Sixteen Candles

RATINGS

IMDB: 7.1

MY RATING: 9

GENERAL INFORMATION

Release Info: 4 May 1984
   Netflix: 21 Nov 2018

Genre: Comedy and Romance
Writer and Director: John Hughes
Running Time:  1 Hour and 33 Min

Staring: Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Justin Henry, and MANY MANY MORE

Rating? PG

SPOILERS? YES

STORYLINE

Samantha's life is going downhill fast. The sixteen-year old has a crush on the most popular boy in school, and the geekiest boy in school has a crush on her. Her sister is getting married and with all of the excitement her family forgets her birthday. Add all this to the pair of horrendously embarrassing grandparents and an foreign exchange student named Long Duk Dong and we have the makings of a hilarious journey into young womanhood.

MY REVIEW

Again, I'm doing away with the "Did and Didn't Like" as usual and going with a general review. Oh, John Hughes. How did you do this? What little piece of your brain allowed you to get this so well? This is the movie that that gave all of us young girls the concept of our own personal Jake Ryan. I mean seriously, there was no boy in junior high that could hold a literal candle to the idea that was Jake Ryan.

From the opening scenes with the Baker family getting ready for their days is so perfectly 80's. Samantha's (Molly Ringwald) room is so essentially PINK and the whole idea that her mom and dad are so preoccupied with her sisters wedding that they have forgotten her birthday sets up a montage of hilarity. This movie is filled with the best lines and the most amazing scenes. It's like watching a time capsule: Floppy Discs, headgear, the music, the clothing!

On a more personal note..... 

Holiday baking well underway with the help of these two little rascals: Dexter Morgan and Rocket help by playing with their toys. I made mini pies (custard and chocolate) and finally, me cooking watching Sixteen Candles.

Adore

GENERAL INFORMATION

Release Info: 3 April 2013
     Watched on Netflix 2018 June 30

Wrier and Director: Anne Fontaine
Running Time: 1 Hour and 52 Minutes

Staring: Naomi Watts, Robin Wright, Xavier Samuel, James Frecheville and Ben Mendelsohn
Rating? R, well deserved

SPOILERS? YES

REVIEWS

IMDB: 6.2 of 10

MY RATING: 8

STORYLINE

A pair of childhood friends fall for each others sons,

MY REVIEW

You know those movies where you are basically on the edge of your seat as it ends hoping that there will be some sort of second movie or continuation that will keep the story going? Yeah, this was one of those for me. I just want to know what happens to Lil and Tom and Roz and Ian. It is definitely like watching a trainwreck in progress knowing that this will not end well.

What I DID LIKE about this movie:

• Sometimes, you just can't help who you are attracted to or with whom you fall in love. This movie is that exact situation played out in just under 2 hours. Passion and attraction can lead you to do insane, crazy things that you can't control.
• The story felt real. There were twists and turns that could not be helped. It wasn't overly sexual or overly dramatic just for the sake of a movie plot. 
• Scenery in Australia cannot be beat. The homes on the cliff leading down to the beach brought an unnamed character into the movie.

What I DID NOT LIKE about this movie:

• I felt like the premise was intentionally provocative but did not delve far enough. I mean, yes, it's insane to think that two women could fall for and ultimately begin sexual relationships with their friends adult sons, but the loves end and the young men eventually meet/marry and have children with women their won age. But one of them go back to the familiar love with the older mom next door. It's off somehow.
• The jilted Dad, Roz's husband who has already raised his child with her and has a new job far away, which really allowed his wife to stray, then gets married again to a younger woman and has a new baby and that's not the least bit subversive here. The new step-mom and the sons are roughly the same age. Talk about double standards! Sheesh!

On a more personal note..... 

Just hanging out with the little kittens today. Dex and Oliver bonded a little.

Night of the Living Deb

GENERAL INFORMATION

Release Info: 8 Oct 2015
     Netflix 21 Feb 2017

Director: Kyle Rankin
Writer: Andy Selsor
Running Time: 85 Minutes

Staring:  Maria Thayer, Michael Cassidy and Ray Wise

Rating? Unrated

SPOILERS? Yes-ish

REVIEWS

IMDB: 5.5 of 10

MY RATING: 5

STORYLINE

After a girls' night out, endearingly awkward Deb wakes up in the apartment of the most attractive guy in Portland, Maine. She's thrilled, but she can't remember much of what got her there. Pretty boy Ryan only knows that it was a mistake and ushers her out of the door.. into a full-scale zombie apocalypse. Now, a walk of shame becomes a fight for survival as the mismatched pair discovers that the only thing scarier than trusting someone with your life... is trusting them with your heart.

