Baggage Claim

Baggage Claim

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 9/20/13

Reviewed 9/27/13 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Cheryl

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

This light, cutesy story limits the audience to the gals, unless you play dumb and pretend you don't know it's a chick flick. It is a little cookie cutter, but I guess movie makes assume we will go see it anyway. Cheryl and I both liked it but thought the last few scenes at the airport made us laugh the hardest. They could have showed more of that.

Paula Patton (who reminds me of Jennifer Lopez) plays Montana Moore, a flighty flight attendant who has her pick, so to speak, with all the men she encounters while traveling. She lives in an apartment feeling pitifully lonely much of the time, except when her neighbor William (played by adorable Derek Luke) is around. William is there for his scattered brained neighbor way too much, making it easy for her to take advantage of him. But she has other things to be concerned with. She is closing in on 30 and feeling suddenly desperate, due to her college-age sister Sheree (Lauren London) who is now engaged. Their pushy mother can't resist the quips and undo pressure for Montana's destined singledom. With the help of her two scene-stealing flight attendant friends Sam (Adam Brody) and Gail (Jill Scott), she is mission-bound to find not just a man but a fiancé. In 30 days no less! The plan: find all of Montana's past travel boyfriends and nail one down. If you do go see Baggage Claim, you can see where this is headed pretty early on and I won't be spoiling too much by saying things turn out fine for Montana. If you do go, it may be a good idea to leave the guys at home.

QUIET Rating system: 2 ½ Js

Quality: JJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJ

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJJj

Kon Tiki

Kon Tiki

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 9/13/13

Reviewed 9/18/13 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary and Denny

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

Who would think a Norwegian movie about six men floating in a raft for over 4,000 miles would be riveting!? All of us thought it was just that. Gary and my dad both thought it was closer to a 4, and I really did think it was a splendor. With that said, some will think it's slowish and be bored to tears, so just be aware of the style before you go.

Pai Sverre Valheim stars as Thor Heyerdahl, the adventurer who spent 10 years (starting in the late 1930s) trying to prove his theory. He believed the Peruvians discovered Polynesia 1,500 years ago and not the Asians. Thor, along with his Norwegian wife, lived amongst the Polynesians. While there, Thor discovered evidence that the Peruvians floated in rafts, just using the current, all the way from Peru to Polynesia. Scientists and academia all thought it impossible, because they would be going against the natural current. Thor said it did occur this way, going from west to east. Fast forward to 1947 when the escapade begins. Thor puts together his crew and builds the sizable raft exactly as they would have 1,500 years ago.

Their insane trek took over 100 days at sea using only supplies and technology indicative of that time period. On one hand, you can appreciate Thor's appetite for adventure and his determination. On the contrary, why would he jeopardize so much leaving his wife and two young sons behind with this risky endeavor? The story ends after the group's 101 days at sea and you'll have see the results for yourself. As the credits roll, you discover where the crew lands in life after this remarkable phase. If this historic almost documentary style sounds appealing, go see Kon Tiki. The quality story, with great cinematography and surprisingly good acting, lends for a must-see movie.

QUIET Rating system: 3 ½ Js

1. Quality: JJJJ

2. Understood story:  JJJj

3. Interest: JJJj

4. Entertainment:  JJJj

5. Time:  JJJj

The Family

The Family

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 9/13/13

Reviewed 9/16/13 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

The genre of The Family is touted as action, but it's really an action movie with some dark comedy mixed in. Robert DeNiro (Fred Blake) and Michele Pfeiffer (Maggie Blake) can pull this off. You can't get much better than DeNiro doing drama and comedy (as he proved in Silver Linings Playbook)! Gary thought it was more like a 3 1/2, but I think he only woke up for the good parts.

The nutty and violent versed Manzoni family is on the run from the mob because Daddy "snitched" on the family. The mob family that is. As a result, they are forced to live a dull life in the witness protection program and go by the surname Blake. Transplanted to Southern France, they wreak havoc on another town that "has it coming" so to speak when they cross this group.

