This one went the distance

If you're looking for a hilarious, romantic, semi-sappy movie to see, I would definitely suggest Going the Distance(2010). Justin Long and Drew Barrymore are two adults who meet and begin to date, knowing that it cannot last because Drew Barrymore is leaving New York to go back to San Francisco in six short weeks. However, at the end of those six weeks the couple decides to try to keep their relationship alive despite the long distance. [Hilarity ensues]. I, for one, have not laughed at a movie in the theaters as much as this since The Hangover.

One Last Farewell

This entry is going to be a little different than my usual entries.

I'm choosing to use ths entry, not only to tell you about the latest movie that I have seen, but also to remember a terrific actor.

Heath Ledger

(1979 - 2008)

I can still remember the first movie I saw Heath in, and I must admit, it was love at first sight. Not only did I think he was gorgeous, but I also fell in love with his acting abilities.

That movie was 10 Things I Hate About You(1999). The film is a re-telling of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, in which Heath's character is paid to take out the sister of a young woman who is desired by two men who cannot have her unless her sister finds someone.

Whether the movie is an oscar winner or a dud, Heath always acted his best.

He proved ths in A Knight's Tale(2001). Although the film was not the best, Heath was brilliant. He played a poor peasant man who aspired to "change the stars" and become a knight.

My two favorite Heath movies happen to be a couple of his later movies. But I cannot choose which I prefer.

His performance in Brokeback Mountain(2005) was one of the most moving performances by any actor that I have seen. He plays cowboy Ennis Del Mar who spends a summer herding sheep on Brokeback Mountain with Jack Twist [played by Jake Gyllenhal - who also gives a spectacular performance]. Ennis and Jack form a relationship far beyond cowboys.

The other movie is The Dark Knight(2008). Ledger plays the Joker in this batman sequel and does an amazing job at that. I would never have thought to cast Heath Ledger as the joker, but that move was one of the most genius ideas in a long time.

Heath's last movie The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus(2009) was no exception to his brilliant acting skills. Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell all came together to help contribute to Heath's last movie. It was a great tribute to his memory. Quirky, weird, yet amazing, this movie proves that Heath acted his best until the very end.

I'm not aftraid to admit when I'm wrong...

& I may have been wrong about my opinion of Amanda Seyfried.

I recently watched Chloe(2009) and was completely blown away by how well Amanda Seyfried played the young call girl who is paid to seduce a man whose wife suspects him of cheating. I thought that the story was intriguing and the twists were surprising. The acting was great and the directing was as well.

Another actor that I'm still skeptical about, despite one of his more recent roles, is Robert Pattinson. The other day I watched Remember Me(2010) which is about a young man, Tyler, who is struggling with the death of his older brother, while trying to protect his younger sister. He beings to fall in love with Ally, the daughter of a cop who has tried to live like every moment is her last ever since she watched her mother die. Ally helps Tyler heal and learn to cope with the loss of his brother. I am in no way a fan of Robert Pattinson, however, he surprised me in this movie. His character was complex yet simple, and he did a great job of portraying that. Emilie de Ravin and Ruby Jerins were both great as well. Overall I thought the film was depressing, uplifting, and moving all rolled into 1. I laughed, I cried, I was inspired.

[And for those of you who know me, you know I don't cry at a lot of movies].

so many movies, so little time!

4 new movies for you this time!

I saw Despicable Me(2010) last week, and I have to say, not so despicable! I thought the concept was original, the characters were loveable, the story was heartwarming, and the overall movie was wonderful for the whole family! It is the story of a super villian, Gru, who is getting old and tired, new, younger villains are starting to pull off the biggest jobs ever. So, Gru plans to steal the moon! But in order to do this he needs the shrink ray currently in possestion of Vector. Gru adopts 3 young girls to help him steal the shrink ray, but learns that family is far more important. Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Miranda Cosgrove, and Russell Brand are just some of the familiar voices that make this movie!

I also watched The Messenger(2009). This movie had a very different take on a war movie. It told the story of the army messengers that must deliver the news of the death of loved ones to their personal contacts. Ben Foster plays Sergeant Will Montgomery, who has 3 months left of service to the army and must learn to break the news to the loved ones of fallen soldiers. Woody Harrelson is Captain Tony Stone, he has been doing this job for years and trains Montgomery. I thought that this movie was unique and interesting to watch, although, slow at times. I would recommend it.

The next movie I saw was, finally, 300(2006). I know, I know, it's about time! I thought that this CGI infused film about King Leonidas' battle against the Persains was good, not great. Now, remember, I am a fan of "boy movies", however, this movie did not live up to its hype. But, 117 minutes of Gerard Butler almost completely nude - I'm sure as hell not complaining!

The best movie of the 4 was by far, Inception(2010). This movie is about extractors, people who are trained to steal information by invading the dreams of others, who must try to plant an idea into someone's mind using the same sort of method. The main character, Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) struggles with the memory of his wife and the desire to return home to his children. This movie was to say the least, fantastic! The acting, the concept, the inner demons, the ending, the opening, the CGI, the directing - I loved it all!! I'm going to go ahead and call this the best movie of the year so far! [At least, in my mind.]

I Don't Wanna Grow Up...

Well, I'm not exactly a Toys R Us kid...I'm a Toy Story kid. & Toy Story 3 was one of the best additions to the trilogy. I thought that the plot line was clever, although, similar to the previous two. It was a cute, fun, family film that was directed at the older generation as much as it was for the younger ones. It included a lot of old elements as well as some new themes and made it a great watch for everyone.

Coming Soon: Inception

1, 2, Freddy's Coming For You...

Well, I was finally able to make it out to see the newest Freddy Kreuger film: A Nightmare On Elm Street(2010). Despite the fact that one of my favorite actresses died within the first 30mins of the movie, I thought it was really good. It had many similarities with the 1984 version of the film, but was still uniqe in the story line. I did, however, think that Freddy looked more believable in the 1984 version - just, more like a person rather than a bad halloween costume. The acting was actually decent for a horror movie as well. I couldn't help but cover my eyes in the theater, even gasping aloud at one of the scary moments [while there were 10 year old boys in front of me that had no problem watching the entire movie eyes wide open, mind you] and that is exactly what I want in my scary movies. If you are a scary movie fan and have yet to see this version, I would recommend it. [Definitely better than the newest Friday the 13th at least.]

[Seeing Toy Story 3 tomorrow!!]

The Not-So-Terrible Twos

With quite a few sequels coming out, I have seen a couple that have been almost as good as the first.

A couple weeks ago I saw Sex & The City 2(2010). In this installment of SATC Carrie & Mr. Big are married, Charlotte has her perfect family, Miranda has her career in order, and Samantha, well, Samantha is having great sex. However, not everything stays picture perfect for the girls when they are invited to go to Morocco. I thought that this sequel was well done, however, there were some scenes that were a little over the top. A great movie to watch with your girlfriends.

Last weekend I finally was able to go see Iron Man 2(2010). Tony Stark refuses to give up the Iron Man suit and comes to terms with the fact that the power source that is keeping him alive, is also killing him. I thought that this movie was done really well, however, the last battle scene was far too short for my liking.

Coming Soon: Toy Story 3!! [yes, I know I am almost 21, but hey...Andy's in college too now, right?]