Chick 1

Review: Les Miserables

Chick 1 says:les-miserables

Confession: I’ve never seen Les Mis, not other movies, none of the stage productions, never even read the book.  So the plot was a complete unknown for me.  I was surprised at how much story there is and how quickly it moves along.  Even at almost 3 hours, it feels like we barely are introduced to one character or idea before we’re whisked along to the next scene.  (“Oh, she’s destitute already.  OK.”)  This doesn’t mean that there is no depth to the story; the music, acting and, filmmaking make sure you know each person well enough to care what happens to them.  But despite the brisk pace, it does at times seem a bit long. Read more

Posted on by Chick 1 in Reviews, The 2010s 293 Comments

Quote of the Week

Sit back!  And kindly refrain from the intimacy of whispering!

Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow)

Emma (1996)

Posted on by Chick 1 in Movie Quotes 31 Comments

Review: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Chick 1 says:

First off, Martin Freeman is fabulous.  It now seems rather obvious that he was meant to play Bilbo Baggins but two years ago, Peter Jackson was so convinced that he rearranged The Hobbit shooting schedule to accommodate Freeman’s Sherlock schedule.  Freeman brings so much complexity and charm, insecurity and common man sensibility, excuse me, hobbit sensibility to Bilbo that he continues to grow and grow right in front of you; as any great protagonist should.  Of course some of that credit should go to Tolkien himself, the screenwriters, and Jackson’s direction.  But it’s Freeman who wins our hearts on that huge screen. Read more

Posted on by Chick 1 in Reviews, The 2010s 282 Comments

Quote of the Week

I don’t feel right.  I feel like I’m leaking.

James Kirk (Chris Pine)

Star Trek (2009)

Posted on by Chick 1 in Movie Quotes 344 Comments

Trailer Trash: Star Trek Into Darkness

Chick 1 says:

New entry on the I Can’t Wait! List.  Behold the teaser trailer (Excuse me, “announcement” trailer.  La De Da.)  for the Star Trek sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness.  (Yes, they’re sticking with that clumsy title.)  And tease it does, providing mere glimpses of our beloved cast but lots of baddie Benedict Cumberbatch.  (Say that three times fast.)  Squees of joy!

Posted on by Chick 1 in Trailer Trash 172 Comments

Review: Moonrise Kingdom

Chick 1 says:

Go.  See.  It.

It’s quirky.  It’s weird.  It’s charming.  It’s funny.  It’s…what the….?  Oh my gosh! Did they really just do that?

Filled with an amazing cast bringing bizarre and likable characters to life, the story is unlike anything you’ve seen.  The cinematography and music all bring my childhood into clear focus and the art department and wardrobe must have had a blast creating this world.

It will jar you at times but you will enjoy the ride.

Posted on by Chick 1 in Reviews, The 2010s 4 Comments

Short Takes: Skyfall

Chick 2 says:

Overall Concept: A   The Bond series has been renewed ever since Daniel came along, but this is its freshest take yet.  Combine Craig with Sam Mendes, Roger Deakins, and Thomas Newman, and that’s a formula for a great movie regardless of it’s past.  Add in Ben Whishaw as the new Q, and this installment is off to a good start.*

Acting: B   It’s a Bond movie – acting not required.  But brilliant turn by Javier Bardem.

Script: B   It’s a Bond movie – script not required.

Cinematography:  A++    Roger Deakins – top notch, brilliant,  one of my favs

Hotness of Cast:  A+   It’s a Bond movie – hot actors required.

Wardrobe: A

Location/Setting:  A   Beautiful locations, also beautifully enhanced by great cinematography

Climax:  B

Special Effects: A

 

*See Chick 1’s review to read more about the drawbacks of being still just another Bond movie.  Spoiler warning.

Posted on by Chick 1 in Reviews, The 2010s 143 Comments

Review: Skyfall

Chick 1 says:

Yay!  It’s holiday movie season and we get to start with a treat for the boys AND the girls.  Bond is back and he’s 50 years old.  And he’s in top form, considering his age.

There’s plenty of action including a great pre-credits sequence.  I didn’t find it quite as non-stop as Quantum of Solace but still good fun.  It does get a little slow in the last half of the second act and I didn’t think the climax quite lived up to the hype.  But it’s still a solid Bond. Read more

Posted on by Chick 1 in Reviews, The 2010s 139 Comments

Quote of the Week

I’m gonna gas you so hard yo grandchildren gonna stank.

Stella the Skunk (Wanda Sykes)

Over the Hedge (2006)

Posted on by Chick 1 in Movie Quotes 111 Comments

Quote of the Week

A weed hacker, Verne.  A weed hacker!!

Hammy (Steve Carrell)

Over the Hedge (2006)

Posted on by Chick 1 in Movie Quotes 100 Comments