Crazy, Stupid, Love directed by Dan Fogelman

Crazy, Stupid, Love
Rated PG-13 118 min


My Summary: The film is about a couple dealing with the consequences of divorce, and the surrounding friends and family that it can affect.

My Review: I was a little concerned that the film appeared like a comedy but would eventually rear its ugly head, and be darker in nature (like Some Kind of Funny Story). I was very wrong.

Brilliantly balanced, the movie does a spectacular job of dealing with real life issues in a manner that seem to be both comedic, yet probable and maturely serious. The film itself is just solid with great performances by the entire cast; especially Steve Carell who has this ability to make you laugh and cry, all in the same scene. He's under-rated for an actor and I have to admit, I really like seeing him in roles where he is able to be less slapstick (Carell was excellent by the way, in Little Miss Sunshine).

The film starts out innocently enough with Cal (Steve Carell) and Emily (Julianne Moore) having dinner. Unfortunately, she blind sides him as she nonchalantly explains that she wants a divorce. On the awkward ride home, she continues to babble unknowingly and reveals to Cal, who looks like he's going to vomit, that she has slept with a coworker. Cal jumps out of the moving vehicle.

Flash forward and Cal is now a single bachelor but stinks at it. He wastes him time at a club telling anyone who will listen, about his divorce and his ex-wife. That is, until he is approached by real life hottie and professional bachelor, Jacob (Ryan Gosling). Jacob wants to help him, if only for the reason of making Cal shut up. He decides to take him under his wing and teach him how to not only get over his ex-wife, but live the life of single man.

The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell was awesome. They were literally yin and yang. I loved every moment that spent together on screen. But in addition, we were offered some serious laughs when Cal meets a lonely teacher, played by Marisa Tomei who was pretty hilarious in her role.

But just when we are starting to have fun with the idea that Steve Carell's character can now be transformed into a lady's man, we soon realize that Cal still has strong feelings for his ex-wife and we are reeled back to reality. Cal loves Emily, and always will. *insert tear* I swear on my credit card, that I cried during this film and I laughed... It was that good.

But to keep you on your toes, there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you saying, "What! I didn't see that coming!!" Let's just say that A'mour is in the air and everyone has been shot by cupid, including our professional bachelor, Jacob, who has finally found a woman that can keep his interest. (Emma Stone is freaking awesome!)

This movie is just such a cute film, I can't stress enough how good it is. So if you need a break from all the action films that are currently in theatres, than YOU MUST see this one!!

I'm going to go ahead and give it five stars because I was thoroughly entertained: tears and laughs. Crazy, Stupid, Love opens today!! Now go see it!

Cast and Credit: 

Directed by Dan Fogelman

Steve Carell-Cal

Ryan Gosling-Jacob

Julianne More-Emily

Emma Stone-Hanna

Analeigh Tipton-Jessica

Jonah Bobo-Robbie

Kevin Bacon-David

Book Blogger Hop!

First, I want to thank Jen at Crazy for Books for organizing, putting up with, and facilitating such a unique book blog post. It is a great way for both book bloggers, and readers, to discover one another.

This week's question is this: “Highlight one book you have received this week (for review, from the library, purchased at the store, etc.) that you can’t wait to dig into!”

OMG, I can answer this!! I just received from my husband, A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin!!! I just read chapter 1 and already, I'm hooked.... Actually, I watched the HBO television series based on the novel, and that in itself, hooked me. So here's to politics, devious plots, devilish young men, and mysterious creatures! What about you? ~ Suz

3 More Hunger Games Photos!

For those who have not read the Hunger Games series, my GOD!! What are you waiting for? Pick up the book and read!!!

But for those who have become cultish with the series, eagerly anticipating the film; then you will certainly enjoy these photos.

Gale and Peeta!! Holla!!

Katniss and Gale-LOVE

HOLY CANNOLI!! But I am TEAM PEETA all the way!!

Speaking of cultish, I have just picked up the Game of Thrones series and I'm about to begin book 1. So excited! Review to come!! Who is addicted to that show on HBO? 

Captain America directed by Joe Johnston

Captain America: The First Avenger
PG-13 125 min. 

Summary: Based on the 1941 Marvel Comic Book superhero, “Captain America: The First Avenger” focuses on the early days of the Marvel universe when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the super soldier known as Captain America. As Captain America, Roger then gathers a team of soldiers which includes his best friend, Bucky (Sebastian Stan), along with the help of confidant, Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) to wage war on the evil Hydra Organization, led by the villainous Red Skull (Hugo Weaving).

