Reviews

I made the mistake of reading the book and the one before it, too. As a result, I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. I liked the actors, especially Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, and the actors playing the Aunts. I guess the story was fine, if you don't mind the children being bullied as witches. Or the adults bullying Sally. You might also enjoy it if you don't mind abusive men. Or magic spells that are counter productive. Actually, my advice is to read the books and skip the movie.

The visuals are captivating. But I watched the movie thinking it might be a good adaptation of the fantastic, wonderful book by Diana Wynne Jones. It wasn't. It has characters from the book, but they are not as Ms. Jones wrote them. It has some some plot lines, but they are not as wise or loving as the book. Those who admire and rave about the animation are right - it IS beautiful. But I wanted the story I read. And this is not it.

Without being nasty or vulgar, LAST VEGAS is humorous and heartfelt. This movie celebrates friendship, especially among four friends who have known each other for more than 50 years. The camaraderie exhibited by these stars is enviable as well as appreciated. They have enjoyed much and suffered much in their lives, apart and together. The movie doesn't dwell on the negative, but it does unfold at a comfortable pace. The actors are perfect for their roles, and each relishes the part he plays. The supporting actors are able to enjoy their time on screen, whether it is for five or fifty minutes. This movie is about family, too, and grown children might understand their parents better seeing this film with or without them.

This is definitely a movie for mature audiences - children will not understand some of the jokes, and parents will become red faced explaining them. In fact, children will probably want to avoid this movie at all costs. Young people from 18 to 30 may not appreciate the depth of the friendships exhibited by these four friends, and they may misunderstand the difficulty of these "old folks" performing some of the day to day antics that they take for granted: dancing, drinking, picking up women. Getting old is neither easy nor fun, but it beats the alternative!

Some may refer to this as HANGOVER on Viagra. I prefer to think of it as "HOW TO ENJOY OLD AGE WITH A BANG." Or maybe it's a first - not last - hurrah to be repeated annually by anyone over 60.

If you are familiar with the fourth estate - the press - and the fifth estate - the internet, then you are familiar with the character upon whom this movie is based, Julian Assange. You may not have read the books, which are source material for the script, but you may have read in the newspapers or seen stories on the internet about his WikiLeaks, and the turmoil he caused by leaking sensitive documents. So what kind of surprises can FIFTH ESTATE provide, and how entertaining can such a movie be?

We know that this movie is based on facts, and so one might think that it can only be presented one way - nothing new or exciting. But this perception denies the perspectives of the people supplying the facts, and the Hollywood types that made this movie. So in reality, FIFTH ESTATE twists and turns in many ways different from what you might believe are the facts, and it becomes as entertaining as it is thought provoking. The acting is solid, the storyline seamless and smooth, and the facts as they are presented will encourage discussion and further investigation.

If you like your information about the world presented to you in one format or from one location, you might not care for the way FIFTH ESTATE presents WikiLeaks and its founder and the volunteers who support him. I had no preconceptions before the film, and now, after viewing it, I am keenly interested in finding out more about what really happened when so many incriminating documents were leaked on the internet by the movie's main character. This is one film for people who think, and as such, I enjoyed it. In the theaters, this film does have an ending, but not in real life. Since it is still ongoing, I am now going to keep reading and learning about this fascinating person and his mission to reveal the truth about everything.

It has Robson Green; it has to be good. Tara Fitzgerald & Rupert Penry-Jones are added bonuses. I thought of other films that captured the Cyrano premise encapsulated in this film. Also, education and Shakespeare are revealed to be important to all of us: rich and poor, dropout or higher educated. No matter what, there will always be films that have been done poorly, and this is not one of them. There will be films done a little better. Think for yourself, and you might agree with me that this one is a little better than most - especially of the USA variety. STUDENT PRINCE is so charming, and its storyline so unforced. The laughs are not belly busters, but the humor is charming, sophisticated, and heartfelt. It was a perfect afternoon diversion: mind elevating and memorable. It's a chick flick that might be appreciated by significant others looking for romance tips and techniques. British, and jolly good!

THE GREAT DEBATERS is a movie-going treat, with young people exemplifying truth, respect, pride and dignity. In an entertaining way, with some preaching, this movie shows four African-American debaters succeeding in the face of adversity, growing stronger with success AND defeat. Their debates are lively and thought provoking.

