Black Swan

Black Swan is a psychological thriller about a ballet dancer trying to create the perfect swan queen in Swan Lake. This film gives a whole new meaning to the term psychological thriller. It has you on the edge of your sit throughout the entire film. Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis show their amazing talents as actors. The writers created a unique, twisted plot and the director executed it perfectly. This is by far one of the best films of 2010!

The acting in this film is phenomenal! Natalie Portman is enveloped in this delusional character who is torn between her perfect White Swan personality and the wicked Black Swan personality. It is amazing to watch as her character struggles and transforms throughout the film. One remarkable scene at the end of the film shows Portman's character in her dressing room preparing for the final act in Swan Lake that will send a chill down your spine. Mila Kunis's performance is very memorable also. Her character is a free spirit, natural Black Swan who appears to befriend Portman's character. Kunis's acting helps create the on edge feeling throughout the film. You always feel that this character is going to pop in with a back stabbing move.

The most amazing aspect of this film is the story and the way it is presented. Anyone who can create a plot that is this psychological and frightening is amazing! This story is slightly confusing because of the mix between what is real life and what is part of the delusions of the main character, Nina. However, that is what makes the film so frightening and thrilling. Throughout the film you are guessing what is real and what is the delusions.  Along with this the directing in this film is exceptional! The use of mirrors is always a great way to create thrill and tension in a film. Director Darren Aronofsky took this even farther by creating the feeling that each viewer is in Nina's position as she walks through the dark city streets. This is done through flashes through scenes and bouncing movements as she's walking. To some this may seem undesirable, but I think this is what makes the film so great. This creative movement makes the thrill and creativity of this excellent plot come alive.

Overall, I am having trouble finding a film that is better than the film Black Swan this year.  The acting, directing, writing, and editing are beyond any I have seen in other films this year. If you haven't seen it yet, go see it now.

SEE IT!

No Strings Attached

No Strings Attached is the story of two friends that decide to use each other for sex rather than have a full, committed relationship. Natalie Portman plays a medical resident who has trouble showing affection. Ashton Kutcher plays a former actor's son who has had a rough relationship with his father. This is yet another romantic comedy with a cookie-cutter plot, but it will make you laugh!

I had very low expectations for No Strings Attached because it seemed to be the story that has been told in one episode on every sitcom ever written and has been intertwined within many other films. This did not seem like a story that could fill two hours without getting drawn out. The couple would make the decision to use each, one would fall for the other, and in the end they would live happily ever after. I was correct about the overall story line, but, impressively, the writers found a way the mix in enough comedy to keep you entertained for the full 110 minutes. On top of that, there is enough cutsie romance to make for the perfect date night movie. Comedy to make you laugh and romance to cheer up any romantic girl.... sounds like a romantic comedy to me!

Natalie Portman shows her range of acting abilities by having two extremely different films in theaters at the same time. I was thoroughly impressed with her ability to drop the comedic one liners and portray a unaffectionate woman who's fallen in love realistically. Comparing this to her award-winning role in Black Swan made her abilities even more impressive.  I cannot say the same for Ashton Kutcher. He has a great face and is great at comedic acting. However, each serious, romantic scene he was in became unrealistic and uncomfortable. 

Overall, this is the perfect date night or girls night movie. It has some great comedic moments and brings in the romance that most ladies love to see. If you are looking for a light-hearted romantic comedy, this is a great choice.