TinyDanseur27 Reviews

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Thoroughly enjoyable if seen with no expectations for plot loyalty.

[8/10 · 21 December 2013]

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is thoroughly enjoyable if you go in without any expectations. Just the fact that they've broken up the book The Hobbit into three separate movies gave me the notion to expect the worst in terms of staying loyal to the plot line. With this in mind, I found this second installment of The Hobbit to be quite entertaining. The writers use the original story of The Hobbit as a basic framework, and then expand on it with added characters, sub-plots, and action scenes. All of these additions, though unnecessary to the original story, add some color and pizazz to The Hobbit that makes for an entertainment-packed film. There is action, suspense, witty dialogue, comedy, and even a little romance. As long as you can view this movie as a completely separate entity from the book, what's not to like?

My only real criticism with this film (and the first Hobbit film), is that the special effects team went a little overboard with the action sequences. What were complex battle scenes and stunts that looked realistic in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, are now obviously computer- generated, video game-like scenes that go on a bit longer than is necessary. Do audiences require so much stimulation these days? Is having Legolas shoot orcs while balancing on a dwarf's head while floating down a river really required? In these moments I was taken out of the fantasy. Although fun to see, they just aren't believable, and personally I want at least a tiny element of realism in this fantasy- filled film.

Other than that though, I recommend fantasy and LOTR lovers alike to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The two hours and forty-one minutes goes by pretty fast. Get lost in Middle Earth.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Colorful, moving, and exciting!

[7/10 · 1 December 2013]

I really liked The Hunger Games: Catching Fire! Jennifer Lawrence is delightful, an ideal heroine/role-model for young girls. She's strong, smart, beautiful, and great with a bow and arrow. Phillip Seymour Hoffman was an awesome addition to the second film, and Donald Sutherland continues as the despicable President Snow. Excellent casting in my opinion!

The art direction in this movie is breath-taking. The costumes, sets (especially in The Capitol) are phenomenal. They're futuristic and chic, reminiscent of the work of Jean Paul Gaultier. The entire film is eye candy in my opinion. So much color!

Take This Waltz (2011)

Take This Waltz: heart-breaking, yet beautiful.

[5/10 · 9 July 2013]

I found Take This Waltz to be both heart-breaking and beautiful. Michelle Williams plays Margot, who upon meeting Daniel (played by Luke Kirby), a free-spirited artist and coincidentally, her neighbor, finds her world turned upside down as she struggles with amounting feelings for him despite being married to Lou (played by Seth Rogan) for five years. Her relationship with Lou is already lacking some indescribable thing. She loves him yet can't help but imagine a life with Daniel whose passion and overt sexuality intrigue her. This film follows her inner struggle and the crumbling of her marriage to Lou.

This movie horrified me in a way. It painted the picture of an ideal marriage and showed how sometimes even close-to-perfect isn't good enough. Despite her love for her husband, Margot chooses passion and risk over the safety and comfort of her marriage. I couldn't help but feel unbelievably bad for Lou, who appeared to be a really wonderful guy. His only flaw was that he seemed in denial about the issues in their relationship. I guess it's one of those situations where you'd just need to be in Margot's shoes to really understand her decision. I felt very torn though. On one hand I think Margot deserved happiness and made the right decision. On the other hand, what she did was incredibly selfish and hurtful.

Despite all that though, I enjoyed Take This Waltz. It was visually very rich with lots of color and beauty in the surroundings. Michelle Williams blew me away yet again with her versatility and courage in this role. She's daring, which makes this movie so worth watching.

The Cost of Living (2005 TV Movie)

Creative and confusing with remarkable dancing and choreography!

[8/10 · 8 July 2013]

The Cost of Living follows a handful of dancers in the UK: a young blonde man with a foul vocabulary, a middle-aged man with no legs who moves around by walking on his hands, a brunette woman forced to put up with the annoying young blonde man's antics, a dead-panned lanky fellow and his love interest, a young, exotic-looking, scantily clad hula hoop-er. With very strange and minimal dialogue, this motley group engage in various unique duets and ensemble dances.

