Little Voice

Directed (co-wrote) by Mark Herman, Miramax Films, 1998. Starring Brenda Blethyn, Michael Caine, Ewan McGregor and Jane Horrocks.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Question: What keeps you weak, afraid to try, or forces you to stay within your own safe bubble? Fear! I know everyone is afraid of something. Disappointment, fear of more sadness or the failure that will come again if you decide to go outside your comfort zone, so you stand still because fear has a choke-hold on you. Little Voice shows a young woman whose life's only happiness is listening to the records her father owned because her world ended when he died and so did her ability see beyond her own pain. Fear has paralyzed her.

I remember seeing this movie when it first came out about 13 years ago or so but really couldn't remember much of it. Yes, that is so unlike me. However, if you follow me and my reviews your jaw is about to drop at my next sentence. I only chose this movie on Netflix instant play because Brenda Blethyn and Michael Caine were listed as the top actors in Little Voice, but when I started it Ewan McGregor's name came up in the opening credits. Instantly I smiled but thought, "How could I forget he was in this movie?" I pushed that thought aside quickly because I was now in my own little bubble - watching a movie - and surprisingly content for the first time in a while. I was able to relax and enjoy this movie all over again.

Little Voice or LV is a shy, timid girl who hangs out in her attic bedroom room listening to records - not CDs - records of the 1950's and 1960's with artists like Judy Garland, Shirley Bassie and Marilyn Monroe. She shuts out the rest of the world when the music starts but you soon realize she is mainly shutting out her abusive mother played by Brenda Blethyn. You witness this domineering women care nothing about her daughter and for the life of it you can't figure out why. I have my theories and it has to do with disappointment - a powerful emotion that can turn a person cold, selfish and sometimes quick to become angry at those they are supposed to love.

During a moment of her mother trying again to find happiness in the only way she knows how, a duel of sorts ensues and the power goes out. LV then uses the only other way to find comfort without the records is to sing - and can she sing! This is the point in the movie you discover that her name is all wrong. I would love to tell you more but will let you discover the talent this woman has that was buried deep inside that had to come out.

Now the best thing about this movie has to be LV and when she sings but you get the feeling something isn't quite right about it all. LV tries desperately to keep her singing to herself in order to cope. However, Michael Caine stars in this film as a low-level talent scout who banks everything on having LV making him a million once he hears her voice. He cunningly convinces LV to perform but there is a consequence to his manipulation. However, that is all I will say about that.

Should I say anything about my favorite actor? Of course! It makes me happy. He is a quiet fellow in this film who enjoys homing pigeons as a hobby. He meets LV and discovers another shy person and for some inexplicable reason they start a friendship. He cares for her like no one else does, watches over her, and is there when she needs him the most. It was sweet to witness a friendship like that.

Little Voice is a movie about finding the ability to stand on your own two feet and overcoming a debilitating fear. Some of the scenes were a bit over the top especially with the abusive mother. However, sometimes showing people whose fears have swallowed them up, which in turn causes their reactions towards others to be less than kind can show how the abused person can become paralyzed and seeks refuge alone. It ain't pretty but it made the point well. Fortunately, there was some great music to balance out some of the ugliness.

This is based on the play "The Rise and Fall of Little Voice" which was written for Jane Horrocks and her talent.


My favorite part: The times when LV sings. Now close your mouth - yes, he was my second favorite but I am biased.

My least favorite: I am not going to say on this one.

Rating: R
Length: 97 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

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A Summer in Genoa (Genova)

Directed (and co-wrote screenplay) by Michael Winterbottom, Revolution Films, 2008. Starring Colin Firth, Catherine Keener, Perla Haney-Jardine,  Willa Holland and Hope Davis.

Genre: Drama, Romance.

Question: What haunts you? Keeps you up at night? Or wakes you up in a cold sweat? Makes you see things that aren't really there? Forces you to take paths you have no idea where they lead? What if you were 9 years-old; how would you handle all that haunts you?

I just finished another movie on Netflix instant play: A Summer in Genoa and I almost don't know how to write this review. The movie didn't have a lot to say but then again it said so much, in such a subtle way, that I don't think most will like this film. However, I enjoyed it. And, of course, I will tell you why. One word: real.

Everything in this film was real: the acting, which it didn't seem like anyone was acting actually. It was just so natural. Plus, you feel like you are right there in the story. Sure it jumps from scene to scene but you catch up with no problem because of the effortless way everyone, including the children in the film, performed. There was not one iota of "acting" that I could witness. No blocking, no overly rehearsed speeches, or forced responses. It almost gave me shivers. Another thing that I kept noticing because it is something I always look for: how it is filmed - the cinematography. As I said, you felt like you were right there and the way it was shot you could almost smell the Italian air.

The story appeared so genuine that you didn't question the one thing that couldn't be real. (No, I am not going to tell you what that is.) I mean nothing seemed too out of there; nothing really out of the ordinary, besides one small detail; and I have no idea how a producer read the script and said, 'Oh this story is so brilliantly real! It must be made!" In fact, I have a feeling the script was a very boring read so that is why this was independently produced.

A Summer in Genoa stars Colin Firth, who is a father to two daughters and he moves them to Italy after a family tragedy. Was it the best idea? Uprooting the girls and going to a foreign country for a year, would that help them process what haunts them? Well, you will just have to see for yourself.  In fact, you have to watch the youngest girl, Mary, (played by Perla Haney-Jardine), to fully understand the story. She was fantastic in this role and it was not an easy role to play eloquently but she did.

