Monday, March 30, 2009

Okay, we made it to three movies this weekend. Let's begin at the beginning.

First, "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. This one felt a lot like an "Ocean's" movie: kind of a spy movie, kind of a heist movie, with a little romantic comedy thrown in. All in all, not a bad movie but I do have to say that I was disappointed in the ending. spoiler alert I really wanted them to win, I guess. With one additional line to close out the movie, I think I would have gotten a final laugh and been content. That line would be from Clive Owen and would go something like this: "At least we have the $x million from Flaky Fresh."

Next up, "Knowing" with Nicolas Cage. Whatever happened to Nicolas Cage? Remember when we thought he was hot as Randy in "Valley Girl"? And then he made great movie choice after great movie choice in the 80's and early 90's? He still occasionally picks a good script, but hey, even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then. This, however, it not a good script. It started out pretty good, with lots of potential, and then took a hard right from which it never recovers. Think M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village". Save your money, this one should be on the SciFi channel by Labor Day. Unless even they take a pass.

Lastly, "I Love You Man" with Paul Rudd and Jason Segel. I love the Apatow guys, I really do. This one was funny and uncomfortable and gross, just everything you hoped it would be. Rudd's character was so uncomfortable in his skin, and he really played it well. You just felt so sorry for the guy. His character reminded me of how I feel when I watch "The Office," how you really want to save Michael from himself, but you still have to laugh at him. Good movie, funny, and don't leave when the credits start rolling.

Now, a word about the overall experience. We went to Carmike this time because we could not get the times to work at Marcus. Clearly we prefer Marcus, it's cleaner, it's not as scary (busted window and stolen radio aside), and the popcorn is way better. And here's a problem, when you walk into the building and they tell you there's a "problem" with the heat in one of the theaters. Dudes, there's problems with the heat in every theater. Either I'm freezing cold and trying to find clever ways to warm my nose or it's so warm I'm ready to take a nap.

And for the record, people, you can't be sneaky when you open your pop can in the theater. We can all hear you. Own it. Make that mother yours. Look, more people are doing it all the time, we can't afford $6.50 for the giant cup -- and hey, Carmike, what's with the $1.00 refill charge? Aren't you already overcharging me for this cup?

Alright, rant over. Peace and popsicles, I'm out.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Yo, Jenny, are you ever going to post?

So, me again. Went to see "Race to Witch Mountain" last week. It wasn't the worst movie I've ever seen, and I probably wouldn't poke my eye out with a stick if I had to watch it again, but I honestly can't call this a great movie. And this is from a gal with the mad love for the Rock -- I mean, Duane Johnson. The Rock and some kids usually make for an entertaining movie, and that's what you have here. Maybe a cut below "The Game Plan," but not an entire waste of money. I think he may have sold his soul to the Disney devil, and there's a neat sequel set up at the end that proves my theory.

And am I the only person who caught that the waitress and sheriff in the bar scene were the kids from the original movies (Kim Richards and Ike Eisenmann)?

Apparently this is the hot 'tween date movie, because there had to be 30 middle school kids in this theater, so beware that you may be surrounded if you go see this one. The theater we went to (Parker, CO - hollah!) had an employee come in and threaten us if we used cell phones. Instantly, 29 'tweens shut down their cells. Yeah, you did the math, there was that one kid.

So if you want to see it, try to get to a matinee because full price is a little much for this one.

Love and licorice! Seacrest out....

Monday, March 9, 2009

Hey, Chris again!

Took my kiddo to see "Coraline" on Saturday. Now, I can't accurately tell you much about the movie because we had a cute little couple in there who could not seem to SHUT UP! I don't think I liked it, though. It was pretty dark and twisted for a kids' movie, and if your child is sensitive to separation anxiety, you definitely do not want to sit them down in front of this one. There was also a really funny vibe with the voices and music, so much so that it distracted me and made me kind of uncomfortable. It was like the soundtrack was forgotten until the last second.

As for the two people in the theater who could not seem to find their theater voices, I actually found it hard to decide if I should say something because they were clearly mentally challenged. I did shush them twice, which I have never done in a movie before. But honestly, if they can be out without a para, shouldn't they be capable of understanding the rules? And on top of that, they were in luuuuv, so there was constant kiss-smacking noise. In a theater with a bunch of kids. Sheesh.

Prior to that, I went to see "Slumdog Millionaire" for a second time. The first viewing of this movie absolutely blew me away. I honestly did not know what the movie was about, and had only heard rave reviews, so I was willing to give it a go. The first viewing was in a small, probably 100-seat theater, and we were ram-jammed in there. The second viewing was after the Oscars, and lo and behold, it was moved to the Ultra screen, 500-seat theater, and there had to be at least 200 people in there. Still good the second time around! I think the message that honesty and honor can be found in all people is a great one, especially in these tough times.

Did you know that I am a closet Bollywood fan? Love those big production numbers, and the first time we saw it, we had to leave before the post-credit number (sadly, to see "Benjamin Button" -- bleh!). This time, though, we stuck around, and while it was a good number, it wasn't quite the big production I was hoping for. Where was Malik? Where were the kids?

And I know we are all eagerly awaiting Jenny's post on "Friday the 13th" and "Taken." Sadly, though, no movies for us this weekend as we are all booked up, so look for a new post in a couple of weeks.

Sunshine and Lollipops! Seacrest out...