Monday’s Movie Review – Mini-reviews
Posted By CarrieK on June 22, 2009
Monday’s Movie is a weekly meme hosted by Sheri at A Novel Menagerie. Click over to check out all the great reviews, and add your own.
Taking Chance is a true story, taken from the journal of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl. Strobl, played brilliantly by Kevin Bacon, volunteered to accompany PFC Chance Phelps home to his final resting place after the 19-year-old was killed in action in Iraq. As the war in Iraq continues, it is important for stories such as this one to be told. The men and women who are serving our country deserve great respect, and the ones who pay the ultimate price should be given the highest honor. This is a very emotional movie, and yet one that I think everyone should see. 5 out of 5 bags of popcorn.
Gran Torino stars Clint Eastwood as Korean War vet Walt Kowalski, a widower living in his own world of bitterness and shame. He is extremely prejudiced and wants nothing to do with immigrants, until he becomes the hero of his Hmong neighbors, whether he likes it or not. Eastwood directed this heartbreakingly honest film about prejudice and forgiveness and redemption. If only all of us could be so productive at age 79. 5 out of 5 bags of popcorn.
The International is a thriller set in the high stakes world of international banking. Clive Owen is an Interpol agent and Naomi Watts is a New York Assistant DA; they are working together to bring down a bank that funds arms deals and wars in developing countries. This is a realistic thriller – it ends in the way it would in the real world, not necessarily with all of the right people brought to justice. It is well-acted and intricately-plotted, and the shootout scene in the Guggenheim shouldn’t be missed (although it’s not for the squeamish). 4 out of 5 bags of popcorn.
Music Within is the true story of Richard Pimentel, a young man gifted with public speaking who returns from the Vietnam War without his hearing. He finds that many doors are now closed to him as a disabled individual. His work on behalf of the disabled helped bring about the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which gives the disabled legal protection from discrimination. Pimentel is played by Ron Livingston, one of the most underrated actors of my generation, in my opinion. Michael Sheen is also outstanding as Pimentel’s friend with cerebral palsy. 5 out of 5 bags of popcorn.
I don’t even know what to say about Seven Pounds. I love Will Smith, but he should have passed on this one. His acting, as well as that of Rosario Dawson, is fantastic, but the film is so depressing that it wasn’t worth watching it. Add to that the fact that I saw the “twist” coming about halfway through, and the film just doesn’t work. 1 out of 5 bags of popcorn.
I haven’t seen any of those movies, but my husband and son loved Gran Torina too.
I watched Seven Pounds this month becasue I’m a big Will Smith fan too and had the same opinion of it as you. I didn’t hate it but I certainly wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
Wow! You saw some grreat movies this week. I haven’t seen any of these. I will say that from what I hear from friends you either love or hate 7 pounds. I’ve put off seeing it because I’m not sure which camp I’d be in!
Kathy – Clint Eastwood is my hero! He writes, directs, acts, and often composes the scores for the movies he directs!
Nicola – I think I pretty much hated it. In fact, every time I think of it, my reaction becomes stronger.
Stacy – It’s amazing how a film can bring out such a strong reaction!
I recently saw “Seven Pounds” and was blown away by the ending. I must be dumb or something, but I didn’t figure it out until almost the end! As always, Will Smith’s acting was great. But, I have to agree that the whole thing was a bit depressing. I’d probably rate it 3 out of 5.
Cheryl – I don’t think you’re dumb – my husband didn’t figure it out either, and when I told him where I thought it was going, he told me I was nuts.
Taking Chance was a fabulous movie. I’ve seen it several times and each one I end up crying. The part where they are getting off the plane in Montana and everyone stops to watch then driving along the road. UGH, gets me every time. So good.
Michelle – I pretty much cried through the whole thing. I loved seeing how every stop along the way, Chance was completely honored for his sacrifice, and how many people were thinking of/praying for his family.
I love movies! I’m sorry Seven Pounds wasn’t worth it. I’ll probably have to see it just because, but I’m in no hurry. I really liked Gran Torino too. And Taking Chance is on my must see list. I enjoy your movie reviews, Carrie! I haven’t seen very many movies this month. Just two so far. Maybe I’ll get to see something this weekend.
Netflix continually reco’s Taking Chance, but I’ve not added it yet. My queue is at 415+, so I’ve been trying to NOT add if I can help it.. LOL… like I’m ever going to get through the whole thing! You max out at 500, btw.
Seven Pounds made me bawl like a big baby… but it also started the conversation with the kids about organ donation, which I am a BIG proponent of. Organs and blood, both… I mean, you’ll be dead so why not let someone else use them, and you make more blood so if it saves a life, why not?
LF – This post actually represents a few weeks of movie viewing at our house. I needed to catch up on reviews before I forgot what I thought of the movies!
Kool-Aid Mom – I didn’t know there was a limit – guess I’ve never reached it.
I really love Will Smith’s actin in Seven Pounds. It was a very touching movie.
I liked Seven Pounds. I, too, knew where the story was headed, but I was still impressed by the courage of his character to save other people’s lives and the guilt that he felt over those whose lives he had taken. You are right that he does a wonderful acting job, too.
Thank you for mentioning The Music Within. I have not read or seen or even heard anything about the man who brings about the American with Disabilities Act. As a person with a disability, this is definitely a must-see. I am going to add it to my Netflix right now.
Anita – yes, his acting was fantastic.
Rebecca – I think Seven Pounds is a movie that provokes a reaction – which is a good thing. Some people love it, others – not so much.
And I’m glad you’re going to see Music Within – it’s excellent!