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Magic Mike (2012)
Only worth watching for the stripping!
After being introduced to the delight that is Channing Tatum in 21 Jump Street, I was very excited to watch this film.
Unfortunately it did not deliver.
The reason I have given it 4 stars is purely for the dancing of Channing, who knew he could dance, girate and grind like that! Very pleasurable to watch.
The music throughout was pretty good - I even youtubed some of the soundtracks. Alice Russell has an amazing voice.
However the storyline was weak and poor. There wasn't really a story, it was just stripping! Which wasn't bad to watch, but I would have rather had a good plot to go with the sexy nakedness of Channing!
Solstice (2008)
Teenage thriller
This film had a recognizable cast, many familiar faces.
It took a while to start off, I found myself getting bored towards the middle.
I wouldn't call it scary but it did have a few predictable jump out your seat moments.
And what all thriller/chiller movie needs - a scary little ghost girl!
The setting made the film, perfect location for a scary film.
You have to wait until the end to understand the whole film, and when the plot finally emerges, it isn't as lousy as I had thought all the way through. It was actually pretty clever.
But I still have unanswered questions.. unless twins do have some sort of unique telepathic powers! Or the legend of Solstice is true (I just find it hard to follow films that defy logic!)
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
Surprised!
After watching the first Hunger Games and being very disappointed I was reluctant to watch this one. However, credit where credit is due, they did a superb job reenacting Suzanne's Second book of the series.
Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss with such determination, yet still managed to portray how vulnerable and elegant this woman is.
All of the actors did a fine job in this film. I actually followed this better than the book, I finally realise that everyone is trying to keep her alive. I thought it was just normal book cliché, the heroine must live, but it is much deeper than that. The film gives an excellent portrayal of the story.
It is gripping and dripping with suspense throughout. And even though it is a longer film it did not drag.
The only criticism I have is the ending was very abrupt. I did expect more of a finale so to speak, I had many questions that I wanted answered, but I guess it is to keep you in suspense for the next film.
Overall, I gave this film an 8 and would definitely recommend it. I would probably watch it again at some point. Looking forward to the next one!
Friends with Kids (2011)
Nothing special
I felt like this film dragged it seemed to take forever.
The ending was very cliché and you knew within the first 15 minutes how the film would end.
I would say the highlight of this film would be Megan Fox.. she is mesmerising.. and I am a straight female!
Nothing exciting happened, it was just following friends along a mundane every day journey, nothing out of the ordinary!
Wouldn't watch it again and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone!
4 Stars
Avoid.
Bachelorette (2012)
Disappointing
I settled in to watch this film believing it would be a zinger with a cast full of renowned actresses and funny actors. However, I was sadly disappointed throughout.
I admire Rebel Wilson and she, for the most part was in the background for the entire film. She has so much to give comedy wise, but her humour was not used in this film, unbeknownst to why!
The film centres primarily on one night and an unbelievable amount of stuff happens in this one night.. there a many scenes which were used that shouldn't have been there. I am still struggling to find the message behind some of them!
I was impressed with Lizzy Caplan's performance, although she was portrayed as a rather obnoxious girl along with Kirsten Dunst and Isla Fisher's characters. She did have a few brief moments where she brought some humour into the film.
I guess the moral of the film was the self-obsessed girls don't win in the end.
Overall I gave it a 5, I won't be watching it again.
Dark Water (2005)
Alright thriller
Firstly I would not class this as a horror film as it has been advertised, it is more of a chilling thriller.
The actors and actresses do a great job, but an absolutely excellent performance by the little girl - Ceci. What a wonderful little actress she is, she nailed every scene. And she is adorable.
Being a single parent to a little girl, I related to this movie, the position Dahlia is put into and the struggles she comes across. However my life has never taken a sinister twist like hers.
The ending was bittersweet and eerie. The creepiest part of the film is the little girl called Natasha. Who also did a great job as being the creepy little girl.
I rooted for Dahlia all the way through, she was wronged many times and accused of absurd things, she was a wonderful mother - proved by the ending.
I would recommend this film. I can't say that I would watch it myself again though.
21 Jump Street (2012)
Best film I have seen in ages. Hilarious
I did not expect much from this film, I watched it only because it had Jonah Hill in it and this movie made me LOVE him even more.
The story line is plausible, and really depicts the experience of high school adolescents.
Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum were exceptional actors in this film, some of the scenes I was wondering how on earth they are not laughing their heads off. Some of the dialogue was amazing, I found myself in fits of giggles throughout.
The highlight of the film was when the duo were together, they really fed off each others personas. Together they were comedy gold.
This film just kept on giving, not only was it a great comedy to get you laughing, but it also had a good storyline too.
I can't wait for the next one to come out!!!
Domestic Disturbance (2001)
Unexciting
I watched this as it sounded good, the storyline was OK, but it could have been portrayed better.
It was uneventful, unexciting, ungripping. The actors did a good job with what they were given. I wouldn't watch it again and I would not recommend this title.
