The Young Victoria

Every now and then there are awesome period films such as "Apollo 13", that strike a cord, and cause you to want to know more. I like that flick cause it shows what happened to the shuttle, includes some back story , but then also shows those astronauts' family life. It makes you all the more interested, to learn about that historical mission when you get to see the human side. So with that being said, I am a huge fan of following the British family, so when I got to rent "The Young Victoria" I was intrigued.
This film staring Emily Blunt, some may know her as the funny girl in "The Devil Wears Prada", shows the story of the longest ruling monarch in British history, 63 years and 7 months. Victoria found out at the age of 14 that she was the next in line to be queen, and then became queen at the age of 18. The movie show so much historical knowledge, such as her secluded child hood, the death of King George, her coronation, and being the first to live in Bukingham Palace, Though the thing that gripped me the most, like I'm sure most women, was the history of how she choose her husband Prince Albert. The movie shows the actual letter writing between Albert and Victoria, for example how he was encouraging to her before she was even queen. The things he did to prove he adored her, learning to waltz, teaching her to listen to the people of the country, and taking a bullet for her. They were actually a royal couple who loved each other and choose each other. I feel this movie should of been called "Victoria and Albert." Though the movie is about the queen you can easily see that the Albert part is the most intriguing.
Another part of the film that is worth your study are the Academy Award winning costumes. They are amazing the dresses she wore, the suits on the gentlemen and the hats. I loved the hats and hair pieces!
Amazing performances were given and I could talk about how fantastic Paul Bettany is, or how I love seeing another movie with Jim Broadbent in it, but, I was actually most impressed with Rupert Friend who played Prince Albert. This actor definitely does period films well, I've only seen him in one other film, "Pride and Prejudice" and he was a perfect Mr. Wickhem. Friend's natural elegance, and gentle attitude was present through out the movie, but when he starts taking order of how Buckingham Palace is ran you hear and see the determination. His performance was effortless and his accent was spot on. He was worth watching. Oooo you just love to see when he puts Bettany's "Lord M" in his place when he says "I neither ask or seek your advise."
When all is said in done I give this movie a 9 out of 10, so if you are into historical period movies you are in for a real treat. But hey, after all this is just this Ingénues Input.

Romantic comedies are great in my opinion, but lately they all seem to run together.

Indy Tuesdays: Clerks

Cult movies, are ones that inspire a following, and show a particular culture in a way. Many independent movies are know only after a cult following has been born for it, such as "The Big Labowski", and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Cult movies create a love for something, and that love for me, is Kevin Smith. The brilliance that is Kevin Smith is unexplainable, you either get it or you don't. I can go on and on about his amazing writing, and the way he just tells it like he wants to, and how its great to see how loyal he is to his cast, but I had to pick an independent film for the week and his first film "Clerks" is the one that got the young filmmaker noticed, and moved him out of the independent world. Though "Dogma" is my favorite of his flicks, you get hooked on the gritty, realness of "Clerks."
A movie driven by its writing, "Clerks" is a day in the life of Dante, a quick stop employee. "I'm not supposed to be here today" is the attitude he has as his day goes down a crazy path. One of the things about this flick that is so great is it's dialogue. It is a movie to listen to, small jokes, everyday banter, and some serious debates keep the film moving. If you have ever had a mundane job you can relate to this film. The film is shot in black and white, so don't let that turn you off, the effect it gives adds to the realistic style of the movie, think of it as your watching it from the security camera. This film also offers great characters and the start of the "New Jersey Chronicles" of films. If you have ever seen other Kevin Smith films there are inside jokes that all start with "Clerks." One of my favorite.. "she died mid back stroke", plus this is the birth place of Jay and Silent Bob.
The only thing about clerks that can be annoying is the camera angles. Smith shoots straight on most of the time, but hey it is his first film and it does actually work for him.
The performance to watch in this film is Jeff Anderson as Randal, the video store clerk. Randal is constantly locking up the video store to come and bug Dante, he is really what gets the film going. Anderson makes it seem effortless to show a natural way with the dialogue, his sarcastic humor and quick wit shines through his performance. He is an actor who does not abuse the writing but enhances it. He is definitely a scene stealer.
So if you haven't seen "Clerks" where have you been, go and see it and wile your at it check out the other films in the "New Jersey Chronicles" you'll be happy you did. I give this film a 8 out of 10!

