If you have read any number of my posts before, you'll know that I am a sucker for animation—hand drawn in particular. However, when it comes to computer animation, I am definitely a Pixar fangirl. Ever since Toy Story, I have been smitten by the creativity and execution of the company's films. With the exception of Cars 2, I have not missed a single one of their creations. You can imagine how excited I was that Brave was in the works. I followed the teasers, trailers, and images from blog to blog until this past weekend when it finally premiered.
Needless to say, Brave does not disappoint. It strays from the traditional princess storyline by giving Merida, our fire-haired protagonist, a tough personality. The animation is phenomenal (I watched it in regular vision) and the music was so poignant and appropriate.
To be honest, I already know that I am biased by this film, so it's unfair for me to give it a grade. Instead, I will blatantly suggest that you and your family and your neighbors' kids go see Brave. Already seen it? Let me know what you thought.
There is something undeniably clever about pitting Abraham Lincoln as a vampire hunter. Is it his honest nature, his tall hat, his impressive beard? Have those qualities always been hiding a secret greater than what Dexterhas happening in Miami? Well, that's how it should have been, but this film really dumbed down the storyline of Seth Grahame-Smith's enjoyable novel of the same name. Because this review will be rife with spoilers, I would suggest steering clear of the jump if you wanted to be surprised at the theater. Otherwise, hit the jump and we can continue.
Although this is delayed, I think that The Hunger Games deserves a film review here on NewfoundJoye. I read the entire trilogy just before the film was announced, so I had plenty of time to imagine what the film would be like. Unlike most book-to-film ventures, this franchise benefits from the big screen. It was written for film in a way. The best way to watch a televised event of children fighting to the death is for you to be able to see it. Either way, I'm going to be spoiling this film, so if you have not yet gotten around to seeing it, stay away from the jump.
I've been very devoted to watching each Pirates of the Caribbean installation in theaters. This latest (and final) offering from the Disney franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (POTC 4), left me feeling a bit sad and disappointed. Hit the jump for the full review (spoilers follow).
Naturally, I have been waiting to see Tangled for some time—since nearly last year actually. Then, it was called Rapunzel, but that is neither here nor there. When it comes to animated movies, Disney holds the crown. Some of my favorites are their cell-animated feature films from the 80s and 90s. However, Tangled really showed off their skill with 3D animation (though I watched it in 2D—do you know how outrageous ticket prices have become?). Hit the jump for the full review.
These past few weeks have been extremely busy and packed full of things to do, so I am only now getting my review for Harry Potter 7 up. I have never read any of the books for Harry Potter, so I am only basing my review from the movies and their relation to one another. That being said, I'm going to go ahead and jump right in with the review.
I am always excited to see cartoon films. If you have read my blog for a while, you'll know that I generally see most animated feature-length films while they are still in theaters. Since Harry Potter and Tangled are coming out later this month, I expected Megamind to be a decent film for a lazy Sunday afternoon to tide me over until these come out. To be honest with you, I am not a huge fan of 3D, so I watched Megamind in good, old-fashioned 2D and I enjoyed the whole thing. Hit the jump for the full review (with spoilers).
To be completely honest with you, reader, I did not know much about Red, but I wanted to see it. Unlike most of my movie picks, I didn't check out the official site or follow it avidly until it opened. Instead, I saw one glimpse of Helen Mirren shooting someone followed by quick shots of Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised after watching this engaging film. Hit the jump for the full review (sans spoilers).
Have you ever wanted a real "laugh out loud" comedy? Like when you watch a funny show at home and laugh so hard that you end up shaking? Then you'll definitely feel at home when you watch Dinner for Schmucks. I've been all over kid movies this summer, but I'm getting a bit more grown with my choices as fall approaches. If you are in the mood for a truly enjoyable film this summer, I recommend that you head to your local movie theater and pick up a ticket for Dinner with Schmucks. Hit the jump for the full review.
So, if you have read my blog for a while, you will already know that I am a fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender(Avatar), a cartoon that recently finished its run on Nickelodeon. You can imagine that I was extremely excited to see the live-action film in theaters this past weekend. However, I hate to say it, but I was quite disappointed by the film. Hit the jump for the full review.