However, before, during and after these contests, other serious and complicated issues are revealed. Two of these issues deal with a confrontation on the road between two farmers and a minister, and a lynching in the middle of the night. Both are reflections of the time, unsettling and disturbing to those in the movie and in the audience.

This is not family entertainment, nor is it mindless entertainment. It has no gratuitous sex, but there is a hint of romance. It is fast paced, but the action is verbal – not physical. THE GREAT DEBATERS lives up to its name in that it has something for everyone, and not everyone will like it. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a quality film that will be debated by all who see it!

This movie demanded my full attention. It is NOT mindless entertainment, nor is it a movie to recommend to just anyone. Every character is essential, and is impressive in his or her role. Reese Witherspoon is mesmerizing as the distraught, pregnant wife of the missing husband. As is to be expected, Meryl Streep plays ruthless and despicable to perfection. Neither can exist without the other, and they are together in only one heart breaking scene.

This is a painful movie to watch and think about: gut wrenching torture scenes; extremist zealots spouting love of God to excuse their violence; zealous politicians spouting love of country to excuse their disregard for one citizen's rights to protect thousands of innocents. This isn't mind diverting entertainment; this is maddening reality occurring daily.

If you are looking for a movie that engages your brain, and preys on raw emotions, see this movie. It is educationally stimulating, and challenges all of us to question our beliefs about our country's "war on terror."

Cheesy, corny, cute, & sassy, spunky, senseless fun - everything you might want in a movie especially if you are not a fan of the "usual movie fare" (somber or slasher or stupid). Even though you've seen this story before (It IS loosely based on Snow White.), and the cast of characters seem as familiar as the girl next door or a high school musical, I was transported back in time to college days I'd thought I'd forgotten. Being able to identify with the central characters endeared them to me. Of course, if you don't identify with characters who exemplify one of the seven dwarfs, a wicked witch, and/or a college ingénue, you will probably leave the theater with the taste of a rotten apple in your mouth.

Sometimes Amanda Bynes seems a little too saccharine-sweet. As Sydney White, she is wide-eyed innocence personified. She's just too good to be true. But this is a fairy tale, right? Then why did the college rituals seem so real and make me squirm uncomfortably? Why did the fairy tale ending leave me hopeful, even though it seemed so unlikely and impossible? Can the little guys – the dorks of the world – really find happiness in a Greek (not Geek) college world? Maybe.

If you like fairy tales – especially with a Prince Charming, a wicked witch and a too-good-to-be-true heroine – this is the movie for you, your significant other, and friends and family members who root for the underdogs!

Almost everything about the movie is enchanting from its two locations ("happy ever after" Andalasia vs. "happy never after" New York City) to its multi-dimensional characters (campy cartoons vs. reality survivors). Pip, the endearing chipmunk, steals the show in both worlds. Amy Adams, as Giselle the intrepid, out of her element Princess, is a perfect foil for Patrick Dempsey's Robert, the staid and logical NYC lawyer who attempts to help her find her way home. Both have true loves, but their providential meeting alters their perceptions not only of love, but of friends, family, and life in general.

The stereotyping of characters, and some continuity errors, were a little disconcerting. Yet the metamorphosis of those characters into believable people, and the engaging storyline, eradicated all of these concerns.

If you love fairy tales with inevitable happy endings, see this movie. ENCHANTED is a movie in which almost everyone finds his or her true heart's desire, which could be exasperating for cynics, anyone who has no interest in romantic love, and those who abhor show stopping musical numbers.

Queen Latifah is the reason we attended the advance screening of PERFECT HOLIDAY in our area. If she is your only reason for viewing this movie, you might be as disappointed as we were. My husband would have bolted after 15 minutes, but in deference to me, he sat through the entire movie. He did laugh once, towards the end of the movie, at a cryptic comment uttered by Terrence Howard's character in front of a closed outlet mall. I won't spoil the movie for you by telling you the line, but you will probably laugh, too. Speaking of Terrence Howard, he must have owed Queen Latifah BIG TIME to appear in this movie, especially as the humbug to her holiday.

The movie has some warm, touching moments, with a little bit (very little bit) of comedy and (more than a little bit) love. It is just too bland and average to warrant a night out, especially at today's ticket prices. Wait for the DVD, or better yet, wait for cable (unless you really have to see the Queen). Please don't spoil your perfect holidays by going out of your way to see this movie.

