Tired of Previews' movie reviews now on Expats Post

Hello everyone:

I wanted to inform you that on a routine basis I will post some movie reviews exclusively on another site: Expats Post. This is a new site that will be launching officially very soon, but I have already posted a few reviews on there that have not appeared on here.  I will let you know on a regular basis when a new review is up on Expats Post.

I am very proud to be a part of Expats Post and encourage you all to take a gander around the rest of the site. Short stories, political editorials, poetry, humor articles and many more articles help make up Expats Post. I am honored to be there and hope you all enjoy discovering some wonderful writers and their talents.

My column is called Tired of Previews but here are the direct links to the reviews that can only been seen on there.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Haywire
Fermat's Room

The Rum Diary

Directed (and written) by Bruce Robinson, GK Films, 2011. Starring Johnny Depp, Giovanni Ribisi, Richard Jenkins, Amber Heard, Michael Rispoli and Aaron Eckhart.

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Question: What would your reaction be if you were hired to work for a failing newspaper; the editor doesn't care for the writers at all; you have a bit of an alcohol problem and you can't find your writer's "voice"? Well, you actually have more problems than that but I won't give the whole movie away. However, I just saw The Rum Diary - a movie based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson and that's what's this movie is about, mostly.

If I were in a situation like that, my reaction, if you must know, would look like this: I would write about what I love (movies), really hope Karma works because payback's a bitch, have a few glasses of red wine or maybe I should try a gin and tonic, realize most days are like Fridays (best day of the week) because I had my "voice" all along. I would also befriend the staff at the newspaper because that's what creative minds do..find a support system that actually understands you. But this movie isn't about me now, is it?

I must say right off the bat - that the preview I saw for The Rum Diary was bit misleading. It portrayed the film as a comedy or a really offbeat story. Now, don't get me wrong, there were parts where I smiled and even giggled but I would call this a drama. Also, I am unclear why it was also listed as a mystery & thriller by IMDb. I didn't find it to be either.

The Rum Diary is about a man, Paul Kemp played by Johnny Depp, who moves to San Juan to write for a newspaper. He is an unpublished novelist who doesn't have faith in himself as a writer and he's a bit of a lost man. However, when he gets down to Puerto Rico he gets sidetracked when he becomes in involved with some unscrupulous people. Paul Kemp has a bit (understatement) of a drinking problem but apparently everyone on the island likes to drink rum. That's it - no more detail about the story.

I started off liking the film, it was quick, funny and I enjoyed meeting all the characters. However, the movie slowed down a bit towards the middle - to almost a standstill and I got a little bored. In fact, I almost stopped caring about the characters including the lead. I am not sure the vision of the book translated well to the screen but since I didn't read the book I can't be certain. Plus, something was off with the editing of The Rum Diary. It seemed like scenes were either cut short, cut out completely or some just added in to show off the dialogue. (I'll get to the dialogue in a minute.)

There was one thing that I loved throughout this film: the dialogue. It was brilliant. I want to leave some quotes here but there were so many I could share that I don't think I could pick just one. Hunter S. Thompson was a stellar writer with his own unique vision of how to describe things. For that alone I would recommend the movie. Plus, Johnny Depp delivered the lines beautifully and in such a subtle way. I really want to see it again just for dialogue.

There is some narration in the beginning and then it picked up again at the end. Not sure why there wasn't much in the middle. I believe it would have helped when the story stagnated.  Anyway, if you are writer and if you have ever struggled with it - and you know we all have - this story might just inspire you.

My favorite thing: So many great quotes. Wish I could manipulate words that brilliantly.


My least favorite thing: I got a little bored.

Rating: R
Length: 120 minutes


Review: 5 out of 10

Click on film poster to watch instantly:

New Logo

Hello ToP? fans:

Yesterday I couldn't really post a movie review due to a Blogger issue. But I won't complain....Instead, I took the time to really think about Tired of Previews? and how the overall site looked.

When I started my blog I didn't have a really clear vision of how it should look. The type of reviews I wanted to write was fairly clear though, so I focused my energy on that. For months I have shared with you my thoughts on movies in hopes that I have given you just enough information about each film to let you make your own decision about seeing it or not.

