Now, I am no movie critic but I would say I kinda know what I talking about when it comes to movies. Over the last three months I've seen a handfull of movies and now here is the time to say what I think about each: Moonrise Kingdom (which I know came out in like the beginning of summer), Rock of Ages (lolz), Frankenweenie, Skyfall, Pitch Perfect, The Hobbit, and Les Miserables. I'm pretty sure there were other movies too but these are the only ones I can think of at the moment (Django would be on the list if I could watch it! - seriously dying here in Japan because it's not out!!). So let's start!
1. Moonrise Kingdom.
Well, Wes Anderson has done it again. I really do adore his films (CHECK THEM OUT YO!). All his films have been so unique and colorful - you really do escape and go to his world. Moonrise Kingdom is a little different from his films being that the leads of this movie are children - which makes the movie even cuter! There is adventure, young love, family love and struggles and of course realization. Definitely will make you feel good! You should totally see this movie if you haven't already - I'm surprised I waited until now to watch it.
2. Rock of Ages
I would skip this one. Seriously. I watched it out of boredom on the plane coming home and was pretty surprised that it was pretty bad - knowing that it had a pretty solid cast. I knew it was a show on broadway and did somewhat well there but oh no this movie was just....like there really. It didn't impress me and the story was so predictable and well the singing -- meh, not so great if you ask me. The only thing working for this movie was upcoming star Diego Boneta (which I mean I'm a girl so of course I think he's cute - and he sings wooo hooo). I guess another good thing about this movie was that it made me what to listen to classic rock again - which is always a good time if you ask me. So, my last thought is that you probably shouldn't spend any money on this movie. It's one of those if it's free on TV or the plane and you have the time why not.
3. Frankenweenie
Loved it. Just loved it. It was classic Tim Burton. I really just adored it. The story behind this movie is that it was an older Tim Burton film that wasn't successful - but oh boy is it successful in my mind! Like I said before, it really was classic Tim Burton and you can totally tell by the characters! Those huge heads with huge eyes and the tiny and slim figures - and of course the interesting characters which could only come from the imagination of Tim Burton! I really did think this was a fantastic movie. I know it's for children but hey, it still made me cry! If you love Tim Burton as much as I do - it was totally redeeming from his current movies (like Dark Shadows, Alice in Wonderland, etc.). I just have to say it again...classic Tim Burton!
4. Skyfall
He's back! Of course I love me some James Bond 007. (Seriously, I am quite the fan). Let me tell you, this was a great James Bond movie - and well, a great movie in general (the cinematography = awesome) ((well in my mind at least)). Here are the many reasons why I adored the movie (starting from the beginning - but I promise I won't spoil anything). Okay, here we go. Great opening! I mean you always know that they're going to show Bond on a mission of some kind - and this one was insane! Action packed and I can tell you that my mouth dropped open for that entire scene. - LIKE OH MY GOODNESS - And then you have the opening song: ADELE. The song Skyfall is beautiful and it was so perfect that Adele sang it (you know it only took her 10 minutes to record that song = she's a goddess). Another point: I just love how "M" is mainly at the center of this movie - HELL YEAH DAME JUDI DENCH. She really is a spectacular actress and plays M so well; absolutely love her. And then you have the new Q (Ben Whishaw) who really is the cutest thing and plays the role of Quarter Master so coy and sardonic. I think my favorite part of this movie though is the villan, Javier Bardem. Gosh, I just love a crazy villan. And Bardem is exquisit; he's probably one of my favorite James Bond villans now. He is just that great. One final point about this movie - it's like Casino Royale where it is brings back the classic James Bond points; it's teaching the new generation about James Bond. So yeah....you should totally go see this movie: there are so many scene where my mouth dropped open and gasped. And there are so many great fight scenes - the cinematography = beautiful in my book. I've already seen it twice in movie theaters...how about you?
5. Pitch Perfect
Another one I'm a little late on seeing. But I'm so glad I did! This one I guess it for the ladies really - HILARIOUS. Along the same lines as Bridesmaids. It is about A capella groups in college - a little bizarre but they do make it work! It really is just a great comedy. The characters: priceless (seriously jus thinking about some of them make me giggle as I write). Also since it is about A capella, there are some really tight songs that are mashed up and the coolest part about it: it's A capella! Really, put this movie on your movies to watch: it's worth it cause it's A ca-awesome.
6. The Hobbit
Ah, the Lord of the Rings is back. (Kind of). The Hobbit - which I'm pretty sure most of you know, well hopefully - is the prequel to the Lord of the Rings series. It is the tale of Bilbo Baggins and his quest with a pack of dwarfs and of course, Gandalf. Okay. I'm just going to say my problem first. The Hobbit is just one book - easily readable, as it was meant to be for children - I don't really understand why it needed to become three films long - really? I think that's the only problem I really had with it. According to my friend - who seriously is a JRR Tolkien die hard fan - all of what happened in the movie was pulled from JRR Tolkien's writings...just not really from the actual Hobbit. Other than that, the movie was splendid. Hello, love the cast. And of course the scenery was beautiful - once again I would looooove to go to New Zealand. And I just love being back in Middle Earth - this fantasy land is just wonderful and really let's you escape.
7. Les Miserables
Pretty sure this was the most anticipated movie of the season (well for me at least). Before I go into it I probably should explain my relationship with Les Miserables. The musical means a lot to me. My freshman year of high school I moved from Japan to America with no friends - seriously I knew nobody and had no idea what I was suppose to do. Les Miserables happened to be the musical that year and despite my shyness I auditioned - which is totally not like me cause I really didn't think I'd get in and I have this whole thing about rejection and blah. I was the only freshman girl to get into the musical. HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT. And that's where I knew I belonged and those people in the musical became my friends for the rest of high school and I spent my remaining time at my American High School an avid member of the performing arts. SO, Les Mis means a lot. Now I shall talk about the movie...
