I'm looking forward to seeing two movies that open this Friday, April 13. Each one has quite a different style and audience.
Bully: There's been so much buzz about this documentary looking into the lives of five kids and families dealing with bullying. The original R rating had many pushing for a PG-13 so more kids would see it. Language is a big factor. The Weinstein Co. then announced that Bully would be released without a rating. In the end, after some edits, Bully got the PG-13.
Check out the trailer:
The Cabin in the Woods: This film (Chris Hemsworth, Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford) just seems like it could having me jumping out of my seat. That's what I call scary fun. Here's hoping. It's about five friends who go to a remote place in the woods, that seems to be some crazy arena of terror. It's rated R for strong bloody horror violence and gore, language, drug use and some sexuality/nudity. Check out the trailer:
What are you looking forward to seeing?
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
8 movies for Easter
We have tons of Christmas and Halloween movies, but we don't have any Easter movies — not even the ones with cute bunnies. That doesn't mean we don't enjoy a good movie about Easter or our favorite mythical bunny who likes to leave eggs and chocolate treats for the kiddies.
Here are some we'd rent the DVD or stop channel surfing to watch:
-Hop (2011). So this is an Easter movie because the it's about the the Easter Bunny's son escaping Easter Island so he can become a rock star in Hollywood. A crazy adventure ensues. It's silly, but a decent family movie to put you a jovial mood. Stars James Marsden and the voice of Russell Brand. Rated PG.
-Jesus of Nazareth (1977). A depiction of the life of Christ. Originally a TV mini series. Stars Michael York, Olivia Hussey, Christopher Plummer, Anne Bancroft and Ernest Borgnine.
-The Passion of the Christ (2004). This is an intense film that chronicles the last 12 hours before Jesus' crucifixion. Stars James Caviezel. Rated R.
-Jesus Christ Superstar (1973). A film version of the popular rock opera, it depicts the final days of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Stars Ted Neely, Carl Anderson and Yvonne Elliman.
-The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965). Tells the story of the life of Jesus. Stars Max von Sydow, Charlton Heston and Dorothy McGuire.
We've outgrown the kiddie movies, but these will likely keep their attention:
-Here Comes Peter Cottontail (1971). Peter Cottontail wants to become the Easter Bunny, but Evil Irontail has other plans.
-It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974). The Peanuts gang gets ready for Easter.
-Winnie the Pooh: Springtime With Roo (2004). Roo copes with Rabbit canceling Easter.
Here are some we'd rent the DVD or stop channel surfing to watch:
-Hop (2011). So this is an Easter movie because the it's about the the Easter Bunny's son escaping Easter Island so he can become a rock star in Hollywood. A crazy adventure ensues. It's silly, but a decent family movie to put you a jovial mood. Stars James Marsden and the voice of Russell Brand. Rated PG.
-Jesus of Nazareth (1977). A depiction of the life of Christ. Originally a TV mini series. Stars Michael York, Olivia Hussey, Christopher Plummer, Anne Bancroft and Ernest Borgnine.
-The Passion of the Christ (2004). This is an intense film that chronicles the last 12 hours before Jesus' crucifixion. Stars James Caviezel. Rated R.
-Jesus Christ Superstar (1973). A film version of the popular rock opera, it depicts the final days of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Stars Ted Neely, Carl Anderson and Yvonne Elliman.
-The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965). Tells the story of the life of Jesus. Stars Max von Sydow, Charlton Heston and Dorothy McGuire.
We've outgrown the kiddie movies, but these will likely keep their attention:
-Here Comes Peter Cottontail (1971). Peter Cottontail wants to become the Easter Bunny, but Evil Irontail has other plans.
-It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974). The Peanuts gang gets ready for Easter.
-Winnie the Pooh: Springtime With Roo (2004). Roo copes with Rabbit canceling Easter.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Free entrée deal at AMC Esplanade in April
Once upon a time ago, I blogged about how much I enjoyed watching a movie and munching on finger foods at AMC Esplanade, at 24th Street and Camelback Road in Phoenix. I've gone back a few more times, and still like it a lot even if I end up spending more than I really wanted. Those brisket quesadillas just call to me.
Well, if you go in April, you can save on the food you inevitably order. From April 1-30, if you buy an entrée and two drinks, you get one entrée of equal or lesser value for free with coupon. That's about a $8-11 savings, since most entrées are in that price range. Drinks start around $3.
I'm already planning our next lunch and a movie. I still aim to save on entertainment by going to an earlier show. :)
Cheers!
Well, if you go in April, you can save on the food you inevitably order. From April 1-30, if you buy an entrée and two drinks, you get one entrée of equal or lesser value for free with coupon. That's about a $8-11 savings, since most entrées are in that price range. Drinks start around $3.
I'm already planning our next lunch and a movie. I still aim to save on entertainment by going to an earlier show. :)
Cheers!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
"Wrath of the Titans" amuses
So if you want some action and s few laughs, "Wrath of the Titans" may make the perfect weekend movie getaway.
The plot isn't much. But I imagine the plot doesn't matter as much as the action and digitally created special effects. This is one of those visual movies. And you get an eyeful, especially if you opt for 3D. I'm thinking this is a teen boy's idea of cool.
