Vicky Christina Barcelona

Directed (and written) by Woody Allen, The Weinstein Company, 2008. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz.

Genre: Drama, Romance.

Question: Are you a fan of Woody Allen films?

Woody Allen definitely has own unique way of creating a film - sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn't. A few years back I kept hearing all this praise about Vicky Christina Barcelona but I never saw it. Not sure why. But I recorded it and let it sit there for months. Last night I finally watched it.

Well, I suppose I could say I liked it but I had some issues with it so it wasn't my favorite Woody Allen film.

First, the story had an interesting approach about a foreign, summer romance(s) - which to me is what this film essentially is about. However, there was this annoying narration (by a man) that made it seem like someone was reading a children's bedtime story not about several adults' sexual encounters. Maybe that is what the director was going for but when there were long periods of time without the narration I enjoyed the film more.

Second, I may be the only person who doesn't find Javier Bardem attractive. I know, I know -what is wrong with me? Yes, he has sex appeal but he just doesn't do it for me. Sorry. However, he was the main love interest for many in this film and I just couldn't relate to the other women and why he was the one.

Third, this film is basically about women and who they love, are attracted to and who they think they should be with. I don't mean to sound sexist here but, to me, this was a man's fantasy about what women want and not how it truly is.

In the beginning, it was quintessentially Woody Allen with Vicky, played by Rebecca Hall, as the overly talkative character, but after we got into the guts of the movie no one seemed to say anything remotely interesting.

Now the views of Spain made me want to book my plane ticket that night. Stunning!! I also liked the costumes - lots of linen. Not sure if there was any significance to using that material for so many of the costumes; but I kind of liked the organic material and how it isn't perfect after you had it on for a while.

My favorite part: the beauty of Spain and how it was shown.

My least favorite part: the narration.

Possibility of a sequel? Has Woody Allen ever done a sequel?

Did the previews show too much? What I remember - the previews showed a  lot of Penelope Cruz and she really wasn't in it that much. Maybe a little misleading but it didn't ruin the movie's storyline.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 96 minutes

Review: 5 out of 10

Vicky Christina Barcelona - DVD & Instant Video

Interview: Limitless

Limitless, starring Bradley Cooper & Robert De Niro, is opening March 18th. Reel Movie News got another exclusive interview with one of its stars: Johnny Whitworth.

"Straight from arriving back to the US from Romania, where he’d just spent months filming Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Johnny Whitworth took some time to speak to Reel Movie News about his role in Limitless.

Whitworth talks about his character, working with Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro, and if he would take a "limitless" drug..."

For more of the interview, click here

Save up to 60% on History Channel DVDs

The Good Heart

Directed (and written) by Dagur Kari, Forensic Films, 2009.

Starring Brian Cox and Paul Dano.

Genre: Drama

Question: If a movie made less than $50,000 would you automatically think it is a bad movie? I hope not because I just watched a fantastic movie called The Good Heart. It cost less than 4 million to make but it only brought in about $20,000.

One of the ToP? fans asked me to review The Good Heart recently so I added it to my queue. I think they may have asked because I have had some heart issues in the past and thought I might enjoy watching it. Well, forget my own health history; this is a movie for everyone.  I really liked it.

Did you ever frequent a bar or pub, know all the regulars and the staff, and got annoyed by new comers or tourists who ventured into your bar? Also, do you like curmudgeons who run places like that? I do, and Brian Cox plays a good one. He is the owner of a bar in New York City and he has a bad heart. Paul Dano plays a homeless boy that he mentors to take over his bar because he has no one else to give it to. The relationship between the two men was great to watch but Brian Cox stole the show. He played the perfect crass, yet lovable, curmudgeon very, very well.

I noticed that I had a smile on my face for almost the entire movie because of the great character that Brian Cox brought to life. He is slowly but steadily moving up as one of my favorite character actors. I saw him recently in The Escapist - he was awesome in that too. Most of you might know him from the second X-Men movie, X2, as William Stryker. Anyway, this movie was a treat to watch. (Thanks for the recommendation, Dom)

Rent or download this one and support the small, independent filmmakers so more great movies get made (and seen).

My favorite thing: Brian Cox and the dialogue he was given.

My least favorite thing: The kitten's fate.

Sequel Possibility? No - perfect wrapped up story.

