My Best Friend (Mon Meilleur Ami)

Question: What values determine a friendship – a good friendship? Companionship? Loyalty? Someone who is there to listen or give advice? There are numerous ways to describe friendship but what about a close one, a best friend - the rarest of all kinds of relationships? I suppose we all have our measuring techniques for that but, for me, when someone does something for you, to support you because they know it will make you happy and without wanting anything in return, that type of friend I hold in the highest regard.

I delved back into a foreign film this week with My Best Friend. It was a French film that was released in 2006. Luckily the more foreign films I see the easier it is to stay in tune with the story even though I have to read. Remember I am a slow reader.  If I skipped this film just because of the subtitles, like used to in the past, I would have missed out on a wonderful story.

It’s rare to see closeness among males in film – at least ones that aren’t about getting drunk, finding a girlfriend or over coming some stupid mistake and their “buddies” have to help them out of it. I know men may have the cliché that they are tough and don’t need to talk about their feelings or about their relationships; but we all have friendships that matter and those stories should be told. Men do have very meaningful friendships. And that is what I found in My Best Friend.

If you are concerned this is an overly sappy film, don't be. It is not. After reading what I wrote initially I want to ensure I didn’t turn anyone off with my introduction and thinking it might be a drama. My Best Friend is quite funny and will keep you smiling throughout.

Francois, played by Daniel Auteuil, is a man totally obsessed with his work so much so that he neglects the people in his life and isn’t always the most honest businessman. He is also self-centered and quick with a response without a filter. He is oblivious to his shortcomings until his business partner challenges, at a dinner party, to introduce his best friend within a short period of time. Challenge accepted and from that point on I was slightly reminded of “A Christmas Carol”. No, there aren’t any ghosts who come dragging chains in the middle of the night, but the main character has a mirror, so to speak, put in front of his face to see how he really is to people and why he is alone.

The humor of the film happens when he meets a taxi driver and their connection evolves. That’s it. No more details. Just rent it. I found this on Netflix but had to order the DVD as it wasn’t on the Instant Play.

My favorite thing: Well, I did like Francois' occupation, an antiques-dealer. I used to work for an antiques-dealer back in the day.

My least favorite thing: That I don't know more French words. When I watch a Spanish film I can catch a lot of words that I understand to help me keep up better. 

Directed by Patrice Leconte, Fidelite Productions, IFC Films, 2006

Written by Patrice Leconte, Jerome Tonnerre, (story by Oliver Dazat)

Starring: Daniel Auteuil, Dany Boon, Julie Gayet.

Genre: Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Length: 90 minutes

Review: 8 out of 10

* Photo courtesy of IFC Films.

Griff the Invisible

Question: Do you ever feel invisible? You are standing there, existing in the world but no one seems to notice you or how special you are? I am positive a lot of you think this way but there is at least one person who gets you and when that happens – all is right in your world.

An Australian film I just watched on Netflix, Griff the Invisible, touched on this subject. The movie stars Ryan Kwanten also known as Jason Stackhouse from TrueBlood speaking in his native Australian accent and playing a very different type of character. Anyway, he plays Griff, an introverted, awkward fellow who sees the world differently but who also lives in the world where no one really sees the true him. Um, not sure if I am describing it right…. The whole point of the film is that we all have our own perspectives on things but there are those rare few that no one understands and they become obsolete or unnoticeable to most.

Bottom line, Griff thinks he is a superhero put here to protect the innocent which in turn makes him want to hide from others so no one figures out his secret (mission). Okay, that’s enough detail of the story. Let’s talk overall picture.

Well, Griff the Invisible started off intriguing and with me wanting to know more about each character, specifically Griff. Ryan Kwanten was quite adorable as the awkward, unassuming chap who just wanted to do good deeds. He pulled off the innocence and detachment from the real world in a very convincing way. It was a big departure from his role on True Blood – the overly cocky yet not so smart character.

Another element that stood out in Griff the Invisible was the cinematography/art direction. There were not a lot of special effects in this film but just enough to keep the story on the fantastical side. Also, the use of a certain shade of yellow was splattered throughout the film. It caught my eye as I enjoy color theory and know that yellow is an intense color to grab people’s attention which is the opposite of what Griff wanted. It made me curious especially when the love interest wore the other two primary colors. 

