Movie Review—The Help

Movie Review—The Help

Directed by: Tate Taylor

Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Octavia Spencer

Rating: Good Movie, Glad to Have Seen It (4 popcorn boxes out of 5)

This month’s review belongs to the recently released The Help.

A Dramatic-Historical film, filled with humor and drama.

The movie begins in Jackson Mississippi, during the 1960’sin the heat of the Civil Rights Movement. Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, portrayed by Emma Stone, is a young aspiring writer just returning as an Ole Miss graduate. No husbands and babies for Skeeter, who seems to be a bit different when compared to her old friends. She finds a job writing for the local paper, a column on how to clean the house, and being a genteel southern girl, that job has always been left to someone else; the help. Now Skeeter needs some help and finds aid from one of her best friend’s domestic, Aibileen, played by Viola Davis. She cares for the house and the children, a maid and nanny rolled into one. While writing her daily column, Skeeter, has an idea to write a novel from the point of view of the local black women and the work situations and responsibilities they live with. Aibileen and her best friend Minny Jackson, depicted by Octavia Spencer, soon become involved in the writings of this novel, in a time where such outspokenness is considered unlawful and dangerous. Trouble brews not only for the Black community but also between Skeeter and her friends who are leaders in the community and also in segregation. Hilly Holbrook, characterized by Bryce Dallas Howard, is such a leader. Her friends are not ready for the change that civil rights bring and they aim to thwart an outcome they know will change the way they live.

From the beginning, the film lets you know that in the 1960’s slave times were only barely over, where the African-American women served the white community and cared for the children of these women in the face of racism and segregation. Opinions and equality were not considered.

Tate Taylor has directed a superb film that takes a very trying time, a time that was filled with dark and desperate days, and lightens it with strong relationships, courage and humor that stand up to the difficult situations. Emma Stone plays a young woman primarily raised by the help her mother employed, this was the woman who nurtured her and taught her to stand on her own two feet. Her dismissal was the turning point that leads to the novel. The movie had excellent characters that showed spirit and courage. Viola Davis is stoic and caring as the granddaughter of a house slave and nanny to a child too often left alone, who as a co-conspirator in this novel, finds aspirations of her own. Octavia Spencer’s character is feisty and mischievous, oppressed at home and in the workplace, who finds a new direction with the book’s publication. The whole community will now have to look at how the rest of the country will see them. The movie was also well-done in costumes, make-up, and living conditions for the time period. The only drawback for a better rating is that being a Disney Movie, the darker, more truthful aspects of these times were covered over.

Movie Review—Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Movie Review—Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Directed by: David Yates

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon

Rating: Great Movie, May See It Again (5  out of 5)

This month’s movie review belongs to the long-awaited finale of the Harry Potter series.

 A mystical and magical action packed film.

On a distant coast somewhere in the United Kingdom, an elf has died, and this is the start of the final Harry Potter Movie. The search for the horcruxes continues, as does the ways and means to defeat He Who Shall Not be Named, Voldemort. As a means to keep himself and his spirit alive, he has secreted pieces of himself in seven various hidden places. Destroying these items destroys Voldemort. Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it was previously, it is a battleground, and one bright point is that now many are speaking his name and ready to face the fight that is coming. Many of the actors we have known and loved for years may be lost in this war and others will show stronger side we never knew they had. As the battle rages on, the final horcruxes are destroyed. When the end for Voldemort is expected, an additional hidden horcrux is revealed. In addition, as the war continues, some unexpected characters change sides and more of the supernatural and mythical characters join in the battle on the side of good versus evil. The end may be near.

Daniel Radcliffe won this character from the beginning, he made it his own and has maintained his portrayal throughout so many movies. As have these other actors, Emma Watson and Rupert Gring, in addition to many others, who began as children and grew up in a film. This movie was all that a final film should be. The action was exciting, mixed with several points of comedy, Hermoine as Belatrix was excruciating and funny at the same time, while Momma Weasley was a momma bear fighting for her family and the forces of good. This is and always has been a series about good versus evil and in this case, the end has justified the means and brought great entertainment. Like everyone else, I would love more, but all good things must come to an end and this is the note to end on.

Movie Review—Larry Crowne

Movie Review—Larry Crowne

Directed by: Tom Hanks (also co-writer with Nia Vardalos)

Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Cedric the Entertainer

Rating:

Okay, But, Could Have Waited for Cable (3 popcorn boxes out of 5)

This month’s review belongs to the recently released Larry Crowne.

A comedy romance about changing lives in today’s questionable times.

