The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Diesel

I highly enjoyed this one. Great movie.

I guess I better continue to skip it.



Seriously though, I've been meaning to watch it, but never really got the chance. One of these months...

[Steve46]

47. Juno (2007)
Comedy, Drama, Romance, 96 minutes
Directed by Jason Reitman
Starring Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jason Bateman and J. K. Simmons



Director Jason Reitman was also responsible for Up in the Air in 2009, which, along with Juno, dealt with subjects in which I had very little interest. But Reitman’s mix of drama and comedy works well in both movies and the witty dialogue drives both.

Juno is funny throughout, but it’s never dumb comedy and it never resorts to gross humor. The story works because we care about the characters and their one-liners fit both their personality and the situation. In short, it feels real. Many comedies assault the viewer with a stream of contrived jokes and it falls flat (for me at least).

Juno MacGuff (Page) is 16 and newly-pregnant. We see a flashback showing how it happened and who the father is. It turns out to be one of her best friends, Paulie Bleeker (Cera). After telling him, she decides that an abortion is the best course of action, but she changes her mind following a visit to the clinic. She’s a smart girl and feels capable of making her own decisions, eventually deciding that adoption may be the best thing for her and the baby.

She finds potential parents in an ad and then has the task of telling her father (Simmons) and stepmother (Allison Janney) that she’s pregnant. This is where the movie first defies our expectations. Instead of anger and shock, her parents are calm and accepting. They even joke about the situation when she reveals the father. It’s so refreshing to see supportive parents rather than the usual stereotypes.

Her father wants to go with her to meet the prospective foster parents, Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) and Mark (Bateman). Vanessa desperately wants a baby and is skeptical that Juno will honor the agreement, while Mark is more relaxed about everything. He bonds with Juno when she sees his guitar and they end up singing together.

Juno keeps in touch with the couple and forms a friendship with Mark because of their common love of music and movies. I particularly like this sequence because I’m passionate about both subjects and know the power of sharing and talking about such things. It’s the main reason that I write about movies. Mark introduces her to Sonic Youth (my favorite band) and Juno shares some of her classic rock and punk albums. It seems that the two might enter into a more serious relationship.

Her stepmother teaches her about food supplements and defends Juno when she goes to the hospital and is insulted by the ultrasound technician. It’s further evidence that she’ll be supported in her choices all the way.

Bleeker's face lights up every time he sees Juno. Cera plays the part well and doesn’t go over the top. It’s a quiet and understated performance, but he makes it clear that she’s special to him. She suggests that he date a different girl, but is angry when he does. The two have a showdown and it again becomes clear that they really feel something for each other.

There’s a touching scene in the shopping mall where Juno encounters Vanessa and sees her playing with a little girl. We see Juno forming the opinion that Vanessa will make a good mother. The scene develops with a meeting between the two in which Vanessa talks to Juno’s belly.

Her arrangement with Vanessa and Mark is threatened by one occurrence and we wonder how everything will turn out. I won’t reveal that here, but it’s a good resolution.

Another great scene involves a chat between father and daughter. It’s a potentially life-changing talk played perfectly by Page and Simmons. It sets into motion events that shape Juno’s immediate future. Simmons is so talented. If I were a writer/director, one of the first things I would do is create a starring role for Simmons. He’s made his mark with supporting roles, but has so much more to offer.

As for Page, what a remarkable talent. She carried such films as Whip It and Hard Candy, and had a major supporting role in Inception. At 24, she has most of her career ahead of her and I’m excited to see how she develops. She’s already capable of showing so much emotion and her comic timing is perfect. It will be fun to see what happens over the next decade.

One important component of the movie is the soundtrack. Kimya Dawson contributes nine of the songs in the film and they fit the mood and Juno’s character perfectly. There’s a well-placed Kinks song and bands such as Cat Power and Belle & Sebastian also fit the mood. The highlight is Sonic Youth covering the Carpenters’ Superstar, and it’s an important part of the plot.

