Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

My Top Ten Movies of 2010

As I looked back at the movies I saw this year not that many great ones jumped out at me. Usually I have an easy time picking my Top Ten movies of the year, this year I had a hard time picking five. But fear not I finally got my list to Ten. Wanna know what movies made the list? Keep reading.

  1. (TIE) The A-Team & Toy Story 3- I keep going back and forth over which of these movies I liked better. In the end I decided to call it a tie.
    The A-Team was just what movies should be. Big, loud, funny, action packed and highly enjoyable. Sure there was some kind of plot that makes the explosions make sense but really who needs a plot when you are having a blast? I don't I just ask that my movie choices entertain me and The A-Team did just that from start to finish. Toy Story 3 was also highly entertaining especially when you take into consideration that this is not only a sequel but a sequel to a sequel at that. The story is one that everyone can relate to and the movie pulls at everyone of your heartstrings. The last scene with Andy and his toys was enough to make me cry. I admit it. And if you didn't cry you might want to replace your batteries because you are not human.
  2. TIE (see above)
  3. Inception- This movie was a mind trick and I mean that in the best way possible. It was utterly original and just like a puzzle that you can't figure out you will keep coming back to it until you do, or until you think you have it figured out at least. The cast was a little mismatched for me but the story is what we are here for and that is where Inception really shines. Plus the special effects are hard to beat. But what I really like about this movie was the way it ended. If you haven't seen it I won't spoil anything but just say that it can go either way I wouldn't mind.
  4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 1- Long title but this was my favorite of the books and the movie doesn't disappoint. Sure it is much darker then the other movies but in order to be true to the books it would have to be. It is amazing to see how far the young cast has come since the first movie. They carry this movie and really it is all the better for it.
  5. The Kings Speech- This may be one of the best acted movies this year. The cast is fantastic and the story isn't bad either. Based on the true story of the rise of King George VI and his speech impediment and how his wife found an Australian speech therapist to help him overcome it. It should be noted that I find movies based on history very interesting, so that my explain why I liked this movie so much. If I had my way each of the main actors here would be taking home Oscars this year.
  6. The Town- Ben Affleck it turns out is quite the director. This could have been just your typical heist movie. Instead it is a character study of people with complicated issues to say the least. Sure the movie has a ton of bad language but sadly so does real life and even though the story is focused on bank robbers you still can't pull yourself away.
  7. Red- Much like The A-Team this movie was just fun, mindless, popcorn entertainment. The cast looks like they had a blast making the movie and that joy translates throughout the movie.
  8. 127 Hours-James Franco is great in this movie and even if you know the outcome (it is based on real events) you are still held at the edge of your seat for the whole movie. I am happy to say that I keep my eyes open the whole time, although I did cringe a few times when the arm scene came to a conclusion. This is a story of human triumph and the will to live.
  9. It's Kind of a Funny Story- If you blinked you most likely missed this movie which is too bad because it was touching and full of heart and humor that you wouldn't expect for it's subject matter. Feeling the weight of the world a young teen checks into a mental institution and there learns more about life then he could have every imagined. The great cast really takes this movie to the next level.
  10. Alice in Wonderland- After repeated viewing this movie continues to grow on me. And therefore earns a spot on my list. While this is your typical Tim Burton movie it seems grounded more by the original story of Alice in Wonderland. Plus it reminds me of the creepy made for TV movie that terrified me as a kid. I love it when movies bring up obscure memories from childhood.

