Movie Mom: Reviews by a mom for moms on new releases, DVD picks and hot TV shows.

Uninspired...

Well, that's how I feel right now.  Uninspired.  I just can't seem to write much of anything.  It's not for lack of movie watching.  We've watched The Kingdom (Peter Berg directed movie that is basically Friday Night Lights in Saudi Arabia - a good watch), Lions for Lambs (excellent performances by all - Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, with the best by up-&-comer Andrew Garfield), The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (altogether unmemorable or should I say unwatchable, which is saying a lot from someone who actually enjoyed the first two movies), The Love Guru (god awful, I said in a previous post that Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer may have been the worst movie ever, but amazingly Mike Myers has figured out a way to top it - when the "climax" of your movie is two elephants getting it on at a hockey game you know your career as a filmmaker is officially over), I Am Legend (not bad, never quite delivers on the whole thrills & chills level though), Dan in Real Life (a rare bright spot - Steve Carrell confirms that he is truly a star on all levels), Into the Wild (another bright spot, but totally haunting) & Charlie Wilson's War (completely overlooked by most of the awards from last year, but all involved shine - Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman).

I guess I'm not alone though, because pretty much all of the big-name movie critics have lamented about 2008 being a sub-par movie-going year.  I don't know if it was because of the writer's strike or even the economy, but 2008 held very few bright spots (the ones I mentioned above were actually from 2007 - of late Netflix isn't coming up with many decent DVD's from 2008).  So, I'm sending it out to all of you good people.  What were your favourite movies of 2008?  What inspired you?  What was disappointing?  I'd love to hear, so maybe, just maybe, I could be inspired too!

Four Christmases

Two movies in the theatre in 10 days for me!!!  Certainly a sign of the apocalypse!  Or at least a sign of life returning to, well....my life!!  Friday I was able to get out with a girlfriend for a movie & some shopping.  Sadly the shopping never really panned out, but luckily for us the movie was well worth it.

Four Christmases is the story of a couple who unwittingly spend Christmas day with each of their four (divorced) parents.  Hardly a novel idea, honestly, divorce & blended families have been around for a wee bit now.  But, what could really have been your standard "crazy family at the holidays" movie is totally elevated by fantastic performances.  And there are a lot of them.  First up are Vince Vaughn & Reese Witherspoon, who are hysterical (& strangely enough have fabulous chemistry) as our poor couple forced to endure a re-hashing of all of their insecurities of youth through these four visits.  (And yes, Reese Witherspoon is that tiny compared to Vince Vaughn.  Honestly she looked like a sprite next to him.  I somewhat expected him to pick her up & carry her around on his shoulder.  But those are the digressions of a tall girl.)  Round out the cast with Robert Duvall, Mary Steenburgen, Sissy Spacek, Kristen Chenoweth, Jon Voight, & in the "you'll barely recognize him" role as an UFC also-ran brother, Jon Favreau.  Oh ya, and did I mention that they also seemed to tap into country music for two of the funniest cameos by Tim McGraw & Dwight Yokam.  But, hands down, the best role in the whole movie has to go to sister-in-law Susan (played by Katy Mixon).  When she started talking about her breastfeeding nipples, I just about peed my pants!  Maybe it was just me.

Speaking of laughing, you'll do a lot of it during this movie.  I honestly almost had Diet Coke shoot out of my nose at one point.  I don't want to ruin the best parts, but all I'll say is that Vince Vaughn looked at another character & said "we used to smell each other's hands."  What does that even mean?!?  Seeing as I have two boys, I most assuredly (& frighteningly) will find out someday!!

I was a bit worried, after the first family visit, that it would descend into a "Meet the Family"-type mean-fest, but most (not all) of the characters were more than skin deep, & really surprised me.  What was amazing was that in a movie that clocks in at just under 90 min they were able to introduce characters who were so layered & not just what your first impression led you to believe.  It truly is a testament to the great actors involved in this movie.

So, if you are looking for a great laugh, without the kids, this Holiday Season & maybe a moment to reflect & feel better about your crazy family, Four Christmases will not disappoint.

Quantum of What?!?!

So I'll admit that I am not the first person to point out that the new James Bond movie has a less than stellar name.  Quantum of Solace.  Doesn't really role of the tongue.  Or have the sort of tongue-in-cheek names we have come to expect from James Bond (A View to a Kill, Die Another Day, Tomorrow Never Dies).  But this isn't the old James Bond.  This is something completely different.  And why not?  Our world is a totally different world than James Bond's circa Sean Connery, Roger Moore, or even Pierce Brosnan.  We have been introduced to the likes of Jason Bourne & Christian Bale's Batman, & frankly they have upped the ante.  If they tried to make a movie like the old James Bond, it would look at best dated & at worst downright silly.  And this is coming from a girl who confesses that Roger Moore was her favourite Bond.  Sean Connery is the classic, but give me Roger Moore circa Live & Let Die, any day.  So apparently I like a little silly with my Bond.  Until now.

My hubby is the Bond nut.  He used to have every movie on VHS.  Until I donated them (he's still a little sour on that one).  Don't worry, I'm slowly replacing them on DVD (which no doubt someday I will have to replace with the next technology, but I digress).  He was very skeptical prior to 2006's Casino Royale.  Daniel Craig wasn't right.  He was blond.  He had blue eyes.  He wasn't tall enough.  He wasn't tough enough.  He wasn't suave enough.  He just wasn't Bond.  Me, I didn't have quite so many issues.

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Pretty much all I needed to see.  The rest was just window dressing.  Or maybe Daniel Craig was just the window dressing?  Whatever.  So, I enjoyed Casino Royale immensely & was definitely looking forward to the new installment.  The hubby was, shockingly, still skeptical.

Frankly, Quantum lived up to all of my expectations.  The movie starts right where Royale left off (word to the wise, do watch Royale first) with Bond trying to get to the bottom of the organization responsible for the death of his love, Vesper.  This isn't your ordinary "we have a mission for you" Bond film.  Bond is basically out for revenge.  He's out for his Quantum of Solace (see, not so bad a name after all).  This revenge quest drives the movie & poor M (Dame Judi Dench) is left trying to follow along.

We get a great villain (Mathieu Amalric) who is just a bit loopy, a couple of beautiful Bond girls (one of which meets a decidedly traditional Bond-film end), dizzying action sequences, a crazy car chase, & stellar locations that made me want to leave the theatre & head to a travel agent.

The big complaint I have heard is that the story is a little light with just the "revenge quest" to drive it.  I actually liked the idea of the rogue Bond, & frankly the movie really doesn't ever let you off the edge of your seat, so I figure those people are just nit-picking.

So if you are looking for a fun, escapist movie that will please both the guys & the girls, Quantum of Solace should be at the top of your list.  Even if it is a little hard to say.

The Sequel is - GASP - Better Than the Original?

This review is written by Kath, urbanmoms.ca staffer and blogger at Losing It.

On Saturday afternoon I joined my daughters (and several hundred other hungry Sparks and Brownies and Girl Guides) at the theatre to watch Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.

I did not have high hopes.

Why? Well, I've seen Madagascar many, many times, as it's a favourite of my eight year-old animal loving daughter. And I don't hate it just because I've seen it 24-odd times. I hate it because it is, well: BAD.

So I wasn't expecting much when I accompanied my girls and their friends to the sequel. I saw it as one of those sacrifices you make as a parent. You don't want your kids to be the only! ones! who didn't go to the movie just because you think it's going to be bad.

But actually, I enjoyed it. So much so that my five year-old nudged me several times and said, "stop laughing so loud, Mommy!" So what sets Escape 2 Africa apart from its predecessor? As lame as it sounds to describe an animated children's feature in these terms, it's the character development that makes all the difference this time. (I know, lame!)

Of course our four friends from the original Madagascar are back: Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer) and Gloria the hippopotamus (Jada Pinkett Smith), but we get to know them (and like them) just a little bit better this time around. And yes, it was fun: I really enjoyed Melman playing witch doctor (the dying holes - hilarious!) and Marty trying to define his individuality within the herd. And witnessing Alex getting to know his parents (voiced by Bernie Mac and Sherri Shepherd) is hilariously poignant (in a very Ben Stiller-esque way), while Gloria's search for the perfect mate finds her flirting with Moto Moto (brilliantly animated by the folks at Dreamworks and equally brilliantly voiced by Will.I.Am) in the watering hole: "Girl: you huge!", but ultimately finding love in a very unexpected (and lofty) place.

