Hotel For Dogs Sunday, Mar 1 2009

I know it has been a long time, but date nights have gone by the waste side due to economic times and it is hard to see movies with the kids.  With all that said we promised the kids that we would relax and go see a movie this weekend.  We are just coming off of our busiest time, Mardi Gras, and we all needed to decompress for a hour or 2.  I have a 6.5 year old daughter and a 3 year old son, so we needed a movie that would satisfy everyone, meaning I didn’t want to sit through some cartoon, whose main source of comedy was fart jokes, i.e. Madagascar.  There were only 2 “kid’s movies” playing at our local theater. Well, 3 if you count the Jonas Brothers movie, but there is no way in hell I am getting my daughter hooked on that or sitting through it.  We get enough of that stuff with Hannah Montana and iCarly at home.

I was interested in seeing Coraline, but didn’t know if it was right for our kids.  Sure they have watched Nightmare Before Christmas every Halloween, but some things I have heard about Coraline didn’t sit right with me.  It seemed more like an adult movie disguised as a kid’s movie.  After I saw the review, I had decided that Coraline was not the movie for us, so that left Hotel for Dogs.  It was certain to be a hit, because both kids love dogs.  I just wasn’t sure I would like it.

As a, in my opinion, true kid’s movie I did enjoy myself.  Sure it was predictable and I could tell you what was going to happen within the first 10 minutes, the movie kept my interest as well as the interest of my kids.  Of course, being 3 years old, Sam wouldn’t sit down, but at least he stood with his eyes glued to the screen.  There are interesting and cool gadgets, tons of different dogs to make everyone happy, evil villains, funny situations, poop jokes (not many), some romance, a chase scene and, of course, a happy ending.  It wasn’t a bad way to kill 2 hours on a Sunday afternoon.

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Dark Knight Thursday, Jul 24 2008

I have seen many movies this summer, but they have all been kinda eh.  Nothing really begged to be written about.  Then Dark Knight came out.  Oh, how we had to see this one, because we loved the first Christian Bale Batman, which is what I am calling this series of Batman movies, so much. 

When the Tim Burton series came out, I loved them, too.  Although it was a little hard to take Michael Keaton as Batman.  I mean he was okay and all, but not the brooding hotness that is Christian Bale.  Tim Burton did a good job, as always, with keeping the films dark, but still in the style of the comic books.  Let me say, here, that I don’t read comic books and never will.   However, I did watch the Batman TV series and have ruled that they too were quirky and comic booky. 

This new series of Batman is much darker than the others and we get a sense of pure evil.  Batman is not the superhero, but a man trying to do good and getting caught in the murky waters of what is the outcome of his actions.  Batman is flawed and he can’t always save everyone.  Batman is, in a sense, human.  It might be why he is my favorite of the superheros.  He is not cocky, well not as much, as Ironman, he is not born of some another planet, like Superman, and his special powers come from the mortal mind of Morgan Freeman’s character.  I really need to pay more attention to the names of the characters. 

I will agree with others that the movie was too long.  It went past the mark where I thought, “Hmmm, this is a good place to end.”  And after waiting over an hour to make sure that we got seats and then dodging the running of the rabid Batman fans to get said seats, I was a little done.  However, it is was not so bad that I felt I needed to walk out in protest. 

There were many surprises.  Characters that I thought were going to live died and others remained alive.  Again, in agreement that Heath Ledger’s Joker was perfection and haunting.  Frankly, this Joker made me shiver and still does.  He is pure evil and evil for evil sake, nothing more.  While I still enjoy Nicholson’s Joker, I think Ledger’s Joker will go down as the one that scare people shitless.   

I have many questions and am anxiously waiting for the next Batman to answer them.  This movie has awakened a urge to see the older Batman movies, but feel that they will disappoint.  So I, along with everyone else, will sit and wait for the questions to be answered and wonder what more they have in store for us. 

Also, I don’t feel that this is a Batman for the under 13 group.  I question the PG13 rating, although I understand why it was set.  There are no large amounts of blood,  foul language and definitely no sex or nudity, but the evil (which is the only way I can think to describe it) maybe a little hard for kids.  Mainly, I think because they won’t understand it.  I guess it is a judge for yourself, but I know that my kids won’t see Dark Knight.  They have seen Batman Begins, which I questioned because of the Scarecrow, but there is no doubt that this Joker will not be seen by my kids for a long time.  I think if they are interested in Batman,  we will stick to the Burton films, where Joker is simply some crazy cartoonish figure. 

One last note:  I can’t believe that out of all the movies we have watched this summer, I have enjoyed the comic book ones the best.  They have pleasantly surprised, even Hellboy, me and made me want more.  My husband has been pleasantly surprised, as well, because it has saved him from sitting through many a chick flick.  I am further saving his brain cells by not asking to see Mamma Mia.  Oh how I love a good ABBA song, but really the story seems a little been there, done that.

