Dirty Dancing (the time of my life)

   Yeah, I'm reveiwing another total chick-flick. I apologize in advance for being so feminine, but even guys have to admit this movie does not entirely suck. It has good acting, a decent plot, good music (for it's time), and Patrick Swayze. This movie has no special qualities or innovative filming techniques, however it is a classic romantic movie that helped pave the way for the good-girl falls for bad-boy motif. To add to that it has some really good scenes (and by 'really good' I mean really cute) like the water scene where Johnny is teaching Baby how to do the lift. The cherry on top of this cute, girly cake is Patrick Swayze. He is quite theh eye candy and the way he moves his hips at some points is just drool worthy.
   Lets start with the acting; all the parts are well executed and well cast. Jennifer Grey plays the perfect girl next door who is searching for something more (I did not intentionally rhyme that) and Patrick Swayze plays the perfect bad boy dancer struggling to make it through. I can't gush about the acting because, while it is good, it has the same curse every 80s movie is plagued with: over acting. It's just my opinion, but they all seem like the actors and acctresses put a lot of effort into acting (some more than others). In some cases it makes the movie bad, or even funny, but this is not one of those cases. It's not over the top, just in the more emotional scenes, so it's reasonable and doesn't ruin the movie.
   The plot of the movie is really simple and romantic. It's the summer of 1963 and Baby Houseman (Jennfier Grey) goes to a summer getaway resort with her family. She has no interest in all the rich family activities and while walking stumbles upon the staff party house where they're dancing...well dirty. In short she ends up trying to help some of them out and winds up taking dancing lessons with Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). As the movie goes along you see their relationship and love for one another grow. So clearly this isn't a movie you watch with the boyfriend. To me this isn't a movie you watch curled up alone with ice cream, it's a movie you watch with your chick friends (if they like these kinda movies).
   The only things I can gush about in this movie are the romantic scenes, the soudtrack, and Patrick Swayze, so here it goes: The romantic scenes are plenty, and they aren't so much romantic as much as cute. Baby's homey character makes them innocent and sweet instead of sexy and passionate. Don't mistake that for me saying the movie is just cute because that is completely balanced with Johnny's 'I'm-a-badass' attitude. There are sweet scenes like the lift scene in the water, where Johnny is teaching Baby the lift for the performance (below).

 There is also the final dance scene to the song 'The Time of my life' that is just amazing in my opinion. However my favorite is when Johnny comes back (you'll have to watch the movie to know exactly what that means) and finds Baby and her family, looks her father right in the eye and says, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." There are lots of other scenes that you just have to watch to see.
   I'm going to cover Patricck Swayze and the soundtrack in one paragraph to sum this all up. The soundtrack is great for it's time with sweet songs, sexy songs, and of course great dance songs. I want a copy of the soundtrack before I want a copy of the DVD itself. My last highlight of this film is Patrick Swayze. He's hot, he's muscular, and he can move his hips. And I'm sorry, but a man that can move hips just melts me, haha. The video below is a perfect example of his sexy hips (you have to wait till about 1:48 until his entry though).

The Woman in Black (umm...horror?)

     Why hello there! It's been a while, which I apologize for. I was busy with graduation and a social life now that school is no longer in session. Back to film!!! One of the numerous movies that I've viewed since my last entry is The Woman in Black. This movie should have been categorized as a bad psychological horror. I can not even write that much about this because there truly is not much to say. It's difficult to write critiques of horror films anyway, but if they aren't even good you just have nothing to say, so I'll wrap this up quick.

    First of all the plot. Let's just rip that to pieces shall we? Here is the chemical equation of a good plot line for a horror movie (as thought up by me):

• Start of film: Possible puzzling or unexplained death (that usually makes you afraid right off the bat)/ Main character(s) introduction.
• Next: The main character(s) either moves/vacations/visits a new town, or moves back to a hometown where more creepy things happen that the viewer still may not understand.
• Middle: The creepy shit is explained and still occuring or popping out randomly while the main character(s) scramble to figure out how to kill/destroy/subdue/put to rest whatever evil plagues them.
• End of film: You are now expecting 90% of the scary parts and the main character(s) have discovered and set up a way to dispose of whatever scary evil is plaguing them which in most horror films they accomplish (a few will throw you for a loop and kill everyone letting you believe the villian wins).

