Lars and the Real Girl

What is a 'real girl'? I'm not quite sure if this movie will give you the greatest answer to that question, but it will attempt it. Craig Gillepsie (Fright Night) directs this comedy/drama, that leans more towards drama and the comedy is what I would call 'awkward comedy'. Ryan Gosling (everyone should know his movies) stars alongside Paul Schneider (Parks and Rec) and a few other faces you'll probably recognize form smaller rolls. I was incredibly skeptical about this movie, hearing mixed reviews from my buddies, but was very pleasantly surprised at the end. Key phrase at the end, the beginning is tough to get through.

Ryan Gosling plays as Lars, a delusional dude who lives in the garage of his brothers house, and meets/orders a very politically incorrect friend. The movie takes you through the incredible awkwardness that is Lars, and the relationships he shares with the many people who live in his small town - as well as the relationship he shares with his newly ordered sex doll, Bianca. Lars is no pervert and truly cares for this girl as if she was his soul mate. His delusion is unwelcoming at first because..it's a sex doll and he talks to her, but after while the town unites together to feed into his delusion, but find that they are helping themselves just as much as they are helping Lars. Spoiler Alert: eventually Lars sheds the doll after he is remedied of the struggles he faces. 

I say this movie is tough to get through because Lars is so incredibly awkward that it is just painful to watch. I got over this somehow, but I think it was partly due to the fact that this movie is so well put together. The director and writer had to have wanted their viewers to go through this loop only to be amazed at the end. It's a movie you can really watch multiple times because the acting is great, and the story is so well developed. 

The Dramatic: This movie is built for you. You will be moved by the storyline, and this movie will feel like it flies by. Ryan Gosling delivers a great performances, and the relationships between the characters in this movie is greatly emphasized. The director took time to create the characters, and gives you just enough background so that you must finish this movie. On a scale of 1-10 for you, a confident 9.

The Comedian: This movie is what I would call unorthodox comedy. It's not a punchline movie that you'll quote with your boys on a friday night. It's a very specific, awkward comedy that won't get a ton of laughs like The Hangover. Take this movie with a grain of salt and don't expect to be rolling on the floor laughing (no I don't shorten those, I have dignity). This is an awesome movie and you should still see it, but on the comedian's scale, I'd say 5. 

The Stalker: I know there are Gosling stalkers out there. Fact: Gosling did put on some weight for this role, it was kinda weird to see that. This is still an amazing performance by him, and I'd credit it to one of his top 5 performances. If you are a true Gosling fan you've already seen it, if you're up and coming, then go see it.

-- For Consideration:

The Deep Thinker: 7

Dynamite Dan: 3

The Casual Dude: 8

Last but not least: YES

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (U.S.)

Wow. Before I get into this movie I want to start off with a real quick background of this film. It is based off of the late Stieg Larsson's award gulping novel. Directed by David Fincher (Fight Club, Social Network) and written by Steven Zaillen (Schindler's List), this film closely parallels the edginess that the book so abundantly offered, which was apparent after the James Bond-like introduction. Some say it is a remake of the Swedish version, and as they are pretty similar, I still see it as a depiction of the novel. Shoot me.

This book stars Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist, a recently unpopular journalist and co-owner of Millennium magazine, a left wing magazine who's goal is to expose capitalist criminals. After an embarrassing series of events, Mikael, on his own doing, finds himself out off work. The movie shows an edgy and terrifying looking girl, Lisbeth Salander, giving a security brief to an older man regarding Mikael. This later materializes into what this movie's plot surrounds. A girl, Harriet Vanger, belonging to a wealthy family has been missing for 40 years. Mikael is hired to investigate her apparent murder while documenting and writing a biography on the head of the family as a cover up. Mikael is perfect for the job due to his employment status and his innate investigative skills. Mikael discovers how deep this mystery goes, and reaches out to Salander, played by Rooney Mara, for help after discovering she had hacked into his computer for that earlier background report. With this newfound help from Salander, and her freak computer skills/merciless tactics, Blomkvist discovers more and more about how dirty the family, and the events surrounding Harriet's murder actually are. This may not be the most incredible summary ever, but as someone who has read this book, it is very hard for me to escape detail, so I stayed as shallow as I completely could.

