See It or Skip It: One Day

I spoke previously of a great book to movie adaptations with The Help. One Day is not one of them. Ugh, I really wanted to LOVE this movie. It’s one of my favorite books. The story of Emma and Dexter is a love not to be missed. It’s funny, annoying, sad, romantic, and brutally realistic in many aspects. Why couldn’t get this one right? Why!!

    One Day is based on the bestselling novel by David Nicholls (who also wrote the screenplay). The book follows the lives of two friends over the period over 20 years. Every July 15th, we read about this one day in their lives. The successes, failures, affairs, tragedies, and overall missed opportunities life has to offer us. Boy, did this have the potential to be the next great love story film.

 

    Let’s start off with Anne Hathaway. I love this woman. I was blown away by her live performance 2 years ago in Shakespeare in The Park. She is such a greatly funny and talented actress. Should she have been casted as a British dorky, funny and insecure Emma? No, she shouldn’t have. Yes, everyone is up in arms about the whole fake accent but it doesn’t bother me. She had a British accent before in Becoming Jane and it was tolerable. However, I can see how this is a factor that stopped a lot of moviegoers. The film is not doing well in the box office. Emma Morley is someone who blooms slowly and the whole process is something I loved about the novel. It just wasn't working for me. Hathaway tries her best but doesn't succeed in this role.

    Dexter looks so tired. The character is suppose to be a jerk and a mess but I just didn’t buy it. He’s still Dexter – the charming jerk. Jim Sturgess attempts to bring this complex character on screen but his lack of chemistry with Hathaway ruins the entire film for me. Watching these two in interviews is a bit painful as well. While he did bring emotion to my eyes, I know he's a good actor -so I really can't blame it on him either.

    I could have seen Romola Garai as Emma instead of Dexter’s girl, Sylvia. Her performance in Jane Austen's Emma showed me she had the talent but I guess she wasn't a match to big named superstar Hathaway. She is grossly underused in this film. Another American in the movie is the fabulous Patricia Clarkson. Since she's Dexter's mother, she's an important character but once again they dropped the ball on this too. You should get the whole story on most of these background players. How do they expect the audience to invest in these characters if we aren't getting enough?  There was a point when I just didn't care.

    Director Lone Scherfig did a phenomenal job with Carey Mulligan in An Education. I expected no less with this film but something feels off. The cinematography and shots are lovely. I know it wasn't the director's fault. Maybe it was editing issues?

    Now, the film follows the novel directly. I wasn't surprised by any elements. It may anger some moviegoers knowing this is not a typical romantic. Just look at the set up! You're in for a ride. I kind wish they changed the ending. No spoilers here! Studios changed the end of book adaptions in The Notebook, Dear John and My Sister's Keeper. Numerous fans actually prefer those movie to the books because of this!

    What went wrong? Could it be the writing? But it's the same author!! Did I cry like I was punched in the face? Oh, yeah. I cried and cried at the book, so it was going to waterworks at the theater. I can't pinpoint where problem lies but it seriously breaks my heart that I couldn't love this movie.

     Non-readers will probably like this movie but being a devoted book follower – I just can’t.

VERDICT: SKIP IT (read the novel instead)
*Okay, go ahead and Netflix it*

See It or Skip It: The Help

    I loved reading the critically acclaimed bestselling novel earlier this year. As a skeptical movie buff, I know there are numerous adaptations of books to movies that have been TERRIBLE. For once, I was glad to see I wasn’t going to be disappointed.

    The Help is set in 1960s Mississippi on the brink of the Civil Rights Movement. The story is focused on three women: Aibileen, Minny, and Skeetor. As a recent college graduate, Skeetor wants to write a book on the real life story of African American maids. A book about how these maids feel, how they are treated, and how it affects everyday life in Jackson, Mississippi. Of course, none of the women are interested in helping a white woman who is friends with most of their bosses.

    Viola Davis is the heart and soul of this film as Aibileen, a maid with a quiet yet strong willed demeanor. I was impressed with Viola in her supporting Oscar nominated performance in Doubt but this was something else. I can actually say she is what makes this a great film. There’s a scene where she opens up and describes a horrible incident from her past. Ms. Davis does this with such pose, elegance, and a delicate patience. There wasn’t a dry eye in the theatre!

    Octavia Spencer was born to play Minny, the sassy cook with an infectious personality. Octavia effortlessly delivers comedic lines like a pro. Yet, she also brings force to the screen. The epic scene with Minny and Hilly is one that will be remember for years to come. It’s interesting to know she is friends with the author and was inspiration for the character. So yes, she was born to play her!