I'd be lying if I said I understood the story that was being told or exactly what the point of it all was. What really struck me though was the dancing (go figure). The way the dancers interacted, despite their different shapes and sizes, really amazed me. For example the man with no legs does a duet with the brunette woman in a dance studio. They roll on the floor, climb over each other, share weight and counter-balance. It was so fluid and seemingly easy. The fact that the man had no legs wasn't an issue at all. I've seen a few videos on YouTube of handicapped people dancing in wheel chairs but I never gave much thought to how they would move without the wheel chair. This duet showed me that dancing in possible no matter what your physical It was inspiring!

Anonymous (I) (2011)

Wonderful, but watch with a grain of salt; Anonymous rewrites history.

[9/10 · 8 July 2013]

Anonymous was about the myth that William Shakespeare did not in fact write any of his works, that he was just a front man for an Earl who, to respect his station in society, could not reveal that he was a playwright. I wouldn't venture as far as to say that I believe that myth, but I would say that it made for an extremely compelling film and I left feeling quite inspired to go read Shakespeare's complete works.

Rhys Ifans played the Earl of Oxford, the "man behind the magic" in Anonymous. Having only seen him in a few minor roles in movies like Notting Hill and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, I was delighted to see him take a lead role by the reins and really own it. He was wonderfully pompous, dark and tormented. I was amused by the make-up artist's choice to have him wear black eye-shadow the entire movie, but somehow it worked. He was kind of like the "emo-kid" of his day, wearing all black and pouring his soul into his art, his writing.

The rest of cast were quite excellent as well, with Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson sharing the role of Queen Elizabeth I, and Rafe Spall as the ridiculous William Shakespeare. The Shakespeare in Anonymous was a self-centered, drunken buffoon, a depiction which I felt was both ballsy and amusing. It takes some nerve to write a pivotal literary and historical figure as a complete idiot. Never-the-less, it was essential to the story and I enjoyed the different take on history.

The artistic elements were stunning. The drama was thrilling. The content was very thought-provoking. I highly recommend Anonymous, especially to those who love historical dramas/period films. I'm saddened it only showed in select theaters. It just goes to show what the general populous is drawn to and it's not historical dramas. If you are a hard-core traditionalist when it comes to history and Shakespeare, watch the movie with a grain of salt. The writers rewrote much of history.

Dancing Across Borders (2010)

Dancing Across Borders and heart-warming and inspirational!

[5/10 · 30 June 2013]

Dancing Across Borders is about Sokvannara 'Sy' Sar, a Cambodian boy who is spotted by a woman during her trip to Cambodia. Upon seeing him perform a traditional Cambodian dance, and recognizing the uncultivated talent he possessed, the woman offers Sy the opportunity to come to America and study ballet in New York City. This documentary is about Sy's journey to America and how he not only learned ballet, but came to be an extraordinary professional dancer.

I found this documentary to be very heart-warming. Sy is a very likable guy. The documentary contains countless dance footage of him with interviews with Sy and his teachers interspersed throughout. Considering that Sy had never heard of ballet, he didn't know any English upon his arrival to the U.S., and got a very late start in pursuing a professional career in ballet, his story is quite miraculous. I thought that the subject of this documentary was really interesting and I found myself rather inspired by Sy's story.

My issue with the documentary was that it dragged a bit. The pace seemed a bit too slow to me and many of the interviews were just saying the same thing again and again: how great Sy is. I loved the dance footage though. There were some especially great clips of rehearsal footage. I just felt that Dancing Across Borders could have used a bit more editing. Overall, I liked it though! I give it 6 stars!

The Women on the 6th Floor (2010)

Not only hilarious, but sweet and romantic as well!

[9/10 · 30 June 2013]

I was pleasantly surprised however, when Les femmes du 6ème étage turned out to be not only hilarious, but sweet and romantic as well. Les femmes du 6ème étage is about a wealthy Frenchman in the 1960s who, upon hiring a Spanish maid, comes to find himself through getting to know all of the Spanish maids that live on the 6th floor of his building. This quirky group of women not only educate him in their ways of life, but influence him to loosen up and start really living for the first time.

What a wonderful film! It was funny and heart-warming with just the right touch of drama. The characters were all incredibly well-developed and likable, and the acting was superb! I highly recommend it! This was the best film I've seen in ages!

Memento (2000)

Memento kept me on pins and needles! Christopher Nolan did not disappoint!

[9/10 · 30 June 2013]

Wow! What a movie… I regret not seeing Memento a long time ago. It was so fascinating! Memento tells the story of Leonard, a man suffering from short-term memory loss after a tragic incident in which his wife was raped and killed. To cope with his condition, Leonard takes Polaroid pictures, writes himself notes and tattoos himself with reminders and instructions that help him on his quest to find and kill the man who killed his wife. What is so remarkable about Memento, other than the unique plot line, is that the story is told in reverse. The movie begins with Leonard killing a man named Teddy and concludes with the events that happened days beforehand.

I've never seen a movie quite like this! Just the fact that it unfolds in reverse is amazing to me. It created a level of suspense unlike anything else. I actually only intended to watch about 30 minutes of it before bed and watch the rest the next day. I couldn't turn it off though! It kept me on pins and needles as I waited to find out some unknown truth about Leonard and his condition. Memento did not disappoint!

Other than the riveting plot and structure of the movie, the way it was shot was brilliant. Segments in color were interspersed with black and white segments in which we see Leonard in a hotel room on the phone telling someone about his condition. It gave an intimate look into the psyche of this very damaged man. Guy Pearce was perfection! I was thoroughly impressed with his acting in Memento.

I would definitely recommend this film! Christopher Nolan struck gold with Memento; if you haven't seen it yet, please do!

Hope Springs (2012)

The trailer was misleading. Hope Springs was anything but funny.

[4/10 · 28 June 2013]

The preview for this movie made it seem like a comedy. Well personally I think it would be a stretch to call it that. Hope Springs tells the story of a married couple, who at 31 years together find themselves without any intimacy or connection in their relationship anymore. Kay, played by Meryl Streep, is tired of their lackluster relationship and arranges for the two of them to attend intensive couples counseling in Maine. Arnold, her husband played by Tommy Lee Jones, is in denial about their marital problems, but begrudgingly joins her for the week-long intensive. Steve Carell plays the therapist Dr. Feld which gave me the hope that hilarity would ensue. Alas, it was one of Steve Carell's most unfunny roles, and Hope Springs was anything but funny.

The movie hones in on a very important and very common problem in marriages today: letting the spark die out. The discomfort which Kay and Arnold experience as they try to find the passion in their relationship again is something many people experience. Thus, I felt like this movie had an important message that is applicable to a large body of people. It conveyed the importance of maintaining intimacy with your partner and taking that extra time and effort to show them they are appreciated. It demonstrated the difficulty a couple can experience in trying to rebuild a relationship. I think it could be a good/important film for married couples to see.

I give it 5 stars because I was both hoping and expecting some comedy. The trailer was misleading. Throughout the movie I just felt either sad or uncomfortable. The acting was pretty superb but the plot lacked any real dynamic. The climax was barely there and the resolution was unexciting. I would recommend this film as a precursor for couples therapy, not a source of great entertainment.

First Position (2011)

I felt very informed and inspired after watching First Position!

[8/10 · 28 June 2013]

First Position was a brilliant documentary in my opinion! It gives the audience an intimate look at the lives of seven dancers ages 9-17 who are preparing for the Youth America Grand Prix international ballet competition. They each are hoping to receive a scholarship to study at a world-renown ballet institution, or a job offer so that they can achieve their dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer. The documentary addresses the lifestyles of these children, their performances at the Grand Prix semi-finals, and eventually the finals in New York City.

I felt like this gave a really interesting and accurate depiction of the lives of these young dancers. The kids they picked to interview were very diverse and likable. I found myself routing for all of them. Also important, the documentary addressed how this career path has affected the lives of the parents of the children. The parents vary from loving and supportive to completely overbearing. I enjoyed the variety of approaches to the same goal.

I really would recommend this documentary. The subject is really interesting. The way it is filmed and edited is ideal (not too fast, not too slow) and the dancing is absolutely breath-taking. I felt very informed and very inspired after watching First Position.

Shame (2011)

Shame is intense insight into an all-consuming issue; Michael Fassbender is phenomenal!

[9/10 · 27 June 2013]

Shame is about a sex-addict and his sister, starring Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan. After having seen the new Jane Eyre, Inglourious Bastards, and A Dangerous Method, I was excited to see more of Michael Fassbender. He's an actor who a couple years ago I couldn't have named one movie I'd seen him in, but who has recently blown me away with his amazing courage and versatility. Shame proved to be another great example of just how marvelous Fassbender is.

