My Last Blog Post...

Hi all!

Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my blog especially my movie reviews and insights. I want to personally thank each and everyone of you here who has even once read any of my posts - your time and input is well appreciated.

As all good things must come to an end, so must this blog here. And, so - my last blog post.

Here.

On blogspot.

Though, I will continue with the blog - it has just moved. Hooray!!

Blogspot has been a great blogging platform for me - it's served me well. And, now for the new site location (drumroll please).....

www.filmgurl.net

Hope to see you all there, thanks for reading! :)

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!

Exit Through the Gift Shop: A Banksy Film (2010)

When I first heard about this film, it was all the rage. Personally, I had never heard of Banksy before this movie came out. Though, it seemed like he was a big deal in the art world - a really big deal. And, this film showed it.

But, this film was not about Banksy at all. And, that was what made it so brilliant.

It was a story about just a normal guy, Thierry Guetta (aka Mr. Brainwash), who wanted to be a filmmaker. And, in his quest - he stumbles upon the underground art world scene, which was both dangerous yet intriguing.

(Note: For those who have seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about. In a sense, this underground art world scene sparks scene sparks controversy and interest among all art lovers alike. And, that's what I found so interesting).

So, what is so special about Thierry's story? What makes him so interesting to center a film around him and his life? Well, you'll be surprised at the answer - it definitely threw me for a loop.

Basically, this is a story about how an ordinary guy went from rags to riches (basically overnight) in the art world. Now, Thierry didn't really have any experience in the art world.

But, he did have experience (and loved) using a video camera - he was very passionate about shooting video of everything. And, this passion progressed into filming artists in the underground world - big time artists such as Space Invader, Shepard Fairey, and of course - Banksy.

Though as the film progresses, it slowly unfolds into displaying Thierry's quest to be a filmmaker into a new quest - to be an artist. And, this is where the madness begins.

You see, in Thierry's new quest to be an artist - he consulted with Banksy (who seemed to serve as a kind of mentor), who told him he should really start small and build from there.

(Note: In the film, it depicts Banksy as suggesting Thierry enter and hold small art shows to display his work just inviting family and friends to start off . Then, after a few shows he could then build up his reputation and work towards bigger shows).

But, this was not how Thierry operated. He wanted to be big. And, fast.

So, the story continues to show how Thierry became a success overnight. Though, at the expense of almost every single artist he befriended - including Banksy.

(Note: I don't want to ruin it for those who have not seen the film, but I'll just say - it's really one of those things where it seemed he took advantage of these relationships and friendships that he had made).

Personally, I think this film has a very interesting and important message to say about art. And, that is that "Art is really in the eye of the beholder."

In this case, there were many beholders willing to pay top dollar for art by a regular guy who had just become an overnight success. And, all this due to his connections and relationships he had made in the underground art world.

At the end of the film, Banksy makes a very important observation. And, that is - who is the joke really on?

In a sense, I think this film really begs the question - what makes an artist? And, how can an artist's work really be measured? By the amount of money he or she makes? Or, by the popularity of his or her work? Or, both? Or, neither? Who decides?

Overall, I enjoyed this film - it's different. And, it had an interesting yet important message. Even if you do not consider yourself an artist, it's definitely something I find worth looking into.

If you're in the mood for a documentary type of film, I do recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

Kid In The Front Row Blogathon: My Favorite Childhood Book

(Note: This post has nothing to do with film and/or movies. Though, I felt compelled to participate and share with you my thoughts. Thanks for reading!)

So, I've decided to participate in my film blogging pal's, Kid In The Front Row, latest blogathon "My Favorite Childhood Book."

Now, as part of a participant of the blogathon - I was required to re-read my favorite childhood book and write about it. And, I'm happy to say and share with you - my favorite childhood book is:



Since I have not read the book in a very long time, it was very nostalgic to go back and re-read the story. I remember as a kid, this was my all time favorite book - I took it with me everywhere.

(Note: And, for those interested - my all time favorite game as a child was Monopoly - I took it everywhere with me as well. Though, I was banned from bringing the game to school. Many times my beloved Monopoly game was taken away as I sat in the principal's office awaiting my fate. Unfortunately, the school system I attended did not tolerate teaching kids about money and business - one of my interests even as a kid. As a child, I was an entrepreneur of sorts - I always had an entrepreneurial venture going on).

After re-reading the book recently, it really takes me back and makes me think about why I liked the story so much. As a kid, I remember reading this book over and over again. And, I remember - it really was a book that kept me going even at a young age.

So, what is it about the story that just kept me going? Well, I think it had a lot to do with the way the story was told and how I was able to relate to the "little engine" in the story.

You see, I wasn't the smartest kid in the class. Nor, was I the strongest. Or, the most artistic. I wasn't even the most behaved kid. But, one thing I did have (which many of my teachers remarked about) was my creativity.

