MovieEnthusiast's stats
- Review count238
- Helpfulness votes57
- First reviewMay 10, 2009
- Last reviewAugust 17, 2013
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.2
Overall rating
3
/
5
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
PostedAugust 17, 2012
MovieEnthusiast
from Herndon, VA
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Goes to the movies:weekly
Dialogue
4
/
5
Special Effects
4
/
5
Art Direction
4
/
5
Acting
4
/
5
Story
3
/
5
Camerawork
4
/
5
A married couple (Cindy and Jim Green) were at the end of their rope trying to have a baby. They went through all of the normal Fertility tests and procedures, but nothing worked. Giving up in despair they return to their regular lives in Stanleyville (The Home of the Number 2 Pencil) where Jim works in the Pencil Factory and Cindy works at the Pencil Museum.
Trying to console one another Jim (Joel Edgerton) and Cindy (Jennifer Garner) open a bottle of wine and after some persuading on Jim's part, gets Cindy to write down on little pieces of paper all of the characteristics they would hope their child would have. They then put the pieces of paper in a wooden box and bury it in their vegetable garden. They go to bed. During the night there is a violent thunder storm. Jim is awaken by a loud noise at the back door, after securing the back door, grabbing a drink from the milk bottle and returning to bed, Jim thinks he is snuggling up to Cindy, but she's in the bathroom. The story unfolds from there...
"The Odd Life of Timothy Green" is a family friendly light-hearted movie. The movie is a bit cheesy and it just so happens that the couple's last name is "Green", but there is an entertainment factor here. This is a Disney production and there is a certain amount of "Magic" in the story.
The movie is relaxing. There is no anxiety in seeing this movie. I found parts of it to be funny in a good way.
Cons a bit cheesy
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Hope Springs
PostedAugust 11, 2012
MovieEnthusiast
from Herndon, VA
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Goes to the movies:weekly
Dialogue
4
/
5
Special Effects
3
/
5
Art Direction
4
/
5
Acting
4
/
5
Story
4
/
5
Camerawork
4
/
5
"Hope Springs" is about a couple who has been married for over 30 years who's marriage has fizzled out in the intimacy department. Kay (Meryl Streep) wants to spice things up.
Kay enrolls herself and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) into an intense week long marriage counseling session for couples. The couple travels to a place called "Hope Springs". After arriving at the clinic Dr. Field (Steve Carell) spends time with them everyday trying to get them to open up about what's wrong with their marriage. Arnold doesn't think there is anything wrong, although there has been no intimacy in the relationship for over ten years and the couple sleep in separate bedrooms in their home. This continues at the hotel they are staying at. Kay sleeps in the bed and Arnold sleeps on the sofa. Dr. Field send the couple back to their hotel with home work (exercises) every day. The story unfolds from there...
"Hope Springs" is light-hearted, funny and hilarious!! Meryl Streep is her usual great self and Tommy Lee Jones is crazy funny as Arnold. "Hope Springs" is only for adults and should not be viewed by anyone under 17. Although you never see anyone nude, there are a lot discussions centered around sex and the details of sex and intimacy.
"Hope Springs" is definitely worth seeing.
Pros great actors, funny, hilarious
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
The Bourne Legacy
PostedAugust 11, 2012
MovieEnthusiast
from Herndon, VA
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Goes to the movies:weekly
Dialogue
4
/
5
Special Effects
3
/
5
Art Direction
4
/
5
Acting
3
/
5
Story
2
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5
Camerawork
5
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5
I have been waiting since early 2010 for "The Bourne Legacy". It was first believed that Matt Damon was going to once again reprise his role as Jason Bourne, but because Director Paul Greengrass retired, Matt Damon said if Paul did not direct "The Bourne Legacy" he would not return. This left Tony Gilroy the writer on all of the previous installments to either get another director or do it himself.
It's been 5 years since "The Bourne Ultimatum" hit theaters. It was believed that Jason Bourne was dead.
"The Bourne Legacy" centers around another "Rogue Enhanced" CIA Agent by the name of "Cross". Agent Cross is on the run. He runs out of meds and locates what he believes is a "Safe House" in the wilderness.
Back at CIA Headquarters it's believed that Jason Bourne is alive and in New York. A rumor is spread and this causes chaos and an all out manhunt starts. Meanwhile Agent Cross is trying to elude being killed by the CIA also while trying to get to the research institute or locate the Doctor he received his supply of meds from. The story unfolds from there...
The problem with "The Bourne Legacy" is that Jeremy Renner lacks the charisma that Matt Damon brought to the franchise. Matt Damon has magnetism and Jeremy Renner does not. Jeremy Renner is bland and stiff to say the least. The plot is complicated and difficult to decipher. There wasn't nearly as much action as the other 3 installments. Too much time is spent referring to previous installments with regards to Jason Bourne. In addition to Matt Damon not returning, neither did Julia Stiles. Had Julia returned it would have been a big help for "The Bourne Legacy". Actors from the 3 previous installments reprised their roles if only briefly. "The Bourne Legacy" really felt like a different story and not related to the other 3 installments.
"The Bourne Legacy" with all of it's faults is still better then "Total Recall". My concern is that the door was left open for additional installments. Universal Pictures would be wise to get Matt Damon back!! I can't imagine Jeremy Renner as Agent Cross again.
Cons bad acting, too complex
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
1
/
5
Total Recall
PostedAugust 4, 2012
MovieEnthusiast
from Herndon, VA
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Goes to the movies:weekly
Dialogue
3
/
5
Special Effects
4
/
5
Art Direction
5
/
5
Acting
3
/
5
Story
1
/
5
Camerawork
5
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5
This remake of an 1990 Arnold Schwarzenegger classic is nothing more than a bad video game with zero gravity.
Seriously the problem with "Total Recall" is you are not given any upfront information about what's going on and why. You are left to your own devices to figure it out.
Colin Farrell a factory worker who resides on the "Colony" is having dreams that he cannot understand. The dreams seem so real when he is asleep, but when he is awake he can't understand them. Deciding to seek some help. He goes to the "Rekall Lounge" (Yes it is spelled with a "k"). Once at the "Rekall lounge" everything goes wrong and he uses skills he did not know he had. He escapes and goes home to his wife (Kate Beckinsale). He then tells her about what happened during his evening. She tries to comfort him, but everything goes wrong and he finds out his wife is not who she says she is. The story unfolds from there...
As I stated earlier. The plot and reason are missing. The best parts of the movie is the cinematography, cool special effects, lots of action and cool electronic machines. There is some very bloody fighting. You will be reminded of "iRobot", "Blade Runner" and maybe "The 5th Element" but there is no real suspense or drama. I could have easily taken a nap.
Don't waste your money on "Total Recall". Wait for it to come out on DVD or Blue-ray or just watch the 1990 Arnold Schwarzenegger version. His was better.
Cons no plot, lacks suspense, boring
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
The Dark Knight Rises
PostedJuly 21, 2012
MovieEnthusiast
from Herndon, VA
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Goes to the movies:weekly
Dialogue
4
/
5
Special Effects
4
/
5
Art Direction
5
/
5
Acting
4
/
5
Story
4
/
5
Camerawork
5
/
5
It's been 4 long years since we saw Batman race away on his Bat Chopper to elude the Gotham City Police.
"The Dark Knight Rises" picks up from where "The Dark Knight" ended 8 years later. The continuity from one movie to the next is very good. The difference is that "The Dark Knight Rises" is not a 5 star movie like "The Dark Knight" was. Don't get me wrong, "The Dark Knight Rises" is definitely worth seeing. It should be viewed in IMAX. You really will feel like you are part of the action.
Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has become a recluse. He shuns all interviews and visitors, hiding in the darkest wing of his mansion. While every day life in Gotham City continues. There hasn't been much crime since Harvey Dent's death. He is heralded as a "Hero" for supposedly ridding Gotham City of Organized Crime.
Terrorist Leader "Bane" arrives in Gotham City, planning some horrendous crime on the city to lure Batman out. Cat Woman (Ann Hathaway) has her hands in so many things that you won't be sure who's side she is really on. The Story unfolds from there...
The first 90 minutes I was intrigued and on the edge of my seat, after that not so much. The movie took way to long to get to the point. The movie is dark and a bit suspenseful, there are some surprises and that makes the slow parts worth the pain.
As always the cinematography was off the chain and there was some new cool Batman toys. Christopher Nolan does an excellent job of wrapping up the saga.
"The Dark Knight Rises" picks up from where "The Dark Knight" ended 8 years later. The continuity from one movie to the next is very good. The difference is that "The Dark Knight Rises" is not a 5 star movie like "The Dark Knight" was. Don't get me wrong, "The Dark Knight Rises" is definitely worth seeing. It should be viewed in IMAX. You really will feel like you are part of the action.
Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has become a recluse. He shuns all interviews and visitors, hiding in the darkest wing of his mansion. While every day life in Gotham City continues. There hasn't been much crime since Harvey Dent's death. He is heralded as a "Hero" for supposedly ridding Gotham City of Organized Crime.
Terrorist Leader "Bane" arrives in Gotham City, planning some horrendous crime on the city to lure Batman out. Cat Woman (Ann Hathaway) has her hands in so many things that you won't be sure who's side she is really on. The Story unfolds from there...
The first 90 minutes I was intrigued and on the edge of my seat, after that not so much. The movie took way to long to get to the point. The movie is dark and a bit suspenseful, there are some surprises and that makes the slow parts worth the pain.
As always the cinematography was off the chain and there was some new cool Batman toys. Christopher Nolan does an excellent job of wrapping up the saga.
I can't give "The Dark Knight Rises" 5 stars, I felt "Ho Hum" when I left the theater today, unlike 4 years ago when I left the theater after seeing "The Dark Knight" I was excited and I could not breath. The "Joker" remains the best Batman Villian.
Cons drags at times
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Savages
PostedJuly 8, 2012
MovieEnthusiast
from Herndon, VA
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Goes to the movies:weekly
Dialogue
4
/
5
Special Effects
3
/
5
Art Direction
4
/
5
Acting
4
/
5
Story
3
/
5
Camerawork
4
/
5
"Savages" is about 2 pot growers, Ben (Aaron Johnson) and Chon (Taylor Kitsch) who happens to be an ex-navy seal along with their shared girlfriend (Blake Lively) who face opposition from the Mexican Cartel. The Mexican Cartel wants in on Ben and Chon's business. Ben and Chon don't want to be part of their business, they just want to help people with illnesses who smoke the marajiana they grow and feel better. Ben and Chon have a friend or someone they believe to be their friend who is a DEA Agent (John Travolta). He is suppose to run interference for them but what they don't know is that a member of the Cartel also has his ear and the DEA Agent has his own agenda as well. Additionally, the Cartel doesn't take "NO" for an answer, they take heads!! The story unfolds from there...
The first hour of this movie was great. The second hour not so much. It was chaotic at best!! It's very hard to determine who the real "Snake" in the movie is. There's so many cons going on that it's difficult to determine if there is a good guy or hero.
The highlight of the movie is Salma Hayek who is Elena the leader of the Mexican Cartel. She looks great in her Cleopatra haircut and is very good at being mean and ruthless.
The movie is very bloody, very violent and brutal at times. Lots of nudity, Sex and drug use throughout.
Cons too complex
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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+1point
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Overall rating
4
/
5
The Amazing Spiderman
PostedJuly 5, 2012
MovieEnthusiast
from Herndon, VA
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Goes to the movies:weekly
Dialogue
4
/
5
Special Effects
5
/
5
Art Direction
5
/
5
Acting
4
/
5
Story
4
/
5
Camerawork
5
/
5
Here is how I sum up "The Amazing Spiderman", It's a Marvel Comic Reboot with a new cast, new better costumes and a whole new set of Father issues all done very nicely in 3D!!
This installment takes you back to the very beginning when Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) was a little boy. He's abandoned by his parents, raised by his aunt and uncle. Fast forward to the teen years, Peter tries to sort out who he is and where he really belongs. He has a crush on Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) who is one of his classmates.
This installment takes you back to the very beginning when Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) was a little boy. He's abandoned by his parents, raised by his aunt and uncle. Fast forward to the teen years, Peter tries to sort out who he is and where he really belongs. He has a crush on Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) who is one of his classmates.
While in the basement, Peter accidentally finds a brief case that belonged to his Father. Finding this brief case fuels an all out quest to find out why his parents abandoned him.
Gwen works after school as a tour guide at a Science Research Laboratory (Oscorp). Peter sneaks in on one of Gwen's tours. During the tour at Oscorp Peter meets the head researcher Dr. Curt Conners (Rhys Ifans). This meeting only fuels Peters determination. Peter leaves the tour and follows one of the scientist and sneaks into one of the research labs, while his is in the lab he accidentally touches something he shouldn't have and he is bitten by one of the many Spiders that is being used in the lab for experiments. The story unfolds from there...
