The Constant Gardener (2005)

This movie really got to me. I knew I was going to like it, even though I truly didn't know what it was about. I like Ralph Fiennes, even if he creeps me out these days. I thought this movie, though confusing to me at times, is a really important movie. I think its time we really took a look at how important the drug companies really are in this country (and clearly other countries as well) I think about this all the time, especially regarding the vaccination debate. But this movie really brought it to my attention even more...what a dangerous problem we really have with the Pharmaceutical companies, and how much influence and control they have. It was scary, and very real to me, and it made me think for a long time after watching it. The acting was superb, Rachel Weisz was awesome, and I would not be sad if she won an Oscar for this one! Good stuff...

And the nominees are....

a bit surprising I think!! I was up bright and early, like every year for as long as I can remember..to watch the annoucement of the Oscar nominees. Its my second favorite day of the year for that reason!! I was a little sad, that Walk the Line didn't get nominated, and I truly thought that it would and that it deserved to. However, I was thrilled that Crash was nominated, excited and surprised about Terrence Howard for Hustle and Flow, and of course..not surprised but out of my mind with excitement that Joaquin Phoenix got nominated. Nice to see Matt Dillon make the list...also happy about Steven Spielberg, even thought I haven't seen Munich yet, I look forward to doing so.
So here is how its going to go, since its my damn movie project, and it's my blog so I can do whatever I want.. I am changing the rules. For the month of February, its Oscar month. (even though the awards are in March) I can see repeats or movies I have already seen, as long as they either have been nominated this year for an Oscar, or in a previous year. It can also be a movie that I haven't seen, that hasn't been nominated, as long as one of the current nominees is in it. For example, I have never seen "The Patriot" but I could watch it for the project because Heath Ledger is in it, and he was nominated this year. This only applies for current nominees. So I think thats it for the February rules change. So if the above rules don't apply to a movie I can't blog about it (I can of course, still see a movie that's not nominated, it just won't count!)I realize that its hard during awards season, at least for me, to think about anything else, and I decided its not worth it to try! I got a few movies already waiting for me for this week, and think this will be a detour thats worthwhile. So I am ready to go!

Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

I really liked this movie. It was a refreshing change from the last "horror" movie I attempted to watch..."The Skeleton Key" (see previous post). I though this one was very well done. It was haunting in all the right ways, yet it wasn't far fetched, so that when it was over, I found myself questioning my beliefs on the subject of evil/the devil etc...I loved that the special effects weren't so ridiculous, that to me made it much more believable. And of course, I can't discuss this movie without bringing up the always amazing Laura Linney, the sole reason I rented this in the first place. I also am always impressed with Tom Wilkinson who played the priest. He does such an amazing job of covering up his accent and making you believe he truly is the character he is playing. This character reminded me of his character in "In the Bedroom" in the sense that it was a very understated performance...you didn't have to see too much emotion or reaction out of him to know that he was desperately grief stricken over the situation, but wanted the truth to show through the drama of the story. I love that about him as an actor. I also was pleasantly suprised to see that a large portion of this movie was really a courtroom drama, which I didn't know before I saw it, also surprised to see Campbell Scott, always one of my favorites for unknown reasons...I always used to say it was becuase of his chin, but I am starting to think it may actually go deeper than that. Bubs didn't want to rent this, he thought it looked boring, and he may have gotten bored during some of the court parts, but in the end, I know he liked it too because we were still talking about posession the next day, so it obviously got to him in some slight way. I thought it reminded me of some of the classic horror movies of the 70's. It didn't need to rely on a ton of blood and gore to get its point across, and I found it very haunting and interesting.

Off The Map (2003)

I have been looking at this one for awhile at the library, and kept on passing it by. I have a love/hate relationship with Joan Allen, so I resist seeing her movies until someone forces me to. This time, I just finally decided it was worth a shot when I noticed that Campbell Scott directed it. I like him more than I don't like her, so I checked it out. Wow. I loved it. I loved everything about it. It was quiet and sweet. The little girl was incredible, and actually so was Joan Allen. I loved the quirkiness of the characters. I loved the pull of this interesting family to the outsider, the IRS guy that comes out to the desert to find them. I found myself wanting more long after this movie was over. Totally worth renting.