Dear John

Okay first off ,let me start by apologizing, my Internet went down so I'm behind on my blogging so there will be a lot of post on here in a row.

You know what your getting into the minute you purchase a ticket to a movie based on a Nicholas Sparks book. Usually there is a "Great love" story, some drama of a predictable kind, and then some tragedy. This formula has been seen in other Nicholas Sparks' films such as "Night's in Rodanthe", "The Notebook", and my favorite "A Walk to Remember", they are predictable to have the sweet and the sour. Look at "the Notebook", such a "great love" and then you find out that Ally has Alzheimer's, a main character always finds there end, in the other stories, its cancer or been killed in a flood. Now, these movies don't always completely follow their books counterpart, and I was surprised to see that a formula was broken in "Dear John."
In "Dear John" the story flowed and was easy to follow. Channing Tatum did a wonderful job as the soldier away at war, who has a rocky home life. His performance though was shadowed by two things, first the wrong placement of Amanda Seyfried, and the awesomeness of Richard Jenkins.
So the reason I went besides the gorgeous Channing Tatum is I am actually a huge fan of Amanda Seyfried. I loved her in "Mama Mia", but sometimes some actors don't fit the rolls they are given well, and for me that was what happened. Her portrayal of the wholesome, do good Savannah, was just wrong. Her and Tatum had chemistry which is key in a Sparks' movie, but just the other moments in the film were awkward. It looked like she was trying to act to much in it, it was not effortless, so I was a little disappointed there. Her words were stuck in her mouth half the time and she just didn't show the emotion that you would think was needed, whether in love, or talking about Autistic children. Plus in through out the movie she has a relationship with Henry Thomas' character ,you may know him as Elliot for "E.T"., and in those scenes the awkwardness rose. He seems to old for her in general, but they had no flow, again I chalk that up to Seyfried looking like she was trying to hard.
As a surprise though, I was again floored by the performance of Richard Jenkins as Mr. Tyree in this film! If you don't know who he is, get to know him cause he is an amazing actor who does exactly what an actor should do in a movie. He works together to bring out the best of the actors around him and himself. you would be amazed at how often you will see him in films, some of my favorite performances were in "The Visitor", "Shall We Dance", and "The Indian in the Cupboard" In this movie he play Tatum's father, a man with Autism, who since a bonding moment with his son has been obsessed with collecting coin. His mannerisms, the way he talks, and when he has a break down about going to a dinner are all things to watch.
Overall i would say that this movie was slow moving with moments of interest. Not my favorite of the Nicholas Sparks movies, but hey with Jenkins, and Tatum performances I would maybe wait for dvd..but that just this ingénues input. I would give this movie and 5 out of 10 with hopes for "Last Song"

Spending the weekend with... Jonathan Rhys Meyers

So on the weekends, I will be writing about a certain actor, I wouldn't mind spending my time with. I will give 3 movies, you may or may not have seen them in and why you should check them out. This is for my readers to maybe see someone who plays more supportive rolls, or independent rolls that might not always be in the spot light. Some will be new faces and some will be familiar faces that you might just see in a new way. *Note when I suggest filmographies..I think the best place to go is imdb.com

This weeks actor and present to my blog guru, is Dublin born, Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Many people know him from the Tudors, but if you go and check out his filmography you would be surprised at the range of characters he has played. With his great accent and sexy look he has played the leading man all the way to the villain.
1. "Bend It Like Beckham"- This is where I fell in love with Jon, he plays the soccer coach for the woman's side. He of course falls in love with Jessminda, an Indian girl who want to play "football." This British film is one that encourages people to be who they are, do what makes you happy, and be love who you love. Meyers plays his part with charm, easiness, and you get to actually hear his true Irish accent. It is a film I truly enjoy and the one that got me hooked on him.
2. "Vanity Fair" - In this 2004 film he plays the villainous role of George Osborne. It is a period piece in which he play a stuck up man who knows the main characters secret (Reese Whitherspoon) and will use it when he can. He play a part in which you love to hate him. "Remember your place" is just one on of the many jerky lines in this film. He seems to want to be more aristocratic than he is and thinks anything and any one belongs to him. I would definitely check him out in this one.
3. "August Rush"- This is one of his more recent, and most recognizable movies in which he plays a forlorn guy who was broken hearted after an amazing, pretty much one night stand with his soul mate." He also plays a musician, so this film is worth it cause you get to see that this actor can actually sing and play guitar. It is a moving movie, with a great soundtrack. Plus when you get to the end and He sees Kari Russell's character again you just melt for the guy, letting you know his love never fades.
So I would definitely get cozy with Jonathan Rhys Meyers...oh and also if you want to check him out in "Elvis" a t.v. movie (you can rent it on DVD), he was impeccable as the king. He also kind of won an Emmy for it...that's kind of a big deal.

