WALL-E

How did I end up watching this movie?
N. and I made plans for dinner and movie last night. We were deciding between a few movies; we decided to eat dinner and then watch the movie which fit best with our schedule. WALL-E won.


Which character did I like best in the movie?

The cockroach was my favorite character because I loved how it bridged a gap between Eva and WALL-E. The relationship between the cockroach and WALL-E was especially endearing.

What was my favorite quote from the movie?

The captain of the ship is telling people about planting seeds and he says, “You will plant all kinds of things, like pizza!”

What will stick with me from the movie?

My admiration for the creators’ ability to create a visually stunning and emotionally moving masterpiece will stick with me. I laughed and felt sad at various points. The movie has a good message about caring for the earth and for ourselves.


If I could change one thing about the movie, what would it be?
I do not think that I would change anything about the movie.


Who would enjoy this movie?
Those who like clever movies that are visually stunning with wonderfully sassy characters would enjoy this movie.


Which screen is this movie best viewed on?
THE BIG SCREEN! The animation needs to have a large stage.


Other comments?

I did not have any expectations going into this movie beyond thinking, “It will be cute.” When we left, both N and I said that the movie exceeded our expectations. It is rare to find movies that are good all around. Please use your dollars to support the arts; while this movie may become a blockbuster, I think it is good to support the movie financially so that more like it will come.


Website: WALL-E

Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 at 10:07AM by Registered Commenter[beastmomma] | Comments6 Comments

Son of Rambow

How did I end up watching this movie?
When I was in Durham two weeks, Partner to-be and I decided to see a movie. We wanted something unusual and the premise of this movie sounded interesting. Here is the summary from moviefone: Will, who isn't allowed to watch TV or go to the movies, expresses himself through his drawings and illustrations until he finds himself caught up in the extraordinary world of Lee Carter, the school terror and crafter of bizarre home movies. Carter exposes Will to a pirated copy of the first Rambo film, First Blood, which blows his mind wide open. Against his family's orders, his imaginative little brain begins to flower in the world of filmmaking. Will and Lee become popular at school through their films, but when a French exchange student, Didier Revol, arrives on the scene, their unique friendship and precious film are pushed to the breaking point.


Which character did I like best in the movie?
Will’s mother because you can tell the she genuinely cares for her son, but is also conflicted with wanting to stay with the church community.


What was my favorite quote from the movie?
This is not a quote as much as a scene.  This righteous religious guy is at the dinner table. Will is not eating his food.  His mother asks if he would like to be excused. The Guy says something about he was not excused until he finishes eating.  The mother takes off her head scarf, gets up, takes the Guy’s plate, and kicks him out.  It was a moment in the movie when she started to take control of her life.


What will stick with me from the movie?
How I should never assume that a good premise equals an interesting movie.


If I could change one thing about the movie, what would it be?
I would like to movie to follow through on the promise made by the synopsis.


Who would enjoy this movie?
If you are looking for something long and boring with a few comic breaks, this is the movie for you.  If you like to be entertained and engaged all the way through, then see something else.


Which screen is this movie best viewed on?
I think you could live a perfectly good life without ever viewing this movie.


Other comments?
I am surprised at how much critical acclaim this movie received.  As Partner to-be said, it got really predictable and trite at the end.


Website: Son of a Rambow

Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 5:12PM by Registered Commenter[beastmomma] | Comments2 Comments

Iron Man

How did I end up watching this movie?

This weekend, I was in the mood for a theater experience.  I had heard good things about Iron Man from a few trusted sources. Fortunately, Dude and non-conformist wanted to see the movie as well.  We also talked the Girl Upstairs to join us after picking her up from the airport.

Which character did I like best in the movie?

Pepper Potts because she was a good combination of sass and sweetness.

What was my favorite quote from the movie?

When Ms. Potts is talking with the woman from Vogue magazine who has just slept with Mr. Starks.   The Vogue reporter has made a bratty comments; Ms. Potts responds with something to the extent of "I do whatever Mr. Starks needs which includes taking out the trash."

What will stick with me from the movie?

I will be trying to figure out how to create a machine powered heart.

If I could change one thing about the movie, what would it be?

I know that the special effects and fight scenes are part of the attraction for a movie like this; however, I would have preferred fewer fight scenes and more plot/character development.

Who would enjoy this movie?

I think fans of the original comic strip will not feel too disappointed with the liberties that were taken.  I also think people that enjoy fun special effects, fight scenes, and a good story line would enjoy.

Which screen is this movie best viewed on?

To enjoy the full effects of the fight scenes, the big screen is best. However, it can also wait for the small screen.

Other comments?

I appreciated that Starks was portrayed as a cocky, confident jerk who was then humbled by his experience and tried to grow as a person.  Even though he still had a strong arrogant streak at the end, he still made me laugh.  Also, there is a bonus scene after the credits which made me tingle with excitement.

Website: Iron Man

Posted on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 6:48PM by Registered Commenter[beastmomma] | Comments2 Comments

Kiki's Delivery Service

How did I end up watching this movie?

When I first joined Netflix, Ben recommended this movie to me.  I enjoy anime and added it to my queue. The movie finally rose to top of the list and arrived in my mailbox.

Which character did I like best in the movie?

There were several characters I loved in the movie. Kiki, the main character, is loveable. Even though I am not a cat person, I really enjoyed the cat as companion.  The older women who made pies were also endearing.

What was my favorite quote from the movie?

I cannot think of a specific quote, but I did enjoy the scene when Kiki realizes that in order to keep her ability to fly, she must find her own purpose.

What will stick with me from the movie?

At the end, Kiki is trying to save her friend. The audience is chanting, "Do not give up!" I found myself wishing to have my own cheering section.

If I could change one thing about the movie, what would it be?

Instead of having the dialogue dubbed, I would have enjoyed seeing the movie in Japanese with English subtitles.  I think that some of the language did not translate well.  Of course, this can happen with any type of translation, not just dubbing.  

Who would enjoy this movie?

Anyone who is looking for a movie that has a good female role model for young girls.

Which screen is this movie best viewed on?

Either screen is fine.

Other comments?

The plot of the movie sounds very simple. It is about a witch who leaves home at 13 to develop her witch skills.  When she reaches a new town, she begins to work as a delivery person.  There is a richness and sweetness to the story which is a delight to view.

Website: Kiki's Delivery Service

More information about the director: Hayao Miyazaki

Posted on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 11:08PM by Registered Commenter[beastmomma] | Comments2 Comments