**Warning: If you have not seen the movie do not read: this is for the ones who've read the book.  Now I know there are few certainties in life, but the book being better than movie is usually a shoe in. It was hard for me to detach from the detail orientated reader that I am, and really sit back and watch this movie. Towards the middle I was finally able to do this. Obviously there are a few things that will be missing in the movie. Deep inter-character development was one of the biggest things I noticed. We never really got a vast understanding of the relationship between Kalle and Berger, but the movie did touch on it a little. It never mentioned a single Millennium employee, which I thought was a little strange, we'll see if that carries over through the series. We also never got to see a connection between Kalle and the various Vanger family members, most importantly, Cecilia. Now this wasn't a big picture problem, but for some of us detail oriented people, we like to see relationship development. The movie took a typical hollywood twist when it revealed that Harriet actually lived in London, as opposed to the Harriet from down under in the book. All the readers that I have talked to thought this movie was rushed, but that is natural in these situations. Looking back, I believe it to be a well made movie, and hats off to creating this for such an amazing book. One more thing: I was so glad to see that the director showed a little into Mikael's odd addiction for coffee. I've noticed it in the book, and apparently so did Zaillen. P.S. I'm a one cup a day drinker so I may have a certain bias.

All in all, this is a great movie. The book received tremendous amounts of acclaim worldwide, so you know the story has to be well thought. The acting in it was superb, especially by Rooney Mara, who played Salander exactly as I had imagined it during reading the book. The movie from beginning to end is roughly 2.5 hours long, but with such a fast paced story it felt as if it flew by. Here is what I say from the different movie goers.

The Deep Thinker: This person will probably feel a little rushed during this movie. They obviously like the deep story lines, and as this movie tried, it probably didn't reach the depth that gets the deep thinker going. Now the acting in this movie will be right on par for you. Daniel Craig delivers a great performance, and Rooney Mara steals the show. It also had some other big name actors playing medium sized roles that did just as well. On your scale of 1-10, I'd give it a proper 7.

The Dramatic/Casual Dude: I'm not sure why I paired you guys together, but I'm confident I can kill 2 stones with one bird. This movie has a very interesting and mysterious story line that will attract any drama seeker. One thing that may freak you both out a bit, there are some very 'real' scenes depicting sexual abuse in this movie. I can just see right now the casual dude sitting down with popcorn and all of the sudden boom..weird scene. Just be ready both of you, but when all is said and done, I think you guys will enjoy the good balance between character development, acting, story development, and special effects. On your scale...8.

Dynamite Dan: You my friend are one of my favorites, partly because I know you will most definitely enjoy this movie. Now be wary, it doesn't have huge explosions or freaking crazy automatic gun scenes. But I think it will appeal to you. It has solid action, edge of your seats violent scenes, and is a couple of golf strokes away from making you spill your popcorn (watch the movie, you'll get the joke). Mr. Dan, on your 1-10 scale, I am giving it a confident 9.

The Stalker: This movie is for anyone who follows the book trilogy and Daniel Craig. Now I know it has Stellan Skarsgard (Good Will Hunting), so for any of those fans, go see it. For those of you who have read the book you really have no excuse not to see it. Now that I have seen it I can visualize the characters better, and it's just something you have to do. Read what I wrote above. For those Daniel Craig enthusiasts, this movie did him a solid. He somehow shed whatever accent is natural to him, and delivered a very solid acting performance. This will most likely be right under Casino Royale for anyone who stalks this guy.

Should you see it? "Ja" Swedish for YES

The Hunger Games starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen

This movie is definitely going to be the top box office hit of the weekend. The Hunger Games is a 2 hour exhilarating ride through the life of Katniss Everdeen and her journey into the hunger games. Both readers of the book and non readers will enjoy this flick (non readers especially). As a reader myself, I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed this film.

Its a story of a dystopian society that uses these "Hunger Games" as a way of keeping each district in line. 2 tributes are selected from each of the 12 districts to compete to the death. Needless to say our main character is one of them. Watch as she is selected, prepped, and shoved into these brutal games where only the winner survives.

