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3/29/2010

Fame

This movie is based upon the 1980 film which follows NYC talent attending the New York City High School for the Performing Arts, (Known today as Fiorello H. Laguardia H.S.) students get specialized training that often leads to success as actors, singers, etc. In 1936, New York City Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia founded the High School of Music & Art in order to provide a facility where the most gifted and talented public school students of New York City could pursue their talents in art or music, while also completing a full academic program of instruction. In 1948, the School of Performing Arts was created to provide training in performance skills to students who wished to prepare for professional careers in dance, music or drama. (Source: IMDB)

Starring: Kay Panabaker, Walter Perez, Naturi Naughton, Asher Book


Megan's Movie Review:
I did learn something as I went and found the plot summary on IMDB.com, that it was a re-make of the 1980 musical film. I wonder if it was better? This movie was... pointless? Is that the right word? My husband and I were watching this and halfway through the movie we still didn't know what the point of the story was. Then it ended and it still had no point to the story. I guess the moral is to never give up. We figured that this movie was just to watch these kids attend this performing arts school and all their experiences in and outside of school. But it still didn't have a point to it. It was like everyday life. I don't know, you would have to watch it to see what I'm talking about. You might disagree though. I thought the movie Step Up was WAY better.


Rating:
2 stars
Did anyone like this movie?

3/25/2010

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

In the sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft, and in both wizard and muggle worlds Lord Voldemort and his henchmen are increasingly active. With vacancies to fill at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore persuades Horace Slughorn, back from retirement to become the potions teacher, while Professor Snape receives long awaited news. Harry Potter, together with Dumbledore, must face treacherous tasks to defeat his evil nemesis. Harry also finds a book marked mysteriously, "This book is the property of the Half Blood Prince," which helps him excel at Potions class and teaches him a few dark and dangerous ones along the way. Meanwhile, Harry is taking private lessons with Dumbledore in order to find out about Voldemort's past so they can find out what might be his only weakness. (Source: IMDB)

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
Megan's Movie Review:
First of all, I am a Harry Potter nut. I love these books, and I think they are incredible. So... I might be a little biased on my movie review. AND...This is also my favorite book of the series. I love how Harry learns more about Voldemort and his past. It makes it so interesting, and you want to know more. I also love the mystery that is apart of this story. J.K. Rowling has such an incredible imagination. This movie is also a little different compared to the other ones. You start getting into the romance between the characters and it keeps you interested. Then Dumbledore is leaving Hogwarts constantly and no one knows where he is disappearing too. I also want to say that Emma Watson did a 100 times better on her acting this time. She wasn't so dramatic. I felt like in the other movies she over acted her part too much and maybe it was because of the director's telling her too?.. I don't know. Daniel Radcliffe also did really good, and Rupert Grint has always been perfect for the character Ron Weasley. I was also pleased with Michael Gambon's acting as Dumbledore this time. I actually do not like him in any of the other movies he played as Dumbledore. He didn't fit the part right, and he did not play Dumbledore's character like he should. He was terrible in the other movies, but this one I was happier with.
The ONLY big disappointment I had with this movie was that they added a fight scene at the Burrow, which was not in the book, and took out the last fight scene that was actually in the book!!! WHY THE HECK WOULD YOU DO THAT?! So that is why I gave it only 4 3/4 stars... But overall, this is my favorite movie of the Harry Potter series! I love it the best! Even with all it's corny parts :D

Megan's Rating:
4 3/4 stars
What do you Harry Potter fans think? Or even if you're not a fan, let me know!

