Snow White and the Huntsman

Question: Are you tired of Hollywood beating a storyline to death? Or when one studio gets the idea to do a film and miraculously another studio ends up making a film about a very similar tale. How does that seem to happen so often?

Case in point: Antz / A Bug’s Life, Tombstone / Wyatt Earp, Capote / Infamous and now there are a couple versions of the Snow White fairytale with Mirror Mirror and Snow White and the Huntsman (and I have read there is another one coming out next year, yes really).

Well, if you don’t know, I saw Mirror Mirror (PG) and reviewed it. It was not my favorite film of the year. In fact, I thought it was far from a good movie; and even my children, who I believe were the intended audience for the film, thought the same. However, since it was so bad it made me want to see Snow White and the Huntsman just for comparison. That is a first for me, having a poor interpretation making me want to see another.

Now, let me say right now and get it out of the way. Yes, I understand everyone who says that they can’t see why Kristen Stewart, who portrays Snow White, is as beautiful or more when compared to Charlize Theron, the Evil Queen. Who the fairest is, if you just want to compare face to face, there is no contest. However, I always interpreted Snow White's tale as morality lesson about vanity. It's Snow White’s heart – her moral compass – that is pure and the beauty within mixed with her outer beauty far exceeds anyone whose  motives are to be powerful over all or be the most beautiful. Internally, those types are the most hideous and far, far from fair no matter how perfectly proportion their face is.

Also, I do think some people out there, who are not fans of the Twilight saga, might be a bit prejudicial against Kristen Stewart and avoiding her other work on purpose. That is a shame. I personally think she is decent actress. But despite whether the actress is good-looking or not, I understand not liking actors. However, I am the opposite. I see films based solely on certain actors being in them, so I must accept others will not see films for the same reason. Nonetheless, it’s a shame to let dislikes stop anyone from seeing future films but the saying goes, “to each his own”.

So, with all that said, what did I think of this film? Well, it started off with Chris Hemsworth, as the Huntsman, with soft Scottish accent narrating the film. I smiled and eased right into the story. The Snow White tale in Snow White and the Huntsman is far darker than that of Mirror Mirror and it is nothing like the Disney animated movie from the 30’s, which I grew up watching, either. That didn't appear to bother me one bit. I was entertained throughout, much to my surprise.

So, all-in-all, I liked the movie. It was visually stunning. Although the weather and overall tone of the film was dark and dreary, the special effects in this movie were spectacular, and that kept my interest. Most of the special effects surrounded the Evil Queen, but there was one specific trick that was done so well in Snow White and the Huntsman that I was blown away thinking, "How did they do that and make it look so real?". I could go on and on about details that drew me in and kept my focus on the film, even though I knew what was going to happen, I will let you all experience the film for yourselves. This Hollywood version is worth the ticket.

Note: This film is not for the little ones - note the rating below. There is a lot of violence in this version and it could be a bit scary for young children.

My favorite part: The seven dwarfs - you will just have to see why.

My least favorite part: Everyone had some sort of British accent that kept going in and out, although it wasn't too distracting.

Directed by Rupert Sanders, Universal Pictures, 2012

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Sam Claflin, Sam Spruell, Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, and Nick Frost.  
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 124 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10


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Men in Black 3

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, Amblin Entertainment & Sony Pictures, 2012

Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Emma Thompson, Jemaine Clement, Michael Stuhlbarg and Josh Brolin.

Genre: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi

Question: Did you like the first Men in Black? I did. It was clever; something slightly original and I enjoyed the balance created by the two main characters played by Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. And along with all the special effects and cohesive story, I found MIB very entertaining.

Next question: Did you like the sequel to Men in Black, Men in Black II? I am afraid I did not and since it’s been a decade since I saw it I honestly can’t tell you why. However, my guess is the sequel probably just tried too hard and went over the top like so many sequels have a tendency to do.

So with all that said, I went into Men in Black 3 with sort of low expectations but since 10 years had passed since the last installment I hoped for the best. And I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed this installment. In fact, I think they could end the series nicely and call it a job well done.

