Reviews

I hate country music and always have, but I loved "Country Strong." It wasn't just your average honky-tonk kind of film. The movie had real heart and the songs all had real meaning. I was truly impressed with all of the singing, especially Garrett Hedlund's. He had that deep, crisp, sexy voice and gave each song a real country vibe. I absolutely loved the song he wrote called "Give In to Me." I really enjoyed his character too, the friendship that he had with Kelly and how he was always looking out for her. He wanted so much to save her, but in the end no one could. Gwyneth Paltrow has always been one of my favorite actresses and as always I thought she delivered another great performance. She did an amazing job portraying Kelly Canter and the struggles she sought to overcome from her past. Surprisingly I even enjoyed Leighton Meester's performance as the good-hearted, innocent and talented rising country singer Chiles Stanton. More importantly, I liked the message of the film- that even if you're beautiful, and talented and have lots of money it doesn't mean anything if you're not happy. So many people today think that you have to have fame and fortune to be happy, but as they say in the film, 'love and fame don't go together.' I found the ending to be very sad for Gwyneth's character, how alone and unhappy she must have been, but how things could have turned out so differently for her. But I loved how Beau and Chiles' story ended. It was perfect and exactly what I was hoping for! It just goes to show that love is truly the only thing that matters in life, and that we should never be afraid to fall in love because that's where true happiness lies.

I loved this movie! When I first started watching it I thought it was going to be pretty uneventful and a tad on the corny side, but I ended up really enjoying it. In fact, I went out and bought the DVD the next day! Both the cinematography and the costumes were truly wonderful! Luke Goss was mesmerizing as the great King Xerxes and Tiffany Dupont was perfect for the role of Esther. I really appreciated how closely the film stayed true to the Bible's account of Esther. She was definitely a woman with great inner strength and a courage unlike that of any other. As a result, she was able to save her people, and gain the love and respect of a King. The music was also phenomenal- especially "Kingdom of Love" by Shani. My favorite part of the movie was when that song is being played while Hadassah walks up to meet the King and becomes the new Queen of Persia. What woman wouldn't want to be led by her husband on a garden of rose petals! And the scene where she enters in unannounced before the King was beautifully done as well. The chemistry between Goss and Dupont truly made the movie a success! Their love story was so beautifully portrayed in this film, and I'm glad that it was finally told in the way that most people imagined it was and should have been. A must-see!

This movie was so incredibly sad! It's about loss, tragedy and forgiveness. It tells the story of Tyler Hawkins, played by the talented Robert Pattinson, and his struggle to go on living after his brother's suicide. His strained relationship with his estranged father also comes into play throughout the film. Before meeting Ally, Tyler lives each day without meaning or purpose, trapped in the past without much hope of a future. But Ally forces him to feel all the emotions he's kept trapped inside for so long, and together they find peace and come to terms with their pasts. I also loved the close bond he and his sister, Caroline, shared throughout the film. He was very much a "big brother." But just when you start to think that everything is going to be okay for Tyler and his family the unthinkable happens- September 11th. In the last few minutes of the film, they show Pattinson waiting for his father in his office, and then as the camera fades you realize that he is looking out from the World Trade Center, and at that point you know what happens next. But that's life- you live, you love and eventually you die. It was just so sad that after all he had been through, all the pain and heart break, he was still able to find happiness. But he lost it all in an instant. The whole film just really touches you emotionally on so many different levels. It was bitter sweet!

This movie was extraordinary! I was mesmerized from start to finish. Everything about the film was beautiful- the language, the scenery, the words. The film tells the story of the brief romance shared between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne. Director Jane Campion captures the purity and innocence of a young, forbidden love with both elegance and grace. Abbie Cornish truly shines in her role as the independent, strong-willed Fanny Brawne and Ben Whishaw as the great and free-spirited John Keats was phenomenal. They had such beautiful chemistry together and truly made the film something to be treasured. More than all else, the film was about first love and how that feeling can burn so strongly within a person, and how it inspired one man to write the greatest poetry of all time. Keats was truly talented and had such a mastery over the written word, a fact which is made so evident throughout the entirety of the film. She was his "bright star"- his inspiration in both life and love. It is most difficult to choose a favorite scene but if I had to it would be the scene right before the end where Keats and Brawne share an intimate yet heartbreaking good-bye. Keats knows that he is dying and will probably never see Fanny again, and deep down she knows it too, despite her unwillingness to accept it. But he just holds her in his arms and recites another one of his poems that he's written for her, describing the moment so perfectly. As a writer I had such an appreciation for this film- truly inspiring. "Bright Star" is truly one of a kind- a must see!

