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So You Said Yes (2015)
Most everything about this just so so.
The story is OK. A bridal shop owner runs a business which caters to clients looking for non-traditional wedding attire. A chance meeting with a lawyer brings a man into the shop owner's life. A man whose mother also happens to own a competing bridal shop but with a snobbish slant. Overall the actors do OK. But, the characters just don't seem to fit together logically. I just don't buy it. Kelli Martin is a good actress but just is not the right person for this role, bless her heart. Quirky has been used in previous reviews to describe her character, but to me she comes off as a bit pitiful, unattractive, whiny, and just too odd and difficult for any sane person to want to have a relationship with. I did like the love interest character although I can't see why someone like him and from his background would have any interest in the bridal shop owner played by Martin. I am a guy, and not embarrassed to admit I like Hallmark chick-flicks. But this one for the reasons listed above is nowhere near the top of my Hallmark "like" list.
My Lucky Elephant (2013)
Not a children's movie but magnificently filmed
My Lucky Elephant is the story of an orphan who finds a lost juvenile elephant which has wandered away from the safety of family in the jungles of Thailand. The young boy immediately sees the practical and monetary value in having the elephant and begins to train "Lucky," though unknown whether by instinct or perhaps by having grown up in a village where elephants are regularly used for needed tasks such as hauling firewood. The boy then travels with his barely trained friend to seek work as a means of survival. While able to obtain various jobs and earn money to feed himself and "Lucky," most of the jobs the young boy finds are temporary and seasonal. I was surprised when I saw that this film had not any reviews yet here on IMDb. Perhaps, that is because the movie is a bit more complex than it first appears. Perhaps, it is because it is hard to decide what demographic group this film targeted. One would assume by the name that it is a children's movie. It is not, though, there are parts that will certainly appeal to youngsters. Yet, it isn't an adult film either, though there are adult themes included in the film. There are scenes which certainly would be disturbing to youngsters and adolescents. My guess is that the writer and film maker envisioned this to be a family film. Not sure I could recommend it as such, as again, there are scenes which could be a bit disturbing, but are scenes which are certainly not in the same league as a multitude of violent Hollywood film offerings. I will say that this film was beautifully photographed. The scenery is magnificent, and every part of the human/elephant interaction seems real and authentic. The film seemed very real to me and perhaps that is what was most unsettling to me. There are underlying themes which can take the movie to dark places as our young hero tries to survive in an adult world. Perhaps, when viewing the film a youngster might take away that the world is cold and one is unwanted unless something can be offered to others. Otherwise expect to ignored, or let starve. Maybe I am over analyzing this and being a bit harsh. But, I can say assert there are many positives that can be taken away from this film. One can learn to view the world from the perspective of another person and culture. One can be inspired to make ones way in a world where there are unlimited possibilities and only requires creativity to find a niche. And, the most valuable lesson taught as I see it- family should not be limited to just those for which we are biologically or legally tied.
Scents and Sensibility (2011)
A good cast but nothing given for them to work with.
When I saw this movie listed on Neflix and saw who all was in the cast I had great hopes for this movie. The lovely Marla Sokoloff, the well-seasoned actress Ashley Williams, and the likable Nick Zano being in the movie pushed me to set aside time from my busy day and check this movie out. What a disappointment it turned out to be. The acting was flat. But, you can't blame the cast. The writing was quite uninspired and the only thing that would have saved this movie is if the cast was allowed to have free reign to ad lib their scenes. There is no doubt in my mind that they could have come up with better material than was presented in this drab movie. Did the Director even read through the script before taking on this project? No one in their right mind could've thought that the screenplay could be salvaged without a major over-haul. The title should have been "Keep on movin' folks, nothing to see here." I wish I'd been warned first before I took a chance on this disaster. My deepest sympathies to the cast. I hope your careers did not take a too big of hit for being associated with this perfectly forgettable screenplay.
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
The stunts!! Watch the stunts!
