Saturday, February 13, 2010

Valentine's Day: Garry Marshall is a Sheer Genius

I have one thing to say: Thank you, mom, for taking me to see this movie. Okay, so I've begged her ever since I heard about this movie in July. We also took my little siblings, and you know, it was great! I gotta say, this movie made me love Valentine's Day a little. :]

Summary:
(This is a story about Love, and the true meaning of Valentine's Day. I'm not going to say a lot, because the movie has to make you think, because they never say it completely outright, and it has 10 different intersecting stories, so one can give away another.) It starts with Reed Bennett [Ashton Kutcher] proposing to his girlfriend, Morely Clarkson [Jessica Alba], and she says yes. But then, Morely makes a decision, changing things. Jason [Topher Grace] forgot that it was Valentine's Day, so he decides to do something special for Liz [Anne Hathaway], but then he finds out her big secret. Kelvin Briggs [Jamie Foxx] is a sports reporter, who has to report about Valentine's Day, but as news breaks, he goes to a press conference where Sean Jackson [Eric Dane] releases a big secret, and if he's going to stay in football or not. Julia Fitzpatrick [Jennifer Garner] is dating Harrison Copeland [Patrick Dempsey], but when Harrison comes into Reed's flower shop, Reed finds out something that will hurt his best friend, Julia. Alex [Carter Jenkins] and Grace [Emma Roberts] are supposed to have sex, but decide that, maybe this won't keep there relationship strong while they're away from each other. Edgar [Hector Elizondo] and Estelle [Shirley McLaine] are just months away, when she tells him that she did something years ago that could tear them apart. Edison Hazeltine [Bryce Robinson] is a 5th grader in love, but he needs to tell that special girl in time. Kate [Julia Roberts] is on army soldier on leave, when she befriends Holden [Bradley Cooper] on a plane. Kara is a neurotic women who hates Valentine's Day, but her luck, just begins to change. This movie also has performances by Kathy Bates, Taylor Lautner, George Lopez, and Taylor Swift.

I thought this was the cutest romantic comedy EVER! The storyline clicked a lot more than He's Just Not That Into You. It makes you think, because it won't just tell you everything right away. The cast had great chemistry, partly because a lot of them knew and worked with each other before, but they made it believable. It balances out the drama, love, and the comedy, so it wasn't cheesy at all. I just love the cast they chose, because they made it amazing. It was just a flat-out great date movie and it's just so much fun to watch. I'm such a softy. Don't listen to all of those critics who said this was a bad movie, because this movie is irresistable. You won't be able to stay away. Garry Marshall, I have said this many times before and I WILL say it again many times in the future, you are my hero. Thank you for this amazing movie, because he outdid himself again.

Grade: B



This is Zoe, saying if you haven't seen Valentine's Day yet, GO SEE IT! Or I will send my dogs to come after you and hunt you down. Have a great Valentine's Day. Love, Zoe.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief: There are No Words to Describe how AMAZING it was

Literally, indescribable. I was going to do a vlog for this one, but I found out that I'm no good at it.

Summary:
Percy Jackson is a normal kid, with a normal life. One day, his sub turns into a Fury. This is when Mr. Brunner and Grover knows he needs to leave and go to Camp Half-Blood. His mom gets "killed", along the way. When he gets to camp, he finds out he's a demigod, and Son of Poseidon. He also meets a new friend, Annabeth Chase. He is accused of stealing Zeus's master bolt. When he finds out Hades has his mom still, they take a quest to the underworld to get her, with some of Luke's equipment. Will Percy, Grover, and Annabeth come back alive?

I though this was seriously amazing. It was more entertaining than a lot of mythical movies that I have seen. And it's original, instead of Vampires, Wizards, etc. I am always interested in Greek mythology. It was a lot of fun to watch Rick Riordan's book come to life on the screen. I read the book, not too long ago, and the only gripe I have is that it was only kid of like the book, because they changed the storyline to just fit the main characters, because they took out Ares and Clarisse, but still, it was good. First, the effects were the best and incredibly realistic. Second, the cast was perfect. They really got into their roles, and became the character. Logan Lerman, to me, is just amazing. I love his work, and he's a great person, aside from being gorgeous. I am proud to be a Loriginal Lermanite. Brandon T. Jackson is just awesome, and it was funny to see him play a satyr, and I just love him! [I love the whole cast, so yeah.]Alex was great as Annabeth. And I could go on all day, but I'll just say, the rest of the cast was amazing also. Third, I recommend it to you if you haven't seen it yet. It was most definitely worth the wait. Fourth, they also has Chris Columbus as a director, so that just made it even better, and if you mistake this movie for Harry Potter, I will kick drop you. Haha. Long review. I'm just saying, it's amazing, go see it. [Oh, and forget everything you saw in the very first trailer. None of that is in the movie.]



