Movie Review: My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

Plot: When a woman’s long-time friend reveals he’s engaged, she realizes she loves him herself and sets out to get him, with only days before the wedding.

Rating: 6/10

I was so looking forward to this. Julia Roberts in her heyday? I am so onboard watching her films, any of her work really, but especially anything done that time period. The film also stars a really young and hunky Dermot Mulroney (SURPRISE) and an equally young and fresh faced Cameron Diaz. But here is what I can tell you about this film:

Julianne Potter (Julia Roberts) is an annoying character who is having a tantrum about the fact that she’s been friendzoning an amazing man for years and now that he’s moved on she wants him back. She’s also clearly evil and doesn’t mind hurting a perfectly nice and innocent young woman just because her title as the perfect girl is being attacked. Kimmy Wallace (Cameron Diaz) is Julianne’s nemesis in here purely because she dared to date a clearly single and unattached man.

I can tell you that the message of this film was clear – MOVE ON AND DON’T POACH. Seriously – Kimmy was so perfect it hurt teeth to look at her, but she was a good person who loved her fiancé. Julianne, who incidentally is the “heroine” of this film, is notoriously horrible to men and obsessed with herself. I just didn’t appreciate the fact that the heroine was horrible and that the story didn’t have the traditionally happy ending we demand from romantic comedies – If I want moral lessons or unhappy endings I would rather check out another genre, thanks so much.

Can I just also ask what is going on in this film regarding that pesky thing women’s rights? Kimberly is nearly a decade younger (or maybe more) than her fiance, and she’s dropping out of school as a promising student to be with him? She clearly states that she would love to start her career. The power of this movie could have been much more if Julianne Porter spoke up and advised the girl that you could both have a career and still be a functioning female with a successful marriage? And that little scene where Michael strips himself and starts screaming at her in the restaurant because she dare voice worries about the job he loves that doesn’t pay so well? Uhm, not a foot to stand on my friend – you are taking her career from her. Okay, little rant over.

I’m rating this 6/10 because I’m petty and angry about the ending. The rest of the film is probably okay if you are fine dealing with the root-canal version of a heroine. As a last comment I can say that Dermot Mulroney was pretty damn hunky in his youth and suits my idea of the ultimate 90’s man as well despite the fact that he’s named Dermot. I’ll leave you with that, folks. Let me know what you thought about this in the comments!

April 14, 2017April 4, 2017 by Natasha Categories: Movies, movies, reading, Review, ReviewsTags: 1997, Cameron Diaz, Dermot Mulroney, Julia Roberts, Movies, P.J. Hogan, Phillip Bosco, Romantic Comedies, Rupert Everett, The Nineties, Walter Wallace 2 Comments

Watched, Read, loved: March 2017

Here is my monthly rundown of what I was up to the previous month. Right now it is still pretty much only addressing entertainment, but I hope to add some more life things into it soon too. Please feel free to comment below if you’ve seen any of these, or just to say hi!

Southpaw (2015) – I love a good sport movie. Even though they are all pretty much the same story, I’m always caught up. It was no less with Southpaw, and even though Jake Gyllenhaal irrationally annoyed the shit out of me, I really enjoyed this one.

Letters to Juliet (2010) – Amanda Seyfried delivers another charming performance. Objectively I know this isn’t a strong film, but it is so feel good I actually couldn’t care less about ratings. It is foolishly optimistic and cheerful, and a great film to watch if you are feeling down.

The Wedding Singer (1998) – The 90’s atmosphere, combined with a surprisingly affable Adam Sandler and an adorable Drew Barrymore, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Definitely one of the best Adam Sandler films I’ve ever seen.

My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) – I HATED the ending and I really disliked the main character. What a stupid movie.

Enchanted (2007): This spectacular Disney production made me so happy when I watched it again. It is on a grand scale and very elaborate and so lovely to look at.

Underworld (2003), Evolution (2006), Rise of the Lycans (2009), and Awakening (2012)

After years of ignorance I am finally familiarizing myself with this franchise. I had a great time with all these movies. Seline is such a strong female character and saves herself and her love more than once, and the feminist in me was cheering all the way.

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Continuing on this journey to watch more romantic films that are seen as classics, I got to see this. It was… okay. Hugh Grant really was quite the adorable English actor in his prime, and it is easy for him to be quietly charming. Andie McDowell also had no clue how to act. I’m not sure if she’s ever had a clue in that regard, but it really is prominent here.

