Author Archives: moviejoltz
Flash Movie Review: Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day
Harkening back to those romantic comedies of the 1940’s, this movie was a fun viewing. Frances McDormand plays a dowdy, middle-aged, recently fired, ex-governess in London. When an American actress, played by Amy Adams, hires her to be her “social secretary,” Francis’ character spirals into a world of zany glamour. Amy and Frances were a hoot (yes, I said “hoot”) in this film, as they become a balancing act for each other in the craziness that pops up around them. Additionally, I got a kick out of seeing the art deco set designs and costumes. For some old fashioned movie watching, I suggest you check this film out.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Like Crazy
This movie will strike a chord with those of you who have loved someone, who for whatever reason, could not be with you at some time in your life. The story line is about a British student, in the United States on a student visa, who falls in love with an American classmate. I am not going to tell you anything more, because it is a common story. However, the way this film shows us this tale is fresh. Through the young couples’ various emotional states, during different periods of their lives, we watch their relationship rise and fall. I really enjoyed this movie and had a tear in my eye, while watching the struggles, the despair and the accelerated excitement when they looked into each other’s eyes after a long absence. Excellent acting by all. The softness and progression of this film will recall a fond memory or two for some of you, I believe.
3 1/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Who Killed The Electric Car
Having been annoyed by what seems the randomness of daily gasoline price changes, watching this movie made me angry. This documentary focused on the General Motors’ EV1 electric car. You now may be saying to yourself, “I never heard of it.” Exactly and you may get as upset as I did. The vehicle was sold mainly in California. I was astounded to see how the automobile manufacturer, the oil industry, the U.S. government and the California government all played a part in the ultimate demise of this vehicle. I know we are all tired hearing about the different political games, taking place around us; however, I suggest you sit down and be stunned as much as I was when I saw this movie.
3 1/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Rum Diary
Based on Hunter S. Thompson’s novel of the same name, starring Johnny Depp; I’m guessing Hunter would not be pleased with this meandering movie. Johnny is Paul Kemp, a writer who decides to leave New York City for Puerto Rico, hoping to write for the San Juan Star newspaper. Truthfully, that is about all I got out of this film with its scenes of drunkenness, fights with locals and Johnny Depp following the Johnny Depp method of acting–I was bored for most of the time. From what I briefly know about Hunter S Thompson, he was credited with being the creator of Gonzo journalism, a form of writing where the reporter places himself into the action he is reporting on, becoming almost a central character to the event. If Johnny Depp’s character was supposed to be similar in this movie, it did not come across.
1 1/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Georgia O’Keefe
What sparked my interest in this movie, besides being fond of Georgia O’ Keefe’s work, was the wonderful Joan Allen. This biopic was Joan’s baby and was released on cable. I enjoyed the quietness, the gentleness of this movie. Add Jeremy Irons as Alfred Stieglitz and watch that gentleness turn into passionate explosions. Watching Joan as Georgia fight to be heard in a man’s world, to be recognized as an equal against the larger than life Alfred; that underdog determination was well played out in this film. For a change of pace, let time slow down and relax watching this sweet movie.
2 7/8 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Skin I Live In
With certain directors, after a time, one expects to see familiar traits: the way a scene is presented; the pacing of it or the way the director tells the story through his camera lens. In this regards, Pedro Almodovar does not disappoint… for the most part. Antonio Banderas plays a successful plastic surgeon. Having created an artificial skin, he has been testing it on a woman he keeps captive. At one point, I was getting a physical reaction to what I was watching on screen and it was not from the scenes that had blood in them. It was more about the subject matter and the characters’ reactions. Even though individual scenes were well done, I felt a disconnect between scenes which caused the movie to drag for me. However, this movie does set a new high standard for what it means to take revenge. Spanish with English subtitles.
2 3/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Food, Inc.
Let me be the first to admit, I have indulged in mindless eating from time to time. However, after watching this movie, I now notice I pause when making my food choices. This documentary had some scenes that were hard to watch (especially so for animal lovers); but the topics would set my mind reeling. Seeing how corporate farming has altered the food chain, I sat and wished I had a patch of land for growing my own vegetables. Discovering what ingredients are mixed into some of our packaged food, I have a new appreciation to those who partake in a cleansing fast. Think about the rise we have had with health issues: the effects from polluting the environment, E. coli bacteria outbreaks; I suggest you consider viewing this movie a must.
3 1/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Tower Heist
Make sure you drop off your brains at the ticket counter before seeing this movie. Nonsensical, unfunny, boring; the only bright spot–and we are talking on a dimmer switch here–was Alan Alda. Playing a wealthy financier who has been running a ponzi scheme (think Bernie Madoff), he agreed to take the condominium staff’s retirement fund, where he resides in the top floor penthouse. The staff, lead by Ben Stiller, find out and decide to take matters into their own hands. To help them in their plans, Ben’s character enlists the help of Eddie Murphy. Eddie coasted through this film. Doing the same act he was doing when the Pointer Sisters sang “Neutron Dance” for his film “Beverly Hills Cop,” it was stale. Take a pass on this movie, you will not regret it.
1 1/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Crazy Stupid Love
This being the year of Ryan Gosling, it all started here. Ryan as the smooth alpha stud, becomes the mentor to Steve Carell, just as Steve’s life goes into crisis mode, when his wife tells him she wants a divorce. The script is smart and I actually laughed out loud in places. Besides Ryan Gosling, the other bright star of the movie was Emma Stone. A fun movie with well crafted scenes.
3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Martha Marcy May Marlene
If the rumors are true, then I can see why the Olsen twins (Mary-Kate & Ashley) are jealous of their little sister, Elizabeth. She evidently got the acting talent in the family. A serious solid performance, Elizabeth added to the steady tension in this film. Portraying a troubled woman who tries to blend back into her sister’s life, she is plagued with painful memories of her time in a cult and with brimming paranoia. The direction is well done and the changing of time periods was not an issue. Nor was the one bloody scene, in the latter half of the film. There is a good chance, Elizabeth may get an Oscar nomination for this role.
3 1/2 stars
moviejoltz 