{Movie} Review: Slumdog Millionnaire (2008)

 Starring:  Dev Patel, Freida Pinto and Madhur Mittal (2008)

A Mumbai teen who grew up in the slums, becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" He is arrested under suspicion of cheating, and while being interrogated, events from his life history are shown which explain why he knows the answers.

This was the movie that has been on my PVR the longest (2+ years) and this afternoon it was finally time to give it a shot.
It started off slow and I was beginning to doubt my choice but it turned into "feel-good" film as the tagline assured us it would be.Some of the earlier "abuse" scenes were a bit much for me but I understand how it is a necessary part of the story.   The further the story unfolded, the more you are drawn in and at the end, I was a bit divided . . . where would the story lead?  Would Jamal answer the last question correctly . . . I must admit that the story would have worked for me either way.

All in all it was a fun afternoon with the bad guy redeeming himself and the happy ending we were hoping for.  I love happy endings . . . 

{Movie} Review: The Other Woman

The Other Woman (2014)
Starring:  Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton

After discovering her boyfriend is married, Carly Whitten tries to get her ruined life back on track. But when she accidentally meets the wife he's been cheating on, she realizes they have much in common, and her sworn enemy becomes her greatest friend. When yet another affair is discovered, all three women team up to plot mutual revenge on their cheating, lying, three-timing SOB.

This is a perfect chick flick for that lazy afternoon when you just want to enjoy a fun nonsense film.  There is absolutely no way that this could ever represent reality and that is what makes it so enjoyable.

And off course they are all so beautiful.  I loved how you could see the little laugh lines around Cameron Diaz' eyes.  I am so happy that she has not fallen into the "face lift trend" that some of more mature stars have fallen into.

Don't forget, there are loads of bikini scenes to keep your husband or boyfriend glued to screen next to you.

The three stars look like they enjoyed making the movie and it definitely translates to the screen. I had some "spit-out-the-cooldrink" moments.  And as you would expect, we get our happy ending with a little epilogue for each of our girls.

I would definitely recommend this one!

{Movie} Review: After the Dark

After the Dark (2013)
Starring:  James D'Arcy, Sophie Lowe, Freddie Stroma

When the last day of school comes for a group of students in a philosophy class, their instructor, Mr. Zimit, challenges them to different sorts of exercises that take place in a post-nuclear apocalyptic world. While there, they each get chosen professions and have to decide whether who is valuable or not because the bunker they will be staying in for a year has only enough oxygen for 10 people. Mr. Zimit challenges them in different rounds to see how they could survive. Issues arise when they notice Mr. Zimit is disruptive to the game.

My thoughts: 
We watched this movie last night and I have to admit that I would not make a good philosophy student. Even though the questions and scenarios were all hypothetical, I really hated Mr Zimit for even the suggestions he made.  I take things way to personally and I am sure I would have felt like some of the students in the class did.

It was fun watching the three games - in the first game, the students were given professions only;   anything from an opera singer to an engineer.  In the second, there was something extra added.  The opera singer could speak 7 languages but would die of throat cancer in three years for example.  That made the choices much harder to determine who would enter the bunker and who would not - the existence of the human race is at stake after all.

The final game was led by one of the students making all the choices.  In this game, I had a bit of an issue with the storyline that went off track a bit - only one point did not make sense for me.  But it is just a movie, so I could overlook it to enjoy the story until the end.

Talking about the ending . . . if someone could explain that to me . . . .

It was an enjoyable movie but I would recommend.  Just remember this is fiction!

{Movie}Review: Anna (2013)

Anna (2013)
Starring:   Mark Strong, Taissa Farmiga, Brian Cox

In the near future or an alternate reality, there are memory detectives, people who have the ability to enter other peoples' electronically aided memories. They often are used to resolve psychological conflicts, and sometimes to exonerate someone from a crime. John was at one time the top in this field but he has been recovering from the death of his wife, and a stroke. To get back into work the head of the small firm he works for offers him what is supposed to be a simple job, getting 16 year old Anna to start eating again. However, the "simple job" turns into his most challenging.

My thoughts:
Why it that people that should know better always get sucked into bad situations.  They are supposed to be trained professionals.  John is a "memory detective" that get's sucked in by Anna's memories and don't see the signs.
Unfortunately we saw it all and we guessed some of the vital facts of the movie early on.  But it was still an enjoyable few hours watching John being manipulated by a very clever young girl.