My Review: Set during WWII, Steve Rogers has attempted to enlist five different times, changing information on his application in the hopes that he will be recruited. He’s short, underweight, and has various health complications. He is denied entry until he meets Dr. Abraham Erskine, who upon hearing his reasoning for wanting to enlist thinks he has the making for his top secret project; a super soldier serum.

Dr. Abraham Erskine asks Steve Rogers one question before allowing him to join the army; “Do you want to kill Nazis?” Rogers answers, “I don’t want to kill anyone. I don’t like bullies.” Erskine approves of Rogers’ answer and it is here that we learn that it is not always about being the biggest, or brawniest. It is about having heart and compassion in a time of war, something that clearly Rogers has and it is one of the reasons why he is chosen.

Eventually the experiment is conducted, and a success with Rogers emerging, taller, more muscular and super humanly fit. But something goes wrong and a German spy is among them, causing havoc and explosions as the spy tries to steal the secret serum.

You would think that would be enough cause for concern? It is, but not quite yet. So what does the government decide to do with its new superhero? Why use him to sell U.S. bonds of course! Yes, this is a side distraction and I wondered where the film was going to as well.

But the film returns to what we all came to see, and that is some much needed butt-kicking as Steve Rogers, nicknamed Captain America, realizes his full potential and true calling by saving captured soldiers across enemy lines and in the end, goes after the evil scientist, Schmidt/Red Skull who has a plot to take over the world because as we all know, it is in the evil scientist handbook: 101-take over world.

The first half of the film really is dedicated to introducing you to Steve Rogers/Captain America and with the help of some poignant secondary characters like his best friend Bucky, Peggy Carter and Colonel Phillips, a lot of the beginning of the story is about establishing relationships. But hold that thought: The second half of the film is pure action! Hugo Weaving does an amazing job of portraying Red Skull and set in WWII; how can you not want him to be defeated? He’s a German Nazi, deranged, and wants to take over the world! Who better to save mankind, than America!! (We just knew the writers smiled when creating the script).

Overall, this superhero film was not dull for one moment and clearly, (yes this is your only spoiler), the second film will be even more fantastical with the backdrop already established. Captain America was a solid film and I definitely say see this one, playing in theatres now!

Cast and Credit: 

Directed by Joe Johnston

Chris Evans-Steve Rogers/Captain America

Hayley Atwell-Peggy Carter

Sebastian Stan-Bucky Barnes

Tommy Lee Jones-Colonel Phillips

Hugo Weaving-Schmidt/Red Skull

Stanley Tucci-Dr. Abraham Erskine

Horrible Bosses directed by Seth Gordon

Horrible Bosses
Rated R

Summary: Management candidate Nick Hendricks (Jason Bateman) has been logging 12-hour days and eating everything his twisted supervisor Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey) dishes out, toward the promise of a well-earned promotion. But now he knows that’s never going to happen. Meanwhile, dental assistant Dale Arbus (Charlie Day) has been struggling to maintain his self-respect against the relentless X-rated advances of Dr. Julia Harris, D.D.S. (Jennifer Aniston), when she suddenly turns up the heat. And accountant Kurt Buckman (Jason Sudeikis) has just learned that his company’s corrupt new owner, Bobby Pellit (Colin Farrell), is not only bent on ruining his career but plans to funnel toxic waste into an unsuspecting population.

My Review: I was supposed to screen this movie weeks back and I just couldn't make it to the theatre. But, thankfully I had already seen Harry Potter in advance, and was left with nothing else to preview, other than reviewing a movie that I really did want to see all along. So, here's my thoughts on Horrible Bossess.

The movie itself is definitely crude, and though it was not as hilarious as other comedies of the year, such as The Hangover 2 and Bridesmaids, it did keep me entertained and laughing through the entire film, which is all I really expected it to do. Jason Sudeikis was adequately funny (for some reason, I'm just a fan of his), and Jason Bateman does dry humor well (Jason can do no wrong, I would marry the man if given the opportunity), but Charlie Day was definitely my favorite, stealing every scene with his over the top expletives.(Plus, is it just me or does he have a very "throaty" voice? His rants were hilarious, btw!)

