Never fear, I'm still a junkie

Thought I'd do a quick lunchtime update. It appears as though I haven't watched any movies if you look at my last entry!! Wow. Never fear, that's not the case. I'm still an addict...just apparently a lazy one. Actually, I must say that I didn't watch many movies while in school. One night a couple of us hung out and ate sushi while watching Transamerica...but that was about it.

What else have I been watching? Well, I'll list 'em out with a quick rating. BTW, if any of you are also Netflix subscribers and want to link up as friends there let me know. There's way too many to give details on what I thought about these movies, so all I'll add is a quick rating. I'm not entirely sure if anyone actually reads this one anyway...especially given my lack of updating!!! Sorry about that.

Imagine Me & You - 3 stars

The Greatest Game Ever Played - 4 stars

The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada - 3 stars

Eight Below -4 stars. And, yes...I cried

Green Street Hooligans - 4 stars

King Kong - 4 stars. I did NOT cry. Cori on the other hand......

Munich - 3 stars

Shopgirl - 3 stars

Something New - 4 stars

The Family Stone - 4 stars

Aeon Flux - 3 stars

Cassanova - 3 stars

Good Bye, Lenin - 2 stars

An Unfinished Life - 4 stars

Mrs. Henderson Presents - 4 stars

L'Auberge Espagnole - 4 stars

Pride and Prejudice - 4 stars

Memoirs of a Geisha - 4 stars

Fun with Dick and Jane - 3 stars

The Squid and the Whale - 3 stars

Zathura - 4 stars...Yes, 4.

Prime - 3 stars

Chicken Little - 3 stars

Everything is Illuminated - 5 stars

Good Night and Good Luck - 4 stars

Two for the Money - 3 stars

Corpse Bride - 3 stars

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio - 4 stars

Junebug - 3 stars

Fire - 3 stars

Movie Spotlight: In Her Shoes (comedy)

Again, I have a movie in the spotlight that isn't necessarily a FANTASTIC must see movie, though I did give this 4 out of 5 stars. It was a cute movie. Two sisters with only 3 things in common: 1) their taste in shoes; 2) shoe size; and 3) their taste in men. When one sister crosses the line a bit too far it seems they will never speak again...but when she discovers a long lost grandmother events begin to unfold that may make them closer than ever. Stars Toni Collette, Cameron Diaz and Shirly Maclaine (all of whom I enjoy).

So why spotlight this movie? Well, let me tell you. Sometimes, though not always, I'll venture into the Special Features realm of movies I've rented (I do go there all the time in movies I own). For this movie, there was a featurette...I can't remember the name, but it was something like from Death Row to the Red Carpet...clearly this was about the dog in the movie. How can I resist that?

The original script called for a purebed pug...but the director made an intentional choice to go for a mixed breed. Why? Well, because of the number of dogs that are often adopted immediately following a movie and then subsequently dumped. He figured if nothing else, maybe this would encourage people to get a mixed breed.

The dog was a pug mix, very cute, who was sure enough rescued from a shelter. Excellent!

A whole lotta catching up!

Walk the Line Drama The life and times of Johnny Cash. Not much more to say than that.I'm not really a big fan of Johnny Cash. This is not to say I don't like him. I like most of what I've heard of his music, but really don't know much about him. Joaquin Phoenix does a fantastic job in this movie as does Reese Witherspoon. I really liked this movie. 4 out of 5.

Nine Lives Drama It is what it says. This movie takes a look at the lives of 9 women. You get a glimpse of just a few moments of their lives. There are some rather intense, uncomfortable moments in the movie...but we were both drawn in. Until the end. Credits began to roll and Cori and I in unison yell "What?". We both felt a little cheated. In the time that we were introduced to the characters (at least most of them) I began to care about them and wonder what happens next. Sure my imagination could probably come up with something, but....(perhaps I am being lazy here)...I want to KNOW what happened to them. Too many unanswered questions. Excellent acting. All brings it to a 3 out of 5.

Elizabethtown Drama Nothing's going right for Drew. He's lost his job (and a whole lotta money for his company), his girlfriend breaks up with him and his father dies. He must now go to get his father's body. On the way he falls in love with a flight attendant. Ok, now you don't need to see it. The only thing I liked about the movie was at the end the flight attendant has mapped out a route across country for him to drive with his father's ashes, complete with music and unique "must see" items. Let me be clear, what I liked about that was the concept. I'd love to drive across country (preferably in the summer with the top down on the mini) and to have a guide and music like that would be awesome. I did not necessarily like those scenes in the movie. I gave this a 2 out of 5. I did finish it...otherwise it would be a 1.

North Country Drama Based on a true story it covers the sexual harrassment trial (and the events that lead up to it) of one of the first women miners in a Minnesota iron mine in the 70s. It was unbelievable to me that not so long ago these women went through such incredible harrassment...though I guess honestly I'm not entirely surprised having worked for so many years in a very male dominated industry. Another excellent role for Charlize Theron...not to mention Francis Mcdormand.

Just Like Heaven Romantic Comedy A writer moves into a great (and furnished) apartment in San Francisco, available only on a month to month basis because of a family tragedy. However the apartment comes with a little more than he bargained for. A young woman appears insisting that the apartment is hers, then promptly vanishes into thin air. He thinks she's a ghost, she believes she's very much alive. They search for the truth and in the meantime fall in love. Stars Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo (both of whom I like). Ok, as hokey as it may sound I liked it. 4 out of 5.

Proof Drama While a brilliant mathematician suffers from a mental disorder, one of his daughters cares for him...then later struggles to come to terms with his death and her life. She has inheirited his genius, but will she also inherit has illness? Little bit slow, but not bad. 3 out of 5.

Rent Musical Suprisingly I've never seen this musical onstage, but thought I'd go ahead and check it out as a movie. Follows the lives of a group of friends as they deal with love, loss, AIDs and trying to make ends meet. Maybe it just didn't translate to film well, but I really didn't care much for this one. I gave it 2 out of 5. If half-stars were possible on Netflix it might get a 2.5.

Don't Tell Anyone Foreign A young man in Peru comes to terms with his sexuality. Acting was ok, the plot was just too much. If I like a movie, or at least a drama, it's because I care about the characters. That didn't happen here in the least bit. Not worth the time I spent. 2 out of 5.

Saw 2 Horror Really, I'm not sure about the horror classification. Thriller maybe. Anyway...our favorite killer (who doesn't actually kill) "Jigsaw" is back. I was a big fan of the first movie, though I must confess I watched most of it from between my fingers. Figured I'd see how this one was. This time he's collected a number of people with one thing in common in a house and is slowly poisoning them. In the house he has also hidden a limited supply of antidote. What would they be willing to do to try and get it? This one was ok. I didn't like it near as much as the first. Cori put it best when she describe it as too chaotic. There were just way too many people in that house. In the end, they did try to throw in a little bit of a twist (nowhere NEAR as twisty as the first one) and, of course, they left the door open for yet another sequel. I think they're pushing their luck. 3 out of 5.

Movie Spotlight: Grizzly Man

First, let me be very, very clear: I am not (repeat NOT putting a quick spotlight on this movie because I liked it. Noooo. I really didn't like it. But it has sparked something.

The movie is a documentary about Timothy Treadwell, who supposedly had devoted his life to "studying" Grizzly bears in Alaska. He "lived" with the bears every summer/early fall for 13 years until in October of 2003 he and his girlfriend were mauled to death by the bears. His death and the death of his girlfriend was caught on audio tape (his video camera on with the lens cap on as well)...no, that doesn't get played during the movie.

Early on in the film, one of the gentlemen who had assisted in retrieving the remains said rather bluntly "He got what he deserved." Oooo, that was a bit harsh. Or was it? After watching the film, Cori and I both weren't so sure that it was harsh, but actually rather accurate.

Now, I know that you can't watch a documentary and believe it to be completely unbiased. However it wasn't just the narrator's words that made me come away with the opinion that I have, but Treadwell's own actions (as a majority of the film is actually Timothy's own footage).

