"Diary of a Mad Black Woman"

To begin, Tyler Perry films are not exactly favorites of mine.  I feel like the humor is full of fun and witty characters (such as the famous Madea,) and there are chunks of it that I find myself laughing out loud, or watching in anticipation.  The simple fact is that this film and his many other films are just not the type that I enjoy watching.  Full of drama, love triangles, somewhat canned dialogue and the like.

Now just because I do not enjoy this film, does not cause me to write it off.  I would say that the film is well done, just not the kind I watch for fun.  Perhaps I just can't find myself connecting with it.  The film centers around a voice over narration of a woman's diary as she describes her life's story of love lost, found etc.  Not exactly a story that I could easily connect with.  Still, as I watch I do find myself wrapped up in the story, maybe because even though I can't connect with the film as a whole, I can still get engrossed by a well told tale.

-David

Tyler Perry is good at comedy. When watching this movie for the first time, more than five years ago, I remember really liking it. Watching it now, I still enjoy parts of it, such as the comedic one-liners from Tyler Perry's Madea or Joe, but much of the serious dialogue, can seem a bit canned.

Tyler Perry does a good job, especially at playing multiple characters, and addressing very real, serious issues, such as adultery and drug addiction. I have seen quite a few Tyler Perry movies, including Why Did I Get Married 1 and 2, and Madea Goes To Jail. And I recently noticed another Madea movie out in theaters right now that looks pretty funny. Which brings me to what I enjoy most about his movies, his comedy, specifically Madea. She/He is a brilliant character, who provides great comic relief, and good commentary when the situation calls for it. Madea is a great character, and if you're looking for some good humor, Tyler Perry's got it. Diary of a Mad Black Woman has some great comic relief as well, but the majority of the film is drama. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, but I think what I enjoy most about his films is the comedy. I find that I struggle to connect with how his characters act at times in their relationships, and I don't really like the way he ends a specific scene near the end.

However, Tyler Perry movies are still fun, and can deliver important messages about forgiveness and redemption, which is something that you won't always find in other Hollywood films.

-Bethany

"Corpse Bride"

It's been awhile since we've posted a blog, mainly because its been hard to get into the mood for Corpse Bride, since this is the ideal movie for the Halloween season. :) However, that being said, as I sit here watching this Tim Burton film I am reminded once again of why I enjoy Corpse Bride. It has clever dialogue, catchy song's, and an overall "spooky" feel to the whole movie, while still being fun.

Tim Burton very rarely disappoints, and Corpse Bride is no exception. He uses some of his favorite actors such as Johnny Depp and Helen Bonham Carter, whom we see or hear in many Tim Burton films.

I would definitely recommend Corpse Bride, especially if you're looking for a good, family friendly film during the Halloween season. It's can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike, though I'm sure if could be a little too scary for young children as it does deal with the living...and the dead.

-Bethany

It's funny going from 'Coraline' and now to 'Corpse Bride.'  Both great stop motion animation films.  'Corpse Bride' is classic Tim Burton....and to be honest I didn't realise that we were such Tim Burton fans, except that this is the second or third Burton film that we have done, and we have several more spread throughout our collection.  The simple truth is, Burton is a great storyteller, and seems to surround himself with impressive artists and musicians.  From the sets, to the numerous skeletal characters, to the great music (yes this film is technically a musical,) I find myself enjoying every bit of it.  We bought this film for Halloween, and despite having a hard time building up the motivation to watch it in the spring time, I am reminded of what a fun film it actually is.

-David

"Coraline"

There is something very special about stop motion animation.  It is an age old technique of creating motion pictures, but one that is constantly improving and changing, staying relevant in todays' age of visually intense films.  'Coraline' is a great example of that relevance.

The film is very dark, based off of what the author of the book 'Coraline' called 'horror for 5 year olds.'  The story is that of a young girl who discovers a door to another world where everything seems a perfect replacement to her real life, but in truth is something much more sinister. 

