War Horse directed by Steven Spielberg

War Horse
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Rated PG-13
Release Date December 25, 2011


Movie Summary: Young Albert enlists to service in WWI after his beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry. Albert's hopeful journey takes him out of England and across Europe as the war rages on.

My Review:  War Horse is a film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on Michael Morpugo's 1982 best-seller, which was previously adapted for the stage, debuting in London 2007. The movie follows the life experiences of a Horse, from birth to his recruitment in WWI, we are privy to the world in which he belongs; but to whom, the question is asked. They say a horse, is a horse, is a horse but not in this film. Breathtaking, heartbreaking and full of heroic equine behavior, you will not leave the theater with a dry eye. Go on, we dare you.

What Spielberg has managed to do is something remarkable in our sense. He has created a film that any age group can view and feel satisfied; a story that is rich with deep meaning for all, yet unique to the movie patron and their own personal familiarity with the subject manner.

The first half is set in the beautiful English countryside, where Joey (the Thoroughbred) must be taught to plow the rough and rocky plains or the family will not afford the rent they owe their landlord--a bind the father had gotten them into due to his drunken purchase of the horse to begin with. This portion of the film is used to develop the bond between boy and horse and gives us a glimpse into the unwavering determination both beast and child prove to be instilled with. But before we can become sympathetic to the family’s plights, War is eminent.

Before long, the horse is leased to the English army with his fate left to the care of the officer who assures Albert (Jeremy Irvine) that he will look after him. It is here that Albert makes a solemn promise to his horse that he will find him one day, and from there the movie truly begins.

Spielberg avoids any emphasis, but simply depicts both Germans and the English in what is historically, one of the most savages wars fought. From a French farm on the brink of torrential bombings, to trench warfare, to the infamous No Man’s Land, the visuals are abundant and the story persistent in its trek forward to its concluding, Gone With The Wind’ish ending, we truly enjoyed War Horse.

When we turned to our daughters to see if the tears were for the horse and his endeavors throughout the war, our girls replied, they were not. The tears were for a particular scene in which two young German soldiers flee from their duties, their punishment eminent. My daughters were able to sympathize and move beyond the relationship between the horse and the young boy who raised him. They were simply entertained and moved by the film in its entirety. And that is Spielberg magic, my friend!

War Horse is an excellent movie and we definitely recommend it. War Horse premieres December 25, 2011.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Jeremy Irvine-Albert Narracott
Peter Mullan-Ted Narracott
Emily Watson-Rose Narracott
Niels Arestup-Grandfather
Celine Buckens-Emilie

The Darkest Hour directed by Chris Gorak

The Darkest Hour
Directed by Chris Gorak
Rated PG-13
Release Date: December 25, 2011

Movie Summary: In Moscow, five young people lead the charge against an alien race that has attacked Earth via our power supply.

My Review: When I first saw the trailer for The Darkest Hour, which I might add was promoted heavily at the theatres by Summit, I cringed. It reminded me so much of Vanishing on 7th Street, and if you remember my review for the film, verged on hatred. Such a strong emotion, yet invisible aliens evoke such. Enough said.

Going in to the screening, I was skeptical to say the least. Four young, attractive characters partying it up in Russia, survive and outwit an invisible and aggressive alien life force. Hmmm…

But, I will admit. The film was better than I thought it would be. In fact, it was alright, tolerable and even entertaining at moments.

The movie opens with two computer software entrepreneurs (Emile Hirsch/In To The Wild and Max Minghella/ The Social Network) flying into Russia to meet with potential investors. They soon realize how naïve they are in the world of development as their idea for a social website is stolen from them and presented to the very same investors.

Defeated, they decide to check out one of the clubs listed on their site as the place to go. This is where they meet up with two other ladies, (Olivia Thirlby/Juno and Rachael Taylor/Red Dog).

And quite literally, the havoc begins as the lights to the club go out leaving our four in utter darkness. As the patrons filter out of the building, they learn the cause of the blackout; illuminated balls of amber light descending from the sky absorbing all sources of energy and eerily, anything else that is alive.

What I liked about this film first and foremost, is that the characters didn’t annoy me. I love Emile Hirsch and I actually really love Rachael Taylor. The entire cast of characters was likeable enough that you wanted to see them survive. Also the plot didn’t become too convoluted. It was what it was, a movie about survival, nothing too complex or in depth. And it worked for me.

Though few of the special effects were slightly less impressive, the overall tone was uplifting and not so doom and gloom; it made you feel hope for the characters even if their situation seemed dire and futile.

In the end, I didn’t hate it or love it. But I did like it. And there you have it. I give it three stars. 

Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows directed by Guy Ritchie

Sherlock Holmes 
A Game of Shadows
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Rated PG-13 For Holmes Awesomeness

Movie Summary: Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty.

My Review: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This is exactly what Guy Ritchie has subscribed to in his sequel film to the Sherlock Holmes saga. But, I think it works and  actually, A Game of Shadows might be better than the first.

