Olympus Has Fallen

I guess this one just depends on what you’re looking for from the movie.  On one hand, it’s a completely unbelievable, leave all logic at the door, almost over-the-top action movie where one man knows more than pretty much anyone else and can save the day all by himself.  Or it can be a fun ride in the spirit of movies like Die Hard or Under Siege, which is how I took it.  You’re not supposed to notice that the North Koreans that have taken over the White House somehow know more about using our secret weapons than we do, or how little actual security there is, or how easy it was for them to walk in and take the President hostage, or how fast the troops are evacuated once a decision is made, etc, etc, etc…  I liked Gerard Butler in the “hero” role and Aaron Eckhart as the President along with Morgan Freeman as the Speaker of the House.  It did feel like an 80s or 90s action movie, but I liked that!

Behind the Candelabra

This movie caught my attention because it has two big name stars as lead actors – Michael Douglas who plays Liberace and Matt Damon who plays his lover of five years, Scott Thorson.  I didn’t know anything about Liberace himself except for a few things here and there.  So I read the autobiographical book by Mr. Thorson (the same title as this movie) and the HBO movie stayed true to his perspective of their relationship.  Liberace, who had an amazing talent for the piano, also kept a secret life – he was gay.  This is his story of what it was like to be in Liberace’s life and how it all unraveled for him.  I was impressed by Michael Douglas – he really stepped into Liberace’s skin, the way he walked, talked and his mannerism was spot on and Matt Damon was also outstanding for his portrayal of his lover.  To go behind the mask and into a world of opulence, wealth, and addiction was very enlightening.  This movie may not be for everyone - but just to see the lead actors take on something that wasn’t normal for them and to bring these very real people to life was very entertaining and eye-opening at the same time. (Just recently, this film won 11 Emmy Awards – 1 for outstanding movie made for television and 1 for outstanding actor in a film (which was Douglas) made for television, plus categories for hair, makeup, casting and directing).

World War Z

It’s time to get our zombies on!  This movie takes off like the speed of light and never stops.  Brad Pitt plays a father of two who has the knowledge to possibly stop the spread of the virus that is turning people into flesh eating monsters. In doing so he must fight every obstacle there is as he races to several countries to try to find the cure to save his family as well as everyone else.  I thought it told a story that wasn’t so over the top that you could believe it.  I enjoyed Brad Pitt’s performance as a man and father trying to save his family and the zombies themselves were there just enough to be creepy and give you some chills.  I thought it was a great summer block buster and I enjoyed it even better watching it again.

World War Z

I LOVED THIS MOVIE!  I’m never quite sure what to expect going into a “zombie” movie.  What I liked about this one was that it felt real – like it was an outbreak that could actually happen.  I felt like I was with all of the characters just trying to survive and not knowing exactly what was happening or why.  And I like that Brad Pitt is playing more serious roles with more depth than just “pretty boy” roles as he gets further in his career, too.  I also like movies that I can put myself in their place and wonder how I would handle different situations – and this was totally like that – along with zombies! 

Star Trek Into Darkness

Space – the final frontier- but for a franchise that has hit gold at the box office – I’m sure it won’t be the last sequel for the Star Trek crew.  What I really liked about this movie was the actors (who were in the first movie), and how they have grasped the original characters mannerisms, but yet has breathed new life into their roles.  You can see James Kirk in Chris Pine – you can see Mr. Spock in Zachary Quinto but they have transformed the original feel of the characters into new people for a new generation of fans.  I thought this movie was a lot of fun!  It was long in the story but it was filled with lots of Star Trek “feel”.  There is a throwback to this movie as the villain is one you might remember from the original television series – Khan!  I loved some of the classic lines that were given and the twist at the end where I held my breath thinking – they wouldn’t do that!  Running at 2 hours in length – it keeps your attention with all the action and an intriguing story line. 

Star Trek Into Darkness

I'm a little young to have watched the original Star Trek series and wouldn't call myself a "Trekkie" by any stretch of the imagination, but I am loving these new Star Trek movies!  I do know the characters and their mannerisms and classic quotes and things like that from the series, though - and I can't believe how these actors capture the young versions of Kirk and Spock and Bones and everyone else!  And it was a good story with good acting and lots of action and just a good sequel, too.  That hardly ever happens!  I even found myself joking around with classic lines after watching it – “Damn it Christy, I’m a librarian, not a doctor!”  I feel like there’s a little of me in each character, too – which makes it even more fun to watch.  If you like the original Star Trek, or even if you don’t, these movies are definitely worth giving a chance!

Now You See Me

This movie was about four magicians who get together to perform shows - but not just any shows - they are also robbing banks and stealing fortunes from CEOs as part of their performance.  I liked how fast-paced it felt with people chasing after them trying to catch them in the act as they get more and more bold.  The whole movie kind of felt like you never quite knew if what you were seeing was what was actually happening – and everyone was always one step ahead of whoever was following them (or so they thought).  There were also a lot of big name actors like Jesse Eisenberg, Morgan Freeman, Woody Harrelson, and Mark Ruffalo.  It was entertaining and the whole movie almost felt like one big magic trick.  There were definitely a lot of "convenient" twists and explanations, but magic can be like that, too.  I have a cousin who’s a magician, so I related to many of the scenes more than I think most people would.  I probably wouldn't need to see it again, but it was fun to watch.