Dan In Real Life

The Burns clan is gathering at their vacation place on the Rhode Island shore: Dan (a widower with three daughters), plus his parents, various brothers and a sister and their families. At a bookstore the first morning he's there, he chats up a woman, bares his soul and feels a connection before she gets a call and bolts. She's seeing someone, who turns out to be one of Dan's brothers. It's a dicey couple of days at the house as Dan can't keep his eyes off her, his brother is obviously falling in love, and everyone thinks she's great. In this big supportive family, who will be the first to find the tension too much to bear? And after the snap, then what? (Source: IMDB)

Starring: Steve Carell


Megan's Movie Review:
I went to go see this movie with my in-laws at the dollar theater and had no idea what it was about. I loved it! I thought it was hilarious! This is a movie with some dry humor in it, and if you don't like the dry humor, then you probably won't like this movie. I also love Steve Carell. My husband and I are huge "The Office" fans. We watch it every Thursday night and half the reason is because of Steve Carell. 'Dan in Real Life' is not a fast-paced movie, but it has a fun story line to follow. I gave this movie to my dad for his birthday, and they (my dad and siblings) quote it ALL THE TIME! He had never heard of it either. So go watch it if you haven't seen it.

Movie Rating:
4 stars
Some people might disagree, but let me know what YOU think

3/21/2010

Hellboy

Hellboy isn't your average hero. Hell. He isn't even your average superhero. Brought forth by the Nazis during a sacred ritual towards the end of World War II. Our hero was summoned by accident when the evil monk of Russian history/folklore, Grigori Rasputin was meddling with forces that lead to his undoing. With the twisted and evil monster trapped for another sixty years when things don't go as planned (US soldiers heroically intervened). Hellboy is raised by Prof. Trevor "Broom" Bruttenholm, an expert in the occult. Our demonic hero is initiated in to the Bureau of paranormal research were he joins the amphibious, kind hearted, and clever fellow "Freak", Abe Sapien. When Rasputin returns once again with the aid of his minions the maniacal, undead assassin Kroenen and the monk's faithful lover Ilsa. Hellboy must unwillingly pair up with John Myers, an idealistic, naive new agent of the Bureau. Not only that but the big hunk of an evil basher becomes entangled in a love triangle with the pyro-telekinetic love of his life Liz and his new comrade. Fighting evil couldn't prove more difficult or out there. (Source: IMDB)

Starring: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Rupert Evans

Megan's Movie Review:
Hellboy is a pretty cool demon "superhero". He's got attitude and muscles. This movie was pretty awesome and he fought a lot of crazy monsters. How come when there is a fantasy film with one weird character, all of the other bad guys are freakin weirder?! They're always slimy and gross and people just come up with the craziest monsters. But that's okay, it's entertaining. Hellboy was a good movie! I definitely liked his sarcasm and the fire girl was cool! It had good action and the storyline was fun to follow.

My rating:
3 1/2 stars
Who likes or dislikes this movie?

New Moon

Bella Swan is still very much in love with vampire, Edward Cullen. The rest of the vampire coven who call themselves the Cullens, especially Alice, decide to throw Bella a private party for her eighteenth birthday. Things go wrong when Bella slices her finger and thirst overcomes the vampires. As a result of the danger Bella was put through, the Cullen family decide to leave Forks, Washington. At first Bella exempts herself from all social activities, until she realizes she can coexist with childhood friend, Jacob Black. As usual for Bella, things aren't what they seem. Something is happening to Jacob that he can't explain to Bella, and their friendship starts to deteriorate. But when someone from Bella's past comes back to haunt her, everything will change again. (Source: IMDB)

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner


Megan's Movie Review:
This movie definitely beats the first movie, Twilight. I love the books and I was very excited for Twilight to come out. When it did, I was pretty disappointed. It was way too corny. The acting was terrible.. I felt like the actors didn't act like the characters in the book. I personally don't like Robert Pattinson as Edward. I pictured him differently in my mind and much more attractive. Kristen Stewart, I didn't like her at first either. But I guess she will do. In Twilight, she seemed like she had a blinking and stuttering problem. Anyways, enough about the first movie! In New Moon, the acting was much better. Kristen Stewart played her part better, but she still has blinking issues. Taylor Lautner was perfect for Jacob. When I first read the story, this is almost exactly how I pictured him, and he really is just awesome for the part. I will be honest, the second and third book of the Twilight Series are not my favorites. But out of the movies, I liked this one much better. I love it when movies follow the books. I know they usually have to change some things, and that's okay, but this movie followed it really well. The wolves were also exactly how I imagined them in my mind. Maybe just a little bit bigger but they did a fantastic job on them. The story is good! It makes me so upset when Edward leaves! I can't handle it!! Overall, it was a good movie. Keeps your attention with all the drama and what will happen in the next movie! Will she pick Edward or Jacob??

