movies

Movies: Top Ten {Tuesday}

by oh amanda on September 27, 2011

in movies,top ten tuesday

{before you start: did you see I’m giving away a NOOK?}

top ten list

I am so glad the new fall season of TV has begun! We saved a few TIVOed shows for the summer (Fringe & The Office) but you can only watch Dwight talk about beets so many days in a row. So, we finally started Redbox-ing it. Which, as a rabbit trail, I hope the person who thought of that thing is a millionaire! Wouldn’t it be horrible if that idea just got included under someone’s contract and they didn’t make a dime? Because seriously, that thing is genius.

Anywhoo. I love reading movie reviews, so here are my mini-reviews of the…

TOP TEN MOVIES I WATCHED THIS SUMMER

1. Limitless

Basically, I loved this movie and want to watch it again. It’s about a guy who finds a wonder drug that opens up that infamous untapped 80% of your brain. And really, as a blogger/writer I *so* wanted that pill. The whole movie was kinda quirky and had these weird camera-things going on. I love interesting movies with smash-bang endings. This totally delivered. PLUS. Chuck from Pushing Daisies plays the ex-girlfriend. So, that makes me happy.

2. The Lincoln Lawyer

First of all, this movie stars Matthew McConaughey. So, besides being totally charming he is the ONLY actor (besides Tow Mater) that has a real Southern accent.

This movie is based on Michael Connelly’s novel of the same name. And any time a movie is based on a book, it already has about 3 bonus points. This movie is a law-thriller-mystery. And I loved it. The story got me from start to finish. I wasn’t trying to figure it out–it wasn’t too easy to figure out or too far-fetched. It was just like a perfectly written book. Hmmm. Big surprise, right?

3. Unknown

Enter charming man #2: Liam Neeson. You know he’s the voice of Aslan, right? *sigh*

I loved the whole premise of this movie. I totally don’t want to tell you what happens because it’s a great twist-and-turn thing that will keep you guessing. (Or at least it did me!) I do think they rushed the end a bit and there was a fight scene that was kinda out of place, but besides that I thought it was creative and exciting.

4. The Adjustment Bureau

I loved this movie till the end. It had some cool paranormal, supernatural stuff going on. But the ending left me flat. My husband loved it. Eh.

5. Source Code

Maybe you’ve figured out by now that we don’t watch chick flicks around our house. And it’s not my husband’s fault either. I just don’t get into them. There’s too much syrupy sweetness, too much sex and too much pretend-feminism. It gets on my nerves. My favorite kinds of movies are real historical period pieces or thrillers. And if there is some kind of twisted plot line (and even a touch of sci-fi-ish-ness), then I’m even better.

OK, back to Source Code. This is movie is exactly the kind of movie I like. I just love when you have NO IDEA what is going on for like the first 15 minutes. You are figuring out what’s going on at the same time as the main character. I want to compare it to another movie, but I’m afraid it would give away the storyline. It was so good. I loved this one!

6. I Am Number Four

I had no idea what this movie was about when my husband brought it home. But when I realized it was about teenagers I was not happy (see: Chick Flicks above). Then I discovered it was kinda Heroes-meets-Twilight and I started to dig it! It was a little comic-book-ish and a little high-school-drama. But for some reason I liked it. I’m a sucker for how-super-heroes-were-born. (Seriously, I want to see X-men:First Class!)

7. The Help

OK. This one is not out on DVD yet, but I did see it this summer. And OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS SAKES ALIVE. I don’t know how they did it, but they captured the complete gut-punch that the book brought. I actually saw it as a pre-release on my anniversary! (Yeah, Les didn’t know he would be the only guy in a theater full of girls and sitting with my sisterchicks, no less! But he loved it, too.)

The acting was just spot on. The accents, the haughtiness of Hilly, the naivete of Skeeter, the complete blindness of Elizabeth, the on-no-you-ditten of Minny and the gentle strength of Abilene. It was just so fantastic. If you aren’t going to read the book (which really, you MUST), please see the movie. And then maybe go see it again.

8. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

My husband came home one night and said, “I stepped out on a limb. We’re going to take a chance with this movie.” And when the menu came up on the screen I said, “OH NO.” I cannot even begin to tell you how strange this movie was. It’s about a young 20something who falls in love with a loner girl and before he can date her, he has to battle her 7 evil exes.

Do you need to go back and read that again?

It was sort of Napolean Dynamite meets The Batman TV show. It was probably one of the strangest movies I’ve ever seen. But (*whisper*) I kinda liked it! (see: “how superheroes are born” above)

9. The Eagle

Ah, finally! A real period piece! This one is set in 120 AD and it’s basically just the slightly overused story of a boy trying to redeem his father’s name. The character development was a little off (I ended up liking the sidekick better than the main character). But I enjoyed the movie because it’s based on fact (you know I like a movie when I have to get online as soon as it’s done to check facts and history!) It was based on a true event in Rome when an entire legion of Roman Soldiers were lost after entering Britain. The only thing recovered was a gold eagle used as their standard.