Lords of Dogtown (2005)

I was wandering through the video store, trying to figure out what I really wanted to see, and this movie kind of jumped out at me. We had watched the documentary last year on one of the movie channels, and when this was released, I wanted to see it, but I never made it out to check it out. I really liked it. I thought it had kind of a slow start, but I love movies about skateboarding. I thought this was interesting, and filmed cool, and had a wonderful cast. Heath Ledger is really starting to impress me. His role in this was really different, he did a great job, and I think that he really is underappreciated. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about him, and even in this, I thought he was talking kind of goofy, maybe its to cover his accent, etc...then I watched some of the bonus features and saw the real Skip, the character he was playing, and the dude talked just like him. It was amazing. He is really versatile and I think I am going to have to go back and start watching some of his older movies, since I avoided them for so long, maybe I was really missing out. The kid (guy, not sure how old he really is) that played Stacy Peralta, was awesome too, I am anxious to see him in another movie, I thought he did a great job. I forgot to see if the actors did all their own skating or not, but either way, I never would have guessed it if they didn't. I thought this was a great movie, glad it found me.

Skeleton Key (2005)

I can think of only one word, and I don't think its really even a word, to describe this movie.....BLECH. I hated it. I thought though the acting was alright...I mean, I can never seem to get enough of Peter Sarsgaard (have no clue if thats spelled right), and I can actually say I like Kate Hudson....but this movie was just, I don't know...nothing to me. I didn't predict the ending, which was nice for a change. But I also thought it was just not interesting, not exciting, and certainly not scary. From watching the previews, I expected to be scared, I expected to be creeped out by images that I saw in the previews that made it look pretty horrifying to me. All the images in the preview were completely understated in the movie. I didn't even find myself jumping at sudden (supposedly) terrifying moments. It was no better than one of those TV movies of the week, With the exception of the acting of course. I am very happy I waited until I had a free rental for this one. I am also finding movies to be too dark lately. Half of the time, I can't even figure out whats going on on screen because its so dark, its all just shadows to me. Several times I paused the DVD to try to figure out what the heck she was doing, or what something was....I have noticed it a lot lately and its becoming annoying. What is wrong with using some decent lighting. I don't think that having something that dark makes it scarier, in fact sometimes it makes things less scary since I don't even know what the heck is going on. Its a bad trend in my opinion.

War of the Worlds (2005)

Honestly, I wanted to see this at the movies. Even with all the crazy Tom Cruise hype, I still wanted to see it. Its not my usual kind of movie, but I do like Steven Speilburg, and do my best to try to support his filmmaking (not like he needs it...) but this one just never happened. I couldn't find anyone that wanted to see it with me, and I didn't think I could sit through a movie like this by myself. I found it wildly entertaining. I wish I had made Ian leave the room before I watched it, because I don't think it was really meant for a 6 year old to watch. He got a bit freaked out, and I can see why. Had I seen it when I was a child, I wouldn't have slept for weeks. Heck, I probably would have ended up in therapy. "Red Dawn" did that to me, I can just imagine what this movie would have done to me back then. I liked seeing Tom Cruise play a part that wasn't such a "nice" guy. I thought the effects were awesome, and I thought the movie was very exciting. I wish I had seen it on the big screen, it would have been much better there I would think.

Happy Endings (2005)

This is my second attempt at watching this, I had to return it once without watching it. When I checked it out this time, the employee at the video store told me that he thought it was good. I love when the employees have actually heard of, or seen movies like this, it always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. I thought this movie was awesome. I really like Maggie Gyllenhall, she does seem to gravitate towards similar characters, but I still like her anyway. It was very interesting seeing Tom Arnold in a role like this, and surprisingly pulled it off. I was amused when someone on screen was watching TV and one of the movies on the TIVO list was "Secretary", I thought that was a cute trick! I thought this movie was entertaining and interesting, I loved the side bar type comments during the movie, I thought that was fun and original. I did think it was a bit long, but I didn't really get bored.

