The Reviews Are In

Keith and I have seen a ridiculous number of movies in the last few months...

What Happens in Vegas (PG13)
The Lauren Rating: ****
I love Ashton Kutcher and I love Cameron Diaz. Put them together, and you have one funny (and very attractive) movie. When we went to see this movie I wasn’t expecting it to be great, but it really was. Did it have a new and ingenious plot? No. But it was 100% entertaining and 110% hilarious. If you’re in the mood to laugh, go see this movie.

Iron Man (PG13)
The Lauren Rating: ****
I was not overly excited about going to see this one. Keith loves comic books, so in turn, we must go see every comic book inspired movie that hits the big screen. Even if it is getting horrible reviews, Keith will make me go see it. I was way impressed with Iron Man. I’m not a big Robert Downey Jr. fan, but he was fantastic, likeable even. It had some gross parts, but overall I loved it. Definitely a movie we will be buying.

Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull (PG13)
The Lauren Rating: **
I have never seen the other Indiana Jones movies. I have seen bits and pieces of them, but never one in its entirety. I’ve always wanted to and will get around to it one of these days. I was excited about seeing this movie, but a little bit worried that I would need the back story that the other movies provided. I didn’t. Keith had to do a little explaining, but for the most part it was totally okay that I hadn’t seen the others. This movie was mediocre at best. The first 75% of it was pretty good. Very exciting but somewhat unrealistic. (Of course!) The ending was ABSOLUTELY ridiculous. It was so ridiculous that it ruined the previous 75% that I though was pretty good. If you’re into the series, see it, if you’re not, don’t waste your time.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (PG)
The Lauren Rating: *
The Chronicles of Narnia books are amazing. C.S. Lewis is a genius! The movies, not so much. I’m pretty sure he’s rolling over in his grave as we speak. Keith and I went and saw The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe when it came out a few years ago. Keith fell asleep. I was disappointed in it but thought perhaps it was just a disappointment because it was somewhat riding the coat tails of the Lord of the Rings trilogy which are AMAZING! So I made Keith go and see Prince Caspian and had high hopes that it would be better. It wasn’t. It’s been several years since I read this book, but I didn’t recognize the story at all. It seemed to me like they left out so much important stuff and only kept in the battle scenes. And what is with the actress that plays Lucy? She is so annoying I want to stab someone. The acting as a whole is pretty damn bad, the special affects look cheesy, and the story leaves much to be desired. I did like Reepicheep, though. He was cute. I do not recommend this movie. I hope to God that the next one they make will be better. As much as I’ve hated the first two I know I’ll continue to go see the others that they make in hopes that at least one will do justice to the magnificent books.

Sex and the City (R)
The Lauren Rating: **
Geeze, where to begin? I was so excited to see this movie. I literally got goose bumps the first time I saw a trailer. Keith made fun of me and rolled his eyes relentlessly. Sex and the City is just one of the many shows that Keith and I disagree on. I have seen every episode numerous times and like many other women in the world, feel that I have a personal relationship with Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. Lou and I spent many, many nights at home in college watching episodes on DVD. So I dragged Keith to see this with me on opening night. He was the only straight guy in the whole theatre. He is now officially the best boyfriend in the history of the world. I was utterly disappointed in this movie. It felt like the crammed two seasons worth of TV into two hours of movie. They moved through it so quickly there was absolutely not story or character development. I realize that most people (mainly people that don’t really watch the show) think that it is moral-less and is all about slutty women and sex. But that is simply not the truth. They spent 6 seasons developing these characters and taking them from single, sexed up women to ladies with feelings and needs and flaws. They ended the series perfectly. Everyone was happy, loose ends were tied up, and we got to see growth in each character. They successfully ruined that in this movie. They took a perfect ending and stomped on it. Specifically, they made Samantha a selfish whore again. It made me angry. It was entertaining, it had some good parts to it, and I’m glad I saw it. But I will not be buying this one.

The Strangers (R)
The Lauren Rating: ***
If you like scary movies, this is one you should go see. But don’t go alone. Take a strong man with you because you will definitely want to hide in his shoulder during 95% of this movie. And that really is most of the fun in going to see scary movies, right? I like scary movies, but I’m very picky about them. I don’t mind being frightened but I don’t like anything with rape, disturbing sexual content, or torture. There was none of that and very little gore. It was suspenseful from the first moment. I wouldn’t say it was a cinematic masterpiece or that it was an overly original story line, but for what it was, it was fantastic. Plus, I love Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman (aka Ben from Felicity.)

Kung Fu Panda (PG)
The Lauren Rating: ****
I went to see this with Kareah, Chloe and Corban. We had a great time! It was so cute and absolutely hilarious. It made me want to go buy a Red Panda and then hug it for days. The animation and scenery were superb. Jack Black does such an excellent job. There are so many cute little characters. I think one of the best things about this was hearing Chloe and Corban say “scadoosh” repeatedly after our movie experience was over. Go see it, rent it, or buy it!

Atonement (R)
The Lauren Rating: ***
On Father’s Day I was in the mood for a good, sad movie. (I wasn’t depressed or sad, I just needed a good cry. You know what I mean?) I had wanted to see this when it was out in the theatres but never did. So I rented this and another movie. I had heard mixed reviews about it. It was a little slow at first, but very good. It wasn’t quite what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It had some shocking language and sex scenes, but not to the point where it made me want to turn it off. I’m a big Keira Knightley fan and she was wonderful! It definitely made me cry. Rent it, but be aware of who you watch it with. It could make for some awkward moments.

I Am Legend (R)
The Lauren Rating: ***
I have a strange infatuation with Zombie movies. I bought this movie without having seen it and it did not disappoint. If you have or have ever had a close bond with a pet this one will make you cry. The special affects were a bit cheesy compared to other Zombie movies (Dawn of the Dead, etc.) And if you like to over analyze the realism of movies this one probably isn’t for you. But aside from that, it was very entertaining and Will Smith is excellent.

Grace is Gone (PG13)
The Lauren Rating: ****
Yet another movie that will make you bawl. John Cusack plays the father of two little girls whose mother has just died fighting in Iraq. The three of them travel across the country to Enchanted Gardens while he tries to find a way to break the news to them. As you can guess, it’s emotional from the first second. The colors and soundtrack all have the same sad tone. I’ve never seen John Cusack in this kind of role before and he does an excellent job as do the two little girls. It was also very political which I did not know before I rented it. I classify this movie in the same category as “United 93” I’m really glad I watched and I think everyone should see it once, but I won’t ever watch it again.