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MY LATEST MOVIE REVIEWS.
Ironman starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow.
This movie was good. The story was good. It wasn't a great movie. There was one thing that would have made it perfect: I needed to see more superhero -- rescues, fight scenes. Where were they? However, it's a movie still worth the money. I just like thinking about all the technology too.
It also makes me nostalgic about Robert Downey, Jr. Might be a good time to do a popcorn and pizza weekend re-watching all the Robert Downey, Jr. faves: Weird Science (1985), Chances Are (1989), Heart and Souls (1993), Only You (1994). BTW, Mr. Downey has three movies in post-production as we speak, one again as Tony Stark, in the movie The Incredible Hulk.
The Jane Austen Book Club. This was an okay movie. It has very plain portrayal of same-gender romance, so if you don't wish to witness such, then skip this movie, there's nothing else you won't miss. I will kudos the storyline in that a couple of characters make a decisions about their marriages that is a good example. I think this is the kind of movie you have to be in the mood for -- a romantic mood for one thing. You might enjoy it; you won't miss anything if you don't see it. I did enjoy it myself. I think my favorite thing about the movie was some of the actresses they chose to play the characters. They did a good job, and that's what made the movie slightly worthwhile.
How She Move. Some plots get tiring if you see them more than once or twice. Some plots never get tiring no matter if you've seen them redone a million times -- such as the Cinderella plot. Well, it seems that we have a new plot basic that is destined to become a favorite and that is I'm-the-underdog-and-I-need-to-get-a-crew-together-to win-the-dance-contest. I like it! I think the movie You Got Served started this trend off, Step Up 2 is another good one; there are others. Well, How She Move is in this category. So if you don't like dance movies, this movie probably won't do anything for you, it doesn't break out of that mold. The story is too basic, even flimsy at some points. However, this movie is VERY generous with its dance scenes, perhaps the most generous I've ever seen in the genre, so if you just like watching people move and move gloriously, this is the movie for you. One difference is that this is step dancing, not hip hop, so watching the step is nice. Also, as far as its themes, images and references, it is a fairly clean movie, BUT there is plenty of swearing in it, I think in an attempt to be real and gritty with the neighborhood she lives in.
SPEED RACER. I walked out of this movie grinning from ear to ear (in fact, I've already seen it twice!). The last time I smiled like that after a movie was "Hairspray", and before that -- never. I want to start by pointing out two very important flaws to this movie, get those out of the way, so I can spend the rest of the time fawning. First of all, the story, especially the attempts to give the backstory through flashbacks and monologue, can be confusing in spots. (It came more clear the second time through.) Secondly, more serious, there is a healthy dose of swearing, including at least two instances of taking the Lord's name in vain. So I would understand if you chose not to view this movie for that reason. However, "Speed Racer" was more worthwhile and entertaining than IronMan, Jane Austen, and How She Move put together! GO SEE THIS MOVIE; GO SEE IT IN THE THEATRE; and TAKE YOUR KIDS! (abt. age 9 and older). "Speed Racer" is hot, hilarious, action-packed, quirky,sweet, but most of all it is morally breathtaking -- you heard me -- morally breathtaking. It is a better use of your movie time and money, morally speaking, than anything like (for example) Stein's "Expelled". "Speed Racer" is all that a movie should be and reminds me why we make movies at all. Christina Ricci and Susan Sarandon are beautiful; Emile Hirsch, Matthew Fox, and Rain (that's his name!) are beautiful; the CGI sets are beautiful. The writers are the Wachowski brothers, who wrote the "Matrix" movies as well as "V for Vendetta". Worst case scenario -- its going next to my copy of "Fifth Element".
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