The Amazing Spider-Man

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and Rhys Ifans
Directed by: Marc Webb
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Grade: A++

As much as I love the original Spider-Man movies (with the exception of the third one we shall not mention), this one easily tops them. I was also skeptical about the casting choice of Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. As much as I loved him in The Social Network and Never Let Me Go, I just wasn't sure that he could handle a leading action role. Boy, did he prove me wrong! He was great in the soft moments as well as the moments of action. His chemistry with Emma Stone is one of the best I have seen in a long time and it makes sense that they are dating in real life. In this reboot, Peter Parker (Garfield) has a difficult life, being relentlessly bullied and going unnoticed for much of his high school life. He has lived with his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field) after his parents disappeared. He is led to the mysterious Dr. Curtis Connors (Ifans) by information from his even more mysterious father (Campbell Scott), who supposedly died in a plane crash when Peter was little. While at Dr. Connors workplace (OsCorp, which is owned by Norman Osbourne, AKA the Green Goblin in the comic books and original movies), he sees that Dr. Connors' intern is Gwen Stacy (Stone), whom Peter is in love with and who reciprocates these feelings. When Peter gives him an equation, Dr. Connors is finally able to fix his formula for a drug that eliminates human weakness. But, when he is forced to start human trials early and decides to test the drug on himself, he turns into the Lizard, a vengeful reptilian being who is out to turn the world into lizard beings just like him. It was a great reboot and, after the very vague scene during the credits, I can't wait for the next film.  

Magic Mike

Magic Mike (2012)
Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, and Matthew McConaughey
Directed by: Steven Soderbergh
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Grade: A+

First of all, yes...it is a stripping movie and yes...the guys in the movie are semi-nude some of the time. While this does mean a bit of objectifying the men, this happens with women in every action movie (we're looking at you, Michael Bay) ever made. So, we deserve a little bit of objectifying of the men. Anyway, this movie is about Mike (Tatum), a very talented and rhythmic stripper. At one of his many other jobs, he meets a boy named Adam (Pettyfer), a shy 19-year-old living with his sister, Brooke (Cody Horn). Mike and Adam meet again the next day. Mike asks him to pick up some girls and, seeing that Adam is actually good at it, gives him some work with props at his "Male Dance Revue", owned by Dallas (McConaughey). When one of the other strippers in hurt, Dallas orders Adam to take his place. Showing he has talent for stripping also, Dallas hires Adam, dubbing him "The Kid". As Adam gets more confident in his new profession, Mike starts to find himself falling for Brooke and contemplating leaving the show. However, his newfound friendship with The Kid and his relationship with Brooke may ruin everything Mike has worked so hard for. Overall, awesome movie...enjoyable to watch. Also starring Joe Manganiello, Gabriel Iglesias, and Matt Bomer (yay, Matt Bomer!).

Prometheus

Prometheus (2012)
Starring: Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Greene, and Michael Fassbender
Directed by: Ridley Scott
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Grade: A++

I have been excited for this movie for a long time (and for obvious reason...it's a prequel to Alien and from the same director...duh). A team of scientists, led by Elizabeth Shaw (Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Marshall-Greene), travels through the universe on the spaceship "Prometheus". This voyage is to investigate a suspicious alien life form that has left what the scientists think are messages for future humans to come find them. The team of scientists becomes stranded on this alien world, where it becomes clear that this world was just a military base instead of the alien's main planet. As they struggle to survive, it becomes clear that the horrors they experience are not just a threat to themselves but to all of mankind. Noomi Rapace is relatively new to American movies and she is really great in this one, reminiscent of Sigourney Weaver in the original Alien movies. Logan Marshall-Greene is also great as her ill-fated scientist boyfriend. The real star of the whole movie is, of course, Michael Fassbender, who stars as the mysterious android with dark ulterior motives named David. Prometheus also stars Charlize Theron as the evil leader of the expedition and Guy Pearce as the elder man that is in charge of the company that funded the mission.

Gone

Well, obviously I got tired of the movie game...so, I'll go back to regular movie posts....I have a short attention span. Anyway...

Gone (2012)
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer Carpenter, and Wes Bentley
Directed by: Heiter Dhalia
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Grade: A-

I am a huge fan of Amanda Seyfried. She always stars in good movies and she's always good in them. This movie is no different. It's much different and scarier than her usual movies, but it was still good. Jill (Seyfried) is the only victim that escaped from an elusive serial killer. She goes to the police and tells them the story of how she was abducted from her bed, thrown in a hole in the middle of the forest with human remains in the bottom, and left for dead until he was ready to kill her. The police find no evidence to support her story and put her in a mental institution after only a week of searching. A year later, she is living in a new house with her sister, a recovering alcoholic and trying to get on with her life. She is erratic and paranoid, leading the police to believe that she made the whole event up. When her sister (Carpenter) disappears on the morning of an important exam, regardless of the police's doubts, she resolves to find her sister before it's too late. With only one detective (Bentley) on her side, she has to find the killer before it's too late.

Day 6 and 7

Day 6 - Favorite Comedy
My favorite comedy is 30 Minutes or Less. Both Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Anzari are hilarious. The movie is enjoyable, though gross at some points. Overall, probably one of the funniest movies I've ever seen.

Day 7 - Favorite Trilogy
This is a hard one to decide. There are so many good trilogies I love, including The Bourne Trilogy, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Alien...yeah, it goes on and on. But I would have to say my favorite trilogy is the original Star Wars trilogy. I love the newest version also, but the old one is so great and classic that it would be impossible to choose any other. The original trilogy is so amazing, exciting, and classic, it is clear why it is the only choice for favorite trilogy.

Day 5 - Favorite Drama Movie

My favorite drama movie is Titanic. What other drama gives you action, a great love story, and a boat sinking? Not many. Kate Winslet is great as Rose but Leonardo DiCaprio makes the whole movie as Jack Dawson. Personally, I think this is one of the most special and memorable love stories in any movie.

Day 4 - Favorite Horror Movie

My favorite horror movie is definitely Scream. I hate most horror movies, but this one was one that I actually liked. Although it is scary at some times, it is not as scary as other movies I have seen. Good acting, surprising, and extremely funny. There are so many good things about this movie, it's stupid not to watch it.

Day 3 - Favorite Action/Adventure Movie

Ok...this is a hard one because I love action movies. In fact, they're probably my favorite kind of movie. However, I'd probably have to say my favorite Action/Adventure movie is The Bourne Identity. There's hand-to-hand combat, jumping off buildings, shooting, spying, driving cars in a fast way, and a little romance. What's not to love? Plus, Matt Damon is amazing as the tough but still sweet Jason Bourne, who's completely lost his memory. This, and it's two sequels, is a thoroughly enjoyable movie, all the way through. I am extremely excited to see the new Bourne movie, coming out in August, starring Jeremy Renner.

Day 2 - The Last Movie You Watched

Ok...the last movie I watched was The Three Musketeers (as in the new version, 2011). While this movie is not at all faithful to the book (think flying ships and advanced mechanical devices...in the 1600's), it is actually enjoyable if you can separate it from the book. Plus Logan Lerman is in it, which makes everything better.

Day 1: Your Favorite Movie

So...I decided to do the 30 Day Movie Challenge and what better place to do it then on my movie blog? So, here it goes...

Day 1: Your Favorite Movie

My favorite movie has been Stand By Me for several years now. The friendship between the four boys and the acting by each of them is realistic and adorable. The movie is both funny and sad, sometimes at the same time. Great story, based on the novella The Body by Stephen King. I can't possibly say how much I love this movie!