Synopsis: Perseus, after defeating the Krakken, has been living a quiet life as a fisherman until his dad, Zeus, comes down seeking some help. Perseus just wants to stay out of the gods game and raise his son, whose mother is now dead. But that's not going to happen. Zeus is captured by his brother Hades and son Ares in an effort to remain immortal. You see, people have stopped praying as much to the gods. That's not good for gods, who are losing their power. So they need Kronos to break free. So they drain Zeus of his remaining power. Meanwhile, all sorts of crazy creatures are unleashed on the Greek population, and it's Perseus to the rescue.
The movie is rated PG-13 for intense fantasy violence and action. There's lot of fire breathing creatures creating havoc on Greece. The cyclopes — lumbering giants with one big eye — can be a bit frightening as they bash stuff to younger audiences. Well, one of them made the woman in front of me jump. The violence is typical of fantasy action films. I noticed little blood, but there's plenty of slaying and deaths. I didn't notice any of the big bad words, and there's just one kiss...and it's not the swooning type.
My grade: B-
The plot isn't much. But I imagine the plot doesn't matter as much as the action and digitally created special effects. This is one of those visual movies. And you get an eyeful, especially if you opt for 3D. I'm thinking this is a teen boy's idea of cool.
Synopsis: Perseus, after defeating the Krakken, has been living a quiet life as a fisherman until his dad, Zeus, comes down seeking some help. Perseus just wants to stay out of the gods game and raise his son, whose mother is now dead. But that's not going to happen. Zeus is captured by his brother Hades and son Ares in an effort to remain immortal. You see, people have stopped praying as much to the gods. That's not good for gods, who are losing their power. So they need Kronos to break free. So they drain Zeus of his remaining power. Meanwhile, all sorts of crazy creatures are unleashed on the Greek population, and it's Perseus to the rescue.
The movie is rated PG-13 for intense fantasy violence and action. There's lot of fire breathing creatures creating havoc on Greece. The cyclopes — lumbering giants with one big eye — can be a bit frightening as they bash stuff to younger audiences. Well, one of them made the woman in front of me jump. The violence is typical of fantasy action films. I noticed little blood, but there's plenty of slaying and deaths. I didn't notice any of the big bad words, and there's just one kiss...and it's not the swooning type.
My grade: B-
"Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" charms
With a title like "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen," I had little interest in seeing it. Then I saw the trailer. Hmm. Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt. Okay, maybe it wouldn't be too bad.
It's essentially the story of a visionary sheik (Amr Waked) who believes salmon fishing can enrich the lives of people in the Yemen. He wants to bring this "peaceful" sport to the not so fish-friendly desert and is willing to spare no expense. He instructs his representative Harriet (Blunt) to turn the dream into reality. Because the sheik is a big deal, Britain's leading fisheries expert Alfred Jones (McGregor) gets involved. Of course Alfred thinks the project is insane and unachievable. But when politicians get involved looking for some good publicity in the Middle East, Alfred must find a way to make it work. In the middle of it all, Alfred and Harriet struggle with their romantic relationships at home. It also stars Kristin Scott Thomas in a hilarious role as a press secretary to the British Prime Minister.
It's PG-13 for some violence and sexual content and brief language, including a mom using the F-word with her son. "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" is based on Paul Torday's political satire by the same title.
I decided that I'd take the entire family, as it was billed as humorous and inspirational. I knew there may be some romantic elements, but with a PG-13, I wasn't too worried. There wasn't any nudity. There was some kissing, but nothing too intense.
We all came away thinking it was charming. Was it unbelievable? Sure, it's based on a political satire, but the film makes you feel good. The movie was funny at times and offered up hope. Since we took the kids, It gave our family a chance to talk about another part of the world. We didn't get too deep, as the movie just touched on the violence and distaste for Western ideals (people are shot at and threatened in the movie, and a damn is busted to destroy a fishing spot; some die in the event). It also touched on Asperger's Syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism usually associated with social difficulties.
It's likely a good choice for date night or taking a family with young teens. My grade: B
Cheers!
It's essentially the story of a visionary sheik (Amr Waked) who believes salmon fishing can enrich the lives of people in the Yemen. He wants to bring this "peaceful" sport to the not so fish-friendly desert and is willing to spare no expense. He instructs his representative Harriet (Blunt) to turn the dream into reality. Because the sheik is a big deal, Britain's leading fisheries expert Alfred Jones (McGregor) gets involved. Of course Alfred thinks the project is insane and unachievable. But when politicians get involved looking for some good publicity in the Middle East, Alfred must find a way to make it work. In the middle of it all, Alfred and Harriet struggle with their romantic relationships at home. It also stars Kristin Scott Thomas in a hilarious role as a press secretary to the British Prime Minister.
It's PG-13 for some violence and sexual content and brief language, including a mom using the F-word with her son. "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" is based on Paul Torday's political satire by the same title.
I decided that I'd take the entire family, as it was billed as humorous and inspirational. I knew there may be some romantic elements, but with a PG-13, I wasn't too worried. There wasn't any nudity. There was some kissing, but nothing too intense.
We all came away thinking it was charming. Was it unbelievable? Sure, it's based on a political satire, but the film makes you feel good. The movie was funny at times and offered up hope. Since we took the kids, It gave our family a chance to talk about another part of the world. We didn't get too deep, as the movie just touched on the violence and distaste for Western ideals (people are shot at and threatened in the movie, and a damn is busted to destroy a fishing spot; some die in the event). It also touched on Asperger's Syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism usually associated with social difficulties.
It's likely a good choice for date night or taking a family with young teens. My grade: B
Cheers!
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