    This is your standard plot equation, which this movie did not follow. And even though breaking from this equation could end well for some horror films, this one was not one of them. I had no idea why kids were randomly dying, why people were freaking out about the house Daniel Radcliffe's character stayed in, or why anything was actually happening until almost the end of the movie. Even then it's really not explained well by any means. The plot as a whole barely explains the reason for the haunting and (SPOILER ALERT) Daniel Radcliffe and his son (yeah, he plays a dad...I'll get to that in a moment) DIE. And they're shown after death in whatever afterlife they go to. I can deal with main characters dying, but not in the way they did, or for the reason they died. And the whole ghost him and his son scene was pointless and awful. I much rather would have seen them smooshed by the train (terrible I know, but the movie is really THAT bad).

    Let's move on to acting and the roles. I'd love to meet the complete moron that made Harry Potter into a widower with a four year old kid? He's not that much older than I am for crying out loud!!!! The only role I feel that he filled well in that movie was father, and I later discovered the boy playing his son in the film is his real life godson which explains that. In my opinion he didn't fit the part (and not just because he's HP, he just couldn't do it right). None of the actors were spectatular, except maybe the dhildren actors and the crazy woman (Daily's wife). So kudos to you few folks.

    There isn't anything else I can say about this besides the fact that I do NOT recommend seeing it. Maybe if you're looking for a few jumps (but if you really want that go watch one of the Paranormal Activity movies).

During afternoon tea, there’s a shift in the air.
A bone-trembling chill that tells you she’s there.
There are those who believe the whole town is cursed.
But the house in the marsh is by far the worst.
What she wants is unknown, but she always comes back.
The specter of darkness, the Woman in Black.

(Just saying, this wasn't in the movie either...)

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (just another spy movie)

   Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to watch this movie without wanting to hunt down the genius who decided to make a 4th Mission: Impossible film and kill him. I'm sorry, but 2 was a little ridiculous, and the third one was just pointless, but a 4th? And still with Tom Cruise??? He stands on a box to be tall enough for Christ's sakes. Although I will admit, this movie series is nowhere near the ridiculous point of the Die Hard film series. Which I can't say is terrible, just run over and beat down to a pulp. I mean what more can you do with Mission: Impossible movies? Tom Cruise, sexy (and often dangerous or lethal) lady, explosions, some guy close to Tom dies, an evil villain wants to kill everyone on our planet (clearly he didn't get enough love as a child), there's lots of hand-to-hand combat, and the quirky side-kick (usually techy) guy that everyone except Tom loves. Well, that was the review. I just told you all you needed to know about any Mission: Impossible movie ever made (FYI, Die Hard is the same...just replace Tom Cruise with Bruce Willis).
   I guess I can start with the acting since it's one of the better aspects...which doesn't say much. Tom Cruise plays the intriguing (I'd assume he's supposed to be sexy as well, but I don't find him that attractive)spy for an organization known as IMF, Ethan Hunt. We all know Tom Cruise can act, and I'm not a big fan so I won't gush as I usually do. He's good in this movie and captures the whole mysterious spy persona well. I'm a much bigger fan of the guy who plays Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg). He's a great British actor with a nice comical edge that you have to love. And despite the fact that he is comic relief, he can still be bad ass. Of course Simon Pegg does this wonderfully because, well, that's his role. I'm also a pretty big Jeremy Renner fan, because let's face it, he's attractive ;) haha. He plays William Brandt, and does it well. He's got that whole I've-got-secrets vibe going, but not in a mysterious vibe way. That may sound odd,but you'd have to watch it to appreciate it. I don't have time to go into detail of every actor/actress (especially not the actresses...damn you attractive women!), so I'll just say that everyone fills their niche (look at that, an ecology term! My teacher would be so proud) pretty well and be done with it.
   Another thing that's overkill in this movie is the theme song. Don't get me wrong, I've darted around humming this theme like a spy myself once or twice, but in the first 30 minutes you hear it more than once. Three times I believe? I'm not sure. I stopped listening. It's too much, even for an action movie.

(This isn't the exact theme used in the movie, they modify it, but you get the gist)

   To me this movie isn't a bad movie, it's just not a good one. The plot is pretty decent, it's got some cool spy gadgets, and there's even a hot chick bitch fight scene (although you can't call it bitch fighting since one is a trained assassin and the other a IMF agent, but apples and oranges). The cinematography was decent, nothing to gush over (much like everything else in this movie). I recommend this movie to anyone who loved the first ones, or anyone who digs action movies. If you only thought the first three were alright I wouldn't suggest seeing this one. Again, not trying to bash it, just saying it wasn't a great original film.

