The Jack Ryan movies are some of my favorite and this one is no exception. Money laundering, drugs, a Presidents personal vendetta, an illegal war..."Clear and Present Danger" deals with all these, lead of course by our main character, Jack Ryan, played by Harrison Ford, one of my all time favorite actors.
There are many things to appreciate about this film. To start out with, I really like how they portray Jack Ryan's relationship with his wife. When the you know what hits the fan, we see Jack sitting down with his wife where its implied that he has just told her everything that's happened. We also see him reach for her when hearing bad news and I just have to say, it is so nice to see a Hollywood movie portray a married couple so well and so healthy.
I also appreciate how these films deal with the fight for good, the importance of ethics and doing what is right, even when great risks are involved.
Overall, even though this film is very intense, if you're looking for a good intriguing, and yes, intense movie, you should enjoy this story. Oh, and James Earl Jones is in it too, which tells you its gotta be good.
-Bethany
The Jack Ryan films have always been favorites of mine. For the longest time, "Clear and Present Danger" was my favorite until it was de-throned by "Sum of all Fears." "Clear and Present Danger" weaves a story of politics, spooks, special ops, and Colombian drug lords. The film does a great job of matching action and excitement with the fact that the film's hero (Jack Ryan) played by Harrison Ford is an analyst (and in management at Langley by the time this film happens.) Ryan seems like a person that we might know, and he is someone that I connect with. The film's antagonists call Ryan a 'boy scout' in a derrogative sense, calling him a black and white rule follower. I appreciate this part of the character. It is how I try to act as well, and in today's film and TV culture it seems like there aren't very many heroes that are as honourable as Ryan. The optimism of the mid-90s is alive and well in this film. This film makes me proud of America's clandestine services, even as the film's President and some of his staff torpedo the country's reputation and abandon some of it's troops in an illegal paramilitary war, Jack Ryan is there to restore the balance, rescue the troops, and even face congress to answer for the mistakes of others. That in itself must have been Jack Ryan's greatest challenge ever.
-David
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
"Chocolat"
Chocolat. A delightfully delicious film that will make your mouth water and your hidden passions emerge. Or so the main character would hope. The story takes place in a small town in France where the people practice a Puritan style of life, specifically during Lent, cutting themselves off from any kind of pleasure, including the pleasure of Chocolate. In comes a woman and her daughter who help awaken some of the townsfolk to what they have been missing. One humorous example is a woman who finds that a specific type of chocolate helps awaken her husband's lack of passion.
Then we have Alfred Molina, the mayor of this town and the one most resistant to enjoying the passion of Chocolate. He gives a brilliant performance as does Judi Dench and Johnny Depp, who is quite nice to look at I might add.
The message of the film is summed up quite nicely at the end, an appropriate place I suppose, where the young minister speaks about how we shouldn't focus on what we shouldn't do and who we shouldn't include, but rather on what new things we can experience and who we can include in our lives. The character says it much better than I, but overall this is a very enjoyable film that will leave you searching in the cupboards for some dark chocolate to indulge in far after the film is through.
-Bethany
Chocolat is in the genre of films that I tend not to enjoy watching, but do appreciate greatly once I sit down and invest myself in it. I suppose I would classify it as a drama, but it is one that has a deal of humor (dark though it often is,) and despite my misgivings, I find myself appreciating much that this film has to offer. Five academy award nominations probably could have given me a clue.
'Chocolat' is the story of a little french village trying to become unstuck from the middle ages, and finding its own Renaissance through chocolate. This chocolate is brought by a traveling choclatier Vianne, and her lovable daughter. The duo soon find themselves at odds with the strict and overbearing Mayor of the town (played brilliantly by Alfred Molina) but they also find allies in a crotchety old French grandmother (played by Judi Dench,) and the abused wife of the town's bar owner.
