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Reviews
I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)
Great Story, not executed well.
Not knowing anything about this film before watching, I was absolutely shocked when I learnt the plot of the story, I was also shocked to see Jim Carrey playing this character, Steven, a gay man in hiding, until he has an epiphany and begins to live the life a 'gay'. I feel this movie was expecting to be so much more then it is because I wouldn't expect Jim Carrey to play this role without any expectations. Ewan McGregor practically plays the same role as Carrey, just as the second lead (Phillip Morris) who falls in love with Steven (Carrey) in prison. The story is on the cute side but at times seems a little too odd and crazy for the movie. The story is pretty good, its funny, its gay and it involve con men. The story starts off slow, as Leslie Mann playing her usual 'wife' character, the entertainment only starts to kick in when the real story and plot are uncovered. I Love You Phillip Morris is a far-fetched story of two men who fall in love in prison and end up living a crazy life together. The end of the film comes as a surprise and is the only time that emotions really run high in this movie. This movie tries to be something way more then it is, and the ending is probably the only part of the movie that is enjoyable. I wouldn't recommend this movie, as there are definitely better films to see but some would really enjoy it, it definitely comes down to opinion. It's not a winner, for Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor alike.
The Book of Eli (2010)
Religious Propaganda
I had been told over and over to watch this film. It had a Great cast of Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis and Gary Oldman. In my opinion, I thought the story was genius, although there were definitely aspects that seems quite stupid and out of context. Eli (Washington) a lone man who fights his way through a post-apocalyptic world, in which he protects a book that holds the secrets of saving human kind. Denzel is the perfect actor for this role. Mid way through the film it becomes very obvious that the book is the Holy Bible. Gary Oldman plays his signature character of the villain in the film. He plays Carnegie, a man who is aiming to build up society, with him being the ruler. This is where the conflict and peak of action comes in this film; Carnegie knows that with that book, he can rule the world. The one thing that leaves a massive void with the film is how and what occurred to cause the apocalypse, the film doesn't give enough information prior to the beginning of the film. Mila Kunis has a great role, a role that I would have expected her to take, but I one I was glad she did, its definitely different to the one she plays in That 70's Show in which she was made famous. I must admit, this movie uses misleading advertising to draw us in. What we expect is an apocalyptic thriller with a super strong survivor trying to make his way through life, we know from the advertising that he has a book he must protect – but we are not told that it is the bible, the last bible. It was a little bit of a let down. Many aspects of the film are very smart; I especially loved the fact that in a shootout with Eli (Washington) and Carnegie (Oldman) Eli has not fear because 'god' protects him. The whole 'messenger of god' aspect was pretty ingenious. Book of Eli is a nice, entertaining movie, even though it holds a lot of religious propaganda. 7.6/10
Don't Quit Your Daydream (2010)
Worth a watch
The story of two failed musicians who road trip in an RV through America, finding quirky, colorful characters to collaborate with for their third album, which will probably never be heard. They find unique locations to record their music from, one song each destination. This documentary is fun, it's interesting and it almost gives you a different perspective on life as they meet people who don't care about living it big, or making something of themselves, people that only care for making good music. The documentary contains some sad stories of pain, hurt and death, but the places they go and the characters they meet really do give you a sense of joy and happiness as they tell you their stories. The characters and stories really do attach you to screen, you become very intrigued and interested in everything that everyone has to say. Its definitely a documentary that, if you are aspiring to be a musician and love playing music you will enjoy it to its full potential, but even as person with no musical talent will still enjoy as well. This Documentary is great, its 100% worth a watch.
Soul Surfer (2011)
cheap, boring portrayal of a great story
I wanted to see this film because I had heard of the story and was interested to see how Hollywood would portray it and I was let down big time. This was almost one of the worst movies I have ever seen. With a decent cast of Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid and AnnaSophia Robb I had some good expectations, a good cast, and a great story. This film managed to feel so low budget it almost made the movie unwatchable. It was so corny and cheap it almost made me feel no sympathy for Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb). The direction was shocking, the script was shocking and the portrayal of this story was shocking. A story like this deserved a much better film. This drama is very dull and becomes very boring, very quickly and the best part of the film, when Bethany has her arm torn off, the scene in waiting by all viewers is hardly worth it. A terrible film, A great story. Not worth seeing at all.
