The Ides of March

Title: The Ides of March

Directed by: George Clooney

Starring: George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Even Rachel Wood

Genres: Drama, Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hour. 42 minutes

Release Date: October 7th, 2011

MPAA Rating: R

Review: Having heard great things about 'The Ides of March', I had high hopes walking into this film. And it does not disappoint.

'The Ides of March' is one of those films where quality parts have been put together to make a great product. Casting, and acting are great, as are the story, the writing and directorial work. The pace is quite slow, but charged with tension, which avoids the audience getting bored. Well done, Mr. Clooney, well done!

'The Ides of March' is one of the best films this year. Period. Do not miss this one.

Grade: 8

The Help

Title: The Help

Directed by: Tate Taylor
Starring: Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Ahna O Reilly
Genres: Drama, Adaptation
Running Time: 2 hours. 17 minutes
Release Date: August 10th, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: After having thoroughly enjoyed the book, I was really looking forward to seeing the movie adaptation of 'The Help'. And it didn't disappoint. The movie was solid, well casted and well acted, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it mentioned again around award season.

Viola Davis, is wonderful in this film, as are most of the cast, and I feel they did capture the essence of the book, even though it is not a perfect word-for-word adaptation, but when is it ever?

I enjoyed how the movie-version of some of the really funny scenes of the book, the toilet scene, in particular, as well as how the movie portrayed the varying scenes of sadness from the book.

Overall, a good, solid film that I would recommend, although not as highly as the book.

If you liked 'The Secret Lives of Bees', this one will be right up your alley.

Grade: 8

Easy A

Title: Easy A

Directed by: Will Gluck

Starring: Emma Stone, Penn Bradgley, Amanda Bynes, Dan Byrd, Thomas Haden Church

Genres: Comedy

Running Time: 1 hour. 32 minutes

Release Date: September 17th, 2010

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: I kind of adore Emma Stone, and her performance in 'Easy A' did not disappoint. She is as funny, charming, and awkward as ever, and clearly a star in the making. The premise of this film is quite funny, flipping the typical teen comedy on it's ear, with good results. 'Easy A' is a really entertaining flick, that goes beyond the target market of teen girls, and will please both boyfriends and parents dragged along.

Grade: 8

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (Luftslottet som sprängdes)

Title: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (Luftslottet som sprängdes)
Directed by: Daniel Alfredson
Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre, Hans Alfredson, Lennart Hjulström
Genres: Foreign, Thriller, Crime, Drama, Adaptation, Sequel
Running Time: 2 hours. 28 minutes
Release Date: October TBA, 2010 (United States)
MPAA Rating: R


Review: While currently not yet released in the US (the exact release date is still a bit murky, but it should hit select theaters this fall), this film is available in Swedish, and since I do speak the language, I decided to watch it.

The last installment of the Millenium trilogy is like a continuation of the second film, starting from the moment the last one ended (which were quite the cliff hanger). And while the the middle child of the series was a step down from the first film, 'The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest' brings the series right back up to previous glory.

For the third time, Noomi Rapace is the perfect fit for the female lead, although in this film, it is the rest of the cast that really drives the story line this time. The gritty Scandinavian film style is there, as always. The gripping tension is back, and 'The Hornet's Nest' really is a great end to the trilogy.

Grade: 8

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Män som hatar kvinnor)

Title: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Män som hater kvinnor)
Directed by: Niels Arden Oplev
Starring: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Sven-Bertil Taube, Peter Haber, Marika Lagercrantz, Peter Andersson
Genres: Foreign, Thriller, Drama, Adaptation
Running Time: 2 hours. 32 minutes
Release Date: March 19th, 2010 (United States) (Limited)
MPAA Rating: R


Review: I read Stieg Larssons books in Swedish last time I was in Europe, and it is a great story, very well suited for film adaptation. My Swedish friends and family have been raving about this film since it was released in Sweden, and I have been meaning to see it for quite some time. Since its US release was quite a while ago at this point, I thought I had lost my chance to see it on the big screen, but luckily one of the local independent theaters is still showing 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Män som hatar kvinnor)'.

'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Män som hatar kvinnor)' (the Swedish title literary means "men who hate women") is well made, brilliantly acted, dark, ultra violent, and produced with a distinctly Scandinavian style that is instantaneously recognizable. If you have seen any other Swedish murder mystery-type film (Wallander or Beck, for example), the naked, raw, unromanticized style will be familiar. If you haven't, I am sure you will notice it.

