Snapshots

Brief comments on film by Amy.
Some old, some new.  Domestic films and foreign too.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two — This movie was definitely the highlight of my film-viewing experience this summer. Bailey and I went to see it at 12:07 a.m. on opening day. The energy in the theater was amazing despite the fact that we weren’t in costume. The film itself, however, was amazing. Rare is the adaptation which only adds to your appreciate for the book, but I walked out with one phrase resounding in my head “J.K. Rowling is a freakin’ genius!” The filmmakers did a wonderful job changing things enough as to keep it interesting without losing the heart of the story. Brilliant!

The Dilemma — I went into this one a bit skeptical but on the recommendation of a fellow church member and a love for Vince Vaughn’s hometown humor, I gave it a shot. It wasn’t great but it wasn’t bad either. Casting is huge for me and I thought Kevin James, while a funny guy, was a bit off. Winona Ryder was way off as James’ wife. I love that Vaughn attempts to mix humor with bigger issues in a way that doesn’t detract from or trivialize the issues at hand. This was a poor man’s Couples Retreat but definitely worth the Redbox rental.

Charlie St. Cloud — I have never watched High School Musical all the way through so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Zac Efron. He seems to be the rare exception among young actors in that he can actually act. Despite knowing much of the premise going in, this movie touched me and even had the kids tearing up as I retold the G-rated version on a long car ride to the pool. I wanted to give Efron’s love interest a sandwich, as she appeared so emaciated and kept wondering where Kim Basinger (who plays his mother) had wandered off to after the opening scene of the film. Otherwise, a really good flick.

Pacific — We are back it with our seemingly unquenchable thirst for WWII films. I have only watched the first episode of this companion to Band of Brothers, but so far it reminds me a bit of the Baldwin brothers:  Sure Billy is ugly but you can’t stop yourself from comparing him to Alec (the young Alec who wasn’t overweight and in need of anger management counseling). While Band of Brothers was patient and meticulous in its character development, this feels more rushed and heavy handed. Not bad enough to keep me from watching the next episode, but I am not willing to make it through the entire series, especially with Masterpiece Theater starting up again soon.

Honorable Mentions — “What Would You Do?”:  Can’t stop watching it! Completely addicted and without any desire to kick the habit. “Masterpiece Theater Mystery: Zen”: It’s set in Italy and everyone speaks in English accents. What’s not to love? Could do without the adultery, but it is Italy after all.