I have decided that I am going to start posting some of the reviews that I originally posted on Epinions here. I think that most of the time when I do that, I’ll probably make at least a few changes. When I do repost one of those reviews, I will mention that it was originally posted on Epinions. If I have recently rewatched the movie, then I might just do a whole new review. I think I will still mention that I had previously posted a review of the book at Epinions in that case as well.
I have managed to watch more movies recently and I hope to get some reviews posted soon. I have mostly kept up with posting about the movies I have seen in the theater in the last few months, so that is something. At times, I think I will make shorter posts about what I have watched recently. If I have already done a longer review on that movie, then I will link back to it. I may also do posts at times about what movies will be coming out soon and which ones I want to try to see.
I want to set up a page, or maybe it will just be a few posts, that list the books I have reviewed along with links to the reviews. I had something like set up for my reviews at Epinions as well. I will be doing that for each of my blogs. I know I don’t have many posts on any of them right now, but I figure that this is a good time to get started on that.
Showing posts with label Epinions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Epinions. Show all posts
Friday, July 4, 2014
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Changes
Something beyond my control that happened on February 25th 2014 is causing me to make some changes tied to how I post things online. Epinons.com, the review site I have been a member of for almost thirteen years, is no longer allowing members to post reviews, rate reviews, edit, or even delete reviews. Members will no longer be able to log on after March 25.
The site had problems over the years, but I remained optimistic that things would get better, or at least, not get any worse. I really didn’t think they would close up completely like this. I guess that makes me a bit gullible. The site has been a huge part of my life for these almost thirteen years and I feel like something is missing. I truly love writing about books, movies, and television shows. Now that Epinions is no more, I have been thinking on how I would continue to write about those things.
Last year, I joined another site, Bubblews as MarieDragonfire. People can post about anything there and some people say they have made a lot of money there. I posted different things there last year, though mostly still connected to books, movies, or tv shows in some way. Other things happened to sort of suck my motivation for writing in general for a while. In the last few days, I have started to post there again.
I have decided that I will post here about movies more again. I am thinking that some of what I post will be like the reviews I posted at Epinions - and I may even rework reviews that were originally posted there. I think I will also post some other things that may just be me talking briefly about upcoming movies or things like that. I have also decided to start another blog just for writing about books, Purple Dragon Books. I may make one for television shows as well, once I think up another name. I will leave the posts about books that I did previously here.
I still think about writing and posting about books, movies, and tv shows all the time. Hopefully, I can post more actively this year between my blogs and Bubblews than I managed to do last year.
The site had problems over the years, but I remained optimistic that things would get better, or at least, not get any worse. I really didn’t think they would close up completely like this. I guess that makes me a bit gullible. The site has been a huge part of my life for these almost thirteen years and I feel like something is missing. I truly love writing about books, movies, and television shows. Now that Epinions is no more, I have been thinking on how I would continue to write about those things.
Last year, I joined another site, Bubblews as MarieDragonfire. People can post about anything there and some people say they have made a lot of money there. I posted different things there last year, though mostly still connected to books, movies, or tv shows in some way. Other things happened to sort of suck my motivation for writing in general for a while. In the last few days, I have started to post there again.
I have decided that I will post here about movies more again. I am thinking that some of what I post will be like the reviews I posted at Epinions - and I may even rework reviews that were originally posted there. I think I will also post some other things that may just be me talking briefly about upcoming movies or things like that. I have also decided to start another blog just for writing about books, Purple Dragon Books. I may make one for television shows as well, once I think up another name. I will leave the posts about books that I did previously here.
I still think about writing and posting about books, movies, and tv shows all the time. Hopefully, I can post more actively this year between my blogs and Bubblews than I managed to do last year.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Book
Like I mentioned previously, I recently read all of my Harry Potter books again. I started Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets right after I finished the first book.
This book picks up about a month after the end of the first book. Harry is still stuck with the Dursleys and hating the time he has to spend there. Things get more complicated when Doby, a house elf, shows up claiming it will be too dangerous for Harry to return to Hogwarts. The story is just as entertaining as the first book, and a little more complicated since time doesn’t have to be taken to introduce all the characters and situations. There are a few new characters, the main one being the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart. He isn’t evil or anything like that, but he is still one of the worst teachers for that class ever. The man is a pompous jerk who loves fame and assumes Harry is the same. The man is clueless, but all the girls, even Hermione, think he is handsome.
The story does get a bit darker, something that continues to happen with the rest of the books. Each one is darker than the previous one. This book is also a little longer than first one. The story is entertaining and more about You Know Who is shared by the end of the book. This is the first time it is established how powerful he was while still in school and how twisted he already was. That comes up again in later books and something is more important than it seems at first.
The movie adaptation of this book is one of the better ones I think. It stays very close to the book, which is why I think it works so well. The important things and explanations are left in the movie, though there are a few things that are condensed for the movie. There are some more details to a few things in the books. It would have been nice if more of Harry’s time at the Burrow had been included. I also liked that Hermione’s parents are in the book and meet Molly and Arthur, something that never happened in the movies. Christopher Columbus, the man who directed the first two movies, didn’t direct any more of the movies. From interviews, it seems like he wanted to stay true to the books, and keep the magic in the movies. I think some of that left the movies when he did. I do wonder how some of the other movies would have been different if he had directed them.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a strong second book to the Harry Potter series. It definitely deserves to be read, but start with the first book. These books need to be watched in order. People who have only seen the movies really should read the books.
I did post a longer review on Epinions several years ago.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
This book picks up about a month after the end of the first book. Harry is still stuck with the Dursleys and hating the time he has to spend there. Things get more complicated when Doby, a house elf, shows up claiming it will be too dangerous for Harry to return to Hogwarts. The story is just as entertaining as the first book, and a little more complicated since time doesn’t have to be taken to introduce all the characters and situations. There are a few new characters, the main one being the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart. He isn’t evil or anything like that, but he is still one of the worst teachers for that class ever. The man is a pompous jerk who loves fame and assumes Harry is the same. The man is clueless, but all the girls, even Hermione, think he is handsome.
The story does get a bit darker, something that continues to happen with the rest of the books. Each one is darker than the previous one. This book is also a little longer than first one. The story is entertaining and more about You Know Who is shared by the end of the book. This is the first time it is established how powerful he was while still in school and how twisted he already was. That comes up again in later books and something is more important than it seems at first.
The movie adaptation of this book is one of the better ones I think. It stays very close to the book, which is why I think it works so well. The important things and explanations are left in the movie, though there are a few things that are condensed for the movie. There are some more details to a few things in the books. It would have been nice if more of Harry’s time at the Burrow had been included. I also liked that Hermione’s parents are in the book and meet Molly and Arthur, something that never happened in the movies. Christopher Columbus, the man who directed the first two movies, didn’t direct any more of the movies. From interviews, it seems like he wanted to stay true to the books, and keep the magic in the movies. I think some of that left the movies when he did. I do wonder how some of the other movies would have been different if he had directed them.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a strong second book to the Harry Potter series. It definitely deserves to be read, but start with the first book. These books need to be watched in order. People who have only seen the movies really should read the books.
I did post a longer review on Epinions several years ago.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Monday, August 19, 2013
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - Book
I quickly got hooked on the Harry Potter books after I received the first one for my birthday in October of 2001. I picked up the other books that were out at the time and went to see the first movie within days of it being released. I have all of the books and have read them multiple times. I recently decided to read them again, the first time in just over two years.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the original title in England - is the first book in the seven book series. It gets off to a good start, setting up things well and it does a good job of introducing the main characters. The story is interesting, and while it may not seem like it on a first reading, there are little hints and things being introduced that will be important later in the series.
