Hanna

Title: Hanna
Directed by: Joe Wright
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett
Brief Description: A rogue CIA agent and his very special daughter resurface after nearly a decade in hiding.
My Rating: 4 out of 5

What is "Hanna" about? Well, a rogue CIA agent, Bana, is in hiding with his very blonde and slightly creepy daughter, Ronan. They are hiding from the Agency and an agent named Marissa, Blanchett, for reasons unknown. Bana trains his daughter to be the ultimate spy. She can blend in, fight to the death (and win), and has memorized an entire encyclopedia. She's also barely a teenager. Father and daughter have a plan to kill Marissa (again the reason is unknown) and one day they decide to resurface. Why they do this, I don't know. Seems to me they could have moved to any city in the world and they never would have been found. But, that's beside the point. Once they resurface, the chase is on!

And that's really what this movie is. A great big chase scene. Ronan is chased across two continents, by some sketchy looking dudes. Bana is chased through some scenery by some suit wearing dudes. There are some fight scenes. There aren't, however, any car chases or explosions, so one might call this an intellectual film.

If you detect a note sarcasm in my writing it's because I'm frustrated by this movie. Don't get me wrong, it was an interesting movie, and I adore Joe Wright, but I just don't get the point of the plot! And that frustrates me to no end! I don't get why it was so important to kill the father and the daughter from Marissa's point of view. And I don't get why it was so important to kill Marissa from the father and daughters point of view. Was it revenge? Was it supposed to be a preemptive thing? I mean, Marissa didn't even know they were still alive until THEY ANNOUNCED IT TO THE WORLD! By that logic, they could have stayed hidden, in any city in the world, and lived happy, normal lives, which one assumes was what they wanted.

I mentioned before that I adore the director, Joe Wright. He always makes beautiful, layered movies and this one is no exception. There was something off and dark about the main character, Hanna, and Wright brought that to many aspects of the movie as well. You could sense it in the locations he chose to film in, what little tid-bits we were given about other characters, and even in the costume choices. Everything was just a little off, a little dark. A recurring theme throughout the movie was that of the Grimm's fairytales. If you've ever read the original Grimm's tales you'll know that they are fantastical and yet quite dark. For example, in Cinderella, the step-sisters cut off their own toes and heels to try and fit their feet into the glass slipper. This movie had that same Grimm fairytale-like feel. It was fantastical, mythical, and slightly dark.

At the end of the day, Hanna is an interesting movie. There is some great acting on Ronan's part and some beautiful film-making on Wright's. You may or may not have the same problems with it that I did, but if you look at it objectively you just can't deny it's artistry. I recommend it for it's many layers. You can enjoy it's surface (the action), but you can also delve a little deeper if you wish and enjoy the many layers Wright has built into it.

Scre4m

Title: Scre4m
Directed by: Wes Craven
Principle Actors: Neve Campbell, Emma Roberts, David Arquette, Courtneney Cox, Hayden Panettiere
Brief Description: Sidney Prescott returns to Woodsboro on the ten year anniversary of the original murders. People suddenly start dying gruesome deaths at the hands of a new Ghostface killer.
My Rating: 3 out of 5

If you've seen any of the previous Scream movies, then you've seen this one. There's really not much to review in terms of the meat of the movie. The choice of killer is slightly different, but not surprising (and their reasoning behind the murders isn't a shock either). Nobody dies in any new or interesting ways. You don't really care that any of the characters get the ax.

What I loved about it was the intro. Or intro's. False beginnings really. Those were fun. The second false start had Anna Paquin and Kristen Bell, and I must say that that was the most entertaining portion of the movie. It had the best dialogue and the most fun characters. The second most entertaining part of the movie would be Hayden Panettiere's haircut. I spent the entire movie starring at it, wondering if it'd look good on me, how traumatic it might have been to cut it, and how badass it made her look. Out of all the characters in the actual movie, her's was my favorite. She had some good lines (at least better than the others) and had more of an attitude than the vanilla personalities of the other characters. I bet it was a fun character to play.

