Summer 2011 Movies!

I have spent my summer wisely...watching as many movies in theaters as possible.

My first and a new favorite comedy of the summer was Bridesmaids. Audiences have compared this hilarious film to the Hangover. Seeing as this is a Judd Apatow film, there should be no way it’s not funny. He created laugh-so-hard-milk-coming-out-your-nose movies like Superbad, Knocked Up, Get Him to the Greek, Pineapple Express, 40 Year Old Virgin, and so many more funny films.

Watching two Saturday Night Live girls act and ad-lib off each other was an experience I never get tire of seeing. Yes, I have seen the film more than once in theaters. In addition, other female actors involved in comedy were enjoyable to watch. I give this film five stars because it was not a stereotypical female movie and it was a legit hilarious comedy. I absolutely loved this film.

Something Borrowed was a cute typical comedy romance. I realize people watch these kinds of films for the laughs and that’s exactly what I did. I knew the ending but I watched this film for John Krasinski and John Krasinski! He is so attractive and funny. I love him on The Office and I love the fact that he is branching into films. He was definitely my comedy release in this film because honestly I like Ginnifer Goodwin but I sure wasn’t interested in watching her sad sop story about how she almost missed the chance to be with the love of her life. Whatever assumptions you have about this film....stick with them because you’re probably right. Cute stereotypical comedy romance movie; if that is your thing, catch it in theaters before it’s gone.

Fast Five and Thor were part of my summer collection but they have their own post.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was an ify subject for me. Yes, I’m a huge pirates fan but this is the first sequel without Orlando Bloom or Keira knightley. I’m not saying I miss Keira’s character but she was an asset to the plot. I dearly miss Will Turner because I fell madly in love with him when he accepted that he was a pirate and he became a major turn on when he became the captain of the Flying Dutchmen. Yes, Pirates may be just as good as it is going to get with Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa, and newcomer Penelope Cruz. This film gets a sold three star for entertainment, action, and always an intriguing plot line but gets the points deducted because two of the main people in the previous two movies and M.I.A. and the cast isn’t complete without them.

Hangover Part II was honestly a mirror image of the first movie. It’s good they didn’t change the title because it really is a part two redone. Some of the same exact elements repeated bothers me because it lacked originality but it definitely made up in comedic points. I do like the fact that they added Chow’s character; he was a comedic asset to the cast. There is not much to say about this film because if you saw the first film, then you’ve pretty much seen the second just a different groom and different location.

X-Men: First Class was excellent. My favorite action series is X-Men along with favorite Marvel comics. I played with X-Men figures as a little girl so it geeks me up to see images and characters I played with come to life. I love this film just as much as the trilogy and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. My opinion is possibly bias because I’m a sucker for continued stories of crucial characters. Seeing the friendship of Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr form and dissolve was so intriguing to me. I loved seeing my second favorite mutant, Mystique, come into her confidence. Everybody should always remember everybody has a story because not everybody becomes the villain over night. I’m also pretty sure I scream when there was a quick cameo from Wolverine aka Logan (Hugh Jackman).  Allusions are one of the most entertaining devices in literature or film. This movie receives a bias five stars because X-Men are my favorite comic marvel action series.

I had no interest in seeing this film but thanks to a friend. I never doubted Steven Spielberg but for some reason this particular alien movie was not top of my list. As a clear objective perspective, the movie had excellent elements. It was a really good story line; of course there were holes in the story I could pick with but I recently read that Directors/Producers are not suppose to explain everything to the audience.

My favorite part of the entire movie had to be the train crash. Every single movement had a sound. The sound mixing for the movie was incredible; I absolutely love hearing a sound for everything. In addition, it was a nice adrenaline rush sitting through all the suspense. I have to admit, there were a few moments I jumped and I don’t scare easily.

The effects, story line, and sound mixing were high-quality and the very factors that pulled me in. This movie gets four stars and I would recommend it for those who don’t mind a incredibly suspenseful alien movie.

I have anticipated this movie for months after being on the set in D.C. I went to see it at midnight and it did not disappoint. The movie’s action sequence exceeded my expectations. Sadly, I heard a lot of critics gave this movie a D rating; well I completely disagree. One aspect I do agree with is the lead female role: Yes Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is gorgeous and not bad as an actor for her first role but her part was not necessary. After Megan Fox's little disagreement with Michael Bay, I was completely fine with Sam being single and not having any female distraction as he saves the world with the Autobots once again. Nevertheless, with or without her role the movie still gets an A or five stars; however one would like to view it. Transformers, Dark of the Moon were an excellent two hours and forty-five minutes and worth every penny of my money at midnight opening night.

