Brothers

Drama

Starring Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhaal

Some say I get too involved in the films I see. Most of the time, that is true. With this movie, I can't see how anyone wouldn't get consumed by the emotion busting at the scenes. The acting in this movie was some of the best I've seen from Tobey and Natalie. Each character had a large back story and the cast did a great job portraying that depth. 

If you watch this movie, I hope you like riding on emotional roller coasters. If you are anything like me, you need a tear jerker once in a while. It reminds us just how lucky we are to be living the lives we are. 

Reel Recommendation: Put this on your Netflix queue to watch on a gloomy weekend - and go shopping for a new box of Kleenex.

Vacancy

Horror/Thriller
Starring Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson

My interest was kept by this 2007 horror movie. The cast caught me a little off guard, but once I started watching, the two mainstream actors made the scenes believable and thrilling. In most horror movies, the killers confidently walk while the victims run screaming, then trip, then slowly get up, then run again. In this instance, the victims were smart, and did everything from army crawling through a tunnel of rats, to breaking a mirror for a piece of something sharp to use in self defense.

Be prepared to jump out of your seat, and if you're like me, you'll be happy to know the scenes aren't too bloody and gory.

The unpredictability mixed with the good choice of cast has me giving this film two bloody thumbs up.

Reel Recommendation: Rent it, but have a chick flick on deck for afterwards. 

Mamma Mia!

Musical

Starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan

This movie is absolutely ridiculous! Completely over the top! 

Being over the top and ridiculous is what musicals are all about. Over-dramatizing is key - as well as crazy costumes and fun dance numbers. I appreciated this film for all its wacky traits - except for the weird dance number at the end during the credits. The bell bottoms and goofy dancing just put it over the edge.

One thing this movie did too well is make me want to go to the Greek Islands. It also single-handedly made me a fan of ABBA. I am downloading the entire soundtrack of the film now...really.

Reel Recommendtion: Watch and sing along - and louder than Pierce Brosnan

Terminator Salvation

Action

Starring Christian Bale and Sam Worthington

This movie definitely satisfied my craving for some action, especially since it was in HD. Having never seen any of the other Terminator movies all the way through, I was a little confused at some parts. After being educated by my boyfriend on some of the plot points from the other movies, I started to really enjoy it. It is cleverly written and incorporates some famous dialogue from the previous Terminator films (i.e. "I'll be back" and "Come with me if you want to live"). 

It think the cast did a great job, but you can always count on Christian Bale for a good action flick. Newcomer Sam Worthington (also in Avatar) did a great job as well. 

This movie actually makes me want to watch all of the 80's Terminator movies with good old Arnold - for the story's sake. I honestly never thought I'd say that.

Reel Recommendation: Watch it on a large TV with someone who doesn't mind if you pause it and ask questions. And be prepared to be on the edge of your seat.

Extraordinary Measures

Drama

Starring Brendan Fraser, Harrison Ford and Keri Russell

I didn't have any extraordinary expectations for this movie, but I ended up liking it more than I thought I would. What influenced my option the most was the fact that it is inspired by a true story. Because I knew this before pressing play, my mind was on the story and my heart was in it all the way. To give you an idea of how touching this story was - my boyfriend had some tears in his eyes a couple times.  Sorry honey - I outed you.

One thing I couldn't help notice is Brendan Fraser - the parts he plays have certainly changed over the last few years. The man who was once "ripped" for George of the Jungle is now playing the role of a desperate father on a mission to save the lives of his two children who have a terminal disease. He is starting to show his age - but I will say, the role of middle-aged father suits his acting abilities more that George and his jungle ever could. 

Reel Recommendation: Let this movie move you - watch it

Last of the Mohicans

Historical Drama

Starring Daniel Day Lewis and Madeline Stowe

Watched this classic with my roommate tonight. She had never seen it! Just like every other time I've watched it - i cried. Such a powerful script, timeless really. Even though the special effects are no longer impressive, the story is what makes this movie great.

"No, you submit, do you hear? You be strong, you survive... You stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you!"

Case and point.

Also, I must say, the score of this movie is one of the most powerful movies scores I've ever heard. 

Reel Recommendation: I own it. You should too. Oh and download the soundtrack.

Leap Year

Romantic Comedy

Starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode

I love Amy Adams. To me she is the perfect actress needed for a good romantic comedy. However, this movie didn't impress me. I laughed a little but I didn't feel as though there was enough chemistry between the couple. The lack of humor and the fact that there wasn't really any romance either, honestly made me  bored. I am really disappointed, because the plot seemed to have a ton of promise and I am a huge Amy Adams fan.

I will say that the final monologue did save the film from being an absolute bust -
"When my 60 seconds came around I realized i had everything I ever wanted... but nothing I really needed. and i think what i need is here. And I came all this way to see if you maybe think so too."  

Cute line, I am bummed the movie as a whole wasn't better.

Reel Recommendation: Not a fan :(

The Book of Eli

Action/Thriller

Starring Denzel Washington

I've been watching a lot of apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic movies lately including The Road, Deep Impact, Armageddon (for the 100th time), I Am Legend, etc. I appreciate this particular film and the message it sends. It emphasizes the need for religion and faith and the role it may take in a situation where the world as we know it no longer exists. 

Scene by scene: The tagline says it all -  "Some will kill to have it. He will kill to protect it." This film had its share of action and some pretty kick-butt fight scenes, a tad bit gory. The cast was decent with Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis (That 70s show) and Gary Oldman. It looks as though the entire film was shot using sepia - the sandy tint I make some of my pictures when I print them. After watching it, i badly wanted to take a shower. You'll see what I mean.  

That being said, I don't think I would choose to to own it, unless it was in the $5 bin at Walmart. I just can't ever seem to pass those up. 

Reel Recommendation: Rent it to watch once.