Though, in the areas of my academic life - I kind of struggled with my schoolwork. And, I also had a major behavioral problem - I got distracted easily. And, I didn't take to following directions. But, all of my teachers all said that I was a bright kid - I just needed to apply myself.

So, in an effort to teach me that I could do something if I just put my mind to it - I was introduced to my favorite childhood book. And, I kept reading and reading the book over and over again.

Looking back, in a way - I guess I can say the book kind of inspired me. It encouraged me and taught me that one lesson - if I put my mind to it, I can accomplish the task at hand. And, so - the book remains my favorite childhood book even as an adult.

Reading the book again as an adult, I feel the "kid" in me ignite once again. I think as we grow up into adulthood, society tells us that we must be more practical in terms of the choices we make (whether they be personal, career, etc) and the paths that we take.

But, I sometimes I have to wonder - is practicality the best choice? Does choosing the path of "practicality" make one happy?

Even as a kid, I was told over and over again - I always had my head up in the clouds. And, as I grew up - I was taught in school as well as by my parents to be more practical in my choices in life.

Even at an early age, I always enjoyed writing. And, I had some great teachers who really encouraged me to pursue my love for the art of writing.

Though, as I grew up - I was discouraged to pursue my writing by others including my parents who insisted I be more "practical" in my choice of vocation for the future. My parents saw no place for me in the arts - told me there's no money in it and to give up on these silly dreams. They wanted me to do something sensible where I'd make a lot of money.

(Note: For those interested, feel free to check out my first post where I talk more in depth about my childhood interests in film and writing).

As I look back, I can honestly say that I do not think I would be happy if I stopped writing. To me, writing is a part of who I am. And, it's hard to change that.

In relating to the story of the "little engine," I can see the "little engine" inside of me just chugging along as I continue to pursue my interest in writing. Just like the story, I may not be the fanciest or the most popular writer. Or, even the best writer. I may not even have a slew of degrees and awards in writing.

But, just like the "little engine" - I still believe in myself that I can write and pursue my interest. And, I continue to write even to this day.

Getting back to the book, I think everyone has a "little engine" inside of them. And, that "little engine" can do wonders with enough belief and determination.

So, I hope this post in sharing with you my favorite childhood book inspires you to rekindle and re-ignite the "little engine" inside of you.

It definitely has for me.

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

Beyond A Reasonable Doubt (2009)

After I saw this movie, I suddenly got into a Michael Douglas and thriller type of mood. So, I decided to check this film out. I'm glad I did.

Though this movie is fairly recent, I felt an air of nostalgia throughout the film. To be honest, it really felt like an outdated kind of movie - something you would see as a television special 10 years ago or so. Though, I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Now, the movie starts out a bit kind of slow - it really sets the scene, the overall mood, and introduces the characters. As the film progresses, it does get a bit interesting.

I don't want to ruin it for those who have not seen the movie, but let me just say - this film is not your average thriller type movie. I found it very interesting how the storyline is set in a way that you feel is predictable.

However, it really isn't as predictable as you think - it really threw me for a loop. And, I guess - that's what made the film enjoyable.

As the movie progresses, the mood and the tone of the story is set in a way that you think you know what will happen. But, just as I thought the film was too predictable - it made a turn, a sharp turn. And, I can tell you - I definitely did not see it coming.

(Note: For those who have seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about. There was a point in the movie where I thought everything had been settled. But, I did not expect what was yet to come).

This is really a story about how a young man, CJ Nicholas (played by Jesse Metcalfe), and his aspirations in the pursuit of success in his career despite the consequences. And, those consequences came at a high price - his life.

Though, what happens when things go too far? Sometimes we think we have everything all figured out only to be mistaken in the end. And, the ultimate question remains - "Is it worth it?"

To CJ Nicholas, he thought it was worth it. He thought he had the perfect plan to achieve his dream of being a star reporter. The plan seemed flawless. Though, in the end - his actions has consequences. And, those consequences came at a high price.

Without saying too much about the film (as I do not want to spoil it for those who have not seen it), I will say this is a movie that really has a lot of twists and turns. So many times, I thought I had the movie all figured out only to be mistaken - the ending definitely threw me for a loop.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie. Though the tone seemed a bit outdated, I enjoyed the storyline and the plot very much. Personally, I really enjoy films that are not predictable - movies with surprise endings. And, this one definitely had it.

If you're in the mood for a thriller type film, I do recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

Indie Film Review: Determinism (2011)

Recently, I just finished watching this film submitted to me by indie filmmakers/directors/writers Sanjit Majumdar and Ranju Majumdar.

I took an interest in their film, "Determinism" when the trailer was submitted here. From the trailer alone, it definitely caught my eye and I knew it would be a movie with something important to say. I was definitely right.

From the very beginning of the film, I could get a sense of the eeriness and setting of the movie - the tone was set quite well. The film takes place in the winter time in Pennsylvania. And, let me just say - the cinematography is just amazing and outstanding. I really could feel the tone throughout the movie.

Now, this is a film that you really do have to pay attention to - it is told quite well. There are bits and pieces of the story that are introduced throughout the movie which really make the film come together at the end.

So, what is this movie about? Well, I don't want to reveal too much as I do not want to ruin it for you. But, I will tell you it's a movie that has some really important themes about our society and how the kids of our society deal with the issues of today.

The main character, Alec (played by Sanjit Majumdar), is a college student who is really struggling with trying to uphold the high expectations of his parents. As many parents who immigrate to this country, there is a lot of pressure placed on their children to do well in school and to uphold a high status position and job after graduating from college. That is the "American Dream" for many parents of their children.

But, Alec is not able to cope and uphold his parents' plans for him. There is just too much pressure. And, in the end - he fails them.

In turn, Alec soon realizes that he is just "tired of trying to fit in." So, he turns to a different life - a life filled with drugs and making easy money. With no support from this family, for Alec - this is his future now. And, so the story begins.

As for the plot, I won't say much as it may ruin it for those who have not yet seen the film. But, I will say - there are a lot of unexpected twists and turns. And, yes - there are a lot of unpredictable moments.

This movie really makes a statement about the future of the children of America. Sometimes parents do place too much pressure on their children to live out their own dreams, not the dreams of their children. But, at what price?

Without having a family and a support system, who else do these kids have to turn to? As parents, when is enough, enough? I understand parents want the best for their children. But, who is to say what is the best? And, what is the definition of success?

In the movie, the "determinism" of the main character, Alec, was to survive on his own to go out and make a fresh start without the support of his family. His will to survive only made him stronger. But, in the end - it was a high price to pay. And, many paid dearly for it.

Overall, I enjoyed the film very much. It was brilliantly executed and had a good storyline. It had my attention throughout. And, I personally think this movie is worthy of being entered into the film festival circuit.

If you're in the mood for a drama and thriller type of film, I do recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

(Note: For those who are interested, feel free to check out the Determinism website for more info about the movie. Thanks for reading!)

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

Disclosure (1994)

Since I was in the mood for a thriller type of movie, I decided to check out this film. It was just what I needed, it did not disappoint.

I enjoy seeing Michael Douglas on the big screen - he has done some great performances and has had many outstanding roles (such as in this movie). And, Demi Moore's performance was exceptional as the antagonist in this film based on the Michael Crighton novel.

Now, I have to warn you - things are a bit outdated in the movie. It's kind of entertaining to watch older films to see how technology has changed over time. Though, there are some ideas in the film based on technology that we still do not have today.

(Note: For those of you who have seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about).

To be honest, there are a lot of twists and turns in the film. During some points, I thought I knew what was going to happen only to be surprised by the turn of events - there were moments that definitely threw me for a loop. And, it made for a worthwhile experience.

In a sense, this film kind of reminded me of this movie. It was similar in a way, both films touched on the theme of technology and how technology can both helps us and hurt us. I guess, what matters is how you intend to use it.

We all like to believe that technology is there to help us. But, if used the wrong way - it can harm us. And, in this day and age - technology can be available to most anyone. If in the wrong hands, technology can lead to destruction.

If you're in the mood for a thriller type of film (as well as enjoy the topic of technology), I do recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

Tron: Legacy (2010)

When I first saw the trailer to this film, it looked like an interesting movie with a neat concept. Though, it really looked like it would cater more to the fans of the first one. I was right.

Going into the film, I had no background about the original movie - I've never seen it. Though, I knew it existed as well as the video game. So, I was pretty much going into the film blindly - not a good idea.

From the very start, I was a bit lost with the storyline and the characters. Though I was not completely lost, I found it kind of hard to follow and put the pieces together without having seen the first movie.

Many times there were references to the first film shifting from the past to the present and back again. Since I am unfamiliar with the original story, it was a bit difficult for me to comprehend some of the concepts and ideas in the movie.

Though, I think there were some neat things about the film. To me, it felt very much like I was watching a movie in the past. It really felt very "80s like" and retro looking. But, I think they wanted to make it that way for the fans of the original.

Also, there were some pretty neat special effects in the "electronic world." I especially enjoyed the visuals with the action scenes - they were done very uniquely to the film. And, I think the soundtrack was done very well to match the overall feeling of the movie.

(Note: For those who have seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about. I thought the music soundtrack catered quite well especially to the action scenes).

As for the storyline, I felt a bit lost. Though, it's probably because I have not seen the original film. This is definitely one movie where it's important to see the first one beforehand.

If I had seen the first movie and had been more familiar with the concepts and ideas introduced in the original, it may have been easier for me to follow. Though, I do think it was really neat that the movie touched upon the concept of artificial intelligence.