Above, the genre states it is a drama and a romance. I am not quite sure I would call it a romance though. However, drama is pretty much spot on, but mix in a little mystery, and I think that would describe this movie better. I know I am remaining vague with this review but there is little to tell about the story without giving much away. This is a movie you need to think about; it does not give you all the answers and you must be willing to contemplate what can truly haunt a person and how they process it.

My favorite thing: As I said, how real, authentic everything was portrayed.

My least favorite: It was slow, and I have watched so many movies that I kept guessing at things and ended up being wrong...okay, maybe I kinda of liked that too.

Rating: R
Length: 94 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

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The Last Lullaby

Directed by Jeffrey Goodman, Challiot Films, 2008. Starring Tom Sizemore, Sasha Alexander, Sprague Grayden and Bill Smitrovich.

Genre: Drama, Mystery

Question: Do you ever pay attention to the private lives of actors? I really try not to but once in awhile I catch something on TV or on the magazine news stand and it sticks with me. Part of my gift for remembering details of movies, for some reason, is also retaining information that has nothing to do with a movie but about the actors themselves. I hate it so I try to avoid the tabloids, gossip mongers or such as much as possible but some facts just slip through.

Case in point: A while back I saw the actor, Tom Sizemore, became a drug addict, with meth I believe, and it ruined his career for awhile. That was such a shame because there are a few of his movies that are some of my favorites or movies in which I truly enjoyed watching him in it. First one was Heart and Souls - a sappy/goofy chick-flick movie. It starred Robert Downey Jr. (another one whose career I have followed and enjoyed but who also had the demon of drugs and alcohol on his back). Anyway, Tom Sizemore was great in that movie but he was also great in Saving Private Ryan, True Romance, Natural Born Killers, and Black Hawk Down, etc... Sorry, to harp on this but I just finished watching a movie starring Tom Sizemore - The Last Lullaby. For almost the entire time I watched the film I kept wondering if he was high and it irked the heck out of me. However, I forced myself to try and let go of what could have been and tried enjoying the moment.

Not my typical review, I know...sorry. Nevertheless, I just felt I had to share that information. Now, let's talk about The Last Lullaby. I found this movie on Netflix this morning. Never heard of it but saw the names of a couple of actors and said "Why not?"

The first thing that pulled me towards The Last Lullaby was seeing the two descriptions: thriller (at least that is what Netflix called it) and independent film. I just love that genre and independents just have more freedom when it comes to telling a story. Second reason, Tom Sizemore; and the third, the customers of Netflix seemed to give the movie quite a few stars. So I hit button on the Instant Play and relaxed.

The first 15 minutes sucked me right in. I won't say why but I had no idea what was going on (one reason I love independent films) and it made me want to know more. Refreshing. Tom Sizemore plays a quiet character that obviously has a pretty screwed-up past. His actions, his demeanor in the open scene(s) intrigued me so I kept watching.

I don't want to tell you any details about the film because thrillers/mysteries need that. They need you to be ignorant of prior information, usually, in order for it to be fully enjoyed. Sure, I read the one or two sentences about this film and I wish I hadn't; so I am keeping you all in the dark for your viewing pleasure. You're welcome.

Anyway, the other main actor or actress is Sasha Alexander. Some of you NCIS fans (yep, I am one of them) will recognize that name. She was Kate in the first few seasons. In The Last Lullaby she plays a very different character than in the TV show and I rather enjoyed it. She was vulnerable, quiet, scared but with a distant strength you know she possessed lurking somewhere underneath.

That is about all the detail I will tell you about the film. I know it wasn't much but I will repeat myself. This is a thriller/mystery so enjoy not knowing too much. Just let the story take you away. It is an independent film so remember that there are more liberties taken.

The Last Lullaby

My favorite thing: The shock I received when watching the first 15 minutes. It kept me going.

My least favorite thing: That a movie whose budget was only $5,000,000 doesn't get more notice.

Rating: R
Length: 93 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

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The Debt

Directed by John Madden, Marv Films, 2010/2011. Starring Helen Mirren, Jessica Chastain, Sam Worthington, and Tom Wilkinson.

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Question: When you think of heroines in film - which characters do you think of first? Ripley from Aliens, Clarice from Silence of the Lambs and Sarah Connor from The Terminator are probably the first that jump to mind, right? How about about a 66 year old women? Well, Helen Mirren (and the women who played her character at age 25) just kicked some Nazi-ass in The Debt and it was awesome!

I am not one of the overly feminist gals, trust me. I am all for equality but don't think we are the superior race. However, when I witnessed what the character Helen Mirren (present day) and Jessica Chastain (past) did in The Debt - I felt proud to be a woman.

One of my all time favorite leading ladies is Dame Helen Mirren. She is beautiful, classic, sophisticated and now a down-right bad-ass! I was not expecting it in this movie but got it. Yes, I saw her in Red - which I sort of enjoyed, but her character in that is a wimp compared to one in The Debt.

The story is about three undercover Mossad agents in the mid-60's who are sent to East Berlin; and their mission is to find, capture and bring back a Nazi war criminal living in secret there. The story goes back and forth from 1997 to 1966 with showing the three agents and how what happened in the 1960's haunted them to their present. The agents were played by Helen Mirren/Jessica Chastain, Tom Wilkinson/Marton Csokas and Ciaran Hinds/Sam Worthington.

Let's talk about the younger cast first: Ciaran Hinds did a great job playing the commander of the trio. He proved it well that his character was ambitious and would go far up the ranks. Sam Worthington seemed a little out of his element, acting-wise, particularly with his accent. It sometime sounded like a South-African or his native Australian accent and not the Israeli it should have been.  However, there was one moment of vulnerability where he had me believing that his character had something horrible happen in his past that affected him deeply.

However, of the three young agents Jessica Chastain was the best - by far. The level of emotions were portrayed beautifully. Her character had to be in the closest vicinity to the "target". Let me tell you, as a woman, there were three scenes during her mission, that only we could know how her task was truly horrific. Calling it brave would be an understatement. It brought me chills.

Present day characters: Tom Wilkinson and Ciaran Hinds were both good. My only complaint is that Sam Worthington and Ciaran Hinds looked nothing alike. Things like that bother me but it was so minor it's not worth harping on.

Anyway, let's now discuss Helen Mirren. She was tough, truthful and willing to fight for what she believes in even though it goes against what she was asked to do. She played it beautifully and I would love to tell you more but I won't. Except to say it was refreshing to witness her conviction. It is hard to go against the grain, especially being a women, but what's harder is allowing a facade to continue even though everyone puts you high on that pedestal because of it. And no matter how tough those aforementioned heroines were, Helen Mirren is now in my top 5 favorites because of this movie.

My favorite part: The end - NO! I am not going to tell you why?

My least favorite part: Sorry to say but it is Sam Worthington - he had a moment but I believe was miscast.

Rating: R
Length: 114 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

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Paranormal Activity

Directed (and written) by Oren Peli, Blumhouse Productions, 2007. Starring Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat and Mark Fredricks.

Genre: Horror, Mystery

Question: Do you ever do something you really don't want to do but someone dares you? Admit it - you have! You all should know by now that I am NOT a fan of horror films, right? Well, I just watched Paranormal Activity with headphones on (as instructed) because I was sort of coaxed into it. All I will say is that I am not a happy camper right now and it's dark...and soon bedtime. Drats!

Okay..that is all I could get down of this review before I forced myself to go upstairs to bed...YAWN...I am really tired because I did not sleep well due to viewing that film. Why, you ask? Let me tell you. When almost an entire movie takes place in the home, particularly in the bedroom with creepy things like noises, banging and the sheets being taken off by some thing, it is just NOT conducive for sleeping well - at least not for this person.

So, here I am the following day after viewing yet another horror film only 8 days removed from my last one. Therefore I can't wrap my sleep deprived head around this review...coffee....ok, I am back. Where shall I begin?

First, I have to say I am more than considering changing my name now. If you find this perplexing read my review of the last horror film I viewed recently: Fright Night. I'll wait......... Got it? Good! Hearing my name over and over and over again was just too unsettling for me. ENOUGH!

Second, the story was pretty decent. It took a slightly different approach to a common horror theme. I really thought Paranormal Activity was just about a plain, old haunting. It is not. In fact, the twist the film-makers used brought a haunting to a whole new level - a level that when you think about, even after the movie, it freaks you out and sticks with you awhile.

Lastly, the way the movie was shot with the handheld camera by the characters brought more realism to the story. Sure, it reminded me of The Blair Witch Project (yes, I saw that one, really!). However, in Paranormal Activity, I did find some of the scenes a little choppy or unnecessary to the story. Some of them just seemed thrown in or perhaps I need to view it again to make sure I didn't miss something but that is not going to happen. The scare factor of Paranormal Activity is now deeply locked in my brain and will forever be there just waiting to pop out when I least expect it.

So, let me describe the scare factor a bit more for those of you who haven't seen this movie yet. Many horror films like to overdo the blood and guts or show too much of a creature. Those tricks can be scary and work well, but what is scariest, to me, is when the film-makers force you to use your imagination. Usually what we can think up is far worse than what they can show realistically.

Case in point: There is a story about problems with Bruce, the mechanical shark, used in Jaws especially with the opening scene (you know which one I am talking about). Bruce just wouldn't work no matter how hard they wanted it to so Stephen Spielberg came up with using just the fin and pulling the girl down in the water. We were supposed to see the big man-eater chomp her up but since we didn't see what was attacking her we had to imagine it. That was horrifying and that scene may go down as the all time scariest scenes on film.

So with all that said I am not going to tell you anymore about the film. Except I should say that this one will probably stick with you awhile and whatever you do, if you hear noises or voices in your house don't agitate whatever is making the noise...trust me.

My favorite thing: When I actually thought it wasn't that scary and I guessed I was finally maturing. Then...

My least favorite thing: ....I realized I was just as much of a chicken as I normally am about horror films.

Rating: R
Length: 86 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

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Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Directed by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa, Carousel Productions  2011. Starring Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Question: What are some of the words you use to describe love? I can think of many but that would take up this entire blog post. I just came back from seeing a movie that may have put some definitions in perfect order and more succinctly than I could: Crazy, Stupid, Love.

I am still undecided if I liked this movie or not. I liked all the actors in it; I laughed (no, I did not cry); I got a little bored and even rolled my eyes a couple of times. So I am unsure but by the time I finish typing this review I will have figured it out.

First, let me tell you I love Steve Carell. He is just one of those actors that can make me laugh, sympathize with and want to just hang out and chat. He can do funny, sweet, uncomfortable, sad and vulnerable all with one look. Did you not see Little Miss Sunshine? Well, he did that there. He is a man whose wife, played by Julianne Moore, asks for a divorce and he ends up turning the situation into figuring out who he is and have a little fun while doing it.