What was so cool about the movie is that it DID NOT LOOK LIKE LORD OF THE RINGS. There was not one bit of CGI. That means there was REAL scenery and REAL fighting and REAL mud and water and tromping through the forest. You know how all war/battle movies just look alike? Like 40 billion waves of troops advancing on one another and fighting like crazy? This was more…realistic. (I oughtta know, right? Because I’ve been in a centuries old battle before.)Anyway, I can’t describe why that was such a breath of fresh air, but it was.

10. Have you seen any good movies lately?

Disclaimer: Just because I recommend these movies doesn’t mean you will like them. Or that they are godly. I am the queen of fast-forwarding when there are things I am uncomfortable watching. If you’d like to see real reviews especially ones that detail things you don’t want to see like language, sex and violence see my favorite movie review sites.

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Link up your Top Ten list and join in the Top Ten {Tuesday} fun! All you have to do is WRITE a top ten list, PASTE it  below, LINK back to me in your post & then start LOVIN’ on the rest of the participants with facebook likes, stumbles, comments, pins and tweets (#toptentues)! For better and more succinct guidelines & a cute little button, see my Top Ten {Tuesday} page!


Did you enter to win the Nook yet?

{ 36 comments }

Cars 2: A Review and a Birthday Party Wish

by oh amanda on July 6, 2011

in movies

holley shiftwell

We got to see an advanced screening of Cars 2 last week. (Or was it the week before that? Time flies.) Anywhoo. It was a 10:00 show. And I don’t know if you’ve ever been to the movies at 10am, but it’s weird. Kinda like being at school at night. Just strange.

I thought it would be the best Asa-movie-experience ever. He loves Lightning and has one of those talking-moving cars from the movie (I don’t know the character because I don’t think I ever saw the first movie all the way through. But it says, “Show some respect, Holmes!” Which makes me laugh.). So, we grabbed some popcorn and booster seats. We sat next to Mandi and her family. We had on our 3D glasses and Asa was loving every second of it.

Until about 4 minutes into the movie. He slides out of his chair (with NO glasses on) and says, “Can we get out of here?” This continued for the next 30 minutes until he remembered, “Oh! I have to go potty!”. That got him out of the movie theatre for a little bit. But basically it was an up and down, lift and lower of Asa between my husband and me.

Of course, when we finally left, he said, “I love that movie. I want to see Cars again.” REALLY?! Well, not until I start lifting weights again! Ow!

It was a pretty fun movie. Really, it was like a for real 007 flick only with computer animated cars. It had some super funny parts with Mater (of course). And I loved the whole car-world stuff, like Holley Shiftwell’s computer and all the cool spy gadgets.

That being said, I don’t know how age-appropriate it was. I know Lydia did not remotely understand the plot (which was about international espionage and oil) . She just liked Mater and the the purple girl car. And she liked sitting next to Mandi‘s 5 year old Evan. (I told them they better get used to supervised dates to the movies!) If your kids are Cars fans or like car chases, gadgets, explosions and funny accents then you need to see this! If you’re looking for something that will make your heart ache like UP or stick with you like Wall-e, then…well, break out your blu-rays and start watching!

However, ever since we saw the movie, Lydia has been saying, “I wish we were having a Cars party for Asa!” There is so much cute stuff at the Disney Store and (of course) on Pinterest that I’m kinda wishing for one, too!

Just look at this:

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Yup. I need to do a Cars party.

So, did you see the movie? What did you think?

{Disclosure: I was invited to see the screening for free because I am considered media. I don’t think I was asked to blog about it, I just did because that’s what media do. Does? Hmm..maybe I’m not really a great representation of media!}

{ 14 comments }

Tangled: A Mom’s Review & A Giveaway!!

by oh amanda on November 17, 2010

in disney,me,movies

I went to an advanced screening of Disney’s Tangled. I don’t know how they got my name–if it was because of the Moms Panel or my blog or because I just exude Disney-love, but I got to sit in a RESERVED FOR DISNEY MEDIA seat front and center at Disney’s 50th Animated Feature Film!

Now, I have to admit that we still have not seen The Princess and the Frog. Oh, we love Tiana. We have the stickers, the coloring books and everything. But we’ve never seen the movie. I just heard so much bad stuff about the voo-doo and with Lydia’s tendency to run out of the room whenever something scary happens, well, I don’t think a witch doctor is the greatest idea for her.

Anywhoo, I guess that didn’t even cross my mind when I said I’d go to an advanced screening of Tangled. Not to mention, I wasn’t even excited to see Tangled because it looked like a modern Shrek-ified version of Rapunzel. And I’m so over Shrek.

My (lack of) fears were unfounded! Tangled was THE best, most age-appropriate, Disney-esque movie to grace the silver screen since I was a kid. Seriously, it felt like a classic Disney  movie with a little modern twist. My heart is still full after seeing it a week ago!