While I love the movies overall - though there are things about them I don’t like - I like the books more and think they are better. I know many people have only seen the movies. It is definitely worth it to read the books for those people, and they should definitely start with this book. It is wonderfully detailed and very magical. The story ends up being very interesting and entertaining.
Reading the book again, I rediscovered some little details I had forgotten about, and some other things I just hadn’t thought about in a while, like Peeves. He would have been a very interesting addition to the movies, especially since he was frequently turning up to cause some mischief or complications. For the most part, I think the movie version of this book was done very well and stayed very true to the book. I remember some people complaining about that when the movie came out, saying it wasn’t different enough, something I don’t agree with. In this book, Neville was a little more involved in a few things, which ties into his overall development and it helps to set the foundation for what he ultimately does in the final book.
I feel that the books have more of a sense of magic and they definitely deserve to be read. I still love them and I really enjoyed reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone again. I will not let so much time pass before I read them again.
I did post a longer review on Epinions in 2003 that has been updated.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the original title in England - is the first book in the seven book series. It gets off to a good start, setting up things well and it does a good job of introducing the main characters. The story is interesting, and while it may not seem like it on a first reading, there are little hints and things being introduced that will be important later in the series.
While I love the movies overall - though there are things about them I don’t like - I like the books more and think they are better. I know many people have only seen the movies. It is definitely worth it to read the books for those people, and they should definitely start with this book. It is wonderfully detailed and very magical. The story ends up being very interesting and entertaining.
Reading the book again, I rediscovered some little details I had forgotten about, and some other things I just hadn’t thought about in a while, like Peeves. He would have been a very interesting addition to the movies, especially since he was frequently turning up to cause some mischief or complications. For the most part, I think the movie version of this book was done very well and stayed very true to the book. I remember some people complaining about that when the movie came out, saying it wasn’t different enough, something I don’t agree with. In this book, Neville was a little more involved in a few things, which ties into his overall development and it helps to set the foundation for what he ultimately does in the final book.
I feel that the books have more of a sense of magic and they definitely deserve to be read. I still love them and I really enjoyed reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone again. I will not let so much time pass before I read them again.
I did post a longer review on Epinions in 2003 that has been updated.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Trying to Catch Up
It seems like I am trying to catch up on several things right now. My DVR is staying right about 90% full even as I watch things. Some things have been on there for a while because I haven’t taken the time to watch them yet. I also have a few movies and episodes of tv shows that I want to save because of how much I enjoyed them. A few weeks ago, it got to 100% full and some movies that had been on there for a while got deleted. Maybe I’ll try to watch something from it later tonight.
I have DVDs and Blu-rays that I haven’t watched yet that I want to watch and then do reviews for Epinions for them. I have finished reading a few books that I want to write about there as well, but I haven’t taken the time to do that either. I need to request the books be added there, and while it isn’t that hard to do and the leads are great about getting them added, it does kind of drain my motivation to get a review done. I want to get more reviews done at Epinions again. I’m also posting things at Bubblews, though not as much as some people have been doing. I have ideas for several things to write for there, but I never seem to find the time to do it. I want to write more here as well. I just need to start taking the time to do it.
Every year for work, I have to do classes for continuing education. Some of them are done in the office, and others are online. There are several online classes that I am interested in - I actually do want to keep learning stuff for my job - but I haven’t gotten going on that yet either.
It seems like there is just never enough time to get everything done that I want to do.
I have DVDs and Blu-rays that I haven’t watched yet that I want to watch and then do reviews for Epinions for them. I have finished reading a few books that I want to write about there as well, but I haven’t taken the time to do that either. I need to request the books be added there, and while it isn’t that hard to do and the leads are great about getting them added, it does kind of drain my motivation to get a review done. I want to get more reviews done at Epinions again. I’m also posting things at Bubblews, though not as much as some people have been doing. I have ideas for several things to write for there, but I never seem to find the time to do it. I want to write more here as well. I just need to start taking the time to do it.
Every year for work, I have to do classes for continuing education. Some of them are done in the office, and others are online. There are several online classes that I am interested in - I actually do want to keep learning stuff for my job - but I haven’t gotten going on that yet either.
It seems like there is just never enough time to get everything done that I want to do.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I'm Back...I Hope
I knew that it had been a while since I posted something here. I kept meaning to do more posts, but I didn't for various reasons. I had no idea it had been so long since my last post until just recently when I finally logged back in here.
I just spent some time tonight changing the theme and a few things here. I am happier with the theme now than what I had before, though I might still do a few small changes.
I am trying to write more again in general lately. I haven't been posting as much at Epinions for a while now, and I don't like that. I am doing better this month, and I hope to get several more reviews done by the end of the month. I just didn't have much time for doing reviews, or reading and rating, for a few months when work was a bit nuts.
I did join Bubblews about three weeks ago. I've done several posts there so far, but I not posting as much as some members evidently do. I do like that members can write about anything they want and how we can see the money we earn add up in real time.
Well I think I am done for now.
I just spent some time tonight changing the theme and a few things here. I am happier with the theme now than what I had before, though I might still do a few small changes.
I am trying to write more again in general lately. I haven't been posting as much at Epinions for a while now, and I don't like that. I am doing better this month, and I hope to get several more reviews done by the end of the month. I just didn't have much time for doing reviews, or reading and rating, for a few months when work was a bit nuts.
I did join Bubblews about three weeks ago. I've done several posts there so far, but I not posting as much as some members evidently do. I do like that members can write about anything they want and how we can see the money we earn add up in real time.
Well I think I am done for now.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Treachery in Death
I recently picked up Treachery in Death, the thirty second book in J.D. Robb’s In Death series. The series is set in the future in New York City and features a different murder mystery in each book.
Since Treachery in Death is part of such a long running series, the characters and very well developed and the situations are well established. While the plots of each book can mostly stand alone, I do think it is best to read the books in order. Certain things about the characters will make more sense if the books are read in order.
Eve and her partner Delia get a new case that isn’t that complicated and Delia has her first chance to be primary on an investigation. The case is closed fairly quickly and then Delia stumbles into a dangerous situation involving corrupt cops. She reports what she discovered to Eve and an investigation is launched.
The murder that Delia is primary for isn’t that important to the overall plot of Treachery in Death. That whole situation is really just a set up for Delia to over hear the corrupt cops and cause that investigation to be started. That does add a bit of mystery to what is going, though it isn’t as strong as some of the mysteries in other In Death books since it is known fairly early who the corrupt cops are. That doesn’t make the book less interesting, but it might disappoint some readers. There is also a bit of romance in the book through the relationship between Eve and her husband Roarke.
J.D. Robb is actually author Nora Roberts. Both groups of books are very similar, so fans of one group of books may end up liking the other group of books as well. The In Death books usually have stronger mysteries and they can be more violent.
Treachery in Death is another very entertaining book in the In Death series that is well worth reading.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
Treachery in Death
Since Treachery in Death is part of such a long running series, the characters and very well developed and the situations are well established. While the plots of each book can mostly stand alone, I do think it is best to read the books in order. Certain things about the characters will make more sense if the books are read in order.
Eve and her partner Delia get a new case that isn’t that complicated and Delia has her first chance to be primary on an investigation. The case is closed fairly quickly and then Delia stumbles into a dangerous situation involving corrupt cops. She reports what she discovered to Eve and an investigation is launched.