At any rate, this wasn't an original. Nothing new, nothing exciting, nothing interesting except the false starts and an interesting haircut. All in all, it's skippable, unless you grew up with the franchise (like me) and want to see it for old times sake.

For anyone that's curious about the haircut:

(in Scre4m costume)

Best Chick Flicks

Little Women (1994): Directed by Gillian Armstrong; Starring: Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Christian Bale, Susan Sarandon

Classic tale of family and love. Chicks dig it because we can all relate to the issues of family, growing up, and finding love.

Nine to Five (1980): Directed by Colin Higgins; Starring: Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton

Three women take care of their boss, and not in the porny way he wishes. Chicks dig this movie because its all about girl power, and one-upping the jack asses that look down on us. It's empowering and funny.

Sabrina (1954): Directed by Billy Wilder; Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden

The daughter of a family servant goes to Paris, grows up and returns home to her secret crush, the youngest son of the wealthy family her father works for. Chicks dig this because it stars two of the biggest icons of the era, Bogart and Hepburn. One is the epitome of a man, the other of a lady. It's a great romance and very stylish (Hepburn's gown is iconic in and of itself).

The Truth About Cats and Dogs: Directed by Michael Lehmann; Starring Uma Thurman, Janeane Garofalo, Ben Chaplin

A vet and radio show host falls for a guy on air and then asks her beautiful friend to pretend to be her when he wants to meet. Chicks dig it because it's cute, funny and deals with stuff we go through every day.

Thelma and Louise: Directed by Ridley Scott; Starring Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis

Two women, both victims of men, go on a road trip and end up outlaws. Chicks dig it because, once again, the women rise up against the men that held them down. It also explores the incredible bond between women, which we all relate to.

Breakfast at Tiffany's: Directed by Blake Edwards; Starring Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard

Another tale of female empowerment. Holly Golightly lives how she wants, consequences and others be damned. Of course, she also falls in love despite her better judgment. Chicks love this because its another stylish Hepburn classic. A consumate lady with style that can make others do what she wants. All us girls secretly wish we were Holly Golightly and/or Audrey Hepburn.

Pretty Woman: Directed by Garry marshall; Starring Richard Gere, Julia Roberts

Hooker with a heart of gold meets a wealthy john and they fall in love. I have to admit, I don't really like this movie. But, most chicks love it because it's a modern Cinderella story. Women love to be rescued and this is that in spades.

EverAfter: Directed by Andy Tennant; Starring Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Houston, Dougray Scott

The "true" story of Cinderella. And that's why chicks love it. The costumes are beautiful, Barrymore is everywoman, and Scott is a perfect Prince Charming. And that's it in a nutshell.

Bridget Jones's Diary: Directed by Sharon Maguire; Starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant

A modern day Pride and Prejudice, although Ms. Jones really is not an Elizabeth. She's goofy, puts her foot in her mouth on more than one occasion, and can't really seem to stop embarasing herself. Chicks love it because we've all been there and felt that way. Plus, you've got Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, both of whom are rom-com standards.

Bend It Like Beckham: Directed by Gurinder Chadha; Starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightly, Johnathan Rhys Meyers

Two girls bond over soccer, fall for the same guy, and have to learn to put their friendship above everything else. Girls love this because it is exuberant in it's joy for life, friendship and love. It's got the parents to rebel against and love. It's got the friendship that can, ultimately, withstand anything. And it's got the beginnings of a romance that put butterflies in your tummy. Smart, witty, and joyful, everyone would love this movie.

Gone With The Wind: Directed by Victor Fleming; Starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh

A classic Civil War costume drama. Chicks dig it because it is an epic, costume filled drama about one woman's strength, perseverence, and seriously challenged romantic life. On one hand you've got the classic fire-cracker dame that we all wish we could be. On the other hand there's the classic rouge with a good heart that every woman wants. Ah, Clark Gable, a timeless man for every woman.

