Slumdog Millionaire

Everyone is all abuzz about this movie. And, unlike the swarm that followed Titanic, Slumdog Millionaire really is a brilliant piece of cinema (no offence Kate and Leonardo). I saw the movie the first time with Ryan and then saw it again this last weekend with my mum. The editing in the movie is superb, the music is delightful, and the story is one mixed with harsh reality and love. I adore this movie. It deserves the accolades it is receiving. It is about time a well-made film that wasn't about budget got the attention it deserves. Can't wait to see how it does at the Oscars.

If you haven't seen this movie yet...go...now!

Current musical addiction -- Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and LittleJoy. Hoping to get to the music store soon to get the new Andrew Bird CD (thanks, Rachel). Super excited because Andrew Bird has become one of my followers on Twitter. (0: Tee-hee.

Disappointing to Say the Least

I enjoyed reading the Twilight series of books. I liked that Stephenie Meyer captured that innocent, nauseating, obsessive, sweet feeling of teenage love. Plus, the book revolved around a cute vampire. You can't go wrong with that. I was an Anne Rice fiend in high school so I enjoyed this new series that gave a peek into a vampire's world.

I had seen the trailers for the new movie and I wasn't too impressed, but I knew I would go and see it. I had read the book. How could I not see the movie?

AMC, can I please have my $5 back? Oh, my, it was disappointing and so horrible. And, my poor husband thought he would accompany me...see what all the fuss was about when it came to the books. Ugh. I haven't been reading reviews on the movie, but eek! It was so incredibly cheesy. The actor who plays Edward (the vampire) was adorable and he made the teenage girls in the audience swoon, but seriously the movie was activating my gag reflex. Toward the end of the movie, we enjoyed the action, but all-in-all...the movie was just wretched (ooh, I like that word...haven't used it in a while). I don't even want to go into all of the details that made the movie bad because then this post would just be shy of a novella. Just take it from me that it is not worth seeing. The snoring person that was sitting behind Ry and I at the movie is evidence enough of the suspense in the movie. I should add that the nasal symphony started only 15 minutes into the movie. *cringe* Not good.

Now, if your gross curiosity gets the better of you, see if you can find Stephenie Meyers in the movie. She has a quick bit in the movie, taking a tip from Stan Lee.

Movies I am hoping to see in the next few weeks...Australia with Hugh Jackman (yummy) and Nicole Kidman - it looks so 1960's epic movie; Quantum of Solace with Daniel Craig - heard the action is spectacular; and RockNRolla with Thandie Newton, Jeremy Piven and Gerard Butler (he's a Scottish treat I don't mind looking at) - it's a Guy Ritchie film -- don't think I need to say more.

Wanted

We went to the movies last night, on a whim, to see Wanted. I had been wanting to see it ever since trailers began to appear last fall. The draw of James McAvoy is plenty for me, but I had also read the comic book on which this movie was based. It is an intriguing diversion from the typical hero and villain comic books. In Wanted it is up to the reader as to whether or not these trained assassins are the good guys or the bad guys. And, although the main character, Wesley Gibson (portrayed by McAvoy) seems to think he has found himself after his escapade into this underground world you are still wondering -- he is a hero or a villain? It all depends on your perspective.

It was great that Millar and Jones who created the original comic books actually wrote the screenplay for the movie. The editing on it was fun and had some of those Matrix-like slow-action sequences that made your heart stop for a second. It is definitely an adrenaline rush the last third of the movie. And, while gravity may not agree with all of the stunts that are CG'd into the film -- I say, "who cares." It makes for a great movie that was just plain fun to watch.

Oh, another plus to this movie -- Danny Elfman did the music. He also did the music for Hellboy III which adds to that movie's draw (next on our list to see).

There are rumors that McAvoy has signed up to do two more installments of Wanted. Could he make his name in the states doing action? I can't lie and say I didn't appreciate seeing him flash his newly sculpted muscles on the screen, but he is an actor whose depth can be used for much better things. Atonement and Last King of Scotland were just the tips of the iceberg. I fully believe he can earn his right to be on the A-list in the U.S. by doing really juicy roles, but maybe this is the kind of work he needs to do to catch our finicky attention on the other side of the pond.

In the meantime, seek out the Wanted comics. If you are a fan of graphic novels...you should enjoy these.