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ninjacatprincess
Reviews
I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2009)
Saw the movie and it was good...
I saw the movie and thought it was good - and not great. Tyler Perry knows his audience and yes, he writes about the same issues because these issues have yet to be resolved in society: failure to pay child support, the molestation of children, physicial abuse, drug use and poverty.
I like Tyler Perry and I will continue to see his movies and pay full price due to the facts above. He is not afraid to "put it all out there". So many writers are interested in success - they will give you nothing for a formulaic movie: lots of sex, violence, drug use, crazy car chases and music. I saw the movies which followed the original "the Fast and the Furious" and thought "what drivel...how many times is the same movie gonna be remade"? How about some substance for a change? Now, don't get me wrong: If you're out for a good time with a new date and simply want to have fun - don't go see the movie. See something lighter like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs which was another movie playing. It's a light-hearted children's comedy and it won't offend or scare off anyone who is upset at the mention of religion or taboo subjects like children who get molested and the mother may know and tell the kid to shut up because "what happens in this house stays in this house". I can understand the American need for a happy ending in all movies or movies which paint the sunny side of life. But where are the movies for folks who are living these freakin' nightmares? The fact of the matter is you cannot avoid reality forever. Society is full of nasty little secrets. Tyler Perry is simply very gifted and not afraid to address them in his plays and movies. Wish more writers had the guts to do the same...
Knight Rider: Knight Rider (2008)
I predict this series will end quickly
I've watched the pilot and I'm not impressed. The only similarity to the original series is a "lone wolf" personality gets a fancy car. That's it...
Where's the humor of the Knight Industries Two Thousand? The voice of this new "Kitt" doesn't work for me.
Neither does the "improved" storyline.
I predict this series will end quickly because it doesn't have enough star power to hold the interest of viewers and doesn't give viewers that nostalgic feeling...I grew up with the original but I'm not seeing much of the original in this poorly done retread.
Talk to Me (2007)
Cheadle and Ejiofor are excellent in this biopic of Petey Greene
Don Cheadle and C. Ejiofor are excellent in this biopic of Petey Greene, a Virginia con who transformed himself into one of the most influential radio talk personalities of the '60s and '70s. Their chemistry together is unbelievable and worthy of an Oscar.
For those who have been depicting this as "a black movie" - it simply wasn't...just like "Selena" was a Latino movie, "Joy Luck Club" wasn't an Asian movie and "The Godfather" isn't an Italian-American movie (all of these movies are so good they transcend race and ethnicity). I watch them over and over again because they're GOOD - not because I believe to one of the ethnic groups. All of this being said, you'll be pleasantly surprised. The dialogue is a bit spicy at times but I felt it was appropriate because the dialogue was authentic (men drink and swear in pool halls and life doesn't always have squeaky clean, neatly packaged moments).
In 2008, I'll be cheering for Cheadle and Ejiofor to get an Oscar!
Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)
Hysterically Funny movie!
This movie is hysterically funny and suitable for the entire family. I first saw the movie while in high school and I've been hooked ever since. I've watched it so many times, I know the movie line by line.
The great thing about the movie is the simple straight-forward storyline (a boy in search of his bike) and the interesting figures "Pee-Wee" meets along the way in search of his bike: Large Marge, Tina, the ex-con and others. In addition, I don't recall any swearing or violence (which is truly rare in movies these days).
Reminds me of modern, twisted version of the Wizard of Oz. I would highly recommend the movie in a family setting.
Transformers (2007)
Saw the movie and liked it but...
There are a few plot holes (which is okay for a mindless piece of fluff for the Summer...I know it's not supposed to be Shakespeare)! In addition, the transformers transformed so fast...I couldn't see what was happening. I could not get a clear picture of them. There were only a few times in the movie where you could see the features of the Transformers clearly.
It's my understanding there will be a part 2 and part 3. Hopefully, the Transformers will be a little clearer in the sequels (From what I understand there were budget issues so there were a few glimpses of the Transformers but not well-detailed shots throughout the movie).
The Third Wish (2005)
Found a copy of this movie at the local library...
I found a copy of this movie at the local library. The title and the advertising seemed interesting so I borrowed it.
Unfortunately, I can see why the movie went "STRAIGHT TO VIDEO"! First, the lead actress (Jenna Mattison) simply does not have the "spark" necessary to carry this movie. If I'm not mistaken, I think she may have had a role in writing some of it which explains how she may have been cast as the lead but she cannot carry this movie.
I find it hilarious when the lead character makes a reference to Julia Roberts of Pretty Woman in this movie. It seems Ms. Mattison spends way too much of her time trying to mimic Ms. Roberts without trying to figure out what talents or gifts Ms. Mattison can bring to the screen.
