romance
Twilight
I have to admit, as an adult woman, I read the entire "Twilight" series. I am not obsessed by it -- but it was a fun, escapist read, even though I still have some reservations about the obsessive nature of love as depicted in these books.
"New Moon" was better, production-wise, than "Twilight" (I know, damned by faint praise.) But does Kristin Stewart have more than two expressions? She alternates between a vacant stare that is meant to denote intensity, and a stare with a tiny frown between her eyes that denotes distress. She speaks in a monotone and slouches around when she's not curled up in a fetal position, leaving one to
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wonder -- what exactly does Edward see in this girl, anyway? And Robert Pattinson -- He reminds me of "The Look" that Ben Stiller "perfected" in "Zoolander" -- i.e., a dozen looks, and they all look precisely alike. He can, at least, scowl nicely -- and as a result, tends to overuse it. Basically, though -- he can't act. This is a man who is meant to be burning with passion, and the only thing I can focus on is "what god-awful shade of lipstick did they put on that boy?" The rest of the Cullens got short shrift in this movie, with only token appearances. Jacob's transformations were never fully explained in the movie -- unless you have read the book, you have NO idea what in the heck he's talking about, much less why. I have to wonder how often he practiced whipping off his shirt to help Bella when she hits her head - it was pretty practiced, and obviously self-conscious, as if he could just hear the squeals of the teenagers in the theatre as he did it. But at least Taylor Lautner was allowed to show a certain engaging charm. Dakota Fanning as Jane looked good in amber contacts, but her role was extremely brief, and basically consisted of staring and marching around in odd Mary Jane-style shoes. Michael Sheen was rather intriguing as Aro, and actually came closest to my mental image of the characters.
Towards the end of the movie, the editing got pretty sloppy. The transitions were abrupt and, again, if you hadn't read the book, you'd be wondering where in the hell the yellow Porsche came from. The transition from Italy to Forks was possibly the most abrupt, and failed to re-establish the connection between Bella and Edward.
The book has enough faults of its own in character development -- I guess it's too much to hope that a movie would be able to correct those faults.
Enchanting story of love like no other...
The Time Traveller's Wife tells the story of Henry DeTamble (Bana), a man who finds himself suddenly disappearing to different events in his life.
Henry meets Clare (McAdams), his true love, who is the only one who believes in his ability to time travel as well as supporting his inconvenient disappearances!
The movie follows Henry and Clare as they attempt to build a stable future together.
Although hard to follow at times, the movie is enchanting to watch, captivating the audience with a generous mix of emotions, laughter, anger, confusion and love.
McAdams and Bana successfully achieve the unconditional love their characters have for each other.
Definately recommend to other movie fans who enjoy romantic films, would be better to watch on DVD as you can rewind it in order to understand it a little better!
This action packed movie has some adult content, but overall is an excellent movie for audiences over the age of 14.
The Italian Job
Director: F. Gary Gray
Author: Troy Kennedy-Martin and Donna Powers
Approx. Time: 1 hr. 50 min.
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Release Date: May 30, 2003
Reviewer Rating: 9 out of 10
Genre: Action Adventure
This movie brings masterminds of all kinds together to get one job done. Steal the gold of Venice, Italy! They have someone for all jobs: the explosives by Left Ear (played by Mos Def also from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy ), the fast and excellent driving by Handsome Rob (Jason Statham also from The Pink Panther), computer genius Lyle (Seth Green also from Without a Paddle), house lock picker Steve (Edward Norton also from The Incredible Hulk), money safe lock picker John Bridger (Donald Sutherland also from Fool’s Gold), and a “head honcho” Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg also from Max Payne) to make everything run smooth. In Venice, they steal the gold, but one of their own teammates turn on them, and before you can say, “the cow jumped over the moon”, two thefts happens within twenty minutes. While stealing the gold, there happens to be the tragic death of John Bridger. This results in the rest of the team laying low for a while, but plotting how to get the gold back from Steve. The old team of masterminds get together and recruit John Bridger’s daughter Stella (Charlize Theron also from Hancock), who inherited the lock picking trait. By the end of the movie you’ll be on the edge of your seat with your palms sweating.
