The Bank Job

3 Stars: ***

Okay, so it's Jason Stathom, I know; but don't be so quick to judge. This movie is anything but, Transporter 4. 

The fact that this is movie is based on a true story is really quite incredible. If it wasn't real, I might say it is too over the top- but this all really did "go down".

The producers also did a fantastic job of recreating 1970's London. From the costumes to the cars to the buildings- everything just felt spot on. 

You are rooting for the blue collared, small-time-criminal, yahoos the whole time. The characters are lovable and relatable. Although the plot grows more intense as the movie progresses, you are still invested in the actual characters. 

It was refreshing to see Mr. Stathom in a relatively different setting than his usual movies. Rather that watching him jump over unfinished, flaming bridges in race cars, we actually got to see him act . . . and he wasn't half bad. The Bank Job's plot is suspenseful and the characters are endearing- it's so crazy, it has to be true. 

He's Just Not That Into You

3 1/2 Stars ***'

He's Just Not That Into You was originally meant by the authors for a funny/random coffee table book (perhaps for sale at an Urban Outfitters-esk store?) according to an Oprah interview. However, it's surprise success spawned the movie He's Just Not That Into You, which focuses on the harsh reality of the dating world. A comical look at the wistful delusions of women and the chauvinist and dumb-witted ways of men, the movie delivers just the right amount of romance with comedic timing.

The all star cast is balanced throughout the entire movie. No one person carries the film, which makes it a smorgasbord of pop-culture icons. The cast includes: (the cheesy) Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper (two gentlemen that I have had a celebrity crush on for quite a while), Ginnfer Goodwin (who I looove), Scarlett Johansson, and Justin Long. 

This is a true romantic-comedy . . . finally! The characters are believable and honest and the story line is genuinely funny, heart breaking, and most of all: realistic. Each person who watches this movie can relate to some aspect of it. Ginnfer Goodwin is my personal favorite character, probably because she reminds me most of myself when I was dating. However, each woman (and even man) in the film has a sliver of me in them.  This funny, bright film leaves you with a smile on your face and just the right amount of cheesy to make even the toughest "man's man" have that little twinge of romance in his heart. 

The Reader

3 Stars ***

Having read the book, and then viewed the movie, I can say that The Reader as an adaptation to the screen was extremely well done. Kate Winslet's acting was flawless: subtle and spot on. We forgot that we were watching "Rose from Titanic" or Kate Winslet for that matter, and were completely enthralled by Hanna Schmitz.

Although a WWII - Holocaust film in some sense, I liked how the focus of the story was the characters, rather than the events of the war. Not that I haven't been moved by many Holocaust films and documentaries, but it was interesting to see the focus and plot be character driven. There are many issues at work within the film that touch on the human experience: namely the effects that the weight of shame, guilt and regrets can have on a life, and the courage it takes to push beyond them. 

I expected Ralph Finnes to have a much larger role since he was headlining the movie, but the scenes that he acted were so perfectly executed, he earned his "headline". He was able to bring so much emotion and depth to the role. In addition to Finnes, David Kross did a wonderful job of bringing young Michael Berg to life on screen. In fact, the young Michael carries about three quarters of the movie, and truly holds his own with Winslet. 

Aside from all the amazing acting, I was surprised by the very sexual nature of the film. The book has many sensual parts and touches on very delicate issues that revolve around the sexual nature of people and sexuality across generations; however, I thought the movie had some parts that were overly graphic. I felt the message could have come across without such explicit "love" scenes and the (ahem) full male frontal nudity. (Their clothes are off, we see the naked shoulders, they embrace . . . we get the picture. Why the need for the almost porn?)

Slumdog Millionaire

4 Stars ****

We can't say enough about this out of no-where, surprise crowd pleaser.  Slumdog Millionaire truly delivers. As a Bollywood, cross-over film, it has earned its recent acclimation. The plot is compelling and the cinematography is a great mix of Bollywood and Western elements. 

The cast is perfect. Even though every single line might not be delivered with oscar worthy flare, the acting fits the movie and keeps you wanting more. The film keeps your interest with flash backs throughout the movie, slowly putting together the puzzle. I'm a big fan of the flashback: piecing the plot together piece by piece, revealing the whole story at the very end.  

I also appreciated how the movie kept us engaged with lovable and interesting characters, while hitting on critical issues of poverty, child exploitation and violence in India (and world wide for that matter). 

Overall, we loved the film and we definitely left the theater feeling optimistic and positive. Although slightly over the top/cheesy at times, it's a movie we will be watching again, and adding to our personal movie collection. 

Revolutionary Road

4 Stars ****

With the Oscars right around the corner, I just have to share my feelings on this film adaptation. As one who has read the book recently, I really think Revolutionary Road, the movie, did a wonderful job of capturing the essence of the novel. 

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio were amazing. In my opinion, some of the best acting I've seen. I am very shocked that Leo is not up for an oscar, I really think he has earned it with this performance. 

The costumes were amazing and the movie extremely well cast. The chemistry between Leonardo and Kate is undeniable, and with great additions to the cast like Kathy Bates and Michael Shannon the film shines on all sides. 

Although not the most upbeat movie, by any means, it definitely hits on important issues for any person to consider as we strive toward happiness and fulfillment in life: Who are we? What gives our life meaning? How do we keep going when we feel our life has plateaued? I think that most couples, although perhaps not in the same exact situations, can see shadows of their own relationship in this poignant film. 

The First of Many

So, we are going to give this a try. I've always wanted to do a movie review blog, and now I'm going to reach for my dreams and shoot for the stars! (If only I had an appropriately cheesy quote to pull out at this moment!)

We don't promise to be the most well-written or profound movie bloggers of all time, but we plan to write what we honestly think.

Films may or may not be newly released.

All "Star" Ratings are our of five stars.

Our Self-Proclaimed Qualifications for Writing a Movie Blog:

1. Love of movies

2. Appreciation of many cinematic elements

3. Cross-genre movie appreciation 

4. We are cool

5. We are fun

6. (Limited) experience with acting and theater 

7. Hot

8. Love to share our recommendations (take 'em or leave 'em)