Archive for the 'Movie Reviews' Category
July 1st, 2012 by David Freedman
Four Tales of love and life unfold in the eternal city of Rome. An American architect relives his youth while an average Roman finds himself a sudden celebrity. But as a young couple falls into separate romances, an opera director tries to put a singing mortician on stage. This Wwody Allen comedy stars Woody Allen, Penélope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Ellen Page, Judy Davis and Alec Baldwin. Written and Directed by Woody Allen. Produced by Letty Aronson and Stephen Tenenbaum. Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit Continue reading ‘To Rome With Love Movie Review – Just Seen It’
July 1st, 2012 by David Freedman
Leah and Aaron chat with comedian Al Shearer about his new documentary, Al Shearer: The Other Black Guy Running for President! Al Shearer began asking people ‘what’s wrong with the country?’ so he could do something about it, but soon realized that to make a real difference, he needs to be in charge. This ‘mocumentary’ stars Al Shearer. Written and Produced by John Drumm. Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit Continue reading ‘Al Shearer Interview – Just Seen It’
June 30th, 2012 by Jami Ferguson
“Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane brings his boundary-pushing brand of humor to the big screen for the first time as writer, director and voice star of Ted. In the live action/CG-animated comedy, he tells the story of John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), a grown man who must deal with the cherished teddy bear who came to life as the result of a childhood wish…and has refused to leave his side ever since. Continue reading ‘Ted – My Favorite Foul-Mouthed Teddy Bear (Movie Review)’
June 30th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Within the past year, director Steven Soderbergh has directed three very different films. First was the biological disaster drama, Contagion; then there was the throwback action flick, Haywire; and now we have Magic Mike, a comedy-drama based around a group of male strippers in Tampa, Florida. One thing is for sure, Soderbergh likes to dabble in different genres. Given that I like to follow along with directors I admire and the fact that the last male-stripper movie I saw was The Full Monty, which is a film I really enjoy, there really seemed to be no reason for me not to want to see Magic Mike. So I went to a screening, which was a packed theater, full of women, ready to see a bunch of hunky guys dance around on stage. True to expectations, Magic Mike was more than just colorful exploitation, as it used its likable cast to provide a film that had humor and drama…along with assless chaps. Continue reading ‘The Exotic Adventures Of ‘Magic Mike’ Part 1: The Tampa Strip’
June 30th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
I laughed a lot during Ted. It sits next to 21 Jumps Street for me, currently, as the best pure comedy of 2012. It is a high-concept comedy that could have easily worn itself out, coming off more as an extended Saturday Night Live sketch, but it doesn’t. Ted, while profane and raunchy at times, also bothers to give a damn about its characters, which results in a film that is fun to watch, for sure, but also has enough heart and actual respect for the people involved that it works quite well as a film. It should come as no surprise that the movie features plenty of filthy and offensive jokes, but the real shocker should be the amount of care that went into making the lead characters likable. Also, bears are funny. Continue reading ‘‘Ted’ Is A Pretty Fuzzin’ Funny Movie’
June 29th, 2012 by Mary Welms
Admit it, how many of you out there growing up had a teddy bear, bunny rabbit or some sort of stuffed animal or doll as your bff? Imagine that favorite toy coming to life, holy crap how awesome would that be, right? Well Seth MacFarlane, creator/writer of Family Guy, has done such that and even better…he has brought it to the big screen. Fueled with the goofy and profane style that the TV show has, Seth pushes his insane comedy to the edge, but he doesn’t make you feel like you want to jump. I think it is one of those movies that with each subsequent viewing it gets funnier and funnier. Of course this is an R rated movie, but Ted is a booze drinking, pot smoking, burping, farting, Flash Gordon lover and a sex-crazed teddy bear that emailed Hasbro about not giving him a penis. Continue reading ‘Ted (Movie Review)’
June 28th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
I really don’t have anything against this movie for what it tries to be. Given that someone already went ahead and called pull quote credit by proclaiming People Like Us as “The feel good movie of the summer,” I get the feeling that anyone that is going into this movie will probably have a good idea as to what to expect. It is a simple story that is full of sentiment and characters that don’t reveal all of the info they have to others, even though everything would be cleared up in a matter of minutes if they were to do so. The film is well cast, but everyone gets their moment with monologues delivered, while on the verge of tears. It does have some clever moments and other factors that make it decent, but it is also overlong and quite flashy in its filmmaking. Continue reading ‘‘People Like Us’ Is Sentimental Stuff’
June 26th, 2012 by David Freedman
Teenager Donny fathers a son, Todd and raises him as a single parent. But after being estranged for years, Donny suddenly shows up before Todd’s wedding. So Todd tries to keep his crazy father from destroying his life. This broad comedy stars Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg and Leighton Meester. Directed by Sean Anders and written by David Caspe. Produced By Allen Covert, Jack Giarraputo, Heather Parry, and Adam Sandler. Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit Continue reading ‘That’s My Boy – Just Seen It Movie Review’
June 25th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
I went into Beasts of the Southern Wild with no idea as to what I was going to see. I had only heard about it being very well received at Sundance and Cannes, but little in the way of what the film was actually about. Vague descriptions used key words like “fantasy” and “Katrina”, but I still did not have much of an “in”, before sitting in my seat getting to watch the film for myself. To my delight, ‘Beasts’ turned out to be one of the most unique films I have seen this year. With elements of Spielberg and Terry Gilliam, combined with the use of a sort of documentary-style grittiness, the film is creative, affecting, and nontraditional in many ways. ‘Beasts’ deals with what it takes to be a survivor and how to handle grief, but serves as a fable of sorts as well, with a great performance from the young girl at the center of the story. Continue reading ‘Take A Walk On The ‘Beasts Of The Southern Wild’ Side’
June 23rd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