Movie Rating:
3 1/2 stars
Any opinions on the movie or book?

3/18/2010

The Time Traveler's Wife

In Chicago, the special collections librarian Henry DeTamble has a genetic anomaly that allows him to travel in time; however, he is not able to control the moment or the destiny of his voyages. When the stranger Clare Abshire meets him in the library, she invites him to have dinner with her in his favorite restaurant Beau Thai where she confesses that she has been in love with him since she was six years old. Henry learns that he had visited her many times in the real state of her parents and he falls in love with her. Sooner they get married, but the life of Clare becomes troubled with the successive unexpected travels of her beloved husband. (Source: IMDB)

Starring: Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana
Megan's Movie Review:
I have loved Rachel McAdams since I first saw her in The Notebook. She is beautiful! I think she is a good actress and everytime I see her in previews, I want to see them. This movie was good, I really liked it. It broke my heart at the end but it did have a good story. Unpredictable. It kept you curious to know what happens next, or how it is going to wrap together. You were always wondering when he was going to just vanish and hoping that it wouldn't ruin their relationship. I can't imagine having a husband who time traveled and how much stress it would put on your marriage. Not knowing when you're life would be interrupted by him disappearing. It would be really hard. Like I said though, the ending was happy yet sad.

My Movie Rating:
4 Stars
What do you think?

The Princess and the Frog

A modern day retelling of the classic story The Frog Prince. The Princess and the Frog finds the lives of arrogant, carefree Prince Naveen and hardworking waitress Tiana crossing paths. Prince Naveen is transformed into a frog by a conniving voodoo magician and Tiana, following suit, upon kissing the amphibian royalty. With the help of a trumpet-playing alligator, a Cajun firefly, and an old blind lady who lives in a boat in a tree, Naveen and Tiana must race to break the spell and fulfill their dreams. (Source: IMDB)

Starring: Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David

Megan's Movie Review:
I was so excited when I saw this movie preview. The reason why is because Disney did another actual cartoon. It wasn't the animation films that have been so popular. Don't get me wrong, I do love those movies too, but I've missed the old Disney style of movies. Then it was a cute movie! It had good music and an adorable little story to it. Children would definitely like it and find it entertaining. I laughed at a few parts in the movie, and I love anything with romance in it, so... I really liked this movie. The boy frog is very funny, love his voice, and I did love the little firebug & his Evangeline.

How many stars:
4 stars
It is not a 3 star movie, because that is just average. It is better than average I think.
Any opinions?

3/14/2010

City of Ember

When mankind is about to come to an end, a group of scientists decide to create and populate a city deep underground. The city of Ember is to last for 200 years after which its inhabitants are to retrieve from a strong box instructions to return to the surface. Over time however, the message is lost and life in Ember is rapidly deteriorating. Their power supply is failing and food is being rationed. It's left to two young adults to unearth the secret of Ember and to lead the way out. (Source: IMDB)

Starring: Bill Murray, Harry Treadaway, Saoirse Ronan


Megan's Movie Review:
I wonder how the book is. Has anyone read it? I know my sister did and she recommended me to watch this movie because she loved the book and the movie! Then again, she was 13 years old at the time. I wasn't too partial to it. I mean, the story line is pretty creative. I guess the acting was not the best. I can see children enjoying this movie. It's a good family film, but it wasn't in my taste of movies. Sometimes though, I look back on it and think, "Well..maybe I did like it more than I thought." I'd probably have to watch it again.

