Swing Vote

"It's Election Day, and the eyes of the nation have fallen on one beer-swigging couch potato named Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner), who, through no fault of his own, finds himself in the position of being able to single-handedly choose the next American president. Kelsey Grammer, Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci, George Lopez and Dennis Hopper also star in this political satire from writer-director Joshua Michael Stern."

I think I was a little disappointed with this movie. I was expecting more from it. I think because I know it would never happen (not the country being split by one vote, which isnt actually what happens, but you'll see what I mean when you see it.) I will tell you now it has a horrible ending, but actually now in retrospect I suppose it couldnt have happened any other way.

the acting however, is great. Kevin Costner's character is so much fun and is such an endearing screw-up. His daughter is an amazing little actress and I hope she can go far after this role because she did great and I believe its her first big role (the credits said "introducing") which usually implies first role.

I wouldnt bend your back to watch this movie, but if you get a chance and theres nothing else to watch, go ahead.

Extraordinary Measures

"After their two young children are diagnosed with a rare genetic disease for which conventional medicine has no cure, John (Brendan Fraser) and Aileen (Keri Russell) pin their hopes on the work of unconventional scientist Dr. Robert Stonehill (Harrison Ford). Director Tom Vaughan's heartfelt drama is based on the true story of the Crowley family, as chronicled by journalist Geeta Anand in her book The Cure."

I really liked this movie because I could relate to it on a medical/health level. But even beyond that its a very entertaining and motivating story. I thought Harrison Ford was a weird acting choice for this role, I guess its pulled off in a way. Knowing its a true story you just have to accept thats how Dr. Stonehill really is, if it was a written script I would be saying "no Dr. would act like that."

I thought it was a great way to bring attention to the disease, (Pompe) and I would LOVE if it was my disease (so i'm sure people affected by Pompe are thrilled about this, and thats great.) I would have, however, liked to know more about the disease. I feel they liked on that but it was such a big story they had to figure out what to put into scipt and what to leave out and they figure people can google it later.

17 again

"On the brink of a midlife crisis, 30-something Mike O'Donnell (Matthew Perry) wishes he could have a "do-over." And that's exactly what he gets when he wakes up one morning to find he's 17 years old again. With his adult mind stuck inside the body of a teenager (Zac Efron), Mike actually has the chance to reverse some decisions he wishes he'd never made. But maybe they weren't so bad after all. Leslie Mann and Michelle Trachtenberg co-star."

I of course ordered this movie for Matthew Perry (I'm a fan of any 'friends' star) however, if you're going to see this movie because of him, dont. his role is actually fairly small in the scope of things.

However, I was surprised to love Zac Efron. He's a surprisingly good actor and I was totally blinded by that by his start with Disney. I think Disney can be very unfortuante and can really hinder and stereotype an actor and its really hard to break from that mold.

The story has somewhat been done before but its still refreshing and still entertaining theres alot of good actors in it and its very relatable on many levels.

Doubt

"In this Oscar-nominated adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's Tony-winning play, Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) begins to have doubts about doting priest Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who seems to have become overly involved in the life of a young African American pupil. But Flynn isn't the only one she doubts. Is she overreacting to the situation, or is there truth behind her convictions?"

I don't know why this movie is nominated for an Oscar. It seems like it could be an itriguing capitvating movie but its really horrible. The acting is good, but if you're going to do a movie thats about nun's and the church and its set "back in the day" then you need to have something more interesting than what this movie has to offer. It should be more shocking than it is and it was truly very boring. I know my mom has fallen asleep 3 times trying to watch it.

Amelie

"When impish gamine Amélie (Audrey Tautou), who lives alone, finds a long-hidden trove of toys behind a baseboard in her apartment, she's inspired to repatriate the items, an impulse of generosity that sparks more benevolent acts. A celebration of life and love, French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Oscar-nominated charmer stresses the importance of small wonders that surround us, if only we paused to look."

OMG! I LOVED THIS MOVIE! I never watched it because the poster she kind of looks creepy and I thought it was a scary movie and it was my hair stylist who told me about it and said its a great story.

it is a french movie so obviously the whole thing is subtitled which was a little shock at first but french is such a beautiful language I like hearing them speak it.

Its a great story, you're totally affected by the characters and they are so endearing the way the movie is shot, is brillant and fun and I dont think I've ever been so enamored with a movie and what was going to happen. its totally original, its totally unique its in NO way predictable

and hey, the travelocity commercials where the gnome is sending pictures from its "travels" is from this movie. haha.

When in Rome

"After fishing out coins from a water fountain in Italy, cynical New Yorker Beth Harper (Kristen Bell) finds herself being wooed by several ardent suitors. As she deals with the attention, Beth tries to figure out whether a charming reporter (Josh Duhamel) really loves her. Danny DeVito, Anjelica Huston, Jon Heder, Dax Shepard and Will Arnett also star in this romantic comedy. Mark Steven Johnson directs."

This is the kind of movie that you know you will like. Its kind of traditional Rom Com, but has its refreshing elements. Danny Devito is hilarious in it, everytime i see him now I just think of his character from 'Always Sunny in Philadelphia' plus he's so tiny he doesnt have to say anything and hes funny.

Its a little predictable of a movie, but not so much that you can't enjoy it. it has fun elements and the characters are great. Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) is really classic and he brings in a guest star of Pedro from Napoleon. The only thing is that I can never take Kristen Bell as an older sophisticated character. Her look is too young for me, in this movie shes supposed to be this up & rising business woman and she still looks like a highschooler too me.

Something New

"Having carefully calculated her professional life, African-American accounting exec Kenya McQueen (Sanaa Lathan) is concerned that her personal life doesn't measure up, so she agrees to go on a blind date with a sexy, free-spirited landscape architect (Simon Baker). Her new love interest turns out to be white, which isn't necessarily a deal-breaker -- until she meets a seemingly perfect black man (Blair Underwood)."

I really only rented this movie because i'm a fan of sanaa lathan and simon baker. The movie isnt bad, but its definitley catered to a black audience. A lot of the movie is situations where Simon Bakers character should be really uncomfortable and just watching it, as a white person, it makes me uncomfortable. I think its a great look into interracial relationships and how it is harder to be in that kind of relationship. there was a line when Simon Baker said "I'm not black. I'm never gonna be black" and it was such a great line because if thats the biggest problem in the relationship, its not something that can be fixed.

If you've ever dated someone outside your race I think you'll sympthazie with it a bit but it is a "black" movie which can be awkward for non-black viewers. especially when they talk about things like the "black tax" where black people have to work twice as hard to get through in a "white world"

I dont deny this "situations" completely but I dont like that they are "accepted" and honestly, although I am white and I may not know completely Washington is really pretty accepting of all races. its not the south, and i would think that most people are not racist here. everytime i say that a non-caucasian person they tell me its not something i would know and i'm not allowed to say that. so who knows. haha.

sherlock holmes

"Robert Downey Jr., in a Golden Globe-winning role, stars as the legendary London sleuth Sherlock Holmes, joined by Jude Law as Dr. Watson, in this Guy Ritchie-helmed reinvention of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective series. Based on a comic book by producer Lionel Wigram, the story follows Holmes and Watson as they face off against the villainous Blackwood (Mark Strong). Rachel McAdams co-stars as sharp beauty Irene Adler."

I heard this got bad reviews and I dont know why, I really enjoyed it. I am a big fan of Robert Downey Jr. and he didnt disappoint me in this movie. I thought it was a very interesting plot. I think the biggest thing is that its not what you expect. When I think of Sherlock Holmes I think of a detective like Monk and its really a lot more action packed and "superhero-esque" than detective.

the hangover

"When three friends (Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper) finally come to after a raucous night of bachelor-party revelry, they find a baby in the closet and a tiger in the bathroom. But they can't seem to locate their best friend, Doug (Justin Bartha) -- who's supposed to be tying the knot. Launching a frantic search for Doug, the trio perseveres through a nasty hangover to try to make it to the church on time in this Golden Globe winner for Best Comedy"

omg i loved this movie! I thought I wouldnt like it because it would be a bunch of drunken idiots and alot of times even when i laugh through this kind of movie I look back on it and dont like it (such as knocked up, i love you man, role models, etc.) but this I LOVED. there are SO many funny lines in this movie its ridiculous "why are you putting pepper on the steak? how do you know tigers like pepper?" "tigers love pepper. they hate cinnamon" The character Alan is SO hilarious, that actor deserves a golden globe, andy from the once is grea and bradley cooper is hott (but kind of unlikeable and an asshole in this movie.) they are so over the top with their drunken stupidity that is funny because its not really reality. definitley watch it!

Couples Retreat

"Desperate to save their marriage, one couple convinces three other couples to go in on a group rate price for an island retreat designed for troubled unions. But the "mandatory therapy" brews up nothing but trouble for everyone. Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, Kristin Davis and Faizon Love star in this comedy penned by Favreau. Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie in A Christmas Story, directs"

This is a pretty funny movie surprisingly in a unique way, I thought it was going to be played out and pretty predictable but its really entertaining and I really enjoyed it. if you dont like Vince Vaughan you may not like it, he plays a similar character for what he's used to but he is a little bit more respectful and responsible in this movie. but he has a style that kind of controls the tone of the movie.

