REVIEW: The Princess And The Frog

MOVIE
The Princess And
The Frog

CAST
Anika Noni Rose,
Bruno Campos

RATING
G

RELEASE
December 11, 2009

DIRECTOR(S)
Ron Clements,
John Musker

STUDIO
Walt Disney Pictures

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 35 minutes



GRADE
A+





STARS
****







REVIEW:


Yes!!!!! Disney's major comeback to hand drawn animation has begun. The Princess And The Frog tells the story of Tiana, a lonely, down on her luck New Orleans waitress who aspires to open up her own Jazz restaurant for her father. One night, Tiana meets Prince Naveen, a pampered prince who gets everything in life. Although, our fellow Prince isn't quite human. He has in fact become a mucus covered frog by a voodo doctor who communicates with the shadows of the other side. Now, Prince Naveen believes that Tiana, who he believes to be a princess must kiss her to turn human again. That's where our problems begin! This movie is really entertaining and a must see in theaters or Blu-Ray. What was so amazing was the animation that Disney returned to make. Although, the story was a little to predictable if you've seen your typical Disney princess film like the Acadamy Award nominee Beauty And The Beast or Cinderella. Also, this film shows that you don't need 3D glasses, an IMAX screen, or CGI animation to make a great film. Walt Disney would've been proud to see this film. And I bet that Walt Disney has already seen this film in heaven while hanging out with the King and Marilyn Monroe. My favorite and most beautiful scene is the Shadow Man scene. What this film also teaches you is that you should never give up on your dreams to do whatever you want in adulthood, even if that means getting turned into a frog to show it. So what I'm saying is, go and see or rent The Princess And The Frog and see what Disney can do with the animation. Trust me!




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The Last Song


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Despicable Me


How To Train Your Dragon


Cats & Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore


The Spy Next Door

REVIEW: Julie & Julia

MOVIE
Julie & Julia

CAST
Meryl Streep,

Amy Adams

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
August 7, 2009

DIRECTOR
Nora Ephron

STUDIO

Columbia Pictures

RUNNING TIME
2 hours 3 minutes

GRADE
A+





STARS
****

REVIEW:

Bonn Apatite! This movie is a delicious treat from the director of Sleepless In Seattle and stellar performances from the entire cast. Julie & Julia tells two stories of two people from two separate worlds: Julia Child's rise to fame and Julie Powell's infamous blog of cooking her way through Julia Child's cookbook in one year. This movie was really a great film with heart, joy, drama, romance, and comedy sprinkled on top of the cake. The one thing I enjoyed was the stellar performances of Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, and Stanley Tucci (who I believe should get an Oscar nomination for his role in this movie.) I also admired the idea of making two films into one and still keeping a plot basis for the two women. The scenery of France throughout the first hour of the film is just beautiful. Meryl Streep certainly knows how to make a delicious meal for the audiences, if you know what I mean. Amy Adams also did a flawless job of being Julie Powell in this film. I've never met the real Julie Powell, but I would certainly love to get the chance to meet her at some point in my life. Though I am shocked at (SPOILER) how Julia Child hated Julie's blog. I mean, it was just an experiment that Julie took. Also, if you ever read the blog or read the book, then you should check out the SNL skit Dan Aykroyd did in the 70s titled the french chef. It's really a funny skit and I strongly recommend you checking it out on Hulu.com or YouTube when you get the chance. So what I'm saying' is: Watch Julie & Julia at some point. It really is a great film. If you liked Sleepless In Seattle, you'll LOVE Julie & Julia.