The artistry of this film cannot be understated.  The animation of course is superb, but the sets as well are full of vibrant colors, and everything about the film seems to come alive.  The score also is haunting, it adds to the films intense yet somehow fun nature.  'Coraline' was directed by the same director that did 'The Nightmare Before Christmas.'  They are not in themselves completely alike, but if you enjoy darker yet fun films, you will find 'Coraline' to be a perfect fit.

-David

If you do not want to be woken up in the middle of the night by your child because they've just had a nightmare, DO NOT SHOW THEM THIS MOVIE! Coraline is an excellent story that presents all the elements of a good nightmare, everything seems good at first, in fact, its better than your real life, but then events start to take a turn for the worst. You can't get away, your life is at stake, your parents have been kidnapped, yep it's all there. However, that being said, I would totally recommend this film, to children and adults alike. But if your child is susceptible to nightmares, I'd recommend watching it first. Just because the content is a bit creepy, for the reasons mentioned above.

Overall, this is a very well done film, the story line is creative, the characters are colorful, the music is haunting...and it has a positive message about appreciating and loving your family. Great movie.

-Bethany

"Confessions of a Shopaholic"

So....yea.  Not my kind of movie.  Laughed a little bit at little jokes.  Appreciated a couple of SNL alums in the film.  Overall just one of those movies that I have little interest in, but I guarnantee that Bethany's review will stand in stark contrast to mine.  I'm going to hang on to my mancard and just say...pass.

-David

Okay, I can appreciate that this is not so much a guy film, but it was still fun to watch with David, and he did laugh more than once during some scenes. That being said, this really is more of a film to watch with your girlfriends, especiallly if you can relate to the estatic feeling one gets when finding that perfect outfit that makes you stand up that much straighter and makes you feel like you can accomplish anything! Or if you've ever experienced buyer's remorse, yes, it's happened to me.

Confessions is a light-hearted, fun film with plenty of heart and quite a few laughs. Isla Fisher does a brilliant job as Rebecca Bloomwood who is just impossible to not like! She's spunky, she's dorky, and despite the dishonesty regarding her debt issues, she'll tell you like it is, if you ask. I do also appreciate Hugh Dancy, both for his acting and his British accent. (What is it about that accent ladies?) Anyway, very fun, very entertaining, I would totally recommend it.

-Bethany

"Commando"

So first let me say that the only reason we own this is because it came in a cheap three pack with two other 'Ahnold' movies that I wanted, (namely 'True Lies' and 'Predator.')  As such, I actually had never seen this movie until watching it this evening.  Lets say that I wasn't surprised by its cliche action lines and ridiculous amount of explosiveness....but I wasn't entirely disappointed either.  By itself, I would never buy this film, but I wouldn't say that my hour and a half was wasted.  I was...lets say mildly entertained.  That could be the pizza and beer I enjoyed talking however.  I don't think a synopsis of this film is necessary.  Arnold is betrayed (notice how we never use his character name...he is just Arnold,) he kills everyone that crossed him, is ridiculously accurate firing automatic weapons from the hip, and the guys he is fighting are worse shots than stormtroopers.  If you have nothing else to watch, watch 'Commando'... or maybe read a book.

-David

Commando. What can I say. The best thing about watching this movie is that we get to watch Confessions of a Shopaholic next. Okay, okay, in all honesty it wasn't that bad. Not that it's a film that will blow you away (although many of Arnold's foes meet that fate), but it did have some good one-liners, suspenseful action, and two good actresses. I really enjoyed the gal playing Arnold's daughter, who I most recognized as the actress from Charmed. I also thought the woman who becomes Arnold's side kick did a nice job, and she's apparently the daughter of Chong from Cheech and Chong. (I only know that because we looked her up afterwards.)

This isn't really my type of movie, too much killing and blowing things up, although since it was made in the 80's, much of it is somewhat comical. However, I could do without the pitchfork killing that Arnold pulls off so well.

That being said, if you like ripped Arnold, suspense, and 80's special affects, you just might enjoy this film.

-Bethany

"Clear and Present Danger"

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

"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