tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78501018581117421902024-02-18T22:07:38.412-05:00The CutNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-36650424338175021862013-08-15T09:00:00.000-04:002013-08-15T09:00:00.692-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet? - The Clan of the Cave Bear<br />
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<b>Plot: </b><i>The story begins at the moment in pre-history when the last of the Neanderthal men were becoming extinct and the superior race of Cro-Magnons were starting to supersede them. It focuses on a tribe of wandering Neanderthals who adopt a young girl named Ayla (Daryl Hannah). She grows tall, lithe, and smart. The Neanderthals accept her into their tribe, but ... Ayla begins to question the tribe's male chauvinistic presumptions. As the seasons wear on, the tribe utilizes Ayla's knowledge for their own good, while Ayla continues to try the patience of the tribe with her unspeakable feminist demands. (<a href="http://www.fandango.com/theclanofthecavebear_v9794/plotsummary">via</a>.)</i><br />
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<b>Nicole's Rating: </b>B-<br />
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<b>Yeah, He Hasn't Seen It: </b>You know, it's not the greatest movie. And I'm certainly not surprised Matt hasn't seen this. But, I wanted him to watch it because I still love it. Say what you will for its strangeness, it's completely unique and fairly well acted.<br />
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I saw this movie for the first time when I stayed home sick from school. It's an archaeological and anthropological study - the imagined life of a Neanderthal clan who end up raising a Cro-Magnons child after she loses her family in an earthquake. Maybe it was the fever, but I fell in love with it. It wasn't until much later that I realized this was a series of books by Jean M. Auel - a fantastic series which is even more anthropologically accurate than the movie, the author having done a vast amount of research on Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons.<br />
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<b>Matt's Rating: C-</b><br />
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<b>Matt's Review: </b>Most caveman movies are stupid. This is no exception. I found it boring, strange, and probably much worse than the books. I did not find it interesting at all. Considering the time period they are trying to recreate, it was well made and the acting was as good as it can get, but nothing about this interested me. It was very slow. I'm talking early 80's sci-fi slow but without all the cool fx. The problem with caveman movies is that people keep trying to recreate these "realistic" depictions of early humans. But if present day humans in their natural and real state are boring then early humans will be REALLY boring. So, when we try to make early humans interesting, it usually involves melodramatic story lines or severely stretching the truth. These early humans were not very developed as a species. This makes them inherently uninteresting, just like the movie.<br />
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<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-68972368812401154622013-07-31T09:00:00.000-04:002013-07-31T09:00:01.259-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet? - Fantastic Mr. Fox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Plot: </b><i>Mr. and Mrs. Fox live an idyllic home life with their son, Ash, and visiting young nephew, Kristopherson. But after 12 years, the bucolic existence proves too much for Mr. Fox's wild animal instincts. Soon he slips back into his old ways as a sneaky chicken thief and in doing so, endangers not only his beloved family, but the whole animal community. Trapped underground and with not enough food to go around, the animals band together to fight against the evil farmers - Boggis, Bunce and Bean - who are determined to capture the audacious, fantastic Mr. Fox at any cost. (<a href="http://www.fandango.com/fantasticmr.fox_109297/movieoverview">via</a>.)</i><br />
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<b>Nicole's Rating: </b>A+<br />
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<b>Matt Hasn't Seen This Yet? For Real?: </b>Two things I love: 1) Children's books, and so by default, Roald Dahl. And 2) Wes Anderson, whose movie <i>The Royal Tenenbaums</i> makes my top two of all time list. Still, I was really skeptical of the combination of these two things that I love, not realizing just how perfect the pairing could be.<br />
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Voice acted by a fabulous cast (George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, etc) and animated via the wonderfully nostalgic stop-motion art form - <i>The Fantastic Mr. Fox</i> manages to capture both the whimsical nature of the book and the depth of emotion usually conveyed by the super talented Mr. Anderson.<br />
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I have a feeling that Matt will be as pleasantly surprised as I was.<br />
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<b>Matt's Rating: </b>B+<br />
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<b>Matt's Review: </b>Pleasantly surprised? Yes. Pleasantly surprised enough to give it an A+? No.<br />
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I really enjoyed the movie. I was afraid that it was going to be Wes Anderson trying to make a children's movie, which to me spells disaster. Luckily, Anderson did the opposite. He made a children's book into a watchable movie that most people, specifically adults, can enjoy. The voice acting is great (specifically George Clooney and Jason Schwartzman). The stop motion is great because it is not the typical stop motion we used to from Tim burton but rather something mroe old school which gave it a <i>fantastic</i> (see what I did there) nostalgic feel. This helped to cause it to have a Wes Anderson feel, which is always something I look forward to (I would say enjoy, but thats not the right word is it?).<br />
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My complaint is that I felt that sometimes it went all over the place. I remember not being sure why certain characters were doing certain things and it was a little cheesy at times. It was a good movie but not nearly as good as Anderson's best live action movies. Therefore, it can't get an A....but it can come pretty damn close.<br />
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I do find myself clicking a whistling whenever I have a good idea now though, which is kind of annoying.<br />
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<b><i>What about you? What did you love about this Wes Anderson/Roald Dahl stop-animation classic? Leave us your thoughts in the comments! </i></b>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-49503644047461340822013-07-17T09:00:00.000-04:002013-07-17T09:00:00.176-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet? - Newsies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Plot: </b><i>A failed effort to revive the big-budget movie musical, Newsies attempted to create toe-tapping, song and dance excitement out of the true story of an 1899 strike by newspaper boys against publishing magnate Joseph Pulitzer. The "newsies" band together to protest a pay cut by Pulitzer (Robert Duvall), organizing a union to protect their rights and ensure fair wages. They are helped along the way by Medda (Ann-Margret), a local dance-hall performer who befriends the boys. Unable to connect with older or younger viewers, Newsies gained a reputation as a major bomb that cut short an attempt to bring back the live-action musical, though in the intervening years it has gained a small but appreciative cult. (<a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/newsies/22319/synopsis">via</a>.)</i><br />
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<b>Nicole's Rating: </b>A-<br />
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<b>She Can't Believe He Hasn't Seen This Yet: </b>To be honest, I wasn't surprised he hadn't seen this movie. Newsies fits one major demographic - chicks my age now who were around elementary school age when this came out and who were/are absolutely in love with Christian Bale as Jack Kelly. That being said, and even though Matt is the manliest man I know (...), I know he's got a thing for musicals. Newsies is an historical musical about the 1899 newsboy strike in New York City. It's a very good story about courage and standing up for what is right. The music is pretty darn good as well - 'Carrying the Banner,' and 'King of New York,' being two of my favorites.<br />
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Incidentally, Matt took me to see the Broadway version of this musical, which came out not too long ago. I've always felt like this was something that would translate really well to the stage. And it did, for the most part. However, unnecessary changes were made and I left the theater feeling rather 'meh' about the whole thing.<br />
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Maybe I just love the movie too much.<br />
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<b>Matt's Rating: C+</b><br />
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<b>Matt's Review: </b>The songs get stuck in your head. That's the first thing you realize as you make your way through the movie. Christian Bale is good and it's humorous to see him sing and dance knowing years later he plays a sociopath who keeps hooker heads in his fridge.<br />
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I do have a thing for musicals. I think a good musical can bring out a lot of powerful emotions from of its audience. And while Newsies is a very fun musical (with an interesting plot), that's all it is. The dancing is good, the singing is decent, and the tempo of the movie is just as fast as any classic Disney film. But ultimately there's nothing deeper to this. They tease at a love story that is never truly explored. There's a wonderful solo in the opening song sung by a mom looking for her lost son, but then we never see or hear from her again. Bill Pullman's story and Jack Kelly's arc are the only things that are given any real depth. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and the music is great but it's missing the extra stuff that good musicals have. It's directed by the guy that did the High School musical movies, which might explain the lack of true emotion. Plus, I guess I just don't have enough teenage girl in me to truly like this movie.....and by enough I mean none....I was trying to allude to what Nicole said.....I LIKE STEAK AND FOOTBALL!!!<br />
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<b><i>What did you think? Love this movie? Did we inspire you to see it? Leave your thoughts in the comments! </i></b>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-88615433468120765592013-07-05T09:08:00.000-04:002013-07-05T09:08:00.166-04:00The Lone Ranger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Plot: </b>Native American warrior Tonto recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice. (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1210819/?ref_=sr_1">via.</a>)</div>
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<b>Matt's Rating: C+</b></div>
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<b>Matt's Review: </b>I can't get that god damned <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUpDG680uew">William Tell</a> song out of my head.</div>
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There's not much substance to this summer blockbuster. It's a fun film that is loaded with runaway trains, gun fights, and leaping white horses, but it lacks any of the things that make good superhero movies...good. You never truly root for the Lone Ranger, it's incredibly predictable, and none of the characters have any depth.</div>
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Armie Hammer actually does a decent job of portraying this new Lone Ranger. The problem lies in the fact that he's too goofy. This is not the fault of Hammer but its just how Gore Verbinski and the writers have transformed the character. If you're looking for an intense new Lone Ranger, you wont find it here. And ultimately that's the biggest problem with the film. There is virtually no change in Armie Screwdriver's character. He starts as the anti-gun slightly bumbling lawyer named John Reid and transforms into a gun wielding bumbling guy in a mask named The Lone Ranger. He never finds that edge that you would hope your new hero of the west would have.</div>
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There is also no theme or message in this action packed summer flick. Where films like Man of Steel, Dark Knight, and Iron Man show the origins of heroes with a solid theme or subplot, Lone Ranger just shows his quirky origins without any of the additional elements needed to tell a compelling story.</div>
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The movie tries to get a little dark at times but never holds that mood long enough to maintain a constant tone. We watch through a reflection in John Reid's eyes as a man cuts out another man's heart and eats it. But this gory moment, and the feelings that come with it, is never replicated. So, in the end this scene sticks in your mind simply because it was out of place.</div>
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While in the <i>Pirate </i>films Verbinski showed us why he is a talented version of Michael Bay, in Lone Ranger he misses in all the ways he succeeded during his last franchise. The action sequences are a little too long, the characters are flat, and the suspense is virtually non-existent.</div>
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On the bright side, Johnny Depp is great and he and Armie Crowbar have really good chemistry. In fact, they are the sole reason I could add the "+" to the" C" I was going to give the film. Depp brings the same life and comedy to Tonto that he brought to his part in Pirates. In fact his scenes with the white horse (another bright spot in the film) are some of the best moments in the film. But it might not be a good thing that the best parts of a movie are between your highest paid actor and an animal. </div>
