Movie critics wanted

I'm more than willing to critique movies I've recently seen. I don't know which movies need critiquing, but I'm game if someone has suggestions. The Mighty Ducks is a bit old, but I gotta tell ya, back in the day, I loved it. Plus, who didn't have a crush on Emilio Estevez after that movie?

North Country was a well-made film, but I agree with many of the other critiques I've read of the the film that in the end, when her father suddenly reverses his opinion of her and the drama she's endured, it seems a bit over the top and unrealistic. The extreme torture that Josey endured actually diminished the effectiveness of the suit against harrassment, rather than bringing to light what happened. Without having grown up in that era, it is tough for viewers (especially younger ones) to understand the extent of sexism in the workplace and the dramatic accusations toward Josey leave you with a bit of a hole in your gut and wondering, how could she not have done more? The goal of the screenwriter, Michael Seitzman, was to dramatize her traumatic high school experience and her relationship with her son. The focus was not to draw attention to the harrassment she endured, which was the main purpose of the book the movie is based upon (Class Action: The Story of Lois Jensen and the Landmark Case that Changed Sexual Harrassment Law). The ordeals Josey endured in the film with her male coworkers were the same ordeals outlined in the book, but ultimately, by making the movie more "Hollywood-esque," the producers/screenwriter took something away that was an essential part of the book that led to the making of it. Overall, the beginning and middle of the movie were good, but the end (especially the overly dramatic and unrealistic courtroom scenes) leaves you with a little pit in your stomach and wondering "Why?" rather than thinking, "Good for her," which is where you should have been.

Okay...I know this isn't "us" per se, but it's close enough and I've heard enough "uff-das" to never forget Fargo! Ha ha ha...I thought, though, that it was a great movie. Falsely leads the viewer to believe that it's based loosely on true events. It wasn't...although, when people down here (North Carolina) hear I'm from MN, they do ask.

I recently watched Saw III...great movie. I know it's not a MN movie, but it's interested. Kept me enthralled the entired time! It's not just another gory, crappy movie like Texas Chainsaw Massacre (what a waste of $3 that was!) - it's actually got a story line and a really HUGE twist in the end.

Ok Shannon first of all I did not have a crush on Emilio. HAHA. And second, where are you watching new movies for three dollars? I wish I could get that kind of deal. But getting back on point a really good movie to see for those of you who enjoy a good action/comedy, check out "Crank". Starring Jason Stathom and Amy Smart. I recommend putting the kids to bed first. And for those of you who enjoy a sappy romantic comedy. Check out "The Family Stone" hilarious fun filled riot starring Sara jessica Parker and Luke Wilson.

My husband & I were just discussing this yesterday! How it's possible for one actor, for instance Jack Nicholson, to have NEVER made a bad movie. There are a few that I believe have truly got some winners under their belt. Al Pacino is another that if he's in it...odds are it's good. Another that we named was Matt Damon. While he hasn't made as many, what an incredible actor he has turned out to be. I love the Bourne Identity & Supremacy and the third one should be (I think) coming out this year.

Flushed Away is a great family movie. At Christmas time the Chamber treated kids to movies with Santa (thank you Chamber!!!) where they offered Flushed Away. It's a Dreamworks animated movie about an uptown mouse who gets flushed away into the London sewers. Both my child & I loved the movie, it was fun for him & amusing for me. I'd highly recommend it for a good chuckle, we'll be buying it when it hits the stores.

I went to see The Queen.
Queen Elizabeth II was pulled in a few different directions after the death of Lady Diana Spencer. She needed to be a grandmother and an in-touch sovereign, but she was also very traditional, making it difficult to do all three. The film shows this through subtle acting and a non-oppressive soundtrack. I liked it. There are also some great shots of wacky U.K. hunting gear. Gotta love those kilts.

I tend to favor movies that feature the actors whose work I like. I admit that I will watch any movie which stars people whom I like to watch.
Here's a few of my favorite actors: Sean Penn, Morgan Freeman, Meryl Streep, Kate Blanchett, Glenn Close, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Douglas, Kathy Bates, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidmann, Helen Mirren, Kevin Spacey and Dame Judith Dench. I just like the way these people deliver a character.
Strangely, because I don't read horror novels, three of my favorite movies are Stephen King stories: Shawshank Redemption, Delores Claiborne and Misery.
Quotes from those movies come out of my mouth every so often.

Favorite male actors: Jack Nicholson (ALL time favorite!), Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Robert Redford, Denzel Washington, Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Clive Owen, Matthew McConaughey and Christian Bale.

Favorite female actors: Meg Ryan, Jenna Elfman, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Marilyn Monroe, Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, and Kate Winslet.

Also a German subtitle movie 'Das Experiment'. The English title is 'The Black Box'. It is based on the Stanford Prison Experiment that took place in 1971. Thrilling and disturbing.

WARNING! THIS COMMENT MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT COULD RUIN THE END OF THE MOVIE FOR YOU!!!

Wow! Das Experiment sounds really, really interesting. I just watched Marie Antoinette and was thoroughly disappointed...I thought it would follow through all the way to her beheading. So, I hope there's a Part Deux.

Yesterday I went to see The Bridge to Terebithia....

fair warning -

This movie is rated G, but something very big happens, so be prepared to console your children and answer some big questions!

I am headed tomorrow to a foreign film entitled 'Abandoned' will let you guys know if it is worth seeing.

roj...they've "accounced" it, huh??? LOL...well, I'll be sure to watch it!

I want to see Bridge to Terebithia and so does my son and my husband. I hope it's good! I also just watched "The Departed" --- amazing film. Loved it. And, I'm not that into action/violent movies, but this one was a winner. It kept me intrigued all the way to the end. I'm going to watch "Man of the Year" with Robin Williams tonight...I hope it's as funny as the commercials made it out to be.

The Abandoned was horrible. It had the same old same old story line. Then at the end all of a sudden there is about 10 minutes of this naked woman walking around.

If that doesn't make you lose interest, try this "boars eating babies alive." I believe the whole audience cleared when they knew what was going to happen.

Shannon

The Bridge to Terebithia is not too bad, a bit after school special. But it deals with a very heavy issue, so be ready to answer some serious questions from your son. The fantasy part is a very small portion with most of it shown in the credits. Most of the people at this one were crying half way thru, children and adults.