My Movie Reviews

A look at movies by jtenman.

8/15/2009

Dan In Real Life

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: 26 October 2007
Time: 1 hr 38 min
Distributor: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG
Starring: Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dianne Wiest
Grade: B

Synopsis: Just as LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE did in 2006, DAN IN REAL LIFE reveals that Steve Carell is an actor who can do more than just comedy. He's won both accolades and awards as bumbling boss Michael Scott on THE OFFICE, but there's a greater depth to this performance as a single father and man in love. Advice columnist Dan Burns (Carell) has his hands full with three daughters that he's not willing to let grow up. The girls still grieve for their mother who died four years ago, and Dan hasn't made any attempts to date. So he's pleasantly surprised when he meets Marie (Juliette Binoche) at a bookstore when he goes to his parents' Rhode Island home for the annual family reunion. But his joy is short-lived when he discovers that she is dating his brother (Dane Cook), forcing Dan to hide his feelings and chemistry with Marie. Carell adeptly balances his role's humor and heartache, while Binoche (CHOCOLAT) is radiant as ever. Comedian Cook (GOOD LUCK CHUCK) shows surprising talent as the third leg of their love triangle. Through his duties as director and co-screenwriter, Peter Hedges deserves much of the credit for creating a film that is sweet without being sappy. Even though he's working with a far bigger budget than he did for his directorial debut, PIECES OF APRIL, he still maintains the feelings of intimacy and honesty that made that film such a critical favorite. What could have been a standard romantic comedy of errors turns into a strong film that goes deeper than many of its peers in the genre. DAN IN REAL LIFE also succeeds thanks to its soundtrack from Norwegian indie pop musician Sondre Lerche. The singer's compositions, both originals and favorites from his career, perfectly suit the film's tone and moods.

My Review: This movie was a decent film about Dan's lack of a love life after his wife passes away. The film has its moments but I was hoping that it would be funnier than it was. Steve Carell kind of let me down with this one.

Recommend: This is a fun date night film.

8/15/2009

We Are Marshall

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: 22 December 2006
Time: 2 hr 4 min
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox
Grade: B

Synopsis: In November 1970, a plane carrying almost the entire Marshall University football team, its staff and fans crashed, killing 75 people in all and devastating the small town of Huntington, West Virginia. WE ARE MARSHALL, directed by McG (THE O.C., FASTLANE) tells the tragic true story of how the university and the citizens of Huntington rebuilt the football program and dealt with the loss of so many of their own. The university's president, Donald Dedmon, earnestly portrayed by David Strathairn (GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK), hires the only willing coach to take on such a daunting task, Jack Lengyl (Matthew McConaughey). With the help of the lone Marshall football coach Red Dawson (Matthew Fox) and the three remaining players who weren't on the plane, Coach Lengyl sets out to restructure Marshall's team, and spirit. But for some in the community it's still too soon, including Paul Griffen (Ian McShane) who lost his football-star son. They fear that moving on so quickly is disrespectful to those who died and to the loved ones who still mourn. The film emphasizes this issue, illustrating the struggle of that harrowing time at Marshall, and in college football history. Although WE ARE MARSHALL contains a similar theme to other sports movies, rising from adversity, the tragedy of so many lives lost in a small community and the painful recovery sets this film apart. Strong performances by McConaughey (FAILURE TO LAUNCH)—his wit and energy adds much needed doses of comic relief, Fox (LOST), and McShane (DEADWOOD) successfully help bring the historical and inspiring story of Marshall University to the big screen, a must-see for all sports fans.

My Review: This is quite an incredible story about the Marshall football program and what it went through to come back to national prominence. McConaughey gives a pretty good performance as the head coach of the new team and like many sports films, it makes you believe in the power of coming together as a team. The film was a bit long at some points and I hoped it would move a little faster, but overall a pretty good film.

Recommend: Possible date night film or if you don't have anyone to watch with then this would be a good one to watch on your own.

