The woods are lovely dark and deep...

Zero Dark Thirty

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:30:26 -0400

Movie Description: A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May 2011.

Pros: Okay, first off, I just want to give Jessica Chastain all the awards. She did wonderful in this movie. I think this movie was so interesting. I loved how this did not turn into a patriotic movie about how “kick ass” the United States is. Bigelow did a wonderful job of keeping the facts pretty accurate and not taking a political side. (Even though some GOP party members would argue this is a liberal movie). I think Bigelow was tasteful with the water boarding and the violence. None of it seemed unnecessary I loved the tension that built the entire movie, and how the director managed to keep the Islamophobia out of it for the most part. She showed that some of the young men who were part of 9/11 were not these disgusting people that our country makes them out to be. They honestly believed they were doing justice for their country. Just as we believe that invading their country is the right, just thing to do. I liked how they were made out to be people instead of these evil demons who are out to destroy freedom and ‘Merica. Basically, what I am trying to say, is it is refreshing to see a relatively unbiased view of modern events. The acting was wonderful, and everything in this movie was subtle. The whole movie was unnerving in the best way possible.

Cons: The movie went a little slow at some points, and I feel like there could have been some more shots of the United States showing what was happening there relative to the time in Pakistan. Besides that, a beautiful and tasteful film.

Would I recommend it? Yes, it is informative and relatively unbiased. It’s also by one of the few respectable woman directors in Hollywood.

Rating: 10 out 10

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:15:37 -0400

Movie Description: It is the story of one Mr. Fox and his wild-ways of hen heckling, turkey taking and cider sipping, nocturnal, instinctive adventures. He has to put his wild days behind him and do what fathers do best: be responsible. He is too rebellious. He is too wild. He is going to try “just one more raid” on the three nastiest, meanest farmers that are Boggis, Bunce and Bean. It is a tale of crossing the line of family responsibilities and midnight adventure and the friendships and awakenings of this country life that is inhabited by Fantastic Mr. Fox and his friends.

Pros: I love Wes Anderson so damn much. I had never seen this until a few weeks ago. I expected a lot, and I was not disappointed. This movie had all of the bright colors and whimsical elements that I expected. I loved all of the characters in this movie, and the animation is beautiful. The dialogue in all of Wes Anderson’s movies are so witty and clever, and this was no less. I loved how the animals seemed so human until they ate, and then the viewer was reminded of how animal like they really are. I basically enjoyed every single thing about this movie. I just want to get inside Wes Anderson’s mind and borrow some inspiration and wit.

Cons: Ehh, I really cannot think of any. I thought this movie was well done and adorable.

Would I recommend it? Yes, it’s adorable and funny.

Rating: 10 out 10

The Tree of Life

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:09:33 -0400

Movie Description: The impressionistic story of a Texas family in the 1950s. The film follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack, through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father (Brad Pitt). Jack (played as an adult by Sean Penn) finds himself a lost soul in the modern world, seeking answers to the origins and meaning of life while questioning the existence of faith.

Pros: The opening scene of this movie took my breath away. I have never seen a director capture nature and humans in such a natural way that felt so real. Malick captured human nature in a way that other directors could only dream of. The way the camera focused on every little detail of the fingers, toes, hair, lips, and body language. It was just phenomenal. All of the nature shots were so beautiful. I thought it was interesting how there was the choice to have opera music over all of this. It made me think of the beginning of Melancholia, where your heart ached at the overwhelming large and powerful beauty of the world. I loved the innocence of all of the characters in this movie, and how they were all captured in wonderful light and setting. Everything seemed like a storybook. There were parts that made my heart ache and tears come to my eyes because it was so overwhelming and beautiful. I loved how each of the characters were questioning and talking to God. A movie like this makes you realize how small and insignificant you really are on Earth.

Cons: The last almost hour of the movie made little sense to me. I know it was filled to the brim with symbolism, but I did not understand. That is not necessarily a bad thing. I also felt like the movie was missing a conclusion.

Would I recommend it? Well, you would have to have a deep compassion and appreciate for the greatness of the Earth for it to make at least a little bit of sense. So don’t watch this movie if you are wanting action packed and a cohesive plot.