The main characters are back, Agent J, Will Smith, and Agent K, Tommy Lee Jones, but there are a few new characters, of course. Emma Thompson plays Agent O and I will keep who she is quiet but I did kind of liked why her character was put into the story. The other character that deserves a mention is Boris The Animal played by Jemaine Clement. I can’t talk about his character long because it freaks me out. He plays the villain and how he was evil and who he was still gives me the creepies. In fact, I’ve got goose bumps right now and just had a shiver. Part of his character annoyed me a bit but I will let it go because that is probably just a personal preference feeling.

Now there was one part of the film that I really enjoyed – the addition of Josh Brolin. He plays Agent K….yes, you read that right. He plays the younger version of the Tommy Lee Jones' character. I won’t say why this happened but Josh Brolin played the role brilliantly. In fact, it was because of him and the addition of his story-line is why I liked this movie. Even though this is a Sci-Fi film, adding in the younger version of Agent K allowed the story to go into further character development, which is what really makes a movie of good quality and interest.

Will Smith plays Agent J with his normal sarcastic wit and charm. Really, how can anyone not like Will Smith? Anyway, the writers of this trilogy did a fine job creating a likable character that you care about; and with how the story plays out this time you care about him even more. I can't say why but I will say that it brought a tear or two to my eyes. And I was not expecting that at all in Men in Black 3. Well done!

Of course I enjoyed Agent K's part in Men in Black 3. Both actors, Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones, performed the quiet, reflective agent with enough finesse that you feel like you really want to know more about the man behind the badge. There is just something about the pensive, secret government agent that draws you in.

Okay, that's all I am going to say about this movie. Enjoy the third installment of Men in Black. It was entertaining. Oh wait, I forgot to mention the character, Griffin, played by Michael Stuhlbarg. He has some fantastic dialogue in this film that really made you think. Well done, again.

My favorite thing: Josh Brolin. He played the young Agent K so well it brought a smile to my face.

My least favorite thing: The villain, Boris The Animal. He just freaked me out which I think was his purpose.

Rating: PG-13

Length: 106 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10


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Expats Post: The Avengers

Happy Monday, everyone!

I posted my latest review today for The Avengers. This was great from start to finish. Enjoy!!

Review: The Avengers


















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21 Jump Street

Directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller, Columbia Pictures, 2012.

Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube, Brie Larson, Dave Franco and Rob Riggle.

Genre: Action, Comedy.

Question: Did you think I would review this film? Well, I did not. In fact, I flat out said I was NOT going to review it, but I couldn't keep ignoring all the chatter about how 21 Jump Street was surprisingly good. And now I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I need to stop presuming the worst when I see a preview. Yeah, I said that.

To be completely honest, when I saw the trailer for 21Jump Street, and I saw it several times because I didn't think I would end up seeing the movie, I immediately thought, "That's not how the TV show was. It wasn't a comedy, goof-ball, buddy genre. Pass." Yes, I watched the original show and really enjoyed it. It was on while I was in high school so I was smack dab in the middle of the perfect demographic. Plus, I thought Johnny Depp was a fox (and still do)! So with that confession out the way, seeing Channing Tatum (who ain't too shabby) and Jonah Hill as an odd couple lead characters I was turned off. But I saw it anyway. Well, I must say the pairing worked and made the film a decent one. 

First, let me say that both actors have slowly become more appealing with their recent projects and as I view them in films. Jonah Hill was fantastic in Moneyball and Channing Tatum was down-right adorable in The Vow. I have become fans of theirs now and you know what happens then? All bets are off and I will probably see most, if not all, of their film from now on. (Yes, I have seen some of their other work).

Second, although the script is vastly different than the TV show the writers took an approach to tell the high school undercover cop tale that I wasn't expecting. What was it? Well, I am NOT going to tell you except to give you a hint and say: opposite. That's it. It’s my only clue. It was brilliant and why I think another reason 21 Jump Street worked.