Juno isn’t a film that will appeal to everyone. Some argue that the dialogue isn’t realistic, but I found it so. Who is it aimed at? Teens? Women? Pregnant girls? Many will write it off as falling into one of those categories. That would be a shame because it has a lot more to offer. I’m a 49-year-old man and I found it utterly charming, refreshing, intelligent and genuinely funny.

There’s a chance it may upset some people because it turns a serious situation into an amusing comedy. Is it saying that it’s acceptable to be pregnant at 16? How would you feel as a parent who faced a similar situation? How would you feel if you were a pregnant teen and didn’t receive that kind of support and understanding from your parents? I would hope that it can be taken for what it is; a fictional situation. It’s more about how the characters react to the situation than anything else.

I talk a lot about being taken into different worlds by a good film and Juno falls into that category. Although it lasts just 96 minutes, I am reluctant to leave that world and always watch the special features. So, for me, Juno is a three-hour experience that always makes me happy.

If you like Juno:

After four films, it seems that I am a huge fan of director Jason Reitman. Like Juno, Up in the Air includes outstanding dialogue. George Clooney, Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick star and the cameo from J. K. Simmons is also memorable. Although slightly below the level of those two films, Thank You for Smoking and Young Adult are well worth your time.

Fans of Ellen Page might want to check out Hard Candy, but be aware that she plays a much grittier character than the one who charmed us in Juno. I can't talk much about the film without ruining the plot, but it was a tremendous performance from Page when she was just 17 years old (playing a 14-year-old).

[Al_The_Strange]

I'm really ticked that Juno made Desmond kill that one character...

Oh wait, wrong Juno. I'm still thinking of the ending for "AC: Brotherhood."

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Steve46

47. Juno (2007)
Comedy, Drama, Romance, 96 minutes
Directed by Jason Reitman
Starring Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jason Bateman and J. K. Simmons

[Show spoiler]Director Jason Reitman was also responsible for Up in the Air in 2009, which, along with Juno, dealt with subjects in which I had very little interest. But Reitman’s mix of drama and comedy works well in both movies and the witty dialogue drives both.

Juno is funny throughout, but it’s never dumb comedy and it never resorts to gross humor. The story works because we care about the characters and their one-liners fit both their personality and the situation. In short, it feels real. Many comedies assault the viewer with a stream of contrived jokes and it falls flat (for me at least).

Juno MacGuff (Page) is 16 and newly-pregnant. We see a flashback showing how it happened and who the father is. It turns out to be one of her best friends, Paulie Bleeker (Cera). After telling him, she decides that an abortion is the best course of action, but she changes her mind following a visit to the clinic. She’s a smart girl and feels capable of making her own decisions, eventually deciding that adoption may be the best thing for her and the baby.

She finds potential parents in an ad and then has the task of telling her father (Simmons) and stepmother (Allison Janney) that she’s pregnant. This is where the movie first defies our expectations. Instead of anger and shock, her parents are calm and accepting. They even joke about the situation when she reveals the father. It’s so refreshing to see supportive parents rather than the usual stereotypes.

Her father wants to go with her to meet the prospective foster parents, Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) and Mark (Bateman). Vanessa desperately wants a baby and is skeptical that Juno will honor the agreement, while Mark is more relaxed about everything. He bonds with Juno when she sees his guitar and they end up singing together.

Juno keeps in touch with the couple and forms a friendship with Mark because of their common love of music and movies. I particularly like this sequence because I’m passionate about both subjects and know the power of sharing and talking about such things. It’s the main reason that I write about movies. Mark introduces her to Sonic Youth (my favorite band) and Juno shares some of her classic rock and punk albums. It seems that the two might enter into a more serious relationship.

Her stepmother teaches her about food supplements and defends Juno when she goes to the hospital and is insulted by the ultrasound technician. It’s further evidence that she’ll be supported in her choices all the way.

