Stats: 2007. Starring Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Susan Sarandon. PG.
Background: I waited for Enchanted with baited breath. Not only was is a musical, but it featured James Marsden (whom I’ve previously mentioned a fondness for)! My mom, sisters, and I saw it together over Thanksgiving break. Mom doesn't go to many movies, but we got her to the theater for this one. I loved it (mostly … see “Reactions”) and bought it soon after it came out on dvd. (I still remember—I got it on a $10 sale!)
Plot: In this mash-up of various Disney films, Giselle (Adams) waits for her Prince (Marsden) to find her and give her “True Love’s Kiss.” Prince Edward does find her (they’re singing the same song—it must be kismet!), but before they can wed and share that kiss, Edward’s stepmother (Sarandon), disguised as an old woman (a la Snow White), pushes Giselle down a well … and she ends up in New York City! There she meets divorce lawyer Robert (Dempsey) and his daughter, who take her in and try to help her get home. Prince Edward also travels to New York, looking for Giselle. Of course, as this is a twist on the classic tales, Giselle is actually meant for Robert, not Edward.
Reactions: This is probably the only love story I own that I don’t watch for the romance. Honestly, Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey have little chemistry. But everything else in this movie works, allowing me to overlook the weak romantic plot. The songs are infectious. James Marsden as Edward is hilarious. The dialogue is witty. And the movie pokes fun at typical musical oddities. (When Giselle breaks into “How Does She Know?” Robert is perplexed that everyone around them seems to know the song, and he tells her she doesn’t need to sing in place of speaking.) This is an incredibly fun film that kids—and adults who grew up watching Disney films—will enjoy.
Verdict: Keep
Fun Facts: Not only are there visual shout-outs to other movies (like when Giselle runs up a hill singing with arms spread wide, like in The Sound of Music), but several actresses who provided the voices and/or singing voices for Disney princesses have bit parts in the film. Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel, plays Robert’s secretary; in one of her scenes, “Part of Your World” is playing in the background. Paige O’Hara, a.k.a. Belle, is the actress on the soap opera Edward watches in his hotel room … and “Beauty and the Beast” is playing in the background. Judy Kuhn, Pocahontas’s singing voice, also makes a cameo as the pregnant woman who informs Edward he’s “too late” when he knocks on her door.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
#41 "The Blind Side"
Stats: 2009. Starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw. PG-13. Based on a true story.
Background: I saw—and loved—The Blind Side when it was in theaters last year. I enjoyed it so much that I bought it right after it came out on dvd, which I rarely do because of the price drop dvds usually take within a year of their release. Soon after I bought it, I overheard my mom exclaiming to my aunt, “I love The Blind Side!” Since she hadn’t actually seen it, I thought we should sit down together and watch it. (She was right, even if her declaration was premature—she did love it!)
Plot: When Leigh Anne Tuohy realizes Michael Oher, a young man who attends her children’s school, doesn’t have any place to call home, she invites him to stay at their house for the night. That night turns into much more as Michael ends up joining the Tuohy family. The Blind Side, which is based on a true story, traces Michael’s and the Tuohy’s story from the time Michael begins attending the same school as the Tuohy children until he goes to college. It’s an inspiring and heart-warming story that, yes, made me choke up a bit.
Reactions: In my humble opinion, Sandra Bullock totally deserved her Oscar for this role. She absolutely became Leigh Anne Tuohy. Normally, when I see a Sandra Bullock movie, I still think of her as Sandra Bullock. (Not to say that’s a bad thing—I absolutely love Sandra Bullock movies. She is in my favorite movie of all time, after all!) But in The Blind Side, I actually forgot that she was the lead actress. Tim McGraw was virtually unrecognizable in his role as Sean Tuohy. (At least, I didn’t recognize him. But then I wouldn’t call myself a hardcore country fan, either.) And Quinton Aaron is absolutely phenomenal as Michael Oher. Fantastic performances coupled with a fantastic story result in a fantastic movie. Can you tell I liked it?