But it's not the core characters that make this film. The real stars are the animation (bravo, nameless team of animators at Dreamworks) and the supporting cast. Each major new computer animated feature release seems to bring with it groundbreaking advances in animation, and Escape 2 Africa is no exception. Just observe the trailer (keep an eye on Marty's booty-shimmy: hard enough to do in real life, never mind figuring out the algorithms to make that look authentic on the screen).

And then there's Moto Moto and his swagger and eyebrow waggle:

It's no mean feat to animate anthropomorphized animals, and it's equally difficult to animate dancing, but to animate dancing anthropomorphized animals? My head is spinning.

Okay, so the animation rocks and Will.I.Am is great as Moto Moto, but what's a great kids' movie without a villain we love to hate? Enter Makunga: complete with middle-aged beer belly and massive Elvis wannabe upsweep (he feels he deserves to be alpha lion because: "I have better hair."). You can't help but enjoy Makunga, and Alec Baldwin voices this slimy character with nearly as much venom and loathing as he infuses into voicemail messages to his daughter (sorry, couldn't resist).

And let's not forget our favourite supporting characters from the original Madagascar: King Julien, the Penguins and those love-to-hate-them cerebral Chimps.

Classic Penguin Interplay:
Skipper: "Looks impressive Kowalski, but will it fly?"
Kowalski: "Yes: if we fold it here, here, and here."

How can you not laugh? And it seems the producers are willing to give us more of what we liked best the first time we saw Madagascar, as we laugh our way through thigh-slapping performances from Tom McGrath (Skipper), Sacha Baron Cohen (King Julien - "Yes, I am a lady! Which of you is attracted to me?") and Cedric the Entertainer as his eye-rolling, long-suffering sidekick Maurice. Let's not forget Mason and Phil, our favourite cerebral chimps, who are not above slinging poop while quoting Plato. They're back for some wonderful interactions (including a hilarious union negotiation scene) with the wily Penguins - "we need your thumbs!"

In short, if you have some little ones at home who might like a fun afternoon out at the popcorn palace, don't hesitate to volunteer as chaperone for Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa...unless you don't want to be asked to laugh more quietly!

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

October and early November are usually slow weeks at the box office.The summer blockbusters are long gone, and the next big releases will be coming mid-month as American Thanksgiving approaches. Traditionally, the time between Thanksgiving and the end of the year are when many potential Academy Award nominated films are released. Riding on the increasing popularity of Halloween, end of October typically brings a small landslide of horror flicks, like Saw V and The Haunting of Molly Hartley. Also released on Halloween this year is a new Kevin Smith film featuring one of my favourite comedic actors, Seth Rogen.

Rogen seems to be one of those actors that you either love or hate. He stars in movies like The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and my personal favourite - Superbad. He tends to play the same type of character, an immature, somewhat dim-witted, sex obsessed 30 year old. Which apparently I can't get enough of, as I could not wait to go see his new film Zack and Miri Make a Porno.

The movie is exactly what the trailer offers, only funnier, and more scandalous. If you are easily offended, this one might not be for you, because Zack and Miri not only MAKE a porno, you end up feeling like you've watched a porno by the end of this film! However, that's not the entire movie, and underneath all the sex jokes and comedy there is a really good storyline, and this movie is not just a comedy, it's a romantic comedy.

If pornos are not exactly what you're into, and you're looking for something to watch with the kids, Madagascar 2 was released on the weekend. My three kids (ages 10, 7 and 5) saw it with their dad and told me it was "awesome!" and "really, really good".

There are several good movies coming up in the next few weeks. Write me a comment and tell me what you're interested in seeing. 

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Kath checking in here from a cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Italy. (I know! Can you believe it?) Anyway, my cruise companion and friend, Laura and I managed to tear ourselves away from the spa long enough to watch a movie in our stateroom. There is actually quite a good selection of recent-ish releases onboard, and we did have a bit of trouble deciding what to watch. In the end, we went with Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and we were NOT disappointed!

Some notable points about this movie: British actor Russell Brand totally rocks the role of Aldous Snow, lead singer of the band ??? and Sarah Marshall’s new boyfriend. In typical Brit fashion, he is at his most brilliant when poking fun at himself; delivering it all in complete, brilliant deadpan.  In one of my favourite lines, Brand tells an aspiring musician played by Jonah Hill, “yeah, I meant to listen to your demo but then I just carried on living my life.”

Jason Segel (of Knocked Up fame) plays Peter, our protagonist. After being dumped by Sarah, Peter decides to go to her favourite resort in Hawaii to forget her, only to find she’s staying at the same hotel with her new boyfriend, Aldous. A massive amount of fun and mishaps ensues, and Laura and I found ourselves laughing until we cried, particularly during Segal’s performance of “Dracula – the puppet musical” (don’t ask, just see the movie!)

The supporting cast in this film are also brilliant. If you’ve seen any other Judd Apatow movies, you’ll recognize more than one familiar face amongst Peter’s friends and the hotel staff. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is written and produced by Judd Apatow, who also wrote & produced Superbad, Knocked Up and Pineapple Express.

So knowing that, are you getting a sense for what kind of movie this is? Yes, it’s dirty and explicit. Hilariously dirty and explicit. And most definitely worthwhile watching if you’re not easily offended. But if you are easily offended, you’ll want to either give it a miss or possibly loosen up a little and have some dirty, explicit fun!

All in all, Laura and I are unanimous in giving Forgetting Sarah Marshall an enthusiastic 3.5 stars out of 4.

Movie Review - The Women

Ever in the mood for a chick flick? Well, have I got one for you.  The Women is Director/Screenwriter/Producer Diane English's (of Murphy Brown fame) theatrical film debut. The female-only star-studded cast (the first male character isn't glimpsed until the last scene) includes Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Jada Pinckett Smith, Debra Messing, and Eva Mendes. Also appearing are the fabulous Candice Bergen, Bette Midler and Cloris Leachman.

This film is a remake of a 1939 hit starring Joan Crawford. After seeing the 2008 version I am desperate to watch the original and compare. Although I enjoyed the film and was entertained, it was pretty predictable and somewhat silly. Meg Ryan was her typical cutesy self, somewhat redeemed by the end (but barely) and the other characters were so stereotypical it was often uncomfortable. Jada Pinckett Smith's loud mouthed lesbian on the prowl; Debra Messing's hippy throwback popping out babies; Annette Bening's washed up, ethically challenged career woman and Eva Mendes' sex and money crazed homewrecker held no surprises.

Although the message of friendship, independence and loyalty were consistent throughout the film they were often overshadowed by the characters' simplicity, and it wasn't until near the end of the film that another, deeper side of these women and their relationships was glimpsed.

However, if you are like me and don't get out much, this wasn't a huge issue. I got a night out with the girls, we had fun, a few laughs, and a popcorn dinner. Take it for what it is and you'll have fun too. Plus, we got to see the preview for The Secret Life of Bees. I just read the book and can NOT wait to see the film!

This review was posted by Jen.

Journey 3D Review by My Kids

As soon as we saw the ad we knew we had to see Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D! My kids are 5.5 and 9 and love a good adventure. We saw it as a family and it was a thrill from start to finish for each of us. Warning though, most 5-year-olds would be petrified.

Here's what the kids had to say:

"It was awesome! Kind of like a roller coaster but longer and with popcorn. We saw it in regular first (2D...don't ask) but the 3D was way better. I loved the part when the fish were jumping out of the water and the glow birds came. It was a great story and a really fun movie. I would definitely recommend it!" ~ J age 9

"It was scary but I like scary. I only closed my eyes when the T-Rex came because it looked like he was running right at me. I liked the glow birds and all the other animals plus I liked it when they fell and when they went on the roller coaster to get to the centre of the earth. I want my friends to see it but they don't like scary stuff so I want to go again with my brother." ~ M age 5.5

So, if you have a couple of dare devils who like a good ride we highly recommend this wild 3D adventure!

