5 year Engagement

One year after meeting on New Year's Eve, Tom proposes to Violet and she accepts. As they start to plan for the wedding, they are met with several obstacles that cause them to keep pushing back the date of the wedding. Tom is a Sous Chef at a high end restaurant in San Fransisco, and Violet is a psychology PhD graduate. When she gets accepted into the University of Michigan's post-doctorate in psychology program which lasts two years, Tom agrees to move with her and delay their wedding until then. As more and more things get in their way, the relationship gets strained and it is unclear if they will ever be able to salvage it before they have a chance to get married.

Jason Segel as Tom Solomon
Emily Blunt as Violet Barnes
Chris Pratt as Alex Eilhauer
Alison Brie as Suzie Barnes
Kevin Hart as Doug
Chris Parnell as Bill

Who will like this:

This is definitely what can be described as a "chick flick" aimed at women who have had bad relationships who dream of it working out in the end. People who liked "Our idiot Brother" or "Friends with Benefits" MAY also like this movie.

Phantom Thoughts:

I cannot express enough how much I disliked this one. I thought I may be able to relate a bit being a chef myself, and having had relationships go wrong, but this just dragged on with very few good scenes in it. It was meant to be a comedy, but I didn't find any of the situations that were meant to be funny amusing at all.
I like Jason Segel, Kevin Hart and SNL alum Chris Parnell, but I felt they were just going through the motions or underused. Could my vision of this be skewed by the fact that I saw this at an AMC Cine Dine theater that not only never brought us our food order and then sent 3 different people to ask if "everything was alright", but also almost killed the person I went with by having her drink a piece of glass in her Mango Margarita? Well, maybe. But I really did try to view the movie for what it was worth. And after having our tickets refunded, I can say that it wasn't even worth viewing for free. SPOILER: But is it a spoiler if it's in the title, really? These two characters are thrown so far apart, that there seems no logical way they could or SHOULD ever get back together, but after 5 years, love conquers all and they do get married in what could be the quickest wedding ever put together. I sat there with my "Yeah, right" face on during this last part of the movie. Although I described this as a "chick flick", I have to admit that the "chick" I saw it with didn't even like it. To be fair, she could have been suffering internal bleeding from glass shredding her esophagus. Who's to say?

Until next time, see you in the center seat.

Avengers

Some of the best Superheroes on the planet are brought together to fight a threat to the world as we know it in this Mega Marvel Movie.

Loki, brother of the demi-god Thor, has made his way to Earth to obtain a lost relic from his Father's trophy room known as the Tesseract. This relic is a source of unbelievable power and with it, he intends to use that power to open a gateway to another universe and lead an alien race, the Chitauri, to take over the world.

Nick Fury, director of the espionage agency S.H.E.I.L.D., decides to gather these known "Superheroes" to combat this threat to the Earth in the "Avenger Initiative" as opposed to the other alternative of an anonymous council who want to go ahead with something called "Phase Two". Fury, along with his agents Hawkeye and Black Widow, set out to recruit Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and Dr. Bruce Banner/The Hulk.

Getting them to work as a team is difficult, as they spend time arguing and fighting each other at first. But when they are all finally on the same page and fighting together, they turn their attention to the real threat in a battle to save the world.

The film is written and directed by Joss Whedon and features an ensemble cast that includes Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders, Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson.

Who will like this movie:

If you've been playing along and have been a fan of the Marvel Movies leading up to this one, than this movie is geared right to you. If you've never seen any of the previous ones, I still think an action adventure/fantasy fan could get into it. However, I strongly recommend that you at least watch Thor and Captain America before seeing this one as there are carry overs from those movies into this one that will make it easier to follow.

Phantom Thoughts

If you've been following my blog, you may already know that I went to the Marvel Marathon and saw 6 Marvel movies including this one for a total of 15 hours all at once. One might think (the thought certainly entered MY mind) that you could get burned out watching the same genre of movies for such a long period of time. This did not happen as the new Avengers movie was all it was hyped up to be and more! I loved it!

There are pitfalls in making an ensemble movie such as this with so many stars and main characters in it. The most prominent one being to center the story around one of the characters and have everyone else play a role in that story. With the villain being Thor's brother Loki, this would have been an easy road to go down. However, the balance of story between all of them was really well done and no one outshines anyone else. The different storylines of all the Avengers were so well integrated into the main story of the movie that it also never got confusing to follow, which is another problem movies like this can face.

If there was any criticism I could make, it would be that they did use a well worn idea of a group of different personalities having to work together to achieve a specific goal. These personalities clash and fight each other until there is that one event that unites them in their quest and makes them work together as a team. This criticism is so minor and overshadowed by how well everything else worked that it barely stands to even reference.