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Ironman Thursday, May 8 2008

I have never heard of Ironman.  I know the basic superheroes, like Spiderman, Batman, Superman.  I even use to watch the Justice League cartoons as a kid, but not a true die hard comic book fan.  You know, because it is reading.  We had seen the previews where I saw my husband’s eyes glaze over and hear Black Sabbath hummed for the rest of the week.  Sadly, it has started up, again.

I went into this movie with no expectations, but only one direction: STAY UNTIL THE END OF THE CREDITS and a wonderful wealth of information will be opened up to you.  Okay, okay, can I have my popcorn, please.  I had mentioned to a couple of people that I thought it was strange that Robert Downey, Jr. was an odd choice for a superhero, but I was assured that he was perfect for this part.  I will agree, he was so very perfect for this role.

I love, love, love this movie.  I am sure we will have it in our DVD collection as soon as it comes out along with the Christian Bale Batman and Spiderman.  I came to this movie with very limited knowledge and walked away wanting more.  I have even foamed at the mouth to talk to someone about it and hit my husband’s arm repeatly when we got to the end of the credits.  All I can tell you is that my favorite actor of all times shows up.

I was shocked to learn that Jon Favreau directed the movie.  Who knew?  And I was very pleased that it all looked real.  Anything computerized or done after production was so seamless that you never had a second thought that there was really an Ironman out there saving the civilians of the Middle East.  Robert Downey, Jr. seemed very comfortable in this role and played it so well.  I had a few problems with Gweyth Paltrow, but nothing major.  I understood that she was suppose to be stiff, but there was scenes where she could have let loose on the emotions a little bit more.  However, that is real nit-picky stuff.

Everything was kept true to my vision of what a comic book story should be.  I am sure there will be the purest out there that had problems with this or that, but overall this is a great movie.  I am surprised that it wasn’t released in the summer, but I guess Ironman is the new kid on the block.  Honestly, I could go see this movie again.  It was that good and that is coming from a bored housewife that likes trashy reality TV and fart jokes.

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No Country for Old Men Thursday, May 8 2008

I have one word to describe this movie, HUH? I heard the hype and was ready for a violent, but good movie.  What did I get?  Sure I got the violence, a little on the unnecessary side, but I didn’t get a movie.  I thought all movies should have a beginning, middle and end.  That is what a good story should have and isn’t a movie a story with pictures? 

So there was a drug bust gone bad and this regular Joe finds a bag of money.  At the same time there is this mean looking large man that goes around shooting people in the head with compressed air for no real reason at all.  Sure the cop had to die for him to escape but did the guy he pulled over to steal his car?  *shrugs*  And everyone mumbles which doesn’t help in the whole understanding thing.

The rest of the movie we are taken on a ride where the regular Joe sets out to get away from the large man, but retain the money and get back to his wife.  Then there are characters introduce, but not formally, so if someone walks in and asked who is that, you sit there with a dumb look on your face.  Oh, and there is Tommy Lee Jones.  He is the crotchety old sheriff that just doesn’t understand the killing these young people do.  Yeah, well join the club Mr. Jones.  Then the movie ends and you shoot up from your comfy position on the sofa and scream, “What the hell?”.  I swear I have never been so angry in all my life.

I am sure this movie has some deep meaning and makes all kinds of sense, but if the general public, meaning me, can’t get it what is the point.  This will be a movie that will haunt me to my death bed where I exclaim what was that movie about and then kill over.

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Baby Mama Thursday, May 8 2008

We saw this movie instead of going to the free Ironman showing.  My husband was a little miffed when I declared that I refused to fight for a seat from these die hard comic book fans.  And I might have thrown around the phrase, Freaks and Geeks, but only because it rhymes and makes me appear a bit cooler.  Instead, I got to see the movie I had been dying to see. 

What can I say?  I liked it; the characters were all likable and funny, the story was a bit on the same old, same old side, but put together enough to get through it and as a whole was enjoyable.  The downside can all be described as my expectations were not met.  I wanted to see a movie with immature humor about the weird, magical process that is pregnancy.  The movie focused more on the relationship between the 2 women, which is good, I guess, but haven’t we seen this before?  I just wanted more. 

I would recommend the film, especially if you like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, which I do.  And I will probably watch it over and over when it shows up on the movie channels and then on basic cable.  It just wasn’t what my mind had build it up to be and I guess like a baby, I will just have to live with it.

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Showtime vs HBO Tuesday, Mar 11 2008

Showtime has caught up with HBO with regards to series television.  I originally ignored their shows, thinking that no other premium cable channel could match HBO.  But with the death of the Sopranos and Sex and the City, I was in need of something else that satisfied that hunger for something more than network or even cable network programming.  Well, I had added Showtime’s’ shows to my watching list and am thoroughly impressed. 

