War of the Worlds (2005)

Netflix Synopsis: You know the story: Invading Martians equipped with ships that shoot unstoppable disintegration rays attempt to overwhelm the Earth. Based on the novel by H.G. Wells (and adapted into a famous 1953 movie starring Gene Barry), this version stars Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning as a father and daughter trying to keep one step ahead of the destroying Martians while humanity tries to muster a defense … any defense! Steven Spielberg directs.

Review: I am not a fan of the 1953 version of War of the Worlds and I didn’t care for the 2005 version either. I love Dakota Fanning but I don’t feel like this movie will be her crowning achievement, good thing she has a lifetime ahead of her to make up for this, lol. I thought the side-line plot of father & kids trying to survive the invasion felt contrived and the ending (the family scene) was entirely unlikely and unrealistic. And what a wimp T.C. turned out to be in this movie, although to be fair, he did what most dads would do, even bad dads like him (in the movie) … you just expect a movie hero to be braver and more… I dunno… hero-like? LOL He does redeem himself in one scene involving a grenade. Anyway, overall this is a thumbs down for me.

Submitted by: Brandy 11/28/05

Are We There Yet? (2005)

Netflix Synopsis: Hoping to impress foxy divorcée Suzanne Kingston (Nia Long), ladies’ man Nick Persons (Ice Cube) offers to drive her children, Kevin (Philip Bolden) and Lindsey (Aleisha Allen), 350 miles for a reunion. But the unwary Nick isn’t prepared for what the mischievous duo has in store for him: a battle-tested plan geared to chase off any guy who tries to start a relationship with their mother. Jay Mohr and Nichelle Nichols co-star in this family comedy.

Review: The preview for this movie looked funny. Like a roadtrip nightmare for a single guy, trying to impress a single mom, by getting her kids from point A to point B. It did have some cute & funny moments. Some parts were great. The things that happened to his Navigator… oh man. I liked the ending, but parts of the movie felt like it was trying too hard. It was fun to watch, but not something I’d watch more than once. Good for laughs.

Submitted by: Mel 11/28/05

The Polar Express (2004)

Netflix Synopsis: Chris Van Allsburg’s inspiring children’s book is brought to life in this warm-hearted animated tale directed by Robert Zemeckis. A young boy (voiced by both Daryl Sabara and co-executive producer Tom Hanks, who also lends his talents to the role of the conductor) with shaky faith finds it strengthened after he makes his way by train to the North Pole, where he finds reason to believe not only in others, but most importantly in himself.

Review: What can I say but AWESOME!!

I love, love, love this movie! Wonderful effects and they did an incredible job of bringing the book to life. Truly a classic for years to come!

Submitted by: Lisa 11/25/05

Fever Pitch (2005)

Netflix Synopsis: Based on Nick Hornby’s novel, this romantic Farrelly Brothers comedy centers on baseball fanatic Ben (Jimmy Fallon), who meets and falls in love with Lindsay (Drew Barrymore). Everything’s going great between the couple, but when spring rolls around and baseball season begins, Ben’s overwhelming obsession with the Boston Red Sox threatens to destroy his relationship with Lindsay. Ione Skye and Kadee Strickland costar.

Review: This was a cute movie. Not great, but cute. Entertaining. It had some great funny moments, some oh man, look at that, etc. Both dh & I enjoyed it.

Submitted by: Mel 11/21/05

Hotel Rwanda (2005)

Netflix Synopsis: Amid the holocaust of internecine tribal fighting in Rwanda that sees the savage butchering of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children, one ordinary man (Oscar nominee Don Cheadle) musters the courage to save more than 1,000 helpless refugees by sheltering them in the hotel he manages. Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte and Joaquin Phoenix co-star in this powerful film (sort of an African version of Schindler’s List) directed by Terry George.

Review: Wow, wow, wow…..and to think I had avoided renting this for so long! This is a powerful movie that pleads a desperate case. What happens when the UN doesn’t intervene and act as the “world policeman” as some call it? Bosnia happens. Haiti happens. Rwanda happens. 800,000 people murdered. Senselessly. This is a Must-See Movie. It’s important that we don’t become immune to the plight of others in the world and merely function day-to-day with the attitude of “if it doesn’t affect me, why should I care?” And this movie presents this fact brilliantly and with brutal honesty. It’s more than a movie, it’s a life lesson to be learned and acted upon so that the massacres in Rwanda never happen again, anywhere.

Submitted by: Brandy 11/21/05

Batman Begins (2005)

Netflix Synopsis: After training with a ninja (Ken Watanabe) in Asia following his parents’ brutal murder, Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) returns to Gotham City and finds it overrun with crime and corruption. Discovering a cave under Wayne Manor, Bruce assumes a new identity and wages a one-man war against the criminals that plague the city. Katie Holmes, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Tom Wilkinson and Morgan Freeman co-star. Christopher Nolan directs.

