Crazy Heart

Crazy Heart was released in 2009 and Jeff Bridges won an Academy Award for it in 2010. Crazy Heart tells the story of Bad Blake, an aging country music artist who struggles with alcoholism. It is an emotional story and Jeff Bridges gives an amazing performance. But I can see why it was not nominated for best picture. The story is interesting and relatable, but I think it could have been much more emotional. Most of it was not dramatic or intense, but rather almost apathetic. It's a great movie! But Jeff Bridges' acting outshines the story, other actors, and directing. I can see some people feeling this film is almost boring. It is not very fast paced and lacks the ups and downs that we generally see in films.

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Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants is the story of a veterinary student who leaves school to join the circus after his parents are killed. He bonds with the ringmaster's wife over their mutual love for animals and becomes part of one of the most well-known circus debacles in history. This is based on a best-selling novel, which usually is a recipe for success; however, I was concerned that the casting and uniqueness of this story might make the on screen representation weaker than the novel. Much to my surprise, the acting is impressive and the creation of this unusual world is very creatively presented.

First, Robert Pattinson plays the lead character, the former veterinary student. I was very skeptical, because Pattinson's most well-known role has been in the Twilight series. While I love this series, it does not increase his credibility as a quality actor. Contrary to my expectations, his acting was deep, believable, and perfect for this role. His character is a shy, young man who has fallen into the circus world after a tragedy in his life. Pattinson perfectly creates a reserved and educated man, who is also torn and passionate. My other concern was the on-screen relationship between Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon. These two seem to be in a different generations of actors that would make a romance unnatural or unrealistic. I was pleasantly surprised that their on-screen chemistry was very good. Their relationship and flirtations were believable, but the intimate scene between the two was a little uncomfortable, for me at least.

This story is set in the 1930s and follows the life of a circus crew. This is a very unique world, that was seen as luxurious and fabulous during this time. I was a little concerned that this world would not be created as well on screen as it can be created in the individual minds of readers. Again my expectations were put to shame by the realistic and imaginative representation of this film. The world of luxury and excitement was created perfectly, while still incorporating the darkness and hard work that was also part of this world. The lead character is able to experience and move back and forth between these two aspects of the circus life. This unusual life is portrayed with no cheesiness or artificial feelings. 

This film had the potential to be very successful, because of the creativity of the novel. This potential was met despite all of my skepticism. The acting is impressive and very well cast. This unique story was brought to life in a creative and realistic manner. While this film is very much geared towards women, it can be a pleasant surprise to most audience members. It makes you apart of a world that is completely different and unknown to us today. If you are looking for a whimsical story of illusion and survival, Water for Elephants is the film to see.

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The Conspirator

You may not have heard about The Conspirator, because it has not been advertised as much as other recent releases. It tells the story of Mary Surrat who is charged with conspiring with others, her son included,  to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. This happens in the heat of the Civil War, so the Union is looking for a scapegoat to ease their pain and help end the war. One lawyer, a former Union soldier, is convinced to represent her and try to save her life. The directing, story, and acting are great, but I doubt this one will be remembered for long.

It is very unusual to watch a film from the Civil War time period, since we rarely see films set in this time period oriented towards the general public. It takes a minute to adjust your mind set from the 21st century to the 19th century. Even once adjusted, films set in this time can feel cheesy or unrealistic.  However, Robert Redford as director does a great job of making all aspects of the film relatable, understandable, and authentic.  I question a few aspects of the film for it's authenticity, but I have to agree that some things will have to be changed a tiny bit for audiences to relate to and enjoy the film.

The story is an amazing one! Before Surrat no woman had been hanged for their crime. This creates a controversial decision for the coalition deciding her verdict. This was a heated time in the history of our country. As the emotions rise, so does the drama. Surrat's trial also led to major changes in the rights of Americans that we value today. The whole story is a debate of loyalty and ethics. How do you put your North/South alliance aside to do the right thing for one woman?

The acting in this film was very impressive. It has to be very difficult to change the way you act so greatly to represent a person from a very different time period. James McAvoy plays the lawyer that must represent Mrs. Surrat. He is very debonair, as men of this time appeared to be. He perfectly portrayed a man torn by this loyalty to the country he fought for and his duty as an attorney. Robin Wright plays Mary Surra,t the meek woman being charged with a hefty crime.  She transformed herself greatly from the modern woman she is to this frail mother trying to stay alive while also protecting her family. Both of these actors created such accurate portrayals that bring you completely into their story.

Overall, the acting and story really sucked me in. It took a moment to get fully on board with the authenticity of the time period representation. But Redford made me look past the time period and the acting and intense story took over. As mentioned, I don't think this film will be turning heads or talked about this time next year, but I would definitely recommend it. It is well made, enjoyable, and dramatic. But you don't need to see it in theaters.

Redbox/Netflix

The Lincoln Lawyer

The Lincoln Lawyer is about a defense lawyer who uses the back seat of his Lincoln as his office. This is not the only aspect of his work that is a very unconventional. This film tells the story of one particularly twisted case that Mick Haller is involved in. The Lincoln Lawyer brings in the mental excitement of law and the physical excitement of criminal activity and drama. Matthew McConaughey gives a great performance as the suave, street-wise lawyer. This is the best (quality)  McConaughey film I've seen in years.

The biggest draw of this film is the action and drama. This starts with some courtroom drama as we are introduced to Mick Haller's style. But as the film continues the drama moves from mental intensity to edge-of-your-seat action. This twist between mental and physical drama keeps the viewers engaged in many different ways.

The other positive aspect of this film is McConaughey's acting. He is usually a part of light-hearted, shallow films. This film is much more in depth and powerful than other films he has been in recently. He perfectly portrays this smooth lawyer that has very unconventional methods of bringing his clients to justice. He also struggles emotionally in this film with making sure the guilty are punished and the innocent are vindicated. This film could have been severely weakened with poor acting in this role. The Lincoln Lawyer would have been a poor film without McConaughey's believable and impressive performance.

Overall, I don't think you are going to see The Lincoln Lawyer on the list of best films of 2011. However, it is very dramatic, mentally and physically, emotional, and has great acting. I would definitely recommend it. I struggle to determine if it's necessary to see it in theaters. Right now it is probably the best films in theaters. If you are looking for a quality film on your night out, this would be a great choice.

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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!