7/29/2009

The Aviator

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: 17 December 2004
Time: 2 hr 39 min
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, John C. Reilly, Kate Beckinsale
Grade: B

Synopsis: Martin Scorsese's THE AVIATOR is a lavish spectacle of a motion picture that harks back to Hollywood's Golden Era in telling the story of Howard Hughes, one of 20th-century America's most pioneering and influential figures. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the eccentric billionaire, Scorsese's biopic concentrates on Hughes's life between the 1920s and '40s, when he made striking contributions to both the film and aviation industries. At only 25 years of age, Hughes directed the most expensive film ever made up to that point, HELL'S ANGELS (1930), which Scorsese gleefully recreates here in all its sprawling, audacious glory. At the same time, he became known as an unabashed playboy, bedding the likes of Jean Harlow (singer Gwen Stefani), Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale), and Katherine Hepburn (a brilliant Cate Blanchett). In the mid-'30s, he turned his attention to the aviation industry, where he quickly became world-renowned for shattering speed and distance records. He also continued to test the limits of flight technology, building bigger, faster, and stronger aircrafts. All the while, he struggled with an obsessive-compulsive disorder that sent him into a full-fledged tailspin after a near-fatal plane crash. The film concludes with Hughes being called before the Senate in 1947 to defend himself against the nefarious Senator Owen Brewster (Alan Alda), who accused Hughes of taking money from the United States government during wartime. Stunningly photographed by Robert Richardson, Scorsese's nearly three-hour drama features an impassioned performance by DiCaprio, who is also credited as an executive producer. Although she appears in less than a third of the film, Blanchett delivers a performance that cements her status as one of the finest actresses ever to appear on the big screen.

My Review: Pretty good and interesting film about the aviator, Howard Hughes. I must say that the film was a little too long and felt like it was dragging by the end but it was interesting to learn a little bit about the history of the airline companies and how crazy Mr. Hughes was. Dicaprio did a good job portraying Mr. Hughes and I was pretty captivated by this odd and different man.

Recommend: Date night maybe? Don't watch this when you're tired as you'll never make it through. Definitely see this film if you haven't.

7/27/2009

Hero

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: 27 August 2004
Time: 1 hr 39 min
Distributor: Miramax Films
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Jet Li
Grade: B

Synopsis: Using the assasination attempt of the historical figure, Chin Shi Huang Di (The first emperor of China) as a backdrop, this film attempts to explore and develop a better understanding of the Chinese concept of a hero. In a Chinese cultural context, it hopes to explore the preconceptions and misinterpretations of heroism and heroes. At the height of China's Warring States period, the country was divided into seven kingdoms: Qin, Zhao, Han Wei, Yan, Chu and Qi. For years, the separate kingdoms fought ruthlessly for supremacy. As a result, the populace endured decades of death and suffering. The Kingdom of Qin was the most determined of all. The Qin King was obsessed with conquering all of China and becoming her first Emperor. He had long been the target of assassins throughout the other six states. Of all the would-be killers, none inspired as much fear as the three legendary assassins, Broken Sword, Flying Snow and Sky. To anyone who defeated the three assassins, the King of Qin promised great power, mountains of gold and a private audience with the King himself. But defeating the killers is a near impossible task. For ten years no one came close to claiming the prize. So when the enigmatic county sheriff, Nameless, came to the palace bearing the legendary weapons of the slain assassins, the King was impatient to hear his story. Sitting in the palace, only ten paces from the King, Nameless told his extraordinary tale: For ten years, Nameless studied the way of the sword and resolved to challenge the three assassins. Using the secrets of swordsmanship; Nameless defeated the mighty Sky in a furious showdown. Following this initial victory, he destroyed the famed duo of Flying Snow and Broken Sword. This time using a weapon far more devastating than his sword - their extraordinary love for each other. The King hung on every detail of this curious story. But then something most unexpected happened - the King has a different story to tell of how Nameless really came to sit there, face to face with the King! It appears that everything was not so simple. In the centre of the intrigue sits Nameless -a solitary ranger and the King of Qin - the ruler of the Kingdom, with only ten steps between them. Within those ten steps holds an earth-shattering tale of love, honour and duty, a story that moves beyond the reaches of history. A story about what it means to be a HERO.

My Review: This film started out a little slow but got better as it went along. It was interesting to learn about the history of China and how it came to be. The film was a bit tough to watch with the subtitles throughout but the overall story was pretty good. One thing is that you shouldn't be prepared for a Hollywood ending as this is based on a true story in China. It kind of left a bitter taste in my mouth but all was well. The fighting sequences are very excellent as well.