My rating:
2 1/2 stars (it might be 3 stars depending on the day)
Your thoughts on the movie or book?

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Connor Mead, a successful fashion photographer and a Lothario keen on casual sex, goes to his younger brother's wedding to convince him not to marry. He arrives at his dead uncle's estate during the rehearsal the night before the wedding; he starts in, taking his brother aside, trashing marriage. Later in the men's room, his uncle, who taught Connor all he knows about women, appears to him, confesses to have been wrong, and tells Connor that three ghosts will visit him that night: the ghosts of girlfriends past, present, and future. Connor has already set the breakup in motion. Can he learn anything from his life and fix what he's broken? (Source: IMDB)

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Michael Douglas

Megan's Movie Review:
When this preview came out for this movie, I was so excited to see it. It looked so funny and I love Matthew McConaughey's movies. Well..not this one. I was disappointed in the story line because it was all about sex. And why would the girl (who he ends up with and apparently is supposed to be with) want to be with a guy who has slept with so many different women, he can't remember the number. It had a few funny scenes, such as when he accidentally knocks over the wedding cake. But there were just too many sexual jokes and certain scenes in the movie I did not approve of.

My rating:
1 star
I wouldn't buy it, it was a waste of my netflix
Comments?

Nights in Rodanthe

Two unhappy people's lives become entwined when they have a life changing romance. Adrienne is a woman who's trying to decide whether to stay in her unhappy marriage or not. Her life changes when Paul, a doctor who is traveling to reconcile with his estranged son, checks into an inn in a North Carolina beach town where she is staying. (Source: IMDB)

Starring: Richard Gere, Diane Lane

Megan's Movie Review:
First of all, I'm not sure how I feel about this movie. I liked it because she fell in love with the guy of her dreams and she became herself once again. But... She was technically still married. I know, I know. She was separated from her husband and she was not happy. So it looked like they were going to get divorced, but still. If I didn't remember that she was still married, it was alright. The Notebook was much better. I did cry a little at the end of the movie because it was sad.

Movie Rating:
3 stars
It wasn't terrible. It was just average.
How do you feel about this?

Star Trek

When the Romulan mining ship Narada attacks the Federation starship US Kelvin, Captain George Kirk substitutes his captain, who is going to meet the Romulan Captain Nero in his vessel to negotiate a cease fire, in the command of the US Kelvin. He orders the evacuation of the damaged starship, including his wife that is in labor; while she delivers their son James Tiberus Kirk in the hospital shuttle-craft, George Kirk crashes the US Kelvin against the Narada. The reckless and troublemaker Kirk grows up and when he meets Capt. Christopher Pike in a bar fight, he is invited to join the Starfleet. Meanwhile in Vulcan, the outcast Spock grows-up discriminated by his half-human condition. They meet each other in the Starfleet Academy, where Spock accuses Kirk of lack of ethics, cheating a test of command. The trial is suspended with the information that Vulcan is under attack and the Federation starships head to Vulcan, including the recently commissioned USS Enterprise. Kirk, who is a stowaway, foresees an alien attack and advises Captain Spike; however, the Enterprise is damaged and when Captain Spike travels to meet Captain Nero, Spock assumes the bridge and has a serious friction with Kirk after the destruction of Vulcan. Kirk is accused of mutiny and stranded in the desert planet Delta Vega. Out of the blue, he is saved from an attack of an alien animal by an old Spock that explains to him that Captain Nero blames him and the Federation for the destruction of his home planet Romulus by a supernova. Spock explains that he had failed with the creation of a black hole with red matter to consume the supernova and Nero is seeking revenge. Now Kirk has to find a way to save Earth, the next destination of Narada. (Source: IMDB)

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana

Megan's Movie Review:
I knew this movie was going to be awesome when I first saw the preview. I am not a "Treky" but this movie was so good! It is one of my personal favorites and I love the actors in it. They were funny, and I think they played their parts really well. Captain Kirk was great. Spock was so cool! I didn't know the original Spock but when I found out who he was, I thought it was neat that he appeared in this film. It was a fun action/adventure that kept your attention.