Hitch: Directed by Andy Tennant; Starring Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta

Your standard rom-com, with one dude trying to teach another how to get the girl of his dreams, while simultaneously trying to woo his own girl. Cute hijinks ensue. Chicks dig it because Will Smith is adorable, approachable and still handsome and manly. Kevin James adds a dorkiness that shows just what a guy goes through when it comes to asking a girl out, and we love that.

Sweet Home Alabama: Directed by Andy Tennant; Starring Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey

A girl tries to escape her poor origins by becoming a big city fashion designer. She falls in love with a sophisticated politicians son and has to return home to get a divorce from her rough but lovable husband. Chicks dig it because it's about the destiny of love. Plus, Witherspoon is adorable and portrays what every woman feels: We all wish we could be someone else, but you can never run away from who you really are.

Legally Blonde: Directed by Robert Luketic; Starring Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Victor Garber

A woman overcomes stereotypes to prove that she is worthy of her former boyfriends love, while simultaneously coming to realize that she is capable of much more. Chicks dig it because it shows that we really are more than we seem. Plus it's pure girly fluff and we love a good cotton candy piece.

The Notebook: Directed by Nick Vassavetes; Starring Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling

Pure romance and heartbreak. I dare anyone to watch it and not cry. Chicks love it because it's about true, ever lasting love. We all wish it would happen to us. Movies like this give us hope and keep us going. It's also a costume drama, set in World War II era, and we all love good costumes.

The Devil Wears Prada: Directed by David Frankel; Starring Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci

Set in the world of high fashion, a nerdy girl gets a dream job as assistant to one of the scariest women in publishing. Chicks love it because it's got four things: great clothes, strong women, romance, and Meryl Streep. You really can't do better than that.

The Bodyguard: Directed by Mick Jackson; Starring Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston

A pop star at the top of her game is having her life threatened by a stalker so she hires a former Secret Service agent to amp up security and protect her until the threat is resolved. Chicks love it because a humble man comes to the heroines rescue and they fall in love. Every woman has a fantasy like that, and those that say they don't are totally lying. It's the romance in the face of danger, the great music, and the cuteness of Kevin Costner we love.

Romy and Michele's High School Reunion: Directed by David Mirkin; Starring Mira Sorvina, Lisa Kudrow, Janeane Garofalo, Alan Cumming

Two lifelong best friends go to their high school reunion. Hijinks ensue. Chicks love it because it's about the bond between friends and the silliness we get into with each other. Dudes won't be able to appreciate this movie.

Dirty Dancing: Directed by Emile Ardolino; Starring Patrick Swayze,Jennifer Grey
A girl and her family spend their summer vacation at a friends resort. While there Baby meets and falls in love with a dancer. Chicks love this one because 1) dancing, 2) Swayze dancing, 3) forbidden romance.

Mean Girls: Directed by Mark Waters; Starring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert, Amanda Seyfried, Tina Fey
The new girl in school gets adopted into the It Group (The Plastics) and struggles to not only bring them down, but to also maintain her identity. Chicks dig this because we lived through it. High school can be a bitch, and this movie embodies that. Plus it teaches the bad girls the lesson we wish our high school popular girls could have learned.

Ghost: Directed by Jerry Zucker; Starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg
A guy dies and comes back as a ghost to protect his girlfriend. Chicks dig it because, well, Swayze. It's also romantic. I mean, does anyone *not* know the iconic pottery wheel scene?

April Releases

New This Month!

Arthur: Directed by Jason Winer; Starring Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner

Russell Brand stars as a spoiled heir who rebels against his family's plans for his future (which includes marrying Jennifer Garner, who seems to be a crazy lady here) and is subsequently cut off financially. Helen Mirren plays his nanny and also serves as a nurturing mother figure. I honestly had no idea Garner was in it until I watched the extended trailer on imdb.com. She just might be a scene stealer here. I don't think Helen Mirren is known for her comedic skills, but then again, I think her role in this film is to lend it a bit of seriousness and heart. Otherwise it would just be a farce and might not have much depth. All in all, I do actually want to see this one, even though I'm not a big Russell Brand fan. I have a feeling that it will be a sweet comedy and coming of age story, albeit the one coming of age is well into his 30's. I think it'll be funny, endearing, and sweet. My guess: 3.5 out of 5

