Red Tails

I went to see Red Tails because I wanted to support George Lucas in his endeavor to bring this movie to the screen. I had to go to a late screening, something I don't do much these days, because it was only being shown once a day - late.  Every movie theatre in our area was the same. One screening late in the day. This is an area where there are a lot of pensioners - me included and we don't go out that late, especially when the weather is not good and there is snow on the ground. Anyway, a friend and I went. I was thrilled to be able to go to the movies again and be able to sit through the movie quite OK.
Now onto the movie. I was disappointed in the movie. Although the action scenes are good something was lacking. Both my friend and I did not like Cuba Gooding Jr's pipe. We thought it totally took away. It's like it dominated rather than the script and you always noticed it, it was out of place, out of character and talking about characters, they all seemed 'over the top' somehow. I thought maybe it was 'culture'. I understand the 'black' culture is different from 'white culture'. Just as 'deaf' culture is different from 'hearing' culture. But I would have liked more authentic normalcy among the pilots.
Over the years I have seen a lot of war movies and this one misses the mark. Sad when 'Lightening' gets killed - yes, he seemed to dominate (and I have no idea which one of the names of the black actors was him) but he was good in his role. They were for the most part OK - not great but OK.
So bottom line, something was missing in this movie. I'm not sure who wrote it but they missed something. I remember the TV movie and it was good. This wasn't. But is it worth seeing. Yes it is worth seeing, especially if you want to support George Lucas in saying a 'Black' movie is worth producing.
3 out of 5 stars (the dog fights were worth a star).

Movie Reviews

Hi:  Just wanted to let everyone know that I have been laid up with a disk issue and have not gone to see a movie in over a month.  I feel terribly deprived as so many have come out while I have been able to sit or walk. Now I'm beginning to get back to normal, I will be off to New Zealand for six weeks. I'm sure I will get to see some of the movies I have missed there.  Won't be long before you will get more of my movie reviews. Thanks for your patience.
Norma.

Hugo

I came away from watching Hugo in 3D wondering about the movie. Did I like it? What had I enjoyed? What did I not enjoy? I had heard it was hailed as the best 3D movie, and although I truly wanted to put that comment away I kept wondering why someone would say that. I really did like it when occasionally a person was speaking they seemed to come right out and be right in front while the background fell away. Or, was it because it seemed to show the movement of the clocks in high definition (HD) or what. Did I enjoy the movie? Now that is the question. As I have often found how tired I am can have an influence as to how I see a movie and it was the end of a long day of shopping, a massage and the general hussle and bussle of this time of the year, that could be a factor, and I thought the beginning part of the movie a bit too long, and did not grab me at all. In fact it wasn't until the young girl (played by Chloe Moretz) began her friendship with Hug (played wonderfully by Asa Butterfield) that my attention became full time. This friendship and interrelationship was definitely the mainstay of this movie. Sacha Baron as the Train Inspector was terrific as were all the 'bit players' of this movie. Sir Ben Kingsley was great as the irritable old toy shop keeper - in fact every actor played their part superbly. The acting was sublime. The interactions as the story built was great. So, what was the problem. I think the scenes held a bit too long on old metal objects, ie the clocks, the books (oh they are not metal) and the automaton upon which the movie rotates was the issue. Yes I'm being critical, but remember when I go to a movie I want to be moved, to laugh or enjoy the underlay story line. I found I was not moved as much as I could have been, but the relationship between the children was good, and some of the philosophy which came through, especially at the end was nice, but felt something missed the mark. Perhaps it was the hype, perhaps it was - who knows. Should you go see this movie - yes. The photography by the master Martin Scorese is worth seeing, the old time look (after world war I) is great. Paris always is lovely at any time of the year, especially when snow is coming down - even when created. In looking back each segment of the movie was wonderfully done, so what was missing. I don't know something for me was, you need to go see it and see for yourself. I truly would like comments on this one.
3 out of 5.

Muppets

The Muppets movie is worth seeing. Even if you are not a super duper Muppet fan, there are components in this movie which are enjoyable. The story line is simple, and yet somehow enduring. Although I was not a big Muppet fan, I do enjoy Miss Piggy and of course Kermit is always a hit. I don't know all the names of the Muppet gang, as I missed the Muppet years. My ignorance was I did not even realize they were no longer on T.V. But, in saying that, as they travel around gathering all the main Muppet people, you get an insight of who they are. I loved the performances which happened when they were doing their show in order to save the theatre. And of course, the 'bad man' changes his mind, and they get to keep their theatre. Perhaps more movies would be in order. Up until they were all performing and doing their acts I was amused, but the acts were terrific - true Muppet style - how puppets manage to create an emotional response, I do not know, yet they do it. Of course all us Miss Piggy fans were delighted that she and Kermit get back together. I think kids will enjoy this, the action and dance sequences and there is a lot to watch in the large scenes. Jason Segal, who seems to have been the main thrust of this movie, by being one of the writers as well as the star. He had a delightful interaction with Amy Adams but the movie is the Muppets - somehow I think they will be back..