I am a visual person but it nagged me that I couldn't design the site better or have a decent logo. Luckily, I had a fan send in a logo idea for me recently -- it was great but looked too much like a specific movie. I showed it to my husband and we both agreed that it wasn't quite right. The logo needed to represent what my reviews stand for. Nothing came to my mind -- again. However, a few moments later, my husband emerged from his office and surprised me with his thoughts on how my logo should look. Voila!

Over the Summer I will be changing a few things around here and adding in this logo. It really sums up my philosophy about movie reviews, don't you think?

Well, today I am scheduled to see a movie that is currently in the theaters. Review to follow. Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone!

Who's Tired of Movie Previews?

Hello Everyone:

Well, I just had my first article published on Blogcritics.org. Here is the article with a link below to the online blog magazine. Enjoy!! 

Who's Tired of Movie Previews?

By Katy Kern

Anyone else tired of movie previews giving away too much these days? I know I can't be the only one who thinks this. Previews are an important part of the movie marketing business, I know this, but years ago they were just teasers to tickle our taste buds for more. But something has changed.

Somewhere in the last five to ten years it seems (perhaps an over-eager young intern), came up with the "great" idea that previews should be longer, and packed with even more exciting material from the movie to really whet our appetites. Of course, this was all intended to entice more audiences into the first weekend and grab those elusive huge opening box office numbers. But now I feel like I am drowning every time I see a preview. Am I alone?

What movie-goers really want is to see a good movie. We are delighted when we see a great movie but don't try tricking us through long, elaborate previews that reveal all the good parts or remove the surprise element. You will lose us in the end. No more trailers for me!

It is possible to find real gems of movies; no trailers needed. I have been extremely lucky to have learned about some great films, even those with no press. So, how do you find them?

Do a little research, maybe by searching IMDb for favorite actors and actresses to find out what they've done that you haven't yet seen. Or become a regular reader of Blogcritics video section or other review blogs, where others trudge through plethora of good and bad films so you don't have to waste your time.

Read more: http://blogcritics.org/video/article/whos-tired-of-movie-previews/#ixzz1It2rJZJV

Article first published as Who's Tired of Movie Previews? on Blogcritics.

Time to switch resources

Hello ToP? fans:

Well, I went to my local Blockbuster store the other day to rent a few movies. Yes, I am one of the last holdouts, as it seems. I just like going into a video store and looking at the covers, picking them up and turning them over to read the summary to see if it was something I wanted to see. Heck, that's how I found Hachi the other week - saw the cute dog on the cover and thought 'that is something my kids would want to see'. I know you can do this online but in person it just seemed better - or more familiar. However, I also have movies mailed to me from Blockbuster.com but most of those movies are the latest ones that were just in the theaters that I didn't get a chance to see when they were out.

Anyway, as I walked in something looked different - so I paused. A store clerk came up to tell me it is closing. Not shocking to hear but it was disappointing. He went on to tell me that it is just that store due to the landlord but I didn't believe him completely. This wasn't the only store in our area that was closing or which had already closed.

For years many people have told me to switch to Netflix or download movies, but I always refused because I don't like change. Blockbuster has been a constant in my life for 20 years. When I was a kid it was such a treat to hop in the car with my father to go rent a couple of "tapes". Those huge tapes for our VCR. Remember those?

The signs are clear though: I will be switching resources this week because I don't want to be left behind - or miss those weekly arrivals in my mailbox. If anyone has any tips - please let me know. I might have to even check out downloading a movie or two - which kind of sounds fun and futuristic but I am sure it will become old school soon enough. Hello 21st century - sorry I am a little late.

However, with the passing of the baton for at-home-movie-viewing being forced upon me, nothing will take away my favorite way to see a movie - at the movie theater! So, if anyone is thinking of closing those down too - stop right now. Everyone go out there and support your local theaters from time to time. Don't let the best way to escape reality and venture into the wonderful world of films go away too, please!

Now back to the reviews.


COMING UP: Let Me In

P.S. I hope everyone is enjoying my reviews. Please join up so you receive the latest posts. There are several ways now: Become a follower of the blog with the other MOVIE FANS, subscribe via email, RSS (feedburnber), Twitter and Facebook.

Also, tell your friends about Tired of Previews? The more the merrier.