This review was posted by Jen.

Here I Go Again...and Again...and Again...

Just how many times can one human being see Mamma Mia, anyway? With Universal Pictures releasing a Sing Along version this Friday (Aug 29) the issue might just be moot.

This week, Kath & Laura discuss the eternal appeal of Swedish band ABBA and their most successful spin-off, the stage and film musical sensation, Mamma Mia.

LAURA:
When a friend and I decided to go to the cinema this past  weekend, we had a lot to choose from, some good comedies and a few new dramas. As I was reading the list and said Mamma Mia, my friend squealed, "Yes! Let's see that!" For a split second, I thought no, I'd already seen it, and I never see movies in the theatre twice.

KATH:
So really,  how many times can one person see Mamma Mia? I don’t think that’s even a meaningful question. Can a person get sick of ABBA? Or Colin Firth? No. So how many times can you see Mamma Mia? That’s an infinite number.

LAURA:
So far I'm only at two, but I'm on my way to infinity! The only thing better than Colin Firth is Colin Firth singing, or perhaps Colin Firth dancing shirtless in a fountain...this movie has it all! 

KATH:
Personally, I saw the stage show twice first-run in Toronto (I even left my exclusively breastfed 3 month old alone with her grandfather to see this show) and then I went to the film version on opening night. So that’s three, but I’m dying to see it again. In the meantime, I listen to the movie hits on my iPod pretty much nonstop (in the original ABBA version – I’m not enough of a glutton for punishment to download the movie soundtrack).

LAURA:
I have to admit, ABBA was a bit before my time. I discovered them in University, and wore out my ABBA Gold CD. I generally don't have regrets in my life, but now that I've seen the film, I do have one huge regret. Back in 2004 I earned a trip to Toronto through Tupperware (yes, I was a Tupperware Lady!) the trip included a night out at a great restaurant and tickets to the Mamma Mia stage show. With my 12 month old, breastfed daughter in tow, I decided not to go to the show. And now 4 years later I am wishing I had left her with somebody's grandfather so I could have seen it!

KATH:
My kids call me “Mamma Mia” instead of Mommy and they know all the words to many, many ABBA songs. I break into song on the phone with friends when we’re talking about the movie, or even just at apropos moments in non-Mamma Mia related conversations. Nothing like amateurs belting out “Does Your Mother Know” in stereo, a capella, on the cell phone. It gets me every time.

LAURA:
Okay, confession time. I loved ABBA in University, and actually broke up with my high-school boyfriend of three years  with an ABBA song. Yes, I actually did that. We sat in my driveway in his old rusty Ford Mustang and I told him I had something I needed to tell him, but that ABBA says it best, and I popped the cassette into the  player....

Knowing me, knowing you - aha
There is nothing we can do
Knowing me, knowing you - aha
We just have to face it, this time we're through
Breaking up is never easy, I know
But I have to go
Knowing me, knowing you
It's the best I can do

Have I got you singing? Or laughing at me as an 18 year old?

KATH:
So now Universal is releasing a Sing Along version of the movie, and I for one am thrilled. It’s kind of like a tutorial for all those lame moviegoers (there was a teenaged couple on a date beside me in the theatre who actually got up and left about 20 minutes in. Can you believe it?) on how to behave during a Mamma Mia production. You’re meant to sing along to all the songs and get up and dance to the really upbeat numbers. It’s an interactive experience. And don’t worry if you don’t know the words: it’s like  karaoke...the lyrics are flashed up as subtitles on the bottom of the screen, each word lighting up in blue at the exact, singable moment! Who knows, you may finally figure out just what they were saying in the second verse of “Voulez-Vous” after all these years. So kudos to Universal for giving that helping hand (and one more reason to go see this movie again!)

LAURA:
At our screening of the movie on Sunday night, my friend and I just decided to forget about everyone else in the theatre. We laughed, we clapped, we sang (okay, we mostly just mouthed the words) and at one point I had to physically restrain my friend...I thought she was going to dance in the aisles. So if I can possibly swing it, (and my  sister is getting married this weekend, so it may take some creative maneuvering) I am going to be smack dab in the middle of the theatre dancing and singing my heart out this weekend!

KATH:
Of course, if  you can’t make the Sing Along show in the theatres, you can do what Laura and I plan to do...create your own Sing Along Mamma Mia show on the DVD release date...a few friends...a few bottles of wine...a big-screen TV...

Here we go again!

Harry Potter & The HBP Release Pushed Back!!!

That's right folks, Warner Bros. has announced that it is pushing back the release of the newest Harry Potter movie by over 8 MONTHS!!!!  The new release date will be July 17, 2009.  They have given a myriad of reasons (the writer's strike, giving families a big summer release, kids being out of school, etc.), but I'm fairly certain that the one & only reason is that they looked at next summer's projected new releases & saw that the offerings were pretty slim, so they want to capitalize on that & make the max profit.  If there is nothing else out there worth seeing, then people will see Harry Potter.  Again.  And Again.  And Again.  Smart move by Warner Bros., but they will have to be bracing for the angry backlash by Potter fans.

Warner Bros. wants to assure fans that the movie is actually on schedule for the original Nov. release & the final two movies (Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2) are still on track for their original release dates of Nov 2010 & May 2011, respectively.  As WB put it "now fans won't have to wait so long" between HBP & the first installment of Deathly Hallows.

Gee, thanks.

The Happening Shouldn't Have Happened, So Sex and the City Did

Our regular Movie Mom, Margot, is taking a hiatus to care for her new baby and his big brother, and so urbanmoms.ca will be bringing you some substitute movie-lovin' moms to (try to) fill her shoes for the next little while. This week, we are thrilled to welcome Laura, longtime urbanmoms.ca member and also a mom and lover of movies.

I love going to the movies. Sure, DVD is okay, but there is nothing like seeing it on the big screen. Lately, I’ve been indulging myself in the act of lone movie-going. It’s the ultimate cinema experience. My choice of movie, my choice of treats (popcorn, light butter) and where in the theatre to sit - all my decision. For the next two hours I get transported to another place, and my everyday life disappears. This past weekend my three kids were away with their dad, and there was no question what I would do – head to the local Cineplex. What should I see?

I have been a Sex and the City fan for many years, and when the trailer for this movie was released, I knew I was going to see it opening night!

Opening weekend came and went, and the days have been ticking by. While I am very comfortable and actually prefer the solo movie experience, I just couldn’t quite bring myself to see this one alone. If ever there was an appropriate movie to see with the girls, this is it. The problem? My “girls” are not SATC fans! It’s been on my to-do list for the past few weeks to find a gal-pal who loves those four New Yorkers as much as I do, but so far I am empty-handed. I knew I couldn’t see it alone. It would be like advertising that I don’t have any girl-friends, so, off to plan B.

The Happening. Which shouldn’t have Happened.



I am a fan of scary movies. Not slasher flicks, but those scary thrilling movies that keep you on the edge of your seat. Even better is a twisty ending that makes you want to re-watch the movie to find the clues. One of the best in this genre? M. Night Shyamalan. The Sixth Sense. Unbreakable. The Village. (okay, that one wasn’t very good but it had a nice twist!) Signs. (again, not very good, but it did have Mel Gibson in his pre-crazy days as well as Joaquin Pheonix) His newest film, The Happening, happens to star one of the most delicious actors, Mark Wahlberg, who also happens to be the only redeeming thing about this flick. Even he couldn’t save it. Maybe if he had his shirt off: but he was fully clothed the entire movie...not even one ab...but I digress...

Ninety minutes later I left the theater completely disappointed.  As I walked through the lobby I realized that it was only 4:30pm, and I still had a child free evening ahead of me. So I jumped back into line and bought a ticket to the next showing of Sex and the City. Forget about seeing it with girlfriends! I needed something to pick me back up, and spending the next two and half hours with Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha did just that. I left the theater feeling lighter and happier and just a bit more New Yorkier than when I went in.