I didn't see a man who respected these animals. I saw, rather, a boy in a man's body who wanted to be a bear...live with them, be "friends" with them. If you respect them, don't get them so completely used to people in their presence. Watch them from a distance. If you want to study them, don't interfere with nature (he moved some rocks in a stream to help direct a salmon run). He goes on a rant about the park rangers who didn't want him camping on the federally protected reserve. Although he would often have a gf with him, they were never in his footage as he wanted to give the appearance that he was always so very alone with the bears....whatever.

Any credibility he may have had goes out the window if you see this movie. He may have died doing what he loved, but his death brought on the death of 2 bears...wild animals, who should not be blamed for his death. He was in their territory, going against the safety rules his own organization posted (stay at least 100 yards from the bears). There were even times in the movie that he went up to them, touched one in the water.

More Netflix

The Legend of Zorro Adventure Zorro must save the day...again. Ok, I admit it. I liked the first one...so I pretty much disregarded all of the bad reviews. I didn't think the critics liked the first one either. The movie started off terribly slow...so slow that I actually stopped watching it and came back to it later. This is something I don't generally do. If I start a movie I typically finish it (about 98% of them, regardless of how bad they are) and I finish it in a single sitting. I just couldn't do it with this one. When I picked it up again later (about 50 minutes into it) Cori was with me. She didn't feel like she had missed a thing, and she was pretty much right. I caught her up in less than a minute. Some very, very cheesy (read "stupid") bits with Zorro and his horse...beautiful horse...that were pretty much useless, certainly not funny. Overall I gave it a 3. It was ok. If you want a brain dead movie, this would be acceptable.

Wedding Crashers Comedy Two guys who, well, crash weddings. Good food, drinks, pick up women...until one of them falls for one. Of course it can't end happily ever after half-way into the movie, because that would make for a really short movie! Fiasco happens, blah blah.....happily ever after. Why did I rent this? No idea. I knew I wasn't going to like it, but did I listen to myself? Noooo. 1 star, just because Netflix makes you give them something.

Hustle and Flow Drama A pimp wants to make it as a rapper. While the plot is pretty basic, the movie isn't. Good actors/characters. Good song...my friend Lisa and I were singing along to It's Hard Out There for a Pimp...which, btw, was nominated for an Oscar. If the plot sounds even the least bit interesting to you, rent it! 4 stars.

Just One Time Independent Guy and girl are engaged, but before getting married guy wants to have a 3-way with another woman...he doesn't want to break their vows after marriage, so they can't do it then. Girl agrees, but on one condition: Guy must agree to a 3-way also, but with a man. Ha! Interesting turn, but the movie was just ok. I kept hoping for a real twist. Like girl realizes, hmm...see ya and leaves him for the other woman (that'd teach him). Or maybe even guy realizes, uh-oh, I'm gay. Something different. But no. No different...no 3 way...but really no different. Again, blah blah blah....happily ever after.

Yesterday Foreign An African woman raising a daughter in a small village while the husband is away earning a living (and apparently fooling around) is diagnosed with HIV. Her only wish, to live long enough to see her daughter go to school. I don't want to give too much away, but this is a very powerful movie. I'd highly recommend it. 4 stars (only because I can't give it 4.5 on Netflix).

My Date With Drew Documentary Guy with a serious crush on Drew Barrymore decides to do a documentary and attempt to get a date with her. I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Wasn't sure at first if I could handle an entire movie about this, but I did! I won't give away the ending, but if you're interested email me. Gave it 4 stars.

Dark Water Thriller A newly single mom struggling to make ends meet moves to a dilapidated apartment with a serious leak and some other "issues". I totally did not expect the ending. I was a little scared (Cori was not), but no blood and gore. I gave it 3 stars. It was ok.

The Constant Gardener Thriller A man's wife is murdered in Nairobi, he takes matters into his own hands and risks his life to find out what happend. It was an interesting concept and gives you some food for thought. 3 stars. It was ok, but a bit long/slow...

