Way Behind!

I guess there are just some movies you don't pay any attention to when you do not have kids. Recently we have been discovering some of these classics kid movies for the first time. Here are three we have determined to be winners. 

First, Spy Kids. How could we have missed this? I mean there are THREE sequels and a LOT of stars in it (at least the original-- Hello George Clooney cameo!) Well, 11 years later we are running this movie on permanent replay. I suggested it to the kids after I got REALLY REALLY tired of watching Shark Boy and Lavagirl. (And with Jacob Taylor Lautner as Sharkboy, that is really saying something). Fortunately for me they took the bait. Now we just have to get 2, and 3, and apparently 4. *sheesh* is George Lucas behind these?

Our next 'what do you mean you haven't seen that?!?!?' title is Rio. I was sitting there thinking 'hey that's Anne Hathaway and the guy from Facebook'. They aren't B-list actors. It was a cute movie but what I loved the most was that my little guy Everett was full-on cracking up during several scenes. It put a huge smile on my face to see him so tickled. We still need to borrow this from the library so Evie can watch it. *a special shout-out to Meghan and Chrissy for making sure we DID get to see this* :D

The final title is Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. I actually remember sitting through the original preview in the theater. I recall feeling embarrassed for Michael Caine that he would be working with Dwayne Johnson on any movie. This summer that preview played back in my mind. This time I saw it through the eyes of my kids. A treasure hunt, a volcano, a submarine....hmmmm they might like this movie! And for $1 a person (Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse totally rocks) we could always walk out if it was too horrible. 

Not to worry! They were enthralled. Everett got SO excited about the volcano and the submarine I'm actually surprised we haven't watched it again already. And here is the real surprise- I really enjoyed it myself! Dwayne is actually not hard to watch. He's comedic, not bad at the serious stuff, believable as the dad. I was sorry I hadn't believed in him. And Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) was in it! I actually think he did better in this movie (and as a brunette) than Hunger Games but that's another post!

What old movies are new again for you? Let me know....we may have missed those too!

Photos from here, here, and here

It Should Have Been Called Bella Swan and The Thor Guy

Eric let me pick the movie this weekend. When he heard my choice, 'Snow White and The Huntsman', he quickly vetoed it but then decided I could go ahead and pick since I had requested the date night. This may have been an error on his part. Yes, yes, I know it didn't get great reviews on Rotten Tomatoes but it's one of those movies where the difference in the ratings of critics vs. real people was huge. I thought SURELY with that Thor guy and Charlize Theron (not to mention a handful of other well known actors) it had to be pretty good! Hmmmmm....

Spoilers!! It IS pretty good. But, it's not as great as it wanted itself to be. I have much praise for Charlize Theron. I LOVE her as an evil queen. There were so many little moments that made me really enjoy her evilness. She was a big hit and the special effects they used for her scenes were really cool.

I also really liked Thor the Huntsman. He had me convinced he had never seen a big hammer or crossed through the universe to Earth to save it. It would have been nice if he had LOOKED a little different than Thor but, I liked him better than that lame William guy. Sorry, William, you waited too long to save her. Now you are 'just friends'.

BUT, I have some issues.

Mr. SWATH Director,

Can I just ask you, honestly, did you see the Twilight movies before casting Kristen Stewart? I want to let you in on something. Um, this is awkward but, Kristen has already done some of these scenes. And,well, in fact, she is kinda famous for them already. So, when I saw them in YOUR movie it just made me think of Twilight. So, I'm just saying you should have picked, well, ANY OTHER ACTRESS!

My supporting evidence? Please see the following four pictures below: First we have Kristen dead in your movie- SWATH, and Kristen dead in Breaking Dawn, part 1.

Then, we have Kristen cliff jumping in your movie, and Kristen cliff jumping in New Moon.

See what I'm saying, man? It's kinda sad. While I have your ear, I noticed in the movie they said that Snow White had 'come of age'. Oh, were we supposed to think Kristen was like 16 or 18 in this movie? Because, she has some crow's feet lines around her eyes and smile lines on her face and well, just doesn't really look that age (honestly, Kristen smokes dude, it ages people, just FYI). In some scenes Charlize looks younger than Kristen. That was confusing.

