What better way for myself to close out 2011 (which can be defined as a movie going one in large part) then seeing 7 movies in the last two days? Don't answer that in the comments, as I'm sure there are other ways. In order, the movies I saw were as follows: Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, New Year's Eve, We Bought A Zoo, The Sitter, My Week With Marilyn, Young Adult, and The Adventures of Tin Tin.
Up first is Alvin & The Chipmunks. I will say that this movie was better than the previous one, but that isn't saying much, as this film was horrible. Granted it's just a kids movie, but it's a kid's movie based on a popular cartoon series at one time, and the studio seems to be rushing them out for money purposes only. The plot? Pretty simple. The Chipmunks get ship wrecked on an island, followed by Dave & Eddie (both searching for them). There is absolutely no creativity with this film, granted there isn't any to begin with (after all the film is based on talking animals), but the film takes parody shots (years too late might I add) at other films, and that's really all there is to the film. The only way I would recommend this film, is you are a parent, and want to take your kid(s) out to the movies, and have already seen the other kids movies. Otherwise, avoid this one at all costs.
Coming up second was New Year's Eve. This movie is very similar to that of Valentine's Day. If you've seen that, you pretty much know what to expect, and it shouldn't come as a surprise. The film chronicles New Year's Eve (again, not that it should come as a surprise), or the events on the day of New Year's Eve in the life's of different people. The film does sport a large ensemble cast, but there really isn't that much interaction between them (my guess like Valentine's Day, due to budget costs). I found this film to be very enjoyable for what it is, even though personally, New Year's Eve/New Year's Day as a holiday doesn't do much for me (I'm single), and I honestly view it along with Valentine's Day as a couple's holiday. Having said that, I would recommend this film if you want to take a lighthearted trip to the theaters. The film certainly does make a good date movie (not that I'd know what to go see on a date).
Coming in third was We Bought A Zoo. This film, along with The Descendants (which I shared my thoughts about a few entries ago) hit close too home for me. The father, or Benjamin Mee (character's name), played by Matt Damon is a widow (lost his wife, I'm guessing to cancer, don't think the film really said what she died from, just implied it) is left raising his two kids (ages 14, and 7). It's after his son gets expelled from his school that he makes the decision that his family and himself need change in their life (to help them cope better) and ultimately come across a zoo. The film chronicles bringing the zoo back up to code in time to make the scheduled opening date. Personally, I really did enjoy this film in spite of the film hitting a bit too close to home. The chemistry between Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson was really good, and believable in the film, along with the cast in general. I highly recommend seeing this film with your family (probably after War Horse of course), or if you simply want to go see it on your own (as I did). You won't go wrong with this film.
Coming in at number four, was The Sitter, starring Jonah Hill. This was a comedy along the mold of The Change-Up, or Bad Teacher (those lines of comedy). Was one of the better comedies I've seen this year, and there's really not much more to say about this film. If your in need of a good laugh, you will enjoy this film.
Coming up next was My Week With Marilyn. This movie is presented not from the perspective of Marilyn Monroe, but rather Colin Clark (played by Eddie Redmayne) during the filming of the Prince & the Showgirl. Going into this film, I had heard Michelle Williams (playing Marilyn Monroe) was possibly going to be nominated for an Academy Award for her performance for her role. Upon seeing this film, my first reactions were no way (as the first part of the movie she was hardly in it), but when she was in it, you can clearly see why she could possibly be nominated for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe. She was very convincing in her role, and in the film she plays a very drugged up Marilyn Monroe (can tell by her behavior throughout the film). Eddie Redmayne, also delivered an award worth performance, but one that will probably get overlooked come award season. I would recommend this film to anyone that is a fan of critically acclaimed films. It was rather well done, and in my opinion, a sleeper to be nominated for Best Picture.
Young Adult was the next movie I saw, and I was pleasantly surprised with this film. I went in thinking this was going to be a chick flick (judging from the previews), and I actually do enjoy chick flicks, but I couldn't have been more wrong. In fact, what I saw (judging from the past years I've gone to AMC's Best Picture Showcase), was a film that could very well get nominated for Best Picture (again as a dark horse). This movie was very well done. The film is about Mavis Gary (played by Charlize Theron) living her life in Minneapolis, and through a moment of writer's block, gets an email from her old boyfriend, which is a baby announcement. A short while later, she decides to leave, and head back to her old hometown, with one mission, which is to win back her old boyfriend (whom is played by Patrick Wilson), even though he is married (happily so) and just had a baby with his wife. I would recommend this movie to anyone really, just like the last one, especially to those that enjoy the critically acclaimed movies. This movie was very enjoyable, and you won't go wrong with this film.
Last, and certainly not least was The Adventures of Tin Tin. This animated film was perhaps one of the most realistic I've seen (and at times I thought it wasn't animated). In my opinion, this film was the best animated film of the year, and is really not one for younger kids, but perhaps the older kids. Reason why I say that, is there is a scene of blood, and killings albeit in a flashback scene on a pirate ship, and of course gunfights throughout the film. The film chronicles Tin Tin's latest adventure, which was tracking down a model ship, which was one of three, and all three provide clues to the location of treasure.
That's about it for this entry. Up next, my top 10 for the year
No comments:
Post a Comment