Up in the Air

"Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) racks up miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to recent college grad Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) -- and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything. A connection he builds with Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), however, might change his outlook on the future. Golden Globe winner Jason Reitman's smart comedy also stars Jason Bateman."

I loved this movie! I thought I wouldnt because I didnt have as much in common with VIP flying but there is a whole connection in the film with our current economy and people loosing their jobs and of course George Clooney is fabulous in it. Its funny, its real and I dont see how anyone couldnt like it. its very relateable on all levels.

District 9

"When aliens land on Earth, global business conglomerate Multi-National United forces them into rigid containment zones where they are compelled to labor, even as MNU commandeers their otherworldly technology for profit. As tensions build between human and non-human races, a rogue agent leads a resistance movement against MNU's ruthless consolidation of power. Neill Blomkamp directs this cinema verité-style sci-fi thriller nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award." courtesy of netflix

This movie was so intriguing. I think the first thing you should know is that its actually shot like a Documentary and all these people are telling the story. What I do love about this movie is that they actually showed the Aliens I hate when movies want to "leave it up to your imagination" I want to see what THEY think the Aliens look like and then I'm always amazed that "humans" always think of aliens to look like these monsters -who says the aliens don't look just like us?

I think this movie brings about more interesting thoughts and conversation than the actual viewing experience -- I found myself to be a little bored on occasion but I did want to find out what happened in the end so I kept watching. Its a movie that you're kind of iffy about while watching but gives you lots to think about when its over.

Although after watching this I always think of Stephen Hawkings when he made his big annoucement that he thinks Aliens are out there but that we shouldnt seek them out or try and find them and this movie is almost basic proof of that -- in what movie have aliens and humans (or for that matter any two civilizations) ever co-mingled succesfully?

2012

"When typhoons, earthquakes and other disasters suddenly threaten to destroy the world, Jackson (John Cusack), his estranged wife, Kate (Amanda Peet), and others surmise that the secret may lie in ancient Mayan prophecies that describe global calamity in the year 2012. Roland Emmerich co-writes and directs a star-studded ensemble cast that also includes Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt, Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Danny Glover." courtesy of netflix

I actually really enjoyed this movie but I'm a sucker for anything John Cusack. The fact that "2012" is a really theory and is truly based off of Mayan Prophecies makes it so much more interesting obviously this is an exzaggerated Hollywood version but you can seek the truth on your own. I love Danny Glover's character in this movie and the government is all too predictable and believeable in this film. I don't want to say much else because I'll spoil it but I definitley do think its a good watch.

Nine

"Movie director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) is in the throes of a midlife crisis, struggling to write his film while juggling relationships with wife Luisa (Marion Cotillard), mistress Carla (Oscar nominee Penélope Cruz), muse Claudia (Nicole Kidman), costumer Lilli (Judi Dench) and his mother (Sophia Loren). Rob Marshall (Chicago) helms this Golden Globe-nominated musical based on the Broadway smash; Stacy Ferguson and Kate Hudson co-star." courtesy of netflix

I watched this movie solely for the fact that the trailer made it look really good. However, I got bored and found myself fast-forwarding through scenes and then eventually just turned the whole thing off. I think because its a musical thats where I was lost, I feel like the underlying story is good but there was a lack of urgency, a lack of "i have to find out what happens next" which is why I ended up turning it off. HOWEVER some of the songs/choreography was amazing, the cinematography is beautiful and the characters and the women are stunning and as much as I usually don't like Penelope Cruz - she was sexy in this movie, in a way that everyone could appreciate. If you like musicals, I would recommend it. I'm not completely against musicals, I have liked a few "musicals" (Moulin Rouge, Phantom of the Opera) but thats it.

Post Grad

Ryden Malby (Alexis Bledel) always assumed it would be easy to find a job with a college diploma. But when nothing materializes after graduation, she's forced to move back in with her dysfunctional family and work full-time at maintaining her sanity. The only bright spot is her steady relationship with her best friend, Adam (Zach Gilford), but even that's starting to feel a little awkward. Carol Burnett, Michael Keaton and Jane Lynch co-star.

I was really scared to watch this movie because I saw in the previews that she was having a hard time finding a job and I thought omg this is gonna be my horror story but I watched it and it was a more a movie about what not to do, i even told my career development professor about it because thats exactly what it is. theres a scene where shes in an interview and shes all enthusiastic "i love the work your company is doing" "really? like what" ---blank stare. she was prepared and saying the right things -- but she didnt know the correct answers and i was really nice to know what not to do and see a little bit more reality in what happens after graduation and i'm already planning on moving home after i graduate (because my lease will be up and it would be silly to sign a new lease in seattle if i end up getting a job in say, portland, or olympia. so i'll move home till i get a job and then move to where i get a job, without the stress of "how am i going to pay my rent") its a really good movie though even if your not in the same shoes as I am, its really entertaining and cute and her best gy friend is SO cute and so is the neighboor boy. yum.

Ghosts of Gitlfriends Past

When he attends his younger brother's wedding, playboy Connor (Matthew McConaughey) is troubled to discover that the ghosts of his many girlfriends have come to give him a piece of their mind and teach him a thing or two about true love. As the apparitions visit him, he rediscovers old feelings for the first love of his life. Mark Waters directs this delightful romantic comedy also starring Jennifer Garner and Michael Douglas.

a coworker of mine (back when i was still working) told me about this movie and told me it was horrible - i didnt find that, i thought it was entertaining, familar (a christmas carol - 3 ghosts will visit you etc) and relatable in a way. Connors character is the perfect male schvoinois pig, its almost great, the one thing I dont like about the movie is that they are portraying that Connor has this side to him where he does love and respect women and really cares and without ruining the movie for anyone thats all im going to say but once you see the movie you will understand what I'm about to say: I think its these kind of movies that create the wrong images in womens minds. "hes an ass, but he'll be different for me" "i can change him" "i'll be different" and eventually they guys do change, but, (and this is pulling for 'hes just not that into you') you cant count on being the exception, you have to always pretend that you are the rule. I didnt think this movie was a total lost casue though I enjoyed it.

Away We Go

"Buoyed by the news that they are expecting their first baby, Burt (John Krasinski) and Verona (Maya Rudolph) embark on a journey to locate the perfect place on the planet to raise their child. But their quest inevitably yields many unexpected surprises. Sam Mendes directs this quirky comedy while Allison Janney, Catherine O'Hara, Josh Hamilton, Jim Gaffigan, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jeff Daniels co-star." courtesy of netflix

I loveeed this movie! I thought it was hilarious. it was again a movie that had this reality and honesty to it but it was truly just really funny I am such a big of John Krasinski and it was just such a fun story. Maggie Gyllenhaal's character is hilarious and disturbing I dont want to give it away but she actually breastfed someone elses child and didnt understand what was wrong with that. she was this total hippie crazy woman and it was just the funniest thing i have ever seen and the other characters are just as fun and out there. sans honesty or not. I dont know how you didnt like it Jo!

My Life in Ruins

"Love takes root amid the ruins of ancient Greece in this rom-com starring Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Richard Dreyfuss and Rachel Dratch. Greek-American travel guide Georgia (Vardalos) is so distracted by what's going wrong as she leads a motley crew of tourists through some of Greece's most historic sites that she almost misses out on a chance for romance with her hunky bus driver (Alexis Georgoulis)." courtesy of netflix

I really enjoyed this movie, I have always been a fan of Nia Vardalos and she looks great lately she has some gorgeous legs! haha but its a really good story and the scenery of greece is just amazing and would make anyone want to go there but its actually surprinsgly really funny. the tourist in her group "the tipsy australians" the ignorant americans, the old people, the divorcees that are done with men, the "funny" guy -- it totally describes tourist and its really pretty hilarious.

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

"When her husband (Alan Arkin), who's 30 years her senior, relocates the family to a retirement community, flawless wife and mother Pippa Lee (Robin Wright Penn) slides toward a nervous breakdown as she reflects on her tumultuous past and befriends her neighbor's enigmatic son (Keanu Reeves). With a powerful cast that also includes Julianne Moore and Winona Ryder, this pensive drama is adapted from director Rebecca Miller's novel of the same name." courtesy of netflix

I remember seeing a preview for this movie and thinking I wanted to see it so thats why I added it to my netflix queue but I could not remember what the movie was about so it was really interesting to watch the movie and have no idea of what was happening next. the acting is great - blake lively plays a great role as the teenage pippa lee (wiona rider is also in it) its a really interesting movie, its not predictable, boring it has a little bit of shock to it, its funny, its real. theres something refreshing about it. plus i like her name, Pippa. (pip-uh, not pipe-uh)

The Time Travelers Wife

"Due to a genetic disorder, handsome librarian Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana) involuntarily zips through time, appearing at various moments in the life of his true love, the beautiful artist Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams). Also starring Ron Livingston as Gomez, the soul-stirring romantic drama was adapted from the best-selling Audrey Niffenegger novel by Bruce Joel Rubin, the screenwriter behind the beloved weepy Ghost." courtesy of netflix

This is an intriguing idea this weird sense of not only time travel but almost a parallel universe I thought it had some weird disconnections, it was interesting but it seemed really long and by the end I was pretty bored. The acting is good but the plot isnt quite fully developed I don't think.