Verdict: Keep
Background: I saw—and loved—The Blind Side when it was in theaters last year. I enjoyed it so much that I bought it right after it came out on dvd, which I rarely do because of the price drop dvds usually take within a year of their release. Soon after I bought it, I overheard my mom exclaiming to my aunt, “I love The Blind Side!” Since she hadn’t actually seen it, I thought we should sit down together and watch it. (She was right, even if her declaration was premature—she did love it!)
Plot: When Leigh Anne Tuohy realizes Michael Oher, a young man who attends her children’s school, doesn’t have any place to call home, she invites him to stay at their house for the night. That night turns into much more as Michael ends up joining the Tuohy family. The Blind Side, which is based on a true story, traces Michael’s and the Tuohy’s story from the time Michael begins attending the same school as the Tuohy children until he goes to college. It’s an inspiring and heart-warming story that, yes, made me choke up a bit.
Reactions: In my humble opinion, Sandra Bullock totally deserved her Oscar for this role. She absolutely became Leigh Anne Tuohy. Normally, when I see a Sandra Bullock movie, I still think of her as Sandra Bullock. (Not to say that’s a bad thing—I absolutely love Sandra Bullock movies. She is in my favorite movie of all time, after all!) But in The Blind Side, I actually forgot that she was the lead actress. Tim McGraw was virtually unrecognizable in his role as Sean Tuohy. (At least, I didn’t recognize him. But then I wouldn’t call myself a hardcore country fan, either.) And Quinton Aaron is absolutely phenomenal as Michael Oher. Fantastic performances coupled with a fantastic story result in a fantastic movie. Can you tell I liked it?
Verdict: Keep
Monday, September 6, 2010
more than a year later
To be honest, I had almost forgotten about this blog. My summer was incredibly busy, and that busyness increased exponentially when I decided to move out of my apartment and into a house in August--just as the new school year began! (Plus, I spent all my spare entertainment moments in the last three months watching all three seasons of Veronica Mars and the first three seasons of Prison Break. Thank you, Netflix.) I really do intend to continue this blog ... I've even watched several of the next movies on my list; I just have to find the time and energy to write about them! So stay tuned--I wrote about 40 films and decided to get rid of seven in the first year of this project; I wonder how many I'll get through in year two?
Friday, April 30, 2010
#40 "Emma"
Stats: 2009. Starring Romola Garai, Jonny Lee Miller, Michael Gambon. Not Rated.
Background: When PBS aired the new BBC adaptations of Jane Austen’s books in early 2009, I couldn’t have been happier. I loved each and every one, but I was slightly disappointed they didn’t have a new version of Emma. (They didn’t have a new version of Pride & Prejudice, either, but that was okay … I’m not sure they could possibly improve on the 1995 Colin Firth version!) So when I learned a new version of Emma was in the works, I couldn’t wait to watch it! To make things even better, I won a copy of the dvd from WGBH Boston in February!
Plot: The same as the other Emma: Emma Woodhouse loves nothing more than helping others fall in love. She has one successful match, which leads her to believe she knows much about love. However, when she tries to find a husband for her new friend Harriet Smith, she realizes she may not know as much as she thinks. And, of course, there’s Mr. Knightly, the man Emma loves—she just doesn’t realize it yet!
Reactions: In my opinion, there’s not a better adaptation of Emma out there. I’ve watched it twice now—once when it aired on PBS, and shortly after I got it on dvd. I’d be tempted to watch it again at this very moment if my sister hadn’t borrowed it. Clocking in at four hours, much more is included in this version. (Is it all included in the book? I have no idea … perhaps I should actually read the book someday!)
One thing I love about this movie is that it begins several years before Emma’s governess marries Mr. Weston (which is where the other movies begin), and the viewer is able to see Emma’s matchmaking skills in action. It also establishes the relationship between Emma and Knightly earlier. I could see hints of their affection for each other early on, even though they themselves couldn’t see it!
Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller have a ton of chemistry, and they are so fun to watch. Overall, this is an excellent production, and I highly recommend it!
Verdict: Do you really have to ask? Keep!
Background: When PBS aired the new BBC adaptations of Jane Austen’s books in early 2009, I couldn’t have been happier. I loved each and every one, but I was slightly disappointed they didn’t have a new version of Emma. (They didn’t have a new version of Pride & Prejudice, either, but that was okay … I’m not sure they could possibly improve on the 1995 Colin Firth version!) So when I learned a new version of Emma was in the works, I couldn’t wait to watch it! To make things even better, I won a copy of the dvd from WGBH Boston in February!
Plot: The same as the other Emma: Emma Woodhouse loves nothing more than helping others fall in love. She has one successful match, which leads her to believe she knows much about love. However, when she tries to find a husband for her new friend Harriet Smith, she realizes she may not know as much as she thinks. And, of course, there’s Mr. Knightly, the man Emma loves—she just doesn’t realize it yet!
Reactions: In my opinion, there’s not a better adaptation of Emma out there. I’ve watched it twice now—once when it aired on PBS, and shortly after I got it on dvd. I’d be tempted to watch it again at this very moment if my sister hadn’t borrowed it. Clocking in at four hours, much more is included in this version. (Is it all included in the book? I have no idea … perhaps I should actually read the book someday!)
One thing I love about this movie is that it begins several years before Emma’s governess marries Mr. Weston (which is where the other movies begin), and the viewer is able to see Emma’s matchmaking skills in action. It also establishes the relationship between Emma and Knightly earlier. I could see hints of their affection for each other early on, even though they themselves couldn’t see it!
Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller have a ton of chemistry, and they are so fun to watch. Overall, this is an excellent production, and I highly recommend it!
Verdict: Do you really have to ask? Keep!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
#39 "Emma"
Stats: 1996. Starring Gwyneth Paltrow & Jeremy Northam. PG.
Background: I first watched Emma during my senior year of high school with my friend Kiel. We were supposed to go bowling with my youth group, but when we got to the bowling alley, no one we knew was there. (Turns out there were two bowling alleys in town, and they were at the other one.) So, we rented a movie instead … and I promptly fell asleep! A few years later, I watched Emma again and discovered that I really liked it.
Plot: Emma Woodhouse loves nothing more than helping others fall in love. She has one successful match, which leads her to believe she knows much about love. However, when she tries to find a husband for her new friend Harriet Smith, she realizes she may not be as skilled at matchmaking as she thought. And, of course, there’s Mr. Knightly, the man Emma loves—she just doesn’t realize it yet!
Reaction: A couple years ago, I saw the A&E version of Emma (starring Kate Beckinsale), and I thought it was superior to this version. Then in January, I saw the new BBC version, which I immediately deemed the best by a longshot. So when this Emma came up in the rotation, I actually dreaded watching it. I was pleasantly surprised! Jeremy Northam makes a fine Mr. Knightly—I remember not particularly caring for him before. I love how the viewer can see his burgeoning feelings for Emma, while Emma herself remains completely oblivious. Emma is not particularly likeable as portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow; she is at times petulant, stuck up, rude, and a know-it-all. Is that an accurate portrayal? I wouldn't know, as I've never actually read the book!
One thing hit me while watching this today: Perhaps the reason Emma can’t stand Mrs. Elton is that Mrs. Elton has some of the same undesirable traits that Emma herself has, only they’re exaggerated in Mrs. Elton!
I ended up borrowing my sister's copy of the Kate Beckinsale version, and I watched it shortly after watching this one ... and, wouldn't you know, my opinion changed! I vastly preferred this version to that one. Of course, that could have something to do with the fact that the Knightly of that version is played by the villain from the new Sherlock Holmes, and I found it difficult to root for him!