That's where Ryan Gosling's character comes in to save Steve Carell's character from his dorkiness. Oh, I love Ryan Gosling too. Sure, he is good looking but I think he is one of the best young actors out there today. Usually he plays dramatic roles (Blue Valentine), overly romantic roles (The Notebook) or psychological dramas (Fracture & Stay - yes, with Ewan McGregor). However, in Crazy, Stupid, Love. he plays up on his comedic talents. He isn't as over the top with the laughs as Steve Carell but he had some good ones that cracked a smile on this face.

There were some funny scenes with the 2 male lead characters that I can't divulge but some of the previews already did. So, let's switch it over the the ladies of this movie. Julianne Moore, as I mentioned before, is Steve Carell's wife. I think her character was a bit weak but necessary to the story so I can't really fault the writers. Then there was Emma Stone's character. In the beginning you aren't sure why she is part of this yet. Just wait.

Now, by time it got to the middle of the movie almost every character's dilemmas were in place then I became more interested. This is where Emma Stone's character comes back in the story and her issue with the thing they call love. Hannah, (Emma Stone) after having a huge disappointment, did something that I think every girl has always wanted to do but never had the guts. I won't say what but it's good. I also enjoyed the next scene as well because it was so real, funny and it referenced movies. (Okay, maybe I did like this movie a little.)

There were a few children in Crazy, Stupid, Love. and sometimes we adults forget that they fall in love too. There was the son of Steve Carrel's character in love with an older "woman". It was a great addition to all the adult love dilemmas. Also, he may have had one of the best scenes of the movie with giving the best summary of a book we all read in high school. (Okay, maybe I liked this movie a little more.)

I have to admit that there was probably one of the best compliments a man could give to a women in this movie. I won't reveal what it is but if you see the movie you'll see what I mean. (Yep, I liked this movie.)

All-in-all this was a sweet movie. I don't say that a lot about films but this one deserves that definition. Also, isn't love sweet sometimes?

My favorite thing: What Emma Stone did in the bar in the middle of the movie.

My least favorite thing: The graduation speech.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 118 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Directed by Michael Bay, Paramount Pictures, 2011. Starring Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Frances McDormand, et al.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi.

Question: Did your mom ever tell you she walked to school, uphill both ways, and in the snow when you complained about walking somewhere? I got very close to saying something like that when I told my kids I was taking them to see Transformers: Dark of the Moon but they complained when I told them we were going to walk to the movie theater. "Ugh. No! Mom, come on. Do we have to?" I kept silent for a moment - collected myself and simply said, "Yes."

I could have told them I really wanted see the newest Ewan McGregor movie instead but decided not to. What we do for our kids - oh, the sacrifice...OK, just kidding. I really wanted to see the latest installment of the Transformers series. Yes, I am movie geek! I will admit it - proudly. (But I am still going to see that other film!)

The first Transformers was fantastic; I would have given it a 9 out of 10 and have watched it many times since. The second one was so bad that I refuse to talk about it anymore. But I just had a feeling the third installment would work.

I was right. Transformers: Dark of the Moon got back to what made this franchise good - a story not just gimmicks. Now, the story isn't as well-rounded as the first but it worked for me. (Although my daughter said there wasn't really a point. My son's reply to that "Yes, there was - fighting robots are cool! And you didn't even see the first two!" Her rebuttal "Yes, I did. I still didn't see the point!" She rolls her eyes. I sit there observing, silently laughing inside because both are sort of right.)

Now before I go any further in this review I have to tell you that the movie is over 2 1/2 hours long and that doesn't include the 6 (yes, 6) previews we saw beforehand. So you will be sitting down for almost 3 hours. Stretch those legs.

The movie started out with history of the Autobots coming close to earth and how we, or a select few, knew of their existence from over 50 years ago. It was a plausible concept. Then it heads to the main character: Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) graduated from college, looking for a job and shacking up with another hot girl. Yes, this point always had me perplexed but his mother begs the question in the story on this little unexplained detail. It is one we may have all thought about on how this semi-nerdy guy with an Autobot for a car gets all these hot women. Let's just say you wouldn't want your mother to say it about you. I laughed out loud at that scene - and am so happy it went way over my children's head. Whew!

There is no need to say anymore about the plot because it is jammed packed with a ton of detail that you should see for yourself - especially if you are a fan of these movies.

Many sequels lose me when they show little restraint: too much action, too much of a character, too many attempts at humor. There is a fine line to using these tricks of the cinema and Transformers did it perfectly. The second did the opposite. Transformers: Dark of the Moon used many of the qualities that I liked, sparingly - to a point.

Shia LaBeouf was just as nerdy and spastic as ever with a slight roughness that makes his character very likable. Josh Duhamel is back but not as powerful of a character as the first movie. Of course, we have John Turturro back and he may have jumped over the shark a few times but it was a good balance to the new character played by Frances McDormand.

Now I love her. She is in many Coen Brothers films. She is a character actor that can play anything but mostly strong but off-beat women. (Remember Fargo?) However, her character in this film missed what I usually adore about her (except at the very end).

There was a surprise character or two, which I will remain mum about. I will tell you that a huge smile emerged when I saw them though. I wasn't expecting these actors at all- and don't go IMDb it. Be surprised, people.

