MovieEnthusiast's stats
- Review count238
- Helpfulness votes57
- First reviewMay 10, 2009
- Last reviewAugust 17, 2013
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.2
Overall rating
3
/
5
Mildly Entertaining!!
PostedJuly 2, 2011
If you are a "Baby Boomer" and you have ever been unexpectedly laid off your job, then "Larry Crowne" is your movie.
Tom Hanks plays "Larry Crowne" a happy go-lucky guy who holds a job at a grocery/mass-merchandise store (like a Target). He unexpectedly gets called into the "office" (a warehouse type setting) for what he believes is a meeting to give him a promotion, but instead he is told his services are no longer needed. Worse still, Larry is told the reason he is being laid off is because he never went to college.
Shocked and dismayed Larry tries for several weeks to get another job, but no one is hiring. He then decides to enroll in the local community college. The story unfolds from there...
I think the main story is very well told and there are a lot of "real life" scenarios in the film. At times the movie is warm and funny and at other times not so much! "Larry Crowne" does have it's short comings as there are several side stories that occur in the movie that are never completed or explained. "Larry Crowne" is mildly entertaining.
Tom Hanks plays "Larry Crowne" a happy go-lucky guy who holds a job at a grocery/mass-merchandise store (like a Target). He unexpectedly gets called into the "office" (a warehouse type setting) for what he believes is a meeting to give him a promotion, but instead he is told his services are no longer needed. Worse still, Larry is told the reason he is being laid off is because he never went to college.
Shocked and dismayed Larry tries for several weeks to get another job, but no one is hiring. He then decides to enroll in the local community college. The story unfolds from there...
I think the main story is very well told and there are a lot of "real life" scenarios in the film. At times the movie is warm and funny and at other times not so much! "Larry Crowne" does have it's short comings as there are several side stories that occur in the movie that are never completed or explained. "Larry Crowne" is mildly entertaining.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Funny and Entertaining!!
PostedJune 25, 2011
"Lightening McQueen" (Owen Wilson) and his tow truck friend "Mater" (Larry the Cable Guy) are back!! They take their race car antics overseas to Europe and the Far East for the first ever World Cup GrandPrix Race.
Along the way various events happen. Tow Truck Mater finds himself involved in international espionage. British Super Spy Finn McMissile is leading a top-secret mission with the assistance of spy-in-training Holley Shiftwell and Tow Truck Mater gets caught up in the fray. This leads to all kinds of mishaps, fun and confusion. The story unfolds from there...
I am not sure why the paid critics were not in love with "Cars 2" the animation is wonderful. It's fun, funny, full of action, special effects and the cinematography is fabulous from a animation perspective. There are also cooler cars, more animation and more racing then the first installment.
"Cars 2" is as good as advertised.
Along the way various events happen. Tow Truck Mater finds himself involved in international espionage. British Super Spy Finn McMissile is leading a top-secret mission with the assistance of spy-in-training Holley Shiftwell and Tow Truck Mater gets caught up in the fray. This leads to all kinds of mishaps, fun and confusion. The story unfolds from there...
I am not sure why the paid critics were not in love with "Cars 2" the animation is wonderful. It's fun, funny, full of action, special effects and the cinematography is fabulous from a animation perspective. There are also cooler cars, more animation and more racing then the first installment.
"Cars 2" is as good as advertised.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
2
/
5
Ho-Hum...Lacks Depth
PostedJune 19, 2011
I had only mild expectations for the "Green Lantern" and I am glad because had I expected a blockbuster, I would have been sorely disappointed. "Green Lantern" serves up all of the required history so you know how a common human becomes the "Green Lantern", but beyond that the story was weak and the plot lacks depth.
Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) finds himself the "chosen one" as the first human to join the "Green Lantern Corps". They have sworn to preserve and protect the intergalactic order. Lanterns don't really care for Humans, so the whole situation with Hal is difficult at best. The Lanterns to this point have been unable to harness the power of the "Green Lantern" Ring that each Corps member wears, but when a cocky test pilot named Hal Jordan comes along, he may be the Lanterns only hope at keeping evil away. The story unfolds from there...