The first film in the trilogy is exceptionally violent, not in the Hollywood-esque blow stuff up way, but in a gritty, zoomed-in close, impossible to ignore way, and I found myself slightly shocked during parts of the film. With its 2.5 hours, the film is extremely long winded, but it is Noomi Rapace's amazing portrayal of the female lead which manages to make the film worth its length. I found myself wondering who will be able to carry this role in the Hollywood remake? What will Hollywood do to this story?

I would definitely recommend seeing the original, vs. waiting to just see the Hollywoodized version. Now, to see the rest of the trilogy.

Grade: 8

Avatar

Title: Avatar
Directed by: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez
Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Running Time: 2 hour. 40 minutes
Release Date: December 18th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: I've had countless conversations about this particular film since I first saw it. A lot of people I know absolutely LOVE 'Avatar', and it is not hard to see why; the special effects and the beautiful world they created is absolutely mesmerizing; seeing the whole film in 3D is mindbogglingly spectacular; 'Avatar' truly is out of this world. However, if you strip away the razzle dazzle, if you examine the story, the characters, the acting, the directorial work, if you really look at the film 'Avatar' it is just another blockbuster action movie.

Don't get me wrong, it is a very good version of the old tried & true end-of-the-world blockbuster action movie. I enjoyed watching it. But is it good enough to wipe the floor with all the other awards contenders from 2009? Fuck no. In certain categories (like special effects), hell yes! And although it definitely is "The Movie of the Year", it is certainly not "The Best Movie of the Year". So, come Sunday, if 'Avatar' manages a clean sweep, I will let you know right now: I will be pissed. Just, you know, FYI.

The bottom line: See 'Avatar', if you have not already, preferrably in IMAX 3D.

Grade: 8

Invictus

Title: Invictus
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Patrick Mofokeng, Matt Stern, Julilian Lewis Jones, Bonne Henna
Genres: Drama, Adaptation, Biopic, Sports
Running Time: 2 hour. 14 minutes
Release Date: December 11th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Review: Seeing as Cling Eastwood is one of my favorite directors, I did have some expectations for this film. Couple that with the fact that South African politics has a special place in my heart, after spending a lot of time in that beautiful country, and we've got ourselves whipped into a expectation-frenzy. And it is a great film, full of great performances, restrained and skillful directorial work, and a powerful true story to stir the heart.

However, it is also a bit heavy on the sweaty-men-in-a-game-huddle slo-mo's, and being as rugby is the sport at hand (basically making it incomprehensible for anyone not already familiar with the game) it does get a bit tedious. Is it worth the 2 hours & then some? Yeah, I would say it is. But at the same time, there is no need to hold off on the soda - you'll have plenty of time for a visit to the restroom without running the risk of missing anything crucial. In other words, 'Invictus' is a great film definitely worth seeing, but it won't be joining the multitude of previous Eastwood's films on my All-Time-Favorites lists.

Grade: 8

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Title: The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Directed by: Chris Weitz
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning, Nikki Reed
Genres: Adaptation, Romance, Sequel
Running Time: 2 hours. 10 minutes
Release Date: November 20th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: I've been holding off a few days to write this review (not somehting I normally do), in order to let the film sink in a little bit. And to recover from my up-all-night New Moon hang-over. Because I am definitely hung over. Holy crap! Apparently, I am getting a bit old for waiting in line for hours on end, just to see a midnight showing of a new movie. Not that I needed this morning's hang-over to tell me that. It was pretty clear last night, as I sat there in line, like an idiot, among the gazillion tweens & teens, all of us dressed for the event (I know, I am so ashamed!), our squeals of delightful anticipation growing louder and louder as the clock ticked closer to 12.01 am.

But yes, since I've already confessed, there I was, and it was fantastic! There is nothing quite like seeing a brand new installment of a popular series with a bunch of screaming fans, all decked out in fan boy paraphernalia. There were squeals of delight, running commentary, ooohs & aaaahs, applauds, and laughter. Some people even cried. Of course, if you are not fanboy material, I would advice staying away from the midnight showings, since I can imagine it gets incredibly tedious otherwise. It is definitely one of those "If You Can't Join Them, Avoid Them" cases, hence the absence of the husband. He got enough of screaming fans at the HP midnight extravaganza a few months ago.

So, now to the film. We all know that the Twilight book series is one of my guilty pleasures, but I HATED the first film adaptation. Hated it. Of course I had high hopes that take 2 would produce a much better film, as well as a faithful story adaptation. And 'New Moon' delivered. It is no action film, and I've heard of plenty of non-fanboys who have been less than impressed by the film, but for fans, I do think it is a win. If you are a Twi-hater, obviously avoid this movie. But if you are a Twi-lover, or even a Twi-read-it-and-kinda-like-it, I would definitely see this one in the theater (and then a gazillion times on DVD. Just kidding... kind of....).