Lots of action, cool special effects, suspenseful and intriguing. This movie was shot totally in 3D and they did a good job. I found myself ducking and dodging in my theater seat. This installment is better then the previous two, it's a lot more fun and entertaining. Andrew Garfield is a fresh face and gives you a fresh take on a beloved Marvel's Comic Super Hero.
Lots of action, cool special effects, suspenseful and intriguing. This movie was shot totally in 3D and they did a good job. I found myself ducking and dodging in my theater seat. This installment is better then the previous two, it's a lot more fun and entertaining. Andrew Garfield is a fresh face and gives you a fresh take on a beloved Marvel's Comic Super Hero.
A Must See in IMAX 3D!!!
Pros well paced, great actors
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Brave!!
PostedJune 23, 2012
MovieEnthusiast
from Herndon, VA
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Goes to the movies:weekly
Dialogue
4
/
5
Special Effects
4
/
5
Art Direction
4
/
5
Acting
4
/
5
Story
4
/
5
Camerawork
4
/
5
Kelly McDonald plays "Merida" the princess daughter to Scottish King Fergus (Bill Connolly). Merida would rather be a tomboy and do her own thing rather then participate in the traditions of being a Scottish Princess. Out of anger with her mother the queen (Emma Thompson), Merida rides her horse into the forest and follows some fairies. The fairies lead her to a cottage where a little old lady lives. This little old lady happens to be a witch who can cast spells. Merida asks the witch to cast a spell that will change her destiny. The story unfolds from there...
I found "Brave" surprisingly cute, fun and entertaining!! It's definitely fast paced and never boring. The animation is very good. The cinematography and camera angles are breath taking at times.
This isn't the best movie that Pixar has done, but it's definitely worth seeing.
Pros well paced
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Madagascar 3:Europe's Most Wanted
PostedJune 9, 2012
MovieEnthusiast
from Herndon, VA
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Goes to the movies:weekly
Dialogue
4
/
5
Special Effects
5
/
5
Art Direction
5
/
5
Acting
4
/
5
Story
5
/
5
Camerawork
5
/
5
Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo and Melman the Giraffe are still trying to get back to the New York Zoo.
This installment of the Madagascar gang finds them romping across Europe as part of a Circus trying to elude a French Police Woman (Frances McDormand) who has a mantle full of animal bust, but does not have a lion's head. The French Police Woman sees an opportunity to get her coveted prize so she chases Alex (Ben Stiller) and the gang all the way to New York. The story unfolds from there...
Absolutely Crazy Funny, Colorful, Action Packed, Light-Hearted and Silly!! You will laugh your head off. The technical work for the movie is great!! The animation is really good and the cinematography is fabulous.
If you liked the other installments of the Madagascar Gang, then you should see this one, it's better then the second installment Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa.
"Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" gets the summer animation movies off to a good start.
I myself am looking forward to a fourth installment!!
Pros well paced, funny, zany, colorful
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Thrilling Sci-Fi!!
PostedJune 8, 2012
MovieEnthusiast
from Herndon, VA
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Female
Goes to the movies:weekly
Dialogue
4
/
5
Special Effects
5
/
5
Art Direction
5
/
5
Acting
4
/
5
Story
4
/
5
Camerawork
5
/
5
"Prometheus" is "Sci-Fi" at it's finest! "It's Thrilling, Chilling, Suspenseful, Intriguing and a bit Scary".
A discovery made by a team of explorers leads them in an all out search for how mankind came to exists on earth. They travel to an unknown part of the universe searching for life. What they do find is the beginning or is it the end? The story unfolds from there...
The cinematography is off the chain. The special effects are awesome. This is a must see in IMAX, but not necessarily in 3D. "Prometheus" is a Ridley Scott masterpiece. You will be reminded of the 1979 hit Sci-Fi Thriller "Alien" starring Sigourney Weaver.
If you are a "Sci-Fi" junkie then "Prometheus" is your movie.
If you are a "Sci-Fi" junkie then "Prometheus" is your movie.
Pros well paced, suspenseful, thrilling, intriguing
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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