Walk the Line (2005)

I cheated. I seriously feel guilty about it, but I feel like I had a valid excuse for seeing a repeat. I had to do a make up movie for a friend? Um....the mother in law was here when I got home and I couldn't take over the TV to watch a new DVD because everything I had rented was inappropriate for her?? um....I liked it so much even the second time that I thought I at least owed the movie a write up? Okay, lets go with that last one. Also I will watch two movies tonight to make up for it, so its not really cheating if I make it up later right? I hope. Okay, I loved Walk The Line...Everybody that knows me already knows this, because I can't stop babbling about it every chance I get. I have a deep passionate love for Joaquin Phoenix. I have had this crush for a very long time now, and it gets worse every year, every single film. I knew there was no way I would hate this movie. Reese Witherspoon doesn't even bother me that much most of the time. I loved every minute of this movie. To me, a movie is truly magic when it transports you to a different time, or place. Every single stager performance in this movie, took me right out of the theater and on to that stage. I could feel that music in my toes, making my heart beat harder than I ever could imagine it could. I really felt like I was "there". I thought they really portrayed the love and magic that Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash had for each other. This movie reminded me of my childhood, reminded me of how big a part music played in our lives. How music was just drilled into our heads, we never could have escaped it, there is no way we ever could have grown up without a complete love and obsession for music. I thank my parents for that, especially my father for his obsession with The Beatles, or Elvis. I love music, I love movies about music. This movie really worked for me. on every single level. I know I will end up seeing it at least one more time during this Oscar season, or I hope to see it at least once more, because movies about music....I can never get enough.

Bad News Bears (2005)

I wanted to like this movie. I really, really did. I loved the original. Its such a huge part of my childhood. I could probably recite it from memory if I tried hard enough. The preview made this one look the same. I love Billy Bob Thornton so I really thought this was going to be a good one. The reviews seemed good, I had heard decent things, so my expectations were pretty high I guess. I hated it. I really hated it. They changed way too much for me. I didn't like any of the changes, didn't like any of the actors in the movie, even though I usually do. I just thought it was bad. I regret bothering with it...

The Perfect Man (2005)

See, I told you it was cheesy movie week for me!!! Well, I realize that was last week, but I finally got around to watching this. I love Chris Noth, so that was how I got sucked in to renting it. I thought it was a sweet movie. Nothing special of course, but I thought it was good. I like Hilary Duff for the most part, she seems to have a good attitude, and that is so rare these days in young actresses. Heather Locklear never seems to age, and she always looks so beautiful. I thought it was predictible for the most part, but enjoyable nonetheless...There was a line in there that I really really liked too, enough to write it down in my quote book. "Love is friendship on fire" I thought it was an excellent quote and though it didn't really fit the movie in my opinion, it was a beautiful sentiment. All in all a decent film that I was happy I spent the afternoon watching.

Rumor Has It (2005)

Though the actual experience of going to see this, was tainted by having to go see it with people I hardly know as my friend was called away just before we went inside. I still enjoyed it. I expected it to suck, which always helps, because then my expectations are low and the movie usually ends up exceeding them. I don't know that it was a spectacular movie, but it was an entertaining one. I have always detested Kevin Costner, but lately he has actually been growing on me. Last year with "The Upside of Anger" and now this, he seems to be actually choosing roles that aren't such a huge stretch for him. I think Jennifer Aniston is a great comedic actress that gets a bad rap because of the media drama surrounding her all the time. I thought everyone was great in this movie. I thought Shirley MacLaine had a much better role in the other movie I saw her in this year "In Her Shoes", but I still enjoyed her. But the main course for me, was Mark Ruffalo, who I would watch if he were standing still and reading from the phone book. I love this man, I wish he were in every single movie I see. I think he is underrated and underappreciated, and I can't wait for someone to actually notice his amazing talents and start tossing him the starring roles!

Melinda and Melinda (2004)

I seriously love Woody Allen. Everybody that knows me, knows it borders on obsession, my love for this man. I try really hard to see his movies at the theater, but sometimes around here its impossible. They just don't last long enough for me anymore. This one I don't even remember if it was even playing at all, so I had a feeling I would have to wait. What a bummer too. This was an awesome movie. One of my favorites of the more recent Woody Allen movies. Sometimes I wonder if I fell in love with Woody Allen because of New York, or if I fell in love with New York because of Woody Allen, but somehow it seems to go hand in hand for me...the two of them. This one had some great shots of the city as usual. Radha Mitchell was fascinating in this movie. She was really impressive playing the same basic character, in two different stories. I loved the premise of this movie, it was so original and fresh. I loved Will Farrell, playing himself but a more muted version...its always nice seeing Chloe Sevigny as well, she doesn't get nearly enough credit for her work. I think she is awesome. This was a good one, I wish though that there would be more bonus features on his DVDs, I would love a directors commentary especially on a film like this one. This movie reminded me a bit of "Deconstructing Harry" in its creativity and originality. I am looking forward to seeing Match Point this week sometime, at least that one is in wide release for a change.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005?)

