The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- B
Throughout the whole movie I felt like it was trying too hard to be “the next classic movie”, and I didn’t really connect with Benjamin that much (which is obviously a pretty big problem in a character-based movie like this). Still, there were a lot of great ideas and themes, and the directing and cinematography were incredible.
I watched The Illusionist last night, as I am a fan of Sylvain Chomet’s Triplets of Belleville. Wasn’t expecting to tear up so much at the end. Nevertheless I love the warm, contemplative atmosphere of his films that makes me feel oddly nostalgic. Worth it for the visuals alone.
Aw, I really need to see the Illusionist! But, sadly, my local video store is inside a grocery store, so there’s not much selection. 
Dude, I really love that movie! It was a brilliant movie, especially the ending.
Kung Fu Panda- C+ or B-
This was the first Dreamworks movie I’ve seen that didn’t have me thinking it was a total waste of time at the end. 
I actually thought it was okay, and a huge improvement for Dreamworks. The animation looked very nice, and I even found myself liking a few of the characters. However, I felt that they were trying too hard to be funny. I smiled a few times, but it just felt too forced. I also found the plot to be a bit predictable. Nothing really unexpected happened, which was a disappointment for me.
Overall, I was impressed, though. I didn’t love it, but I’d be willing to watch it again.
Note: If I happened to offend or upset any fans of Dreamworks or this movie, I’m very sorry and I apologize.
My initial opinion of the movie was exactly the same, Grace. You might even grow to like it a little more in weeks or so. But I agree! Nice review.
I must admit I’m a pretty bug Kung Fu Panda fanatic. But, like Leirin said, I liked it much more after 6 or 7 viewings.
So KFP is like fine wine is it? I like it, but I’m not a fanatic. Maybe after a few more viewings I’ll enjoy it more!
It was my favorite DW movie before I saw HtTYD if that carries any weight. If not, well, then, it’s all opinion. Right?
Yes, KFP is one of the better ones! I like HtTYD better as well.
I haven’t watched KFP a lot of times, but I liked it from the first viewing. I’m not a fanatic, or anything, but it was the first Dreamworks universe I could really get into.
I just got back from seeing Bridesmaids. I loved it! I was skeptical about watching a two hour comedy. I think the longest they should be is 100 to 110 mintues. And I was also skeptical because Judd Apatow has been involved with some great comedies. But for me, the third acts are usually jarring because the tone changes a bit to much for me. But I was suprised at the end when I realized that I wasn’t bored once throughout the movie. And the third act was interesting and funny. If it wasn’t for so many movies coming out soon, I would see it again. I’ll buy it on Blu-ray the first day it comes out.
I can’t wait to see Kung Fu Panday 2 this friday. I’m going to see it with my twin brother.
K9Girl: Are you thinking of watching KFP2? I think you might like HTTYD better, it’s the best Dreamworks film ever (well, technically it is, until someone here watches KFP2). 
EJE: I’m pleased you enjoyed Pirates. If all goes well, I might be seeing it with two of my buddies tomorrow after Hangover Part II.
TSS: I can’t wait to hear you and your bro’s opinion. I remember watching the first with my brother as well, it was a great ‘sibling bonding’ outing.
Right now, three non-blockbuster films have my interest.
Colombiana: I’ve been a fan of Zoe Saldana ever since Avatar (well, she wasn’t acting in the flesh, so to speak, but I like her performance). I also enjoyed her character in the underappreciated ‘The Losers’ and rediscovered her cameo in the first Pirates movie. So I’m really looking forward to her next role as a contract killer. It has the hallmarks of a great revenge flick like Kill Bill meets young-assassin movies like Leon, La Femme Nikita and Hitman, with a dash of political intrigue.
Buck: A documentary about a horse whisperer. I like nature docos and movies, so this caught my interest. If anything, it has a powerful message about animal welfare and treating God’s creatures as how they should be, with respect, love, and kindness.
One Day: I’m not much a fan of romantic flicks, but I like the premise; it’s like 24 meet long-duration romance stories like ‘The Love House’ or ‘Benjamin Button’. Plus, the actors happen to voice characters from two of my most recent favourite bird-cast animated films: Anne Hathaway (Jewel from Rio) and Jim Sturgess (Soren from LOTG)! The two-decades long friendship of the protagonists is so much more refreshing than the shallow and vapid ‘romantic comedies’ nowadays. '<3
Saldana’s role in TCOTBP wasn’t a cameo. She was just a minor character, just as she was a minor actress back then.
She had a similar role in Spielberg’s The Terminal.
TDIT: I think I might, when it’s on DVD.
Ah, yes, HtTYD. I’ve wanted to see that for so long. Hopefully I’ll finally remember to get it next time I’m at the movie rental store, it sounds really good!
Not a feature length movie, but you should definitely check out this short. One of the best animated shorts I’ve seen in a while. I’m definitely hoping for an Oscar nomination next year.
Grace, you should definately see HTTYD. It’s well worth it, and definately my favorite Dreamworks movie!
I saw Megamind a couple of months ago, and I had to admit I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. It was actually kinda emotional, but I knew what was going to happen before I saw it so that kind of ruined it for me. But I’d recommend that one to anyone who hasn’t seen it! Even though everyone around here has XD
The Hangover Part II: Defintely not as good as the first one! But it was great fun anyway! It was a great movie to see at midnight, the theatre was full and everyone was excited. Great theatre going expirience.
The movie was funny, and had me on the edge of my seat. It was more shocking than the original one, that’s always good! Anyway, I’m glad I saw it!
SoA: Well, yeah, that’s what I meant. Sorry about the semantic confusion. Thanks for reading my post, and I should check out The Terminal (was she the love interest of the trolley-driver?).
Bryko: Looks like an intriguing short. Interesting!
EJE: Glad you enjoyed The Hangover Part II and your theatre experience! Reviews here were favourable. Hopefully I’ll get a similar reaction when I see it.
Evangeline: Toothless!
K9Girl: Trust me, you’re gonna love HTTYD! Best Dreamworks movie of all-time (until the sequel, perhaps?).
I’m a bit miffed because one of my friends told another party and she wants us to wait till Monday so she can join our ‘wolf pack’. Unfortunately, I have tons of assignments next week, and I already set aside today to go out with the blokes.
I really hate last-minute changes, and it’s very frustrating to arrange outings when most of my friends are now working. Back in the day, we all had similar timetables as students, so we used to hang out a lot. But because this friend of ours has an evening shift, I’ll probably have to wait till 9 pm so she can join us to watch it, or ask the ‘whistle-blower’ to accompany her next Monday while I go today with the other one.
And it would’ve worked out perfectly too, Pirates would’ve ended around 8 and we could’ve gone for a walk to the Opera House to see Vivid Sydney’s night-time spectacular light show. Urgh! I’m really p*ssed right now.