Category Archives: Movie Review

Apr 02 2013
12 Comments
Movie Review

Movie Review: The Host

The Universe & U

This is how I see it. We spend years preoccupied with a series, constantly wishing they would select it for the big screen. Detailing lists; compiling scenes and particular components we absolutely want and don’t want. We debate casting decisions; obsess over initial snapshots and overdue theatrical trailers. We buy advance tickets; scout theatres. We do everything a dedicated fan would do.

The night of the premiere, we wait anxiously in our seats, giggling with anticipation, smiling throughout the preamble. Eventually, biting our lips when a favorite scene is done to our satisfaction; constantly dissecting every alteration, every similarity. Ultimately, we frown as the final credits roll, as we inherently remind ourselves the film is never as good as the novel.

I can tell you, I’ve been through this process many times, and frankly, it sucks. So much excitement and expectation is built up, the film never has a chance to prove itself. The Host was my surrender. I was going to go in, enjoy, and shut the hell up. Despite everything, I was not going to nitpick. Nope. Instead, I would observe as a true nonpartisan and cite no overly critical criticisms whatsoever.

Nah. Just kidding. Where would the fun in that be? [Warning, there be spoilers ahead!]

More of My Review After the Cut!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
May 14 2012
7 Comments
Movie Review

Movie Review: Bel Ami

“Does your husband tell you you’re beautiful?”

Source: ROBsessed Blog Almost two years after production completed on Bel Ami, the indie film has finally arrived to eager moviegoers. Well, sort of. The official theatrical release for the film isn’t until June 8th, but that didn’t stop the powers at be from giving us a sneak peek. It’s times like these that I’m grateful for iTunes. Based on Guy de Maupassant’s 1885 novel, Bel Ami is a seductive drama, lined with deceptive characters with ill-intentions. A social climber using his looks and charm to get what he desires most. Power. Respect. Wealth. Here we find an intriguing plot, rich with gritty realism and soul.

The Story: Paris, 1890. It’s easy to see the motivation behind the actions of Georges Duroy (Robert Pattinson). Penniless and out-of-work, Georges longs for something more; money, power, women – everything he doesn’t have. Georges finds his opportunity when he is welcomed into the inner circle of Charles Forestier: a newspaper man. His wife, Madeleine (Uma Thurman), takes Georges under her wing, helping him write a series of articles about his time as a soldier. Their friends are captivated by the young man, willing to help the charming stranger. Instantly, Georges finds himself attracted to Clotilde (Christina Ricci). The feeling is mutual, both seeking each other out for a specific purpose. However, when Clotilde is no longer useful, Georges moves on. He soon finds Madeleine to be just what he needs. She is his ticket to success, the driving force behind his rise to power. Yet, he is still unable to gain the respect he wants, craves. It’s a story of sex; power. Using one to gain the other. There is no momentous revelation or great change for these characters. Their reality is their obsession.

More After the Cut!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
Nov 20 2011
10 Comments
Movie Review

Movie Review: Breaking Dawn – Part 1

The Saga Continues

Image Source: Google Images

Hello! This is Kim the FanGirl reporting live from my local movie theatre. I’m just moments away from stepping into the darkened cinema for my first viewing of Breaking Dawn – the fourth movie production of Stephenie Meyer’s beloved series. Fans are shaking with anticipation and excitement. They’re gripping their armrests, waiting for the opening credits to arrive. They’re clutching their Edward collectors cups and muttering something about feathers. They’re starting the film! Squee! Sorry. Here we go. We first see . . .

We interrupt this broadcast with breaking news. We’ve just been told that Team Edward and Team Jacob have actually put aside their differences; and both have agreed to represent Team Renesmee for the film. Sources can neither confirm nor deny these rumors, but fans are demanding to know the truth.

For more on this story, we take you to our special correspondent, Set In Motion. As a fellow TwiHard, FanGirl, and blogger, she was first on the scene to witness the epic romance intensify between Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. Today, she was kind enough to share her review of the film with all of you. Warning! Possible spoilers ahead. Here, take a look at The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. Now back to you, Kim!

Um . . . I think I’m going to need a moment here. I can’t even . . . Wow. Okay. Edward. Wow. You know what? I want to hear what you thought of Breaking Dawn. Gather all your thoughts and tell me what you thought of the movie.