The murder that Delia is primary for isn’t that important to the overall plot of Treachery in Death. That whole situation is really just a set up for Delia to over hear the corrupt cops and cause that investigation to be started. That does add a bit of mystery to what is going, though it isn’t as strong as some of the mysteries in other In Death books since it is known fairly early who the corrupt cops are. That doesn’t make the book less interesting, but it might disappoint some readers. There is also a bit of romance in the book through the relationship between Eve and her husband Roarke.
J.D. Robb is actually author Nora Roberts. Both groups of books are very similar, so fans of one group of books may end up liking the other group of books as well. The In Death books usually have stronger mysteries and they can be more violent.
Treachery in Death is another very entertaining book in the In Death series that is well worth reading.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
Treachery in Death
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Green Hornet
Since I have at least somewhat liked most of the movies I’ve seen about superheroes, I wanted to see Green Hornet even though I didn’t know much about the character and I don’t care that much for Seth Rogen.
There was a Green Hornet television show and the characters has been featured in comic books as well. I sort of remember seeing some of the television show, but I don’t remember much of anything about it. Even without remembering much, I’m sure that the movie is a lot sillier. I also don’t think that the main character, Britt, was such an obnoxious jerk, in the television show.
Green Hornet manages to be an entertaining movie overall. It has a decent origin story for how Britt decides to fight crime as the Green Hornet. The plot isn’t overly complicated, and some of the developments are rather weak. The subplot that I didn’t care for the most deals with Lenore, the attractive woman that Britt hires as his assistant. Britt and Kato are both interested in her and sort of chase after her, with Britt acting like a big idiot about it. That aspect of the movie just didn’t work well for me. I also felt like Cameron Diaz didn’t really fit the part either.
There is a decent amount of action in Green Hornet and a few scenes get rather violent. The action scenes are done well, though there is some slow motion and other odd effects in a few of the scenes. I think the odd effects were somehow tied to the movie being released in 3D as well.
Britt and Kato are interesting, though Britt is such a jerk, it is hard to like him or be interested in him at times. He’s rude and obnoxious much of the time. I think a big reason for that is that Seth Rogen played the part. He is also one of the writers of the movie. Rogen’s characters have seemed like jerks to me in some of his other movies as well. In interviews that I’ve seen of Rogen, he comes across the same way. He acts like a self absorbed jerk with a very high opinion of himself and his acting abilities. Britt just seems to be a thinly veiled version of Rogen.
While I have issues with how Britt acts and certain plot elements, I did enjoy Green Hornet overall. It manages to work as an entertaining superhero type movie.
I did get a review posted on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater.
Green Hornet
There was a Green Hornet television show and the characters has been featured in comic books as well. I sort of remember seeing some of the television show, but I don’t remember much of anything about it. Even without remembering much, I’m sure that the movie is a lot sillier. I also don’t think that the main character, Britt, was such an obnoxious jerk, in the television show.
Green Hornet manages to be an entertaining movie overall. It has a decent origin story for how Britt decides to fight crime as the Green Hornet. The plot isn’t overly complicated, and some of the developments are rather weak. The subplot that I didn’t care for the most deals with Lenore, the attractive woman that Britt hires as his assistant. Britt and Kato are both interested in her and sort of chase after her, with Britt acting like a big idiot about it. That aspect of the movie just didn’t work well for me. I also felt like Cameron Diaz didn’t really fit the part either.
There is a decent amount of action in Green Hornet and a few scenes get rather violent. The action scenes are done well, though there is some slow motion and other odd effects in a few of the scenes. I think the odd effects were somehow tied to the movie being released in 3D as well.
Britt and Kato are interesting, though Britt is such a jerk, it is hard to like him or be interested in him at times. He’s rude and obnoxious much of the time. I think a big reason for that is that Seth Rogen played the part. He is also one of the writers of the movie. Rogen’s characters have seemed like jerks to me in some of his other movies as well. In interviews that I’ve seen of Rogen, he comes across the same way. He acts like a self absorbed jerk with a very high opinion of himself and his acting abilities. Britt just seems to be a thinly veiled version of Rogen.
While I have issues with how Britt acts and certain plot elements, I did enjoy Green Hornet overall. It manages to work as an entertaining superhero type movie.
I did get a review posted on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater.
Green Hornet
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The King's Speech
I became interested in seeing The King’s Speech after seeing some of the previews for the movie. Unfortunately, it did take a while before the movie came to the theater here. It wasn’t here that long, so I’m glad that I was able to see it.
The King’s Speech is focused on how King George VI of England managed to deal with a stutter and be able to make speeches on the radio during World War II. As the second son, he only became king when his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry a twice divorced American woman. I remember learning about Edward VIII abdicating, but I don’t remember learning that much about King George VI. I found the movie to be very interesting and entertaining, though I know some people who thought it was boring. It isn’t going to appeal to everyone.
The King’s Speech is serious for the most part, though there are moments of humor in it as well. Some of the sessions with Lionel Logue, the speech therapist, are shown. Lionel uses some unique methods to try to help his patients. One of the funnier moments has the then Prince Albert swearing after it is discovered that he doesn’t stutter when angry or swearing. He uses one particular word several times in a very short time. The use of that particular word is why the movie was rated R. I didn’t think the word was offensive with how it was used, but some people may disagree. I’ve heard that an edited version of the movie has been released with a PG-13 rating.
The cast for The King’s Speech is wonderful, especially Colin Firth. He does an amazing job with the part of King George VI. He definitely deserved all the awards he’s won for the part. Helena Bonham Carter does very well as Queen Elizabeth, George VI’s wife. I think this is the most normal part I’ve seen her play. Geoffrey Rush does really well as Lionel.
The King’s Speech may not appeal to everyone, but it is a very well done, entertaining movie that is worth watching.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
The King’s Speech
The King’s Speech is focused on how King George VI of England managed to deal with a stutter and be able to make speeches on the radio during World War II. As the second son, he only became king when his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry a twice divorced American woman. I remember learning about Edward VIII abdicating, but I don’t remember learning that much about King George VI. I found the movie to be very interesting and entertaining, though I know some people who thought it was boring. It isn’t going to appeal to everyone.
The King’s Speech is serious for the most part, though there are moments of humor in it as well. Some of the sessions with Lionel Logue, the speech therapist, are shown. Lionel uses some unique methods to try to help his patients. One of the funnier moments has the then Prince Albert swearing after it is discovered that he doesn’t stutter when angry or swearing. He uses one particular word several times in a very short time. The use of that particular word is why the movie was rated R. I didn’t think the word was offensive with how it was used, but some people may disagree. I’ve heard that an edited version of the movie has been released with a PG-13 rating.
The cast for The King’s Speech is wonderful, especially Colin Firth. He does an amazing job with the part of King George VI. He definitely deserved all the awards he’s won for the part. Helena Bonham Carter does very well as Queen Elizabeth, George VI’s wife. I think this is the most normal part I’ve seen her play. Geoffrey Rush does really well as Lionel.
The King’s Speech may not appeal to everyone, but it is a very well done, entertaining movie that is worth watching.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
The King’s Speech
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Black Swan
I honestly can’t remember when I first heard about Black Swan. Really all I knew about the movie at first was that Natalie Portman was in it and ballet was involved in some way. Even after I started to see some trailers and read some things about the movie, I still wasn’t that sure what the movie was about.
