Friday, May 27, 2011

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Last night I ventured out to see Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. I had heard a review which said it was slow in the middle - I did not find it so. I found it great from beginning to end. The other review had said Johnny Depp had nothing more to say as Captain Jack, again I did not find this true. He played him with much more subtly, more sincerity and less drunkenness. I thought over all the movie was great. Bringing in the history of the pirate days, the fight between England and Spain, and of course Blackbeard, apply played by Ian McShane with Penelope Cruz as his daughter. That Johnny and Penelope have chemistry is no doubt and the ending gives us an idea of what will come in the next edition of the Pirates. Again the reviewer I had heard had some criticism of Rob Marshall's directorship. Again I disagree, I thought the fight scenes were wonderful, the closeups were a great addition and overall thought Rob did a splendid job. The theme of seeking out the fountain of youth is an ancient theme and works well here and one has to mention Geoffrey Rush, who always acts, no matter the role, sublimely. What a wonderful cast, what a wonderful movie -- even though I wondered what happened to the young man blinded by love with the mermaid as they swim to the deep -- perhaps never to find out. That was the only question I had. The rest was answered, left me wanting more and yes I'll line up for Pirates of the Caribbean 5.  Want to enjoy yourself, lost in an imaginary pirate world for over two hours, then go see this movie. I think you'll find its worth it.  4 1/2 stars out of 5.

Bridesmaids

I took several days before I wrote up my review of this movie. (Then I ended up losing it and had to re write it - a sign - perhaps). Perhaps its my age, or just that I do not like toilet humor, put down humor, or embarrassment humor. So what was left to enjoy in this movie, some truly funny scenes.  I was not familiar with most of the actors, as I'm not a Saturday Night Live watcher, but did recognize Jon Hamm and Melissa McCarthy from their TV shows and Jill Clayburn from 'before'.
I knew I was probably in the 'wrong' movie for me when I was in about 10 minutes thinking "I should have gone to see Pirates of the Caribbean, which was also playing. But I did laugh, there were several scenes which were not in the toilet, put down or embarrassment humor category. If you do like this kind of humor you will love this movie - especially the embarrassment scenes. They were well down, its just I don't enjoy them - triggers all my embarrassment moments in life. Otherwise, wait till the TV or DVD - then you can turn it off.
If you do go and see it apparently there are outtakes at the end. I saw one scene, waited for more and did not see any so left - but watching Ellen who was interviewing Maya Rudolph there was apparently alot more. I just did not wait around long enough to see probably the best of the movie. Oh well, Pirates was next and it was great!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Thor

Saturday night saw my friend Trish and I driving 45 minutes north to watch Thor in 3D.  Was the trip worth it?  It was. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. From beginning to end. The costumes, the sets and the whole mythological concept was really well presented. I had not read any of these comics upon which this movie is based, so did not know the story at all. I found how it was presented was I did not need to 'know', I just needed to follow the story.
The acting is really good too. Good actors Chris Hemsworth made a wonderful Thor (the body - well enough said) but he was able to go from arrogant to humble and you believed it. Natalie Portman played her part well as the scientist who falls in love with Thor and of course Sir Anthony Hopkins was his usual great self as Oden. 
As I enjoyed this movie it met a lot of my criteria, I laughed, had a definite moral, well acted, well edited, good direction, the computer additions were done wonderfully well plus it held my attention the whole movie through. Therefore 4 out of 5.  (was wondering whether it was a 41/2 - you go you decide). 

Monday, May 2, 2011

Fast Five

Saturday night saw me entering into the theatre to watch Fast Five. I think I've seen all the previous Fast and Furious movies, and usually enjoy them and this time no different. I had fun, and found myself laughing several times. I had four young men (late teens early 20's sitting in front of me) and I think they were wondering what on earth I was laughing at, but I did find it quite funny at times. The juxtapositions of personalities and situations. I was concerned that the stunts that I had seen on the TV advertisements and in the movie trailers were all that there would be, but there were a couple of others. The stunts are great! Ones in which you wonder how on earth they could pull them off, but they do.
Also, the main actors, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and the other supporting actors all did their jobs well. The muscles on the arms of both Vin and Dwayne when they were struggling made me think "wow they must have spend hours pumping iron to have muscles like that". Women you would enjoy those muscles.
If you enjoyed the previous movies of this series, if you like car chases and speed then I think you will enjoy this one.
As I said I enjoyed it on all levels, acting, speed, crashes, humor and whatever else it takes to entertain one on a Saturday night when they need a little escaping. I look forward to seeing this movie again.
3 1/2 stars out of 5.