Coraline at 3:45 AM

"A young girl walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life - only much better. But when her adventure turns dangerous, and her counterfeit parents (including Other Mother) try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home - and save her family. "

Just recently watched this movie and absolutely loved it. It's obviously a childrens film but I'm a sucker for these things (hence my blog name Vivienne in Wonderland) and have to say I thought it was really really good.

Entertainment for grown ups as well.

And if you click the extras you see how much meticulous work actually goes into one of these movies. The settings, decorations etc are just sensational.

5 out of 5 for me!

Wanted (2008) at 8:05 PM

Short synopsis: A frustrated office worker learns that he is the son of a professional assassin, and that he shares his father's superhuman killing abilities.

The body count is quite high in this film. Lots of innocent people get killed during the action scenes and it can be quite bothersome if it wasn’t for Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy lighting up the screen.

For some reason, I like this film and I don’t know why. Is it because I like watching silly action movies? Perhaps. Could it be I like watching Angelina Jolie shoot ‘em up? Maybe. She’s badass, that’s for sure. And what about James McAvoy who is quite the actor these days with some excellent work done in Atonement and The Last King of Scotland? Probably.

I think I need to start a support group, “I’m a girl and I like action films.” The plot is non-sensical and far-fetched, but by golly, it’s fun to watch. For me, after living in Chicago, it’s nice to see the El train used to its advantage – as a transport for 2 assassins. Do they pay for tickets to ride and squeeze through the turnstile? I wonder.

If you like fantasy type action films (and let’s be honest, how many action films are based in reality?), then watch this. It’s bang-bang, bullet-curving, shoot ‘em up film at it’s best.

Rating: 4/5

Prom Night (2008) at 12:00 PM

Starring: some actors from television...oh, and Jonathan Shaech who is aging well.
Directed by: some guy

I seriously hated this movie. Not only because it was entirely throwaway and devoid of entertainment value but because there is something slightly off-kilter abut a 'slasher flick' in which all the murder victims are good people. I did appreciate the gentle homage to Halloween and other classic horror films, in that the film contained lots of 'slashing' but very little actual gore. However, isnt it just the lay of the land for these movies to kill off the annoying and slutty kids? Usually, the appeal of these movies is to guess right away which of the bullying, over-indulging, sexually active teens will get the knife first. In this one, there are no such kids...unless you count the pouty wanna be prom queen, who incidentally lives out the night just fine. Even the drunken loudmouthed boyfriend makes quick amends with the viewing audience by apologizing for his jerkiness before he gets the ax (pun intended). I dunno, I just found that very offputting. And yeah, in addition to that, the movie just sucked.

My rating:
a dismal 2/10

Nacho Libre at 7:53 PM

The Good: Lots of silly moments. This movie just had me cracking up. I can repeat lines from this movie over and over, with people who have watched it and just laugh.

The Bad: Not for those who dislike dumb/stupid humor.

The Ugly: Only one good looking person in the movie :D Seems like they purposely hired all ugly actors.

The Summary: If you haven't, watch this movie if you have an opportunity. Best to watch in a group :)

5 stars out of 5 :)

Changeling (2008) at 1:52 PM

Synopsis: Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie, in an Oscar-nominated role) is overjoyed when her kidnapped son is brought back home. But when Christine suspects that the boy returned to her isn't her child, the police captain (Jeffrey Donovan) has her committed to an asylum. John Malkovich co-stars as the crusading reverend who comes to Christine's rescue in Clint Eastwood's gripping period drama based on actual events.

After watching this movie, I can see why Angelina Jolie had some reservations about taking this role. I have two children and I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose either one. The movie follows the true story of Christine Collins, a single mother living in the late 1920s. One day her son goes missing while she's at work. The boy the police find is not hers and she lets them know this. Collins gets caught up in police corruption while trying to prove that they have made a big mistake. The LAPD of the 1920s is police corruption at it's worst to say the least.

Jolie is one actress I enjoy watching on screen. She could easily play "beautiful people" roles which lack substance or depth, but instead she chooses meatier roles (A Mighty Heart, for one). Since she's a mom, she knows the bond between child and mother and it shows in her performance. The supporting cast is great, too. I especially liked John Malkovich as the pastor. Clint Eastwood, as director, proves that he gets better each time he's behind the camera.

I liked this film despite the gloomy overtone. If you have children, it might be hard to watch. Since it is non-fiction for the most part, it makes it harder to push it off as "oh, it's only a movie." It's worth watching once. I'm not sure I want to sit through it again.

4/5 stars.

'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not' (2002) at 8:54 AM

Mini Review:
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not (2002)
Starring: Audrey Tatou and some other french people...:)
Directed by: Laetitia Colombani

This movie takes place in two parts and is equally appealing from both perspectives. The story initially follows luminously beautiful Angelique, a spritely girl who is deeply inlove with her married boyfriend. Blindly faithful to him, in spite of his obvious unwillingness to seperate from his pregnant wife, Angelique is confident that someday the two of them will be together. However, things may not be quite what they seem when the story spirals into a dark place from which it never recovers...thankfully. It's a surprising tale that quickly moves from 'girl loses boy' territory to something refreshingly different when it begins to follow prior events from the perspective of the boyfriend. What could have been a typical 'Fatal Attraction' style thriller is kept all the more satisfying as the direction keeps the mood light at unlikely moments, the performances hold true, and the screenplay tosses us surprises along the way. The final scene had me downright titillated.

