What’d I miss? Up in the Air has so much buzz around it, surely I missed something. It’s a good movie, but whoever is promoting it could probably sell ice to Eskimos, because the movie just wasn’t all that …or maybe I missed something.
George Clooney stars in Up in the Air, and it could be loosely based on his real life (it’s not, but it could be). Clooney, who bet Nicole Kidman $10,000 dollars that he wouldn’t be married by age 40, plays bachelor, Ryan Bingham. Side note: Clooney won the bet. Kidman sent him a $10,000 check, but he returned it with a note saying, “'Double or nothing for another 10 years.” Anyway, getting back to the movie...Ryan (Clooney) spends most of his time with strangers; he’s either flying with them or firing them. Then, he meets Alex, played by Vera Farmiga, and realizes, maybe, he’s found that special someone. Maybe, he doesn’t want to be alone. Maybe, he wants a closer relationship…but, maybe, not.
The film is appropriately rated R for language and some sexual content.
There’s a social connection to our current economic situations because of all the lay-offs that take place during the film. Even with that relevant piece I still don’t get all the excitement around this film. As far as reviews go, I’m pretty much alone on this because Up in the Air is nominated for more Golden Globes than any other film. I’m more than willing to recommend you JOG slowly to this movie, but any faster than that leaves me asking "What'd I miss?"
Rating For Up in the Air = **1/2 JOG slowly To This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP Past This Movie = Bad
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Invictus
Nelson Mandela, portrayed to perfection by Morgan Freeman, in the film Invictus demonstrates 1 Corinthians 13:13 “to a tee”. This scripture states, “And now abide faith, hope, love…but the greatest of these is love.” No matter what religion or faith you are, most people agree that more love in the world is a good thing.
The word “Invictus”, is the title of a poem Mandela had in his prison cell, which declares, "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, simplifies this concept to, “Take 100% Responsibility.” This film exemplifies the power of loving others and taking 100% responsibility in a masterful way!
Invictus is based on the true story of how Nelson Mandela brought his country together by inspiring the South African rugby team to win the World Cup Championship. If I had to describe this film in one word, it would be FORGIVENESS. Nelson Mandela personifies forgiveness, which leads to greatness! If Oscar doesn’t nod in the direction of Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon for their excellent performances in this film, he will be sooo in the doghouse!
It is rated PG-13 for brief strong language; darn that strong language. Without it I’d recommend this film for everyone at any age because of the positive seeds it plants in our minds!
Be patient in the beginning, the film works like a marathon, not a sprint and builds up steam as it goes. I recommend you get on your running shoes, baby, and RACE to this movie. You will be inspired to be the best you can be and help the world be a better place.
R.A.N.’s Rating For Invictus = *****Race To This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP Past This Movie = Bad
The word “Invictus”, is the title of a poem Mandela had in his prison cell, which declares, "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, simplifies this concept to, “Take 100% Responsibility.” This film exemplifies the power of loving others and taking 100% responsibility in a masterful way!
Invictus is based on the true story of how Nelson Mandela brought his country together by inspiring the South African rugby team to win the World Cup Championship. If I had to describe this film in one word, it would be FORGIVENESS. Nelson Mandela personifies forgiveness, which leads to greatness! If Oscar doesn’t nod in the direction of Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon for their excellent performances in this film, he will be sooo in the doghouse!
It is rated PG-13 for brief strong language; darn that strong language. Without it I’d recommend this film for everyone at any age because of the positive seeds it plants in our minds!
Be patient in the beginning, the film works like a marathon, not a sprint and builds up steam as it goes. I recommend you get on your running shoes, baby, and RACE to this movie. You will be inspired to be the best you can be and help the world be a better place.
R.A.N.’s Rating For Invictus = *****Race To This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP Past This Movie = Bad
Precious
The film Precious is nominated for Best Picture by the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild. In addition both the lead actress, Gabourey Sidibe and the supporting actress, Mo’Nique, are nominated for a Golden Globe and Screen Actors award, which is often a good hint of the direction Oscar is leaning. With that said, I am not recommending you see this film.
If you saw Monster’s Ball, which Hailey Berry earned an Oscar, it felt like a walk in the park compared to Precious. I realize stirring up emotions is what makes a good film, but to the degree it’s done in Precious it’s too heartbreaking.
Precious is the story of a girl, severally abused by her family, who chooses to make many good decision in spite of the hand she’s been dealt. Yes, it’s Oscar worthy, which would usually be a *****Race rating. However, I’m suggesting you RACE PAST Precious.
How can a movie be Oscar worthy, yet, I advise you don’t go see it? To be frank, I’m not sure. But, as I write this review I realize the film is brilliantly executed and there is hope at the end but the heaviness is simply too much for me to endorse. This film is rated R for child abuse including sexual assault and pervasive language.
R.A.N.’s Rating For Precious = *****Race PAST This Movie (due to the dark, dark, darkness of the majority of this film I’m NOT recommending you see it )
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP Past This Movie = Bad
If you saw Monster’s Ball, which Hailey Berry earned an Oscar, it felt like a walk in the park compared to Precious. I realize stirring up emotions is what makes a good film, but to the degree it’s done in Precious it’s too heartbreaking.
Precious is the story of a girl, severally abused by her family, who chooses to make many good decision in spite of the hand she’s been dealt. Yes, it’s Oscar worthy, which would usually be a *****Race rating. However, I’m suggesting you RACE PAST Precious.
How can a movie be Oscar worthy, yet, I advise you don’t go see it? To be frank, I’m not sure. But, as I write this review I realize the film is brilliantly executed and there is hope at the end but the heaviness is simply too much for me to endorse. This film is rated R for child abuse including sexual assault and pervasive language.