(Note: I don't want to ruin it for those who have not seen the film, but let's just say the concept and ideas are a bit similar to this movie).

Overall, I really think this film was made for the fans of the original. If you are a fan of the original movie, you will probably understand this film better than most people.

For those who have not seen the original, it's best to see the first one beforehand. And, in my opinion (unless you are a fan of the original and really feel the need to see it) - wait for the DVD.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: NEUTRAL

(Note: For another perspective on the film, check out my pal Action Flick Chick's review. Thanks for reading!)

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

A Christmas Story (1983)

"You'll shoot your eye out, kid!"

- A Christmas Story

It's that time of the year again, Christmas - one of my favorite times of the year. And, in celebration I want to share with you one of my all time favorite Christmas movies - "A Christmas Story."



Video Link

Ever since I was a little kid, I've always enjoyed this movie. In fact, I watch it every year during Christmas. I guess, it's kind of an annual movie tradition!

Every year when I watch this film, it really brings back the "kid" in me. In a way, I feel this movie is geared towards reminding people of what it's like growing up as a kid during the Christmas season.

With each scene, it really reminds me of the Christmas traditions I went through every year growing up. In the movie, we see the family outing to choose a Christmas tree, the annual Christmas parade, and of course - the anticipated wait and visit to see Santa Claus.

Santa Claus Scene



Video Link

Now, the main theme of the movie centers around the age old question - "What do you want for Christmas?" And, we see this theme consistently portrayed throughout the whole film.

For each of the main characters, what they want for Christmas is different. For Ralphie (played by Peter Billingsley), what he wants for Christmas is what most kids want for Christmas - that special toy we've all had our eyes on.

Here's that special toy for Ralphie:



Video Link

To me, this movie is really about hope and our anticipation for that special day we all call "Christmas." There are times when things don't go exactly as planned. And, we just have to learn how to cope.

As in this scene here, the family ended up having Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant:



Video Link

Though Christmas did not exactly turn out the way it was planned, it's these experiences that make for the most memorable moments. Though, in the end it just goes to show - sometimes your wishes do come true. And, that is the magic of Christmas.

If you're in the mood for a Christmas type movie this holiday season, I highly recommend this film.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

(Note: For those who are fans of the movie, check out this special reunion video with the cast from the movie).

Happy Holidays!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!

More Holiday Reviews:

If you enjoyed my review of my favorite Christmas holiday movie, check out my fellow Filmgirl Force friends' reviews of their favorite holiday films!

Action Flick Chick: Ernest Saves Christmas
Just Chick Flicks: It's A Wonderful Life

Black Swan (2010)

When I first saw the trailer for this film, it looked like a very interesting yet typical drama type of movie. Though, after seeing the film - there was nothing typical about it at all.

Going into the movie, I tried very hard not to read the reviews. Though I do try to read reviews for the majority of films I plan on seeing, there are some that I prefer to go in "cold turkey" - this was one of them.

(Note: I really enjoy the element of "surprise" for films that really interest me. For me personally, I guess I enjoy this part of the movie going experience).

At first, I thought I had this movie all figured out. From the trailer, I thought I knew what the story was going to be all about. I was wrong. It wasn't what I expected at all. But, in a good way.

Natalie Portman plays the main character, Nina Sayers, an aspiring dancer and ballerina. She is filled with hopes and dreams of someday becoming a famous and great ballerina dancer. And, she worked hard at her craft.

Now, I'm going to be honest here. This is a movie where it's really important to pay attention. It's one of those films where if you miss certain details - they can be vital to the story. It's one of those kinds of movies.

In the beginning, I will admit - it was a bit slow. But, this was important to the story helping to set the tone for the movie. The characters were introduced, the story was set.

As the audience, I felt that I knew what kind of film this was going to be. There were a lot of anticipated moments yet to my surprise - the movie took a dramatic turn.

It was not the movie that I had expected. The characters in the film seemed so predictable. As it turns out, they were not what I had expected at all.

(Note: For those who have seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about. I'm trying not to reveal too much because I just don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen the movie yet).

This is really a film about perspective. And, the way we perceive things. Sometimes we may not see things the way others see them. Sometimes we see what we believe. Though, it may not be what others see at all.

As the audience, I felt there were certain parts (as well as characters) in the movie that I had figured out and believed to be true. This is what I saw. As the film progressed, I soon realized this was not the case at all.

This is really a different kind of movie, a unique kind of movie. And, I can honestly say - it wasn't what I expected at all. From the trailer, I was really prepared for a typical, drama type of movie. After seeing the film, it wasn't predictable - it really threw me for a loop.

So many times, I thought I had the film figured out - it really had a lot of twists and turns. There were times where I thought I knew the characters and the storyline only to be surprised by the turn in events.

For me personally, it truly was a very entertaining and unpredictable movie. I enjoyed it very much. It is definitely a movie that I will be watching again.

