Eat, Pray, Love

So I saw "Eat, Pray, Love" recently and I was a bit underwhelmed. Please don't get me wrong. I love the idea of a woman going off to find herself. I just found the casting a bit "off" per se.

The film follows a writer named Liz played by Julia Roberts who is unhappy in her life and marriage. Leaves her husband and goes on a world win trip to Italy, India, and ending in Bali. I found the first half of the film to lag. I got the fact that she was unhappy but I found myself saying "get to Italy already!" Not a good thing when watching a film.

The scenery was breathtaking. I love Italy and how ancient it is but found myself laughing when Julia Roberts is having trouble fitting into a pair of jeans. Really? Julia is like a size 0. I can't see her having to buy "fat jeans." Like ever.

We arrive in India and for a second was fearful for her safety as she rode in the taxi to her destination. My favorite part is the speech by Richard from Texas, played by Richard Jenkins. This part made me cry and I see an Oscar in Jenkin's future for this performance.

The other standout in the film is Javier Bardem as Filipe. Although I loved his character I found this part of the film to turn from Liz's struggles to Filipe. As a screenwriter myself your lense should always be on your protagonist. This half of the film turned to Filipe and his struggles. The main character flipped from Liz to Felipe.

Over all the film was enjoyable but I'm not going to be adding this one to my library of films. It did make me question my relationship with others as well as with God and isn't that what a good film does? Make us think?

-A-

Amelia (2009)

I'd give this film 3 out of 5 stars. It was good but not stellar. It tells the story of Amelia in very broad strokes. How she fell in love, got married, and set out to fly around the world only to disappear over the Pacific Ocean. Hilary Swank does an good job as Amelia Earhart. Richard Gere doesn't as her husband George Putnam. It was like watching Richard Gere, play Richard Gere. I couldn't dispell my disbelief to believe he was playing a character. The other person I enjoyed in this film was Christopher Eccleston from "Doctor Who" fame as Fred Noonan Amelia's navigator who also perished when they disappeared. Christopher really made this film enjoyable and it was interesting to hear him speak with an American accent when I've gotten used to him speaking with a British one.

The Big Bang Theory Box Set

I didn't know what to expect when I sat down to watch this new CBS series. What I got was a smart, funny, story about two brilliant physists who have a beautiful woman move in next door. Johnny Galecki from 'Roseanne' fame stars at Dr. Leonard Hofstadler and the BRILLIANT Jim Parsons who is mostly unknown stars at Dr. Sheldon Cooper. These two are the oddest of odd couple's. The writing, the acting, and some of the lines leave me breathless as I am laughing way too hard. This show refuses to dumb it down for the masses and even has scientists on their writing staff so the science is correct.

Sit down and watch this show, you won't be disappointed.

-A-

The Ruling Class

Peter O' Toole is phenomenal in this British Black Comedy about the different classes in British Society. Peter O'Toole plays Arthur a young man who believes he's Jesus Christ and through a series of events goes from someone who loves his neighbor to a serial killer.

My favorite part of the film is the musical numbers, especially Peter O'Toole singing "These Dry Bones." Very bizarre, very funny, very black comedy. If you love British films, this is one you MUST see.

4 out of 5 stars.

-A-

The Magic Christian

No, this isn't a film about Jesus and Hogwarts. Its a funny film that came out in the late 1960's early 70's and stars Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr. The film takes a look at the idea that people will do absolutely anything for money.

Peter Sellers plays a millionaire and Ringo is a poor orphan he adopts. Together they prove through example after example that people will swim through poo for Quid.

If you can rent this film. Peter Sellers is stellar as is Ringo. Together they are a force to be reckoned with.

-A-

CSI: NY Box Sets Season 1, 2, & 3

When CSI came out in 2000 I was totally psyched. I fell in love with the characters of Gil Grissom, Catherine Willows, Nick Stokes, etc. Then CSI:Miami came out and I wasn't that impressed. Then I heard they made a CSI:NY and I love Gary Sinise but I just wasn't sure. Then I went to New York City. WOW! Can we say New York City ROCKS boys and girls?

So I got home and turning to my trusty Netflix, I rented in succession Season 1, 2, & 3. I watched every episode and found that CSI: NY reminded me of Season 1 of CSI:Las Vegas. I absolutely loved it, I love the characters, who are younger and have think Brooklyn accents. Gary Sinise is phenomenal as Mac. Very tight cast, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

If you love CSI the original you'll love CSI:NY.

-A-

G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra

Ok, let me be frank I grew up with Barbie dolls. I had no knowledge of the story behind G.I. Joe. That being said, I found myself enjoying the film immensly. The story revolves around Duke and Lisa and how they have changed in the 4 years after a devastating event. Each one on the opposite side, Duke with the G.I. Joes and Lisa with M.A.R.S under the watchful eye of James McCullen/Destro.

The film was what I expected, little plot some nice storylines and TONS of explosions. It was fun, frantic and time flew as I watched it and I was disappointed when the credits rolled.

Overall I'll give it a 3 out of 5 stars.