Recommend: If you liked "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" or you like Asian martial art films then you should check this movie out. Kids won't be too interested.

6/17/2009

Angels and Demons

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: 15 May 2009
Time: 2 hr 18 min
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer
Grade: B

Synopsis: Angels and Demons re-teams director Ron Howard and star Tom Hanks for the sequel to their international blockbuster adaptation of Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code. Although the book Angels and Demons was written before the novel The Da Vinci Code, the movie transpires after the events of the earlier movie. Hanks stars as professor Robert Langdon, the most respected symbologist in the United States, who uses his knowledge in order to decode a symbol on the skin of a murder victim. The clues put him on the trail of an international conspiracy involving the Catholic Church. Ewan McGregor and Ayelet Zurer also star in the Sony Pictures production. - Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

My Review: They did a pretty decent job of taking the book to film. The film was completely action packed and there was no slow parts. My biggest problem with the film was the lack of explanation as to what was going on. I understood what was going on because I have read the book but otherwise I would have been pretty lost. Acting was alright but nothing spectacular. I did think the Carmelengo was well cast. The other issue that I had with the film is that I wish they would have shown the symbols better (Earth, Air, Wind, and Fire). When I read the book, they absolutely captivated me.

Recommend: If you've read the book, then you likely be disappointed. Otherwise, check this film out for a date night.

6/16/2009

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: 13 February 2009
Time: 1 hr 44 min
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy
Grade: B

Synopsis: In the glamorous world of New York City, Rebecca Bloomwood (ISLA FISHER) is a fun-loving girl who is really good at shopping-a little too good, perhaps. She dreams of working for her favorite fashion magazine. but can't quite get her foot in the door-until ironically, she snags a job as an advice columnist for a financial magazine published by the same company. As her dreams are finally coming true, she goes to ever more hilarious and extreme efforts to keep her past from ruining her future.

My Review: This film is a typical chick flick. I enjoyed the film for what it was worth and I thought Isla did a good job as the primary role (I confused her with Amy Adams). There wasn't anything that put this film in great company but it was another fun chic flick.

Recommend: Good date night movie. The kids won't last long in it.

5/10/2009

Fast And Furious

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: 3 April 2009
Time: 1 hr 43 min
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker
Grade: B

Synopsis: Vin Diesel and Paul Walker return to the film franchise that helped to launch each of their respective careers as the Fast and the Furious series winds to a close under the creative eye of Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift director Justin Lin. Fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Diesel) is back in Los Angeles to seek out the truth behind a high-profile crime, but his presence in town doesn't sit well with Agent Brian O'Conner (Walker). These two rivals are forced to unite in the cause of fighting a common enemy, however, when convoy heists and precision tunnel crawls lead them out of Los Angeles and into the Mexican desert. Now, in order to take down a formidable opponent with some serious skills behind the wheel, Dom and Brian forge an uncertain partnership while exploring thrilling new frontiers in the fine art of racing. Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and John Ortiz co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: This film was action packed from the very first scene. This is why the rating was so high for me on this one. The storyline was alright, but I think that I liked the 3rd one better than this (in terms of story). Vin Diesel however did a good job and I thought he made this film better. I am not a big car fan but the races in this film were very intense and kept your heartbeat up. Of course there were a lot of underdressed women in this film but that is to be expected in such a film I suppose. Overall a good film.

Recommend: This film would be a great date night film if you are looking for something not as romantic but just more fun. It was an exciting film, but probably not one for the kids.

