"The Bridge On The River Kwai"

This seven time academy award winner from 1957 is a timeless film that every fan of war films should see.  Even if you are not inclined to enjoying war films, "The Bridge on the River Kwai" is not a "Saving Private Ryan" type of film.  It is a story of defiance, endurance sacrifice, and courage, that rivals many of the great war films.

The film stars Alec Guinness (whom many of us know as Obi Wan Kenobi of Star Wars fame) as a British Colonel and POW of the Japanese.  This Colonel and his men are tasked with building a bridge over the river Kwai for the Japanese.  Without giving too much away, let us just say that they do indeed build a bridge, but in doing so, show defiance, and strength even in their captivity, (with a twist.)

"The Bridge on the River Kwai" is a film employing wonderful acting, a riveting story, and a top notch cast...all of which contribute to what is a great film that should be on everyone's watch list.

-David

Very interesting film. I'm having trouble gathering my thoughts, as I am a little perturbed by the ending. I won't say what happens, but I think I would have preferredd a different ending. Even so, this is a very well done movie with incredible acting by some folks you may know. First off, when I saw that William Holden stars in this film I was like, "I know the name Bill Holden, but from where?" Less than halfway through this movie it hit me! I love Lucy! He's in  one of my favorite episodes, where Bill Holden gets a pie in his face, thanks to Lucy, and then when she meets him again, events happen, and then she utters, "I kissed Bill Holden!" Anyway, a little bit of a tangent there, but that being said, it was fun to see William Holden in this movie. Another name you may know, Alec Guiness. Obi One anyone? Yes, we know him more famously so from Star Wars, but you can really see the scope of his acting ability in this film, he does an amazing job.

Things I liked about this film: Amazing solidarity within the British Troops that are captured, along with whistling and singing familiar tunes to keep up morale. There's also this really good looking soldier who shows up near the latter part of the movie, that's fun too. :)

Things I found interesting: Alec Guiness plays a character who is extremely stubborn, even more so than his Japanese captor. However, both men are so stubborn that at times I was like, "Just negotiate!" This does almost seem like a cautionary tale about being so caught up in yourself and what you are doing that you lose sight of what is right and humane.

This is a movie that makes you think. I would definitely recommend it.

-Bethany

"Braveheart"

This 1995 winner of five academy awards including best picture is truly a masterpiece of a film.  The history as portrayed is of course not very accurate, but the film is one that weaves a wonderful fiction based on some true events, and real people.  The action, the music, and the acting are all superb, and truly transport you to 13th century Scotland.  If I was to choose one thing that keeps me aware of the fact I am watching a Hollywood production, it is the costumes.  The weapons are all great, but the chain mail leads much to be desired.  After 'Lord of the Rings'....it is hard to find a film that does arms and armour like WETA.

I found it fitting watching this film as today is St. Patrick's day.  Granted, this is a film about Scottish rebels fighting for freedom from the English, but my favorite supporting character is a crazy Irishman who joins the Scottish cause for a chance to 'kill Englishmen.'  Let me be the first to remind all of you Braveheart aficionados out there...'IT'S MY ISLAND!!!!'

'Braveheart' is truly an amazing film.  The classic cries of William Wallace, and the inspirational score using 'outlawed tunes, on outlawed pipes' are enough to make one want to grab a sword, don a kilt and 'go pick a fight.'  But enough of the quoting.  As I write this and watch the final scene in which Wallace is 'purified' (those that have seen the film know where we are,) I am reminded of what this film truly stands for....that some things, like freedom, are worth fighting for.

-David 

I've been a little afraid to watch this film again. I've seen it once before, and all I could really remember was how gruesome some of the scenes were. I'm not really a fan of violent films, so you can imagine my hesitancy. However, even though I was grading history tests through part of it (I'm in the middle of student teaching), I found myself able to appreciate different aspects of this film. The music for instance, is very well done. As is the cinematography. The acting is good too, especially the supporting roles, such as the French Princess. Mel Gibson does a decent job too I guess, I just find him somewhat a bit dramatic. He plays this same kind of role in The Patriot, and I'm sure some other films I haven't yet seen.

This movie is rated R, and for good reason. The violence, though probably less than Gladiator, is still hard to watch, at least for me. In fact, there was one scene where my husband told me I might want to shield my eyes. Which I did. Even so, I found that I was able to enjoy this movie, probably more so than the first time I watched it. And it is a good story about standing for what you believe in, which is a message I think anyone can get behind. Expect for maybe the English King.

-Bethany

"The Bourne Supremacy"

We only own one of the three Bourne movies, so this review covers the middle of what needs to be a full trilogy.  Oh well, such as it is, the Bourne Supremacy (like the other two Bourne films) are action packed, and exciting spy thrillers.  I believe that the new James Bond films starring Daniel Craig probably got some of their ideas on how to make a good spy film from what was done with the Bourne movies.