There are very cool special effects, intense Sci-Fi sequences and some serious action in small doses. Beyond that you are left with a "Ho-Hum" Comic Book Super Hero who isn't widely known.
Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) finds himself the "chosen one" as the first human to join the "Green Lantern Corps". They have sworn to preserve and protect the intergalactic order. Lanterns don't really care for Humans, so the whole situation with Hal is difficult at best. The Lanterns to this point have been unable to harness the power of the "Green Lantern" Ring that each Corps member wears, but when a cocky test pilot named Hal Jordan comes along, he may be the Lanterns only hope at keeping evil away. The story unfolds from there...
There are very cool special effects, intense Sci-Fi sequences and some serious action in small doses. Beyond that you are left with a "Ho-Hum" Comic Book Super Hero who isn't widely known.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Whimsical and Romantic!!
PostedJune 12, 2011
"Midnight in Paris" is a very Charming, Whimsical and Entertaining Movie!!
Owen Wilson plays "Gil" a writer who along with his fiancee "Inez" (Rachel McAdams) and her family travel to Paris the "City of Lights" for business.
Dealing with writer's block, Gil's tries to convince Inez that a life in 1920's Paris was better. He wants to go back to that time. After attending a party with Inez and some of her friends Gil decides to walk back to the hotel instead of joining them at a disco. During his walk he gets lost finding the hotel. Gil decides to sit for a minute. After a while along comes a horse drawn carriage, the carriage stops and the people inside convince him to join them. They end up at another party, but this time everyone from the party is from the 1920-40 era in Paris, some of the people at the party are Gil's writing idols. The story unfolds from there...
Very entertaining and romantic. If you are a fan of Paris, this is your movie. There are wonderful shots of Paris landmarks and the cinematography is absolutely fabulous. Woody Allen got this one right. While the movie is a bit short, "Midnight in Paris" is worth the price of admission.
Owen Wilson plays "Gil" a writer who along with his fiancee "Inez" (Rachel McAdams) and her family travel to Paris the "City of Lights" for business.
Dealing with writer's block, Gil's tries to convince Inez that a life in 1920's Paris was better. He wants to go back to that time. After attending a party with Inez and some of her friends Gil decides to walk back to the hotel instead of joining them at a disco. During his walk he gets lost finding the hotel. Gil decides to sit for a minute. After a while along comes a horse drawn carriage, the carriage stops and the people inside convince him to join them. They end up at another party, but this time everyone from the party is from the 1920-40 era in Paris, some of the people at the party are Gil's writing idols. The story unfolds from there...
Very entertaining and romantic. If you are a fan of Paris, this is your movie. There are wonderful shots of Paris landmarks and the cinematography is absolutely fabulous. Woody Allen got this one right. While the movie is a bit short, "Midnight in Paris" is worth the price of admission.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Great Beginnings!!
PostedJune 4, 2011
"X-Men: First Class" is "The Beginning", the original tale of "Magneto and Professor X", how they came to be.
Before there was a Professor X and a Magneto, there were 2 young men who each in his own way discovered the powers that he has for the very first time.
Once upon a time they were the best of friends working together with other mutants to stop evil, but that will all change...
During an attempt to stop a war from starting between Russia and the United States, a terrible accident happens that will ultimately prevent Professor X from ever walking again. Magneto is left with a decision, "Stay or Go". He ultimately chooses to go taking several mutants with him leaving Professor X behind believing that he would die from his injuries, but alas he did not. This is how the ultimate battle lines are drawn and setting the stage for the previous installments to the X-Man franchise.
This is a fast paced and very well told story. There is lots of action, suspense, special effects and intrigue. The cinematography is very nice.
Before there was a Professor X and a Magneto, there were 2 young men who each in his own way discovered the powers that he has for the very first time.
