Unknown

Unknown is the story of a man who appears to have his identity stolen after he is in a car accident in Berlin. I would explain it as a cross between Taken, with Liam Neeson is a badass fighting European scum, and the Bourne Trilogy, with the lose of identity. It has all the action packed scenes of both of these films and, as mentioned, Liam Neson is great as the guy who nobody wants to mess with.

This movie is a thriller! There are car chases and foot races and a few make-you-jump moments to keep you focused. This has any and all kinds of action that you would like to see!

The best part, of course, is Liam Neeson. Yes, he is somewhat type-cast into this role, but he does it so well. Just as he was in Taken, in Unknown he is a hardcore American who is being chased around a European city by people trying to kill him. He, yet again, turns out to be the man no one should have messed with, because he can outsmart and overpower anyone!

I was a little let down by one plot twist towards the end of the film. Liam's character is not quite what he seems throughout the majority of the film. This was a little disappointing, but I won't go into much more detail for fear of adding spoilers...

I think Unknown will be a very popular theater film. It has great action, one extreme main character, and a some plot twists.  I would recommend it. Unknown is a great action flick for everyone, so it would make a great date movie if your man doesn't like to see the chick flicks when he takes you out.

SEE IT!!- especially if you like action movies!

The Company Men

The Company Men tells the story of how three business men are affected by a major downsizing of their large transportation company. This turns into an emotional rollercoaster as their lives seem to end when their jobs are over. It is enlightening and thoughtful with a few kinks along the way.

I'll start with the positives- The Company Men is a great story, especially with our current economy. Many people are going through this situation or similar ones. This is also very emotional. The writer, John Wells, created some great characters. Each of the three men are at different levels of the corporate ladder and different periods in their life. But on top of the emotion, it also sheds a positive light on this very depressing situation that many people have experienced. The film brings life to the message that there are positives aspects to each situation and you just have to find them.

And just a few negatives- The plot was a little slow at times. This is a great story with great characters, but depressing, unemployed life can be slow moving at times. Also, while the characters are relatable and diverse, they are not developed very well. I was often confused which business man was with which woman and which house and which expensive car. Maybe this is because all of the wealthy, now jobless men and their belongings look the same.

Overall, The Company Men portrays a great story with great characters that is a little slow and could use some more character development. I think it’s a great film with great actors, but you don’t necessarily need to spend the fortune that a movie ticket costs these days to see it.

Redbox/Netflix IT!!!

The Rite

I was very reluctant to see this film, because it did not look like a quality film and the religious emphasis always seems like a risky idea to me. As the top box office film, I felt I had to give it a shot. However, I don't have much to say.

The Rite is the story of a man studying to be a priest who is sent to Rome to learn how to do exorcisms. This films is essentially a newer version of the Exorcist with a little twist. It has its make-you-jump moments and some thrill throughout the film. This does provide the fright that a movie goer would look for in a horror type film. And the plot is not terrible. Anthony Hopkins brings his usually terror to this film. With all of that said, there were some slight set issues and mediocre acting and writing.

Overall, it is not as terrible as I expected. It does have the scary moments that you would like in a horror film, but I don't think it will compare to any of the classic horror films. It shakes you up and puts you on the edge of your seat more than anything else. If you are a horror or fright film lover, check it out! Otherwise, I would call this film missable.

SKIP IT!

The King’s Speech

I have FINALLY made it to see The King’s Speech. I have had very high hopes for this film as it seem to be one of the best movies of the year according to many different critics and groups. Usually with such high expectations, I am disappointed. But every once in awhile a film comes along like The King’s Speech that lives up to its hype! This story is so incredibly human that everyone can relate to it and sympathize with the main character. The directing and writing perfectly creates the portrayal of this story. And the acting puts all other aspects to shame!
First, the story… This film tells the story of King George VI, before he’s king, as he struggles with a speak impediment. This is a story of friendship, family struggle, compassion, loyalty, and, most of all, confidence. This is such a relatable, human story of a person in a position that is often seen as divine and perfect. This film shows the real-life struggles of a king which are similar to the problems of “commoners.”
Second, the writing and directing of this film are clearly worthy of award. This film has been nominated for 12 Academy Awards, more than any other film this year. This is accredit to many people, but most of all director Tom Hooper and writer David Seidler.
But none of these awards and honors would have been possible without the phenomenal cast. Colin Firth is nearly perfect as the stammering future king. How he managed to stutter throughout all filming is beyond me. This is, I assume, the work of an excellent voice coach. (Through my curiosity I discovered Firth’s voice coach was actually his sister, Kate, who he described as “jaw-dropping” in her abilities. ) There is no doubt that Firth should win all awards for leading actor! Helena Bonham Carter has been seen in many interesting roles, but this one is much more normal, for lack of a better word, than her other roles. In The King’s Speech she plays the supportive wife of the future king of England. I don’t believe anyone else could have portrayed this character better, because Bohnam Carter brings her own quirkiness and the seriousness of a very talented actor. Both characteristics are necessary for this queenly role. Geoffrey Rush also gives an excellent performance as the future king’s speech coach. This character has to flirt with the lines of inappropriateness and delve into the fears of the king. Rush perfectly shows this daring character while also showing the compassion and friendliness needed to win over the audience, and his patient the King.
Overall, this film tells any amazing story about a king that needs a friend who can provide some compassion and confidence. The writing, directing, and acting are exceptional! I expected this film to undoubtedly be my choice for best film of 2010. While it is definitely one of the best, I am not sure if I would give it my best picture vote. Regardless, it is an excellent film and I suggest you see it.
SEE IT!!

Best of 2010- The Burnies!

Now that award season is in full-swing I have had time to think about my choices for the best movies of the year. I had a lot of trouble choosing just one film for different categories, such as drama or comedy. Instead here is my list of the best films of the year overall, in no particular order. It is clear that dramas dominated the movie scene in 2010. I had a lot of trouble finding a great comedy for the year. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association chose The Kids Are Alright for their best comedy. I think this was a great story to tell but was rather serious to be a comedy and not as memorable as other films this year. Most of these have been reviewed on the blog, so you can check those out for more details.

Inception
Toy Story 3
Social Network
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Shutter Island
The Town
The Fighter
True Grit
The Kids Are Alright

King's Speech

Black Swan

Oscar Nominations Announced!!!

The 2011 Oscar Nominations were announced today. This begins the most exciting time of the year for movie lovers. There were a few surprises, but for the most part it was much as I expected.

Two Thumbs Up!!!
True Grit received 10 Oscar nominations even though it was completed snubbed by the Hollywood Foreign Press at the Globes.
Hailee Steinfeld was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in True Grit. I am so glad this amazing young actress getting some recognition. I doubt she will walk away with an award, but it's great to see such a deserving performance receiving critical acclaim.
King's Speech received 12 nominations!!!
The Social Network and  Inception received 8 nominations each!!!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I received nominations for art direction and visual effects! It's nice to see high quality popular films receiving some recognition also!

Surprise Surprise
Annette Bening was nominated for her role in The Kids Are Alright; however, her co-star Julianne Moore did not receive a nomination.
I am a bit surprised that 127 Hours received 6 nominations. This one created a buzz before it's release but has flown under the radar since then.
The Kids Are Alright received 4 nominations including best supporting actress and actor and best picture. I agree that the acting was strong, but I didn't fell it was as strong overall as many other films this year.

For a complete list of this year's nominations, go to http://oscar.go.com/nominations

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!