Kingsman Brief Review

Released on February 13, 2015, this action-comedy involves the story of a secret agent service called the "Kingsman." Kingsman Harry Hart recruits a funny, unpolished teen named Eggsy to join the service. 

Rotten Tomatoes Review: 72 percent of critics liked it and 89 percent of audience members liked it.

My Review: 4 out of 5 stars

PROS: Although this may be due to personal bias, Colin Firth is as charming and funny as ever in this movie. The same goes for Taron Egerton, who plays Eggsy, who is extremely likable and talented. Together, the two have a great father-son type of chemistry. The movie was overall very well-done: production value seemed high, very detailed...etc. Surprisingly, the plot didn't become too far-fetched and was easy to follow. This movie had me wanting a sequel the minute it ended!

CONS: The violence's "cartoonish" feel took away from the believability of the movie, however, seeing as this movie is derived from a comic strip, it is understandable. 

Overall, see this movie! It is humorous, but not overdone and the characters have great chemistry that makes the audience want a whole series of Kingsman movies!

Must-See Movies and T.V. Shows on Netflix

Hey there! Here are some more of my favorite finds on Netflix this year, including some movies and t.v. shows!

1. Breakfast at Tiffany's- Released in 1961 this comedy/drama follows the story of a young woman, Audrey Hepburn, living in New York City who meets Paul Varjak, a writer that lives above her apartment. This is a classic and wildly famous movie that I believe everyone needs to watch at least once. Audrey Hepburn and her co-star George Peppard have great chemistry and together create both a sweet and charming story. 

        2. Pretty in Pink-Released in 1986, this is also a classic movies, from the 80's, starring Molly   Ringwald as a sort of outsider at her high school, due to her lower economic status and possibly because of her eccentric yet lovable best friend Duckie, who falls for a popular guy. Although this seems to be the typical, unoriginal teen movie, which in some ways it is, this movie has much more charm and authentic acting. Definitely a must-see!

            3. Ugly Betty- This American television show, running from 2006 to 2010, stars America Ferrera as Betty Sanchez, a bubbly, sweet girl fresh out of college, who lives in Queens, New York with her father, sister and nephew and is ready to pursue a career in journalism. The series follows her career at a fashion magazine, a seemingly unfitting job for Betty to some considering she has a lack of style (sorry), braces (nothing wrong with that ;) ) and somewhat in her "awkward stage" still. This series is filled with heart and not an episode goes by without leaving the viewer emotionally wrecked. Not only is the show emotional, but there is also a little bit of mystery, action and comedy. 

          

             4. American Dad!- This American animated television show, running from 2005-present, involves a family of five: a politically conservative father named Stan Smith who works for the C.I.A,  his aloof yet funny wife Francine, their "hippie" daughter Hayley, their "nerd" son Steve and their live-in, mischievous alien named Roger. This cartoon, created by Seth MacFarlane, is highly underrated in my opinion, as it is often compared to the popular cartoon "Family Guy." This show is filled with political satire, hilarious characters and wacky episode plots. 

More to come! :)

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. 

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! 

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! :)

Top 5 Underrated Movies of 2014 You Need To See

Hey there! Yes, it's been a while. Well, considering my stats page says that I have seven page views, all of which are most likely mine since I forgot to turn the "don't track my own page views" button on, I don't think that this apologetic introduction is really necessary. Anyways, here is a list of recently released movies (which are highly underrated) I have seen that you absolutely need to see. And by recent, I mean this year.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: This movie is wonderful due to a few reasons. First, the main character played by Chris Pratt is hilarious in a "not trying too hard" kind of way. He is sarcastic, sassy and not the cliche (yes I know there is a thing over the e in cliche) kind of hero you would typically expect the lead to be. Next, the script is fantastic, very very funny. Although the whole sci-fi aspect of the movie may be not as well done as other famous superhero sci-fi movies, such as Thor or Iron Man (is that a sci-fi movie?), the script makes up for this. Thirdly, the chemistry between the actors is spot on. Finally, there is an awesome soundtrack to the movie, which adds more spunk and quirkiness to the whole movie. Overall, it's a must-see!
2. Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1: Yes, this movie did get some bad reviews. While I do agree that it was a bit slow at times, I believe this movie lets us really see deeper into the characters, especially Katniss. Also, this was the first of the film series that was really powerful and has "stayed with me" the most. (If you know what I mean). 
3. The Giver: Oh man, did this movie get ripped by the critics. I loved this movie. Since this movie came out amongst the other popular dystopian style movies like the Hunger Games and Divergent, people were expecting the Giver to be just as action-packed and filled with cool effects. However, if people remember from the novel, there wasn't much action in it. This movie has great acting and a beautiful, powerful message about humanity. In my opinion, if this movie has been made in the late 1990s, it would have been considered a "classic" today. 
4. Big Hero 6: Yes yes yes! I love this movie so much! To keep it brief, this animated movie is filled with heart! You will fall in love with the cast, especially Baymax. This is overall an amazing and heart-warming movie!
5. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb: Yet again, this movie was ripped by critics. And yes, I do agree with some of what they have said. This movie could have had a better plot line. However, the bond between the characters that we have seen throughout the series is definitely heart-warming. It is definitely a farewell, capper kind of movie. The last fifteen minutes will probably leave you in tears and make you glad that you sat through this movie.

Honorable Mentions:

-the Maze Runner (those who read the book may be disappointed however a very solid movie in my opinion)

-The Lego Movie- very funny at times, the last twenty minutes are amazing

-22 Jump Street- not as funny as the first, but the chemistry between the two leads carries the movie and some pretty funny moments throughout