Now, let’s break it down a little, so you can understand why I think you should see this movie THE DAY IT COMES OUT IN THEATERS. I’m not very good at movie reviews because I don’t want to tell you ANYTHING–I want you to be surprised like I was! But here we go anyway…

1. The Characters.

tangled movie review

Flynn, the leading man was voiced by my geeky-crush, Zachary Levi (yes, from Chuck). Rapunzel was voiced by Mandy Moore. They were both as adorable as could be. Flynn was a thief, yes, but not as street as Aladdin. Rapunzel was a princess (although she didn’t know it), but not as head strong as Ariel or as frou-frou as the rest. In fact, the two of them just seemed like two people you’d be friends with. Two people on an adventure together. (Or maybe that’s just because I think Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore and I would be friends in real life?)

The horse, Maximus was HYSTERICAL. Rapunzel’s friend and pet, the chameleon, Pascal was like a little chaperone and bodyguard. I couldn’t get enough of either of them.

2. Age-appropriate.

movie review

Yes, there was a kiss at the end. But guess what? It was really the story of a daughter finding her parents. Yes, parents–PLURAL. Parents who loved each other and never ever stopped hoping for their daughter. Parents who would leave a light on for their daughter FOREVER. Oh, I want to write a blog post about this! Rapunzel’s parents did the most amazing thing on Rapunzel’s birthday (I’m trying not to spoil it for you!) and it’s such a picture of how I want to be as a parent. Seriously, I’m wiping away tears right now.

Also. Rapunzel was 17. And she acted 17. She was even dressed more appropriately than most 17 year olds I know. She was not wearing a seashell bra. Or a low-cut ballgown. She had on a plain purple dress with no shoes. Freckles, slightly bucked teeth and wide eyes.

3. Scariness

tangled movie review

Lydia hid her eyes only once. And it was not a scary part–it was a sad part. So, if you are wondering if your kids can see it–the answer is yes. If Lydia can make it through, ANYONE can make it through! There was some swashbuckling sword fighting and chasing and collapsing of stuff. And there were some scary looking thugs that turned out (in a matter of minutes) to be the most hysterical and lovable characters of the show.

The real bad dude, Mother Gothel set herself up as Rapunzel’s mom. So, even though she was mean and bad. She was a mom. It wasn’t like she was a giant squid. Or a sorcerer who could turn himself into a snake. She was about as scary as Bette Davis. (But she was a little more voluptuous than Rapunzel. Just sayin’.)

4. Talking Points

movie review

There were so many great talking points–the one I mentioned above about Rapunzel’s parents deserves a whole post, honestly. Then, the only part that made my mom-radar go “eeehhh” was from Flynn. He was using his negotiating skills to get rid of Rapunzel and tells her its normal to rebel against her parents. He was actually lying to her to make her feel guilty. But it was a good conversation starter.

There was also talk about dreams–fulfilling your dreams, going after your dreams, being true to your dream and more. It was done in a normal, everyday way. Not the look-inside-yourself-and-find-the-magic, either. It was focusing on real dreams and goals–not superficial, materialistic dreams.

Also. It’s hilarious. It was fun. And there were 2 shout-outs to puppetry. So, there you go.

You must make this your Thanksgiving movie with your fam. Eat turkey. Stick a piece of pumpkin pie in your diaper bag. Then go see Tangled. You will LOVE it. See? My kids loved it!

tangled shirt

And to get you in the Tangled-spirit, I’m giving away THREE Tangled gift-packs that include a Tangled shirt (your choice) and a pack of Tangled sillyband-type bracelets! Are you so excited?!

tangled giveaway

Leave me a comment that has something to do with Tangled…why you want to see it, stuff you’ve heard about it, how you’re jealous I already got to see it OR just leave me your favorite Disney movie and I’ll pick a winner on Saturday! Additional entries available when you tweet, facebook or otherwise tell others about this giveaway. Just leave me a comment for each.

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Move Over Edward, There Is A New Heart Throb in Town! (Or a Disney Pixar “Up” Review)

June 1, 2009 me

***i’m not going to spoil the movie, but if you are the kind of person who doesn’t want to know ANYTHING about a movie before you see it, you might just want to come back after you’ve seen the movie.*** So, Carl Fredrickson (aka the crotchety looking man above) is not your usual leading man. [...]

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Waaalll-eee!

June 29, 2008 disney

I saw Wall-E on Saturday. I think I might have a crush on a robot. Check out my review on The Disney Blog.

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Don’t Judge a Book By Its Movie

May 20, 2008 books

I don’t remember the first time I heard the Chronicles of Narnia. Mama used to read them to us on vacation. I loved riding in the car and listening to her read about Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy. As soon as I was old enough, I began to read them. I remember being in an [...]

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Frankly, My Dear…

March 16, 2008 me

Staci and Beck are doing something fun this weekend on their blogs. I’m in need of a little game. Ready to play? Everyone loves movies and one thing we love from them are the great one liners! Let’s have some fun with them. Here are the rules: 1. Pick 10 of your favorite movies. 2. [...]

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