Finally, back to the actors, Tatum and Hill. I mentioned that the pairing of the two completely different personas matched up well. As they say, opposites attract and it's true here. Jonah Hill plays the nerdy, over-achiever, low self-esteem-just-wanting-to-be-liked-and-fit-in character. And Channing Tatum, charmingly, pulls off the overly confident, not-so-bright, athletic character. They knew of each other in high school and then meet again at the police academy later in life and end up as partners. The balance of what the other lacked or needed was artfully, albeit somewhat juvenile and moronically portrayed at times, calibrated.

Would people of my parents' generations like this film? Probably not. It wasn't made for them in mind. It was made for today’s youth and the nostalgia-seeking generation that I am currently in. Just to let you all know - this paragraph is laced with hints - hints on what? Well, I am not gonna say but read it carefully as I never leave hints like this - ever!

My favorite thing: Well, if I told you it might ruin something for those who will see it.

My least favorite thing: That during one scene I was laughing so hard and trying not to throw up all at the same time.

Rating: R

Length: 109 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

For my review on Moneyball or The Vow - click on the movie titles.

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This Means War

Directed by McG, 20th Century Fox, 2012.

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Angela Bassett, Rosemary Harris,Til Schweiger, Abigail Spencer and Chelsea Handler.

Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance.

Question: How would feel if a handsome British man, with a sultry accent, asked you out for a first date and wanted to meet you an Irish pub; AND then later that day you had an equally hot American man, with the sexiest blue eyes, hit on you in a DVD store while you were searching for a movie to rent? Well, I would think I had died and gone to heaven - TWICE!!

I believe This Means War was made for ME! I mean, seriously, there are two hot guys with qualities that get me weak in the knees and then you mix in romance, humor and action; I am so there. However, I glanced at some of the reviews of this movie (which ripped the movie apart) and it sort of turned me off. Also, I had a feeling the preview showed WAY TOO MUCH. Well, I was right about the preview. Nearly every funny line Chelsea Handler's character had been already shown in the trailer; but I was wrong in thinking this was going to be a bad movie. Was it a great film? No, however, it was a fun movie that was worth the watch.

The part that surprised me the most and why I enjoyed This Means War was due to one of the actors and their performance. No, I am not going to say Chris Pine, even though I am a fan of his, but Tom Hardy. I only recall seeing him in one other movie, Inception, which he was decent in but he didn't stand out to me. Now in this movie he was front and center and it made me want to see more of him. He plays a CIA agent named Tuck; a charmer with a heart of gold and in some of the scenes he was quite sexy in such an endearing way. I simply wasn't expecting that. He was why I liked this movie. His responses and reactions were just precious. And the movie was still pretty funny despite the trailer showing too many of the jokes.

There were only four to five people in the theatre when I saw This Means War but each of us laughed out loud several times. The comedic chemistry between the two men worked and it worked well. Chris Pine and Tom Hardy looked like they had a blast with their characters and it showed on-screen. Their relationship is what also made this movie enjoyable.

Now on the flip-side, the women were the disappointment in this movie. First, I will admit I am not a fan of Chelsea Handler, and I just don't see her appeal or get her sense of humor so I was a little biased on that casting choice. Second, Reese Witherspoon's and Chelsea Handler's characters were apparently best friends but there wasn't any real chemistry between them. Finally, the character Reese Witherspoon played was just kind of boring that I ended up not really caring all that much about her or her dilemma.

Another part that didn't work for me for this film had to be the editing or the overall care the film-makers took on the movie. It seemed rushed or an amateur attempt at telling a story. There were some good parts but something just seemed missing as a whole package.

So with all that said, the men made This Means War worth it for me. Perhaps a male reviewer might have a different interpretation. But, honestly, their characters were just more developed and better acted. (Okay, okay, they were both not hard to look at for two hours. Fine, I will admit it!)

My favorite thing: Tom Hardy was a delight.

My least favorite thing: The editing and Chelsea Handler - although when she wasn't going for a laugh she was pretty good.

Rating: R
Length: 97 minutes

Review: 5 out of 10

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Safe House

Directed by Daniel Espinosa, Universal Pictures, 2012

Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Vera Farmiga, Robert Patrick, Sam Shepard, Liam Cunningham and Brendan Gleeson.