Black Swan isn’t one of the big budget movies. It first opened in limited release and then spread out to more theaters. Many times, the theater around here doesn’t get the movies that open in limited release. Sometimes they eventually turn up months later, usually if they are nominated for an Oscar or two. I was a little surprised that Black Swan showed up at the theater here in town not long after it had a wider release. I ultimately decided that I wanted to see the movie.
Black Swan is definitely different and it isn’t a movie for everyone. A lot of people will probably be turned off by different things that happen in this movie. It is dark and twisted, sometimes extremely so. I do think it is a very well done movie and it is entertaining. I’m still not sure exactly how much I really liked it though. Right now I don’t think I want to see it again, but that doesn’t mean I think it is a bad movie. It is just one of the movies that seeing once will probably be enough for me.
Black Swan is described as a psychological thriller and I definitely see those elements in the movie. It is interesting to watch Nina slowly crack up and spiral into insanity. With the way things are presented in the movie, it isn’t always clear what is really happening and what is a hallucination. Since things aren’t clear cut with this movie, that might bother some viewers. A few scenes have violence in them, one or two of which are rather gory. Some shocking things happen and there is a decent amount of suspense to what is going on.
Ballet plays a huge part in Black Swan. The main characters are all connected to ballet in some way and the movie is focused on a new production of Swan Lake. I have heard some of the music before and seen little bits in other things, but I am not familiar with the story of that ballet. I’m not sure how accurate the dancing is in the movie, though some of it does look accurate from what I’ve seen in other movies. It does sort of downplay ballet related injuries, like how badly a ballet dancer’s feet can be hurt.
A lot of the talk about Black Swan has been focused on one particular scene involving Nina and Lily, a ballet dancer who has just joined the company. The scene in question is a lesbian sex scene that involves oral sex. The scene doesn’t last that long and it really doesn’t show that much, but it is very clear what is going on. The scene probably makes some people uncomfortable. In some ways, I see the scene as part of Nina’s character growth, but in other ways, it sort of seems like it is just there to shock and titillate. Nina is rather repressed and she is pushed by Thomas, the director of the ballet company, to let go. So it sort so of makes sense that she would be more open to exploring with Lily.
The acting is amazing in Black Swan, especially by Natalie Portman. I’ve liked her in other movies, but I’ve never see her in a part like this before. She is completely believable as the troubled Nina and I do think she deserved to win the Golden Globe. The movie only has a few characters. Each one of them has some kind of issue. The cast all does a wonderful job.
Overall, Black Swan is an interesting, entertaining movie that is probably too dark and twisted for some people.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
Black Swan
Black Swan isn’t one of the big budget movies. It first opened in limited release and then spread out to more theaters. Many times, the theater around here doesn’t get the movies that open in limited release. Sometimes they eventually turn up months later, usually if they are nominated for an Oscar or two. I was a little surprised that Black Swan showed up at the theater here in town not long after it had a wider release. I ultimately decided that I wanted to see the movie.
Black Swan is definitely different and it isn’t a movie for everyone. A lot of people will probably be turned off by different things that happen in this movie. It is dark and twisted, sometimes extremely so. I do think it is a very well done movie and it is entertaining. I’m still not sure exactly how much I really liked it though. Right now I don’t think I want to see it again, but that doesn’t mean I think it is a bad movie. It is just one of the movies that seeing once will probably be enough for me.
Black Swan is described as a psychological thriller and I definitely see those elements in the movie. It is interesting to watch Nina slowly crack up and spiral into insanity. With the way things are presented in the movie, it isn’t always clear what is really happening and what is a hallucination. Since things aren’t clear cut with this movie, that might bother some viewers. A few scenes have violence in them, one or two of which are rather gory. Some shocking things happen and there is a decent amount of suspense to what is going on.
Ballet plays a huge part in Black Swan. The main characters are all connected to ballet in some way and the movie is focused on a new production of Swan Lake. I have heard some of the music before and seen little bits in other things, but I am not familiar with the story of that ballet. I’m not sure how accurate the dancing is in the movie, though some of it does look accurate from what I’ve seen in other movies. It does sort of downplay ballet related injuries, like how badly a ballet dancer’s feet can be hurt.
A lot of the talk about Black Swan has been focused on one particular scene involving Nina and Lily, a ballet dancer who has just joined the company. The scene in question is a lesbian sex scene that involves oral sex. The scene doesn’t last that long and it really doesn’t show that much, but it is very clear what is going on. The scene probably makes some people uncomfortable. In some ways, I see the scene as part of Nina’s character growth, but in other ways, it sort of seems like it is just there to shock and titillate. Nina is rather repressed and she is pushed by Thomas, the director of the ballet company, to let go. So it sort so of makes sense that she would be more open to exploring with Lily.
The acting is amazing in Black Swan, especially by Natalie Portman. I’ve liked her in other movies, but I’ve never see her in a part like this before. She is completely believable as the troubled Nina and I do think she deserved to win the Golden Globe. The movie only has a few characters. Each one of them has some kind of issue. The cast all does a wonderful job.
Overall, Black Swan is an interesting, entertaining movie that is probably too dark and twisted for some people.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
Black Swan
Blades of Glory
I first saw Blades of Glory in the theater when it originally came out. I picked up the DVD when it was released and I’ve watched the movie a few more times since then and still enjoy it. I recently watched the movie again for the first time in a while.
Ice skating is about the only sport that I do like, so the fact that ice skating plays a huge part in the plot of Blades of Glory is a big reason why I wanted to see the movie to begin with. I also like Will Ferrell and tend to watch his new movies at least once.
The plot for Blades of Glory is pretty simple and rather silly. I do think it is an interesting idea for two men to skate as a pair. Things would have to be done differently with two men skating together instead of a man and a woman. Different things related to ice skating are shown during the movie. Some of it seems realistic and other things are exaggerated. Some of the exaggeration does add humor. Much of the humor is silly in some way. A few things done to add humor are more gross and may turn some people off. I could have done without seeing a few things. The humor isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but I do think the movie is funny and entertaining.
The characters in Blades of Glory are interesting. The development could have been stronger for most of them, but they are still interesting characters. Chaz is very unique and a bit wild. That does make him entertaining, but some people may not care for him. Jimmy is a calmer character and more likable in some ways. He has his own issues. I do like how Chaz and Jimmy interact for the most part. The other characters are also interesting, though exaggerated.
The DVD for Blades of Glory has deleted scenes, a gag reel, and a behind the scenes featurette that are entertaining. The movie is available on Blu-ray, though I don't know what kind of extras are on it.
I do enjoy Blades of Glory, though I know it isn’t a movie for everyone. Fans of the cast should definitely check it out.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions after I first saw the movie in the theater.
Blades of Glory
Ice skating is about the only sport that I do like, so the fact that ice skating plays a huge part in the plot of Blades of Glory is a big reason why I wanted to see the movie to begin with. I also like Will Ferrell and tend to watch his new movies at least once.
The plot for Blades of Glory is pretty simple and rather silly. I do think it is an interesting idea for two men to skate as a pair. Things would have to be done differently with two men skating together instead of a man and a woman. Different things related to ice skating are shown during the movie. Some of it seems realistic and other things are exaggerated. Some of the exaggeration does add humor. Much of the humor is silly in some way. A few things done to add humor are more gross and may turn some people off. I could have done without seeing a few things. The humor isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but I do think the movie is funny and entertaining.
The characters in Blades of Glory are interesting. The development could have been stronger for most of them, but they are still interesting characters. Chaz is very unique and a bit wild. That does make him entertaining, but some people may not care for him. Jimmy is a calmer character and more likable in some ways. He has his own issues. I do like how Chaz and Jimmy interact for the most part. The other characters are also interesting, though exaggerated.
