Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
I have to review this movie because it pulls at my Victorian
England/Jane Austen heart strings. If you are a fan of Jane Austen in the slightest,
I would make a sizeable bet that you would enjoy this movie. The movie is a
remake and adaptation from the book “Far
from the Madding Crowd” by Thomas Hardy. First, let’s talk acting-- Carrie Mulligan
plays the protagonist (Bathsheba Everdene) and she is a dream. In fact, she has risen to one of my top
women-crushes on screen and Devan pointed out that she is a perfect blend of
Katie Holmes and Rachel McAdams, which I think is very accurate (Devan has a
talent as this particular thing). Anyways, all other characters and
specifically the three different suitors she faces throughout the movie all had
stand-up performances. The movie wasn’t without its drama either- there is
plenty of it. It wasn’t as slow as some of the Jane Austen movies you’ve come
to know and love- so ladies, take your husbands/boyfriends. Bathsheba is a headstrong woman fighting for independence
and seeking love in all the wrong places. This is a relatable struggle that
woman face across generations. Add some class to your chic-flic choices and put
this movie on your list to see. (If your significant other won't watch it, call me- I'll watch it again).
Inside Out
Disney Pixar has done it again! I loved the originality of
this story. The most resonating part of this film is the deeper meaning behind
dealing with emotions, especially for children. I think the psychology behind
this film is spot on and the humor is hilarious, I lol’d probably 100 times. I
did not go with any kids, and I talked to several people that took kids to this
movie and they all made the same comment- "It was way over my kids head and didn’t
quite keep their attention the whole time." I could see how this would be true. The
premise of the movie really hit home for me—I went through the same emotions
when my parents moved our family from Utah to California. So take this review
with a grain of salt—it’s my favorite Disney Pixar! Also- Amy Pohler as the
voice of Joy was casted perfectly, she was perfect. I love you Amy Pohler. Hang
out with me! Also, Mindy Kaling is the voice of disgust and when they offered
her the role she was moved to tears and said, “I think it’s great that you guys
are making a film that shows it’s hard to grow up and it’s ok to be sad about
it.” Couldn’t have said it better myself Mindy. Hang out with me too.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
This movie had its debut at Sundance this last year. Naturally,
there was a buzz about how good it was and it’s unique humor. There is nothing
particularly special about the story line of this movie in the sense that it’s
a high school drama/comedy and a girl that has cancer. We’ve seen hundreds of
these movies. BUT you haven’t seen this one. This one is somehow better than
the rest. It’s not heavily chick-flic ish (Fault in our Stars) nor is it
purposely trying to make you cry (Walk to Remember). It’s something different. The
dialogue and camera angles are fresher to me. Just see it guys.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
I saw this trailer months before the movie came out and I
promptly told Devan we had to see it. That comment surprised me because I’m not
the biggest “action film” fan but something about the post-apocalyptic and Tom
Hardy combination had me counting down until the day it opened. Let me just say,
the movie lives up to the hype. There was zero disappointment and even surprise
at how much I enjoyed this movie. Charlize Theron becomes the unknowing
protagonist and her feminist mission is riveting. Plus, she still looks amazing
with a buzzed haircut! IMDB trivia is
becoming my favorite go-to after a good movie, and I learned that over 80% of
the action and stunts were real effects and used without CGI. I’m not an expert
on this stuff—but you can tell it enhances the action and it feels so much more
real. I don’t feel I can say much else, except maybe a small caveat for those
that feel queasy from violence- it’s intense.