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It's a fun summer movie but nothing more than that. </div>
<br />Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16668305055310135224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-17784190021340108932013-07-02T09:00:00.000-04:002013-07-02T09:00:02.017-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet? - The Proposal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Plot: </b><i>Sandra Bullock stars... as a Canadian immigrant who creates a demanding and difficult work environment for her subordinates at the office. When the news arrives that she's about to be deported to the Great White North, she rushes into a marriage of convenience with her young assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to prevent such a catastrophe from occurring. (<a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-proposal/30250/synopsis">via.</a>)</i><br />
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<b>Nicole's Rating: </b>A<br />
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<b>Matt Hasn't Seen this Chick Flick!: </b>I'm not a great lover of chick-flicks or anything overly romantic or objectifying. Nicholas Sparks can go to hell, as far as I'm concerned. However, when I find a good one that I think works on multiple levels, <a href="http://thecutmovieblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/you-havent-seen-that-yet-bridget-joness.html">I'm enthusiastic in my endeavors to prove that it's also good enough for a man</a>. Just because it's marketed at females doesn't mean it has to be lady only, 'naw'mean?<br />
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Sandra, aka Sandy, Bullock is a ridiculously underrated actress (or at least she was up until 2009, when both <i>The Proposal </i>and <i>The Blind Side</i> came out. Sandy got her due!). She's hilarious. I love her. I love almost everything she does. I mean, 2009 was also the year of <i>All About Steve</i>, a movie I did <b>not</b> see that was, by all accounts, horrible. Sandy won a Razzie for her role in that film, and actually showed up to graciously accept the award! Girl is as cool as they get.<br />
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Anyway, I thought <i>The Proposal</i> was great. Not only is Sandra Bullock <i>THE BEST</i>, but Betty-can-do-no-wrong-White also has a small role in the movie as Grandma Annie. And, you know, Ryan Reynolds is in it. And he's hot. In fact, he may be in Matt's mantourage. Or at least only one or two actors removed from actually making the mantourage. (Matt carefully maintains who stays in his mantourage. It's a big deal.) <br />
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<b>Matt's Rating: </b>B<br />
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<b>Matt's Review: </b>Nicole tends to hand out "A's" like hotcakes. Fortunately for the sake of mediocre movies everywhere, I do not.<br />
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First off, I saw this movie a while ago and it's a little fuzzy to me. But, I do remember liking the chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds. I also think I laughed out loud quite a bit, which is something of a rarity with me. So, that's good.<br />
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But let's move on to something more important: All this business about my "mantourage." This needs to be straightened out ASAP. First off, a "mantourage" may sound a little...odd. These are the dudes in Hollywood I would want to go to a bar dressed in a suit with, drink with, and cause ruckus with. Picture Oceans 11. It's Robinson's 5 (Why 5? 'Cause I have standards). As of now it's pretty much the cast from Ocean's 11 too: Matt Damon, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt start the group. Rounding out my 5 imaginary drinking buddies are Nathan Fillian and Val Kilmer (though Kilmer has been fairly invisible recently. Not good, Val! Get yourself in check). There are guys waiting in the wings like Jack Nicholson, Ryan Reynolds, Bill Murray and Bruce Willis, but there simply isn't enough room. Make no mistake, this group has nothing to do with acting talent. These are the guys I want to take to a bar. This is the group of guys that have you thinking "Tonight's going to be a great night, in the worst ways possible." Think about turning to your girlfriend and going, "If you don't hear from me in ten hours just assume I'm either passed out on Brad Pitt's couch or I'm in Vegas with George. Either way, my cell's dying so text Kilmer if you really need to reach me." Picture yourself striding into a bar with <i>that</i> diverse group: Clooney, Pitt, Kilmer, Damon, and Fillian. Boom.<br />
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Anyway, The Proposal was decent.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-10882650736793256772013-06-27T09:00:00.000-04:002013-06-27T09:00:00.352-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet? - There Will Be Blood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Plot: </b><i>The story chronicles the life and times of one Daniel Plainview, who transforms himself form a down-and-out silver miner raising a son on his own into a self-made oil tycoon. When Plainvew gets a mysterious tip-off that there's a little town out West where an ocean of oil is oozing out of the ground, he heads with this son, H.W., to take their chances in the dust-worn Little Boston. In this hardscrabble town, where the main excitement centers around the holy roller church of charismatic preacher Eli Sunday. Plainview and H.W. make their lucky strike. But even as the well raises all of their fortunes, nothing will remain the same as conflicts escalate and every human value - love, hope, community, belief, ambition and even the bond between father and son - is imperiled by corruption, deception and the flow of oil. (<a href="http://www.fandango.com/therewillbeblood_102908/movieoverview">via</a>)</i><br />
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<b>Matt's Rating:</b> A<br />
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<b>Why He's Appalled Nicole Hasn't Seen It:</b> Two reasons - 1) Paul Thomas Anderson and 2) Daniel Day Lewis. Nicole LOVES <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0175880/">Magnolia</a> and so I always assumed she was a big fan of P.T. Anderson. All his movies have a distinct feel and <i>There Will Be Blood</i> holds true to that. Daniel Day Lewis won the Oscar for this role and it is a performance any movie fan should watch. Some argue that it's the same character from <i>Gangs of New York</i> but I think if you go back and watch each film you will see the subtle differences in each one. Anderson's mastery can be seen as each scene and every shot serves an important purpose to the story and characters (plus it's beautifully shot). I'm not usually a big fan of character driven films (I'm much more of a traditional plot/theme driven guy) but the characters, actors, and the way the film was crafted has always stuck with me. Its one of the few movies I remember thinking as I watched it "This is not a movie, it's a <i>film." </i>It is the complete package. Also, since 2007 I can't remember a drama coming out that had people quoting it. I. Drink. Your. Milkshake.<br />
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<b>Nicole's Rating: </b>A+<br />
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<b>Nicole's Review: </b>This was one of those films where - I feel like I cheated myself in waiting so long to see it. I was truly missing out. It was amazing in all aspects - story, dialogue, cinematography, acting. Tension threads throughout the film, building from the accident which makes Plainview a father in the very beginning, through Plainview's "redemption" as forced by the zealot, Eli Sunday, and eventually to the shocking final scene:<br />
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<i>Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, that's the straw, you see? You watching? And my straw reaches across the room, and starts to drink your milkshake. I. Drink. Your. Milkshake! I drink it up! </i><br />
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Also, we all know Daniel Day-Lewis is probably one of the most, if not THE most, talented actors out there today. He's turns films to gold. I even like <i>Gangs of New York</i>, even though Matt hates it. But, I was also really pleased with Paul Dano's performance in this movie. I loved him in <i>Little Miss Sunshine </i>and was happy to see what a great actor he is. I know he's done some indie flicks since this - I think I need to catch up on some Dano.<br />
<br />Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16668305055310135224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-90715933753588708332013-06-18T08:30:00.000-04:002013-06-18T08:30:00.301-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet? - The Quiet Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelsKXln8-TtiA5Ky9fR3YfOl-7nQS6GDrijSpK90Ab622tqqLDPtINtWceKj5OsaTjH_d76U_UCOs6sNb4r6qXkqQyLmRtUMlBO4jeAafuZ1B9N44Ge8zicAjv4ltjjCT556rneLR_vBz/s640/blogger-image-69821252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelsKXln8-TtiA5Ky9fR3YfOl-7nQS6GDrijSpK90Ab622tqqLDPtINtWceKj5OsaTjH_d76U_UCOs6sNb4r6qXkqQyLmRtUMlBO4jeAafuZ1B9N44Ge8zicAjv4ltjjCT556rneLR_vBz/s640/blogger-image-69821252.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Plot:<i> </i></b><i>Irish-American boxer, Sean Thornton, recovering from the trauma of having accidentally killed a man in the ring, arrives in the Irish village where he was born. Hoping to bury his past and settle down to a life of tranquility, Thornton has purchased the home of his birth from a wealthy local widow, a transaction that has incurred the wrath of the pugnacious squire, Victor McLaglen, who coveted the property for himself. Thornton falls in love with McLaglen's beautiful, high-spirited sister Mary Kate. Her insistence that Thornton conduct his courtship in a proper Irish manner... is but one obstacle to their future happiness: the other is McLaglen, who spitefully refuses to give his consent to his sister's marriage, or to honor the tradition of paying a dowry to Thornton. Sean could care less about dowries, but the tradition-bound Mary Kate refuses to consummate her marriage until McLaglen pays up, or Sean fights for her - something he is loathe to do. (<a href="http://www.fandango.com/thequietman_v39907/plotsummary">via</a>.)</i><br />
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<b>Nicole's Rating:</b> A<br />
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<b>Why She's Appalled Matt Hasn't Seen It: </b>The Quiet Man is a gorgeous Irish American classic starring the most amazing and most compatible John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. He's an American boxing lad returning to his childhood land, and she's a fiery Irish lass who takes no crap from anyone: not from her brother who refuses to give her her own dowry, nor her husband who refuses to fight for it. She's a sassy little broad. <br />
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I watch this movie about once a year, around St. Patty's Day with a pint or a shot'o'whiskey. It's hilarious and beautiful. <br />
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<b>Matt's Rating:</b> C<br />
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<b>Matt's Review:</b> I know, I know. Irish American classic, great chemistry, fantastic romance. Whatever. I don't know why but I never got emotionally invested in the film. I liked John Wayne's character but she was kind of meh. It's beautifully shot and the moment where he whips her back into the cabin as wind swirls around her is perfect but nothing else about this thing sticks in my head. I think I liked the Irish townsfolk better then anything else. WAIT! Something else does stick in my head. Him dragging her across the Irish landscape for what felt like 3 fucking hours!!!! If that's Irish romance then I don't want to be Irish anymore. Except for Guinness. Mmmmmmmm Guinness.<br />
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-36246157931201278742013-06-12T09:00:00.000-04:002013-06-12T11:56:23.255-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet? - Let The Right One In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1B_ji7ACgHGJY7OJjSehon1_kK29mktgUo1xRHOsmtKLWfPZLKpwfMJKlToOVkNO-tfZY9Tfg8o5lfi21GKm711kIacWwaaRb5IQHNrMrUnOZh3g6aJ4mU_W_nd1XsWx2i9J0m98ozz0/s1600/MV5BMjE1OTY2MTM5MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzQ5Mjc5MQ@@._V1_SX214_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1B_ji7ACgHGJY7OJjSehon1_kK29mktgUo1xRHOsmtKLWfPZLKpwfMJKlToOVkNO-tfZY9Tfg8o5lfi21GKm711kIacWwaaRb5IQHNrMrUnOZh3g6aJ4mU_W_nd1XsWx2i9J0m98ozz0/s400/MV5BMjE1OTY2MTM5MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzQ5Mjc5MQ@@._V1_SX214_.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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<b>Plot:</b> <i>Oskar, a bullied 12-year old, dreams of revenge. He falls in love with Eli, a peculiar girl. She can't stand the sun or food and to come into a room she needs to be invited. Eli gives Oskar the strength to hit back but when he realizes that Eli needs to drink other people's blood to live he's faced with a choice. How much can love forgive? Set in the Stockholm suburb of Blackeberg in 1982. </i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139797/">via</a><br />
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<b>Matt's Rating:</b> A-<br />
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<b>Why He's Appalled Nicole's Never Seen It:</b> It's not so much that I'm appalled she hasn't seen it, it's more that I really <i>wanted</i> her to see it. Both of us being English majors, we have learned to despise the teenage vampire love genre (they have their own section in the book stores now...really makes you lose some faith in humanity doesn't it?). But having taken a young adult literature course as an undergrad I read the Twilight books, as did she. So whenever Nicole and I would hate on the series as a whole, this inevitably led to Nicole talking about how she dislikes the whole theme of vampire love. At which point I tell her she really needs to see this film to give her faith that even cliche stories can be told correctly. You can see my review of the film from when I used to blog for the Albany Times Union <a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/movies/tag/let-the-right-one-in/">here</a>. To sum it up: the film can drag a bit but it's creepy, moving, startling, and dark. All the things a true vampire "love" story should be (not filled with teenage angst and bad actors). It's a foreign film that I really think movie buffs, like Nicole, will appreciate.<br />