I HATE to be a pain, but I have just ONE more thing. Snow white skin? Yeah, she is kinda olive skinned. I hate to bring up Twilight again but they have SEVERAL examples of how to do the snow white skin I think you may have wanted. You can rent these movies since it looks like you haven't seen them. And you don't have to add the sparkles (that's just a Cullen thing). Just sayin'

Sincerely, Someone who is just here to help :)

Photos from here, here, here, here & here

Stop, Collaborate, and Avenge

This is your mission:

1. STOP whatever you are doing- right now!

2. Grab a friend

3. Go see Avengers in 3D

So, last night we finally got to go out for our 15 year anniversary. A series of unfortunate events (excellent book series, FYI) conspired to prevent us from doing this as planned last weekend. We actually missed our free child care at the YMCA by not triple checking the date on the receipt and as a result had to pay a $10 fee for missing the free childcare. (yep, you read that right, we had to pay because we MISSED it). Our backup babysitter was out of town (who authorized THAT?!!?). So, we could see the fates, the gods, the stars all had something better in mind and we heeded this.

Good thing! Because, now, a week later, we know why. It was so we could see The Avengers in 3D and be witness to its AWESOMENESS!! This was my first 3D movie. How cool is it in 3D? I even liked watching the previews in 3D. I'm gonna see more movies in 3D! (Not, like, Titanic, but ya know, action movies. It's SO fun!)

In summary, you will laugh A LOT and you will have a great time. 

Two Thumbs Up! 

photo from here

Pump Up the Dragons

This weekend we were looking for a movie to watch and I was scanning through the Redbox selections. I had chosen 'The Muppet Movie' to watch again (Eric still hasn't seen it). It was unavailable so, then, I noticed 'How to Train Your Dragon' and recalled several people mentioning it was a good movie. I did a quick parent review search and it seemed OK for my 5 and 6 year old if you prepped them for some potentially scary scenes. So, I picked it up. 

We loved it! The kids fell in love with Toothless (Evie wants to have a Night Fury for a pet and Everett wants to BE a Night Fury). The next day they asked when we could watch it again. We haven't had this much excitement about a new movie since 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids' 

Turns out Eric had already seen this movie at one of his work conferences (I know! He has a nice job huh?) but at the time our kids weren't ready for it. So, he was happy to see it again. I heard this comment about the movie and I thought it summed it up well: It has all the excitement and action of any big blockbuster movie. You almost forget it's animated.

I was happily listening to Christian Slater as the lead character voice the whole time reliving my 'Heathers' and 'Pump Up The Volume' days. Sadly, it turns out it is NOT Christian Slater but some young pup named Jay Baruchel. HMPH! Still sound like Christian to me (even on the repeat viewing).

BONUS: I am happy to relay to any 'How To Train Your Dragon' fans out there that 'How To Train Your Dragon 2' is in pre-production! So, be on the lookout for that soon!

Photo credits here and here

Hunger Games LETDOWN

I was excited all week to see this movie. The first Hunger Games movie of a trilogy. I have had my tickets for about a month and we got to the theater early to wait in line. The lines weren't too bad so we actually bumped up to an earlier showing and got a partial refund! (I did have to shoosh Eric during the BD part2 preview). But, the question is how did I like the movie!? I was frustrated. That is the best word to describe it.

*Spoilers*

Here are the things Eric and I agreed on:
1) the absolute desperation of living life in the districts didn't really come across
2) Katniss' internal dialogue adds SO much to the story that it is almost a different story without it. (a few notes in the parachute boxes ain't gonna cut it)
3) I'm not really convinced Peeta would have died from that TINY cut on his leg
4) I have GOT to stop re-reading the books before the movie. It gives me too MUCH detail in my head to work with during the movie and I think in the end it's distracting.

Here are additional thoughts I had:
1) HOW HOW HOW could they leave out the scene where Peeta recounts the first day of school? That was an absolute key scene in Katniss' internal struggle between acting for the camera and real feelings for Peeta. You can see an AWESOME version of the scene that should have been in the movie here.
2) I didn't like the Dr. Seuss-ness of the people of the capitol. I have already seen the Grinch who stole Christmas and I wanted a little more subtlety. I thought what they did to Seneca Crane was EXACTLY right.
3) I'm not sure if the actors couldn't carry it off or the director held them back. Honestly, I went into it completely open to the casting of Katniss and Peeta but in the end I'm not sure it was right.
4) Did they dumb it down? Did they get so scared that little kids (who should NOT have been there anyway!) would be scarred for life? Because, if I recall, BD part 1 had sex and a bloody birth scene and that was PG-13. This should have been rated PG.

