Saturday, January 31, 2015

Mortdecai Brief Movie Review


Starring Johnny Depp and Gwyneth Paltrow, this comedy has Depp playing a foolish, eccentric British art connoisseur who goes on a mission to solve the case of a missing piece of artwork.

Rotten Tomatoes: 11 percent of critics liked it and 39 percent of audience members liked it.

My Review: 2 out of 5 stars (My own biased review: 3 out of 5 stars)

CONS: This movie was considered a huge flop by the critics and audience members alike. Overall, they found Depp's character to be unlikeable, unoriginal (for him) and tiring. Personally, I love Depp and everything he does, however, I do agree that this character was similar to ones he has played before and therefore he did not add any real substance or originalities to this character. Even though this was a comedy, adding something more to the character would have made the movie better. Also, the movie seemed to drag on and on, seeming a little to long for a comedy. Overall, a more sharp, witty and fast-paced plot and atmosphere would have helped the movie a lot.

PROS: Depp and his sidekick character in the movie have great comedic chemistry. Also, when watching the movie you can see how much potential it has to be a hit, which makes you root for the movie and its characters.

Overall, I would say wait to stream this movie online or when it comes on DVD. Preferably, watch this movie when you are extremely tired and find everything funny or if you love Johnny Depp. 

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Paddington Brief Review


Released on Christmas, this movie, an adaptation of the beloved book series called Paddington, follows a young, talking bear from Peru who comes to England in hopes of finding a new home.

Rotten Tomatoes Review: 98 percent of all critics liked it and 87 percent of audience members liked it.

My Review: 4 out of 5 stars

PROS: The CGI of the bears is fantastic and well-done. There is great chemistry between the human family members and Paddington in the movie. Also, the character Paddington is very likable and has more depth than most characters in children's movies. Overall, there is a very sweet and somewhat quirky atmosphere throughout the movie. 

CONS: There is a sort of "Cruella de Vil" type of story line that gives the movie a slight lack of originality. (I'm not sure if this is from the original books). I feel as though something could have been added to the movie to give it that extra push it seems to need. 

Definitely recommend! Although it is a very G rated movie (haha), I recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet, "feel-good" movies.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

The Wedding Ringer Brief Movie Review


Released on January 16, 2015, this comedy stars Kevin Hart, Josh Gad and Kaley Cuoco. Josh Gad plays a socially awkward, sweet guy (Doug) who is marrying the girl of his dreams, Kaley Cuoco. As their wedding date approaches, Doug desperately needs a best man and groomsmen, yet has no friends. He goes to Kevin Hart, as Jimmy, to hire him as his best man. What follows is a wild, fun and sweet adventure with Doug and his new friends.

Rotten Tomatoes Review: 32 percent of critics liked it, 79 percent of audience members liked it

My Review: 3 out of 5 stars

PROS: Both Josh Gad and Kevin Hart are hilarious and lovable actors. There is a great chemistry between the two characters. Although it is meant to be a comedy, there is an overall sweet storyline.

CONS: The movie could have had better jokes and cut out some of the non-funnier scenes. Not a sharp movie with A+ jokes throughout.

I recommend seeing this movie! Not the funniest in the world, but the great chemistry of the actors and the overall heart found within the movie makes up for it.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Blast From the Past - 90's Kids Classics

Hey there! Today I was driving home in the car and the song "This Will Be" by Natalie Cole came on. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lswB6q2t_6c) My first thought: The Parent Trap. Although I was born a few years after its initial release, I remember watching this movie every weekend with my best friend when we were little kids. And yes, we knew the handshake. :) This got me thinking about all of the movies that consumed my childhood. All of the movies I am about to mention were released in the 90's era and are definitely, in my opinion, classics.


Top Nine 90's Kids Movies
(not in any specific order)
  1. The Parent Trap (1998)


     2. The Big Green (1995)



       3. Homeward Bound:The Incredible Journey (1993)



         4. 3 Ninjas (1992)



          5. Angels in the Outfield (1994)




         6. Air Bud (1997)



        7. The Sandlot (1993)



          8. Beethoven (1992)



            9. Casper (1995)



Hope you enjoyed! 

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Almost Famous

Hello! I watched the movie Almost Famous for the first time a few nights ago on Netflix and fell in love!


Released in 2000, yet taking place in the 1970's, this movie involves a fifteen year old rock n roll enthusiast and journalist for an underground newspaper in San Diego named William who goes on a wild journey with fictional band Stillwater and its "groupies." Although it did not do very well in theaters, it received amazing reviews from the critics. 

PROS: -authentic, far from cliché coming-of-age story
             -GREAT MUSIC! Look out for John Lennon's "Tiny Dancer" scene
             -genuine chemistry between the cast
             -based off of real experiences of the director Cameron Crowe, who is the inspiration for       William and his adventures

CONS: no sequel (although we all know how that would turn out...) 

MY REVIEW: 5 out of 5 stars

NOTE: Do not watch the trailer! In my opinion, it gives away too much. :)

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Must-See Movies on Netflix

Hey there! Recently I have been obsessed with finding movies on Netflix to watch! All of these movies aren't that well-known, but in my opinion are must-sees.


  1. Copenhagen- Released in 2014, this is a low-budget, indie type of film that involves a 28 year old man who goes to Copenhagen to find his grandfather. On his journey, he meets a younger girl who begins to take interest in. 

         -great actors
         -overall sweet story
         -set in Denmark so the surroundings and culture are interesting as well


    2. 200 Pounds Beauty- Released in 2006, this is a South Korean comedy/drama. In the movie, a     girl (Hanna) is overweight and considered ugly yet secretly sings for a "pretty, thin" pop star. The story unravels as Hanna decides to make a big change in her life.


        -has English subtitles
        -interesting to see culture of South Korea
        -amazing songs/singing
        -very funny yet sweet plot

     3.  Keith-Released in 2006, this film stars Jesse McCartney who plays an "outsider" kind of teen who decides to befriend a popular, smart, driven girl at school.


          -not the typical teen romance movie
          -amazing acting

More Netflix Must-Sees Coming soon! :)



Friday, January 2, 2015

Annie Movie Brief Review

Rotten Tomatoes Review: 28 percent of all critics liked it and 63 percent of general audiences liked it.

My Review: 3 out of 5 stars

Cons: This movie was extremely disliked by movie critics and received a mediocre rating from general audiences. Therefore, going into the movie I had low expectations. Some of the cons included that some of the leads had less than great singing voices, including Cameron Diaz and Rose Byrne. Being leads, I expected stronger voices from both of these women. Also, the way that certain songs were executed in the movie, such as "I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here" and "Easy Street," were underdone and did not live up the magic in which the original movie presented them. Also, some of the original songs were replaced with new ones, which in my opinion, were nothing special or memorable.

Pros: In the movie, the actress who plays Annie is really great, in my opinion. Although her singing voice isn't outstanding, I did not think it really mattered being that this was less of a "straight off of Broadway" rendition and more of a realistic and modern version. She was also a fantastic actress who had a memorable personality. Another pro was the chemistry within the cast. Each character that was supposed to connect with another in a meaningful way did so perfectly and genuinely in this remake. Finally, I thought this movie had a lot of energy, spunk and heart.

Overall: Give this movie a chance! You many end up enjoying it!