The Crazies

The Crazies (2010)

Timothy Olyphant and Radha Mitchell

The Sheriff (Olyphant) of a small town is forced to shoot a local at their season opening baseball game. What he doesn’t know is that he is the first of many people in this inconsequential town to be infected. A plane has mysteriously crashed and brought with it some unknown virus that is infecting the town’s drinking water. It isn’t until the military shows up and quarantines the town, shooting any who resist them, that the Sheriff realizes that this might be out of his control. Infected people lurk around every corner, killing without any emotion. Determined to find a way to get his pregnant wife (Mitchell) safely out of the dangerous locked down town, they must find a way out before they are killed or become one of the “crazies”.

This is a remake of the 1973 version with the same name, which I have not seen.  This is my opinion only of the remake.  This version is a typical horror film. Nothing overly special or memorable about it. It’s not really that scary, the “crazies” are local town folk turned zombie-like. But after a couple bullets in them, they don’t talk much. Who hasn’t seen that in a horror film about a million times? There are some pretty bloody scenes, nothing overly done. I recommend skipping this one, though I am a fan of Timothy Olyphant, this is not one of his better films.

Scene:

I'm not going to put my "favorite scene" on here because my favorite is at the end of the movie and I didn't want to spoil anything for those who have not watched the movie.  So enjoy the clip ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mcz7_3JslAU&feature=channel

Date Night

Date Night (2010)

Steve Carell and Tina Fey

Phil (Carell) and Claire (Fey) Foster’s lives revolve around their careers, children and everyday suburban lifestyle. Date night is just another part of the couple’s same boring routine. After deciding to try to get that old spark back, the couple head out to Claws, a hot new restaurant in the city. With no reservations, Phil quickly improvises and takes another couple’s reservations. What they don’t know is that along with a table for two, they also get what just happens leads to the most exciting night of their lives.

The boring New Jersey married couple doesn’t back down from the bad guys! After an evening of mistaken identities, dirty cops, prostitution and extortion, the two are able to put the spark back in their marriage. Tina Fey and Steve Carell are two of Hollywood’s funniest actors. Together they are great.  The movie includes a worthy mention for its supporting cast including Mark Wahlberg, James Franco, Mila Kunis, Ray Liotta, Mark Ruffalo and even Will.I.Am.  It wasn’t the funniest movie, the storyline wasn’t riveting, but it gives you a good few chuckles. It would be a great date night movie!

Favorite Scene:

The car chase between Phil and Carol and the dirty cops in which a NYC cab is brought along for the ride!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1RxvDNc4AY

The Back-up Plan

The Back-up Plan (2010)

Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin

Zoe has a plan. After dating left much to be desired and never meeting “the one”, Zoe (Lopez) has decided to take matters into her own hands. She wants a baby and tired of waiting for the other half, now its time for the back up plan. Except the back up plan doesn’t include Stan (O'Loughlin). Unable to deny the feelings that she has for him, Zoe must find a way to tell him she is pregnant. Stan, upon hearing the news, isn’t quick to congratulate her and now, if there is any chance they both must learn to open up and stop running from what scares them the most, love.

Let’s face it, society tells us first comes love, next the marriage and then the kids. This movie starts with the kids and then looks for love. It was a new twist on the traditional love story, but unfortunately there wasn’t any chemistry for me between the two actors. The single mothers support group Zoe joins shortly after her insemination displays a group of unattractive, unintelligent and secretly unhappy women which Zoe finds she doesn’t truly feel a part of. I thought it was an inappropriate display. The two characters, once learning of the pregnancy, cling to each other for support after countless failed relationships.  It was left in the first ten minutes of the movie.  This is supposed to be a romantic comedy, but where was the romance and comedy?

Favorite Scene:
Not very many to chose from since I wasn't too impressed with the movie as a whole, but this one was "cute".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1iDJXBbVHo

The Last Song

The Last Song (2010)

Miley Cyrus, Greg Kinnear, Liam Hemsworth

Ronnie (Cyrus) and her brother, Jonah (Bobby Coleman) are sent to spend the summer with their father (Kinnear). Since the divorce between her parents, the relationship with her father has suffered. It is his ultimate decision that this will be the summer he makes amends. To get to know the daughter he once knew, the one who shared his passion for music. While avoiding her father’s attempts at reconciliation at all costs, Ronnie meets Will (Hemsworth), a local in this small southern beach community. The obvious attraction between them brings them closer together and a close friendship ensues. As their relationship deepens, Ronnie begins to open up and let her guard down. In one summer, Ronnie will find what it means to love, forgive and let go.