Bleeker's face lights up every time he sees Juno. Cera plays the part well and doesn’t go over the top. It’s a quiet and understated performance, but he makes it clear that she’s special to him. She suggests that he date a different girl, but is angry when he does. The two have a showdown and it again becomes clear that they really feel something for each other.

There’s a touching scene in the shopping mall where Juno encounters Vanessa and sees her playing with a little girl. We see Juno forming the opinion that Vanessa will make a good mother. The scene develops with a meeting between the two in which Vanessa talks to Juno’s belly.

Her arrangement with Vanessa and Mark is threatened by one occurrence and we wonder how everything will turn out. I won’t reveal that here, but it’s a good resolution.

Another great scene involves a chat between father and daughter. It’s a potentially life-changing talk played perfectly by Page and Simmons. It sets into motion events that shape Juno’s immediate future. Simmons is so talented. If I were a writer/director, one of the first things I would do is create a starring role for Simmons. He’s made his mark with supporting roles, but has so much more to offer.

As for Page, what a remarkable talent. She carried such films as Whip It and Hard Candy, and had a major supporting role in Inception. At 24, she has most of her career ahead of her and I’m excited to see how she develops. She’s already capable of showing so much emotion and her comic timing is perfect. It will be fun to see what happens over the next decade.

One important component of the movie is the soundtrack. Kimya Dawson contributes nine of the songs in the film and they fit the mood and Juno’s character perfectly. There’s a well-placed Kinks song and bands such as Cat Power and Belle & Sebastian also fit the mood. The highlight is Sonic Youth covering the Carpenters’ Superstar, and it’s an important part of the plot.

Juno isn’t a film that will appeal to everyone. Some argue that the dialogue isn’t realistic, but I found it so. Who is it aimed at? Teens? Women? Pregnant girls? Many will write it off as falling into one of those categories. That would be a shame because it has a lot more to offer. I’m a 49-year-old man and I found it utterly charming, refreshing, intelligent and genuinely funny.

There’s a chance it may upset some people because it turns a serious situation into an amusing comedy. Is it saying that it’s acceptable to be pregnant at 16? How would you feel as a parent who faced a similar situation? How would you feel if you were a pregnant teen and didn’t receive that kind of support and understanding from your parents? I would hope that it can be taken for what it is; a fictional situation. It’s more about how the characters react to the situation than anything else.

I talk a lot about being taken into different worlds by a good film and Juno falls into that category. Although it lasts just 96 minutes, I am reluctant to leave that world and always watch the special features. So, for me, Juno is a three-hour experience that always makes me happy.

If you like Juno:

After four films, it seems that I am a huge fan of director Jason Reitman. Like Juno, Up in the Air includes outstanding dialogue. George Clooney, Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick star and the cameo from J. K. Simmons is also memorable. Although slightly below the level of those two films, Thank You for Smoking and Young Adult are well worth your time.

Fans of Ellen Page might want to check out Hard Candy, but be aware that she plays a much grittier character than the one who charmed us in Juno. I can't talk much about the film without ruining the plot, but it was a tremendous performance from Page when she was just 17 years old (playing a 14-year-old).

This may sound like overpraise, but I blind bought Juno a little over 3 years ago and it still probably is the best blind buy I've ever made.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

This may sound like overpraise, but I blind bought Juno a little over 3 years ago and it still probably is the best blind buy I've ever made.

It was a blind buy for me as well.

I remember watching the Oscars and wishing that Juno would just go away. I was rooting for No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood in most categories.

Now I would give Best Actress to Page and it would be extremely close between No Country and Juno for Best Picture.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

The Vow:

Film: 3 (out of 4)

It's official. We have lost Jhiggy. RIP.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

good to hear! at first I thought it might be a bit harsh but then thought about how much Squid trashes Diesel on here and how this pails in comparison, so figured its cool since we've all been on here for years and are all very acquainted

Dont confuse "Trashing" with Tough Love. Some of these kids need, and appreciate, being kept in line.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Steve46

47. Juno (2007)

[Show spoiler]Comedy, Drama, Romance, 96 minutes
Directed by Jason Reitman
Starring Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jason Bateman and J. K. Simmons



Director Jason Reitman was also responsible for Up in the Air in 2009, which, along with Juno, dealt with subjects in which I had very little interest. But Reitman’s mix of drama and comedy works well in both movies and the witty dialogue drives both.