It is kind of fun to reference To Rome with Love as “this year’s Woody Allen film”. Allen seemingly works non-stop, releasing new films on a near yearly basis and has a pretty strong batting average overall that most other filmmakers would kill to have. Especially given his creative freedom, Allen has enjoyed plenty of success, but that also tends to find him running hot and cold at times. To Rome with Love feels like “lesser Allen”. It’s certainly not “bad Allen”, as the film has plenty of enjoyable aspects to it, but especially after coming off of the very warm reception from Midnight in Paris (Review, Essay), this film felt problematic. There’s a new locale and a strong cast, but the film has issues with how to utilize its assets and ends up lighthearted, but overwritten and messy. Continue reading ‘Woody Allen Meanders ‘To Rome’’
June 23rd, 2012 by David Freedman
Salim, Greg and Aaron discuss all the possibilities of the new Spiderman movie with both anticipation and apprehension! Abandoned by his parents as a boy, Peter Parker is raised by his Aunt and Uncle. But when he finds a mysterious briefcase, it leads him to his father’s former partner. Seeking the answers to his past, Peter must also stop an unimaginable terror. Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans. Directed by Marc Webb. Based on the Marvel Comic created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Produced by Avi Arad. Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit Continue reading ‘The Amazing Spiderman – Just Seen It ‘Preview Review’’
June 23rd, 2012 by David Freedman
Princess Merida defies custom and her mother’s wishes to be married. But her recklessness unleashes a horrible curse on her family. With the future of her kingdom is jeopardy, only she can break the curse. This new release from Pixar/Disney Features the voices of Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson. Written and Directed by Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell. Produced by Katherine Sarafian and John Lassiter. Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit Continue reading ‘Brave – Just Seen It Movie Review’
June 23rd, 2012 by David Freedman
Based on the Broadway musical, a small town girl and a city boy meet on the Sunset Strip. Both have dreams of singing careers while paying their dues working at the most famous rock club in LA. But when the city boy gets his big break, it threatens their love. This movie boasts a fantastic ensemble cast with Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Paul Giamatti. Directed by Adam Shankman and written by Justin Theroux, Chris D’Arienzo and Allan Loeb.Based on the Musical Book by Chris D’Arienzo.Produced by Jennifer Gibgot, and Jennifer Gibgot.Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit Continue reading ‘Rock Of Ages – Just Seen It Movie Review’
June 22nd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Sometimes I just really like it when things work out the way I expect them to. In the lead up to Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, I had a pretty exact image of what my response was going to be upon seeing the film and it ended up being more or less everything that I wanted out of it. Should that sully my feelings toward it, given that I predicted my own reaction to the film? I don’t think so. Should I be disappointed that the film did not surprise me by going in a different direction than what I expected? I don’t think so either. I was initially intrigued by the film based on the setup and who was involved and got what I wanted. ‘Seeking a Friend’ presents a premise that is inherently dark, but adds on some sensibilities of a romantic comedy and a likable cast, which makes it a rewarding film to see. Continue reading ‘I Found Joy During ‘Seeking A Friend’’
June 22nd, 2012 by Brian White
The wait is FINALLY over! One of my favorite fictional books of 2010 has been adapted and now for very first time…officially presented on the big screen in eye-popping 3-D, if you so choose. Hip, hip hooray! Of course, I’m talking about none other than Seth Grahame-Smith’s mashup novel, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, a combination of two things that I love the most in life…history/historic figures and blood sucking/curdling vampires! How can you possibly go wrong with this combo subject matter? I’ll pause for a brief second. Good. I didn’t think I would hear any complaints. And by the way, anyone who is curious about the aforementioned literacy piece of work I referenced can read my full book review and learn all about it over here, but be warned…the rest of this review is going to focus solely on Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter…the 2012 Timur Bekmambetov action horror film. Continue reading ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Stakes Itself (Movie Review)’
June 22nd, 2012 by Sean Ferguson
Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. From Disney and Pixar, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate. Brave follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and resources – including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers – to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, Brave is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor that audiences of all ages around the world have come to eagerly expect. Continue reading ‘Brave (Movie Review)’
June 22nd, 2012 by Jami Ferguson
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter explores the secret life of our greatest president, and the untold story that shaped our nation. Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov (director of Wanted) bring a fresh and visceral voice to the bloodthirsty lore of the vampire, imagining Lincoln as history’s greatest hunter of the undead. Continue reading ‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter – History/Vampire Mash-up’
June 22nd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
It is interesting how this year’s feature from Pixar is both somewhat of a departure, yet also a familiar story that they are attempting to tell. Brave, first and foremost, is an enjoyable film, which manages to provide a story that is humorous, exciting, and fitted with some emotional stakes that seem true to Pixar form. What makes it both different by Pixar standards, yet familiar as well, is the fact that it stands more closely to being a traditional Disney film, featuring a princess character who makes particular choices and is forced to tackle a life-changing adventure, to an extent. The result is a film that eventually heads down a path with an inevitable conclusion, while also meeting the acceptable requirements of servicing a strong, lead female character, and providing a strong mother-daughter relationship tale. Continue reading ‘Pixar’s Princess Learns How To Be ‘Brave’’
Four Tales of love and life unfold in the eternal city of Rome. An American architect relives his youth while an average Roman finds himself a sudden celebrity. But as a young couple falls into separate romances, an opera director tries to put a singing mortician on stage. This Wwody Allen comedy stars Woody Allen, Penélope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Ellen Page, Judy Davis and Alec Baldwin. Written and Directed by Woody Allen. Produced by Letty Aronson and Stephen Tenenbaum. Follow us on Twitter: @justseenit Continue reading ‘To Rome With Love Movie Review – Just Seen It’