The camera motion in "The Bourne Supremacy" is part of what makes the action so intense.  We are constantly panning left right in and out as though we (the audience) is another person running along side Jason Bourne as he works to discover his true identity.  The music also keeps the tension ratcheted up, but not in a horror or cheesy way.

If you are in the mood for an action packed but very well done and enjoyable film that will keep you guessing where the plot goes from here..."The Bourne Supremacy," and all of the Bourne movies for that matter will give you what you're looking for.

-David

Phew! It's been awhile since I've watched an action packed film like The Bourne Supremacy. At least it feels like it's been awhile. High-speed car chases, hand to hand combat, snipers...this is certainly a movie that does not slow down. And even in the quieter moments, you just know something is going to happen, you can feel the suspense hanging in the air. Do I sound dramatic? Maybe. But that's how it is.

The Bourne Supremacy is a good film. I have seen all three of these movies though it has been awhile. Matt Damon plays Jason Bourne quite well, and he's not bad to look at either, even my husband agrees. :) The other actors and actresses do a good job as well, and they really show the morality that Jason Bourne wrestles with as he continues to un-cover what and who he used to be.

I have not read the first two books in this series, however I did read The Bourne Ultimatum, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The book that is. When I saw the movie I was pretty disappointed because they did not follow the story line from the book at all, which in my opinion was a lot better and could have been made into an awesome movie. I kind of want to read the other two books, The Bourne Identify and The Bourne Supremacy, but I don't know. Then I might just find myself more annoyed if they changed the story lines again for the movies.

Overall, this is a good, fast paced film. And I'm thinking The Bourne Ultimatum isn't bad either. Just avoid disappointment, and don't read the books. Because they're better.

-Bethany











  

"The Blues Brothers"

"You better think! Think about what you're trying to do to me!" I do love Aretha Franklin. And Ray Charles. And of course the Blues Brothers. According to my husband the Blues Brothers, Dan Aykroyd and Jon Belushi started out as characters on SNL. Then they made this movie. To be honest, I feel like it starts out kind of slow. But that's somewhat the style of this movie. And as you watch, you get used to the pace and feel of this film.

Blues Brothers is full of great music and great musicians. It's quirky, it's funny, and at times quite ridiculous. Especially when Carrie Fisher is on screen as the psycho ex-fiance who keeps blowing things up. Even so, this movie is a lot of fun, and if you're looking to be entertained, this just might be the right film for you.

-Bethany

Anyone who claims to be a music lover needs to see this movie.  It is in one sense a musical, in another sense a spoof, and it combines the two genres into what makes a hilarious film filled with great musicians and great music.

From Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, James Brown, Aretha Franklin (sensing a trend here?)  we are delighted over and over again with great musical numbers, and a fun story to go along with it.  Of course "The Blues Brothers" wouldn't be "The Blues Brothers" without...well....the Blues Brothers.  Namely Jake and Ellwood Blues portrayed in classic Saturday Night Live perfection by their creators John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.  This film delights over and over.

This film has been a favorite of mine for some time...and I was of course ecstatic a couple summers ago when at Universal Studios in LA, we (my wife and I) got treated to a show re-enacting "The Blues Brothers" and part of their routine.  They even had the old cop car with the loudspeaker on top!  Seeing this film reminded me how much I love the Blues, and how much I love music.

-David

"The Blind Side"

I watched this movie for the first time just a few months ago, and promptly got the idea to get it for Bethany for Christmas.  I am not necessarily a big fan of "sports movies" but The Blind Side falls into different category along with movies like "Remember the Titans," and "The Natural."  Truly moving sports films that have much more to do than just the love of the game.

"The Blind Side" in itself uses the football metaphor and takes it new directions.  Allowing a boy from the projects to develop into something powerful, protective, and gentle (all qualities that are ironically a result of his hard life as a child.)  Watching Michael develop his skills as a football player offer an insight into his character as a gentle giant, but also as someone who will protect those that he loves.

This is an amazing film and well worthy of the Oscar nominations, and best actress win achieved by Sandra Bullock.  In all, it is a story about football, family, understanding what it means to be hospitable, and how to find the courage to trust those whom you look up to.

-David

On the DVD cover of The Blind Side it says, "Based on the extraordinary true story." Extraordinary. I couldn't have said it better. This is a movie you can feel good about showing your family. It's a movie about perseverance, hope, and love. We see a young man who has been neglected, abandoned, and is homeless, sleeping on people's couches some nights, the school gym on others. Michael Oher is portrayed as a very gentle spirit, who doesn't expect anything from anyone. He accepts kindness from others, but doesn't go looking for it.