Rating: 9.5 out 10

Groundhog Day

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:59:42 -0400

Movie Description: A weather man is reluctantly sent to cover a story about a weather forecasting “rat” (as he calls it). This is his fourth year on the story, and he makes no effort to hide his frustration. On awaking the ‘following’ day he discovers that it’s Groundhog Day again, and again, and again. First he uses this to his advantage, then comes the realization that he is doomed to spend the rest of eternity in the same place, seeing the same people do the same thing EVERY day

Pros: I absolutely love Bill Murray. I am currently trying to get through some of his most famous films. I usually cannot stand romantic comedies, but this one has a nice story to it. Bill Murray is so perfect at playing a complete asshole. I loved his performance, and I thought he did a wonderful job throughout the entire movie making it truly believable that he did change. The scene where he confesses his love for Rita was one of the sweetest scenes in romantic movie history. It made my heart melt a little. Everything about this movie was sincere, and I think it has an aspect to it that appeals to everyone.

Cons: The movie seemed dated at times, but that’s expected because it came out in the 90’s. And the story was repeated so many times that it got old at some points. But besides that, an overall sweet and touching movie that was very clever and witty.

Would I recommend it? Yes, it’ll make your heart feel good.

Rating: 9 out 10

Spring Breakers

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 01:34:00 -0400

Movie Description: Brit, Candy, Cotty, and Faith have been best friends since grade school. They live together in a boring college dorm and are hungry for adventure. All they have to do is save enough money for spring break to get their shot at having some real fun. A serendipitous encounter with rapper “Alien” promises to provide the girls with all the thrill and excitement they could hope for. With the encouragement of their new friend, it soon becomes unclear how far the girls are willing to go to experience a spring break they will never forget.

Pros: This movie was a colorful, overly sexualized, violent explosion. I loved all of the slow motion of teenagers getting wasted, and the monologue of Selena Gomez discussing how deep Florida was and how they were all “finding themselves”. The sad part about that is most teenagers could probably relate exactly to what she is saying. They can’t have any sort of fun without having to have alcohol and drugs. If you just looked at this movie from the surface level, it looks incredibly shallow and dumb. I think it was meant to be. It painted a perfect picture of how our society has this insane view in our minds of a fun and free person. One of my favorite scenes was when James Franco was showing off all of his material things and money and he kept saying “This is the American Dream!”. Also, all of the visual things about this movie were wonderful. I loved the contrast of these beach blond girls with unicorn ski masks on and neon swim suits carrying machine guns. The sex and violence in this movie were so perfectly balanced. The incredibly cheesy scene where James is playing his piano by the beach and decides to play Britney Spears was amazing. I honestly think that was one of my favorite scenes in movie history. The visual of these teenage girls in swimsuits and ski masks, shooting people while looking like a piece of cake or bubblegum, while Britney Spears plays in the background. It was so sugary sweet with a bloody undertone. I just think this movie is smarter than it seems.

Cons: What happens to Selena Gomez and the one girl with the pink hair? They just kinda leave it open, and never close that. The dialogue was pretty awful, and some scenes were just too much. Also, I loved how Selena Gomez’s character enjoyed having fun with all of the rich white kids on the beach, but when she had to hang out in the “ghetto”, all of a sudden she’s like “guys, I don’t like this *ugly cries* I wanna go home guysssssss!!” I don’t know, it came off as like..kinda racist to me.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but expect violence, sex, and stupidity. That is what it’s all about.

Rating: 7 out 10

Stoker

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 01:18:52 -0400

Movie Description: After India’s father dies, her Uncle Charlie, who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her unstable mother. She comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives and becomes increasingly infatuated with him.

Pros: Well, where to start? The opening credits of this movie were some of the most creative credits ever. And I liked how the beginning comes off a certain way, and then at the end it feels totally different. That probably doesn’t make much sense. But if you do see this movie, it will. I liked the sense of coherence from start to end. There were a lot of things that did not get explained, but for once that didn’t bother me. I think I could have watched this movie all day, it looked beautiful, it sounded beautiful. Everything about it was wonderful. I love a movie that can make me laugh and feel uncomfortable at the same time. This movie was so incredibly creepy. I had goose bumps almost the entire time. Matthew Goode just made me feel so uncomfortable the entire movie. This is also one of those movies that unpredictable. I did not see most of the things that were gonna happen. It ultimately left me feeling incredibly creeped out and amazed. Overall, a wonderfully creepy and refreshing movie!

Cons: A lot of the awkward scenes. Just a lot going on with Mr. Creepy Uncle, Matthew Goode. Piano orgasms are awkward..

Would I recommend it? Yes, for some odd reason it had the same kind of screwed up story line as Blue Velvet. That was what it made me think of. I may just be imagining that though.

