Sunday, August 25, 2013

Blue Jasmine



What I liked:

  • Cate Blanchett is fabulous.  I could see her getting another Academy Award nomination for this role.
  • Alec Baldwin is perfectly cast as a charming crook.
  • Sally Hawkins holds her own against Blanchett.
  • Andrew Dice Clay, Bobby Cannavale and Louis C.K. make for a talented and interesting supporting cast.
  • Peter Sarsgaard, Alden Ehrenreich and Michael Stuhlbarg also star.
  • It's Vinny from Doogie Howser M.D.!
  • It's an interesting look at the wife being a victim in her husband's scandal.
  • It was written and directed by Woody Allen.

Blackfish


What I liked:

  • It's a good example of how the internet can be useful.  Now people can do research and make up their own minds on serious topics like this.
  • The video footage and interviews are powerful and moving.
  • It starts the conversation "what is best for these animals?".
  • It brings up interesting points about orca families and bringing together orcas from different parts of the world.

Kick Ass 2



What I liked:
  • Chole Grace Moretz is fierce as Hit-Girl.
  • There is a good mix of the original cast and new members: Aaron Tyalor-Johnson, Morris Chestnut, Claudia Lee, Amy Anzel, Clark Duke, Augustus Prew, Donald Faison, Lyndsy Fonseca, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, John Leguizamo, Jim Carey, Lindy Booth, and Olga Kirkulina.
  • Great choreography for the fight scenes.
  • Turk!

Lee Daniels' The Butler




What I liked:

  • Forest Whitaker is always good.
  • Impressive cast: Mariah Carey, Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Redgrave, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Terrence Howard, Cuba Goding Jr., Lenny Kravitz, Robin Williams, John Cusack, Yaya Alafia, Jesse Williams, James Marsden, Minka Kelly, Liev Schreiber, Nelsan Ellis, Alan Rickman, and Jane Fonda.
  • Howard plays the player almost too well.
  • It was directed by Lee Daniels.
  • It was written by Danny Strong who will forever be known to me as Doyle.  He does make a cameo appearance in the film.
  • Hair, makeup, and costumes were all fantastic.  I would expect that they win a few awards for this.
  • The story is entertaining and at times thought provoking.

The Spectacular Now



What I liked:

  • As always, Miles Teller is fantastic.  He can do no wrong in my book.
  • I didn't get all the hype about Shailene Woodley until now.  She's very talented.
  • Great supporting cast: Brie Larson, Masam Holden, Dayo Okeniyi, Adre Royo, Bob Odenkirk, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kyle Chandler, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
  • It was written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, the same team that wrote (500) Days of Summer.
  • I know the character of Sutter; kind of cute, charming, not living to his full potential, he says one things but his eyes say another, doesn't always have your best interest at heart, his heart has been broken but doesn't know how to fix it.
  • I know the character of Aimme; a natural beauty, girl next door, super sweet, naive, book smart, nerdy, vulnerable, immature and mature at the same time.
  • Because these characters are so real, you become invested in them. 
  • It is a good reminder on the importance of parents actually parenting.
  • It is an interesting look at alcoholism in teens.
  • It's a pretty serious movie, not quirky like (500) Days.
  • Bubbles!

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

We're the Millers



What I liked:

  • There are some funny parts.
  • Will Poulter is perfect in this role.
  • Nick Offerman is the man.
  • Kathryn Hahn is great.
  • Mark L. Young plays "that guy" really, really well.
  • It also starts Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Emma Roberts, Ed Helms, Molly C. Quinn, Tomer Sisley, Matthew Willig, Luis Guizman, Ken Marino, and Thomas Lennon.
  • The gag reel during the credits is pretty good.