Beware of Flying Objects

This post could go in two directions based on that title.  One being my 2 & ½ year old son’s propensity these days to throw anything & everything when something doesn’t go exactly as he would like it to (ahhh, adjusting to life with a new sibling).  The other being that the blockbuster summer movie season is officially upon us.  I’ll spare you the details on the first.

I know it is only mid-May, but the studios are already pulling out all the stops, after what has been a decidedly lackluster first 4 months of the year.  We’ve already seen the second biggest weekend opening ever with Iron Man ($100 million domestically).

First off, I don’t really get Robert Downey Jr. as a superhero.  Drug addict?  I’d buy that.  Overall prick?  I could see that.  But a comic book superhero?!?   You decide…

I for one think that the success of this movie is very telling.  We are tired of awe-inspiring superheroes.  We want flawed, real, human superheroes.  And if you like flawed superheroes, this summer will definitely deliver.

First up on June 13 is The Incredible Hulk.  What peaked my interest with this one is that Edward Norton is playing Bruce Banner.  I just love this guy.  He is fantastic in everything he does.  Interestingly, Norton has had a bit of a falling out with Marvel & is not doing any press for the movie.  Apparently both Norton & director Louis Leterrier wanted a longer, more in depth movie, & Marvel wanted a more “streamlined” version.  Check out the trailer & see what you think.

I really hope it’s great because of Norton’s involvement, but the trailer is giving me a bit of a Godzilla vibe.  Oh ya, & enough with the gothic chanting already!

Then on July 18 the much-anticipated sequel to Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, arrives.  Obviously there is a bit of a cloud hanging over this movie due to the death of star Heath Ledger.  They recently released another trailer & frankly I find it a bit haunting.

There is no doubt that Ledger was an acting genius, & that his take on the Joker can only be described as disturbing.  I hope that the people behind the movie honour him justly.

And if superheroes weren’t enough for you, we have lots more flying objects in some big new franchise releases.

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (May 16)

I totally enjoyed the first movie, so I’m definitely looking forward to this one.  Particularly because they have upped the role of Susan (the eldest daughter), as C.S. Lewis held a peculiar disdain for teenage girls.  He felt them to be silly, pre-occupied with frivolous things like make-up & boys, & to be generally useless.  I for one am happy that the producers of this film have a slightly different view.

Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull (May 22)

We’ll see if it’s the years or the mileage when Indy re-appears after a 19-year absence.  Rumour has it that George Lucas originally wanted to call this movie Indiana Jones & the Saucer Men from Mars, which lead to big fat “no’s” from the star actor & director.  Shocking!!  We’ll see how much of the “little green men” storyline remains in the final pic.

Sex & The City (May 30)

Well, speaking of flying objects.  Insults.  Cosmos.  Manolo Blaniks.  Us fans being thrown for a loop by this supposed “big twist”.  And no, apparently Mr. Big is not a marked man. So what could it be girls?!?  The trailer certainly hints at something “big”.

So gals (& maybe a few guys) what do you think of the big blockbusters coming our way?  Any that you just must see?  Any that you’ll take a pass on?   Let us know in the comments section below.  Just as a little reminder, you now need to sign up in order to leave comments.  Click on the Join Now tab at the top of the screen to do so.  It only takes a sec.

Gotta go & see what object my lovely first-born has thrown now.  Hey, at least he isn’t throwing them at his little brother.  Nope, usually just at me!

How do you Watch a Movie?

Do you remember how special it used to be to go see a movie?  There were no VCRs, so if you wanted to see a movie you schlepped out with all of the other people & caught it while it was still on the big screen.  And schlepping out with all of those other people made it an event.  They used to play O Canada before the movie & everyone would stand, sing & watch that generic "flying over Canada" movie.  Incidentally, I tell this to my friends here in the States & they look at me quizzically.  I guess the national anthem thing before movies was a distinctly Canadian thing.  And people used to laugh out loud & clap (even stand & clap) at the end of the movie.  Was that because we, as Canadians, have the inherent need to be polite, or was the movie-going experience just that much better then?  I tend to be a bit nostalgic about this kind of stuff, so even though I enjoy my 20-theatre local megaplex immensely (where I can put as much "butter" on my vat o' popcorn as I want), I do tend to believe that the movie-going experience was better back then.  Honestly, I make it sound like I'm a Grandma talking about the good old days, but bear with me.

This is where I used to go for a movie-going experience as a child.

(okay, I'm not old enough to have actually seen The Bachelor & The Bobby Soxer, but it looked pretty much the same when I went in the 70s & 80s)

This was The Tivoli in Hamilton.  Beautiful Art Deco style.  One screen.  Packed with 600 strangers in high school auditorium-style seats.  Hoping the tall man or the lady with big hair wouldn't sit in front of you.  Curtains that would open to reveal the screen, just as the lights started to dim.  I'm getting a bit teary-eyed just thinking about it (then again I am 9 mos preggers, so I got teary-eyed at a History Channel commercial the other day).  I saw Bambi, Snow White & Sleeping Beauty here.  I saw a double feature of Star Wars & Empire Strikes back here with my brother & Grandmother.  Btw, how cool was my grandma to take a 7 & 10 yr-old to a Star Wars double feature?!?

Soon enough, though, that single screen theatre just couldn't draw us in anymore.  I think the change came with the idea of independence from our parents.  If we went to the "big" theatre in town (egads, six whole screens) we could see Back to the Future or Dirty Dancing for the umpteenth time, while our parents enjoyed Out of Africa or Children of a Lesser God,  yet still within reach of us

And then came those VCRs.  Our's was a BETA (my Dad will still argue it was far superior technology) & it hooked up to the 23" tv in the family room.  Let's just say that Star Wars or Top Gun just didn't show quite the same on a 23" Hitachi as it did on that great big screen at the movie theatre.  So we still needed those movie theatres to get the full experience.

But look at what we have done now.

 

The first one is ours so it obviously pales in comparison to the others, but honestly, it makes it very hard to want to get up off the comfy leather couch & head on out to the theatre to see a movie, when the experience is not all that different.  (Don't you just love the Star Wars Death Star-themed one...honestly some people have way too much money)

But the weird thing is that not only have our home theatre options become much more vast (& by vast I mean huge), they have become smaller too.  I still don't quite get this.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is a 2" x 1.5" screen.  Is this really the best way to watch a movie?!?  How could we have gone so far away from our movie-going roots?

I guess what got me thinking about all of this is our newest movie-going option.

First, yes we have caved & bought a minivan.  Second, can I lock myself in here with a copy of The Mummy, a bowl of popcorn & a Diet Coke (lord knows I'll have somewhere to put the pop because there seem to be 27 cupholders in this thing)?  And will no-one find me?  But is this really a good thing for us? For our kids?  What have they lost by not having a true movie-theatre going experience?  Do we just chalk it up to a by-gone era, or should we continue to seek out this experience for ourselves & our kids?  While the single-screen theatres are fairly close to extinct, I think it is worth our while to continue to seek them out.  Maybe not for every movie, but certainly a once in a while treat.  After all, that's what it was for us.  A treat.  I would love to recapture a bit of that awe I had for going to the theatre, & although I know I will be homebound (& enjoying all my movies DVD-style) for the next little while, I hope to indeed do just that, recapture the awe & excitement for both me & my kids.

So, in honour of my little nostalgia trip that I just took you all on (thanks for bearing with me), I thought I would do a Top Five list this week of the best movies to see on the big screen.  Let me know if I missed any of your fav's.  And I'd love to hear some of your best memories of going to the movies.  First movie?  First date?  First kiss?  Bring it on!!

Top Five Movies to See on the Big Screen

5. Gone with the Wind - Epic.  Grandeur.  It will never show on the tv the same way it shows on the big screen.

4. The Wizard of Oz - All you need to see is one scene.  Dorothy arriving in Munchkinland.  So worth finding this at a local theatre.

3. The Sound of Music - Our local single-screen theatre hosts theme nights & this one was so much fun.  People dressed up.  Parents & kids alike singing away to all of the songs.  And the first scene is enough to make you want to move to Austria.

2. Lawrence of Arabia - This was my Dad's vote for a must-see on the big screen.  He told this great story of taking a girl to see this & arriving late so the only seats left were in the front row.  When the intermission came around he said he had to go out & drink from the water fountain for about 5 minutes because he felt like he had been through the desert!