This message will self destruct in 5 seconds. Good luck readers.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (I hate snakes...I hate 'em)

   Today I review my first Indiana Jones movie... (1981). What does this movie not have? It's chalked full of adventure, explosions, romance (not the kind that makes guys wanna puke), and ancient artifacts! What more can you ask for? Oh and did I mention Nazi killing??? Yeah. Throw in a riveting plot, superb acting, fantastic directing, and a (young) Harrison Ford (with his shirt half un-buttoned throughout almost the entire film) and you truly have everything a movie needs. Of course there are some things I would liked to not have seen...the snakes...oh dear God the snakes...I'll have nightmares forever (I have a phobia of snakes to a ridiculous extent).
   Oh goodness...where to begin??? Let's start by talking about the genius behind all this...Steven Spielberg (with some writing assistance from infamous Star Wars director George Lucas)! This man had visions beyond anything imaginable in the film industry and made them a reality through the charismatic story of Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford). I mean everything about this movie is golden; from the cinematography, to the lighting, and even down to the special effects (you laugh at it now, but for 1981 that was some seriously cool shit!). The cinematography is great, the angles that are used to tell the story, put you right in the middle of the action, and make you feel like you're an adventurer just like Dr. Jones (well maybe not that real, but still, it's pretty great). And the lighting that is used gives it a really dynamic feel. In some scenes you get that menacing feel in the air, and in others you feel the light-hearted mood of the characters. While the special effects are greatly lacking by our standards, back then that was amazing! The way the ghosts come out of the Ark and the way the entire map room glows when Jones discovers the location of the Well of Souls...it's just so well done for the time! I can even talk about the soundtrack for the movie...I mean it all goes with the flow of the film and almost makes you want to use it as the soundtrack for your own life (my personal choice would be the Lord of the Rings Trilogy soundtrack, but that's a discussion for another time...)! I just like everything technical about this film.

Aw, he's so knowledgeable looking...

   On to the acting! I must say for a movie with a lot of small actors they did an amazing job! My two favorites are Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, and John Rhys-Davies as Sallah. Marion Ravenwood is the head-strong daughter of Dr. Jones mentor (now dead) and while watching you discover they've got a little history that she hasn't let go of. Karen Allen does a great job of portraying her personality. Sallah on the other hand is Indy's kind-hearted friend from the past who John Rhys-Davies turns into a lovable teddy-bear-like character that everyone loves! I seriously just want a hug from him. I feel like it would just make me a happier human being. But I digress...they're both energetic and bring a lot to their characters that I love. Thank you to them both for their wonderful work.

...and now he's sexy!

   Now (DRUM ROLL PLEASE) on to the star of the film......Harrison Ford. He plays the great adventurer Dr. Indiana Jones! And can I just say bravo? Harrison Ford you are a gorgeous man (well not so much anymore, but back in the day you had the stuff there stud!) and you embodied Indiana Jones so perfectly that I really can't see you as much more than him (or Han Solo, but that's the Star Wars fan in me trying to break free). I can't really say any more without just drooling over Harrison Ford so here it goes...he's so awesome! I love how he can look so cute in his glasses and bow tie then super sexy in his hat and adventurer get-up. Truly lovely. I love the fact that his shirt is un-buttoned almost the whole movie (and in Temple of Doom, while not as good as this movie, he loses almost his whole shirt in a fight). He's my current dorky-girl obsession (last month it was Batman) which is why I'm ranting and raving about him so much.
   To wrap things up I just want to say you should watch this movie. I recommend it to almost anyone and truly think it's a good family movie (maybe not for some kids depending on your parenting views, but I don't see too much of a problem with kids idolizing Indiana Jones). I can't think of any really clever saying or quote from the movie to add (which is upsetting since this is such a good movie, but eh. It happens) so I'll just finish this up by saying you should watch it. If not for Harrison's charm and good looks then at least for the explosions and near-death experiences.

The Devil Wears Prada (high fashion)

"That's really what this multi-billion dollar industry is about...inner beauty."
   So much can be said for this movie in my opinion...it may not be an innovative film, or anything above and beyond, but it is still quite amazing. It shows how people can change and how life can affect you in the most difficult of ways. I personally love this movie (it's Meryl Streep, I practically worship her) and I think it's a really nice chick-flick kinda film. It's a nice one to watch when you want to have a night in with your chick friends. This movie has a tad of romance a multitude of fashion, drama, and no tear-jerking scenes.

