Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Another not in my usual genre, but Tinker Tailor is an excellent film that I enjoyed, would see again and recommend to you. In fact, I need to see it again just to figure it out. I got most of it but there were a few threads that I didn't follow - which my wife and the couple we were with tried to clarify amongst ourselves later.

The casting is excellent, as are the performances by Gary Oldman (who is in a gazillion Harry Potter films, two Batmans and Air Force One), Colin Firth (of which Love Actually is my favourite of his many), John Hurt (whom I think of as Ollivander in HP) and, Benedict Cumberbatch (who was good in Amazing Grace, which is another film I recommend).

The only thing I didn't like very much was feeling tense throughout the film. Nevertheless, it is worth seeing.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Not my traditional genre, but I do like these 'James Bond / Action' types that have no connection to (my) reality (not that 'chick flicks' do for that matter, either...). And while Tom Cruise is more than occasionally idiotic in his public statements, the movies that I have seen of his are fairly formulaic: there is 'the look' (the 'I'm serious' one); there is the 'I'm appreciative of the opposite sex' look (in this case of an actress named Paula Patton whom I don't recall in Hitch or Sweet Home Alabama); and, last but not least, is his trademark 'run' (that I first recall in The Firm and was embellished in Jerry MaGuire).

Now the reason this review might seem somewhat 'padded' is ... that it is - and, there is not much else to say: being the fourth MI movie, the series, too, has become somewhat formulaic. But I did like it and would watch it again. My only additional comment is about Simon Pegg (Star Trek - Scotty) who adds excellent comic relief.

How to Train Your Dragon

Somehow this one eluded me when it first came out (2010) - I have no memory of even seeing a trailer for it. And to my surprise, it somehow sneaked (snuck?) its way into our house in DVD form, again without my knowledge.

So, I was delighted to 'find' it this past holiday season. I liked the story about the coming-of-age young man who is supposed to slay a dragon and instead... well, you guessed it.

I liked the voices of Jay Baruchel (whom I liked in The Sorceror's Apprentice and also in the not-my-usual-style She's Out of Your League) and America Ferrara (The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants - both), and recognized Gerald Butler (P.S. I Love You) also.

The movie is fast paced without any noticeable dragging spots. It is funny while also being thoughtful. I liked it very much and will take it off the shelf again. (Now, if I could only find the case it came in...)

Beauty and the Beast 3D

I think this is a fine movie. And if you haven't seen it in the last 20 years then I don't know where you've been. We took our 4 year old granddaughter which made it more fun. She has seen the movie a zillion times and her favourite parts are when her aunt and uncle sing along at home to some of the songs. So, without them in the theatre with us, it was still fun to have her singing anyway.

The 3D was okay and added somewhat to it. It was most noticeable in any of the scenes with snow or rain which were drawn with the weather 'closest' to the viewer. Worked, I guess.

Nothing else new that we noticed except the end credits seemed to have a (new) 3D background. And I had not known that David Ogden Stiers (whom I admired in the TV series M*A*S*H, and also in Doc Hollywood) played Cogsworth (the 'clock') as well as being the Narrator. Still, an enjoyable outing.

The Adventures of Tintin

I grew up enjoying the Tintin comics. If they were in French, I felt I still could understand because of the visuals (or prided myself that I could understand en francais). There was something missing with the movie: there was action; the story moved along fairly well, dragging occasionally; the 3D did not appear to add anything worth the extra $; and, the slapstick was okay to watch.

I think it was the commentary by Tintin himself - it worked okay in the comics, but on film it seems redundant and slow. I think I actually looked at my watch once or twice to see how much longer. Don't rush out.

We Bought a Zoo

First, let me warn you, this is a totally predictable, sucky, fluffy, 'chick-flick' which are the type of movies I like (and I liked this one). If you are looking for an enjoyable rental, here you are.

You can figure out the 'plot' from the trailer or the descriptions provided by the distributor. The casting is great and there are several enjoyable characters. Matt Damon, an actor whom I like very much, turns in a good performance (as usual) that adds to the film. I think Scarlett Johannson is wonderful to watch on the big screen (as is Nicole Kidman, but I digress), and this is no exception. What I haven't been able to figure out is whether Scarlet can act - it's a nice, though not memorable, performance but you could substitute any of the other current 25-35 year old leading actresses in there and the movie would be the same. The writing is okay but drags in the first half and in general the whole thing could be shorter. But I'd probably see it again.

P.S. And did see it again. The supporting cast is even stronger on second viewing and the above comments still apply.

The Iron Lady

Thought I'd blog about this before the Golden Globes. Meryl Streep is fabulous in this portrayal. The story is less about Thatcher's time as Prime Minister and more about her character and personality, as a young woman (played by Alexandra Roach, whom I'm not familiar with), as a politician, and in 'old age'. I found the story an interesting one as she reflects on some of the times of her life and her career in particular. There are those who don't like this style of story telling but I did.


Streep/Thatcher is the constant thread throughout. Another thread is the 'presence' of her husband Dennis, played by Jim Broadbent (known for his roles in Harry Potter and Moulin Rouge, to name just two).
The story doesn't lag and I'll be interested to see if those who are too young to remember her as PM go see it. I do recommend it.

Happy Feet 2

Saw Happy Feet 2 last week at the local cheap theatre and not in 3D (which I don't like much, except for the movie Hugo). My wife and I were with our 4 year old granddaughter, who appeared to enjoy herself, along with one of our sons and our daughter (both twenty-somethings). The theatre was packed with young families. I haven't rated this too highly unless you have young (under 7?) children to entertain with a rental. The story is okay and the music doesn't necessarily flow nor fit, including a burst into some operatic something-or-other by the youngest penguin. The two male krills have the best (grown up) lines (e.g. 'one in a krillion') and an interesting suggestive relationship that cannot be a mistake and one I endorse. Don't rush out.

Going to the movies

Welcome to my blog about movies. Mostly these will be fluffy 'chick flicks' reviews, which are my personal preference (there might be the occasional Harry Potter or James Bond-type movies in there also).

I will use a five star rating, similar to most reviewers that I've seen. I do recommend the website Rotten Tomatoes as an excellent summary of (current) movies, if you are not familiar with it already.

I'm not crazy about paying full price for movies. We've been using Airmiles to get 2 for 1 and also free coupons for a few years now. Until the past year, these were a bargain at 25 or 35 Airmiles each for either Cineplex Silver City or Empire Cinemas. Now, Cineplex has ceased this practice (to my knowledge) and we will likely try to use Empire locations with their coupons. Sadly, I often prefer the Silver City theatres set up (stadium style, on a higher angle than Empire, resulting in better viewing in my opinion). I hope to find another cheaper way to attend movies at Silver City in the future.

In the past few years, I've listed my reviews as a summary at calendar year end. I might make those available in a future blog.

Well, I hope you enjoy this (and for that matter, I hope I do too). I'll look forward to seeing any comments you might have. Enjoy!

Derek