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(500) Days of Summer - PG-13
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This movie was definitely high above the hype clouds, but it was actually a sweet movie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt played the shy, goofy, confused-looking guy that he always does, but he was palpable enough. Zoey Deschanel steals the movie with all her wry little lines on the truth about life and relationships. This is not an all-out comedy, it's a dramedy with a lot of thought behind it. 500 Days of Summer still manages to be light, fluffy, and enjoyable with an interesting non-chronological storytelling structure. I'd see it again, but I would re-label it as one of 2009's best dramedies.
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December 30, 2009
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N/A
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Avatar - PG-13
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Although this movie reminded me of familiar themes, like those touched upon in Ferngully, Battle For Terra, and District 9, it's one of the most beautifully executed films of this year. The research alone that must have gone into bioluminescent life in order to create the world on Pandora is apparent in every moment of the film. The belief system of the Na'vi and their place in the eco-system of Pandora definitely echoes Native America and South American cultures, and seem to be a distinct homage to those cultures. The storyline may not feel original, but the way the story is told is epic. Plus, I'm appreciative that no character seems safe in this movie, which raises the stakes more than other Hollywood movies. This is a gorgeous movie worth seeing IMAX multiple times!
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December 25, 2009
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N/A
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Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel - PG
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December 19, 2009
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N/A
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Did You Hear About the Morgans? - PG-13
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December 19, 2009
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N/A
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Sherlock Holmes - PG-13
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December 19, 2009
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N/A
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The Princess and the Frog - G
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Even though this movie was over-hyped to the point of over-saturation, but this is actually a strong Disney animated offering. Tiana is a strong, working girl with dreams and goals, and Prince Naveen is a self-centered golden boy. One of the sweetest moments in the film came when both characters change and grow as people. The supporting cast was very cartoony but sweet, especially Raymond the fly and his unrequited love for Evangeline. There were a lot of songs one after the other, but I only would have cut "When We're Human" and the Ne-Yo song from the credits. The villain. Dr. Facilier was awesomely evil and masterfully voiced by Keith David. His shadow minions added an extra note of mystery and creepiness to Dr. Facilier's scenes. Give this sweet, funny movie a chance and it won't disappoint.
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December 13, 2009
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N/A
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Repo! The Genetic Opera - R
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This story is a dark, operatic drama with Gothic flair and Sarah Brightman! Every word is sung, and every word is important. Plus, Anthony Stewart Head tore at my heart with his portrayal of a guy stuck in a bloody terrible job working for a man he loathes. For anyone into the dramatic and tragic, this is definitely a must-see.
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November 21, 2009
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N/A
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The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day - R
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November 21, 2009
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N/A
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Up - PG
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The first 25 minutes of this movie for me was a weeping fest. I couldn't possibly keep it together as I watched the story of Mr. Fredricksen and his one true love unfold, which leads up to why the guy is a sour, old man. It's just so sad! But then the feelings behind Mr. Fredricksen's adventure to relocate the house he bought for his late wife, made the film extra special. There's also some great comedic writing for the talking dogs and interactions between Mr. Fredricksen and the kid, Russell. Pixar continues it streak of awesome with Up, although I think WALL-E set the bar higher in terms of storytelling than Up could reach. Stil, Up is an enduring story in its own right.
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November 21, 2009
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N/A
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Michael Jackson's This Is It - PG
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As a Michael Jackson fan since I was a little kid, it wasn't hard for me to like this presentation of what became Jackson's final performance. Just seeing the talent of, not only Jackson, but his dancers and other collaborators was intensely captivating. Orianthe, one of the two guitarists on stage with Michael, is a huge talent in her own right. Seeing all the hard work unfold and Michael's need to deliver something near perfect to his fans. His sensitive ear for all kinds of music and sheer talent for performance was apparent. Whenever Michael said that it was all with love or for love, I believed him.
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November 21, 2009
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N/A
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Cheri - R
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November 18, 2009
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N/A
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Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day - PG-13
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Frances McDormand is the unfortunate, yet classy and kind Miss Pettigrew who finds herself in the middle of Delysia's (Amy Adams) whirlwind life of love affairs, lingerie, and London night clubs. Miss Pettigrew is jobless and only has the clothes on her back to her name, but she helps fish Delysia out of the crystal goblets of bubbly in time to realize that Michael (Lee Pace) is the man that loves her for who she is, Sarah Grubb, a steel-worker's daughter. This movie is French farce all the way but charmingly done and the characters human at the core, all searching for what's right in front of them. Watch Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day for a pick-me-up, feel-good time! And all the awesome Big Band music and Cole Porter covers don't hurt to lighten the mood either.
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November 18, 2009
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N/A
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Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant - PG-13
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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Zombieland - R
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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Amelia - PG
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked) - R
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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Where the Wild Things Are - PG
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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The Box - PG-13
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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Paranormal Activity - R
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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Nothing Like the Holidays - PG-13
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 - R
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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The Ugly Truth - R
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra - PG-13
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (Ice Age 3) - PG
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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Dial M for Murder - PG
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November 16, 2009
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N/A
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1071 ratings
316 reviews