This movie really hit the nail on the head! They had every cliché in the book. It portrayed perfectly how men and women think and act the way they do. And the answer to every question is: He's just NOT that into you! It's as simple as that. Unfortunately, it's not always easy for us girls to accept or even understand. But I must say I left the theater full of hope and optimism that love is out there for the taking- you just have to find it. All in all, I really enjoyed all the different aspects and story lines of the film and how they all intertwined with each other. I felt for so many of the characters but I connected most with Gigi. Ginnifer Goodwin did a fantastic job as the smart, witty, light-hearted city girl just looking for love in all the wrong places. She pulled all the moves in the book- checking her phone a million times, pulling a coincidental "drive by," returning an item that wasn't really lost in the first place. Classic! If only guys really knew what we girls do. In the end though, she found her happily every after. And I must say her love interest Alex, played by Justin Long, did an amazing job as well. I loved his characters' personality and all of his ideas and philosophies into the female psyche. His talent brought a great deal to the film and he has come a long way as an actor. As a whole, the movie was very funny, down to earth, honest and downright entertaining, all the while exploring the ins and outs and ups and downs- the nitty gritty of human relationships. Love takes on a whole new meaning. A must-see!

It's hard for me to describe exactly how I feel about this film. There were parts that made you want to laugh and others that made you cry. It was heartwarming yet heartbreaking all at the same time. The story line is truly one of its kind and unlike any other, both creative and curious. At first I really loved the idea of a person aging backwards but I underestimated what exactly that would mean, like watching everyone you love grow old and die or losing all of your precious memories and forgetting all those years of your life, the people you met along the way and the journeys you made. Still, it was such a beautiful, unique story of life through the eyes of Benjamin Button. Both Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett were phenomenal and made wonderful chemistry together. And it seems as though Brad Pitt gets younger and more good looking with every role! I thought their love story was one of the greats, spanning through decades of time. It was nice to see Julia Ormond back on the big screen too as Caroline, living proof of the love they shared together throughout a lifetime. The make-up in the film is amazing as they take us through the aging process of Benjamin Button. I also thought the scenery to be quite beautiful as well. There were a few scenes that I did not care for because I felt they took away from the film and clouded the story but overall it was a truly great movie. Unfortunately, the ending was a bit sad but tugs at your heartstrings. The film gives you a different perspective on life and ingrains in both your mind and heart that time is precious and that you live your 'life in the moments, not the minutes.'

This movie reminded me a great deal of "The Other Boleyn Girl" in so many ways. As always, Keira Knightley portrays another perfect performance in her latest film. It is a story about life in the 18th century and a young woman, Georgiana, caught in the middle of a treacherous and debauched society. At only eighteen years of age she is given in marriage to the Duke of Devonshire, making her the new Duchess of Devonshire. Her innocence and lust for life were taken away at such an early age, leaving her trapped in a loveless marriage to a pig of a man! She is forced to compromise her beliefs along with all of her dreams, her constant occupation being her husband's obsession to produce a male heir. When she finally does find love with Charles Grey the Duke sees to it that if she abandons her responsibilities she will be parted from her children forever. In the end, she sacrificed everything for her place in a society that gave nothing in return, and instead lost her chance at love, her child, her identity and even her own husband whom she was forced to share with another woman. It was heartbreaking to see how Georgiana Spencer was made to live her life and how unhappy she must have been. Women were treated like manufacturing machines instead of wives and were dealt with such cruelty and disrespect, especially in a time considered to be noble and of the highest stature. All in all, the movie really helped me to appreciate being a woman today with the rights and freedoms that so many never had in times past. It was a look into one woman's fight to just be herself in a world where propriety forced her to be so many things that she wasn't. An excellent portrayal of one woman's place in history.