This movie peeks into the life of Brandon, a successful New York businessman who, while seemingly normal on the outside, is severely addicted to sex in private. His younger sister Sissy comes to stay with him which disrupts his life and causes friction between the two of them. Where this movie lacks in a narrative plot, it makes up for in the intense insight into this all-consuming issue and how it destroys not only Brandon, but his relationships with his sister, friends and potential partners.

Both Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan gave superb performances. I really felt sucked into the downward spiral that was their lives. What really amazed me about the movie though was just how fearless they must have been to shoot a movie of this nature. Needless-to-say there was a lot of sex and nudity. Just the thought that behind each one of those scenes is a director, cameramen and hundreds of crew, really made an impression on me. I can't imagine getting up in front of a crowd and doing what those actors did. It was tastefully done in my opinion, but I'll just say that there wasn't much left up to the imagination.

Regardless, I would recommend this movie to those of age (and who don't mind watching downers). It really was thought-provoking.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Just make sure you see the movie before reading the book in this case.

[6/10 · 27 June 2013]

I had high expectations since I enjoyed the book so much. However, after having read the book, I was hyper-aware of all changes and exclusions made in the movie. Normally this doesn't bug me that much, but I felt that the changes didn't add to the movie at all. I left the theater feeling frustrated and disappointed with a movie that for all intents and purposes was actually quite good.

On a side note, I thought the movie was excellently cast. Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara were perfect. I love seeing up and comers (Rooney Mara) knock a role out of the ballpark. She was wonderful. I look forward to seeing more of her.

Bachelorette (2012)

The female equivalent to The Hangover but much worse.

[1/10 · 27 June 2013]

I had a feeling when I turned on this movie that it would be pretty terrible; I don't know why I watched it really. My feeling was confirmed as I sat through the hour and twenty-two minute cluster-f*** that was Bachelorette. The movie is about three women who find themselves as bridesmaids to a girl they were friends with, but made fun of in high school. Regan, played by Kirsten Dunst, plays your typical bridesmaid- zilla control freak, who despite giving the impression of being put together, is in fact miserable. Gena, played by Mean Girls' Lizzy Caplan, is a washed up party girl who is still inconveniently hung up on her high school boyfriend. Last but not least, Isla Fisher plays Katie, who is pretty much just Gloria Cleary (from Wedding Crasher) on drugs. The three women find themselves up a creek when they accidentally rip the bride's wedding dress the night before the wedding. They have to run around New York City to find a way to fix it. Despite what the title suggests, the bachelorette party only lasted a couple minutes; the majority of the movie had nothing to do with it.

I felt like this was the female equivalent to The Hangover but much worse (which is really saying something, because I HATE The Hangover). The preposterous situations these women found themselves in were not funny, just uncomfortable. Their characters were just sad and unlikeable. Perhaps the one redeeming aspect of the movie was that the three women seemed to have personal epiphanies about their lifestyle and appeared changed by the film's conclusion. Never-the-less, I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone. It was dark, chaotic, and at times really gross. I give it 3 stars because I did sit through the whole thing (miraculously).

The Artist (I) (2011)

Reminiscent of Singin in the Rain: a clever and fun film for the ages!

[9/10 · 26 June 2013]

Set in 1920s Hollywood, silent film actor George Valentin, played by Jean Dujardin, quickly feels the rug pulled out from under him when the "talkies" start taking over the silver screen. His career falls by the wayside to up and comer Peppy Miller, played by Berenice Bejo, a newbie unafraid to let herself be heard.

What was so interesting about this movie though was not the plot. It was the style. This movie was in all black and white and (almost) completely silent! It even had the text windows that old silent movies used to have. I loved it! It really emphasized the drama and body language. Not having words to rely on made me all that much more aware of the thoughts and feelings of the characters. Dujardin was brilliant in his depiction of a washed-up silent actor. His eyebrows had a life of their own. Bejo was so cute, the ideal 20s flapper girl.

I thought that this movie was similar to the timeless classic Singin in the Rain for two reasons. Reason #1: both movies are about silent actors coming to terms with the advent of talking pictures. Reason #2: Jean Dujardin had something very Gene Kelly-ish about him. As I watched The Artist, I really felt like I was watching Gene Kelly with a mustache. Maybe it's his eyes. Maybe it's his smile. I don't know but I kept thinking of Gene Kelly throughout The Artist.