As a thriller you want to be kept in suspense, which only happened a couple of times during the whole film. It was dreary and boring. The storyline could have made an excellent film, but unfortunately the directors and writers failed on this occasion.
Two words - don't bother!
Step Brothers (2008)
Genius
This has to be my all time favourite 'pick me up' film. I find the comedy hilarious.
The chemistry between Will Ferrell and John C Reilly is remarkable. I think they are both fantastic actors.
Regardless of the silly story line and sometimes pointless scenes, this is still an awesome film. Even the pointless scenes are there for a reason - they are funny!!
This film made me watch everything Will Ferrell and John Reilly have starred in. I love both of them and when they come together something magical happens!
A year will not go by when I won't watch Brennan and Dale. When Will Ferrell sings Por Ti Volare, even Will Ferrell, I still got goosebumps. It was a tremendous moment in comedy history.
Boats and hoes!!
Annie (1982)
An all time favourite
I cannot count how many times I have watched this film. As a child I would watch it almost daily and as an adult I watch it whenever it comes on the television. That was until my daughter came along and discovered the beauty that is Annie... so we have watched it time and time together, so much so I had to buy a new DVD copy as we wore ours out!
Regardless of this being an old film, it does not disappoint, it can be enjoyed by all ages and it will be timeless.
These days the story brings me to tears.
The music and the songs are fantastic, as are the child actors. The singing, the dancing, the story line have the ability to stir up so many different emotions.
And as Daddy Warbucks can vouch, Annie has the ability to win over even the most unavailable hearts.
As a viewer you will not be disappointed with this film, if you haven't already, watch it.
Sinister (2012)
Sinister!
I'm new to watching horror movies and I thought I would give this a shot!
Well I am utterly creeped out.
The incorporation of mythology into the film helped steer it away from normal horror movie clichés.
I liked the fact that you had to wait until the very end to know what was actually going on .. I was not able to guess the plot half way through as in most horror movies.
The imagery used was scary and I jumped out of my seat a number of times. The music built suspense throughout. The ending has me so freaked out I am too scared to go upstairs to the bathroom!
But hey I am a wimp.
I did find the film a little long and was willing it to be over towards the end. I can imagine this would be very popular in a cinema setting as it had some very heart-stopping/jumpy moments.
I do not recommend watching alone, in a lonely house, at night, on your own. Did I mention I'm all alone?!?!
I gave it a 6, the story was clever, but for me personally I was a wreck throughout!
Up (2009)
Love this!
This movie is excellent and timeless.
In the first few scenes it brought me to tears. It is such a beautiful story. It is one of the best animated films I have seen to date.
The best part about this film is it can really be enjoyed by the whole family. It is funny, the old man cracks me up - but he is such a sweetheart.
I watch this film with my daughter again and again, it can really make us both laugh.
I would recommend this title to anybody, young or old. You will not be disappointed.
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)
Chilling
I remember seeing this movie when I was very young and it creeped the hell out of me.
After seeing it a few times as an adult, I have to say the creepiness is still there.
For the storyline I gave this movie a 6. The portrayal of what a woman will do for a child has been uniquely presented in this film.
There were many dark moments in this film and what makes it scary above all, is this kind of thing can happen in real life. From what happens to the woman in the doctors room, to having a nanny who is not what she appears to be.
It also touches on other sensitive subjects such as suicide.
The film incorporates many issues and conveys them in a chilling and creepy way. I would definitely watch this movie if you haven't already.
Flowers in the Attic (1987)
An all time favourite of my childhood
Although this adaptation of Virginia Andrew's dark series has not done justice to her writing, the film is still dark, eerie and captures the main essence of the book.
Although it lagged action at times and drags, the story is unique and captivating. The acting of the Grandmother is freaky and it is definitely a film I would watch again.
I am interested in the 2014 remake, I am sure with the quality of films made these days we are in for a treat.
However, this is the classic adaptation and I think the children were conveyed well and their stories were told in this film.
Even if you are not a V.A fan, still a good film to watch.
For the Love of Benji (1977)
Childhood obsession
I have given this film a 7. My Dad would take me to the video shop once a week and I would, without fail, come home with 'For the love of Benji'
I loved this film and have fond memories of it.
It is clever as it was one of the first films made from a dogs point of view. It showed how intelligent and perceptive dogs are - they know good people from bad people almost instantly.
It also shows how sly, cunning and resourceful they can be when made to fend for themselves.
It did have a few heartstring pulling moments, when Benji is generous with today's spoil.. being separated from loved ones and reunited again.
I think children today would still enjoy this film.. regardless of the amount of running Benji does.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
I love this film
I do love this movie. The acting is great, even the kids are all great. I love the colourful imagery, the setting.
The songs are fantastic and the dancing too. It cracks me up each time my daughter gets up to copy the oompa loompahs.
