Admission

Admission

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids, MI 

Reviewed 3/24/13 at Celebration North Theatre in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary and Leigh

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

The movie was enjoyable but with anything titled comedy, I expect a lot of laughs. While this had some, it is more of a dramady than a comedy. Don't get me wrong, we liked the movie. Tina Fey and Paul Rudd were endearing in their respective roles as Portia Nathan and John Pressman.

College Admission Officer (AO) Portia Nathan has spent her entire career at Princeton. John Pressman is a dean at an agricultural charter school and takes special interest in mentoring a unique student Jeremiah (Nat Wolff). It is not hard to figure out what's next. John contacts Portia and seeks collaboration in getting Jeremiah (who doesn't have the credentials, but definitely the smarts) considered for admission. Also, Portia's boss played by Wallace Shawn is about to retire so all of the AOs are vying for the upcoming vacancy. To add to the pile, the newly single Portia, who split with snake boyfriend Mark (Micheal Sheen), is connecting with John and the genius Jeremiah. Beginning to sound complicated? Well, not really. But you do find yourself rooting for everything that goes against "the process."

Tina Fey is the star here. She is adorable, cute and delightful no matter what role she is in. While this flick is not the laugh out loud gut buster, it is sweet with some funny moments and even could stir a few tears. Go see Admission with this in mind and you will be gratified watching this charming movie.

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJ

Entertainment:  JJJj

Time:  JJj

Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids, MI 3/15/13

Reviewed 3/17/13 at Movieland Theatre in Carbondale, CO

with Gary

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

I am sorry we have another one where all of the funny moments were shown in the previews. They maybe left a few...just a few. Don't get me wrong, I am a big Steve Carell fan. He plays magician Burt Wonderstone partnering up with Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) and it does have some sweet moments, but just not the humor we see in the trailer. Then there is Jim Carrey, and he is just Jim Carrey, who plays Steve Gray Mind Rape - a cross between David Blaine and Jackass Johnny Knoxville.

Seeing a movie somewhere else is always an experience. Like buying tickets outside in winter destinations like Colorado! I always think this is a risky one, but as you can see there was no one to fight off in line.

We made our way to the popcorn counter and we are never too excited when they do the buttering and drinks. So we just went for the smalls and we were reminded again of how much we love our theatre back home.

Long time flamboyant partners Burt and Anton are kind of the Siegfried and Roy of magic in their long running show that has run its course after ten years.

Their casino boss (James Gandolfini) wants the pair to spruce up the failing show and they come up with a few tricks. While the scene in the "Hot Box" was one of the funnier ones, unfortunately it didn't last long enough for the laughs to continue. Burt's hero, and the reason he got into magic, is the infamous Rance Holloway played by the talented Alan Arkin. Rance is spending his last days in a retirement home and he would have been another one to integrate more to give the flick some zip. Burt Wonderstone strums along as the pair plays out a familiar story of parting ways then reuniting for the finale. When the magic stops, so does the movie - and I am disappointed to say that might be a good thing.

QUIET Rating system: 2 1/2 Js

Quality: JJ

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJ

Entertainment:  Jj

Time:  JJJ

Dead Man Down

Dead Man Down

Rated R and Released 3/8/13

Reviewed 3/13/13 at Celebration North Theatre in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary and Denny

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Darkness and sadness is meant to pluck at your emotions justifying the revenge that consumes the two main characters: Colin Farrell’s Victor, joined by another loner, Beatrice (Noomi Rapace). Gary, Dad and I all felt the predictable story was nothing new. It's worth seeing if you have exhausted all the other flicks or maybe better for On Demand.

There is a “rear view mirror” moment, suggesting someone witnesses something they were not supposed too. This allows these two peculiar birds to finally meet after staring at each other through the windows between their buildings. Beatrice seizes the opportunity to have a hold over Victor. They begin an awkward romance if you can call it that. Victor is by all accounts a small time mobster following a gang led by Alphonse (Terrence Howard). Although it doesn’t seem that Victor is with his band of criminal friends too much as he is pursuing other interests. Howard lends the most talent to the movie but unfortunately underutilized. While Alphonse is giving out orders strong arming the neighborhood, he mysteriously is getting terrorized himself interconnecting clearly throughout the storyline. This puzzle keeps your attention, not that is it is such a challenging mystery, but it sustains the plot well enough. Where the sadness comes in is that Beatrice was badly disfigured in an auto accident caused by an unscathed drunk driver. Plus, Victor’s dark secret of losing his family at the hand of some sinister thugs is too much to bear. The storyline and actors fall short in squeezing out much emotion in the stoic screenplay. It strums along as expected, but Dead Man Down demands more ignition to get the much needed spark going in this movie.

QUIET Rating system: 2 1/2Js

Quality: JJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJ

The Oz: Great and Powerful

The Oz: Great and Powerful

Rated PG and Released 3/8/13

Reviewed 3/8/13 at Celebration North Theatre in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary, Leigh, Brandon

2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Disney's version of the prequel to the Wizard of Oz stars James Franco as Oscar Diggs from Kansas. Hard to believe he was third choice behind Robert Downy Jr. and Johnny Depp. I was satisfied with him in the part as the Wizard over the other two, as I thought he added a little zip and humor. Gary said "no way" as he thought RDJr would have rocked it. But...I admit Franco doesn't save this sluggish flick. It is not quite exciting enough for the adults and maybe a snitch above the young kids, so it kind of sits in mediocreville. It's not charming either.