R.A.N.’s Rating For Precious = *****Race PAST This Movie (due to the dark, dark, darkness of the majority of this film I’m NOT recommending you see it )
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP Past This Movie = Bad
Sunday, December 13, 2009
When R.A.N. Met Oscar
Similar to the relationship of Harry and Sally in When Harry Met Sally (1989), Oscar and I don’t always agree. Prior to 1991 we had a few mutual interest such as Rain Man (1988) and Pretty Women (1990), but as a general rule I didn’t concur with many of his opinions.
Then along came The Prince of Tides (1991) starring Barbara Streisand and Nick Nolte. The Prince of Tides is the ONLY movie I've seen TWO times in ONE day. It got Oscar’s attention too, and he gave the film seven nods. However, he overlooked Barbara Streisand twice, in both the Best Director and Best Actress categories. I realize Streisand is controversial in her politics, but Oscar, come on; you’re supposed to be objective here. Nonetheless, for the first time we saw eye to eye on the majority of nods and that’s when the chemistry between us began.
For the next 6 years I observed him from afar. Often wondering what he was thinking, especially, when it came to The Crying Game (1992) and The English Patient (1996). Yet, we still had some things in common like The Fugitive (1993) and Braveheart (1995). Still, there was no commitment until 1997.
Then, in 1997 we met, again, via Good Will Hunting which was written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. We both were of the same mind and found this film exceptional. Oscar gave it the attention it deserved; nine nominations and two wins. The rest is history, we’ve been together ever since.
Every year I race to the movies that get Oscar’s buzz and nods, and then we meet together on Oscar Night. Like any relationship, Oscar and I still don't always agree, and, unfortunately, he always seems to get the final say. But, we’ve had some good memories together over the last 11 years.
Taking a look down memory lane, here are just a few of the nominations we’ve both enjoyed…
Shakespeare in Love (1998), Erin Brockovich (2000), A Beautiful Mind (2001), Million Dollar Baby (2004), The Pursuit of Happiness (2007) and most recently Slumdog Millionaire (2008)…..
Will we agree this year? Only time will tell. So, remember when you make a run to the movies, check here to see if I already R.A.N. to The Movie and what my review is.
Then along came The Prince of Tides (1991) starring Barbara Streisand and Nick Nolte. The Prince of Tides is the ONLY movie I've seen TWO times in ONE day. It got Oscar’s attention too, and he gave the film seven nods. However, he overlooked Barbara Streisand twice, in both the Best Director and Best Actress categories. I realize Streisand is controversial in her politics, but Oscar, come on; you’re supposed to be objective here. Nonetheless, for the first time we saw eye to eye on the majority of nods and that’s when the chemistry between us began.
For the next 6 years I observed him from afar. Often wondering what he was thinking, especially, when it came to The Crying Game (1992) and The English Patient (1996). Yet, we still had some things in common like The Fugitive (1993) and Braveheart (1995). Still, there was no commitment until 1997.
Then, in 1997 we met, again, via Good Will Hunting which was written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. We both were of the same mind and found this film exceptional. Oscar gave it the attention it deserved; nine nominations and two wins. The rest is history, we’ve been together ever since.
Every year I race to the movies that get Oscar’s buzz and nods, and then we meet together on Oscar Night. Like any relationship, Oscar and I still don't always agree, and, unfortunately, he always seems to get the final say. But, we’ve had some good memories together over the last 11 years.
Taking a look down memory lane, here are just a few of the nominations we’ve both enjoyed…
Shakespeare in Love (1998), Erin Brockovich (2000), A Beautiful Mind (2001), Million Dollar Baby (2004), The Pursuit of Happiness (2007) and most recently Slumdog Millionaire (2008)…..
Will we agree this year? Only time will tell. So, remember when you make a run to the movies, check here to see if I already R.A.N. to The Movie and what my review is.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a bit of a stretch. ”Good” Mr. Fox…sure, it's a good movie. Or, “Family” Mr. Fox, because it's appropriate for the entire family. Oh, or maybe, “Big Name” Mr. Fox since George Clooney, Meryl Streep and a star-studded cast do the voiceovers…but Fantastic Mr. Fox, um…not so much.
Fantastic Mr. Fox is based on the children’s book titled the same. Mr Fox, voiced by George Clooney, is the Robin Hood of animals. He steals from the farmers to provide for animals less fortunate. The farmers decide to band together and set a trap for Mr. Fox, which affects him, his family and others.
It’s rated PG for action, smoking and slang humor. Instead of using foul language the animals say, “What the cuss?” Granted you get to pick the “cuss” word that applies. You could choose, “What the heck?”, but I must admit that wasn’t the first word that came to my mind. So, parents be prepared for the possibility of your child responding to your request or directions with, “What the cuss?” mimicking the movie. Just a little heads up.
As a family we agreed this movie is worthy of a JOG, which means it’s GOOD, but not fantastic.
R.A.N.’s Rating For Fantastic Mr. Fox = ***JOG To This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP Past This Movie = Bad
Fantastic Mr. Fox is based on the children’s book titled the same. Mr Fox, voiced by George Clooney, is the Robin Hood of animals. He steals from the farmers to provide for animals less fortunate. The farmers decide to band together and set a trap for Mr. Fox, which affects him, his family and others.
It’s rated PG for action, smoking and slang humor. Instead of using foul language the animals say, “What the cuss?” Granted you get to pick the “cuss” word that applies. You could choose, “What the heck?”, but I must admit that wasn’t the first word that came to my mind. So, parents be prepared for the possibility of your child responding to your request or directions with, “What the cuss?” mimicking the movie. Just a little heads up.
As a family we agreed this movie is worthy of a JOG, which means it’s GOOD, but not fantastic.
R.A.N.’s Rating For Fantastic Mr. Fox = ***JOG To This Movie
R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP Past This Movie = Bad
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