Let me start by saying the acting in this movie was top notch. Going into The Hunger Games, my expectations were low. With so many unknown actors/actresses, I was expecting a sub par performance at best. Jennifer Lawrence did an excellent job in portraying her character as the socially awkward tom boy, Katniss Everdeen. Throughout the movie she never swayed from what her character was about. Having never seen Lawrence's work, it could easily be said that she is an experienced actress after seeing this movie. The same can be said for Josh Hutcherson in his portrayal of Peeta Mellark (who was also seen in a Bridge to Terabithia). His acting swagger was definitely shown off in this movie. From the first time he was shown on screen, the charming Hutcherson allowed you to experience every emotion he was experiencing, especially through his on-screen romance. In additon, Stanley Tucci is, as alwyas, refreshingly funny in his portrayal of the talk show host, Caesar Flickerman.

On another note, I have heard many people talking about how this movie was "PG-13'd". I agree and disagree, if you are going into this movie looking for blood and gore, you will surely be disappointed. The graphic-ness of the movie is played well into the prospected audience. Sure the fight scenes cut away early, sure not much blood was shown, but when it comes down to it, this wasnt the main goal of the movie. It definitely was enough to achieve its purpose in portraying the brutality.

The main thing I can say that disappointed me in the movie was the pace at which it moved. This could very well be because I read the book and theres just not enough time to show everything. Either way, when I left the theater, I had the feeling that it was rushed. However, I don't think this detracts much from the movie, as it kept me entertained during the entire screening.

Dynamite Dan: This movie is definitely a Dynamite Dan movie. Plenty of action to go around. From bow and arrows, to swords, to knives, even giant fire balls being slung around, there is definitely a good many action scenes. If you are a Dynamite Dan, I definitely recommend seeing this flick.

The Dramatic: I know it seems we have very generally categorized a drama movie and that all movies are dramas. However, if you are into deep emotions and decent character development then you will enjoy this movie. Between the on screen romances, and the actions of Katniss, there is plenty of drama for the average fan. If you are a fan of your action movies not being all explosions and gun fights, and to have a little background, you will definitely enjoy this movie. Recommended.

Fantasy Extravagant: This story is definitely that of a fantasy novel. A dystopian society, controlled by "the man". Futuristic space ships, cars, a huge digital fighting arena, what more could a fantasy lover ask for. Go see it.

The Stalker: I know we defined the stalker as a person who loves a specific actor and such, but I dont see why it can apply to those who love a book series as well. With that said, if you are a reader of this book, I would recommend seeing this movie under one condition; you go in without the expectation of seeing everything that happened in the book portrayed on the big screen because it wont happen, bottom line. The movie does however follow the book to the best of its ability with the amount of time it has. As I said earlier, the time just seems to rush by, and a few things are changed, but overall they did a good job.

Should you see this movie? YES

21 Jump Street feat. Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill

Fun Fact: 21 Jump Street is the remake to the late 80's/early 90's show, about young looking cops, who infiltrate youth spheres to crack down on crime, that rocketed Johnny Depp into fame. This movie took a much more..relaxed approach towards the remaking. Directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) and written by Michael Bacall (Inglorious Bastards) this movie went from looking like a cheesy flick in the trailer to being a raunchy, 'I think I now have a six pack from laughing' comedy.                                                                                                                                                    The movie starts off in a high school during what looks like the 90's. This is confirmed once a heftier version of Eminem walks out of the bus and into the hallway (Jonah Hill).  The first couple scenes shot off real fast, which included High School, the Police academy, and grunt police work. As the movie progresses you'll be glad that the crew didn't spend too much time developing this, as it is made up for it during the body of the film. The gist of the film, which you can read just about anywhere else, is that this unlikely team, consisting of Schmidt (Jonah) and Jenko (Tatum), must conquer their inexperience, and play off each other's strengths, to cover their weaknesses, to arrest a gang of high school drug slingers. Such a daunting task..High Schoolers, but as you'll see, the team has to earn the respect of the new age of High Schoolers, and after a few miscalculated errors that lands them in opposite spheres than their used to, the task is harder than it sounds.