On the contrary, the “horrible bosses” in the film were outstanding. Kevin Spacey does a fantastic job of being the typical, corporate jackhole. And this is a Jennifer Aniston you have never seen before; sexy, pornographic and potentially a rapist?! Yeah, I was pretty amazed at some of the antics Jennifer had to do. She was pretty good as the perverted dentist, though I found it hard to believe that any man would actually turn her down. Hmmm.... And I must add, Colin Farrell was perfect as the coked up, son of a chemical company. He took creepy, to a different level.

In the end, I thought the film was pretty good and did keep me laughing pretty much till the credits rolled. Had it been any longer, I probably would have freaked out because the characters were beginning to get really stupid towards the end, but at the length that it was, the movie was completely entertaining. I give it four stars because it wasn't on the level of my other two favorite comedies this year, but it was fun... In a dark, demented way.

Cast and Credit: 

Directed by Seth Gordon

Jason Bateman-Nick

Charlie Day-Dale

Jason Sudeikis-Kurt

Kevin Spacey-Dave (Nick's Boss)

Jennifer Aniston-Julia (Dale's Boss)

Collin Farrell-Bobby (Kurt's Boss)

Page One: Inside The New York Times directed by Andrew Rossi

Page One: Inside The New York Times
A film by Andrew Rossi
Documentary

My Review: A documentary by Andrew Rossi, Page One: Inside the New York Times premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Embedded in the New York Times newsroom for one year, Rossi's unwavering agenda to unravel the relevance that print media still has on society gives viewers unprecedented access to the stalwart newspaper. In the film, he attempts to shed light on the struggles and battles of staying viable and economically successful in an ever-evolving technological world.

For the novice, the core of the documentary reminds us of one fact: Newspapers are becoming dinosaurs. We would be naive to ignore that many print publications have already gone into bankruptcy, fading away into obscurity or downsizing significantly, causing great stress in the publication world.

David Carr, a columnist for the NY Times and the film's "star," candidly speaks about journalism: Those glory days of cheap cakes and cheap sparkling wine are over and that carnage is left behind an island of misfit toys - like model trains whose cabooses have square wheels. There's a resistance to change among older journalists, but that change is inevitable. Adapting to social media outlets, such as Twitter and Facebook, journalists have a love/hate relationship with such outlets in the race to get trustworthy news out to the public as quickly as possible. But at what expense?

The documentary itself tends to wander but for good reasons. We are reminded of significant scandals, such as the inaccurate reports on Iraq by former NY Times journalists Judith Miller and Jayson Blair, the latter being accused of plagiarism and fabrication. It's easy to see why people nowadays are often leery of news stations or media outlets, with many feeling as if the news has been skewed in some fashion with hidden agendas. We are briefly reminded of the Tribune bankruptcy and the cause of this significant buyout - unthinkable work conditions, exorbitant bonuses, Sam Zell ... the list goes on and on. The documentary alludes to the credibility of journalism in a time of "quick and free news."

But what I found very interesting about the whole concept of paper vs. online is the idea that no "news" is ever free. Someone still has to go out to the war-torn areas and report it, and many online outlets simply "piggyback" off larger media outlets, such as the NY Times. Advertising spending is still down and so, too, are subscriptions; the combination being detrimental.

In the end, I found the documentary somewhat inspiring and love the fact that there are still people out there who believe in honest journalism. And without shining a bright light on the NY Times, I enjoyed learning more about their scruples and their plights - it was raw and very open. Overall, the film was fascinating and certainly riveting. I truly think this is a film that everyone should see and recommend that you catch this documentary.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 directed by David Yates

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Rated PG-13


Summary: The final chapter begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord's three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. But as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.

My Review: I've never read the books so I really did not know what to expect in this final installment, but I have to admit; it was the best of all the films.

First, I did watch it in 3D and did feel it was worth seeing in this medium. In this final installment, there is a lot of fighting and spectacular graphics. Our audience, being privy to seeing it in advance, cheered... yelled... and clapped, as Harry FINALLY confronts Valdemort in what it is to be the ending, of all endings: The ultimate battle. (There is definitely more action in this film, then Part 1.)

If you have not followed the franchise, then my review will serve no purpose for you. I have. And so has my son, who is about the same age as Harry is in the films. Even though he has been away at College in Arizona, he's home here in Hawaii and got to see this movie with me. It was something that I shared with him, and I admit, it brought tears to my eyes when the final scenes of the film played out. Time does fly...