Pina (2011)

Candy for my eyes and food for my soul!

[10/10 · 26 June 2013]

For those of you not immersed in the dance world, Pina is a movie about German choreographer Pina Bausch, who recently died at the age of 68. She was a pioneer in her field to say the least, really breaking boundaries with Modern and site-specific dance. I'd obviously heard her name many times in my course of study in college, but really wasn't that familiar with her or her work before going to see the movie. The movie isn't so much a biography of her life as just a presentation of her work by the dancers in her company, interspersed with brief interviews. The dancers each in turn share their impressions of her and what it was like to work with her, while showing some of her most awe-inspiring choreography. I was so moved! Dancer or not, this movie is worth $15 spent to see it in 3-D.

What really made an impression on me about Pina's choreography and her dancers was the authenticity of the emotional content. Her work is so emotional by nature, often very sad but sometimes extremely joyous as well. The dancers weren't faking it though. The things they were feeling were real. Obviously I'm not in their heads but something in the way they carried themselves and executed each movement indicated to me that this was a very real and meaningful experience for them. It transcended the mime and pretend of much concert dance I've seen. They were so committed; I couldn't help but feel what they were feeling.

Another aspect of her choreography that I found very unique was the site-specific elements she incorporated into her work. She made wonderful use of nature, be it dirt, water, leaves, rocks, trees, or even things found in a city. She used these things the same way Balanchine would use the cavalier in relation to the ballerina. There was a partnership between dancer and environment. The surroundings weren't just a setting, they were part of the dance and without them the meaning would not be the same. I found it so inspiring! In all honesty, I've never been one for site-specific dance. My own experiences with it have been far from satisfying. In Pina's choreography however, I found inspiration! I would like to dabble in site-specific work more now.

I don't feel that I have the words to do this movie justice. Just go see it. It was candy for my eyes and food for my soul. I feel so inspired and so thankful to have a person like Pina Bausch pave the way in the art I'm so passionate about.

A Separation (2011)

Incredibly depressing, yet I didn't hate it. It was brilliant movie-making.

[9/10 · 26 June 2013]

A Separation is about a couple in Iran struggling with their marriage. The wife leaves the husband temporarily in the hopes of eventually leaving Iran with their daughter. In the midst of this trouble the husband is accused of assaulting the woman he had hired to look after his elderly father (with Alzheimer's). There is a lot of arguing and crying. There is a lot of helplessness. Basically this movie is just one upsetting situation after another.

Normally, I'm not a fan of movies where nothing good/happy happens. I'm a sucker for happy endings when it really comes down to it. This movie was incredibly depressing, yet I didn't hate it. I guess it was because it was just so well done. The acting was some of the best I've ever seen. The way the movie was shot was brilliant. It was intimate and really honest, no fluff. There was no music to amplify or suggest a mood for the scenes; you had just the actors to feed off of. That was enough. Wonderful movie-making.

I was not surprised that this movie was nominated for two Academy Awards, one for Best Foreign Film and one for Best Original Screenplay. It was excellent. Upsetting and excellent. Would I recommend this movie? Well... I guess it depends on what kind of movie-watcher you are. If you're an Oscar junkie/movie buff, YES YES YES! It was so worth seeing. If you watch movies to escape from reality into feel-good land, don't see this film. You will NOT feel good at all.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

I might just have to travel to India now!

[7/10 · 25 June 2013]

I had only seen one preview for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I was drawn by the all-star British cast and the apparent humor. I mean, who doesn't love Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, and Bill Nighy in comedic roles? It didn't really occur to me that 90% of the cast of the movie was over the age of 60 until I showed up at the theater and I was younger than the majority of the audience by at least 30 years. We felt a little out of place but it mattered not in the end. The comedy and heart-warming nature of the film made up for any awkwardness I felt sitting in the theater. It was a laugh-out-loud kind of film. Dev Patel, whom most people know as the star of Slumdog Millionaire, delivered a splendid performance as the over-enthusiastic dreamer who owned/ran the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful. The dialogue was witty and the all British cast were perfect for their roles. There's just something in the way these British patriots of the film industry act that adds a quality to the film that is unique to their culture and experience. I love British flicks!