Verdict: Keep
Background: I first watched Emma during my senior year of high school with my friend Kiel. We were supposed to go bowling with my youth group, but when we got to the bowling alley, no one we knew was there. (Turns out there were two bowling alleys in town, and they were at the other one.) So, we rented a movie instead … and I promptly fell asleep! A few years later, I watched Emma again and discovered that I really liked it.
Plot: Emma Woodhouse loves nothing more than helping others fall in love. She has one successful match, which leads her to believe she knows much about love. However, when she tries to find a husband for her new friend Harriet Smith, she realizes she may not be as skilled at matchmaking as she thought. And, of course, there’s Mr. Knightly, the man Emma loves—she just doesn’t realize it yet!
Reaction: A couple years ago, I saw the A&E version of Emma (starring Kate Beckinsale), and I thought it was superior to this version. Then in January, I saw the new BBC version, which I immediately deemed the best by a longshot. So when this Emma came up in the rotation, I actually dreaded watching it. I was pleasantly surprised! Jeremy Northam makes a fine Mr. Knightly—I remember not particularly caring for him before. I love how the viewer can see his burgeoning feelings for Emma, while Emma herself remains completely oblivious. Emma is not particularly likeable as portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow; she is at times petulant, stuck up, rude, and a know-it-all. Is that an accurate portrayal? I wouldn't know, as I've never actually read the book!
One thing hit me while watching this today: Perhaps the reason Emma can’t stand Mrs. Elton is that Mrs. Elton has some of the same undesirable traits that Emma herself has, only they’re exaggerated in Mrs. Elton!
I ended up borrowing my sister's copy of the Kate Beckinsale version, and I watched it shortly after watching this one ... and, wouldn't you know, my opinion changed! I vastly preferred this version to that one. Of course, that could have something to do with the fact that the Knightly of that version is played by the villain from the new Sherlock Holmes, and I found it difficult to root for him!
Verdict: Keep
Friday, March 26, 2010
#38 "Ella Enchanted"
Stats: 2004. Starring Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, Hugh Dancy. PG.
Background: I can’t remember when I first saw Ella Enchanted. Here’s what I do remember, though: we gave the dvd to my youngest sister for her birthday. One night, my macho male cousin (who was probably 15 or 16 at the time) came over, and we ended up watching Ella Enchanted. He laughed through the entire movie, though he’d later deny that he enjoyed watching “that girl movie.” At some point, I ended up with a copy of my own.
Plot: Cinderella meets Robin Hood meets … Hamlet? The plot is an amalgamation of many stories, though it probably bears most resemblance to Cinderella. When Ella of Frell is a baby, she is given a “gift” by Lucinda, a wayward fairy—Ella must always be obedient. (Sleeping Beauty, anyone?) After Ella’s mother dies, her father marries a woman who has two daughters. The woman and her daughters are horrible to Ella. (Cinderella) Hattie, the oldest, is the president of Prince Char’s fan club. Of course, Ella and Char meet, and Char is immediately taken with Ella, which causes more strife between Ella and Hattie. Char’s uncle Edgar took over the throne after Char’s father’s death … which, naturally, was Edgar’s doing. Though Char is to be crowned, Edgar plans to have Char murdered. (Hamlet!) Edgar also has a snake henchman … can we say Disney’s Robin Hood?
In the end, Ella finds the strength to break her curse, Edgar’s plot is exposed, and Char & Ella marry. Cue the closing group dance! (On the movie’s soundtrack, Jesse McCartney replaces Hugh Dancy for this number. WHY???)
Reaction: Ella Enchanted it a really fun movie. I enjoy it every time I watch it. What bothers me each time, though, is that dear, sweet Westley from The Princess Bride is the bad guy! And if you think he’s bad here, just wait until we get to Kiss the Girls! Seriously, has Cary Elwes played another sympathetic role since The Princess Bride? I certainly haven’t seen it if he has! (If he has, I want to know--so leave it in the comments, please!)