What did you think of Breaking Dawn: Part 1? Love it? Hate it? What was your favorite scene? Favorite character? Favorite line? Can’t wait for Part 2? How did it compare to the book? Tell me in the comments!

For more Kim the FanGirl follow the blog on Twitter @kimthefangirl and on Facebook

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Apr 27 2011
6 Comments
Movie Review

Movie Review: Water for Elephants

Welcome to The Most Spectacular Show on Earth!

Source: Photobucket

If you look closely, you’ll see there is something different about this big screen adaptation. Under this Big Top, you’ll find magic. Unlike most movies today, Water for Elephants is classic storytelling at it’s best. Actions, decisions, consequences, words; it’s about following these wonderful characters in a timeless journey of love, loss, and finding a place in this world where you truly belong.

The Story: Set in 1930′s America, Water for Elephants centers around a young Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson). This Cornell educated veterinary student seems to be set in life, but suddenly loses everything after his parents die in a tragic car crash. With no money, no home, Jacob hops aboard the nearest train and finds more than he bargained for. He finds The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, a struggling second-rate one ring circus. When put in charge of the shows menagerie, Jacob finds himself immediately enchanted by the shows star attraction, Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) and her amazing equestrian act. The only problem is, she is married to August (Christoph Waltz), the charming but unstable ringmaster and owner of the troubled depression era circus. As Jacob’s journey with the show continues, August purchases Rosie – the liquor loving elephant who is seemingly incapable of following a single command; that is, until Jacob discovers the secret to make Rosie perform. Jacob learns that there is more to this circus than beauty and glitz, but what lies beneath the tent floor is violent and malicious. Yet, the true lesson is looking beyond that and finding love amongst the thorns.

More of My Review After The Cut!

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
Aug 23 2010
Leave a comment
Movie Review

Movie Review: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

This is your Kim Pick for the week

Welcome to Kim The FanGirl; picking movies since 2010. What movie can I choose for you today? We have a wide selection to choose from. Maybe, I can interest you in selecting a Gene Pick. His pick for today is Weekend At Bernie’s II. No? That does not interest you? Well, may I suggest a Kim Pick. She has a good taste in movies, at least she think she does. Her pick for today is Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. *

*This has been a reference to the classic 90′s sitcom Seinfeld. You must be at least 20 years old to understand this reference. Yadda, yadda, yadda, Seinfeld is awesome.

Nerds! Nerds! Nerds! It’s my Scott Pilgrim vs. The World review! (This is where you jump up and down with excitement) First of all, going into this, I knew nothing of Scott Pilgrim the video game, graphic novel, etc. I only knew that one of my favorite directors was directing this little piece of epicness: Edgar Wright (Director of such amazing works as Shaun of The Dead & Hot Fuzz (Two of my favorite movies)); which means, I probably lost some nerd points. Damn.

So, when I entered my local cinema, little did I expect to see a 8 bit (For all you younglings, that is like the original Nintendo) rendering of the Universal theme song. Um, awesome. I will admit, I might have choked out a little fangirl squee right about then (1000 coins to Edgar Wright!). From there, there is really no grace period between introduction and story.

The Story: Scott Pilgrim is an unemployed, self-centered, semi-charming 20 something (Michael Cera) from Toronto (That’s in Canada!) who spends most of his time rehearsing with his band, Sex Bob-Omb, and has been recently dumped (1 year ago) by his thought-she-was-the-one girlfriend who left him for a bigger and badder music career. In an attempt to get over her, he starts dating a high schooler called Knives Chau, much to the dismay of his sister (Anna Kendrick) and gay roommate (Kieran Culkin). The relationship seems to be a comfortable, convenient situation for Scott. Then, he meets Ramona Flowers. She’s beautiful, interesting, aloof, and trying to get away from an overbearing ex boyfriend. Immediately, Scott is captivated by her – he must have her. But, he can’t break-up with Knives, because that would just be too hard. So he pursues Ramona, while seemingly dating Knives. But, not so fast, Scott Pilgrim. There is a league of 7 evil ex’s trying to kill you!

Wait! There’s More After The Cut!

Tagged , , , , , ,
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 143 other followers