    Emma Stone is generally known as comedienne but I am happy to say – the girl can act. Skeetor is an important character; so, readers were skeptic in the beginning. However, let it be known that Emma Stone is a great fit. A pivotal scene with her and her mother’s character was the first time I’ve ever seen her show her acting abilities. It was a very poignant moment in her career.

    I hated to love and loved to hate Bryce Dallas Howard as the movie’s villainess, Hilly Holbrook. Howard excels with her evil yet charmingly perilous words. Her delivery of “There are some real racists out there!” was hysterical. You hate this character but you can’t help but pity her ignorance. Bryce Dallas Howard created a memorable role and is finally a real actress. We can all ignore her terrible Twilight: Eclipse scene (which granted isn't her fault).

    Jessica Chastain was sweet as apple pie as the outcast Celia Foote whose genuine heart melts the tough Minny. She is done up as a Marilyn Monroe doppelganger. Unfortunately, none of the housewives are willing to overlook her bombshell looks and invite her in their inner circle. This could have EASILY become a campy performance but the physical and emotional struggle for Celia Foote is proof that Jessica Chastain is on her way to becoming the next Cate Blanchet.

    Veteran actresses Sissy Spacek, Cicely Tyson, Allison Janney also add a splash of AH-MAZING to this film. Sissy Spacek is delightful as Hilly’s mother, Mrs. Walters. She definitely brings some laughs to the screen. I only wish there was more of her. Cicely Tyson plays the maid (and second mother) that raised Skeetor, Constantine. Cicely Tyson’s power to convey a spirited yet fragile woman reminded me of her in the 1970s classic Sounder. She’s the grandmother we all wished for. Allison Janney played by wonderfully funny and politically incorrect mother to Skeetor. Janney has some real intimate scenes with Emma Stone's character. Their mother/daughter scenes are dear to my heart.

    There are several scenes where I gasped. A powerhouse of emotion flooded me including the shocking ordeal with Hilly’s maid, Yule May; as well as, the heartbreaking scene with Constantine and Skeetor’s mom. It’s despicable to think there really was a “separate but equal” in our government. This movie seriously brought horrible sobbing tears to my face but I loved every minute.

    The Help is a emotional film lead by a stellar cast. When I say stellar – I mean remarkable. This film was a very accurate adaption of the book which is not always the case in Hollywood (Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix, cough - cough). Director Tate Taylor and cast perfectly created the same vision I had of the lives of these characters but made it even greater than what I had imagined.

VERDICT: SEE IT

See It or Skip It: Tree of Life

    I saw the Cannes award winning film when it was first released in May and yet it still resonates with me. It's controversial (to say the least) but for those who haven't seen it wonder what the notoriety is all about. Why do a batch of critics love it and why do others hate it with a passion?

    Now, I'll start with the positive: Brad Pitt (for some - enough said). We know now -besides his hubba, hubba good looks - he's a great actor (Legends of The Fall, anyone?) His portrayal as a married father of three boys in the 1950s is the most gentle yet stern I've ever seen him as. He believes in disciplining his sons to the brink of hatred. The boys resent him as he slaps a son in one scene and then regrets the harshness and becomes "loving" in the next. The oldest son becomes Sean Penn (who is only in the movie for LITERALLY 5 minutes). The young actors who play his sons provide what I like to call the "Dakota/Ellie Fanning" quality. It's a compliment! These child actors are bound to have successful career as adults.  Jessica Chastain looks lovely as the young mother but she basically says three full sentences through the entire time. Was she there as eye candy?

    The family's story is quite bland. You don't care about them. I didn't feel a connection to these characters like I anticipated nor is there much dialogue throughout the film. I want to say this is a bad film but I just can't. Director Terrence Malick flashes visually stunning images of the sea, earth, middle America, and the creation of it all. It's a work of art yet if I wanted to see these things, I'd prefer to go to a museum. There is an "epic" scene of the big bang with volcanoes erupting, waves flowing, and trees breezing. Once again, all are aesthetically beautiful but it's overwhelming and not in a good way. I don't even want to begin to understand why the director included a 5 minute scene with dinosaurs. Really? What's the point?!

  

    The film is grandiose. Many have called it pretentious. Over 10 people walked out of my matinee screening with about less than 25 people to begin with. After numerous complaints, a theater in Connecticut posted a disclaimer to patrons. AMC will not refund your money after 30 minutes into the movie. I didn't walk out because I paid for my ticket! If I didn't walk out of Epic Movie, I'm not walking out of anything. The bar is set LOW. But I stayed mostly because I was starting to doze off and was too comfy to move.