Chocolat is a story that leaves one hungry not only for sweets, but also for the chance to go out and try something new, to meet new and interesting people, to have an adventure. The priest near the end of the film puts it best when he says (paraphrased) that we should not focus on what not to do, and whom not to include, but on what to do and whom to include in our lives. And as the narrator summed up his sermon, perhaps not the most eloquent, or fiery statement ever made from a pulpit, but certainly a message that we all can take to heart.
-David
Then we have Alfred Molina, the mayor of this town and the one most resistant to enjoying the passion of Chocolate. He gives a brilliant performance as does Judi Dench and Johnny Depp, who is quite nice to look at I might add.
The message of the film is summed up quite nicely at the end, an appropriate place I suppose, where the young minister speaks about how we shouldn't focus on what we shouldn't do and who we shouldn't include, but rather on what new things we can experience and who we can include in our lives. The character says it much better than I, but overall this is a very enjoyable film that will leave you searching in the cupboards for some dark chocolate to indulge in far after the film is through.
-Bethany
Chocolat is in the genre of films that I tend not to enjoy watching, but do appreciate greatly once I sit down and invest myself in it. I suppose I would classify it as a drama, but it is one that has a deal of humor (dark though it often is,) and despite my misgivings, I find myself appreciating much that this film has to offer. Five academy award nominations probably could have given me a clue.
'Chocolat' is the story of a little french village trying to become unstuck from the middle ages, and finding its own Renaissance through chocolate. This chocolate is brought by a traveling choclatier Vianne, and her lovable daughter. The duo soon find themselves at odds with the strict and overbearing Mayor of the town (played brilliantly by Alfred Molina) but they also find allies in a crotchety old French grandmother (played by Judi Dench,) and the abused wife of the town's bar owner.
Chocolat is a story that leaves one hungry not only for sweets, but also for the chance to go out and try something new, to meet new and interesting people, to have an adventure. The priest near the end of the film puts it best when he says (paraphrased) that we should not focus on what not to do, and whom not to include, but on what to do and whom to include in our lives. And as the narrator summed up his sermon, perhaps not the most eloquent, or fiery statement ever made from a pulpit, but certainly a message that we all can take to heart.
-David
Sunday, November 27, 2011
"Chicago"
Yet another musical in our movie collection. This one, (a winner of 6 Oscars including best picture) is a blast to watch. Pure entertainment. Being a history buff, I love this film set in Chicago in the roaring twenties. It is full of flashy lights, neon, lace, and burlesque. It is the story of a group of women who for whatever reason have murdered their significant others, usually due to infidelity.
The films highlights are definitely the musical numbers. From the cell block tango (filled with scantily clad women :) too the lawyer Billy Flinn's show stopper "All I Care About Is Love." I remember hearing an interview on NPR with the director of Chicago when it first came out saying that all the musical numbers were done live. It's alot of fun seeing the sets change from the musical stage numbers back to the Cook County Jail, or the courthouse.
"Chicago" is a blast to watch...if you like musicals. Even if you don't like musicals, seeing a show that with this many accolades is well worth your time. It is a great bit of entertainment, and one well worth watching.
-David
Chicago. Cabaret. Jazz. Murder. Ethics? Nah. But it sure is a lot of fun. Your in one minute, your out the next. That's the name of the game.
Top notch actors and actresses dazzle in this film. We see Roxie's journey from murderess to inmate to fame both in real time and in her imagination, where the ordinary and drab are transformed into, as Billy Flynn puts it "razzle dazzle."
Renee Z. and Catherine Zeta Jones are brilliant as Thelma and Roxie. Callous, calculating, willing to do what it takes to get what they want. And not caring who gets hurt or left behind, such as Roxie's poor husband Amos, sweet but lacking quite a bit in the brains department, who gets played more than once by Roxie and Billy Flynn. Speaking of Billy Flynn, Richard Gere shines as well, in both song and dance. And let's not forget Mama, aka Queen Latifah.
Great music, great acting, and a whole lot of fun. Just don't take any life lessons from this play.