Anne Hathaway before
(Good personality, bad clothes)

   The best part to me is the acting. Why does Anne Hathaway always play the ugly-girl-gone-pretty though? She's still a great actress, and in this movie it can be argued that it's flipped to pretty-gone-ugly (her personality anyway, her looks definitely ugly-to-pretty). Next I have to praise Emily Blunt for her outstanding work. She did so well as the hateful assistant! With all joking aside though she did really well in her role. I'm a big fan of hers as well. Another actor who I absolutely adore is Stanley Tucci. He's so amazing! I think he gets no credit for his amazing work and want to take this time to say, good job Stanley. Anyone that can make it in life with the name Stanley is truly great (seriously that's a terrible name). He is fantastic though (even if his name isn't). I must save the best for last; Meryl Streep. I'm in love with this woman! She's so amazing (I've said this about almost every actor I know). Everything she does she goes all the way and perfects it. She's just fantastic. What role can't she play? 

Anne Hathaway after
(Bad personality, good clothes)

   I can't really drag on about cinematography much in this movie, but I can rave about the wardrobe! This movie was the most expensive costumed film in history costing what is said to be over 1 million dollars. Yes, 1 MILLION dollars. I mean tons of real fashion designers wanted in this movie and can I say I want them all!!! Especially the olive dress in the picture to the right (the after picture). And the dress Andy (Anne Hathaway) wears to the event in one of the final scenes. To talk about the real impact this movie has I have to talk about certain scenes and the soundtrack. Some of the scenes, like when Miranda (Meryl Streep) is fighting with her husband and telling Andy of her divorce, the way Meryl Streep acts is great, and just the dynamics of the scenes are pretty fantastic. Like Andy being down the stairs looking up at Miranda (the fight scene). And when Miranda is sitting down without makeup on looking downtrodden (divorce scene). And the soundtrack plays an important role in the movie as well. While subtle, it flows with the movie. I can't name off all the songs and everything, but if you listen while you watch, you get the feeling of each scene better.
   So while this movie may be no masterpiece, I believe it speaks for itself in the sense that it really is great. The actors and actresses were all amazing (the 5th or 6th time I've said it I realize), and the costume was of course fantastic! There isn't much you can say bad about this film and the only people who I believe don't like it just aren't into these kinds of movies. I recommend it mostly for girls, but it's one you could talk your boyfriend into watching with you without terrible disagreements (it's not chalked full of gushy romance and sad junk...plus there are hot chicks so he'll be more likely to watch). If you haven't yet seen this movie I believe you should, a million girls would kill for it (you'll get that after you watch it).

Titanic (my heart will go on)

(There was a really snazzy introduction, but due to shitty formatting it got erased. I apologize)

  Let's start with the overall movie itself. Can I just say that James Cameron you are a genius. I mean for 1997 this has great cinematography and is so well put together! I do have to make fun of some scenes though...the sex scene? That is the steamiest sex scene I have ever scene! I mean dang, I've never had sex that hot (I freakin wish though, haha)! And any scene with the mother in it...God that woman is such a bitch!!! I mean she is so evil, and James Cameron added little touches to make sure she comes off as more hateful (notice her features, and the fact that her hair