Tatou is excellent here...and quite different than our lovely 'Amelie'.

My rating: 8/10

Marvin & Tige - 1983 at 9:16 AM

Marvin, a heavy-drinking widower who has seen better days and now ekes out a living at odd jobs, meets Tige, an 11-year-old black boy about to kill himself because his mother has just died. With nowhere else to stay, Tige moves in with Marvin and they develop a close (if sometimes stormy) relationship... (IMDB)

The Good: Great, honest, believable acting.

The Bad: Sometimes you disagree with the decisions the protagonists take but this is just as it is in real life.

The Ugly: The life they are forced to lead. It makes you sad to remember those you know living that life.

The Summary: Again, a movie that fell in our laps whilst sitting in our entertainment room. This movie was a pleasant surprise. The premise caught me as they showed this young child about to commit suicide only to be interrupted by another hard luck case.

I wouldn't call this a feel-good movie but I was still glad to have seen it. With some short bit parts by Billy Dee Williams it does teach you the significance of companionship in our lives.

Not a movie I would purchase to display in my "home theater" or anything but it is a great weekend movie to play in the background while you are getting ready to go out. ;)

Five on the Black Hand Side - 1973 at 11:38 AM

You've been coffy-tized, blacula-rized and super-flied - but now you're gonna be glorified, unified and filled-with-pride... when you see "Five on the Black Hand Side"... (IMDB)

The Good: The poetry is very well written and the quality of the video has sustained very well.

The Bad: A little awkward to watch with the wrong group.

The Ugly: Some of the guys in this movie are really, really ugly.

The Summary: OK, this is not my typical movie but I finally built the T.V. stand in our entertainment room so I connected the Television and started watching some movies on one of the new HD channels. This film was on and when I started watching it, I was just laughing at the outdated nature of the film. Then I was caught by its honesty, originality (at the time) and the time piece that it has now become. The quality of the film almost convinced me that it was a modern movie made to look like an old film.

If it wasn't for the old cars and buildings I would have kept believing that. Very stereotypical of a 70's urban lifestyle but once you get past that it is actually an enjoyable film on many levels. The humor is a bit corny but that's OK. If you grew up watching television shows much like this you will feel right at home.

I would never buy this movie and I don't think I know anyone besides my wife that could seriously enjoy this like we did this weekend but if you are open for old 70's American film, this is a fun one to pick up.

Volver at 6:47 AM

"Raimunda lives in Madrid with her daughter Paula and her husband Paco, who is always drunk. Her sister, Sole, is separated and works clandestinely as a hairstylist for women. The two sisters lost their parents in a fire in La Mancha, their birth village, years ago. Their aunt, Paula, still lives in the village and continues to speak about her sister Irene, mother of the two sisters, as if she were still alive. When the old aunt dies the situation changes and the past returns(volver) in a twist of mystery and suspense."

You know I love my spanish movies - especially Almodovar. This one is a really nice movie, a 'woman's' movie so to say. I went to watch this with two girlfriends and all three of us said we'd definetely watch it again.

I give this 5/5.

Lars and the Real Girl (2007) at 9:06 AM

Starring: Ryan Gosling and Emily Mortimer
Directed by : Craig Gillespie

Lars, an introverted smalltown loner, suddenly shocks his family and friends by introducing them to his girlfriend 'Bianca'-who just happens to be a life sized 'doll'. His brother and sister in law (Gus and Karin) are understandably disturbed and turn to family friend (and doctor) Dagmar, to help Lars get back in touch with reality.

The premise of this film is entirely original and proved to be all I expected. It is a character study, a comedy, and a psychological drama all in one. The setting, a small town in winter, gives the film a palpable atmosphere throughout-and somehow also proves to be an important factor for the story's progression. In addition to the main characters mentioned, there are also some very fleshed-out supporting characters which provide a proper sense of what type of town this is and how they feel about the protagonist, Lars. The town draws together to support this disturbed individual and provides yet another theme of the story that we didnt anticipate-the importance of relationships.

Gosling is phenomenal in this role. I am reminded of Edward Norton and his breakthrough performance in 'Primal Fear', where we realized how faceted an actor he really was. Gosling is that type of actor-handsome enough to be a leading man but brave and talented enough to take on challenges like this one. There are extended scenes of conversation between he and 'Bianca' that could not have been easy to pull off; yet he does so effortlessly. His lack of an oscar nomination for this film notwithstanding, it is one of the best performances I've seen by an actor of his generation. He is a 'loveable looney', on par with James Stewart of 'Harvey'. Charming, a good person, unthreatening...but obviously unhinged. Mortimer and Clarkson provide excellent performances as well, which is to be expected. The bigget surprise for me was Paul Schnieder, who I honestly can't remember from his previous films. Yet, in this movie he provides us with some extra levity during the pivotal first moments , discovering his brother's condition, and some touching moments when he comes to grips with the situation and joins the rest of the town in supporting Lars. There are also a surprising series of 'love stories' that develop throughout the film and add to the warm feeling it evokes.

The direction and screenplay combine to make a story that looks rediculous on paper, become absolutely convincing and engaging. Though some people may feel that the sudden transition in Lars' personality is not believeble and that the relationship with the doll brings on too many changes in his societal behavior, I enjoyed the fact that the film leaves these changes and their origins open to interpretation. It's a movie that will move you, make you laugh, but also provide some good conversation when it's over.

All in all, I will be buying this one...and I doubt there will ever be anything like it again.

My rating: 9/10