okay...I got bored. I liked some of this movie. I liked the plot, I found it original. I actually liked the acting, though they both kind of get on my nerves usually, and of course, who can ignore the media drama that went along with this movies release, the divorce, blah, blah, blah. However, there was just too much "chasing" around in this movie for me. It started kind of slow, started to suck me in, and then turned me off with the constant running, chasing, blowing things up stuff. It was just another "Mission Impossible" type thing for me. I didn't hate it, but I certainly wasn't sorry I missed it at the theater, and more than likely, wouldn't see it again.

Yellow Brick Road (2005)

"good things seem to come from the possibilities" I think that quote truly sums up this sweet, touching documentary. Its about a group of mentally and physically disabled (I don't even know if this phrase is politically correct, but seeing as I am a parent of an um...Cognitively delayed child...An annoying phrase to me...I prefer the latter for now, we'll see how I feel the older she gets)that put on a performance of "The Wizard of Oz". I loved it. It was so easy to fall in love with these awesome kids. It was truly inspirational to see how much of their hearts and souls were poured into their work on the play. To see them glow as they took their bows at the end and remember how much harder they had to work to get to that satisfying end was very touching to me. I may be coming at this movie from a slightly biased angle because of Chloe, but I found it amazing. I know that since she was born and diagnosed with Down Syndrome, it has opened my mind to the endless possibilities that she has in front of her, regardless of how society views her because of her "disability". Watching a movie like this reminds me that she does have a chance out there. I am super glad that I found this movie to remind me. I will be buying this one if I can find it, so that I always have it on hand, for times when society shoves its close mindedness down my throat, I can view it again to make me feel better, that she will have chances like this when she grows up, as long as change regarding people with disabilities continues to happen. I have hope.

Kicking and Screaming (2005)

I am kind of glad now, that I didn't try to squeeze this in to try to see it at the movies. I thought it was entertaining, sort of...I thought Will Farrell was funny as usual, but the character was kind of annoying. I found all the characters kind of annoying. There were very few laugh out loud moments, and I felt it was definetly aimed towards younger kids. Ian seemed kind of bored too while we attempted to watch it together, and eventually he drifted on to his room to do something else. Its pretty much my week of the cheesy movies though, so I guess I can't expect too much out of them. I thought my brain could use a break...

Clay Pigeons (1998)

I admit it. This one should barely count. After watching it for awhile, I realized that I had attempted to watch it before. I never saw the whole thing though, so I decided it would be alright. Joaquin Phoenix, the younger years. Gosh he was cute. Vince Vaughn playing a charming freak-fest. Janeane Garafaolo (spelled wrong I am sure) was adorable as always. She always makes me wonder why she didn't have a better movie career. I think she is clever and beautiful. This was an entertaining movie. Amusing to me in the way that "Very Bad Things" was....in a "I can't believe I am laughing and enjoying this sick movie" kind of way. The plot had its moments. All the acting was good, I thought it was worth seeing, if you are into dark comedy type things.

The Family Stone (2005)

Hey wow! an actual movie, at the theater, with a grown up, my husband even!!! Okay, so even with all the neck pain I am having, I couldn't resist the chance to finally get out to see a grown up movie. We went to see The Family Stone, and again, without giving too much away, it was much, much sadder than I thought. By the time the movie was over, I had cried several times. Another bad experience with the audience as well. Talkers in front of us, two elderly women who clearly should have rented this a few months down the road...just would not shut up!!!! Then they had the nerve to tell the guy behind them (in our row of course...as this was amateur hour again apparantly) whose phone had gone off, and he chose to answer it....out loud....the little grey haired lady says, in her not so quiet voice "shut the fucking phone off"....so Bubs loudly says, "its not as bad as talking through the whole movie" I think little old lady has no clue that he was talking to her, because they went on to finish their conversation throughout the movie. I don't understand why people like that need to see movies at the theater. If I spend that much money to watch something, I am going to be quiet and watch it, if I want to have a conversation with my friend...um...I go to a fricken restaurant, or I rent the movie later on. Its a waste of money to have to sit through a movie with people babbling the whole time. If I had wanted a ton of noise, I would have tried to watch something before the kids go to bed. Give me a break.
Oh, the movie was great by the way...I thought it was full of rich, interesting characters, and a fantastic screenplay!

