TOUCHDOWN! Go Sandra! It’s your birthday…not really…party anyway! Give it up to Sandra Bullock who gives an excellent performance portraying spunky, real-life Leigh Anne Touhy in The Blind Side.
The Blind Side is the inspiring true story about a Tennessee family who takes in a homeless African American boy, Michael Oher, and it forever changes his life. Everyone should see this movie during the holiday season. It helps us give thanks for what we have and reminds us how making a difference in one life can ultimately touch many.
The movie is so close to PG, but gets pushed to PG-13 due to one scene involving brief violence, drug and sexual references. Depending on the maturity of your kids I think it’s appropriate for children 10 and older.
No doubt, you will leave this movie cheering! Although, I don’t think the cheers are loud enough for Oscar to yell Bullock’s name for a nomination. Why? Because if Oscar is his typical self, the movie is too “feel good” …or maybe he’ll surprise us like he did with Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts). No matter what Oscar thinks, feeling good is a great thing any time of year, and especially during the holidays. So after you’ve had your turkey and pecan pie grab the family and RUN to see The Blind Side.
R.A.N.’s Rating For The Blind Side = ****RUN 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, November 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Amelia
We all know flying is the fastest way to travel, but the movie Amelia feels like you're on the slow boat to China. Amelia, follows the true story of Amelia Earhart the legendary women who made aviation history as the first female to fly across the Atlantic. I thought the movie was a sure fire Oscar contender, but the film never got off the ground, similar to Earhart’s runway crash in 1937 when a tire blew during take-off and the plane never got in the air.
Earhart was humiliated by her accident on the runway. I wouldn't go as far as to say Hilary Swank, who plays Earhart in the film, should be humiliated by her portrayal. Let's just say she won't be getting a call from Oscar for this role.
The film is appropriately rated PG for some sensuality, language, thematic elements and smoking.
For a film with such potential it really falls short in its character development along with the acting and directing. If you're looking for a way to fill time one afternoon and you're finished with your holiday shopping, don’t need anything from the grocery store and your sock drawer is clean, then you can leisurely WALK to this movie. If you just want to brush up on your history facts, simply Google "Amelia Earhart" and you’ll get all the information you need and have time to spare.
R.A.N.’s Rating For Amelia = **Walk 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
Earhart was humiliated by her accident on the runway. I wouldn't go as far as to say Hilary Swank, who plays Earhart in the film, should be humiliated by her portrayal. Let's just say she won't be getting a call from Oscar for this role.
The film is appropriately rated PG for some sensuality, language, thematic elements and smoking.
For a film with such potential it really falls short in its character development along with the acting and directing. If you're looking for a way to fill time one afternoon and you're finished with your holiday shopping, don’t need anything from the grocery store and your sock drawer is clean, then you can leisurely WALK to this movie. If you just want to brush up on your history facts, simply Google "Amelia Earhart" and you’ll get all the information you need and have time to spare.
R.A.N.’s Rating For Amelia = **Walk 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
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Informant!
Right here, right now, I must tell you Matt Damon, who stars in The Informant!, is one of my favorite actors. And, Good Will Hunting, written by Damon and his best friend, Ben Affleck, is one of my favorite movies. I love the storyline and the acting in Good Will Hunting. Yet, what won me over was the tenacity shown by Damon and Affleck in creating, selling and starring in such a brilliant film. Ultimately, these two childhood friends, who were basically no-names in Hollywood, won an Oscar for best screenplay and the rest is history!
So, it was with great expectations I went to go see Damon in The Informant! Based on the true story of Mark Whitacre (Damon), a corporate whistleblower, who turns out to be a compulsive liar. Surprisingly, Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13) decided to make this film a comedy. Something about this didn't resonate for me. Now, if you’ve seen the movie or read a review, you may be thinking, “Come on, Rachele, it’s a satire. You just didn’t get it.” And, you’d be right. I just didn’t get the humor of a habitual liar, who ultimately served 8 years in prison and tried to commit suicide two times. Realizing this is a story based on a real person, who apparently had a real mental illness, didn’t transfer to any kind of funny or comedy for me.
The one lesson reinforced by Whitacre and The Informant! is "Honesty is the best policy." Since most of us learned that from our parents you can save your money and SKIP PAST this “liar, liar pants on fire” movie.