We saw RUSH HOUR 3 last night (August 6) at a sneak preview, and now I wish I had been one of the 200 people who did not get in. It had its funny moments, and the outtakes at the end (with the credits) were the funniest parts of the movie. With so many better movies in theaters (EVAN ALMIGHTY, HARRY POTTER, and even TRANSFORMERS were worth the admission price, but that is my opinion after all), why spend money on this movie, which will be just as entertaining in 6 months on DVD (for the price of rental and you can see it with your friends in the comfort of your home) or in a year on cable (for just the cost of cable)??? If you liked RUSH HOUR and RUSH HOUR 2, after seeing RUSH HOUR 3 you may be as disappointed as I was, and yearn for the earlier films. Or unlike me, you might be able to excuse the weak acting, weak storyline, and unsatisfying ending, and really enjoy this final installment (I hope) of the RUSH HOUR series.

Saw this at a sneak preview Saturday (August 4) with mostly families who were excited about being with their family members AND seeing a free movie. Cuba Gooding, Jr., is not as wildly off the wall as Eddie Murphy, nor as funny. Still, the conflict between his character and his character's father is something that many fathers and sons encounter and can relate to. The interplay between Cuba and his on screen wife is also something to which many husbands and wives can relate.

Most of the laughs are for wacky, wildly inappropriate adventures, and the conflicts between Camp Driftwood and the exclusive rival camp brings up many noteworthy topics for family members to discuss long after the movie is over. This is a silly, pleasant movie, that is probably just as good on cable or DVD as it is in the movie theater. However, that being said, with so many non-family friendly movies in the theater this summer of 2007, this might be one of the better movies for the family to see before school is back in session.

Even though this movie was number one over the weekend (August 3-5, 2007), and you might be tempted to see it after reading all of the glowing reviews on this site, I advise viewers to take DRAMAMINE or another motion sickness medication prior to viewing it. The motion in this blockbuster is not just unsteady, it's jarring & irregular. It's all over the place! Couldn't anyone afford a steady-cam or tripod??? Did no one involved in this movie know about "discretion is the better part of valor" or restraint of any kind (motion AND violence)?? Yes, this movie is non-stop action, and fans of Jason Bourne and/or the Robert Ludlum novels will flock to see it regardless of what I (or others who agree with me) say. Still, be forewarned. If you do not like roller-coaster movies with some inconceivable plot lines, do not pay to see this movie until it is in the video/DVD store or on cable. And if you do enjoy these types of movies, you might want to bring along the Dramamine!

How many of us dreaded the day our two families met before the big wedding, and yet, they did meet, and we still married that wonderful person who took us to see this movie?? This movie appeals to all ethnicities, no matter what age or demographic. We all have a history, and as Toula's brother says (quoting a famous advice columnist!), "Don't let your history decide your future, but let your history be a part of your future!" This movie might be in my past, but it will make me laugh today, tomorrow, and in the future. And isn't laughter the best medicine for what ails you? Oh, wait!! It's not. It's WINDEX!!!!

Treat yourself, your spouse, your family, your friends. See this movie. If you really like yourself, your spouse, your family and your friends, see it again and again with each and every one of them!!!

This is a movie that demonstrates the value of the teaching profession, and interactive education - without the technology. The one teacher who is profiled in this movie is respected and loved, as are his students. Education is valued, and cheating does not improve a person's worth - though it might further one in life. As in life - as in my own school - it shows that when someone believes in you, you can achieve great things, but you still must really work at it. One student in the movie who does attempt great things resorts to cheating to further himself in the eyes of others. When he is found out, it is only the teacher who suffers - not the student. It's a very painful moment for those who witness it in the theater - those who have been there, done that. Other students attempt great things, too, without cheating. When the teacher doesn't believe in the one student who truly needs that extra help, he must find out his error many years later - disappointing himself, and his former student. This, too, is painful, for any teacher who has been there, done that. Yet the ending, which might seem a little too pat for some, is endearing and enriching.

The entire movie experience made me want to continue teaching - and after 27 years, I've thought about retiring SOON! I am also motivated to continue learning - about something I don't particular relish. History was not a favorite subject. But now, I really want to read more about and study ancient history - especially during the Roman times. This movie is making history come alive - our past and how it defines us and shapes us, even though it has been done and can't be changed. For the present, it will definitely inspire honesty and values. With plagiarism on an upswing, it might deter some young people from resorting to cheating, just to get ahead in the moment. Teachers who saw this movie with me (at an advance screening in Tampa) felt invigorated and validated. For those who love learning, and those who love to share knowledge, especially teachers, this is the movie to see!