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Reviews
Paradise (2013)
Makes you contemplate values
My first impression was to despise the movie, thinking it was going to extoll the corruption of a young girl raised conservatively to embrace the sordid prevalent "values" of modern society (generally promoted by mass media in most movies, TV shows and video games today, but I changed my opinion. The characters in the movie show her out of place and different than those she encounters in her journey, but the contrast is that her naivety is refreshing and almost envious. Being sheltered in life may leave one innocent but also protected from many scars and bad life experiences that most people encounter and from foolish behaviors that are deemed socially acceptable today. Refreshingly, it actually was a thoughtful movie, and will make people think about their own values. I liked it!
Jack et la mécanique du coeur (2013)
Don't take the kids!
I kept thinking, I hope people have not taken children to this movie which is so bizarre and somewhat dark and could easily be disarming and cause nightmares in children. It seems similar to Tim Burton films, offbeat, weird and dark. On one hand it, you can say it was quite creative, but in a twisted strange way. It was as if someone had written the script while drinking absinthe and watching it made you feel like you were joining them. The musical score seemed like one that would accompany a stage production, quite elaborate. A portion of the dialogue when the bully character was confronting the main character, the boy, was written in poetry form and reminded me of Poe. After watching it awhile, I began to feel like it was too long, tedious and was hoping it would hurry and end soon. The end was clever, fitting and a bit touching. High marks for creativity, but too dark for children and just one of the strangest films I've ever seen.
Scorpion (2014)
I want to like this show
The premise of this show was so interesting, I really really want to like this show. I am not tech savvy so couldn't call out all the errors others saw as clearly wrong. I am impatient with shows that rely on high speed chases, and accelerated contrived drama and it seems like that the theme of the show was frantic speed and energy. It was a bit tiring and also somewhat silly, trying to download a laptop from a plane hovering above it. I really wish the show would bring in new writers, retool and make a serious effort to write plausible plot lines. Asperger's geniuses really are interesting and unique people and it is a wonderful idea to make them "stars" of a show. The show has potential, but needs better scripts. Down with high speed frantic action, up with plot substance.
Noah (2014)
A Bible story in creative sci-fi modern format
I'm giving a high rating because of the creativity of the writers for taking a Bible story and transforming it into a sci-fi format that non-Christian people may actually watch and not reject simply because of the religious premise. It is very clever. It makes an ancient story very appealing to a modern audience as a thriller/action type movie. For that, it is almost a masterpiece and I think they should follow up with other Bible stories in "modern" format. It's an exciting translation. Not being a great Bible scholar, I understand that there are fictionalized liberties taken with the story and that is understandable because, after all, it is a movie for entertainment purposes, not meant to be a religious translation. I do think it may lead some people to explore the Bible further and see the redeeming values, the wisdom, enlightening knowledge and fascination it holds, when they maybe have never opened the book. In that aspect, it has a hidden kernel of sparking interest in what could be a transforming lifestyle choice. In that aspect, it is again a masterpiece. I am not a sci-fi fan, but I recommend this movie for all. Be entertained and decide for yourself the merit.
Le violon rouge (1998)
Engaging story, with a twist
I didn't have a clue what to expect from this movie. I was afraid it would be slow, tedious and somewhat boring, but it was engaging from the beginning and kept your interest as you followed along the saga of the red violin, which was the main "character" of the story. From it's creation, passing through a variety of hands of ownership, the red violin has a rich history and significant stories. It has multi-layers of interests: historical, artistic, relational, political. It includes beautiful music and an intriguing twist to the story and the significance to the instrument. Watching the movie is like the feeling many of us have had going into an antique shop, purchasing an item and wondering the life it had before it reached our hands. This story answers that mystery for the red violin and weaves the tales of it's existence into this interesting piece of film. It is a quality and memorable movie, well worth your viewing time.