-Bethany
The films highlights are definitely the musical numbers. From the cell block tango (filled with scantily clad women :) too the lawyer Billy Flinn's show stopper "All I Care About Is Love." I remember hearing an interview on NPR with the director of Chicago when it first came out saying that all the musical numbers were done live. It's alot of fun seeing the sets change from the musical stage numbers back to the Cook County Jail, or the courthouse.
"Chicago" is a blast to watch...if you like musicals. Even if you don't like musicals, seeing a show that with this many accolades is well worth your time. It is a great bit of entertainment, and one well worth watching.
-David
Chicago. Cabaret. Jazz. Murder. Ethics? Nah. But it sure is a lot of fun. Your in one minute, your out the next. That's the name of the game.
Top notch actors and actresses dazzle in this film. We see Roxie's journey from murderess to inmate to fame both in real time and in her imagination, where the ordinary and drab are transformed into, as Billy Flynn puts it "razzle dazzle."
Renee Z. and Catherine Zeta Jones are brilliant as Thelma and Roxie. Callous, calculating, willing to do what it takes to get what they want. And not caring who gets hurt or left behind, such as Roxie's poor husband Amos, sweet but lacking quite a bit in the brains department, who gets played more than once by Roxie and Billy Flynn. Speaking of Billy Flynn, Richard Gere shines as well, in both song and dance. And let's not forget Mama, aka Queen Latifah.
Great music, great acting, and a whole lot of fun. Just don't take any life lessons from this play.
-Bethany
Thursday, October 6, 2011
"Charlie Wilson's War"
I have always been a fan of historically based films, but 'Charlie Wilson's War' breaks the mold of a traditional non-fiction film...if there is such a thing. For those that have not seen this film, it takes place in the 80's during the Soviet war in Afghanistan, and covers the crusade of one US congressman Charlie Wilson, and his attempt to put together funds, weapons, and put them in the hands of Afghan guerrillas fighting the Soviets.
This film came out several years after the 9-11 attacks and ensuing US invasion of Afghanistan. In a way, the story presented in Charlie Wilson's war is a prequel to the events that led up to 9-11. The US support of the Afghan Guerrillas seemed to stop after the defeat of the soviets, and in an ethereal scene, we hear the sound of a airliner flying overhead just after Wilson is warned by his CIA cohort that the 'crazies are rolling into Kandahar like its a f***ing bathtub drain.'
The famous quote that says 'those that don't know history are condemned to repeat it' is perhaps cliche, but presented here as an important reminder. As a war in Iraq winds down and we still struggle for total victory in Afghanistan, it is important that we remember that war doesn't stop hurting a country after the battles are over. Things cannot be left to fall back into disarray after the fighting is done. In Charlie's words and warning: 'These things happened, they were glorious and they changed the world....and then we f***ed up the end game.'
-David
This is a very important film. It tells an amazing story of a man who fought hard for what he believed was right, and Tom Hanks does an incredible job of portraying Charlie Wilson. The atrocities shown in this movie, inflicted on the Afghan people by the Russians is horrifying. Children with their arms blown off, drawn to shiny things looking like toys which are actually mines...For all the non-ethical behavior from Charlie Wilson, he obviously had a conscience where it counts.
The sad thing about this story is the end, yes, this movie doesn't necessarily have a happy ending. We see that the government was willing to spend a billion dollars to fight a covert war, but when Charlie Wilson asks for a million dollars to rebuild schools in Afghanistan, a member of the committee basically says no one cares about a school in Afghanistan. The final quote in this film speaks volumes, "These things happened, they were glorious and they changed the world....and then we f***ed up the end game." Charlie Wilson predicted that Afghanistan could be taken over by terrorists if we didn't stay involved, and that's exactly what happened.
It really causes you to think about what is important, how involved our government should get in these types of things, and perhaps how different things could be if we had worked more to build stability in Afghanistan by helping with projects such as school improvement. This movie definitely leaves you with a lot to think about.
