Life of Pi

Life of Pi is as usual based on a book. I do love that it stayed very close to the book so readers will not be disappointed seeing this movie.

The cinematography was amazing... half the movie could be made into screensavers :)

The trailer doesn't show the intended viewers how philosophical the book would be. The main character has a double major in religion and zoology. So expect discussion of both in depth.

It is a movie about a survivor of a shipwreck... so don't expect a ton of conversation and action. It is supposed to be slow at points. If you liked Castaway you will like this movie.

Best line: "We are going to sail like Columbus!"  - father tells son when discussing leaving India
               "But Columbus was looking for India!" - son's response :)

Lincoln

I have never been a person that has been interested in the Civil War even though I live in a state where 'Re-enactment' is a popular hobby.

Lincoln was a great movie. Hello! Daniel Day Lewis! But I will have to say that Tommy Lee Jones steals the movie for me. I would love to have a clip of just his lines strung together so I can watch them on a loop.

Anyway, the whole movie is actually about the passage of the 13th amendment, not a biography of Lincoln. This pleased me in that the movie was unpredictable and had comedy as well as tragedy.

The fact that it wasn't predictable is a testament to good writing since (like Titanic) everyone knows the ending.

It was a little slow in some parts and because it's about politics there is a lot of talking and philosophical discussion. I don't think it's too much to put people off but it is a long movie.

Favorite line: "I'd rather not talk to Democrats if it can be avoided"

Argo... argo see it!

Ok so I don't like Ben Affleck... seriously... daredevil? Jersey Girl? Gigli?...

But this movie was well written, well produced and well acted. Maybe it was because Affleck's face was a burka of hair...but the movie was intense and very fairly portrayed.

Every minute I was scared for the hostages... there were times that I was pretty sure if I had been in their place I would have wet myself or just passed out from the fear. It was great to see that despite all the bad things and people in the world there are still good things and people out there.

I left feeling smarter, happier and with more hope for the world - and in need of a Valium or three.

Favorite Line: Ar Go F--- Yourself!!

Cross-reference Like-ability: that's a toughy... if you liked the first Taken movie, i think you will like this, not as much ass-kicking though.

Seven Psychopaths... crazy as it sounds

Have to love a movie with Christopher Walken in it... it's a rule.

This movie was very unpredictable and I admire movies like that as you know. I'm not a fan of a movie within a movie but this grew on me.

The main character is a screenwriter and is trying to write a movie called Seven Psychopaths. During this process he collects stories/people who are psychos.

So there is definitely bloodshed, there are some serious moments but they are all tempered with comedy too.

Cross Reference Like-ability: If you liked Burn after Reading, or the Other Guys you will like this.

Favorite line: If there is a final shootout... this is the perfect place.

Battleship!!

The first twenty or so minutes sucked. Boring, lame and no point.

The rest of the movie however, ROckEd!

It made me feel very patriotic and I was extremely happy to see the Navy kick alien butt. I think the movie was respectful of our veterans as well as the Japanese. I like to see that.

I also like to see an amputee beat up an alien.

The kind of movie that makes patriotic people more patriotic. I salute this movie.

Favorite scene: Where they actually make a version of the game battleship make sense

Cross reference like-ability: Independence Day, Transformers

Looper

First movie in a long time that I was unable to guess ANY of the plot.

It was an extremely intense movie that made me want to get a massage afterwards to unknot my muscles. It was graphic but they didn't show some of the worst violence but knowing what happened was violence enough. That is movie craftsmanship in my book.

I love what they did with JGL's face to make him look more like Bruce Willis. You can tell he actually studied Bruce's mannerisms. Also good craftsmanship.

Serious movie with serious messages. I wouldn't want to watch it before bed (nightmares) but it's definitely a movie to see.

Cross-Reference Like-ability: Man on Fire, Time-Cop

Resident Evil: Retribution

Great addition to the series!!!

It was more video game like than some of the predecessors and I don't mean in a cheesy 3-D movie way. It actually had scenarios the characters had to make it through to get to the main objective. It showed maps of how it was to be done. Perfect for video game lovers.

I also liked the inclusion of everyone who had ever lived/died in a previous movie. I was completely confused at first but loved it.

I also like that they left it open for another sequel if they so choose and I hope they do! Milla is my hero :)

Cross reference likability: any of the previous series movies, Underworld and Hitman

Celeste and Jesse Forever

I was expecting the typical romantic comedy and I got what was expected... Nothing amazing but I think some girls will relate to some of the dating and relationship experiences that were depicted.

Eric Christian Olsen is one of my favorite comedic support actors. He was good as usual.

Favorite scene: A couple goes to a Halloween party dressed as Justin Biebers...

Cross-reference likability: 500 days of Summer, Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist

Total Recall 2012

Just finished watching the new Total Recall... supposedly based more on the book than the old one.

I think if you liked the old one you will enjoy this. I enjoyed this one more than the classic. Mainly because it was a little more understandable of a story-line than the old. Also they refrained from having the main character pull something gigantic out of his nose.

I'm glad they gave Kate Beckinsale a bigger role than they did Sharon Stone... also enjoyed seeing Brian Cranston.

I like the set up better than the Martian one.. of course no martian mutations means the girl with 3 boobs is not all natural :(

Favorite Scene: "What can I say? I give good wife"

Cross reference Likability: Blade Runner

Expendables 2

Explosions!!!!!!! Explosions!!!!!!!

I love this movie! A great Guy Movie. The idea of all those action heroes in a movie together was a good idea. Don't expect more than what is shown in the previews though... no deep plotlines... Just action legends doing what they do best.

Van Damme as the villain was a masterful stroke. Each character was showcased with their fighting style which is great.

Can't wait for a third movie :)

Cross-reference likability: Any gratuitous violence movie... Transporter or Crank... maybe just Statham is on my mind :)

The Lorax

Ok, while the Lorax is a good movie and I'm sure the kids love it and the music is decent... I'm completely over the whole social morality preaching in kids' movies now. They ruin completely decent story lines by not even trying to make it subtle.
Maybe they think they shouldn't make it subtle because the kids won't get it then... Newsflash!! No one watched "Fern Gully" to stop pollution!!! Kids watched it because it had fairies and talking bats!

Anyway, if you were able to make it through Happy Feet then you can make it through this. Definitely have to say that "Horton Hears a Who" was a higher quality of Seuss Movie.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

Expect a chick flick from this movie. Of course you are delusional if you think a movie about being pregnant is a good movie to make a man see.

It does have male humor but in an "aren't men silly?" kind of way.

I think women will enjoy the hilarity and emotion of all the different types of pregnancies portrayed.

Favorite Scene: A woman sneezes and a baby just pops out in the hospital.

Cross-reference like-ability: "Valentine's Day" or "New Year's Eve"