Although not as good as the first, this latest Bond is just as good and equally entertaining. Once again Daniel Craig delivers yet another phenomenal performance as the gorgeous and sexy, blue-eyed James Bond. No other actor has truly transformed himself into the role of James Bond as Craig can. He is "Bond. James Bond!" In "Quantum" the plot picks right up where "Casino Royale" left off with 007 searching for the people behind the organization responsible for the death of his love, Vesper. In the beginning Bond is consumed by his grief and allows himself to be guided by his rage and anger. He doesn't care what he does or who he hurts, including himself. In the midst of his ventures he tangles with Camille, a young woman caught in the middle of a conspiracy, behind which is our villain, Dominic Greene and Bolivia's corrupt government officials. Although not a typical "Bond Girl," Olga Kurylenko also did a fine job in fulfilling her role in the film. The two had somewhat of a connection, especially noted in that second to last scene. The ending was excellent and quite unexpected, adding to the overall suspense and action of the film. All in all, Bond finally found what he was looking for- answers. It was then that he finally realized too that Vesper did not betray him and that she truly loved him. There was also a hint of a third in this new Bond series. If so, I eagerly await and anticipate its return. A must see!

This is quite possibly the best show to ever be aired on television! It has been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl. "Dr. Quinn" is a story about embarking on life's many adventures and finding family, friends and love along the way in people and places you never thought possible. And it's a tale about the great West and the little happenings of a small town called Colorado Springs. Dr. Mike is a strong-willed, compassionate and independent woman who dedicated her life to helping others. Jane Seymour's performance in every episode, from beginning to end, was phenomenal. Joe Lando was also excellent as the beloved Sully. I love the romance they both share with each other and how they build their family around it. They are the sexiest couple of all time and have outstanding chemistry together that's evident in every episode! Their love story is one of the greats. I most definitely have more than one favorite episode, among them would have to be when Sully proposes to Michaela, when Dr. Mike and Sully finally get married, and when little Katie is born. The show sends out such a wonderful message about always doing what's right and sticking together as a family. It's also about loss and learning how to put the pieces back together again and finding joy in the little things. Each and every character adds to the success of the show and it just wouldn't be the same without them all. You really get to know them with each passing season and they almost become like family. It is unlike any other show on television. Nothing else compares! "Dr. Quinn" will always be an all time favorite of mine, for it truly touches the heart.

The sisterhood continues in this beloved story as Tibby, Lena, Carmen and Bridget graduate high school and their talents and ambitions take them each down separate paths. Throughout the film they each have their own journey to self-discovery, yet learn to still rely on each other and stay the best of friends despite the changes that are taking place all around them. It's a story too about love and how it can be found in the most unexpected places, but sometimes to get there you have to experience loss and heartache along the way. There were so many life lessons learned about family, friendship and love. It was really great to finally see Carmen come out of her shell and show everybody who she really was and what she's made of and I'm glad she finally got to fall in love this time too. I was also glad to see Tibby finally let down her guard and realize that there are people who will truly love you and never leave you. It was great too to see Bridget and her dad finally have a real heart to heart conversation and how they were both able to let go of the past and forgive each other. However, my favorite story of all was Lena's. I feel as though I can relate to her the most and she's really come so far since the first film. She and Kostos are one of my favorite love stories and I was going to be so upset if she did not choose him at the end. It wouldn't have been the same if they didn't. It would be fun to see them come out with "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 3" and find out who they become as adults, what career they chose and who they all fell in love with and married, but it didn't seem to leave much room for that. All in all,the movie ends leaving you with the satisfaction in knowing that the pants brought them all together again and strengthened the bond of friendship, but most importantly the sisterhood.

They're back again! I think everyone had high expectations for this film, but this sequel went above and beyond. "The Dark Knight" was without a doubt the best movie of the year! In a word- riveting! It was equally as good as the first if not better. All of the action and suspense keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire film, from the first scene to the last. It's one you have to see more than once, especially with such an all star cast. As always, Christian Bale plays yet another phenomenal role this second time around as Batman and Heath Ledger's last chilling, yet brilliant performance as "The Joker" both made the film. He most definitely deserves the Oscar! However, I did not care too much for Maggie Gyllenhaal as the new Rachel Dawes. There was just no chemistry there whatsoever. And you kind of feel bad for Batman too at the end because first the woman he loves chooses someone else after she already basically said that she loved him and then the entire city of Gotham turns on him, forcing him to become "The Dark Knight." The film also brought to light so many of the truths about the never ending battle of good vs. evil that so many fight within themselves. All in all, it demanded your full attention and rightly so. No doubt there will be another "Batman" somewhere in the near future, making it a trilogy that will soar through the box office once again. Entertainment at its best!