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<b>Nicole's Rating: </b>A<br />
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<b>Nicole's Review: </b>Just two things I want to say before I give you my opinion - 1) Does paranormal romance actually have its own section now in the bookstore? I'm guessing he means Barnes & Noble - which I don't frequent anymore. <a href="http://indiebound.org/">Indie Bookstores all the way</a>! And 2) <b>MATT</b> is the reason I picked up that vile book (Twilight) and why - despite knowing better! - I read each and every one. I'm so disgusted with myself.<br />
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I don't think I shied away from this strictly because it was a vampire romance. Rather, I didn't want to watch it because I thought it would be scary - and horror and I don't mix very well. But this wasn't. Sure, it was very dark and often pretty creepy, but it was also strangely and (to steal a word from Matt's TU review) disturbingly beautiful. Oskar and Eli are two lonely people - one an awkward child and the other a child vampire who, because of her condition, has no family and very few people she can call friend. Oskar and Eli's love is born out of this loneliness and the need to feel understood and loved, and the implications are shocking and sad - especially when you compare the relationship between Oskar and Eli to that of Eli's previous caretaker, <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">HÃ¥kan. Were he and Eli once in love, as Oskar and Eli are now? Will Oskar suffer the same fate - one day growing too old and eventually becoming i</span></span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">rrelevant</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> to the young, immortal girl? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Such a lovely, lovely movie. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><b><i>Have you seen Let the Right One In? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments. </i></b></span>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16668305055310135224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-7151250042898511152013-06-06T09:00:00.000-04:002013-06-06T09:00:01.791-04:00Behind the Candelabra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT-IVCVBI81iBLoj5Tu1r7Hsp7KQqNSWPWv92dvjsxRsk92gCQTzJGtGF_bZpLkLiYMH4TQZlurGZeKp6XuQHqQpd6iEb721MjKsmkOGDhX7SeQf2MPZ6K6Iudzrvu4POW36fY6lnxg80/s1600/behind-the-candelabra-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT-IVCVBI81iBLoj5Tu1r7Hsp7KQqNSWPWv92dvjsxRsk92gCQTzJGtGF_bZpLkLiYMH4TQZlurGZeKp6XuQHqQpd6iEb721MjKsmkOGDhX7SeQf2MPZ6K6Iudzrvu4POW36fY6lnxg80/s400/behind-the-candelabra-poster.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
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<b>Plot: </b><i>Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh presents the story of the flamboyant pianist Liberace, and his long-term partner, Scott Thorson. (<a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/behind-the-candelabra/1414584/main">via</a>)</i><br />
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<b>Matt's Rating: </b>B-<br />
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<b>Nicole's Rating: </b>C+<br />
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Matt: I'm just not sure about this one.<br />
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<b>Nicole: It was...weird. I was really excited to see it. Because I had heard so many great things about it from various sources, including the fact that it was the kind of movie that could be watched over and over again.</b><br />
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Matt: Well then maybe we need to watch it over and over again to fully grasp how good it was?<br />
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<b>N: That's okay.</b><br />
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M: One thing I know for sure is that Matt Damon and Michael Douglas were both fantastic. Yes?<br />
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<b>N: Yeah. They were both great. Douglas truly embodied Liberace. And Damon was convincing as a young and naive man who is easily swept up in Liberace's grandeur. But I just didn't see the point of the movie.</b><br />
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M: I think Damon has perfected subtle acting and that is on fully display here. I'm not sure that there is ever a "point" or theme in biopics. Which is why I am not a huge fan of them. They all seem to be the same: Musician gets famous, musician finds love, cocaine is sniffed, musician dies, people remember. It gets old after a while.<br />
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<b>N: Is Damon #1 in your mantorage?</b><br />
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M: No....maybe...anyway...<br />
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<b>N: Anyway...I don't know what else to say. I didn't hate this but I didn't really like it either. It was well made, well acted, but overall kinda meh.</b><br />
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M: I liked that it was kind of a "different" biopic. As in, they only showed us his last 10 years. They did an interesting thing by summing up Liberace's life with this one relationship.<br />
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<b>N: Well that's because it was based off of the book written by Scott Thorson about their time together.</b><br />
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M: I guess I'm just not ready to dismiss it. Everything about it points to it being a good movie. It was very well acted, well written, well directed, and well shot. I guess the thing that really bothered me was I felt like I had seen it all before. Right?<br />
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<b>N: Definitely. And the hokey ending did not help anything.</b><br />
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M: Well, I think that was an homage to how he ended his shows.<br />
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<b>N: I get that. It was still corny.</b><br />
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M: In the end, I think I really want to like this film but it just feels like Walk the Line put through a bedazzler.<br />
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<b>N: I think I've got what the problem is. Because I hear what you're saying - there's nothing <i>wrong</i> with the film in terms of quality. It's a good film. But it's Thorson's story told in a Liberace biopic. So, it's lacking focus. And that's why I think I'm left wondering - what's the point?</b><br />
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M: Agreed. But the point of the film, or Soderbergh's point, is that Liberace's extravagant celebrity lifestyle ultimately leaves him lonely. But that concept doesn't go with Thorson as the protaganist. So the film feels disconnected.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-84891389785612337672013-06-03T09:00:00.000-04:002013-06-03T09:00:00.706-04:00(Man*) Date Night - Star Trek: Into Darkness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5f1YCX4ng4hkXt8CoP7sl9hi9FQecpamUGUN24n-6ok_PLedlw5BfTLNeC86bGIPk4MfLypOPkurqxRE9nS3JfqMyBNqUu7ZU1zmO5oPEI1kLFvgixAtPq0Kx6HXnqDGCzcCQJjLY7iM/s1600/220px-StarTrekIntoDarkness_FinalUSPoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5f1YCX4ng4hkXt8CoP7sl9hi9FQecpamUGUN24n-6ok_PLedlw5BfTLNeC86bGIPk4MfLypOPkurqxRE9nS3JfqMyBNqUu7ZU1zmO5oPEI1kLFvgixAtPq0Kx6HXnqDGCzcCQJjLY7iM/s400/220px-StarTrekIntoDarkness_FinalUSPoster.jpg" width="268" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Plot:</b> <i>When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew. (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1408101/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl">via</a>)</i><br />
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<b>Matt's Rating:</b> B+<br />
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<i>*Note: I saw this with a couple of my buddies and without Nicole. So she will not be partaking in this review. If you want a woman's take on the movie you're going to have to wait.</i><br />
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<b>Matt's Review: </b>This is one of the few films I have seen recently that I can say was well worth the price of admission. I have said it once, and I'll say it again: JJ Abrams is the new master of the action genre. He makes action movies that do more than show you explosions and gun fights. In his films, you find yourself caring about the characters and in constant legitimate suspense. No matter how many times Kirk makes a rash decision, and even though we have seen him get out of them a million times, we still get nervous about him and his crew. Even the cheesy moments fit. Only Abrams and Whedon have been able to truly master the art of cheese. When Kirk thinks the battle is lost he turns to his crew and says "I'm sorry." Now, you know he is going to say it and we've seen that moment numerous times but for whatever reason it seems genuine. That is due to nothing more than good solid direction.<br />
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The writing in <i>Into Darkness</i> is just as clever as the first Abrams' <i>Star Trek </i>and it remains relatively faithful to the original source material. Every single character is fleshed out and serves an important role in the film, which is something most action films lack. The cast is not there to simply act as foils to Kirk, rather they progress the plot and have actual depth.<br />
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All the actors excel. Chris Pine is a great Kirk, Zachary Quinto is a perfect Spock, and I think Simon Pegg might be better than any of them. His performance will be dismissed because of his comedic background but he really stands out here. He never seems like he is trying to act. Benedict Cumberbatch is also fantastic (if you haven't watched him in the BBC's "Sherlock".....what are you doing?) and he fit the role perfectly. However, his character is my one complaint. I felt like his character's original motivation (pardon the vagueness, I'm trying to not give away any spoilers) was not as intense as I thought it would be. His initial actions seem more evil than his initial rationale for doing them. As the movie progresses, and he has more wrongdoings done to him, his motivation becomes stronger but up to that point we have a seemingly evil terrorist who's motivation appears to be simply "I don't like how you do things." But as I said, as the plot develops his story and reasons gets stronger until I finally felt like his actions equaled his reasons.<br />
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I can't give it an A because the film lacks other feelings beside tremendous suspense and thrill. The film pins you to your seat and never lets go but it is missing that emotional thread that the first one had. The "Kirk loves his crew" theme seems a little over done and the Spock/Kirk friendship thread is only kept fresh by the twist later in the film. The introduction of Benedict Cumberbatch's character seems to be the only shot of truly fresh material that fuels the movie. Still, for a film titled <i>Into Darkness </i>I expected it to be a little, well, darker. Cumberbatch's story allows the film to teeter on dark territories but I'm not sure it ever quite goes the whole 9 yards.<br />
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I can't sit here and tell you it's better than the first one. Maybe it's because I felt the first one was so fresh and new that <i>any</i> sequel wouldn't be able to recreate that feeling of rebirth that the first one had. That being said, <i>Into Darkness </i>is probably the best action film you will see this year. While I don't think it is quite as good as the first Abrams' film, I think it is as good of a sequel as can be made.<br />
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<br />Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16668305055310135224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-67118761694932510952013-05-28T08:30:00.000-04:002013-05-28T13:28:10.235-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet? - Rocky Horror Picture Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhqpuGOc7THL3Uf6rr2E8w6ApuzMAfGZYlf7i9AYNpjUU9hTeO6VGIJNY4BSWGG1iFFFjQwDZffUvQnWuaevBPZV6uSQcmXvPSxapzUjsW-PK2hMY-b-G7MtmjcukLlUoNzB8_JwiQ650/s640/blogger-image--1039426442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhqpuGOc7THL3Uf6rr2E8w6ApuzMAfGZYlf7i9AYNpjUU9hTeO6VGIJNY4BSWGG1iFFFjQwDZffUvQnWuaevBPZV6uSQcmXvPSxapzUjsW-PK2hMY-b-G7MtmjcukLlUoNzB8_JwiQ650/s640/blogger-image--1039426442.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Plot: </b><i>This low-budget freak show/cult classic/cultural institution concerns the misadventures of Brad Majors and Janet Weiss inside a strange mansion that they come across on a rainy night. After the wholesome pair profess their love through an opening song, their car breaks down in the woods, and they seek refuge in a towering castle nearby. Greeting them at the door is a ghoulish butler named Riff Raff, who introduces them to a bacchanalian collection of partygoers dressed in outfits from some sort of interplanetary thrift shop. The host of this gathering a transvestite clad in lingerie. Dr. Frank. N. Furter, a mad scientist who claims to be from another planet. With assistants Columbia and Magenta looking on, Frank unveils his latest creation ... a blonde young beefcake wearing nothing but skimpy shorts. Just when Brad and Janet think things couldn't get any stranger, a biker bursts into the scene to reclaim Columbia, his ex-girlfriend. When Frank kills the biker, it's clear that Brad and Janet will be guests for the night, and that they might be next on Frank's list -- whether for murder or carnal delights is uncertain. (<a href="http://www.fandango.com/therockyhorrorpictureshow_v41864/plotsummary">via</a>.)</i><br />
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<b>Nicole's Rating:</b> B+<br />