MY REVIEW

I love zombie movies. I love awkward comedies. I love ridiculous tongue in cheek humor. This movie was all of that and more. I didn't go into it with much hope, but wow, was I wrong.  It was by no means perfect or even good, but it was funny for the most part and a even with the lack of a good story but a prescient warning that is subtext for most zombie movies that sits on the surface.  
Basically, it's Shaun of the Dead if it were written by 11th graders. It's a spoof. Funny, but not hilarious.

What I DID LIKE about this movie:

• I love the romantic comedy- Deb and Ryan. Hilariously mismatched and like all romantic comedies, they are thrown together and have to sort it all out in the 85 minutes they have on screen. It works for the most part, but still a bit off.
• Maria Thayer- I love her. She is just an adorable ginger and is PERFECT!!

What I DID NOT LIKE about this movie:

• Bad writing and dialogue. This is a made-for Netflix type movie and it's not perfect. There are some major plot holes and some very un-nuanced story telling. It's the type of movie that you watch and not have to think. They feed you the story with a very large spoon. Even the idea that the water is contaminated which caused the zombie outbreak is just flat-out told in words instead of plot. Know you're audience.

On a more personal note..... Cute little Lego guy I got from a friend at work. Rocket, Jinx and Dexter sleeping on the cat tree and the Game of Thrones Iron Throne printed on my 3-D printer in a metal mix that I got wet and rusted.... Pretty damn cool!

Passengers

GENERAL INFORMATION

Release Info: 21 December 2016
     Saw this 1 January 2017

Writer: Morten Tyldum
Director: Jon Spats
Running Time: 1 Hour and 56 Minutes

Staring:  Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt and Michael Sheen

Rating? PG-13

SPOILERS? YES

REVIEWS

IMDB: 7.1 of 10

RT: 31% Critics; 68% Audience
MY RATING: 3

STORYLINE

A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years too early.

MY REVIEW

I read a few bad reviews and went into this movie with some pre-conceived notions of what I was GOING to think of this movie. I did LIKE this movie. Not LOVE. Yes, I get the idea that they were trying to get across, but something kept nagging at me the whole time. Yes, this is a SPOILER, so SORRY! I could not get over the idea that Chris Pratt's character WOKE her up on purpose here 'cause HE fell in love with her like a crazy stalker and HE decided to wake her up early. It's because of HIS loneliness and desire that SHE was bound to not reach her destination on the colony. That's not romantic. That's ILLEGAL!

What I DID LIKE about this movie:

• Conceptually, this is a plausible idea for a movie. I for one, have really thought about the overpopulation and over polluting of the planet and this just advances the idea.
• Visually, this was a pretty awesome ride. Still not enough to redeem this deplorable basic nature of the movie.

What I DID NOT LIKE about this movie:

• Like I stated in the start, this is a physiologically damaging movie. Chris Pratt's character literally kills her by waking her up 88 years too early! How on this earth could she forgive him and live happily together on the ship alone for the rest of their lives? Preposterous!!
• The SCIENCE- I don't think the majority of the watchers of this movie were too interested in pointing out the scientific flaws, but for me it was definitely a let down. I get it though, the story over the possible.

On a more personal note..... So January came in with me getting a NEW TATTOO! So super excited! Clay put the dark and outlines in first and we do the color on my BIRTHDAY (February 4th) I started a new piece that I am calling "the Naked Cellist". I will try to finish soon so it can go into the next show~

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Burying the Ex

GENERAL INFORMATION

Release Info: 19 June 2015
     Netflix on 18 August 2016

Director: Joe Dante (Known for Gremlins, Interspace, The Burbs, Twilight Zone the Movie and THE HOWLING!)
Writer: Alan Trezza
Running Time: 89 Minutes

Staring:  Anton Yelchin, Ashley Greene, Alexandra Daddario and Oliver Cooper

Rating? R

SPOILERS? Not Really

REVIEWS

IMDB: 5.4 of 10

MY RATING: 8

STORYLINE

When Max (Yelchin) learns that his new live-in girlfriend, Evelyn (Greene) is controlling and manipulative, he is afraid to end the relationship. However, fate occurs and Evelyn is killed in a freak accident. A couple months have passed and Max meets his dream girl, Olivia (Daddario). The new romance gets tricky when Evelyn comes back from the grave and insists on continuing their once relationship by all means.

MY REVIEW

You know, I assumed that this was going to be just another piece of steaming horse crap, but it was actually a pretty fun watch. It's not the typical zombie movie and I think that may have been what made it a success for me. It was clever! I was impressed enough to give it an 8 of 10. There were still a few shortcomings, but it was a decent movie. Give it a try on Netflix before it goes away. I love the idea that breaking up is hard to do.. even after the clingy one dies!

What I DID LIKE about this movie:

• Awkward love stories are always in my wheelhouse! I love the idea that not all love stories start in the same un-unique way. This movie offers more than its fair share of awkwardness!
• Although the story is lackluster and missing some general polish, it's a simple and straightforward story. TONS of old school horror references for someone like me who may or may not be a Horror Movie Freak!!