Red Eye Thriller A fellow passenger seeming to be a stranger has actually targeted a woman as key in his plot to murder an executive in Homeland Security. I had much higher hopes for this movie. Categorized as a thriller, there wasn't a lot thrilling to it. It was ok, 3 stars. There are better thrillers out there. If you've seen them all, then maybe consider this.

Brokeback Mountain

One would think that now that I am jobless I would be better about updating my blog...yeah...well, I'm not :0)

We actually saw Brokeback Mountain a few weeks ago. Ooops. We thought it a good idea to do fulfill our "community support" obligation and see the movie at the theater. I think I could have just as easily waited until it came out on rental. It was well cast (clearly, given the number of Oscar nominations it has received) and believable. It was a good love story, as far as tragic heart break love stories go. I have to stay it started off a bit slow for me, but I eventually adapted to the pace of the movie.

Would I recommend it? Yes. Do you need to run right out and see it in the theater? Not so much.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

I'm afraid Cori and I have been a bit lax about our weekend matinees... but we are working on it. Our most recent movie was the Chronicles of Narnia. Both Cori and I read the book when we were young, though I think she was a bit more excited about the movie than I was. Why? Well, when I had seen the previews and the special effects looked just a bit too hokey to me.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. For the most part the special effects were ok. Casting was well done. And the overall story was maintianed nicely. If you are interested in this movie, I would recommend you see it in the theater for the visuals...but as a rental would be fine too.

Cori's favorite part of the movie: A beaver in chain mail. She still is talking about it!!

Four stars.

Netflix movies, movies, movies

Unleashed Action A young man, raised as an animal and taught to fight for his master when a collar around his neck is removed. There was a lack of consistency in this movie, which made believing what they were asking you to a bit difficult. Clearly go into this movie with the "it's just a movie" at the top of your mind and prepared to suspend all sense of reality and possibility. We gave it 3 stars. Ok for a rental, but don't expect too much.

March of the Penguins Documentary A well made documentary about penguins. Really, not sure there's more to say here. If you like penguins, watch it!The DVD extras were interesting, but after a while they all started sounding the same. We gave it 4 stars.

Serenity Sci-fi So I had heard this was based on a sci-fi television series that was cancelled, leaving many fans stranded. I had never actually seen the series (Firefly), but was intrigued. I was pleasantly surprised. Sci-fi with a sense of humor! Excellent. At first we were wondering what we were getting into. Cori looked a bit disinterested, and I was a little bored. After just a few minutes we were hooked and reeled in. 4 stars.

Herbie: Fully Loaded Family Really, do I need to tell you what this is about? It's Herbie, people. :0) I was a big fan of Herbie as a kid so, of course, had to get this one. Cori, on the other hand, had NEVER seen any Herbie movies (add this to the list of movies she hasn't seen and I'm beginning to get really concerned). She actually liked it. We went with 3 stars. Cute for what it was.

The Woodsman Drama A convicted child molester (played by Kevin Bacon) is released from prison and is trying to get a sense of normalcy is in his life. Of course, some of the content of this movie can be a bit disturbing, but the character is a likeable fellow who you want to see succeed in life and overcome his past. Not the most believeable movie in the world, with an irritating cop character whose role was only crucial in that it explained the title of the movie. He was reminiscent of the choir in Greek plays...though they were a bit more interesting and played a much more key part.

This week on Netflix

This was actually a week of decent movies. In no particular order:

Four Brothers Drama Four adopted brothers return home for their mother's funeral and discover that she may have been murdered. Seeking revenge, they search out their mother's killer(s). Well cast. Bit on the violent side. I wouldn't say this is high on serious plot, but isn't a total waste of time. Since there are no "halves" on Netflix I rounded it up to a 4 out of 5.

Lagaan Indian, Drama Set in the 1890s in India, villagers must pay taxes to the English. One particular village falls victim to an egotistical British commander who first doubles their taxes, then offers a challenge. Beat the British solidiers in a game of cricket and pay no taxes for 3 years...or pay triple taxes. Let me warn you that this movie is 3 hrs, 45 minutes. That was not a typo. The last roughly 1hr 20 minutes was nothing but the cricket match (which was set to be played for 3 days). I have to admit, I did fast forward thru some of the song/dance numbers (or at least partially). But all in all, this was a good film. It actually didn't seem too terribly long. At first I was a bit surprised that the game would take up so much time, but in the end I was cheering on the villagers and learned a few things about Cricket in the process. Even with the length I would give it 4 of 5.


