Thoughts about “The Last Airbender”

Disclaimer: I have never seen the cartoon, so I am not commenting on the level of accuracy compared to its original source. Nor am I commenting on the quality of the film compared to the cartoon. I am, however, commenting on the film for its acting and production.

M. Night Shyamalan usually directs great movies. I own “The Sixth Sense” and “Signs” and love both of them. However, I have to say that you should not waste your money on this movie, even if you did like th cartoon. This is definitely a wait-for-DVD movie and here’s why.

The script is weak. I don’t care how many people say, well it was based on a cartoon, so what did they have to work with? It doesn’t matter what it comes from, the script was dry. It was chalked full of corny one-liners that no one in the audience laughed at. If anything we cringed and sank lower in our seats as the actors attempted to work with it. I am convinced that the script’s lack of creativity is the reason for the Twilight Saga’s Jackson Rathbone’s not-so-great performance. He was given a lot of this-is-what-I’m-doing lines, which really doesn’t give him a lot to work with when developing a character. At least, that’s how I see it. It was nice to see him in a different setting than the vampire who constantly looks constipated in Twilight, but I wish he could have been given a …better… part. Eh.

The better actors in the movie were the youngsters, which is kind of an insult to all the older actors in the film. Nicola Peltz (Katara) and Noah Ringer (aang) kind of stole the show with their innocent emotions and raw talent. Also, these kids can move! It was more entertaining to watch them control the elements and move through a battle scene than Rathbone. And this does NOT make me a pedophile. It’s the truth. They rocked it compared to the other actors, so kudos for possibly having a decent career in the future kiddos.

Something weird that a friend of mine who went with me pointed out was that none of the actors were Asian like in the cartoon, which took away an element of familiarity to the die-hard fans of the original source. I noticed it, too, and it was kind of distracting. Whoops, M. Night.

Well, that’s my two cents. If you find this review faulty because I haven’t watched the cartoon, go see the movie, and tell me what you think.

I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars. Points given for the battle scenes and young actors, points taken away for…everything else.

Twilight: Eclipse Review

I saw “Eclipse” on opening day. Pause for judgement.

I know this series is supposed to be for teeny-boppers and their mom’s who drool over Edward (or Jacob), but like Harry Potter, the series gets more mature with each book. So I guess it’s safe to assume that by the third book/film, I am at least close to being legit. I’m 22 and was probably more into the chase scenes and vampire/werewolf rivalry than any other teeny bopper in the theater. Even the little 10 year olds in the front row were laughing at me. But hey, I wasn’t the only twenty-something in the theater oogling Jacob or clapping when Edward killed a newborn. The theater was packed! And rightly so.

I’ve posted on Facebook that Twilight: Eclipse is better than the first and second movies combined. Most agree, and if they don’t, they are hiding their secret obsessions with the series for fear of judgement and ridicule. But what’s the fun in hiding what you’re passionate about? Me? I’m passionate about good literature and good film making (i.e. I’m moving to L.A. to produce/act). So why not be excited over a series that is doing it right? I don’t care that it’s about vampires, werewolves and annoying teenage girls who throw themselves at both “monsters”. It’s a good movie, and it was made better than the first two. The cinematography was fantastic, and the increase in battle scenes was definitely a chance for them to get creative, and they did. The acting was levels higher than the first two. You might complain that Bella is a whiney teenage girl who is only obsessed with a vampire and leads a werewolf on, blah blah blah, but that’s how her character is written! You’re not suppose to be in love with Bella, you’re suppose to be in love with the idea that something else could exist other than the world we all know and accept. That’s what makes this series and the films so appealing to me. I love the idea that there could be something else. People just assume women, like myself, only like this series because of the romance between Edward and Bella, but that is merely a side story to what actually appeals to me. This series, although in my opinion is not nearly as great as Harry Potter, is much like it in the sense that it creates another world for us to fantasize about living in. Why analyze what you don’t know. If you haven’t read the books, leave it alone. I refuse to take any criticism for liking this series from people who develop their own thoughts on other people’s reviews of it and heresay. Develop your own thoughts instead of throwing up someone else’s.