The Avengers had action, had a good story, it was amusing and even funny at times, and kept my interest throughout the almost 2 and a half hours so much, I didn't even notice the length. And after watching 5 full length movies right before this one, THAT'S saying something. There has been a lot of buzz about how they finally got the Hulk right in this movie, and I would agree, even though I did enjoy the Edward Norton version for the many nods to the comic and TV show that were laced throughout that rendition. The Hulk steals a lot of scenes during the final battle in the film.

Speaking of the end of the movie, I encourage you all to stay to the end of the credits. The VERY end of the credits! There is a scene about two minutes into the credits that sets up the inevitable sequel that has been prominent in every Marvel movie thus far. However there is another little scene at the very end that I think, is the most awesome ending to this movie that they could have written. It is so perfect in it's simplicity. I loved it.

Until next time, I'll see you in the center seat.

Marvel Movie Marathon

15 hours of movies. All at once. Who would be crazy enough to endure such an undertaking in movie viewing? Well...I was for one. But I wasn't alone. At the AMC I was at, there were two full theaters of die hard movie goers who stayed to watch all six movies. From 11:30am Thursday to 2:40am Friday we sat through Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America and finally the new Avengers. Over 40 theaters across the America had the marathon playing mostly to sold out audiences.

This was an event. An event unlike anything I have ever seen before. At the beginning of the day, it was just like going to see any other movie. You go in, pick your seat and get settled in. No one really pays attention too much to the people around you and your main goal is giving yourself enough space and having a good view of the screen. But that was where the similarities end. Because after a while, you become aware of the people around you. You get engaged in conversations. You get more comfortable with the group you're in. It starts to feel less like a movie and more like watching something with a group of your friends. Every once in a while, someone yells out something funny and you laugh, as a group, instead of being upset about the disturbance in your viewing experience. By the end, we all had that feeling of going through something together. Even the people you didn't talk to during that time, you could give that look to, and they understand. 

I have to say also, that AMC, at least the one I was at, did a great job in organizing such a massive event. There were breaks between movies, giving time to use the restrooms and get more eats (The free refills of large soda and popcorn came in REAL handy for this day). They had raffle give-aways during the breaks as well, along with trivia questions about the Marvel movies. Staff was dressed as Superheroes (special thanks to Megan for dressing up as Black Widow) along with some of the movie patrons. No...I did not dress up for this one. Maybe next time.

You may think that after so many movies of the same theme, that you would get burned out on the subject. I thought that same thing. But it wasn't the case. I don't know if it was just movies themselves or being involved in the whole day. But it was a great time that I would do again in a heartbeat. Big thanks to Marvel and AMC Theaters for putting this together, but an even bigger thanks to all the people who enjoyed this with me. The camaraderie  we shared will last with me for a long, long time. Thank you.

Until next time, I'll see you in the center seat. 

Cabin in the Woods

The story takes place in a cabin in the woods, as you may have already guessed just by reading the title. But there's much more to this cabin than what it looks like. If you are going by the commercials, you would have been misled on the plot of the movie. This is not a spoiler because the film actually starts out with this anonymous company that has pretty much led these 5 college students to this location. The cabin and the surrounding area has been set up with an array of electronically controlled devices that will basically allow the company to create it's own horror movie with the unsuspecting youngsters as the "stars". From the control room, their movements and reactions are being manipulated. The reasons for this is not revealed until the end, and the actual twist is revealed.

Directed and co-written by Drew Goddard and co-written and produced by Joss Whedon. (Buffy the Vampire Slyer and Angel) It stars Kristen Connolly, Fran Kranz, Chris Hemsworth, Jesse Williams, Anna Hutchison, Bradley Whitford, and Richard Jenkins.

Who will like this movie

Certain aspects of the original Scream movie and Drag Me to Hell came up through this movie. I think it would be good for those who like horror movies, but are not really so much into gore. It is funny at times and not too many of the "startle scares" that have become a staple of horror movies today. Enough elements to be considered a date movie.

Phantom Thoughts

As I was watching this movie, I was in. I got it. I liked the premise of what they were trying to accomplish. Here's this company, the American one of many throughout the world, that has rigged a remote area to become it's own horror movie. These kids are brought in and a series of things happen to lead them to the basement. Down there are a plethora of miscellaneous items all just sitting there to be discovered. However each item represents a different way to die. (I love the fact that the people watching from the control room have a pool going on which item is picked, releasing a different horror). Redneck zombies happen to be the one that wins out (don't worry...not that much of a spoiler) and the fun begins.

To be honest, I figured that this company was just dealing in some kind of fear simulation and that at some point, something would "go wrong" and the bad nasties that were unleashed really do kill the kids instead of just scaring them. But I was wrong. The company is actually TRYING to kill these kids off one by one and the mystery continues as to why until the end of the film. Coming from the guys who created Buffy and Angel (there is an Angel alum who plays a good part in the movie) it had a lot of little jokes at itself and horror movies in general that I liked. It had that feel of those shows as well. They make reference to the standard "boob shot" in every horror movie, which is provided in this one by Anna Hutchison.
SPOILER: One of the great sci-fi actresses makes a cameo at the end as the director of the company: Sigorney Weaver.

But here's my problem with it...they have this very unique and interesting idea, right? But there has to be a reason WHY this company would be doing that. That's where it seemed like they just said "Well...let's just do...uhmmm...THIS". I won't spoil it for you who will want to see it, but I was very much unimpressed.
SPOILER: There is a great blood bath scene with every single kind of horror movie monster you can think of and good, but not great effects that go with it. See if you can spot all the different references to other movies that were thrown in.

Little known fact: This movie was filmed and finished in 2009. But with the bankrupcy issuses of MGM at the time, the movie was delayed and eventually sold to Lionsgate, who released it April 13th 2012.

This was a simulated Wrong Turn movie that took a very wrong turn at the end. Until next time, see you in the center seat!

American Reunion

The American Pie gang is back together again for their 13th High School Reunion. Getting back together for the weekend of the reunion and catching up on where their lives have taken them, the crew try to capture the special times they had in high school, only to discover that things aren't what they used to be. But some things never change. And nothing ever goes as planned.

Starring: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari, Eddie Kaye Thomas and Eugene Levy

Who will like this movie:

Fans of the original "American Pie" movie (and perhaps even some of the sequels) will undoubtedly enjoy the reunion movie. This is an escape-from-your-life and put your brain in the cup holder movie for those who just want a nice break. A comedy along the same lines as "The Hangover", "Van Wilder" and "Something About Mary". Although you may have fun with this one if you've never seen the original, a lot of the comedy stems from things that happened before, gearing it more toward fans of the 1st one.

Phantom Thoughts

To be honest, I wasn't expecting too much from this movie. And when I started watching it, I thought I may have been right. However, after a kinda slow and not as humorous start, things begin to pick up speed about half way through and gave me what an American Pie sequel should be. It's unusual to be able to get an entire ensemble cast together for another movie, especially 13 years later but I'm glad they were able to pull it off. The story lines of the main characters intertwined pretty well without too much feeling of forcing a story just to give a character a bigger part, which can be a pitfall in a movie like this. Of course, the driving storyline is Jim and Michelle and the stereo-typical rut new parents get into. The reunion weekend is the perfect opportunity for them to re-ignite that spark that seems to have gone from their marriage. But this is an American Pie movie, so nothing...and I mean nothing, goes according to plan. One of the things that throws a monkey-wrench into the works is Jim's (now 18 year old) next door neighbor, Kara- played by Ali Cobrin. She and her wonderfully ample breasts make an abundant appearance. That is not the only nudity in the movie however. The other scene is more surprising and disturbing, but very funny at the same time. They worked some new comedy into this one as well as using some of the same jokes in different situations as the first. Although in most cases, it didn't seem as much as beating a dead horse as it did just extending the joke further.

Eugene Levy is just comedy gold and he has refined the Jim's Dad character perfectly! I loved how he and Jason Biggs played off each other and think their banter may be even better than it was in the first movie. Mini Spoiler: When I said they got the whole cast from the first one, I mean they got the WHOLE cast. A few were just kinda cameos toward the end, but even they were worked in well. Also, don't get up right after the credits start as there is another really good scene about a minute into the credits.

In my opinion, it wasn't the funniest movie, but it was really good for what it was.

Until next time, see you in the center seat!

Mirror, Mirror

A bit of a modern adaptation on the Grimm Fairy Tale of Snow White. For those of you unfamiliar with the story (and I don't know who would not have EVER heard of the story at the very least) it is a tale of an Evil Queen who is the step-mother of a princess named Snow White, so named for her fair skin and dark hair. The Queen is obsessed with being the most beautiful in all the land, and with the help of a magic mirror, she learns that Snow White has taken her place in that category. She sends her into the woods to be killed by one of the Queen's servants. He cannot do it and lets her go, where she finds 7 dwarfs who take her in and help her. This movie deviates from the original story in several aspects, the most obvious is taking the "Princess in need of rescuing" out of the equation.

Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen, Lily Collins as Snow White, Armie Hammer as Prince Alcott, Nathan Lane as Brighton, Danny Woodburn as Grimm and Martin Klebba as Butcher

Who will like this movie:

A family film for families with children  who are not very young or impressionable. The commercials and trailers I've seen make it seem that this is more of a comedy for the whole family, but the truth is that it will not keep younger viewers interest and may be too frightening at parts for them.

Phantom Thoughts

This is the first of two Snow White based films set to be released this year. When news of this was released, neither studio decided to drop the project and the race was on to get each film done. Unfortunately, it shows with this one. The costumes were magnificent and the cinematography was fantastic, however it falls short of what it could have been. Nathan Lane and his comedic talent was extremely under-used in this project. Julia Roberts was great as the Evil Queen who was not just evil for the sake of being evil, but expressing her vanity as the driving force of her actions. She delivers the lines perfectly and with a hint of sarcasm makes her performance really enjoyable to watch. The twist in the tale, is that although Snow White starts out as the familiar "damsel in distress", she does not end up that way. Snow White (Played by Lily Collins who strikes an amazing resemblance to a young Audry Hepburn) finds out what the Evil Queen has done to her Father's kingdom and when she is left in the woods by Nathan Lane's character, she comes across the 7 dwarfs. SPOILER: During her time with them, they teach her how to fight and give her other skills needed to stop the Evil Queen. When the Queen puts a spell on the Prince to fall in love with her, it is actually Snow White's kiss to the Prince that breaks the spell. And it is Snow White who fights the "beast" said to be stalking the woods.
    I really feel if they had made this a bit funnier and more kid friendly, it would have been a really good movie. But in my opinion, it was just "OK". There were some really good parts (like the dwarfs as thieves in spring stilts). I can't help but think that if they had not worried about getting it out before "Snow White and the Huntsman", they could have fine tuned the script and let Nathan Lane do some of his magic to create something really special. BIG SPOILER: The other thing that bothered me was the very ending. The Evil Queen makes one last ditch effort to kill Snow White, but her plot is realized, and instead of showing mercy in what would have been the "good guy" thing to do, Snow White instead gets revenge while using the EXACT WORDS the Evil Queen used on her in the beginning of the movie! Followed directly by a song and dance ending while the credits roll. Ugh! It's good enough for a discount viewing, or even a rental. Better yet, go rent "Ella Enchanted". That was a great movie and how this one SHOULD have been like. SPOILER: I did enjoy at the prologue of the characters, revealing that one of the dwarfs named Grimm went on to write fairy tales, giving a cinematic nod to the original authors of the story, The Brothers Grimm.

Until next time, I'll see you in the center seat.

John Carter

John Carter  is largely based on A Princess of Mars (1917), the first in a series of 11 novels to feature the interplanetary hero John Carter (and in later volumes the adventurers of his children with Dejah Thoris). The story was originally serialized in six monthly installments (from February through July 1912) in the pulp magazine The All-Story; those chapters, originally titled "Under the Moons of Mars," were then collected in hardcover five years later from publisher A. C. McClurg. In both the novel and film John Carter is a former American Civil War Confederate Army officer who is mysteriously transported to Mars, which is known to its inhabitants as Barsoom. There he finds himself in Mars own Civil War along with Native American type aliens called the Tharks.
He is reluctant to take sides in this thousand year old war, much like he did on Earth, choosing to focus on returning home. But soon cannot help but become involved to help the Helium princess.
It stars Taylor Kitsch as John Carter
Lynn Collins as Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium
Samantha Morton as Sola, daughter of Tars Tarkas
Willem Dafoe as Tars Tarkas, Jeddak of the Tharks
Thomas Haden Church as Tal Hajus, a vicious Thark warrior
Mark Strong as Matai Shang, leader of the Holy Therns

Who will like this movie:
In the 1980's, Disney bought the rights to make the movie in an attempt to compete with Star Wars and Conan the Barbarian. John Carter has elements of each and if you like epic fantasy fiction, you will enjoy this movie. It has the action and special effects that kids will like, but has a complex enough story for adults to sit through as well. Those who did like are in luck, as it was set up to be a trilogy. Plans are in the works for making the next two novels into movies. Producers Jim Morris and Lindsey Collins are working on a sequel to be based on the second Burroughs' novel, The Gods of Mars; the working title for this sequel is John Carter: The Gods of Mars

Phantom Thoughts:
Although it was meant to be on the scale of the Star Wars trilogy, it fails in it's attempt. The special effects were amazing and the story is good and original. However, it may be too big for it's own good. First off, it's almost 2 and a half hours long, and it feels it. There is just too much story for one movie. The other thing is that the names of the characters, locations, races and even the planets Earth and Mars have very alien sounding names that made it hard to follow. The fact that the human looking characters were in a civil war made it difficult to figure out who was who as well. They want to appeal to a large audience, but I really had a hard time figuring out who would really get into this movie. It's just too long and complex for young kids and wasn't sci-fi enough for the Star Wars/Star Trek/Lord of the Rings audience that it should be geared to. It has a little dose of the romantic angle to try and get that 20 something female audience, but it is lost in everything else going on. 
For what it's worth, I'd skip it. I'm gonna move on to the next movie. See you in the center seat!