Once upon a time they were the best of friends working together with other mutants to stop evil, but that will all change...
During an attempt to stop a war from starting between Russia and the United States, a terrible accident happens that will ultimately prevent Professor X from ever walking again. Magneto is left with a decision, "Stay or Go". He ultimately chooses to go taking several mutants with him leaving Professor X behind believing that he would die from his injuries, but alas he did not. This is how the ultimate battle lines are drawn and setting the stage for the previous installments to the X-Man franchise.
This is a fast paced and very well told story. There is lots of action, suspense, special effects and intrigue. The cinematography is very nice.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Adventureous and Entertaining!!
PostedMay 22, 2011
In this fourth installment Johnny Depp reprises his role as Captain Jack Sparrow. Soon enough Jack crosses paths with his romantic interest the enigmatic Angelica (Penelope Cruz) a bit of a pirate herself. Jack is largely concerned about her sudden appearance, he isn't sure if it's really love or if Angelica is only trying to get close to him to locate the legendary "Fountain of Youth".
An ongoing race between three different groups which consists of Angelica's crew which includes the famed Pirate Blackbeard, the Spaniards which include the President of Spain, Captain Hector Barbossa and an unwilling Jack Sparrow along with Jack's long time comrade Joshamee Gibbs embark on an action packed adventure to get to the "Fountain of Youth" to drink the water and gain youth forever. Jack is the only person who actually knows how to get to the "Fountain of Youth" so as you can guess everyone is after him or trys to stay close to him!
Lots of action, special effects, violent and sensuality. There are even mermaids, lots of mermaids.
I found "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" to be quite entertaining. Johnny Depp plays Captain Jack Sparrow very well. I did feel that 2 hours and 21 minutes was rather long, but when you have so much adventure and Pirates fighting with swords the time passes quickly.
An ongoing race between three different groups which consists of Angelica's crew which includes the famed Pirate Blackbeard, the Spaniards which include the President of Spain, Captain Hector Barbossa and an unwilling Jack Sparrow along with Jack's long time comrade Joshamee Gibbs embark on an action packed adventure to get to the "Fountain of Youth" to drink the water and gain youth forever. Jack is the only person who actually knows how to get to the "Fountain of Youth" so as you can guess everyone is after him or trys to stay close to him!
Lots of action, special effects, violent and sensuality. There are even mermaids, lots of mermaids.
I found "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" to be quite entertaining. Johnny Depp plays Captain Jack Sparrow very well. I did feel that 2 hours and 21 minutes was rather long, but when you have so much adventure and Pirates fighting with swords the time passes quickly.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Bridesmaids - Hysterically Funny!!
PostedMay 15, 2011
"Bridesmaids" is absolutely hilarious and very realistic. The movie is much better that the trailers indicate.
Annie (Kristen Wiig) and Lillian (Maya Rudolph) have been life long girlfriends. When Lillian suddenly announces that she is engaged and wants Annie to be her maid of honor.
Annie accepts, but you can tell she does not share her friend's happiness.
During the course of preparing for the upcoming nuptials (Dress fitting, Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party), Annie's life unravels which causes a lot of unnecessary tension and problems amongst the Bride-to-be and the Bridesmaids. The story unfolds from there...
"Bridesmaids" is very well done. Kristen Wiig showed up and really acted. She put her name on the map. There are some really crazy, stupid and crude things that happen in this movie, you will be laughing your head off.
Annie (Kristen Wiig) and Lillian (Maya Rudolph) have been life long girlfriends. When Lillian suddenly announces that she is engaged and wants Annie to be her maid of honor.
Annie accepts, but you can tell she does not share her friend's happiness.
During the course of preparing for the upcoming nuptials (Dress fitting, Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party), Annie's life unravels which causes a lot of unnecessary tension and problems amongst the Bride-to-be and the Bridesmaids. The story unfolds from there...
