Ya Seen Any Good Movies Lately?

Over the last month or so I have watched a serious amount of movies. If you've been reading since the beginning you may remember that I used to have a movie review blog. I miss that. So while I don't have the time to dedicate a post to each movie, I thought it would be fun to share the titles of what I've watched recently along with my opinions.

Toy Story 3 - I cannot say enough good things about this movie, it was perfect! It was funny, heart wrenching and poignant. It captured the bittersweetness of life precisely. They seamlessly weaved together part 2 & 3 story lines as well as characters and chose a magnificent ending that paid homage to growing up and the role toys play in childhood. If you can go see it - GO!

Julie & Julia - First let me say that I am a huge Meryl Streep fan. HUGE. And I've always had a healthy interest in Julia Child, but even so I wasn't expecting a great deal from this movie. I thought it would be your average feel good movie so I started it late one night while Shane was away on a week long business trip. I figured I'd fall asleep to its lighthearted banter. But once it began I could not go to sleep, it kept me so entertained, Julia's story more so than Julie's but still it was a fun movie.

I've Loved You So Long - I chose to watch this movie for two reasons 1) Kristen Scott Thomas (she's another one of my favorites) and 2) it's French. Every once in a while I get a homesick-like need to get lost in the beauty of French language and architecture. Since I can't jet to France on a whim, I choose to watch French films. And this one did not disappoint. It is not an easy movie, it is heavy and inflective and deals with dark emotions and circumstances. So if you're not into an artsy fartsy way of exploring the dark side of life or going into the ugly cry, this movie is not for you. If you're okay with that, I recommend this film, it's beautiful.

It's Complicated - I know, another Meryl Streep film, I just adore her. But this movie was fun, fun, fun! Wrong, on so many levels, but fun. Especially when Meryl Streep and Steve Martin's characters go on their first date. Watch it, you'll see what I mean. This is a great movie to watch curled up on the couch with your man. I laughed - a lot!

The Unborn - Freaky! The plot wasn't the greatest but the effects were awesome. I could've peed my pants a few times. Eek! The movie was definitely scary, but I wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again.

The Last Airbender - If you have never seen the Avatar the Airbender cartoon, this movie may not make a whole lot of sense to you at first. But I have see almost all the cartoons with my boys and I think this movie was incredibly true to the story line. I was really impressed with the special effects and wish we had gone to see it in 3D. The casting was brilliant, they couldn't have found better actors that resembled the characters and the costumes were spot on. Bravo!

All About Steve - This movie disappointed me. To be fair, there were a few laugh out loud moments, and it wasn't a total waste of time, but I was not impressed. It had potential but the ending fell hopelessly flat.

Remember Me - I didn't know what this movie was about. I rented it because I wanted to see Robert Pattinson cast as something other than a vampire (or a Harry Potter cutie that's too young for me). I really liked it. It was a little dark, but definitely uplifting. It had a surprising twist at the end (which I figured out early- yay me). This is another slightly artsy fartsy movie that deals with intense emotion, so if you like that sort of thing, rent it!

Revolutionary Road - At first I liked this movie, I found it somewhat charming and funny. But as the movie went on I found it infuriating. The two main characters (whom at first I identified with over their desire to really live life) showed themselves to be ridiculously selfish and impulsive. The selfishness came to a crescendo at the infuriatingly sad end. One thing I have to give it credit for though, it really made me think and examine where my desire to really live lies. Does it lie in selfishness?

I Can Do Bad All By Myself - Lurve it! It had a great message without being preachy. I have loved every single Tyler Perry movie I've seen, the man knows how to touch a heart string or two! Even though Madea wasn't front and center in all her wise glory, I really liked this movie. Redemption, that's what it's all about.

Did You Hear About The Morgans - Cute. Not great, but a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon. There were a few laugh out loud moments but mostly it was just amusing.

Serious Moonlight - Great premise. Interesting. You can see where it's going a mile away but it is entertaining with some funny moments. This wasn't a fantastic movie but what I liked about it is that it helps couples realize that history and commitment are very important in marriage.