I give the movie 4.5 out of 5 stars. It grossed more than $30 MILLION at the midnight showing alone. Yes, JUST the midnight showing. So, if you’re going to complain about the acting or whine about how whiney the vampires are, then look at the numbers. People who don’t like this series are few and far between and usually don’t like it just so they can say so, not because they have actually seen or read anything from the series. How legit can you consider yourself if you’re basing your criticism off nothing other than prejudice toward teeny-bopper movies with fantastical elements? Not. Read the books, and watch this movie.

You get to see Jasper’s history, Rosalie’s history, a new Victoria, newborn vampires, Dakota Fanning makes an appearance with the Volturi and yes, Jacob rarely ever wears a shirt. It’s full of hilarious one-liners, even more passion with Edward and Bell and an almost-firendship alliance between Edward and Jacob, as well as the Cullens and the Tribe. It’s worth the money to see in theaters. I definitely give it my stamp of approval.

Let me know what you  think. Comment on this post. ALSO: If you would like to submit another review of THIS movie to counter anything I’ve said, I would be MORE than happy to publish it. Go up to the “Submit A Review” tab at the top. Anyone can submit a review of any movie at any time. Thank you.

Domestic/Dating Violence PSA

A sociology group that I’m in at my University decided to create a Public Service Announcement to make people aware of Domestic/Dating Violence and the warning signs that you or someone you know are in an abusive relationship. We’re trying to get as many people as possible to view it, so that we can present large numbers during our presentation. Please watch this video. It’s only ONE minute long and recognizing these signs could save someone’s life.

Pope Benedict’s Letter to Ireland was BS

I recently wrote a column for the newspaper I work for at my University that I would like to share with you. It is in reaction to Pope Benedict’s letter he issued to Ireland last week and how it failed to take responsibility for their blatant ability to cover everything up and think their hierarchy is superior to all laws. Please read it and either comment there or here with your reaction to the letter or the column. Agree? Disagree? Let me know.

Here is the link.

Thanks for reading!

Boo! Ahhh

I watched “Sorority Row” and “The Stepfather” tonight with a friend, and I’m sad I didn’t watch these two in theaters.

I vaguely remember seeing the “Sorority Row” trailer and thinking, “finally, a movie where sorority girls die,” but also thinking, “they will probably all die drinking, screwing or at least scantily clad.” I was right on some occassions with lots of boob shots, bra-and-panty-clad women and booze galore scattered across the screen, but I was suprisingly impressed with this film. I was legitimately frightened throughout it, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a few frights, or who just want to see some sorority girls die in hypocritical ways, much like how Paris Hilton dies in “House of Wax,” if you know what I mean. However, this film is another Rumer Willis sighting, which is always interesting. I never know what to expect from her. She always plays a quiet character. Did she really inherit the acting gene or is she just in movies because of mommy and daddy’s success (and/or money)? She was also in “House Bunny,” which is the less g(l)orified version of “Sorority Row.” I’ll recommend “Sorority Row” but if you see “House Bunny” prepare to be knocked down a couple IQ points. What’s a good sorority thriller without getting the chance to kill off one of “The Hills” stars?? Right? Say bye to Audrina. She’s first to go. “It was an accident.”

Who knew Penn Badgley could do more than just gossip? “Gossip Girl” star-turned thriller actor really did well in his role in “The Stepfather”. I remember seeing him as the shaggy-haired almost stud kid brother of John Tucker in “John Tucker Must Die.” He was adorable then, he’s gorgeous now. Something that bothered me about this film, though, was Penn’s girlfriend Kelly (played by Amber Heard) maybe wore pants in two scenes out of the whole film. Seriously? What girl constantly walks around in either a bathing suit or her underwear? Get over it, Hollywood. Even if Penn only wore pants in two scenes, I would be bothered. It’s not realistic and it’s too obviously trying to create a provocative spin to the film. Enough, already. However, the movie was very suspenseful, make me hide under the covers a few times and even made me jump — that takes a lot, so it must be scary. I also recommend this film.