The movies begins with Larry Crowne, played by Tom Hanks, a dedicated and motivated retail salesman, is called into see the upper management. This meeting is not for his 10^th employee of the month award, but a meeting to let him know that his education or lack thereof, is insufficient for advancement. A past divorce and loss of employment lead Larry into the college world. While taking a speech class, taught by Mercedes Tainot, portrayed by Julia Roberts, he is making new beginnings and new friends. Mercedes swamped by a sad marriage and poorly attended classes, is seemingly uninterested in repairing either situation. While Larry gets advice and guidance from his neighbor and garage sale entrepreneur, Lamar, depicted by Cedric the Entertainer, on his life’s  and the economy’s poor future, he takes up a scooter to save gas money. A friend from his economic class, Talia, played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, takes on Larry as a project and remakes him, from his hair and clothes to his home. Thus, the journey begins and he seeks education to make him more valuable in today’s workplace while facing the everyday changes life brings.

It should have been a feel good movie with romance and comedy popping off the screen. With Hanks and Roberts filling the screen, the chemistry should have been inspiring, but it fell very flat and was not enjoyable. The dialogue dragged and the plot was uninteresting. Julia’s character was monotonously unhappy leading to a boring portrayal. The best scene was when she was drunk, seeming to a nicer person, more able to see all of Larry’s charm. She is just suffering through life instead of making changes. The character of Talia is the most engaging, and makes you just want to see what she is going to do to Larry next. Some of the best scenes are the haggling over lawn sales with Cedric the Entertainer. Larry is just a nice guy, likeable and going forward in a bad situation, but Hanks played him very plain and as a man just rolling with the punches and letting life happen. As director and co-writer, he missed on several levels, as some characters are underplayed and the chemistry was not there between the stars, and certainly not manufactured to improvement. Mildly enjoyable in bits and pieces.

Movie Review--X-MEN

Movie Review—X-Men: First Class

Directed by: Matthew Vaughn

Starring: James McAvoy, Kevin Bacon,  Michael Fassbender,  Jennifer Lawrence, Rose Byrne, and many others

Rating:

Great Movie, May See It Again (5 popcorn boxes out of 5)

This month’s review belongs to the recently released X-Men: First Class.

An Action-Comic Book film, packed with action and special effects.

The movie begins in Europe with the discoveries of special abilities during World War II. As time moves on Professor X, starring James McAvoy, becomes a specialist in genetic mutations. Michael Fassbender delivers the character of Magneto and Jennifer Lawrence plays Mystique, both characters tortured from childhood. They and Nicholas Hoult, who portrays Beast, are a part of the team that is brought together by CIA agent, Dr. MacTaggerte, played by Rose Byrne. As there is war throughout time, the mutant populations seem to have groups with opposite goals. Kevin Bacon depicts Sebastian Shaw; he plays this movies villain, a megalomaniac that begins with the testing perpetrated by the Germans to unlock the powers of hidden mutants. He is also able to absorb energy and has great plans to rule or destroy the world. He of course has his own team of mutants, and they are at cross-purposes with the X-Men.

The movie has great special effects throughout and is one of the best prequel movies to date. This movie answers many questions regarding the X-Men, their development, their trials and tribulations to live and excel as a mutant. The fact that it was a mutant in the CIA, who develops Cerebro was a fascinating twist, as well as the manufacturing of the helmet that will one day be worn by Magneto. James McAvoy brings new range and playfulness to Professor X that many would have never imagined while holding on to his impeccable loyalty and honor, just as Michael Fassbender delivers the rage and wounds that create Magneto. So many of the other characters just want to lead a normal existence in a world going crazy, and the movie brings out how their mutations make them who they are and who helps save the future.

Movie Review--Red Riding Hood

Movie Review—Red Riding Hood

Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, & Billy Burke

Rating:

Left Before it Finished (1 popcorn box out of 5, bordering on 0)

This month’s review belongs to the recently released Red Riding Hood.

A fantasy-thriller based on a children’s fairy tale.

In a small forest town, a wolf rules the livelihood of those living there. The town pays monthly homage to the wolf and to keep the villagers safe they provide animal sacrifices. Amanda Seyfried plays Valerie, a young girl in love with her childhood hero, however her family has made other arrangements. Her grandmother provides her with a red riding cape for her wedding, hence the title. The movie begins with her sister murdered by the wolf, and this sets a new terror for the town that believed they were safe. As more of locals are fodder for the wolf, the town calls in a renowned werewolf hunter, Father Solomon, played by Gary Oldman, who soon determines that the werewolf may very well be one of the very citizens who called for him. Valerie’s family is torn apart by the loss, secrets are uncovered, and she soon finds that she has ties to the wolf. Those ties may very well lead to more deaths.