4/24/2009

Bride Wars

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: 9 January 2009
Time: 1 hr 29 min
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway
Grade: B

Synopsis: A clerical error tests the lifelong friendship of two brides-to-be by scheduling their respective weddings at the famed Plaza Hotel on the exact same date in this romantic comedy starring Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. Ever since they were little girls, Liv (Hudson) and Emma (Hathaway) have bonded over planning their weddings down to the very last detail. Now, both in their mid-twenties, Liv and Emma have each found the men they want to spend the rest of their lives with. But while most of the details regarding their respective weddings don't overlap, the one thing that both Liv and Emma have always dreamt of is holding their ceremony at the legendary Plaza Hotel -- New Your City's ultimate bridal destination. Unfortunately, a simple clerical error has scheduled both of their weddings on the exact same date, at the exact same place. As a high-powered lawyer who's used to getting her way, Liv simply isn't willing to settle for anything less than perfection. And though simple schoolteacher Emma has always placed the needs of others above her own, the prospect of making any sacrifices on her big day brings out her inner bridezilla in ways that shock her unsuspecting friends and family. There was a time when Liv and Emma would have done anything for each other, but now that the two best friends are at odds over who will get their dream wedding and who will have to settle for second best, the lacy gloves are off and it's all-out war. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: This movie was just what I was expecting. It was a cute chic-flick and it had it's moments. I have always enjoyed Anne Hathaway in films and she does a great job here again. This film had its moments and I laughed a few times. Nothing great but it was fun.

Recommend: This is great for a date night or girls night. Guys will enjoy it as well.

12/28/2008

Seven Pounds

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: 19 December 2008
Time: 1 hr 58 min
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson
Grade: B

Synopsis: Academy Award nominee Will Smith reunites with the director and producers of The Pursuit of Happyness for this emotional drama concerning an IRS agent whose quest for redemption is unexpectedly complicated after he inadvertently falls in love. Ben Thomas is an IRS agent with a fateful secret. Assuming the identity of his younger brother, Ben sets out in search of redemption. Instead, Ben discovers true love while forever changing the lives of seven complete strangers. Woody Harrelson, Rosario Dawson, Michael Ealy, and Barry Pepper co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: This film was too slow. It certainly was drawn out at the beginning and felt much too slow. The plot and movie idea were excellent and I enjoyed the basic flow of things a lot, but it felt like this movie went on for several hours. Will Smith does a good job, but sometimes his character made me upset because it was as if he had no emotions when someone else did. It was certainly not what I was expecting from this film, but I still enjoyed it.

Recommend: You need to be in the mood for a serious film and be ready for some pretty big shockers. This film can be an emotion drain so be ready for that as well. As long as you are then you should check out this film. Don't take the kids to this one. They will be gone fast.

12/08/2008

Santa vs. the Snowman 3D

Posted by JTENMAN

Trailer at: http://www.bigmoviezone.com/filmsearch/clips/clip.html?uniq=430

Release Date: 1 November 2002
Time: 32 min
Distributor: Universal Studios
Rating: G
My Rating: G
Grade: B

Synopsis: It's a new holiday classic: a lonely snowman comes across Santa Claus' bustling village one Christmas Eve. Jealous of Santa's good fortune, he makes a desperate attempt to capture the spirit of Christmas and win the children's affection for himself. A heartwarming story for all ages.

My Review: The film is a great one for 3D. There are a lot of flying objects and fun things coming at you. They did a great job with Santa and he is a lot of fun to watch. There are a lot of references to other films throughout and also there are all kinds of different impressions and stereotypes that the elves do, and they are pretty funny. The graphics could have been better, and the storyline was a little cheesy as well.

Recommend: This one is definitely for the kids. The theater where we were at was packed with little ones and they loved it. My wife and I also enjoyed it, but it was just cute more than anything. The kids will get a kick out of it. Although, I must say that some elf flying right at me is always a great effect.

11/30/2008

Jumper

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: 14 February 2008
Time: 1 hr 28 min
Distributor: 20th Century Fox, Regency
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Hayden Christensen, Jamie Bell, Rachel Bilson, Samuel L. Jackson
Grade: B

Synopsis: A genetic anomaly allows a young man (Hayden Christensen) to teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between "Jumpers" and those who have sworn to kill them.

My Review: I enjoyed this film quite a bit the first time I watched it. The second time, I watched it, it had lost some of its flare. The power to "jump" is very interesting. It would be cool to be able to have this power I think and they make it look very real. One thing that really bothered me is that there didn't seem to be a good reason for the hunting down of the jumpers. Rachel and Hayden have a good on screen chemistry and the film ended well...I guess I won't say here.

Recommend: I would recommend this film for a date night. You should enjoy the film with the one you love. I certainly enjoy the trip to Rome that is taken and wish I could go there too.