"Bridesmaids" is very well done. Kristen Wiig showed up and really acted. She put her name on the map. There are some really crazy, stupid and crude things that happen in this movie, you will be laughing your head off.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Family and In-Law Drama!!
PostedMay 12, 2011
"Jumping the Broom" is about the trials and tribulations of planning a wedding, sticking with traditions, making new traditions, meeting the in-laws and trying to stay above the two families pettiness and bickering.
A good story. You will laugh a lot, but you will also cry a little. The story isn't perfect, but what in life is.
"Jumping the Broom" turned out to be better then I expected. The story has an element of surprise and an interesting twist.
A good story. You will laugh a lot, but you will also cry a little. The story isn't perfect, but what in life is.
"Jumping the Broom" turned out to be better then I expected. The story has an element of surprise and an interesting twist.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Best of the "Fast & Furious" Franchise!!
PostedMay 8, 2011
Let me start off by stating that if you have even a "Mild" interest in the "Fast & Furious" installments I would definitely see "Fast Five". This one is way better then the previous 3 installments.
When the previous installment "Fast & Furious (2009)" ended, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) was sentenced to 25 year to life in prison. His "Posse" could not allow that to be played out, so they caused the prison bus to have an accident.
In this installment Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) and Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster) have been on the run to elude the authorities because they are wanted for questioning regarding Dominic Toretto's escape from custody. They end up in Rio de Janeiro, they need to pull one more job so they can secure their freedom permanently. Once Mia and Brian are reunited with Dominic they together assemble a team to pull off a heist from the evil corrupt businessman who is trying to kill them and to add to their worries a DEA Agent (Dwayne Johnson) is after them. The story unfolds from there...
"Fast Five" contains "Mind Blowing Action", "Unbelievable Car Chases", "Crazy Cool Stunts". We are talking "High Octane" at it's finest. It's mindless entertainment, but oh so good!! There are some really nice scenic views of Rio.
If possible "Fast Five" should be viewed at an IMAX cinema. The experience is worth it.
"Fast Five" is definitely worth the price of admission.
When the previous installment "Fast & Furious (2009)" ended, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) was sentenced to 25 year to life in prison. His "Posse" could not allow that to be played out, so they caused the prison bus to have an accident.
In this installment Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) and Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster) have been on the run to elude the authorities because they are wanted for questioning regarding Dominic Toretto's escape from custody. They end up in Rio de Janeiro, they need to pull one more job so they can secure their freedom permanently. Once Mia and Brian are reunited with Dominic they together assemble a team to pull off a heist from the evil corrupt businessman who is trying to kill them and to add to their worries a DEA Agent (Dwayne Johnson) is after them. The story unfolds from there...
"Fast Five" contains "Mind Blowing Action", "Unbelievable Car Chases", "Crazy Cool Stunts". We are talking "High Octane" at it's finest. It's mindless entertainment, but oh so good!! There are some really nice scenic views of Rio.
If possible "Fast Five" should be viewed at an IMAX cinema. The experience is worth it.
"Fast Five" is definitely worth the price of admission.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Definitely Something Borrowed!!
PostedMay 8, 2011
Based on the novel by Emily Giffin, "Something Borrowed" is about two women Darcy Rhone (Kate Hudson) and Rachel White (Ginnifer Goodwin) who have been girl friends since childhood. Rachel has always done the right thing and has often times been over looked for the "party going, center of attention and sometimes selfish" Darcy. One night after a party everything changes. The story unfolds from there.
"Something Borrowed" is a cute "Chick Flick" it has it moments, but unfortunately not enough of them. Ginnifer Goodwin does an excellent job of playing Rachel. But Kate Hudson is not able to make Darcy the 3-dimensional character that she is suppose to portray.
"Something Borrowed" is a cute "Chick Flick" it has it moments, but unfortunately not enough of them. Ginnifer Goodwin does an excellent job of playing Rachel. But Kate Hudson is not able to make Darcy the 3-dimensional character that she is suppose to portray.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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