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was located in Jaipur, India. In watching the film, one gets a glimpse into the chaos, beauty, poverty, and culture of India. It really fascinated me. There was just so much life there, so much color. At the same time, it looked like you'd be in constant peril of being either pick-pocketed or run over by a motorbike. Never-the-less I really loved spending the 124 minutes that I sat watching the movie in India. I haven't seen many movies that take place there; I think just Slumdog Millionaire and Eat, Pray, Love. All three of the movies make it seem like an amazing place though, amazing in the sense that it's completely different from everything I've ever known. I find that intriguing. India has never been at the top of my list of places to travel but now I'm not so sure.

W.E. (2011)

Visually rich and very moving: a new perspective on Wallis Simpson

[8/10 · 25 June 2013]

I love period films, especially British period films, so I knew I must see W.E. I think that there's always been some mystery surrounding Wallis Simpson. What kind of woman was she that could make a man renounce his throne? I think history paints her in a very bad light. She was a "Nazi sympathizer" or a "manipulator". Madonna aimed to tell her side of the story with this movie. I can't help but wonder how true it is, but regardless, I really enjoyed it.

An interesting aspect of this movie is that it not only tells the story of Wallis and Edward, but it also tells the story of a woman named Wally Winthrop. She's a woman in the 1990s, trapped in a failing marriage, who lives vicariously through the story of Wallis and Edward because she believes that theirs was the great romance of the century. Her story is interesting, not only because Abbie Cornish's acting is heart- wrenchingly moving, but also because she represents a modern-day woman's struggle with the same issues that Wallis herself may have experienced. There were many parallels between the two plots. I think that having the two stories made what could have been a typical bio-flick into something much more interesting.

I must mention the actors who played Wallis and Edward, Andrea Riseborough and James D'Arcy. Their portrayals of the characters were so multidimensional. I kept changing my mind about how I felt about them. They were also just so committed to the roles. I watched the special features after the film. The actors talked about all the time they spent training with voice coaches, dance instructors, riding instructors, etiquette coaches, and even a bagpipe instructor. They really immersed themselves into these two people. I really love that about bio-flicks. The level of commitment it takes to become another person is extraordinary. When actors take the time to do so, the result is magical, hence why I love Daniel Day Lewis so much.

Anyway, I wanted to write about this movie because it really moved me. I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it was the woman's perspective, maybe it was the visual richness created by the costumes, sets and makeup, or maybe it was the fabulous acting. Who knows... I loved it. I recommend it to anyone.

Titanic (1997)

So sad. So beautiful. Titanic is a brilliant movie of epic proportions.

[10/10 · 25 June 2013]

In honor of the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, the movie Titanic was re-released in theaters, digitally remastered and in 3-D. Having seen the movie in theaters in 1998 when it came out, and loving it ever since, I was happy to go see it again in 2012. We owned the VHS when I was growing up so I've probably seen Titanic at least a dozen times. There's nothing quite like seeing it in theaters though. It's a film of epic proportions in both budget and content, and I think seeing it on the big screen does it incredible justice. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing it there for the second time.

I think many people criticize Titanic for the "cheesy love story". Jack and Rose are the early 1900's version of Romeo and Juliet, complete with a history that spans a mere few days, clashing backgrounds and of course Jack's death at the end of the movie. They even have some corny dialogue here and there (ex: "I'll never let go Jack. I'll never let go."). In spite of that however, I thoroughly enjoy their story. I feel that, unlike Romeo and Juliet, Jack and Rose's attraction to each other is genuine. She loves him because he pulls her out of her shell and shows her that there is more to life than money and social status. He loves her because she takes a chance on him despite societal expectations and loves him for who he truly is. I think it's great. Call me a romantic but I'm a sucker for their story. On a side note, it's so surreal to see Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet so young. They've certainly evolved as actors since Titanic.

What James Cameron and his crew were able to do with special effects, construction and design in Titanic just floors me. Titanic is just so horrifyingly authentic. Every scream, every person crushed from a torrent of water, every piece of the ship ripped apart just looked so real to me. I think that's why I like it so much. I don't get my kicks from seeing people suffer, but there was something strangely beautiful in how that movie was shot and how the action of the ship sinking unfolds. I really felt like I was there with all those people. I really appreciated just how many different scenes there were. They made it a point to address many different parts of the ship, many different people and many different horrific ends. So sad. So beautiful. I hope that makes some sense.