Saw (2004)

This is not my type of movie at all. And I won't give anything away in case anyone is actually reading this. I did like it. I thought it was an amazingly unique concept. It was original, full of intensity, and well written. I did think there was way too much blood for me. But all around, I enjoyed it. I wouldn't see the sequel of course....but it was worth watching.

Cinderella Man (2005)

Thanks Jo, seriously...Thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you some more. I knew all along I would love this movie, but thank you so much for reminding me to actually watch it. I really loved this movie. Did I say that already? Oh by the way, I loved this movie. I do have a thing for sports movies (even though I detest sports, except the NY Yankees, but that's another post for another day) and this one was something special. I know it may be an unpopular opinion in the film world... But I love Ron Howard, I always have. He make have his cheesy moments in his movies, but I always come away feeling something for the characters. I don't know how you could come away from this movie feeling anything other than complete and utter love for this man. He was truly an incredible spirit. I loved everything about him. His devotion to his family was just amazing. I loved everything about this movie. I loved how warm his house looked in the beginning of the movie, such warm lighting, and everything looked so cozy, you could tell from that moment, everything about this family and their love for each other. The dismal look of the apartment they had to move to during the depression. How dreary it looked, you could feel the desperation. I could go on for hours. It makes me sad that this movie really got missed by the audiences last year. I have no idea how it didn't do what I had dreamed it would do. My only hope is that it can nudge past some of these other movies, and get to the Oscars. I will be crossing my fingers!

Primer (2004??)

This movie seriously made my head hurt. I am thinking I may just buy it so I can watch it a thousand times until it makes sense to me. I can't say if I enjoyed it or not, because I was so busy trying to figure out what was going on, that I just felt...well...busy. I thought it never got boring, even though I didn't understand half of the scientific mumbo jumbo. Yet time travel movies always confuse me, and intrigue me at the same time. This one in particular, because it was kind of short, made me think I was going to have it all figured out, and instead, I was more confused than in most other time travel themed movies I have seen. I do recommend it though, I immedietly called my friend Steph today to beg her to watch it so we can discuss it together. I wish it was more accesible. I had to request it from our inter-library loan system as our local video stores and my own library didn't carry it at all. I am glad I went through the effort though, its nice sometimes to watch a movie that has you thinking hard a day later. I did notice that there was a Directors commentary track on the DVD, so maybe if I get it again, I can watch it that way. I read online that this movie was made for like $7,000. I love to see how little money it takes sometimes to completely entertain me in a movie!

PCU (1994)

Okay, I admit it. This was a cop out. I wasn't in the mood for something serious, and I decided to go with something short and goofy. I didn't have the energy for something I had to think about. Jeremy Piven was the inspiration for this one. I havne't seen it before and I really like him lately. This was pretty bad though. Typical, predictible, college party movie. Felt like it was trying to hard to be Revenge of the Nerds. Some of the acting was good, some was just awful. One girl in particular drove me nuts because she was so bad. It was amusing to see David Spade looking rather young here, he was pretty good. Another movie that made wonderful use of the song "afternoon delight". All in all, I felt like it was a waste of my time, but luckily it was only an hour and a half.

Millions (2005)

I really loved this movie. I admit, my expectations were really high, I wanted to see it from the moment I saw the preview, and I was so angry that I never even noticed it playing anywhere. I thought the premise looked great, and that kid looked adorable. The preview alone gave me chills. The movie did exactly what it was supposed to for me. It was inspiring, in a way that I really needed to be inspired after recent events. I was able to put some things into perspective that I was having trouble with, and it really eased my mind. Danny Boyle is such an amazing director, and this movie really surprised me. I have been a fan since I saw Trainspotting, but I wasn't sure if he could pull off the sensitivity that this story seemed to have. But it was incredible. I had such an emotional response, and I thought the imagery was incredible. It was almost like a fairy tale in a very magical way, without making it be about special effects, or anything like that. I would actually consider buying this movie so I could watch it over and over again.