Sandra Bullock does a brilliant job of playing Leigh Anne Tuohy, the woman who saw a young man in need and instead of looking the other way, she invited him into her home. She is an incredible example of the type of person I think we all wish we could be. She and her family show someone who has been neglected most of his life, if not all, what it is like to be a part of a family that cares and loves and takes care of each other.

Everyone in this movie does a great job, from the spunky kid who plays SJ (I told David I want to have a kid like him someday), the daughter, Tim McGraw, and the actress who plays Michael's tutor. I just love the scene when she discloses to Leigh Anne that she is a democrat. And later the comment is made by either Leigh Anne or her husband, "who'd thought we'd have a black son before we met a democrat?"

Anyway, this is a wonderful movie, and I would very highly recommend it. It's really nice to see Hollywood make a movie so positive and uplifting that is also based on a true story. Nicely done.

-Bethany

"Blazing Saddles"

Badges??!!  We don't need no stinking badges!"  What follows is the first of several Mel Brooks films that we will be reviewing.  I have to say that I don't like everything that he has done, but the majority of his films crack me up.  "Blazing Saddles" like many Mel Brooks films are full of very simple humor, lots of slapstick and puns.  What he does so well, is poking fun at characters of different races and religions and backgrounds in his films, and yet in the end.., especially as in "Blazing Saddles" bringing all of these different backgrounds together to make for a happy ending.

Part of what I like about this film so much is getting to see Gene Wilder.  He is a comic genius, and has so many weird quirks that fit so well in the character that he portrays.  Mel Brooks is a great comedian as well, and his portrayal of the Governor in this film is a hilarious portrayal of the corrupt politician. 

If you aren't overly offended by things that might be considered un-PC, and enjoy laughing at slapstick and simple but funny jokes, this classic film is for you!

-David

Mel Brooks. He did this film. That's about all you need to know. If you know Mel Brooks at all. Blazing Saddles is a fun, quirky film that I do enjoy and that pokes fun at so much, you just have to roll your eyes or laugh. I do enjoy the music, such as a group of railroad workers singing, "I get no kick from cocaine..." or Lily Von Stook and her lovely rendition of, "I'm so tired." In fact, I feel pretty tired myself and David had to nudge me a couple times as I kept trying to fall asleep during the end of this film. Not because it's not interesting, but I've seen it a couple times, and let's face it, I'm tired. Gene Wilder is also in this film and is of course as clever as ever, as is the actor who plays the sheriff.

You do have to appreciate Mel Brooks humor, and if you are unfamiliar with him as a director, you may want to do some research first. He's also responsible for films such as The Producers and Young Frankenstein. All in all, good satire and at times, just plain fun.

-Bethany

"Blades of Glory"

Oh Will Ferrell, you are my guilty pleasure....wait, that came out wrong.  I don't know what it is, but there are so many stupid little things in this movie that crack me up.  The whole idea of a figure skating couple being two men is of course funny in itself, but there are so many hilarious awkward moments and lines thrown into the mix that makes "Blades of Glory" so much fun.  This is a brainless, and ridiculous movie that is extremely quotable, (which makes it great in my book,) and extremely fun to watch.

I really enjoy seeing the Saturday Night Live alums of Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler in this as well.  Anything with SNL actors from the early 2000's takes me back to the days of Celebrity Jeopardy and fantastic editions of Weekend Update.  At times, "Blades of Glory" feels like a feature length SNL sketch it is so over the top....and so much fun.  If you have an aversion to a little raunchy humor and alot of over the top slapstick and wisecracking, skip this film....if you like to laugh at the 'over the top-ness' of modern Olympic sport, and if you just like to laugh, "Blades of Glory" is a film you should try to catch.

-David 

With the holiday season, our blogging has slowed down a bit...but we decided tonight was as good as any night to get back into it! Blades of Glory, a show we both have seen before, but we're excited to watch once again. It's a pretty fun comedy, goofy humor of course, but what else could be expected with this movie's cast. We have Will Ferrel, a.k.a. Chaz Michael Michaels and Jon Heder as Jimmy who really do a good job of showing their distaste for each other, and eventually, their brotherly love. We also have Amy Poehler from SNL and now Parks and Rec, and her real-life husband, something Arnett I think, playing brother and sister pair skaters. They are hilarious and do a good job of being over the top. In fact, everything is over the top, but it's suppose to be. That's the fun of this movie. And of course there are appearances from real life ice-skaters such as Scott Hamilton and Sasha Cohen.

I do have to caution our readers though that there are two scenes in this movie where I have to look away due to the "grossness" factor. One involves Will Ferrell in a wizard costume and the result of too much alcohol, the other with Jon Heder in a bathroom attempting to get a key. That's all I'll say, so just in case your squeamish like me, you might want to look away and have someone non-squeamish tell you when it's over. Overall though, funny movie, but you definitely have to like these types of comedies. It's not for everyone.

-Bethany