Grade: B-

This is Zoe, saying go see Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, and my computer is about to shut off, so I will be reviewing Valentine's Day soon. Have a great Valentine's weekend. :]

The Time Traveler's Wife: One of the Best Movies I Have Seen in a Long Time

Yes, I usually like most of the movies I review, but this is different. Trust me.

Summary:
Henry is a time traveler, but he can't at all control it. Also, he's naked every time he travels. In the beginning, he meets Clare in a library. Now, don't turn off the movie yet, because she will act a tiny bit crazy when she sees him. They met when she was a little girl, and when he was older. The movie progresses to say that when he keeps going to everywhere, his age always differs depending on the time. Will there love survive through the passing time?

I love this movie. It was complicated, but it was purely amazing. Just a few warnings, it's sad, and shows some brief nudity, so yeah. I can't even really describe this movie in words, so I'm just going to say that I loved it.



This is Zoe, and my next review will be Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief. My brother already got to see it at midnight. -_- xD I had to stay home with the little sister. I'm freaking excited! :]

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

The Stepfather: I Usually Don't Say Movies Are Scary, But...

Last review for the night, then bed!

Summary:
David Harris looks like any other guy a single mom could fall in love with, but this one guy has a secret. Michael Harding came back from militray school, and met her mom's fiancee, whom she knew for six months. David always tries to build the perfect family, and when they aren't, well, let's just say a lot of bad things happen. Michael knows something is wrong with this guy, and everyone has been disappearing, but when they put two and two together, who will live?

Okay, to be honest, this movie scared the living crud out of me. I haven't seen the original version, but this one was enough to make me shake. The pieces easily fall together when you watch it, but it was still enjoyable to watch. The cast did a very good, convincing, preformance. Penn Badgley did great as always, and so did the rest of the cast! Dont' watch this movie, if you are easily scared. If you're not, knock yourselves out.



I'm Zoe, and if you're reading this, then you will know that over my school break, I will be putting up tons of reviews, like The Time Traveler's Wife, Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief and Valentine's Day! Have a great week!

Love Happens: Depressing, but Refreshing

Ah, I did say I was going to do another, wasn't I? Didn't I? Haha, weird week for me, so I'll just go on and do this.

Summary:
Burke Ryan is a self-help author, and when he comes to Seattle, he just wants to leave as fast as humanly possible, once the seminars are over. His wife died in a car accident three years ago, and that's how his book became what it was. He meets this florist, Eloise. They don't get off on the right foot, but once they hit it off, they become good friends. She actually becomes the one who helps him get his life back together, but a few bumps in the road sends him reeling and thinking about what he's done.

To be honest, I thought this would be a straight-out love story. It wasn't, which I was so happy about! I was especially looking forward to it because it was in Seattle, and you all must know how much I love this city. Only watch this movie, if you like sad movies. I was tearing up at parts, because it was depressing to see this therapist fall apart and reveal his secrets, and such, but it was a great movie regardless. It had some comedic parts, some sad parts, and some romantic parts, but it's good for anyone to watch. It was different. I suggest it.



This is Zoe, saying Love Happens, and one more review until I can sleep!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

The Invention of Lying: Basic Comedic Genius

I saw two movies today, and I liked them both. When I watched The Invention of Lying, I thought, "Why has no one made a movie about this before?"

Summary:
Okay, so Mark Bellison, lives in a world where NOBODY lies. To him, they're brutally honest. One day, when he was trying to pay his rent, he told them he had more money in his bank account, and they believed him, because no one lies. He does this and helps some people out by it, but then when his mother has a heartattack, he tells her that there's a place to go to after she dies because she was afraid of eternal nothingness. It then gets out about what he said, so he tells more lies, about there being a big man in the sky and whatnot. After this, everything becomes good for awhile, but his best friend, Anna, won't be with him because of genetics. This movie also includes preformances by Rob Lowe, Tina Fey, and Jason Bateman.

I really liked this, I was laughing throughout almost the whole thing! Ricky Gervais is hilarious, and I always love his work, and this was especially great, because he also takes on very unusual movies. It was strange to see Jennifer Garner play dumb, but it was a good change for her, career-wise, because her characters are always rational, sensible, and safe, but this was different. I thought it was a great movie, showing that one tiny lie can wrap you up and you'd have problems.



This Zoe, going for two more reviews! Haha, onto the next.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Dear John: One of My Favorite Books, Now A Movie...

Okay, so you should all know now, I'm a huge Nicholas Sparks fan. He is an amazing writer, and I love all the movies that are books. I've actually read a few for class projects, but ya know, what more can a thirteen-year-old girl like, if not Nicholas Sparks?

Summary:
John Tyree is in the army. He's on leave one day when he meets this girl after saving her purse in the ocean. Her name was Savannah Lynn Curtis. After two weeks, they fall in love. He has to go back after the two weeks, and they constantly write letters to each other from then on out. Then, 9/11 happened, his dad got sick, and Savannah's letter came after he was waiting for two months. Will their love really survive through all of it?