Besides Ryan Kawnten and the visuals of the film, I finished the film with an unsatisfactory energy even though the ending made me smile. It started about halfway through the film, the story dulled and I found myself not really interested in the characters as much as I was in the beginning of the film. However, it was worth the viewing.

Directed & written by Leon Ford, Green Park Pictures, 2010.

Starring: Ryan Kwanten, Maeve Dermody, and Marshall Napier.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance.

My favorite thing: One character (Melody) had some great lines in it. Some made me giggle.

My least favorite thing: That the story wasn’t well-rounded, I suppose.

Rating: PG-13

Length: 90 minutes

Review: 5 out of 10

Preview: The Impossible

Hello movie fans. I am slowly starting to come back. Been gone too long but had a big move to make and I am finally settling in. In fact, I was able to watch a film today. YES!! A FANTASTIC one, and I can't wait to tell you all about it, but I have to write it first.

Anyway, I thought I would whet your appetite with a new trailer. Yes, it is for an Ewan McGregor film. What else? I just watched the trailer and was instantly intrigued especially with what the subject matter was about.-

Take a gander. The Impossible starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor coming out December 21st, 2012.

Look for my latest review soon...

Monthly Wrap-Up July 2012

Hello Movie Fans:

I apologize I haven't posted any new reviews lately. Currently, I am in the process of moving. Soon I will be back to the theatre, scanning my Netflix queue or popping in the latest screener I've received. But, in the meantime, here is the latest Monthly Wrap-Up to enjoy.

Reviews:
People Like Us
Puncture
Safety Not Guaranteed
The Amazing Spider-Man

Expats Post Reviews:
Moonrise Kingdom
Magic Mike

Previews:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
The Sessions
Compliance 
Screen

Extras:
Remember the past...Fame
Monthly Wrap-Up June 2012

Monthly Wrap-Up June 2012

Can't believe July is almost over. Where has the summer gone? Well, you know where I spend a lot of my time: the movies. Here is the Monthly Wrap-up for June. Enjoy!

Reviews:
Rock of Ages
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
Snow White and the Huntsman
Darling Companion
Men in Black 3

Reviews on Expats Post:
Prometheus
Seeking a Friend For the End of the World
The Intouchables

Previews:
Ruby Sparks
Seeking a Friend For the End of the World
Dogs Lie
Safety Not Guaranteed
Reboot
Hysteria

Extras:
Movies released the year I was born...
Happy Father's Day
Monthly Wrap-Up May 2012
Monthly Wrap-up April 2012

Darling Companion

Directed (and co-written) by Lawrence Kasdan, Werc Werk Works, 2012

Starring Kevin Kline, Diane Keaton, Dianne Wiest, Richard Jenkins, Sam Shepard and Ayelet Zurer.

Genre: Drama

Question: How many of you consider your pets as family members and not just animals? I do, big-time. In fact, I talk to my dogs as if they can understand me. I worry about them like they are my children. And I take care of them (and spoil them) because it makes me happy that they are happy. It's a wonderful relationship that doesn't take much effort. It's unconditional love. 


So when I saw a preview for a film about a woman who finds a dog and he becomes her constant companion I knew I had to see it: Darling Companion.

There was another reason I went to see this film, it was a Lawrence Kasdan film. Remember Body Heat, The Big Chill, and The Accidental Tourist? Well, he wrote and directed those films. He also wrote the screenplays (or co-wrote) for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and Raiders of the Lost Ark. There are more films he either wrote or directed but there are too many to list now; however, his credentials are pretty solid, you have to admit.

I did look up DarlingCompanion right before the showing on my IMDb phone App and saw some not so friendly things said about it but I always, or I try to, ignore a lot of the naysayers. As I said it was a Lawrence Kasdan film but also Kevin Kline, Diane Keaton and Dianne Wiest starred in the film. All of them have done some great work in the past with or without the writer/director. Then I read the brief summary of the plot and actually considered not going because it ended up being about a husband who loses his wife’s dog and there is a search for him. I am weeping mess when it comes to anything sad about animals getting hurt or lost – complete MESS - but usually there is a happy enough ending to help me get over any sad emotions so I bought the movie ticket.

So with all that did I like the film? Sadly, I did not. The overall story was about a couple, their marriage and some major problems they have between them. The details will remain secret as to why because if you have been in a long term relationship there are usually only a few things that make a marriage go sour; and if you still decide to see the film I will let you discover it yourself. However, it was sort of a no-brainer to figure out their problem within the first few minutes of the film, but the part I was confused about was the lack of any resolution between the husband and wife, played by Kevin Kline and Diane Keaton. Plus, the subplot of the missing pooch got muddied within the storytelling or it tried too hard to be a metaphor for the loss of a connection between humans especially when someone isn't paying attention. 