Grade: 8

Saturday Movie Review - Precious

Title: Precious
Directed by: Lee Daniels
Starring: Mo'Nique, Paul Patton, Mariah Carey, Gabourey Sidibe, Sherri Shepherd
Genres: Drama, Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hour. 49 minutes
Release Date: November 6th, 2009
MPAA Rating: R
Review: The story of 'Precious' is a story of heartbreak, and if watching it does not break your heart, I do not know what will. 'Precious' is a powerful, to the point where I sometimes wanted to close my eyes just to take a break, but couldn't. The story of endurance, abuse, breathtaking injustice and sadness will draw you in and not let go. The performances in this film are so good that you forget that you are not a fly on the wall watching the life of a girl called Precious in all its heart wrenching truth, but just a movie goer watching actors at their craft. And that, my friends, are just what movies are about. Definitely one of the year's Must-See films, and one we will see more of come awards season.

Grade: 8

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

Inglorious Basterds

Title: Inglorious Basterds
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Mike Myers, Michael Fassbenderr, Diane Kruger, Daniel Bruhl, Til Schweiger, Melanie Laurent, B.J. Novak, Samm Levine
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Adaptation, Politics/Religion, War
Running Time: 2 hour. 32 minutes
Release Date: August 21st, 2009
MPAA Rating: R

Review: I've been looking forward to Tarantino's new film for quite some time, and with that comes some expectations. Then, as it came out, I read reviews saying things like "Tarantino's best since Pulp Fiction" and of course, my expectations grew a little bit higher.

And 'Beasterds' is a good film; both the Husband & I really enjoyed it. It is definitely a Tarantino film, there is no doubt about that. It has all the classic Tarantino ingredients; the humor, the gore, the interlaced story lines, the time line, and the look. But to say that it is groundbraking a la vintage Tarantino is definitely to say too much. The main reason? It has been done before. But it is definitely still entertaining. Just not shocking.

If you enjoy Tarantino's work, I would say see it on the big screen. Otherwise, catch it on DVD.

Grade: 8

State of Play

Title: State of Play
Directed by: Kevin MacDonald
Starring: Russel Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Ben Affleck
Genres: Drama, Adaptation and Politics/Religion
Running Time: 1 hour.58 minutes
Release Date: April 17th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG - 13

Review: I love a good, old fashioned political thriller, and that is very much what 'State of Play' is, but with a more current reality. This one has a smart story, full of fairly somewhat unpredictable twists and turns, and quite a bit of edge-of-your-seat-tension. Of course, I love Rachel McAdams, and Russell Crowe and Helen Mirren are always brilliant in their work. Ben Affleck even managed to keep his usually atrocious acting (I like him much more as a director) in check, and did not ruin the film, which I totally appreciate, thank you Ben. All in all, a entertaining thriller, perfect for a couple of hours in the movie theater.

Grade: 8

Frost/Nixon

Title: Frost/Nixon
Directed by: Ron Howard
Starring: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Sam Rockwell, Toby Jones, Matthew MacFayden
Genres: Drama, Adaptation, Politics
Running Time: 2 hour.2 minutes
Release Date: December 5th, 2008 (limited)
MPAA Rating: R

Review: I've been looking forward to seeing Frost/Nixton for months and it did not disappoint. If you are, like me, interested in American politics, and American history it is a really interesting, fact-based movie from a fascinating time in this country. The movie is a duel between the recently ousted President Nixon, and David Frost, and it is beautifully executed. The movie belongs to Frank Langella, as Nixon, who is a perfect Tricky Dick. It is not hard to see where all the buzz is coming from, and i am definately recomending this one.

Rating: 8

Zack & Miri Make a Porno

Title: Zack & Miri Make a Porno
Directed by: Kevin Smith
Starring: Seth Rogan, Elizabeth Banks, Jason Mewes, Katie Morgan, Craig Robinson, Justin Long
Genres: Comedy
Running Time: 1 hour.41minutes
Release Date: October 31st, 2008
MPAA Rating:R

Review: Zack and Miri make a porno is absolutely fucking hilarious! I've been wanting to see it since it came out last weekend, but i haven't had a chance until today. From start to finish i, and everyone else in the theater too for that matter, were cracking up. Save a couple of moments where my "oh-my-fucking-god-that-is-disgusting!" threshold was overstepped, the entire movie was deliciously, ridiculously laughable. Both Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Banks are their usual super charming selves, and they have great chemistry together, Craig Robinson is hilarious throughout, and Justin Long scores his perfect role. So, i would highly recommend seeing Zack and Miri, but do mind the R rating; it really is an R rating. I wouldn't take grandma to see this one. And, don't miss the post-credits after scenes.