I have, now, caught up with Weeds, Dexter and most recently the Tudors.  The Tudors have impressed me the most.  The other shows are quite interesting and push the envelope to certain extents, but the Tudors have taken history and served it up to the masses the only way television can.  This show has everything a good soap opera should, backstabbing, political intrigue, passion, mistresses, etc, but the one jewel of the show is that it is based in historical fact.  Like many have said, “No one can write anything better than reality”. 

I have only done minor research, as far as Henry VIII’s wives and children, and have some memory leftover from my History major, but so far the fact is there.  Now, one could argue that the show has rushed things, like Henry’ bastard son’s death, but one can suggest that liberty can be given for the better good.  If there wasn’t so much nudity and sex, I would suggest this series to be shown to high school students.  I am sure they would be able to understand History much better.  Alas, I think that would not be a suggestion most school districts would take up. 

I would strongly suggest that you check out these fine Showtime shows and if you are a history buff then definitely check out the Tudors.  I wonder how far this series will go.  The Tudors ruled England for over 187 years and left many great kings and queens in their path.  This is surely TV gold for many years.

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Gone Baby Gone Sunday, Mar 2 2008

First I would like to say, BRAVO, Mr. Affleck.  Second, I would like to say that I will not be travelling to Boston, anytime soon, if those extras are an example of the residents. 

I think this movie was a good thriller and brought up an interesting question at the end.  Patrick (Casey Affleck) and his girlfriend (sorry, I can’t remember her name, but the actress was very good) are private detectives that are brought in, against the mother and police’s wishes, on a case of a missing girl.  There are lots of twist and turns and I don’t want to give too much away, because you should see the movie.  At the end Patrick is faced with the choice of doing the right thing or the legal thing.  And don’t be mistaken they are not one in the same.  When I saw the movie I thought he did the right and legal thing, but after much thought I agree with his girlfriend, and the officiers involved, that he did not do the RIGHT THING.  I strongly suggest you see this movie and make the decision for yourself. 

Ben Affleck directed this movie and did a great job.  I have to commend him on handling the subject of child molestation and death in a not in your face kind of way.  He was able to let you know what happens without having it shown to you.  I think when directors and actors stick to an area they know the story they tell is that much more powerful.  So stay in one night and see this movie, you won’t regret it. 

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Fool’s Gold Sunday, Mar 2 2008

I am late on getting this one up, but sometimes I like to let movies marinate in my mind, before I pass judgement.  What keeps coming up when I think of this one, eh.  I am not a big no-shirt wearing Matthew McConaughey fan, so I didn’t have that to deter my focus from the script.  I do like Kate Hudson, but since Almost Famous her roles have been pretty typical.  I was bothered by the 12 yr old looking actress in skimpy clothes playing Donald Sutherland’s daughter.  It skivved me out, especially when she is spread eagle to miss a flying sword from stabbing her.  Really, can the old dirty men of Hollywood give me a break. 

Kate and Matt are a couple ready to split, because of Matt’s obsession with treasure hunting.  If you want to know all the details on the treasure that brings them back together in the end you will have to see the movie, because it was nothing new and kinda boring.  Both actors were okay, with the roles given them, to watch and it wasn’t a total snooze fest.  Again, if you have nothing better to do and just have to see a movie, this one will do, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to catch a glimpse.

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DIRT Sunday, Mar 2 2008

Yeah, a new season of Dirt has arrived.  Tonight on FX at 9pm (central time).  I can’t wait to see what Lucy and her pals get into now.

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Lord of War Sunday, Mar 2 2008

I usually don’t go for these types of movies, especially when they are talking world politics, but this was pretty good.  Nicolas Cage plays an arms dealer who supplies some of the biggest Warlords across the world. 

I don’t remember ever seeing this movie being in theaters and I wonder why.  It was interesting, not hard to follow and is based on actual events.  There are some gruesome scenes, but nothing as bad as some horror movies out there.  I think the scenes are worst, because we know that these things are really happening across the world. 

Yuri (Nic Cage’s character) is a Russian immigrant, now an American citizen, who becomes involved in arms dealing after he witnesses his first Russian mob attack.  He believes there is more to life than his family’s restaurant and for whatever reason he chooses weapons and weapons dealing.  He brings his brother into it, who falls prey to the evils that can be found when dealing with the not so squeaky clean side of society.  The movie travels through time starting in the 80’s up to present day.  Yuri is proud that he can sell Israeli made weapons to the Palestine and, basically, war becomes his business.

Yuri ends up losing a lot because of his business, but he can’t seem to stop.  He tells his wife that it is not about the money; it is his passion.  If you have any interest in this topic, I strongly suggest you watch this movie.  There are some interesting situations that Yuri finds himself in and you will be surprised how he gets out of them.  The ending may or may not surprise you.  For me, it was a sad surprise.

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