Becoming Jane (2007)

Synopsis

Title: Becoming Jane (2007)

Genre: Drama

Rating: PG

Running Time: 120 Minutes

Director: Julian Jarrold

Main Actors: Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Maggie Smith, Joe Anderson

Plot: Becoming Jane follows the life of early 19^th century writer Jane Austen. The movie is loosely based on fact, but the story about her personal life is somewhat unknown. Austin is credited for writing 6 novels including huge successes Pride and Prejudice and Emma. The movie was edited for re-rating and was originally PG-13.

My Take

I have a feeling that although this was not exactly my favorite type of movie, Becoming Jane will be hugely popular among females. I know my sisters will love this movie. I say it isn’t exactly my type of movie because I found it slow and boring at times. I also think it is a little bit too wordy. I know that Austen is known for her humor in her books and witty dialogue, but it got a little annoying to me. The storyline is familiar and good although I think the I-love-you-I-love-you-not can get a little tiresome. The costume design team did a good job making the costumes and set look 2 centuries old. I have no real complaints about the acting or directing. With this movie, you get about what you expect going in to the movie.

Should You Watch???

If you like Pride and Prejudice, you should love this movie. They are very similar. Could this be because Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice? I actually prefered Pride and Prejudice to this movie, but I thought both were pretty good. This movie clearly attracts the female audience, but it is watchable if you are male. If you are a guy and want to do something nice for your female partner, offer to watch Becoming Jane. Just be aware that you may want to check the sports ticker on your computer or phone when the movie hits a dead spot.

Popcorn Rating

Kettle Corn

Rudy (1994)

Synopsis

Title: Rudy (1994)

Genre: Sports Drama

Rating: PG

Running Time: 114 Minutes

Director: David Anspaugh

Main Actors: Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Charles Dutton, Lili Taylor, Vince Vaughn

Plot: Rudy always had a dream to play football for Notre Dame. The problem was that he didn’t have good enough grades nor the athletic ability to have a chance to make the team. At least that’s what everyone was telling him. He believed in himself and proved everybody else wrong..

My Take

We start Vince Vaughn month with a BANG! Call it a cliché sports movie if you want, but this is one of the greatest sports movies if not the greatest sports movie of all time. Rudy, based on a true story, is an inspiration and it gives me a great since of pride and admiration every time I watch it, and I’ve seen it several times; the sign of a truly great movie. This is the ultimate underdog story, and everyone loves a good underdog story. Sean Astin did an awesome job playing Rudy, who made it on the field in South Bend after overcoming great obstacles. The story is rock solid. The acting is rock solid. In addition to Astin’s performance, Jon Favreau did an excellent job as the shy teacher’s aid who needs help socializing with the ladies (sounds very familiar doesn’t it). All the supporting actors did a fine job. The setting is beautiful with scenes from the actual university. The music is breathtaking and classic. The football scenes were very well done, especially for the time. I honestly have no complaints about this movie. Great, great movie.

What About Vince?

Vince Vaughn played the part of a high profile recruit who never lived up to expectations. Rudy was the first film for Vince Vaughn, who struck up a friendship with Jon Favreau and eventually led to more prominent roles. Vince had just 2 or 3 lines in the movie, but he played the part of football jock well. We have all come to realize that he plays the guy nobody really likes really well. Rudy even has an effect on Vince’s character, as Vaughn is the one that makes sure Rudy is put into the final game. So he does have a soft spot. He looks so young in this movie. I can’t wait to watch more of Vince’s films and see how he grows as an actor.

Should You Watch???

Every single person should watch this movie. This movie has everything a sports fan could as for in a movie. This movie has everything a person who has ever had a dream could ask for in a movie. I don’t review movies through the eyes of a critic, but through the eyes of a common person who loves movies and loves a great story. Rudy is a movie that will truly move you emotionally in a way that few movies can. Rudy is a cinematic masterpiece that the whole family will enjoy for years to come.

Popcorn Rating

Bag of Half-Popped Kernels

The Nativity Story (2006)

Synopsis

Title: The Nativity Story (2006)

Genre: Religious/Historical/Drama

Rating: PG

Running Time: 101 Minutes

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Main Actors: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Ciaran Hinds, Shohreh Aghdashloo

The Plot: The story about the birth of Christ. One of the greatest if not the greatest stories ever told! Finally we get to see the Nativity Story on the big screen!