1. Star Wars (A New Hope) - Maybe it's a generational thing, but it doesn't get better than the original on the big screen.  When Lucas decided to re-release them in theatres, I was there in line with all of the the other nerds waiting to get their Star Wars fix.

Harry Potter 8????

Well it's official.  Warner Bros' has managed to do what fans around the world have been yearning for.  An eighth Harry Potter installment.  Well, sort of.  Warner Bros' announced that they will split the final book into two parts.  Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (due Nov 2010) & Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (due May 2011).  David Yates (currently directing Half Blood Prince) will return to direct both movies concurrently.  Also returning is screenwriter Steve Kloves (who has written all but one of the movies) & producer David Heyman (who has been involved with the movies from the get-go & was the person who was instrumental in getting Jo Rowling to even agree to let her stories be turned into movies).  Daniel Radcliffe (need I even say that he plays Harry Potter?!?) has been quoted as saying that he believes that splitting the book into 2 movies is the only way to tell the story without "cutting out major portions of the book."  He seems to be quite delighted about the whole idea, so one can only assume that Warner Bros' has taken the appropriate steps to ensure that all of the principle actors are on board for an extra movie.  Like I said, the two movies will be filmed concurrently, so the only issue should be a slightly longer filming schedule.

So folks, what do you think?  Are you excited about an extra Potter movie, or do you think it is just Warner Bros' way of cashing in on a super-lucrative franchise?  My big question is where would they possibly split this up into 2 movies?  Let me know what you think!!

Singing, Dancing & A Little Love (Pride in the Name of, that is)

So, I got a phone call from a friend yesterday inquiring if we wanted to join them for dinner & a movie.  As always, I'm game, so I called up our babysitter (Oh, how I love thee, let me count the ways...), & it was a date.  I figure I have to cram as many date nights in before baby #2 arrives the end of April, so what the hey!!  Anyway, our friends tell us that they were thinking of going to see U2 3D.  Okay, wait...what?!?  I had heard a few fairly good things about the movie, but let's be honest, it's a concert.  In 3D.  I'm as much of a U2 fan as the next gal (honestly, I don't know anyone who doesn't like their music).  I think that Joshua Tree is possibly the best album ever.  And I've always had a wee bit of a crush on Larry Mullen Jr. (drummer).  But a concert movie?  I'm thinking that I'm either a) so old that I can only see a concert from a cushy, theatre seat with a vat of popcorn & a gallon of Diet Coke, or b) too cheap to go out & spring for the real thing.  My reservations aside, I figured it was worth a shot.

Oh brutha (I have a wee bit of a crush on Desmond from Lost, too), was it ever worth it.  If only to sit in a theatre looking like this for 2 hrs...

I'll wait for you to stop laughing.  Ready?  Okay.

In Theatres Now

U2 3D

I have honestly never seen U2 live (our friends who went with us to the movie have seen them 5 times....my life is so lame), but wow do they ever put on an amazing show.  During Pride (In the Name of Love), the little guy was kicking & rolling around with such enthusiasm that I thought "great, we either have a budding rock star or a politician!"  This movie was created from 7 different shows throughout South America (primarily Buenos Aires) during U2's most recent Vertigo tour.  The energy from the crowd is truly electric, & it is hard sometimes to stay sitting in your seat while you watch.  There were many-a-time I wanted to jump up & scream with all of the young people in the "real" crowd.  Alas I didn't.  I probably would have fallen down.  Remember the 3D glasses.

Which brings me to the 3D.  Besides laughing at ourselves in the glasses, the 3D effects were really quite amazing.  Nothing gimmicky.  They just serve to make you a part of the concert experience, which certainly helps to set this concert movie apart from all others before it.  The band doesn't seem to try to play into the whole idea of the 3D, they just do what they would normally do.  And do they ever do that well.   

I realized just before the encore that I had been sitting there with a smile on my face for an hour & a half.  These four guys, who have been together since they were teenagers really seem to enjoy what they do.  And frankly, after almost 30 years (yes 30...how old do you feel now!?!) in the business they still seem to be awed by all of it.  They come across as so appreciative of the praise they get from the crowd, that you can't help but cheer them on even more.  And honestly, their achievements are truly astounding.  Over 170 million albums sold.  More Grammy wins than any other group in history.  Inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame during their first year of eligibility.  To say nothing of their tireless work throughout the world on various human rights & social justice causes.  All of these things & not a hint of a giant ego to be seen from any of them.

I enjoyed every minute of the movie, so much so that the time seemed to just slip by, & I too, along with the "real" crowd, felt a general sadness when it was all over.  So even though it wasn't your traditional movie-going experience, it was definitely worth it.

Coming Soon To a Theatre Near You

I came across a couple of movie previews that I just had to share with all of you.  They both have the dancing, singing, & love, like my new movie review, but I was just so jazzed about them I couldn't wait until my next installment of Coming Attractions.  So hopefully you enjoy them as much as I do.

Mamma Mia

Okay, how psyched are you?!?  I mean, Meryl singing.  Pierce Brosnan.  Colin Firth.  ABBA!!!!  I never did get to see the theatrical production of this, but considering I go see concerts at a movie theatre, then why not some musical theatre too?!?  I'm figuring that I'm going to grab every girlfriend I can gather up & we will make a pilgrimage to see this.  It may not be too high on the hubby's list of summer movie must-see's.

The Love Guru

Okay, who doesn't love some Mike Myers?  And he's managed to wrap the Leafs up in his greatness (too bad the "winning the Stanley Cup" is soooo purely fictional).  I know that the gags seem to be straight out of Austin Powers, but he always seems to be able to pull it off.  And I can't help but laughing at it.  Our Good Canadian boy continues to charm Hollywood, & maybe he might get just a few of those folks to watch a hockey game or two.

Coming Attractions: This Just In!!!

I promised you the new Indy preview just as soon as I got it.  So without further ado....

Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (May 22, 2008)

So what do you think?  I think it certainly looks good, entertaining, excellently-cast & action-packed.  My only problem is that I think somewhere along the line (unbeknownst to me) I had a mental shift on Harrison Ford.  Unfortunately, he is no longer the Han Solo of my youth, he now frankly reminds me more of my father in that trailer.  I feel like he has aged-out.  Maybe I'm just stuck at a bad age right now where Harrison is too old (he is officially 1 year older than my father) & Shia LaBeouf is just far too young (I feel a bit pervy or cougar-ish looking at him in that way).  But, now I'm just nitpicking!!  It is just exciting to hear that music again.

Coming Attractions

I love a good movie preview.  I am one of those people who feels like I am missing out on part of the movie-going experience if I arrive in the theatre after the trailers have started.  Let alone the whole stumbling around in the dark theatre trying to secure a decent seat at that point.  Don't get me wrong, I will lament with the rest of you when there are 20 minutes of trailers before a movie (& don't get me started on the actual commercials that have started popping up before movies...like I want to pay money to see a Coke ad), but I somehow feel like I wouldn't be getting my money's worth if I didn't see those all important trailers.  Weird, I know.

Now I know that it may be hard to think about summer right now (what's the temp right now where you live?!?), but we are starting to see a lot of big summer releases (& even some far off fall & Holiday season ones) advertised in the theatres.  It's been a while since I brought you some movies to look forward to, so I thought I'd run down the movies (& trailers for that matter) that are getting the most buzz.  So grab your popcorn & dim the lights (okay maybe not that far...your kids may wonder why you're sitting in the dark in front of the computer) & enjoy the Coming Attractions.  And just think, it won't cost you $12 to see any of these trailers.

For Some Action

Star Trek XI (December 25, 2008)

Okay, we don't even know the name of this upcoming J.J. Abrams reinvention, but I for one am totally jazzed about it!  J.J. (of Alias, Lost, & Cloverfield fame) is just a genius, especially when it comes to character examinations, so this return to the early days of Spock & Kirk promises to be a good mix of action & emotion.  Leonard Nemoy is definitely in, with William Shatner's status not yet confirmed (not due to the actor, apparently he would love to star in the new movie....shocking, Shatner wanting more face time....never).