Did the previews show too much? I never saw a preview - this was a request from a fan.

Rating: R
Length: 99 minutes

Review: 8 out of 10

Interview: The Lincoln Lawyer

A couple of weeks ago I posted a link to an interview from Reel Movie News and I saw that a lot of you seemed to like it. Here is another interview from them with Margarita Levieva from The Lincoln Lawyer starring Matthew McConaughey and Ryan Phillipe.

"Margarita Levieva recently caught up with Reel Movie News to dish about her role in The Lincoln Lawyer, opposite Matthew McConaughey and Ryan Phillipe.

Levieva plays a key role in the film - she is the woman who accuses Phillipe's character of rape and is subsequently the catalyst to all the events that unfold after.

The actress talks about playing a prostitute, how she prepared for the role, and what it was like to work with McConaughey and Phillipe."


Click here for the rest of the interview....Margarita Levieva interview

Enjoy!!

Rango

Directed (and written) by Gore Verbinski, Industrial Light and Magic, 2011. Starring Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Ned Beatty and Bill Nighy.

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Western.

Question: Do you ever get really excited to see a movie and then finally watch it and leave disappointed? Well, that is what happened with me with Rango.

I was so looking forward to seeing Rango especially after seeing how they decided to create this film with getting the actors to work together during some scenes instead of standing in a sound box talking to a microphone. But after the first fifteen minutes of enjoyment I soon realized I was slowly becoming bored with the story.

I tried hard to stay focused on the story but I did enjoy all of the movie references, which there are a lot. (FYI - I would love to know all of them). However, as I sat there I felt no likability to the main character: Rango and thought he really wasn't that interesting. There were too many joke set-ups and all the movie references were a bit distracting.

Now on the flip side, the animation was probably the best I have ever seen and I highly recommend that you see it in the theater - do not wait for this one on DVD.  Really, the animation was spectacular and I saw the 2D version.

One last thing: I saw this with 2 girls (1 adult/1 child) and 3 guys (2 adults/1 child) and on average, the girls didn't think it was great but the guys really liked it. My daughter, 9, thought it was a little boring and a bit violent while my son, 11, thought it was awesome.

I haven't read other reviews of this but I would be interested in seeing the average rating between the male and female reviewers. Just curious.

My favorite part: The animation - Stunning!

My least favorite part: The overall story - a bit boring.


Sequel possibility? I think so.

Did the previews show too much? Not really.

Rating: PG
Length: 107 minutes

Review: 5 out of 10

Rango Soundtrack and toys

I actually don't hate previews.

Hello fellow movie fans:

I was talking with a friend of mine after seeing Rango this weekend. The topic soon turned to my blog, the name of it and that I should change it because he actually likes previews. It is his favorite part about going to the movie theater. I had to explain to him that I don't hate previews. Honestly, a few years ago it used to be one of my favorites parts as well. Also, there are many previews that make me want to see a movie.  But recently something seem to change with previews and their content. He seemed confused by my response.

Then I felt like I had to explain the name of the blog and why I started the movie reviews again, but as I was explaining my position I thought maybe others out there may feel the same way as my friend. So, I am talking about the reason for this blog again. Hope you all don't mind.

I told him to read my first post which explains all my reasons on why I started this blog. I believe he said he hadn't.

Then I went further by explaining that my main issue today is that I am basically "tired of previews" and trailers showing too much today. I am not tired of the concept of previews.  As a child or even 5-10 years ago I don't recall previews basically showing the entire plot or all the great or funny lines - quite the opposite. Previews used to be a teaser. They enticed you and made you want to see a film in the theater.   But this is what I mean by something has changed. Somewhere someone decided to show us more in the previews - especially the ones they show in the theaters.

Perhaps Hollywood may be so desperate to get those huge box office numbers. Perhaps they feel like they need to show us most of the decent elements to get us to see the movie opening weekend. This essentially is a business and people are trying to make money, I understand that.  However, we used to have weeks or more to see the film in the theater - not anymore it seems. If a film doesn't grab those huge box office numbers the first few days, the movie is gone.. into DVD or download land.

I don't claim to know what Hollywood execs are thinking so all of the above is just a theory. But with that said, I just want the people who make the previews to realize that part of the experience of watching movies is to get lost in the story and to be surprised through the dialogue, the cool effects and/or the story. Unfortunately, I am rarely surprised anymore after seeing most previews today so getting totally lost in a film is rare as well. I know I am not alone in this sentiment.

So, this leads me to why I write my reviews. If you feel the same as me - skip the previews, read my reviews and decide for yourself if you want to see the movie. I will be here to let you if the previews ruined the movie watching experience or not. I also promise to not share too much detail about the movie so your experience is filled with surprises.

I hope that clears things up for everyone....now back to my reviews.

Thanks,

Katy

Next review: RANGO

Repo Men

Directed by Miguel Sapochnik, Universal Pictures, 2010. Starring Jude Law, Forest Whitaker and Liev Schreiber.

Genre: Action, Crime, Sci-fi, Drama, Thriller

Question: Did you see Repo Man - the 1984 cult movie starring Emilio Estevez? Well, Repo Men is not a sequel and shouldn't be confused as one prior to seeing this.

Based on the novel, The Repossession Mambo by Eric Garcia, Repo Men is an unusual tale about a man who works as a repo man for a company by taking back things that should never be taken back. I don't want to go into detail as to what but trust me - it is something you would never want to give up - ever!

It started out with an interesting and unique story - albeit grotesque - with Jude Law as a worker with a job you would not want. Forest Whitaker plays his best friend and co-worker. Now I am not sure I can recall a movie where Jude Law is an action hero so for those you who faun over him - you might like parts of this movie.

However, halfway through the movie and once I was over my initial repulsion, the movie lost steam, credibility and it didn't seem to stay focused. But let me tell you after completing the entire movie - I believe it was the filmmaker's intention to change the pace of the film halfway through. I am just not sure it was worth it though.

There are elements of the story where it was just absurd; and I almost chuckled during a scene that was not meant to be funny. I think this may be a movie for those who like Sci-fi but I saw it with a deeper meaning: a warning to us today who live their lives to make money at all costs, especially in one specific profession. I want to say much more but I will refrain because I think some will like this movie even though I did not.

My favorite part: Um, Jude Law did look sort of cute from time to time - I have to admit.

My least favorite part: a personal connection that really had me grossed out.

Sequel possibility? Perhaps.

Did the previews ruin it by showing too much? No, in fact, I saw the preview and put it on my queue because of it.

Rating: R
Length: 111 minutes

Review: 3 out of 10

Repo Men - DVD
The Repossession Mambo - Novel (Kindle or book)

The Ghost Writer

Directed by Roman Polanski, RP Productions, 2010. Starring Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Williams and Kim Cattral.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller.

Question: Which movie do you watch after the Oscars? Well, I landed on The Ghost Writer because it showed up in the mail this weekend. I suggest you choose another.

Most of you know why I even had this movie in my queue - Ewan McGregor, but this might be one of the worst thrillers I have seen in a while. There is a line in the movie about reading the book the ghost writer has to edit: "It is the cure for insomnia". Well, so was this movie. It took two attempts to watch this and it was a struggle to get through.

The pace was slow - not normal for a thriller. The dialogue seemed amateur, which is odd since this movie wasn't made by amateurs, and the plot didn't grab me and say "Oh, what is going to happen next". No tension at all - a main ingredient for a thriller/mystery.

If you have read some of my past reviews where I didn't like a movie, you will notice that I don't go into too much detail as to what I think was wrong with it. That is mainly because I want to forget the movie as soon as I can and not dwell on it. So, skip this one.

My favorite thing: As always - Ewan McGregor - but I will say there were 2 sets with some beautiful interior design that kept my interest more than what was going on in the film.

My least favorite: Where should I start....

Sequel possibility? Fortunately, no.

Did the previews ruin it by too much? I wish they had.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 128 minutes

Review: 2 out of 10

FABB9RWQTECT

...and the award goes to....

Hello Everyone!

Later today the biggest film awards shows will begin: The Academy Awards. Some people see it as a popularity contest and never watch it, while others throw elaborate Oscar parties with having their own voting & tallying process. For me: I have been watching the Academy Awards since I was little - waiting mostly to see what people will be wearing and what they will say if they win. I do think many actors get passed over and some win based on some previous acting performances. On the whole, I don't hold much importance to the awards, per se, but I do think these awards shows have helped expose some great films that otherwise may not have been seen by many.

I have not seen all the movies that received nominations but I do have a few favorites who I think will win.