I won't give a proper and extended review because there are already over 300 posted here at this time. I will say that any comedy that can get my wife to laugh at every point in the movie has to be great. What I would like to add is that the genius is in the fine details. Watch the actors/comedians. Do you ever get the feeling they are acting? I don't! Yea, the action is over the top, silly, crazy, ludicrous, outrageous, and unlikely but the cast sells it all. And, what I would really like to mention and give props to are the stunts. Next time you watch the movie pay attention to the countless stunts that had to be performed from the simple kick of the bucket (was a stuntman, not Durante's leg you see), to the complex and dangerous winding road chases. That no one was killed is probably one of the most astonishing things about the movie. I can't say enough about how well everything was obviously planned out and executed to a "t" to come up with action that helps sell this extraordinary comedy. Can you imagine the time it must have taken to plan on how to build the gas station in such a way that it falls apart how it should and when it should? I could name almost a page full of individual stunts that it took to make this movie. Kudos to the stunt director and his team of stunt men and women.
Jack Reacher (2012)
Plot holes, but fun
Sheesh, reading the reviews here you would think that far too many contributors have turned into Rex Reeds. If the reviews are any indication many are going to the movies expecting perfect works of art. What happened to going to the movies with a blank slate and just enjoying the movie for entertainment's sake? Heck yeah, the movie isn't perfect. Yes, this is not Cruise's finest work. Yes, there are plot holes big enough for that gigantic dump truck to fit through. And, yes there are moments where the action is incredibly improbable enough for the viewer to have cause to choke on their popcorn. But, so what? The movie despite its imperfections was fun to watch and enjoy for what it was- an action-filled suspenseful drama. The kind we expected to see as teens when we went to the movies on Saturday afternoons to be entertained. In this movie was lots of action, suspense, sexual tension between Cruise's character and the gorgeous lawyer, great villains, and good wins out over evil. Sadly,you must be a hopeless cynic if you did not enjoy this flick. Too many these days are in a frenzy to analyze a film to death and show themselves to be film critic wanna-be's. We commonly call those kinds of people "Haters." Relax people, just sit back and enjoy this movie sole as entertainment.
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
Brilliant!
I remember watching the Oscars when Marisa Tomei won "For My Cousin Vinny." The clip that was shown was the scene of Tomei's character Mona Lisa Vito whining about her "Biological Clock." Her character from that clip seemed cartoonish at the time and didn't tempt me to see the movie. However, thankfully, and gratefully, years later one of my relatives convinced me to sit down and watch "My Cousin Vinny." What a gem!! I laughed so hard at times my sides hurt. And then, when the "biological clock" scene occurred it was so perfect and hilarious I thought I was going to pee my pants. Marisa deserved the Oscar for her portrayal of Mona. But, she is not the only one deserving of recognition. Pesci had to have been overlooked because his acting seemed so effortless and people assumed he was just playing himself. So not true. He was brilliant. And, all the other characters were played wonderfully by a great cast. Now, I am not a fan of the F-word, in the movies as well as in social settings. It is so overused to me and evidence of someone with a weak brain trying to express forceful thoughts. In most R rated movies I see it as lazy and unimaginative writing. The more the F-word and profanity, generally, the weaker the plot and lousy dialogue. HOWEVER, the F-word is used judiciously, sparingly, and appropriately, and flows right with the dialogue in "My Cousin Vinny." Kudos to the writer for showing how it should be done. If you have never seen this hilarious comedy please watch it, and watch it with an open mind. It is a comedy. It is not brain surgery. But, it is comedy at its best, and if you don't find this funny you are either from another planet or have no sense of humor whatsoever. If nothing else watch the characters and the skill in which the actors portray those characters. And, listen to the fabulous dialogue which was skillfully written for the characters. Each time I watch it I come away with having discovered something new which I had missed previously. Watch this film!! It should brighten anyone's day.