This movie definitely has gumption! There is just something about this movie that gets me every time. It just hits so close to home for me. For some reason I always seem to watch it when it's raining or when I'm feeling down or unwanted and confused about love. Everyone has had their share of broken hearts and this is a good movie to watch when you've got one. I have watched it many a times before. Somehow it always manages to leave me with a smile on my face with my hope in love restored once again. And Kate Winslet is so great in this film. Everything she says about love is so true. For example, I love in the beginning how she describes the different kinds of love there are, how easily love can fade or be lost or even unreturned. And I almost cry every time during the scene when she's explaining how broken a person's heart can be, but then she says too that eventually all that fades and you move on because you really do. It's just a great pick me up for when you're feeling blue and alone in the love department. The cast was also well chosen and fit the story line perfectly. Jude Law and Cameron Diaz were great together and I also thought that Jack Black did a nice job as well. Normally I don't really care for him and his type of humor but he really pulled his character off nicely. He had a subtle, yet caring and sweet kind of humor that added a great deal to the film. All in all, "The Holiday" is a great movie to put in whenever you want answers to all of the hard questions about love or when you just feel like "vacating" your life for a while. It's a good remedy for a broken heart because it comes from the heart.

"Army Wives" is television's finest! I love everything about this show. It touches and reaches me on such a personal and emotional level. No other show has moved me to tears quite like this one. At first I thought that it was going to be entirely based on the army but it's actually the exact opposite. It's about real life and real women who have to fight their own battles to keep their family together. And it's hard to pick and choose favorites too. Every couple or family has their own special uniqueness and personality that draws you in and keeps you coming back each week for more. In the beginning you're introduced to five different families and each episode you learn more and more about their lives and what they've lived through and each one tells their own story. Eventually you just get so involved and wrapped up in all the people and their lives. Most of all though, the show is about friendship and how each wife finds a kindred spirit in the other. They're all there for one another during the good times and the bad. All of them are strong and independent women who go through so much but still manage to move on with their lives with a courage and bravery that comes only from the heart. This is so much more than just a show. Every episode leaves you wanting more. In fact, I even went out and bought the complete first season so that I'll always have every episode. A show of this caliber doesn't come around too often and this is one that I hope will last a very long time.

Well, somebody finally got it right this time! This new version of "The Incredible Hulk" is exactly what the first one failed to accomplish. Everything about the movie made it great- the acting, the plot, the story line, and its evil, yet very worthy opponent. It's exciting, entertaining, action-packed and suspenseful and keeps you right on the edge of your seat the entire time. Edward Norton did a fantastic job as "Mr. Green" and met everyone's expectations. The fact that he helped write the screenplay for the film says a lot about his talents and abilities as an actor as well. Liv Tyler delivered a good performance too and together they both added a great deal more to the film. Her character is compassionate and kind which I found to make Norton's character more human. And the little bit of romance they had on the side too wasn't a bad idea either. Every great comic book hero has to have his girl, that damsel in distress that requires rescuing from time to time. And I was surprised to find that some lines Norton delivered in the movie were actually quite humorous and that's always a plus. The last battle sequence between the Hulk and the "Abomination" was awesome. The ending leaves the story line wide open for a sequel with a special appearance from Tony Starks, the Iron Man. It was really neat to see how they tied the two Marvel characters together in what promises to be another great movie in the making. I am anxiously awaiting the next film. So even though you may be wary of this remake give the new "Incredible Hulk" a chance. It won't disappoint you!