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<b>Why Nicole is Appalled Matt Hasn't Seen It:</b> It's a musical. A ridiculous, cult classic, fun as hell musical. I'll admit, the first time I saw the movie, I wondered if the experience I'd just had was akin to a terrible acid trip. But then I watched it again. And again. And again. And my affinity for all things ridiculous grew. <br />
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It's just ... great. The music is mostly incredible with classics like 'Time Warp', beauties like 'I'm Going Home' and cheesy, but awesome numbers like 'Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me'. But what really does it for ... everyone, really ... is Tim Curry's performance as Dr. Frankenfurter. He is exceptional and ... oddly sexy? <br />
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Quite frankly, RHPS is definitely a cult classic must see. <br />
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<b>Matt's Rating:</b> B<br />
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<b>Matt's Review: </b>Really bad horror films are a guilty pleasure for me. At the surface RHPS appears to be just that. But what makes this movie not just another cheesy horror film are two things. 1) Its got good music. By good I mean catchy ear worms that you find yourself humming awkwardly as you get coffee in the morning next to some gruff construction worker. 2) It never takes its self too seriously. That's a rare thing in movies nowadays. RHPS seems to know exactly what it is (a musical acid trip with horror elements) and it urges you, with a wink and a wry smile, to join them on the ride. And Tim Curry is incredible. But he's the only one that really is worth talking about. Seriously check out the rest of the cast on IMDB. They got NO work after this film. Curry easily steals the show.<br />
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<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-53572577605083080702013-05-20T09:06:00.000-04:002013-05-20T14:26:54.830-04:00Date Night - The Great Gatsby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Plot:</b> <i>An apsipring writer falls under the spell of an aloof millionaire with designs for the young scribe's unhappily married cousin in director Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's celebrated novel. It's the spring of 1922, and wide-eyed Midwesterner Nick Carraway has just moved to New York City in pursuit of the American Dream. Settling into a home next door to wealthy Jay Gatsby, Carraway grows increasingly fascinated by the elaborate parties held at his new neighbor's estate. Meanwhile, across the bay, Carraway's cousin Daisy flounders in her marriage to philandering aristocrat Tom Buchanan.</i> (<a href="http://www.fandango.com/thegreatgatsby_v538176/plotsummary">via</a>.)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Matt's Rating: </span>B-</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nicole's Rating: </span>B-</div>
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Matt:</span> The Great Gatsby is one of my top five favorite books.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Nicole:</span> I'd have to say it's up there for me as well. That being said, what'd you think of Baz Luhrmann's interpretation of the famous text? </b></div>
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M: I don't think anybody is ever going to turn it into a good movie. </div>
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<b>N: So you didn't like it? </b></div>
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M: I liked it better than the Robert Redford/Mia Farrow Gatsby. </div>
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<b>N: I've never seen that one. But I kind of feel the same way. There was a lot that I liked and a lot that was true to the novel. The actors all fit their characters. The opulence of the time was very... opulent. And yet, something feels like it was missing. </b></div>
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M: I don't know what opulence means. </div>
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<b>N: <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/opulence?s=t">Geez, Matt.</a></b></div>
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M: There were definitely more things to like than there weren't. I liked the added storyline about Nick in the sanitorium. It was a nice way to make his narration more than just narration. </div>
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<b>N: That was definitely a nice touch. And again, Tobey Maguire really fit the role of Nick Carraway as I envisioned him in my mind - as did all the actors. </b></div>
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M: All of the actors were good, but the standout to me was Joel Edgerton as Tom Buchanan. I don't think the acting or the writing was the problem. </div>
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<b>N: But there was a problem... right? I'm finding it so hard to pin down. </b></div>
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M: It was too glitzy of a movie to be an accurate depiction of the novel. </div>
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<b>N: I absolutely disagree.</b></div>
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M: How can you disagree? </div>
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<b>N: Didn't we just look up the word opulence? Gatsby's parties were over the top, ridiculous affairs - rumors of which Gatsby hoped would draw Daisy to his home. Yes, those scenes were completely Luhrmanned, but I think that's really his main strength as a director when tackling this book. It's the glitz, and glam, and over the top-ness of that Jazz Age/Prohibition Era. </b></div>
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M: I have no problem with his parties being over the top. But the whole movie is over the top. Klipspringer's character was a great example of what I mean. In the book he's just some guy that sleeps at Gatsby's house and plays the piano. But in the movie, he plays a giant organ and is a descendant of Beethoven. The entire interpretation was treated this way. And it shouldn't be. Gatsby's facade is larger than life, but nothing else about the story is. And that was missing. </div>
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<b>N: So the heart of it? </b></div>
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M: Yeah. I feel like the heart of Fitzgerald's story, of living in excess and wealth and the dangers of it took a backseat to Gatsby and his love story. </div>
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<b>N: Agreed. It's the brilliance of the novel that's missing. There was nothing technically wrong with the movie. But I just don't think anyone will ever be able to capture what The Great Gatsby truly is. I wonder why they don't stop trying? </b></div>
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M: They don't stop trying, because like the douchebags in the film, Hollywood continues to try and create something that can't be created. </div>
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<b>N: By douchebags, you mean - Daisy, Tom, Gatsby just going along with their ridiculous plans and hurting everyone around them? </b></div>
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M: Yes. I mean Baz Luhrmann didn't do a bad job. I just think the genius of the novel comes from Fitzgerald talking about extravagance and excess without actually talking about it. So there's nothing melodramatic about the novel. </div>
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<b>N: So what's your final word? </b></div>
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M: It's as good of an interpretation as we're going to get. But the source material is just not conducive to film. B-. </div>
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<b>N: I agree with you there, I think. B-. And please, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743273567/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0743273567&linkCode=as2&tag=readwritpubla-20">read the book</a>. </b></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-80589681065435678582013-04-26T15:23:00.001-04:002013-04-26T15:23:55.929-04:00This is 40 (Date Night with My Sister) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Plot: </span></b><i>Five years after writer/director Judd Apatow introduced us to Pete and Debbie in 'Knocked Up', Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann reprise their roles as a husband and wife both approaching a milestone meltdown in 'This is 40', an unfiltered, comedic look inside the life of an American family. <a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/untitled-judd-apatow-comedy/52488/synopsis">via.</a> </i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Nicole's Review:</span> </b>My parents suggested my sister and I watch this while I was home visiting this past weekend. They had rented it and were excited to exclaim, repeatedly, that they had it for another 24 hours. We should watch it, they said. </div>
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It's difficult to review a movie like <i>This is 40</i> when I was so clearly not the target audience. I'm pushing 30, I'm unmarried, I don't have kids. I don't get it because I can't. Whereas, for my parents - here's a movie that depicts how hard it is to be married. How you can really hate and love a person simultaneously. My parents were able to laugh because they'd been there. I haven't been anywhere. </div>
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Instead, I related more to the kids- who are played by Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann's real life children. I can remember listening to my parents fight through walls and it can be terribly frightening and confusing. Maudie and Iris Apatow were phenominal in this movie. </div>
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Matt isn't really a fan of Judd Apatow. He thinks the man is self-serving and sacrifices story for self-promotion. I don't have a problem with the guy. <i>40 Year Old Virgin</i> and <i>Knocked Up </i>are two movies that consistently make me laugh. Having seen and liked <i>Knocked Up, </i>I was excited to revisit Pete and Debbie in <i>This is 40</i>. The movie had its moments - <a href="http://thecutmovieblog.blogspot.com/search?q=not+really+a+date+night">Paul Rudd can do no wrong</a> and Leslie Mann can hold her own as well. It was the explorations of the ups and downs of a marriage, and it definitely did what it set out to do. Made me sporadically laugh and occasionally cry.</div>
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But I can not for the life of my figure out WHY the movie needed to be over two hours long! There was absolutely no need for it and it made an otherwise decent movie drag on to the point where any reasonable person would turn it off and walk away. Less is more, Mr. Apatow. Less is more. </div>
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-49561491612229591262011-04-29T11:57:00.000-04:002013-04-25T15:40:30.258-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet?!?!? - Saving Private Ryan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmqRoMUcaC1lWhROpxgEYGD7B0_ZcUd30TOtemyxbjrJqK8hwLx7QjgzL1Ve5P3EuB_L9nwuDheUDgeP6O4syuUr_onlhWVFBxQwKOXXvNILT08B-tu6ZavJp-3HCe6sJYU7Z_Y72LGw/s1600/350px-Saving_Private_Ryan_poster.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598438368253135842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmqRoMUcaC1lWhROpxgEYGD7B0_ZcUd30TOtemyxbjrJqK8hwLx7QjgzL1Ve5P3EuB_L9nwuDheUDgeP6O4syuUr_onlhWVFBxQwKOXXvNILT08B-tu6ZavJp-3HCe6sJYU7Z_Y72LGw/s400/350px-Saving_Private_Ryan_poster.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 294px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Plot:</strong> </span><em>Steven Spielberg directed this powerful, realistic re-creation of WWII's D-day invasion and the immediate aftermath. The story opens with a prologue in which a veteran brings his family to the American cemetery at Normandy, and a flashback then joins Capt. John Miller (Tom Hanks) and GIs in a landing craft making the June 6, 1944, approach to Omaha Beach to face devastating German artillery fire. Miller's men slowly move forward to finally take a concrete pillbox. On the beach littered with bodies is one with the name "Ryan" stenciled on his backpack. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George C. Marshall (Harve Presnell), learning that three Ryan brothers from the same family have all been killed in a single week, requests that the surviving brother, Pvt. James Ryan (Matt Damon), be located and brought back to the United States. Capt. Miller gets the assignment, and he chooses a translator, Cpl. Upham (Jeremy Davis), skilled in language but not in combat, to join his squad of right-hand man Sgt. Horvath (Tom Sizemore), plus privates Mellish (Adam Goldberg), Medic Wade (Giovanni Ribisi), cynical Reiben (Edward Burns) from Brooklyn, Italian-American Caparzo (Vin Diesel), and religious Southerner Jackson (Barry Pepper), an ace sharpshooter who calls on the Lord while taking aim. Having previously experienced action in Italy and North Africa, the close-knit squad sets out through areas still thick with Nazis. </em><a href="http://www.fandango.com/savingprivateryan_v163037/plotsummary"><em>Via.</em></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Why Matt's appalled Nicole's never watched it:</strong> </span>It's possibly Spielberg's best film and definitely one of the top 3 films of the 90's. The film has so many moving moments. It makes you laugh, cry, squirm, and some of the death scenes haunt you for days after. It's a brutally realistic film that takes no prisoners and I applaud Spielberg for that. He kills characters you don't want him to, he shows you the most evil part of mankind, and he shows you the most beautiful parts of mankind. <em>Saving Private Ryan </em>is also one of the few films that I re watch constantly and EVERY TIME I find something new; whether it be religious motif's, inside character jokes, or the juxtaposition of shot choices, the film ceases to amaze me. The one scene that still has me choking back tears is when the mother of the Ryan boys find out three of her four sons have died. There is not a single line spoken. Not even a sigh. Yet, when she sees the priest get out of the car and she collapses, I almost lose it every time. I love everything about this film and it's a testament to what good film making is capable of doing to an audience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Nicole's Review:</span></strong> Sorry for the delay in posting, you guys. I was too busy RECUPERATING FROM THIS MOVIE! Had to remove the knot from my throat, the tears from my eyes and the sloppy boogers from my nose. Seriously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What a great, great movie. Great, great, great movie. I mean - I don't know that I can say much more than that. The all star cast was - a little ridiculous at times. I spent A LOT of time shouting - HEY! I KNOW THAT GUY! at the screen. And for anyone that knows me, that's one of my most favorite movie watching past times - trying to place obscure actors in other obscure movies/television shows I might have seen them in. Like, Daniel Farraday is in this movie. And "Billy Shadow" from Where the Heart Is. I'm a loser.