movie challenge, march 17~21

A Movie That Disappointed You the Most

Such potential, such a good story line, amazing actors... and then it falls flat. The preview for Never Let Me Go (2010) had all the things that would excite me about a movie. A unique story, a love triangle, some of my favorite people to watch onscreen, a little bit of a period piece, from a Japanese source. But, since I wasn't able to watch it in theaters I built of even more anticipation for it. Once available, I watched it at home expecting to be blown away. And then I wasn't. It was interesting, then boring, then annoying, a little sad, and then over. *le sigh* I bet the book is better...

 



A Movie That You Wish More People Would've Seen
Like another movie I mentioned, The Prestige (2006) was not a movie I knew anything about, but was just the choice feature of the group outing that particular weekend. Magicians trying to one-up each other is the most basic way to explain this movie, but the way each character is forced to make sacrifice after sacrifice to improve his art made it much more interesting. Wives, lovers, and friends are forced to play a role in their twisted game (and if you remember my reasons for not liking Scarlett Johansson, yes, she is a home-wrecker in this one as well). The movie also has twists and turns all throughout that keep you guessing where the story will go. I say I wish more people would've have seen this, but I honestly don't even know how popular it was back when it came out. I just know I rarely hear people talk about this movie in any related conversations.

Favorite Movie Based On A Book/Comic/Etc.

I feel it's most accurate for me to choose the Harry Potter (2001-2011) series as movies I loved based on the books because I watched the first five movies before I started reading the books. Of course I heard about the books and movies as they were coming out, but at the time I didn't care about anything other than anime series (otaku alert). Anyways, the movies really brought the books to life which, in a series as fantastical as this, was amazing. Only after I read the books did I realize how much was left out, especially in the later movies. This upset many die-hard fans, but I wasn't upset so much about how scenes were executed, but about things left unexplained or that were confusing for the viewers who weren't readers (which was my experience watching the sixth one). The last two movies though were phenomenally adapted from page to screen in my humble opinion (HP fans, don't start with me!). Also, 8-disc blu-ray box set? Yes, please. [Update: the HP Wizards Collection, please and thanks.]

Favorite Movie From Your Favorite Actor/Actress

I love Emily Blunt. I think she is stunningly gorgeous, elegant, and really captivating in her performances. When I saw the preview for The Young Victoria (2009) I thought, Emily Blunt in a period film? (my favorite genre) Sign me up! I have one friend in particular that I drag with me to see movies I get overly excited about from the preview. Usually we're shaking our heads by the end of it, but this time we were holding each other screaming, "Noooo!!!" then "Awwww!!!!" and then "Noooo!!!" again. I think you have to be into period films to like this movie since it requires a bit of interest in history, the patience to comprehend and digest lots of dialogue. Not to mention an appreciation for some old fashioned romance. If this sounds like you, then you're in for a treat. 

 

Favorite Action Movie

I love the Fast and Furious (2001-2011) films (even if Tokyo Drift [2006] was meh). I'll freely admit that it's mostly because I've loved Vin Diesel ever since I saw him in Pitch Black (2000) (yes, in theaters). The other part is because there is an ongoing story between the characters and I just have to know what happens. These are both bonuses considering that they are great action films too. Fast cars, fist fights, hot make-out scenes, and explosions. What more can you ask for? If you haven't seen them, catch up! They're fun movies. On a side note, I found this photo of a box set, but will reserve buying such a set until I can confirm that there won't be a sixth one. And based on the end of the last movie, there had better be a sixth one. Who's with me? [Update: The sixth one is more than just happening; there's a release date! Omg, Letty!!!]