Monthly Movies – January 2016
Posted on February 3, 2016 in Monthly Movies
Movies in Theatres:
For some reason, Wordpres didn’t save that last month I saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens on 29 December 2015. I enjoyed it. I really look forward to rewatching it on DVD and the next episode in the series.
Movies at Home:
Belle (16 01 2016) – Period piece. If you like Amazing Grace which is also another Georgian abolition movie, this is it. Honestly, gorgeous period details and wonderful acting. I liked Gugu Mbatha-Raw in “Doctor Who,” but she is deservedly breaking out in the last couple of years. She was just wonderful in this. All the rest of the cast were British and excellent. I like Sam Reid a lot as well and look forward to seeing more of him. Not enough Matthew Goode who looked fantastic in his navy uniform. I do wonder if Tom Felton will be cast in things other than as British Douchebag #1. Going to try and see Beyond the Pines for her.
Little Women (17 01 2016) – 1994 version. Lovely movie overall and a good adaptation of the book. It brought me memories of how I felt reading the book. Not enough Beth though. I was not really fond of the Amy/Teddy ship and watching the movie, even more so. Christian Bale was quite dreamy in that role though.
American Psycho (18 01 2016) – Darkly funny and engaging. Christian Bale is excellent in this. Unhinged and fully invested. A good cast too. I did get a bit tired 3/4 of the way through of the gore. The ending is almost a bit too subtle for people to realize the post-modern take on it. I definitely recommend it as a way to not be in life.
Gone Girl (22 01 2016) – See here.
Weekend at Bernies (22 01 2016) – I laughed once. It had amusing moments, but I didn’t really care for it. I found the two protagonists too stupid especially Andrew McCarthy’s Larry. He looked and acted really differently from when I first saw him in Pretty in Pink. I had to rewatch some of the latter’s scenes to remind myself how much cuter he was with Molly Ringwald.
Les Poupées Russes (23 01 2016) – I saw the first movie Auberge Espangole ages ago. Xavier is an idiot. I did like how these movies have so many varied settings and is multilingual. I loved the lines, “How can many sincere moments make so much misery?” and “I love you for your imperfections.” So French and European.
Casse Tête Chinois (24 01 2016) – The final movie in the Xavier trilogy. I think this was the best movie in terms of plot and character moments. Xavier was much less annoying and the setting of New York City worked really well. I’m sad he didn’t work out with his wife, but at least he ended up with one of his first loves.
Oz: The Great and Powerful (25 01 2016) – I went in with low expectations knowing that the reviews were bad. It was not too bad the first half and I really liked the Little China Girl. However, I really became bored when Mila Kunis became the Wicked Witch. I queued this movie in large part because I adore both Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz. I wanted them to win, but they didn’t. The main protagonists were uninteresting. Not recommended really.
Napoleon Dynamite (28 01 2016) – Amusing and cute. It was strange and quirky. I enjoyed it but it’s not something I feel I need rewatch.
Rewatched Movies:
The Princess Bride (09 01 2016) – Always makes me smile and swoon and laugh. For my review of Elwes’ memoirs on making the movie, go here.