So, it was with great expectations I went to go see Damon in The Informant! Based on the true story of Mark Whitacre (Damon), a corporate whistleblower, who turns out to be a compulsive liar. Surprisingly, Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13) decided to make this film a comedy. Something about this didn't resonate for me. Now, if you’ve seen the movie or read a review, you may be thinking, “Come on, Rachele, it’s a satire. You just didn’t get it.” And, you’d be right. I just didn’t get the humor of a habitual liar, who ultimately served 8 years in prison and tried to commit suicide two times. Realizing this is a story based on a real person, who apparently had a real mental illness, didn’t transfer to any kind of funny or comedy for me.
The one lesson reinforced by Whitacre and The Informant! is "Honesty is the best policy." Since most of us learned that from our parents you can save your money and SKIP PAST this “liar, liar pants on fire” movie.
R.A.N.’s Rating For The Informant! = * Skip Past 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
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Julie & Julia
Absolutely divine! I LOVE Julie & Julia! This movie is based on 2 MOSTLY true stories and combined to serve up 1 amazing movie. Did I mention I LOVE this movie?!? Granted, there are several variables that enhanced my infatuation.
Variable #1-Julie, played by Amy Adams, decides to share her passion for cooking through a blog. I know someone that recently started a blog…oh, right, that someone would be ME!!
Variable #2-Julia Child, played to perfection by Meryl Streep, writes a book about cooking. I know someone that recently started writing a book...oh, right, that someone would be ME!!
Variable #3- Both Julie and Julia’s husbands were their biggest fans. I got choked up during a scene when Julia’s book had been declined, yet again and Paul, her husband, is so loving, supportive and believes in her 100%. Was his name Paul or Jerry? Hummmm...I know someone married to a supportive husband named Jerry.....Oh, right that someone would be ME! (Jerry is my husband of 20 years and MY biggest fan!)
The above variables are in favor of the movie Julie & Julia. Working against it is the fact I have NO passion for cooking. I’m so thankful for Marie and A.J. They make my life much easier. In case you haven’t met them yet, Marie's full name is Marie Calendar, a local restaurant that supplies my annual Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners. A.J.'s is our local grocery store that has delicious pre-cooked meals and is responsible for most of our family dinners. Even though it may appear this is a movie about cooking, it's really a movie about finding your passion and sharing it with others.
Variable #1-Julie, played by Amy Adams, decides to share her passion for cooking through a blog. I know someone that recently started a blog…oh, right, that someone would be ME!!
Variable #2-Julia Child, played to perfection by Meryl Streep, writes a book about cooking. I know someone that recently started writing a book...oh, right, that someone would be ME!!
Variable #3- Both Julie and Julia’s husbands were their biggest fans. I got choked up during a scene when Julia’s book had been declined, yet again and Paul, her husband, is so loving, supportive and believes in her 100%. Was his name Paul or Jerry? Hummmm...I know someone married to a supportive husband named Jerry.....Oh, right that someone would be ME! (Jerry is my husband of 20 years and MY biggest fan!)
The above variables are in favor of the movie Julie & Julia. Working against it is the fact I have NO passion for cooking. I’m so thankful for Marie and A.J. They make my life much easier. In case you haven’t met them yet, Marie's full name is Marie Calendar, a local restaurant that supplies my annual Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners. A.J.'s is our local grocery store that has delicious pre-cooked meals and is responsible for most of our family dinners. Even though it may appear this is a movie about cooking, it's really a movie about finding your passion and sharing it with others.
The rating of PG-13 is appropriate for brief strong language and some sensuality.
So, drum roll please...it’s official, we have our 1st RACE To This Movie recommendation and I predict Meryl Streep will be hearing from Oscar for this role. With that said, stop now, check your local listing movie times for Julie & Julia and RACE To This Movie! BON A PETITE!
R.A.N.’s Rating For Julie & Julia = ***** 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
Funny People
What’s the best thing about the movie Funny People? The fact that after about 10 minutes I walked out and asked a manager if I could switch movies and watch Julie and Julia (see review)!
Apparently, the writers of Funny People think another “F” word is what creates comedy and decided to use it a bazillion times in the beginning of the movie. I chose to SKIP Past the rest of the movie. When I got home and discovered it's rated R due to "language and crude sexual humor throughout.." I realized the dialogue must have remained the same and that's just not funny!
R.A.N.’s Rating For Funny People = *SKIP Past 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
Apparently, the writers of Funny People think another “F” word is what creates comedy and decided to use it a bazillion times in the beginning of the movie. I chose to SKIP Past the rest of the movie. When I got home and discovered it's rated R due to "language and crude sexual humor throughout.." I realized the dialogue must have remained the same and that's just not funny!