Rating: 8

Body of Lies

Title: Body of Lies
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russel Crowe
Genres: Thriller
Running Time: 2 hour.8minutes
Release Date: October 10th, 2008

MPAA Rating:RReview: This is a really good movie, it has a great story, and great acting, both from a beat-up and bearded DiCaprio, and from an unusually fat Crowe, as well as from the supporting actors and actress. The filming style is very real, and i really enjoyed that. However, it is really long, clocking in at 2 hours and 8 minutes. It probably would have scored better if it would have been a bit shorter, but all things considered, a really good film, that is totally worth the ticket price.

Rating: 8

Iron Man

Title: Iron Man

Directed by: Jon Favreau

Starring: Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Leslie Bibb, Jeff Bridges, Robert Downey Jr.,

Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantay, Superhero

Running Time: 2 hour. 6 minutes

Release Date: May 2nd, 2008

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: Robert Downey Jr. is great as Tony Star, and his charm and humor really adds massive likability to the billionaire industrialist/genius inventor. As the movie begins, Stark is kidnapped by terrorists, and forced to build them a weapon. Instead, he builds a high-tech suit of armor, and manages to escape. And so Iron Man is born.

The film is highly entertaining action flick, with a great cast, and a good villain and story line. All in all, not a bad way to spend a couple of hours, and a well-above -average Superhero/comic film. I bet 'Iron Man' will return with at least one sequel.

Grade: 8

Dan in Real Life

Title: Dan in Real Life

Directed by: Peter Hedges

Starring: Steve Carell, Dane Cook, Juliette Binoche, Norbert Leo Butz, John Mahoney, Dianne Wiest

Genres: Comedy, Romance

Running Time: 1 hour. 38 minutes

Release Date: October 26th, 2007

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: 'Dan in Real Life' is a total "feel good"movie, with lots of laughs, awkwardness, and charming family drama. It's one of those films that will make your heart smile.

The entire cast put in strong performances, but it is definitely Carrell who carries this film. There is something about Steve Carell and his brilliant ability to be awkward, vulnerable, honest, and messed up that resonates with the audience.

'Dan in Real Life' is a great family film, that should not be missed.

Grade: 8

Superbad

Title: Superbad

Directed by: Greg Mottola

Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Seth Rogen, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Emma Stone, Bill Hader, Kevin Corrigan,

Genres: Comedy

Running Time: 1 hour. 52 minutes

Release Date: August 17th, 2007

MPAA Rating: R

Review: Most people who have said they don't like 'Superbad', have claimed it is because the presence of strong language, crude jokes and teenage drinking. I understand that these things can be upsetting for some. However, please keep in mind, this film has a MPAA rating of R, a rating that comes with a full list of the component that earned that rating, for a reason. Look it up, and pass on films outside of your level of tolerance.

I am glad I did not pass on 'Superbad', because it is thoroughly hilarious! And since I enjoy strong language, crude jokes, and don't mind teenage drinking (just kidding) (pretty much... I am from Sweden, after all), I had no problems with the components that warranted that R rating. In fact, I loved this film!

Grade: 8

Disturbia

Title: Disturbia

Directed by: D.J. Caruso

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Carrie-Ann Moss, David Morse, Sarah Roemer

Genres: Thriller, Suspense, Drama

Running Time: 1 hour. 44 minutes

Release Date: April 13th, 2007

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: 'Distrubia' is a derivative of the "psycho next door" premise, which just so happens to be one of my favorite type of suspense thrillers. While it is not a unique concept, 'Disturbia' is well executed, and the result is a great, suspenseful thriller, with some truly scary moments.

I much prefer this type of suspense thriller, to the bloody, gory, 'Saw'-type spatter fests that are so popular nowadays. Give me a freaky psycho creeping around a backyard that looks just like mine, over a blood-soaked hostel filled with murder machines, any day.

So, 'Disturbia'. Shia LaBoeuf plays the lead, a teenager who is on house arrest after a traffic accident. While being stuck at home 24/7, bored to tears, he starts to spy on his neighbors. He quickly realized that something strange is going on next door... Que the menacing suspense music.

I was literary on the edge of my seat from start to finish while watching this. Well done, to everyone involved!

Grade: 8