Rating: 10 out 10

Farewell, My Queen (Les adieux à la reine)

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 01:05:27 -0400

Movie Description: In July 1789, the French Revolution is rumbling. Far from the turmoil, at the Château de Versailles, King Louis XVI, Queen Marie-Antoinette and their courtiers keep on living their usual carefree lives. But when the news of the storming of the Bastille reaches them, panic sets in and most of the aristocrats and their servants desert the sinking ship, leaving the Royal Family practically alone. Which is not the case of Sidonie Laborde, the Queen’s reader, a young woman, entirely devoted to her mistress; she will not give her up under any circumstances. What Sidonie does not know yet is that these are the last three days she will spend in the company of her beloved Queen…

Pros: The scenery in this movie was absolutely beautiful. I felt like I was in a dream. I already love this time period with a passion. I thought Diane did a wonderful job as Marie. She gave her so much depth and emotion. I love these movies that show that Marie Antoinette was a human just like everyone else. I also liked how it didn’t just turn into a lesbian porn movie too. So many people I talked to just expected it to be sexually graphic because the movie discusses her rumored relationship with Duchess of Polignac. Their relationship in the movie was actually extremely beautiful. The scene where Marie tells her goodbye is so emotionally packed. They had such tender feeling of love and support for each other, and that had to stop. I thought all of the actors did a wonderful job. It was just an incredibly smooth and beautiful historical piece. I mean besides the rumored relationship with Duchess of Polignac, I thought the movie was very historically accurate (as far as I’ve read). It was beautifully done.

Cons: Everything built and built, but it had no real resolution. I was very unhappy with the ending. I felt like there could have been a little bit more. It was like how I felt with Lawless. Like half of the movie was missing or something. I wish there would have been more of clear conclusion.

Would I recommend it? Yes, it’s beautiful and heartfelt

Rating: 8 out 10

Side Effects

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 23:06:45 -0400

Movie Description: Emily Taylor, despite being reunited with her husband from prison, becomes severely depressed with emotional episodes and suicide attempts. Her psychiatrist, Jonathan Banks, after conferring with her previous doctor, eventually prescribes an experimental new medication called Ablixa. The plot thickens when the side effects of the drug lead to Emily killing her husband in a “sleepwalking” state. With Emily plea-bargained into mental hospital confinement and Dr. Banks’ practice crumbling around him, the case seems closed. However, Dr. Banks cannot accept full responsibility and investigates to clear his name. What follows is a dark quest that threatens to tear what’s left of his life apart even as he discovers the diabolical truth of this tragedy.

Pros: I can’t even decide who did the best job in this movie. Rooney Mara is wonderful as usual. Jude Law did a wonderful job, I went from feeling bad for his character, to hating him, to feeling bad for him again. Actually I had the same feelings for almost all of the characters. Channing died earlier than I expected, but he did better than I thought he would. What I loved about this movie was how I literally did not expect half of the things that happened. I love going to a movie where my jaw drops at least once. The suspense in this movie was insane. I also enjoyed the nice little stab this movie took at pharmaceutical companies. I think it painted a wonderful picture at how greedy those companies are and how they have an extremely utilitarian approach to medical treatment. Yeah, a person may go insane from the side effects, but hey, it helps millions of other people. I think that shows a picture of how our country thinks about everything. As long as the majority is getting pleasure or happiness from something, it doesn’t matter that it’s hurting or killing a smaller number. “The greatest good, for the greatest number”

Cons: I love Catherine Zeta Jones, but she was overacting in most of this movie. I enjoyed the nice little twist at the end though. She definitely got justice for being greedy. Besides that, I really did not have much complaints. This movie was pretty flawless.

Would I recommend it? Yes, it had some amazing performances.

Rating: 9 out 10

The Master

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 22:55:00 -0400

Movie Description: Returning from Navy service in World War II, Freddie Quell drifts through a series of PTSD-driven breakdowns. Finally he stumbles upon a cult which engages in exercises to clear emotions and he becomes deeply involved with them.

Pros: Almost everything about this movie was wonderful. Joaquin
Phoenix has a rare quality that’s hard to come by with actors. I feel like his role in this movie was so sincere and unique. First off, all of the colors were so vivid and bright in this movie. Anderson also has a knack for catching people in really unique views. I also liked the way this movie went about portraying cults. It creeps up on you. I didn’t honestly think anything was wrong until the scene where everyone was dancing around naked. I think this movie may have also been really intriguing to me because it was the first Blu-Ray I’ve played on my new player. So I was practically drooling over the colors and details. Besides the surfaces details, Joaquin’s character had such a curiosity about him, and he said such simple things that had a lot of meaning behind them. I felt so awful for him the whole time, I kept thinking he would start to get better, and then he would fail again. I think my favorite scene in the movie was the last talk that Freddie had with the Master. It brought tears to my eyes, and will forever haunt me. Freddie’s eyes and face during that scene just stick out in my mind. He looked so unwell, but at the same time like he had just realized what his life was meant for. It was so beautiful.