The list of others actors in here is too long to mention now but the other characters in Transformers: Dark of the Moon that made this movie worthwhile was the Autobots and Decepticons. Seriously, what geek doesn't love them?

There were some new additions to the changeable robots which I rather enjoyed.  I have to say there was a Scottish Autobot - so I got my Scottish fill even though it wasn't with Ewan McGregor - it will do. I couldn't understand a word it said but I liked the accent anyway. In fact, most other new Autobots sounded like they were British, but I read one review yesterday and they said there was a French Autobot. I didn't hear that accent. Oh well.

The main new Autobot, Sentinel, was voiced by a very famous actor. Trust me you should get the voice in the first 30 seconds. And if you don't - you cannot call yourself a true geek! That is all I am saying about that.

I am not sure if this movie is for everyone but I know teen boys everywhere will love it - especially the slow motion robot changes. That might have made the movie for me. Also, and I can't believe I am about to say this: go see it in 3D. Those annoying little glasses made the whole 2 1/2 hours totally engaging. But be prepared for a lot fighting scenes and cool robots changes - it fills up the last third of the movie. Remember I said this was 2 1/2 hours long. I was simply exhausted by the end of it but my son wasn't. And we still had to walk home.

My favorite thing: Slow motion action scenes.

My least favorite thing: Perhaps a few too many characters trying to be funny.

Rating: PG-13

Length: 157 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

Random thought: As we were sitting there through the previews I had my eyes focused on the ground, of course. I saw both my kids watching intently until the preview for the final Harry Potter came on. My son covered his eyes with his hands and held them there for the whole time. I asked him afterwards why he did that. His reply, "Mom, I really want to see that movie!" Makes a mama proud!

Mr. Popper's Penguins

Directed by Mark Waters, Davis Entertainment, 2011. Starring Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, and Angela Lansbury.

Genre: Comedy, Family.

Question: Do you have kids? The summer can be that magical time where you are able to spend more special moments with them - swimming, taking vacations, and day trips around your town. Good quality time. The summer can also be filled with a dozen movies geared towards kids - some good - some not so good. Well, I just came back from one that surprised me and I am putting it in the "good" category: Mr. Popper's Penguins.

I asked again "Are you sure Mr. Popper's Penguins is in theater #20? Positive?" The teen-something popcorn producer nodded. I didn't believe him because when my children and I showed up at theater #20 it still said The Hangover Part II. We returned doubting we had the right theater. My kids looked at me; I shrugged my shoulders and we headed in.

We were the only ones in #20 and there were still five minutes to go until show time... five, four, three, two, one - two minutes past the show time... I keep hoping, praying this was not The Hangover Part II or I was about to be slapped with "Worst Mom of the Year Award". I was ready to dash as soon as I saw Mr. Bradley "Beautiful Blue Eyes" Cooper saying they "F*#@ed-up again!!" But my nerves soon calmed as 30 tweens loudly marched in all wearing the same shirt. Ah, day camp, I thought. We have the right theater. Whew!

But maybe they are in the wrong theater too? Then the lights dimmed, my blood pressure rose again. Music started to...Titanic...What!? There can't be a sequel to THAT?! I searched my memory - it sank, right? Then a shot of the ocean appears on-screen with the large ship heading straight towards us. She tossed necklace overboard, I know it. I saw it! Really, Hollywood - Titanic II Seriously?

...."AAAALLLLVVVVIIIINNN!!!!" My kids turn to me, "Oh, mom can we see that? Please!? Please?!" I think I was still in shock from potentially taking my kids to a rated R movie and the possibility of a Titanic sequel that I said yes to seeing Chipmunks 3... Regrettably.

Focus...Katy. Alright, that is how's my summer is turning out - how's yours?

I wasn’t expecting much from Mr. Poppers Penguins. It started out with a little boy talking to his father on a ham radio. His father was traveling the world on wondrous adventures but rarely home to spend time with his little boy. Fast forward 30 years and Mr. Popper Jr. (Jim Carrey) is a cold, ruthless business man, divorced and father of two children. That is all I am going to tell you because you soon know penguins show up to his apartment.

The first ten minutes or so were pretty predictable and my spidey-senses were telling me I was about to regret taking my kids to see this movie. Sure they will like it, but will I? I sat there for a few more minutes, patiently. Well, I am here to tell you Mr. Popper's Penguins was positively priceless and precious!

Really! When a movie references Apocalypse Now and The Hurt Locker in the first fifteen minutes, you've got a fan in me.

Now if you don't have children or grandchildren I still think you can skip this movie but if you do, take them. It tells a sweet family story that had me giggling during several scenes. Of course, my kids had scenes they giggled through as well -- toilet humor always does that for them. And I mean real toilet humor. Those weren't my favorite. I preferred some of the training scenes. If you have ever tried training a pet you will laugh too.

Also, have ever fretted over your children's well-being and you want to give them best parental advice that will take away their pain? Unfortunately, you are so out of touch with the way kids think, behave, communicate (via the damn texting device) - you actually make your children unhappy with your logical and sage comebacks. You might be the only adult laughing in entire theater...oh, wait, that was just me!

This film won't win any Academy Awards; however, the CGI penguins were hard to tell apart from the real ones. Jim Carrey's performance was close to many of his former fictional characters although with some restraint. I know he can act - The Truman Show, Man on the Moon and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind proved that. So, it wasn't a stretch to see him perform here but I did see some sweet moments between him, his kids and the penguins. Yes, I liked the penguins!!