-Bethany
This film came out several years after the 9-11 attacks and ensuing US invasion of Afghanistan. In a way, the story presented in Charlie Wilson's war is a prequel to the events that led up to 9-11. The US support of the Afghan Guerrillas seemed to stop after the defeat of the soviets, and in an ethereal scene, we hear the sound of a airliner flying overhead just after Wilson is warned by his CIA cohort that the 'crazies are rolling into Kandahar like its a f***ing bathtub drain.'
The famous quote that says 'those that don't know history are condemned to repeat it' is perhaps cliche, but presented here as an important reminder. As a war in Iraq winds down and we still struggle for total victory in Afghanistan, it is important that we remember that war doesn't stop hurting a country after the battles are over. Things cannot be left to fall back into disarray after the fighting is done. In Charlie's words and warning: 'These things happened, they were glorious and they changed the world....and then we f***ed up the end game.'
-David
This is a very important film. It tells an amazing story of a man who fought hard for what he believed was right, and Tom Hanks does an incredible job of portraying Charlie Wilson. The atrocities shown in this movie, inflicted on the Afghan people by the Russians is horrifying. Children with their arms blown off, drawn to shiny things looking like toys which are actually mines...For all the non-ethical behavior from Charlie Wilson, he obviously had a conscience where it counts.
The sad thing about this story is the end, yes, this movie doesn't necessarily have a happy ending. We see that the government was willing to spend a billion dollars to fight a covert war, but when Charlie Wilson asks for a million dollars to rebuild schools in Afghanistan, a member of the committee basically says no one cares about a school in Afghanistan. The final quote in this film speaks volumes, "These things happened, they were glorious and they changed the world....and then we f***ed up the end game." Charlie Wilson predicted that Afghanistan could be taken over by terrorists if we didn't stay involved, and that's exactly what happened.
It really causes you to think about what is important, how involved our government should get in these types of things, and perhaps how different things could be if we had worked more to build stability in Afghanistan by helping with projects such as school improvement. This movie definitely leaves you with a lot to think about.
-Bethany
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"
I grew up watching the Gene Wilder version of this film, and I remember being pretty apprehensive seeing that they were remaking it. I had read the book as a kid too, and I remember noticing how different the first movie was. Although I loved the music and the acting, I was certainly hoping that the new film would be more true to the book. I was not disappointed. Comparing the new film to the original is really like comparing apples and oranges. I love the music of the old film, and of course Gene Wilder. The new film however, has Johnny Depp, who has mastered the eccentric Willy Wonka.
As I sit here watching this, I am taken back to late nights sitting up reading all of my favorite Roald Dahl books. From 'The BFG' to 'Witches,' and of course 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' Dahl seemed to always capture the excitement of kids behind things that were scary, secret, or delicious. This film captures that magic, and adds a Tim Burton flair.
It takes a certain suspension of disbelief to enjoy this film I think. That is, I suppose true of most Tim Burton films, but if you have ever enjoyed any of his other films, you will probably enjoy this one as well!
-David
What is it about this movie that makes it so enjoyable? Could it be the sweet and self-sacrificing spirit of Charlie? The singing Umpa Lumpas? The incredible awfulness of the other children? Or Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka? Yes! All this and more make Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a very enjoyable and amusing film.
The acting is superb, from little Charlie to the four grandparents, to the Umpa Lumpas. Charlie shows us a young boy who is rich when it comes to having a caring and loving family, but is a bit less rich when it comes to everything else. His parents and grandparents love him very much and want the best for him, but they can barely get by living on cabbage soup. However, there's an underlying layer of hope, especially with Charlie's grandpa. And that hope is rewarded when he gets the last Golden Ticket!