Although the very last frames of the film made me smile, immensely, I left the film with a bad taste in my mouth. Perhaps it was because I wanted the wife to say something more to her husband especially when he realized that part of the problem, if not all, was his fault. The hubris of some men and their egos never ceases to amaze me and even if they admit their fault they still have way a blaming their behavior on others. This is why the wife had and loved the dog, Freeway, so much. He gave her unconditional love without blaming her or makes her feel bad for being who she was. The dog just wants to be by her side and it makes them both happy. Unconditional love.


Now I am not sure why the writers/director told a story that really didn't have much of a resolution when I think the entire bulk of the film was exposing the problem of this relationship between the husband and the wife. Losing the dog and then searching for Freeway allowed for many conversations between the adults. And just like many of Kasdan's films, it is an ensemble piece with an array relationship issues that I think many can relate to. There was also some humor in Darling Companion but most of it fell short of being really funny, at least for me.


Kasdan likes to go for a certain type of realism in his films, it's not always the pretty side of life and relationships and he did that again here. However, the story wasn't cohesive or intriguing enough to keep my interest. Oh well.


My favorite thing: The montage with the dog and the wife. Could totally to relate to that and smiled the whole way through that part.


My least favorite thing: Perhaps how certain relationships were portrayed in the film.


Rating: PG-13
Length: 103 minutes


Review: 3 out of 10

Click on film poster below to order DVD or watch on Instant video:

Monthly Wrap-Up March 2012

I can't believe we are almost halfway through April. Where has this month gone? Beats me. Well, it's that time again - Monthly Wrap-Up. It looks like I didn't tackle as many reviews as I should have and this month isn't fairing too well either. My apologies. But I promise to get back into the swing of things and post more reviews.

On Tired of Previews?
This Means War - Starring Chris Pine, Tom Hardy & Reese Witherspoon
The Evil Dead - Starring Bruce Campbell

Your Favorite Soundtracks?

On Expats Post
Rampart - Starring Woody Harrelson
Silent House - Starring Elizabeth Olsen

For more reviews go to Expats Post or venture more around this site.

SIDE-NOTE:  For those of you interested in Art and/or Poetry, Expats Post has created a couple of new sites featuring those items. Please take a moment and check them out.
Expats Art
Expats Poetry

Click on the film posters to purchase DVD or watch on VOD:

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.

21 Jump Street (+ UltraViolet Digital Copy) - Instant, DVD, Buy

More Exclusive Reviews on Expats - March 20, 2012

Hello movie fans,

I am currently working on another review - this time a horror film - for Expats Posts. However, I wanted to make sure you know about the last movie reviews I posted on there:

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and Rampart

Monthly Wrap-Up February 2012

WOW! I can't believe we are already into March. Where did February go? Anyway, here is the monthly wrap-up in case you missed something or are new to the site. Enjoy!


Tired of Previews? Blog
Chronicle
Big Miracle
Safe House 
How Beer Saved the World - Documentary

Expats Post - Exclusive Reviews
The Grey 
The Woman in Black 
The Vow
Extremely Loud and Incredible Close
Haywire
Fermat's Room
Salmon Fishing in Yemen

Expats Post: The Grey, The Vow & The Woman in Black movie reviews

I mentioned I would inform you all when I had some more reviews out there. Exclusively on Expats Post I have added a few more. Check them out. Thank you!

The Woman in Black

The Grey

The Vow

Monthly Wrap-Up January 2012

It's that time again - Monthly Wrap-Up. There were some real treats this past month especially with the Sherlock Holmes sequel and two wonderful indie films I stumbled upon on Netflix: Certified Copy (foreign) and Forget Me Not.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - 8 out of 10
Dog Soldiers - 5 out of 10
Forget Me Not - 7 out of 10
Small Town Saturday Night - 4 out of 10
Funny Games - 7 out of 10
Insidious - 4 out of 10
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 8 out of 10
Certified Copy - 9 out of 10
Paul - 4 out of 10
Cave of Forgotten Dreams - Documentary

Non-review posts:
Songs that become a part of our soundtracks
This is the BEST!

