First Attempts at Reviewing Movies

MOVIES Shockingly, I'm having a hard time even remembering all of the movies I've watched recently. The fact that I'm finding (or making) this much time for movies is quite unusual. But I'm definitely enhancing my movie buffedness. I love reading reviews but I'm horribly bad at critiquing movies myself, so here goes nothin'... (movies I've seen in theatres) Mr. Popper's Penguins- Jim Carrey... what else do I have to say? Although I don't possess the ability to REALLY focus and pay attention on the first watch (especially in theatres) to give a real critique, I definitely enjoyed this one and actually wanted to see it again. It was funny and cute, and the story made me happy but wasn't too outstandingly, lovie dovie perfect. Although my favor for the film may be accredited entirely to Carrey's acting, I do plan on watching this one again... so that's pretty good. Lord Of The Rings, Extended Versions of the Trilogy-Yeah, so I actually watched all three of the extended movies in theatres over a three week period. I didn't get LOTR'd out until the 4+ hour finale. They're beautiful movies and I'm sooo glad I could see them in theatres. Like I said, though... the 4+ hours was a bit much. There was a little too much information in the final installment. But of course this was an overall enjoyable experience! (movies that I've watched outside of theatres) The Witness-Harrison Ford... DUH! He's great, he really is. But this movie did tend to drag a little. Ford plays a police officer who is trying to solve a murder to which the only eye witness is a young Amish boy. Ford's character ends up hiding out in the Amish [village?] until his location is discovered, and in the meantime he falls for the boy's very-much-Amish mom. It's a pretty good story, but I wouldn't watch it again. Moved really slowly, and the music was disappointing. Not a bad movie, though. Edward Scissorhands-It was brilliant. I loved every minute and each element of it. I love Johnny Depp, I love[d] Danny Elfman's soundtrack, I absolutely LOVE what Tim Burton did with this film. I won't claim to understand any factor of this movie (not until a 3rd or 4th viewing, at the very least!), but I will say that it intrigued me. It plucked a heartstring and left me feeling slightly confused yet very content. The complexity of the characters and the mystery of the story kept me in a constant state of haunted, imaginative, dreamlike awe... and I haven't really recovered yet. Definitely loved this movie! 2001: A Space Odyssey-......... Well what else is there to say? Much of the movie was empty space, and an absolute waste of my time. The famous "Open the pod bay doors, Hal" and "I'm sorry Dave, I can't do that" lines were the movie's saving grace (although it would take a lot more grace for me to ever watch or recommend this movie again). The music had good moments, of course, but certainly not enough to make this film anything more than BORING. The Maltese Falcon-Loved this film! It was classy and smart. It moved along well and actually wasn't very long (I enjoy a good long movie, but a concise film [especially one that is a good as this one] impresses me!). It was a clever mystery, and I loved the romance... and especially how it ended! Great movie and I'll watch it again someday. Rebel Without A Cause-Mmmmm James Dean. HUNK. Almost cried when I realized that he actually died one month before this film was released... and, naturally, it was his most celebrated role. It's a very well told account of the emotions and resulting rebellion of suburban teenagers who "have everything", yet lack the most important things in life. Money don't make everything good. Sometimes you need love and REALITY. Great, great movie.