Juno is funny throughout, but it’s never dumb comedy and it never resorts to gross humor. The story works because we care about the characters and their one-liners fit both their personality and the situation. In short, it feels real. Many comedies assault the viewer with a stream of contrived jokes and it falls flat (for me at least).

Juno MacGuff (Page) is 16 and newly-pregnant. We see a flashback showing how it happened and who the father is. It turns out to be one of her best friends, Paulie Bleeker (Cera). After telling him, she decides that an abortion is the best course of action, but she changes her mind following a visit to the clinic. She’s a smart girl and feels capable of making her own decisions, eventually deciding that adoption may be the best thing for her and the baby.

She finds potential parents in an ad and then has the task of telling her father (Simmons) and stepmother (Allison Janney) that she’s pregnant. This is where the movie first defies our expectations. Instead of anger and shock, her parents are calm and accepting. They even joke about the situation when she reveals the father. It’s so refreshing to see supportive parents rather than the usual stereotypes.

Her father wants to go with her to meet the prospective foster parents, Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) and Mark (Bateman). Vanessa desperately wants a baby and is skeptical that Juno will honor the agreement, while Mark is more relaxed about everything. He bonds with Juno when she sees his guitar and they end up singing together.

Juno keeps in touch with the couple and forms a friendship with Mark because of their common love of music and movies. I particularly like this sequence because I’m passionate about both subjects and know the power of sharing and talking about such things. It’s the main reason that I write about movies. Mark introduces her to Sonic Youth (my favorite band) and Juno shares some of her classic rock and punk albums. It seems that the two might enter into a more serious relationship.

Her stepmother teaches her about food supplements and defends Juno when she goes to the hospital and is insulted by the ultrasound technician. It’s further evidence that she’ll be supported in her choices all the way.

Bleeker's face lights up every time he sees Juno. Cera plays the part well and doesn’t go over the top. It’s a quiet and understated performance, but he makes it clear that she’s special to him. She suggests that he date a different girl, but is angry when he does. The two have a showdown and it again becomes clear that they really feel something for each other.

There’s a touching scene in the shopping mall where Juno encounters Vanessa and sees her playing with a little girl. We see Juno forming the opinion that Vanessa will make a good mother. The scene develops with a meeting between the two in which Vanessa talks to Juno’s belly.

Her arrangement with Vanessa and Mark is threatened by one occurrence and we wonder how everything will turn out. I won’t reveal that here, but it’s a good resolution.

Another great scene involves a chat between father and daughter. It’s a potentially life-changing talk played perfectly by Page and Simmons. It sets into motion events that shape Juno’s immediate future. Simmons is so talented. If I were a writer/director, one of the first things I would do is create a starring role for Simmons. He’s made his mark with supporting roles, but has so much more to offer.

As for Page, what a remarkable talent. She carried such films as Whip It and Hard Candy, and had a major supporting role in Inception. At 24, she has most of her career ahead of her and I’m excited to see how she develops. She’s already capable of showing so much emotion and her comic timing is perfect. It will be fun to see what happens over the next decade.

One important component of the movie is the soundtrack. Kimya Dawson contributes nine of the songs in the film and they fit the mood and Juno’s character perfectly. There’s a well-placed Kinks song and bands such as Cat Power and Belle & Sebastian also fit the mood. The highlight is Sonic Youth covering the Carpenters’ Superstar, and it’s an important part of the plot.

Juno isn’t a film that will appeal to everyone. Some argue that the dialogue isn’t realistic, but I found it so. Who is it aimed at? Teens? Women? Pregnant girls? Many will write it off as falling into one of those categories. That would be a shame because it has a lot more to offer. I’m a 49-year-old man and I found it utterly charming, refreshing, intelligent and genuinely funny.