I won't give spoilers but let's just say that Ritchie knew exactly what I adored about the first film and hated as well. No Rachel McAdams! And, the addition of Noomi Rapace as Madam Simza Heron was a nice touch. Being a true "Girl With a Dragon Tattoo", Swedish-version-will-always-be-the-best-version lover; it was nice to see her included in this cast. I also love Stephen Fry (V for Vendetta) as Holmes's brother. Great choice of actors this time around.

But, moving beyond... The film pretty much delivers throughout the entire 129 minutes, even down to the last five minutes. It is literally flawless. The infamous stop action sequences are back and amplified by a thousand percent! Though I thought I would tire of the "calculated fight" scenes, Ritchie found a way to bring them back because let's face it, Holmes is autistic (just saying) and seems to excel at visually accounting every detail before it even happens. But this time, there's a slight twist to those scenes which keep you from getting bored and I appreciated the attempt at keeping what worked so well in the first film, while finding ways to present it in a fresher more interesting way.

I have to admit with the plot revolving around an eminent World War, I found the story line more fascinating this time around too. Plus, Ritchie wasted no time with a love interest for Holmes (thank you). Straight action, witty dialogue, awesome fight scenes and a great ending. It is truly a solid film, through and through.

Also, one of my favorite scenes involved alcohol, bachelor party and a church. For me, Jude Law really excelled this time around and his scenes were just as hilarious and entertaining as Robert Downey Jr. I kind of love Dr. Watson, is that weird?

Overall, I say go see it. If you loved the first movie, you'll LOVE the second! Plus, Hawaii folks can utilize reserved seating at Consolidated Ward too! Makes dinner and a movie, easy peasy.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Robert Downey Jr. - Sherlock Holmes
Jude Law - Dr. Watson
Noomi Rapace - Madam Simza Heron
Jared Harris - Professor James Moriarty
Kelly Reilly - Mary Watson
Stephen Fry - Mycroft Holmes

Also, if you love everything Sherlock Holmes, there is a kick ass essay on the beloved character over at The Awl, Sherlock Holmes and The Adventure of the Impudent Scholars. 

Excerpt: "Doyle famously tried to kill Holmes off himself, considering the stories to be a fatuous distraction from his more serious historical fiction and writing on spiritualism. When Doyle had Holmes pitched off the edge of Reichenbach Falls to certain doom, the streets of London filled with men in black armbands, demanding a revocation of the deadly deed. Nine years later, Doyle finally and begrudgingly acquiesced, reanimating Holmes in “The Adventure of the Empty House”. The Holmes stories continued for another 24 years—cases were still being "uncovered" even after the great detective had been retired to a bee farm in the Sussex Downs."

It never ceases to amaze me how much we succumb to cinema and literature. I must admit, I am guilty. 

~ Suzie

New Year's Eve directed by Garry Marshall

New Year's Eve
Directed by Garry Marshall
Rated PG-13 

Movie Summary: Taking place over the course of one night, New Year's Eve, the film follows several single people and the situations that they find themselves in on this celebratory holiday. 

Disclaimer: Most men; husbands, fiances, boyfriends, guy friends, or sons will most likely not want to see this film. Just drag them! 

My Review: I'll be completely honest. I thought Valentine's Day was total crap the first time I saw it. But then it came on cable and I think I watched it two other times, because nothing else was on and I grew to love it. For me, I think it was initially the cast and their bad acting that did it for me. But I saw the potential in what Gary Marshall was trying to achieve.

Well, I think he did worlds better this time around with New Year's Eve. Though there are some familiar faces in this film from Valentines' Day (Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel), there are a slew of other big names... Michelle Pfeiffer, Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert De Niro, Halle Berry just to name a few. And with that, the acting has improved.

In all honesty, do we really buy that these actors are who they appear to be in the different stories told? No. But the stories, themselves, are touching enough. And that's what makes the film enjoyable to watch and heartfelt at times.

Let's be honest, I'm a woman... I cry at anyone that is reflecting on mistakes that they've made in their lives ON New Year's Eve... And Josh Duhamel is hot. Enough said.

This isn't an Oscar worthy film. But it is good, and not total crap as I was thinking it would be. It's totally worth your time and your $10+ per ticket. Honestly, here are some of my favorite stories from the film.

1) Robert Deniro plays a dying man in the hospital and Halle Berry plays his nurse. You are a heartless bastard if you don't think that's touching. Plus, I think I about lost it when they continued to follow Halle Berry's character's and  who it is that she is looking forward to seeing. Bring tissues. The whole audience sort of gasped and collectively sighed as we know how difficult that scenario can be for those in real life. But we were an advanced screening audience and high on soda and popcorn because we didn't have to buy our ticket.

2) Michelle Pfeiffer plays an older woman fed up with being timid and unadventurous in life. She employs Zac Efron's character to help her carry out her resolutions... In one night! Don't ask me why, but I love Michelle Pfeiffer. She can do no wrong in my eyes.

3) Josh Duhamel is gorgeous (did I already say that?) and Sofia Vergara stole every scene she was in. I would like to just borrow her accent for one day and crack myself.

So if you were interested in seeing this film, go see it. I kinda loved it. Now, everybody sing with me, "So raise you're glass if you are wrong. In all the right ways. All my underdogs, we will never, never be. Anything but loud and nitty gritty, dirty little freaks."