Movies in a minute

27 Aug

I don’t go out to the movies often because it’s too expensive. I used to, but LA theaters pretty much require a kidney before you can get in. And since I need both of mine, well… I watch a lot more DVDs then I do films in the theater. (Unless it’s a screening)

However, in the last few weeks I’ve managed to to a few summer movies- probably spoilers here.

The Bourne Legacy– I haven’t seen the last one with Matt Damon yet (not a huge Damon fan) so I wasn’t thrilled to see another Bourne flick except that I really like Jeremy Renner. I went to the midnight premiere with some friends and had some issues with the seats- the Arclight needs more butt cushioning- which probably effected our movie experience. Overall, I liked the movie- not loved. The beginning was slow. I mean, it’s backstory. They have to explain why you’re seeing a Bourne flick without Bourne, ya know? But still… so much time is spent on introducing Renner’s character and his abilities. And sort of saying, without really saying, that he can do what he does because of some little yellow and blue pills. Once the action actually gets going, the movie was great- until the end. Renner did a great job with the action scenes… I mean, I believe he kicked peoples ass. But the end… on the boat… wtf?

In discussions with Emily, I was reminded of another issue I had with the film- why didn’t Weisz’z character give herself the virus/super strength, too? I mean… does she know some horrible secret about it and what it’ll do to people? Anyways… for action, I give the film 3 out of 4 stars. For everything else, 2 out of 4. Overall… 2.5

Before I move on, let me say that I finally saw Bourne Ultimatum last night. I think it may be my favorite of that trilogy. I especially liked that the new film ties perfectly into the end of this one. Except that it makes the new one start so slow. Sigh.

The Dark Knight Rises– Yes, I realize that every other person on the planet saw this movie forever ago. However, there were some timing issues getting together with my friends I was set to see the movie with. We finally were able to get together and see it. On the IMAX screen. (Also with seats that didn’t kill my back or butt! Yay!) So… loved it.

Is that a good enough review? Do you really need more? I had my concerns about Anne Hathaway as Catwoman throughout the casting/filming/promo process, but on screen… fabulous. And I should’ve had the twist with Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character before the start of the film and not figured out at the end of his first action scene. D’oh! This was a great wrap up for the trilogy. I’ll miss Bale’s random, really gruff for no reason hero voice. 4 out of 4, all around.

Hope Springs– I won’t say much about this. I had no idea what I was getting into. The acting by Jones and Streep was incredible. LOVED THEM SO MUCH. But I saw this film with my mother and a friend of hers and that made the film really awkward… kind of like watching porn for old people. Really awkward. Good film though, go see it (or rent it)(just don’t watch it with your parents). Awkward rating 37 out of 4, brilliant acting 4 out of 4, over all 3 out of 4.

Expendables 2– This movie was exactly what I wanted it to be. Action. Cheese. Awkward dramatic acting. Action. And Lundgren tweaking. So… I was pretty happy with the film. The opening action scene- the rescue of the Chinese billionaire- it was fantastic! Excellent use of motorcycle as explosive device. 🙂

The only thing that made me sad was the death of the sea plane.

The big fight at the end? Fantabulous! Willis, Stallone, and Schwarzenegger walking into the fight was priceless.

Now, I admit, I went into the film expecting mindless violence, snarky comments, and more violence. Also, I wanted exploding heads and lots of blood flying around. Which, by the way, is exactly what I got. Thus… I am a happy girl. Action 15 out of 4, acting 2 out of 4, overall fun? 4 out of 4.

So there you have it. A few thoughts on some of this summers films. Agree/disagree?