We're taken on an adventure of edible grass, upbeat songs, and quirky behavior from Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka. It's fun, unique, and quirky, as are the majority if not all of Tim Burton's films. I would definitely recommend this version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
-Bethany
As I sit here watching this, I am taken back to late nights sitting up reading all of my favorite Roald Dahl books. From 'The BFG' to 'Witches,' and of course 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' Dahl seemed to always capture the excitement of kids behind things that were scary, secret, or delicious. This film captures that magic, and adds a Tim Burton flair.
It takes a certain suspension of disbelief to enjoy this film I think. That is, I suppose true of most Tim Burton films, but if you have ever enjoyed any of his other films, you will probably enjoy this one as well!
-David
What is it about this movie that makes it so enjoyable? Could it be the sweet and self-sacrificing spirit of Charlie? The singing Umpa Lumpas? The incredible awfulness of the other children? Or Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka? Yes! All this and more make Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a very enjoyable and amusing film.
The acting is superb, from little Charlie to the four grandparents, to the Umpa Lumpas. Charlie shows us a young boy who is rich when it comes to having a caring and loving family, but is a bit less rich when it comes to everything else. His parents and grandparents love him very much and want the best for him, but they can barely get by living on cabbage soup. However, there's an underlying layer of hope, especially with Charlie's grandpa. And that hope is rewarded when he gets the last Golden Ticket!
We're taken on an adventure of edible grass, upbeat songs, and quirky behavior from Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka. It's fun, unique, and quirky, as are the majority if not all of Tim Burton's films. I would definitely recommend this version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
-Bethany
Thursday, August 4, 2011
"Cars"
If the words 'Disney and Pixar' show up in the title, chances are you are about to enjoy a great film. 'Cars' may not be my favorite of the Pixar films, but it is still a fantastic movie that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you laugh. This is an hour and a half well spent, especially when you enjoy the voice talents of people like Larry the Cable Guy, Owen Wilson, Click and Clack the car guys, and an all American soundtrack to boot!
'Cars' touches on a lot of issues and ideas that are are very relevant to America today. From the loss of 'small town America,' to the main characters huge ego. We watch as Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) a hot shot race car who cares only about himself, learns the value of friendship, teamwork, and putting others above yourself. McQueen's adventures lead him to the quintessential small town of 'radiator springs' along historic route 66. There, we bear witness to the demise of small town America, and hopefully, understand the things that have made small town America so exciting and important in past generations. McQueen comes to learn that some of those small town qualities are exactly what he was missing in his own life.
'Cars' is a great family movie with a little humor for everyone. As I write this, I remember that 'Cars 2' is out in theatres. With any luck, it will live up to the first one.
-David
Such a fun movie! Great characters, great dialogue, great music...it's got it all. But then again, I don't think I've ever been disappointed by a Pixar movie. I mean, who doesn't love that little lamp guy. I do love this movie. It's great for kids, clever for adults, and good ol' fashion fun.
Even though the message of the movie Cars isn't a new one, it's still important and one that we can always be reminded of, the value of family and friends, over things like wealth and fame. We see the main character, Lightening McQueen being seduced by fame and everything that goes with it, but we also see that he yearns for relationships beyond the surface level, which is pretty much all he has at the beginning of the film. Then, through an "unfortunate" mishap, he finds himself in "Hillbilly Hell" (one of my favorite lines) but finds exactly what he's been looking for all along.
All in all, Cars is a great movie for the whole family. If you haven't seen cars, check it out. The last thing I want to say is, watch the credits...and enjoy.
-Bethany
'Cars' touches on a lot of issues and ideas that are are very relevant to America today. From the loss of 'small town America,' to the main characters huge ego. We watch as Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) a hot shot race car who cares only about himself, learns the value of friendship, teamwork, and putting others above yourself. McQueen's adventures lead him to the quintessential small town of 'radiator springs' along historic route 66. There, we bear witness to the demise of small town America, and hopefully, understand the things that have made small town America so exciting and important in past generations. McQueen comes to learn that some of those small town qualities are exactly what he was missing in his own life.