Chronicle

Chronicle (2012)
Starring: Dane DeHaan, Alex Russel, and Michael B. Jordan
Directed by: Josh Trank
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Grade: A+

This was a movie that I didn't know what to expect going in. But I LOVED it. The acting is great, especially by Dane DeHaan, who reminds me of a young version of Leonardo DiCaprio. I thought it was just me until I went online and thought a lot of other people thought that, too. Glad I'm not alone on that. Anyway, needless to say I thought he was ADORABLE. Chronicle is a "found footage" film that is similar to Cloverfield, The Blair Witch Project, and the Paranormal Activity series. Those kinds of films have a tendency of being stupid and dizzying from their camera effects; Chronicle ,thankfully, is different. Andrew (DeHaan) is a high-school teenager who has decided to record his life. Through these videos, we find out Andrew is a total outcast. Andrew's father is an abusive drunk, his mother is dying, and his cousin, Matt (Russell), barely tolerates him. One day, while Matt is driving Andrew back from school, Matt convinces Andrew to go to a party with him. He then asks Andrew not to bring his camera, but Andrew doesn't listen. After being bullied in the party with no help from Matt, Andrew leaves, only to be approached by Matt's friend, Steve (Jordan), who wants Andrew to record something the two boys had found: a giant mysterious hole with equally mysterious noises coming from inside. Steve, Matt, and Andrew climb down into the hole (which does not sound like a bright idea to me). They find some unknown object, which makes their noses bleed and destroys Andrew's new camera. Some time later, Andrew, Matt, and Steve are then shown with their newly developed telekinetic powers. Instead of using their powers to fight crime, the three friends use their powers to play practical jokes on people, which admittedly is probably what most teenage boys would do in this situation. As their powers get stronger, so does Andrew's dark side. Matt and Steve don't realize the pain Andrew has been in until it's too late. What really amazes me about Chronicle is how well everything has been written. The writing is realistic and quick, as are the three main characters. It's rare that you see this in any film, much less a "found footage" film like this. Overall, a high quality film with extremely high quality actors. I highly recommend this movie.

Mirror, Mirror

Mirror, Mirror (2012)
Starring: Lily Collins, Julia Roberts, and Armie Hammer
Directed by: Tarsem Singh
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Grade: A

After the beloved King (Sean Bean) vanishes, his ruthless wife seizes control of the kingdom and keeps her beautiful 18-year-old stepdaughter (and heir to the throne), Snow White (Collins), hidden away in the palace. But when the princess attracts the attention of a charming and wealthy visiting prince (Hammer), the jealous Queen (Roberts) sends her servant (Nathan Lane). Taken in by a band of thieving but kindhearted dwarfs, Snow White blossoms into a brave young woman determined to save her country from the Queen. With the support of her new friends, she decides to reclaim her birthright and win back her Prince in this magical adventure comedy that will capture the hearts of everyone who watches. 

The Lucky One

The Lucky One (2012)
Starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, and Blythe Danner
Based on the novel by: Nicholas Sparks
Directed by: Scott Hicks
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Grade: A+

I loved the book that this movie was based on. And this movie was another great adaptation of a novel. U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive - a photograph he found of a woman he doesn't even know. Discovering her name is Beth (Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job offered by her mother (Danner) at her family-run kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm. This was Efron's best performance in a movie yet and Schilling was extremely believable as a lonely single mother. Now, I just have to wait a year for Sparks' next novel, Safe Haven, to be turned into a movie (with Josh Duhamel...yay!)

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games (2012)
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth
Based on the novel by: Suzanne Collins
Written and Directed by: Gary Ross
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Grade: A++
In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided between 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young teenagers from each district are selected by chance to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen's (Lawrence) young sister, Prim (Willow Shields), is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson), are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Also stars Hemsworth as Katniss's best friend Gale, Elizabeth Banks as the extremely make-up-ed Effie Trinket, Amandla Stenberg as Katniss's ill fated ally Rue, Stanley Tucci as the blue-haired futuristic version of Ryan Seacrest named Caesar Flickerman, and Woody Harrelson in a brilliant performance as Katniss and Peeta's alcoholic mentor Haymitch Abernathy. Overall, a great, exciting movie and one of the best book-to-movie adaptations ever. Definitely worth watching! (or in my case going to the midnight premiere and waiting for 9 hours)

Fright Night

Fright Night (2011)
Starring: Anton Yelchin, Colin Ferrell, and David Tennant
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
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Grade: A+

This is a remake of a movie of the same name from 1985. Although it was called a remake, it is really more of a sequel, with some of the same characters from the original movie. Teenager Charley Brewster (Yelchin) thinks that his new neighbor (Ferrell) is a vampire that is responsible for a number of recent deaths. When not even his girlfriend Amy (Imogen Poots) and his mother (Toni Colette) believe him, he insists the help of Peter Vincent (Tennant), a self-proclaimed vampire killer and Las Vegas magician, to help him take down Jerry before Jerry attacks him. I loved this movie! I haven't seen the 1985 version, so I wouldn't have anything to compare it to. However, I found this an exciting and even humorous movie. Anton Yelchin (probably known to most people as the teenage Kyle Reese in Terminator Salvation) is a very likable hero and Colin Ferrell is a very scary vampire. Overall, very enjoyable movie.