What I DID NOT LIKE about this movie:

• So Many CLICHES!! Almost one or six too many to forgive.
• The plot is pretty thin. Could have maybe spent a little more time fleshing out the story and plan and it may have fared a little better.

On a more personal note..... It was another pretty good day for me! I had two friends birthdays that were today, Ami and Ryan.  Unfortunately for Ryan, he wasn't here to enjoy the cupcakes that I made, but Ami came over and had some with me! I drew a guitar. I made some Roasted Teriyaki Duck and Feta Quesadillas, played with three of the four cats... So good day!

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

GENERAL INFORMATION

Release Info: 5 Feb 2016

Director: X
Writer: XX
Running Time: 1 Hour and 47 Minutes

Staring:  Lily James, Sam Riley, Jack Huston

Rating? PG-13

SPOILERS? Not really!

REVIEWS

IMDB: 5.9 of 10     
MY RATING: 7

STORYLINE

Five sisters in 19th century England must cope with the pressures to marry while protecting themselves from a growing population of zombies.

MY REVIEW

This movie did not let me down! This was a birthday present to myself. I decided that since I was off, I would go enjoy a movie-- ALONE! If you go into this with the knowledge that this will NOT be Gone with the Wind or some other classical great, you'll be fine. Seriously, Pride and Prejudice was a go-to for me when I was a teenager. Love this book. Then Pride and Prejudice AND Zombies happened to my life!

What I DID LIKE about this movie:

• Plot and Storytelling- There was so much more to the movie with excellent storytelling and a very well-developed plot that was just different enough from the book to keep you entertained.
• Production quality of the costuming and set design was amazing for a movie like this. Excellent attention to detail with the wardrobe and I have to give credit to the vocal coach who helped this cast get prepared for this!

What I DID NOT LIKE about this movie:

• There were definitely parts that I had to shake my head at that were very near the line for me with over the top drama and ridiculousness, but those were not NEARLY enough to make me feel that I had not gotten my money's worth!

On a more personal note..... Since yesterday was my birthday, I have two new gifts to show!~ Terry installed a tv in the kitchen so I could watch NETFLIX while I am cooking! He also bought a pressure cooker for me! Looking forward to some great things coming out of this guy! Finally, Baby Dexter Morgan hung out with me on the couch! Live this boy!! 

Trainwreck

GENERAL INFORMATION
Release Info: 17 July 2015
Running Time: 125 Minutes
Staring:  Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larsen, Collin Quinn, John Cena, Dave Attell, Vanessa Bayer, Tilda Swinton, Mike Birbiglia, LeBron James, Matthew Broderick, Chris Evert, Marv Albert, Leslie Jones and more.....
Rating? R
SPOILERS? YES

REVIEWS
IMDB: 7.1 of 10
Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 85% Audience: 80%
MY RATING: 3 of 10

STORYLINE
Having through monogamy was not in the cards, a commitment-phobic career woman may have to face her fears when she meets a good guy.

MY REVIEW:
To put it short and sweet. I thought Trainwreck was almost a train wreck itself. I am a big Amy Schumer fan and I really wanted to like this movie. It came out of the gate strong with Collin Quinn playing the lecherous Dad of Amy {Amy Schumer} and Kim {Brie Larsen}. So, we skip to the future where Kim has taken the normal path of adulthood.. married to Tom {Mike Birbiglia} with a stepson and a baby on the way. Amy has taken the path of her father, who is now stricken with Alzheimer's and in a retirement home. Amy is seen with a string of one-night-stands and all-night binge parties.

This was not the movie that the trailers said it would be at all.

The jokes were overdone and for anyone who's familiar with Amy Schemers work will be all too familiar with these jokes that are ever present in the movie. One after another. I found myself rolling my eyes at the over use.

Amy's long term boyfriend with homosexual tendencies is played by John Cena. Pretty painful as cameos go.

Then we get to meet Bill Hader who plays Dr. Aaron something or-other.

This movie went down-hill on skis pretty fast for me. I think they tried to fit all ALL the EMOTIONS into one 30 minute stretch. It was a love story, comedy, partly porn, and a hundred other things. I just didn't connect at all with anything.  All in all. Just a passable movie.

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Here's me GOING to see Trainwreck... At least I looked cute!

Safe Haven

GENERAL INFORMATION
Release Info: 14 Feb 2013
Running Time: 115 Minutes
Staring:  Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, Cobie Smulders
Rating? PG-13
SPOILERS? NO

REVIEWS
IMDB: 6.7 of 10
Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 12% Audience: 67%
MY RATING: 5

MY REVIEW:
Yep, I did see this one. I was a little surprised myself. Kyra made me!