Where the Wild Things Are

One of the latest crazes in Hollywood is to take things from our childhood and make it in to a movie. Usually, hype builds with hopes that the director or producer at the helm of these projects can get it right. Some do, in amazing ways, for example when "Transformers" came out, it was "more than meets the eye." The characters, the "All Spark", the transformation noise, and even some of the cheesy lines, were all there. Now add a main story to make it more relatable, with the Shia LaBuff 's Sam Whikiwiki, and it was an awesome movie. And a lot of times Hollywood fails...lets just say the "G.I Joe's" I know my brothers played with never needed special suits to help save the world. So for today's flick "Where the Wild Things Are", well all I can ask is, where are the wild things? In Spike Jonze's adaptation of one of the best children's book ever written, felt more depressing than fun.
This movie was just a miss instead of a hit. I was one of those people who thought it was going to be amazing and fun, and with it's "fluff" I was left disappointed. Now the reason I say "fluff" is because the book being a children's book, it is short, so when it comes to making the movie they had to add some story. Having Max's teacher say to the class in the start of the movie, "Someday the sun will die, and then the Earth will die...", definitely set the tone of the movie. Your telling 9 and 10 year olds that we will all die in a world with no sun light...come on. Then later in the movie, when Max is trying to talk to the Wild-things, he ask "Did you know that one day the sun will die?" Carol does reply, "No, I don't think that could happen." Still, what a miserable way to get the movie going. You have wild things that are mean, depressed, and one even feels ignored, all feelings Max has...but Max should be escaping to the land and having an crazy time, then realizing rules are good, a mom is good things to have. Not go to a land and continue to feel miserable.
Now for the few things I did enjoy, and I do mean a few. The suit created for the Wild Things were beautiful done, exactly spot on. So was the costume and crown they had Max in. Plus I have to give the actor Max Record, who played Max his credit, because for a first movie...wow. Also the story that Max tells his mom in the begining, the one about the vampire with no fangs, was very entertaining and shows that this is a kid that uses his imagination... which in the end is something the source material supported too. Lauren Ambrose loaning here voice to KW was also pretty great.
Okay, so this Ingénues opinion, is really don't waist your time, if your a fan of the book. You might like it if you haven't. I' missed it in theaters and was bummed, but glad I didn't pay a $9.00 ticket fee. I would rate this movie as a 4 out of 10.

Its all talk, but last time I checked a trilogy meant 3 movies? The sad thing is this ingénue will still see it if it happens.

Indy Tuesdays: Eulogy

So on Tuesdays I have decided my blog will be dedicated to the independent film... you know the ones that fill the shelves up at your local video store. They are mixed in with the movies that you see previews for on T.V. These mostly overlooked gems, usually, in my opinion, are some of the best films never seen. Plus half the time actors you love are in them playing new characters that you haven't already seen them play, for example Bill Murry is the funny guy, but then you see him in something like lost and translation.. and whoa, he can act. This weeks indy pick is the 2004 film "Eulogy".
I first saw "Eulogy" this year actually by chance when it just so happened to be on IFC, the Independent Film Channel. What made me stop channel surfing and take a look was a scene with Hank Azaria's character working on a porno. As he's filming he gets a phone call only to find out that his father had pasted away and that his family was gathering at the mothers house. His daughter, played buy Zoey Deshanel, is then asked to give a eulogy at the funeral.
Now what made me stay for this film was all the characters and how different each one of them was. Micheal Clancy, the writer and director, wrote characters who were so incredibly different from each other that it was hard to believe that they were a family. I'm talking everything you could want the child actor brother, the lesbian sister and her lover, two motherless twins raised by the give up dad, the pissed off widow, and a sister who is so stuck up you to just roll your eyes. Plus a slew of supporting characters that just make the film better.
The films story line, is slow to get into until you have met all the characters, but when you do, you just can't believe the family stories, and the one liners. The twist at the end is so random, that if you listen to the dialogue carefully you will only at the end pick up the hints to it. I mean what is better than seeing all the siblings getting ready for the funeral, and when the grand daughter asks: "What are some of the things you remember about grandpa?" and one of the answers is "He some times called me Andrea, for no reason."
Some of the story is told in flash backs, which does both add and take away from the film. There is a part in "Eulogy" where they flash back to show how obnoxious the twins are to their mother that runs a little long. They interrupt some of the interesting moments, in my opinion, with easy to get a laugh moments, for example Deshanel and her love interest played by Jesse Bradford are interrupted by her grandmother falling on them from a moving vehicle.
The actor who was a stand out for me in "Eulogy" was actually Ray Romano. This is not your "Everybody Loves Raymond" character. Romano plays, Skip, the older brother, who was overlooked in the family, and to get attention, he had become the dirty minded one as well. He is the father of the twin boys, and has just given up on trying to be an authority figure. He teaches his boys to want exotic boob cakes for their birthday and encourages them to set things on fire. The part of the movie I just adore Romano in is when the family all arrives, he goes out on the deck for "afternoon happy hour" with his sisters girlfriend, then proceeds to ask her what lesbians do on dates. Only to hint at more. When Azaria tells him to stop bugging her and go see his mother Romano replies, "Oh, come on she's a downer." I laughed so hard, because the all talk no action character seemed to ignore whats going on around him to enjoy some dirty talk.
I would give "Eulogy" a 7 out of 10. It would be a dvd I would invest in if I could find it, but so worth the $3.99 rental free. if you like black comedies and crazy characters this film has it.

First Blog: "Alice"

I was torn, what should my first blog be?: something old or something new. Here's a little back story: I consulted my blog guru, we will call her that, and with her I decided on "Alice". We were sitting at dinner and she asked my opinion on "Alice", and then she said "you know so many movies you should blog." Okay my initial opinion on "Alice" is it's a very entertaining move, I enjoyed it... I just want to make that clear. Will I go see it in theaters again, probably not, will I get the dvd- right now I'm gonna say 50/50 chance, will I ever see it again, yes. I would say its a solid 8 out of 10.
The reason I keep referring it to as "Alice" and not "Alice in Wonderland" is because it's not "Alice in Wonderland" it is much more "Through the Looking Glass." If you didn't know that Alice was returning to Wonderland before you saw it, one might get confused on the story. I understand that if he didn't name it "Alice in Wonderland" people might not know what it was, but still. What Tim Burton did was fantastic. He really is a gifted director, he took a story and didn't make it scary and dark...yes he doesn't have to always,give him some credit..., but he is great at staying true to the source material. He did the same thing with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" , goodbye golden geese, hello attacking squirrels. In "Alice" he stayed true to what the main story is, but if you have only seen the Disney animated feature "Alice's In Wonderland" than you have no Idea who the white queen is and why the Jaberwalkie.
One of my favorite things about the film was the costuming. Alice's costumes were brilliant, the way the cloths changed when she went from big to small were amazing. Loved how they looked high fashioned, plus bonus- each costume change included a different bandage for her arm that just looked like part of the dress. Now I could go off on each performance: Johnny Depps brilliance, or How Helena Botam Carter freaks me out (in general not necessarily in this roll). Instead I will focus on one persons roll, and the one in "Alice" that impressed me the most was actually Ann Hathaways portrayal of the White Queen. It is the performance I remember the most...her breathy airy way was exactly what was needed. If you just watch her hands alone you could tell she is delicate. Playing a Queen who took an "oath to never harm anything" , but who has to help her warrior was fantastic. She definitely was the queen of subtle movements.
The main thing that disappointed me was the portrayal of Wonderland. Wonderland was supposed to be this crazy, whacked out world and it was maybe a 7 out of 10 when it could of been turned up to 11. Now in the story Wonderland is kind of a devastated place, with the Red Queens rule, but come on! Where is the crazy backgrounds? The randomness associated with Wonderland and its talking flowers, and crazy creatures were missing.
Now when I saw it, I saw it in 3D, and the only impressive 3D part for me was falling down the rabbit whole. I wish they would stop putting things in 3D...some thing don't need it. As in "Alice" the rest of the movie didn't really need to be 3D. The attention to detail I did love, was when you got to the palace of the Red Queen. when "Alice" crosses the moat she steps on heads..as in "off with his head". That little detail was fantastic, and in this case the only creepy thing in the movie.
So I say it is definitely worth the price of admission to check out Alice and I give it an 8 out of 10!