Teen son Warren Blake is played by John D'Leo who lends some sharp acting to the film. Seemingly weak Warren has his own unique way to discipline a classmate or two and he provides for some funny moments with all his planning and craftiness. Teaming up with her brother at school, the not as exciting Belle (Dianna Argon) is busy with her sights on another distracting project. Pfeiffer has her usual brilliant performance. She starts out strong as Maggie when she doesn't let the local grocery store bullies push her around. FBI Agent case worker Robert Lee Stansfield (Tommy Lee Jones) pops in and out checking on and duly chastising Fred for not keeping a low profile. Back in the States, the jailed mob boss wants revenge and has been searching for the family since they disappeared under FBI protection. A few misses doesn't deter the hit men from continuing the quest while under orders from the jailed leader. Finally stumbling upon the hiding family's whereabouts brings the mob to the sleepy village. A showdown between the Blakes and thugs allow the well-prepped kids to dominate. A few holes in the story don't tie things together and lend for a disappointing ending. Although it is a little awkward going from humor to violence to sentiment, The Family is still a worthy investment. Just don't take it too serious and you will find it entertaining enough.

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJJj

Time:  JJj

 

Austenland

Austenland

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 9/13/13

Reviewed 9/15/13 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Lara

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

Don't worry if you are drug to see this...no one you know will see you. Not a one in the theatre. Anyone who read the book or had the pleasure of seeing one of my favorite movies Pride and Prejudice knows Mr. Darcy. A fairly pleasurable story that has some cutesie moments. At 97 minutes, keeping it short gets the highest marks in the rating, so that may be an indication.

Mr. Darcy is the obsession of Jane (Keri Russell). Her friend is trying to convince her to take down the Pride and Prejudice memorabilia all over her apartment, as she will never find a real man with this fixation. Jane ignores her and plans a trip to England to a fantasy land called Austenland. Jane meets another guest who will be called Miss Elizabeth Charming played by the not-to-be-taken-so-seriously Jennifer Coolidge. The Austenland adventure begins by the few guests being transplanted into the estate of a Jane Austen novel and everyone else is actors. The story plays out but is controlled by the puppet master Mrs. Wattlesbrook (Jane Seymour). JJ Field portrays Mr. Henry Nobley, nephew of Mrs. Wattlesbrook. In the fantasy Henry is also supposed to be playing out the Mr. Darcy character. He is a pretty darn good Darcy. Sigh Sigh. It is so silly, but at the same time kind of grows on you. Jane initially can make distinctions between the fantasy and what's really going on. As time passes she is not so sure any more, or just pretty duped. This might leave the theatre soon, so if you want to see it get there soon. If you see any couples, feel sorry for the poor male soul.

QUIET Rating system: 2 1/2 Js

Quality: Jj

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJ

Entertainment:  JJ

Time:  JJJJ

The Ultimate Life

The Ultimate Life

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 9/6/13

Reviewed 9/10/13 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary

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

Following up to The Ultimate Gift, this film is another meaningful redemption story. The quality overall is subpar but that's okay, it doesn't have to be to appreciate this movie. While the first one was better, if you didn't see that one you can still follow along with ease.

Jason Stevens (Logan Bartholomew) is the grandson of billionaire Red Stevens (James Garner), who passed away leaving all his money to be managed by Jason. This makes for some unhappy greedy relatives which seems to mirror many real life stories. Three years later on the way to court, Jason needs some behavior modification. He is not making time for his giving and sacrificing girlfriend Alexia (Ali Hillis) who leaves town realizing there isn't much room in Jason's life for her.

This sends Jason into a panic and he seeks out Ted Hamilton (Bill Cobbs), confidante and long time lawyer of his late grandfather. Ted brings out Red's journal hoping Jason can learn more about Red and his past and of course some needed "lessons in life". The story recalls how Red was inspired by Andrew Carnegie from a young age to become rich. Red acquires his dreams, making his money in oil, marrying the girl of his dreams and while together having four children. He didn't let anything get in his way, to his regret later. After a tragedy hits Red, he is forced to rethink his values and pursuits, but is it too little too late? Well the way three of his four children turn out, it seems a little late. The takeaway - hard work pays off, but don't let your family and what's really important in life get in the way. While Red may have redeemed himself in the end, redemption is not always a tidy little package like in the movies. The Ultimate Life is a sweet film that is on par with made-for-TV quality. You can see this one at the cheapie theatre because it will probably head there soon. Or save it for home and you will be fine.

QUIET Rating system: 2 1/2 Js

Quality: Jj

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJ

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJJ