mummy99 Reviews

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

Worth waiting for

[10/10 · 15 June 2007]

After seeing the reviews and hearing how disappointed people said they were about the third Pirates of the Caribean, I was very pleasantly surprised when I finally got to see the film today. I enjoyed part three every bit as much as parts one and two, although it may have been a bit longer than desirable. The characters seem true to their previous behavior, there are enough twists and turns to keep one guessing about the plot, and the film is visually very beautiful. I am still amazed that the computer effects can be inserted so seamlessly into the live action, and the cinematography is just beautiful. I really enjoyed the adventures of Jack Sparrow and his conscience or should it be consciences? I didn't think that the plot was predictable and I enjoyed the squabbling between the pirate kings. All I had read were negative comments about Keith Richards' performance as Jack Sparrow's father, and I thought he did a good job. The comic touch about Jack's mother was definitely unexpected. This movie is certainly a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon with friends who know the tale, a packet of popcorn and a cold pop.

Knocked Up (2007)

Did not live up to the previews

[5/10 · 3 June 2007]

My 17 year old daughter and I had been looking forward to the release of this movie for quite some time and we went on opening day. Both of us like Katherine Hiegl and we were looking forward to a witty, funny film. Instead, we both thought that there was a negative edge to all of the humor that relentlessly followed the cast of characters from scene to scene. The main male and his friends were all unkempt slackers and it was hard to find something to like about them. The drug use was annoying and excessive - are there adults out there who really behave like this? Every negative stereotype about pregnant women and women not accepting their aging gracefully had to be dragged into the plot. The one nice male seemed to love his spouse but was unable to communicate his interests or feelings toward her and seemed like such a wimp. Even the two studio executives were tired stereotypes that denigrate women. Did the characters really have to be so cynical and negative? With the exception of the two sisters, it didn't seem like any of the characters really liked each other or really wanted to be around the others. I think the excessive drug use and nasty attitude toward sex was annoying. It is interesting to see that both males and females under 45 are rating this film very closely and much higher than both males and females over 45. It's certainly not a movie that we will see again.

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

I was pleasantly surprised at how much a 50's something mom of a teenager liked this movie.

[8/10 · 2 April 2007]

I went to the theater this afternoon to catch an R-rated film and goofed on the times. The only movie available in my time frame allowed was Meet the Robinsons. I reluctantly bought a ticket and was pleasantly rewarded with a movie experience that reminded me very much of my childhood. When we got to go to the movies in the 50's and 60's, there were trailers, followed by the newsreel and then a cartoon before the main attraction. The non-three D version started with non-R rated trailers, followed by a Mickey Mouse cartoon (loved it!) and then the main feature. It was very entertaining to sit back and relax and not worry about the good guys dying, the amount of slaughter that would be portrayed, or that there wouldn't be a positive message at the end. As an adult, there were enough references to keep me entertained and from the sounds of the kids in the theater, they were obviously enjoying this movie. I would highly recommend it to all but the crankiest movie-goers, and I personally loved the quote from Uncle Walt at the end of the movie. When I was little, our whole family watched Walt Disney every Sunday and I particularly remember when it changed to Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color. Walt Disney was a man ahead of his time and I really miss his adventurous spirit and inquisitive mind. He introduced and ended each episode and I really enjoyed seeing him every week. I wish that Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color was still on every week and that new episodes would still be made.

The Guardian (I) (2006)

give this movie a chance!

[10/10 · 1 October 2006]

I am sorry to see that critics are not very impressed with this movie. It is getting a little tiring to see negative review after negative review as each new movie comes out. Not every movie has to be a blockbuster and not every movie has to please those that prefer gangster drama. I went to see this movie in a theater crowded with adults, and we enjoyed it. The murmurs from the audience let you know that they were paying attention and liking what they saw. Ashton Kucher and Kevin Costner head a very strong cast that extol the virtues of the often over-looked and under-acknowledged U. S. Coast Guard. I would pay to see this movie again and will recommend it to other adults.

Hidalgo (2004)

Hidalgo provides a splendid evening of entertainment for lovers of the old west and those that respect the Sioux, western and Arabic cultures.

[10/10 · 19 March 2004]

Much has been written about whether the events in the movie Hidalgo are true or even feasible. Whether they are true or not is irrelevant as this is a movie made for entertainment. The cast and crew of Hidalgo have done a tremendous job of creating an entertaining and enjoyable film that is respectful of western, Sioux and Arabic cultures. The characterization of Frank Hopkins in this film is one of the best depictions of cowboy behavior in recent history. Cowboys are respectful, courteous, loyal, hard-working and yet, they do play hard. Inclusion of Lakota Sioux and Arabic dialects with large and easy-to-read English subtitles did not detract from the flow of the film. Some reviewers have commented that Mortensen mumbles too many of his lines. One that is accustomed to listening to Native American dialects might find that the softness, quietness and blending of the sounds is characteristic of this native language. The director did an excellent job in casting this diverse group of actors and each brings distinctive touches to their performance. The cinematographer should be commended for capturing the beauty of each locale, and the scenery is gorgeous. Hidalgo delivers the story of a valiant horse who happened to be owned by a man that stumbled, fell and yet through arduous effort regained his sense of self and place in the world.