Hustle and Flow (2005)

Dude, I totally loved this movie. At first, I wasn't so sure I was going to be interested in the characters. Besides the fact that Djay wasn't all that likeable, I thought it was just going to be the same story I always see. Another "8 mile" perhaps. I was wrong. Though the character never really grew on me...the story did. I loved the other characters, and I loved the "dream big" theme that seemed to dwell throughout the movie. I thought every single actor was cast appropriately and they were soooooooo good. Terrence Howard was mesmerizing and even though I never fell in love with characters, and he did redeem himself in a few ways for me. I thought he did such an amazing job, that it wouldn't surprise me to see him getting nominated for some awards this season.

The Dreamers (2003)

I really enjoyed this movie. Again, one I wanted to see at the movies, but if I remember correctly, it wasn't even released here. I had some issues with the end of the movie though. I am not sure if that is the way I would have taken it. I realized that the three characters would have to go their separate ways, I just thought it sort of ended abruptly and I felt a bit cheated. I was in love with the characters though (even in the weirdness of them) especially their obsessive love for the cinema. It really seemed to be the glue that bound the whole movie together, and since I share that obsessive love for the cinema, I found it easy to relate to their relationship and how they all came together. My absolute favorite scene was the one of the three of them in the tub together. I love films that make amazing use of mirrors, and this particular scene stood out for me in that way.

Kinsey (2004) Liam Neeson, Laura Linney

I finally got around to seeing this movie. Its the usual problem for me, I read a review, or get information about a movie, but in our mainstream movie world here, my chances fly by to see movies like this. It was playing for probably a week at my usual theater, and perhaps a bit longer at the art house theater. In any case, I never made it out to see it. I really, really enjoyed it. I always like Laura Linney, so it was appealing just from that viewpoint for me. Liam Neeson, however, is not my favorite. I found this character so intriguing though, that I really grew to like him more than I ever had before. This is such an interesting story, and as usual brings to my attention that we really have come a long way since the 1940s, yet in other ways, haven't come nearly as far as we should have. Now I am itching to go out and get some biographical books about Kinsey, as the story is in my blood now and I am thirsty for more. I thought the movie was well done, and sadly overlooked.

What the Bleep do We Know? (2005)

This movie boggled my mind. There were so many theories presented that my head started to hurt just thinking about them all. I really loved the way the film was presented though. I loved using Marlee Matlin as a demonstration type thing to present the ideas or theories they were talking about in the movie. I loved the music and found the entire movie mesmerizing. I really feel like I would need to see it several more times, or perhaps use the study guide I found on the website in order to really grasp some of the concepts. It really made me feel like I know my views on spirituality aren't so far-fetched as some people may think they are. I wish there were more movies out there like this one, that make you think for days after you see the movie.

Hitch (2005) Will Smith

I thought this was a pretty cute movie. It was a bit longer than I expected, but I got a kick out of Kevin James. I am not a Will Smith fan really, I don't mind him, but his movies aren't my type ordinarily. I was in the mood for something cute, cheesy and silly and this was it. I thought everyone did a great job, and I thought it had a lot of heart.

Its All About Love (2003)

Okay, I seriously did not get this movie. Maybe I was too tired to watch it, or maybe I just wasn't in the mood for something this "cutting edge" or whatever it was supposed to be. The premise was somewhere along the lines of Joaquin Phoenix (one of my absolute favorite men on earth)finding out they had cloned his soon to be ex-wife (Claire Danes, also a favorite) so they could get her to continue with her skating career while getting rid of her (or because her heart was already giving out) There was a sub plot of things going wrong in the rest of the world: snow in July, flying people, people falling down in the streets and dying of broken hearts, etc...but I never really felt it tying all together. During the course of the movie, we also see Sean Penn talking to Joaquin Phoenix on the phone giving brilliant insight and advice. I thought it was pretty much a waste of my hour and 45 minutes last night. It was nice to see the boys though. They are always nice to watch!

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

I will admit, I had some reservations about seeing this movie. Especially taking Ian to see it. I loved the books as a child, I can actually remember lying in the upper bunk of our RV on the way to some crazy 4x4 race, reading the entire series and trying to ignore the outdoor life I didn't want to be involved in! So I was concerned that this movie would ruin my memory of this story. Not to mention, all of the religious drama going on about it, etc...I didn't want that to overshadow my memory and experience. So I decided to give it a shot after a few people I really trust, told me that it was worth seeing. I took Ian (even though he was resistant to go) and I was worried about that too, especially since he was so awful at the last movie we saw. All my fears were put to rest the very instant the movie started. I was enthralled with it. True, it did seem to be aimed more at the "younger" audience. I thought it was magical. It not only brought the story I loved so much, to life in exactly the way I imagined it. But it also reminded me, why I love movies so much in general. The whole experience was incredible. Exactly what you want an adventure film to be. Talking animals, fantastic effects, and adorable children. I love going to the movies. From the moment the lights dim, and the screen goes black, and you can hear the projector behind you...I am mesmerized. I can escape my life for a few hours and be someplace else entirely. I can imagine I am someone else. This movie did that for me, I am so happy I gave it a chance.