I was nervous watching this movie. Of course after reading such a wonderful book, you can’t expect the movie version to live up to your standards. After reading “Dear John” also by Nicholas Sparks and seeing the movie I was disappointed to say the least. (FYI, a movie that will never be apart of my beloved movie collection) As the movie developed, I found that the movie stayed true, or as true as any movie will allow. The movie is not only about first love, but also the love between a father and daughter. Miley Cyrus was a perfect fit as Ronnie, also being a teenager, stuck in between being a girl and becoming a woman. Ronnie is a strong character, one that behind the façade, loves with her whole heart. A daughter that a father would be proud of. The movie tone is slow but sweet and has a good balance of both her scenes with Will and her father. For me, Greg Kinnear was amazing; he is one of my favorites in the roles of supporting actor. Personally, I would suggest cuddling up with this book and enjoying the beautiful story the way Nicholas Sparks wrote it and then watching the movie, it will make you appreciate it that much more!

Favorite Scene:

Something a little different this time, I've decided to post the video of "When I Look at You" by Miley Cyrus.  This video is for the movie, has some great clips and has a beautiful melody.  Enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_VdwVr-Ua4&feature=related

Get Him to the Greek

Get Him to the Greek (2010)

Russell Brand and Jonah Hill

Who could be more difficult than a Rockstar?  Aaron Greenberg (Hill) is directed by his record producer boss Sergio (P. Diddy) to get rock superstar Aldous Snow (Brand) to his concert at the Greek.  Aldous, once a thriving rock legend, falls to the bottom with his highly scrutinized hit, "African Child".  In result, his wife takes his son and moves to Los Angeles.  Aldous agrees to his highly publicized performance at the Greek theater, but makes plans to see his ex, Jackie Q (Rose Byrne) along the way and win back her love and in essence find new meaning to his life.  Aaron will do anything, including breaking a few laws and lying to his girlfriend, to get the job done and with only 72 hours, the clock is ticking. 

The cast is absolute comedy genius.  Brand and Hill are hilarious.  Aldous seems like your typical rockstar on the outside but inside he's just as lovable as any regular guy.  If you have an open mind and aren't easily shocked, this movie will be a favorite for the comedy lovers.  Though Brand's performances are over the top, for this movie it is just right, leveling out with Hill's straight faced comedy.  Diddy has done well for himself, breaking out in the comedy genre with this film.  I can't say its going to be one of those films that will keep you in hysterics the entire time and might be less funny the more you watch it.  But it's definitely enjoyable the first go-round.

Favorite Scene:

When Aaron smokes his first "jeffrey", stroking the furry walls.  DAMN funny.

(no clip available yet)

The Runaways

The Runaways (2010)

Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning

The true story of Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, two members of the 70's teenage girl rock band, The Runaways.  When Cherie (Fanning) is approached by a manager, Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon) and Joan (Stewart) she is quick to jump at the chance to live like a rockstar.  The girls are quickly thrown into a life of drugs, cheap motels and sleazy venues.    After huge hits and a quick rise to stardom, the group takes off on a tour to Japan, while their manager Fowley banks on the girl's earnings.  Cherie and Joan grow closer and throw themselves fully into their music and life on the edge.  After returning home to work on a new album, Currie finds herself burnout and unable to take anymore. 

Who doesn't love rock and roll?!  The movie does a great job of re-creating the 70's and the music of The Runaways.  I have to admit that I was disappointed in Fanning's role as Currie.  In her previous movies I am used to seeing her as childlike and to see her dancing around the stage painted with make up and dressed up in lingerie, it seemed a little disturbing.  Stewart took a little bit of a back seat to Fanning's character, but it was her performance that truly stood out for me and would have like to see more of her character in the movie.  It might not be a movie that will be favorite for years to come, but it an interesting insight into the story of Cherie Currie and Joan Jett. 

Favorite Scene:

I chose a scene to highlight Stewart's performance.  She was really good in this role and it was a good choice to have Stewart and Fanning do their own vocals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7Hjmx5kz9w&feature=channel

Brothers

Brothers (2009)

Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman

Two brothers, one off fighting for our country, the other back home attempting to find redemption after serving time in prison.  Sam (Maguire) the eldest is living a perfect life.  He is married to high school sweetheart, has two beautiful daughters and serves heroically as a Captain in the Marines.  Tommy (Gyllenhaal), having just been released from prison after robbing a bank, finds the only one to welcome him home is his older brother.  Not long after Sam is deployed, his helicopter is shot down and his family back home is notified that he is presumed dead.  It is Tommy who steps up and takes responsibility for Sam's family.  Grace (Portman) first resists Tommy's support, but then begins to find comfort in his presence.  Sam, not dead, is trapped and imprisoned with a fellow Marine.  Sam is witness and participant to horrific events and returns a broken man, now reversing roles with Tommy.

The movie has a very strong cast.  As the movie progresses, we begin to understand Tommy better, finding his behavior the result of his tumultuous relationship with his father Hank (Sam Shepard) and his father's constant reminder that he is not his brother Sam.  Gyllenhaal for me really stands out in this movie.  This movies has little violence and is not centered around war but instead the individual character's relationships.  This is a very good movie about redemption and finding your way home to the ones who truly love and support you. 

Favorite Scene:

The scene when Sam professes that he isn't a hero and seems to have hit rock bottom.  Tommy is the only one able to get through to him at this point and declares this a family matter to the police who now stand between him and his brother.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSuWpaSdAJM