I watched the new movie Duplicity (starring Julia Roberts and Clive Owen) for the first time the other night and have watched it twice since then and have come to the conclusion: IT IS AN AMAZING MOVIE! I highly recommend watching it. It's similar to The Thomas Crown Affair (starring Pierce Brosnan, Rene Russo, with Denis Leary) and The Illusionist (starring Edward Norton and Jessica Biel, with Paul Giamatti, and Rufus Sewell) in that you feel like you're following what's going on and you know how it's going to end...then comes the unexpected twist, along with the love-affair entwined within. It's an intriguing movie that you have to watch closely to follow and catch what's going on (since it jumps between the present and past), but it is well worth it!
-E
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Pride and Prejudice
Having recently read Jane Austen's wonderful book Pride and Prejudice for about the 8th time, I shall now compare the book to both the BBC TV mini-series from 1995 (starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle) and Focus Features' 2005 movie (starring Matthew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley).
Pride and Prejudice - the ultimate chick-flick - is my favorite of Jane Austen's novels. For those of you who have never read the book, or seen the mini-series or movie, it is the story of how Elizabeth Bennett overcomes her prejudice against the proud Mr. Darcy and discovers a deep love we can all be envious of. If you've never read the book, I highly recommend it! I wish I could find love so perfect as easily as Elizabeth and Jane do..or love at all for that matter.. *sigh*..
Anyways.. back to the movies. As far as following the novel, the 1995 mini-series (running time: about 5 hours) follows best; however, the 2005 movie (running time: a little over 2 hours) is still really good (I mean, how can it not be with Keira Knightley!). Personally, I like the actors in the movie better than the ones in the mini-series. Colin Firth is a great actor, but, to me, he doesn't act as proud and haughty as Mr. Darcy is in the book; Matthew Macfadyen does a great job as Mr. Darcy. Keira Knightley and Jennifer Ehle both do well as Elizabeth and have similar mannerisms in how they portray her; but I think that Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen have better on-screen "chemistry". If we could substitute the actors from the 2005 movie into the 1995 mini-series, and perhaps adding a few more scenes, it would be perfect!
-E
Have you ever been reading a book and seen all the characters in your mind's eye and all the scenes played out and just knew that no movie would ever be able to portray your imagination as well as the author played it out for you on the paper? Of course the answer everybody is shouting at the screen right now is a resounding "YES!" Now the more difficult question: have you ever seen a movie "based" on a book and thought, "YES! That's exactly how I pictured it!" Most people will probably answer something along the lines of "Uh...NO! you idiot. The books are ALWAYS better! Duh!" Well I've got news for you people, if you have read Pride and Prejudice, then you will absolutely love the movie (that is, the 2005 Focus Features movie, I have yet to see the BBC mini series. That is just five hours of my life that I'm not quite sure I would be able to sit down for, no offense to BBC - I just don't have that kind of determination.)
Pride and Prejudice (the book)
Jane Austin is without a doubt one of the most brilliant authors of British Literature that ever lived. The way she is able to capture the deepest desires and passions of a character and bring each to life with a flick of her quill (ballpoint pens were not invented until 1888...in case you were wondering) gives me chills. Every time I read any of her works I feel like the characters are dear friends of mine that I haven't seen in awhile and I am dying to hang on to their every word, convinced what is coming next will be of the utmost importance to my well-being. You drink in each word you read and flow through the pages with never ending wonder. Is there anyone out there who could ever write as beautifully as she? I think not. Each time you finish one of her books you immediately want to pick it back up and continue your life with the characters because you suddenly feel as though you've lost your friends.
Will Elizabeth end up with Darcy? Will she be able to come over her pride to be with a man as rich and pretentious as Mr. Darcy and will Mr. Darcy be able to overcome his prejudice and admit to loving a woman beneath him? Has he been trying to prevent her sister from getting married? Is Darcy a horrible man who turns his back on his friends? I find myself asking these questions every time I read the book even though I know the answer to them, convinced that this time it might not work out because every twist and turn of the book leaves you stunned at the passion and dispassion that exists between the wild web of characters.
It is books like Pride and Prejudice that keep readers reading. If you have not read it, you are missing out. Maybe you don't think you like romantic books. Maybe period books aren't your thing. Maybe you have a personal vendetta against all English Literature. I don't know what your excuse has been up to this point but whatever it is, get over it. You will not be sad that you read this book. It might even change your point of view.
Pride and Prejudice (the movie)
This is possibly the best movie based on a book I have ever seen. Normally after seeing a "based on" movie I leave the theater thinking 'they should really put "loosely based on" instead of "based on" because obviously that SUCKED!' However, this movie was different. Every little detail in this movie adds to the story: the lighting, the wardrobe, the score, the camera angle. This movie is truly a work of art and if the plot doesn't bring a tear to your eye, the editing will. It follows the book almost verbatim and each character is exactly as I had pictured and the story flows along beautifully leaving you longing to be a character in the film, walking behind the characters, interacting with them. You almost forget it is a movie you are so convinced of every heated passion that exists between the characters.
As ardently as I recommend the book, the same goes for the movie. It is a film to remember, and a love never to forget.
