V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta classic man movie, about a “vision of the future” based on the graphic novel. This daring tale starring Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving is graphic, mesmerizing and just all around phenomenal.

In this movie, there is only a good and a bad side. Right and wrong. The sense of justice  from this movie is captivating and a little scary at the same time.

Hugo Weaving stars as V, a badly scarred hero and Natalie Portman as the innocent and naïve Evy.

“People should not be afraid of their governments; governments should be afraid of their people.” Is possibly one of the top 100 movie quotes for our generation. No one will look at November the 5^th the same way ever again.

Warrior

Warrior is the first guy type movie that I’ve watched since creating this blog. The atmosphere going into the theater is electric. The audience is mostly guys and some elderly couples and though none of us knew one another, we bonded as an audience over a single film. This was a definite cross between Rocky and Rocky VI, where both actors are playing one side of Rocky, the underdog and the one who can’t release the pain.

2 brothers both competing in an MMA fighting style for the prize money of $5 million dollars; Tommy the youngest is a marine war veteran with an obvious angry problem and Brendon is a physics teacher on the verge of bankruptcy.

So who wins the tournament? The brother with so much anger he doesn’t care who stands in his way or the brother with everything to lose? The great thing about this movie is that neither of these guys are “bad” guys. Both have something to prove and everything to gain from winning this tournament. The best line from the movie is from Brendon’s coach after a few rounds with one of the world’s best fighters; he looks at Brendon and says “If you don’t knock him out, you don’t have a home.”  

Talk about a motivation. Needless to say, he won that fight.

But this is a wonderful movie that is bound to move anyone who watches it.

The best part of the whole theater experience was as the credits were rolling, a man on the same aisle as myself and my dad, was openly weeping. The end was as touching as you can possibly get when it comes to a guy type movie. I was moved that he didn’t care who saw him crying like that.

***** 5 stars.

Mansfield Park

Mansfield Park is first and foremost a love story. My favorite part about it was just the fact that the actress playing Mary Crawford turned out to be Miss Honey from the movie Matilda. There are random moments of the movie where it’s actually really funny! Not at all what I would expect from Jane Austen, however it really was funny!

Certain camera angles made it possible to add to the comedy/love story of Fanny Price, a girl who is sent to live with her aunt and cousins. She befriends her first cousin Edmond and for years they have a close relationship that no one in their family understands. With a visit from the Crawford brother and sister, the house hold of Mansfield Park is turned upside down. First, Mr. Crawford has an affair with Ms. Maria Bertram (Edmonds sister) who is engaged to another man and Edmond is stupid enough to go chasing after Mary Crawford, all the while Fanny watches in despair and hope that Edmond will finally come to his senses.

This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what will come next!

**** 4 Stars!

The Jane Austen Book Club

The Jane Austen Book Club is one of my favorite movies. The first time I saw it, I thought it wouldn’t live up the expectation I had built in my head. Instead, it surpassed it. This is a movie about 5 women and 1 man who read Jane Austen books through the period of 6 months.

Jocelyn, a single independent dog trainer, Prudie a high school French teacher who feels neglected by her husband and starts fantasying about a student, Sylvia, devastated by her husbands announced affair and their impending divorce, Allegra (Sylvia’s daughter) a high spirited young lesbian who’s knack for accidents lands her a girlfriend, Bernadette, wacky, unconventional and wise beyond her years and finally Grigg, the only male of the group, lovable, innocent and a bit naïve.

This is a movie that every woman can relate to and every man can learn from.

**** 4 Stars

Pride and Prejudice

This week, as far as movies go, is JANE AUSTEN week! First movie of the week; Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen as the immortal love couple of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

After hearing many comments about past Pride and Prejudice movies/tv shows, I must admit this version is one of my favorites. It is amazing the contrast of who has more pride or prejudice, Elizabeth; stubborn, lovable, sweet and very beautiful or Mr. Darcy; handsome, sophisticated and bold.

The level of calmness in the film is captivating and steady throughout the entire movie. It really is the definition of a chick flick. The actors really owned up to their roles in every possible way. Little fun fact for you, the actor that plays Mr. Bingly in this movie also stars in Penelope, a movie I reviewed just last week. Except in Penelope he plays the evil antagonist who cares more about his own selfish whims than that of the woman he’s supposed to marry. The reason I bring this up is because it’s the complete opposite of his character as Mr. Bingly. Truly an amazing job to switch mind sets like that.

**** 4 stars!

Penelope

I love the movie Penelope starring Christina Ricci and James McAvoy. Penelope (Ricci) is an heiress born with a curse…to have the nose and ears of a pig. The only way to break the curse is to marry a blue blooded society member. This romantic comedy is all about the power a woman has over her own destiny.

Christina Ricci portrays a wonderful Penelope; a girl shut away from the world and forced to face rejection from tons of blue blooded suitors. Each suitor at the sight of her face runs away as fast as humanly possible. The rejection that Ricci portrays is painstakingly honest and real that any woman can relate to some degree. James McAvoy (in my personal opinion) is one of the hottest actors in Hollywood at this time. The overall movie isn’t as amazing as the other two movies I’ve critiqued this week, though it’s still a good movie to rent or own.

***3.5 Stars!

Good for a slow, sick or rainy day. Recommended for women ages 14+

Black Swan

This time, I chose a movie I have never seen before. Black Swan starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel and directed by Darren Aronofsky.

The opening scene alone is riveting enough to make a person stare in awe and wonder as Nina (Portman) dances a wonderful piece as the Swan the movie is named for.  As she begins to transform from “white swan” to “black swan” it becomes clear in little ways at first, that she is slowly losing her mind. This is a movie that leaves you wondering yet you can’t tear your eyes away…almost like a train wreck. Beautiful choreography and dances by Natalie Portman, this stunning performance is breathtaking and fantastic. No other movie like it; it will make you question you’re sanity.

***** 5 Stars!

Be warned, you will not understand this movie the first time. Or even the second. Possibly not even the 3^rd. However it is an experience that everyone should have once in their life.

The Count of Monte Cristo

For my first movie review, I decided to pick The Count of Monte Cristo starring Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce and Richard Harris. When Edmund Dantes (Caviezel) is betrayed and wrongly imprisoned by his best friend (Pearce) he becomes consumed with thoughts of revenge. After a miraculous escape, he goes in search of the treasure of Spada and becomes the Count of Monte Cristo. This film was directed by Kevin Reynolds

My overall opinion of this movie is amazing. Phenomenal! The actors did a fantastic job with their parts. Jim Caviezel as Edmund was brilliant. His transformation from innocent Dantes to revenge seeking Count of Monte Cristo is part of the key to his vengeance. As he insinuates himself into the French nobility no one recognizes him except for his long lost fiancée Mercedes. The moment she lays eyes upon him, she sees some kind of familiarity about him. As they dance, she confesses that he reminds her of someone she knew long ago but is certain that he isn’t the same person.  The kind of passion that is shown between their characters is timeless. I think every woman would love to be able to say that they could recognize a loved one they haven’t seen in 16 years.

The final fight scene between Dantes and Mondego (the best friend) is superb choreography and filming. The best “accident” was the moment where Mondego is stabbed through the stomach, and in the background for just a moment, there is a rainbow. Whether it is a symbolism of hope, or just something that was caught in the moment, it makes sense to keep it in the movie.

I give this movie an A+

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