maggien Reviews

Love Happens (2009)

Not sappy, really good movie

[7/10 · 19 September 2009]

This was a really good movie. I usually avoid "chick flicks" but this was really good, not sappy or gooey. Yes, it made me get all sniffly and teary-eyed, but I still enjoyed it. Not preachy, the leads don't jump into bed, and no vomiting!

It was great seeing Martin Sheen as the father-in-law. He is great as always. Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Anniston were well matched. Dan Fogler did a great job as the sidekick/best friend of Burke (Aaron). He was occasionally annoying but it consistent with his character. Judy Greer as Marty, Eloise's (Jennifer) friend/employee, was funny and quirky without being irritating or overdone.

The acting was solid all the way around. Humor, sadness, facing the loss of a loved one, getting on with your life - very touching, but not overdone in my opinion. I really felt for Walter played wonderfully by John Carroll Lynch.

I had one small nitpick moment with a scene with the bird, but I won't say more than that. Other than that one bit, completely enjoyable movie. I recommend it whole-heartedly.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

wonderful movie!

[10/10 · 18 September 2006]

I saw this movie with friends on a "girls night out". We laughed so hard, and had so much fun watching this movie - it was absolutely perfect. Every person did an excellent job for their part. Alan Arkin, whom I've always enjoyed, did such a great turn as the grandfather.

Don't let anyone tell you about it ahead of time! You must go and experience it for yourself. Whatever description I could give would not do it justice. By the end of the movie, I was laughing so hard, I was crying, and my friends were too. It wasn't just us as everyone in the audience was laughing too. When it comes out on DVD, I'm definitely getting a copy.

Go, enjoy. You won't regret it!

Without a Paddle (2004)

Funny movie

[6/10 · 12 January 2005]

This was such a funny movie, I really enjoyed it. I'm not saying it's Oscar material but who needs those kinds of movies all the time? This was great entertainment for a relaxing evening. It was also surprisingly thoughtful with a good message... Money doesn't buy happiness. Happiness in life comes from family and friends, and from within. Don't keep putting stuff off because you're busy, do things with your family and friends now - tomorrow is uncertain.

It was amusing to see Seth Green as a nerdy little doctor. The scene with him and the bear was absolutely hilarious! And the (human waste) bombs... that was gross and yet amusing at the same time...

The bad parts... the red neck goons chasing them through the woods - that's a stereotype that I've seen enough of. And what has become of Burt Reynolds career that he has to make cameos like this... I love this movie and will buy a copy, but I think it's a sad commentary on what has happened with Burt to see him here playing a hermit.

Overall, I definitely recommend the movie. It was funny and light hearted, and something I would let my young nieces watch with me.

The Punisher (2004)

Funny but disappointing

[4/10 · 8 September 2004]

In general, it was an okay movie. Action, touch of humor, John Travolta does a good bad guy. Thomas Jane as Frank Castle did a good job.

What really bugged me was the subtle message that being gay is equated with being evil, immoral, unlawful and sadistc. Will Patton's character, Quentin Glass, is introduced as being "a sadist" and they point this out by showing him kissing his boyfriend. That's the only touch of homosexuality you see in the whole movie. His being gay is the reason why he is so mean, so immoral.

I'm not saying that it should be remade as a gay love story, but that they could have explained Quentin being bad in a different way. The director did not have to make being gay the same as being sadistic killer.

Women weren't made to look much better. Just accessories to be used by the men for whatever they wanted. Frank's wife was the best, trying to protect and save their son which failed obviously. I thought the love interest hint with Rebecca Romijn-Stamos was a silly waste of time.

Where were the cops? Where were Frank's friends? That bugged me too. Frank was allowed to do all this "punishing" and not one cop ever showed up, his friends never tried to stop him? That didn't make sense to me either.

And that's my 50 cents.

Love Actually (2003)

Wonderful movie!

[8/10 · 10 November 2003]

This is a wonderful movie. It was funny and sweet and sad and encouraging... I really enjoyed it. I don't generally watch "romantic" or "chick flick" movies anymore, but I'm glad that I went to see this one. It was neat how everything flowed or fit together. Of my group that saw this movie, I was the only one that realized at the end that "Daniel" (Liam Neeson) actually did end up with Claudia Schiffer -to some extent anyway!