So now you know, I'm a sucker for Titanic. Guilty as charged.

A Late Quartet (2012)

Brilliantly dramatic! Why didn't I hear about this film when it came out?

[7/10 · 24 June 2013]

A Late Quartet is a film about the trials and tribulations of a 25 year old string quartet when the cellist, Peter, played by Christopher Walken, finds out he has Parkinson's disease. They must decide if and how to continue the quartet, named "The Fugue", in addition to negotiating their roles in the quartet and in each other's lives. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener play the 2nd violinist and violist respectively, a married couple whose relationship is on the rocks. Mark Ivanir takes the role of the first violinist whose perfectionism begins to take a toll on the group dynamic.

I was really pleased with this film. It was very dramatic but I couldn't help but get caught up in the plight of this amazing group. Christopher Walken's impending physical deterioration was absolutely heart-breaking. The thought of not being able to do what one loves most in the world really hit home for me. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener's struggles with their marital relationship v. their musical one was also particularly effective. This film gave insight into a lifestyle that I have only been exposed to slightly. The time, energy and passion involved in pursuing music at that level was conveyed brilliantly. I really recommend this film to anyone.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Absolutely beautiful! Moonrise Kingdom reminds us that film-making is an art.

[9/10 · 24 June 2013]

I enjoyed Moonrise Kingdom. The only other Wes Anderson movie I've seen before is The Darjeeling Limited. I liked that one as well. His movies are very artistic and thought-provoking. They're just so rich visually and really inspire a series of emotions from the viewer. They're both funny and sad. I plan to watch more of them. I've heard the The Royal Tenenbaums is really good as well.

Anyways, Moonrise Kingdom... what can I say? I felt that the previews were slightly misleading in that they focused on the all-stars of the cast: Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand and Bill Murray. Though each of them played a key role in the story, and were brilliant in their roles, it really was about the children. Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman delivered brilliant performances as the troubled twelve- somethings, Suzy and Sam. They really captured the awkwardness of preteen-dom, having all the hormones and curiosities of a teenager while still stuck in a childish body. I see both Hayward and Gilman going far with their careers. They, along with the rest of the cast, were casted brilliantly in this film.

I think what I loved most about Moonrise Kingdom though was the beauty of the film. Every shot was just so darn beautiful. There was so much color and dimension. Wes Anderson really sticks to a specific color palette in this film which provides a wonderful sense of unity and harmony through the movie. I really loved all the yellows and golds. Bold colors for a bold film I think. The Director of Photography really pulled out all the stops as well with his choice of shots and angles. Every scene was an intricate painting. It's movies like Moonrise Kingdom that make me appreciate the art of making movies so much. I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone. Even without gushing over the artistic merit of it, there is something in it for everyone I think.

Rock of Ages (2012)

Super fun with surprising performances by the stars of the film!

[7/10 · 24 June 2013]

Other than knowing that Rock of Ages was a musical (currently on Broadway) and that Tom Cruise was in it, I really was clueless. I'm usually game for musicals though so I figured I would probably like it. Well, that would be an understatement! It was so fun! Despite some cheesy lines and simplistic plot lines, I loved it! The 80s songs were very catchy and hilariously arranged. The all-star cast which included Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, and Mary J. Blige, delivered surprising performances in musical roles (well, except Catherine Zeta-Jones; we all know she's awesome). It was funny and lively. I even didn't mind that much that Alec Baldwin couldn't really sing. It worked for his character.

There wasn't much I didn't like about Rock of Ages. All I can think of to say is positive stuff. I was literally laughing out loud throughout the entire movie. Up and comers Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta were cute and quite talented. Hough had a rather pop-y voice in my opinion but somehow it worked for the movie. She worked the 80s fluffy hairstyles. Tom Cruise surprised me. I was wondering how he would pull off the role of washed-up rocker Stacee Jaxx. I've never taken Cruise for the rocker type. He proved his versatility though. He was funny and weird and actually a pretty good singer (assuming he did his own singing). I think this was a good movie for him. Catherine Zeta-Jones proved that even in her 40s, she's still got it. She sings and dances with a fierceness that could only come from years on Broadway. She's awesome.