If you've seen the trailer for this film and it looks even a bit interesting to you, I highly recommend seeing this movie without reading too many reviews.

(Note: There are some reviews that may reveal some details in the film which may reveal too much and may spoil the movie for you).

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

Murder By Numbers (2002)

"Let the mind games begin."

- Murder By Numbers

Recently, I re-visited this movie. Since I was in a crime movie kind of mood, I decided to check it out again.

Here Sandra Bullock plays a detective type of role. And, I must say - I do enjoy seeing her play these "tough" girl type of roles (such as in this movie).

This film is great in the way of it's execution and portrayal of an idea to perform and get away with the perfect murder. The way the clues and the evidence presented seemed to lead the detectives on the case in a certain direction - an obvious direction. Though, the real story of the crime was slowly and brilliantly revealed as the film progressed.

What I enjoyed about this film was the way it was presented. In parts it was subtle. And, in others - it was captivating. It had my attention throughout.

I especially enjoyed the exploration of the characters in the story. This was not a one sided movie - it had several sides to it. And, it revealed the complexities of human nature by the portrayal of the characters involved.

The movie was not predictable at all. While watching the film, I thought I had it figured out (just like Sandra Bullock's character). But, I was definitely surprised at the turn in events as the film progressed. There were many twists and turns - the suspense definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.

(Note: For those who have seen the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about).

I guess one thing I did learn from the movie was that anything can happen. We always think crimes happen from those who are unknown to us, people we do not know. But, in reality - crimes can happen closer to home.

As for the end, I think it was brilliant in its execution. There was a part where I thought the movie had ended, where I thought the crime was solved. But, there was a twist - a small piece of evidence that revealed the truth about the crime.

It showed what had really happened from a different perspective, not the perspective we had been exposed to as the audience. And, it was interesting to see how the bits and pieces came together. It definitely threw me for a loop and made for a good ending.

If you're in the mood for a crime and thriller type of film, I do recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

Jonah Hex (2010)

"Revenge gets ugly."

- Jonah Hex

When I first saw the trailer for this movie, I thought it looked pretty interesting. Actually, I thought it was going to be one of those unique kind of films. And, I was right.

Going into the movie, it started out with a bang - lots of action, lots of violence. Being a creation of DC Comics, there was a certain "comic book" feel and style to the film as well. To be honest, it had it's own unique style.

(Note: For all the comic book fans out there, you'll notice a few similarities with the storyline of this film compared to this movie. The topic of vengeance seems to be a running theme throughout the film).

As for the storyline, I felt the story itself had potential. Though, there were many parts that were hard to identify with. Maybe if I had been a fan of the comic than maybe it would be easier for me to understand. But, I had not read the comic going into the movie.

Since the movie is more of a western type movie, I think those who have an appreciation for these types of films as well as comics may better receive this one than others.

To be honest, I think this film was written more for the fans and those who understand the comic over the mass public. As someone who is unfamiliar with the comic book story, It was just a bit difficult to understand the film in certain parts.

Though, I do have to give this movie credit for its uniqueness. I think there were some very unique moments in the movie as far as character development. I especially enjoyed Jonah Hex' special powers.

(Note: For those who have seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about. I don't want to ruin the movie for those who have not seen it. But, let's just say the special powers Jonah Hex possessed were very cool and unique to his character).

Overall, I think the movie was more geared towards fans of the comic than anything else. For me personally, it was a bit hard to understand at parts. And, there were certain characters that were introduced that didn't quite resonate with me being unfamiliar with the comic.

To be honest, it was a bit theatrical - almost too over the top. Sure, it did have lots of action (in true western style). And, it even had it's own unique comic book style. But, I still left feeling there were some gaps in the movie and parts left unanswered.

As for the end, it just didn't leave me satisfied. I felt like I had watched a film that I had not quite understood. Maybe it was me, maybe it was not written for those who were unfamiliar with the comic. But, it just didn't do it for me.

If you really want to see this film and are a fan of the comic, I'd say it may be worth it for you. If not, you may have the same experience as me - you may want to skip this one all together.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: FAIL

(Note: For those who enjoyed the film, these are just my thoughts - it just didn't do it for me).

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

Splice (2009)

"She's not human...not entirely."

- Splice

When I first saw the trailer to this film, it didn't look like something that I really wanted to see. So, I held off on seeing it. Though, it did peak my curiosity...just a bit.

Recently, I made the decision to go ahead and check it out. Going into the movie, I had heard some really bad reviews about it. And, I knew going in - I may not like it.

But, I guess my curiosity got the better of me. Was it worth it? To be honest, I think it was executed pretty badly but had some really good entertainment value (kind of like this movie).

In a way, I guess the trailer can be a bit misleading. When I first saw the trailer, I thought I knew what the movie was going to be all about. And, I assumed the film would just take place in one location. But, I was wrong.