I think Hugh Grant was terrific as the prime minister. I loved how he handled the American president. Billy Bob was a real snake!

The only thing we were disappointed in is that Laura Linney's (Sarah) story line did not get wrapped up like the others. Which might have been on purpose - not every problem is solved at Christmas. The other problem is -and it wasn't for us- but this is not a movie for young children. I would say not under 12, though it does depend on the child. There is one running theme with nudity (both male and female) that would not be appropriate for children.

I did end up a bit sniffly at the end, for which I was ridiculed, but I didn't care. The movie was worth it. I highly recommend it.

The Hot Chick (2002)

A funny, interesting movie

[5 August 2003]

I just saw this movie and I really liked it. It is funny, and yes, painful at times. But it has an interesting message - there is a scene where Jessica's little brother Booger is running after the family in the red high heels. Does his parents have a fit? No. His dad says, "if you are going to wear those, you better learn to run in them." Accepting and warning at the same time. You also notice at the end of the movie that the girls that were enemies at the beginning of the movie, have become friends by the end. They overcome their differences, work together, and resolve a problem.

This is a good movie, and I recommend it. Not every film you watch has to be Oscar level. Entertainment and education can come in many forms.

The Guest of Honor (2001)

Great little movie!

[10/10 · 30 July 2002]

I really enjoyed this film. Every once in a while you run across a great short film, and this is one of them. I've recommended it to all my friends without hesitation. The actors are wonderful, everything just works beautifully. This definitely goes on my "keeper" list.

Reign of Fire (2002)

Good but...

[4/10 · 24 July 2002]

I liked this movie, but I did have problems with it. I really think they could have done a much better job with the script. The dragons were very well done, and it was an interesting premise. But...

Where did Van Zan get the fuel for his vehicles and the helicopter? Why did Quinn have fire suits for his people, but Van Zan didn't for his? Why should there be only one male dragon to fertilize all the eggs? Etc...

One stupid scene - Van Zan and Quinn fighting each other. That's a great time in the movie for a restroom trip.

One great scene - London with the dragons flying around.

Otherwise, wait for the dvd and rent it. IMHO.

Highlander: Endgame (2000)

disappointed

[11 September 2000]

I thought Highlander: End Game was terrible. A great disappointment. The directing was bad, the editing was the worst I've ever seen, the story was abysmal. The series, on a bad day, was better than this. It didn't follow the series that closely -if so, where was Ritchie and Tessa? And what about the fact that just before Tessa died, Duncan remembered the gypsy telling him he would never marry? Not that I minded the gratuitious sex scene with Adrian, but really. The whole thing was just a major disappointment. They could have done so much better! They certainly had time and enough money. I would not recommend this movie to anyone. You want to see Highlander? Watch the series or the first movie.

Prey (1998)

supportive; loved the series

[6 September 2000]

I watched Prey from the beginning. It has a very timely, interesting topic. Well written, well acted. Badly treated by the network that first showed it, and not doing so well with network that is supposed to be running it now. It was cancelled at the end of a cliffhanger, leaving a key character locked in a cage. It has a strong lead female character with a brain, strong, honorable men (Human and not so Human), intriguing plot lines, great acting. Highly recommended.

The 13th Warrior (1999)

Vikings, Antonio, swords - terrific movie!

[8/10 · 30 August 1999]

I really enjoyed this movie. It had action, adventure, thrills, chills, humor, swords, Vikings, and Antonio. That puts it on my A list. I think Antonio did a wonderful job as the Arab poet stuck in the middle of group of Vikings. And the actors playing the Vikings were great. Never share a bowl of water in the morning with barbarians. {shudder}

Meet Joe Black (1998)

A wonderful film, very moving.

[23 November 1998]

"Meet Joe Black" is a wonderful movie. I liked how it let the emotions of the moment, of a scene, play out. It did not jerk you about from one scene to the next or rush you along. Brad Pitt did a terrific job, and Anthony Hopkins was superb as always. As far as I am concerned, this movie is well worth the three hours - which, by the way, you don't really notice.