Pandorum

I definitely did not expect what I got with this film. It was so much freakier than I imagined, and the twists in the plot were really good ones. I figured out what the first major plot twist was before it was revealed, but I couldn't be sure I was correct about it until everything actually unfolded...so I wouldn't say that this movie was predictable.

I like sci-fi thrillers, and this fits that category perfectly. Ben Foster was super as the character Bower. I'm glad he got to be a good lead. I haven't seen him play a decent character in a while. The other minor characters are good, too, but they were kind of forgettable after the movie was over. Dennis Quaid was adequate in his role.

The special effects were fantastic, and the monsters were extra creepy-looking with their fast walking and jerky movements. The first instant I saw the enemy monsters, I thought the movie might turn sour and go downhill from there, but it only got better and more intense. I was on the edge of my seat at times, and I was glad to be. I didn't expect that from the previews. The ending was satisfactory, and I'd definitely watch this again.

Bluray quality was excellent!

The Blind Side

Great feel-good family movie. There were some tear-jerking moments, and there were alot of laugh out loud parts, too. I think the whole cast was well appointed, and I especially liked the chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw. I think Sandra Bullock definitely deserved the Oscar she won for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy in this because she really nailed it with the sassy attitude, the accent and just the way she carried herself overall. You can get the sense of who her character is just from the way she walks.

The fact that this movie is based on a true story really makes the movie touch my heart on a whole other level. We need more Tuohy families in the world.

Priceless

Aw, I loved this movie. It was fun, funny, romantic and so sweet. Audrey Tautou is one of my favorite foreign film stars, and Gad Elmaleh is on my list now, too. He reminds me of Aidan Quinn...similar facial features and huge blue eyes. I'm a totally smitten kitten with him and his character in this movie, Jean. How can you not like a guy who's a hopeless romantic willing to do anything and pay anything to win over the woman he loves no matter how many times she rejects him? Especially one with his charm and boyish grin. He does a good job of feigning love on screen. I had to rewind a few times to read the subtitles because I was busy watching him watch Tautou's character.

This French love affair is perfect for a girls' night in or if you're just in a feel-good mood. Reminds me a little of French Kiss and Heartbreakers mixed together. I think I'm going to buy it. Heather, you should watch it with me when I get it. It's just oh so sweet!

Easy Virtue

Based on the play by Noel Coward, this is an updated version from the 1927 silent film of the same name. I didn't read the play or watch that silent version Alfred Hitchcock directed. I don't know if this update is an improvement on that either, but most of this was a little bland aside from the scenes with Colin Firth and Jessica Biel together. I knew the way the story would end right from the moment Larita (Jessica Biel) met John's (Ben Barnes) family and Jim (Colin Firth). Jim is John's father, but he seems just as much a stranger to the family as Larita. I wasn't that interested in the first fifteen minutes, but I kept watching to see if I was right about who would end up together and because I adore Colin Firth.

The movie improved only slightly, and there were some funny moments, and some weird ones. There was also extremely light flirting between the ultimate end couple, whom I paired together correctly. The end was mostly satisfying, but there was no last kiss at the calm yet climactic ending. I was so hoping for at least one peck of the lips...even a loving stare would have sufficed. Alas, I wouldn't recommend renting this and definitely not buying it, but if you can watch it instantly over the internet like I did then do that instead.

Little extra - I liked all of Jessica Biel's costumes, and, again, I adore Colin Firth. :o)

Under the Greenwood Tree

I recommend this to those who love romantic dramas with a touch of fun and flirting. It was a nice surprise period piece. I'm glad Netflix had this available to instantly stream so I could view it first before buying, which I did a few days after I watched it.

I've never read the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. The chemistry between Keeley Hawes and James Murray was evident from the beginning, and their romantic scenes were more than satisfying. I especially loved their second kiss in the woods when, right after it happens and before it continues, Dick Dewey (Murray) says to Fancy Day (Hawes), "I knew you felt the same, Fancy. I knew it. I tasted it on your lips the first time I kissed you." I mean, come on, that is hot! I'd want to kiss him again, too! You just don't hear lines like that anymore. And what is even hotter is the scene in the river with a half-naked James Murray. Now I know he's a little scrawny, but the faint ab lines and the wet bod are plenty tasty eye candy for me.

Aside from all that hot stuff, I enjoyed the classic struggle Fancy was faced with, choosing love or choosing to be loyal to her father. It's fun to watch all the tension and the misunderstandings unfold as the end of the story draws nearer.

This really was a great BBC classic, and the quality of the picture is very comfortable to watch. It's not fuzzy or furry like some of their older productions. The sound is of good quality, and the costumes were well-executed as well as the setting and props.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

I was bored. I was not hooked from the beginning, and I had a hard time staying awake. The lack of Aslan in most of the story was disappointing. I followed everything, and I wasn't lost at all...even after nodding off a few times, I was able to pick up where I woke up and didn't feel like I missed much. The special effects were great, but I just didn't connect to the characters like I did in the first movie. This story in the chronicles is more evenly paced to me, and maybe that is part of the problem. I didn't feel like there were enough ups or downs, and I like that imbalance to keep me on my toes.

One thing I did like was Ben Barnes as Prince Caspian. He's oddly attractive. I thought the kiss with him and Susan was a bit forced, though. Again, no connection to the characters for me.

Maybe I should watch this again. I feel like I'm being unfair somehow. I'll be sure to comment or update whenever I give it another go. So many people like this movie, so don't let my review keep you from at least renting it.

Love Happens

I watched this a few months ago. Getting caught up on reviews here.

I thought this was a bit slow at times, but it was sweet and sad. You can't expect sad movies to move too quickly or else you lose the sad quality. This appeared to be more of a romance from the trailers, but the movie focused mostly on Eckhart's character dealing with personal tragedy. I admit I shed a few tears for the poor guy and his situation.

Thankfully the slow, budding romance between the two main characters eventually blooms and there is enough interaction between them to balance out the unhappy moments and even induce a bit of laughter and a few "aw" moments.

Aside from what the movie is about, I think the gray Seattle setting was an appropriate backdrop, sometimes adding to the depressing state of things. I enjoyed the sweetness of the flower shop and the VW van that Aniston's character drove, and her house and garden were just adorable and refreshing. All that lightness around her balanced out the darkness with which Eckhart's character was surrounded for most of the movie.

Good for a rental or when you just want to cry and then feel better about life again.

The Taking of Pelham 123

I thought the action was slightly on the light side (what was in it was good). The excessive swearing was a bit repetitive and seemed unnecessary for Travolta's character. Four-letter words don't make a movie better. Don't misunderstand me, though, I'm not opposed to cursing. It just appeared to me that the writers were at a loss for original lines.

Washington and Travolta delivered as Garber and Ryder, but I was hoping for a little more depth to their characters...some flashbacks into at least one of their lives would have been nice instead of just listening to them both talk about themselves in general. It was too easy for the good guys to figure out who Ryder really was, too. I think they should have had to dig further and actually investigate. I like it when I don't know something in the story until the characters in the movie actually find out, and I figured Ryder out in the first twenty minutes.

The end was lacking...would like to have seen a better lead into the closure of Garber's personal situation. Overall not bad but a bit of a disappointment. Won't watch it again, but I'd recommend it as a rental to a friend.