At first, the film is a bit slow. It introduces you to the characters and their lives. At times, the first couple of scenes felt kind of slow.

(Note: For those who have seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about).

But, the movie does take a turn (about halfway through). To be honest, it really surprised me. From there, let me just say - the events that happened were pretty unexpected. Quite frankly, I was shocked at some of the scenes and events that took place in the film - it truly threw me for a loop.

(Note: For those who have not seen the movie yet, I don't want to ruin it for you but let's me just say - there were a lot of "in your face" type moments that really shocked me).

In my opinion, I guess some of the scenes and events were really quite unexpected and a bit over the top. But, at the same time - it really did have some entertainment value. To be honest, I was stunned yet entertained at the same time. There were some parts of the movie that were so out there yet amused me at the same time.

(Note: For those who have seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about).

As for the movie itself, I think it had an interesting storyline. Though, it just was not executed that well. And, I think they could have made the story better.

There were parts that were interesting but at the same time - parts that were just too unbelievable and over the top. I think if they changed a few things with the script, it could have worked with better execution.

If you're looking for a really good sci-fi movie with a good storyline and meaning, this film is probably not the best pick. Though, if you enjoy sci-fi type films and want to be entertained in a comedic way - I'd say this film does have some entertainment value.

(Note: When I say "comedic way," it's style and entertainment value can be kind of compared to this movie).

All in all, I'd say this movie would be really fun to watch with a group (if there's nothing else out there to watch). To be honest, I have no more words for this film - I really don't know what else to say. It was both intriguing yet shocking and amusing to watch at the same time.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: NEUTRAL

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

The Town (2010)

When I first saw the trailer for the movie, it really caught my eye. So, I decided to go and check it out.

Going into the film, I was really hoping this would be an interesting movie - one with a good story. Though, the story had a neat concept - I was very disappointed. Why?

To say the least, this movie really dragged in parts. And, it just wasn't the film alone - the dialogue along with the acting was not so great (in my opinion).

(Note: To be honest, I'm not much of a Ben Affleck fan. For the most part, his acting ability does not quite make it to the top of my list. But, that's just me).

For me personally, I felt some scenes felt "forced" and just did not come out naturally. Apart from the poor acting and the dialogue, it made it even worse that the movie seemed to really drag. Sure, there were a couple good action scenes. But, to be honest - there were some points in the film where it just lost my attention completely.

(Note: During these parts of the movie, I actually started to check the time. It was that slow).

Regarding the story itself, it had an interesting concept. Though, I felt that in parts - it just was executed poorly. With better dialogue along with better acting, I think this movie could have worked. But, the way it was - it just didn't do it for me.

(Note: Maybe it was me, but I felt the robbing of the bank scenes with the nuns outfits were a bit too copied from the opening scene of this movie. It just didn't feel original).

Can some people relate to this movie? It's possible. And, I believe this film definitely has an audience. If it were done better, then maybe I would have enjoyed it more. Just my thoughts.

If you've been thinking about seeing this film, I'd say - save your money. It's really not worth it in my opinion. But, if you really want to see it - it's best to hold off and watch as a rental.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: FAIL

(Note: For those who enjoyed the film, these are just my thoughts - it just didn't do it for me).

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)

Since I enjoyed the first movie, I decided to see the sequel. And, of all the nights - I saw this one on Halloween.

Going into this movie, I would say it's best to reacquaint yourself with the first one. Why? The reason being is that both movies are connected.

To be honest, it's more of a time line kind of issue. But, you will see a few familiar faces from the first movie. For those who have not seen the first one, it may be a bit confusing. So, I definitely recommend seeing the first film before watching this one.

(Note: For those who have seen this film already, you'll know what I'm talking about).

Regarding the film itself, it's very similar to the style of the first movie - documentary style. At first, I thought the home was the same home as the first. But, as the film progressed - it looked a bit different.

Since I had seen the first movie and was familiar with the documentary style, I was in anticipation as I watched the movie. So many times, I thought something spooky was going to happen. As it turns out, many of these scenes in the beginning were probably meant to keep the audience in anticipation.

(Note: So many times during the movie, I thought I saw shadows of monsters in the background during the night scenes. But, they were only regular objects. I'm wondering if they meant to give it that type of effect. Or, maybe my mind was playing tricks on me!)

In the beginning, the scenes were a bit short. And, many times - the camera view switched towards different parts of the home. As this happened throughout the film, it became faster every time (to show a change in day and night).

Compared to the first movie, this film felt like it went a bit faster. It was more the setting of the story and changes between night and day. To be honest, it was a bit tedious to keep seeing the same parts of the home over and over again with no change. Though, there is a reason to show this as the movie progresses.

As for the story itself, just like the first one - it's a bit comical at first. Being similar to the first movie, I would highly recommend watching this one with a group of friends. It's just very funny to watch some of the scenes and even more around a group of people.