Have you seen all the movies? Do you have some idea who will win tonight? Tell us who you think will win.

Katy
Tired of Previews?

The Fighter

Directed by David O. Russell, Closest to the Hole Productions, 2010. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo.

Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport.

Question: What’s keeping you from seeing The Fighter? Maybe you think of Rocky and worry it will be a similar story, so why bother? I am here to tell you that they are not the same - at all!

Boxing is probably my least favorite sport. I just don't care to watch two people that beat each other to a bloody pulp. It's probably a girl thing but I just don't like it. That is why I avoided The Fighter until now. I decided to go yesterday since I am reviewing Oscar nominated (past and present) movies this week and kept hearing about the unbelievable acting jobs by some members of the cast. I had to see for myself and I am so glad I did.

The Fighter is not about boxing, per se. It is about a man (Micky) who is forced to put up a fight against the people he loves. He fights to be heard and fights to make his own decisions, etc… That is The Fighter - the boxing is secondary in the story. So if you had the same preconceived notions that I did, wipe them away and go see it.

Mark Walhberg plays Micky Ward, the boxer, and does a wonderful job but the other three leads in the cast outshine some of the best acting I have ever seen:

1.      Melissa Leo, who I am not very familiar with, plays Micky's mother and after seeing her in real life I now understand why she is up for all these awards. Fantastic!

2.      Amy Adams surely goes against type with playing Micky's girlfriend and does so well I couldn't even relate her to this same person who played Giselle in Enchanted. Wonderful performance!

3.      But the shining star in this movie is Christian Bale. WOW! What a transformation. He played Dicky, Micky's older brother, who is addicted to crack and his brother's trainer. As I was watching the movie, I couldn't even imagine that the same actor standing there was Batman a couple of years ago. He really deserves all the accolades - really!!

Go see The Fighter - it is worth it!

My favorite thing: Christian Bale

My least favorite: Boxing scenes - but that is just me. I just don't like seeing people getting hit even though it is make believe. But don't let that stop you.

Sequel Possibility? No

Did the previews show too much? Maybe a tiny bit. A few of the important lines I had already seen but it didn't ruin it for me.

Rating: R
Length: 115 minutes

Review: 9 out of 10

The Fighter - DVD Pre-order

Slumdog Millionaire

Directed by Danny Boyle, Celador Films, 2008. Starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto,  Irrfan Khan and Anil Kapoor.

Genre: Drama, Romance

Question: Do you ever have those days that everything seems to go wrong? It's draining, right? Well, I had one of those days yesterday. All I am going to say is that I hate hackers!! Anyway, what do you do to unwind or let go of those bad days? My remedy: watch a movie and yesterday I chose the right one to counteract the crappy day I had: Slumdog Millionaire.

I may be one of only a handful of people who did not see the movie when it first came out even after all the accolades and awards. Sometimes, I avoid a movie once it starts getting too much good press. An odd reaction, I know, but it happens. So, after the day I had I looked at my DVR movie list and saw that one, which I had recorded over a year ago, and my husband was shocked I hadn't seen it. He told me to watch it because he loved it!

Let me tell you that it was the perfect antidote to my bad day. After watching the first fifteen minutes I realized I have it pretty good and shouldn't complain.  My worries just melted away because Slumdog Millionaire shows you that even after having a horrific upbringing you can still get what you want. No complaining, no whining, no giving-up.

If you haven't seen it yet - rent it, download it, or even buy it to watch again when you need a reminder that giving up is not an option.

I apologize if this isn't my typical review. Movies are my passion and when a movie helps me out of a funk or exposes me to something that helps me get over my bad mood, I find it important to share so anyone can get the same relief from their rotten days. This is why I love movies - they can either put a mirror up to your face or help you escape your reality for a while and doesn't everyone needs that from time to time?

My favorite thing: realizing I shouldn't complain about one bad day.

My least favorite: Some scenes were a little tough to watch when they were young children.

Sequel possibility?Nno - perfect complete story.

Did the previews ruin it by showing too much? Not one bit.

Rating: R
Length: 120 minutes

Review: 9 out of 10

Q & A, the novel - the book Slumdog Millionaire was based on.
Slumdog Millionaire - DVD & Instant Video

The Reader

Directed by Stephen Daldry.The Weinstein Company, 2008. Starring Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes and David Kross.