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whatever. Awesome film.</span>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16668305055310135224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-26279176388858564792011-04-17T16:14:00.000-04:002013-04-25T15:42:59.952-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet??? - Dirty Dancing<div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Plot:</strong> </span><em>A teenage girl learns about love, adult responsibility, and how to do The Dirty Boogie in this romantic drama. In 1963, "Baby" Houseman is a 17-year-old spending the summer with her family at a resort hotel in the Catskills; she plans on being in the Peace Corps next summer, so this is expected to be her last summer as a carefree adolescent. Baby doesn't get along with her older sister, Lisa, and she's bored to tears by most of the older guests at the resort. However, one night Baby hears what sounds like a party going on in the employee's dormitory, and she pokes her head in to discover most of the hotel staff enjoying the sort of close dancing that would get you kicked out of the senior prom in no time flat. Baby is particularly struck by handsome Johnny Castle, a dancer in the resort's floor show, and falls head over heels in love, wanting to be near him. When Johnny's dance partner, Penny , finds herself pregnant after a fling with one of the waiters, Baby volunteers to learn her steps and take her place; however, Baby's father, Dr. Jake Houseman, will have none of it, convinced that Johnny is a low life and that his daughter is too young to understand her own feelings. Dirty Dancing was a surprise box-office hit, and the soundtrack album was an even bigger success, spawning several hit singles and inspiring a top-drawing concert tour featuring several of its artists. </em><a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/dirty-dancing/4518/synopsis"><em>via. </em></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Why Nicole is appalled Matt has never seen it:</strong> </span>I mean - it's <em>Dirty Dancing</em>! Nobody puts Baby in a corner and all that. Okay, so the movie is really cheesy, but Patrick Swayze is quite the hunk and the dancing is incredible. It has some of the sexiest/romantic scenes - when Baby asks Johnny to "dance" with her back at his room the night after their competition...! And, when Baby is finally able to do that crazy lift at the end that defies her the entire movie... that's some classic 80s shit right there! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a movie I love that makes me want to dance everytime I see it. Patrick Swayze makes me swoon just about every five seconds. And Baby - well she gets the guy even with her pre-op nose. Oh yeah and, GREAT music. She's like the wind. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Matt's Review:</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> </span></span>Gyrating hips, adolescence sex, grinding, abortion, and old people that like to steal things. What's not to like??? Nothing, unless you like good movies. Besides Jennifer Grey, the acting is atrocious, the script appears to be written by a 15 year old girl (the writer only wrote three films...this being her opus and nothing after 1995), and the first half an hour was one giant montage. Not to mention, as a guy, I can only watch Patrick Swayze gyrate for so long before I feel the need to chug a beer and eat a steak. It's a really bad movie. Now, I understand this was not meant to be Citizen Kane or The Godfather and it was supposed to be a fun romantic dancing film (if there is such a thing) that spurred the fad of dirty dancing <i>but</i> I have seen MUCH better romance movies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The dancing was good, I'll give you that.....god I hope there isn't an NFL lockout this year....But let me tell you ladies why this movie sucked: Two scenes immediately pop into my head. Wait, no, THREE moments. First, the movie appears to be about financing an abortion, which would be OK if it wasn't the subplot and glossed over in order to make room for Swayze to hip thrust the air for fifteen minutes. Second, that famous line "nobody puts baby in the corner" was aaaaaawful. Why? When I pictured this line in my head I pictured some grandiose moment that was meaningful and loaded with, I don't know, PURPOSE. Instead when he said it, she was literally IN A CORNER. Finally, there was this scene where Swayze goes to Baby's father in an attempt to apologize. Well, the father doesn't take kindly to him (maybe its because Swayze was dressed in all leather with HUGE sunglasses on) and he says something to the effect of "your'e just a stupid punk kid" to which Swayze responds with (this is verbatim) "You <i>would </i>say that" and walks away. Nice one Spankee. Are you gonna stick your tongue out a blow a rasberry at him next? Or maybe leave a burning pile of dog shit on his front porch. YOU JUST PROVED HIS POINT. YOU ARE A DUMB KID!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a bad movie. I would rather watch food freeze then watch <i>Dirty Dancing </i>again. Let the female hate comments begin...</span></div>
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-19664726280996117852011-04-11T19:19:00.000-04:002013-04-25T15:48:16.755-04:00Date Night - Paul<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3RHmiPuKGEtQdTbgjFZtkoG67dxuF9uffxpBtgQ6yK2NxDJfuwt_R2NPS0o5INebSkwgm7K5lp32E20bNc_H9KHp0Hr97PrkIQuKlhjpcB1b6YuLFfAKvyPxafWR6sgmhkOJ4i5O8wVm/s1600/paul-movie-poster.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594471914544140274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3RHmiPuKGEtQdTbgjFZtkoG67dxuF9uffxpBtgQ6yK2NxDJfuwt_R2NPS0o5INebSkwgm7K5lp32E20bNc_H9KHp0Hr97PrkIQuKlhjpcB1b6YuLFfAKvyPxafWR6sgmhkOJ4i5O8wVm/s400/paul-movie-poster.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 270px;" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Plot:</strong> </span>Two sci-fi comic geeks embark upon a pilgrimage in a RV to the center of America's UFO heartland: Nevada's infamous Area 51. While in the middle of the desert, the two friends encounter a fugitive alien by the name of Paul. Somewhat reluctantly , they embark upon an adventure that will change not just their lives, but also the lives of the friends and enemies they encounter along the way. <em><a href="http://www.fandango.com/paul_135544/movieoverview">via.</a></em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Nicole's Rating:</span></strong> B - </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Matt's Rating:</strong> </span>B </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nicole:</span> I was a little disappointed with this one. It was mildly entertaining, especially toward the end, but compared to Simon Pegg's other films, it was a real dud. And he's the reason I wanted to see the movie. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Matt:</span></strong> I don't think it was a dud. I definitely wasn't dissappointed, I was pleasantly surprised because nothing about this movie originally intrigued me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: I don't know - I love <em>Shaun of the Dead</em> and British humour tends to get me going as well - this seemed to be an American rip off of a British comedy and - I don't know if they completely succeeded. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> I really like <em>Shaun of the Dead. </em>But - <em>Hot Fuzz</em> was subpar and so I expected another subpar movie. But <em>Paul </em>did make me laugh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: Yeah - I guess I'm being a little harsh. I thought parts of it were pretty funny, even though it was kind of slow to start and lagged in a few places. The last half hour or so was pretty great. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> You were laughing harder than I was the whole time. At least it made me giggle on a fairly consistent basis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: Well, I liked the joke about American's being weird because they leave the teabag in their tea! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> You're stupid. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>N:</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> You see, you got nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: Shut up. I love the Brits. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> Speaking of things we loved, was this Seth Rogen's best acting job or am I crazy? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: You crazy. He's great in <em>Knocked Up</em> and <em>40 Year Old Virgin</em>, and I totally loved <em>Zac and Miri Make a Porno. </em></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> He was funny in all of those, but he nailed the voice acting in this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: Okay, Matt. Whatever you say. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> I also really liked Jason Bateman in this. I thought he was stand out. But when isn't he? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: Yes! That was exciting! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> Should we wrap up? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: Yeah... </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> It was a fun time at the movies and I was entertained for almost the entire movie. But, it never had me dying of laughter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: Same, I guess. The true test of a good movie for me is how long I think about it afterward. And I sort of forgot we saw this almost immediately. I wasn't even sure what I'd write for our review. So, it was a relaxing movie night? I guess? With laughs? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> Again. You're stupid. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: That's not nice.</b></span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-26534509269937370492011-04-07T14:30:00.000-04:002013-04-25T15:55:55.403-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet??? - Rain Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Plot:</b> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Self-centered, avaricious Californian Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) is informed that his long-estranged father has died. Expecting at least a portion of the elder Babbitt's $3 million estate, Charlie learns that all he's inherited is his dad's prize roses and a 1949 Buick Roadmaster. Discovering that the $3 million is being held in trust for an unidentified party, Charlie heads to his home town of Cincinnati to ascertain who that party is. It turns out that the beneficiary is Raymond Babbitt (Dustin Hoffman), the autistic-savant older brother that Charlie never knew he had. </span><a href="http://movies.amctv.com/movie/40134/Rain-Man/overview" style="font-family: inherit;">via</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Matt's Rating:</span></b> B</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why Matt is appalled Nicole has never seen it:</b> </span> It's an iconic movie for the 80's. Hoffman had a solid string of good acting, with this being the pinnacle. Plus I know how much Nicole hates Tom Cruise so I made sure she watched this. Plus, there are a lot of great and classic moments in the film. From the brothers dancing in the hotel, to the toothpicks, to the end when Raymond leans into Charlie. It's isn't a cinematic masterpiece but the acting is pretty darn good and its an interesting story. It may be a little long and drag in parts (most 80's movies do) but it's a classic film with a classic character that all film buffs should see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nicole's Rating:</span> </b>B</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nicole's Review:</b> </span>We need to stop having the same taste in movies for the sake of this blog. Seriously. Anyway, Rain Man was a pretty good movie. I enjoyed it and thought Dustin Hoffman was the man. But it was also extremely slow to start and way too long. Ultimately, the movie was about personal growth. Raymond learns how to connect and Charlie learns how to show emotion and both brothers are better off for it in the end. But two hours for a movie that is really ONLY about growing your soul is waaaay too gd long. And, I guess I get it. The movie was made in the 80s when movies like this could be made. It wouldn't have made it through today. In my opinion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And yes. Tom Cruise is just about the worst human being on the planet. Well, maybe after Kirstie Alley. Free Katie Holmes! Free Xenu! </span></div>