Cons: The sexuality was a little too blatant for my liking. I understand it was necessary to the plot, but I could have done without a lot of it. And the part where Joaquin farts and then laughs about it for like five minutes.

Would I recommend it? Yes, it is such an odd watch though, so be prepared for nudity, sex and a lot of awkwardness.

Rating: 9 out 10

I’ll have movie reviews for The Master and Side Effects in a few days! I have a lot to say...

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:19:05 -0400

I’ll have movie reviews for The Master and Side Effects in a few days! I have a lot to say about both of them!

Coming soon! Along with Oz, and the Master

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 23:22:24 -0500

Coming soon! Along with Oz, and the Master

The Last Temptation of Christ

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 23:17:26 -0500

Movie Description: The carpenter Jesus of Nazareth, tormented by the temptations of demons, the guilt of making crosses for the Romans, pity for men and the world, and the constant call of God, sets out to find what God wills for him. But as his mission nears fulfillment, he must face the greatest temptation: the normal life of a good man. Based, not on the Gospels, but on Nikos Kazantzakis’ novel of the same name.

Pros: Willem Dafoe as Jesus was already enough to get me to watch the movie. I think what I enjoyed most about this movie was the view of the typical Christianity story completely twisted around. I thought it was incredibly interesting to hear a different perspective or thought about the crucifixion tale. There was also the appeal because of how many people were incredibly offended by this movie. That made me want to watch it all the more. Any movie that I’m gonna “go to hell” if I watch, is right up my alley. But on another note, Willem did a wonderful job in this movie. I think this may be one of his most versatile roles. I think his role offended many people because Willem portrayed Jesus as an average man who had average problems and ails. I loved that his character doubted God for at least half of the movie, and was a coward for the most part. Harvey Keitel also did a wonderful job. He gave the character Judas more depth than you ever hear of in normal stories. And the scene where Jesus told him that he was going to betray him, that was one of the most emotionally electric scenes I have ever seen in a film. I think the acting in this film is what made it worth watching. I also loved Bowie’s appearance! I didn’t notice it the first time through because of Willem’s flowing golden locks!

Cons: A lot of this movie was incredibly awkward. I also think the dialogue could have been stronger in some parts. The ending was also kind of anti climatic. I didn’t see the twist with Satan coming, but I wish they would have left everything in turmoil and chaos.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but not if you have your beliefs set in stone and get offended easily.

Rating: 7 out 10

Warm Bodies

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 23:04:12 -0500

Movie Description: With much of the future world’s population rendered into an undead horde, R is a young, and oddly introspective, zombie. On a feeding encounter with a human gathering party, R meets Julie and feels an urge to protect her. What happens with that is the beginnings of a strangely warm relationship that causes R to start to regain his humanity. As this change spreads throughout the undead population, Julie and R eventually find they are facing a larger issue even as their friendship is challenged. Caught between the paranoid human forces and the ferocious Bonie zombies who are a mutual threat, R and Julie must find a way to bridge the sides to fight for a better world no one thought possible.

Pros: I was intrigued by the idea of a zombie story that wasn’t so..overdone. This movie also looked incredibly funny on top of that. I was impressed with the creativity of the story. As my friend pointed out, it’s like a really fucked up Romeo and Juliet story. I thought that it was also a sad message about humanity too. That humans eventually are going to need a little love and kindness to get humanity back. This movie was a refreshing take on the whole supernatural love trend. It actually didn’t suck, and it was intelligent.

Cons: The ending was a little too mushy romantic for me. But I don’t think I would have wanted it to end any other way.

Would I recommend it? Yes, it’s incredibly funny and actually pretty touching at times.

Rating: 9.5 out 10

That Obscure Object Of Desire (Cet obscur objet du désir)

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:57:12 -0500

Movie Description: Just after boarding a train, much to the surprise of his fellow passengers, a man pours a bucket of water over a young girl on the platform. Over the next few hours he explains (and we see in flashback) how he became obsessed by her (so much so that he failed to notice that she was played by two different actresses, representing different sides of her personality), and how she tantalized him, but would never allow him to satisfy his desire for her…

Pros: Okay, so where to begin? I heard about this movie when I was still in my film class. The professor mentioned that the main actress had to stop acting like half ways through the film, so they had to get another women. I was intrigued as to how that worked out on film. I mean the first thing that popped in my mind was how this was like a version of Lolita with older people (an older girl at least). I was impressed with colors and scenery more than anything. The way the second actress was put into the plot worked out amazingly. At times, I kind of lost track of who was who with the women. I think that was intentional too. I’m just conflicted about whether or not I liked the plot of this movie or not. I still have not made up my mind yet.