In case you missed last month's Monthly Wrap-up - December 2011 Also, don't forget to go to Expats Posts for more of my reviews. Have a wonderful weekend!

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

Forget Me Not

Directed by Alexander Holt & Lance Roehrig, Quicksilver Films, 2010

Starring: Tobias Menzies, Genevieve O'Reilly and Gemma Jones

Genre: Romance

Question: Do you believe you can fall in love with someone in 24 hours? I do, or maybe I have just seen too many movies. Either way, I think it can happen and Forget Me Not may show you how.

A typical Sunday afternoon in my house involves laundry. One thing I detest so I have to balance it out with something I love. Do I have to tell you what that is? I grabbed my laptop and headed towards the back of my home - a sanctuary from the rest of the house but also where the laundry room is located. First load in, headphones on and I hit play on Netflix Instant Play queue with Forget Me Not.


I didn't know anything about this film except what IMDb said about it in its summary:

"Love Happens. When you least expect it. Forget Me Not is a moving, modern day love story set over twenty-four hours against a stunning London backdrop."

London?! YAY!! I lived in London for a short time and miss it nearly every single day so anything that has "a stunning London backdrop" in it, count me in. Plus, I had just completed watching a foreign mafia film that I did not like and not sure why, so a romance was the best genre to counteract the effects of the other. And it did.

The movie starts off in a London pub with a musician singing and strumming his guitar. The female bartender serves up drinks to the locals watching him out of the corner of her eye or when she has a break from serving the drunk in front of her. His melancholy tune permeates the surroundings but you are too busy waiting for what comes next to take notice. His gig soon ends; he goes home and takes a bath. Then he starts to do something that makes your heart tighten, especially if you have ever been in that state of mind. He tries again but realizes he requires a drink first. Back to the pub. Okay, I am giving a play by play of the movie - I am stopping that now.

At this point you are completely lost as to what is going on, and you desire to find the answers to all your "whys?" But in the back of your mind you really don't want to find out. Luckily the story then has you following the bartender and the musician as they walk through London on their way to a party after an unforeseen run-in with one of the pub patrons. During the course of this walk the two strangers begin to talk and share stories about each other. This is where I really started to drift head, or heart, first into the story...and then...buzzz...pause film...damn, laundry! Second load in. Play.

Where was I? Oh yeah, the strangers continue on through the night walking through the streets of London, revealing stories about themselves that you might not think they would. However, it seems so comfortable that you don't question it. Yet something is held back by both. Understandably. What would make any two people, complete strangers, open up and share personal stories? That is hard to say but perhaps when you are lonely, scared or unable to recall a happy time, a stranger might be the best person to open up to. And they might just surprise you with being the right person for what you need.

Okay, I am giving way too much away on this one. What is wrong with me? Perhaps it's the laundry...anyway.

Dawn soon arrives and a trip to visit someone starts to bring the story closer to its climax. A revelation from one/a reminder to another surfaces, but as the audience member you are still in the dark. Where the love story goes from here was expected but then one stranger finally reveals all about themselves. And in one of the hardest but most understandable speeches it all made sense - the beginning, the middle and the finally, the conclusion. Two people who didn't know each other yesterday, and might not remember later, fall in love because they always have today.

So if you are in the mood for a decent romance - check out Forget Me Not. 


My favorite thing: That I didn't even notice I was doing laundry.

My least favorite thing: That I don't have plans to visit London anytime soon.

Rating: R
Length: 93 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10




Click on film poster for film:
 

Small Town Saturday Night

Directed and written by Ryan Craig, Perfect Weekend, 2010.

Starring: Chris Pine, Shawn Christian, John Hawkes, Bre Blair, Octavia Spencer, and Lin Shaye.

Genre: Drama

Question: What draws you to watch a specific movie? Could it be the director, a certain genre or story-line or is it an actor and their skill, perhaps? For me it ranges, but I do have some standards: a recommendation by someone, seeing a good, or even a bad, review makes me consider watching it and then sometimes it is the poster. I did study art history and a visually appealing film poster can really catch my interest.

Today I watched an indie film called, Small Town Saturday Night. Why did I choose to watch this one today? Honestly, I have seen a lot of Chris Pine's movies and he has proved his acting chops to me....okay, okay... I will admit one of the reasons I had it in my Netflix instant playlist was for Chris Pine and those eyes. Plus, this wasn't a horror or sadistic story-line (my last two reviews).