Genre: Action, Crime, Mystery.

Question: Do you like action packed movies?

Well, Safe House might be the exact movie for you. However, there wasn't much more to the film, which was a disappointment since it stars one of our greatest actors, Denzel Washington, and a decent actor on his own right, Ryan Reynolds.

I know, I know. This review cuts to the bone a little bit, but I found myself sitting in the full theatre on opening day confused. Not with the number of people in the theatre but why such a predictable story-line was produced with some top-notch actors. And let me put it this way - one person left after about twenty minutes and four people left with about ten minutes to go in the film. I have never walked out of a movie, turned one off but never walked out.

Back to my question: Do you like action packed movies? Well, if you do, and can put aside the predictable story, then I say watch Safe House because it is nearly non-stop action. I am not accustom to watching Mr. Washington in such a physical role, and he did a decent job as a rouge CIA agent on the run, but I suppose I prefer his more cerebral roles. He can manipulate anyone and their actions usually with his words or facial expressions; and he had some of that in Safe House. However, most of the film was filled with car chases, men beating the crap out of one another and gun fights.

Now there is nothing wrong with a movie loaded with non-stop action sequences, do not misunderstand, but the Safe House preview displayed a different movie in my mind. I thought it would have more depth. Once the film started it was sort of obvious, though, that either the film-maker was inexperienced or perhaps they wanted to make the film in a Jason Bourne-style. One thing wrong with that is that Jason Bourne is an interesting, complex character that you want to know more about; however, neither the rouge CIA agent (Washington) or the CIA agent manning the safe house (Reynolds) were not developed enough to care about.

With all that said, the acting was still pretty good. Seriously, did you think you would ever read that Denzel Washington did a bad job? He simply cannot, unfortunately, the script was just not up to his acting caliber. Shame.

My favorite thing: Let me think on that for a bit....oh wait, there was a scene where Denzel Washington's character walks across the hallway and what he did and how he did it made me grin. It's brief but I wasn't expecting it.

My least favorite thing: That the person behind me was overly vocal when all the actions scenes went on. Annoying.

Rating: R
Length: 115 minutes

Review: 3 out of 10

Dog Soldiers

Directed (and written) by Neil Marshall, Kismet Entertainment Group, 2002.

Starring: Kevin McKidd, Sean Pertwee, Emma Cleasby and Liam Cunningham.

Genre: Action, Horror, Thriller.

Question: Do you remember the days when you hung out with your friends in the woods with toy guns creating wartime combat scenarios? The plot-line was usually the same but sometimes a friend or two would throw in some super powers they suddenly obtained or they became a fantastical creature that came out of nowhere. Oh, those were the days!

Okay, did I just lose half of my readers? Yes, ladies, this might not be what you did growing up, but when my older brother would allow it, I would jump right in and play along ready to "kill" the next bad guy. Although I was always bummed I could never make the machine gun noises no matter how hard I tried, I still had a blast pretending I was in the middle of a war or fighting off some creature(s). So, when someone suggested, and I finally watched, Dog Soldiers I was immediately thrown back to my 10 year-old inner child.

Honestly, as I was watching Dog Soldiers I kept thinking the film-maker (Neil Marshall) must have never let go of his childhood imagination. His film is about 5-6 British soldiers on a practice mission who run into werewolves that apparently can't die even when shot multiple times with semi-automatic guns.

As usual I don't want to go into much detail about this film - this is a thriller, of sorts. I will say there is a little overacting, some poorly-written dialogue and some over-the-top plot points; however, I think that was all intentional. So you must have a sense of humor while watching Dog Soldiers. It is definitely a B film that had me howling with laughter at certain scenes, covering my eyes over some of 'blood and guts' violence and rolling my eyes at some of the innuendoes.

Also, if you are unfamiliar with British slang, I suggest you click here - this is something I JUST discovered and it might help translate some of the sayings in this movie. A few of the phrases you might not know: 'Big girl's blouse', 'taking the piss', toffee-nosed'. These are used in Dog Soliders, along with a few others, but I'll let you discover what they mean on your own.

