Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Paranormal Activity

Title: Paranormal Activity
Directed by: Oren Peli
Starring: Kati Featherston, Micah Sloat, Michael Bayouth
Genres: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller
Running Time: 1 hour. 39 minutes
Release Date: September 25th, 2009 (limited)
MPAA Rating: R

Review: 'Paranormal Activity' is deliciously scary (if you, like me, are into that sort of thing), mainly due to its [well executed] home-made-real-deal-vibe. I saw it in the middle of the night, in an next to empty theater, and yes, it was creepy. Friends of mine saw it in the middle of the hype, in a crowded, noisy, theater and it apparently killed the film. So, if you do want to see this overly hyped "Blair Witch Project- ish, budget horror flick, make sure you skip the crowded times at the theater, or wait until you can watch it at home.

Grade: 7

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Whip It

Title: Whip It
Directed by: Drew Barrymore
Starring: Ellen Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristin Wiig, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis
Genres: Comedy, Sports
Running Time: 1 hour. 51 minutes
Release Date: October 2nd, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: I knew this movie would be great! Unfortunately, nobody I knew agreed with me, and every time I would try to go and see it, I would get talked into seeing something else. Therefore it took me a few extra days to go see this highly entertaining flick, which also happens to be Drew Barrymore's directorial debut.

The only one who would love this movie more than I do now, is my teenaged self, who would have been absolutely obsessed, had this movie come out about 10 years ago. This is a homage to teenage girls everywhere seeking for their life's purpose, coolness, and independence. Now please excuse me while I go and look for a Roller Derby Club in my neck of the woods. I'm ready to be my own hero. Luckily I already have a suitable Derby name...

Grade: 8

Friday, October 16, 2009

Where The Wild Things Are

Title: Where The Wild Things Are
Directed by: Spike Jonze
Starring: Max Records, Catherine Keener, Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper
Genres: Comedy, Kids/Family, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Animation, Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hour. 34 minutes
Release Date: October 16th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
Review: This film feels like childhood is remembered, and it is wonderful. The way Mr. Jonze has captured the scary, funny, quirky, odd, beautiful, sad and amazing flavor of this story truly left me with a sense of childlike wonder. This is what childhood imagination could do, without the limitations of rational adult thinking, and it is glorious.

Someone asked me "will my children like it?", and the answer to that question I do not know. But I do know this; I liked it, and the little kid still left in my heart LOVED it!

My hat goes off to you, Mr. Jonze. Well done.

Grade: 7.5