R.A.N.’s Rating For Funny People = *SKIP Past 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
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Inglorious Basterds
Gory is the first word that comes to mind when I think about Inglorious Basterds. The next word that comes to mind is…oh, I guess the next two words that come to mind are Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction). In typical QT style a graphic, captivating and humorous movie is created that kept me intrigued the entire 2 hours and 23 minutes.
The movie begins with the disclaimer of “Once Upon A Time…..” making it clear this isn’t a movie based on Hitler/Nazi historical facts. In Tarantino fashion he adds a reference to Cinderella assuring us this is a fable. Then as if to say, "Remember this is make-believe" he slips one final reference to the classic fiction of Romeo and Juliet.
Brad Pitt is the star in this movie, but he shines brighter thanks to Christopher Waltz, who plays his nemesis, Nazi Colonel Hans Landa. Waltz creates a character you will love to hate and received the Best Actor Award at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival for this role. Many say he is certain to get a call from Oscar.
This film is definitely appropriately rated R for strong graphic violence, language and brief sexuality. If you can get past the gory violence this movie is extremely entertaining and actually quite amusing. Unfortunately, the gore factor slows me down from a run to a quick jog to see Inglorious Basterds.
R.A.N.’s Rating For Inglorious Basterds = *** ½ Jog Quickly 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 movie begins with the disclaimer of “Once Upon A Time…..” making it clear this isn’t a movie based on Hitler/Nazi historical facts. In Tarantino fashion he adds a reference to Cinderella assuring us this is a fable. Then as if to say, "Remember this is make-believe" he slips one final reference to the classic fiction of Romeo and Juliet.
Brad Pitt is the star in this movie, but he shines brighter thanks to Christopher Waltz, who plays his nemesis, Nazi Colonel Hans Landa. Waltz creates a character you will love to hate and received the Best Actor Award at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival for this role. Many say he is certain to get a call from Oscar.
This film is definitely appropriately rated R for strong graphic violence, language and brief sexuality. If you can get past the gory violence this movie is extremely entertaining and actually quite amusing. Unfortunately, the gore factor slows me down from a run to a quick jog to see Inglorious Basterds.
R.A.N.’s Rating For Inglorious Basterds = *** ½ Jog Quickly 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
Saturday, August 8, 2009
R.A.N. To Blockbuster: The Soloist (New DVD Release)
When it comes to movies based on a true story, happy endings are best and hopeful endings can work. The true story told in The Soloist is more hopeful than happy. Unfortunately, due to the slow pace of the story, The Soloist, didn’t really work.
Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), a L.A. Times columnist meets, by happenstance, a homeless man, Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Fox), and befriends him. I should say, befriends him to the best of his abilities. Ayers, who once attended Julliard, is plagued with mental illness and Lopez has a past of letting people down, especially, his ex-wife, (Catherine Keener). This combination makes for a challenging friendship and hence, creates a movie that is more hopeful than happy.
The character’s personal issues aren’t the only problems this movie has. The movie dragged, possibly, due to the fact the author of the story is Lopez himself, with it being his life experience it seems he tried to include too many of the details. The acting is good, but not great. Lastly, the movie is appropriately rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use and language.
Due to the slow pace of the movie I wouldn’t recommend it for family night. Instead, take a look at one of my favorite, happy ending true stories: The Rookie with Dennis Quaid, The Pursuit of Happiness with Will Smith or Invincible with Mark Wahlberg.
R.A.N.’s Rating For The Soloist = ** ½ Walk Quickly 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
Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), a L.A. Times columnist meets, by happenstance, a homeless man, Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Fox), and befriends him. I should say, befriends him to the best of his abilities. Ayers, who once attended Julliard, is plagued with mental illness and Lopez has a past of letting people down, especially, his ex-wife, (Catherine Keener). This combination makes for a challenging friendship and hence, creates a movie that is more hopeful than happy.
The character’s personal issues aren’t the only problems this movie has. The movie dragged, possibly, due to the fact the author of the story is Lopez himself, with it being his life experience it seems he tried to include too many of the details. The acting is good, but not great. Lastly, the movie is appropriately rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use and language.
Due to the slow pace of the movie I wouldn’t recommend it for family night. Instead, take a look at one of my favorite, happy ending true stories: The Rookie with Dennis Quaid, The Pursuit of Happiness with Will Smith or Invincible with Mark Wahlberg.
R.A.N.’s Rating For The Soloist = ** ½ Walk Quickly 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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