The Dark Knight (July 18, 2008)

The Batman Begins sequel starring Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, & Heath Ledger (among a ton of other big names), has taken on a rather sombre note due to Ledger's death.  His performance is apparently quite disturbing, but now seems to take on an almost haunting tone as people try to dissect what may have gone wrong.  Apparently he was finished all of his scenes, but with big action movies often times looping (re-recording of dialogue) has to be done because microphones on set don't always pick up clear dialogue.  No word yet on whether this will cause any problems or delays with the final cut.  One big upgrade from the first movie (as far as I am concerned) is Maggie Gyllenhaal stepping in for Katie Holmes in the role of Rachel Dawes.  Even from the previews, Maggie seems to command the screen so much more than Mrs. Crazy....I mean, Cruise.

Wanted (June 27, 2008)

I guess I get action star Angelina (what's new, frankly) & I even get Morgan Freeman, but James McAvoy?!?  Our wonderful, yet tragic Robbie Turner from Atonement, or the naive & idealistic Dr. Garrigan from The Last King of Scotland?!?  Those I buy, but I'm not quite sure about this incarnation.  Seems like a bit of a Matrix knock-off, but no doubt the action is definitely there.  We'll see if audiences buy it come June.

For A Cry

Stop Loss (March 28, 2008)

I saw this preview before Juno & just couldn't stop sobbing.  I'm not quite sure why it got to me, as Ryan Phillippe is not one of my favs (sooo in Reese's corner here), & his over-the-top accent harkens back to another blond pretty-boy, James Van Der Beek, trying to sound less blue-blood in Varsity Blues (I mean who can forget "I don't waaant your life").  I'm not quite sure if its because I have a cousin in Afghanistan, or if it is because just looking at pics of the kids over there who seem like such little babies, barely out of high school, is so disturbing to me.  I don't even know if they are trying to make a political statement one way or another, I mean it is an MTV Films production.  So, it could be an interesting social commentary, or just another movie to give studios an excuse to have young good-looking guys walk around with no shirts on.  I'm hoping for the former (although a little bit of the latter ain't all bad....he he).

The Life Before Her Eyes (April 18, 2008)

This movie premiered this fall at the Toronto International Film Festival, to generally good reviews.  I'm not quite sure if the trailer helps it all that much, but Uma's return to the screen, after some seriously questionable choices (My Super Ex-Girlfriend, anyone?!?), looks to be a solid one.  The general storyline is that Uma's character is haunted by choices she made as a teenager, as the 15-year anniversary of a school shooting in her suburban town approaches.

For A Laugh

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (April 18, 2008)

Judd Apatow (The 40 Year Old Virgin & Knocked Up) brings us his latest poor schlep movie, about a guy who is dumped by his girlfriend, & in hopes of forgetting her goes on vacation to Hawaii where, shockingly, she happens to be vacationing too, with the new boyfriend.  I just love Jason Segel, & can hardly wait to see his turn as the star in one of Apatow's movies.  Granted, his movies tend to be rude & a bit crude (you can check out the restricted trailer here), but if you have seen any of them you know that the "hero" truly has a good heart, even if he makes some crazy & disastrous decisions along the way.

Smart People (April 11, 2008)

Love the casting of everyone (Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, & Thomas Hayden Church) in this romantic comedy/drama, but I have to admit that what I can hardly wait for is Ellen Page's follow-up to Juno.  I think we are honestly witnessing the birth of a legendary actress.  And I loooove that she plays an uptight, "Alex P. Keaton", young-Republican.  Genius casting.  I'm gonna be huge preggers trotting myself out to the theatre in early April to see this one, hopefully it's worth it!!

Get Smart (June 20, 2008)

This movie could go either way: great update ala the first Mission Impossible movie, or disaster like Charlie's Angels, The Mod Squad, & so many other TV-rehashings.  I'm optimistic about this one as the cast looks amazing (Steve Carrell, Anne Hathaway, Alan Arkin).  The best casting though, to me, is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Agent 23.  I know, I know, he was a wrestler, but he has some serious comedic chops & can carry off the superstar-spy role really well too.

For the Kids

WALL-E (June 27, 2008)

I'm not quite sure how Pixar does it, first they made us like a rat in Ratatouille, & now we can't help but love a pile of metal with a set of binoculars for eyes.  Honestly, they are geniuses over there at Pixar.  Frankly, I think I might line up for this one without the kids.

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery (July 2, 2008)

I'm sure a few of you (who am I kidding, a few?!?) have heard about American Girls.  I even know a set of Grandparents who had to make a special trip to the L.A. American Girl store, on their most recent trip from Canada (you know who you are...he he).  The cast seems quite good (Abigail Breslin, Chris O'Donnell, Julia Ormond, Wallace Shawn), & it certainly would be a wonderful Mother/Daughter outing.

Of course, 2 of the biggest movies of 2008 (the newest installments in the Harry Potter & Indiana Jones Series's), don't have trailers yet, but I'll make sure I bring them to you as soon as I get word about them.  We can expect Indy sometime next week (premiering before The Spiderwick Chronicles & the following day on line) & hopefully a sneak peak of The Half-Blood Prince will arrive by early Summer.

So, hopefully you've enjoyed your sneak-peak at what's coming soon to the theatres.  Please, let me know what you think about any of the movies I've mentioned here or any other ones you're looking forward to, in the comments section below. 

Two Movies & A TV Show

So, I did a lot of movie watching this week.  The joys of having Grandma & Grandpa in to visit (i.e. free babysitting...yay).  And just as a little aside, I even got out to a 2-day seminar on Sports Nutrition up at UCLA (damn continuing education units).  Which, btw, was quite eventful, other than the seminar itself (which was great), because I got to evade paparazzi at UCLA med centre (lord knows they were looking for me, okay, so maybe it was Brit they were after) & witness a Barack Obama rally, which of course only made me feel old with all of those young college-aged faces looking up at this man with such hope.  Me, all I could think of was "So what are my lunch choices?"  Tainted, I know.

But, back on track with the movies.  I figure I can't give you all full blown-out reviews (read: wordy) as per usual, as I have sooooo very much to cover.  I will however give you a little synopsis & my overall recommendations of all of the stuff I took in this week (I promise there won't be a synopsis of the nutrition seminar).  Like I said, lots to cover, so let's get right to it.

Now Playing in Theatres

National Treasure:  Book of Secrets

The hubby & I were both exhausted on Saturday night, but we were not about to look the gift horse of free babysitting in the mouth (what?!?), so we trudged out to see a movie, any movie.  Because of this I really didn't have too much energy to fight him on his choice.  Now, if you have seen the first movie in this series you know the equation.  Nic Cage & posse attempt a series of increasingly dangerous heists, not to actually steal things but to find some great American treasure (total Da Vinci Code knock off).  This time out he isn't really out to find treasure (although that is a nice by-product), but to clear the name of his great-great grandfather who now stands accused of being the mastermind behind the Lincoln assassination.

The movie isn't that bad....really.  It is a total escape, & does keep you entertained , it just ain't gonna win any awards for anything.  Which is frankly what had me scratching my head the entire movie.  No not why this won't win any awards, but precisely how did this movie attract so many award-winning actors to play both major & bit parts?  Jon Voight, Nic Cage, Helen Mirren, Harvey Keitel, Ed Harris, just to name a few.  Only thing we could come up with is that these actors figured that one big paycheck couldn't hurt before what could be (& has turned out to be) a lengthy (& costly) writers strike.  I told you I blame everything on the writer's strike.

Anyway, definitely worth a totally escapist, Friday night rental, so I will give it a solid 3 stars.

 

Now On DVD

The Namesake

This movie follows a couple who come to the U.S. from India, in the late 1970s.  We follow this couple as their family grows with children, & then we follow the children's lives.   Specifically we follow the son Gogol (played wonderfully by Kal Penn..yep, the "Harold & Kumar" Kal Penn) as he struggles with being the American-born son of immigrant parents .  He dates a white woman, & seems to embrace her family more than his own.  Gogol's parents also struggle with trying to maintain their heritage & the family they left behind in Calcutta, but also know the sacrifices that they have made have led to great opportunities for their children.  Just as a little aside, Gogol's mother, Ashima, is played by the Indian actress Tabu, who quite possibly might be the most beautiful woman in the world.  Honestly, stunning.