Genre: Drama, Romance.

Based on the book: "Der Vorleser" by Bernhard Schlink. 

Since the Oscars are right around the corner, I am in the mood to talk about some past Academy Award participants. The Reader had about 5 nominations and one win for Kate Winslett for Best Female Actress in a Leading Role. I had heard so much about this film then but I did not see it until last night.

The Reader is an emotionally draining tale that was beautifully told and may not be for every movie-goer. I really don't want to go into too much detail because the unknowing about certain facts helped me delve even further into the drama of the story. I will say Kate Winslett did a fantastic job - obviously, but it was her facial expressions, not so much how she delivered the lines, is how she won the award.

Secrecy, ignorance and shame is the basis of this movie's theme. However, many reviewers talked about the sexual relationship that occurs between the two main characters in the beginning of the film. It brought a lot of attention to The Reader but I actually prefer to focus on the second half of the movie because of the two actors, who play Michael Berg, and their emotional journey with their relationship to Hannah Schmitz (Kate Winslett).

My only criticism is the cast of the two actors to play Michael - They look nothing alike. Both actors did a wonderful job - don't get me wrong but there was another actor today who could have played the role of the older Michael and it would have made a little bit more sense. (Can you guess who I am referring to?)

Rent The Reader - you won't be disappointed maybe a little emotionally drained but not disappointed!

My favorite thing: The performance of the young Michael - David Kross.

My least favorite thing: The casting issue for Michael.

Sequel possibility? No.

Did the previews ruin it by showing too much? No. Even if you know what this is about it won't matter.

Rating: R
Length: 124 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10

Der Vorleser  (The Reader)- book 
The Reader - DVD & Instant Video

Knight and Day

Directed by James Mangold, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp, 2010. Starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. Along with Peter Sarsgaard, Viola Davis and Paul Dano.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Thriller.

Question: Do you ever just want to watch a fun movie and not really worry about critiquing the plot, dialogue or acting? Do you just want to lose yourself in a fun story for a couple of hours? I do, all the time and I did when I finally saw Knight and Day.

I will admit that Tom Cruise makes decent movies on the most part. Don't you agree? I don't really care about his personal life and the past years where he has lost some fans with his public displays of "what was he thinking?" moments. Tom Cruise is one thing when it comes to movie making: a perfectionist and he will do everything he can to make a good movie.

Knight and Day came out last summer and I was reluctant to see it because he hadn't really made a movie in a while. But I like Cameron Diaz and it looked like it could be a fun ride. It was. The two of them had great chemistry and I was whisked away into the action and adventure of the story; and I was pleasantly surprised at how funny Knight and Day was. Perhaps the previews showed a few too many of the cool stunts but on the whole I really liked it.

This is a movie for both men and women to enjoy - this could be a good date night movie.

My favorite thing: How I enjoyed the movie when I wasn't planning on it.

My least favorite thing: A tiny bit predictable.

Possibility of a sequel? I think so but I hope for a really good script.

Did the previews show too much or ruin it? Not really although some of the cool stunts were shown.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 109 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10

Knight and Day - DVD
Knight and Day - Instant Video

A Single Man

Directed by Tom Ford, Artina Films, 2009. Starring Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, and Matthew Goode.

Genre: Drama.

Question: Did you see The King's Speech yet? I assume you know that Colin Firth is up for the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Well, last year he was up for the same award in A Single Man. (Based on the book by Christopher Isherwood)

A Single Man was a sweet film that shows one man in the final stages of grief after losing his long time companion in a car accident. This story takes place in the 1960's and shows a person who lost the love of their life and how secretly they have to hide their pain because their lifestyle wasn't seen as proper.
I have seen many of Colin Firth's performances prior to A Single Man and always thought he had the chops but he hadn't shown the range yet. But after seeing him in A Single Man I knew this man was a brilliant actor. He played the role with grace and gentility. You really feel this man's pain and his struggle of being alone, missing his partner desperately, and how he can't show or tell anyone.

Tom Ford -yes, the fashion designer - directed A Single Man and he proved he can take a scene just like a piece of fabric and design it from scratch to create something beautiful. His vision and attention to detail was a thing of beauty. And I will say some of the set designs - especially Charley’s (Julianne Moore) home - were stunning! Oh, the 60's furniture design was so fun! If you love mid-century architecture and design (Mad Men style) you will love the set design on A Single Man.

Although Colin Firth lost the Oscar to Sean Penn (Milk), I don't think anyone is going to beat him this year. If you haven't seen A Single Man yet, watch it before the Oscars so you can see how truly talented this actor is.

Rent: A Single Man

My favorite thing: Colin Firth and Charley's black and white dress.

My least favorite: my jealousy of Charley's home

Possibility of a sequel? No - great ending.

Did the previews ruin it or show too much? Not one bit.

Rating: R
Length: 99 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10

A Single Man - DVD
A Single Man - novel

Videos on Demand

Me and Orson Welles

Directed by Richard Linklater. CinemaNX, 2008. Starring Zac Efron, Claire Danes and Christian McKay.

Genre: Drama

Me and Orson Welles

Me and Orson Welles - the book

Question:  Have you ever been a part of a school play, an off Broadway production or been lucky enough to reach the pinnacle of Broadway? If the answer is yes - you will totally understand Me and Orson Welles. No matter if you were a stagehand, understudy or principal player, I also believe you would like this film.

It is based on the novel by Robert Kaplow. The movie shows you a week before a play is to open in the late 1930's with Orson Welles as the director, producer and lead actor for Julius Caesar by Shakespeare. The movie is filled with over-the-top egos to people desperate to be a part of the creative arts, and how all those people work to create magic for their audiences.

Christian McKay plays Orson Welles and it is uncanny how he fully embodies the legendary actor. Stunning -absolutely stunning. Zac Efron's character, Richard, desperately wants to be an actor and does a convincing job as the young man in his first professional play. I do think all of Zac Efron's adoring fans will still appreciate all the screen time he receives.

On the whole, the story was a little slow and I wasn't sucked into each character's dilemmas as much as I should have been. However, as in the theatre world, when the lights dim everything just seems to meld into a cohesive work of art as everyone catches their collective breath. It is a magical time. And I will say it again: If you have ever participated in theatre you will really appreciate this movie - especially the last third.

My favorite part: Christian McKay

My least favorite part: How it lagged a bit in the middle.

Possibility of a sequel? No

Did the previews ruin it or show too much? No - actually when I saw the previews I was intrigued to rent it.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 114 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

Me and Orson Welles - novel
Me and Orson Welles - DVD


Videos on Demand

True Grit

Directed (and screenplay) by Joel & Ethan Coen, Paramount Pictures, 2010. Starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Hailee Steinfeld.

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Western.

Question: Are you a fan of westerns? No? How about adventure movies? Not those either? Well, how about a movie that shows you how great actors can be no matter what the subject matter is? True Grit is that movie.

I will admit out of the 15 or so movies Joel and Ethan Coen have made together, I have thoroughly enjoyed over 10 of them. That's a pretty good average. They may not be mainstream filmmakers; and their subject matter never seems to be the same. However, there is always one common element with all of their films: fascinating characters. And in order to have these extraordinary character driven pieces - they must hire actors with tremendous talent. Well, in True Grit, they succeeded - big time!

Newcomer, Hailee Steinfeld absolutely stole the show as 14 year-old Mattie Ross. She even outshone Jeff Bridges, who did an outstanding job as Reuben J. "Rooster" Coburn - originally made famous by none other than The Duke: John Wayne. Matt Damon also took on his role with finesse and it was definitely a departure for him not being the lead character in a movie. However, Hailee’s portrayal helped me enjoy this western, a genre which has never been my favorite. Her ability to handle this mature, quick-witted and head-strong character had me thinking there was no way she was really 13 at the time. Unbelievable!

The film was great but the ending blew me away. I must admit that there were some moments where I thought a scene was a little too long or slow but overall True Grit is a fantastic film.

My favorite thing: Hailee Steinfeld! She was awesome.

My least favorite thing: The obvious lack of dental work on most of the characters. The make-up department did a great job but yuk! It looked so real.

Possibility of a sequel? No, and there is no need for one. Perfect ending!

Did the previews ruin it or show too much? NOT ONE BIT!!

