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
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
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
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