This movie was so well done and so amazingly cast… it left me in total shock and awe! I have read so many terrible reviews about the film, supposedly because the story doesn't follow the book or it wasn't historically accurate. However, it was amazing to me just how accurate it was to actual history. If you look up Anne Boleyn's story you'll find that pretty much everything that she did or went through in the movie really did happen to her during her short life. For example, she really was King Henry's second wife, she really was sent away to live in France for a time, she was not able to bear a son, she was accused of incest and adultery and she was in fact tried for treason and later executed for these supposed crimes. However, they did add some things that weren't historically accurate but that's true of every movie. I still found the movie to be very entertaining even with the added plot. At first I wasn't quite sure if Mary Boleyn even existed because I couldn't find any information on her but from what I've read from other reviews it appears as though she did. That probably would have been too hard to get around if she didn't. In any case it makes the story more real when the people, places and events are all true. It was sad to see how one man took all of the innocence and life from two sisters who once shared such a close, intimate bond. All of the pressure put on them by society and even their own family ultimately cost one sister her life and almost took the other's too. Back then women were treated like cattle or manufacturing machines who, if they didn't produce a male heir, were immediately disposed of just as quickly. It didn't matter if you found favor with the King because eventually you would be replaced by another pretty face eager to do the job. All I can say is props to the women living in the 14th century! Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson were brilliant as the Boleyn sisters. Despite all their plotting and deviousness I was still glad to see that they remained close and were able to forgive each other, right down to the very end. And I loved what Mary said to the King when she was pleading for her sister's life, maybe because I have a little sister of my own. She said, "Because she is my sister, and therefore one half of me." So true! Eric Bana fit his role as the King perfectly. He was all of the things that King Henry VIII really was- a chauvinistic, nymphomaniac, sexist pig. He broke so many hearts and took so many lives along the way and all to his own advancement. Men! All in all, this really is a great movie with phenomenal performances. It keeps you guessing 'til the very end!

This latest romantic comedy definitely has its moments. The story begins by showing how Tom and Hannah, played by Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan, first become best friends and from then on remain inseparable. It's not the first time two best friends fall in love and the ending was thoroughly predictable, but it was cute to see the when and how they both fell in love with each other. My favorite part was probably near the beginning when they're strolling through New York City and you can see just how close and how well they know each other and how they're able to go around and pick and choose different things that the other wants so perfectly, whether it be as little as a cup of coffee or a piece of cake. To know someone that well and that completely is amazing to me. I also felt so bad for Tom at times because to be in love with someone and not be able to tell them or do anything about it is one of the worst feelings in the world. And some of the things she made him do must have just killed him, but were hysterical too all at the same time! They both had great chemistry together which is quite evident in that kiss! I also thought the location they chose to shoot the last part of the film was absolutely beautiful. The mountains and hills were spectacular and everything was just so green and full of life. That was really one of the highlights of the movie. As a whole, I really enjoyed the movie as I'm sure almost any "McDreamy" fan would. So, if you like a good laugh and a little bit of romance, grab your best friend and go see "Made of Honor."

"Narnia" is back on the big screen and better than ever. C.S. Lewis' beloved story of a world full of magic and imagination comes to life once again for audiences of all ages. In this part of the story we are introduced to Prince Caspian who is ultimately responsible for bringing back the Kings and Queens of Narnia. They all reunite with the Narnians and together they fight to restore beauty and peace to the land once again. This sequel was surprising well done. The characters were more dynamic and better developed and the actors delivered fine performances, perhaps even better than in the first. Newcomer Ben Barnes was the perfect Prince Caspian. The ending was sort of unexpected and a bit sad but the story is far from over. However, I did think that the film probably should have been given a "PG-13" rating because of the battle scenes. They were a little too violent for younger children to see but not too graphic. Overall, "Prince Caspian" was very entertaining this second time around and a must see for the child at heart in all of us.

This show definitely has something! At first, I thought that it was going to be one of those gory, fake, slasher vampire shows that have absolutely no point to them, but when my cousin turned it on I really got into the plot and the stories behind each of the characters. So it was really quite the opposite and better than I expected. I have only seen one episode, which actually turned out to be the season finale "Sonata," and I am already obsessed with it. Now I can hardly wait for the next season to start. I've already spent hours on You Tube watching clips of past episodes. I'm completely hooked! The two main characters Mick and Beth played by Alex O'Loughlin and Sophia Myles have such great chemistry together. And Mick St. John is just so sexy. No mere mortal could resist! I'm also finding that I really love the songs they play on the show. Often times they really make the scene. All in all, "Moonlight" is a great show and I'm excited for Season 2.

