A love story. More or less.
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy / Romance
Verdict: Felt some love
The jist: It’s the story of one day and the affect it has on many a heart – old and young, cheating and true, bitter and full of hope, lover and friend.
My take: This movie boasts a whole lot of actors - portraying many a story line. This, coupled with the bad reviews I had read, made it a tad iffy. I’m glad I decided to see for myself. This film clocks in at a little over two hours – but the time flies. This, in itself, says a lot. The characters and their stories are engaging and flow seamlessly from one to another. Just like life – and love – there are dramatic moments, and those that make you laugh. Plot, you say? Think about it people, it’s Valentine’s Day. The “plot” is a day in a life. No it will not keep you on the edge of your seat; no, it will not dramatically change your life. It will, however, entertain in its own, charming way. And even though it ends with a wisecrack, it leaves you with a sense of respect for that great thing called love. But maybe that’s just me. Maybe this movie, especially, is one where you take out what you put in.
An aside: Some people have wondered why I’m still single. This has long remained a mystery … until now. Thanks to Roger Ebert, we now have the answer: I liked this movie. According to Ebert, the only plus-side to this film is it’s helpfulness in first dates: if your date likes said movie, there should be no second. Phew! That’s a weight off; it’s so good to finally have closure…
Hope is closer than you think
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy – Drama
The verdict: Feeling some love
The gist: When Madea (Tyler Perry) catches sixtreen year old Jennifer (Hope Olaide Wilson) and her two younger brothers – Manny and Byron (Kwesi Boakye and Frederick Siglar, respectively) – looting her home, she marches them back to the only family member she can find. Their aunt April (Taraji P. Henson). April wants nothing to do with them. Caring only of herself, her nightclub gigs, and her man (Brian J. White) who pays the bills, but is married to another – she’s just biding her time. Then her mother’s pastor (Pastor Marvin Winans) asks her to rent a room to Sandino (Adam Rodriguez), a handsome immigrant looking to improve his life. Little does she know that opening her door to this stranger may be the first step in opening her heart to a life of family, faith, and love.
My take: As is the story with most movies, this one has its issues. Editing, for instance. At one point Madea reminded me of my brother when he was young. He would say something that made us laugh, then he would run with it. Finally my mom would look at him and say, “It’s over. Let it go.” Still, the film shines. The music is pure inspiration – although, with the likes of Marvin Winans, Gladys Knight, and Mary J. Blige, that’s probably a given. But its so good – so deep-down-soul-rendering-good – it’s hard to simply sit there and watch. The movie also boasts some great acting talent. Hope Olaide Wilson gives a strong performance as a young girl grown up before her time. Taraji P. Henson and Adam Rodriguez give solid performances – though their characters’ relationship seems a bit rushed. Ultimately, however, it’s the story of redemption that carries the movie. A story that reminds us, we may not live to see the answer to our prayers; a story that shows no matter how bad we think we are - if we are willing - we just might find goodness after all.
An aside: The thing that amazes me most about Tyler Perry is not the fact that he writes, acts, and directs his own movies … his box office success … the entertainment empire he’s built … or his net worth. It’s the fact that he has not forgotten where he came from. He has not forgotten the bad – or the good. He continues to make films with a message – films with faith entertwined. He’s reached a point where he could go mainstream, catering to critics. But he doesn’t. And, quite frankly, I think we are all the better for it …
Passion. Ambition. Butter. Do you have what it takes?
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy – romance – drama
The verdict: Simply delectable!
The gist: Julie & Julia is the story of two women. It is the story of Julia Child (Meryl Streep) who, in 1948, finds herself in Paris. While there she discovers French food, and utlimately, herself. It is also the story of Julie Powell, who in the first part of the 21st century, finds herself in Queens. She decides to cook her way through Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 365 days. Along the way Julia teaches Julie that passion, ambition – and liberal use of butter – can be the ingredients of a great life.
My take: This film is a classic! Nora Ephron blends the stories of Julie and Julia with such skill you barely notice you’re going back and forth in time. Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Amy Adams shine in their respective roles - though the entire cast is exceptional. The costume design, set design, cinamatography – and I’m sure a lot of fine editing – hint at that old time Hollywood magic. Mix it all together you and you’ve got a film that captures what’s truly great about life – dreams, food, and love. But fair warning: when it’s all said and done, you just might feel the need to go home, whip up some boeuf bourguignon, and serve it to those you love …
July 28, 1951, Disney released their version of “Alice in Wonderland.” You’ve got to admit, the film’s some good times. Although, a strange phenomenon has transpired this summer; every time I water the flowers, All in the Golden Afternoon loops in my head. Hmmm. What could it mean? There’s a slight possibility I don’t want to know. But I digress …
As for pure animation, I don’t imagine the original can ever be topped. However, they’re coming out with a little something new. Walt Disney Pictures. Tim Burton. Johnny Depp. Squeel! Alas, it won’t be in theatres until March, 2010 – so we must content ourselves with the trailer.
See the official trailer on YouTube.
Based on the true story of love, victory, and fermentation
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama / Comedy
Verdict: Loved
The gist: Bottle Shock is a loose retelling of the events leading up to the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” tastings – where California wines went up against the French in a blind tasting. Before 1976 there was one country synonymous with good wine: France. And then a certain sommelier named Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman) decided to put it to the test. Traveling from Paris to Napa Valley, he set out to gather the best California wines to taste against the best French wines. Along the way he meets the owner of Chateau Montelena, Jim Barrett (Bill Pullman), and his hippie-son Bo (Chris Pine). The end result will shock them all.
My take: Bottle Shock is some good times. The cinamatography (Michael J. Ozier) is beautiful – from Napa Valley to the French countryside. The music is refreshing – 70’s music intermingled with the musical score. The story (Jody Savin and Randall Miller) manages to tell a wide range of side stories, without getting bogged down. There are also some great lines – including my favorite: in response to Jim’s Barrett’s question of why he doesn’t like him, Steven Spurrier says, “You think I’m an asshole*. I’m not really. I’m just British and you’re … not.” . The direction (Randall Miller) manages to imbue humanity into each scene - whether serious or humorous. Finally, the actors – from main to minor – are strong and a joy to watch. Though Alan Rickman does manage to outshine them all. Watching him each Kentucky Fried Chicken from the bucket or fresh guac is too, too much. All in all, it is an uplifting tale. So grab some grapes, an assortment of breads and cheeses, pour yourself a glass of wine – and enjoy!
*Note to my mother: That was a direct quote. I’m not randomly spewing profanities on my blog. And besides. It was funny. Hi-larious even. It couldn’t be helped …
