The Gift (2015) – The preview for this grabbed my attention and I had very high hopes for it. In many ways it lived up to my expectations. There’s plenty of suspense, a few jumps, an intriguing mystery. The outcome/truth behind the mystery leaves a bit to be desired since the build-up to it is so captivating and has so much potential, but the performances … Continue reading Films in 2015: Modern Movies in August
Frequencies (2013) – A thought-provoking, engrossing sci-fi flick set in a world where one’s “frequency” (a scientifically measured level of luck) determines their place in society. Those with higher frequencies experience lower levels of emotion. Marie (Eleanor Wyld) tests at a very high frequency, one of the highest ever recorded. Zak (Daniel Fraser) tests at a very low frequency, and bad luck follows him everywhere … Continue reading Films in 2015: Modern Movies in March, Part II
Cake (2014) – I’m not the biggest Jennifer Aniston fan. She’s one of those actresses that has always annoyed me a little bit, for no particular reason. (She was even my least favorite part of Friends, when I watched it during its original run!) So I didn’t go into this move with high expectations (aside from my excitement over seeing Chris Messina in another film), … Continue reading Films in 2015: Modern movies in January, Part II
22 Jump Street (2014) – I broke one of my cardinal rules of movie-watching by seeing this without having ever seen the first film. But I quickly decided to seek out the first after watching this one, because it was honestly the funniest film I’ve seen in theaters in a very long time. (21 will be in July’s Modern Movies post.) I’m not sure I’ve … Continue reading Films in 2014: Modern Movies in June
Draft Day (2014) – Decent flick. Nothing too spectacular, but the performances are sincere. I’m not a big sports film person, and I tend to judge all sports films against my favorite, the eternally-enjoyable nostalgia-fest known as The Sandlot. Draft Day is nowhere near as fun and wonderful as that film, but I learned a little something about how the draft works, and my attention … Continue reading Films in 2014: Modern movies in April
3 Days to Kill (2014) – An odd mix of sentimental family drama and shoot-’em-up action. I’m not quite sure what to make of this film. I had a fun time watching it at the theater (with my dad, who loved it, and my sister, who was consistently delivering A+ snarky commentary). Kevin Costner riding a bike through Paris, scarf blowing in the wind, while … Continue reading 2014 in Film: Modern movies in March
Welcome to the sixth week of TMP’s Slapstick Encyclopedia journey! This time around we’re taking a look at the big stars who churned out fantastic comedic performances at Hal Roach’s studio, including Stan Laurel and Harold Lloyd. Volume 6 of the Slapstick Encyclopedia once again includes five films. Oranges and Lemons (1923) Directed by: George Jeske Starring: Stan Laurel Run time: 12 minutes This one-reeler … Continue reading Slapstick Encyclopedia, Volume 6: Hal Roach’s All-Star Comedians
The Cheating Pact (2013) – I wasn’t sure if I should include this on my “watched” list because I missed a little bit of the beginning, but I got sucked into it while channel flipping and did see the majority of it, so it’s going on the list. What a prime Lifetime cornballer. A lot of the acting is bad and the script is super … Continue reading 2014 in Film: Modern movies in February
Duplex (2003) – Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore make an odd match in this DeVito-directed comedy about a young couple who’ve found their dream apartment… except that it’s a duplex, and an elderly woman lives upstairs. Kind of like one of my childhood favorites, Mousehunt, but with an aging woman lurking on the other side of the wall rather than a clever rodent. Lots of … Continue reading 2014 in Film: Modern movies in January
About Time (2013) – I love this film. LOOOOVED it. It mixes romantic comedy with touching family drama and explores the theme of appreciating every day you’re given in life. The romance never gets too sappy or overtakes the film’s larger themes about the human experience. The film is funny, touching, heartfelt. Authentic characters are portrayed by a solid cast. This is one of the … Continue reading Modern movies in November