'Cars' is a great family movie with a little humor for everyone. As I write this, I remember that 'Cars 2' is out in theatres. With any luck, it will live up to the first one.
-David
Such a fun movie! Great characters, great dialogue, great music...it's got it all. But then again, I don't think I've ever been disappointed by a Pixar movie. I mean, who doesn't love that little lamp guy. I do love this movie. It's great for kids, clever for adults, and good ol' fashion fun.
Even though the message of the movie Cars isn't a new one, it's still important and one that we can always be reminded of, the value of family and friends, over things like wealth and fame. We see the main character, Lightening McQueen being seduced by fame and everything that goes with it, but we also see that he yearns for relationships beyond the surface level, which is pretty much all he has at the beginning of the film. Then, through an "unfortunate" mishap, he finds himself in "Hillbilly Hell" (one of my favorite lines) but finds exactly what he's been looking for all along.
All in all, Cars is a great movie for the whole family. If you haven't seen cars, check it out. The last thing I want to say is, watch the credits...and enjoy.
-Bethany
Thursday, July 14, 2011
"Catch and Release"
Good lord. 112 minutes down the drain. So this is not the movie of my dreams, as you may have guessed. Drama filled chick flicks that aren't funny or interesting are just not high on my list of things that make for quality entertainment. The girl turns out to be a bit of a weepy you know what, she kinda ends up with the guy who is a bit of a jerk but not really, and there is a major love triangle. INCONCEIVABLE!!!
Having said all of that, I like the dude with the beard. If you watch the movie, you will know who I'm talking about.
There are some chick flicks that I enjoy, but this movie doesn't make that list. I don't think it is so much a bad movie, as it includes a bunch of twists and annoying complications that made it unenjoyable for me.
-David
Catch and Release is a movie that you have to watch like you're reading a book. In fact, I think this movie might be based on a book? Maybe? Maybe not? What I mean by this though, is it's not a fast movie. It's slower paced, thoughtful, with some comical pieces thrown in.
I actually bought this movie for cheap at someplace like Target, before I had even seen it. If I had seen it first, I probably would not have bought it. It's not the worst movie I've seen, but definitely not the best. It's grown on me a bit since the first time I saw it, but still not one I would rave about.
That being said, I do really like the two roommates, especially the shorter, heavier dude with the beard, he is hilarious. And I actually really enjoy most of the supporting characters. Jennifer Garner was decent, but I had a hard time liking the guy who plays her love interest. Maybe it's his eyes or his mannerisms, either way, not that impressed with him.
Would I recommend it? Depends. If you're looking for a contemplative, slower chick flick like movie, then sure, try it out. But if this doesn't sound like your type of movie, then it's probably not.
-Bethany
Having said all of that, I like the dude with the beard. If you watch the movie, you will know who I'm talking about.
There are some chick flicks that I enjoy, but this movie doesn't make that list. I don't think it is so much a bad movie, as it includes a bunch of twists and annoying complications that made it unenjoyable for me.
-David
Catch and Release is a movie that you have to watch like you're reading a book. In fact, I think this movie might be based on a book? Maybe? Maybe not? What I mean by this though, is it's not a fast movie. It's slower paced, thoughtful, with some comical pieces thrown in.
I actually bought this movie for cheap at someplace like Target, before I had even seen it. If I had seen it first, I probably would not have bought it. It's not the worst movie I've seen, but definitely not the best. It's grown on me a bit since the first time I saw it, but still not one I would rave about.
That being said, I do really like the two roommates, especially the shorter, heavier dude with the beard, he is hilarious. And I actually really enjoy most of the supporting characters. Jennifer Garner was decent, but I had a hard time liking the guy who plays her love interest. Maybe it's his eyes or his mannerisms, either way, not that impressed with him.
Would I recommend it? Depends. If you're looking for a contemplative, slower chick flick like movie, then sure, try it out. But if this doesn't sound like your type of movie, then it's probably not.
-Bethany
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