-S
Pride and Prejudice - the ultimate chick-flick - is my favorite of Jane Austen's novels. For those of you who have never read the book, or seen the mini-series or movie, it is the story of how Elizabeth Bennett overcomes her prejudice against the proud Mr. Darcy and discovers a deep love we can all be envious of. If you've never read the book, I highly recommend it! I wish I could find love so perfect as easily as Elizabeth and Jane do..or love at all for that matter.. *sigh*..
Anyways.. back to the movies. As far as following the novel, the 1995 mini-series (running time: about 5 hours) follows best; however, the 2005 movie (running time: a little over 2 hours) is still really good (I mean, how can it not be with Keira Knightley!). Personally, I like the actors in the movie better than the ones in the mini-series. Colin Firth is a great actor, but, to me, he doesn't act as proud and haughty as Mr. Darcy is in the book; Matthew Macfadyen does a great job as Mr. Darcy. Keira Knightley and Jennifer Ehle both do well as Elizabeth and have similar mannerisms in how they portray her; but I think that Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen have better on-screen "chemistry". If we could substitute the actors from the 2005 movie into the 1995 mini-series, and perhaps adding a few more scenes, it would be perfect!
-E
Have you ever been reading a book and seen all the characters in your mind's eye and all the scenes played out and just knew that no movie would ever be able to portray your imagination as well as the author played it out for you on the paper? Of course the answer everybody is shouting at the screen right now is a resounding "YES!" Now the more difficult question: have you ever seen a movie "based" on a book and thought, "YES! That's exactly how I pictured it!" Most people will probably answer something along the lines of "Uh...NO! you idiot. The books are ALWAYS better! Duh!" Well I've got news for you people, if you have read Pride and Prejudice, then you will absolutely love the movie (that is, the 2005 Focus Features movie, I have yet to see the BBC mini series. That is just five hours of my life that I'm not quite sure I would be able to sit down for, no offense to BBC - I just don't have that kind of determination.)
Pride and Prejudice (the book)
Jane Austin is without a doubt one of the most brilliant authors of British Literature that ever lived. The way she is able to capture the deepest desires and passions of a character and bring each to life with a flick of her quill (ballpoint pens were not invented until 1888...in case you were wondering) gives me chills. Every time I read any of her works I feel like the characters are dear friends of mine that I haven't seen in awhile and I am dying to hang on to their every word, convinced what is coming next will be of the utmost importance to my well-being. You drink in each word you read and flow through the pages with never ending wonder. Is there anyone out there who could ever write as beautifully as she? I think not. Each time you finish one of her books you immediately want to pick it back up and continue your life with the characters because you suddenly feel as though you've lost your friends.
Will Elizabeth end up with Darcy? Will she be able to come over her pride to be with a man as rich and pretentious as Mr. Darcy and will Mr. Darcy be able to overcome his prejudice and admit to loving a woman beneath him? Has he been trying to prevent her sister from getting married? Is Darcy a horrible man who turns his back on his friends? I find myself asking these questions every time I read the book even though I know the answer to them, convinced that this time it might not work out because every twist and turn of the book leaves you stunned at the passion and dispassion that exists between the wild web of characters.
It is books like Pride and Prejudice that keep readers reading. If you have not read it, you are missing out. Maybe you don't think you like romantic books. Maybe period books aren't your thing. Maybe you have a personal vendetta against all English Literature. I don't know what your excuse has been up to this point but whatever it is, get over it. You will not be sad that you read this book. It might even change your point of view.
Pride and Prejudice (the movie)
This is possibly the best movie based on a book I have ever seen. Normally after seeing a "based on" movie I leave the theater thinking 'they should really put "loosely based on" instead of "based on" because obviously that SUCKED!' However, this movie was different. Every little detail in this movie adds to the story: the lighting, the wardrobe, the score, the camera angle. This movie is truly a work of art and if the plot doesn't bring a tear to your eye, the editing will. It follows the book almost verbatim and each character is exactly as I had pictured and the story flows along beautifully leaving you longing to be a character in the film, walking behind the characters, interacting with them. You almost forget it is a movie you are so convinced of every heated passion that exists between the characters.
As ardently as I recommend the book, the same goes for the movie. It is a film to remember, and a love never to forget.
-S
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Bourne: movie or book?
Question: "Sounds interesting. I'd like to know which you like best, the Bourne books or movies and why." (from Anonymous)
If you want to continue the story, Eric Van Lustbader has written 4 more books: The Bourne Legacy (Mar 2005), The Bourne Betrayal (May 2008), The Bourne Sanction (April 2009), and The Bourne Deception (June 2009). I've read the first two, but have yet to acquire the last two. Lustbader does a pretty good job of continuing the story, though I was upset at how he decides Marie should die, given how strong of a woman she is...
- E
While I have only read the first Bourne book (terrible, I know, but I got sidetracked and started on something else and completely forgot about them. Though they are currently sitting on my bookshelf voicing obscenities at me for abandoning them.) I must admit that the book is by far better. I will also admit that, had I read the book before seeing the movie I definitely would not have liked the movie. However, as that is not the case I still absolutely love the movie. I mean, it's Matt Damon, I can't help it.