Well there you have it. My favorite movies of 2010. What movies made your list? Any movies that surprised you with how good, or bad, they were. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by Tangled and a little disappointed by True Grit. I should also note the I didn't see The Social Network and it seems like that movie is on a bunch of Top Ten lists this year.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

The A-Team

This trailer really doesn't do the movie justice. I have to say that is the most enjoyable movie I have seen so far this year. It is just good old fashioned fun, so much so that I might have seen it twice this weekend. What? It was raining all weekend.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

On the Up and Up

Ahhh, the weekends. Once more rain thwarted my plans for the weekend. I had told my Mom I would help her plant flowers at their house. But before getting my hands dirty we decided to go see Up (click here for my review) and get some lunch. Then it was off to the store to get some flowers but just as I finished getting the first flower garden ready for planting, the heavens opened. Yes, another weekend another rain storm to deal with. Since the downpour made planting anything unrealistic my parents and I decided that it was back to the Megaplex to see Star Trek, again. I can't help it, I love movies. I have always said I will see any movie twice and would gladly see either of the before mentioned movies twice, in fact I have seen Star Trek three times now. Yes, I am a geek and I know it. How was your weekend? Any good movies?

Sunday, March 29, 2009

So Long March

March is rapidly coming to a close and for some reason this is all that enters my mind as another month wraps up...



Oh, yes my thoughts really are that random.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

A Five Movie Saturday!

I am sure some of you will be shocked to learn that I enjoy movies. So, when I learned this year that there was a theater in Layton that would be playing all 5 Best Picture nominees in one day I wanted to go. Yes it was a daunting challenge but one that I felt like I was up for. After asking around I found a fellow movie lover that agreed to go with me. That is how Diana and I ended up in Layton at 9:30 on a nice Saturday morning in February.
After a quick stop at McDonald's for some breakfast our adventure began.

I must say I was a little surprised to see a line. I didn't think there would be a huge demand to see 5 movies in one day but I was mistaken. We purchased our tickets and headed into the unknown.
We were greeted by a VIP entrance where we were given a booklet with an overview of each movie and the start times ranging from 10:30am to 9:45pm. It was going to make for an interesting day.There were no previews (I was a little sad about this but am sure after seeing 5 movies with previews they wouldn't be missed) and the movies would start right on time we were told, so don't be late. Between each movie their was a 45 minute break and movie trivia questions with unseen prizes. After two movies and one bag of popcorn and endless amounts of Coca Cola we were feeling pretty good. Plus Diana won a prize after the second movie!

After the 4th movie our bodies were letting us know that we had been sitting for far too long and the seats became almost unbearable. (If you have never been to the Megaplex 20 at the District you probably wouldn't mind the seats but we had and we knew what we were missing!) But all this was cured by winning two more prizes and a little walking and standing around during the break.Sure the prizes were movie posters, we also won a full size Frost/Nixon poster, but we still won and that was the best part. Overall the day was a lot of fun and I think I would do it again. Next time I would bring a pillow and blanket to make things a little more comfortable but it didn't really feel like time went slowly during the day. I would also like to thank Diana for bringing some real food so that we didn't overdose on popcorn (unlimited refills can do that!) We both had a blast (perhaps not as much fun as the people in front of us who pulled a little B.Y.O.B. during a few of the movies) but a good time none the less. We both said we would do it again and after learning the ropes this first time around I think next year will be even better! To read my review of all 5 movies click here.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Top Ten Movies of 2008

To see my Top Ten Movies for 2008, simply click here. Thanks!

A few movies that almost made the Top Ten include: Prince Caspian, Tropic Thunder, Kung Fu Panda, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Yes Man, Bolt.

And the movies that never stood a chance at making the list include: Twilight, Indiana Jones, Hancock, You Don't Mess With The Zohan.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Let It Begin

The hamster cracks me up every time! I know, I have issues.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Sally. JP Sally.



JP Sally is getting ready for the new Bond movie. Are you?

If I have to explain this then you are not ready!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Holiday Movie Must Sees

Okay, this post may be a little early but it seems like there haven't been any good movies in the last little while. To help get you (and me) excited I am listing the Top 10 movies that I can't wait to see this Holiday season.



1. Quantum of Solace -After Casino Royale the next Bond movie is a must see.

2. Bolt - Yes I realize that this is a kids movie but the hamster makes me laugh every time!

3. Australia - I could watch Nicole Kidman read the phone book.

4. Role Models - Paul Rudd describes this as "a kids movie with a ton of bad language." I am sure I will be laughing the whole time.

5. Four Christmases - Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn make a Christmas movie!!! Holiday stress is always more fun to watch then take part in.

6. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - I am intrigued by the concept of reverse aging and the cast is top notch. Love Cate Blanchett.

7. Frost/Nixon - If this where on the History or Discovery channel I am sure I would be sucked in very easily. This story based on true events is directed by Ron Howard. Yes I am a geek.

8. Doubt - It looks very intense in the previews I have seen. But with Meryl Streep , Amy Adams and Philip Seymour Hoffman what else would you expect.

9. Yes Man - Jim Carrey has been absent for awhile and I am hoping that it makes the heart grow fonder. But at least it has Zooey Deschanel who should be a huge star by now!

10. Rachel Getting Married - I just can't imagine Anne Hathaway in a serious role, so that fact alone makes this one I want to see. Plus she as gotten great reviews.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Top Ten Comic Book Movies

After seeing The Dark Knight for the second time, I felt it was time for my Top Ten Comic Book Movies. So here we go!

  1. Batman Begins-I was a fan of Batman the Animated Series because it was not as over the top as the live action movies. This movie changed all that by making Batman a action packed thrill ride with a really good plot.
  2. The Dark Knight-This movie just barley misses the top spot because it would not have existed without Batman Begins. The acting in this movie jumps up a few notches from its predecessor and it continues the trend set forth by Batman Begins by having a deep plot. Plus Heath Ledger is amazing as the Joker.
  3. X2: X-Men United-This was my favorite comic growing up. I would get up early every Saturday just to watch the cartoon series. This is another sequel that lives up, and surpasses, its predecessor.
  4. X-Men-See the first sentence above. This is the movie that took comic books from cheesy, over the top fair to action packed movies with actually plots and real characters.
  5. Ironman-Yes I included this movie on my action list. Yes it was at the top of that list but when compared to the movies before it here your gonna need a little more than just action. Still a great movie.
  6. Spiderman-I admit that I liked the first Spidey movie. Sadly, it was all downhill from here.
  7. V for Vendetta-It took me awhile to get around to seeing this one but when I did I was pleasantly surprised. Natalie Portman even has a believable English accent.
  8. Batman Returns-Okay, so it is cheesy but it has Catwomen, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, so all is forgiven.
  9. X3: The Last Stand-This makes the list because they finally made Storm like she should have been all along and because it gives us the Phoenix storyline, which was my favorite from the comics. Too bad the rest of the movie didn't hold up.
  10. Spiderman 2-Uh...I couldn't think of any other movies that I like more than this one, so it gets the last place on the list. Not great, but compared to Spidey 3 it looks like a masterpiece.

Did I miss any or are there any movies that you would not have put on this list? Comment Away.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Top Ten Action Movies

As promised here is another of my top ten movie lists. Up this time: Action Movies


  1. Casino Royale - A great reboot of the Bond movies and great action from the first frame to the last. If you haven't seen it, stop reading now and do so.

  2. The Bourne Supremacy - One of the best sequel movies ever, regardless of genre.

  3. Speed - Sure the plot is kind of far out there and cheesy but the movie is cast perfectly and this is one bus ride you are certain to enjoy.

  4. The Bourne Identity - A surprisingly original, thought filled action movie.

  5. The Bourne Ultimatum - Even after two movies before it the franchise still keeps the hits coming.

  6. Mission: Impossible -Who would have thought that a 60's TV show would translate into such a classic action movie.

  7. Ironman - I did not think that I would like this movie. I did and it has already secured a spot on my top ten. Well done Ironman, well done.