Lifted (2010)
lives up to it's name
I had never heard of this movie, so didn't know what to expect. I love music and am a military Mom, so with both themes involved in the movie, it was particularly close to my heart. This movie proves to me that it doesn't take big name stars to make a quality, well acted movie. The storyline particularly highlights the plights of military families and how their lives are affected when their loved ones are deployed. People who do not have family in the military may come away from the movie with a better understanding of what military families experience. There are multiple themes within the story, including drug usage, abuse, spirituality, family cohesiveness, etc. I do not think it would be appropriate for younger children,as although the talent of the young star in the movie is inspiring,the seriousness of particular elements may be better served by more mature audiences. In summary, I highly recommend this movie. It is well worth your time, will touch you, will make you want to hug your loved ones afterwards. It really will make you feel lifted and that is how I personally want to feel after watching movies.
Magic Mike (2012)
Stupid, boring, waste of time
When watching this movie, I couldn't help to wonder why, with so many fantastic novels and stories out there, huge sums of money are wasted on pointless tripe as this. The novelty of the movie for those of us who do not frequent strip clubs, is to have a peek into the world of what happens there. Overgrown "boys" strutting around in costumes and endlessly dry humping for the audience, showing off their wares, as though somehow seeing their abs and behinds were the greatest thrill in the world for the, of course, sex starved women in their audience, who stuffed their undies with dollar bills while they shrieked with delight. Whoo-hooo! A pointless storyline peppered with F this and F that, a few female body parts thrown in. Yawn, yawn... If you have nothing to do with your time, check this movie out, or you could be as entertained watching the dust collect on your windowsill.
Seven Psychopaths (2012)
Stupid, disgusting! Know what you're getting into.
I thought this was supposed to be a comedy despite the title. I personally do NOT gore and did not realize that this was going to be a graphic blood fest from the get go, repeat gory murders, gruesome graphic scenes,coupled with stupid dumb dialogue and characters. The exemption is the adorable little dog who was the cutest little thing.I am going to be honest to say that I had no desire to stomach more of this graphic violence and follow what seemed to me to be an ignorant storyline. After seeing enough spurting blood scenes to turn my stomach and sicken me, I turned it off. I won't subject myself to vile visuals in hopes that it is going to turn around and improve and end up being a masterpiece. It was filled with well known actors, so I would have had hopes that it had some redeeming merit, but I certainly didn't see any hopes of it. Maybe someone's cup of tea, but not mine. I believe in our violent society, glorifying these acts as "entertainment" serve no purpose. If you are naive like I was and just wanted to have a few laughs, think twice before seeing this movie unless you are prepared to stomach the disgusting continual stream of gore.
Dark Shadows (2012)
Better than expected! A fun ride for Dark Shadows fans.
I stalled on seeing this movie because I hated the trailer. It seemed to suggest that it was going to be completely different than the TV show, farcical, and twist on the Barnabas character. I hated the way Johnny Depp presented in the trailer and thought it in no way equaled the original Barnabas character. I expected to be bored and disappointed. Surprise! It was a fun, yet dark and fast paced and quirky movie that entertained, while bringing back memories of an endearing TV series that was loved by many. Johnny Depp was far better in the leading role than the trailer suggested and it wasn't totally all camp, although being a Burton film, it had it's moments. The story, while remaining largely in shallow waters (how much depth can you cram into one movie storyline?), did spin a plausible tale of Barnabas history and existence. I would have liked to have seen more about the storyline between Josette and Barnabas, and also why Angelique was spurned. I would definitely return to see more episodes of this tale (as we once returned to view more and more episodes of the TV series). From beginning to end, this movie was entertaining, fun, mysterious and kept a fast pace to keep you interested throughout. I recommend it for a fun movie night although, I'm not sure young children should be viewing it as it does have dark and bloody moments which could be frightening and too much for young children to be exposed to.
Jin ling shi san chai (2011)
Serious, interesting movie all the way through!