I’ve decided that starting a week after graduation I will watch one scary movie a day that I’ve never seen before and review it. I’ll develope the idea more, but scary movies are kind of my thing. Well, until next time, check these two out, as well as “Shutter Island” if you haven’t already. SO GOOD.

“Shutter Island” Movie Review

“Would you rather live as a monster or die as a good man?”
This is the phrase that has me stumped even now as I sit in my apartment after watching one of the only films that left me still asking questions as the credits rolled. Leonardo DiCaprio, the man I swooned over in 4th grade when Titanic hit the big screen, definitely beat out co-star Mark Ruffalo in acting for this one. I swear you can make a drinking game out of as many times Ruffalo’s character, Chuck, says the word, “boss.” The movie gets 4 out of 5 stars, DiCaprio gets a 4.5 out of 5 and the rest of the movie gets a 3.5 out of 5 stars from this reviewer.
The CGIs in this film were too easily recognizable, and the second-rate acting by some of DiCaprio’s co-stars was something I was shocked by after seeing the trailer for this film. I know the film is set in the early 1950s, but the film quality can still be up to par with today’s technology, right? Most of Ruffalo’s lines seemed like they were fed to him after he called out “line” to his director, expressing rarely any emotion or making an effort. After figuring out the ending, maybe there’s something to that, but I was still a little disappointed.
Movies where there’s only one main character going through the struggles and moving the plot along often demand an extremely strong lead, and man did Scorsese score big with DiCaprio. He definitely was the perfect actor for the role. I can’t see any of today’s leading men succeeding so well playing detective in a hospital for the criminally insane. Mark Wahlberg comes to mind, but even he couldn’t portray the innocence of Teddy Daniels like Leo does. I really question the casting of Ruffalo in this film. I like his previous films and enjoy him in a nice romantic comedy, but he just didn’t cut it this time for me. He wasn’t very convincing at either of his roles in the film (see it to understand). However, as I’ve said in many other reviews, I like when actors step out of their cookie cutters and take another shape. But if I were Ruffalo, I would be counting my blessings, because I don’t know when he’ll be in another movie alongside acting greats like DiCaprio. I remember when it was dorky to like Leo. I’m glad he stuck around. Maybe when I move to L.A. in September, he and I will have a chance meeting. … Hey… a girl can hope.
Aside from that slight distraction, the film was relatively amazing. It takes a lot to make me walk out of a theater still asking questions, and I think it’s brilliant of a director/writer to leave an audience member doing so. What better way to spread the word than to make people walk out wanting to research, tell their friends and see the movie again to pick up on clues they might have missed the first time around. Brilliant. The reason the movie loses points is that it was portrayed as suspense, almost scary movie, and I didn’t get that at all. Mysterious aspects, yes, hallucinations that were slightly odd, plenty, but nightmare scary, not even a little. This is more of the mess-with-your-mind-so-you-can’t-go-to-sleep movie. Kind of like “The Number 23” with Jim Carrey. This movie will play with your mind and make you repeat the beginning quote until you come up with your own hypothesis that will most likely be very far from what the writer intended.
Regardless, I would see it again. Funny thing is, when I got in the car after seeing the movie tonight, the song “Just don’t tell them I’ve gone crazy” by Jason Aldean was on the radio.
I laughed really hard.

Adjusted privacy settings could have helped Truman student

Truman State University student posted anti-Semitic statements on her Twitter account (now deleted) and has been suffering the repercussions of her decisions. The University would not comment on whether disciplinary action would be taken.

I wrote a column, here, that outlines how she could have avoided all of this, other than not saying it in the first place.