  8. Executive Decision - Kurt Russell, Halle Berry and an Airplane. Action never looked so good at 30,000 feet.

  9. Air Force One- Harrison Ford as the Commander in Chief. Another great action movie not set on solid ground.

  10. The Rundown - This one may be more buddy comedy then action movie but it is still fun.


And there they are, my favorite action movies. Honorable Mention awards are given to Mission: Impossible 3, for making up for M:I2 and The Incredibles which would have landed a spot here if it wasn't already mentioned on the Pixar list. As with all of these lists I reserve the right to add or remove movies after watching other movies or re-watching those on the list and reevaluating them. Happy Movie Watching!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Best in Category

In order to broaden your movie enjoyment (and mine) I am going to list my Top Ten movies by Category. I will try and do this every so often and please feel free to share your opinions on movies that you think I should have included. I figured since I have already listed my favorite Pixar movies the next step is Disney (Non Pixar) and Animated movies. So here it goes.




Disney

  1. The Lion King
  2. Aladdin
  3. Cinderella
  4. The Emperors New Groove
  5. Robin Hood
  6. Mary Poppins
  7. 101 Dalmatians
  8. Beauty and the Beast
  9. Peter Pan
  10. Lilo & Stitch

Animated(non Disney/Pixar)

  1. Shrek
  2. Hoodwinked
  3. Surfs Up
  4. Ice Age
  5. Shrek 2
  6. The Prince of Egypt
  7. Robots
  8. Chicken Run
  9. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-rabbit
  10. An American Tail
Well there you have it. Think I missed something in either category? Have a better list? Comment Away. Just remember this is a Top Ten list, so there is only so much room, some movies had to be bumped down the list.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Favorite Pixar Movies


I was forced to watch Disney movies for 3 years, (Thanks Hollywood Video) now mind you this didn't bother me. I think that animated movies are great and lately they have been the only funny movies released. (see the review of Zohan below) So in honor of Wall-E coming out next week I thought I would list my favorite Pixar movies.



  1. Finding Nemo-This may be my favorite movie of all time.

  2. Toy Story- The first Pixar movie and a great comedy/buddy movie.

  3. Cars- I love automobiles and this movie is a love story to the auto and the road trip.

  4. A Bugs Life- So many great lines are in this movie. "We are going around the stick."

  5. Toy Story 2- A very original sequel that lives up to the first.
  6. The Incredibles- A good action movie that just happens to be animated. "No Cape!"

  7. Monsters Inc.- "Kitty"

  8. Ratatouille - My least favorite of the Pixar movies, but it looks amazing for a cartoon.

Well there you have it, my ranking of the Pixar movies. The quality of all these movies makes them some of the best films every released. I have heard good things about Wall-E and as a movie geek I am excited to see it, even if there isn't any "talking" for the first 20 minutes. Sometimes talking is very overrated and movies are just as much visual entertainment as anything else. If you would like more info on Wall-E or just want to watch some funny previews, click on his picture on the right.


Saturday, June 7, 2008

Quick Movie Review

I just got back from You Don't Mess with the Zohan and I am sad to say this (okay not that sad), but I have outgrown Adam Sandler movies. I have had this feeling with his last few movies but this one was the last straw. It was just not funny or stupidly entertaining. It lasted for what seemed like hours and hours. If you see one movie this weekend make sure it is not this. Don't just take my word for it, click here. Thank you. Overall Grade: D

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Books vs. Movies


I am currently reading the Chronicles of Narnia books and it started me thinking, which is better the book or the movies. Now I have only read the first two books in this series but so far I give the nod to the movies. Then I started thinking, how do other books fair vs. the movie version. One of my favorite books is Timeline by Micheal Crichton. The book is a great page turner and it is very hard to put down. It has everything you could ever ask for in a book; history, sci-fi, romance, adventure, jousting, etc. Oh but then there is the movie. I am not sure if whoever wrote the screenplay actually read the book. Sure, some of the plot points are the same but the cast is awful. Now maybe I am just biased as I loved book but the movie was so bad that it was funny. When me and my friend Becky went and saw it (we had both read the book mind you) we couldn't help but laughing and commenting on the movie, think Mystery Science Theater 3000. Now this isn't verified but I think the other people in the theater started listening to our comments versus watching the movie, yes it was that bad! Two words: Paul Walker! To the point of this; which books did you love but the movie was a complete letdown? Post away.