Rango (3.5)

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A lonely chameleon finds himself in the small, wild west town of Dirt. The town is in need of a sheriff, and more importantly, a hero.

This movie was not all I was hoping it would be. I've heard nothing but good things about this film and about how funny it was...I guess I missed the memo or something. It was a decent flick and I'm sure kids will love it, what with all the silly characters and bouts of action, but it just didn't do it for me.

Rango is a pretty funny looking character and he finds himself in a lot of strange situations but other than that he's just some lizard.

I was happily surprised by how much action there was in this movie. There were chases and gun fighting and hilarious escape/hero scenarios that were really well thought out. I suppose that was my favourite part about it; the action.

There were a few laugh out loud moments but they were one liners and I thought they were pretty forgettable parts. To be honest, I feel like this entire movie is sort of forgettable. It didn't suck, not at all, but when you put it up against movies like How to Train Your Dragon and Toy Story 3 it pales in comparison. It's entertaining and the story is good but even Legend of the Guardians had that extra touch of fantasy and imagination that gave the movie that extra boost of enjoyment.

I will say that I liked how they ran the story back around to be about the environment and what not, give the story more of a conscience, but they didn't really dive into it enough to make it worth while.

I'm sure people will completely disagree with me and say this movie was fun and hilarious and they thought the story was perfect and that isn't wrong but for me it wasn't enough to really make me care by the time the credits rolled.

I still heart you Johnny Depp. You make a good lizard.

3.5/5

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Penelope (4)

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A family curse is set upon an old blue blood family causing the first female heir to be born with a pig face. Enter Penelope. Her family hides her away from the world while trying to break the curse but the only way to do that is if one of her own kind (blue blood) excepts her for who she is until death do them part.

Who doesn't love Christina Ricci? I was so happy to see her in this role. She has been under the radar over the last while and it was great to see her in this not-s-blockbuster film. She was amazing as Penelope and I honestly don't know anyone else who could have done it like she did. Really awesome...she needs to do more movies again!

...I also want every single one of her outfits in this movie. Huge high five to the costume designer(s)! Beautiful, stunning costumes.

Hello James "Sexy" McAvoy. That infamous alias name is obvious what I call him but who else could play the slightly grimy yet all so dashing and charming love interest better than that foxy Scotsman? No one you say, well yes, I agree with you! Fantastic to see him in this supporting role. I like seeing James in supporting roles, like in The Last Station, because he doesn't steal the show but he is always memorable. He was great on screen with Ricci in this movie and I loved every scene they had together. Really cute.

This story isn't anything amazing but it has a more fairytale/fantasy feel to it that really adds another layer to the obvious romcom feel. That means that it's far more bearable yet still fluffy and heart clenching. It's also surprisingly hilarious. I mean, I really laugh while watching this movie.

Some obvious comical bonuses were Catherine O'Hara who is beyond amazing in this movie and Peter Dinklage who plays this reporter/spy guy and has some great scenes.

With the whole fairy tale story, comedy, characters and a great cast, I liked this movie way more than I thought I would. I mean, it's still corny at parts and the very ending is kind of lame but all-in-all I was entertained but also felt my heart ache a little. A great Sunday afternoon flick.

4/5

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Vertigo (4)

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The classic 1958 Hitchcock thriller about a detective suffering from acrophobia (fear of heights) who gets caught up in a mysterious case concerning a long-time friend's stunning wife and her possible possession by a previous ancestor.

Another film on the 100 Essential Films list that I found. Recently I watched and reviewed Metropolis and was happily satisfied with what I found and this movie is another one that I am not surprised to find on this essential list. The cinematography especially...there were so many shots that I have seen re-used and re-invented in almost every film I have ever seen. I suppose Hitchcock in general paved the way for thrillers and the suspense genre but this one especially was some really stunning shots.

The first half of this movie I thought moved really slowly. I didn't really get where the story was going but then the plot twist happened and it was almost like an entirely new movie began to unfold before my eyes. The suspense really doesn't start building until that point but then it builds and builds and builds and by that the time the last big scene rolls around you are entirely sucked into this amazing story. You keep wondering what he will do next and what she will say and where are they going...amazing script and fantastic directing. Really incredible movie. Like I said, it's an obvious choice for the 100 essential films list.

Hitchcock is a master and I'm sure by now, or at least I hope by now, you have seen at least one of his films. Regardless, this one should be watched. I liked it even better than Psycho because when the story turns it really turns.

I was surprised at some of the performances as well. Generally the acting is great but it's great for its times but this movie is timeless and I think the acting in it had a lot to do with that. James Stewart especially but Kim Novak was amazing opposite James.

This movie is less scary and more suspense. There are some crazy scenes as the movie gets closer to the end but other than that I would say this sticks to its genre. The first half is basically there to build the story and characters but it really warms up to the plot twist and from then on in it's an amazing ride.

Watch it.

4/5

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