Out & About

I greatly enjoyed* this modern/period piece, especially for the acting by Owen Wilson and all the 1920s famous people. I loved the costumes, especially the white sailor-style dress with the red trim worn by Marion Cotillard. It also included a good overall message about staying present and the present.

*In my mind, enjoying Woody Allen movies is somewhat along the same lines of enjoying commercials. A really well-done commercial is a joy to behold, but the entire time I’m enjoying it, I can’t forget that the only reason this bit of entertainment exists is to get me to buy something. It’s rather sinister. Similarly, I tend to enjoy Woody Allen films. I find them funny, and the period pieces tend to be beautifully staged, with much to look at. Still, the entire time I’m watching and enjoying these films, I have a general sense of “ew” because the man left his wife for his daughter. Ew. In a perfect world, people who commit such acts would not also continue to be talented in other areas, or I would just not see their films. But, alas, he still is, and I just can’t stay away and so I reluctantly pay my money, enjoy the film and then feel guilty afterwards.

Had I not read this cleverly structured book, this would have been an okay movie. But unfortunately, I had and found this to be a pale imitation of the drama and pathos of the book, which I recommend you read (even you men!) The acting was good, and I was gleefully delighted to spot Alba for the first time, but if you must chose between the experiences, I recommend you skip the movie and read the book.

This was a very fun movie, in a 1940’s-style movie way. Which means it was a little predictable, but no less fun to watch. I thought Chis Evans was a great choice for Captain America because he managed to convey both strength and compassion throughout the movie.

I had read that this was the shortest of the HP movies, though it seemed very full of length for me. Due to the aforementioned not re-reading the book, nearly everything in this movie was a surprise to me which made for a very entertaining movie going experience. I remembered the “19 years later” ending, although forgot who Harry and Hermione named their son after, and this slayed me afresh, for a perfect ending to a probably-not-to-be-repeated-in-my-lifetime book/movie experience.

This was one of those rare movies where all the characters were slightly flawed in a way that made them very human and very interesting to watch. It was also a movie filled will actors I love: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Jeffrey Tambor, and the always delightful “squee, it’s her! squee!” Melanie Lynskey. Alex Shaffer, who played the flat-affect teenager, was also awesome, making this a perfect movie, with great wrestling scenes, a rarity in the movie world.*

This was a bit boring, and I did nod off during the movie. However, the chemistry was quite good between Jane and Mr. Rochester (whom I have just realized played Magneto in X-Men First Class–that guy is suddenly in everything) and I thought the acting was well done on all parts. It was rather sedately paced, good for knitting, I think.

I watch all my TV on DVD and it’s time to begin recognizing this fact via “three sentence movie reviews” posts.
When I did my volunteer orientation for the Library, I learned that this was the most requested series in the library history, which should have come as no surprise as I waited about 10 months on hold to receive my copy. It was worth the wait. I thought I would have to stop watching after the first episode, because the men were so incredibly sexist, but I persevered and was rewarded by excellent TV as well as much eye candy (meaning the clothing, which I adore!)

A second viewing of this movie was just as pleasurable as the first.* Unlike other HP movies in the franchise (ahem Sorcerer’s Stone, ahem) this was quite crackling in its pacing. It helps also that I have only read the book once and that was four years ago, so I’ve forgotten many of the small (and main) details.