I loved this movie.  So much so, that I just had to put the trailer below (check it out), in hopes that many of you will watch it & rent the movie too.  What really struck me is how difficult it must be to immigrate to the U.S. (or Canada for that matter) & maintain an ounce of who you are & where you are from.  I immigrated to the U.S. & sometimes find the differences between Canadians & Americans astounding.  And I'm from Canada!!  Now, most often there are no differences, but this movie shows how scary & bewildering it must be to someone truly from another culture.

Now On TV & DVD

The Tudors

Kath has talked about it.  Ali has talked about it.  Even I talked about it way back in the Fall TV Preview.  You should be watching this show.  If you live in Canada, you get treated to it on CBC, whereas down here it only shows on Showtime, & I am far too cheap to pay for that!  So I rented the whole series on DVD (honestly, isn't that an amazing way to watch a TV series), & it definitely doesn't disappoint.  Murder, sex, religion, dysfunctional marriages, politics.  Oh wait, that reminds me I need to go vote (he he).  Anyway, if you get a chance to rent Season 1, do so, it is a perfect escape for a Friday evening.  And keep an eye out for Season 2, airing on Showtime starting March 30 (check out the preview here).  I'm not sure on the status of Season 2 on CBC, but I will let you all know as soon as I know.

Be sure to let us know your thoughts, in the comments section below, on any of the movies I reviewed here.  And make sure to check back next week when I will have a full slate of previews for what you can expect at the box office over the next few months.  Now off to that voting.

To Read Or Not To Read...

Have your say at urbanmoms.ca!  Have you seen Atonement yet?  Let us know what you thought in the comments section below & be sure to rate the number of stars you would give to Atonement.  Five Stars - Run, don't walk, to the theatre.  Four Stars - Worth seeing.  Three Stars - Not bad.  Two Stars - Marginal.  One Star - Do not waste your time.

I seem to have broken the cardinal rule of movies based on books twice in the last month.  I went to see both The Golden Compass & Atonement, without reading the book first (I will wait for the collective gasp to cease).  My excuse is that I have a deadly combination of sheer laziness & instant gratification within me.  By the time I would get around to reading the book, the movie would no longer be in the theatre, & I wouldn't be one of the "cool" recommenders, but rather the recommendee.  And frankly I have this whole "Movie Mommy" image to live up to (he he he)!  I asked my good friend, who went to the movie with me, which she prefers.  Reading the book, then seeing the movie, or vice versa?  Our general agreement was that the ideal is to read the book first, then see the movie.  But she pointed out that she saw Bridget Jones' Diary then read the book & was a bit disappointed with the literary version.  I wonder if she would have had a different perspective if she experienced them in reverse?  I guess I can't figure out what is worse, reading the book & thus knowing the general plotline & ending when you sit down to watch the movie, or watching the movie & ruining the plot/ending of the book?  Maybe it depends on what kind of person you are.  I think that part of what I enjoy about seeing a movie after reading the book is that I get to see whether someone else's visual interpretation of words on a page is the same as mine.  I'm able to create my own idea of what Hogwarts, Boo Radley, or Forrest Gump look like, before I have someone else's idea created for me.

So what do you do?  Would you see a movie before you have read a book?  Would you be more or less likely to read a book once you've seen the movie?

In Theatres Now

Atonement

Atonement is the story of Briony Tallis, a young girl of 13, who tragically changes the lives of her sister (Cecelia) & her sister's lover (Robbie Turner), because of a lie that she tells.  Whether she tells the lie because she is too young to understand what she sees, or because she herself has a crush on her sister's lover, is never truly explained, but I suspect that it is a combination of the two.  Briony's lie tears Cecelia & Robbie apart, as Robbie is hauled off to prison for a crime he didn't commit.

We then follow Robbie, Briony & Cecelia, four years later, as their lives begin to intersect once again.  Robbie has enlisted in the army & is in France trying to make it to Dunkirk to be rescued, after the British troops were separated from the French Army due to the advancing Germans.  Cecelia is a nurse in London & is estranged from the rest of her family.  The connection between the two of them is maintained through the letters that they write to each other, always promising to come back to one another.  Briony has decided to forgo University & follow her older sister's lead in becoming a nurse for the Red Cross.  Briony believes that becoming a nurse is the most useful thing she can do with her life, possibly she subconsciously believes it is the only way to give back for her one great misdeed.

Finally we are brought to the present day with Briony being an accomplished novelist & explaining the true story behind her final novel "Atonement."

One of the main complaints I have heard about this movie is that it jumps around a lot, both forward & backward in time.  Personally I thought that this was essential to the movie, because you needed to see Briony's view of the events unfolding, before you could see what truly happened.  It helped to explain how she came to her eventual disastrous conclusion.  You realize by the end of the movie that it is truly Briony's story you are watching, athough because of her lie, Cecelia & Robbie's lives will forever be entwined with her's.  Briony is played by three different actresses at three different ages (Saoirse Ronan, Romola Garai, & Vanessa Redgrave), & each of them do an incredible job of making you empathize with a character who is responsible for such pain.  Although Briony is remorseful, she never seems to grow up, partially to shield herself from the true ramifications of what she did.  Keira Knightly & James McAvoy are fabulous in the roles of Cecelia & Robbie.  Their one intimate moment together in the library (which of course Briony witnesses & totally misunderstands) will literally leave you breathless.  You honestly could have heard a pin drop at that moment in the packed theatre that we were in.  I also enjoy that James McAvoy doesn't see himself as much of a leading man.  He says that he is "Scottish, short, & has pasty-skin", which he believes doesn't add up to your normal "Brad Pitt"-type of leading man.  Frankly I loved him even more for it (check him out in this amazing interview).

Everything about this movie is beautiful.  The locations.  The sets.  The costumes.  The people.  The acting.  There is a 5 1/2 minute uncut steady-cam shot when Robbie arrives on the beach at Dunkirk that literally leaves your head spinning.  It is the kind of movie that the big awards shows just fork over awards for, & rightfully so (although it seems we won't have a Golden Globes show this year, which is a bit of a bummer that great movies like this won't get recognition).  I was hooked from the first minute & its 2+ hours just flew by as I was engrossed in the story of these characters lives.  It had me hook, line, & sinker with the "big twist" at the end, but you aren't gonna get anything more about that out of me!  I really want to give it 5 stars, my only hesitation is that I feel like you could possibly wait to rent it on DVD.  The only movie I've given 5 stars to is Juno, & I felt the need to tell anyone & everyone that they must see it.  I didn't quite get that same feeling with Atonement.  There is no doubt I would recommend it to others, but it is not necessarily a "must-rush-out-& see-right-now"-movie.

Juno & Some "Me" Time

Have your say at urbanmoms.ca!  Have you seen Juno yet?  Let us know what you thought in the comments section below & be sure to rate the number of stars you would give to Juno.  Five Stars - Run, don't walk, to the theatre.  Four Stars - Worth seeing.  Three Stars - Not bad.  Two Stars - Marginal.  One Star - Do not waste your time.

Thanks so much everyone for letting me sit on the "pity potty" in my last post.  Everyone needs a little bit of that every once in a while. 

So I went to the movie on Sunday, & actually had a bit of company in the form of a good friend of mine, who too needed some "me" time.  I couldn't say no to another mom in such desperate need!!  So off we trotted to the movie at 11 am & proceeded to polish off a whole large tub of popcorn with no problem.  Heaven, I say!!

In Theatres Now

Juno

More than likely you have heard at least some of the buzz about this movie.  Official Selections at both the Toronto International & Telluride Film Festivals.  Golden Globe noms for Best Picture (musical or comedy), Best Actress (Ellen Page), & Best Screenplay (Diablo Cody).  Certainly talk of Oscar noms as well.  Roger Ebert has called it "just about the best movie of the year."  It has a 94% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.   So what did I think?  Pretty much that all of the accolades in the world cannot do this movie an ounce of justice.  It is bar none the best movie I have seen this year, probably the past several years.  Every aspect of this movie is spot on, from the directing, to the acting, to the writing, & the music.