The DVD for Blades of Glory has deleted scenes, a gag reel, and a behind the scenes featurette that are entertaining. The movie is available on Blu-ray, though I don't know what kind of extras are on it.
I do enjoy Blades of Glory, though I know it isn’t a movie for everyone. Fans of the cast should definitely check it out.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions after I first saw the movie in the theater.
Blades of Glory
Down Periscope
I first saw Down Periscope in the theater years ago. I’ve seen it several more times over the years and I still enjoy it.
The plot for Down Periscope is rather simple and definitely silly. This isn’t a movie to take seriously in any way. A few complications do pop up over the course of the movie, but that still doesn’t make the movie complicated. The plot probably isn’t that realistic, but it does end up being entertaining overall.
I find Down Periscope funny, but the humor may not appeal to some viewers. Most of what is done for humor, along with the plot in general, is more silly than anything. I enjoy the movie when I’m in the mood for a silly movie. Things are probably too silly for some people. I can understand some people not liking the movie, but I don’t think it is as bad as some people have thought it was over the years. I think it works as an entertaining comedy and is worth seeing for people in the mood for a funny movie.
There is a somewhat large group of different or even odd characters in Down Periscope. Just about all of the characters have some sort of quirk that makes them different in some way. Those quirks help to make the movie more entertaining. The cast all does well with their parts. I’m fairly sure that this movie was intended to help Kelsey Grammer start a movie career, but things didn’t work out that way. He hasn’t had much luck with most of the projects he’s tried that haven’t involved Frasier.
Down Periscope is available on DVD. I picked it up for about $5 and I’m glad I did. There aren’t any extras on the DVD.
Down Periscope is an entertaining comedy that I think is worth watching. It may be too silly for some viewers.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
Down Periscope
The plot for Down Periscope is rather simple and definitely silly. This isn’t a movie to take seriously in any way. A few complications do pop up over the course of the movie, but that still doesn’t make the movie complicated. The plot probably isn’t that realistic, but it does end up being entertaining overall.
I find Down Periscope funny, but the humor may not appeal to some viewers. Most of what is done for humor, along with the plot in general, is more silly than anything. I enjoy the movie when I’m in the mood for a silly movie. Things are probably too silly for some people. I can understand some people not liking the movie, but I don’t think it is as bad as some people have thought it was over the years. I think it works as an entertaining comedy and is worth seeing for people in the mood for a funny movie.
There is a somewhat large group of different or even odd characters in Down Periscope. Just about all of the characters have some sort of quirk that makes them different in some way. Those quirks help to make the movie more entertaining. The cast all does well with their parts. I’m fairly sure that this movie was intended to help Kelsey Grammer start a movie career, but things didn’t work out that way. He hasn’t had much luck with most of the projects he’s tried that haven’t involved Frasier.
Down Periscope is available on DVD. I picked it up for about $5 and I’m glad I did. There aren’t any extras on the DVD.
Down Periscope is an entertaining comedy that I think is worth watching. It may be too silly for some viewers.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
Down Periscope
Monday, January 17, 2011
True Grit (1969)
I can’t remember for sure now, but I think I saw the 1969 version of True Grit years ago. After seeing and enjoying the new version of the movie, I ended up watching the 1969 version again.
The plot for True Grit is fairly simple even though a few complications pop up. There is a tiny bit of mystery tied to what is going on. Some suspense does turn up in a few scenes without making the movie suspenseful overall. Action is in a couple of scenes, mostly from some shootings that happen. Those parts do add a bit of violence to what is going on. The violence is slightly more extreme in one scene, though it isn’t that graphic overall. I could have done without the snake that turns up later in the movie.
True Grit (1969) is based on the book of the same name by Charles Portis. The 2010 version of the movie is based on the same book. Both movies tell the same main story, though there are a few minor changes here and there. Mattie, while still important to what is going on, ends up having a slightly smaller part in this version.
The characters are still very entertaining, though they are slightly different. Rooster is still more likely to shoot someone than arrest them and he likes to drink a lot. His drunken antics do add some humor to a few scenes. Those humorous moments do help to lighten the mood a bit. I do like John Wayne in the part. Mattie is still very determined to get things done, though I like her better in the 2010 version of the movie. La Boeuf and Rooster still have issues and conflicts. The cast is very good in their parts.
True Grit (1969) has been released on DVD a few times and was recently released on Blu-ray. I know there are some new special features on the Blu-ray since I looked at it in the store, but I can’t remember what those features are. The DVD that I watched doesn’t have any extras.
True Grit (1969) is an entertaining movie that has held up well. Fans of westerns or who enjoyed the new version of the movie should check it out.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
True Grit (1969)
The plot for True Grit is fairly simple even though a few complications pop up. There is a tiny bit of mystery tied to what is going on. Some suspense does turn up in a few scenes without making the movie suspenseful overall. Action is in a couple of scenes, mostly from some shootings that happen. Those parts do add a bit of violence to what is going on. The violence is slightly more extreme in one scene, though it isn’t that graphic overall. I could have done without the snake that turns up later in the movie.
True Grit (1969) is based on the book of the same name by Charles Portis. The 2010 version of the movie is based on the same book. Both movies tell the same main story, though there are a few minor changes here and there. Mattie, while still important to what is going on, ends up having a slightly smaller part in this version.
The characters are still very entertaining, though they are slightly different. Rooster is still more likely to shoot someone than arrest them and he likes to drink a lot. His drunken antics do add some humor to a few scenes. Those humorous moments do help to lighten the mood a bit. I do like John Wayne in the part. Mattie is still very determined to get things done, though I like her better in the 2010 version of the movie. La Boeuf and Rooster still have issues and conflicts. The cast is very good in their parts.
True Grit (1969) has been released on DVD a few times and was recently released on Blu-ray. I know there are some new special features on the Blu-ray since I looked at it in the store, but I can’t remember what those features are. The DVD that I watched doesn’t have any extras.
True Grit (1969) is an entertaining movie that has held up well. Fans of westerns or who enjoyed the new version of the movie should check it out.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
True Grit (1969)
True Grit by Charles Portis
It was only sometime within the last few months that I learned that both True Grit movies were based on the book of the same name by Charles Portis. Seeing and loving the 2010 version of the movie caused me to watch the 1969 version, which I also really enjoyed. One day I happened to spot the book when I was out shopping and I bought it on a whim.
The plot for True Grit is the same basic plot that the movies have. The plot is fairly straightforward and really not that complicated, but it is still a good, entertaining book. A little bit of suspense does turn up in a few spots. There are things that happen in the book that didn’t make it into either movie. I don’t think there was a drastic change for anything in either movie. The book is a bit bleak at times, but I think that fits for the story and everything going on. I don’t consider the book to be that violent, but there is violence in a few scenes.
True Grit is told in a way so that it seems like Mattie, the young girl at the heart of the story, is retelling what happened later in life. That is what was done with the 2010 movie. I like that Mattie is such an important part of the story. Cogburn is another strong character. The fact that he and Mattie are such strong characters helps to make the book stronger and more entertaining.
True Grit is a well done, entertaining book that is definitely worth reading. People who have enjoyed either movie version should give the book a chance.
I did post a review on Epinions.
True Grit
The book is available to buy at different places, including Amazon.com.