Verdict: Keep
Background: I can’t remember when I first saw Ella Enchanted. Here’s what I do remember, though: we gave the dvd to my youngest sister for her birthday. One night, my macho male cousin (who was probably 15 or 16 at the time) came over, and we ended up watching Ella Enchanted. He laughed through the entire movie, though he’d later deny that he enjoyed watching “that girl movie.” At some point, I ended up with a copy of my own.
Plot: Cinderella meets Robin Hood meets … Hamlet? The plot is an amalgamation of many stories, though it probably bears most resemblance to Cinderella. When Ella of Frell is a baby, she is given a “gift” by Lucinda, a wayward fairy—Ella must always be obedient. (Sleeping Beauty, anyone?) After Ella’s mother dies, her father marries a woman who has two daughters. The woman and her daughters are horrible to Ella. (Cinderella) Hattie, the oldest, is the president of Prince Char’s fan club. Of course, Ella and Char meet, and Char is immediately taken with Ella, which causes more strife between Ella and Hattie. Char’s uncle Edgar took over the throne after Char’s father’s death … which, naturally, was Edgar’s doing. Though Char is to be crowned, Edgar plans to have Char murdered. (Hamlet!) Edgar also has a snake henchman … can we say Disney’s Robin Hood?
In the end, Ella finds the strength to break her curse, Edgar’s plot is exposed, and Char & Ella marry. Cue the closing group dance! (On the movie’s soundtrack, Jesse McCartney replaces Hugh Dancy for this number. WHY???)
Reaction: Ella Enchanted it a really fun movie. I enjoy it every time I watch it. What bothers me each time, though, is that dear, sweet Westley from The Princess Bride is the bad guy! And if you think he’s bad here, just wait until we get to Kiss the Girls! Seriously, has Cary Elwes played another sympathetic role since The Princess Bride? I certainly haven’t seen it if he has! (If he has, I want to know--so leave it in the comments, please!)
Verdict: Keep
Sunday, March 7, 2010
#37 "Double Jeopardy"
Stats: 1999. Starring Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones. R.
Background: I first saw Double Jeopardy on television in the early 2000’s. Since then, I’ve caught bits and pieces on TV, but I never actually watched the dvd. I found Double Jeopardy packaged with Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider in Walmart’s $5 bin. As with Along Came a Spider, I forgot about this movie since it’s filed under “K” in my collection. About a month ago, I came across it and decided to watch it.
Reactions: Without a doubt, Double Jeopardy is an engaging story. When Libby’s husband Nick goes missing while they are sailing, she is charged with his murder and subsequently convicted. Her best friend agrees to raise her son while Libby is in prison; when the friend disappears, Libby discovers that Nick might not be as dead as she thought he was. After learning about double jeopardy, Libby devotes herself to physically preparing to confront Nick in the future; when she’s let out on parole, her quest begins.
While Double Jeopardy has the language problems that most R-rated films do, it’s otherwise pretty much PG-13 fare. However, there is one scene in the first ten minutes of the movie that I was completely unprepared for. Shortly after popping the movie into my dvd player, I went to the kitchen for a snack. When I came back to the TV, I walked into a pretty intense sex scene. Having only seen a network TV version before, I had no idea that would be there. A few years ago, I made the commitment to not own any movies with explicit sex scenes. So that makes my verdict easy …
Verdict: Sell (or throw away--I'm not sure if I'll keep the other two movies yet)
Background: I first saw Double Jeopardy on television in the early 2000’s. Since then, I’ve caught bits and pieces on TV, but I never actually watched the dvd. I found Double Jeopardy packaged with Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider in Walmart’s $5 bin. As with Along Came a Spider, I forgot about this movie since it’s filed under “K” in my collection. About a month ago, I came across it and decided to watch it.