Recommendation: See it. But if you have read the books be prepared. If you haven't you will most likely NOT get what was amazing about these books because, frankly, it isn't there!

What did YOU think??
Photo from here

My Week with Kacie & Marilyn

Well between the shopping, the chocolate factory tour, and the PS3 games (Michael Jackson Experience- can I just say that is a WORKOUT baby!!) we barely had time to watch all these movies Hahahahaha. You have to remember that although we got out plenty during the day, when the sun went down it was COLD!

Now, I would be content to watch Breaking Dawn for the millionth time, but when I am with my sister my movie IQ goes up several notches. My sister is the one who would always meet me downtown and at Greenway Plaza for the movies you can't always see WAY out here in the boondocks of Pearland! I sure do miss her. Last time I visited we saw Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (which was lovely btw).

This time we took in FOUR movies (the other two are reviewed over here and are still in theater). These two are on DVD already.

*Spoilers*

Young Adult: Now THIS is how I expect an independent film to run. It is all there-- way too real scenario, overindulgent lead character, and unhealthy relationships. And, you guessed it, not a lot of happy endings here. I did enjoy the movie- I really got a kick out of her writing inspiration sources (hahahahaha). I didn't think it had the power of Juno or Up in the Air (as billed).

Recommendation: If you want to get depressed rent this baby. If you are depressed or about to attend your high school reunion maybe skip it. :)

My Week with Marilyn: I liked the story. It is supposed to be based on a true events. But, I don't know if you can ever trust that when it comes to Marilyn Monroe and Elvis. It seems everyone has a story to tell if they can make a buck. Michelle Williams had her moments of transcending into Marilyn but I think I still thought I was watching Michelle Williams from Dawson's Creek days with different makeup. As for the supporting cast, it was a who's who of British movies. You will recognize just about everyone (even Hermione trying not to play Hermione, but failing I think). Again, not exactly a happy ending but not depressing either.

Recommendation: Rent it. It's a nice coming of age story with Marilyn thrown into the mix.

Both movies offered a glimpse into the life of someone else. These type of movies always remind me of the old Star Trek motto about only observing new life and new civilizations but not interfering. You are just supposed to watch these people self destruct and then go on. So that's what I did :D

Photos from here and here

Vow not Wow

My good friend Reagan and I try to go to a movie once a month. It's a goal. So far we are 2 out of 3. At least we are ahead! We usually see total girl movies which works for me. This month we were down to either The Vow or This Means War. We chose The Vow and I think we made the right decision although I'm sure I will catch the other on DVD.

*Spoilers*

 The story was completely engaging. And it's one of those movies where you can't really complain about the plot because it's based on a true story! Hahahaha

I realize that I don't think I have seen Mr. Tatum in a movie before and I was surprised at his emotional range cause he just looks like kind of an angry buff guy in pictures.

Then there was Rachel McAdams. The problem with her is that I kept thinking about all the other guys she has been in movies with. And I haven't even SEEN some of those movies. I kept thinking: What about that guy who wrote you the letters and you didn't know till later??? What about that guy who kept popping up in your life at different points??? I have not seen either of those movies but I think it's clear she has done a few too many of this genre when I start to feel she's cheating on the other movies with her current one!!

Jessica Lange looked really old and that made me sad but the 'Jurrasic Park' guy looks just the same as always and was well cast as the snobby dad. I felt glad that if I HAD to look at the guy who totally STOLE Felicity from Noel then at least he was a despicable character in the movie (You may have picked up on the fact that I have Felicity series finale issues- it was SOOO wrong!).

My favorite plot point was that two people revealed the same secret to the lead actress and she reacted completely differently to it based on the motivations of the character. I thought to myself how accurate that is to life. We are all just looking for someone to trust. When you can completely trust someone they can tell you just about anything and you don't freak out (much). But when that trust isn't there - one stumble and we lose all faith in them, ourselves, in everything.

Recommendation: Rent it.

Have you seen the Reese movie? Should I even bother to rent it? What else has Mr. Tatum been in?? Surely I have seen him somewhere.