Some of the cool parts were the boat chases through the city of Venice, and they were fast moving and every turn around a corner made you want to jump to a side for the people on the waters edge. The mastermind team had to make a distraction with the boat to have the guards of the safe come after them. When they start chasing, the water is splashing everywhere and there are so many obstacles that the guards have to move from. And lets just say the mastermind team gets away and accomplishes what they set out to do. When the team of masterminds come back together to get what is theirs, the daughter has to meet them all. Well the computer “geek”, Lyle, got a motorcycle to make himself look cool, but when he pulls up the bike totally falls over. That’s not all, when he goes to leave, someone has to help him get his bike back up and on it because he can’t figure it out. He bought a new expensive motorcycle and doesn’t even know how to ride it. This part would definitely have someone laughing for a few seconds until the scene is over. You would have to see the movie to believe what you are hearing.
Personally, the whole movie is good, but some people might not like certain parts. Like some of my friends don’t like it Handsome Rob and Lyle go to a cable company to help make a decoy for their revenge, and after they take pictures of a girls name tag to copy, Rob goes and talks with the girl to seduce her and make a key of her cable vehicle to be able to steal it and accomplish their decoy mission. As Rob goes and talks to this girl, Lyle makes up dialogue because he can’t hear what they are saying, and it is sexual. This is also how Handsome Rob got the name “Handsome”. Some people don’t like to hear this kind of talk, but personally I though it was hilarious. I just depends on your taste of humor.
This action adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat. Not knowing what they are going to do next. This movie is close to an Oceans Eleven, Oceans Twelve, or Oceans Thirteen. If you like the action of a thief, and any of the Oceans movies, then it’s almost a guarantee that you will love The Italian Job. This movie was amazing and everybody should see it. It has fighting, adventure around the world, stealing in many different ways, but it still is a clean movie. There isn’t a lot of swearing and its not gory. There are a few “ify” parts of the movie but overall it is a great, funny movie. This movie deserves a nine out of ten.
After being separated for seven years after a summer of romance, Noah and Allie are reunited and Allie must choose between her new fiance and her first love.
It’s the year 1940 in Seabrook Island, South Carolina, and the local country boy, Noah Calhoun, is clinging to a bar at the top of the Ferris wheel at a local carnival. His intentions? To gain the affections of seventeen year-old heiress Allie Hamilton, whom he has just met. Noah speaks to Allie as he dangles at an alarming distance from the safe ground, and in her desperation, she agrees to go on a date with him. Despite her promise, Allie proves to be stubborn, and Noah’s continued efforts result in rejection. One magical night, however, Allie’s stubbornness inevitably fades.
The Notebook received several awards following its release in 2004, including the MTV Movie Award and the Golden Satellite Award. Its total box office earnings were over $115 million worldwide. The film, which is directed by Nick Cassavetes, is based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks, whose timeless love stories warm the hearts of teenagers and adults alike.
The story is being told by the aged Noah, who is reading from a notebook to a sufferer of Alzheimer’s disease in a present-day nursing home. As he reads, the viewers are taken back in time and experience Noah and Allie’s heart wrenching tale from the lovers’ perspective. Their love appears at first to be flawless and indestructible, but trouble soon intervenes with their otherwise perfect summer. Allie’s parents disapprove of Noah because of his low income and social status, and eventually insist that Allie not see him anymore. When Allie returns to her hometown at the end of the summer, Noah is left desperate and alone. Allie is heartbroken when she receives no letters from Noah, and believes that he has moved on.
Seven years later, Allie becomes engaged to a handsome young soldier named Lon, whom her parents enthusiastically approve of. As her excessively publicized wedding day approaches, she decides to return to Seabrook to “take care of some things,” and visits Noah for the first time since they were separated against their will. She finds more than a casual friendship with Noah, and now she must make the decision: will she be faithful to her fiancé, or will she be courted once again by her first love?
There were several elements that made this film so successful, including its powerful characters and well-drawn plot. Each actor and actress stayed true to their character, embodying them to the fullest extent. They made the film believable, and they carried the emotions of each situation down to the last line effortlessly. Their movement and dialogue were both perfectly maneuvered together to create awe-inspired responses.