To be honest, the movie was really great, beautiful. But, they changed a number of things that I noticed, and unless you've read the book, than you'd notice them too. I think the changes were good, but they could've kept a few things. But, everyone knows, a movie can be never ever be EXACTLY like the book, so I was still happy with it. Classically, it was a typical Nicholas Sparks novel/movie, Romance, Diseases, and Dying, but all of his books are still unique in every way. They had an amazing cast, starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried. It was still amazing, I cried a lot, and don't listen to the other critics, they exaggerate. Aren't you glad there's finally a movie crtic who's a girl? Honestly, if you're female, you'll love it, it was fantastic, but at the same time, it was Nicholas Sparks, so go see it for your self.



This is Zoe, the hopeless romantic, and I am so psyched to review Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief and Valentine's Day next week! Thanks for reading! And try to stay strong through Dear John, because you will cry, a lot.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

St. Elmo's Fire: A Different Crazy Brat Pack Movie

Ah, I'm finally 13, and as usual, I watched another movie, and than I will watch Sixteen Candles. Haha, today was a good day, so i though, hey, why not another review right?

Summary:
Okay, so they all just graduated from college, but they all have different stories throughout the movie. Kirby gets obsessed with a doctor, Billy has many problems, Jules, is in denial, and so on. Basically, they all grow in the movie, realizing what they're doing just isn't for them.

I know, bad summary. I didn't really know how to sum this one up. Basically, imagine friends, but like a crazy people version of it. It was still a good movie, and obviously, so many generations have done things like this, but I still liked it. It was a nice transition from the Breakfast Club, and you know, I'm really looking forward to the show, which will be titled, "St. Elmo's Bar and Grill", starring a few people, like Topher Grace. Anyway, another way to say this is, if you haven't seen it yet, you can probably wait a little longer. As good as it is, it was priginal in the 80s, but now, you just see so many TV shows and movies like this that even though this is the original, it probably won't be as good for you. Honest opinion.



This is Zoe, signing off.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The Breakfast Club: Yes, I'm a sucker for 80's films.

Okay, I will come right out and say it. I love Brat Pack movies. I'm a total sucker for old movies, so don't hold it against me. I will be reviwing so many movies like this whenever I'm bored so don't hurt me. HAHA.

Summary:
A group of teens comes to school for detention on a Saturday: Geek, Princess, Athlete, Basket Case, and Crminal. At first, they can hardly stand each, but when they get to know each other, they reveal secrets, and would be the greatest of friends, but only one question remains: Will it stay this way on Monday?

Obviously, almost everyone has seen the Breakfast Club, and almost everyone loves it! [Seriously, if you have not even heard of this movie, you must be crazy. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!] Haha, this is one of my favorite movies ever, ever since I got a three pack of Brat Pack movies a few weeks back. The acting was great, and it was funny just as much as it was heartwarming and sad, but still never EVER loses its touch. Overall, it's great. Everytime I watch it I ask myself why they don't make movies like this anymore. I just love watching it! What I'm basically saying is, just go watch it already.

This is not the original, but it's a good edit:


This is Zoe, and on the February 3rd is my birthday, in which this weekend I will review Dear John and I'm excited! I love this. Anyway, Zoe, signing off.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Whip It: Family-Themed, Girl Empowering, and Surprisingly Heartwarming

Haha, my first DVD review. Fox Searchlight has done it again. Drew Barrymore's directing debut is one darn good kick butt indie film, dealing with themes such as family, and building youself as what you want to be. Ellen Page is portrayed in this quirky teen dramedy as the female protagonist Bliss Cavendar.

Summary:
Bliss Cavendar lives in the most small town of Bodeen, Texas. Her mom wants her to do pagaents, and that's not what she wants to do at all. About ten minutes in, she and her friend, Pash, go to a roller derby game, and after she decides to try-out, but lies that she's 22 to get in. She finds out she's actually really great at it. After that she lands the guy of her dreams and after THAT, it all goes down hill for her. What will she choose being misrable in pageants for the rest of her teenage life or will she be able to stick with what she truly loves?

The movie was predictable, but it was nice to see something a little different for a change. Something based on family that shows that not everything goes perfectly and you get what you want. It goes to show that you will go through the hardest of times to get it. If you like movies that are fun, funny, and empowering, you will so love this movie! After seeing this, I got way better understanding about roller derby and now I'm too scared to join it. Haha, but Ellen Page's preformances was really great, because she acted so believably tough in this movie and I just thought that was awesome! So much of the Saturday Night Live cast, also did their comedic bits, but Kristen Wiig shocked me with a tender moment in the movie. Everybody just stepped out of their usual routine and showed a totally new side. Drew Barrymore is making look forward to her next directing gig, because I thought she rocked this. So, overall, it was a pretty good movie.



This has been Zoe, and I will soon be reviewing many movies that I can't wait for, like Dear John, Valentine's Day, and especially, Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Wow, two days until my 13th birthday. Thanks for the support! This has been Zoe, officially signing out to do more homework, and telling you to be your own hero.