Kick-Ass (2010)

Yep. Again.

I just couldn't resist seeing the delight that is Chloe Moretz, one more time. Oh and I'd been going on and on and on about this film to some friends so they figured the best way to handle the situation was to just go see the damn thing. So we all did.

Still great. Still Awesome.

Side Note: I iTune'd the sountrack. Aside from the key songs that really stand out in the film, it's a rather.. well.. bleh. Stick with just the movie.

Serenity (2005)

I heart this cast so bad. I could watch a movie about them sitting around a table just chatting for two hours and I'd be happy. Actually I would watch Nathan Fillion read the phone book out loud all day.

Serenity is the movie that came to life through the power of fans. Once upon a time there was a wonderful little TV Series called Firefly written by the wonder that is Joss Whedon. A Sci-Fi TV show like no other. This one had Cowboys in space, and we (the fans) loved it. The cast was amazing, the writing was brilliant, it was witty and funny, yet at the same time had depth and drama. So of course the network cancelled it.

The Fans were furious! They stamped their feet and put on there angry face and browncoats (sorry series reference) and got ready for a fight. Through the power of many fans combining their powers and bringing forth Captain Planet, and with the wonder that is the internet, the Big Damn Movie got made.

The crew of Serenity have reunited to fly the skies once more. This time in an adventure to protect one of there own from an evil assassin, and in the process save the world.

Start with the series, then watch the movie. I don't know a single person who doesn't love both. Cowboys, mind-readers, space ships, quick quips, great writing, great visuals. Amazing.

What else can I say? It's COWBOYS IN SPACE! It's friggin' AWESOME!

Kick-Ass (2010)

Oh. My. God. Kick-Ass is.. wait for it.. Kick-Ass.

This is the story of High Schooler Dave, who asks the question "Why aren't there any real Super Heroes in Real Life?"  and then goes about trying to correct that. No super powers, not special tricks, just a lot of ass kicking and getting kicked in the ass.

This poor little movie got a heap of flack over what is a little girl saying the c-word. I thought this was quite humourous particularly because they made little fuss over how the same little girl kills about 50 people, but oh no! She also said the c-word. Geez. Priorities people. I didn't care either way. I'd read a few interviews with Chloe Moretz (the little girl in question) and she seems extremely well adjusted and not at all scared or running around rooms randomly yelling out profanities and while scratching up the furniture.

Back to the movie and it's awesome-ness. Originally a comic book, now a sure to be cult classic film. The comic book had some aspects I preferred they hadn't changed, but as payback, the film fixed the things that bugged me in the comic. What was great was of course all the could-almost-beat-a-Tarantino-level-of-gore fight scenes, excellent soundtrack, great cast, and believe it or not just plain fun fun fun.

The much talked about Chloe Moretz is of course my favourite ("With great power, comes great responsibility.") Her cute little skirt wearing, swearing character steals the screen. Though  Nick Cage's impression of Adam West is great thing.

Maybe it's my inner-nerd (heck its an outter-nerd) that had me totally geeking out about this movie. Though I sure it's also the part of me and all of us that think "What if? Maybe I could  be a superhero too". Hey we all can dream right?

Date Night (2010)

Oh I laughed so hard. This by-the-numbers comedy was a perfect meet-half-way-date-flick. With Steve Carell and Tina Fey at the helm as The Fosters, you can do no wrong.  

The Fosters are married with kids and feel that life has gotten a little boring. Attempting to rekindle some excitement and romance the couple arrange a Date Night. All that's planned is a nice little dinner in the city at a fancy restaurant, but (surprise surprise) they get a little more than they bargained for in the excitement department.

Date Night isn't going to win any awards or go down in history as some sort of cult comedy classic, but it was a delightful way to spend an evening, escape reality and have a good laugh. Much love goes out to this comedy due. I hope they team up again in the near future.

On a side note: The obvious ad-libs are to die for. Stay for the credits, and careful not to spill your popcorn when you laugh hard and frequently.

Up (2009)

Is there anyone who doesn't love a Pixar movie? I don't think so.   

Up is another Pixar great. Full of all the wonder and delight you expect to see. What really makes this movie magic is it's central character, Karl. Karl is 78 years old and about to be put in an Old Folks Home, but refusing to give up on his life long dream of adventure, ties thousands of helium balloons to his house and takes flight!

Most animated movies center around kids or young people and their big dreams and fantasies. Up reminds us that dreaming big and living life to the fullest isn't just for kids. Strange and exciting adventures can happen at any age, as can learning something new about yourself.

Oh and a little personal story. I saw this movie for the first time at the cinema just before my wedding. Oh glory did I tear up as I watched the ups and downs of Karl's long life. I teared up again on this second viewing too. They are happy tears, of a happy life. I will always watch this movie and be reminded of how a simple but happy life.. is a very good life.

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Alice is not a child anymore. She is now a  beautiful, all though some what strange young woman who has grown up thinking her childhood adventure through Wonderland was all but a dream. Once again she stumbles upon the white rabbit and tumbles down the rabbit hole in another somewhat darker adventure. Directed by Tim Burton and starring his usual cast of misfits and the delightful newcomer Mia Wasikowska as Alice.


Pieces of Awesome:

The star of the show is Tim Burton's  Wonderland. I saw the film in 3D and even though I think it doesn't need an extra dimension, Wonderland looked magical through those dorky 3D glasses. Not surprisingly really, as this is certainly one of Burton's fortes.

 Mia Wasikowska as Alice, was a delight (and looked like a princess in every costume she wore. Can I have her wardrobe please?). At first glance she seems breakable with her porcelin features, only to stand up and become a champion with great determination and tenaciousness. All the while carrying off the perfect level of kookiness.

Lastly Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. I heard a lot of chatter about his role. Yes he's very Depp-y (if I can create a word there) and there are similarities to his role as Willy Wonka (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)). Golly Gee, they are both wearing hats! (Note the tone). For me, even though he was very much a bunch of Depp characters rolled into one, I liked him. When even he wasn't in a scene, I couldn't wait for him to show up again.

In conclusion: Alice in Wonderland is a very enjoyable film. I didn't feel a need to go see it again any time soon, but the world, characters and amazing costumes were a wonder (sorry) to see!

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008)

So I discovered something bad about my challenge. I stopped watching as many movies. Every time I went to watch something I thought "Oh man. I'm going to have to write about this." I should have seen this coming, but I didn't. Never mind, I have solved the problem, with a friendly reminder to myself that its meant to be fun. So prepare yourself for a mega catch up with my new 'Pieces of Awesome' style.

A modern Fairytale. Boy meets Girl over a New York City canvas and funky beats (did I just say funky beats? Oh glory). Starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings, who took me on a delightful 24 hour journey of joy and wonder.


Pieces of Awesome:

The leads Nick (Michael Cera) and Norah (Kat Dennings). Wit and sarcasm = Joy.

Caroline played my Ari Gaynor. I'd buy stocks in Gaynor if I could. She's going to be huge. You can catch a glimpse of her in Whip It (2009) as well. Oh and she taught me a wise thing in this movie. Never share chewing gum. EVER.

Nick's Yugo (It's a car. Yeah, I'd never heard of it either) is a character in its self. The embodiment of Nick's character.

For those that not mind a teeny tiny spoiler, here's my favourite moment featuring the adorable Caroline.

In conclusion: Love love loved it. My kinda movie. Had some slow points and I can see why it didn't do well on a large scale but it screams Cult Flick. See it. Live it. Love it.