Johnny Depp, as always gave a brilliant portrayal of Willy Wonka, although a little bit creepy. But he does give lots of comedy too. Some actors have the ability to convey with their eyes, their expressions and he definitely is one. I love the way he really takes on every character he plays. He has never disappointed me.
The story line is great (Roahl Dahl at his best) and I think Tim Burton has done a magnificent job with this adaptation. I think the ending is very humble and the message it delivers to kids is a good one.
On the Road (2012)
I fell asleep.
I don't often rate titles if they are bad, but this one left me yearning for more! There was so much potential to be had.
I found it boring. It lacked passion. It lacked excitement. It was just boring all the way through.
I wanted the ending to captivate me or strike me, but I just found it dull. I have seen that there is a book which this movie is based on, I would like to read that. As the story itself is interesting. This adaptation was not.
I have more fun watching the CCTV camera on my street. I wouldn't recommend this film to anyone. I only bought it as it had Kristen Stewart in it, so I thought it would be good.. I won't be making that mistake again!
Joy Ride (2001)
It will surprise you!
This is one of the films which I must have caught on television a few times but not had the chance to sit down and watch it all the way through.
Unlike your usual teen horror movie, it actually has moments which are surprising and make your heart beat faster. It has a plausible storyline, not total mundane made up madness like other teen horror movies.
This instills the message - don't talk to strangers! You don't know who the hell you might be dealing with.
I like the actress and there were a few moments of comedy. The music helped create tension.
Unlike other movies where I watch once and that's it, I would like to watch this again. It has a rather timeless quality.
The Glass House (2001)
Creepy, but dragged
I did like the storyline of this film. It was rather clever, but it didn't really go into too much detail. The story was from the girl's perspective (Ruby) so I only really understood that the bad guy (Terry) had money problems and wanted to use their inheritance to get himself out of the trouble. It was lacking in a lot of details.
However, there were a few creepy moments and the setting itself was rather eerie. The children were put in a difficult predicament, and unfortunately nobody seemed to be listening to them, which annoyed me the most.
I only really watched this as it the lead role (Ruby) is a favourite actress of mine. I really like her and she didn't disappoint in this role.
I enjoyed the film, but I wouldn't watch it again.
A Thousand Words (2012)
Not bad
The movie had a unique message. I can't help but love Eddie Murphy's acting. His smile itself is contagious! His facial expressions tell a thousand words, which is ironic seeing in this movie he cannot speak!
What made the movie for me was the actor Clark Duke, who plays Aaron. I found the onset chemistry between the two entertaining. I would like to see more films featuring Clark Duke, he is rather cry in his comedy, but still very funny.
The film had of course a soppy ending.. but overall the message within the film was a good one.
Eddie Murphy has received a lot of negative criticism over the years, but I still think his acting is great.. just some of the films he has starred in haven't been so good.
Glad I watched, but it's not a film I would watch again.
The Beach (2000)
Don't judge it by it's cover!
I have seen this movie 5 or 6 times now. I think it is original and exciting. The soundtracks, the scenery are simply exquisite. I now watch this film because of missing Thailand and this film has the ability to take me back to the tranquility! However my stay was not as eventful as Richards..
I have read the book also and it again was much better than the film. The film is an eye opener and has inspired many travelers to visit the famous 'beach'.
I will be watching this film again and I do not understand the critical reviews it has had.
The Hunger Games (2012)
I expected more
After reading the books, they stayed with me for a while afterward. They were so powerful and gripping and I couldn't wait to read the next.
This film has left me a bit disappointed. Although gripping and touching at times, it lacked the intensity it was originally written with.
All in all a good adaptation, but I'm not reeling to see the next one. If you watch this film and haven't read the book, I suggest you do, it's an amazing read.
After so much hype that I have heard, I feel deflated. The reason I gave it 6 stars, it is different and original.
Case 39 (2009)
Kinda creepy
I enjoyed this film. The beginning gripped me with the sensitive issue of child abuse. I found this part very emotional and I was shocked with the twist. There is a clever story line including a creepy little girl (what horror film would be complete without one?!)
However I did feel like the ending was dragging. It felt repetitive. Also the actual ending was a flop, it also raised a lot of questions.. how is she going to explain that?!
It did have a couple of jump out your seat moments, but I jump at the credits, so anyone immune to horror films won't find this all too scary. I mainly watched it as I am a fan of Renee Zelwegger.
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
Original
After not watching a horror film in over 10 years I decided I would start with this one. It didn't sound too terrifying. I wasn't expecting much but I have to admit the originality of the film did capture me. I was disappointed with the ending and unfortunately it took me a while to understand what was going on for the first hour.
For the originality of the film, I gave it a 6. I also have to give credit to the fact it didn't end with the usual happy ending horror films have become accustomed to.
It did make me jump (once) at the opening credits, when my kitchen door mysteriously closed on its own (just what I needed!) There were a few parts that made me laugh too. However the blonde character was a rather poor actress. I am glad I watched it, but I wouldn't watch it again.