Photo from here

Happy Endings Everywhere

**Spoilers**

I saw this movie (Salmon fishing in the Yemen) with my sis on Spring Break. It was playing at the 'artsy' theater so I was a bit surprised when the ending was so, well, typical. But, I have to say they had me guessing till the end how it would end up. My favorite twist was that the audience knew something ahead of the characters and it completely altered the way you wanted a certain scene to turn out. I liked that. Very very much. These two are LOVELY to watch on screen. I wanted all Emily Blunt's work outfits and Ewan was as charming as ever. Kacie made an excellent point which was that the part played by the  'English Patient' lady seemed to have been disproportionately larger than needed. I don't like her anyway so I completely agreed with this statement. Also, if you were shying away from this due to the fly fishing, there actually isn't much of it in the movie so don't let that hold you back.

Recommendation: See or Rent

**Spoilers**

Another Spring Break movie with the sister. This one was our backup choice when we watched the Yemen movie. But, since another movie viewing opportunity came up we went for it. This movie was very real, very raw, very honest. Up until the end. In the end it was AGAIN very typical. We were shocked! A movie that seemed to set out to tell a very different story ended up just being an updated version of When Harry Met Sally. I did very much enjoy the couple relationships, the friendships, and Adam Scott's character in general. But, in the end, we were let down. On another note, I would rent it again just to steal the decorating ideas of the lead's apartment. So cute!

Recommendation: Rent if the movie you really want is out of stock or you need a Jon Hamm fix till Mad Men starts up again.

Photos from here and here

Borrowing a Movie from Japan

Got a text from a friend saying they were going to see this movie on President's Day. When I told Eric he said he had been wanting to see it and he thought the kids would like it too. So we decided to go! 

'The Secret World of Arrietty' is a retelling of 'The Borrowers' and  is an animated film from a Japanese director so it has that 'Voltron' look.

Some background: Our kids have only seen 2 movies in the theater (Toy Story 3 and Cars 2). At home, we hardly ever watch a whole movie in one sitting and pretty much NEVER on the first viewing. They get restless; they ask to turn it off. In the theater Everett said 'This is REALLY long!' and Evie said 'I'm getting tired'. But, they both made it through.

And they both gave it a 'I liked it'. I think Evie liked it because she said the borrowers were like fairies! :) And if it hadn't been for the cat I'm not sure Everett would have made it the last 30 minutes. (He LOVES cats).

The adults agreed on the word 'slow' as our overall impression. But, it is very beautiful and COMPLETELY appropriate for kiddos. It is rated G which is just about unheard of these days!

Confession: Eric and I already LOVE this animator/director. His name is Hiromasa Yonebayashi, famous for movies such as 'Howl's Moving Castle', 'Spirited Away' and 'Princess Mononoke' (All of which we have seen and enjoyed). I have my sister Kacie to thank for recommending him to us long ago. We really enjoy this style movie. 

I think the 'slow' comes from the fact that there are often large gaps without dialogue. However, it reminds me of reading a book. When you leave out dialogue it's as if you can communicate all the description and landscape of the movie and it really gives it a peaceful, calming effect. We are just not used to this in our movies. But, maybe we should GET used to it. It is a wonderful type of movie experience.

Check it out. And take the kids!

Photo credit here

I am Superman?

I think I just watched Superman. Except he was blond and so was Lois Lane and it was called 'I Am Number Four'.

This movie was a nice balance of drama and action and the fight scenes, really all the effects, were FANtastic (shout out to Kacie!).

I am starting to understand how the Brits must have felt when Renee played their Bridget Jones. I keep watching the behind the scenes stuff and being SHOCKED that these dudes, Alex Pettyfer in this case, are Brits. This was my first exposure to Pettyfer and he struck me as a young Henry Cavill. I actually think this guy would have made a better Edward than Rob (if you don't get this sentence, believe me, you DON'T want to).

Dianna Agron plays the same character she always plays in everything *yawn*. But she does the part well (as she should by now!). She's so pretty-- but I am just about over her already.

Speaking of the blonds--LOVE LOVE LOVE number six! Teresa Palmer rocked her part. I even enjoyed watching the extras where she talks about her training to do the stunts.

And people (channelling Tim Gunn here), let's find a role for Timothy Olyphant. He needs a movie of his own. Whatever Matt Damon or Nicholas Cage is up for next, give it to this guy. I think he needs more screen time.

I would be remiss not to mention that this is based on a book by Pittacus Lore. A book I have not read. It's on the list-- but it was too far down and I had the movie from the library so I just went ahead and watched it. Well, I may NOT go back and read this one, but I do think I will pick up #2 in the series sometime soon and go from there.....they've got me curious now!

Bottom Line: Recommended for date night. Romance for the girls. Action and hot chicks for the guys.