Synopsis/Spoiler Alert: Ms. Mattison plays Maggie Malone, a woman quite content with living life the way it is as a book store clerk. She no longer believes in love but has always had 1) a love for magic and 2) a desire to fly in a plane and other wishes (important later).
One day while working at the book store, Maggie discovers a copy of Great Expectations. Like one of the characters in the book, Maggie gets a "benefactor" (someone who does good things for her secretly on the condition she does not try to find out the identity of the individual).
The benefactor turns out to be Maggie's biological father (played by veteran actor Armand Assante). Maggie had been given up for adoption when she was about 5 years old. Her mother had been killed and her biological father felt ill-equipped to provide care for her. The biological father placed Maggie in an orphanage with nuns to care for her and Maggie's only memory of her father was the fact that he entertained her with magic tricks. Once on his feet, Maggie's father attempted to contact the orphanage and reclaim his daughter but the orphanage would not allow it. Maggie's father went on to become a very wealthy businessman with one wish: to get his daughter back into his life. He does so by hiring a dashing lawyer to "make all of Maggie's dreams come true" by being the benefactor's agent.
Maggie gets a $5 million bank account, a fancy car, a beautiful penthouse and her biggest dream of all: her own book published since she's an aspiring writer. However, Maggie must never know where the money is coming from or she will forfeit everything. It turns out the benefactor's agent falls in love with Maggie and has a change of heart -revealing the benefactor's identity.
While this sounds like an interesting plot, the execution of this plot is poor. First, it's a shame to see the talents of veteran actors James Avery, Armand Assante, Betty White and Mindy Cohn wasted. The actors could have brought more dept to their roles if they had been given "meatier" roles.
Second, this movie was marketed as a "family movie". I'm still trying to figure out why because the themes are very sophisticated: fear, abandonment, love, etc. This movie is actually pretty "deep" but it was poorly marketed. I'm guessing someone saw the word "wish" and thought "oh, kids do this all the time...let's make this a family movie" but it doesn't quite work out that way.
In short, I cannot recommend this movie. The lead actress cannot carry the role, veteran actors are wasted and the themes are too sophisticated to be packaged into a sweet, syrupy family movie.
Como agua para chocolate (1992)
Saw the movie last night...
I've got a few questions. I didn't follow everything but I think I got the basics: Mama Elena marries for stability and position - not love. She had an affair with a man (called the mulatto in the movie). Mama Elena's husband finds out and dies. Mama Elena's heart is broken and she passes down her heartbreak and bitterness to her youngest daughter, Tita.
Some things I have questions about: 1. Was Tita the daughter of the affair? 2. Tita wasn't really pregnant but the stress of her life made her think she was? 3. The doctor was in love with Tita but Tita rejected him...so the doctor and Tita (out of caring for one another) encouraged Tita's niece and the John's son to marry? 4. What killed Pedro? I remember something John said about candles lit at the same time but it really didn't translate for me...Was Pedro just overexcited causing a heart-attack? 5. I still don't understand why Mama Elena had so much hatred/venom in her relationship with Tita...If Tita was the product of the affair, was Tita just a reminder of the man she could not have (thus causing Mama Elena's anger)?
Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out (2006)
Police Superstardom = Worst time of Sting's life?
Just got the DVD Everyone Stares...and I'm curious.
I've been watching interviews with Sting (while there is discussion of a possible reunion tour). Details are still being ironed out right now...
Can someone enlighten me on why Sting commented super stardom in the Police was the worst time of his life? I think I missed that part. If that's the case, why do a reunion tour?
I know there were contractual issues (I do believe Sting was writing tons of lyrics but wasn't getting paid but so much). Was it just the money or creative control?
Night at the Museum (2006)
LOVED this movie...hope there's a sequel ! ! ! ! !
I saw this movie and absolutely loved it. It's the first time in a very long time that I left the theatre saying "wow, I got my money's worth"! I'm hoping there's a sequel because I'll be the first one in line for tickets!
The storyline is simple yet entertaining and suitable for all family members. When was the last time an entire family could go to the theatre and everyone could enjoy the movie (not one person in the family got bored)?
I would highly recommend seeing the movie...veteran actors Mickey Rooney, Dick Van Dyke, and Bill Cobbs steal the show! In addition, the characters are incredibly funny (Octavius vs. Jed and the Easter Island Statue will have you laughing in the aisles).
As a real-life librarian, I loved the way the Larry was encouraged to visit the library and do research on all of the museum's displays (via books and the internet). I guarantee kids will not only be entertained but enlightened as well.
Looking forward to seeing the movie again!