What I enjoyed about Part 2 of Deathly Hallows is the way everything from all the other films, came together. Many answers were revealed, and it was done very well (unlike the television show, Lost!!) I learned a lot in the final film. Let's just say Warner Bros. saved the best for last, with an abundance of EPIC battles also. And... there is the ending. It was just well worth the adventure and I loved every film that they have made, including all the characters-I will also add, the graphics have been superb.

From the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (or Philosopher's Stone-International Title) in 2001, to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 opening this week. I have seen every movie in the theatre. All 8, and I'm so sad to see it end. This has been a most magical ride, and I encourage all of you to see it in theatres when it premieres in your town.

Thank you to J.K. Rowling for creating 

a bewitching world of wizardry. 

You have touched many children's lives with your tales, 

including my son. For that, I am humble.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by David Yates
Daniel Radcliffe-Harry Potter
Rupert Grint-Ron Weasley
Emma Watson-Hermione Granger
Alan Rickman-Professor Severus Snape
Ralph Fiennes-Lord Voldermot

Between the Land and Sea by Derrolyn Anderson

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Awesome Mermaidness
Author: Derrolyn Anderson
Available on Amazon Kindle, click here.

Summary: Something extraordinary is lurking in the deep ocean waters off the coast of Aptos, California. In just a few weeks after moving to the small beach town, sixteen year old Marina has nearly drowned twice, enchanted the hottest guy in high school, and discovered a supernatural creature. If she can only manage to survive her increasingly dangerous encounters with unpredictable mermaids, she might just be able to unlock the mystery of her past to learn how to appease the mysterious forces that seem to want something from her...and maybe even find true love along the way.Between The Land And The Sea is the first book in the series "Marina's Tales". Her story continues on in book two, The Moon And The Tide.

My Review: I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Early on from the beginning pages, up through to the end, I was completely immersed (no pun intended) in this story of a young woman coming to grips with a family secret, that in the end could forever change her life if she should choose that path.

The story is about a young, intelligent and beautiful girl named Marina who must now relocate from her apartment in San Francisco to her Aunt's house in Aptos, California because her father is on a year-long work assignment in Afghanistan. Tearfully, she must leave behind her life of travelling to far away countries with her father, to now for the first time, attending the dreaded... high school. (I don't blame her!)

While living with her Aunt, we get to meet Marina's eclectic cousin Cruz and his best friend, Meghan. The three quickly bond, and it is with their support, that Marina is able to withstand school. No thanks to the bullies!

But just when you think it is a story of a young girl trying to deal with new circumstances, Marina meets a mermaid and things begin to take on a supernatural tone with Marina feeling a distinct connection with the creature. And then throw in a friendship with a local surfer, that quickly buds into a romance!! But things are not as pleasant as they appear, and in fact become dangerously scary, as Marina comes to realize just how real and true her connection with the mermaid truly is.

Without giving away every detail, I just want to say that I truly enjoyed this story. The first day I read about a hundred pages straight on my iPad and then stopped because I gave myself a headache. But that's how good the story was to me. Marina is very likable as are all the other characters, including the cutie patootie, Ethan, and I just fell in love with the idea of mermaids, which is a first for me.

Growing up in Southern California, I have a real connection with the ocean and this story with its setting in Aptos, CA seem to tap into my heart. Not to mention Marina's very eccentric Aunt Evie who spoils her with top of the line, fashionable clothing. Um, hello! I went out and bought strappy sandals because of Marina's wardrobe. Let's face it, I loved everything about this story. It was an easy read, AND an enjoyable read. In my case, I sort of inhaled the story, so I will admit, it's a five star recommendation for me. Great story!!

Beginners directed by Mike Mills

Beginners
Rated R

Summary: Beginners is a film written and directed by Mike Mills, and is based on his 75-year-old father who came out of the closet following the death of his wife of 45 years.

My Review: Though the film has a light comedic tone, the complex relationships and issues at hand are deep and thought provoking. It offers a glimpse into one family's skeletons, which, in a sense, provide confirmation that "simple and happy" are not so easily obtained.

Told in present time (2003) with complementing flashbacks and symbolic pictures, Beginners is a story that focuses on Oliver (Ewan McGregor) and the aftermath of his father's death five years after his mother's. Very early into the film, we see that Oliver's father, Hal (Christopher Plummer) confesses to being gay, immediately after the death of his mom. Shortly after coming out, Hal begins to live out his life as a gay man and even embarks on a relationship with a younger companion, Andy (Goran Visnjic of ER). But just as Hal is able to finally live the life he has always yearned, he is diagnosed with terminal cancer and passes away.

