Monday, January 10, 2011

Country Strong



Oh. My. Goodness. This movie is the movie to see this year. Crazy how it is only January and I am saying this. Seriously, as the final credits were rolling, I was wondering why they released this movie in January and not in December. I am not sure when movies have to be out in order to get nominations for this years' awards shows but if this movie isn't considered until next year that will be crazy. It is SO good.

Gwyneth Paltrow has always been one of my favorites, but she totally and utterly shocked me in this film. She is an amazing singer. I loved listening to her sing in this movie. I think I am for sure going to have to buy the album! She also does an amazing job making a woman, who may be a little rough around the edges, lovable. She plays a country singer who is an alcoholic. A tough part for anybody, not for Gwyneth though.

Some of the movie was a bit controversial. Little bits of sex and it does have adultery, but not the in your face kind that is often in movies more allusion than point plank scenes. I wasn't ever offended by any of the scenes. In fact, I was impressed by the lack of nudity. I think Ms. Paltrow has a pretty good no nudity clause in her contracts.

Basically, the story follows Paltrow's character as she is dealing with coming out of rehab. She finds support in a man who is not her husband. He is a country singer as well, who is taken under Paltrow's character's wing. He is the opening act of her comeback tour shows. Her husband, played by the handsome Tim McGraw, is her manager and he is trying to cope both with the loss of their child and his wife's alcoholism. The story follows their struggle's both in their relationship and with alcoholism. It also follows the other country singer's journey with fame and in the web of relationship that he has with Paltrow's character.

Watch this movie. Today if you can. It is amazing. Great music, inspiring story, and fun.

I give it 6 Grammies.

How Do You Know

Photo found at Netflix

Well, I was going to go see The Tourist, but decided last minute to see this movie last Monday. I am actually pleased I did. This movie was just what my soul needed at that time.

I love Reese, so this was automatically going to be a good flick(She hasn't been in much lately and said she was waiting for a good script...this one was great both for her and well written in and of itself!). I also love softball and her character is a USA softball team member. Hello. This movie also has Paul Rudd, who I have recently fallen in love with, as well as my old boyfriend, Owen Wilson.

Basically, this is about Reese's character dealing with major life change. The end of her career. She then is faced with an even more frustrating situation, the choice of men. Rudd's character is funny and smart. Wilson's is totally a jock, but a sweet one. It is fun to see her internal battle to choose which is best for her.

This is a great little romantic comedy that even has the great Jack Nicholson in it. Watch it. You won't strike out. So punny. I give it seven golden gloves and a very good pair of cleats.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Dear John

Photo found at Netflix

A very good reason to watch this movie is for Channing Tatum. He is yummy. Why am I using yummy these days? Anyway, he is cute and makes me like to watch his movies.

Another reason you should watch this movie is because it is cute. Not in the gag me with spoon way, but in the heart touching way.

This is about a soldier who falls in love while on leave. They couple stays in touch via letters after he re-enlists after the 9/11 attacks. (Can you believe it will be ten years this September?) Is their love enough to last while he is away and can't call or come home? I won't give away too much but it did make me a little weepy at the end. And not in a bad way.

Some people hate movies based on Nicolas Sparks' novels. I am not one of these people. I loved the Notebook and while this movie is not at that movie's amazingly wonderful level, it ranks up there. If you are up for a heart warming and wrenching story, this movie is a good one to see. I give it a purple heart!

Grumpy Old Men


photo found at: netflix.com
Classic. Watching this movie made me yearn for home. Then I went home for a few weeks and it was fun to be reminded of the little shanty town that was in the movie. It is crazy how people in Wisconsin and Minnesota love their ice fishing. I guess if you have a fancy little hut to fish in with heat and other ammenities, you can bear it!

This movie is so funny and I totally forgot how very crass it was. Am I evil that I enjoy it?

If you ever want some laughs, revisit this film! I give it five big bass and a musky to hang in the corner.