PawPrints's stats
- Review count98
- Helpfulness votes27
- First reviewJuly 21, 2008
- Last reviewJune 15, 2013
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.4
Overall rating
4
/
5
A Nice Date Movie
PostedFebruary 6, 2009
Although "New in Town" is pure fluff, it is a great date movie and one that generates several good laughs. I lived in North Dakota for a few years, and I could easily relate to almost everything that was depicted in the movie. The supporting characters were way over the top (no one *really* talks like that), but that honest to gosh goodness in these "folks" isn't far from the truth. Zellweger does a nice job in this rather predictable fish-out-of-water tale, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the movie. It's just a fun picture and a refreshing change from some of the darker movies I have seen in the last few weeks.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Good, but contrived
PostedFebruary 5, 2009
Solid performance from the young actors made this movie much better than it should have been. The story itself is quite contrived. What are the odds that practically every answer to the questions on "Wheel" would turn on these events in Jamal's life? If you can swallow that, then the movie comes together very well. Be aware that there are disturbing images, including violence against children, but most of these scenes are pivotal and advance the plot. I can't believe this is classified as a "comedy." Far from it. It is a child's struggle for survival under vile circumstances and how those events seemingly "reward" him later in life. It's a good movie, but Oscar worthy? Not for me.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
A Good Movie for the Right Audience
PostedJanuary 31, 2009
My husband and I enjoyed this movie. It was a refreshing change from some of the other romances we have seen. The audience was primarily 45+ and this would be the market for this type of film. It was hard not to feel empathy for Harvey. Hoffman has a way of making his characters so human. Thompson complemented him very well. The pacing is slow, but I think that is because the theme of the movie is the loneliness these characters feel, and loneliness often makes time stand still. It had both sweet and bittersweet moments. This isn't a stellar film, but it is enjoyable. Just a nice date movie.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Good, not great
PostedJanuary 30, 2009
This movie is not for people who will be easily disturbed by a sexual relationship between a 15-year-old boy and a 30+ year-old woman. The sexual interaction between these two is rather explicit, more so than I expected. After I got over the "ick' factor, I found myself engrossed in the fallout from the affair and how it impacted Michael for so many years. Winslet's performance was solid, but her character was two dimensional and failed to generate any compassion from me until she was imprisoned. Instead I was fascinated with Michael and his psychological struggles with his lover's fate. This was a good movie, but not great. I can think of at least six better movies that are playing right now. See those first.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
A Battle of Wills
PostedJanuary 30, 2009
Ron Howard's direction of this film is nothing short of genius. Watching the underdog Frost trying to get support for his project to the actual interviews and then going head-to-head with Nixon in a battle of wills was fascinating. Langella nailed Nixon in both speech and mannerisms. In this portrayal, Nixon was indeed intelligent, could be charming, and was stubborn as hell. While part of me loathed him, another had to feel sadness watching his self destruction. I even managed a bit of compassion in the end when he admitted his wrongdoing and then walked out at the conclusion of the interviews only to greet a woman holding a dachshund. That small gesture spoke volumes to me. He was human after all.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Solid in Every Way
PostedJanuary 30, 2009
Finally a movie in which Daniel Craig can really shine! His performance and those of his supporting cast really make "Defiance" come to life on the screen in this well-done drama. I experienced a gamut of emotions as I watched the trials of these brave people under horrendous circumstances. Although there is some violence on both sides, I could understand the brothers' motivation. Not only is this story about persecution, it is also a study in family dynamics, which only adds drama and believability to the film. This is indeed a drama. Don't go expecting 2+ hours of meaningless, nonstop action. Your brain should be engaged!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
An Eastwood Classic
PostedJanuary 10, 2009
Only Clint Eastwood could play this part with such authority. His facial expressions, body language, and delivery sell his character, Walter, to the audience. Although the racial slurs seem over-the-top at time, understanding that Eastwood's character is stuck in a world far away from the one he remembers, makes it far more tolerable and often, laugh out loud hilarious. Those who are offended should look at this man's lack of understanding of a new blended society and realize that many in the audience are shocked at what he is saying and amused at his ignorance. Walter's transformation from a bigoted old man to one who is wiser with true affection for his new young friends is uplifting and admirable. This is Eastwood at its best!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Bring the Hankie
PostedJanuary 4, 2009
I don't recommend this film for young children because of some mature subject matter. Same for children who would be disturbed by the loss of a pet. Marley's antics are cute, though predictable. Wilson and Aniston work well together, but they are hardly the models for responsible pet ownership. Still, the movie generates laughs and, unfortunately, tears. Although there was an attempt to lighten the mood at the end with flashbacks from happier times, I still left the theater unsuccessfully fighting back tears. If you have ever been with your pet for that final moment as I have, the memories will come flooding back like a tidal wave. It hits very close to home.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
A Long Short Story
PostedJanuary 2, 2009
Although "Button" ran quite long, I enjoyed the movie because of the outstanding acting. The story is unremarkable if one strips away the twist of Benjamin living his life backward. This premise is what drives the film, but that oddity is just enough to make this a movie worth seeing. A stellar cast carries the mediocre story, and the direction is superb. This is not an uplifting story, so be prepared. Since I was with each of my parents when they died, the scenes of a dying Daisy telling the story hit close to home. I felt they could have told the same story without the annoying switches from present time to the past. If you are prepared to watch a story driven by emotion and not action, this is the one.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Compelling Story, Strong Performances
PostedDecember 28, 2008
In Valkyrie, a more mature Cruise delivers a one of his stronger performances in the lead role. The supporting cast is just as convincing, making this compelling film suspenseful although the audience knows the plot will fail. This movie is fast moving, and if one is not familiar with the story, the characters can become confusing, but that need not detract from enjoying the movie. If you want to really get a handle on what happened during this assassination attempt, read a little about it on Wikipedia. I did this after seeing the film, and now I'm ready to see the movie again. Regardless of how you view Cruise's personal life, he delivers in this film.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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