Green Lantern had some speculation when it first came out but I was going to see it anyways. I was never a green lantern gal growing up and knew very little about the super hero; I knew more about Aquaman than I did about the Green Lantern.

My first motivation for going was to watch Ryan Reynolds in a superhero movie, maybe there would be a couple of shirtless scenes. My second reason is Green Lantern is part of the marvel family so I had to support.

The movie, of course, had some comedy because a comedic was in the starring role. It also included a handful of cheesy cliché lines and moments. It made me a little frustrated how long it took Ryan to step into his proper Green Lantern role. I do not deal with cowardice men and he needed to get it together throughout the majority of the movie.

This movie would get a fragile three and a half stars. The entire movie was not completely what I expected, but I dock points for cheesiness, stupid mishaps, and too many coincidences.

OMFG! This movie was so funny and the best role I have ever seen Cameron Diaz play. I read so many great reviews of her acting skill in this movie and I absolutely consent. The humor was rude, crude, raunchy, and all around funny if you have that Judd Apatow sense of humor. I am not going to give any of the plot away but it gets five stars in the comedic category.

This movie was exactly what I expected. The previews gave no more and no less of comedy level. I laughed just as moch as I thought. This movie did make me love Jason Bateman just a little bit more. I have always been a fan but I am starting to love him and not just like him. I loved seeing Kevin Spacey and Jennifer Aniston play such horrible bosses. It was a nice switch up for serious dramas or typical comedy romances. This movie gets a solid three and a half stars in the comedic category. Go see it and get a laugh.

This movie was going to be my summer cap. It was going to be my youngest child that I favor for the summer because it is the First Avenger. I thought Chris Evans did a great job being the star superhero this time. He was a very convincing serious actor.

With all that said the movie was sadly disappointing. I realize the movie takes place around the second world war and will not include all the new technology effects. That did not bother me as much as the fact that Captain America enrolled in the military before he became all super and stuff. He wanted to be part of something bigger than himself and protect people. And the doctor told him before his procedure, do not change (characteristically). Once he became Captain America, he had moments where he acted like a team member but then I felt like he was acting superior. I know it sounds confusing but he was still in the military as Captain America and he did not always use his team, which I felt he should. This is only my personal opinion.

Then I have to say the cliché kiss got completely on my nerves. The entire theater grumbled at the same time so I knew it was not just me.

This movie gets three stars. Maybe it will grow on me if I watch it more but for now it is at the bottom of my superhero list.

Friends with benefits is a phrase most girls do not want to hear but when it comes with Justin Timberlake I think they should make an exception. This was a cute comedy romance and I approve. It was not completely cliché so I liked it and it seemed like a very real relationship. I liked it so much because Mila Kunis and JT had an awesome friendship. This movie gets a solid four stars in the romcom category. I was very impressed and it exceeded my expectations.

This movie was not in my box for the summer but I heard good reviews and had to see it for myself. I watch over a span of time and it took me quite a bit of time to get through. I am not a western person and I have never liked cowboy or western films....this movie falls into that category. I did not like it, I felt the story line was cheap, and the special effects could have been better. I do not know if it has to deal with cowboys in the west that dulls my interest or if it was a bad movie. This movie gets two stars. It was disappointing and did not live up to any potential.

Once again another sequel years later. I also did not plan to watch this movie but it was surprisingly better than I thought. It might have been the stronger human connection to the ape leader or the fact that the movie was more realistic. My expectations were like a two and the movie deserves a three. If you had an interest to see this movie then watch it otherwise do not waste your money if it is not your thing.

Oprah's Farewell

Oprah has been around my entire life and I never knew how important she was until I did a biography report on her in the 7^th grade. For then on, I would watch the Oprah Winfrey show religiously. Coming home after school, I struggled to get home in time to turn on my TV at 4pm.

Sadly, today was the last time I ran to my TV at 4pm to watch the Oprah Winfrey show.

Because Oprah is the queen of surprises on her show, it was about time other people gave her a surprise. First on the list of Oprah’s celebrity guest for her surprise spectacular was Tom Hanks who basically took the title of master of ceremonies for the Monday episode. Other guest on this episode included Tom Cruise, Jackie Evancho, Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Halle Berry, Katie Holmes, John legend, Diane Sawyer, Josh Groban, Patti Labelle, Madonna, Beyoncé, and Rascal Flatts.