(Note: For those of you who saw the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about. I especially enjoyed the pool scene. It was truly spooky and comical at the same time!)

So, I'm sure you're wondering if this is a scary movie or not. Though it follows the same formula as the first one, I would say it's just not as spooky and has the same effect as the first film.

With the first movie, we really didn't know what to expect. So, a lot of what happened in the first film was unexpected. And, I can honestly tell you - I felt extremely spooked out after seeing the first movie.

But, this film just didn't give me the same feeling as the first. To be honest, it was a bit more comical and funny than the first. Even during the scary parts, I laughed. I guess some of the scenes and the effects in this one made it less believable and more comical. But, that's just me.

(Note: For those who have seen this movie, you'll know what I'm talking about. Towards the end, some of the scenes just didn't seem real. I was actually laughing more than being afraid).

As for the end of the film, it didn't seem as disturbing as the first. And, in a way - it seemed like it just didn't have closure. The end was open ended and left to interpretation.

(Note: For those who have seen the film, I'm thinking they ended the movie the way they did in order to do another sequel. Maybe there are a series of movies planned for this franchise).

All in all, I would say this movie had it's moments. There were definitely a few scary scenes. It was "ok." And, it was entertaining at times. But, it just didn't have the same effect as the first film.

If you're in the mood for a horror type movie, I'd say this one is best to watch as a rental.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: NEUTRAL

(Note: For those who are fans of the film, definitely check out the spoof. Thanks for watching!)

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

Indie Film Trailer - London River

Since it's Indie Movie Monday (#IndieMM), I thought I'd post up this indie film trailer, "London River," directed by Rachid Bouchareb . Check it out!

"Set against the backdrop of the 7th July 2005 bombings, London River tells the story of a friendship which develops between two seemingly unconnected people - Elizabeth (Brenda Bleythn) and Ousmane (Sotigui Kouyate). Both of them have come to London to search for their children who are missing in the aftermath of the bombings.

Although they come from different religious backgrounds - Ousmane is an African Muslim living in France and Elizabeth is a white Christian living in Guernsey, they share the same hope of finding their children alive. Putting aside their cultural differences, they give each other the strength to continue the search and maintain their faith in humanity."

Note: For more info about the movie, feel free to visit the website. Thanks for reading!

(p.s. If you have a project(s) you'd like me to check out (i.e. fan trailer, short, spoof, animation, etc), feel free to contact me here or through my Facebook Page. I'm always on the lookout for fresh stuff from emerging filmmakers!)



Video Link

Red (2010)

"Still armed. Still dangerous. Still got it."

- Red

When I first saw the trailer to this movie, I knew it was a film I wanted to see. It seemed like a movie that had it all: action, humor, and a bit of heart. Plus, with an all star cast - why not? It was definitely worth the wait.

Going into the film, I must admit - I read many reviews about it. It was interesting to read how this movie was compared to "The Expendables" being that it's a movie filled with both action and humor. But, something told me this film was definitely going to be better than "The Expendables." I was right.

(Note: For those who are interested, I saw "The Expendables" - I wasn't very impressed. Yes, it had a lot of action with some great action sequences. But, that's about it. As far as the overall movie and storyline, it didn't really rank that high at the top of my list. Sorry, just my opinion (for the fans of the film).

So, why is this movie called "Red?" Good question.

"Red" is an acronym that stands for: Retired, Extremely Dangerous. And let me tell you, the characters portrayed in the movie are extremely dangerous. I especially enjoyed both Bruce Willis' (who plays Frank Moses) and John Malkovich's (who plays Marvin Boggs) performances.

At the heart of it, this is a movie about growing older. And, I think many people can relate to this film. Though growing old is a way of life for us all, it does not mean we become useless and life has to be dull.

Even though we may grow old physically, if we are still young in our minds then we will always remain young at heart. And, being young at heart will give us the ability to make ourselves useful again.

In a way, I think growing old gives us life experiences. With experience, comes knowledge. And, with knowledge comes wisdom.

In the movie, the wisdom of team "Red" really comes out through all the characters. Each bring experience to the table, each bring their strengths. And, I found it quite entertaining to see how each of the characters really showcased themselves in the film.

So many times, we're used to seeing movies that involve young, superhero types. But, this movie begs the question - what happens when these superheroes grow older? Are they still superheroes? Or, do they retire away to seclusion?

In a sense, I think it's a little bit of both. Though, it's quite a dramatic change to live the fast life and then all of a sudden retire back to seclusion. It's one of those things where it's hard to get away from the kind of life you're used to living.

So, it's no wonder why some return to their prior lives even though they are older. It just goes to show that you can grow old physically, but if you are young at heart - you will remain young in your mind forever.

If you're looking for an action type of movie with a bit of humor and some heart, I definitely recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

(Note: For another perspective on the film, check out my pal Action Flick Chick's review. Thanks for reading!)