11/28/2008

Wall-E

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: 27 June 2008
Time: 1 hr 38 min
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: G
My Rating: G
Starring: Wall-E
Grade: B

Synopsis: Disney and Pixar join forces for this computer-animated tale about a wide-eyed robot who travels to the deepest reaches of outer space in search of a newfound friend. The year is 2700, and planet Earth has long been uninhabitable. For hundreds of years, WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) has been taking out the trash, and collecting precious knick-knacks in order to stave off the boredom of his dreary routine. Little does WALL-E realize that he has recently stumbled onto a secret that could save planet Earth, and once again make the ravaged planet safe for all humankind. When highly advanced search robot EVE makes friends with WALL-E and realizes the value of his remarkable discovery, she excitedly races back to let the humans know that there's hope for their home planet after all. But after centuries alone in space, WALL-E can't stand the thought of losing the only friend he's ever known, and eagerly follows her into the deepest reaches of space on the adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, the friendly trash-collecting robot who has always known what he was made for gradually begins to understand what he was meant for. Finding Nemo director Andrew Stanton returns to the helm for this family-friendly sci-fi adventure featuring the voices of Fred Willard, Jeff Garlin, and Ben Burtt. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: I was a bit disappointed with this film. I had heard a lot of hype and good things, but it turned out to be a little slow. Wall-E was great and I enjoyed how they made him seem pretty human and he did a lot of fun things during the film. The basic storyline was a decent one, and so that was good. The end of the film was definitely much better than the beginning. I did enjoy the little cockroach :).

Recommend: The kids will love this one, and most people will enjoy it, but I am warning you not to watch it while you are tired.

11/18/2008

Nim's Island

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: April 4, 2008
Time: 1 hr 36 min
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG
My Rating: G
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler
Grade: B

Synopsis: A young girl living on a tropical island with her scientist father is left to fend for herself after her dad's boat leaves him stranded far away and careless tour companies wreak havoc on the secluded paradise in directors Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett's adaptation of the popular children's book by author Wendy Orr. Realizing that she will need adult assistance if she truly hopes to save her home, the resourceful youngster soon begins exchanging e-mails with the author of a book she has been reading. Nim's Island stars Little Miss Sunshine's Abigail Breslin, as well as Jodie Foster and Gerard Butler. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: Another film with Abigail Breslin where she does an excellent job. I did not enjoy this movie as much as the last one with her, but it was still well done. Some of the parts of the story were very cheesy, especially the ending, but at the same time I wish that I could have been there to help the girl. Watching this film really will want to make you move to a stranded island to live. One thing that I wish they would have expanded on is how they got internet. My wife and I were both wondering the minute we found out they did... Also, Jodie Foster does a good job being the crazy lady in the film.

Recommend: This one is much more for the kids. I think they will enjoy this more than Kit Kittredge, but for the adults, this film is not as entertaining. This is a good family film and it really wants to make you move to the stranded island.

11/02/2008

Leatherheads

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: April 4, 2008
Time: 1 hr 54 min
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG
Starring: George Clooney, John Krasinski, Renée Zellweger
Grade: B

Synopsis: Good Night, and Good Luck director George Clooney pulls double duty once again in this sports-oriented romantic comedy set against the formation of professional football in the 1920s. Dodge Connelly (Clooney) is a brash and handsome gridiron giant who is equally comfortable leading his team in a barroom brawl or charging for a touchdown in a packed stadium. But when Connelly's team loses their sponsor and the entire league appears set to collapse, the quick-thinking jock attempts a creative late-game comeback. If Connelly can convince former college football star and decorated war hero Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski) to join the team, there may be hope for the ill-fated team after all. Back in World War I, Rutherford single-handedly forced the surrender of multiple German soldiers -- a feat that firmly established the dashing young soldier as America's favorite son. Not only that, but Rutherford's unparalleled speed makes him a valuable asset to the team. To cub reporter Lexie Littleton (Renée Zellweger), Rutherford seems simply too good to be true, and she's determined to prove that her theory is correct. As Littleton digs deep into Rutherford's past, the two teammates enter into a fierce competition for her erratic affections. Now, as Connelly's plan begins to work better than he ever could have anticipated, the rowdy sport he always loved starts to take on a whole new look and feel. In the midst of holding his team together and simultaneously charming the girl of his dreams, Connelly discovers he may be able to use the same strategies he does to win on the field to win in love. Of course, there might be a few fouls as this game enters the fourth quarter, but like every good player, Connelly knows the value of always having a secret play to fall back on before the final score is called. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: A clever film about the beginnings of football. It was not as funny as I was hoping for but one of the fight scenes gave me a good laugh. Clooney does an excellent job as the old football guy and Kasinski plays his role well. I am normally not a big fan of Zellweger either but she seemed to play her part very well. There was a good chemistry between her and Clooney and they both were funny together. I cannot recall any scenes that made this film a PG-13 film. The language was clean from what I can remember and there were no bad scenes. The film did feel a bit long.