Small Town Saturday Night is about a country singer (Chris Pine), who lives in a small town and is about to move to Nashville. Actually, it sounded relaxing and it was an indie film - something I love to support especially after seeing this was made after Chris Pine's smash hit Star Trek. That scores points in my book.

Unfortunately, this film just did not deliver a huge surprise as many of the other independent movies that I have stumbled upon on Netflix. It kept my interest but the story was...how do I put this...uneventful. The story takes place over one day in a small town called Prospect. I kind of thought it would take place at night but not until the very end does the sun takes its rest. Anyway, it showed a slice of American life, which some may get and some may not.

Rhett Ryan (Chris Pine) has one more day at the gas station before his final gig at the local bar before him and his girlfriend (Bre Blair) and her daughter make the big move. Then you are introduced to other locals in the town - specifically the local deputy (Shawn Christian), the ex-husband of Rhett Ryan's girlfriend, who waits for his brother, Donnie (John Hawkes) coming home from his stint in prison. For the next hour or so you witness Donnie, Rhett, Donnie's brother and father and countless others interact. Sometimes it made for a cohesive story and sometimes it didn't. If you have ever lived in a small town, I assumed this would show a fairly typical summer day but I kept waiting for more.

Did I get it? More, I mean. Well, there were a couple of semi-intense scenes with one scene where Rhett (Chris Pine) and his girlfriend have an intense conversation. However, by that point, I had lost my patience with the story but trudged on. One more scene with Donnie (John Hawkes) finally got the blood pumping in this tale but ended with no fanfare. My guess is that Small Town Saturday Night was going for realism and it delivered. I am just not sure it was a reality that interested me. Oh well.

One small little surprise did happen. Not with the story but there was a scene between Rhett and his father and I kept thinking, "WOW, they really do look alike - great casting." So I looked it up. It was a real father and son. Don't ask me why, but I enjoy knowing small trivial things like this; and if you look up Chris Pine's father you will know him. You may not know his name but you will recognize him. I am pretty sure.

So do I recommend Small Town Saturday Night? Maybe. It really depends what you are in the mood for, I suppose. But if you want to see Chris Pine strumming a guitar and actually singing, check it out.

My favorite part: Chris Pine playing guitar.

My least favorite part: One scene where you witness neglected and abused children playing in a front yard.

Rating: R
Length:  94 minutes

Review: 4 out of 10


P.S. If you want to see an indie film that is really good that stars Chris Pine, might I recommend Bottle Shock? Great film.

Click on film poster below to view films:
 

Monthly Wrap-Up December 2011

Well, this past year came to a close recently. I still can't believe it's been a year since I started on this little venture but here I am. Honestly, I don't know how I would feel if I didn't review movies now - it's become an integral part of my everyday life. It's like breathing. It fills my soul up and takes me out of any stressful situation...okay, okay..enough...sorry...here's the list. Enjoy!


One Day - 6 out of 10
Things I Don't Understand - 7 out of 10
Love - 9 out of 10
The Next Three Days - 6 out of 10
Rabbit Hole - 8 out of 10
The Adjustment Bureau - 6 out of 10
The Sweet Hereafter - 9 out of 10
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol - 8 out of 10
We Bought a Zoo - 5 out of 10

This past year I reviewed 151 films, and I hope somewhere within those reviews I inspired you to check out a movie or two, three....This year I will try and increase that number, so without further to do...I'm off to watch a movie.

One year and counting...

One year and counting...

WOW! I can't believe a year ago today I started reviewing movies. And what a year it's been.

Many may not know that this was just supposed to be an experiment - a learning tool for me. I was not planning on becoming a movie reviewer at all. In fact I wanted to change careers and become a screenwriter ....

Wait, perhaps I should back up a bit...Nearly three years ago I went though a pretty scary medical issue and I had time to really think about my life as I was recovering. Soon I became restless and unsatisfied with the status quo, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what to do about it. So I started writing. Something inside me was screaming to get out; I just didn't know what yet but writing helped immensely.

In fact, I fell in love with the practice of thinking and then formulating those thoughts into a cohesive sentence, paragraph, etc... It began with writing a book about my own experiences and then it evolved into screenwriting and creating stories. However, I was in the middle of my third screenplay and got stuck on how to continue it. It's not surprising. I wrote my first two screenplays without having gone to film school or picking up some sort of manual on how to write a screenplay. I did end up working with a professional screenwriter to help me with my first two scripts, but I felt like I finally got the hang of it when I started on "No One", the third script.

