Safe-House? Stay Home.

Ok. I’ll admit it.  I surrendered to the hype.   I don’t like to think I follow the crowd, but the propaganda publicity finally got to me. 

I couldn’t watch late night, or daytime (in-between the PBS station that captivates my grandchildren) television in the past few weeks without seeing the handsome Denzel Washington on set plugging his latest new movie.  And that other guy….Ryan Reynolds, too.   Both actors star in a CIA conspiracy-thriller billed as one of the greatest action-packed suspense movies of its time. 

So… on opening day I ran to my nearest theater to catch the matinee I saw Jay Leno dub as an “edge-of-your-seat” action spy story, Safe House.

Despite my affinity for Jay Leno, “Don’t believe everything you hear,” is what I have to say.  Don’t get me wrong.  I L-O-V-E action flicks.  Suspense.  Political-thrillers.   Even some “necessary” violence.  But this picture?  If you MUST see it, I’d say, “save it for DVD…or Blue Ray,” or whatever it’s called now.

The HUGE body count is just too many to be believable.  And you don't have too long to wait before another shoot-out, car chase, stabbing, explosion, bludgeoning or face-kick comes along.  And, of course, the stars only end up with a minor scratch or two on their cute little mugs.  But they do leave behind a trail of dead bodies, cars wrecked beyond recognition, with CIA and FBI big-wigs and local law enforcement scratching their heads in disbelief.  Duh.

Denzel (yes, we’re now on a first-name basis), as usual, plays his cool self and does it well.  However, Reynolds?  He seems so unaffected and barely changes his facial expressions.

And another thing.   I know the picture screens are getting clearer and sharper, but I wish someone would tell Ryan Reynolds to wax his nose.  No. I don’t mean his nose-hairs, but the hairs ON his nose.  I couldn’t help but notice the peach-fuzz on his face shining in all those close-ups.  Am I being too “picky” (no pun intended)?

A Bridesmaid but Never a Bride?

I first saw the trailer for BRIDESMAIDS while in the theater to see another movie a couple of weeks ago.  The small snippets seemed as if it would be funny, but I dismissed it, thinking the movie was trying to be a “guy” movie for gals.  I thought it would be the typical “junior high” humor…something I am not usually a fan of.  

However, on a rainy day (one of many, recently) with a few hours to spare, I decided to see what this movie was about.  Besides, I needed a light-hearted comedy to chase away a light case of the blahs.

And guess what?  It was worth the short trip to the theatre. I was pleasantly surprised that the movie actually had a story line, and I was interested in seeing how it would play out. It was a hilarious comedy to be enjoyed by all…not just for women...although it was written by a woman.

The characters, especially the main character, Kristen Wiig of Saturday Night Live, were genuine (in a slightly over-the-top kind of way), despite some gross-out gags, and profane language (hence the “R” rating).  I thoroughly enjoyed Kristen Wiig as Annie. She is absolutely wonderful and soooo funny!

Annie is the penniless main character whose messed up life is crumbling as she tries to make good on her expensive duties as Maid Of Honor for her best friend.  

See it and let me know what you think!

Let's Go See a Flick!

Took a couple of hours this afternoon and headed out to see a movie.  “Water for Elephants.”   I enjoyed it… thoroughly…a Two Thumbs Up!  The movies I REALLY like, or those that leave a lasting impression, are often too few and far between.  So when I see something that I think is good, I recommend it!

I go alone to the theater.  I like prefer it that way.  And I prefer catching most movies late on Sunday mornings (when everyone is in church), or seeing an afternoon matinee during the week.  

First.  It’s only $5.   

Secondly?  There are usually not too many movie-goers in the theater.

And Thirdly?  I don’t want to share my armrest…not with a stranger…unless it’s Kevin Costner who happens to be there previewing a flick.  And THAT ain’t gonna happen. 

I really enjoy the early shows because most of the time I feel as if I am getting a private showing!  Gotta love that!

And the best part?  There will be no one in close proximity crackling cellophane off the candies that they are e-v-e-r--so--s-l-o-w-l-y unwrapping thinking no one can hear.  Or how about the chump chewing vigorously as he stuffs down a bucket of popcorn?  SOMETIMES I can forgive little eating sounds during a comedy. But when I am engrossed in a who-done-it, or a drama where I NEED to hear every word of dialogue in order to follow the story?  I cannot stand the unnecessary noise. 

How can someone continue to eat at the most critical points in a movie?  Popping candy and popcorn in your pie-hole while watching “Schindler’s List” or flicks like “Dances with Wolves,”  “The Godfather” or, heaven forbid, while Paul Newman is boasting in “Cool Hand Luke” is downright annoying.  What ARE these people thinking?