While the Cat is Away

Eric was out for the evening and so I had some time to kill....ok, I wanted to watch something I KNEW he would mock: Abduction (aka 'that movie with the Twilight guy'). He was already mocking ME for even wanting to watch it. He said I wasted a $1.20 to rent it at Redbox.

Rotten Tomatoes gave this movie a rating of 4%. But, you may already know, I KINDA have a Jacob obsession. Needless to say, I went into this with just about the lowest expectations possible.

However, lo and behold, this was actually a pretty good movie. If you squint your eyes you can see a young Tom Cruise playing a 'Matt Damon in the Bourne series' type character. I have to say I'm not really sure why this movie didn't do better. It has alot of the elements of any thriller franchise. The cast is ALL substantial: Maria Bello, Sigourney Weaver, it goes on and on like that. I felt the adrenaline in the chases, the frustration of the characters trying to figure things out, and the romance was believeable (and I could NOT say that for Bourne, btw!).

Now, given, it does start off like a version of Footloose, or any teen drama where the scenes scream 'here is where we are establishing the characters folks so pay attention!!'. And clearly, they are using all the things Jacob  *ahem* I mean, Taylor, is already known for to launch him. But, I thought he carried it. The love interest was a cutie, hope we see more of her. I think she could have possibly pulled off Katniss in Hunger Games.

Sure it wasn't a 90% movie, but 4%??, I think some people are down on my boy Jacob *ahem*, Taylor. If anything I am the one who should be jaded by all my YA romance/sci-fi books. I admit, you HAVE seen this movie before (see: the oft mentioned Bourne franchise) but that's no reason to toss it in the dumpster. I mean it seems like every movie OUT there is a remake. I say, give it a shot. You know, if you like Jacob...darn it, I mean TAYLOR! :D

Photo credit here

Chronicle of a Valentine's Day

Photo credit here

I had a REAL fear that this movie was going to be disturbing and scary and leave me with nightmares. But Eric wanted to go and it got a good Rotten Tomatoes rating (which most true horror movies don't) so I was game. *No Spoilers in this*

What little we had heard before we went was true. It's kind of a concentrated version of Heros Season 1 with camera work done by the folks who did Blair Witch Project. Ok, it's not THAT bad (hahahahaha, I have motion sickness and couldn't even make it thru a half hour of blair witch and this didn't bother me at all). Eric tells me this video style is called 'found footage' if that helps you- just alot of unclean edits.
We agreed that the special effects could have really taken away from the movie, breaking the spell the movie was casting, but they REALLY did not. It was all very seamless. I think this movie poster really sums up the visual feel of the film- a bit desaturated.

Now, the soundtrack, I imagine, would lead you to believe that this WAS a horror movie, alot of really disturbing noise and anxiety producing sounds. But, it works within the movie and you don't really notice the background outright until the credits start to roll.

This movie is a great date movie as long as you can go to dinner or take a quiet ride home afterward and really get into the plot, the characters, and the messages in the movie. LOTS to discuss. It gave me the feel of having just finished a really good book and you don't just want to say to someone 'read this' you want to say to them 'CALL ME when you finish this so we can talk about it!'.

Maybe not what YOU are going to see for Valentine's Day....but it worked for us! :)

One for the Money worth MY money

I get book recommendations from LOTS of great book friends (you know who you are) but the greatest influence on my love of reading HAS to be my mom. :)

I am so thankful that I can think of many moments growing up that I found both my parents' current reads laying around the house. I can recall seeing them excited to discover a new author or a new book by an author they already loved. I hope my kids see the same things in me. I have a hunch it's already happening.

Anyway, one day my mom told me about a fun book series that was making her laugh out loud (periodically scaring my dad half to death). She said the first book was One For The Money by Janet Evanovich. Well, I dove right in and became a fan. Before long I was constantly awaiting the newest in the series when.....what's this?.....they are gonna make a movie of the first book? OH YEAH! That is gonna be SO awesome! That's what I thought and then I saw the cast. Hmmmm....not what I was thinking...at...all (Don't you hate that feeling?)

Fast forward to last week: Thru a series of unfortunate events (another series reference...did you catch that?) my mom was here in Pearland with me AND we were free of children mid-day AND both in definite need of some escape from reality. To make the whole 'stars are aligned in our favor' thing MORE incredible, the movie was playing at my favorite theater in the next 30 minutes and would get us out in time to pick up the boy at MDO. WHAT???? YES!! You are not even gonna believe that on top of all this the price for the movie?.....wait for it....$3. I am SO not kidding.