What I enjoyed is this film was how they showcased the family dynamic and how realistic it is. I am not a child of divorce and I am married but with the divorce rate at over 50% it portrays something that many can related to. So, many kids will be able to understand it but don't be surprised when they ask you to get them a penguin for their birthday. Let me be the first one to warn you on that little tidbit. You are welcome!

My kids both gave it 8 out of 10.

My favorite thing: That the movie turned out to be a delight.

My least favorite thing: That I kept thinking Jim Carrey could really use a haircut.

Rating: PG
Length: 94 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

A Perfect Getaway

Directed by David Twohy, Rouge, 2009. Starring Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich, Timothy Olyphant, and Chris Hemsworth.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller.

Question: Where did you go on your honeymoon? Was it someplace tropical with soft white sand and tall fruity rum drinks? You are having a wonderful time enjoying the scenery, being together and occasionally conversing with others. Did you meet another couple and end up chatting with them? "A nice couple", you think. Think again. WOW! I am so glad I went to Disney World for my honeymoon.

I recorded A Perfect Getaway last week but finally watched it tonight while my husband went out with his friends and my children watched yet another episode of The Amazing World of Gumball. The movie came out a couple of years ago and I considered watching it then but never got around to it. I was too busy then discovering my love of writing.

Well, I am still writing but have the time finally to watch this thriller. Now, I should tell you that I am very critical of thrillers. First, they may be my favorite genre. There is nothing better when you don't really know what's going on in a story until the reveal. But so many thrillers are so easy to figure out that I am usually bored with the film within the first 30 minutes. However, A Perfect Getaway kept me interested.

Of course, the writers used a few tricks and I loved all the references to screenwriting. Seriously, the characters consistently talked about screenwriting - that kept me watching.  These writers knew what they were doing. At least for the first half.

The actors were well cast. Steve Zahn, who can play goofy, sweet, innocent and idiotic well, did a great job as the lead character. His wife, played by Milla Jovovich, was a little out of balance with his character. I mean, she is drop-dead gorgeous and he is...um...kind of...cute. It didn't fit but that is the kicker, isn't it. First trick!

Timothy Olyphant plays this military, rugged dude on vacation with his hot girlfriend. Now they matched well. But that is yet another trick. I really can't tell you much more except to say this one surprised even me. However, there was the reveal (great twist) and then it went on way too long with many scenes with tons of dialogue. Show, people - not tell!!!

Now the best surprise, at least for us female viewers - Chris "Thor" Hemsworth was in this movie! Now he wasn't in it for long but he was shirtless for every scene. (This is for you Sachi. Enjoy!)

Yes, I jumped a few times; Yes, I got that tight feeling in my chest when there was a tense scene; And yes, I would recommend this one. But it fell short as being the ultimate thriller - at least for me. So, all-in-all it was a good movie viewing night.

My favorite thing: The twist in the plot.

My least favorite thing: The reveal method.

Random thought: Now I have to tell you about one of my all time favorite scenes stars Steve Zahn. We rented Happy, Texas a decade or so where he plays an escaped prisoner. He and his partner pretend to be gay pageant professionals to blend in. Now, before you get anything in your head - I must tell you that Steve Zahn's character was a redneck with handlebar mustache and a thick southern drawl. It was a cute movie but there is one scene where he has to show the little pageant contestants their dance routine. PRICELESS! I think we rewound it 3 times. I have never laughed so hard watching a movie.

Rating: R
Length: 98 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

Thor

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Paramount Pictures, 2011. Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgard and Anthony Hopkins.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy.

Question: How do you convince women to see a comic book movie? Well, cast someone like Chris Hemsworth in it and they will come flocking. I am not kidding. But when they are there, they will discover a really entertaining movie fit for everyone.

Before seeing the movie on Sunday, I really didn't know about the origin or story of Thor. The only knowledge I had about this comic book superhero came from the little girl in Adventures in Babysitting whose hero was Thor. So I was walking in pretty much blind.

I never saw a preview and read almost nothing about the production of the latest Marvel Comics movie. I did know who was in it and I was intrigued. Chris Hemsworth, Thor, was someone I remembered from another movie I really liked a couple of years back. He was in Star Trek. He wasn't in it for very long, but his role was an important one. He gave his character real depth within just a few minutes before he was off the screen forever. Nevertheless, he was a pretty unknown actor to be cast as this movie's namesake. I knew he was cute and could decently perform but not much more.

Then the announcements came for the well-known actors: Anthony Hopkins -- a real favorite of mine. He can do anything and I will see it. Natalie Portman was also cast in it. I will admit that one threw me, and I was even more curious to see it since she didn't strike me as the typical superhero's love interest. (But what do I know? I didn't read comics growing up.)  So knowing the actors who were to be in Thor, I put it on my list for a must see movie.

Well, it finally opened this past week but I was unaware until my husband suggested taking me out to the movie theater for Mother's Day. He mentioned Thor - I smiled, broadly. So, I watched it with my daughter (9), son (11) and my husband and was pleasantly surprised with the movie. Now this is my kind of Mother's Day gift. Seriously!

It started out with a history of Thor's people and their world.  All of that was important but for about the first twenty minutes I kept having minuscule reminders of the movie: Flash Gordon. That's not a bad thing but I was starting to get a little bored with it. Then Thor is cast out to Earth for a big life-lesson by his father, Anthony Hopkins, and then the movie gets good. In fact, it becomes funny, really funny. Something I was not expecting, and then I forgave the beginning part because of how the movie turned out.