Happy Feet 2

I had enjoyed Happy Feet a lot, so I went with great enthusiasm to see Happy Feet 2 in 3D. I was not disappointed, in fact, there is a song near the end, when I had tears brimming over the sides of my eyes. Eric, the little penguin, who cannot dance, sings a song to his father, this most operatic voice comes out of this little bundle of a penguin and I lost it. But the stealer's of the show are the two shrimp voiced by Brad Pitt and Matt Damon. The philosophies of life which comes forth in this movie, besides the singing and dancing of the penguins, with help from Elephant Sea Lions and another group of penguins. I found myself laughing, crying and thoroughly enjoying some of the scenes (especially those philosophical shrimps). I'm not  sure that one has to see this movie in 3D, but the movie does bring you to many different emotions. Adventurous young penguins going off, concerned father following, the singing and dancing of massive amounts of penguins (is there really that many in the Antarctic). The awareness of the warming and the effect it has on the climate and therefore on its inhabitants. And the humor, lots of humor. I'm not sure how much a young child would enjoy this, but as an adult, I did. Worth going to see, I think so. Happy Feet 2, makes you happy and the time worthwhile. Although I do not think it is as good as Happy Feet 1. But then, what sequel is.
3 1/2 stars out of 5.

The Three Musketeers

Saturday night had my friend Trish and I sitting down on uncomfortable seats at our local theatre to watch the Three Musketeers. It was interesting as I watched it how I could not make up my mind about it. I liked it - yet something was missing what was it? There was lots of great sword fights. The personalities of the Musketeers was explored so you felt you knew each of them. The young budding relationships between the King and Queen plus D'Artagnan and the lady-in-waiting were done well enough. So what was missing. To tell you the truth I don't know, all I know something was - or was it the seats we were sitting in. Did I regret seeing the movie no. In fact I enjoyed the special effects of the boat flying through the air, the fight at sea being in the air and laughed several times. The usual manipulating Cardinal from that era was well played by Cristoph Waltz, and one cannot forget Milady so aptly played by Milla Jovovich, but somehow the romantic tension between her and Matthew MacFadyen I did not feel took.  At the end of the movie I was glad to have seen it and I realize I did not mention Orlando Bloom, oh well, I felt his part could have been played by anyone. Sorry Orlando. I will no doubt go and see the next Three Musketeers movie made. Somehow, they do have their level of enjoyability. I cannot suggest you run out and see it - wait till it comes on TV - although the big screen does make the air boats look grand.
3 stars out of 5 (could have been 2 1/2 but those air boats were well done).

Tower Heist

On Sunday afternoon I went to see Tower Heist. I had heard a review that said it was not that good, well I enjoyed it. I laughed a lot (always a hit with me) and found it 'cute'. Ben Stiller as the Towers Manager who is fired with along with two other employees, Casey Affleck as his brother-in-law (took awhile to figure out that connection) and the new 'Mexican' elevator operator, who were present when Ben Stiller's character attacked a car with a golf club.
Although this movie was made before the Madolf scandal became exposed the story of the rich man (Alan Alda) who lives in the Penthouse has scammed and the FBI (Tea Leoni) agent is trying to figure out where he has 22 million hidden away. Soon the fired ones, joined with thief Eddie Murphy and Matthew Broderick a newly bankrupted previous tenant are figuring out how they can find and steal the 22 million.
The cast works well together. I liked Ben Stiller in this role. He was not silly, just a man doing his job whether it was manager of the Tower, or main man on the stealing project. Eddie Murphy was great and Gabourey Sidibe was excellent in her smaller part role. This movie was a great one to see just to enjoy. No heavy topics, no violence, no sadness, just fun. Mind you, when they were up high on the Tower hanging and inside on the elevator (you have to see this) this person who is not that great about heights found the bottom of her feet tingling. Yes, that was quite thrilling to say the least.
So if you want to go see a movie, to laugh and not get bent out of shape (unless you don't like heights) then this is one to see. 
Three out of Five Stars.