This is one of those rare opportunities Brandon joined us for a movie. He actually picked it over a couple others. He got caught up in the trailers and reviews. He gave it an "ok" which is about what the rest of us thought. Danelle and Aaron, while they didn't see it with us, gave it a 1J, but they are a tough crowd. That's what happens with the big blockbusters, seeing too many trailers and all the hype can get us unfairly roped in.

Early in the 1900s, Oscar Diggs is trying to escape the clutches of some fellow disgruntled circus workers that are in hot pursuit. Diggs hops in a hot air balloon and is thrilled to be caught up in a storm blowing him farther and farther away only to crash in the magical land of Oz. This begins the journey encountering his first witch, Theodora, played by the talented Mila Kunis, one of three witches. Diggs hooks up with a flying monkey sidekick that adds some amusement and a porcelain doll that he sentimentally glues back together. Thank goodness he had that glue with him! More to come as he gets to know the witches Evanora (Rachael Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), as the story is revealing the shift from good witch to wicked. The gullible people of Oz mistakenly believe Diggs is the legendary "Wizard" coming to save them from the clutches of evil. Don't worry; this isn't exorcism evil. It's not even mildly scary. The final showdown in the town square of Emerald City is probably the most worthwhile moment as the Wizard needs to maintain the guise of the savior. Nice subtle messages of "believing in yourself" and "faith in those doing great things" contribute to the conclusion. When the story finally gets to the Emerald Castle you can stop looking at your watch and be relieved to know the end is near...not the end of Oz, but the end of the movie!

QUIET Rating system: 2  Js

Quality: JJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJ

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  J

Jack the Giant Slayer

Jack the Giant Slayer

Rated PG-13 and Released 3/1/13

Reviewed 3/5/13 at Celebration North Theatre in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary, Mark and Karen

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

I like pleasant surprises and this one was easily that. An adaptation of the fairy tale, but not the sweet lighthearted family movie that the title should giveaway. Gary and I thought there was a hint of resemblance of Lord of the Rings but with battles and troll giants - not too much to offend the fans. Mark and Karen thought it was worth the extra $ for the 3D Imax and I agree. In this film, the effects of 3D were really noticeable.

As the story goes, Jack (Nicholas Hoult) trades away his horse in exchange for magic beans while at the kingdom's castle. Here, Jack encounters Princess Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson) and they both feel the spark. Although the audience can certainly sleep through this juvenile romance - yawn yawn. Jack is warned by the monk who does the trade with him about the dangers of the beans and then there is of course the legends of the giants waiting up in the clouds. When Jack returns to his farm his uncle hits the roof about the beans and they have it out while the little legumes get tossed about in the fray. Hitting the water, the magical gateway is opened and the snaky looking beanstalk emerges climbing into the heavens with house, Jack, and Isabelle on it. Isabelle's father, the king (Ian McShane), is waiting at the bottom of the stalk with his army as Jack wakes up after falling off the stalk. No Isabelle. A rescue team (including the humorous Stanley Tucci, and I must say the ageless Ewan McGregor) is sent up to recover the king's daughter from whatever lies at the top. Jack wastes no time in volunteering for the feat, but the princess has nothing to do with that impulse, right? The group does encounter a land of grotesque giants that will either make you turn away or you will be glued to the screen at the spectacle. A seemingly innocent adventure is met with battles, traitors, some silly story inserts that are out of place, and a special crown that causes a few "lead" changes.

Don't bring the young ones thinking you are seeing a fairy tale, but I applaud this clever adventure. The story does fade however, just when you think it's time to brush the mountain of popcorn off your lap, grab your coat and shoot for the exit...they stick you with an extra ten minutes. So sit tight and enjoy the first 105 minutes.

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJJJ

Entertainment:  JJJJ

Time:  JJJ

Amour

Amour

Rated PG-13 and Released 2/15/13

Reviewed 2/24/13 at Celebration North Theatre in Grand Rapids, MI

with Laura

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

This was up for Best Picture at the Academy Awards and I saw it the day of the awards, in order to accomplish getting in all the nominees before Sunday night. Why this was up for Best Picture, I am not sure. It did have some quality and sweetness to it, subtitles and all. The Academy always has to pick some quirky ones. It just wasn't the caliber of a Lincoln or Argo, and thank goodness my favorite movie that came out of 2012, Argo, won Best Picture. My sister-in-law appreciated it more than I did and gave it closer to a 3 1/2.

Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) and Anne (Emmanuelle Riva) are relishing their twilight years while living a quaint retired life in a Paris apartment. The couple are in their 80s and in the midst of their mundane life, Anne has some symptoms that eventually lead to a stroke. She makes her husband promise to never put her in a home, which he lovingly and wholeheartedly agrees. With his wife's health rapidly deteriorating, the living and care takes a toll on the slight Georges. However, he doesn't seem to begrudge this because he is keeping his promise. Their daughter Eve, played by Isabelle Huppert, visits a few times and is horrified witnessing the health of both of them decline. There is natural empathy we feel for the couple along along with their daughter on what is facing them, but Eve is adamant about changing the care-taking plan. Her father responds with, "what would you have me do? I promised her I would not put her in a home."

The scene for almost all of the movie is the apartment, inducing a melancholy feeling that intentionally leaves you with a pathetic feeling that lingers.

This story can squelch any dreams that we may have of a sweet restful retirement with our spouse. It could be looked at from the other perspective - after 60+ years together this is bound to happen and the endearing devotion and dedication shown is priceless. The frightening part is we begin to think that this is our parents now...or this could be the future...but when you see the ending, I certainly hope this will be none of us anytime soon!

QUIET Rating system: 2 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJj

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJ

Entertainment:  Jj

Time:  JJ