I was drawn to see the DVD seeing that Christian Bale was starring in it, but had never even heard of it before. After watching it, I am thinking it should be in the Academy awards top movies category. It follows a very creative storyline of an American mortician finding himself in the position of defending the safety of a group of Chinese schoolgirls in a convent as China is being invaded by Japan. Adding to the improbability, a group of prostitutes seek to take haven in the convent and this is where the storyline proceeds. A contrast of lives of innocence versus lives which have been tainted by exploitation, a jaded man who mocks the church at the onset finds himself in the position of protecting the lives and the honor of the young girls and becoming the father figure and man of virtue himself as he leads them to safety, the atrocities of war in contrast with the humanity of soldiers trying to save lives as their duties are to destroy them. These are a few complexities of the movie. It shows the atrocities of war and the innocence and destruction of those who are caught in circumstances beyond their control. This movie reminds us of the evils of war and the common humanity, desires and emotions that we all share. It was interesting to watch throughout the entire movie. While perhaps, not "entertaining" in the sense that it left you with a happy feeling at the end, it was memorable in the sense that it captured the seriousness and importance of war and it's effects on us all, whatever our roles in life may be. I recommend it for viewing for adults, although it may not be appropriate for young children to view due to the violence and serious subject matter.
Elvis and Anabelle (2007)
Quirky, fun, delightful movie!
I hadn't heard anything about this movie and so didn't have a clue what it was going to be about. After the first 10 minutes, I assumed it was going to be a creepy, bizarre horror movie. To my delight, it turned out to be a fun, romantic, touching and lovely adventure, with interesting, quirky characters. A beauty queen with an overly ambitious Mother, suddenly dies and then comes back to life to have the chance to escape the clutches of her Mother's vicarious dreams and have an adventure of her own. While hiding out with the undertaker family that was present when the spark of life returned to her, she has a romantic interlude with the son of mortician. His bizarre kiss while she was seemingly still deceased is the catalyst that almost seems to bring her back to life, but becomes the incident that eventually returns her to her family and away from him ad the media defines him as a necrophiliac. The plot scenario is an unlikely one, but a little bit of suspending reality can result in a thoroughly enjoyable and fun bit of sweet and touching entertainment. This movie has humor, likable characters, an interesting plot, sentimentality, and a bit of sadness. I totally recommend this one; it will make you laugh, make you cry, and touch your heart.
30 Minutes or Less (2011)
vulgar, vile, lame and unfunny
How many obscenities can we use in a movie and does it make it outrageous, shocking and amusing to watch? NO, it does not! Watching this movie makes me feel like I have the answer to why our society is deteriorating into a mess of greedy, uncivilized, violent, sociopaths, that are destroying the quality of life in this country. If this tripe is considered amusing and entertainment, then the de-evolution is doing well. Yes, you can say that it does have a plot, albeit a lame one: lazy good-for-nothing son decides to entrap someone to rob a bank so he can get enough hit money to knock off his Dad and inherit the money to fulfill his goal of opening a tanning parlor/ prostitution business. Jesse Eisenberg, who plays the major role as the unlucky guy set up to rob the bank, is the only highlight of the movie. He has a strong presence and tries to make this pile of ignorance seem valid. I can't for the life of me figure out why he agreed to act in this nonsense. It follows along it's asinine plot, a few twists and turns (yawn)until it reaches the supposedly amusing ending and all is well. Unfortunately, they forgot to tie up one major plot conflict in this all's well that ends well conclusion, but I guess they assume the audience will be as mentally whacked out as the scriptwriter must have been to ever think about it. What makes me really sad, is that I can think of so many books that are wonderful and should be made into movies, and instead get crap like this gets financed, produced, and passed off as "entertainment".
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008)
surprisingly fun and a touch serious
When I saw the promotion for this movie I thought it was a children's movie, something like Mary Poppins. I had no desire to see it. However, when my DH rented the DVD, I was pleasantly surprised to find a creative, campy, fast paced adult oriented comedy/romance with a touch of seriousness thrown in. The actress portraying Delysia reminded me of Marilyn Monroe with her quirky feminine, sexy delivery. The characters were part caricatures with a bit of realism thrown in which made for an interesting atypical movie, fun to watch as it clicked along at zippy pace. I think perhaps a better title would have made a different impression and maybe pulled in more viewers who like, I had a wrong impression of what this movie was about. I actually don't think it is suitable for children but makes a fun adult movie. I heartily recommend this movie for an entertaining evening, a few laughs and maybe a tear as well.