True Grit
The plot for True Grit is the same basic plot that the movies have. The plot is fairly straightforward and really not that complicated, but it is still a good, entertaining book. A little bit of suspense does turn up in a few spots. There are things that happen in the book that didn’t make it into either movie. I don’t think there was a drastic change for anything in either movie. The book is a bit bleak at times, but I think that fits for the story and everything going on. I don’t consider the book to be that violent, but there is violence in a few scenes.
True Grit is told in a way so that it seems like Mattie, the young girl at the heart of the story, is retelling what happened later in life. That is what was done with the 2010 movie. I like that Mattie is such an important part of the story. Cogburn is another strong character. The fact that he and Mattie are such strong characters helps to make the book stronger and more entertaining.
True Grit is a well done, entertaining book that is definitely worth reading. People who have enjoyed either movie version should give the book a chance.
I did post a review on Epinions.
True Grit
The book is available to buy at different places, including Amazon.com.
True Grit
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Sherlock - Season One
Sherlock Holmes is a very popular character. In the last few years, I have started to pick up more movies featuring the character. I have also picked up a collection of the stories. When I heard about Sherlock, a new show from England featuring the character in modern times, I was intrigued. I eventually decided to pick up the first season on Blu-ray.
Sherlock is based on the stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, though they are updated to work in modern times. I think that does add an interesting element to the series. The first episode of the series does seem to be based on the one story featuring Sherlock that I’ve read. Sherlock still relies on his observation skills and deduction ability, but he also uses modern things like computers, cell phones, and the internet. John Watson is also around, helping on the cases. He does end up doing some odd jobs for Sherlock, but he isn’t a bumbling idiot like the character has been portrayed in other movies. John is writing about the cases on a blog.
The episodes in Sherlock each feature a different case that he works on. By the last episode - there are only three in the first season - things from the first case are mentioned again. The mysteries are interesting and done well. Suspense does turn up in various scenes, including the final scene of the last episode of the season. I have read that a second season is planned. I’m sure I’ll add it to my collection once it is released to own since I enjoyed the first season so much.
Sherlock originally aired on BBC. I knew it was a BBC show when I ordered it, so I did expect the season to be short. I just didn’t expect it to only be three episodes. They are 90 minutes long though. While it would be nice if there were more episodes in the season, they are all very interesting and entertaining. The characters are a lot like they have been in movies, though they are each tweaked a bit. I like that John is more of a partner than comic relief.
Sherlock - Season One is available on DVD and Blu-ray. Since it was only a few dollars more than the DVD, I decided to get the Blu-ray. The first two episodes are on one disc and the last episode as well as a few extras are on the second disc. The extras, which are focused on the making of the show, are interesting and worth watching.
Sherlock is a great show that deserves to be seen. Fans of the character should definitely give it a chance. Sherlock - Season One is a good choice for fans of the show.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
Sherlock - Season One
Sherlock is based on the stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, though they are updated to work in modern times. I think that does add an interesting element to the series. The first episode of the series does seem to be based on the one story featuring Sherlock that I’ve read. Sherlock still relies on his observation skills and deduction ability, but he also uses modern things like computers, cell phones, and the internet. John Watson is also around, helping on the cases. He does end up doing some odd jobs for Sherlock, but he isn’t a bumbling idiot like the character has been portrayed in other movies. John is writing about the cases on a blog.
The episodes in Sherlock each feature a different case that he works on. By the last episode - there are only three in the first season - things from the first case are mentioned again. The mysteries are interesting and done well. Suspense does turn up in various scenes, including the final scene of the last episode of the season. I have read that a second season is planned. I’m sure I’ll add it to my collection once it is released to own since I enjoyed the first season so much.
Sherlock originally aired on BBC. I knew it was a BBC show when I ordered it, so I did expect the season to be short. I just didn’t expect it to only be three episodes. They are 90 minutes long though. While it would be nice if there were more episodes in the season, they are all very interesting and entertaining. The characters are a lot like they have been in movies, though they are each tweaked a bit. I like that John is more of a partner than comic relief.
Sherlock - Season One is available on DVD and Blu-ray. Since it was only a few dollars more than the DVD, I decided to get the Blu-ray. The first two episodes are on one disc and the last episode as well as a few extras are on the second disc. The extras, which are focused on the making of the show, are interesting and worth watching.
Sherlock is a great show that deserves to be seen. Fans of the character should definitely give it a chance. Sherlock - Season One is a good choice for fans of the show.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
Sherlock - Season One
Yogi Bear
For many people, Yogi Bear is a character they fondly remember from cartoons. I have seen the cartoons over the years, though it has been a while since I last saw one of them. I wasn’t sure what to think when I learned that a big screen movie was being made, but I ultimately decided to go see it.
Instead of being just an animated movie, Yogi Bear uses a combination of live action characters and animated characters, like has been done with some other cartoons turned into movies. Yogi and Boo Boo look fine and interact with real items fine overall, though somehow I think the movie would have worked better if it was animated instead of the blend.
The plot for Yogi Bear is fairly simple and very straightforward. Yogi is obsessed with stealing picnic baskets in Jellystone Park with the help of his friend Boo Boo and Ranger Smith keeps trying to keep him under control. A nature film maker, Rachel, shows up, wanting to film in the park. Things get more complicated when Ranger Smith learns that Mayor Brown plans to shut down the park for financial reasons. Most of what happens is focused on attempts to save the park.
Most of what happens in Yogi Bear is rather silly. I’m sure that the movie is too silly for some viewers. I fully expected the movie to be silly before seeing it, so I wasn’t bothered by the silliness. The movie could have been better, but it isn’t horrible. It is just a cute, silly family friendly movie. Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake do fine with the voices. Children will probably like the movie more than adults. If expectations aren’t too high, I think the movie can be enjoyed.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
Yogi Bear
Instead of being just an animated movie, Yogi Bear uses a combination of live action characters and animated characters, like has been done with some other cartoons turned into movies. Yogi and Boo Boo look fine and interact with real items fine overall, though somehow I think the movie would have worked better if it was animated instead of the blend.
The plot for Yogi Bear is fairly simple and very straightforward. Yogi is obsessed with stealing picnic baskets in Jellystone Park with the help of his friend Boo Boo and Ranger Smith keeps trying to keep him under control. A nature film maker, Rachel, shows up, wanting to film in the park. Things get more complicated when Ranger Smith learns that Mayor Brown plans to shut down the park for financial reasons. Most of what happens is focused on attempts to save the park.
Most of what happens in Yogi Bear is rather silly. I’m sure that the movie is too silly for some viewers. I fully expected the movie to be silly before seeing it, so I wasn’t bothered by the silliness. The movie could have been better, but it isn’t horrible. It is just a cute, silly family friendly movie. Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake do fine with the voices. Children will probably like the movie more than adults. If expectations aren’t too high, I think the movie can be enjoyed.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
Yogi Bear
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Little Fockers
Even though Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers were popular movies, there wasn’t any reason for a third movie to be made. I wasn’t surprised when I found out that Little Fockers was coming out though.
I was ambivalent about seeing Little Fockers. I liked Meet the Parents all right when I first saw it, but it was much less entertaining to me when I saw it a second time. It just doesn’t hold up that well. I haven’t watched it again in years and haven’t wanted to watch it. Meet the Fockers was somewhat entertaining, but once was plenty for me. It was just too much of a rehash of the first movie. Given how I felt about the first two movies, I wasn’t expecting a lot from Little Fockers.
