Stars:
, , | »

 TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJS-wWqVAyk

Recent addition to S.O.'s collection; watched with S.O.

This was one rom-com that we both liked. It made fun of all the cheesy cliches, but basically delivered on them, but I don't hold it against it. ;) There were several dialogue moments that rang true to us so was relatable and funny. Nolan Gould looked so young it! He's on Modern Family and looks sooooo much older now. Crazy what 4 years does to a kid. :) (His role was kind of fluffy anyway). I did find out that my S.O. claims he didn't know what a flash mob is, but I find that so hard to believe. How can that be true? In the year 2015?! If you want a slightly less cheesy than normal cheesy romcom, this one will do. :)
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The Shepherd: Border Control (2008)

A former New Orleans cop battles drug cartels and ex-Army Special Forces who are smuggling drugs from Mexico into U.S. through a Texas border town.

Director:
Writers:
,
Stars:
, , | »
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIfHvcdpOl8

Part of my S.O.'s personal collection, watched with him.
I got wrapped into watching it. Missed the first 15 minutes and went back and watched it after it was all said and done. I get wrapped into action flicks sometimes when there is some cool martial arts to watch, even if it's highly unlikely. It wasn't the worst flick I've seen. Some unbelievable parts. Some stuff just to show off Van Damme's ripped bod. I like how even though there was a female opposite him, it didn't end up turning into some distracting love affair crap. S.O. is a big fan of Brit Scott Adkins who was a big fan of Van Damme's, so that's cool to work with one's idols. :) Hopefully we both get to do the same someday when it comes to our screenwriting endeavors, hopes and dreams.

Well, thanks for staying tuned! Did you get to the bottom? I did. What do you think? Anything you want to see now? Anything you plan to stay away from?
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Sunday, December 07, 2014

Monster Squad (1987); The Hunger Games (2012); 47 Ronin (2013); Catching Fire (2013); Grey Gardens (1975); Sleepers (1996); Shaolin Soccer (2001); 9 (2009); St. Vincent (2014); Mockingjay (2014); The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

Monster Squad (1987)

A young group of monster fanatics attempt to save their hometown from Count Dracula and his army of monsters.

Director:
Writers:
,
Stars:
, , | » 

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeZs0B0mjXY

From my S.O.'s collection; watched with him.
The movie was cute enough. Andy used to watch it a lot when he was little and I can see why. It's empowering to kids, especially misfit kids. There was some questionable parts about watching girls undress and taking photos. The part with the older guy was a nice touch, especially in relation to his knowledge of real monsters. And the two smallest kids were super-cute. Most of the monsters had their own uniqueness, which was good. Check out the writer... Shane Black... yup! He did okay for himself. :) I would say there was some unbelievable bits but considering the type of movie, I guess I'll just have to let it slide. 
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The Hunger Games (2012)

Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to compete.

Director:
Writers:
(screenplay), (screenplay), 2 more credits »
Stars:
, , | »

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbA63a7H0bo

Rented from the library; watched alone.
Just recently, I read each book in the series and then watched the movies. This movie stayed most faithful to the book, leaving out the least amount of things. It was interesting to see how they adapted the book into a movie, and although we didn't see any of the Capitol/Gamemaker stuff in the book, I thought it enhanced the narrative for the screen, especially since so much of the book was in Katniss' mind. I cried at the Rue scene both while listening to the audiobook and during the movie. Oh and during the movie at Prim's screams. I thought the movie was a riveting portrayal not only of the fictional events, but of the general injustice that happens in the world, the disparity of living conditions. It may have been several years since this film came out and since the book did too, but I'm glad I waited to get as much of it as once, so I would be equally familiar with all of them... and not having watched/read the first one a billion times more than the others. Although I had some knowledge of the concept of the film, and some of the events like Rue's dying, the film still had surprises. There were a couple things that weren't the same as in the book (such as the mutts) and Cato's monologue but that was excusable. The two genres, novel and film, have their own set of challenges, and I was pleased with both. I had known Philip Seymour Hoffman was in the film, but I thought he was going to be Haymitch. I didn't find Peeta's actor to be what I envisioned, but I was okay with Gale since he seemed strappingly handsome. ;) Lenny Kravitz was a bit of a surprise. I wonder if he was a fan of the books. I watched the Behind the Scenes stuff on the DVD and thought the relationship between Jennifer Lawrence and "Mr. Kravitz" was pretty cute. (She's friends with his daughter). It looked like the whole cast had a great time. I thought that Jennifer Lawrence did a great job, but I enjoy her in most roles she does, and in the honesty/goofiness she portrays in interviews/real life. Okay, that may be enough for now!!
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47 Ronin (2013)