The show’s first song was sung by the youngest opera singer [Jackie Evancho] and then transitioned into Josh Groban and Patti Labelle. Their version of “Over the Rainbow” brought tears to my eye. Patti tore it up...she truly brought church to the Oprah stage.

Next came my favorite material girl [Madonna] saying how the only person “alive” who inspires her is Oprah Winfrey. While Oprah did not think she could receive a bigger compliment, Dakota Fanning and her Oprah show babies all gave their personal testaments of what the Oprah show taught them. Giving way for the next guest & singer [Beyoncé], they all believe that girls can run the world.

In compilation, John Legend informed the audience about a New Orleans school library that was damaged by hurricane Katrina and then a second time by a tornado. Hundreds of donations from the audience and many more sponsors like target helped set up a new library for the kids. It truly warmed my heart to see kids excited about having books; something I have always taken for granted is so appreciated by others. In addition, Diane Sawyer said they were planning to plant 25 giant oak trees in front of that very school and 2500 oak trees across the nation.

In the same exciting day, viewers tuned in on Tuesday for the continuation. Even more celebs like Will & Jada Smith, Michael Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Stevie Wonder, Jerry Seinfeld, Simon Cowell, Rosie O’Donnell, Gayle King, Maria Shriver, Tyler Perry, Kristen Chenoweth, Dr. Maya Angelou, Alicia Keys, Stedman Graham, Aretha Franklin, and Usher.

As many times as I have heard Oprah scream, this episode takes the cake. Talking about men who love the Oprah show, Jamie Foxx started singing “Isn’t She Lovely” making all the women in the audience swoon in the first phrase and then being joined by singing legend Stevie Wonder.

Jerry Seinfeld was the comic relief joking about how watching and being a guest on the Oprah show taught him to be a good husband because along with all the other mistakes he makes, he would still much rather be at a bulls game.

Simon Cowell came and introduced the next musical act, which he gives his seal of originality approval. Rosie O’Donnell introduces several of Oprah’s friends in her song: Dr. Phil, Nate Berkus, and Dr. Oz.

Gayle King & Maria Shriver were brought to the stage next as Oprah’s best girlfriends. Am I the only person who did not know Maria was one of her girlfriends? Is it true or was that a pity title because of her marital problems? I’m just asking, as my personal opinion.

64,688. That is the number of people who were educated because of Oprah. Tyler Perry said, “When you educate a black man, you empower families & change generations.” That is so true as Kristen Chenoweth sung “For Good.” As recently hearing this song on Glee, I get to hear it once again from the original soundtrack artist. This song is from my favorite musical in the world and I absolutely love listening to this song and as much as I love singing along every word. The lyrics fit Oprah’s good deeds very much and hit her right on the nose. As tears came to Oprah’s eye seeing all the black men she educated who moved on to educate those after them, this was a pinnacle emotional moment in the show.

Next, reading a beautiful original poem about Oprah was Dr. Maya Angelou. “Oprah wanted to give a voice to the voiceless.” Then, Alicia Keys sang “Super woman” to embody just how powerful Oprah truly has been.

Then, shockingly, Stedman Graham came on stage using all kinds of pet names; he gave her the biggest complement and surprise all night. To round out the end of the show, Aretha Franklin sang “Amazing Grace” and Usher finished with “Oh Happy Day.” I know he is a huge star and everything, but why is he the final act on Oprah’s surprise show? We will probably never know.

One thing we are sure of is how much many others and I love Oprah. She has been such a big impact in my life. Her show has inspired me, brought me to tears, and taught me to be a better person. Oprah has always been my after sschool buddy for years and there is a lot that I can say but all I am going to say is thank you. Thanks for living your full potential in spite of those who tried to bring you down and thanks for being such an inspiration. Along with other influences like Martin Luther King Jr., the Obama’s, Gandhi, and a few celebrities, Oprah has been one of my longest inspirations. When you step back and look at her 25-year talk show career...Oprah has truly changed so many lives and has honestly made such an impact on the world. We'll greatly miss the show & we love you Oprah.

Thor

Watching Thor...my expectations were completely blown out the water.

At first when I saw the previews, I only saw action and no story line. I had no idea what to expect and had no desire to see the movie. Then when I heard one good review, I had to see for myself.