REVIEW: The Invention Of Lying

MOVIE
The Invention Of Lying

CAST
Ricky Gervais,
Jennifer Garner

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
October 2, 2009

DIRECTOR(S)
Ricky Gervais,
Matthew Robinson

STUDIO
Warner Bros. Pictures

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 39 minutes


GRADE
A-

STARS
***1/4








REVIEW:

Yes, It's kind of slow. But, it's also a very funny film from genius Ricky Gervais. The Invention Of Lying is about an alternate reality from our world where people can only say the truth and what's on their minds at the time. Mark Bellison works for a film company and is down on his luck. But one day, Mark tells the worlds first lie as it hit him. Now, Mark realizes that he can make his life the way he wants it to be, including getting the girl of his dreams. But, while he does that, Mark must also accept that everyone can't lie and could believe ANYTHING he says. This film is very funny yet very adult like. Ricky Gervais does a great job at directing and starring in this fun, yet predictable film. The one problem that I, and probably a lot of religious people would have is that there is no religion in this movie, since everyone can only tell the truth and that there's no such thing as religion. Another problem I had was Jennifer Garner's performance. She is such an idiot in this movie since (SPOILER) she wants to marry someone where her kids would be perfect, while if she marries Mark, than her kids would be, and I quote, "little fat kids with stub noses." But if you forget about that, this is a nice movie to watch on HBO when it comes on. But be warned: the movie could be bland and slow at points. Anyway, if it's late at night on HBO in the summer (the estimated time for a movie from DVD to HBO is 6 months), watch The Invention Of Lying. You might actually enjoy it. If not, deal with it.

REVIEW: Invictus

MOVIE
Invictus

CAST
Morgan Freeman,
Matt Damon

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
December 11, 2009

DIRECTOR
Clint Eastwood

STUDIO
Warner Bros. Pictures

RUNNING TIME
2 hours 12 minutes





GRADE
A+





STARS
***3/4
















REVIEW:





Although slow at points, Invictus is a well done movie that warms your heart and makes you stand and cheer. Invictus tells the story of former South African prisoner Nelson Mondala, who eventually becomes the South African president. One day, he calls for the captain of the countries Rugby team, named Francois Pienaar to help South Africa win the Rugby World Cup. Together, these two can make something that can change the sport of Rugby forever. This movie is a very inspirational film that you have to understand to like. I went with a friend who wanted to see this and ended up nearly falling asleep bored out of his mind. Yes it is slow at some points, but is is worth seeing if you don't mind risking boredom. But in my preference, I think that this movie might be able to qualify as a nominee for Best Picture, Best Actor (Morgan Freeman), or Best Supporting Actor (Matt Damon.) So, if you like political sports films, you will love Invictus. Good job, Clint Eastwood. You made a great decision directing this picture. So, what I'm saying is, go see or rent Invictus. It really is a great film.

PREVIEWS YOU MAY SEE:





Extrordinary Measures

Death At A Funeral

Up In The Air

The Book Of Eli

Edge Of Darkness

Green Zone

REVIEW: The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus

MOVIE
The Imaginarium Of
Doctor Parnassus

CAST
Heath Ledger,
Christopher Plummer

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
January 8, 2010 (WIDE)

DIRECTOR
Terry Gilliam

STUDIO
Sony Pictures Classics

RUNNING TIME
2 hours 2 minutes


GRADE
A




STARS
***1/2









REVIEW:


Get ready to see Heath Ledger's wonderful performance in one of the most visually amazing and confusing films I have ever seen. Doctor Parnassus is about a man who's 1000s of years old who has a dark secret. 1000 years ago, Doctor Parnassus made a deal with the devil. But this deal came with a price: Parnassus gains immortality, but if Parnassus has any children, once they turn age 16, they belong to the devil himself. Suddenly, a mysterious outsider named Tony joins the Doctor's traveling show and they must decide if he's a ally to Dr. Parnassus, or to the devil. This film was probably one of the most visually amazing films I've ever seen. Terry Gilliam, who we all know from some films like The Fisher King and the Monty Python films makes a fun, but dramatic film with great and exhilarating special effects. The only problem I had with this film is that the storyline was very very confusing for kids my age who want to see the "Joker's" last film. Heck, this movie wasn't even FOR kids after all, despite it's candy colored settings. I would like to point out that if you see this movie ONLY for Heath, then you'll be disappointed because he's just a small part in this movie compared to the all star cast that replaced him after he died. But anyway, this was a fun film that certainly gives Heath a well deserved final bow. So, if you loved Heath, go see this for him, and not for the popcorn. R.I.P. Heath Ledger 1979-2008 We'll miss you, old bud!









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