Trying to decide if there's anything worth seeing this weekend at the local cinema? Well, do allow me to make a few recommendations, my friends...
"Life As We Know It"
The advertising campaign sets this film up as a Romantic Comedy. Well, ignore that. And, truthfully, ignore the dumb movie poster too. This film has so much more to offer than that! It's a character study of two successful people, with very different lives and personalities, who suddenly face unexpected loss and grief and responsibility. Together. How do they cope? How do they compromise? How do they recover?
Yes, there's definitely very funny moments (the Comedy). And, duh!, there's going to be a little romance worked in there somewhere too (the Romantic). But this movie is alot more than the sum of those two pieces. It's a lovely story and well done. We liked it a lot more than we expected to... chances are you probably will too.
"Secretariat"
If you know the basic story, then you already know that Secretariat was an amazing race horse who won the Triple Crown and inspired a nation. But you may be wondering to yourself... is there really a movie-worthy story here? Um, YES! Both an amazing story and a breathtaking movie, in fact. Diane Lane, John Malkovich, and the entire supporting cast are simply splendid. Though of course, there's only one character with his name in the title -- and that would be The Horse. And Wow - what a horse! And what an inspiring tale! Even though you know where it's going... yes, you do sit on the edge of your seat when he races, wondering will he win??
One critic I read said that the script missed out on the opportunity to get into more of the conflict between Penny and her husband, or to delve into the impact on her children. It's a valid point. However, the name of the movie isn't "Ms. Chenery Has A Horse" - LOL. Nope, it's "Secretariat", and that's where the script focuses: on that fabulous, amazing Horse.
A lovely film. Well worth your time. Definitely one you can take the whole family to too. And, if you don't actually know anything about Secretariat's last race to win the Triple Crown? Prepare to be Blown. Away. WOW.
"RED"
It stands for "Retired, Extremely Dangerous". And while you're watching the film flow by, chances are good that you'll be appreciating that none of these amazing actors are, in fact, retired. Because, seriously, they're Outstanding and they're having a great time! Bruce Willis as the retired ex-Black Ops commander? Brilliant. John Malkovich as the completely off-the-reservation former Agent? You might just fall out of your chair laughing. Helen Mirren as the elegant retired assassin? Beyond delightful. And Morgan Freeman as the 'how did I end up at Shady Acres' former CIA Analyst? Superb.
Prepare to be impressed. Prepare to laugh your head off. Prepare to be surprised even.
Action. Humor. Great actors. Clever script. Definitely an enjoyable movie! In fact, we might just put it on our list to see again next week... Yep, we liked it that much!