Now you know I am not going to tell you anymore about the story, but I will say there is one scene in which Chris Hemsworth shows off his acting chops and makes you realize he isn't just a hunk in a costume. I can't wait to see him play a human again and really see this guy's career blossom. (But I think we will see him again as The God of Thunder in The Avengers out next year -- wait 'till you see the cast -- WOW!)

My only problem with the film was the love story. I wasn't moved by it or completely understand it. Yes, he is cute and she ain't too bad herself but I never really saw the great connection that many on-screen couples portray. Oh well, I am not going to complain about it.

My son's favorite part: The first time Thor used his hammer in the opening of the movie. He gave it 10 out of 10.

My daughter's favorite part:  Well, I should say -- what she thought was the funniest: What Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) kept apologizing for to Thor. She gave it a 9 out of 10.

My favorite part: Discovering there was humor in this film. Well done!

My least favorite part: Not enough of one character, but we will see them again in The Avengers. YAY!

Did the previews show too much? I never saw any -- on purpose!

Rating: PG-13
Length: 114 minutes

Random thought: You should check out who played "Thor" in Adventures in Babysitting. It's kind of interesting. (These are things that never seem to leave my memory but I can't walk out of my house once without forgetting something important.) And if you haven't seen Star Trek yet -- what are you waiting for? It was really, really good!

Review: 6 out of 10. I really want to bump that to 6.5 but I don't usually rate them that way.

Nowhere Boy

Directed by Sam Taylor-Wood, Ecosse Films, 2009. Starring Aaron Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Anne-Marie Duff.

Genre: Biography, Genre, Music.

Question: Ever want to see the women who would help mold the man who ended up becoming one of the greatest rock 'n' roll legends of the 20th century? Well, then you are in luck.

Nowhere Boy is about John Lennon when he was a school boy and how he was raised by his Aunt Mimi played by Kristin Scott Thomas (beautifully, I must say). It also shows the time during his teenage years when his mother re-emerges into his life, and chronicles his discovery of music with the desire to be in a band.

I will say, if you are HUGE Beatles fan and you want to see all Beatles history you might be a little disappointed. The word "Beatles", in fact, is never mentioned in Nowhere Boy, but you will see a few of the other band members and their early relationships. So, for those of you who are NOT huge Beatles fans you might like this because it is simply about a boy struggling with the knowledge of who he is and his reach for music to cope. The first band he started is the main band in Nowhere Boy.

I enjoyed this movie and thought Aaron Johnson (John Lennon) did a stunning job. It couldn't have been easy to portray one of the most iconic figures in rock history. You simply enjoy the story and you do not constantly say -"that's John Lennon" and get distracted by that.

It was also great to see a movie where they didn't hire actors who simply looked like the members of the band. Yes, there were hints of similarities but just enough. Except for a couple of actors, I didn't know most of them but you might recognize Aaron Johnson from the lead role in Kick-Ass.

My favorite part: How the movie showed him practicing guitar (a lot) and not just picking it up and being able to play like some movies seem to do.

My least favorite part: I can't pinpoint anything right now but maybe the accents were a little thick that I found it tough to distinguish what they said from time to time. But that was no big deal.

Did the preview show too much? Nope, not one bit. The previews for this and the recommendation on seeing the main actor in this role got me to see this movie.

Rating: R
Length: 98 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10


Nowhere Boy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Various Artists

Random thought: Check out Aaron Johnson in R.E.M's latest video 

COMING SOON: Burlesque

Shutter Island

Directed (and produced) by Martin Scorsese, Paramount Pictures, 2010. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Michelle Williams, and Ben Kingsley.

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller.

Question: Who is one of our best actors today? Leo. Who is one of our best directors? Mr. Scorsese. Am I right? So, why did I keep hearing this movie wasn't all that good? I don't know but I finally watched "Shutter Island" because that's what I do and I liked it.

First, let me tell you why I am showing the trailer here: You don't have to watch it but since I refer to previews during every review, I thought it would be appropriate to give you a chance to view it once you finish reading it.  It's completely up to you.

Okay, back to the review: I kept hearing this buzz about "Shutter Island" and it's ending and a whole lot of complaints. So I avoided it. But now that I have this blog, I am forcing myself to not listen to and be persuaded by the talk about movies.

When the movie began I started to worry that the buzz was true and got a little irritated. The acting seemed forced - especially from Mr. DiCaprio but I kept on. Once I got more into it I realized what the filmmakers were trying to do I had that "ah-ha" moment. Then when it got to the very end - I thought "oh, very cool and very smart!"

Thrillers are not easy - trust me - I am trying to write one (and I am stuck). Plus, audience members are more savvy today so trying to "trick" or surprise them with the story is almost an insurmountable task. But I think they pulled it off here. Now since this is a thriller and if you haven't seen it yet, I won't divulge any information about the story. I will say Leonardo DiCaprio does a fantastic job, as usual, and what can I say about Ben Kingsley? I just adore him. He can do no wrong in my eyes. Also, Mark Ruffalo, who didn't have a huge part, was instrumental in helping pull off the surprise and I must give him credit.

So, if you heard the buzz I did - ignore it and watch "Shutter Island" and make your own opinion.

My favorite thing: How I went from not liking it to enjoying the story while watching it.

My least favorite thing: The story line about the family. It is sad.

Possibility of a sequel? Nope -- that is why I love thrillers! Not everything needs to have a sequel.

