I’ve rented three movies lately, so for today’s review post, I’m going to go short and sweet. Well, short and honest. That’s better anyway, right?
First, Valkyrie. When I looked up other reviews of this movie, to see what the “real” critics thought about it, I started doubting myself. But then, as I looked deeper (not, keeping it real, not too deep), I realized that I’m not alone in my reaction to this movie.
See, I’m not opposed to historical films. I like learning things. And crazy he might be, but Tom Cruise has been known to make exciting movies while looking, well, not ugly. Okay?
But I left this movie feeling like I did after I watched The Good Shepherd. I was so looking forward to that movie. I mean, it was about the CIA (Yay! Spies!) and it starred Matt Damon (remember the Bourne movies? Yay! Spies!). But danged if that movie wasn’t the most boring thing ever!
Same thing with Valkyrie. It was about a secret plot to assassinate Hitler (Yay! Secret, spying soldiers!) and stars Tom Cruise (Hello, Mission Impossible? You know . . . a little movie series about . . . spies!). But wow . . . this movie was dark and slow and depressing as all get out!
Wait, what was I saying about keeping this brief? Okay, here it is: I didn’t like Valkyrie at all.
Next, we rented New in Town. This city girl goes to small town and falls in love flick stars Renee Zelleweger and Harry Connick, Jr.
*sigh* I do like Harry Connick, Jr. Mainly for his music. But he’s a little bit cute, too. Mark disagrees; he’s holding a grudge based on what must have been an excellent performance in Copycat.
Anyway. The movie.
New in Town is rated PG, and I wondered what kind of chick flick could have the same rating as Shrek. Well, I’ll tell you. It’s a typical romantic comedy – girl meets boy, they bicker, they fall in love, they face insurmountable disaster, everything works out. (Oh . . . sorry . . . did that spoil it for you? I’m going to assume no, because I’m going to assume you’ve seen a chick flick before.)
It’s also a typical Renee Zelleweger movie, where she’s squinty and cutesy and awkward.
But the heavy-handed moral of the story and the supporting characters were very nice. The small-town folk mention being Christians, everyone is friendly (except that pesky big city girl!), and anything PG-13-ish like language or sex is kept to an absolute minimum. It really seemed old-fashioned.
And you know what? I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Was this an excellent film? No. Do I love Renee Zelleweger? No. But is it a cute, fun movie that’s worth a dollar? Yeah, I think so.
Lastly, I rented He’s Just Not That Into You. I don’t know, you guys. Maybe I was in a grumpy mood. But I did not love this movie.
As a married woman, it was depressing and discouraging. As a woman with two single best friends, it was depressing and discouraging.
And then there’s the fact that the movie had about 34 main characters, and I could only make myself like about 2 ½ of them.
There you have it. I don’t have anything else to say about this one. Sorry. I’ve heard that several other people whose opinions I value did enjoy it. But I, for one, am just not that into it.
I’ll try to like the next movie I rent, just for you all. Okay?
i haven't see any of those, but i think someday i'll watch new in town. it looked a little cute. although i don't really like renee either. *open your freakin eyes, girl!*
i think i heard a similar review about he's not that into you also. so i've steered clear of that one! besides, from the previews it looked a little confusing!
Thanks for the warning about Valkyrie. Not sure I'd ever get around to renting it anyway, but I did want to see it at one time. :) I agree with you about New in Town — it was likable but not purchase-worthy (I did like the supporting small-town characters and their Minnesota accents though;). As for He's Just Not That Into You, I've heard from only one other person on this movie, and she said she liked it but that I wouldn't. She's married. So I dunno. But it sounds discouraging, and I think I'll take your advice and just not watch it unless it ends up on TV someday. ;)
I enjoyed reading your blog this afternoon…Had some time to do some blog hopping…
always enjoy finding new blogs!
Hope you will visit me. This month I am posting on our Disney trip.
Hey, we don't really disagree this time! :)
Since I won free tickets for New in Town and went with one of my friends… girls night out with popcorn and some sort of chocolate candy involved, I really enjoyed it. You know I love me a good chick flick. And I was really lovin' the Minnesota accent.
Just a couple nights ago I rented He's Just Not That Into You. I have to admit that I found myself feeling a little angry throughout- with the girls desperate for the guys and the guys blowing off the girls. But it wrapped up okay, I guess. And can I just say, Bradley Cooper… pant, pant.
Try renting the first season of weeds or dexter. Both are excellent shows on showtime but you should really start at season one. I promise you will love them both!!!
I HATED He's Just Not That Into You. It was one of those that I knew I wouldn't like it within the first 30 minutes, but kept watching it anyway just because I had to see what happened…a waste of time! And seriously…how many times can they use they use the "S" word and still consider it PG-13! And Jennifer Anniston did NOT need to say the "F" word at that particular place she did (sorry…I pick up on profanity very easily…normally I don't watch movies with a lot of profanity and I really should have just turned this one off). I was very discouraged by it. VERY discouraged. I don't even think the "happy" ending was all that happy. And I kept wanting to slap the characters. UGH.
Hmm…was that too harsh?
:-D
Oh…but New in Town looks cute…I'll have to rent that :-D
I could not agree with you more on He's Just Not That Into You…I thought it was a real snoozer.
James and I rented He's Just Not That Into You as well and actually enjoyed it although it was over 2 hours which I found surprising. We both agreed that they could have kept the movie going through their whole lives because it never felt like there was going to be a good stopping place.
Thank you. I wasn't impressed by "He's Just Not That Into You" either.