Recommend: Check this one out with the family. Especially if you are a football fan you will be surprised at how everything started. I still can't believe how unpopular football was. This film should be a good entertainer and keep most everyone interested. Maybe you'll lose the kids near the end, but it is a lot of fun either way.

10/11/2008

Made of Honor

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: May 2, 2008
Time: 1 hr 41 min.
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13
Starring: Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan, Kevin McKidd
Grade: B

Synopsis: For Tom (Patrick Dempsey), life is good: he's sexy, successful, has great luck with the ladies… and knows he can always rely on Hannah (Michelle Monaghan), his down-to-earth, charming best friend and the one constant in his life. It's the perfect setup until Hannah goes overseas to Scotland on a six-week business trip… and Tom is stunned to realize how empty his life is without her. He resolves that when she gets back, he'll ask Hannah to marry him -- but is floored when he finds that she has become engaged to a handsome and wealthy Scotsman and plans to move overseas. When Hannah asks Tom -- the one person she feels closest to -- to be her “"maid"” of honor, he reluctantly agrees to fill the role,… but only so he can attempt to woo Hannah and stop the wedding before it's too late.

My Review: This is another chick flick that has been made a hundred times before. Standard story line of a guy and a girl trying to get together, but for one reason or another they can't. So you may be wondering why I gave it a B then. Probably the main reason is because I still enjoy films like this even though they have been done before. Patrick Dempsey does a good job. One of the other characters that I liked was his black friend who was one of the only people to have a lot of sense - and good morals for that matter.

Recommend: Sure, if you are in the mood for a chic flick, then this should fill your need. It has humor and it's "cute" moments. You will lose the kids fast though, so leave this one for you and someone special to watch together.

8/10/2008

The Bucket List

Posted by JTENMAN



Release Date: January 11, 2008
Time: 1 hr. 37 min.
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Rating: PG-13
My Rating: PG-13 (Clean up Jack Nicholon's mouth and it would have been PG)
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman
Grade: B

Synopsis: Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman star as two terminally ill cancer patients who decide to break out of the hospital and live their last days to the fullest in director Rob Reiner's seriocomic road movie. Edward Cole (Nicholson) is a corporate billionaire who is currently sharing a hospital room with blue-collar mechanic Carter Chambers (Freeman). Though initially the pair seems to have nothing in common, conversation gradually reveals that both men have a long list of goals they wish to accomplish before they kick the bucket, and an unrealized desire to discover what kind of men they really are. But one can't accomplish such lofty objectives from the confines of a hospital bed, so now, in order to live their lives to the absolute fullest, Edward and Carter will have to make a break for it. With a checklist that includes playing the poker tables in Monte Carlo, consuming copious amounts of caviar, racing the fastest machines on four wheels, and much more, these two terminally ill men will do their best to fit a lifetime of experience into their last remaining days while forging an unlikely, but truly remarkable, friendship. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Review: I enjoyed this film. Jack Nicholson is funny as always, and Morgan Freeman has his normal calming effect. The plot was a good idea, and the places they visit are great. The film felt a little slow at time, and it didn't always feel like it flowed. However, I loved one line in the film - "Find the joy in your life."

Recommend: This would be a good film for a date or if you are feeling bad about life for some reason or another. These two have a great time until the last day of their lives. It is an uplifting story even with the sad ending.