It was not horrible, but definitely not in my wheelhouse. A little too much on the attempts to pull a the heartstrings.

Typical for a romance. Good Boy meets Mysterious girl. Girl has a past brought with a dangerous bad guy. Bad Guy comes looking for girl. Girl falls for the good boy. Bad guy arrives and stirs up a butt load of stuff. Girl and Boy live happily ever after. YUCK!

Safety Not Guaranteed

GENERAL INFORMATION
Release Info: 10 Mar 2012
Running Time: 86 Minutes
Staring:  Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson
Rating? R
SPOILERS? NO

REVIEWS
IMDB: 7.0 of 10
Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 90% Audience: 80%
MY RATING: 8

STORYLINE
Three magazine employees head out on an assignment to interview a guy who placed a classified ad seeking a companion for time travel.

MY REVIEW:
My interest was piqued at the idea of a movie in the genre of time travel. I'm a huge H. G. Wells fan so the idea has always fascinated me. This movie made the serious pieces and the funny bits all fit together in a manner befitting the genre.

This was definitely not the traditional time-travel sci-fi type film that one may find. Not typical is a VERY good way! It's complex and interesting and the lengthy narratives build and build the developing characters before your eyes. Each one is so complete that it makes it so easy as the watcher to become engrossed and invested in them as the  hour and  a half whips by!

Loved it. Definite find this movie and watch!!

Pitch Perfect

GENERAL INFORMATION
Release Info: 5 Oct 2012
Running Time: 112 Minutes
Staring:  Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson
Rating? R
SPOILERS? NO

REVIEWS
IMDB: 7.3 of 10
Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 81% Audience: 83%
MY RATING: 8

STORYLINE
Beca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining the Bellas, her school's all-girl a cappella group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, the Bellas take on their male rivals in a competition.

MY REVIEW:
You know, I watched this movie because someone else wanted to see it, not Terry. If you fall into one of the following criteria, you will love this movie. I loved it and plan on watching this multiple more times when it is on Netflix.

1. A Girl between the ages of 10 and 60.
2. An a cappella nerd from high school or college
3. Watched and enjoyed Glee.

Ted

GENERAL INFORMATION
Release Info: 29 June 2012
Running Time: 106 Minutes
Staring:  Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis
Rating? R
SPOILERS? YES

REVIEWS
IMDB: 7 of 10
Rotten Tomatoes: Critics: 67% Audience: 74%
MY RATING: 6

MY REVIEW:
I didn't hate this movie. I can't say that it was overly impressive either. It seemed more hype that containing actual substance. It was a pretty generic Romantic Comedy except for the bumbling best friend being played by Seth Rogan, it was played by a teddy Bear.
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Yes, there were some decent laughs and while they weren't exactly the absurdly funny or unique, they were funny. I did manage to watch the whole thing.

While it was predictable, it could have definitely used some more mature pieces for a rated R movie. Overall, it was good, not great.

Bridesmaids

GENERAL INFORMATION
Release Info: 13 May 2011
Running Time: 125 Minutes
Staring:  Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne
Rating? R
SPOILERS? NO

REVIEWS
IMDB: 6.8 of 10
MY RATING: 3 ot 10

STORYLINE
Competition between the maid of honor and a bridesmaid, over who is the bride's best friend, threatens to upend the line of an out of work pastry chef.

MY REVIEW:
I wanted this movie to be funny. I really did. I love Kristen Wiig and I so wanted to like this movie, but it left me disappointed and a little over the senseless over the top disgusting jokes. This was the supposed female equivalent to the Hangover. No thanks!

There were some genuine funny moments but the story line seemed one-dimensional and over-done. I didn't connect with any of the characters. So, basically, I was not amused most of the time.

The Adjustment Bureau

GENERAL INFORMATION
Release Info: 4 March 2011
Running Time: 106 Minutes
Staring:  Matt Damon, Emily Blunt,  etc
Rating? PG-13
SPOILERS? YES

REVIEWS
IMDB: 7.1 of 10
MY RATING: 7

STORYLINE
The affair between a politician and a ballerina is effected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart.

MY REVIEW:
I actually enjoyed the fun and farcical romp about the ideal of love in a uncontrollable world. I rather liked the idea of the Bureau that watches over the humans on the planet to guide their lives. As an atheist, this still doesn't make sense, but at least there were no angels in white!

In the middle of all of this is David Norris {Matt Damon} who encounters a kind of slip. Helping him along the way is a girl he meets by accident, twice. Elise. {Emily Blunt} What was confusing were the supposed rules that get explained a few times, but still just don't make sense to me. The Bureau, which may I point out are ONLY MEN seem to have unlimited powers.

It did take a little extra for me to suspend disbelief and go with the flow.  This movie does make you think about the idea of possibilities for your own life. Great on-screen chemistry with Damon and Blunt.