I was very excited about Disney • Pixar's latest release. If you are unaware, Pixar is a 3D animation studio known for coming out with one film at least every year or so. However, over ten years ago, Toy Story was the movie that started it all. A few years later, Pixar brought Andy's toys back to life for Toy Story 2. Now, Toy Story 3 debuted over this past weekend and it was just as well-executed as I could have hoped. I've got a grade below and the full review (with spoilers) after the jump.
Anyone that has ever watched the original Karate Kid series might have been a little wary of a millennium remake. Not only is the iconic Mr. Miyagi now deceased, it seems that there is not much that could be done by Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith for The Karate Kid. Luckily for you, readers, I bring good news about a remake—amazing! Hit the jump for the full review.
It was definitely a movie watching weekend for me. I wanted to see Just Wright because it seemed like a good romantic comedy. You can only do but so much with romantic comedies, so while the story is similar to others, I was expecting something that would make laugh. While there were some laughs, I have to say that I was disappointed by the film. Hit the jump for the full review.
Oh gosh, I love cartoons! I had heard plenty of good things about How to Train Your Dragon, so I decided to see it in 3D before it went out of theaters. Although I was certain that it would be a decent film, it actually exceeded my expectations. Hit the jump for the full review.
The joys of the sequel. Iron Man 2 premiered this past weekend raking in $133.6 million surpassing the debut of the original. For many, it's the excitement of watching one of their favorite characters revisited in live action that drove them to the theater. For others, it was just to see the pretty people—and there were some attractive actors and actresses in this sequel. I don't want to spoil the film for anyone who hasn't seen it, so please hit the jump for the full review.
I try my best to keep up with the happenings of movies that I want to watch in theaters. I will probably be supportive of Disney by watching Tangled (previously Rapunzel) in theaters this fall. A short teaser was released a few months ago, so I've posted it below for your viewing pleasure.
This review is slightly overdue. I was very excited to watch this film—in theaters—and it did not disappoint. Usually, I need a jump so I don't give anything away, but there is no need this time. The Losers has action, explosions, gunfights and a little bit of romance, so if this is your kind of film, head over to your local theater and watch it on the big screen. The acting was excellent, the cinematography was on point and the story was really good.
I did not read the comic books, so I am not certain how true the film is to it, but I really enjoyed The Losers regardless. I know this has turned into a recommendation and not a review, but hey!—check out my grade!
Before I begin this review, I must explain that I went to see Clash of the Titans only because my sister wanted to watch it. I did not watch the original film, I was not particularly interested in this year's remake from the previews and I am not a huge mythology buff. However, after disappointment from watching Alice in Wonderland in "amazing" 3D, I opted not to watch Clash of the Titans in 3D sticking to regular old 2D instead. I am honestly very glad that I saved the money. I discovered from other reviews that it was no worth it at all. For the full review, hit the jump—I don't want to spoil the film for anyone who wants to watch it.
Have you ever noticed that some films become part of your everyday life? You pull out a quote from it while you are in conversation with friends. You think back to a scene from it when something similar happens in real life? Usually, I have found that this occurs mostly with classic films, but Fantastic Mr. Fox is a welcome exception.
I have not read the book by Roald Dahl, but I am a fan of many of his other works (i.e.Matilda, James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Following in the fashion of others that have depicted Dahl's novels, the style in which the movie is presented is unique and perfect for telling the story. I am a fan of stop-motion animation and it allowed for plenty of interesting visuals throughout the whole film.
I recommend that you buy this film. However, if you are not a fan of personal video libraries, stop by your local video rental store or add it to your queue on Netflix. Fantastic Mr. Fox will not disappoint.
I honestly don't think I have been this excited to see a movie in a while. I have been looking forward to Alice in Wonderland since I saw the first preview. However, I might have been a little too excited. While promising, Alice in Wonderland was nowhere near as good as it could have been. I hate to say it, but it definitely fell short which is strange for a Tim Burton film. To keep the spoilers to a minimum, the full review is after the jump.
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