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Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16668305055310135224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-28854550711325478442011-04-02T18:36:00.000-04:002013-04-25T16:04:59.737-04:00Date Night - SuckerPunch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMZPf18zLiUl4pcPoqw2SITwlJtlZb66HRA35fXZmTEccz7K6v2tpIYg0-cBobuaTqjM68zHzUg1LnUxP3uF9nSvvclOQPQ1lNrqQj2dGAB5m2B0sM-elWtOkmb8Q6POwluP9zLFmqiSM/s1600/Babydoll_Sucker_Punch.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591119015592352274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMZPf18zLiUl4pcPoqw2SITwlJtlZb66HRA35fXZmTEccz7K6v2tpIYg0-cBobuaTqjM68zHzUg1LnUxP3uF9nSvvclOQPQ1lNrqQj2dGAB5m2B0sM-elWtOkmb8Q6POwluP9zLFmqiSM/s400/Babydoll_Sucker_Punch.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 222px;" /></a> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Plot:</strong> </span><em>The story of Alice in Wonderland receives a hyper-violent makeover in Watchmen and 300 director Zack Snyder's fantastical tale of a young psychiatric patient who escapes into a vivid world of fantasy after being committed to a mental hospital by her abusive stepfather. Set in the 1950s, Sucker Punch takes viewers on an incredible journey into the mind of Babydoll (Emily Browning), who finds herself at the mercy of her malevolent stepfather after her mother passes away. With no remaining family and no friends to turn to, her stepfather has her committed to a bleak mental hospital, where she is scheduled to receive a lobotomy in five days. As the procedure draws near, Babydoll creates a phantasmagorical alternate reality in which she must seek out five items in order to secure her freedom. Should she fail, her mind isn't the only thing she stands to lose. Abbie Cornish, Vanessa Hudgens, Carla Gugino, and Jon Hamm co-star in a film co-written by Snyder and Steve Shibuya. </em><a href="http://www.movies.com/suckerpunch/details/m64939"><em>via.</em></a><em></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Matt's Rating:</strong> </span>D+ </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Nicole's Rating:</strong> </span>D- </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Matt:</strong> </span>Sooooooo, SuckerPunch sucked. Thoughts? </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Nicole: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It really, really did. So </span>disappointing<span style="font-family: inherit;"> because I was looking forward to it. I think it's important to note, for our readers, that: there's this "plot" and there's an unnecessary subplot and THEN there's an escapist plot as well. Ugh, I can't wait till we're finished with this so we can stop talking about this movie. So, why, if you can narrow it down, did you think it blows? </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> Well, you would think that hot women with guns, nazi zombies filled with steam, dragon, and robots would all equal a movie worthy of a film titled SuckerPunch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: Don't forget the orcs! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> But, Zach Snyder just epically failed. There was zero characterization, and a razor thin plot that was just there because some producer told him "Zach, you cant just have girls shooting things for two and a half hours." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: See, I actually disagree with that. I think he really thinks he made a good movie with a solid plot and a lot of heart. Which is what makes it even worse. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> The visuals were cool but that's it. I mean it's ok to have a movie with a goofy or no plot but it MUST then have edge of your seat action, and this just didnt But I know you liked the beginning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: The beginning was AMAZING. I thought, wow. We're in for something really great here. Up until he switched to the subplot/alternate reality, it was great. I think he could have stuck with the reality plot and still kept the action escapist plots. His movie would have been 1000 times better. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>M:</strong> Agreed. There was NOOOOO need for him to delve into this odd 1950's orphan/stripper fantasy subplot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: Except to get them half naked. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> Yes, which isn't the worst thing ever. He could have easily told his story in the "present day setting" but he apparently doesnt know how to write a movie. I'm not saying the women weren't sexy, cause they were. Especially when they were shooting big guns. Just everything else about the movie sucked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: They were hot. But he could have just as easily put then in no clothes for the escapist part of the plot. To cope with her surroundings she goes into videogame hero survival mode. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> YES NAKED! good idea. You should make movies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: If people keep making movies like this, I really think I should start. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> Emily Browning was decent though. I mean I almost feel bad for her for being in this movie. Hell, John Hamm out acted everybody and he was in the film for like 30 seconds! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: John Hamm is always the best. His five seconds were my favorite of the movie. What was your favorite part? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> That's because you like his...hmmm...bulge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: Yes. Yes I do. And you liked the bustier and panty shots. We're even. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> My favorite part was everytime Emily Browning was in her third reality school girl outfit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>N: So, our favorite parts were super yummy but STILL not enough. Closing thoughts? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>M:</strong> It was pointless. Like watching somebody play a long video game. I mean there were goals to achieve, levels, and even boss fights!!! It's not even a good Sunday action movie. D+ </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">N: My favorite part of this movie was the lobotomy because I wish I would have scheduled one for myself instead. No, no - my favorite part of this movie was when we played with the </span>dachshund<span style="font-family: inherit;"> puppy at the pet store in the mall right before the movie started. A horrible, horrible movie with zero point and not enough of anything else to make it appealing in any sense. If you can find it, try to watch the first twenty minutes ONLY and then go bake a cake or do something else with your life. D-. (Not an F because the movie was on par with Snyder's others stylistically.)</span></b>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-2300421124139820872011-02-28T12:02:00.000-05:002013-04-25T16:08:20.488-04:00Academy Awards Night - Wine, Cheese & Fabulous Cake<div>
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The party was amazing amounts of fun, as it always is. I believe this is was the fourth annual, but it could have also been the fifth annual time we've dressed up like a bunch of movie nerds and filled out ballots to compete for an Oscar nominated movie - this year <em>Toy Story 3.</em> Results from the Awards are below, and then below <em>that</em> find pictures of the fabulous cake that was made for me as well as who won and how far apart my final score was from Matt's.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Picture:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The King's Speech</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Director:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tom Hooper - King's Speech</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Actor:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Colin Firth - King's Speech</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Actress:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Natalie Portman - Black Swan</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Supporting Actor:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christian Bale - The Fighter</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Supporting Actress:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Melissa Leo - The Fighter</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Original Screenplay:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The King's Speech </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Adapted Screenplay:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Social Network</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Cinematography:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Inception</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Visual Effects:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Inception</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Film Editing:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Social Network</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Art Direction:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alice in Wonderland</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Costume Design:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alice in Wonderland</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Original Song:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We Belong Together - Toy Story 3</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Original Score:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Social Network</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Best Animated Feature Film:</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Toy Story 3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Best Foreign Film:</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In A Better World - Denmark</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last night, the Academy reaffirmed my faith in the Academy! <em>The King's Speech</em> won! And it SO deserved it! I think it was a far superior movie to all the others in the category (Matt wouldn't let me say it was far superior in our post yesterday, so I'm saying it today.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Look at this cake that <em>someone</em> who is so modest he doesn't want to be named made for me. Isn't it amazing: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>The Scores:</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: 11 out of 24<br />Matt: 12 out of 24 (so he beat me, so what?)<br /><br /><strong>Winners: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Evan & Jess: 14 out of 24</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's a picture of them with their win: </span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578799831323803954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEKFdQxQIOp-pOkvToQnzUHjD9dncl0G_ihrFwLz77QSaqTiKgjTikNYev1Rs4QuTO4DyDkkKJoUEka2UnvavRRmuD2Atf5E6RXXNHsMuO-EdZ961qDTr5eB2HmZxwuRAcjq1qjHNsy-q/s320/IMG_4485.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-12930381759785538902011-02-27T17:07:00.001-05:002013-04-25T16:11:05.561-04:00Academy Award Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn7UXEKS9FAdAA6sz8SIzm8tdZq9ReQDktys-xjjnJ1Ia5vM5-lUGeFNHCY91VL2TnV94IPiHrgAqrklgbOJGT_qpX2jvWTisMbSQT79_UQRFwE7UNFOb44WDSSPF0lbTXvEYpr9yuaaE/s1600/MV5BMTM2ODk0NDAwMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTM1MDc2Mw@@__V1__SY317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn7UXEKS9FAdAA6sz8SIzm8tdZq9ReQDktys-xjjnJ1Ia5vM5-lUGeFNHCY91VL2TnV94IPiHrgAqrklgbOJGT_qpX2jvWTisMbSQT79_UQRFwE7UNFOb44WDSSPF0lbTXvEYpr9yuaaE/s400/MV5BMTM2ODk0NDAwMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTM1MDc2Mw@@__V1__SY317_.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our Top Picks: </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Picture:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: The Social Network</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: The Social Network</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Note:</em> We both think that The King's Speech was a better film. But - the Academy is the Academy, and so we doubt it'll win. They love social commentary.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Director:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: Darren Aronofsky</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: David Fincher</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Actor:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: Colin Firth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: Colin Firth</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Actress:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: Natalie Portman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: Natalie Portman</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Supporting Actor:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: Christian Bale</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: Christian Bale</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Supporting Actress:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: Melissa Leo (The Fighter)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: Melissa Leo</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Original Screenplay:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: The King's Speech (but wishes it was Inception)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: The King's Speech</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Adapted Screenplay:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: The Social Network</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: The Social Network</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Cinematography:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: Inception (I'm a firm believer that CGI is cheating in Cinematography, but times are changin' and the film was visually mind blowing...I could see True Grit as a close second here)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: The King's Speech</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Visual Effects:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: Inception</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: Inception</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Film Editing:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: Black Swan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: Black Swan</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Art Direction:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: Harry Potter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: The King's Speech</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Costume Design:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: Alice in Wonderland</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: The Tempest</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Original Song:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: We Belong Together - Toy Story 3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: Coming Home - Country Strong</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Original Score:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt: Inception</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicole: Inception</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We intentionally left off 9 catergories because we think these ones are the categories that people care the most about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those of you keeping track, we only disagreed on 5 categories: Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Song. This is important for 1 crucial reason. Nicole hosts an Oscars party every year and everybody that attends fills out a ballot. The winner gets a copy of one of the Best Picture nominee's (Toy Story 3) and I really really really want to win. Not because I want Toy Story 3 that bad, but because I just really like being right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, pictures and our thoughts on how the awards went will be posted tomorrow. Enjoy.