Just a couple of Movie Geeks exploring the world of cinema.
Chick 1 says: 
This has been one of my most anticipated movies of this year (and that includes Iron Man 2). The first trailer was so intriguing, and considering director Christopher Nolan’s ability to beautifully weave intricate plots with complex themes, when the big marketing push started a few weeks ago, I purposely avoided the new footage so I wouldn’t figure anything out. I’m glad I did but turns out, it didn’t matter. Read the rest of this entry »
Chick 1 says:
Yay!!!! It’s time for Iron Man 2. Can they repeat their success with even more moving parts? Let’s see!
The Basics: After outing himself as Iron Man, Tony Stark now has to deal with the added pressure & publicity, the US Government, and a new development with the arc reactor in his chest, and naturally a new round of villains.
What I Liked: The original cast return with extras and are still having a blast. Of course, Downey Jr is a hoot whenever he’s onscreen and excels at playing the arrogant ass that is also vulnerable and likeable. And while I liked Paltrow in the 1st movie I thought she was the weakest part of the original. But here she is hysterical, even stealing a couple of moments from Downey, not an easy feat. Cheadle does just fine as the replacement Rhodey and has great chemistry with his co-stars. Our villains are on fine form too; Sam Rockwell as the cheesy Justin Hammer & Mickey Rourke as the brooding Whiplash. And even Jon Favreau gets a piece of the action. The first & third acts move along nicely and the movie never takes itself too seriously.
What I Didn’t Like: The second act, which was the best part of the original, is actually a little slow in places, even when RDJ is onscreen (which seems impossible). Scarlett Johanson is stiff and cold and that works for her character sometimes but also feels one dimensional. There was also one scene in particular that I couldn’t tell if it was supposed to be serious but came off as funny.
Bottom Line: There’s action, comedy, drama, and a bit of romance; the perfect blend for a summer flick. (Did I mention how cute RDJ looks?)
Chick 1 says:
The Basics: Tina Fey & Steve Carrell combine their entertainment super powers to play a married couple on a date night (need I say “Spoiler”?) that goes very, very wrong.
What I Liked: Obviously, the stars. Carrell & Fey are both funny & smart and together they create a kind of vortex of hilarious. Each of them excels at playing very normal suburbia types that most of us relate to who are put in outrageous situations and that’s the case here. There were moments that, honestly, in the script weren’t that funny but these actors made them awesome. The outtakes at the end are proof that the funny is all about the actors.
What I Didn’t Like: The movie does have its moments when the humor falls short. And both the script and the pace is sometimes uneven.
Bottom Line: Not the funniest movie ever but if you make me wheeze when I laugh and then laugh later that night when I’m trying to fall asleep, you get my vote!
Chick 1 says:
This little British pic has been wandering around Europe and the festival circuit for over a year now. Very glad to see it as award season kicks off.
The Basics: While there are plenty of movies about the later years of Queen Victoria, this one covers - Surprise! - her younger years, especially the first three years of her reign. Read the rest of this entry »