The Lucky One (2012)

The Lucky One  is not by any means the worst Nicholas Sparks film – Best of Me still holds that title – but what is most notable is the awful acting. Taylor Schilling and Zac Efron just don’t gel together. I’m forced to ask whether Zac Efron actually has a brain – there is nothing shining behind those pretty blue eyes. Sure, he’s cute and ripped, but his attempt at a tortured marine invoked less sympathy than concern about synapses firing at an appropriate rate. Schilling, yeah, also pretty bad. They also have zero chemistry and the scenes looked stage and neither actor really wanted their hands on each other. Okay, I’m done. But sheesh.

Kong: Skull Island (2017)

Kong: Skull Island is what it was supposed to be: a nice action packed adventure with a handsome cast and a big gorilla. Ticked all the boxes for me, excellent popcorn entertainment.

Power Rangers (2017)

I had not planned going to cinema for this. I would have preferred John Wick, but I was sorely outvoted by a bunch of 30 year old men who wanted to watch Power Rangers. There is something to be said for nostalgia. I ended up having a decent enough time – I  was unaware up until this point that Power Rangers could be made into something that resembles a non-cheesy film. I’m still shocked.

The Guardians Trilogy by Nora Roberts: Stars of Fortune, Bay of Sighs and Island of Glass

I read these three books in the span of two weeks and I don’t regret one second of it. It is the most fun I’ve had in ages with Nora Roberts’ fantasy work.

Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince (JK Rowling)

The penultimate book in the best series to have ever been written is overshadowed in intensity only by the last book. Half Blood Prince is consistently one of my favorites. It features the more mature trio, naturally Dumbeldore’s death and the discovery of the reason behind Voldemort’s apparent immortality.

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows (JK Rowling)

Horace Slughorn returning to the castle to fight, Snape’s secret, Fred dying, Lupin and Tonks, Colin Creevy being tiny in death, Kreacher’s bullfrog voice, Dobby’s death, Hagrid throwing MacNair, Molly vs. Bellatrix– the last hundred pages of this book is nonstop goosebumps. I get tears in my eyes every time. Every. Single. Time. Deathly Hallows binds every single event that occurred in Potter from the very first page of The Philosopher’s Stone to the very last page of Deathly Hallows in a neat bow. This is truly the best thought out work I’ve ever read by an author.

Angel’s Fall (Nora Roberts)

I really enjoy reading through my Nora collection at least once a year. Right now I’m with Reece and Brody, and I particularly enjoy the book – I like both main characters, the setting, the plot and development of said plot.

April 12, 2017April 3, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 2017, Books, Movies, movies, UncategorizedTags: 2017, 50 Cent, Adam Sandler, Amanda Seyfried, Amy Adams, Andy McDowell, Angel's Fall, Bay of Sighs, Bill Nighy, brie larson, Cameron Diaz, Christopher Egan, Dacre Montgomery, Disney, Drew Barrymore, Dylan McDermot, Enchanted, Forest Whitaker, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Franco Nero, Gael Garcia Bernal, Harry Potter, Hugh Grant, Island of Glass, Jake Gyllenhaal, James Marsden, JK Rowling, John C. Reilly, John Goodman, John Ortiz, Julia Roberts, Jung Tian, Kate Beckingsale, Kong: Skull Island, Letters to Juliet, Lycans, March, Nicholas Sparks, Nora Roberts, Patrick Dempsey, Power Rangers, Rachel McAdams, Samuel L. Jackson, Scott Speedman, Seline, Southpaw, Stars of Fortune, Susan Sarandon, Taylor Schilling, Terry Notary, The Guardians Trilogy, The Lucky One, The Wedding Singer, Tom Hiddleston, Underworld, vampires, Vanessa Redgrave, Zac Efron 9 Comments

Movie Review: My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

Plot: When a woman’s long-time friend reveals he’s engaged, she realizes she loves him herself and sets out to get him, with only days before the wedding.

Rating: 6/10

I was so looking forward to this. Julia Roberts in her heyday? I am so onboard watching her films, any of her work really, but especially anything done that time period. The film also stars a really young and hunky Dermot Mulroney (SURPRISE) and an equally young and fresh faced Cameron Diaz. But here is what I can tell you about this film:

Julianne Potter (Julia Roberts) is an annoying character who is having a tantrum about the fact that she’s been friendzoning an amazing man for years and now that he’s moved on she wants him back. She’s also clearly evil and doesn’t mind hurting a perfectly nice and innocent young woman just because her title as the perfect girl is being attacked. Kimmy Wallace (Cameron Diaz) is Julianne’s nemesis in here purely because she dared to date a clearly single and unattached man.

I can tell you that the message of this film was clear – MOVE ON AND DON’T POACH. Seriously – Kimmy was so perfect it hurt teeth to look at her, but she was a good person who loved her fiancé. Julianne, who incidentally is the “heroine” of this film, is notoriously horrible to men and obsessed with herself. I just didn’t appreciate the fact that the heroine was horrible and that the story didn’t have the traditionally happy ending we demand from romantic comedies – If I want moral lessons or unhappy endings I would rather check out another genre, thanks so much.

I’m rating this 6/10 because I’m petty and angry about the ending. The rest of the film is probably okay if you are fine dealing with the root-canal version of a heroine. As a last comment I can say that Dermot Mulroney was pretty damn hunky in his youth and suits my idea of the ultimate 90’s man as well despite the fact that he’s named Dermot. I’ll leave you with that, folks. Let me know what you thought about this in the comments!

April 10, 2017April 3, 2017 by Natasha Categories: Movies, movies, Review, Reviews, UncategorizedTags: Cameron Diaz, Classics, Dermot Mulroney, Julia Roberts, Movies, Nora Ephron, Reviews, Romantic Comedies, romantic suspense, Walter Walles 6 Comments

Movie Review: Annie (2014)

Plot: A foster kid, who lives with her mean foster mom, sees her life change when business tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in.

Rating: 6/10

The very low rating I gave might suggest that I disliked Annie. I really didn’t though. I certainly thought that it was really very, very optimistic and that literally no one had an ounce of rhythm except Jamie Foxx. Cameron Diaz and Rose Byrne were the epitome of white girls dancing and I wanted to hide when they were subjected to singing and dancing and I was subjected to watching them do it. I thought Quvenzhane Wallis (what a name) was pretty cute as Annie. It seems quite deranged to make films about singing orphans, but the film (and probably theater production) manages to be upbeat and sweet and inspirational and one of those situations where the villains aren’t even villains at the end of the day. I watched Annie with my mom and she really liked it, and for her to really like a movie is almost impossible. There really isn’t much else to say about this – for a musical full of people who aren’t really musically gifted it didn’t go that bad. I wouldn’t claim that the film restored my faith in humanity because there is no way humanity is that good, but I did like it and thought it was sweet.

Have you seen Annie? What did you think?

January 23, 2017January 21, 2017 by Natasha Categories: 2014, Movies, movies, Review, Reviews, UncategorizedTags: 2014, Annie, Bobby Cannavale, Cameron Diaz, Film, fostercare, Jamie Foxx, movie, musical, Quvenzhane Wallis, Review, Rose Byrne 8 Comments

Movie Review: Sex Tape (2014)

Plot: A married couple wake up to discover that the sex tape they made the evening before has gone missing, leading to a frantic search for its whereabouts. (IMDb)

Acting:5/10

Graphics: 8/10

Sound track: 6/10

Costumes: 6/10

Scenery:4/10

Pacing: 4/10

Time run: 100 minutes: 7/10

Stance within genre: 2/10

Book adaption/Originality: 7/10

Likeability: 4/10

=49/100 = 4.9/10

In yet another unfortunate meeting between Cameron Diaz and Jason Segal, Sex Tape has its moments, but they are far apart. Mostly it isn’t funny at all. I only watched this movie at a girl’s night – we wanted something funny and this fit the bill. It is probably the movie of 2014 I had no inclination to see because I always knew it would be quite horrendous.

The premise of the story is plausible enough – they could have prevented it all very effectively by just not making a sex tape OR not on a device that was connected with the internet in any freaking way #idiots. Thus Sex Tape is very relevant to society today but it must also be noted that the leaking of such material is often traumatic and not even remotely hilarious.

Cameron Diaz as a mother is certainly something new for her, and I mostly enjoyed her in it. Jason Segal is SO thin in here, and it looks odd. He is certainly the type of man who looks okay with a bit of fat, so I am rather sad he lost it all!