VERDICT: SKIP IT

*Rent on Netflix for the images*

See It or Skip It: Midnight in Paris

    Woody Allen's most successfully financial film is Midnight in Paris? Now, don't get me wrong. I loved Midnight In Paris. I walked out with a smile. The film charms your pants off with the serene scenes of Old Paree! Allen has a trademark vision whether it's Europe or New York. Everything is beautiful in a Woody Allen film.

    Owen's Gil comes to Paris with his fiancee, Inez. From the language, culture, and history, he's simply fascinated with everything about it. Unlike his finacee who is only interested in being a tourist and immediately rejects Gil's suggestions to move permanently to France. Gil feels the city will provide inspiration for his first novel that has come to a road block. As Gil strolls The City of Lights, he discovers that once the clock strikes midnight, magic happens. A car pulls up and takes him to his idols, The Lost Generation of the 1920s. This group includes F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dali, Picasso, Gertude Stein, and many more. All of these iconic talents and expats are the basis for his novel; so, basically he's in creative heaven. He become infatuated with an alluring flapper. Their chemistry is electric. The film goes back and forth between time periods and provides entertainment to say the least.

    Following the neurotic humor of Allen is famous for, Owen Wilson does a admirable job as the American looking for passion while trying to get over his writer's block. I ADORE Rachel McAdams but she may have been miscasted. Playing bitchy women are not her calling. The rest of the cast is stunning as they enter the 1920s. Marion is eye googling as a flapper. I can see how Gil becomes enraptured with her presence. I felt Adrian Brody (WHERE has he been?) stole scenes with his enthusiastic Salvador Dali ("I AM DALI"). Gil is astonished to find his idols alive and conversing. They enjoy his company and he becomes apart of this generation.

    Back in present day, everyone thinks he bonkers for walking alone at night in a strange city. They think: He must have problem and he's living in the past. I must say it's a delightful comedy filled with romantic and fantasy. It transports you for two hours. Woody mentioned F.Scott and Zelda in Manhattan. To see his love of this time period not wave nor falter, is an inspiration for us to see.

    I am surprised it's Allen's most successful film. It's great but it's not Annie Hall, Manhattan, or Hannah and Her Sisters. These three are without a doubt his best films. I enjoyed the twist in Match Point and the performance of Penelope Cruz in Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona but it seems since Allen has left New York for Europe - his work doesn't have the same quality. I wonder if he'll ever come back home for a modern day love story. New York changes more times than a hooker change her pimp (HEY no offence, 12th Avenue); therefore, this director will have plenty to write about if he returns to the city that never sleeps.

VERDICT: SEE IT

Harry's Last Spell (Wingardium Leviosa, you say?)

   So, everyone in the entire world knows the story. It’s the striking conclusion that kicked the butt out of The Dark Knight on opening weekend with over $168 million in the U.S in 3 days. (Can we say CHA CHING??)

   There are numerous reviews out there, so I won’t go into epic detail on the series nor the movie. I'll just say my peace in a general analysis. But if you haven’t read the books... Wait, you haven't read the books? WHAT are you waiting for? It will change your life! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II is the end of book 7. The producers decided to split the last book up to give a proper goodbye to the series. This is otherwise known as “Hey, let’s roll in some money by making every last sucker go out & pay to see Harry 8 times instead of 7.” I am without a doubt one of those happy fools.

   I would’ve enjoyed and actually encouraged the films to be longer. The first two films by Chris Columbus will never be called classic achievements in film but they were fun. The third film was fantastic with a new mood set to really show the viewers – this is what Harry Potter should feel like. It’s not your average “kid’s movie.” The fourth by Mike Newell succeeded in continuing the mood of Alfonso Cuarón but greatly added a taste of British humor. The rest of the films were directed by David Yates. Now, the fifth film was completely a mismanaged mess that I still won’t forgive Yates on. The Order of The Phoenix was the largest book in the series and it was one of the shortest films! Neville Longbottom dropped the crystal prophecy not Lucius Malfoy!! Woo okay, I got that out of my system. The sixth film was also cut too short. I felt like Voldemort's story wasn’t laid out properly. I did enjoy the number seven and it may be because I was anticipating the end. I can happily say that movie eight was the perfect goodbye to 10 years of films and 13 years of spectacular novels. 

   Thankfully, we do get to see Harry & friends years later which is either the end of the end or an opportunity for J.K. Rowling to continue the kooky and fantastic work at Hogwarts.  My favorite part has to be when Neville became a BADASS and was the hero we all hoped for him to be. (YES, he’s my favorite character and do I follow Matthew Lewis on Twitter - the actor that plays him? Why, of course NOT!) *Blank Stare*

  I sincerely hope J.K. continues to write. How can she not with the gift of prose, adventure, and ability to speak directly to people of all ages? But then again, when you are richer than the Queen of England  - you can do anything you damn well please.