After observing the outstanding performance presented by this cast and crew, viewers will be forced to think about the choices they make, and whether or not to follow their heart. The Notebook is essentially about Allie and Noah creating a destiny for themselves, but it moreover narrates the human story of what we long for, what we settle for, and who we're meant for.
a love story with a twist of rodeo
You get a “wow” and amazement as you watch the breath-taking scenes in the movie “Love Me Again (land down under)” starred by the country’s sexiest actress Angel Locsin and hottest actor Piolo Pascual. The story follows the quest for love by Migo (Piolo Pascual) and Arah (Angel Locsin).
After working in Manila, Migo finally found his heart at the pastures and highlands of Bukidnon. Aside from reclaiming the family’s ranch in there, which was lost after his father’s death, Migo also plan to win back his first love and sweetheart, Arah, a beautiful and a fearless rodeo queen of Bukidnon.
Migo and Arah were getting fond with each other when Arah’s father got a cardiac illness.
During those times, an Australian rancher came to the town and looked for skilled cowboys to work in his ranch in Australia. Coming from a poor family, Arah decided to go for the job and left for Australia even when this also meant leaving Migo behind.
The two became even more separated as Migo, saddened by Arah’s departure became engrossed with building up the ranch again which was near to bankruptcy. Working so hard in Australia, the Australian rancher got attracted to Arah and offered her engagement.
Now, will the two ever meet again? Will love truly conquer all?
Directed by Rory Quintos, the on-screen chemistry between Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual was impressive and intense. The film’s actors also did a great job in portraying the lifestyle of a cowboy and the culture of rodeo. The actors captured well how cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills in cattle tipping and bronco riding. They acted as if they were professionals enough to join the rodeo. It showed a unique romantic side of love.
Just as good as the actors were those working behind the scenes. The cinematography was incredible. The way the green rolling hills of Bukidnon was captured was totally awesome. Anyone who’s watching the movie would feel that he is also on top of the hill. There were also clear shots of the huge and thriving mountains of the settings. It’s like really bringing the mountains right in front of you.
This story is great for anyone who wants a unique love story away from the conventional city life to wildlife. It’s a definitely must see for romantics and nature lovers.
A Rags-to-Rancid Tale
Slumdog Millionaire (2008), co-directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandon, fails to extricate itself from its own self-created "filmic ghetto" of stereotype and poor choices. Focusing on the story of Jamal Malik ( Dev Patel), a love-struck kid determined to shed his violent and tragic upbringing in Bombay slums, Slumdog Millionaire is a well-intentioned but ultimately failed attempt at social commentary. Running 2 hours and ten minutes, the film is rife with stereotypes, cliches and bromides that would make any Bombay-wallah cringe in dispair. Jamal's love interest is Latika (Freida Pinto), a hapless orphan whose presence offers nothing but predictability from her first appearance on screen.
Both Patel and Pinto struggle painstakingly through maudlin and fatuous lines of love, anticipation, and honour. Indeed the narrative, nothing short of hackneyed Bollywood-masala, forces us to wonder why the filmmakers didn't just throw in a few song-and-dance numbers since they had the famed music director, A.R. Rahman, in their company.
The most jarring element of the film, however, lies in what amounts to an unfortunate decision by the filmmakers to ignore an integral component of Mumbai life - its language. Not only Jamal, but hoodlums, thugs, and minor characters speak an immaculate English, barring one Hindi expletive (matherchod - motherfucker). In fact, the language of the slums in Mumbai, Bambaiya Hindi, is a mix of Urdu, Hindi, and Marathi. If the filmmakers really wanted to speak to the needs of the people of Mumbai, they should have tried to stay true to these roots instead of trying to pander to a global audience. Pinto and several members of the Indian cast are obviously uncomfortable with the nuances of their feelings rendered in the English dialogue and they often mumble their lines in incoherent little sentences as if reading a teleprompter on their co-actors' eyes. Indeed, because many of the exchanges between Jamal and Latika are barely audible, the filmmakers should have redone entire conversations in ADR.