The Island Sci-fi Adventure Human clones meant for spare parts hope to win a trip to "The Island", but 2 find out that things aren't as they appear and escape...attempting to tell the world. To be honest, I wasn't all that interested in this movie when it was in the theaters. Not sure why, but it just didn't draw me in enough. I actually really liked this one, giving it 4 out of 5 stars. It is very reminiscent of other films out there (and it is itself actually a remake), but holds it's own. Definitely a good rental.


The Exorcism of Emily Rose "Horror" Based on a true story this movie chronicles the trial a Catholic priest charged with negligence resulting in the death of Emily Rose (a college student believed to be possessed by 6 demons). Thru court room scenes, the lawyer defending the priest and flash backs you get a glimpse of the last few months of Emily Rose's life. I am not sure I would classify this as horror (that was the Netflix classification), but maybe a thriller or drama instead. I do have one quick commentary here: I find it interesting that the prosecting attorney (who described himself as a spiritual man who believed only the facts) would find it so easy to believe in God, but would scoff at the idea of demons. Can you really believe in God and angels, but not believe in the devil and demons?

Downfall German, Drama This drama is based on the documentary of Traudl Junge, one of Hitler's secretary's, focuses on the last few days in Hitler's bunker. This certainly isn't your typical war movie, taking you into a different perspective. I did read that it was an attempt to "humanize" Hitler. I don't think I would go so far as saying that. Charismatic, yes...he would have had to be that to commit the attrocities that he did with such loyal followers behind him...although in the end that (for the most part) came crumbling down around him. Interesting for a different angle. I gave it 3 out of 5. I wasn't blown away by it, but would recommend it.

Rumor Has It

Christmas Day it was off to the movies. We went with Rumor Has It, which opened that day. This romantic comedy is about a rumor about the book/movie The Graduate. Sarah (Jennifer Anniston) never felt as though she fit in with her family. When her grandmother (Shirley MacLaine) mentions something, Sarah becomes convinced that she now knows why she felt that way. Well cast and a fun plot, this movie makes for a nice matinee...or perhaps a rental later. This isn't a must see, but definitely a should see. I gave it 4 out of 5.

Catching up on Netflix (again)

I'm afraid I've been a bit neglectful when it comes to updating this blog. I haven't stopped watching movies, by any means. So here we go with catching up (again):

Murderball Documentary This was about Rugby athletes who happen to be wheelchair bound quadriplegics. The movie covers their bid for gold in the 2002 World Championships and the 2004 Paralympic Games. There were a lot of great story possibilities here, but it seemed (to me) like the movie spent too much time on the rival between the US team and Joe Soares (a former US player who became coach of the Canada team when he didn't make the cut as a player in the US). Overall it was ok, but with the amount of swearing and other commentary I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with children.

Ladies in Lavender DramaTwo sisters find a young man washed onshore near their home. They nurse him back to health and teach him English...later finding out that he was a talented violinist bound for the US when the ship he was on apparently sank. First, let me say I love Judi Dench and Maggie Smith in general, and they were quite good in this movie as well. They created very likeable characters, though both were a bit weak (not really what I want to see out of two very strong women). The movie was a bit slow at times. The plot was ok, but the border of reality was pushed a little too much for me considering this is something that could possibly happen. There are probably better choices out there, but if there's nothing else to rent go ahead and check this one out.

Saved! Comedy Seriously, I don't know what I was thinking. Satire about a young girl in a Christian high school that sleeps with her gay boyfriend in hopes of saving him, but ends up getting pregnant instead. There's really not much more to say than that. Predictable and just plain stupid. Don't bother.