It has been six years since Meet the Fockers came out. There really wasn’t any need to make Little Fockers after so long. It seems to be more of an attempt to grab cash than anything. The name is very misleading since the kids - the little Fockers - really don’t do much of anything. They just turn up briefly in a few scenes and then fade away while all the focus is put on the antics of Jack and Greg again. If the movie had truly been about the kids, it could have been something a bit different. Instead, we just have Jack spying on Greg while he acts like a bafoon again.
The plot is paper thin and really nothing interesting happens. Jack wants Greg to take over as the head of the family. Jack and Dina arrive for the twins’ birthday and Greg is asked to do some sort of promotion work for an erectile dysfunction drug by a beautiful, but dumb, woman. The humor is very crude and downright gross at times. Much of what is done to add humor just falls flat. Seeing Greg get puked on or Jack going off the deep end just isn’t funny.
Jack has not evolved as a character in any way since the first movie. He’s still a control freak who goes way to far with things. Greg is no better, acting like an idiot when Jack is around. Pam and Dina are barely in the movie. It is like they are tossed in just to observe the insanity between Greg and Jack. Roz and Bernie, Greg’s parents, are barely in the movie, so Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand are horribly under used. There was no point to them even being in this movie. Jessica Alba is the main new addition to the cast. Her character, Andi, is one of the worst characters I’ve seen in a movie in a long time. She comes across as a sex obsessed dingbat. It isn’t believable at all that the character is a former nurse.
Little Fockers has a few amusing moments, but the movie is a huge waste of time overall. It is pointless and unnecessary. People should go see True Grit instead.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
Little Fockers
I was ambivalent about seeing Little Fockers. I liked Meet the Parents all right when I first saw it, but it was much less entertaining to me when I saw it a second time. It just doesn’t hold up that well. I haven’t watched it again in years and haven’t wanted to watch it. Meet the Fockers was somewhat entertaining, but once was plenty for me. It was just too much of a rehash of the first movie. Given how I felt about the first two movies, I wasn’t expecting a lot from Little Fockers.
It has been six years since Meet the Fockers came out. There really wasn’t any need to make Little Fockers after so long. It seems to be more of an attempt to grab cash than anything. The name is very misleading since the kids - the little Fockers - really don’t do much of anything. They just turn up briefly in a few scenes and then fade away while all the focus is put on the antics of Jack and Greg again. If the movie had truly been about the kids, it could have been something a bit different. Instead, we just have Jack spying on Greg while he acts like a bafoon again.
The plot is paper thin and really nothing interesting happens. Jack wants Greg to take over as the head of the family. Jack and Dina arrive for the twins’ birthday and Greg is asked to do some sort of promotion work for an erectile dysfunction drug by a beautiful, but dumb, woman. The humor is very crude and downright gross at times. Much of what is done to add humor just falls flat. Seeing Greg get puked on or Jack going off the deep end just isn’t funny.
Jack has not evolved as a character in any way since the first movie. He’s still a control freak who goes way to far with things. Greg is no better, acting like an idiot when Jack is around. Pam and Dina are barely in the movie. It is like they are tossed in just to observe the insanity between Greg and Jack. Roz and Bernie, Greg’s parents, are barely in the movie, so Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand are horribly under used. There was no point to them even being in this movie. Jessica Alba is the main new addition to the cast. Her character, Andi, is one of the worst characters I’ve seen in a movie in a long time. She comes across as a sex obsessed dingbat. It isn’t believable at all that the character is a former nurse.
Little Fockers has a few amusing moments, but the movie is a huge waste of time overall. It is pointless and unnecessary. People should go see True Grit instead.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
Little Fockers
Sunday, January 2, 2011
True Grit
I haven’t liked that many westerns, though I haven’t watched many in recent years. I will still give them a chance if I think they look interesting, which is what I did with True Grit. I really liked the movie.
I probably saw the John Wayne version of True Grit at some point, but I honestly couldn’t remember anything about it before seeing the new version. Once I saw this one, I ended up watching the older version. The main plot is the same, though a few little things have been changed here and there. Both movies are based on the book by Charles Portis. I haven’t read the book, though I’ve heard that this version stays closer to the book.
True Grit begins by setting up the situation and explaining how Mattie Ross decides to deal with her father’s killer herself. The pace is a little slower while that is going on and the characters are introduced, but it doesn’t take that long for more to start happening. The plot is very interesting and I was surprised by several things. I’m thinking that I wouldn’t have been as surprised by a few things if I had seen the previous movie. The plot is very entertaining and it is definitely worth watching.
Most of what happens in True Grit is more serious. Mattie’s father has been murdered and Mattie decides to track him down herself since the authorities don’t seem to be doing much. She hires Marshal Cogburn because she hears he is the most ruthless. He isn’t interested at first, but she keeps after him and gets her way. There is violence in the movie, though it isn’t too graphic. There are just one or two scenes that are a bit disturbing. There is a decent amount of humor in the movie, mostly from things that Cogburn says at times.
A lot of True Grit takes place when Cogburn and Mattie are on the trail, searching for her father’s killer. The landscape is a bit bleak and colorless, but that fits in well with the movie. Things look wonderful. There are a few gorgeous, and even powerful, shots in the movie.
Mattie is a wonderful character. She is a very determined young woman. She takes on something that many adults wouldn’t in deciding to go after her father’s killer. She is very intelligent, and she is frequently able to get her way. I love how she deals with a merchant early in the movie. Rooster Cogburn is a complicated character. He isn’t fully a hero type character, though he isn’t really a bad guy either. He does use questionable methods at times, and he tends to get drunk. Jeff Bridges is wonderful in the part. Le Boeuf is a Texas Ranger also looking for the same man. He teams up with Cogburn, though the men don’t get along that well. Matt Damon does really well with the part.
True Grit is a wonderful movie. I do think it is one of the best of the year and it is definitely the better than many of the other movies currently in theaters now. Fans of the cast or of westerns should give it a chance.
I did get a review posted on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater.
True Grit
I probably saw the John Wayne version of True Grit at some point, but I honestly couldn’t remember anything about it before seeing the new version. Once I saw this one, I ended up watching the older version. The main plot is the same, though a few little things have been changed here and there. Both movies are based on the book by Charles Portis. I haven’t read the book, though I’ve heard that this version stays closer to the book.
True Grit begins by setting up the situation and explaining how Mattie Ross decides to deal with her father’s killer herself. The pace is a little slower while that is going on and the characters are introduced, but it doesn’t take that long for more to start happening. The plot is very interesting and I was surprised by several things. I’m thinking that I wouldn’t have been as surprised by a few things if I had seen the previous movie. The plot is very entertaining and it is definitely worth watching.
Most of what happens in True Grit is more serious. Mattie’s father has been murdered and Mattie decides to track him down herself since the authorities don’t seem to be doing much. She hires Marshal Cogburn because she hears he is the most ruthless. He isn’t interested at first, but she keeps after him and gets her way. There is violence in the movie, though it isn’t too graphic. There are just one or two scenes that are a bit disturbing. There is a decent amount of humor in the movie, mostly from things that Cogburn says at times.
A lot of True Grit takes place when Cogburn and Mattie are on the trail, searching for her father’s killer. The landscape is a bit bleak and colorless, but that fits in well with the movie. Things look wonderful. There are a few gorgeous, and even powerful, shots in the movie.
Mattie is a wonderful character. She is a very determined young woman. She takes on something that many adults wouldn’t in deciding to go after her father’s killer. She is very intelligent, and she is frequently able to get her way. I love how she deals with a merchant early in the movie. Rooster Cogburn is a complicated character. He isn’t fully a hero type character, though he isn’t really a bad guy either. He does use questionable methods at times, and he tends to get drunk. Jeff Bridges is wonderful in the part. Le Boeuf is a Texas Ranger also looking for the same man. He teams up with Cogburn, though the men don’t get along that well. Matt Damon does really well with the part.