Review: It was great! I even liked the cast! It was a perfectly silly, happy, fun movie experience. Which is exactly how I would describe the books by the way. These are not the books you pick up to solve a serious mystery. You pick them up to take a break and laugh at someone being worse at her job than you are at yours.

I don't know if you would feel the way I do about the the movie if you had NOT read the book. You tell me! Leave a comment with your own review of the books OR the movie.

This Book Needed Help

Here it is, the exception to the rule. A movie that is WAY better than it's book.

I know, I know. I am pretty much in the minority here. Everyone LOVED the book, everyone READ the book, everyone told everyone they knew to read the book.

Sorry, I only finished it because it was assigned for my book club. Otherwise I would have stopped about half way. Where was the editor? Why did we have to read all that drama about Skeeter and her mom and boyfriend. Pointless I say. But, I know, YOU all LOVED it.

Well, for once I was happy to see a book turned into a movie. My first thought when I saw a preview was "Oh good. I'd LIKE the movie version!" And I was right!! I thought they made all the editing cuts that should have been done in the first place. 6 chapters down to one screaming match (THANKYOU!) and alot of pointless conversation implied by a few brief scenes (YEP).

**spoiler alert** I have to say my one objection was how they changed the story of Constantine (Skeeter's maid) and her daughter. My first clue was when they revealed some information in practically the first scene that in the book was saved till the end. Hmmm. But, then I saw why...they changed the whole story. Was the point not to make us hate the mother? This mystery was the whole motivation for Skeeter to begin the book from the point of view of the help. In my opinion, the story revealed in the movie was not a big enough payoff. I preferred the shock value of the story in the book.

Well, the bottom line here is that there is something for everyone. If you loved the book you will definately enjoy the movie. If you don't intend to read the book, then the movie is wonderful.

What did you think? Love to hear your thoughts!

Photo from here

A-PEek at the Movies

Friday night was date night (yea!) and there was no movie we HAD to see so we just went with our standard movie picking system. It is this: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/ (we say at LEAST 50% but the higher the better) + our time constraints = Movie we will see. It's been a fail safe formula! This time it led us to Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Now, I am already a huge fan of James Franco (1. because of the spider man series and 2. because he looks like Eric's cousin- REALLY!) and I wish I could bring myself to watch 127 hours but I just CAN'T!! Also, I thought John Lithgow and 'the girl' (turns out she is Freida Pinto) were great too.

A surprise was *MINOR spoiler alert* seeing Draco in there (Tom Felton). I hope this doesn't mean poor Tom will only ever play the mean guy. I'd like to see him be a NOT mean guy in a role. If he has please let me know.

Best part of the movie was definitely the special effects combined with the performance of Andy Serkis who you will remember as Gollum (now you have to say 'My Precious' in a freaky whispery voice...go ahead say it with me).

Overall review:

Me- walked out thinking it was a perfect date movie. Emotional story for the girls and special effects for the guys.

Eric- Meh. He said he couldn't put his finger on it because he thought the effects were GREAT (and Eric would know) but he didn't think the movie was great. After we took some more time to think it thru we came up with two reasons this might be. First, the story itself was kind of a mish-mash of pieces of other movies you have seen, nothing REALLY new here and you could probably watch it a second time and start labeling the scenes that were stolen from other movies. Second, I think it suffered from 'Episode 3 syndrome' meaning that the problem is you KNOW how it ends so they can't really go anywhere else besides the inevitable ending and that makes it....well, anti-climatic.

I still say go see it. But, I do think Rotten Tomatoes may have been a bit generous on this one at 83%. ENJOY!

Have you seen this movie? What did you think? Are there any movies with actors you like that you want to watch but because of the story/theme can't bring yourself to?

Photo from here

Loved the Elephants and Reese and surprisingly even Rob

Water for Elephants was a very good movie!

I would almost say it was beautiful to watch. But it feels funny to say that. Because, to be honest, the content is not beautiful. In the end, I guess that was the point. It was real & gritty- the true goings on of the circus. The relationships (some) were beautiful. And how he remembered it, as an experience, that was beautiful.

Overall, read the book. It is very enjoyable and gives you are more comprehensive view of the complex relationships. If you just want the love story then go with the movie. I enjoyed both!

What did you think?
Photo from here