{Movie} Review: Triangle (2009)

Triangle (2009)
Starring:  Melissa George

When Jess sets sail on a yacht with a group of friends, she cannot shake the feeling that there is something wrong. Her suspicions are realized when the yacht hits a storm and the group is forced to board a passing ocean liner to get to safety, a ship Jess is convinced she's been on before. The ship appears deserted, the clock on board has stopped, but they are not alone... Someone is intent on hunting them down, one by one. And Jess unknowingly holds the key to end the terror.

My thoughts:
I loved this movie.  All the twists and turns keep you guessing until almost the final seconds.  It makes you realize that you do not need big budget special effects to make a great movie, you just need a good story.  I have added this one to my favorites of all time.

It is difficult to talk about this movie because I don't want to give anything away.  I was even hesitant to add the whole blurb above.  What makes it a great movie is that you are kept guessing, so don't watch any of the trailers.  I was unable to find a trailer to add to this post as they all give too much away.  So stay away!

The only advise I can give, is to listen to the dialogue and take notice of the details in all the scenes. Something in the background of one scene might become significant later in the story.   There is a lot of gore in this movie but it is part of the atmosphere and terror that Jess feels, so do not let that keep you away.

Please let me know what you thought after watching this one.  You will not be disappointed.

{Movie}Review: The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Starring:

GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.

My thoughts:
What a crazy fun movie!  And filled with so many famous stars.

I loved it and there are many scenes where my husband and I just looked at each other and burst out laughing.  Truly an unique, quirky movie.  The only downside was that the ending kind of sneaked up on us. Suddenly it was just over . . . we were enjoying the story and then in a few minutes we were just told what happened to the characters.

But still a very enjoyable movie!

{Movie}Review: 1408

1408 (2007):
Starring: John Cusak, Samuel J Jackson

The cynical and skeptical writer Mike Enslin writes books evaluating supernatural phenomena in hotels, graveyards and other haunted places, usually debunking the mystery. While writing his latest book, he travels from Los Angeles to New York to spend one night in the Dolphin Hotel's evil room 1408, which is permanently unavailable for guests. The reluctant manager Mr. Gerald Olin objects to his request and offers an upgrade, expensive booze and finally relates the death of more than fifty guests over decades in the cursed room. However Mike threatens Mr. Olin, promising to sue the hotel, and is finally allowed to check into the room. Later in the night, he finds that guests of room 1408, once they have checked in, might never leave the room alive.

My thoughts:
Stephen King has not been very successful when it comes to movies made from his books but this one is a little gem.  You are not so much shown the horror as given little glimpses to make you feel the suspense - this is psychological horror at it's best. 

John Cusak is an expert at playing a tortured hero and in 1408 he becomes the cynical cult story writer trying to show that this hotel and it's ghost is just a scam.  I am hesitant to say anymore - you don't want to be robbed of all the shocking, scary moments.   

Also watch out for the alternative ending . . . I am not sure which one I prefer . . .

I really need to find the novella as I have not read the original pages.   I have heard that the movie is very close to the short story.

{Movie} Review: The Last Seven

The Last Seven (2010)
Starring:  Tamer Hassan, Simon Phillips, Danny Dyer, Ronan Vibert, Sebastian Street, Daisy Head, Rita Ramnani, John Mawson

A man awakes to find the streets eerily silent and all trace of life completely removed. He has no recollection of what has happened but he will soon discover that he is one of only seven people left alive. He will also discover that he can trust none of his fellow survivors.

My thoughts:
I found another independent film that is worth watching.  This film had me guessing until the surprise ending.  It is difficult to say much without spoiling your enjoyment of the movie, so I will just say if you like post apocalyptic dark stories, this one is for you.  You will not know who to trust until your socks are blown off with the ending.  I really enjoyed this movie.  It is amazing what talent can do with a shoe-string budget.

{Movie} Review: Unthinkable

Unthinkable (2010)
Starring:  Samuel L. Jackson, Carrie-Anne Moss, Michael Sheen

A psychological thriller centered around a black-ops interrogator and an FBI agent who press a suspect terrorist into divulging the location of three nuclear weapons set to detonate in the U.S.