Cons: I thought the movie kind of dragged on after a while, and the ending was just lacking in something. I felt like something was missing. I had a incredibly rape-y feel (for lack of a better term). But I think that might have been the point?

Would I recommend it? I think so? I’m still not sure how I feel about it.

Rating: 6.5 out 10

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:44:14 -0500

Movie Description: Based on the novel written by Stephen Chbosky, this is about 15-year-old Charlie (Logan Lerman), an endearing and naive outsider, coping with first love (Emma Watson), the suicide of his best friend, and his own mental illness while struggling to find a group of people with whom he belongs. The introvert freshman is taken under the wings of two seniors, Sam and Patrick, who welcome him to the real world.

Pros: Okay, first off, this is one of my absolute favorite books. I was incredibly nervous to watch it for fear that it wouldn’t do the book any justice. I was so wrong. Logan Lerman does such an amazing job as Charlie. He gave the character so much depth. I love the message this movie conveys. The book really helped me through some hard times in my life, and I think everyone feels like an outcast or a loser at some point in their life. I’m very glad that there were some direct quotes from the book included. I just have a giant list of things I loved about this movie. It left me in tears because of how beautiful it was. That moment where the audience is feeling infinite while David Bowie is playing in the tunnel just as much as Charlie is.

Cons: I wish the storyline with Paul Rudd would have continued more like it does in the book, I think it really showed more about Charlie’s character.

Would I recommend it? Yes, it is one book to movie adaptation that worked so well!

Rating: 10 out 10

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:32:56 -0500

Movie Description: Faced with both her hot-tempered father’s fading health and melting ice-caps that flood her ramshackle bayou community and unleash ancient aurochs, six-year-old Hushpuppy must learn the ways of courage and love.

Pros: The raw emotion and curiosity in this movie was absolutely beautiful. I know my review is a little late, but I’ve watched this movie three times before I did this review. This movie perfectly captures a child’s imagination and their search for finding where they belong in the world. I thought this was a wonderful view of life in the bayou. Some people think this was offensive and portrayed New Orleans in a bad light, but I beg to differ. I think it shows that people can persevere and learn even in the worst conditions. I think what made me even more in awe of this movie was the fact that the father was not an actor. That somehow made the performances a little more real and raw. I was just blown away at the depth and beauty of this movie. Hush Puppy’s character had so many insightful things to say about human nature.

Cons: I think some of the scenes were unnecessary There were many things that could have been cut that would not have taken away from the film as a whole.

Would I recommend it? Yes, if you watch this and don’t shed at least one tear, you do not have a heart.

Rating: 10 out 10

Salma Hayek wore Alexander McQueen (;

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:46:45 -0500

I thought it was McQueen, but I wasn’t sure! I left out the designers that I didn’t hear when they came on. I loved her dress though, it was absolutely beautiful.

I’ll have some movie reviews and my picks for 2012 coming out tomorrow! I apologize for the...

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:45:21 -0500

I’ll have some movie reviews and my picks for 2012 coming out tomorrow! I apologize for the neglect on here. I have had life going on. Since I watched the Oscars, I’ve gotten some inspiration to post.

Oscars 2013 Best Dressed

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:43:00 -0500

Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen

Charlize Theron in Dior Couture

Kerry Washington

Jennifer Lawrence-the necklace was a very elegant touch.

Daniel Radcliffe

Sally Fields wearing Valentino

Naomi Watts in Armani

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen

Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive

Joseph-Gordon Levitt in Gucci

Anne Hathaway in Prada

Catherine Zeta Jones in Zuhair Murad

Looper

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:55:32 -0500

Movie Description: In 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent 30 years into the past, where a hired gun awaits. Someone like Joe, who one day learns the mob wants to ‘close the loop’ by transporting back Joe’s future self.

Pros: This movie has two of my favorite actors, and they both did an great job. I thought the plot of this movie had a really cool idea. It was very unique and well executed. Joseph keeps on amazing me with all of the different styles of roles he can play. He had my heart with 500 Days of Summer. I thought the prosthetics he used really did make him look more like Bruce Willis, and Joseph really learned Bruce’s mannerisms very well. The direction of this movie seemed really innovative and fresh. I enjoyed the movie a lot, it definitely kept my attention. I honestly had no idea where it was gonna go next.

Cons: I thought the ending could have been way better. I mean this is awful, but I feel like things would have been better if the terrifying telepathic child would have died. But that may just be me!

Would I recommend it? Yes, it’s an innovative futuristic movie for once.

Rating: 8 out 10