This movie was a Snooze... The action was very limited and the costumes poor quality, especially if anyone has seen Eclipse or True Blood, now those animals can shape-shift. The movie was also very dark. I heard once, that the X-Files used the dark lighting because they had a very small budget and this movie seems to be using a similar technique or it was to hide the poor costumes and sets. The movie revolves around one very small town and a small forest, in which the families are almost too familiar and intertwined. The acting was also subpar. Gary Oldman’s Father Solomon was theatrical at best and over the top at worst, and the character travels with his children on Werewolf hunts, hardly a hero. Amanda Seyfried was insipid and uninspiring, her character seemed more in a daze the majority of the film with very little focus, and she was certainly no heroine. The wolf was the most interesting character of them all, when he showed up; he was quick and had a strong bite. The other actors are forgettable and not worthy of mention. After seeing it once, I will not be looking for a sequel.

Movie Review—Limitless

Movie Review—Limitless

Directed by: Neil Burger

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, and Abbie Cornish

Rating:

Great Movie, May See It Again (5 popcorn boxes out of 5)

This month’s review belongs to the recently released Limitless.

An Action and Suspense film, packed with both.

The movie begins with Eddie Morra, played by Bradley Cooper, in a forever period of writer’s block and down-on-his-luck behavior. He resembles a homeless man or drug addict at times in the beginning of this film, when a blast from the past, his former brother-in-law literally runs into him and gives him the means to change his life. An experimental drug, NZT, is handed to him, and the possibilities of this drug initially seem to be Limitless. In one day this drug shows he can accomplish many things, including beating writer’s block and changing his means of living. To do that he will need more NZT and getting more proves dangerous and perhaps hazardous to his health. In changing his life, to degrees many hope for when they plan to be a part of the American Dream, he learns his brain is very math capable and starts finding new ways to make money. He comes under the scrutiny of Mega-Mogul Carl Van Loon, portrayed by Robert De Niro, and has a meteoric rise into the world of finance. Along the way, he falls in love with Lindy, played by Abbie Cornish, who is brought into a world she never dreamed of. Danger and threats abound when those who know of the drug, are attempting to trace down any remaining samples. In addition, while on his rise to fame and fortune, Eddie turns to some unscrupulous characters and learns some of the more unpleasant side effects of NZT.

The film opens in a sequence that almost makes you believe you have tried the drug, leading to the beginning of just how uninspired Eddie’s life has been. Bradley Cooper plays his part to perfection and his changes are just as riveting, as well as the potential this experimental drug displays. However, those from his past that have tried NZT, tend to resemble meth addicts, and that is just one of its danger. One down side is that there were too many dangers from the drug that had little follow through. Robert De Niro is perfect as the self-made man of millions, so the movie could have definitely used more De Niro, who proved to be almost unbeatable and a bit sinister. All-in-all, a movie with twists and turns that keep you guessing what will happen next.

Movie Review—Just Go With It

Movie Review—Just Go With It

Directed by: Dennis Dugan

Starring: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Anniston, and Nicole Kidman

Rating:

Good Movie, Glad to Have Seen It (4 popcorn boxes out of 5)

This month’s review belongs to the recently released Just Go With It.

This movie was almost 5 out of 5 popcorn boxes.

Dr. Danny, portrayed by Adam Sandler, lives his life in relation to an emotional event in his past. With a vow never to marry, he lives by the wedding ring and the compassion his stories inspire in the opposite sex. Until one day, he meets Palmer, performed by model Brooklyn Decker; a woman he wants for much longer. Unfortunately, one story too many is going to make his life much more interesting. His assistant Katherine, played by Jennifer Anniston, is his face of reality and the one who keeps his life in balance. Danny coerces Katherine to play his soon-to-be ex-wife, and now the fun begins, as well as the payouts in laughs and money, for all of those that get involved. Because, before long, Danny has two kids and his ex is involved with someone else. The fairy tale only explodes from there and involves a beautiful trip to Hawaii for all of his new family and new woman. During the picturesque escape to the Islands, Katherine runs into her college nemesis, played by Nicole Kidman, and new lies are needed to complete the circle and show Danny this new side to his long-time confidant. The reality is he may just be after the wrong love of his life. Who knows?

Not being a huge Adam Sandler fan, and not expecting a lot from this movie, I was very pleasantly surprised. I have enjoyed Jennifer Anniston and her form of comedy for years and this was no exception. Nicole Kidman was a surprise as a comedian and hula dancer, as well as newcomer Brooklyn Decker; both were enjoyable in their roles. The two kids were mercenary, cute, and very funny throughout, maintaining lies and developing a relationship with their new dad. In addition, Nick Swardson, was unexpected, slap-stick, and humanitarian, saving the sheep is a scene not to be missed. There were laugh out-loud moments throughout this film and the Hawaiian Islands were fabulous, as always.