Movie Reviews (Unprofessional, totally biased, and suited to MY tastes! Hey, there are benefits to considering one's self a goddess! ~wink, wink~) These movies are rated on a scale of fairies. = don’t bother wasting your time or money- go for a root canal instead. = go see it if you have an intense craving for popcorn and Raisinets, but it’s perfectly acceptable to nap after you’ve gorged yourself. = nice diversion, but it’s okay to wait for the dvd. = strongly recommended- you won’t be disappointed. = I would give up chocolate for a week (well, maybe for 3 days…) to see this! Music and Lyrics  Cute, cute, cute! Drew Barrymore is always adorable, but she absolutely shines in this movie. Watching the previews, I didn't think I'd really like this movie that much! the whole Hugh Grant in tight pants thing just didn't do it for me. But Drew took over the screen, and the chemistry between the two main characters was believable and fun! I adored the down- to- earth ditziness of Drew's character- a trait that wasn't as clichéd as it sounds. J The big sister was great, too. I know lots of people just like her, and they are always good for a laugh as they fawn over their pop idols from the past! Saccharine sweet, not a huge amount of depth (if any), but still a great film. Catch and Release   This will be short and sweet, because I forgot to review this movie when it came out, and I can't remember much of it. (Anyone know where I can get a brain transplant???) The story was contrived, not overly surprising, but that's okay because I like my movies that way. There were some sweet moments, but nothing that really stuck with me. My biggest caveat- they made the child in the film out to be this horrible mess of a kid, and though kids can be little monsters, this was overkill. My lack of belief in the realism of his behavior pulled me out of the story. I also had difficulty with the relationship of the main character, Gray, and her new found love interest. They did a fairly good job of redeeming him, however, so I bought it after a while. But I don't know if I'd actually call this a romantic comedy! All in all, it was an okay diversion. There were moments that I enjoyed, and I didn't regret seeing the movie. There was a great deal of character growth, but not enough wham to make it worth ten bucks! Because I Said So!  I loved this movie! The casting is right on- Mandy Moore is just adorable. The comedy springs from events that happen naturally amidst the plot, so it doesn't seem overly contrived. Because I Said So had the perfect balance of familial love (and the problems associated with a close family!), chemistry among the characters, and touching, heartfelt sequences. Warning: The dog threatens to steal the show early on in the movie. Very cute and very funny! Also, watch for the "orgasm"� scene- not a good time to go for a bathroom break. I highly recommend this movie- and will definitely buy it when it comes out on dvd. Great for a good laugh! Children of Men   I would have given this movie a higher rating if not for the way it ended. I won't spoil it for anyone who still wants to see it, but let me just say that the ending ruined the entire movie experience for me. Okay, okay, I know most people in the world are going to disagree with me. That's fine. I don't mind. But since this is my movie review, I'm going to tell you, honestly, what I thought! I will give the director credit- the scenery was realistic, and served its purpose of being gritty and desolate. I felt the intensity of feelings from the communities. There was no hope, no joy- only pain and suffering. I liked the main characters, and even liked Sid, a secondary character (he had a great quirky personality)- until he switched on us. The camera work was shaky, leaving me more than a little nauseous. My heart raced throughout the entire film, and not in a good way. I rooted for the main characters, but I wasn't sure what I wanted for them. I still don't know what I was supposed to want for them. And therein lies the problem- too many unanswered questions, the storyline was too vague, and I left feeling like nothing had been solved. I like my endings to wrap up the storyline. This one failed immensely, in my view. I almost threw my popcorn at the screen. Night at the Museum   Driving to the movie theatre with my daughter, I had already decided that this film would be the first on my list to get only one fairy. I was kind of shocked to actually enjoy this movie! My daughter and I shared many laughs, even after the film was over. It was fun to view a fantasy that always ran rampant in my imagination- about toys and other things coming to life at night. This film explored some themes that I didn't expect, and resolved them nicely. (Following one's dreams, finding importance in one's life, being a good dad and role model, etc.) This was another movie that went on a bit longer than necessary (maybe my attention span is to blame! I'm starting to wonder!), but all in all, it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. Freedom Writers   True, I've seen movies like this before, but predictability alone is not a factor I use in determining whether I like a movie or not. (In fact, I happen to be a huge fan of predictability!) Rather, the depth of emotion faced by the characters is what draws me in, and the personal journeys we experience for the duration of the film. This movie touched upon some deep emotions, but I have to tell ya- I wasn't always feeling it. I rooted for the young teacher in her quest to make education important to her students, I sympathized with her struggle against everyone who didn't believe she could truly make a difference, and I felt compassion for the students and their difficult lives. I just didn't experience the emotions deeply enough. Partway through, the movie could have ended and it still would have made its point. (A polite way of saying it went on a tad too long!) The acting was good, the story was inspirational, but I would say that this film isn't one you need to run out and see right away. Unless, like me, you just really needed to get out of the house for the evening! :) Happy Feet   Maybe I'm a bad person. I can't help it- I usually love this kind of film, but I just didn't enjoy this one that much! (seemingly unlike everyone else in the country!!) The soundtrack was wonderful, and okay- I was tapping my feet a little during some of the songs. I thought the story of the penguin who was "different"� was sweet, and I wanted