“The Lovely Bones” review (SPOILERS)

I was already creeped out by old men who stare alot, but after watching “The Lovely Bones” directed by Peter Jackson out of Dream Works, I will never be the same.

Think about it, Boo Radley to the extreme. Cue the usual Radley behavior of being the loner, old man neighbor who comes out once a week to mow the lawn, but add in psycho child/female mass murderer and meet Mr. Harvey (Stanley Tucci – “Julie & Julia” and “The Devil Wears Prada”). You would never guess that our beloved Nigel from “Devil Wears Prada” would, first-have hair and second-turn around and be a bad ass at playing the evil bad guy.

The film centers on a young girl, Susie Salmon (Saiorse Ronan) who is murdered and ends up in the “inbetween” while her family is torn apart. Her father Jack Salmon (Mark Wahlberg) becomes obsessive compulsive with trying to assist the detectives in finding her killer while her mother, Abigail Salmon (Rachel Weisz), leaves to work in an orchard in California because she can’t cope with her daughter’s tragic death.

Cue Susan Sarandon as Susie’s grandma who is called by Jack to take care of the children as the family falls apart. She is a chain smoking, booze-as-water, 50 year old saying she’s 35 and she’s fabulous. It must be hard on such a legendary actor to be playing the grandma roles, but I forsee Sarandon being put on the pedastool with Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton, amazing and better with age.

So, Susie’s sister Lindsay (Rose McIver) decides to take matters into her own hands, causing jaws to drop and the audience to crawl more tightly into a ball in their seats as she’s almost caught in Mr. Harvey’s house getting evidence to prove he killed her sister. She’s one floorboard creak away from being another victim of Boo….uh Harvey.

Amanda Michalka (from Aly and AJ) makes a cameo in the film as Susie’s kinda slutty friend whose boyfriend beats the crap out of her father when he follows Harvey into the corn fields. Oh yeah, P.S., you might/will be scared of cornfields after this film…if you weren’t already.

Ronan was great as Susie, but she needs to grow up a little and get some more mature characteristics to her look before she starts landing any more lead roles. Her face looks to young, yes, making her perfect for this film, but I’m finding it hard to place her in another film or genre except teeny-bop-Disney films, but look where Demi Lovato is with Disney, but she has a more mature look.

Anyway, 4.5 out of 5 stars for great acting, unique plot and casting choices/ensemble work. Worth paying the $$$ to see it in theater.

“Up in the Air” Proves Worthy of Hype

By Matt Butler

Guest Reviewer

 

I happened upon a curious statistic the other day in an article in the “New York Times” The article, which mostly discussed how some colleges are getting rid of their not-so-marketable liberal arts degrees, brought this up:

“In 1971, 37 percent [of college freshmen] responded that it was essential or very important to be “very well-off financially,” while 73 percent said the same about “developing a meaningful philosophy of life.” In 2009, the values were nearly reversed: 78 percent identified wealth as a goal, while 48 percent were after a meaningful philosophy.”
Now more than ever, we live in a capitalist culture where productivity and profit are king – except, if you haven’t noticed, things aren’t so profitable lately. My dad just got laid off since his company is going out of business. He’s close enough to retirement age that it’s no big deal, but he’s had to endure seeing countless co-workers shuffle out the door not knowing how they’re going to put food on the table next month.

Breaking this kind of news to people is the job of Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) in the newest film out of Paramount Pictures “Up in the Air”. He gets paid to jet around telling people they’re getting fired. He’s pretty good at letting people down easy and enduring myriad forms of verbal abuse, and this line of work is perfect for a cold-hearted middle-aged bachelor like him. He doesn’t see much of his family, though – after all, he’s got so many frequent flier miles that he considers the air to be his home more than he does his sparsely furnished apartment.

A few complications arise, though, of course. Bingham’s boss (Jason Bateman) is toying with the idea of taking his employees off the road and putting them in front of teleconferencing terminals. Bingham gets stuck with taking the new girl (Anna Kendrick) – the one who recommended this idea in the first place – on the road, all the while feeling that his whole insular way of life is threatened.