Your Highness (2011)
On the verge of a waste of time
Your Highness, the story of two princes who quest to save one of their stolen wives, was a laughable movie. I was expecting this film to be mildly funny and as well mildly boring. The major theme behind the film was a to portray the classic fifteenth century, adding swear words and themes from the twentieth century. I was very excited to see the duo back in action (James Franco and Danny McBride) since pineapple express in which I enjoyed very much, they definitely forced some laughs out of me, but not enough worth watching this film. Danny McBride is the one who really carries this film, his southern American accent, made English is actually a treat to listen to, McBride always manages to bring something unique too the characters he plays. Your Highness is a film I would only recommend to 'stoners', it has its moments, but while watching it, it bring all the aspects of a stoner film. Not the worst movie, it is definitely watchable but its not a hit in my eyes.
Megamind (2010)
A film for everyone, Very enjoyable.
Not being a big animation guy, I went into this movie with an open mind; I expected a cute, fun, adventure of super heroes. With an all-star cast of voices I had some good expectations, and I was not let down. This movie was funny, it was sad; it was an absolute joy to watch. Although it was not your average Super-Hero movie, which was what I was expecting, it was much cleverer then that, and it even managed portray some great morals. You become very attached to the characters and very interested in the plot, it is very eye-catching and keeps you locked in till the very end.
It is definitely a movie for the whole family, enjoyable for all. A great success.
Horrible Bosses (2011)
A great comedy, quick laugh-out-loud entertainment.
Horrible Bosses is a very funny film, with an even funnier cast. If you're looking for a laugh- out-loud movie then look no further. Kevin Spacy, Jennifer Aniston and Collin Farrell give some of the funniest performances of their career. Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, from the hilarious "its always sunny in Philadelphia" and Jason Sudeikis play a group of friends who plan the "perfect crime". The cast works perfectly together, which creates an even funnier vibe to the movie. Going into Cinema I was expecting a great film, that made me hold my stomach with laughter and I received nothing less. This movie is definitely worthwhile seeing, if you're in need of a laugh. Its quick, fast paced and never ceases to let down. This movie is way up with some of the comedies of the year, if not at the top.
Contagion (2011)
Entertaining and interesting portrayal, but expected a lot more
This film was one I was so excited to see. It has an all-star cast, and the plot sounded as entertaining as anything. Going into this film with its competition in my eyes being Outbreak (1995), and it did no disappoint. The story was very smart and seemed very realistic. The all- star cast was fairly disappointing, not their acting aspects, but their roles in the film. Gwyneth Paltrow in the film for about two minutes, and Matt Damon play a pretty quite roll, not like the Damon we see in Bourne Identity and The Departed. Laurence Fishburne and Jude Law played the two main rolls in this film, and they really did carry the film, although Jude Law needs to work on his accents. This film is definitely watchable; it will entertain anyone with its interesting epidemic portrayal. I wouldn't say it's a must see but it will top most of the movies out at the present time. Just note that this movie will make you think twice about what you touch and who you speak to.
Carlos (2010)
More the Story then being entertained
Carlos the Jackal does way to much to be something that its not. A film more about the story then the entertainment. The long running time (2h: 45m) gives you the feeling that, like with any long running film, that it will be an absolute masterpiece or a boring film that drags on forever. This film was centered right in the middle. Its depiction of the greatest terrorist to ever lived shows glimpses of a genius masterpiece, but with such long intervals between great scenes it makes it a struggle to hold complete attention till the end. Keeping attention till the very end comes with no reward, expecting an exciting ending that makes the nearly three-hour movie worthwhile never comes. Although Edgar Ramirez was a picture perfect Carlos and gave one of the performances of his career, in which he deserved his Golden Globe nominations. If you're interested in the story rather then the entertainment, then you will enjoy this movie. Entertainment wise, it's not the greatest.
Abduction (2011)
A terrible film
Abduction, the new Taylor Lautner thriller does absolutely nothing to impress. the 'hunky' Taylor does nothing to lift this film from where it is, this film gives you the feeling that Taylor had been chosen for the lead (Nathan) because of his looks rather then his acting skills. it is probably his worst performance yet. At first, the film seems like a rip off from the Bourne identity but as it goes on and the twists are uncovered, that this high school kid, is suddenly on the run and is told that he cant trust anybody, not even the CIA in which he is in contact with. The story moves way to fast and doesn't give enough information to really enjoy this so called thriller. This movie is without question a letdown in all aspects. Terrible script, even worse acting. It is an all round bust.