My thoughts:
Unthinkable is literally about the unthinkable.  Samuel L. Jackson is an interrogator that has no limits.  He will not stop until the terrorist reveals his secrets.  Agent Helen Brody has more of a moral dilemma with his integration methods.  But can she stand idly by when so many (including themselves) could die in the next few days.

This movie is about what is morally right.  Is torture only wrong if is not done for your own noble reasons.  How about if it is to save millions of lives?  What if you could prevent three nuclear bombs from detonating.  What would you allow to be done to the one man that knows the locations of these bombs?

I found this movie very entertaining but be warned it has a few gruesome torture scenes.

{Movie} Review: The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)
Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan

Set in contemporary New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of young half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect our world from demons. After the disappearance of her mother (Lena Headey), Clary must join forces with a group of Shadowhunters, who introduce her to a dangerous alternate New York called Downworld, filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and other deadly creatures. Based on the worldwide best-selling book series.

My thoughts:
I have not read the Mortal Instruments books and at first I had no interest in seeing the movie but when your choices are limited . . .
So I wasted a few hours.  And against my better judgment, I enjoyed it.  I don’t usually enjoy fantasy movies (I love fantasy books but not movies) but I was immediately drawn to the lead character, Clary. 

Everyone knows what the story/series is about, so I won’t say more than the blurb above.  The acting is not brilliant but the cinematography is beautiful and there are some amazing special effects.  Clary and Jace are both beautiful people (as are their co-stars my bookish friends pointed out).   So there is a lot of eye candy both in the world and the people.

Just don’t expect too much and open your mind to some mindless fun.  This is the perfect cold weather movie.

{Movie}Review: Exam

Exam (2009)
Starring: Colin Salmon, Chris Carey, Jimi Mistry, Luke Mably, Gemma Chan, Chuk Iwuji, John Lloyd Fillingham, Pollyanna McIntosh, Adar Beck and Nathalie Cox.

Eight talented candidates have reached the final stage of selection to join the ranks of a mysterious and powerful corporation. Entering a windowless room, an Invigilator gives them eighty minutes to answer one simple question.

My thoughts:
I am enjoying a good run with “indie”low budget movies.  Exam was recommended to me a while ago but I only got to watching it yesterday. At first when I saw the exam room (the one scene of the whole movie), I expected a horror-type movie but this was all psychological thriller.  Eight candidates are in the final stages of a job interview in a dystopian world run almost entirely by pharmaceutical company.  They have to answer only one question but no-one can figure out what the question is.  And the tension starts running high.   

Unfortunately the ending did not quite live up to the tension of the movie.  For an hour and half we debated the good and the bad and then in the last few moments everything is resolved . . . it almost felt like they ran out of movie.  But don’t let the abrupt ending keep you from enjoying the build up.   This was a good movie! 

{Movie}Review: The Tall Man

The Tall Man (2012)
Starring:  Jessica Biel, Jodelle Ferland, William B Davis

This film is about a legend that has been started by the town folk of Cold Rock. Since the children in the town have been going missing, people have said it's an entity known as 'The Tall Man' who has been taking them. Julia Denning ('Jessica Biel' ) is the local nurse whose husband died years earlier. She is soon personally involved as her child is taken. She tries to track down where the child is taken, but finds that there's more to what's happening than she knew. The towns-folk start to turn on her and the truth comes out. But there's still more to the story--who is 'The Tall Man'? And what is the truth behind the disappearances?

My thoughts:
This movie started out very slowly.  Everything was so bleak.  What a sad life the citizens of Cold Rock had fallen into.  Since the mine closed down, life has been pretty bad for everyone in town. Stores are closing down or abandoned.  Everything (and everyone) is run down, dirty or broken. Money is tight or non-existent.
Julia, a trained nurse, has stayed on even after her husband, the beloved town doctor, has gone. She is trying to keep the town going. But children are going missing. More and more rumors are circulating about "the tall man", the one everyone believes are stealing the children.
One of the best aspects of this movie is that it will take you completely by surprise with it’s plot twists.  So no spoilers from me!  This is a movie that you have to go in blind.  And when all is revealed at the end, you will want to start a debate with your friends about the ethics of it all.
  

{Movie} Review: Tucker & Dale vs Evil

Tucker & Dale vs Evil (2010)
Starring:  Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk and Katrina Bowden

Two lovable West Virginian hillbillies, are headed to their "fixer-upper" vacation cabin to drink some beer, do some fishin', and have a good time. But when they run into a group of preppy college kids who assume from their looks that they must be in-bred, chainsaw wielding killers, Tucker & Dale's vacation takes a bloody & hilarious turn for the worse.

My thoughts:
I love spoof movies and this one was better than most.  If you have ever seen a “slasher” movie, you will also be able to identify all the clichés.  We have everything from a typical group of college students camping in the woods (and turning up dead one by one) to our hillbillies in a log cabin that seems to have a lot of memorabilia of a killing that happened some years ago.

Poor Tucker and Dale, the are beginning to think that these college kids are on medication . . . and that they forgot to take the medication that morning.   The kids are trying to commit suicide all around their cabin vacation home.  They are impaling themselves on branches and throwing themselves into wood chippers . . . it is really a mess.

The dialogue is very clever and it was a lot of much fun trying to spot all the clichés.  Well worth the watch, if you love spoofs too.  This is not a movie to be taken seriously, it is all about the goofiness. 

{Movie} Review: Absence (2013)

Absence (2013)Starring:  Erin Way, Eric Matheny, Ryan Smale

Expectant mother Liz wakes to find her nearly-to-term pregnancy has disappeared overnight. When doctors can find no medical explanation for the loss, police treat Liz and her husband Rick as prime suspects in what has now become a missing child case. Only Rick and Liz's brother Evan trust her version of events. As word spreads, the young couple is subjected to the unwanted attention of the police and prying neighbors. Evan feels for his sister and, as a film student, begins documenting her story. Even though he can't prove Liz's innocence, he sets out to tell her side of what happened and to set the record straight. To relieve some of Liz's grief, Rick and Evan take her on a vacation to the mountains. Evan meets a local girl named Megan and the two hit it off. Things begin to settle down and Liz's spirits even start to improve. But as Evan continues documenting their vacation, unusual patterns arise. Liz still has no real answers for the disappearance of her baby despite his interviews and questions. Evan and Rick are horrified when her condition visibly declines. No one can ignore the fact that something is very wrong with Liz. When the trip spins out of control they realize that whatever happened with Liz and her baby isn't over. None of them are safe.

My thoughts:
The movie starts with some scary “facts”.  If this is not just for cinematic effect, it must be the most scary and invading kind of crime.  Our story starts with a cesarean theft.  Liz is seven months pregnant and she is the victim of a violent infant kidnapping (also known as Fetal abduction).  I have heard of some cases where a “baby” has been stolen out of their mother’s body but I have not heard of the mother surviving.  That in itself is a terrible image. 

The whole movie is part of the sub genre of “found footage” movies that was such a hit for a while (and that I am a huge fan of!).  I do not want to say more about the plot because it will be impossible not to give spoilers, so just read the blurb above. 
I thought the love between Liz and her brother Evan was beautiful.  Liz has raised Evan even since their parents died when he was twelve and I could feel Evan’s anguish trying to make Liz smile and forget about the last few weeks (if that is possible).  For a while, Erin became more than a shadow of her former self and she was such a sympathetic character – loved her.  

This movie was all about the relationships.  The love between Liz and her husband was gentle and convincing and as I already mentioned, Liz and Evan really connected on screen.   The action comes in little bursts but this movie is all about dialogue.  
I LOVED it and would recommend it highly for a little distraction.


Edited 04/05/2014 - Available on Netflix

{Movie} Review: The Shining (1980) and Room 237 (Documentary about the movie)

 

The Shining (1980)

Starring:  Jack Nicholsen, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, and Scatman Crothers 

Genre:  Psychological Horror, Suspense

In the film, Jack Torrance, a writer and recovering alcoholic, takes a job as an off-season caretaker at an isolated hotel called the Overlook Hotel. His young son possesses psychic abilities and is able to see things from the past and future, such as the ghosts who inhabit the hotel. Soon after settling in, the family is trapped in the hotel by a snowstorm, and Jack gradually becomes influenced by a supernatural presence; he descends into madness and attempts to murder his wife and son. 