And, of course, there’s a love interest. Ryan meets Alex (Vera Farmiga) at a hotel bar, and their relationship is defined by the fact that they’re both road warriors who are just nonchalantly looking for someone to hang out with and bang. Ryan and Alex’s banter is entertaining, and director Jason Reitman (“Juno”) does an incredible job of turning the stale meet-cute romantic comedy on its head. Hell, if that’s all this film was, it’d be pretty damned entertaining.

Except that’s not all that it is – the meet-cute isn’t even the point. The film utilizes it only as a fun distraction from the real questions it brings up: How has the identity of corporate America changed in the face of the recession? Does technology bring us together or push us apart – and what are the consequences of either case? And, of course, the eternal debate between Paul Simon and John Donne: Can a man be truly content as an island, closed off from any deep interaction with anyone? Or, despite everything else, is no man an island? It’s been a while since I’ve run across “anything” this multilayered and nuanced, let alone in a popular film.

As illustrated by that statistic from the “Times” article, Generation Y’s priorities are completely out of whack. It’s easy for young people, time-starved and focused on their careers, surrounded by technology, to mistake Facebook friends and Twitter followings as real human relationships, and to substitute emotionless text messaging for meaningful interaction. To a certain extent, I’m guilty as charged, but at least I realize what’s going on. Our lives, like Ryan Bingham’s, are filled with empty surrogates. To accept that at face value – to face life in a purely goal-oriented fashion, insulated from one another – is to ignore the message of the film: life’s more fun, after all, with a co-pilot.

Great performances all around – it’s weird to see a movie like this as an Oscar contender, but it’s totally that good. Four stars.

Plastic surgery ruins your career..duh

I don’t have cable. (in case you were wondering why I watch so many movies now or in the future)

I was watching “The Perfect Man” with Hilary Duff today and began to think about all the celebrities whose careers have kind of plumeted after they decided to alter their appearance. I think it’s really stupid on their part to change their body to make it look like every one else’s. Beauty is in the imperfections & the uniqueness of your look. If you look like everyone else, you’re not going to be chosen above all the rest anymore. Duh. So, let’s give you some examples of young actors who are still in the business and haven’t screwed it up completely yet (like Michael Jackson or Melanie Griffith). Beware youngins – don’t want to end up looking like that when you’re 50!

Hilary Duff: Veneers

She is still beautiful, but the teeth are almost too big, giving her mouth a horse effect.

Her career: The Lizzie McGuire star was doing pretty well for herself landing staring roles with the likes of Chad Michael Murray in “A Cinderella Story” and “The Perfect Man.” But then her career dwindled and we didn’t start seeing her again until her new role as Olivia in Gossip Girl. But, seriously, watch Cheaper by the Dozen 1 and then watch the sequel and look at the horrific change in Duff’s body and teeth. It’s sickening how skinny she is and her teeth are too big for her face. Now she is at a better weight and I still like her acting, so I might watch her episodes of Gossip Girl if I ever get cable…

Ashley Simpson-Wentz: Nose Job

Again, still gorgeous, but unrecognizable as unique Ashlee. For someone who hates "living in the Shadow of someone else's dream" (aka big sis, Jessica), she sure did a great transformation INTO her.

As the caption says, she made a big deal about not “living in the shadow of someone else’s dream” (aka big sis, Jessica), but she did a fantastic job of transforming into big sis. She is still pretty, but we haven’t seen her (except on Melrose Place) since 7th Heaven. I loved her first album, but this isn’t the Ashlee Simpson people fell in love with. This looks like a complete stranger. It’s weird how altering one part of your face turns you into someone new. Was that her intention? IDK. She’s also playing Roxie Hart on Broadway’s “Chicago.” Good for you, girl. But stop the plastic surgery and embrace imperfections!

All for now. Hopeully these girls stop trying to change what God gave them to work with and do what they do best.