And from time to time, let me know what you think. Agree, disagree or just tell me you saw a movie or didn't see a movie because of one of my reviews. Feedback is welcome. Thank you!

Katy

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

Why this blog?

I am a movie buff, lover, and fan…whatever you want to call it. I LOVE MOVIES! I know I am not alone here but there may be a few things that sets me apart from other fans and why I decided to start this blog...

FIRST: I am tired of the previews telling me the whole story before I get a chance to see the movie. Yes, I actually turn the channel or look away now so the movie isn't ruined for me. Too many previews these days give away all the punch lines, the funniest jokes, and in some cases, the ending just to try and bring people to the theatre that first weekend. Well, I see movies. I see a lot! On average, at least 3 a week so there is no need to entice me - I will see the movie.

SECOND: the movie critics out there don’t appear to have the same taste in movies as I do – or at least my mind is a bit more open to allow the fantasy of the story to take me away without me wanting to hack up every aspect of the film and compare it to a handful of brilliant films that have been produced over the last 80 years. Meaning – I don’t mind the cheese or the cheap thrill or the guilty pleasures that movies want to evoke in us as audience members. On the other hand, that doesn't mean I like every movie I see.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: I am affected by movies. Movies inspire me in my every day moments. In fact, I have written a memoir lately and the introduction is about how movies have influenced my life and how they inspire me to try something new or overcome a fear or make me so paranoid of what is in the ocean that I no longer go in. (Yes, Mr. Spielberg I am talking to you!) I compare life to movies. I sometimes say things like a character I like or from a scene I remember. No, I am not crazy but when I like a movie – it sticks with me, sometimes forever. I cry in movies, I laugh, and I hide my eyes during some scenes so as not to have nightmares later. Movies are my passion; and hopefully my passion will help you weed through the plethora of films out there so you may too have time to break out of your reality for 90 minutes or so.

So with that being said – I am starting this blog to review movies from a fan’s point of view. I must warn you: I did not go to film school; I did not study writing in college and I do not think my opinion is better than yours. Movies, for me, are my escape, my refuge from the daily beatings of boredom, repetition and the not-so-glamorous life that most of us live. (Don't get me wrong - I love my life. I just like to take a break from it from time to time - that's why most of us have hobbies, right?)

Another difference with this movie review blog – I will not be seeing every movie out there right now, before it opens or even opening weekend. This year I have vowed to not spend much money on my movie obsession (for personal reasons) so I have decided to max out my Blockbuster.com queue and my DIRECTV movie channels DVR to its fullest. Yes, from time to time I will break down and see a matinee – there are just some films I am not willing to wait 6 months. So most of these films will be out there for everyone to see when they want to queue them up, download them or take their date to the movies.

Do me a favor: I would like to hear from you – the other movie fans. Recommend some of your favorites. But I beg you –– DON’T TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT THE MOVIE! Just let me know you liked it. The fact that someone likes a film is all I need to know.

Also, please feel free to disagree with me on my movie likes and dislikes. I promise I will not give detailed points about the movie and spoil the story for you because I know what I like/don't like might not be in tune with what you like/don't like. Simply I will let you know if an actor was compelling, the story fun or if an original plot was used. Perhaps I might mention something about a movie set. I am, in fact, a professional interior designer and it is in my nature to comment on those things. However, I am clueless about fashion but if something catches my eye I might say something. But in general I will just give my recommendations to see it or not.

This blog, to put it simply, is for us fans. I am sure I will develop some sort of rating system as this blog evolves so you can simply log on, check my opinions and then form your own if and when you see the movie. I am like you and I see the majority of the movies at home but from time to time I might recommend seeing something in the theatre for that extra special escapism that only the movie theatre can provide.

One last point: although I said I love movies – I don’t love all genres and don’t view all of them. For example, I am not a huge fan of foreign films (with the occasional exception). Also, I have children (now 9 & 11) and I do drag myself to see some of the children’s movies out there but not all of them. Also, horror movies are usually not on my radar because they scare me too much. Laugh, I know. It is silly for a grown woman to be afraid of movies but as you will see, movies are my refuge, as I stated before, and a story that scares the heck out of me isn’t that relaxing (or good for sleeping well).

So, without any further explanations –for now- let this blog begin.