If any ladies stuck around for the rest of the review, I can tell you the lead actor in this, Kevin McKidd, is from Grey's Anatomy. So if you have a thing for Dr. Hunt, you might want to watch Dog Soldiers - just don't tell your boyfriend or husband why, but they would probably be too shocked to ask anyway.

This is the perfect movie for the next level of what young-in's like to do in groups: watch cult-like, horror films (that usually scare their little sisters who still want to be a part of the group). So once you've grown out of the 'play outdoors phase', might I suggest Dog Soldiers. However, this is rated R - so if you are under age, please ask your parents, kiddos.

My favorite thing: That I wasn't all that scared watching a horror.

My least favorite thing: Watching some of the gore.

Rating: R
Length: 105 minutes

Review: 5 out of 10

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Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Directed by Brad Bird, Paramount Pictures, 2011

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Tom Wilkinson and Simon Pegg.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller

Question: Anyone sick and tired of sequels? Yeah, me too. However, I just saw Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol and may have to eat my words about this particular sequel. This one was pretty good!

I must confess I was actually planning on viewing this movie for one reason and one reason only - Simon Pegg. Yes, you heard that right. Although Tom Cruise makes pretty decent movies I really went to see Ghost Protocol for one of the supporting actors. This is the honest truth. Sure he was in Mission: Impossible 3 but not enough, I say, so I didn't think he would be in the next installment.

Indulge me for a moment....About six months ago I saw a preview for this one. Well, that's not true. I "heard" the preview as I was sitting in the theatre shielding my eyes as I normally do during previews. Immediately I thought I would skip the film until I heard Simon Pegg's voice and quickly looked at the screen. YAY! There is just something about him that cracks me up and pulls me to see everything he is in. It started with Shaun of the Dead (and I don't even like Zombie movies) and I never looked back. In fact, Simon Pegg was one of the first people I started following on Twitter; and even when I was sick of Twitter awhile back I couldn't cancel my account because his tweets give me the giggles....okay, enough...I will talk about the movie.

Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol was a thrill ride from beginning to end. I am not kidding. So for you adrenaline junkies out there - go to the theatre now. You don't even need to finish reading this review....really, go, go now...Oh wait, see it in IMAX. This is the type of film that requires the biggest and best screening available. There is one part that even made me a little queasy due to a certain death-defying act performed by Mr. Cruise because you feel like you are right there within the scene. (How did his "people" allow him to go through something like that?)  Now I suppose if you have a fear of heights, you might want to cover your eyes but try not to during this scene. It really was one of the most spectacular stunts I have EVER seen on film. This will not be the same on the TV screen, iPad or laptop, trust me.

Since this is a thriller I won't go into any detail about the story. However, I will say Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team were given a mission, that they chose to accept, and you are along for the thrill of a lifetime. Also, Simon Pegg (yes, I am mentioning him again) was the great comic relief in this movie, which was needed because your heart pounds so much that you'll require a break from the tension.

The fourth installment of this series got back to what I enjoyed from the first Mission: Impossible: action, adventure, thriller and no romance. Okay, ladies you might be mad at me for saying that, but there was not a romance story line connected to this one and I was relieved. Well, maybe there was a little one. The second and third installment went too much into a lovey-dovey tale for me with Thandie Newton's character in MI2 and Ethan Hunt's wife in MI3. Now don't get me wrong. I LOVE a good romance but these movies didn't need to cram in another genre to make it watchable for the female population.

I really don't want to say any more about Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol except to say that if you are gadget nut you will enjoy this movie - a lot. I believe even Q and James Bond would have a difficult time containing their excitement at the amount of cool electronics in this film. There that's it. No more. Now go enjoy this film.

My favorite thing: Simon Pegg - really! He was in this a lot more and he better be in the next one.

My least favorite thing: That I actually got a little teary-eyed at the very end. What? You will just have to see why.


Rating: PG-13
Length: 126 minutes

Review: 8 out of 10

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