The Lorax

The Lorax (2012)
Starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, and Danny DeVito
Directed by: Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda
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Grade: B

The film follows the basic plot of the book, but understandably adds much to the basic structure. Ted (Efron) is a 12-year-old boy living in Thneedville, a city where everything, including the plant life, is commercialized and plastic. Wanting to impress Audrey (Swift), he seeks out the Once-ler (Ed Helms), who he hopes can tell him where to find a real tree. The Once-ler tells him a story of his past, about how he made the first Thneed and the Lorax (DeVito) who warned him of the destruction it would bring. While the movie itself is enjoyable, the characters are one dimensional, the story seems a little rushed, and the message of saving the environment is not as subtle as in other movies, such as Wall-E. While it Wall-E, you barely noticed it, in this movie, it smacks you over the head with a brick. The movie itself is gorgeous and the characters are adorable, just a little lacking in the story department.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve (2011)
Starring: Too many people to count
Directed by: Garry Marshall
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Grade: A

This is one of those ensemble movies and the "sequel" to Valentine's Day. This movie was good but it had SO many people in it that a lot of the characters didn't get the focus they should have gotten (especially Josh Duhamel). Michelle Pfeiffer and Zac Efron are Ingrid and Paul, a lonely record company worker and the young courier who delivers to her office. She receives tickets to the hottest party in town and promises them to Paul if he will help make all of her New Year's resolutions from last year come true. Paul's roommate is Randy (Ashton Kutcher), who hates New Year's Eve. He gets stuck in the elevator with Elise (Lea Michele), who is a backup singer for Jensen (Jon Bon Jovi). While Randy and Elise bond in the elevator, Jensen is trying to win back the heart of Laura (Katherine Heigl), whom he left before their wedding. She is catering the party that seems to connect everyone together (as these movies do). After his friends wedding and on his way to the party is Sam (Josh Duhamel), the son of the record company owner. After being in a car accident, he is forced to catch a ride into the city in an RV with the priest. While in the car, he tells the family the story of last New Year's Eve and the woman he met. The mysterious woman told him to meet her in the exact spot at the same time next New Year's, if he was still interested. Stan Harris (Robert De Nero) is dying in the hospital with only his doctor (Cary Elwes) and nurse (Halle Berry) to take care of him. He isn't interested in treatment or his family being contacted. He just wants to see the ball drop. Tess (Jessica Biel) and Griffin (Seth Meyers) Byrne are having a baby, which they decide has to be born that night because of a cash prize (which may or may not be $25,000) being offered to the first baby born in the New Year. The happiest night of their lives turns into a competition with another couple to win the money. Kim (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her daughter Hailey (Abigail Breslin) always spend the holidays together. But, for the first year, Hailey wants to spend New Year's Eve with her new crush (Jake T. Austin), kissing at midnight. When Kim won't let her do that, she leaves anyway, forcing Kim to chase after her. Finally, Claire Morgan (Hilary Swank) is the manager of the Times Square Alliance and in charge of making sure the ball drops. This is made difficult by a short in the ball, causing it not only to not light up all the way but not rise into the air. Now, she has to figure out how to fix the problem before it gets even more out of hand. Overall, good idea. I just think there was too many people and that took away from the stories that were really good. They should have just kept Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer, Ashton Kutcher and Lea Michele, and Sarah Jessica Parker and Abigail Breslin and it would have been a much better movie. Plus, the blooper reel at the end is one of the cutest things I've ever seen.

Instead of three pictures as usual, I'll put one of each pairing, because I couldn't pick the best.