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

Hereafter (2010)

"What happens when we die?"

- Hereafter

Going into this film, I knew this was a different kind of movie. Since it's a film directed by Clint Eastwood, I knew this was a movie that was going to have meaning. I was right.

From the very beginning, this film captured my attention. The first couple of scenes were very intriguing and shocking at the same time. As the audience, you see what the characters sees as if you were in the situation yourself.

(Note: I won't ruin it for those who have not seen the movie, but let's just say there are situations depicted in the film where you think will never happen to you but they have to others. It's that real).

In a way, I think there are some who can relate to the film. It kind of makes you think and wonder, will this ever happen to me? For some, it has. And, for others it has not. But, for everyone else - we may know of someone or heard of someone we know where the unthinkable has happened to them. It's real. And, it's true.

The movie starts off by introducing different characters with three separate stories. And, these characters all have lives of their own - all in different parts of the world. But, as the movie progresses they all seem to experience the unknown. And, as fate may have it - all have something in common.

(Note: For those of you who have seen the movie, I thought the way the film unfolded and the way the stories were told were a bit like this movie).

On the surface, this may be a film that is viewed by some as a bit slow. Though some scenes may seem to be unnecessary on the exterior, I feel they added to the general tone and nature of the movie.

This is a movie that involves detail. And, it's one that's definitely important to pay attention to even the smallest things - they will connect and be quite relevant to the movie as it progresses.

I'm going to be honest, this is not a movie for everyone. It is for a much more sophisticated audience - it is a film that makes you think. It it not your typical Hollywood action type movie. It's truly a film that makes you wonder and think about the unknown.

It's a different kind of movie, not everyone will enjoy it. Those who are solely looking to be entertained with lots of action this is probably not for you. But, for those who are looking for a movie with meaning - you will not be disappointed.

As for the end of the film, I think Eastwood did a brilliant job in bringing everything together. If watching the film closely from beginning to end, you will understand the deeper meaning at the end and why he ended it the way he did.

(Note: For those who are Clint Eastwood fans, the movie's musical score is very "Eastwood" like in nature).

If you're in the mood for a different kind of movie with meaning that makes you think, I definitely recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link

The Social Network (2010)

Just recently, I went out and saw this film adapted from the book. Going into the movie, I had already had some background knowledge about the story since I had already read the book. I'm glad I did.

To be honest, this is really a film where you may need some background information about the story. For those interested in the movie, I highly recommend reading the book before seeing the movie. But, why?

The reason being is that the movie is really set in a way to introduce characters and events from the original story. It pans back and forth from present day to the past. And, without having any type of knowledge about the story and the characters one can get confused.

As for the film itself, there are some gaps in the movie as there are scenes presented that may not make sense to someone who is not familiar with the story. In a nutshell, I suggest reading the book before watching the movie to get a better understanding and feel for the story.

Regarding the storyline, I think it played true to the scenes and story presented in the book. Though, it seems like there were bits and pieces left out. With the time limit of film, it's understandable how some elements can be left out of a story.

With that being said, I think this film has a good story to tell. Though, I just feel it could have been done better.

This was not the great story I was hoping for. It seemed a bit jarred with bits and pieces, a little here and there. But, I just did not feel it had the "punch" it needed to be great. When it ended, my initial reaction was - "That's it?" To say the least, I was a bit disappointed.

(Note: For all the fans of the film, these are just my thoughts. To me, the movie just felt it lacked the "punch" to be great. Though, the trailer was done quite nicely).

The one thing that did stand out was the performance from both Jesse Eisenberg, who portrayed Mark Zuckerberg, and surprisingly Justin Timberlake, who portrayed Sean Parker. Both actors portrayed their respective roles superbly. I was very impressed with both of their performances.

Overall, this movie seemed a bit low budget in nature. The story was there but I feel it could have been presented better. At times, it just seemed like they threw in bits and pieces together - I just did not feel that it had enough zing to it. In a way, it seemed like it was trying to tell a story but the story was just not entirely presented in a way that it could have been great -it lacked emotion. It could have been done better.

(Note: For those who have seen the movie, it really reminds me of this movie that was a bit similar in nature. Though, it was not made for the big screen - it was a television type of movie).

If you've been thinking about seeing this film, I recommend it more as a rental. It was "ok," but lacked the punch it needed to be great. If the movie had the same quality and feeling of the trailer, I think it could have been great.

Though, that's the thing - the film lacked the emotion and "punch" it needed to tell a great story. To me, the way the story was told and its presentation was just mediocre in nature.

For those who are really wanting to see the film, I highly recommend reading the book before seeing the movie. And, for those who have been debating whether to see this in the theatre - I recommend it more as a rental.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: NEUTRAL

(Note: For those interested, check out this entertaining film spoof based on the movie. Enjoy!)

Happy movie watching!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!



Video Link