Did the previews show too much? Well, a lot of the emotional close-up shots of Leonardo were shown over and over again, but I can stand a silent close-up over dialogue any day in previews. But the previews were shown a little too much when they were promoting the movie, in my opinion.

Rating: R
Length: 138 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10


Soundtrack: 

"Shutter Island" is based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, who also wrote: "Mystic River" and "Gone Baby Gone" - all great movies. WOW!!



COMING SOON: The Lovely Bones

After. Life

Directed (and written) by Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo, Lleju Productions, 2009. Starring Liam Neeson, Christina Ricci and Justin Long.

Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller.

Question: Have you ever watched a movie by an actor you like and realize they are so good you want to see everything they do? Well, that happened with me with Liam Neeson after seeing "Taken".

I've watched his movies for years - starting with "Satisfaction" with Justine Bateman, and one of the first roles of Julia Roberts....so, it's been a long time, ya think? But something just clicked after "Taken". He was so good in that and I really, really liked the movie so when I saw a preview on a rental for "After.Life" I immediately put it on my queue without thought.

Um, not sure how I feel about him playing a sadistic character but he did it well. "After.Life" is a spooky tale that has you question what happens after death with Liam Neeson playing an undertaker who can talk to the dead. Christina Ricci plays his...client...victim...not sure what you want to call her but she is in his care for most of the movie.

Visually, it is a stunning movie. Red is vividly portrayed and used thoughtfully against all the bleak colors of the film. But since this is a thriller/mystery I don't want to say much more about the story. I'll let you see the twists and turns and the goose-bump inducing scenes. All I will say is that I liked it but once I finished it wasn't as good as I thought it could have been.

My favorite thing: the use of the color red.

My least favorite thing: a mistake that should have been corrected. See if you can spot it.

Sequel Possibility? Maybe.

Did the previews show too much? Nope.

Rating: R
Length: 104 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10



COMING SOON: "The Lincoln Lawyer" starring Matthew McConaughey

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

Directed (and written) by Rebecca Miller, Grand Army Entertainment, 2009. Starring Robin Wright, Alan Arkin, Winona Ryder, Blake Lively, Julianne Moore and Keanu Reeves.

Genre: Drama, Romance.

Question: Did you ever want to understand why a young woman falls for an older man? Sometimes I ponder this but "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" answers that question - in a quirky and fun way.

One of my last rentals from Blockbuster turned out to be a cute story. So many stars in one movie that I never heard of - have you? Geesh- Someone from every generation but I never saw a trailer, preview or an ad for this one. Just saw it on the shelf and thought, "Okay, why not?"

It stars Robin Wright, who I used to watch in Santa Barbara when I was back in high school - way before "Princess Bride". She embodies a completely different character, one that I have ever seen her play before. She is Pippa Lee. She is the one married to an older man played by Alan Arkin.

The story has her look back to her past while her present seems to be falling apart. There are some funny scenes and some not so funny - on purpose. "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee"  is witty and incisive. Perhaps it wasn't mainstream enough to attract a lot of viewers but I enjoyed this film.

Rebecca Miller adapted her novel of the same name which came out in 2009.

My favorite thing: Has to be some of quick-witted lines the main character said.

My least favorite thing: Nothing is coming to mind right now - Maybe the casting of Julianne Moore. I love her but it was such a small part. I was curious as to why.

Possibility of a sequel? Not really.

Did the previews show too much? I never saw one.

Rating: R
Length: 98 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10



COMING UP: Everybody's Fine

Girl Walks Into A Bar

Directed (written & produced by) Sebastian Gutierrez, Gato Negro Films, 2011. Starring Carla Gugino, Zachary Quinto, Josh Harnett, Danny DeVito and many more.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

Question: Have you ever watched a movie that was posted on the internet for free? Well, here is your chance to catch the first ever free film on YouTube: Girl Walks Into A Bar.

Yesterday the film was released and I got a chance to watch it. It was kind of fun to grab my laptop, a comfy chair and some headphones to watch this film. I was a little nervous to see a film that was free but I recognized most of the actors and thought: why not?  Plus, most of you know I love to watch movies and I am glad I did because I ended up liking it.

First, the dialogue was good and really funny in parts - lots of quips from both men and women about the opposite sex. This movie is definitely not for children, due to some mature subject matter, but both men and women will like some of the great lines the actors got to say.

Second, the movie was a little reminiscent of early Tarrantino sans the violence. There were 5-6 mini stories all chopped up but somehow connected to one another but told in a normal time frame. Back to the dialogue - several scenes had that back and forth banter like the opening scene of Pulp Fiction that was intelligently written. Sorry to compare but I am a huge Tarrantino fan and I think that type of dialogue is hard to pull off well.

Third, the location scout found some really cool old LA bars to shoot the scenes. There are about 10 in all and I would love to go to them and order an old fashioned cocktail.

Lastly, it wasn't predictable. So refreshing. This is just a fun movie to watch.

On the flipside - I thought some of the "stories" were unnecessary or a little out there. Plus, the plot was a little disjointed but it really didn't bother me all that much. So go ahead and check this one out.

My favorite thing: I will say it again - it wasn't predictable.

My least favorite thing: the commercials (about 4 or so) but how else is someone going to release a movie for free?

Possibility of a sequel? I don't think so.

Did the previews show too much? I will admit I skipped the previews this time, but it is on YouTube as well.

Rating: R
Length: 80 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

Click to watch the movie