As in all books the action is so much better because you put yourself in the scene when you read it, whereas, in a movie, the action is set in front of you, leaving nothing to the imagination. Though, in the movie's defense, the action was pretty sweet. Also the characters fit together better because they were really able to go in depth with each of them rather than just skim the surface as the movie did. Also the book just makes more sense because it isn't as superficial as the movie (not in a bad way people, superficial in the true meaning of the word).
So, to sum up my rant: the book was most definitely better. Though I still have a soft spot for the movies because they are pretty much amazing as far as cinematic effects go.
- S
Answers:
Good question! Because the books are so different from the movies, I've tried to keep them separate as I "judge" them. However, since you asked, I like the books better. There is, of course, more detail about what Bourne goes through, trying to figure out who he is and what happened to him and how much Marie really does for him and means to him. The movies are good in and of themselves (duh, Matt Damon!), but the books really give more definition to Bourne and give you the chance to use your imagination to "see" what's going on (my favorite thing about reading books!).If you want to continue the story, Eric Van Lustbader has written 4 more books: The Bourne Legacy (Mar 2005), The Bourne Betrayal (May 2008), The Bourne Sanction (April 2009), and The Bourne Deception (June 2009). I've read the first two, but have yet to acquire the last two. Lustbader does a pretty good job of continuing the story, though I was upset at how he decides Marie should die, given how strong of a woman she is...
- E
While I have only read the first Bourne book (terrible, I know, but I got sidetracked and started on something else and completely forgot about them. Though they are currently sitting on my bookshelf voicing obscenities at me for abandoning them.) I must admit that the book is by far better. I will also admit that, had I read the book before seeing the movie I definitely would not have liked the movie. However, as that is not the case I still absolutely love the movie. I mean, it's Matt Damon, I can't help it.
As in all books the action is so much better because you put yourself in the scene when you read it, whereas, in a movie, the action is set in front of you, leaving nothing to the imagination. Though, in the movie's defense, the action was pretty sweet. Also the characters fit together better because they were really able to go in depth with each of them rather than just skim the surface as the movie did. Also the book just makes more sense because it isn't as superficial as the movie (not in a bad way people, superficial in the true meaning of the word).
So, to sum up my rant: the book was most definitely better. Though I still have a soft spot for the movies because they are pretty much amazing as far as cinematic effects go.
- S
Oh! Intro!
Have you ever read a review of a movie or book that described in sordid detail how terrible or boring said book or movie was yet when you read or watched it you thought it quite funny/interesting/amusing/just good in general? Well we find this quite an irksome problem that crops up more often than not. Our opinion: most reviewers are just a tad bit upset that they themselves are not the ones writing the books or making the movies and decide to find every little problem that they can and blow it out of proportion.
Most of the time when a movie is rated a C or below I go see it, because nine times out of ten that will be an AMAZING movie. So we have decided to start our own little rating site so that normal people (a.k.a. the actual consumers of movies and books) can get a true review of the movies and books that are out there for you. Some of them will be recent, others will possibly be ancient – it just depends on what we feel like reading or watching at the moment. If there is anything that you want us to review feel free to put in your suggestion and we will try our best to read or watch it (or both).
We will never say that a book or movie is terrible because that is pure opinion. Nor will we claim that our reviews are unbiased since we are humans and therefore have faults but we will do something that most critics do not, we will look at movies and books for what they are: entertainment. Maybe they won’t be politically correct, and maybe there will be some typos, possibly there will be some incongruence, the plot might be a bit over the top, it may be the same as every other love story, but isn’t that what they are for? Well it is in our opinion so don’t look to us to tell you which book will be the next literary achievement or which one might become a best seller because that’s not what we judge.
We are not here to tell you what is right or wrong, we are just here to tell you what we think in a slightly kinder way than other critics and hopefully you will enjoy our completely unbiased and totally true reviews…cause we are always right and everything we say is fact.
Enjoy!
Most of the time when a movie is rated a C or below I go see it, because nine times out of ten that will be an AMAZING movie. So we have decided to start our own little rating site so that normal people (a.k.a. the actual consumers of movies and books) can get a true review of the movies and books that are out there for you. Some of them will be recent, others will possibly be ancient – it just depends on what we feel like reading or watching at the moment. If there is anything that you want us to review feel free to put in your suggestion and we will try our best to read or watch it (or both).
We will never say that a book or movie is terrible because that is pure opinion. Nor will we claim that our reviews are unbiased since we are humans and therefore have faults but we will do something that most critics do not, we will look at movies and books for what they are: entertainment. Maybe they won’t be politically correct, and maybe there will be some typos, possibly there will be some incongruence, the plot might be a bit over the top, it may be the same as every other love story, but isn’t that what they are for? Well it is in our opinion so don’t look to us to tell you which book will be the next literary achievement or which one might become a best seller because that’s not what we judge.
We are not here to tell you what is right or wrong, we are just here to tell you what we think in a slightly kinder way than other critics and hopefully you will enjoy our completely unbiased and totally true reviews…cause we are always right and everything we say is fact.
Enjoy!
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