Hubble 3D (2010)
3D Delicious
Most of the 3D movies coming out these days are simply exploits by the film companies to cash in on the present 3D craze. This is NOT one of those films. 3D is everything in this presentation. If you are not able to see it in IMAX 3D I wouldn't bother. The movie is fascinating when it comes to explaining the difficulties in having to repair and upgrade a technological marvel. But,in 3D you are put seemingly inches away from an astronaut who is prepped for the coming mission, and right there as astronauts try to install new equipment into tight-fitting spots on the telescope. But, to me, the real worth of this film is seeing the expanse of the universe in 3D and seeing the incredible beauty of what is out there. You cannot possibly experience this without the 3D. As the telescope zooms through galaxies we see stars fly into the audience and past us as we reach deeper into space. I guarantee that most, after having seen this wonderful film in 3D will admit that they previously had no real concept of the vastness of space, and the endless billions of galactic bodies. Only the 3D experience makes it possible to wrap our brains around at least a small degree of understanding of how big our universe is, and the infinite galaxies which seem exist, let alone the billions and billions of stars(to quote the late Carl Sagen). I rate this 8 out of 10, subtracting 2 stars (no pun intended) because the film left me craving for more scientific explanation about the amazing details of the spacial orbs and expanses we see visually.
I Love You, Man (2009)
Tasteless
The pretext is a cute idea. The future groom doesn't have a close friend who can be the best man. Also, his would-be bride's friends assert that he will be clingy and smothering without friends of his own. Unfortunately, that is where the good ideas end. The movie is rife with filthy language and behavior. Isn't there enough crudeness in the world? Yea, so I am a stick in the mud when it comes to this kind of humor. Cheap laughs. Lazy writing. Foul language, fart jokes, and characters debasing themselves in various ways. I say again. Lazy writing. None of this is creative. None of that is clever dialog. These aren't likable people. I would be embarrassed to have any of them as friends or family. So who cares about them? I sure didn't. I would much rather be a part of a nicer, more honest, kinder, and gentler world than the one portrayed here. LOL I guess I'll stay in Utah.
(500) Days of Summer (2009)
The way love works
I won't summarize the movie as it has been done so ably many times in previous comments. I will say that the movie accurately depicts how "love" works. The fact is, you feel how you feel and you have no control over that. Summer was cynical about love, and set out to enjoy her time with Tom without an emotional investment. Tom, on the other hand was willing to put everything out there for this "relationship." Who was the more honest? Summer who made clear from the start she would remain detached emotionally? Or, Tom who was for the most part an open book when it came to what he wanted and what he was willing to risk for Summer? Both, in fact, were equal in their honesty. Both remained true to themselves. Although, you might argue that Summer was playing "games" in fact she was not. And, that is born out in the end when she finds someone who trips her trigger, so to speak. That is when she loses her cynicism and is capable of investing emotionally in a relationship. She just needed to meet the right person. That is how love works. Not to be forgotten, Tom, of course, is wounded by Summer's rejection. He laments the fact that she didn't tell him about her engagement, but the fact is he had been warned from the very beginning when he met Summer. A lot of pain can be avoided if we would just really listen to what we are being told and not just plow ahead because of what we think we want and need. As a result Tom becomes the bitter, hurt, and cynical one. And, that also is how love works. Love can put us on top of the highest peak or it can pull us down into the depths of hell. But, as with Summer, and as with Tom at the end, often when we feel we are incapable of loving, of committing, of sharing our time, and investing emotionally, we meet someone who makes us come alive and changes our perspective on love and life. That is also how loves works. Despite the disclaimer at the beginning of "500 Days of Summer," this truly was a love story.
Pirates of the Great Salt Lake (2006)
A great movie experience!
This movie lived up to all that I had heard about it. I took many members of my extended family to a special screening in Salt Lake. I did not tell any of them about the movie they would be screening in order to keep from influencing them with any hype. The movie came as a wonderful surprise to them all. I enjoyed hearing them laugh out loud throughout the whole movie. We had the pleasure also of meeting one of the stars Trent James, who graciously answered many questions we threw at him. I do hope a distribution deal will be struck soon so it will be released nationwide. I have no doubts that it will be a sleeper hit. You would have thought that Hollywood would have taken the hint from the success of Napoleon Dynamite as to the kinds of movies that American families are craving. This movie will appeal to even a wider audience than N.D.