There’s a chance it may upset some people because it turns a serious situation into an amusing comedy. Is it saying that it’s acceptable to be pregnant at 16? How would you feel as a parent who faced a similar situation? How would you feel if you were a pregnant teen and didn’t receive that kind of support and understanding from your parents? I would hope that it can be taken for what it is; a fictional situation. It’s more about how the characters react to the situation than anything else.

I talk a lot about being taken into different worlds by a good film and Juno falls into that category. Although it lasts just 96 minutes, I am reluctant to leave that world and always watch the special features. So, for me, Juno is a three-hour experience that always makes me happy.

If you like Juno:

After four films, it seems that I am a huge fan of director Jason Reitman. Like Juno, Up in the Air includes outstanding dialogue. George Clooney, Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick star and the cameo from J. K. Simmons is also memorable. Although slightly below the level of those two films, Thank You for Smoking and Young Adult are well worth your time.

Fans of Ellen Page might want to check out Hard Candy, but be aware that she plays a much grittier character than the one who charmed us in Juno. I can't talk much about the film without ruining the plot, but it was a tremendous performance from Page when she was just 17 years old (playing a 14-year-old).

Hard Candy was my introduction to Page. Easy to see why I got hooked, instantly, right then and there.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Hard Candy was my introduction to Page. Easy to see why I got hooked, instantly, right then and there.

Yeah, I watched it last week.

Probably why she was in the early running for Dragon Tattoo.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange

I'm really ticked that Juno made Desmond kill that one character...

Oh wait, wrong Juno. I'm still thinking of the ending for "AC: Brotherhood."

Assassin's Creed III was announced today for October release

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by Foggy

Assassin's Creed III was announced today for October release

I saw the thread, and I like what I see.

[Romulus]

#18

[Show spoiler]


Directed by Paul Feig
Released May 13, 2011
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissas McCarthey, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Elie Kemper, Chris O'Dowd, Jill Clayburgh
125 Minutes

Annie (Kristen Wiig), is a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Annie's life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian's maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she'll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you'll go for someone you love.

When it comes to comedy, female driven stories are usually hard to come by. Most of the top comedies in a given year will typically focus around a lead group of guys that get themselves into trouble. Just a few years ago one of the biggest comedies to strike it big with the public was The Hangover (2009, Todd Phillips). Soon after the release it begged a question with many people: how come there hasn't been a comedy like this with all females? Granted, Bridesmaids is much more than what The Hangover tried to be. Yes, that's right, I wasn't the biggest fan in the world of The Hangover. For me, Bridesmaids is a much wittier, more well thought out comedy.

I mentioned in my previous review that the reason Rise of the Planet of the Apes exceeded was because of one pinnacle performance. Fortunately, Bridesmaids contained one of the best performances this year all thanks to Melissa McCarthey. In fact, I have a feeling that this peformance will still stand out for years to come. There is one reason to see this film alone and it's for her performance. I cannot think of any recent comedies where somebody has single handily stolen the scene so consistently than McCarthey. In an age where women are judged for their looks and appearances, it's great to see a role where someone is comfortable with the fact they know they aren't skinny or have the excellent body type. McCarthey base's her performance on that, and for that reason alone it makes her a more likable character than any of the other women in the film. There are a number of reasons McCarthey's performance has struck a cord with the public. Is she the perfect body type? No. Does she have the perfect personality or sense of what is going around her? No. Is she happy with her life and everything she does? Yes.

That, is what Bridesmaids is all about. It's about finding happiness and McCarthey's character is the only one in the entire film who has the happiness from beginning to end. In essence, she is literally the anchor for the film's message. All of the other characters are at one point or another (or the entire film) are unhappy with a certain aspect of their life. The main character Annie (Wiig) is unhappy that she has a failed business and that her best friend is getting married. The other Bridesmaids are unhappy with either their social status, love life or how their life has turned out. Annie's life doesn't turn around until Megan (McCarthey) bullies her to the point where Annie finally realizes that there is one person that can make you happy in life: yourself.