A band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun.

Director:
Writers:
(screenplay), (screenplay), 2 more credits »
Stars:
, , | »

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8cKdDkkIYY

Watched with family from their Netflix account.
Color me less-than-impressed. Basically Keanu Reeves has a serious face on the entire movie and it's questionable if he or the other guy is supposed to be the hero, or if they take turns being the main character. Plus it took quite a time before it was clear that guy wasn't married to the leader's daughter. The trailer music feels like a lie. I like a good martial arts/eastern story, but this was just too silly for me. Probably a good portion of it was because it felt like Reeves just wanted to play samurai. If it had been an Asian actor in there, MAYBE I would have liked it a bit better, but I doubt it. The funny thing is that a lot of commenters on the trailer video mentioned the tattooed skeleteon man was in the trailer longer than he was in the movie, and that's basically true.
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Catching Fire (2013)

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

Director:
Writers:
(screenplay), (screenplay), 1 more credit »
Stars:
, , | »

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAzGXqJSDJ8

Rented from the library; watched sola.
There were a few more changes in this film from the book, but I'm having a hard time recalling, since it's not as ingrained in me as some superfans. I know some of the stuff with Snow in the office and the kiss that was recorded (time-wise). Madge was left out. Getting locked out of the district by the fence, the runaways at the lake. Katniss seeing Peeta's drawing in the training center. But I still enjoyed the film.  
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Grey Gardens (1975)

An old mother and her middle-aged daughter, the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, live their eccentric lives in a filthy, decaying mansion in East Hampton.

Directors:
, , 2 more credits »
Stars:
, , | » 

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mumWYU5aHBU 
 FULL MOVIE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXxm2y3ehdQ
Watched online with my S.O.
This movie is all sorts of uncomfortable. Like watching a trainwreck. The original trailer paints it quite differently as a 'beautiful portrayal of a mother and daughter'. Um, no it felt a bit exploitative to me. Watching two mentally unbalanced women living together, stuck in the past, and more often than not, screaming AT each other in a stilted theatrical manner of yesteryear. And seeing all of the merchandise online afterwards glorifying it? Ugh. Little Edie walked around with a sweater wrapped on her head and fed the raccoons that snuck into the house, destroying the wall. But I can't say I was completely appalled by these women. After watching this, you got to understand their thought process a little better. I even told Andy that THIS is what would happen to my mother and I were we to be cooped in a house with no human contact and only our pets. Some level of craziness would ensue at least, but nothing like this. While interesting, and perhaps an important look at the mental imbalances that some people do endure, it was disheartening to watch, especially not knowing if they received any of the proceeds from the film or anything else. That being said, we plan to watch the motion picture version tonight, so expect to read up on that next time :P
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 Sleepers (1996)

After a prank goes disastrously wrong, a group of boys are sent to a detention center where they are brutalized; over 10 years later, they get their chance for revenge.

Director:
Writers:
(book), (screenplay)
Stars:
, , | »

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1piB0xIkvUU

From collection of my S.O. Watched together.
An interesting slice-of-life in the beginning, but hard to watch once they get sent to the detention center. Made me want to beat the shit out of Kevin Bacon, so that means it made you understand the characters and put yourself in their places. It was hard to tell the boys apart or at least to correspond them to their grown-up characters. This is an example of how film can show us other worlds that we never want to see.... as a reminder that our reality isn't the only reality in this world.
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Shaolin Soccer (2001)

A young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their advantage.