Alas, writer's block hit me and it hit me hard. Instead of getting frustrated staring at the screen waiting for the words to come, I went downstairs to watch a movie and relax. Also, I read somewhere that if you want to learn how to write screenplays you must read a lot of scripts and watch a lot of movies. The latter was easy for me to accomplish.

As the ending credits started it hit me, "Why not review movies to learn the craft of screenwriting better?" I bolted up from my horizontal position and nearly hit my head with the palm of my hand like the old V8 commercials. Brilliant idea! I ran to my laptop and started creating a new blog site...but what to call it? I hadn't a clue so I just started writing and the words came out faster than I could type. My thoughts about movies and my love for them poured out. I shocked myself on how quickly I wrote and about the thoughts I actually had about movies. It was almost like a confessional. For years, decades actually, I kept my passion for movies to myself. Well, that day, I informed the world who I really was...

"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..."rest of Why This Blog? (12/29/10).


By the time I wrote that third sentence, everything I thought I was going to do with the rest of my life changed. I just didn't know it yet. (Okay, this might make a good story for a script...hmmm)


Although I was long-winded with my first blog post I decided that I wanted to keep my reviews short and without a lot of detail about the movie's story. A few hours later I posted my first review: Moon. I wrote a brief paragraph or two because I knew I was not a professional writer let alone a trained movie reviewer. Watching the movie, researching it and then writing about it made me really think about not only the structure of how a screenplay was written but how the whole movie came together. It was exhilarating to really think about a movie and then voice my opinion about them. I couldn't wait to watch another and talk about it. 


Was anyone listening (reading)? I had a few page views in the beginning and even received a comment on my first post - albeit from anonymous. However, the lack of views and comments didn't phase me. This blog was for me in the beginning. I was allowing myself, for the first time ever, to be open and honest about my greatest passion and I was happy.


By the 12th review, The Social Network, I supplied some personal information to show I had some biased feelings regarding the story. It didn't cross my mind that you shouldn't do that and no one told me differently. So without realizing it I started to put myself into more reviews. And by mid-January the reviews became longer, more personal and a structure formed into what finally evolved to the format that I have now. (Question, Favorite things, Review rating, etc...) 


I am unclear on when the movie reviews took over as a career possibility, but it was quick for I went searching across the internet in order to social network as much as possible. I joined mom blogs, networking blogger sites and I started following and befriending other bloggers. By that Spring I joined an online newspaper and was asked to give my thoughts on a soon-to-be launched movie website's blog. Over the next few months I quickly discovered that watching movies and reviewing them made me happier than I have ever been in my entire life. I found my proverbial calling and people seem to respond. That shocked the heck out of me. Why? Well, if you read my reviews you know I don't write the typical kind. If you haven't read any go ahead and read a few and come back...I'll wait.


Conversational writing...that's what many have called my style. I just sort of sit and pretend that someone is sitting with me while I describe the movie with an aspect or two on why I liked a film or not. Again, no one showed me how to do this, and I will confess that I hardly ever read reviews prior to my venture. Most reviews and previews share too much, in my opinion; and one of the best parts of the movie experience, for me, is the discovery of the story with little or no information about the film. That is my intention with my reviews - entice but don't reveal too much. And I suppose people like that because some of my reviews now appear on IMDb and have been featured on Rotten Tomatoes.


So a year has passed and I have decided this is what I want to do for the rest of my life: watch and review movies. Well, now I not only review movies but I started adding other kinds of posts: soundtracks, previews I think do a good job and random thoughts on movies. The evolution of my blog keeps going...Also, I am now involved with another online newspaper that officially launches early next year; and this is something I am VERY proud of because of the people involved in it. 


Have I picked up screenwriting again?  Umm...no, but I do think about ideas that pop in my head from time to time. I may even write another script someday. However, for now, this makes me happy and this year I have vowed I am doing everything I can to stay that way. 