Reactions: Without a doubt, Double Jeopardy is an engaging story. When Libby’s husband Nick goes missing while they are sailing, she is charged with his murder and subsequently convicted. Her best friend agrees to raise her son while Libby is in prison; when the friend disappears, Libby discovers that Nick might not be as dead as she thought he was. After learning about double jeopardy, Libby devotes herself to physically preparing to confront Nick in the future; when she’s let out on parole, her quest begins.
While Double Jeopardy has the language problems that most R-rated films do, it’s otherwise pretty much PG-13 fare. However, there is one scene in the first ten minutes of the movie that I was completely unprepared for. Shortly after popping the movie into my dvd player, I went to the kitchen for a snack. When I came back to the TV, I walked into a pretty intense sex scene. Having only seen a network TV version before, I had no idea that would be there. A few years ago, I made the commitment to not own any movies with explicit sex scenes. So that makes my verdict easy …
Verdict: Sell (or throw away--I'm not sure if I'll keep the other two movies yet)
Monday, March 1, 2010
I'm still alive ...
Some of you may be wondering, considering I've only posted once in the last two months! The reason for this lack of posting, speech (I coach the high school team), is nearly finished for the year, and I fully intend to continue with this project in the coming weeks. In fact, I've watched the next two movies; I just haven't had time to write about them yet!
So, continue to check the blog, as I'll be posting again soon!
So, continue to check the blog, as I'll be posting again soon!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
#36 "Clue"
Stats: 1985. Starring Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Leslie Ann Warren. PG.
Background: In college, one of my roommates went on about what a wonderful movie Clue was. I had never heard of it before. Her praise for it stuck with me, though, and when I saw it as a “watch now” option on Netflix several years later, I decided to watch it with my sister. We really liked it, and she even bought a copy.
Last Saturday, I found it at Target for $5. When Steph bought her copy, I didn’t think I liked it $13 (or whatever she paid for it). But $5? I totally like it $5.
Reactions: This movie is great! It's a movie adaptation of the game, but it also has much in common with Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. While the basic plots are similar—strangers, who all harbor dastardly secrets, are summoned to a house by an unknown host, and people begin dying—Clue is definitely a comedy, while And Then There Were None is a serious and suspenseful murder mystery.
Of course, all the elements of the game are present in the movie. My favorite aspect of the movie is the three possible endings. (Since the game can end in a variety of ways, it’s a nice touch to have the end of the movie vary also.) Apparently, only one ending was shown in the theatrical version—according to Wikipedia (I know, not the most reliable source in the world), each theater that showed the movie was randomly assigned one of the endings.
I also love the touch of having Tim Curry’s character step in dog poop before he enters the house, and then each person who comes in sniffs, trying to identify the stench. Juvenile, maybe, but it made me laugh!
Verdict: Keep
Background: In college, one of my roommates went on about what a wonderful movie Clue was. I had never heard of it before. Her praise for it stuck with me, though, and when I saw it as a “watch now” option on Netflix several years later, I decided to watch it with my sister. We really liked it, and she even bought a copy.
Last Saturday, I found it at Target for $5. When Steph bought her copy, I didn’t think I liked it $13 (or whatever she paid for it). But $5? I totally like it $5.
Reactions: This movie is great! It's a movie adaptation of the game, but it also has much in common with Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. While the basic plots are similar—strangers, who all harbor dastardly secrets, are summoned to a house by an unknown host, and people begin dying—Clue is definitely a comedy, while And Then There Were None is a serious and suspenseful murder mystery.
Of course, all the elements of the game are present in the movie. My favorite aspect of the movie is the three possible endings. (Since the game can end in a variety of ways, it’s a nice touch to have the end of the movie vary also.) Apparently, only one ending was shown in the theatrical version—according to Wikipedia (I know, not the most reliable source in the world), each theater that showed the movie was randomly assigned one of the endings.
I also love the touch of having Tim Curry’s character step in dog poop before he enters the house, and then each person who comes in sniffs, trying to identify the stench. Juvenile, maybe, but it made me laugh!
Verdict: Keep
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