Director:
Writers:
, , 3 more credits »
Stars:
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 TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfuTz2pT7tQ

From the collection of my S.O. Watched together.
This is fun and silly and the right kind of goofy spoof. It was interesting to have the audio in English AND the subtitles too because there were some disparities. I generally like to have the audio in the native tongue and the English subtitles, but I'm not sure how the DVD menu was setup. Anyway, good for a laugh, if you like absurdist/eastern/tongue-in-cheek comedy genres.
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9 (2009)

A rag doll that awakens in a postapocalyptic future holds the key to humanity's salvation.

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(screenplay), (story)
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TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGqUB2iXbhM

From my collection, watched with S.O.
This was not quite the movie I thought it would be. Quite a bit darker and definitely not for kids with all the corpses around. Not quite the 'normal' Tim Burton movie but has plenty of elements related to him. It was okay. I was glad the female character was kick-ass. :) Yay for strong female characters, even when animated. 
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St. Vincent (2014) 

A young boy whose parents have just divorced finds an unlikely friend and mentor in the misanthropic, bawdy, hedonistic war veteran who lives next door.

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TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dP5lJnJHXg

Watched for $2 at a small town theater with my S.O.
I'd wanted to see this film since I saw the trailer because I really like Bill Murray and Melissa McCarthy (I even wrote a film script I'd love for her to be in... so pass that along if you can ;) teehee). The film was pretty dang good. Well-rounded, imperfect characters. The little boy did an AMAZING job of portraying that innocence. I just wanted to protect him every time I saw him. Oh and the fluffy kitty made me squeal too. I LOVE so it was fun to see him too. It seemed like he got to be his crazy self. For those of you with Hulu, check him out on Moone Boy  and The IT Crowd.Oh, and yes I recommend this movie.
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Mockingjay (2014)

When Katniss destroys the games, she goes to District 13 after District 12 is destroyed. She meets President Coin who convinces her to be the symbol of rebellion, while trying to save Peeta from the Capitol.

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(screenplay), (screenplay), 2 more credits »
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TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Tsj_wTJkQ

Watched in theatre
I had a hard time figuring out where the story was beginning. I guess that's the downfall of reading all the books and watching the movies all at once. Although to be fair I read, then watched, read then watched each movie. It felt like this one left out more than the others, or changed it up more. The presence of Effie and NOT the prep team, the raining in the stairwell during evacuation, the firing at the Capital, the broadcast with Snow, Finnick not giving Katniss a rope, more deterioration in the relationship between Gale and Katniss. This one was 'okay'. I really just want to watch the second one and re-read the books and re-watch the movies, just to get a more clear picture in my head. This wasn't a 'stand-alone' movie, that's sure.
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The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005) 

Mere seconds before the Earth is to be demolished by an alien construction crew, journeyman Arthur Dent is swept off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher penning a new edition of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."

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(book), (screenplay), 1 more credit »
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TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbGNcoB2Y4I

From the personal collection of my S.O.; watched together
This trailer is probably the most accurate portrayal of a movie I've ever seen!! lol. I hadn't read the book, but this tells me it's probably written in the same high-intellect but silly vein. As much as I love Zooey Deschanel, she often gets cast as the pretty, quirky girl, usually, as is Hollywood's norm, opposite men too old for her (like Will Ferrell in Elf - 13 year difference). I had to look up this, and it seems that her male love interest is 9 years older. Okay, not the worst, but still. Also of note... just as in Elf, Zooey had a scene in which she was showering and the male character entered the room to talk. Odd. Anywho. This was an absurd comedy that takes light the idea of other worlds and the search for the 'answer'. Enjoyable.

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