My Take

The Nativity Story is the first movie that I am aware of that tells the story of the birth of Christ! This is amazing to me considering the importance of this event. It is safe to say that this is the best movie about the birth of Christ ever made. It is not flawless, but it was very accurately told according to biblical writings. I was paying very close attention to details to see how the director interpreted the nativity story. I found it to be very accurate, which is the most important thing in my mind when telling the story of Christ's birth. I was paying particularly close attention to how Mary and Joseph were portrayed. It is very hard to make a movie like this accurately without taking artistic liberties that would ruin the film. The only fault I find with The Nativity Story is that it does not live up to the actual event, although it is not possible to show how truly amazing and important this event was on the history of the world. I already know the story and many already do, so I guess maybe that is why I felt it lacked some of the excitement we should all feel at the birth of Christ.

Should You Watch???

You should buy this movie and watch it as a Christmas tradition. Jesus is the reason for the season, and what better way to remind you than to watch The Nativity Story? The movie itself is not perfect although it was very well done, but the story is perfect. This is the first movie to make my Hall of Fame list because it is a must watch for Christians and people of all faiths. It is the best movie depicting the birth of Christ that was ever made. What other reason do you need to watch? Buy and watch over and over again!

Popcorn Rating

Bag of Half-Popped Kernals

August Rush (2007)

Synopsis

Title: August Rush
Genre: Inspirational, Romantic Drama
Rating: PG
Running Time: 133 Minutes
Director: Kirsten Sheridan
Main Actors: Freddie Highmore, Robin Williams, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard
Composer: Mark Mancina
Plot: A boy who was abandoned at birth uses his musical talent as he searches for his parents.


My Take

One of the main arguments against this movie that I've read about are geared towards the unlikelihood of many of the events. I have seen movies where coincidences abound and agree that this is not good for a movie, but I never had that feeling when watching this movie. It was a feel good story, and like any feel good story your natural reaction is going to be a happy one. Some people don't like this, but I found August Rush not only uplifting but very well made.

The idea of a boy using music to find his separated parent may seem a little far fetched, but it actually works really well. The way the story comes together is a thing of beauty and great story telling if you ask me. In addition to a solid script, August Rush had some excellent directing and acting. I thought that all of the actors did a solid job. I think the kid (Freddie Highmore) is going to be a big time movie star. I'll take him in a movie before Dakota Fanning. I don't know how old he is, but he acts like he's been in the business for longer than he's been alive. He's a whole lot better than most actors I've seen. Robin Williams does a great job playing the creepy guy who uses kids for his own profit. Those two performances stick out for me, but they all did a wonderful job. As for the directing, I loved how she used the music to tell the story. When the actors do such a great job, you know there is a director who deserves some of the credit.

The music was the movie. I am a strong believer in the power of music and the effect it can have on people. You may have noticed that I included the composer in the synopsis. This was not by mistake. Mark Mancina deserves a lot of credit in this movie and I felt it would not be right to not include him. Taking a quote from the movie, "I love music more than food". I believe that good sound effects and especially music in a movie are two of the most important elements. Music sets the mood of a movie and can change the dynamic of the movie. In August Rush, music was the movie and both were great.

Should You Watch???

Watch it if you have a brain. This movie is a slam dunk, a home run, a touchdown. I had never heard of the movie before I went to see it in theaters so I had no expectations going in to the movie. I left the movie feeling lucky that I had the opportunity and the privilege to watch such a great movie. This movie is a very clean movie that I can recommend to anyone and everyone. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this movie. Go out and watch it!

Popcorn Rating

Movie Theater Popcorn

Amazing Grace (2006)

Synopsis

Title: Amazing Grace
Genre: Inspirational Drama
Rating: PG
Running Time: 118 Minutes
Director: Michael Apted
Main Actors: Ioan Gruffudd, Romola Garai, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ciaran Hinds, Rufus Sewell
Plot: The story about one man's long time battle against slavery in 18th century United Kingdom.

My Take

As a general rule of thumb, I am a big fan of inspirational dramas. Amazing Grace did not disappoint. You will not see big name actors or a big name director, but that might be part of what makes this movie so good. It leaves the impression of something different and something better. Hey, that sounds a lot like an Arby's slogan. The movie sends a message of faith and I would recommend it to anyone of all ages.

Should You Watch???

Watch it if you have a dvd player, because it will be well worth your time. This movie is very comparable to Amistad, which is another movie about the abolition of slave trade. As much as I liked Amistad, I would put Amazing Grace one notch above. Put this movie near the top of your watch list and enjoy.

Popcorn Rating

Movie Theater Popcorn