I've spent a majority of this review praising the film's message and McCarthey's performance. So why is the film ranked so low? Well, outside of her performance I didn't find the film extremely funny. The only funny moments of the film that made me laugh out loud contained McCarthey, other than that it was merely okay. I didn't find the main character Annie all that likeable, and maybe that was the point. It didn't make her journey any more fun though.

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Steve46

It was a blind buy for me as well.

I remember watching the Oscars and wishing that Juno would just go away. I was rooting for No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood in most categories.

Now I would give Best Actress to Page and it would be extremely close between No Country and Juno for Best Picture.

I don't have to worry about rooting for movies and such while watching the Oscars because I don't watch them.

I can't really say who should have gotten what that year as I don't know all of the nominations, but I obviously wouldn't have a problem with what you said.

Talking about this again, I'm going to have to watch it again shortly after I get through my unwatched movies.

Lastly, while we're on the subject of Ellen Page, I'm really surprised she didn't have any movies last year. It didn't really dawn on me until a couple of days ago when I was looking through my collection and looked at Whip It.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by KilloWertz

I don't have to worry about rooting for movies and such while watching the Oscars because I don't watch them.

I can't really say who should have gotten what that year as I don't know all of the nominations, but I obviously wouldn't have a problem with what you said.

Talking about this again, I'm going to have to watch it again shortly after I get through my unwatched movies.

Lastly, while we're on the subject of Ellen Page, I'm really surprised she didn't have any movies last year. It didn't really dawn on me until a couple of days ago when I was looking through my collection and looked at Whip It.

Wasn't Super last year?

[volcomsocal]

50/50 - 2011

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is on top of his game. He's made some fantastic movies in the last 5 or 6 years and he seems to be getting better as time goes on. This movie looked interesting, so naturally I wanted to see it.

Pretty heavy subject matter, but they put a somewhat light-hearted spin on it all. Joseph was, again, great in his role, but I just don't like Seth Rogan as an actor. I find him annoying and not very talented. The casting director should have picked a different "buddy" for Joseph's character to be friends with, but that's just me. I really liked the location for this movie, the northwest. Seattle doesn't get much movie time from what I've seen, so it was real nice to see the lush outdoors, with thick trees, rolling hills, lots of water, and just a beautiful sense of clean crisp air. I enjoyed the music in 50/50, specifically twice. Once towards the beginning with Radiohead, and once at the very end with Pearl Jam; very fitting.

Something I wanted to see more of was the relationship between Joseph's character and his

[Show spoiler]therapist

. They seemed to have something

[Show spoiler]really special between them. You could feel a great connection between them, and I just wanted to see a little more than what the movie gave us.

Overall this was an enjoyable movie. I pretty much expected what I ended up watching. It wasn't bad but it wasn't excellent. Definitely worth a rental.

PQ - 4.5/5
AQ - 4/5

3.5/5

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by Romulus

#18

[Show spoiler]


Directed by Paul Feig
Released May 13, 2011
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissas McCarthey, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Elie Kemper, Chris O'Dowd, Jill Clayburgh
125 Minutes



When it comes to comedy, female driven stories are usually hard to come by. Most of the top comedies in a given year will typically focus around a lead group of guys that get themselves into trouble. Just a few years ago one of the biggest comedies to strike it big with the public was The Hangover (2009, Todd Phillips). Soon after the release it begged a question with many people: how come there hasn't been a comedy like this with all females? Granted, Bridesmaids is much more than what The Hangover tried to be. Yes, that's right, I wasn't the biggest fan in the world of The Hangover. For me, Bridesmaids is a much wittier, more well thought out comedy.

