Sunday, May 26, 2013

Fast & Furious 6 - movie review

I could not wait to see this movie. My appointment book had when it was opening Fast & Furious 6. Unfortunately I had to wait a whole day before I could go and see it, but last night saw me and my movie goer friend Trish walk in and take our seats (I had bought them ahead when I went back to see Star Trek - phenomenal movie - again.).
I own the DVD's of the other movies and just loved seeing, Van Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordara Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Chris aLudacrisa Bridges and Elsa Patakg with Dwayne Johnson from Fast and Furious 5, and then adding Michelle Rodriguez who had died at the end of Fast and Furious but was reborn (having forgotten her memory) in 6.
I found it a bit slow for the first quarter (picky me) but then the action started and once again was tremendously impressed with the stunts.  Wow, there are some beauties in here. Worth seeing again for that. The plot was not as important to me as the message 'family is the most important'.  I could not agree more.
You want action, phenomenal stunts, and seeing the 'gang' back in action, then you have to see this movie. There are some surprises and yes, some deaths, but the ending sets up for Fast and Furious 7. Can't wait.
4 out of 5.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Great Gatsby movie review

The Great Gatsby directed by Baz Luhrmann, you knew would be spectacular.  Baz tends to produce large pieces (although Australia was panned by many, something I could not understand, as I loved it and have watched it many times.)  I therefore was wondering how The Great Gatsby would turn out.  Having Leonardo DiCaprio playing Gatsby was a stroke of genius. He is such a phenomenal actor, and he portrays all the feelings that Gatsby has with such aplomb, that I sat there in awe of the acting ability of this man. The supporting cast comprising of Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire and Joel Eggerton were also well casted and each actor portrayed their roles well. Carey Mulligan, the rich girl, who Gasby loves, plays the delicate, Daisy loving Gatsby, yet also ruled is some ways by her husband. I thought Tobey Maguire was perfect as the teller of the story. As Daisy's cousin Nick he remembers the 'summer' in which all this takes place. Money, manipulation, imagination and love all take place within this movie.
I would be remiss in not mentioning the sets of the parties which take place, the over abundance of color, booze, life, which is indicative of a part of society in the 1920's. 
This movie has depth, and the screen is filled with scenes of varying different shades of life and interactions of people. Baz has done is usual great job. Understanding the human condition is not always an easy thing, but through this movie you get to take a look.
4 out of 5.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Star Trek Into Darkness - movie review

I am a Star Trek fan, and I waited until Sunday to go and see this movie, so my friend Trish, who usually accompanies me to the movies could come with me.  She had been playing Grandmother, looking after her two small grandchildren.  So it was with enjoyment in our hearts, that Trish picked me up and we drove the two children to meet up with their parents and we went to a different theatre than usual to see Star Trek Into Darkness in 3D.
Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed this movie from beginning to end. The characters, so well fitting their roles. Chris Pine as the ever not going to obey rules, Zachary Quinto as the wonderful Spock, always following rules. Their verbal by play had me laughing away, the writing is really good to be able to keep the story going, yet not be boring, and not letting the plot die away. A big shout out to the writers.
Then of course the back up with Scotty played by Simon Pegg and Bones, Karl Urban and the never to be forgotten Uhura so aptly played by Zoe Salana. These characters are the backbone of the movie and always worth seeing as they interreact.
Then in this movie, the Sherlock Holmes from British TV, Benedict Cumberbatch, gives a face to the terrorist.  The movie house gasped as his identity was revealed, (I'm not going to here because if you have not seen it, you need to be surprised) but I will say I clapped on the revealing. He was spectacular as the villain.
All in all, I can't wait for the next Star Trek movie to come. I wish it was next week, but I will be gong to be this movie again its so good. Usually a second movie is not as good as the first, I think this one is better. JJ. Abrams is a great director, and brings out the best in all his
actors. The action scenes always fulfill the need in the moment. I truly don't know what else they could do to make this movie better.
5 out of 5 for me.  I will see it in 2D next time, just to see the difference 3D made.
Star Trek fan or not, if you like action, you will love this movie.  Go see it!!!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Iron Man 3 - movie review

While I was in Edmonton last week I went to see Iron Man 3 in 3D. In the last two Iron Man's I have found the character of Tony Stark always aptly played by Robert Downey Jr hard to take, after all his attitude was arrogant and 'know it all'. This time however, Tony Stark is humbled and with most of the movie having him out of his 'suit' and being a plain human, though ever smart, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie throughout.  Robert Downey Jr gives a great performance as the humbled Tony Stark. Guy Pearce as the 'bad guy' of behind everything, while the usual cast of support, Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle perform their roles as usual. But the movie belongs to Robert Downey Jr and especially Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin. He was superb.  For a wonderful few hours of entertainment, then this is a must.  3 1/2 out of 5.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The Big Wedding - Movie Review

I went to see The Big Wedding after a very busy weekend, and thought some comic relief would be just what I needed. I was right. I giggled throughout the whole movie. I thought the characters were chosen well. Robert DeNiro as the father, Diane Keaton as the ex-wife mother, and Susan Saradan as the partner. Topher Grace as the Virgin brother, Katherine Heigl as the sister whose marriage is going through crisis regarding getting pregnat, and Amanda Seyfried who is engaged to the adopted brother and is getting married.
The situations these characters get themselves into you just have to laugh. The writing is good, the situations funny, (and thankgoodness not too often embarrassing - I personally don't like embarrassing situations).  The adopted son's biological mother is coming to the wedding from Columbia, with a sister (who Topher Grace's character gets involved with). The mother is a strict catholic and the priest, played by Robin Williams who has some really funny scenes as he interacts with the family.
Needless to say, through the giggles and laughs, there is a lot an older person can relate too. The pressures of a wedding is enough, but trying to pretend you are married to someone who you divorced 10 years ago, never mind the woman he now lives with for eight years, who is as much a mother to the adopted son as the other two mothers. Toss in racist in-laws (after all the babies will be beige) and you have a lot of fun. Tastefully done and funny. 
For a fun night, go see The Big Wedding and enjoy the acting, family interactions and some funny situations.
3 1/2 out of 5.