I didn't used to like 80s music. It's grown on me though. So much so, that now I have half a mind to go see Rock of Ages again. It was pretty awesome.

To Rome with Love (2012)

To Rome With Love is a recipe for success!

[6/10 · 21 June 2013]

After experiencing much delight watching Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris, I figured I'd get much enjoyment out of To Rome With Love as well. Though I haven't actually seen that many Woody Allen movies before, from what I have experienced, I've decided that his work is both clever and hilarious. He has a knack for capturing the beauty of a city, as demonstrated in Midnight in Paris. He also cast several very notable actors in this film such as Penelope Cruz, Alec Baldwin, Ellen Page, Jesse Eisenburg and of course, himself. He was the best of all. Basically it was a recipe for success. I really liked To Rome With Love. I laughed a lot.

The movie follows the stories of several different characters in Rome, both native Romans and tourists. They vary from a confused young architect (Jesse Eisenburg) enraptured by a flighty young American actress (Ellen Page) to a sultry Italian prostitute (Penelope Cruz) who accidentally comes calling on the wrong man and thus must spend the day pretending to be his wife. All of the different plot lines were so hilarious. I think my favorite however was the one with Woody Allen himself. He is a retired music producer who upon meeting his daughter's future father-in-law, discovers that he has an amazing operatic voice and decides to put it to good use. The only catch is that the man can only sing well in the shower. Thus Woody Allen must put a portable shower on the stage that the man can bathe in while he sings. Too funny!

Whereas in Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen really capitalized on the beauty of the city, almost to an excess, in To Rome With Love, he focused on the characters and just let Rome do its thing. I definitely noticed the beauty of the ruins, sunset and the architecture etc. I didn't feel like he was trying to sell me Rome though. After watching Midnight in Paris, I had an urge to travel there, almost as if it was an hour and a half special on traveling in Paris, hosted by Owen Wilson. The beauty of Rome was subtley displayed yet very effective in this film. I hope to travel there one day.

Oh and on a final note, Penelope Cruz is gorgeous. She's pretty much THE femme fatale. The End.

Brave (2012)

The plot was a bit silly but overall Brave was wonderful!

[9/10 · 21 June 2013]

Brave was adorable. The Scottish accents were a bit over the top to be sure; I found myself imitating Merida, the main character for many hours after the conclusion of the film. I enjoyed that about it though. It's nice to see a Disney film that not only has a strong, independent female heroine, but also has one that comes from ancient Scotland, the home of many of my ancestors.

As with most of the modern Disney films, Brave had a very specific message it was trying to convey. It was a good message, basically to love your family as they are; you can't change them. In conveying this message though, the conflict of the film was a little silly I thought. I had to remind myself that it was a children's movie. Merida accidentally turns her mother into a bear. Of all the things... So silly. It definitely got the point across though, so I say it was a success. And the whole Scottish aspect made it utterly enjoyable to me, despite the many historical flaws in the film. I give this film a thumbs up.

Hyde Park on Hudson (2012)

Slow with a severe lack of plot, but beautifully shot with superb characterization.

[5/10 · 21 June 2013]

I had high hopes for Hyde Park on Hudson. I love bio-flicks, especially when British royalty are involved. I was somewhat disappointed with this film though. Despite its short run time of an hour and thirty minutes, it maintained an incredibly slow pace. I kept wondering when something exciting or dramatic would happen, but for the majority of the movie it was just meaningful looks, unexcited dialogue, and artistic shots of the landscape or details of the house.

I was not expecting the depiction of FDR as a serial adulterer. Perhaps I need to brush up on my U.S. history, but my view of FDR as this humble savior of our country during a time of extreme hardship was dashed to pieces. What replaced it was this view that he was a rather self-centered man, neglectful of his marriage and insensitive to how his actions affected those around him. I suppose the reality is that he lies somewhere in between those two extremes. Never-the-less, Hyde Park on Hudson threw me for a loop.

I suppose what the movie lacked in plot it made up for in character development. I felt that the movie was excellently cast. Each actor played their role with both sophistication and overt characterization. Particularly enjoyable for me were the performances by Olivia Williams as the brassy Eleanor Roosevelt, Samuel West as a very likable George VI, and Olivia Colman as Elizabeth, his wife.