Juno is the story of a 16-year old who gets pregnant & how she & the people around her deal with her "predicament."  Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page, a good Canadian girl) is smart, funny, strange, complex & quite possibly one of the most interesting characters brought to screen in recent memory.  She doesn't treat her unplanned pregnancy with the usual melodrama that is portrayed in too many a coming-of-age movies.  She disguises most of her true feelings with sarcasm & humour, but you know her emotions lie just right below the surface.  After an un-nerving trip to "Women Now" to, as she puts it, "procure a hasty abortion", she decides to continue with the pregnancy & give the baby up for adoption.   She then has to tell her parents (played by JK Simmons & Allison Janney...& honestly total geniuses in their roles).  The scene where she tells her parents is priceless.  It is funny, but not at the expense of the true emotion of it all.  I wish I could tell you some of the one-liners from this scene, but I don't want to ruin it for all of you.  Her parents are intelligent, kind, understanding, &, most amazing of all, the least judgemental parents you will see on the big screen.  Funny thing is that they are probably the most real parents you will ever see on the big screen.  They are not charicatures, they could be your good friends.  In fact, I hope I could act in such a cool & calm manner if faced with a similar parenting dilemma.

Then we meet the adoptive parents, Vanessa & Mark Loring (Jennifer Garner & Jason Bateman), who seem to be the perfect parents for her baby.  Well, let's just say that not everything is as it seems (but not in a "Hand that Rocks the Cradle" kind of way).  Jennifer Garner is wonderful & heart-breaking as a woman so desperate to become a mother & Jason Bateman is the cool guy, wannabe rock-star who "sold-out" (according to Juno anyway) & writes jingles for cereal commercials.  She worries about the difference between custard & lemon meringue paint colours on the walls of the baby's nursery while he hangs out in his "room" where the last vestiges of "rock-star Mark" reside.

The movie has you hooked & following along the ride such that you can't see the twists and turns in the plot.  Director Jason Reitman (son of Ivan Reitman) deserves a directing nod, in the very least for the way he uses the long fade to black at the end of important scenes.  It allows you a few extra seconds to let the character's reactions & true emotions set in.  The casting is just perfect in every part.  Juno's best friend Leah (Olivia Thirlby) is hysterical in the way she pokes fun at Juno, but you always know she loves her & is there to support Juno in whatever she does.  Michael Cera's performance is so understated as Paulie Bleeker, the unfortunate baby-daddy who may feel more for Juno than he originally lets on.

And did I mention the music?!?  It's like the music tells you what is going on below the surface of all of the characters in Juno.  I think I'm going to head straight out after the holiday & get the soundtrack, & frankly that is saying a lot since I can't even remember the last cd I bought!

But now I'm just gushing!!  I think that this was the perfect movie at the perfect time for me.  I laughed so hard in parts & actually sobbed (that lovely, unattractive, uncontrollably-shaking sob) in other parts.  It took me 'til the end of the credits to compose myself enough to leave the theatre.  In the end I would say that if you can find some time in your post holiday travels to make it out to see this movie, you will not be disappointed.  It is so very rarely that a movie like this gets made, & I figure the people responsible should be rewarded for it.  Maybe Hollywood might make more like it.  In the very least you will be thoroughly, & immensely entertained.

The Golden Compass

Have you seen The Golden Compass yet?  What did you think?  Have your say & rate it here!

Well, you had to know I was going to go see this movie.  We've already had a very lively discussion by our own Ali in her most recent Friday Hot Topics post, so I thought we could round out the discussion with a review of the movie (it was the movie that stirred up all of this hullabaloo anyway).  I will state off the bat, that I have only just started (I mean today...like I said just started) reading the book on which this movie is based, so I can't comment on how strictly they have or haven't followed the book.  My Mom has been trying to get me to read them for several years now, as she has stated that she enjoyed them even more than the Harry Potter books.  My Mom has read just about everything that is fiction out there, so I figure she is a fairly good measure.  But other books (namely one Harry Potter 7) got in the way & The Golden Compass fell a bit by the wayside.  I will not deny that the controversy has renewed my interested in the His Dark Materials series.

So what exactly is the controversy?  Well, for those of you who haven't heard anything about it (honestly I'd love to know where you've been because it sounds like a nice, peaceful place), the movie seems to be getting criticism from both sides now.  It started back in October when a group known as the Catholic League (apparently no actual affiliation with the Catholic church) came out against the movie because they felt Philip Pullman (the author) aimed to "bash Christianity & promote atheism to kids."  For what its worth this organization has published its own 23-page rebuttal to the books, & will sell it to you for $5 (capitalism at its best).  Many other Christian groups have followed suit, warning their constituencies against the "messages" in the movie.  Still other Christian groups have supported the movie's overall themes of loyalty, honour, & friendship.  What I'm sure New Line Cinema didn't count on was a backlash by the many Pullman followers who believe that they have so "watered-down" the story that it is a veritable shell of its literary incarnation. Frankly I'm not really shocked about this one, look at all of the criticism that the Lord of the Rings movies took, even though they are now generally regarded as the gold-standard for all "fantasy" movies to be judged by.

This is the thing.  The movie is good, not great.  It is cinematically beautiful, as you are transported to  an alternate universe, somewhat close to our own, but so slightly off that you have that "we're not in Kansas anymore" feeling.  We follow Lyra Bellaqua, a young orphan (played with such nerve & defiance by unknown Dakota Blue Richards) on an epic adventure to save her friend Roger from a group, known to the children as "Goblers", who have been kidnapping children & conducting nefarious experiments on them.  Lyra is accompanied by her closest companion, her daemon Pan, which is the physical representation of someone's soul or free-will (we had a lengthy discussion regarding whether or not other people can hear what your daemon is saying...our conclusion is no).  She meets good & bad people (& ice bears, witches, etc.) along the way on her quest to honour the promise she made to Roger.  Lyra is a bit of an anti-heroine.  She more often lies her way in & out of predicaments (frankly, some of the most enjoyable parts of the film) & she carries a tone in her voice that, when challenged, reminds me of many a pre-teen girl in our universe.  The problem starts to arise with these supporting cast of characters who are there to help or hinder Lyra's quest.  I felt that the filmmakers spent so much time trying to "water-down" the religious overtones in the book, that they managed to "water-down" the supporting characters to the point of being boring, dull & often times incidental.  There are a few stand-outs in Nicole Kidman, as the twisted Mrs. Coulter, & Ian McKellan, as the disgraced ice-bear Iorek Byrnison.  But unfortunately the rest of the supporting characters, although the potential for them to be great is there, are never truly examined or fleshed-out.  What I am hoping is that these characters will get their due time in the subsequent movies, but unfortunately these 2 movies may never get made if Compass doesn't see a big enough box-office return.

As far as the controversy goes, you would be hard-pressed to find anything even hinting at organized religion being the bad guy (yes, I know that the Magesterium is from the Catholic church, but a vast many don't, including most of those impressionable young people that all of the fuss is supposedly being made on behalf of).  The bad guys are portrayed as a theocratic, Soviet Russia-type organization, that wants to do away with free-will & free thought, for what they see as the betterment of all.

I truly wonder whether boycotts & controversies actually keep people away from movies?  The old adage that "no press is bad press" comes to mind.  Frankly, I think the controversy put the movie (& subsequently the books) on a lot of people's radar who otherwise would not have even known about it.  What may actually keep more people away are mediocre reviews.  I really wanted to love this movie.  I came away entertained, but not hold your breath, edge of your seat entertained.  More just "well that wasn't a total waste of time."  Not exactly a glowing feeling.

Just as a little aside, I was astounded by the number of young children who were in the theatre (children under 7).  This is a PG-13 rated movie (in the US anyway, not quite sure if there is such a rating in Canada), mostly for violence.  My thought is that if you wouldn't let your child see The Fellowship of the Ring due to violence, then the same should hold true for this movie.

So let us know what you thought about the movie (or the whole controversy).  I'm sticking with 3 stars, as it was entertaining, but left a lot to be desired.