“TO BE OR NOT TO BE”

MOVIE LOVERS ANONYMOUS

“TO BE OR NOT TO BE”

The movie industry has changed the world. A common and obvious statement that makes, even the most eloquent person look foolish, but what does it mean?

Hollywood has become not only a place, but an industry, an empire, a lifestyle. Children grow up and instead of playing outside and dreaming of their own alternate reality, they watch one unfold in the latest blockbuster hit. After decades of Academy Awards, technological advances, and bigger storylines, children, and adults, can indulge in a fantasy, and for two hours, become part of an alternate reality.

Everyone has their favorite movie, whether it’s romantic, action, comedy, and with the favorite movie, comes the favored role. “If you could be anyone in any role, which would you choose?”

A poll was taken on the favored Facebook site, “Movie Loverz.” Surprisingly enough, women wanted to be the damsel in distress that ends up with the beautifully poetic and artificially sculpted man. The men, an action hero, or even the favored comedic role that leaves the audience either in pain, or running to the bathroom.

Should there be concern for the dream of being in a specific role? Is there anything wrong with dreaming of being the next Meg Ryan in a movie like “Sleepless in Seattle,” or to be as funny as Will Ferrell in the next big comedy.

The movie industry has changed the world, but more importantly, the movie industry has changed people. The thing to remember is, if you desire that one role that captures your heart, or makes you laugh, makes you cry, or even allows you to fall in love, find in real life, and be the person you have always wanted to be, even just for a day. Because, we really are just children playing dress up in the real world, might as well enjoy the role.

By Kimberly Gruber

Check out this cool movie clips video -

http://vimeo.com/17342381

Hunger Games, Mirror Mirror, The Rum Diary

The Hunger Games - Yes I went and saw it - no I am not going to criticize it. I don't want hoards of fans descending upon me in a violent rage. If you read the books and liked them you will likely enjoy the movie. Even if you didn't read the books you'll still know and understand what is going on and probably enjoy the movie if action/adventure mixed with a little romance is your movie style.

****Spoiler Alert***

Mirror Mirror - My 13 year old daughter thoroughly enjoyed this movie. There were a couple of innuendo's but pretty mild that most younger kids wouldn't pick up on. It's geared more towards kids so probably won't be first pick for a date night or a group of adults to go see but not so kid oriented that it's not enjoyable to go watch with your kids if you have them. It's a little campy and utterly predictable but how would a movie based on the popular Snow White story not be? I wasn't very happy with how they took out the poison apple part and negated the whole need for the prince to come revive her but they did throw in a fun twist on that portion of the fairy tale at the end of the movie.

The Rum Diary - UGH! Not every human interest story is interesting to human beings. This was the slowest, stupidest, most boring movie I have watched in a long time (The Tree of Life is an exception as I don't think any movie will ever top that one for pointlessness.) I was angry and felt like I had wasted two hours of my life after watching this movie. Not even the energy of Johnny Depp was saving this one. I am shocked and surprised he even agreed to take this role. I guess it was an easy paycheck for him since all he had to do was play a less wobbly, less dirty version of Jack Sparrow. The only bright spot of talent and entertainment was Giovanni Ribisi playing Moberg. All I can say is that guy is brilliant and sadly underrated. None of the jokes, or so called situational comedy was funny or entertaining and the movie ends at a really weird drop off point with a quick couple of sentences explaining the aftermath. Not a movie I would recommend anyone waste their time on.

21 Jump Street

21 Jump Street - If you don't mind a little crude and sexual humor then I would totally recommend this movie. It was fun, well acted (for Channing Tatum that is) and funny! They also have a fun surprise for you at the end. I don't know if I just have a soft spot for movies based on TV shows aired while I was growing up or if this movie actually was that good, but I enjoyed every minute of it, sometimes even laughing out loud because it was so funny. I've always been on the fence about Jonah Hill's acting abilities but after seeing this one at least I can say he isn't afraid to make a fool of himself while he is entertaining people, and that I can admire. I also have to give him mad props for his weight loss - he looks great in this movie! They did a great job of keeping you guessing at who the bad guy was. I have seen so many movies that often by 30 minutes into it I can tell you who the culprit is etc. etc. but I was really surprised when they finally divulged who was behind everything in this movie. I honestly had no complaints about this one - wouldn't recommend taking kids under 18 with you though. It's pretty crude.

A Thousand Words

A Thousand Words - First of all....isn't Eddie Murphy supposed to be funny? In this movie he is far from it! I thought I was going to a comedy and was sorely disappointed. Second of all do we now have to have a token nerdy fat kid AKA some version of Jonah Hill in every movie? That kid was not even remotely entertaining, let alone funny. Third do I need to point out the obvious? Every trailer shows Eddie Murphy using his wiles to skip the line at Starbucks by faking a phone call that his wife is in labor....when the burly construction guys at the front aren't going for it he yells in surprise "Twins!" Who in the developed world nowadays does not know whether or not they are having twins BEFORE being wheeled into labor and delivery? The chances are pretty slim. Word must have gotten out that this movie was pretty much crap from start to finish cause it's certainly flopped in box office sales. I would NOT recommend going to see this one - even for the sake of the kiddoes.

The Lorax and The Secret World of Arrietty

Dr. Seuss: The Lorax - Of all the Dr. Seuss  movies I have ever seen this is the only one that I have actually enjoyed. Oftentimes they get so caught up in the rhyming that the storyline doesn't make sense. Not so with this one. However if you are a conspicuous consumer and don't like being reminded that we are taking advantage of and destroying this planet we live on - maybe better to skip this one. I was impressed that they actually took an environmental stand and addressed an important issue in not only a way that the adult could appreciate but that I think kids can understand as well. It was obviously against big business (was I the only one thinking gee - this sounds/looks alot like Walmart throughout the entire movie?) and after the movie I totally wanted to go plant a tree! haha!

The Secret World of Arrietty - I have never been a big fan of Japanese animation films however this one was pretty good. It had an interesting storyline, and some humor in it. The kids thought it was great and as an adult - it was fairly enjoyable to sit through. No major complaints about this one, but no accolades either.

Hugo

Hugo - This was a bit slow to get started but in the end turned out to be a great movie. If you are a movie nerd like me I would totally recommend it. You'll love how they get into some of the history and development of movies in an entertaining fashion. I can totally see why this movie was nominated for so many awards and won 5. I even teared up a little towards the end. The kids weren't great actors but we can always count on Ben Kingsley and Christopher Lee to carry a movie. Other than the subpar acting of the children I really can't say much negative about this movie! :)