Megan's Rating:
5 stars
It's on of my favorite movies now
Am I crazy? What is your opinion?

3/13/2010

Alice In Wonderland

1951 Alice in Wonderland: On a golden afternoon, young Alice follows a White Rabbit, who disappears down a nearby rabbit hole. Quickly following him, she tumbles into the burrow - and enters the merry, topsy-turvy world of Wonderland! Memorable songs and whimsical escapades highlight Alice's journey, which culminates in a madcap encounter with the Queen of Hearts - and her army of playing cards! (Source: IMDB)

2010 Alice in Wonderland: In the film, Alice is now 19 years old and accidentally returns to Underland, a place she previously visited 13 years ago. She is told that she is the only one that can slay the Jabberwocky, a dragon controlled by the Red Queen. Burton said the original Wonderland story was always about a girl wandering around from one weird character to another and he never felt a connection emotionally, so he wanted to make it feel more like a story than a series of events. He does not see this as a sequel to previous films or a re-imagining. (Source: Wikipedia)

2010 Starring: Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter


Megan's Movie Review:

The 1951 cartoon film of Alice in Wonderland was quite something. It never made sense and really had no point. Children may like this because it has lots of imagination. Although, when I was a child, I remember being confused when I watched it but entranced. What I heard though was that this movie was based on drugs. Is that true??

The 2010 Alice in Wonderland was really cool! I did not have high expectations when I went into the theater. I was not sure if I even wanted to see it at first. When my husband and I went for our anniversary, it was really neat! This movie actually had a point and a story to it, and Johnny Depp is so amazing at his weird roles. He is so perfect for the crazy acting and I love him. Tim Burton was also the director and I love a lot of his films. Very pleased with this movie! P.S. I did not see it in 3-D because it costs more and it was at the regular theaters.

Megan's Rating:
4 1/2 stars
I want to buy this movie when it comes out! It will be part of my favorite Disney movie collection.
Your thoughts?

Avatar

In the future, Jake, a paraplegic war veteran, is brought to another planet, Pandora, which is inhabited by the Na'vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture. Those from Earth find themselves at odds with each other and the local culture. (Source: IMDB.com)

When his brother is killed in a robbery, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora. (Source: IMDB.com)

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver


Megan's Movie Review:
This movie was absolutely INCREDIBLE! The animation was amazing! It had to have taken so much time and work to create what they did. Yes, the story was predictable, but it was still fantastic! I was in awe after I finished the movie in the theater. I saw it in 2-D and 3-D, I still prefer the 2-D because when it was in 3-D the movie seemed so much smaller.. I don't really know how to describe it but 3-D was still really cool. Maybe it would be better if it was in an I-MAX theater. Even though the movie was predictable, I loved the story. The main character turned out to be a good person and he fell in love with on of the Na'vi. I like the moral of the story, 'Don't judge a book by it's cover.'

My rating:
5 stars
most definitely, I love the love story, all the amazing animation, and the adventure/action it provided
Let me know what you think...

Old Dogs

Robin Williams and John Travolta team up in a family comedy by Walt Disney. It is about two best friends (who are also very successful business men) whose lives get thrown into disarray when they get twin seven-year olds put into their care.

Starring: John Travolta, Robin Williams


Megan's Movie Review:
Walt Disney always does a good job on making family movies. This movie was definitely for families and enjoyable for kids of all ages. Even adults can like this and find some good humor. Robin Williams is getting older but he still is pretty funny. I admire John Travolta for his amazing acting. He can act many different roles such as being a very evil guy or a funny family man. One of my favorite parts of this movie (it's pretty short but hilarious) is when John Travolta gets attacked by the penguins at the zoo. "KILLER PENGUINS!!!"

I rate this movie:
3 stars
It's not the greatest movie ever, nor is it the most awful movie. It is average but still worth a watch.
What do you think?