I was browsing around in my collection and found the documentary ROOM 237 which details the different theories of the possible symbolism of the movie, The Shining and I was immediately drawn in again.  I just love these kind of "conspiracy theories".  I am not able to think up these theories myself but I love reading about them!

Some of the deliciousness are:

The TV in the first scenes in the hotel does not have a cord (and why . . . )

Continuity in the movie (shown and debated if it was done on purpose)

The typewriter changes color continuesly.  Also the old German typewriter (and the repeating of the number 42 in the movie) represents the Holocaust.

Odd angles of shots and the reason for it

Symbolism in the movie suggest that the "fake Apollo landings" was supposedly filmed by Stanley Kubrick and he tried to tell the world.

The blood flowing out of the elevators are a metaphor . . . and on and on and on . . .    

After watching this, I had to re-watch the movie also.  Wow, no-one does crazy like Jack Nicholson.  The movie is a little dated but it is still a favorite.  

Now I will have to re-read the book!

{Movie} Review: Argo

Argo (2012)
Starring:  Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and Adam Arkin
Genre:  Drama, Biography, History

In 1979, the American embassy in Iran was invaded by Iranian revolutionaries and several Americans were taken hostage. However, six managed to escape to the official residence of the Canadian Ambassador and the CIA was ordered to get them out of the country. With few options, exfiltration expert Tony Mendez devised a daring plan: create a phony Canadian film project looking to shoot in Iran and smuggle the Americans out as its production crew. With the help of some trusted Hollywood contacts, Mendez created the ruse and proceeded to Iran as its associate producer. However, time was running out with the Iranian security forces closing in on the truth while both his charges and the White House had grave doubts about the operation themselves.

My thoughts:
I greatly enjoyed this movie.  It is not your average CIA movie.  It is full of emotion, fear and dread (from the captives as well as from their would-be rescuer, Tony Mendez).   I cannot believe that this was all based on real events . . . I cannot believe that it actually worked. On the other hand, we all know that Hollywood is full of hype and lies, so why would a "fake-movie" not be believed.  

I don't want to give away any spoilers, but let's just say that In the end, the most unlikely of the captives becomes a hero. 

This movies comes from a terrible time in history.  In November 1979,  Islamist militants took control of the U.S. Embassy in Iran. They took 52 Americans hostage and only released them 444 days later.  Six embassy workers were able to escape before their colleagues were captured.  This is the story of how they were smuggled out of the country under the noses of the militants. 

I highly recommend this movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

{Movie} Review: Ender's Game

Ender's Game (2013)
Starring:  Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Viola Davis
Genre:  Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi 

The Earth was ravaged by the Formics, an alien race seemingly determined to destroy humanity. Seventy years later, the people of Earth remain banded together to prevent their own annihilation from this technologically superior alien species. Ender Wiggin, a quiet but brilliant boy, may become the savior of the human race. He is separated from his beloved sister and his terrifying brother and brought to battle school in orbit around earth. He will be tested and honed into an empathetic killer who begins to despise what he does as he learns to fight in hopes of saving Earth and his family.  (from IMDb)

My thoughts:
I have been ill for some time and even though I do have the audiobook, I decided to watch the movie of Ender's Game instead.  

I was under the impression that this would be full blown action sci-fi movie from start to finish.  And there was action, a lot of action, with beautiful special effects but this movie was more about the relationship between Ender and Colonel Graff  - his teacher and mentor. (not something that my husband was very interested in -so for him, this movie came up short.)

Ender and Colonel Graff have a difficult relationship and it was hard seeing that Ender was purposely put into conflict with his schoolmates to make him become the leader he was meant to be.  Colonel Graff was continuously very hard on him and kept on saying "you are Earth's last hope".  A lot of pressure for a young boy.  I thought that came through very clearly throughout the movie. 

Even though I enjoyed the movie and was caught up in the excitement of the war, I am not sure that I will be listening to the book or any of the sequels.  I have been reading some reviews of devoted fans of the books and I am not sure if this was maybe a compilation of parts from more than the first book.  Either way, I did not enjoy the ending of the movie and am not really interested in where it might lead in the rest of the series.

But for a few hours of fun, this fit the bill perfectly.

 

 Perfect for a lazy afternoon.