Saturday, May 14, 2011

Bridesmaids * * * *

Starring Kristin Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd, Jon Hamm, Jill Clayburgh

Rated R (for some strong sexuality and language throughout)

Directed by Paul Feig

Written by Kristin Wiig and Annie Mumolo

                                    * * * *                                                                                             



The topic of weddings, bridezillas and bridesmaids is common fodder for reality tv, film and books today. “Bridesmaids” is one of the best things to hit the genre in a long time.  

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Mother's Day Mix ("Something Borrowed," "Water for Elephants," "African Cats")

Heading to the movies with Mom this weekend? Here are the top mom-friendly picks. (Psst! You don’t have to be a mother to enjoy them!)


Something Borrowed 
"The It’s More Than Just a Rom-Com Flick"

"Something Borrowed" is just the right recipe for a romantic comedy: a plotline that has fresh twists, some really funny scenes, and a relatable heroine.It’s based on the book written by Emily Giffin, an author who is ahead of the pack in women’s literature (chick lit if you must).  The movie does stray from the book in several parts, but overall it follows the plot of Rachel and the love triangle with her old law school crush Dex, who is now engaged to her best friend, Darcy.  

John Krasinski, as Ethan, brings the funny in every scene he’s in.  He has perfect comedic timing and a genuine acting style that makes him endearing and sexy all at the same time.  Ginnifer Goodwin is good-girl-gone-bad Rachel, a seemingly easy fit for Goodwin and Kate Hudson plays Darcy.  This may be the first (and only) time we see Hudson go beyond playing the silly/confident party girl character she usually plays in films.  Can she pull off the angry scene at the end? That’s for you to see and determine! 

Mom-worthy? Yep! It has a total mom stamp of approval, with a great mix of comedy and drama.


Water For Elephants 
“The Tragically Enchanting Circus Drama”

Another film adapted from a novel (they’re everywhere these days!), this time it’s the gritty, depression-era story by Sara Gruen, which unfolds the demise of a fictional circus, The Benzini Brothers.Money is scarce, workers are overworked and underpaid and animal abuse is rampant.  

Robert Pattinson (looking gloriously tanned and with a crew cut) plays Jacob Jankowski, the story’s narrator and star.  If there was any doubt that Pattinson could be believable as someone other than Edward Cullen, it’s been squashed.  He is Jacob, solidly hitting his highs and lows. He comes across as downright giddy at times, smiling (!) and laughing with almost child-like glee, especially when he’s around the true star of the film, Rosie the elephant. 

Reese Witherspoon is Marlena, the mesmerizing golden-haired beauty married to the cruel, emotionally unstable ringleader August, played by Christoph Waltz with effortless intensity.  At times, the chemistry between Witherspoon and Pattinson seems a bit off, but the characters do fit together in an offbeat way.

Mom-worthy? Please, it’s RPatz! In all seriousness, it’s a thrilling, at times disturbing story, infused with glamour (Witherspoon’s wardrobe is brilliant), humour and a delightful narrator.


African Cats 
"The Animal Lover’s Choice”

Here is the perfect mother’s day movie. It is based on the love two very different mothers, one a cheetah and the other a lion, have for their cubs.  Get lost in the amazing landscape of the African savanna and take in the up-close-and-personal view of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.