Oliver is left with sorting through his early memories of his mother and the many nights she spent alone, and the father he finally came to know in his final years. Being an only child, we can see that Oliver had clearly picked up on the subtle clues that his parents' marriage was not what it seemed, and this affects Oliver later in life, causing him to have a fear of commitment because as he often states, "he's just afraid of it not working out."

Oliver, now 38, is terminally sad. But with the urging of his eclectic friends - who like to dress in costume, party and vandalize buildings with poignant poetic messages and Hal's intelligent Jack Russell terrier who doesn't come out and speak but communicates with subtitles - Oliver meets a beautiful Parisian actress named Anna (Melanie Laurent), whom he begins a love affair with and soon experiences the ups and downs of being in a relationship.

There are so many things that I loved about this movie. In summary, the film is brilliantly written and well acted. McGregor does an outstanding job of playing the loving son, who rediscovers his father and sees him in a new light after his coming out. Meanwhile, Plummer is just fabulous as the dad. His confessions felt so real that I found myself sobbing during most of the scenes with him and, in particular, as he comes to grips with his illness and the idea of death; just beautiful acting on his part. And I adore Laurent who is quickly becoming one of my favorite foreign actresses. She has a certain credibility to her that makes us, the audience, fall in love with her character, rooting for her story to end well. We wanted happiness for the couple, even if they had to work for it.

Beginners was a light-hearted, beautiful story about relationships and family, and I laughed, smiled and even cried. Five Stars!!

Cast and Credit:
Written and Directed by Mike Mills
Ewan McGregor - Oliver
Christopher Plummer - Hal
Melanie Laurent - Anna
Goran Visnjic - Andy
Mary Page Kellar - Georgia

The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemming

Genre: Adult fiction
Author: Kaui Hart Hemmings
Publisher: Random House

Book Summary: Mat King is a descendant of Hawaiian royalty and one of the state's largest land owners, the deciding relative of the expansive empire. His entire family is waiting on him. Who will he sell to?

In the mean time, things at home have taken a turn for the worst as Mat is left to care for his two out-of-control daughters, Scottie, a strange 10 year old with a desperate need for attention, and Alex, a 17 year old former model and recovering drug addict, while his wife Joanie lies in an irreversible coma in the hospital, from a boating accident.

My Review:  The reason I chose to read this book was because of the film trailer. There was something honest in those two minutes, and I sort of fell in love with George Clooney and the prospect of him playing this character. What I didn't realize was how much I would actually love the book, and how I invested I would become in the story.

With the setting being Hawaii, it's easy to think that people who live in paradise don't have problems. In fact, we aren't allowed to have problems, right? Not the case.

Though we don't know what the Kings were like before the accident, we are seeing the aftermath. Matt King is dealing with several life issues, and on top of all of that, his daughters seem to be acting up in a way, that scares the bejesus out of him. With a dying wife lying in a coma and his relatives, as well as the entire state of Hawaii, waiting on his decision as to whom he will sell his very large estate in Kaui too, Matt is at his wits end. But as if that was not enough to test a man's strengths, Matt finds out through his older daughter Alex, that his wife has been having an affair and that was the cause of the stress and turmoil between the daughter and the mother. (Heartbreaking!!)

Without going into every detail of this wonderful book, let me just say it's a very easy read. I think the story was about 300 pages, but man does it suck you in. I don't think you necessarily had to have experienced any of these issues, to find relevance; you just do. Matt made me laugh, and he made me cry. I literally woke up one morning, sat by myself on the couch, and finished the last 100 pages, crying. Seriously, crying. I absolutely fell in love with Matt and thought many of his emotions, from the feelings about his wife, to the frusterations with his daughters, just so humanely, real. Does that make sense? I felt like Matt was a male version... of me. And I loved every laugh out loud moment, and every tearful discovery.

The Descendants was just such a great book, and in summary, about a father having to come to terms with the fact that he will now be the sole parent having to raise his daughters. He has fears that they will turn out horrible, that they will never respect him, that they will end up like his wife... In a loveless marriage. But in the end, he must make peace with his dying wife, before he can find the path to his daughter’s hearts. Because as we all know, they need their father more than ever, and what he soon learns, is that he needs them just as much too.

Excellent novel, and beautiful story. I highly recommend this book!!! Five Stars!!

The Descendants Movie Trailer: Comes out this December!!