Sunday, October 28, 2012

Chasing Mavericks



What I liked:

  • There are some great shots of the sea, above and below the surf.
  • It shows how far dedication and hard work will get you.
  • It's base on a true story.
  • Great '90's soundtrack.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Cloud Atlas



What I liked:

  • The hair, makeup, costume design, and special effects teams that it took to make this group of actors into multiple characters is Oscar worthy.
  • It's fun to try to figure out which actor is playing which characters.  Some are pretty obvious and some are harder to spot.
  • Fine acting by all: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, Keith David, James D'Arcy, Xun Zhou, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon, and Hugh Grant.
  • Most of the stories had interesting lessons and food for thought.
  • I thought it was pretty easy to follow the stories...just give yourself the first 30 minutes to get use to it all.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Fun Size



What I liked:

  • It was filmed in Cleveland!  The story takes place in the city as well so there are some nice shots of the suburbs, the Metro Parks, and downtown.
  • Victoria Justice plays a smart and caring teenage girl.
  • It also stars Thomas Mann, Chelsea Handler, Thomas Middleditch, Kerri Kenney, Ana Gasteyer, Abbey Elliott, Riki Lindhome, and Johnny Knoxville.
  • Jackson Nicoll does well as Albert.
  • There are a few funny lines.

Nobody Walks



What I liked:

  • It has a fantastic cast: Olivia Thirlby, John Krasinski, Rosemarie DeWitt, Justin Kirk, and India Ennenga. 
  • This is a darker role for Krasinski to play and he did it well.
  • Ennenga is beautiful and talented.  I can't wait to see what she does next.
  • It was written by Lena Dunham and Ry Russo-Young.
  • All the stories compliment each other nicely.

28 Hotel Rooms



What I liked:

  • The year of Chris Messina continues!
  • Marin Ireland is lovely.
  • Messina and Ireland hold your attention as they are the only two on screen for 98% of the film.  They also have great chemistry together.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Alex Cross



What I liked:

  • The movie was filmed in Cleveland (although the story takes place in Detroit).  It was cool the see the city in the background.
  • It appears that Edward Burns found the fountain of youth because he looks great.
  • Dr. Cox!
  • Cicely Tyson!

The Sessions



What I liked:

  • John Hawkes is just awesome. 
  • William H. Macy is wonderful as usual.
  • It also stars Moon Bloodgood, Annika Marks, Adam Arkin, and Rhea Perlman.
  • The story takes an unusual situation and handles it with grace and dignity.
  • It's based on a true events.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Argo



What I liked:

  • It is an interesting and intense story based on true events.
  • Wonderful cast:  Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Scott McNairy, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham, Kerry Bishé, Kyle Chandler, Chris Messina, Zeljko Ivanek, Titus Welliver, Richard Kind, and Philip Baker Hall.
  • Affleck not only acts in it but also directed it.
  • Messina is having a Mark Duplass year!
  • The film looks old school.  The sets, the props, the wardrobe, hair and makeup, everything looked authentic.
  • Fantastic casting.  The six look just like the real deal.
  • It has a great balance of being funny, sincere, and serious.
  • Stay through the beginning of the credits to see actual photographs of these events.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Looper



What I liked:

  • This could be the most interesting story of the year.
  • Lots of twists and turns and they all come together and make sense!
  • It was written and directed by Rian Johnson.  He had a vision and stuck with it till the end.
  • Joseph Gordon-Levitt was amazing.  His transformation into a young Bruce Willis was fantastic and a little spooky.  That's how good he was.
  • Emily Blunt played a convincing Kansas farmer.  Who would have thought that she could wield and ax like that?
  • Pierce Gagnon could possibly be the best child actor ever.  He could be better than the Dakota girls.
  • Bruce Willis!
  • Paul Dano!
  • Piper Perabo, Jeff Daniels, Noah Segan, Qing Xu, Tracie Thoms, and Garret Dillahunt also star.
  • The special effects were top notch.
  • In the future, there is street art everywhere!
  • 2044 still has libraries - just super cool ones.
  • Is there a religious undertone referring to Jesus, Judas, betrayal and silver?  So much to ponder.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower



What I liked:

  • There is something to be said when an author gets to write the screenplay for his book.  It just makes everything better.  Stephen Chbosky did a fantastic job.
  • Logan Lerman is wonderful as Charlie.  Every bit of emotion can be seen through his eyes.
  • Ezra Miller is magnificent and steals every scene that he is in.  I wish they could do a spin off movie of his character.
  • Emma Watson is adorable and touching.
  • Paul Rudd!
  • Johnny Simmons, Mae Whitman, Dylan McDermott, Kate Walsh, Nina Dobrev, Nicholas Braun, Tom Savini, and Melanie Lynskey also star.
  • The story is funny, sad, touching, heartbreaking, and everything in between.  
  • Great soundtrack.
  • "We accept the love we think we deserve."

Frankenweenie



What I liked:

  • Great cast: Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Winona Ryder, and Charlie Tahan.
  • Creative story.

Last Call at the Oasis



What I liked:

  • This film is here to educate you on the fact that we are running out of water and not there is not a lot of people doing anything about it.
  • It gives examples from all over the U.S.A, not just one specific area.
  • It points out the flaws in the government and EPA.
  • It really makes you second guess your need for a 20 minute shower or that hamburger.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Liberal Arts



What I liked:

  • Josh Radnor wrote, directed, and stars in this film.  He's got skills.
  • Elizabeth Olsen is not only stunning but a wonderful actress.
  • Allison Janney has the best character and lines in the film.
  • Richard Jenkins!
  • Did you know that Zac Efron is in the movie?!  He might have the 2nd best character after Janney.  One of his best roles ever.
  • LOVED the Twilight jokes.
  • Great dialogue.
  • It was filmed at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.