The uneven storytelling is not aided by the Dutch angles which seem more ostentatious than helpful to the construction of the film. The pretentiously hip music does not adequately convey the grim conditions of some of the worst slums in India. Foreigners became cardboard cutouts created for comic effect, while antagonists are instantly familiar because they are either wife-beaters or are swearing at women with foul language. Even veteran Bollywood star, Anil Kapoor, portrays Prem Kumar, the host of, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" with a healthy dose of histrionics and insincerity. The problems with language continue as Kapoor mumbles part of his lines in Hindi, an act which leaves the non-Hindi speaking audience clueless because the lines are not always followed by subtitles in English. Perhaps the only redeeming element of this mediocre and forgettable film is the soundtrack, which offers some innovative and entertaining lyrics.
One is left to wonder why such a problematic film received so many positive reviews from Hollywood-media critics. Is there an element of the "noble savage" in the way that Hollywood critics relax the standards for filmmakers who touch on South Asian themes or are they just being safe and politically correct in not identifying sloppy filmmaking for what it is? Do Hollywood movie critics have double standards for Hollywood-based films as compared to foreign films?
Slumdog Millionaire is a dog in Danny Boyle's oeuvre and we are left to ponder how the creator of a cutting-edge films such as, Trainspotting, could make a turn towards the rinky-dink of Bollywood . Prem Kumar's million-dollar question in the eponymous show to Jamal should have been: "Will this dud-of-a-movie pass the critics' muster...Are you sure?...Or would you like to go 50/50?"
a beautiful girl moves from arizona to forks, washington. While she is settling in a new high school, she meets a guy who seems to eye her constantly. As the go out, she founds out that he is a vampire. Trouble strikes, and its up to him to save her.
This movie was okay. The book, Twilight, written by stephanie meyer, showed more action and romance than the movie did. If you read the book you wouldn't think that the movie was incredibly good, because you would sit there and notice all the things that were left out. But, if you haven't read the book, you can easily fall in love with this intriguing. I strongly suggest, though, that you read the book before viewing the movie. You will appreciate and understand the movie way better if you are to do this.
Twilight? "Hazy" would have been a more fitting title choice.
I'm a sucker when it comes to vampire movies, but...
...My question is when did bad acting become a prerequisite for depicting innocence and lust? Bella Swan's(Kristen Stewart) blood scent isn't the only thing arousing hostility from Hollywood's newest translucent teenage heartthrob vampire Edward Cullen(Robert Pattinson) and the other undead (and the viewers). The stench of her inability to project a single convincing emotion permeates the entire film, casting enough of a fog that no immortal need ever worry about UV rays. You can almost hear the director coaching her from behind the camera for the over-affected lip quivers and shaky gasps. Throughout the entire film, she does not render a single convincing emotion, even when she's trying (too hard, in most cases). Unfortunately, now that she's "on the grid", Hollywood's nepotistic tendencies will undoubtedly yield her another shot, most likely in a sequel entitled something trite like "Dawn". Better get some more acting classes under your skirt before the next shoot begins, Kristen.
Pattinson's depiction of the 90 year-long high school junior also left much to be desired, in that much like Stewart he was obviously chosen from a stack of pretty headshots rather than talent resumes and actual auditions. Yes, he has the gaunt lithe androgynous pretty boy look that teeny-bopper girls the world over are so wont to desire these days, and his glaring gaze can most likely knock the bobby socks off most any love-starved high school girl lass, but where's the substance? Perhaps the casting couch of some industry Cougar needed warming.
According to novelist Stephenie Meyer and screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg, the superhuman Cullen Family played baseball in a thunderstorm because the crack of their bats blended in with the thunderclaps: "I see now why you need the thunder," pants Bella after the first swing. This does beg the question, however, that if a human can break a bat when swinging away, what's to stop a vampire from doing the same, or even knocking the skin off the ball? This and other holes in the story such as walking in the sunlight (the top of the mountain scene) and quartering & burning as the only means to dispatch nosferatu leave you wanting when all is said and done. Whatever happened to the ol' tried-and-true stake through the heart gambit?
In defense, Washington state's local boy Billy Burke's down-to-earth portrayal of Charlie Swan, Bella's introverted protective father is the only saving grace to this otherwise deplorable attempt at creating a world to which we can escape for two hours and fifteen minutes. Kudos, Billy.