One last point before I head off to watch another film...if it weren't for this little adventure I fell backwards into, I would've skipped over a lot of films. Luckily, I have fans and friends who share what they like; and I now have a deep desire to see as many movies as possible. Expanding your horizons on any subject matter is always a treat and filled with surprises. Here are a few of the "surprise" films that I was fortunate enough to view this past year:


The Escapist - The discovery of a certain actor who is now one of my favorites - Brian Cox
(I ended up watching The Good Heart and Red because of this movie and he was fantastic in both)
Never Let Me Go - One of the most profound movies I've ever watched.
127 Hours - Best acting I have seen on film to date.
Midnight in Paris - A treat through and through. I will own this movie.
Flashbacks of a Fool - It affected me and that's all I will say about that.
Fright Night - Not so much for the movie but the experience was one I will never forget.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan - My first foreign film review.
The Perfect Host - One of the biggest surprises so far.
Love - A great movie by a first time director. I enjoy discovering newcomers to this industry now.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me over this past year. This truly has been one of the best years of my life because I now feel like I am doing what I was put on this earth to do. It is a very empowering feeling. And even though I started this out for me, I now do it for you all.

Also, I hope you find who you really are, what makes you truly happy and pursue it because it is all worth it - trust me!

Now I am off to watch a movie.

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

Click of film posters below to watch instantly:

The Adjustment Bureau

Directed (and written) by George Nolfi, Universal Pictures, 2011.

Starring Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Michael Kelly, Anthony Mackie, John Slattery, and Terrance Stamp.

Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Question: Did you ever get that feeling when you meet someone that the two of you were meant to be together? You can't explain it but once you meet them it all makes sense. It is chance or is it destiny? Who knows?

I received The Adjustment Bureau in the mail from Netflix about a month ago and forgot I had it until recently. Finally watched it yesterday and I thoroughly enjoyed this film. I wasn't expecting to - can't really say why. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt are usually in pretty decent films, but something about the previews just sort of turned me off. Nonetheless, me being me (of course) I put it on my queue when it was out in the theatres, forgot about the preview and then had some time to kill yesterday.

Look at the genre list above (from IMDb) and really think about it. What a combination of styles to mix together. I sort of wasn't expecting the romance to be such a large part of it. In fact, I would consider this a romance above all; and a really good one. Perhaps it's the romantic in me that nudged me to really enjoy the story. Tales about two people who are supposed to be together, for whatever reason and obstacles keep popping up and pulling them apart; however, they keep finding themselves reconnecting...those stories just get me.

Matt Damon plays a young congressman from New York who "happens" to meet a woman (Emily Blunt) in a bathroom; they chat for a few moments and sparks fly immediately. Now I won't say what happens next with the romance part but the Sci-Fi part comes in and takes over the story after that.

Here is where you can start a debate on if there is such a thing as destiny or if it is all up to chance. The "couple", let's call them, meet again and apparently they weren't supposed to according to a certain group of individuals. Why are these people so interested in this couple? I am not going to tell you that. However, this group apparently helps "guide" others towards paths that they should be on and when they veer off they come in to put them back on track. However, chance has a way of getting these two together or was it destiny?

Who are these people that want to control people's paths? Well, the film-makers tried to explain who they are. You'll see.

Of course as the The Adjustment Bureau continues the lovers find themselves in and out of each other lives. When they were together (Matt Damon and Emily Blunt) I found myself smiling watching them. Their relationship was effortless and I feel most people would kill for that these days. So I was big rooter for them to get together and stay together. What obstacles did they have; were they able to overcome them, and did they finally make it? Well, you know my answer to those questions....

One thing I will tell you about this film, I really enjoyed watching Matt Damon's character and his persistence to be with the one he loved. It was truly heartwarming. Yeah, yeah, I am a girl and all it takes is for us to see a guy drop everything for a girl. We fall for that storyline every...single...time. And I fell for it again in The Adjustment Bureau. Why did he fight so hard for her? Well, there is the obvious. He loves her - geesh, come on people. But there was more and I will give you a little hint...he knew about something that she did not. I have a feeling if she did she would have acted the same way...okay, may have just revealed a little too much but I felt like sharing today.

Also, I think both male and females movie fans will like this one. The Adjustment Bureau covers both a guy flick and chick flick quite well.

Interesting trivia - this movie was based on the short story by Philip K. Dick. He passed away in 1982 but here are a few his other stories that eventually became films: Minority Report, Total Recall and Blade Runner.

My favorite thing: Well, I will say it again - Matt Damon's character's conviction to be with her.

My least favorite: It was a bit predictable, but then again I see A LOT of movies so I will let that one slide.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 106 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

Click on film poster below to watch instantly: