Blog-athon

I'm so far behind on so many reviews that I'm doing a blog-athon so I can catch up and not get so far behind that I don't remember these movies enough to review them. Enjoy the mini-reviews.

A Single Man-A story that centers on an English professor who, after the sudden death of his partner tries to go about his typical day in Los Angeles. Starring Oscar nominee Colin Firth. Firth's finest performance and one of the best films of 2009. Tom Ford is a force to be reckoned with as a director. "Epic"

The Client List (TV)-A former beauty queen takes a job at a "massage parlor" when her family faces foreclosure on their home. Starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. Love the wardrobe. Always love Hewitt, but seen this kind of movie before. Nothing special, but I have to give it some props because JLH is one of my favorite actors. "Stamped Out but worth seeing" -if you're a JLH fan.

The Lovely Bones-Centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family - and her killer - from heaven. Starring Mark Wahlberg & Stanley Tucci. Wahlberg can act. Who knew? Tucci gives a truly sinister performance. Incredible looking movie that led up to an ending that could've been so epic, but just wasn't. Still a very solid film that I enjoyed but won't buy only because of the ending. "Noteworthy"

The Secret Life of Bees-Set in South Carolina in 1964, a 14 year-old girl escapes her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father to a South Carolina town and is taken in by the Boatwright sisters. Kind of like Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. Definitely chick flick fare, but I like these kinds of movies. This one is pretty solid with an incredible soundtrack. Alicia Keys can also kind of act. "Stamped Out but worth seeing"

War of the Worlds 2: The Next Wave-Two years after the Martian invasion, George Herbert's worst fears are realized: The Aliens have returned. Starring & directed by C. Thomas Howell. Howell was great in this film, and I really felt the bond between father and son (didn't hurt that the actors actually are father and son), but this was just low-budget, why bother, sequel fare. However, it has a really interesting twist in the story if you stick it out. "Stamped Out so why bother?"

Diary of a Wimpy Kid-Live-action adaptation of Jeff Kinney's illustrated novel about a wise-cracking sixth grade student. Starring Chloe Moretz. This little kid can sing, but he's such a huge asshole that it's hard to root for him at all. Moretz is great as usual. Funny at times, but maybe I'm just too old for this middle school aged film. "Stamped Out so why bother?" unless you're a CTH fan.

Helen-A talented professor is forced to come to terms with her clinical depression. Starring Ashley Judd in a role that should get her at least an Oscar nod. Incredible, honest look at depression written in a way I've never seen depression explored so thoroughly before. "Epic"

"Emma"-Emma seems to be perfectly content, a loving father whom she cares for, friends, and a home. But Emma has a terrible habit - matchmaking. Starring Jonny Lee Miller, Romola Garai, & Michael Gambon. Romola is in fine form as Emma. I love this story, but did it really need to be a mini-series. I would have been more than happy with it as a made for TV movie instead. Gambon should have won an Emmy. Beautiful looking, sweet, funny, well-acted, but too long with an anti-climactic ending. Read the book instead. "Snailmail"

The Alphabet Killer-Based on the true story of the double initial killings in Rochester, NY. Starring Eliza Dushku who once again proves she can only play "tough girl". This movie required the ability to play a cop who's going crazy. She's got the cop part down. This film is part true crime story part supernatural thriller, all convoluted mess. "Rather Stab A Pen In My Eye than ever watch this movie again"

Like Minds (Murderous Intent)-A forensic psychologist is tasked with determining whether or not a minor should face murder charges for killing his schoolmate. Starring Toni Collete & Eddie Redmayne. Incredible acting by Redmayne. This film is intriguing, mysterious, and eerie then just ends strangely. The ending left me going "huh argh what?" I'm not sure what to think about it actually. It sort of seemed supernatural out of nowhere and with no explanation. Great lead up though. Perhaps other people will like the ending more. Also, the other lead Tom Sturridge really can't act. He went to the Emo school of acting, and could it kill the kid to enunciate a little? "Kind of Like An Inkblot Test-Might be good to some, but I just didn't see it."

Malice in Wonderland-A modern take on the classic fairytale, Alice in Wonderland, set in the North East of England. Starring Maggie Grace. Slightly dark version with an older Alice running around England with & from the underbelly of the UK. It's fun identifying all the classic characters as you go. There's also great chemistry between Alice & Whitey. "Noteworthy"

Hell on Heels: The Battle of Mary Kay (TV)-The film is about two companies who are battling it out for customers, Mary Kay, and one of her workers Lexi Wilcox are fighting it out with Jinger Heath. Who will win? You will have to see. Starring Shirley MacLaine, Parker Posey, & Shannen Doherty. Funny, over the top, and self-aware. This was a very entertaining movie and surprisingly well shot for a made for TV movie. MacLaine is fabulous as usual. "Noteworthy"