Review: I was pretty sure from the beginning to NOT like this version. I am a fan of all the past Batman movies and I based on what I had heard, I just didn’t think I was going to like this darker, more intense Batman. I was wrong, again. It is so different from the past Batman movies that one cannot really even compare them.
There is none of the wit and sarcasm that Michael Keaton brought to his Batmans and none of the sultry sexiness that Val Kilmer infused into his version of Batman but I think Christian Bale did a marvelous job making this Batman his own and it stands alone, in it’s own right. I think there is more realism to this newest Batman than the others and it’s easy to believe the events in Gotham City could actually occur, especially in these days where terrorism is on our minds. There is no Hollywood theatrics and fantasy scenarios to this movie, making it a viable action adventure flick. Morgan Freeman did not get top billing in this movie but his acting was impeccable and noteworthy, as usual. Michael Caine and Liam Neeson were superb and Katie…well, Katie was “fluff” but they gotta have a girl for Batman to rescue, lol. I just did NOT find her believable as the tough as nails Assistant DA, she looks more like she should be preparing her Valedictorian speech for HS graduation. I was very satisfied with this movie at the end and I am hoping they cast Christian Bales in a sequel, as the ending suggests. If you like Super Heroes and Action Adventure, you will like this movie!

Submitted by: Brandy 11/20/05

The Notebook (2004)

Netflix Synopsis: Based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, this drama chronicles an enduring love that withstands both war and disease. It begins in a nursing home, where a man (James Garner) arrives every day armed with a notebook from which he reads stories about a couple, Noah and Allie (played by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams), to an unresponsive woman (Gena Rowlands). Who are the characters in the book, and why does the stranger insist on reading about them aloud?

Review: Oh, WOW… ya’ll should have WARNED me better. I needed a WHOLE box of tissues for the end of this movie! I didn’t just cry, I SOBBED. It was such an awesome beautiful movie… and I have always loved James Garner, he reminds me of my daddy. I can’t even really say anything about this movie that won’t give away the story but I will say it is the story of a once in lifetime of love and it reminded me so much of my husband’s grandparents and their relationship when they were alive. It was such a powerful movie that my “never let em see ya cry” hubby had to leave the room. He went into the kitchen and started loading the dishwasher, which he never does, ROFL. I think I want to buy this one to own. It’s definitely a jewel.

Submitted by: Brandy 11/20/05

Christmas With The Kranks (2004)

Netflix Synopsis: A break from the frenetic activity that surrounds Christmas is what Luther and Nora Krank (Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis) have in mind when they decide that, for once, they’ll skip the holiday. They’ll nix the tree, all the ornaments and their rooftop Frosty, and forgo the chore of hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash. That’s the plan, anyway. Question is, can they deal with the fallout from crestfallen neighbors and even their own family?

Review: This was the perfect movie for me to watch tonight, after a long day on my feet. Cheered me up & everything. I loved the books (last year) and the movie is cute too. I think Tim Allen & Jamie Lee Curtis did a good job, as well as the other actors. Perfect holiday, feel good & smile movie.

P.S. If you like to read, get the book too!

Submitted by: Mel 11/19/05

Damn Yankees (1958)

Netflix Synopsis: America’s favorite pastime meets the bright lights of Broadway in this musical about an ordinary Joe (Robert Shafer and Tab Hunter) whose deal with the devil (Ray Walston) transforms him into a home run hitter for the Washington Senators — but Joe must cause his team to lose the pennant. When Joe tries to back out of the deal, the devil sends in sexy Lola (Gwen Verdon), who sings “Whatever Lola Wants” as she mambos to Bob Fosse’s choreography.

Review: And yes Brandy I can swear, it is the title. hehe. It is a classic movie with Ray Walston, Gwen Verdon and Tab Hunter. I love old movies and this is a musical too so it was even better for me. It revolves around a man who loves baseball and has a chance to help the team but has to give up his life. A lot of the songs in the movie are ones I’ve heard, just never knew they were from this movie. I enjoyed it and so did Don.

Rating:

Submitted by: Bear 11/19/05

Sideways (2004)

Netflix Synopsis: Two men go on an excursion and end up inducing midlife crises in this comedy-drama that won six Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Feature and Best Director. Pinot Noir lover Miles (Paul Giamatti) convinces friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church) to enjoy his last days of bachelorhood with a wine country road trip. The pair get involved with two women (Sandra Oh and Virginia Madsen) and inevitably come face to face with their past and present.

Review: Definitely not your mainstream movie. I enjoyed the movie on the whole but there is about 10 mins that I NEVER want to see again and really bothered me. If it weren’t for that I might want to see it again down the road but now it won’t be happening for sure. 2 friends tour wineries, where one is in love with wines and the other wants to enjoy his last week of singlehood before he takes the plunge into marriage. It has some great scenes and I like the main character. I can’t highly recommend this movie, if you want something off the beaten track and quirky, this might be for you.

Rating:

Submitted by: Bear 11/17/05