Apollo 18: Directed by Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego; Starring unknown (not listed)

This is another "found footage" type of movie. It supposedly shows why there were no more missions to the moon. Basically, two astronauts are on the moon and they begin to see things out of the corners of their eye. Things start moving of their own accord. They find footprints that don't belong to them. And of course they must investigate. This is, after all, a horror movie. According to the trailer I watched, one of the astronauts contracts a disease or is bitten or scratched or something, by something, and begins to fall apart. The other astronaut must then fight for his life. In a tiny shuttle. On the moon. Do I think it will be scary? Well, most horror movies are scary, so yes. Do I think it will be original and memorable. No. But still, another addition to the horror genre. And of course I'll go see it because I'm a sucker for movies that go "BOO!" in the dark and quiet. My guess: 2.5-3 out of 5

*Just a side note: My original notes say that this was supposed to come out this month, but now I'm hearing that it's not for another six months or so? I don't know. If it isn't released this month, I'll just post again for the month that it is supposed to come out.

The Conspirator: Directed by Robert Redford; Starring James McAvoy, Evan Rachel Wood, Alexis Bledel, Robin Wright, Justin Long

I saw the trailer for this once about a month ago in theaters. It was long and dull. I honestly can't bring myself to watch it again to refresh my memory. The basic story is this: Lincoln gets shot and everyone connected to the killer is put on trial. This includes a woman (Wright, I believe). McAvoy plays a lawyer (not sure for which side) who is distressed at having a woman barely connected to the plot being persecuted. I'm of mixed emotions about this movie. I don't want to go see it because the trailer was so yawn-worthy, but I'm interested because I believe James McAvoy to be a very talented actor. I think he could possibly make it onto my Legends List  (Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, and Meryl Streep are all on it, just to name a few). I probably won't go see this one in theaters. $9 is a lot to pay to see something you don't really want to see in the first place. If you want to view the trailer for yourself, it's on imdb.com under the title page. My guess: 3 out of 5

Hanna: Directed by Joe Wright; Starring Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett

There's something off about the girl. Something.... medically perhaps? It's hinted at in the trailer. Perhaps she was "created" by Blanchett's character and Bana, feeling sorry for the child, stole her away to keep her safe. I don't know. I'm sure that the twist at the end will reveal all and devastate poor, creepy Hanna. And she is creepy. Just watch the trailer. Anyway, this one seems to be a thriller, action, spy flick. I adore Cate Blanchett. She always makes the most interesting choices, and they are almost all watchable and enjoyable. I am turned off by the main character, Hanna, though, so I'm debating on whether or not to catch this one in theaters. Blanchett just might reel me in though, so we'll see. I predict this one will be a 3.5 or a 4 out of 5.

*Side note: Joe Wright is the guy that directed Atonement and Pride & Prejudice. He is, stylistically, one of my favorite directors, so he's another reason I think this movie could possibly be good. That he looks a bit like Clive Owen doesn't hurt either.

Hop: Directed by Tim Hill; Starring Russell Brand, James Marsden

The next bunny in line to be the Easter Bunny doesn't want the job. He wants to be a rock star. Hijinks ensue when he runs away to L.A. to become a star. It looks like a good kids movie, but it doesn't really appeal to me. It looks like it uses some cheap gags (poo-candy) and a bit of overacting. Both of which, I'm kind of over. My guess: 2.5 out of 5

Prom: Directed by Joe Nussbaum; Starring a bunch of actors and actresses no one has ever heard of

It's about Prom. Getting ready for it, asking people to it, finding the dress or tux, getting the flower and the limo, and other teen angsty stuff associated with this particular rite of passage. I'll pass thank you. NEXT!