the best for him. Heck, there was even a little romance in there, which I am a huge fan of! It just went on tooooooo long. My kids were enthralled, and still talk about it. But it wasn't one of my favorite kid movies, and not one I feel the need to ever see again. If I do purchase the dvd, it will be to use as a "babysitter"� film, rather than a family movie event. (Clarification- the dvd will not actually babysit my children, it may just keep them company long enough for me to do the dishes, or GASP, take a shower!) Besides, it was another movie where I kind of felt ashamed of being human, since it explores the very important aspect of what we're doing to our environment (over fishing, pollution, etc.) and the impact our actions have on other creatures. Needed to be heard, it just depressed me a little bit! and I expected my feet to be HAPPY! Pursuit of Happyness   I had high expectations for this movie. The previews showing Will Smith's character on the floor of a public bathroom crying with his son practically had me in tears. I thought the premise was interesting and would turn out to be a must see. In reflection, the movie was a worthwhile pastime, however it didn't knock my socks off the way I thought it would. The most distracting part of the film was the soundtrack. The background music sounded like a bad 70s PBS show! The acting was phenomenal. Will Smith is able to show emotion with the tiniest alteration in his face and body. His son is following in his footsteps, for his performance was exceptional. I would have preferred a little more realism, like letting the kid have a major temper tantrum or two, considering what his life had become. He did get to display some temper, but it was quickly cut short. The love the main character feels for his son is evident in every move that is made, and it is clear that each decision is painstakingly intense. We are rewarded with an ending that is well deserved, and my eyes did grow a little moist! Watching the main character's struggle was painful at times, and I kept hoping the poor guy would catch a lucky break. He had to work diligently and honestly, and he could never lose sight of his dreams and goals. There was a deep message that none of us should ever forget. In summation, I would see this movie again, but preferably not anytime soon. I'm in search for something uplifting, so if anyone has any suggestions that don't include massive struggle or destruction of humanity, please let me know! Blood Diamond   This movie is difficult for me to rate, because it's not the type of movie I like to see. So as you read this, keep in mind that if you like intense, violent movies that leave you ashamed to be a human being, then you may want to see it. I was left shaking from the horror of the storyline. If this movie set out to make people never want to purchase a diamond, then I can honestly say it worked on me. In fact, it made me never want to purchase anything, because who knows who had to die to get it into a store near me? The acting was powerful, the story made sense. The growth of the Leonardo DeCaprio character was outstanding- that journey alone was worth taking a peek at the movie at some point. I have never found Leo to be overly attractive (very pretty, but not manly enough!) but I am happy to report that in this movie he is finally a man. He is rugged and alpha all the way. He grows and changes through his interactions with the other main characters, and you won't be disappointed with the decisions he gradually comes to make. There is a romance in this film, but not a strong one, and not a happy one. If you are looking for escapism (as I look for in a movie), don't see this one. If you want something that inspires you to look beyond your own family and life and see problems that are bigger than any of us, then I do recommend this movie. Just be prepared for some heart-thumping, scary action and mutilation. Eragon   Let me start by saying that I went to see this movie with a teenage boy (who is an avid fan of the book!), my three children, ages 6, 8, and 10, and two of my ten year old daughter's friends. After settling in with our mountains of popcorn, soda, and candy, I prayed that the movie would at least be good enough to hold the attention of three giggling girls and two boys who are prone to boredom induced outbursts! I was not disappointed. The movie immediately grabbed me, and when I was able to break away from the wondrous images on the screen to chance a peek at the kids, I was thrilled to see that every one of them was enthralled. Wow. Two hours. Quiet children. Popcorn. Chocolate. Every mother's dream! Oh yeah, this is a movie review, not a chance to relive my moment of peace and quiet. (Believe me, those moments DON'T happen often!) Anyway, the movie. The scenery was gorgeous, the baby dragon adorable (think of the cat with the big eyes in Shrek!), and the acting was very believable. I was transported to this fantasy world, and enjoyed every minute of it. I never had a moment where I was pulled out, thinking that something was impossible or didn't make sense. The dialogue was witty and wise, the relationships were intricate and heartwarming, and I have to admit- this movie made me cry at one point! I believe that this movie was of the same caliber as last year's Chronicles of Narnia. All in all, if you are a fan of the fantasy genre, or any strong hero's journey, SEE THIS MOVIE! If you have read the book (I haven't yet, though after seeing the movie, I intend to!)I have to warn you that my teenaged brother told me that they changed a lot of things for the movie. BUT he did say that the movie was very cool, too. Let me know what you think! I plan to see it again! The Notebook   Okay, this review doesn't really fit in this section, since this movie has been on dvd forever now. However, since it is my all time favorite movie, I had to include it. Besides, isn't this picture divine? To sum it up, I saw this movie three times in the theatre (and sobbed every time!) then made sure to have it in my greedy little hands the day it came out! No matter what the "expert critics"� say, the acting in this film was very realistic and intriguing. The two lead characters made me fall in love with them, and their love. Though some say it does not have a happy ending, I think the ending is perfectly suited to the love story, thus making it a very satisfactory way to complete the journey of the characters. Excuse me, now I must go watch it for the bazillionth time!