The first seven minutes as the story was setting on the tracks, I was not feeling it. Many people would be impressed by Greek Gods in outer space but I was still trying to figure out where this plot line was going. Then I saw the first action sequence when between Thor and the bad people I didn’t care where the heck the story line was going. Heck yea, I’m all for gorgeous warriors kicking butt.

I still think the trailer could have been a lot better than what is shown because based on the previews I still would have no desire to see the movie. For those who are like me, and the visual is not getting it for you, here is a synopsis:

Marvel Studios expands its film universe with a new type of superhero: THOR. This epic adventure spans the Marvel Universe; from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth. Kenneth Branagh directs this fantasy epic which stars Australian actor Chris Hemsworth as the ancient Norse god, Tom Hiddleston as his chaotic brother Loki, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, a young woman who befriends Thor on Earth, and Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Thor's father and king of Asgard. Expect to see agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., previously seen in ''Iron Man'' to make an appearance, further foreshadowing the coming of The Avengers!

This trailer explains the story a whole lot better than the first preview that came out.

Some people do not like the story line well I quite enjoyed it. This pretty boy, Chris Hemsworth, plays the role of the iron head warrior who learns his lesson the hard way but he is perfect for that role. I couldn't have picked a better God of Thunder to watch for almost two hours, plus the rest of the cast was a great choice including Academy Award winners Sir Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman. I also love the allusions from Iron Man [the people from S.H.E.I.L.D]. This S.H.E.I.L.D guy gets to be the total duchebag in the movie which totally wiped his good credit he had from me in Iron Man but I’ll let you be the judge of that.

Another factor to document was the mise-en-scene. The scenery, backgrounds, and special effects were beautiful. As much detail was given as it were directed by Tim Burton (who is known for his detail to mise-en-scene and one of my favorite directors).

I would give Thor three and a half stars. The extra star and a half is completely left up to you to judge for yourself. A few things could have been bigger, story could have been more developed, and the ending could have been a little less predictable [for me]. I recommend Thor if you are dead set on seeing it but if not, wait until it comes out on DVD. It has an entertaining story line with great effects and cool fight scenes; tell me what you think.

BTW, I'm SUPER excited to see this movie retaliate in The Avengers (currently in production); I'm a sucker for Marvel Comic movies. AND make sure you stay for the after credits scene, it gives way for a sequel. 


Source: Internet Movie Data Base <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800369/synopsis>

Fast Five

It was finally time to reunite with one of my favorite franchise movies again...Fast Five. Sexy men and sexy cars....it’s all worth the wait.

There was just as much action, suspense, and tension as promised. Moreover, there was an unexpected cliff jump! (oooh) I love seeing the gang over three good movies, plus Han, get back together for one huge rendezvous. There was also a lot more comedy. As expected, it was left to Tyreese one-liners to make the audience laugh or crack up; he had the dumb/comical lines.

There was one point where they had Spanish subtitles and that usually doesn’t bother me except these subtitles had really annoying transitions. They were extremely distracting and I’m pretty sure I missed whatever happened in that conversation due to those subtitle transitions.

I am a Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson fan but not in this movie. The cop/bounty hunter look was not attractive but that could be because he played the dick part to a tee. I understand the group was in Rio but the Rock was always sweating and not in an “it’s hot” way, he was sweating in a nasty way like “you need to get some air condition because you look like you’re gonna pass out” way.

I also loved how Dom’s (Vin Diesel) facial expression was the same throughout the entire movie but he was the quintessential B.A. who laughed in the face of danger every opportunity it presented itself. It was such a turn on to watch a man have such a big set of balls and not flitch for anybody. In addition, his attitude wasn’t the only turn on in this film.

I am a huge sucker for fast gorgeous cars and Paul Walker’s face. Debates have been presented to prove if he can act or not. I have come to the conclusion that I don’t give a flip. Put the man in movies because I love to look at his face. Beauty like that is a waste to not be on the big screen for me to drool over.

Not giving anything away but any twist the movie had planned, I was able to predict because of my obsessive knowledge with the franchise. I knew exactly what surprises were coming I just wasn’t sure how they would be presented in the movie.

I was super geeked to see this film and had high expectations. My opinion may be bias or seem swayed by my love for sexy cars, sexy men, and Paul Walker but I loved this movie and would highly recommend it to everyone. I left with a big stupid smile on my face and you might too.

BTW, a lot of people walk out before the credits...wait this time. There is a little snippet after the credits so be sure to stay for the entire movie.