This is not as bad as Grown-Ups 2, because they at least didn’t send a Moose through the door within the first five opening minutes. I had some fun with this, but a shallow, unsatisfactory fun, which can be compared to drinking Jägermeister: fun at the time, but you really have no idea why you did it the following day.

Recommendation: If you like shitty movies, or are busy drinking Jägermeister.

December 17, 2014December 18, 2014 by Natasha Categories: Movies, ReviewsTags: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Movies, Reviews, Sex Tape 3 Comments

Movie Review: The Other Woman (2014)

What happens? (The short version)

Carly (Cameron Diaz) has what seems like the perfect relationship with Mark (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau). When he cancels meeting her father for the first time, she is angry, but her father Frank (Don Johnson), convinces her that she overreacted and should surprise Mark at his house in Connecticut.

Carly is the one who gets the surprise when she finds Mark’s wife Kate (Leslie Mann) at the door. Embarrassed, she leaves, but Kate realizes something is amiss. Kate visits Carly the next day and when the truth comes out, Kate freaks but realizes that Carly never knew about Mark’s relationship.

Now Carly has to deal with her new best friend Kate and the knowledge that she was a mistress and she didn’t even know that. After meeting Kate’s Brother Phil (Taylor Kinney), Carly gets to know and like him. Phil is outraged that Mark cheated on his sister and warns Carly that Kate will eventually a breakdown when she the knowledge sinks in.

Mark King: I wouldn’t even be me without you. I might not always get it right, but I’m right where I want to be.

Carly and Kate visit Phil’s beach house to spy on Mark and yet another mistress, Amber (Kate Upton). Amber is devastated when she hears Mark’s wife is nothing like the evil, cheating bitch Mark had described to her.

The three ladies band together in their solid dislike of Mark, and devise plans to get back at him. But can their friendship survive after Mark falls? How will Kate handle the demise of her marriage? Is there a real future for Carly and Phil, who met under dubious circumstances at best?

Rating: 6/10

I actually enjoyed this one. It suited well as some light-hearted Sunday night viewing, something to chase away the thought that we would all be working in a few hours.

The plot line was pretty obvious from the start – anyone who thought Jamie Lannister was capable of a normal, functioning relationship should have their heads checked. I had some sympathy with Carly, because what happened to her was disgusting and unfair – how often do men (probably women too) lie about their relationship status?

I thought all was lost when Nicki Minaj entered the scene, and really wondered if Kim K would rock up and like, like everything. However, Minaj didn’t really get a lot of screen time, and what she was given she did semi-okay with. Her performance was still the most questionable, but not tearing-out-hair bad.

I will admit that I am not overly fond of Cameron Diaz. I don’t understand the hype around her and she really seems so mediocre.  I would give her performance here credit by saying it is not as irritating as usual.

How hot is Taylor Kinney?!?! I saw him recently in my rerun of Vampire Diaries, and man, that guy is fine. His acting is also good, it has improved and the role really suited him. I was wondering if Lady Gaga called Nicki and was like “hey girl, my boo needs work” and then they worked together, or if Minaj called Gaga and was like “girrrl, I need work”, and then Taylor said it is cool she can work on his new movie. Anyhow, I am glad Kinney was in here because he is one of the things that worked in this movie. PS: Is he still dating Gaga? If not, I am definitely available!

A serious plus in the movie is Taylor Kinney’s face!

Ugh, Kate Upton. Can she be any more perfect/gorgeous? Her acting chops equaled that of Christina Aguilera in Burlesque – not bad but you can see it is not their field of expertise.

What I loved about this movie is the connection these ladies made with each other. They were all screwed (quite literally) by the same man, but didn’t turn on each other as is the norm. In the end they worked together to destroy him and bonded and became friends. I would love if that happened more often, because hey, blaming just one person of the adulterous relationship is incredibly unfair.

This chick-flick gets points for being more realistic than the tons of other shit that floats around, especially Ghosts of Girlfriend’s Past. Friendship between a wife and a mistress isn’t really plausible, but it is more plausible than travelling back in time to witness your mistakes, if you know what I mean.

Have you seen this? What did you think?

September 18, 2014September 18, 2014 by Natasha Categories: Movies, ReviewsTags: Cameron Diaz, Don Johnson, Kate Upton, Leslie Mann, Movies, Nicki Minaj, Nikolaj Coster-Walday, Reviews, Taylor Kinney 4 Comments