</span>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16668305055310135224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-88443827421598162222011-02-22T07:11:00.000-05:002013-04-25T16:16:30.405-04:00Our Top Five Favorite Mushy Movies<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3fIJQwCScoV8tm9MHxjHWHsMlYICp-H2vFlo9VNrGci8Vf52auoooWqCgO2BqOhtoHduV38fQKX9jhKsLy4RqZ44laq43wkWqj-FMrsT3GAsWEtP3itopP8wGr9Lc9c3W-D3s4ITRpVi/s1600/MOV_b4aa3438_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3fIJQwCScoV8tm9MHxjHWHsMlYICp-H2vFlo9VNrGci8Vf52auoooWqCgO2BqOhtoHduV38fQKX9jhKsLy4RqZ44laq43wkWqj-FMrsT3GAsWEtP3itopP8wGr9Lc9c3W-D3s4ITRpVi/s400/MOV_b4aa3438_b.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We're way behind. We were supposed to each do our own Top Five Favorite Lovey Dovey movies in honor of Valentine's Day, which - as you might have noticed - has come and gone. So here's a quick version of our Top Five Favorite post:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 (<span style="font-style: italic;">I always hope she and Bill are going to work it out in the end.</span>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Love Actually (<span style="font-style: italic;">Every time she says she learned English "just in cases," I die.</span>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. The Quiet Man (<span style="font-style: italic;">Is this a courting or a donnybrook?</span>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Pride & Prejudice (<span style="font-style: italic;">sorry - I'm partial to the Keira Knightly version. I love Matthew Macfadyen as Darcy.</span>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Braveheart (<span style="font-style: italic;">oh god, Murron!</span>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Braveheart (<span style="font-style: italic;">its awesome that I'm allowed to use this movie for this list</span>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Casablanca (<span style="font-style: italic;">a WWII movie with Nazis and romance?? BINGO!</span>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (<span style="font-style: italic;">Jim Carrey, awesome visuals, original idea, and accurately depicting the typical journey of most relationships</span>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <a href="http://www.aproperviolence.com/">A Proper Violence</a> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Simply stated, a great film</span>)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Forgetting Sarah Marshal <em>(</em><span style="font-style: italic;">I like everything about this movie. Its funny, has some moving moments, and never takes itself too seriously</span>)</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-44312081877597983662011-02-18T07:20:00.000-05:002013-04-25T16:20:27.141-04:006 Reasons Expanding to 10 Nominees was a Stupid Concept<strong><span style="color: #99ff99;"><br /></span></strong>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdYKD5iSB7Fp6oCcsugTBJngOykSgtF-7Pftd-NxjAShEfOIh6DlZ_l2YtAspJOH3YFZ_zUI4BfOjtpiHWdKFNZaDNYJbvGebHYW5fnS50qJLo6VtjUW7wWQV9_pkG-nerL-WW0ifdBC_/s1600/83awards_finaloscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdYKD5iSB7Fp6oCcsugTBJngOykSgtF-7Pftd-NxjAShEfOIh6DlZ_l2YtAspJOH3YFZ_zUI4BfOjtpiHWdKFNZaDNYJbvGebHYW5fnS50qJLo6VtjUW7wWQV9_pkG-nerL-WW0ifdBC_/s400/83awards_finaloscar.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>6)</strong> It takes away from the prestige of being nominated. It used to be "an honor just to be nominated" but now, with it being the only category with 10 nominees, I feel that it's become watered down. Any movie that got a lot of press, did well in the box office, and is made by the right people gets nominated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>5)</strong> This ties into the last one. Now it's even MORE political. I can gaurantee that famo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-3wS-tgr0dZE8fsdF4xLoZh_dMt8s1b2syTkxjvYAtde8UQcKF_miF7Diu0WNdZ9OxJDvVJFwS8cHEzxa4TLTBV70ss2CJlEmP7_NkQfjsNrT_H6EeExf02F3B2luokcYEa8hQNqzY4/s1600/james-cameron-oscars.jpg"></a>us and well recieved directors will have their film nominated just because of their name. Avatar was visually stunning BUT it wasnt an original story (see <em>Dances with Wolves</em>), the acting was mediocre at best, and the writing was cliche. BUT, it cost alot and Cameron made it, therefore it gets an Oscar nod. Garbage!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>4)</strong> IT'S TOO FUCKING MANY! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>3)</strong> Animated films already have a category. Either get rid of their category or dont let them be nominated for both. Hell, I'll compromise: Keep Best Animated Film but then don't allow a film to be nominated for "Best Picture". If <em>Toy Story 3</em> gets a best picture nod then it can't get nominated for Best Animated Film. If you think about it, the fact that it's on Best Picture immediately puts it above any other animated film anyway. So isn't it kind of redundant to have it be in both categories? I mean, are they ever going to nominate an animated film for best picture then <em>NOT</em> have it win best animated??? Seriously, lets kill 2 birds with one stone and if an animated film get nominated for best picture, just acknowledge that its the best animated film.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>2)</strong> The best picture nominee's intro takes twice as long. I know some people like to sit through the damn intros for each film but I just want to know two things, whose nominated and who won. The rest is just blowing smoke. And now we have to sit through it for twice as long. BALLS!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>1)</strong> I understand why they claim to have expanded the nominee pool. One reason they gave was with the amount of indie films that are being made now, and the amount of films that are beig generated in general, it makes it difficult to only pick 5. This would make sense EXCEPT using this same theory shouldn't all the categories get expanded? Its a flawed point and just an excuse. Just because more films are made does NOT mean that more GOOD films are made.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Note: I (Matt) wrote this post prior to the nominee list coming out for this year. And I have to say...I'm impressed. It really really really really bugs me to say that. But I think they actually managed to find 10 worthy movies. </span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">BUT, I still dont like it. I dont understand why they did it. It needs to go back to 5. Thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I issue you a challenge, if you could chop the current list down to 5 what would it your list look like?</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Current List</span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Black Swan</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Fighter</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inception</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Kids are All Right</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">The King's Speech</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Social Network</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">127 Hours</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Toy Story 3</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">True Grit</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Winter's Bone</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>In my opinion that list should read (in no particular order):</strong></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Black Swan</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inception</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">The King's Speech</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Social Network</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Winter's Bone</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Reason's for my cuts:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>The Fighter</em> - it has some tremendous character acting but it's nothing new and nothing great. It's a good sports movie but not a great picture. Without Christian Bale its barley above average.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>The Kids Are All Right</em> - well to be honest I havent seen it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>127 Hours</em> - it only got nominated because its an unbelievable story, yet it's just an above average film.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Toy Story 3 </em>- it will win for best animated picture. Now, I had a tough time deciding between this one and Winter's Bone BUT Winter's Bone doesn't get the chance to win Best Picture twice so <em>Toy Story</em> gets cut for cheating.<strong> </strong><em>See "reason 3" above. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>True Grit - </em>was a good Coen brothers film (best directors of our generation) but its not the writing, cinematography, directing, or producing that made this film a great picture....it was the acting. In fact I've never seen a movie where the acting trumped the movie itself. Since the acting was better then the movie, can you honestly claim that's its a <em>Best Picture???</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So whats your list???</span></div>
Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16668305055310135224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-16767644052582437642011-02-17T07:21:00.000-05:002013-04-26T14:54:10.482-04:00You Haven't Seen That Yet??? - The Hours<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFm3CTQKMuSukXU2eRUDfPstuxP_OMSfwP0_KvfQtoTnJWLnlHdYwbc0jLk3TMOXWSKlSvAuj2LdrcLBw-2q6eaNtPtYNjs0duc0n65ZzBVjuznQ4ItZbiQjWD00Dm_Er2x5tg4YIVEtg/s1600/hours.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574656194811254402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFm3CTQKMuSukXU2eRUDfPstuxP_OMSfwP0_KvfQtoTnJWLnlHdYwbc0jLk3TMOXWSKlSvAuj2LdrcLBw-2q6eaNtPtYNjs0duc0n65ZzBVjuznQ4ItZbiQjWD00Dm_Er2x5tg4YIVEtg/s400/hours.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 255px;" width="255" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Plot: </span></b><span style="font-style: italic;">Three women, separated by a span of nearly 80 years, find themselves weathering similar crises, all linked by a single work of literature in this film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Michael Cunningham. In 1923, Virginia Woolf is attempting to start work on her novel Mrs. Dalloway, in which she chronicles one day in the life of a troubled woman. But Virginia has demons of her own, and she struggles to overcome the depression and suicidal impulses that have followed her throughout her life, as her husband Leonard ineffectually tries to help. In 1951, Laura Brown is a housewife living in suburban Los Angeles, where she looks after her son Richie and husband Dan . Laura is also an avid reader who is currently making her way through Mrs. Dalloway. The farther she gets into the novel, the more Laura discovers that it reflects a dissatisfaction she feels in her own life, and she finds herself pondering the notion of leaving her life behind. Finally, in 2000, Clarissa Vaughn is a literary editor who is caring for Richard Brown, a former boyfriend and noted author, who is slowly losing his fight with AIDS. As she labors to help Richard through another day, he wonders if his life is worth the unending struggle. </span><a href="http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-hours/12833/synopsis" style="font-style: italic;">via.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nicole's Rating:</span></b> </span>A</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Why Nicole is Appalled Matt Hasn't Seen It:</span></b> </span><a href="http://fuckyeahmerylstreep.tumblr.com/post/2704194705/mrs-dalloway-said-she-would-buy-the-flowers">"Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself." </a>The first line of the book and one of the first scenes in the movie that you see all three of our heroines connected. The link I provided goes to this great tumblr called <span style="font-style: italic;">Fuck Yeah, Meryl Streep</span>. It's pretty awesome. Anyway, it's a .gif and I couldn't figure out how to put it here because I'm only a fake computer person, but click through. It's great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, I was surprised Matt hadn't seen it because it was nominated for several Academy Awards and the translucent Nicole Kidman won for best actress, in what was probably her best performance ever. Whatever, whatever, <span style="font-style: italic;">Cold Mountain. </span>But, in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Hours</span>, you couldn't even tell she was Virginia Woolf!