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this modern re-telling of "Macbeth." This is the only part of the series that I've watched so far. It was very different but I thought that they pulled it off nicely. And I love James McAvoy so of course I think he was perfect for the film. I liked how they showed how much the characters were all affected by their actions and the choices they made and how it changed them all in the end. Their facial expressions said everything and I like when the actors can really accomplish that and James McAvoy did an excellent job. It really makes the movie. "Macbeth" is probably not a movie for everyone but if you like Shakespeare it is worth a try.

There are not enough words to describe how truly amazing this movie is! It was exceptional and most definitely one of the best movies I have ever seen. Every scene is breathtaking. The director really brought McEwan's words alive and stayed true to his story. You are taken into the mind of young Briony Tallis whose innocence, imagination and childhood fantasies changes the lives of everyone around her. With one simple lie, one small accusation, she destroys the lives of the two people she cares for the most. James McAvoy and Keira Knightley were in a league entirely of their own. Their performances as Robbie Turner and Cecilia Tallis were phenomenal. They had that spark and that chemistry that really make the movie what it is. But I must say that James McAvoy was both the lead role and star of the film. I love him in every movie he's ever been a part of! As an actor he possesses the talent and ability to invoke emotion in you from every scene. He can make you laugh one minute and cry the next. He is truly talented. Some of the most powerful scenes are when he is in the war just trying to make it back to the woman he loves and thinking about her every step of his journey. The scene where he comes across a field of dead school children and begins to cry was very moving. And then there's the scene where's he's just lying there at night looking at the picture of the cottage until the match goes out, wanting so much to be home there with her. That was another tear jerker! One of my favorite scenes too was right after Cecilia comes up from the water and grabs the broken vase out of his hand and he just watches her walk away and then he goes over to the fountain and lays his hand on top of the water, just to be close to her. That was another really beautiful scene. But what I loved the most was how much they both loved each other and all he wanted to do was just get back to her so that they could be together and I hate that they never got that chance. The ending truly shocked me. I really thought that everything was going to turn out the way it was supposed to and that Briony would change her testimony and he would finally be cleared of any shame or reproach that he suffered because of her. And I really thought they were going to get married and live happily ever after because they so rightly deserved a happy ending. Then come to find out that Briony never had the courage or the decency to go and see her sister that day to try and make things right. Her character irritated me so much, not just because she lied but because she was a coward and she ruined two people's lives without cause or reason. She could have fixed what she'd done but she chose not to. She only wrote that last book at the end because of her guilty conscience but even then what she did all those years ago was still unforgivable. Still, I'm glad that despite all the odds that were against them they got a chance to see each other that one time in the café, and despite it all they still loved each other all the same- maybe more even. However, even as evil as it sounds, I am glad that they both died in the end so that one didn't have to suffer all the pain and heartache alone and go through life without the other. I did like the very last scene too. It gave you a sense of closure and was exactly how it should really have been. All in all, "Atonement" is a love story and one that stands the test of time and endures a lie, the horrors of war and even death. It was heartbreaking, but then again most great love stories usually are.

"Penelope" was in a league entirely of its own. I haven't seen a movie this honest and sweet in such a long time. There were so many lessons to be gained from this movie, the most important of which is that it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside but who you are inside that truly counts. And all you have to do is find that one other person who can look past all the flaws and imperfections and see true beauty. Christina Ricci did an outstanding job in her role as "Penelope." She really made it her own. She had this innocence about her and such inner strength. James McAvoy was absolutely mesmerizing and continues to please and amaze me in every production that he is a part of. He was so charming as the mysterious, care free "Max" who sets out to win Penelope's heart. In the beginning he agrees to try and get close to her only so he can get a picture of her for the tabloids, but in the end he falls in love with her. You can see how much he changes after each conversation. I knew it all along but I was so glad that he did the right thing. And you finally find out later that even though he wanted to marry her he couldn't let himself because he thought that he couldn't give her what she really wanted. So he let her go, which makes you fall for him even more because that is the greatest kind of love- sacrifice. But everything was made right in the end. And once again he delivered another dreamy, weak in the knees kiss! Besides that part, I think my favorite scene was where he's sitting playing the piano and she finally comes out and lays her hands on top of his and they play the song together. But I loved the ending too! James McAvoy just makes your heart melt. He has the most gorgeous blue eyes that just seep right into you. All in all, it is a lovely story about falling in love for the first time and finding out who you are in the meantime, and realizing that that person is truly beautiful. "Penelope" truly tugs on your heartstrings.