is always up in a tight bun. While a character like Rose has her air down half the time). And how about when Caledon gives Rose the necklace? He basically says, "Yes dear, I know you hate my guts, but I'm giving you this shiny diamond so you better open your heart to me," then proceeds to escalate to a violent state throughout the movie, eventually hitting her. And his only redeeming feature is that he has a large vocabulary, which I must say sounds absolutely ridiculous coming out of his mouth. He just has that air of arrogance and stupidity around him. At least Rose tells him what she thinks of him when she last sees him, calling him an unimaginable bastard and telling him she'd rather be Jack's whore than his wife. Power to ya girl! Although I will admit running to the level filling with water isn't your brightest idea (a sweet gesture, but a dumb sweet gesture). Another stupid idea was jumping off the life-boat. That did you some good didn't it? You're ex-fiance started shooting at you and your soon-to-be-dead-new-boyfriend. That girl did make some wonderful decisions didn't she? The final scene I want to poke fun at is when Rose and Jack try to save that small foreign kid after running from Cal...the dad comes up and yells at them in another language clearly upset. Yeah, some people try to help and you scream at them? I do hope you drowned kind sir. I hope the kid lived though. Ok I lied...there is so much more that I want to make fun of, but I'll pick just one more then drop it...why did Rose throw the heart of the ocean into the ocean at the end? I mean seriously...I get the point behind it, but seriously??? Your entire family would have been set for all their lives and you throw it inot the ocean...your mom was right, you are selfish!!!   Let's talk about the cast next. While I'm not one of the girls that can find Leonardo DiCaprio sexy, I can see him for what he is, a fantastic actor. Especially in this movie. And Kate Winslet can I just say bravo my dear. You embodied grace in this movie then proceeded to tear it apart piece by piece. I can't even begin to name all of the great actors and actresses and they're parts. And I do realize some of them were still unknown at the time, but that doesn't make them any less great.
   The last thing I'd like to discuss is the impact of this movie (although I'm not truly qualified, I have an opinion). To me it shows the true nature of people. In crisis we really do let our true colors show. For some it's sacrifice and courage, for others selfishness and greed. I'm not going to say these aren't the only types of people in the world, but I do want it to be shown that there is every type of person. This is why we have every type of extremist under the sun. That's about as deep as I'll get, so let's wrap this up...
   As I watched the most depressing scenes in this movie I cried (yup, I'm a big sappy puddle of emotions, what can you expect?). I cried and cried, because it really is sad watching all those people die. And can you imagine what they all went through? It truly was a tragedy and I don't think a lot of people fully understand it. There were roughly 2,200 people on that boat...and almost every sinlge one of them died. It truly was a great tragedy and today of all days is a day to remember them.

There was room for him on that door Kate Winslet. You know it, I know it, and everyone in the world knows it.

As Good as it Gets (good times and noodle salad)

   Finally, a real movie review! I just watched this movie and absolutely loved it. To me this movie is about three people and the way they impact one another. It asks the question I always ask myself, "Have you ever wondered if this is as good as it gets?" Well, have you? In this story an OCD old man, an anxiety ridden woman, and a gay artist battling depression and parental issues tackle this question. And the beauty of it is they don't even realize it. I guess I only have my perception of this movie and what I take away from it to offer you, so here it goes.
   This movie is so brilliant that I barely know where to even start...I guess I can start with the direction and cinematography. Both are (I truly hate to use this word so much, but I truly am at a loss for them...words I mean) brilliant. As far as the cinematography it's nothing compared to The King's Speech, but fro 1997 it's pretty great. At least the dramatic angles that need to leave an impression. To me I think the best part of this movie is the dialogue.
"How do you write women so well?"
"I think of a man and take away reason and accountability."
How do you disagree with that humor? You simply can't. There's a whole section where it talks about how everyone has their own serious problems to work out and Jack Nicholson's character, Melvin, states this isn't true. Some people's lives are all "Good times and noodle salad," which may or may not be true. The only way all of this is made possible is with good direction. Now in this instance I don't believe all credit goes to James Brooks, but without him I know this movie wouldn't be possible.

Greg Kinnear (as Simon Bishop) & Jack Nicholson (as Melvin Udall)
talking awkwardly over some Chinese soup

   Now for who I believe the credit for this movie truly goes to...Jack Nicholson. He plays Melvin Udall magnificently, who is an older man with a severe case of OCD that completely rules his life. Oh and he's a romance novelist. Yeah. Apparently a good one, but still. Self-hating OCD romance novelist with no ability to maintain long-lasting relationships? Paradoxical much? But I digress, Jack Nicholson took this part and ran with it. He filled it perfectly and to my understanding improved several of the lines (not many, but still). Now, while he was fantastic, his co-stars were equally entertaining and inspiring. Helen Hunt as Carol Conelly was amazing. She embodied the single mother beautifully and was able to convey the fear that a parent experiences well (not that I would know, but that's what I mean. She made me feel like I did know). Greg Kinnear was also amazing as Simon Bishop, the gay artist. His agent gets him a model off the street who robs and beats him, making him entirely re-think his life.
   I guess I gave away the portion I usually reserve for plot in with the character and actor explanation...but to recap Melvin, Carol, and Sam are mixed together in several unpredictable ways that ultimately change their lives. I would lump this movie in as an inspirational romance, which sounds rather odd (and for some very terrible), but I promise it's not. It's great and I believe everyone should watch it. At least for the good times and noodle salad.