Wedding Crashers (2005)

I actually wanted to see this at the movies last summer, but never got the chance (surprise, surprise). I ran to the video store early so I could make sure it was still available to rent so I could see it right away. I seriously laughed more than I expected to during this movie. Vince Vaughn is pretty much always amusing to me, and I really think Owen Wilson is funny as well. This movie was almost sweet enough to be a sappy chick flick, but a bit raunchier than you expect a chick flick to be. I loved having Will Farrell pop up as Chaz at the end, he always makes me smile. I think Rachel McAdams is absolutely adorable, and I look forward to seeing her career blossom...All in all, I thought it was very entertaining, and would probably watch it again.

Holiday (1938) Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn

Wow. I totally loved this movie. I have been in the mood to watch Cary Grant lately, and this was one I hadn't seen before. I loved it!! I always enjoy watching the great chemistry between these two, both such spectacular comic performers. I can't think of anyone these days who can compare to the two of them. Ian came in while I was watching and said "something is wrong Mama, there isn't any color" I explained that whole black/white thing to him, and he was still confused, he wanted to know if the world looked like that, you know, back when the Titanic sank? Without any color?? He cracks me right up! In any case, this was a great movie even for today, especially the part that focused on the materialism of society, that of course, has only gotten worse.

3 films in a day

The first day...
I started out attempting to see The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, with my 6 year old son. We got to the theater too early, and ended up seeing Cheaper By the Dozen 2. I thought it was midly amusing, and cute in the usual cheesy family movie kind of way. Ian, however, behaved horribly! It was his pick, but he was clearly bored, and was moving all around, driving me crazy. (I realize my expectations of movie patrons are pretty high, even higher with people in my own group!) so I left there feeling unfulfilled.
I got home to a phone call from Jo asking me if I wanted to see Brokeback Mountain. I jumped at that opportunity, and got to the theater, to find it sold out already...my second disappointment of the day. So we decided to see Fun with Dick and Jane instead. It wasn't the worst movie I have ever seen, but it wasn't too spectacular either. I found it entertaining, and I actually like Jim Carrey so it wasn't a complete waste of time.
We left that movie and headed finally to our final destination of Brokeback Mountain. Now, here was a good movie, finally. I loved everything about this movie, from the beautiful cinematography, to the script, to of course, the beautiful young men playing the lead roles!!! However the audience left something to be desired. Clearly it was amateur night....we had an entire row of young women who had to giggle, talk, loudly ewwww and laugh at all the love scenes, nude scenes, etc... I was so angry and disgusted with the level of maturity of this group of people. It made me want to see the movie again, at our art house theater, where I assume the people can actually handle the content of the film. Or during the day, when all the obnoxious people will either be at work or school...
I would however, definetly recommend it, one of my favorites of the year (or rather the season...since this year just started)

my movie project

Well, I decided to start a movie project today. (well actually decided yesterday, but I was so busy starting it, I didn't get on the computer until today) Ideally, I would like it to see one film at the theater every day all year, and blog about my adventures and the films I have seen.
However, I know that with two kids, no babysitter, and a busy husband, I realize that movie going fantasy would be nearly impossible. So I decided to make it a bit easier on myself for this first project, and maybe I can do it again next year the way I really want to...so this year its going to be at least one movie a day, it can be a dvd, but it has to be new to me....no repeats! (which everyone knows I am a serious repeat moviegoer)
My love for movies is always in my head, but never on paper, I feel the need to talk about my movie going experiences, but I don't always get the chance to do it. I figure with starting a project like this, not only will I have to talk about it, I won't slack off, and I will actually see one movie each day. I have been so wrapped up in either watching far too much TV, or rewatching things I have seen a million times. I thought this might be refreshing, and challenging, to see more things, things I might not have seen otherwise, and hopefully will give me more of a push to go see something at the theater, even if its at the cheap second run place!