"Starter for 10" is such a great movie! This coming of age story is all about finding out who you are, learning from your mistakes, and finding someone who truly understands and loves you for exactly who you are. It portrays so much of what life is really like, especially when you take your first step out into the real world. And once again James McAvoy delivered another phenomenal performance as the clever, down-to-earth Brian Jackson. I love the way he draws you in and makes you feel so much for his character in every part he plays and that is what he does in this movie as well, which is only one of the million reasons why he is my favorite actor of all time. You can really connect with his character and you really do feel for him throughout all of the different changes and experiences that he is forced to go through on his journey and search for knowledge. I also really liked Rebecca Hall as Rebecca Epstein. I thought that the two had such great chemistry together. I like seeing best friends fall in love and I love that he chose her in the end. I also loved what she told him while they were sitting together in the rain and thought it was very profound- "Sometimes the people you care about the most just basically don't give a toss about you." So true! And I loved the last scene, with yet another amazing kiss. The music was perfect and went well with every scene too. The movie was full of meaningful life lessons and you come away from it knowing more (literally, with all the little factoids in it) and with a smile on your face. And just as a warning: Don't read the book first. In fact I didn't even really like the book. I felt that it ruined the real story. The movie is a thousand times better. See for yourself!

This movie sort of disappointed me. I usually really like these kinds of movies but this one was not up to par. It had some great action scenes and was entertaining, but the end left me with questions, as well as the beginning. For example, I didn't really understand how he was able to teleport to the library in the first place. And what I got from the end was that Diane Lane, who plays his mother, was basically telling him that sooner or later she would be back with the others again trying to rid the world of all of its "abominations," even though she just risked her life the entire time to save him. Who would want her as a mother? I also thought that some parts were really hard to believe, especially when David returns after years and blindly asks Millie to go away with him all the way to Rome. As if any sensible girl would comply. However, with Hayden Christensen's good looks it would be quite hard to resist. I did think that he and Rachel Bilson both gave descent performances. I don't care much for Samuel L. Jackson but he played an okay villain. However, I found some parts to be quite humorous. All in all, "Jumper" did have its moments. It would be pretty thrilling if we all possessed such a talent- to be able to teleport into different worlds in the blink of an eye. I will probably give it another chance when it comes out to rent on DVD to see if I can understand it better the second time around. Still, it was worth seeing at least once.

There are so many mixed reviews about this film. I loved Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey in their first film, "10 Days," they did together so I knew they would have awesome chemistry again in "Fool's Gold," which they did. I thought that the movie was exciting, funny, adventurous and overall very entertaining. It was neat following along in the story and trying to figure out all of the clues to determine where the treasure was. I must admit however that it was not as good as I expected or hoped it would be and I thought that it could have been better. Both actors had the potential to successfully pull off stronger roles if only they had been given them in the script. I think both of their personalities are what really saved the movie and made it enjoyable to see. The movie did have some good one-liners. Also I thought the location where the film was shot was beautiful and really made you wish you were at the beach! All in all, it is definitely not an award winner but if you're looking for a good movie full of fun and adventure then you'll enjoy "Fool's Gold." It has its moments- it made me laugh.

For some reason I really enjoyed this movie. I could tell by the previews that it was going to be a good film, but it exceeded my expectations. I liked it so much that I went out and bought the DVD. It tells the story of two very different people and how they both change along the way. Most of all, they learn the importance of forgiveness. And it's also about finding love in people and places you never thought possible. The cinematography is beautiful and I really enjoyed the music. The song "A la Claire Fontaine" played after Walter dies is truly touching and fits the sad tone of the story. Almost wants to make you cry. I thought that Edward Norton and Naomi Watts were both perfect picks for each of their roles. Walter is very shy and modest while Kitty is very bold and outspoken, yet somehow they both seem to complete each other. You feel so many different human emotions throughout the entirety of the film. The only thing that I thought was missing was in the scene where Walter dies of cholera. I felt that after he asked Kitty for forgiveness she needed to tell him that she loved him. She never once said those words even though it was very clear that she did love him. I just felt she really should have proclaimed it. I think it would have completed the scene. Other than that it was an amazing film.