Apres Vous French romantic comedy Antoine, a well-meaning waiter, stops a man from committing suicide in the park, then feels responsible for taking care of him. He gets Louis a job at his restaurant, gives him a place to stay, and decides to help Louis win back the girlfriend who left him. I gave it a 3 out of 5 rating. It was ok. A bit mindless and silly, but cute enough.

Kingdom of Heaven Adventure A young man takes on the responsibility of knighthood to fight against Christian crusaders who want to gain control of Jerusalem. It's an adventure film with little historical merit. Take it for what it is and it's ok. 3 of 5 stars.

Cinderella Story Romantic comedyAnd another of my "What was I thinking?" moments. "Average girl" falls in love with "school hottie" but neither know it because it all happens thru instant messaging. What do you suppose will happen when they meet face to face? Yep, you guessed it...no need to rent it.

The Skeleton Key Thriller Hospice worker, Caroline, goes to take care of an aging stroke victim in the heart of vodoo country. Creepy things are going on in the mansion, and the elderly gentleman is very afraid of something in the house. Perhaps not the most frightening of movies, but not bad. I gave it a 4 out of 5.

Playing By Heart Drama, 1998 Yeah, it's an old one, but one I hadn't seen before. 4 out of 4.

Netflix Update

Listed, again, in viewing order, not in order of preference.

The Butterfly French with subtitles Unlikely friendship between a young girl befriends an elderly neighbor and joins him on his quest for a very special butterfly. Sappy sweet, but in a good way. The young actress would give Dakota Fanning a run for her money :0) I'd recommend this one.

Desperate Housewives (The whole first season) I don't know why I never started watching this series when it first came out. For whatever reason it didn't interest me, but there must be some reason it's one of the top shows so I decided to check it out (I don't get out much right now, remember?). Damn it, I'm hooked. I was hooked from the first episode. Thank goodness Apple is selling season 2 so I can get caught up this year.

Mad Hot Ballroom Documentary Ballroom dancing taught in the public schools of New York. It was nice to hear that this is offered, giving an opportunity to kids that might not otherwise have the chance. The music was good. I know a lot of people really loved this movie, but I just wasn't drawn in. I can't even say for sure why I wasn't, but others might enjoy it.

Big Eden A gay artist goes back to his (small) hometown to take care of his dying grandfather. It was a cute movie, but I really have a hard time buying that this town is SO damn gay friendly. However there do seem to be an abnormally large number of gays in the area...maybe it's P-town in disguise? I don't know...if you can suspend reality for a while it was ok.


Eternal Really, it doesn't matter what this is about...just...just don't.

Saving Face A young woman in a traditional Chinese family who also happens to be a lesbian, dealing with her mother unexpectedly moving in at the same time she starts a new romance. Another cute movie. The ending, like Big Eden, needs a little suspension of reality...but after all it is a movie.

Devil's Playground Documentary At the age of 16, young Amish enter a period of "Rumspringa" in which they can enter the "English world" (otherwise known as the Devil's Playground). They can experiment with drinking, drugs, owning cars (oooooo). At the end they must decide to commit to the church for good (or not). It was actually very, very interesting. Recommended.

Lackawanna Blues An HBO movie based on the true story of Nanny. A woman who opens her house and heart to anyone who needs it. A heartwarming story, showing that I LOVED this movie. Highly recommended.

Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi Hebrew with subtitles Shlomi is a young man who is the primary caretaker of his family (and a wonderful cook). However in school he has a lot of trouble (many think he's not the brightest bulb). Turns out they are very wrong. I really liked this movie (as did Cori) and highly recommend it.

Me and You and Everyone We Know Wow...uhm...yeah...a bit unusual love story. At first, I wasn't sure I was even going to get through it. We stuck it out and it turned out to be ok. I wouldn't say this is a movie for all, but if odd quirkiness is good for you give it a try.

Beauty Shop What can I say? I like Queen Latifah...this character appeared in the Barbershop movies (which I liked). In this spinoff, her character moves to New York because her daughter has gotten into a performing arts school. Starting off working for a "trendy" stylist wasn't working for her, so she decides to purchase a beauty shop and make some changes. It was just ok. Not great, not terrible. If there isn't anything else available you might consider this (then again, you might not).