True Grit is a wonderful movie. I do think it is one of the best of the year and it is definitely the better than many of the other movies currently in theaters now. Fans of the cast or of westerns should give it a chance.
I did get a review posted on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater.
True Grit
The Fighter
I don’t know much about boxing, but I decided to see The Fighter, a movie about real life boxers Micky Ward and Dickie Eklund. The movie is really well done and entertaining, though a few scenes are more difficult to watch.
I am not familiar with Micky or Dickie, so I have no idea how accurate The Fighter is. The movie only covers a specific time period in the lives of the brothers. For me, since I didn’t know anything about the real men, it was hard for me to know for sure how much time passed over the course of the movie. It does seem like some things receive more attention than others.
Much of The Fighter is focused on Micky’s training. That does add some violence to the movie. A few scenes are more graphic than others, though the movie isn’t overly gory. The plot does sort of follow a formula, but it is done well and ends up being entertaining. Some of what happens is predictable, but that didn’t bother me. Some complications are added, mostly through how the family deals with each other. That family - at least the movie version of them - has a lot of issues.
A lot of time in The Fighter shows things tied to Dickie and how his life has spiraled out of control. He once fought Sugar Ray Leonard, and he is still living off that former glory. After that fight, nothing much happened with his boxing career. By the time the movie is set, he is a drug addict with delusions of staging a comeback. Their mother ignores the problems that Dickie has, while praising him and not really supporting Micky.
The acting in The Fighter is wonderful. Mark Wahlberg does a really good job as Micky. He spent several years training for the part, even before he knew for sure it was going to be made. Christian Bale is the real stand out as Dickie. Bale lost a lot of weight for the part. That does give him a more realistic drug addict look, but he’s also creepy looking. Bale just doesn’t look good that thin. The freaky, creepy look works for the character. Amy Adams turns up as Charlene, Micky’s girlfriend. It is a different sort of role for Adams, but I think she does well with it.
The Fighter is a very good movie and definitely worth watching. The cast is outstanding and I can see why they have been receiving award nominations. Fans of the cast should give it a chance.
I did get a review posted on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater.
The Fighter
I am not familiar with Micky or Dickie, so I have no idea how accurate The Fighter is. The movie only covers a specific time period in the lives of the brothers. For me, since I didn’t know anything about the real men, it was hard for me to know for sure how much time passed over the course of the movie. It does seem like some things receive more attention than others.
Much of The Fighter is focused on Micky’s training. That does add some violence to the movie. A few scenes are more graphic than others, though the movie isn’t overly gory. The plot does sort of follow a formula, but it is done well and ends up being entertaining. Some of what happens is predictable, but that didn’t bother me. Some complications are added, mostly through how the family deals with each other. That family - at least the movie version of them - has a lot of issues.
A lot of time in The Fighter shows things tied to Dickie and how his life has spiraled out of control. He once fought Sugar Ray Leonard, and he is still living off that former glory. After that fight, nothing much happened with his boxing career. By the time the movie is set, he is a drug addict with delusions of staging a comeback. Their mother ignores the problems that Dickie has, while praising him and not really supporting Micky.
The acting in The Fighter is wonderful. Mark Wahlberg does a really good job as Micky. He spent several years training for the part, even before he knew for sure it was going to be made. Christian Bale is the real stand out as Dickie. Bale lost a lot of weight for the part. That does give him a more realistic drug addict look, but he’s also creepy looking. Bale just doesn’t look good that thin. The freaky, creepy look works for the character. Amy Adams turns up as Charlene, Micky’s girlfriend. It is a different sort of role for Adams, but I think she does well with it.
The Fighter is a very good movie and definitely worth watching. The cast is outstanding and I can see why they have been receiving award nominations. Fans of the cast should give it a chance.
I did get a review posted on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater.
The Fighter
The Tourist
Johnny Depp is one of my favorite actors. I will usually make an effort to see his new movies. I have also liked several movies that I’ve seen Angelina Jolie in. When I saw the trailers for The Tourist, the first movie they’ve made together, I thought the movie looked interesting.
The Tourist hasn’t made a lot of money, and I know that some people have said it is a really bad movie. I don’t agree with that. It isn’t exactly what I expected from the trailers, but I do think that the movie is entertaining and worth watching. I really enjoyed it.
The plot for The Tourist is interesting, though it could have been a bit more original. I do think there are a few surprises to what happens. Things are slightly more complicated than they seem at first. After seeing the movie, I discovered that it was based on a book. I have no idea what has been changed for the movie.
I’ve read that some people have felt that the pacing is too slow in The Tourist. I didn’t feel that way at all. The movie has been promoted as a thriller and I can see some thriller elements in it even though the movie isn’t that suspenseful overall. For some reason, the movie has been nominated in the comedy/musical category for the Golden Globes. While there are some funny lines and moments, the movie is far from being a comedy and it definitely isn’t a musical. There is some action in a few scenes, though the movie really isn’t action packed.
There are only three main characters in The Tourist. Frank, a math teacher on vacation, probably receives a bit more attention than the others. He ends up in a somewhat odd situation that he manages to deal with fairly well. I think Johnny Depp did a very good job with the part. Elise is a mysterious woman who pulls Frank into the mess he ends up in. She looks elegant and refined, but it is quickly clear that she can take care of herself. Inspector Acheson is the last character that receives much attention. He is a detective with Scotland Yard and he’s investigating something that is tied to Elise and Frank. Paul Bettany does fine with the part. Timothy Dalton has a small part as Acheson’s boss.
I really enjoyed The Tourist and think it is better than a lot of people have said. Fans of Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie may find something to like about the movie.
I did get a review posted on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater.
The Tourist
The Tourist hasn’t made a lot of money, and I know that some people have said it is a really bad movie. I don’t agree with that. It isn’t exactly what I expected from the trailers, but I do think that the movie is entertaining and worth watching. I really enjoyed it.
The plot for The Tourist is interesting, though it could have been a bit more original. I do think there are a few surprises to what happens. Things are slightly more complicated than they seem at first. After seeing the movie, I discovered that it was based on a book. I have no idea what has been changed for the movie.
I’ve read that some people have felt that the pacing is too slow in The Tourist. I didn’t feel that way at all. The movie has been promoted as a thriller and I can see some thriller elements in it even though the movie isn’t that suspenseful overall. For some reason, the movie has been nominated in the comedy/musical category for the Golden Globes. While there are some funny lines and moments, the movie is far from being a comedy and it definitely isn’t a musical. There is some action in a few scenes, though the movie really isn’t action packed.
There are only three main characters in The Tourist. Frank, a math teacher on vacation, probably receives a bit more attention than the others. He ends up in a somewhat odd situation that he manages to deal with fairly well. I think Johnny Depp did a very good job with the part. Elise is a mysterious woman who pulls Frank into the mess he ends up in. She looks elegant and refined, but it is quickly clear that she can take care of herself. Inspector Acheson is the last character that receives much attention. He is a detective with Scotland Yard and he’s investigating something that is tied to Elise and Frank. Paul Bettany does fine with the part. Timothy Dalton has a small part as Acheson’s boss.
I really enjoyed The Tourist and think it is better than a lot of people have said. Fans of Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie may find something to like about the movie.
I did get a review posted on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater.
The Tourist
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