Rating: PG-13
Length: 110 minutes

Review: 8 out of 10

True Grit - the novel


Videos on Demand

I AM NUMBER FOUR interview with Callan McAuliffe

Here is an exclusive interview with I AM NUMBER FOUR star Callan McAuliffe from Reel Movie News. Interviewed by Alyssa Caverley. Movie opening February 18th, 2011

Callan McAuliffe is just 16-years-old, but he's already making waves in America with his performance in the upcoming I Am Number Four, alongside Alex Pettyfer and Dianna Agron.

McAuliffe is originally from Australia and admits he kind of just fell into acting, but he's not taking it for granted.  He understands he is doing what a lot of kids his age would kill for.

We asked him about his Australian accent and how he manages to change it for his American films.

"It doesn't seem to be too difficult for Australian or British people to do an American accent," he says. "I'm not sure if that's because you guys pronounce things the way they're spelled and we don't, so it's kind of like going up a step in intelligence when you do an American accent."

What was his favorite part of filming I Am Number Four?

"I've always wanted to do an action film, I've always wanted to shoot something and now my dreams came true."

Check out the rest of his interview after the jump, including what super power he wants and how he found out he got the job in the sci-fi flick.

for more of the interview click link below:

http://www.reelmovienews.com/2011/02/exclusive-callan-mcauliffe-talks-i-am-number-four/

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Invictus

Directed (and produced) by Clint Eastwood, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2009. Starring Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon and Tony Ggoroge.

Genre: Biography, Drama, History, Sport.

Question: What’s your favorite sports movie? Hoosiers, Bad News Bears, Bull Durham or Invincible (okay, I am an Eagles fan – I admit it). What’s the one thing they all have in common? It’s the triumphant story of the underdog team, right? Well, Invictus might have one of the best underdog victories ever.

Invictus is about a man, Nelson Mandela, and the true story about how he brought a nation together with their national pastime. I will admit I know very little of the history of South Africa and I know absolutely nothing about Rugby, but I got completely drawn into this story despite my lack of knowledge.

Invictus is based on the book by John Carlin “Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation.”

Clint Eastwood did a fantastic job adapting the story for the screen. Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon transformed themselves into their characters so well that at times I didn’t even recognize them. Their accents and their mannerisms were impeccable. Actually everyone was great in this movie.

This was a truly inspirational tale and I recommend it for everyone to see.

My favorite thing: Morgan Freeman

My least favorite: Just wish I knew a bit more about Rugby.

Possibility of a sequel? No.

Did the previews ruin it or show too much? Not one bit.

Rating: PG-13

Length: 134 minutes

Review: 8 out of 10

Invictus - the novel
Invictus - DVD


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Viewer's Choice Winner

Hello all:

Well, it was close and almost a tie between True Grit and No Strings Attached. However, True Grit is the winner!! I will view the movie and give my review this week.

Thanks to everyone who voted!

Katy
Tired of Previews?

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The Escapist

Directed (and written) by Rupert Wyatt. Picture Farm, 2008. Starring Brian Cox, Joseph Fiennes, Damian Lewis and Dominic Cooper.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Question: Have you ever wanted to write a screenplay? Well, the first thing you should learn how to do is to "show" not "tell" the story - which is very hard to do. If want to research how this is done very well then watch The Escapist.

I haven't enjoyed a stumbling upon a film this much since Once. It was such a shock to start the movie and get sucked in right away. There is very little dialogue in The Escapist but the story is so compelling because the film makers “showed” us the story rather than lengthy monologues and back and forth debates.

Yes, we have all seen dozens upon dozens of prison escape stories, but this one is by far one of my favorites now. You many not recognize many of the actors names but you should recognize their faces. This is a British film and, at times, the dialogue was a bit difficult to understand (for us Yanks) but it didn't bother me one bit. It wasn't about what they said but how their expressions and actions told the story. Brilliant!

The acting was superb! The cinematography was beautiful! Crisp and clear, not something I would have expected for such a gritty story. And the way it was told was indicative of Quentin Tarantino or Guy Richie which is very hard to pull off successfully, but they did it! Rent this, download this - do whatever you have to do - but see this film!

My favorite thing: Watching the faces of the characters - great acting!

My least favorite: Yeah, I missed a few words here and there due to the accent but that's about it.

Possibility of a sequel? No

Did the previews ruin it or show too much? I never saw a preview - just saw it on cable at 3:00am and recorded. What a find!

Rating: NR
Length: 102 minutes

Rating: 9 out of 10

The Escapist - DVD

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