The Damned Don't Cry (1950)
A stellar performance by Joan Crawford
Very good performance by the cast especially Joan Crawford. There are times we care little about a film because we care little about the main characters. In this film the characters are not likable but there is recognition that the disdain we feel for them is part of the point. These are people who are part of a shady and dark underworld, prone to betrayal and violence. After tragically losing her young son to a bike accident, Crawford's character abandons not only her husband but also her parents. She quickly descends into the aforementioned underworld with reckless aspirations which eventually paints her into a corner. This is a movie with a moral message. This is a movie which unlike so many movies in today's world does not glamorize crime and make heroes out of thugs but instead shows us that there are consequences for the decisions we make, and that the consequences not only affect ourselves but also loved ones and others around us. If you love old classics you will enjoy this film especially if you are a Crawford fan. The DVD I watched has a commentary track by the director who irritatingly told us more about what was happening in the film than inside information and behind the scenes happenings.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Brilliant writing, clean fun, countless noteworthy quotes
Within one minute of the start of this movie I was already laughing uncontrollably. In the mannerisms of Napolean I saw my youngest son, a junior high schooler who lived at the time in s. eastern Idaho. Although I had seen the name up on the billboard of our local theater here in western Arizona, it wasn't until I visited my kids in s. eastern Idaho did I get to see Napolean Dynamite. My kids kept telling me I just had to see this film. I sat down to watch it without knowing anything about it. As the movie played I laughed throughout the movie along with my kids (ages 25, 18, & 13 at the time). Although the movie had been out on DVD for just a week my kids were already able to mimic countless lines as the movie played. There is so much the filmmakers got right in making this movie. They succeeded in portraying bits and pieces of life in this area of the world. If you had the fortunate opportunity to live in s. eastern Idaho or in a n. Utah community there is much to identify with. But, anyone in small town America should identify truths about rural life in this film. And, having grown up in s. California and having gone to high school in the early 70's I could still identify with many of the types of characters in this wonderful, and even amazing film. The ensemble cast is quite noteworthy. It is very easy to think while watching the film that they pulled the main cast right out of the community and they were just being themselves. Having seen Jon Heder on Saturday Night Live only accentuated what a remarkable acting job he did as Napolean, and the same for the other main characters. The locals they did use in the film only added to the authentic mix of characters. The instant I saw Dale Critchlow as Lyle I thought I was going to bust a gut laughing. If you have lived anywhere near a farming community you will recognize his character. The writing is quite noteworthy. The memorable quotes from this film are many, more than almost any film I can think of, including The Godfather. What makes this film stand alone is that there is not one quote that you cannot laugh at in mixed company. This is all just pure clean family fun, quite in contrast to the lazy writing we are most often exposed to which exposes us to the "F" word and other profanity countless times. How original is that? If you are one of those that hate this film you either have no sense of humor or you take life too seriously. This is a clean and innocent romp spot-lighting the lives of people who are just trying to make it through life like the rest of us.
Sabrina (1954)
Terrific Audrey Hepburn performance
Audrey Hepburn is terrific as the title character, and William Holden
holds
his own. Surprisingly, the one disappointment is the miscast Humphrey
Bogart who seems ill at ease, let alone looking much too old for the part.
Yet, he comes close to pulling it off at the end.
Sabrina (1954)
Terrific Audrey Hepburn performance
Audrey Hepburn is terrific as the title character, and William Holden
holds
his own. Surprisingly, the one disappointment is the miscast Humphrey
Bogart who seems ill at ease, let alone looking much too old for the part.
Yet, he comes close to pulling it off at the end.
The Reluctant Astronaut (1967)
Thin, dated, but clean comedy
Typical Don Knotts humor though The Ghost and Mr. Chicken was by far a better film. Thin, dated, but clean comedy that might be enjoyed by younger kids, or adults who are nostalgic for that type of 60's genre. Very much reminiscent of the Disney comedies churned out in the 60's. Don Knotts plays a kiddieland "Astronaut" who applies to NASA. He is hired, not as an Astronaut as his family thinks, but a janitor.
To show up the Russians and show off American technology NASA decides to put someone in space who is totally unqualified. Naturally our hero gets the call with at first disastrous results. Not much action and storyline and as usual Knotts' love interest is mismatched. The film might seem like a breath of fresh air to parents considering what Hollywood often exposes us to these days. But contemporary kids will probably have a hard time sitting through The Reluctant Astronaut since there is no chase scenes, violence, sex, and foul language.