Um. So. I loved it. haha. I really did cry throughout the whole movie. Why? because of the music duh. I am so thankful that this film stayed so close to the musical. Just to let everyone know, Les Miserables is more of an opera: everything is sung, it is constant music. So if you didn't know that and just thought there was too much music...well that's how it's supposed to be. Secondly, all that singing? It is actually them! They did not do any voice overs for this movie-musical, they had the actors really sing everything out! They had earpieces while they were being filmed so the actors could hear the music - isn't that amazing? Now, the close up shots. I know my people thought they were stupid and that was bad directing; I disagree. The close up shots I felt were very insightful. You could really see the emotion of the actors; these songs are not meant to focus on anything but the characters and their reactions to what is going on around them. I think that's what made me cry too - just seeing the pair: the music and the emotional expression: heart breaking really. And then the overall scenery: it's exactly how I imagined it. It was great to see; especially for "Do you hear the people sing" gaaahhhhhhhhh.
Now, an in depth discussion about the actors. Overall, I think they were all really great. I know many people have mixed feelings and strong opinions of them. People have said that they were horrible because they are film actors not broadway ones (just to let you know most of them were in fact once on stage!) or there voices weren't as strong or they sang it all wrong blah blah blah. Chill. Firstly, I respect these actors for taking these roles - it must have been such pressure! These are legendary and well beloved characters. Secondly, everyone has their own image of how each character should be played which has been caused by a previous exposure to Les Miserables. What I mean is, if you've seen Les Miserables before you already have a high standard of how that character should act and sing. Which is a deadly thing because it hinders you from actually experiencing the current actor. Go in with an open head. Yes, I agree there are some parts where I was confused or a little disappointed but overall I thought everyone did an amazing job. Hugh Jackman; extraordinary. Jean Valjean must be one of the hardest roles to play and there have been so many different types of Jean Valjeans out there. Russell Crowe as Javert - many have said his voice was a little weak or not the voice of Javert. I actually liked it. I know Javert is a man of the law; only sees black and white, blah blah blah. His songs though are a little vulnerable; Stars for example. It's a plea to God almost, it is shows his inside and how he is feeling. Anne Hathaway: blew me away; she was the one I was frighted for. But her "I Dreamed A Dream" oh dear, I was in a pool of tears. So, I think all the actors did splendidly. Shout out to Enjolras (Aaron Tveit) and the students of the revolution: those boys will melt your heart with their voices.
Well, to each their own opinion. Les Miserables did not let me down. So, when you go see - because you absolutely should - keep an open mind. okay? And if you're not impressed with the actors, just continue to appreciate the music because that's what makes it beautiful.
This has been a delayed movie report - a little long I know but those are my thoughts!
Love,
ALPHA
1. Moonrise Kingdom.
2. Rock of Ages
3. Frankenweenie
4. Skyfall
5. Pitch Perfect
6. The Hobbit
7. Les Miserables
Um. So. I loved it. haha. I really did cry throughout the whole movie. Why? because of the music duh. I am so thankful that this film stayed so close to the musical. Just to let everyone know, Les Miserables is more of an opera: everything is sung, it is constant music. So if you didn't know that and just thought there was too much music...well that's how it's supposed to be. Secondly, all that singing? It is actually them! They did not do any voice overs for this movie-musical, they had the actors really sing everything out! They had earpieces while they were being filmed so the actors could hear the music - isn't that amazing? Now, the close up shots. I know my people thought they were stupid and that was bad directing; I disagree. The close up shots I felt were very insightful. You could really see the emotion of the actors; these songs are not meant to focus on anything but the characters and their reactions to what is going on around them. I think that's what made me cry too - just seeing the pair: the music and the emotional expression: heart breaking really. And then the overall scenery: it's exactly how I imagined it. It was great to see; especially for "Do you hear the people sing" gaaahhhhhhhhh.
Now, an in depth discussion about the actors. Overall, I think they were all really great. I know many people have mixed feelings and strong opinions of them. People have said that they were horrible because they are film actors not broadway ones (just to let you know most of them were in fact once on stage!) or there voices weren't as strong or they sang it all wrong blah blah blah. Chill. Firstly, I respect these actors for taking these roles - it must have been such pressure! These are legendary and well beloved characters. Secondly, everyone has their own image of how each character should be played which has been caused by a previous exposure to Les Miserables. What I mean is, if you've seen Les Miserables before you already have a high standard of how that character should act and sing. Which is a deadly thing because it hinders you from actually experiencing the current actor. Go in with an open head. Yes, I agree there are some parts where I was confused or a little disappointed but overall I thought everyone did an amazing job. Hugh Jackman; extraordinary. Jean Valjean must be one of the hardest roles to play and there have been so many different types of Jean Valjeans out there. Russell Crowe as Javert - many have said his voice was a little weak or not the voice of Javert. I actually liked it. I know Javert is a man of the law; only sees black and white, blah blah blah. His songs though are a little vulnerable; Stars for example. It's a plea to God almost, it is shows his inside and how he is feeling. Anne Hathaway: blew me away; she was the one I was frighted for. But her "I Dreamed A Dream" oh dear, I was in a pool of tears. So, I think all the actors did splendidly. Shout out to Enjolras (Aaron Tveit) and the students of the revolution: those boys will melt your heart with their voices.
Well, to each their own opinion. Les Miserables did not let me down. So, when you go see - because you absolutely should - keep an open mind. okay? And if you're not impressed with the actors, just continue to appreciate the music because that's what makes it beautiful.
This has been a delayed movie report - a little long I know but those are my thoughts!
Love,
ALPHA
