Hiatus

Obviously we have neglected this blog - which we loved- for quite sometime. Pretty much after I became pregnant, I let this fall to the wayside. Now that our baby is here, it's still on a back burner (way in the back). SO . . . maybe we will pick this up again. Maybe we will review new release DVDs . . . maybe we will get to go the movies again someday (maybe). However, for now, this blog is on hiatus. A baby induced hiatus.

We apologize, to our adoring fans . . . all two of them (Hi, Mom!)

The Hurt Locker

****' 4 1/2 Stars

A interesting look into the War in Iraq. This film is apolitical, which makes it all the more engaging, as it just focuses on the soldiers experiences. Full of suspense and amazing special effects, this movie truly delivers. In a male dominated field of film making, Kathryn Bigelow gives a refreshing version of a war, action movie.

Following a bomb squad in American-occupied Iraq you get a sense of the hardships of war and the emotional toil of combat. Probably the best movie portrayal of the Iraq War, the acting is impeccable and the cinematography and special effects nothing short of amazing.

A must see.

(Good luck to Kathryn up for best director against her ex-husband James Cameron.)

Inglorious Basterds

****' 4 1/2 Stars

A typical Tarantino film - Inglorious Basterds is incredibly violent, with just the right dose of dark humor and satire. Set during WW II, you almost don't mind the violence, as most of it is directed as those Nazi a-holes.

This movie has intrigue, suspense, love and great acting. "The Basterds" are an American team sent in to terrorize and exterminate as many Nazis as possible. Their brute tactics and cavalier attitude about killing the Germans is almost endearing! All of the acting was superb, however Brad Pitt, B.J. Novak, and Melanie Laurent all shined for me, especially. Additionally, Christoph Waltz is one of the best villains I have ever seen on the silver screen. You love to hate him.

Tarantino's unique style shines through and perfectly compliments all the other film's elements: the dark content, humorous nature of the script and comic book violence that is truly Tarantino's niche.

A Serious Man

***** 5 Stars

Robbie and I loved this movie . . . that is, after we were able to digest it all about 10 minutes after the credits started to roll.

The film definitely leaves you asking: "What the heck?" initially, in true Coen brother style. However, the movie is very reflective of real life, which often leaves you asking, "What the heck?" as well.

The casting, cinematography, design and costuming is excellent, as it really gives you a sense of a Jewish community in the Mid-west during the 1960's. The movie is both though provoking and oddly humorous, as we follow the middle-aged Jewish college professor and family man trying to lead the life of a "serious man".

Thanks Coen brothers, you've done it again.

Up

***** 5 Stars

This adorable and touching animated adventure has all the elements of a great movie. During the course of the film I literally laughed, cried and waited in suspense to see where these characters, that I had grown to love, ended up.

Although the plot may be fantastic, the human element to the story was undeniable. You honestly cared about all the characters: the old man, chubby boy scout and talking dog. The graphics are amazing (which is no surprise for a Pixar film) and lures you into this exotic world of floating houses and chocolate loving birds.

Above all, this film gives the reminder to take nothing for granted with an entertaining story and first-rate graphics. Talking dogs and a message to better your life - can you ask for anything more??

Up In The Air

**** 4 Stars

Although, not your average feel good movie, it does make you stop and think about what it means to live in the "2000's". To echo many "real" movie critics, George Clooney gives the performance of his career. Since this movie is highly character driven (my favorite), the sincere performance of all the leading and supporting actors really drives the relevancy of this film home.

Again, this movie doesn't necessarily give you the brightest outlook on life, but there is the glimmer of hope that through some soul-searching we may all find at least a piece of some American Dream happiness.

This film deserves all the accolades it has gotten: from the cinematography, to the script, to the acting it really gives a honest look at the human condition in today's society.

Public Enemies

Sarah- 4 Stars:****
Robbie- 1 1/2 Stars: *'

As you can see, Robbie and I had different opinions on this movie. I loved it! He fell asleep . . .

What I loved about this movie may have been the very things that made Robbie dislike it. The movie seemed very honest, not over the top with unbelievable action scenes. The cinematography matched this with a muted, yet classic tone.

It also had a great focus on the people and character relationships rather than skipping from action scene to the next. I loved the depiction of John Dillinger and his girlfriend Billie Frechette- it was so moving and heartbreaking all at the same time. You were rooting for him all along, even though he was "America's public enemy #1". The portrayal of 1930's FBI and J. Edgar Hoover was also fascinating as the hunt for Dillinger became increasingly public and top priority.

Johny Depp was flawless as usual, and Christian Bale and Marion Cotilland were a fantastic compliment.

3 Stars: ***

I watched this movie with a group of friends who love to cook and eat (as it is meant to be watched) and really had a great time. I wouldn't say I loved this movie, but I would definitely say I liked it very much. Perhaps it was the incredible high hopes and build up that I had for this movie, but it was just a little bit short of what I was hoping for.

However, Meryl Streep (who can do no wrong in my eyes) did a WONDERFUL job of portraying Julia Child and my main criticism of the movie was that I wanted more of that story, and less of the blogger Julie. Her performance was completely believable and lovable. I felt as if Julia and I would have been great friends as I forgot that I was watching Meryl as Julia, and was entranced with Ms. Child herself.

Amy Adams, whom I also usually love in any role, was just not as engaging. I didn't care enough about the whiny blogger, her bad fashion and semi-cute hair cut. I wanted more Julia Child as I said before, and also left the movie wanting a more conclusive and dramatic ending. Overall good- but not the best.

This Is It

Five Stars: *****

This Is It needs very few words: it was AMAZING.

As big Michael Jackson fans, it was very interesting to see rehearsals and a side of MJ that is rarely seen, him as an artist and real person. The cameras at his rehearsals were not meant to be a professional film crew, which sets the stage to see Michael at his most honest and candid.

The movie takes the footage from his final rehearsals for his last tour and edits them flawlessly. If this wins an Oscar for editing, I would not be surprised (and I don't believe I've ever said that about a movie). The way in which the various bits of film were put together gave the effect of watching an actual performance.

This movie left me wanting more- regardless of the tabloids stories, rumors and scandal surrounds Michael, his talent as an entertainer is clear in this ingenuous documentary.

4 Stars: ****

This is definitely a potential cross-over movie for sci-fi and action lovers alike, although I would not put it on the same level as Star Trek. However, the story line is compelling and the alternate vision of South Africa, infested with a new alien race is surprisingly believable. This is not your typical alien film.

Peter Jackson certainly did a great job of entertaining his audience and commenting on the condition of the human race simultaneously.

We both really enjoyed District 9- we were on the edge of our seats until the final moment . . . the combination of suspense and humanity was very satisfying.