I mentioned in my previous review that the reason Rise of the Planet of the Apes exceeded was because of one pinnacle performance. Fortunately, Bridesmaids contained one of the best performances this year all thanks to Melissa McCarthey. In fact, I have a feeling that this peformance will still stand out for years to come. There is one reason to see this film alone and it's for her performance. I cannot think of any recent comedies where somebody has single handily stolen the scene so consistently than McCarthey. In an age where women are judged for their looks and appearances, it's great to see a role where someone is comfortable with the fact they know they aren't skinny or have the excellent body type. McCarthey base's her performance on that, and for that reason alone it makes her a more likable character than any of the other women in the film. There are a number of reasons McCarthey's performance has struck a cord with the public. Is she the perfect body type? No. Does she have the perfect personality or sense of what is going around her? No. Is she happy with her life and everything she does? Yes.

That, is what Bridesmaids is all about. It's about finding happiness and McCarthey's character is the only one in the entire film who has the happiness from beginning to end. In essence, she is literally the anchor for the film's message. All of the other characters are at one point or another (or the entire film) are unhappy with a certain aspect of their life. The main character Annie (Wiig) is unhappy that she has a failed business and that her best friend is getting married. The other Bridesmaids are unhappy with either their social status, love life or how their life has turned out. Annie's life doesn't turn around until Megan (McCarthey) bullies her to the point where Annie finally realizes that there is one person that can make you happy in life: yourself.

I've spent a majority of this review praising the film's message and McCarthey's performance. So why is the film ranked so low? Well, outside of her performance I didn't find the film extremely funny. The only funny moments of the film that made me laugh out loud contained McCarthey, other than that it was merely okay. I didn't find the main character Annie all that likeable, and maybe that was the point. It didn't make her journey any more fun though.

People whose opinions I respect keep telling me to watch this, but something is holding me back. I don't like movies which outright try to be comedies. There are very few exceptions. Maybe I will weaken and watch it one day, but I'm almost certain I won't like it. Probably best to wait until I have an open mind, if that ever happens.

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

50/50 - 2011

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is on top of his game. He's made some fantastic movies in the last 5 or 6 years and he seems to be getting better as time goes on. This movie looked interesting, so naturally I wanted to see it.

Pretty heavy subject matter, but they put a somewhat light-hearted spin on it all. Joseph was, again, great in his role, but I just don't like Seth Rogan as an actor. I find him annoying and not very talented. The casting director should have picked a different "buddy" for Joseph's character to be friends with, but that's just me. I really liked the location for this movie, the northwest. Seattle doesn't get much movie time from what I've seen, so it was real nice to see the lush outdoors, with thick trees, rolling hills, lots of water, and just a beautiful sense of clean crisp air. I enjoyed the music in 50/50, specifically twice. Once towards the beginning with Radiohead, and once at the very end with Pearl Jam; very fitting.

Something I wanted to see more of was the relationship between Joseph's character and his

[Show spoiler]therapist

. They seemed to have something

[Show spoiler]really special between them. You could feel a great connection between them, and I just wanted to see a little more than what the movie gave us.

Overall this was an enjoyable movie. I pretty much expected what I ended up watching. It wasn't bad but it wasn't excellent. Definitely worth a rental.

PQ - 4.5/5
AQ - 4/5

3.5/5

That is almost exactly what my review would be. Same score and same reason for keeping it low. Rogan stopped it from being much more. Kendrick was pretty good. Hard to live up to the perfection of Up in the Air though

[KilloWertz]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Wasn't Super last year?

You're right. I was going by the year every site lists it for, which is 2010. Dumb since that was only for film festivals, but I could say that about a lot of movies.

[volcomsocal]

Originally Posted by Steve46

That is almost exactly what my review would be. Same score and same reason for keeping it low. Rogan stopped it from being much more. Kendrick was pretty good. Hard to live up to the perfection of Up in the Air though

Anna Kendrick is absolutely adorable in this movie, more so than Up In the Air. But that's just my humble opinion.

[Diesel]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Dont confuse "Trashing" with Tough Love. Some of these kids need, and appreciate, being kept in line.

[Show spoiler]