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He probably didn't see it because he thought it'd be a chick movie. And it's true, there are a lot of chicks in it - powerhouse actresses (Meryl, Julianne Moore, Claire Danes and, okay, Nicole) alongside some pretty amazing men (Ed Harris, John C. Reilly). The movie was moving, meaningful, full of wonderful metaphors and beautiful imagery. It treats the theme of human happiness as a universal desire that is oft unattainable. I just thought it was a beautiful, beautiful movie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt's Rating:</span> </span></b>A</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt's Review:</span> </span></b>I have always heard about <i>The Hours</i>, especially being an English major, but I never actually mustered up enough energy to sit down and watch it. I think when I was younger, I viewed it as a "girly" movie, simply because the three leads are all females. Needless to say I was one hell of an idiot back then (and probably still am now). <i>The Hours </i>is spectacular, and I was amazed by the cast. Talk about a blockbuster ensemble! Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Ed Harris, Claire Daines, and a solid amount of famous character actors. Nicole Kidman is obviously breathtaking (she won the Oscar after all). She BECAME Virgina Woolf. I mean she's unrecognizable, but that might just be the fake nose. But it makes me wonder why she hasn't done anything that incredible since. Maybe this director just knew how to get it out of her. She was lovable, crazy genius, and tragic all at once. Julianne Moore is also incredible. I would go as far as to say it's the best she's ever acted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What really impressed me was the writing. Holy. Fucking. Shit. Having never seen <i>The Pianist, </i>which won best adapted screenplay that year (2003), I would have to assume that it was neck and neck with <i>The Hours. </i>There are so many quotable lines, the characters are consistent, every scene served a purpose (even if you didn't realize it till half an hour later, which is a sign of intelligent writing) and the movie had a clear message that was slowly and subtly told to you. The writer told a story about celebrating life using characters that are depressed and suicidal. I don't care what you say, that's impressive. Telling a message slowly, subtly, and still engaging is much harder to do than just slamming you over the head with it for two hours....see <i>Pi.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The score is incredible, the writing is awesome, the acting is tremendous, and the direction was fantastic. Very good film. I'm glad I watched it.</span><br />
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Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16668305055310135224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-87726740311946797582011-02-16T10:57:00.000-05:002013-04-24T21:43:33.755-04:00Date Night - The Social Network<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl4DfCrH78irOGWQy-mSJiORCg2wibKzwm6QrKiVSHlIii5Ke5mkTVFNVLBnXQH_SxGbA9DyquFkj-I0fgxGSVCe7OLcZalWXaVWFe4kmFpV-3M6kb-1JUpAVd_HHrhwJgQE26mK8eb0/s1600/MV5BMTM2ODk0NDAwMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTM1MDc2Mw%2540%2540__V1__SY317_.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 201px; display: block; height: 317px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574322688961427106" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl4DfCrH78irOGWQy-mSJiORCg2wibKzwm6QrKiVSHlIii5Ke5mkTVFNVLBnXQH_SxGbA9DyquFkj-I0fgxGSVCe7OLcZalWXaVWFe4kmFpV-3M6kb-1JUpAVd_HHrhwJgQE26mK8eb0/s400/MV5BMTM2ODk0NDAwMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTM1MDc2Mw%2540%2540__V1__SY317_.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">Plot:</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">On a fall night in 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius Mark Zuckerberg sits down at his computer and heatedly begins working on a new idea. In a fury of blogging and programming, what begins in his dorm room soon becomes a global social network and a revolution in communication. A mere six years and 500 million friends later, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in history... but for this entrepreneur, success leads to both personal and legal complications.</span></div><br /><div> </div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">Matt's Rating:</span> A<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">Nicole's Rating:</span> B+<br /><br /><div style="padding-right: 10px;" id="0.4576298639149139_:v3"><p class="wackmsg_new_sender"><b style="color: rgb(255, 204, 255);">Nicole:</b> Just<wbr> <wbr>as<wbr> <wbr>a<wbr> <wbr>disclaimer<wbr> <wbr>and<wbr> <wbr>an<wbr> <wbr>apology<wbr> <wbr>-<wbr> <wbr>sorry<wbr> <wbr>we've<wbr> <wbr>been<wbr> <wbr>totally<wbr> <wbr>absent<wbr> <wbr>lately.<wbr> <wbr>Matt<wbr> <wbr>is<wbr> <wbr>a<wbr> <wbr>head<wbr> <wbr>coach<wbr> <wbr>and<wbr> <wbr>has<wbr> <wbr>been<wbr> <wbr>busy<wbr> <wbr>head<wbr> <wbr>coaching,<wbr> <wbr>and<wbr> <wbr>I<wbr> <wbr>just<wbr> <wbr>found<wbr> <wbr>out<wbr> <wbr>today<wbr> <wbr>that<wbr> <wbr>my<wbr> <wbr>brain<wbr> <wbr>is<wbr> <wbr>broken<wbr> <wbr>and<wbr> <wbr>has<wbr> <wbr>been<wbr> <wbr>broken<wbr> <wbr>for<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>past<wbr> <wbr>few<wbr> <wbr>weeks.<wbr> <wbr>More<wbr> <wbr>on<wbr> <wbr>that<wbr> <wbr>soon<wbr> <wbr>(we<wbr> <wbr>hope)<wbr> <wbr>but,<wbr> <wbr>sorry.<wbr> <wbr>And<wbr> <wbr>we'll<wbr> <wbr>try<wbr> <wbr>to<wbr> <wbr>do<wbr> <wbr>better.<wbr> <wbr>And<wbr> <wbr>-<wbr> <wbr>on<wbr> <wbr>with<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>show?<wbr> <wbr>So<wbr> <wbr>-<wbr> <wbr>we<wbr> <wbr>saw<wbr> <wbr>The<wbr> <wbr>Social<wbr> <wbr>Network<wbr> <wbr><span style="font-style: italic;">days</span><wbr style="font-style: italic;"> <wbr>ago.<wbr> <wbr>How'd<wbr> <wbr>you<wbr> <wbr>like<wbr> <wbr>it,<wbr> <wbr>Matt?<wbr> <wbr></p></div><div class="wackmsg wackmsgtype_c"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">Matt: </span>I liked it. But, I liked The King's Speech better. I thought the social network had a very special feel to it. Which is typical of David Fincher films. I think that's also the sign of a great film, when it has an intangible feel and mood to it that stay consistent. I also really enjoyed the writing, but then again Aaron SOrkin is my hero. When I grow up I want to be him.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 255);">N:</span> A recovered coke-aholic? Can we say that? </div><div class="wackmsg wackmsgtype_c"><div style="padding-right: 10px;" id="06554F0A_20"><p class="wackmsg_same_sender"> </p></div></div><div class="wackmsg wackmsgtype_c"><div style="padding-right: 10px;" id="06554F0A_21"><p class="wackmsg_new_sender"><wbr><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">M:</span> Also <wbr>known<wbr> <wbr>as<wbr> <wbr>a<wbr> <wbr>writer?<wbr></p></div></div><div class="wackmsg wackmsgtype_c"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 255);">N:</span> True. I liked it as well. But blah, blah, special. It was good because it defines not only a generation, but our society as a whole. It was well written and funny. But I liked <span style="font-style: italic;">The King's Speech</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Black Swan</span> so much better and so every time I think back on the movie I get really pissed because it's going to win. And I don't want it to. <div style="padding-right: 10px;" id="0.4576298639149139_:vi"><p class="wackmsg_same_sender"><b style="color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">M:</b> But <wbr> <wbr>it<wbr> <wbr>will,<wbr> <wbr>for<wbr> <wbr>all<wbr> <wbr>teh<wbr> <wbr>reasons<wbr> <wbr>you<wbr> <wbr>stated. It's <wbr>hard<wbr> <wbr>for<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>Academy<wbr> <wbr>to<wbr> <wbr>NOT<wbr> <wbr>give<wbr> <wbr><wbr>the <wbr><wbr>Oscar <wbr>to<wbr> <wbr>a<wbr> <wbr>generation<wbr> <wbr>defining<wbr> <wbr>piece. Plus <wbr>Jesse<wbr> <wbr>Eisenburgh<wbr> <wbr>was<wbr> <wbr>very<wbr> <wbr>good. Actually<wbr> <wbr>almost<wbr> <wbr>all<wbr> <wbr><wbr>the <wbr>acting<wbr> <wbr>was<wbr> <wbr>good.<wbr></p><div class="wackmsg wackmsgtype_c"><div style="padding-right: 10px;" id="06554F0A_30"><p class="wackmsg_new_sender"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 255);">N:</span> Ugh, <wbr>even<wbr> <wbr>Justin<wbr> <wbr>Timberlake<wbr> <wbr>was<wbr> <wbr>good<wbr> <wbr>even<wbr> <wbr>though<wbr> <wbr>I<wbr> <wbr>wanted<wbr> <wbr>to<wbr> <wbr>punch<wbr> <wbr>him<wbr> <wbr>in<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>face.<wbr> <wbr></p><p class="wackmsg_same_sender"> </p></div></div></div></div><div class="wackmsg wackmsgtype_c"><div style="padding-right: 10px;" id="0.4576298639149139_:vj"><p class="wackmsg_new_sender"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">M:</span> Exactly!<wbr> <wbr>He<wbr> <wbr>served<wbr> <wbr>his<wbr> <wbr>purpose. I <wbr>also<wbr> <wbr>like<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>irony<wbr> <wbr><wbr>that <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>creator<wbr> <wbr>of<wbr> <wbr>facebook<wbr> <wbr>is<wbr> <wbr>one<wbr> <wbr>of<wbr> <wbr><wbr>the <wbr>most<wbr> <wbr>socially<wbr> <wbr>incapable<wbr> <wbr>people<wbr> <wbr>EVER<wbr> <wbr>(according<wbr> <wbr>to<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>movie).<wbr></p><p class="wackmsg_new_sender"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 255);">N:</span> Well,<wbr> <wbr>and<wbr> <wbr>that<wbr> <wbr>was<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>point,<wbr> <wbr>for<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>movie.<wbr> <wbr>Zuckerberg's<wbr> <wbr>character<wbr> <wbr>was<wbr> <wbr>more<wbr> <wbr>symbolic<wbr> <wbr>than<wbr> <wbr>realistic,<wbr> <wbr>according<wbr> <wbr>to<wbr> <wbr>everything<wbr> <wbr>I've<wbr> <wbr>read.<wbr> <wbr>Which<wbr> <wbr>made<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>movie<wbr> <wbr>and<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>statement<wbr> <wbr>it<wbr> <wbr>was<wbr> <wbr>trying<wbr> <wbr>to<wbr> <wbr>make<wbr> <wbr>all<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>more<wbr> <wbr>interesting.<wbr><br /></p><p class="wackmsg_new_sender"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">M: </span>Anything<wbr> <wbr>you<wbr> <wbr><wbr>didn't <wbr>like?<wbr></p><p class="wackmsg_new_sender"><wbr><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 255);">N:</span> No,<wbr> <wbr>I<wbr> <wbr>guess<wbr> <wbr>there<wbr> <wbr>really<wbr> <wbr>wasn't<wbr> <wbr>anything<wbr> <wbr>I<wbr> <wbr>didn't<wbr> <wbr>like.<wbr> <wbr>I<wbr> <wbr>say<wbr> <wbr>that<wbr> <wbr>begrudgingly.<wbr> <wbr>It<wbr> <wbr>dragged<wbr> <wbr>a<wbr> <wbr>little..<wbr> <wbr>in<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>second<wbr> <wbr>act.<wbr> <wbr>(Look<wbr> <wbr>at<wbr> <wbr>me!<wbr> <wbr>Movie<wbr> <wbr>talk!)<wbr> <wbr>But,<wbr> <wbr>it<wbr> <wbr>was<wbr> <wbr>a<wbr> <wbr>pretty<wbr> <wbr>darn<wbr> <wbr>good<wbr> <wbr>movie.<wbr> <wbr></p><p class="wackmsg_new_sender"> <wbr><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">M:</span> I <wbr><wbr>also<wbr> <wbr>feel<wbr> <wbr>like<wbr> <wbr>this<wbr> <wbr>was<wbr> <wbr>a<wbr> <wbr>movie<wbr> <wbr>that<wbr> <wbr>could<wbr> <wbr>have<wbr> <wbr>totally<wbr> <wbr>failed.<wbr> <wbr>It<wbr> <wbr>would<wbr> <wbr>have<wbr> <wbr>been<wbr> <wbr>easy<wbr> <wbr>to<wbr> <wbr>do<wbr> <wbr>some<wbr> <wbr>lame<wbr> <wbr>biopic<wbr> <wbr>on<wbr> <wbr>Zuckerberg<wbr> <wbr>or<wbr> <wbr>do<wbr> <wbr>some<wbr> <wbr>stylistic<wbr> <wbr>and<wbr> <wbr>artsy<wbr> <wbr>film<wbr> <wbr>about<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>decay<wbr> <wbr>of<wbr> <wbr>society.<wbr> <wbr>But<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>filmmakers<wbr> <wbr>COMPLETELY<wbr> <wbr>nailed<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>movie.<wbr> <wbr>It <wbr>was<wbr> <wbr>executed<wbr> <wbr>very<wbr>, <wbr>very<wbr> <wbr>well. The<wbr> <wbr>only<wbr> <wbr>thing<wbr> <wbr>I<wbr> <wbr>think<wbr> <wbr>it<wbr> <wbr>lacked<wbr> <wbr>was cinematography. Both<wbr> <wbr>Black<wbr> <wbr>Swan<wbr> <wbr>and<wbr> <wbr>King's<wbr> <wbr>Speech<wbr> <wbr>were<wbr> <wbr>shot<wbr> <wbr>better. So, in closing? </p><p class="wackmsg_new_sender"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 255);">N:</span> Ugh. <wbr> <wbr>B+.<wbr> <wbr>Because<wbr> <wbr>it<wbr> <wbr>was<wbr> <wbr>a<wbr> <wbr>good<wbr> <wbr>movie,<wbr> <wbr>but<wbr> <wbr>it<wbr> <wbr>wasn't<wbr> <wbr>a<wbr> <wbr>beautiful<wbr> <wbr>movie.<wbr> <wbr>It<wbr> <wbr>defined<wbr> <wbr>my<wbr> <wbr>entire<wbr> <wbr>life,<wbr> <wbr>but<wbr> <wbr>it<wbr> <wbr>also<wbr> <wbr>won't<wbr> <wbr>really<wbr> <wbr>stick<wbr> <wbr>with<wbr> <wbr>me<wbr> <wbr>in<wbr> <wbr>any<wbr> <wbr>way.<wbr> <wbr>I<wbr> <wbr>loved<wbr> <wbr>watching<wbr> <wbr>it,<wbr> <wbr>but<wbr> <wbr>I<wbr> <wbr>won't<wbr> <wbr>buy<wbr> <wbr>it.<wbr> <wbr>And<wbr> <wbr>I<wbr> <wbr>don't<wbr> <wbr>think<wbr> <wbr>I'll<wbr> <wbr>ever<wbr> <wbr>feel<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>need<wbr> <wbr>to<wbr> <wbr>see<wbr> <wbr>it<wbr> <wbr>again.<wbr> <wbr></p><p class="wackmsg_same_sender"><wbr><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 255, 153);">M:</span> A. <wbr> <wbr>Easy<wbr> <wbr>top<wbr> <wbr>5<wbr> <wbr>movie<wbr> <wbr>of<wbr> <wbr>the<wbr> <wbr>year<wbr> <wbr>and<wbr> <wbr>its<wbr> <wbr>a<wbr> <wbr>social<wbr> <wbr>commentary<wbr> <wbr>that<wbr> <wbr><wbr>doesn't <wbr>come<wbr> <wbr>across<wbr> <wbr>as<wbr> <wbr>preachy. Which <wbr>is<wbr> <wbr>difficult<wbr> <wbr>to<wbr> <wbr>do.</p><br /></div></div><div></div></div>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16668305055310135224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7850101858111742190.post-49093166646197824962011-02-01T10:23:00.000-05:002013-04-24T17:30:03.533-04:00Tagline Winner - GleniYay, Gleni! Gleni correctly guessed that <span style="font-style: italic;">"If a secret society can give you everything you desire, imagine what they can take away." </span>was from the Pacey Witter classic Skulls. I'm actually not sure if it was a classic and I really don't know anything about it. But Pacey Witter <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> my hero, so. It works out.<br />
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Gleni's new tagline is:<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">"Insanity is relative." </span><br />
<span style="display: block; padding-left: 6em;"></span><br />
As always, the first to guess wins either March's tagline or the chance to guest post.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04765818961868868617noreply@blogger.com3