It has been a while since I have "movie-reviewed". I did it in bulk a while back just to see if I really enjoyed it, because I always have sort of joked about how I think I'd enjoy being a movie critic. And you know, I don't know if I really do. I just feel silly trying to write about movies in that much detail and be so critical. And trying to be so clever. I just don't have the energy when I get on this blog. Nevertheless, my love of movies remains, and I want to share my thoughts, so....short summary of opinions for now. And have I seen some good ones in the last few weeks! (By the way, I have realized I'm not as eager to review movies I didn't enjoy so much, like Couples Retreat and Where the Wild Things Are - not a sign of a true critic).
The Twilight Saga: New Moon. I think this movie was really well-done, despite what critics say. It must be viewed in the context of this story and its target audience. This means, among other things, that yes, Robert Pattinson does seem overly-dramatic, because that is his character. Bella and Edward's relationship is sickeningly unhealthy and kind of annoying to watch, because, yep, that's the way Stephenie wrote it. I feel like this film series should get a little more credit. They have done a good job with the base material. And, this doesn't usually happen, but I think I liked this movie better than the actual book...
The Blind Side. Wow, good movie! I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I thought, "Hmm, Sandra Bullock as a blonde, Southern woman...no thank you." She did wonderfully. As did Tim McGraw (he can act) and especially, pretty-much-newcomer Quinton Aaron who plays Michael Oher. I didn't know about this story at all before seeing the movie, and it is a beautiful one. What really stirs me is the way the Tuohy family took in Michael not to make themselves look good before men, but because it was simply within their reach to do and it was the right thing to do. It reminds me of this verse: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it." Proverbs 3:27. They took the resources they had, being good stewards of their wealth, to help a young man live day-to-day and to give him opportunities for a future outside of a crime-ridden neighborhood.
Precious. Claireece Precious Jones' story will hurt your heart, bottom line. I am in gross awe of what goes on in some homes. I think everyone should see it. It's heart-breaking, and very funny at times, too.
Brothers. You've seen the trailer, right? And you think you've figured out the movie, right? No. Way different than I thought, which is always refreshing : ) and in this case, good. It's intense, but an intense that you can handle. It's upsetting without being disturbing (to me, there's a huge difference). Tobey Maguire is Oscar-worthy, for sure, in his role as marine Sam Cahill. And, with Tobey, Natalie Portman, and Jake Gyllenhaal, it's impossible to have anything but a great movie.
A few nights ago, my sister and I held our 4th (possibly 5th...can't remember) annual Christmas-time viewing of one of our favorite films, Little Women. Her husband joined us this time, which was a little distracting since he made fun of it throughout : (. Nevertheless, it was a brilliant two hours, as always.
