It's Complicated

It's Complicated was great! It is one of the movies that you can almost predict before even walking into the theatre, but let's be honest I don't pay $10 to test my mystery solving skills. With an A list cast, it was hard not to love and laugh throughout the entire movie.

This is a story about a divorced couple that seem to rekindle under old memories and lust, even after four children and ten years of being apart. Once realizing their mutual feelings, they decide to see where it will lead them. After secret encounters and weekend rendezvous, they are forced to figure out what everything really means.

Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin are hysterical playing the divorcee's. Baldwins quirky humor and crude timing somehow reminds me of my Dad and brought me to tears laughing in the theatre. Streep has never looked better nor been more comedic than her role in this movie. Steve Martin did a believable job as a nerdy architect, who pursued Streep's character with originality. John Krasinski was funny as the son in law who unfortunately was always in the wrong place at the wrong time.

All in all it was a great movie with a lot of character in it. I will however warn you that it is rated R for a reason.

Youth in Revolt- don't judge a book by its cover

Youth in Revolt has more to it than the previews lead on. Even though the same old Michael Cera humor was filling the screen, there was a twist(or should I say twisp) to it this time around. It reminded me when I heard him cuss for the first time on Michael and Clark, I couldn't believe that this profanity was coming out of his mouth, but it was hilarious to hear.

This movie tells a story of a young boy(Nick Twisp) in love. Nick will do just about anything to be near his sweetheart, even create a double ego Francois. After a domino effect of events, Nick/Francois finds himself as an outlaw by society and on the run from the feds.

This cast is filled with unexpected greats that will leave you trying to figure out exactly what was said in the last line.

I'd saw rent this flick and see it with a good crowd that likes quirky movies, otherwise it could be ruined quickly.

The Young Victoria

After hearing about this film at the Chicago Film Festival, I was extremely excited for its release. The film chronicles the beginning stages of Queen Victoria's reign. As someone who does not know a lot about the monarch (and how you become a Duke and how a Duke can rule a country while his brother is king of another), I always find myself enthralled in these films.

Emily Blunt's portrayal of Queen Victoria is beautiful. As an actress who typically does supporting roles (Sunshine Cleaning, Devil Wears Prada), I was eager to see her in a leading role. It's fascinating to watch her go from secluded girl to the Queen of Britain as well as see her let her guard down for Prince Albert (Rupert Friend).

The film has a bit of a feminist message, but it was one that I enjoyed. Friend does a fantastic job as Prince Albert and his devotion to Victoria is enough to make any girl long to be a princess once again.

"I should find one to play it with you, not for you."

Sherlock Holmes

2010 is surely going to be Robert Downey's year. With this film and the release of Iron Man 2 this summer, the man is unstoppable.

What I love most about Sherlock Holmes is the camera techniques and filming styles Guy Ritchie used. While Ritchie's films have tend to be in the independent realm and limited to special theatres, I was a bit nervous seeing him take on a major blockbuster film as he would lose his techniques from his previous movies. However, this was not the case. I greatly enjoyed Holmes (Downey) thinking out loud during a slow-motion segment detailing what he was about to do. Ritchie incorporated his style of indies into this studio-budget film flawlessly.

Jude Law's and Rachel McAdams's characters didn't really do it for me in this film. Thankfully, Downey carried the story beautifully. Really enjoyed Eddie Marsan's portrayal of Inspector Lestrade and his interactions with Downey.

Definitely worth seeing this on the big screen to truly appreciate the film work of Ritchie.

Also, I could have sworn it was Andy Garcia playing Lord Blackwell in this film. But alas, it is not, just Mark Strong channeling an Andy Garcia.

Invictus

I am the master of my fate. / I am the captain of my soul.

As a huge Clint Eastwood fan, I could not wait to see this film. I first became addicted to Eastwood's films after his adaptation of my favorite book, Mystic River. Since then, I think his work continues to be fantastic, sans Changeling--didn't really feel that one.

This film takes on Nelson Mandela's (Morgan Freeman) departure from Prison and rise as the President of South Africa. In an effort to join the people of South Africa, Mandela seeks the help from acclaimed rugby player, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon).

I truly believe Morgan Freeman was made for this role. His looks and speech match Mandela perfectly. Hearing Freeman articulate the inspiring words of Mandela was all too real for me.

In an effort to win over the people, Mandela believes a Rugby World Championship will help solve the people's problems. And I have to agree with this notion. The way a city, town, state and university come together after a common goal is achieved, it's truly powerful. As both Sam and I have been fortunate to see a championship arrive to our college town during our senior year, all enemies became friends as you ran up and down the streets chanting, high fiving and hugging.

Eastwood's adorably attractive son makes an appearance in the film near the end, so be sure to watch for this looker.

Brothers

A film with Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire and Natalie Portman sounds too good to be true. And it is.

While the theme is heavy, a presumed dead soldier returns from his duty at Iraq and flies off the handle, Gyllenhaal provides some relief in his scenes as you see him transform from the family black sheep, screw up to the dependable Uncle Tommy who does anything for his sister-in-law (Portman) and her two daughters.

Maguire plays Capt. Sam Cahill, who is captured in Iraq and held as a prisoner of war. You see him transform from the lovable Dad to the deranged soldier who commits unspeakable acts before finally being rescued and returned to US soil.

The film highlights the difficulties soldiers face upon returning home. It seems like just another Iraq war movie.

Coco Before Chanel

As someone who's not all that fashion forward, I was a bit skeptical to see this film about fashion; however, this film focused on Coco's life before she became her empire. I also have learned, of all the designers in this world, Coco is for sure my go-to gal.

The film is subtitled, so if you're not into reading and don't understand French, you probably would want to skip this.

Audrey Tatou, from Di Vinci Code, plays Coco from her young days of a seamstress to becoming a designer. She lives to stand out amongst the rest of the ladies as she rocks menswear as often as possible. Coco juggles the life of the rich and spoiled as she seeks companionship with two different men. It was hard for me to believe the whole showing up at someone's mansion and living there, but once Coco developed feelings and relationships with these people, it was a bit more believable.

Of all the outfits in this film, the only ones I want are the pajamas. Some things never change.