An Education

2010 Oscar nominated film
This British film that took place in the 1960's gives us a clear view of what was expected of young woman in that day of age.  It was all about going to school for a teaching or civil service job or marrying a man of means preferable the latter of the two.  So much so the parents in this film look passed the fact that a man 20 years older than their daughter is allowed to court her.  

I have to say I loved the film and acting.  The main character gets to live two lives which is great fun to watch.  Make sure you rent this one.

Parents are shortening their childrens lives

Pizza, hot dogs, mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, chocolate milk....these are the items that are killing American children and some adults.  It sickens me when I see parents letting their children order the worst thing possible on the menu every single time they sit down to a meal!  It's time we stop this nonsense.
I love this webcast that I found on TED.com
Watch it and pass it along or do something to make a difference.  I vow to start cooking lessons at Maggie's Place so that I can show young woman that the fresh healthy options are out there.

http://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver.html

Just Go With It

A romantic comedy with great star power and strong supporting actors including the children-who bring as many laughs as the comedian Adam Sandler.  Nick Swardson plays Adams hysterical cousin that plays a large part of the entire movie. When Adams character falls "in love" with Brooklyn Decker, he thinks its the real deal and needs help from his assistant Jennifer Aniston to cover up a few little lies he's told along the way.

This was directed by Sandler and I believe shows that he can make anyone funny.  I'm not saying to expect too much, but I found it entertaining as well as a cute story line with laughs and surprises along the way.  If you need a light move for a quick attitude adjustment, then just go with it.

Surprise star: Nicole Kidman

Black Swan & Biutiful

It's Oscar count down and these were two of the last few I have left to see.
Black Swan
I would not have bothered with Black Swan if it hadn't been nominated for 3 big categories.  I did not enjoy this movie and I can't say anything redeeming about it or the story line.  Did the actors do a good job at acting deranged?  Yes, they did, for that matter I think I could too.  If I were a ballerina I would certainly be upset with the portrayal of the dancers, directors and all involved in that industry.  Skip it!

Biutiful
This one is harder to say if I liked it or not.  That in itself should make you think twice about going to see it.  The movie had SO much going on it made your head spin.  I left there shaking my head thinking "who writes this stuff and where do they come up with it??"

The single father that speaks to dead people is trying to raise two beautiful children  immediately finds out he's dying of cancer.  Meanwhile his drug addicted ex-wife that's fooling around with her ex-brother-in-law, tries to come back into their life.  He's also running a slave trafficking business that goes from bad to worse and sells counterfeit luxury items.  I'm just touching on the top layer, I promise you.  Please let me know what you think of this one if you see it.

3 out of 5 stars

The Tourist

This movie has some rockin' scenery from Paris & Venice. If you haven't been you'll want to go even more after seeing this movie. I loved the outfits that Angelina's character wears. Oh, and the movie was good too. I know, I can easily be distracted!
The story had many fun characters to love and hate, my favorite was the poor schmuck from London Yard played by Paul Bettany. He has the worst time with his cohorts and trying to do his job from afar doesn't help him.

Where the movie fails me is 1) Johnny Depp does a terrible job at an American accent from anywhere in the US, but especially for someone that's suppose to be from, I believe, Wisconsin. 2) The movie focuses every ones attention on Elise no matter what the setting; everyone is starring at her! A little over-board if you ask me. 3) The ending doesn't seem believable what-so-ever. Go back over the story in your mind and see if you don't agree with me.

I'll give it 2.5 stars out of 5. Simply because it was fun and entertaining to watch.

True Grit

This adventure was by far my favorite film by the Coen brothers. Although there was plenty of violence (that their known for over-doing) the story warrants it with the given circumstances.

The movie has a great list of characters and the young girl does a fabulous job of delivering her quick lines without a hint of a smile or emotion other than anger and contempt. After watching the original from 1969 I would say the new version honored the original story but had some great improvements and you have to love Matt Damons portrayal of the Texas ranger, he's comical.

A 14 year old girl, Mattie, (Hailee Steinfeld) has a mission to bring her Father's murderer to justice. She travels alone and employs the unethical and resistant, Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help her carry out this task.

The only part I have to say I would take issue with were the lines delivered by the rough hooligans that seem to have impeccable English. This and the bear skin wearing character were unbelievable and not true to the original film.

Once again Jeff Bridges delivers a great drunk with a kind heart, sound familiar?

4 out of 5 stars.

The Fighter

I enjoyed this movie for what it was.....a true comeback story of 2 brothers born and raised in Lowell, Mass. in the 80's. Mickey Ward played by Mark Wahlberg is a struggling boxer in the mid-80's trying to follow in his brothers footsteps, but with his family in his corner he's sure to fail. His conniving Mom and drugged up brother pulling him down, step in Amy Adams character that tells it to him plain and straight. I loved the role she played and think that her and Christain Bale deserve Oscars for their parts. Dickie's character is painful to watch as he self destructs with drugs and prison time.

Great story told well and delivers a great representation of redemption.