Rio: Directed by Carlos Saldanha; Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Wanda Sykes, Jane Lynch, Jamie Foxx, Will.I.Am

This one looks cute. Blu, the main bird, can't fly. He falls for a lovely bird, Jewel, that can. They happen to be in Rio which is not Blu's home. He's been kidnapped and wants to go back to Minnesota. But, he's got to fly to do so. Hilarity ensues. It looks like it will have both adult and child humor so that gives it a big bonus in my book. And for the kiddies, it's not just a mindless cartoon. Even from the trailer I can tell it's about finding yourself, not being afraid to take risks; basically it teaches a lesson while entertaining. Now isn't that sweet? My guess: 3-3.5 out of 5

Scream 4: Directed by Wes Craven; Starring NEve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette

This newest installment is packed with names of the new generation: Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Kristen Bell, Anna Paquin, Lucy Hale. I'm excited for this one. I love the Scream franchise. It's cheap, guilty pleasure type thrills. They've become the standards in the Slasher genre. Heck, the original Scream reinvigorated the Slasher genre. So, yeah, original, no, but still a good cheap thrill that I will thoroughly enjoy in theaters for old times sake. My guess: 3 out of 5

Source Code: Directed by Duncan Jones; Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan

A soldier is sent back in time for eight minute increments in order to figure out who bombed a commuter train. He also apparently falls in love with a girl that was on the train. I'm a little "meh" on this one. I know it's sci-fi-ish but come on. Eight minutes. To figure out who a bomber is? Isn't that why we have detectives and forensics? And Gyllenhaal's character adds saving a girl to his original mission. All in eight minutes? Sorry Mr. Jones, I'm not buying it. I'm sure it's an average movie, but even at this distance there are gaping holes in the plot. My guess 2 out 5

Water for Elephants: Directed by Francis Lawrence; Starring Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christopher Waltz

Water for Elephants is based on a best selling novel by the same name. I've never read the book (not my style), but I might after watching the trailer for the movie. A young man (Pattinson) loses his family and hits the road in search of work. He comes to rest at a circus, of which, Witherspoon is the star. She is also married to the head honcho, Waltz. Pattinson and Witherspoon begin an affair and drama ensues as Pattinson encourages her to leave for a better life. It looks incredibly stylish and beautifully filmed. It could be a good story, although it seems a little cliched. There is a reason the book has been such a best seller though and I'm not going to discredit it, especially when I haven't read it. I may skip this one and wait for it on Netflix since there are others that I want to see more than this one. For style alone I'd say this is probably going to be a 3.5 out of 5. 

Your Highness: Directed by David Gordon Green; Starring Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman

Good God Almighty I hate comedies like these. Really. I have no desire to see this. It looks incredibly shallow, stupid, and ultimately humorless. Come on Portman and Franco! You were both just nominated for OSCARS! Portman you WON an Oscar for one of the best acting jobs I've ever seen! I'm actually not surprised by Franco being in this. And after watching him at the Oscars, I seriously doubt he was sober at all while filming this. You'd almost have to be high to want to make a turd like this.

Insidious: Directed by James Wan; Starring Rose Byrne, Patrick Wilson

I've actually already seen this so I'll just review it here. As I've stated before, I'm a sucker for horror flicks that go "BOO!" in the dark and quiet. This movie has that in spades. So much so that it in fact becomes routine and not even scary by the end. It is creepy in the first two acts though, so I will give it that. The real insidiousness of this movie is the demon and his ear-worm of a theme song "Tiptoe Through The Tulips." I've had that song stuck in my head for days. And accompanying that song is a visual of a child demon dancing away like a crazy person. It's funny and scary at the same time. Anyway. I must say, I was disappointed by the ending. It was incredibly predictable. And I was disappointed by the director's decision to show the demon bad guy in full. Doesn't he know that it's what we can't see that's the scariest of all? That is, after all, why we are afraid of the dark. 2.5 out of 5.

Chris Evans As Captain America

Here are some new promo images of Evans as the Cap. I gotta say, I love the direction they went for the costume. I think his hairstyle really makes him look different...