Twilight's location choice and cinematography are quite beautiful with Washington’s verdant rainforests, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and Pacific coastline combining to provide a beautiful backdrop with a lush, cozy, wintry feel that makes you long for a cup of cider and a lovers cuddle in front of a fireplace. Adding to the atmosphere is Carter Burwell's dreamy music score, accented wonderfully by warm piano pieces one can easily get lost in.
By the way, is it just me, or did the evil vampire James(Cam Gigandet) look suspiciously like Brad Pitt? For a moment I forgot which vampire movie I was watching...
Obviously I don't get out much...when did going to the movies get so expensive? $9.75?! I could've bought two used DVD's of B-movies I could watch all I wanted. I want my money back.
This film BIT. No pun intended.
2 OUT OF 5 STARS
-James Watson, Jr.
Santa Barbara, CA
Beauty and the Beast is about a prince who was placed under a spell that turned him into a beast, and the only way to break the spell, was to learn to love someone and to earn their love in return. In the end Belle, the main character, falls in love with
Beauty and the Beast is one of the top classic Disney movies of all time and is one rendition of many. However, because it is such a special movie, a more complex review is called for. Three shots from one sequence in the film will be shown and analyzed.
This shot is a medium-wide shot. In this shot, the main character, Belle has just trespassed into the west wing, which was forbidden by the Beast. In the room that she enters a soft glow catches her eye and she is immediately inquisitive. Curious and amazed at the same time she walks over to a table with a floating rose on it that appears to have some magical significance. The drapes in the background are ripped and dark making the room a dark and mysterious place. Her facial expression shows bewilderment and inquisition. Her two hands show very different sides to her. Her right and is elegant and flowing representing the soft side of her. Belle’s left hand forms a fist that embodies the strength and defiance of a young girl that does not fit her cultural stereotype. This frame is place towards the beginning of the movie, on her first night at the castle. The director, animator, wanted this time to be a time of conflict between Belle and the Beast, and by having her go into the one place that is forbidden he only enforces that conflict.
This shot is as well, a medium-wide shot. In continuation of her snooping, Belle proceeds to inquire more about the rose. Now completely sucked in by her need for knowledge Belle lifts the glass that separates her from the rose inside. The drapes are still the same, torn and dark colors; however there is still the one ray of light shining though everything else, the rose. Belle has a determined look on her face and appears to be excited about the treasure within the glass casing. Both of her hands are placed on the glass proving that there is nothing that can keep her from understanding the rose. Her eyes are very wide with anticipation, she is expecting something great. This shot is put in the movie because it proves that she has determination that cannot be destroyed. At first she is not sure what to expect from the foreign object, however this shot shows that she will stop at nothing once she has her mind set on it.
Finally, this is a medium-wide sot. Drawn way from all common scenes, Belle is enchanted by the rose. Her facial expression has gone from one end of the spectrum to another. Before she had a look of curiosity and determination, now it is replaced with a look of care and innocence. Still being in the same room, the drapes are tattered and dark creating a shadow behind Belle. Again she has the soft hand and the fisted one. The hands are switched and the balled fist is a little looser than it was however the representation is still the same. The biggest change is the shadow that is now cast halfway across Belle’s face. This shadow, is the Beast, that was coming to get her because she tress-passed. This is a very important scene to the movie because it represents that possibility of Belle “removing the barrier” between the Beast and her. However because the Beast has been locked up in a tower for so many years, he is not quite ready to break that barrier. The Beast then proceeds to chase her out of the castle, and then save her life from a pack of wolves.
At first you see Belle staring at the rose in wonder and confusion. You see that she is a strong woman and can fight for herself even in a society, where women were not supposed to be so strong headed. In the second shot it is apparent that Belle is determined to understand the mysteries of the rose, proving her to be very determined. In the third shot however, there is a large change. Belle now has a soft face with a look of understanding and compassion on it clearly an attempt to break a barrier of anger. The sequence is full of small details that, if paid attention to, can make a huge difference.
Guy cant get over girl
I saw this movie yesterday and I have to say I dont think I have ever been so dissapointed in a movie .There were too few good moments in this movie ,too many sex scenes and I definatly did not care for seeing a mans privates .In my opinion this movie is a comeplete watse of time to watch unless you want to watch a porno.
