Quantum of Sadness:

In a recent interview with Ben Lyons of E! Daniel Craig responded to comparisons between the new Bond film, Quantum of Solace to Bourne Identity by saying that “Bond films are about fast cars, tailored suits, and beautiful women and not about jumping in and out of buildings like Bourne.” But after seeing the movie, I disagree with Mr. Craig because this Bond film, unlike the past ones, was very much about jumping in and out of buildings. It seems that this Bond film was on steroids because all the action sequences were over the top. I had waited weeks to see my dream car careen around on the big screen, but all I got to see was the destruction of the car for the first three minutes of the film. Unfortunately, the only time the token Aston Martin appeared in the film was in the very beginning.

It seems I’m not the only one who is disappointed by the film, critics from the LA Times to Variety have panned this film as an underachiever in the Bond franchise. I miss the days of Bond as a dashing Sean Connery who was more concerned with his Martini dirty than beating in someone’s face. I miss the days when Bond would never get his tailored Italian suit dirty. I miss the days when Bond bedded more ladies than people he shot. However, all of that said, I did love the new Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, she really added a unique flavor to the film with her gorgeous smile, great sense of style, and alluring accent. Although ticket sales are through the roof, I stand by my opinion to DITCH IT because trust me you won’t find any Solace if you go to see this Bond film.

Film Released: November 14, 2008/Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min

Starring Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric, Judi Dench

Twilight:

For someone who has never read any of books of the Twilight Series, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the film. The innocence of Twilight touched me in a way that made me nostalgic for teenage love. The honesty in Edward (Rob Pattinson) and Bella’s (Kristen Stewart) interactions with each other was a pleasant change of pace from the way in which teenage love is currently portrayed on shows, such as Gossip Girl. They share a kiss in the movie, which I think is one of the slowest attempts at a kiss in movie history. I have never wanted to be friends with a vampire, but after seeing the movie I kind of want to fall in love with one (just don’t tell anyone). Those who are expecting the film version of the HBO series True Blood will be very disappointed because Twilight does not portray vampires as bloodsucking, sexually-voracious monsters, but rather as calm creatures that can exercise restraint. Aside from a great story that exalts teenage love a serious force to be reckoned with, Twilight was a fun movie to watch with its severe camera angles and beautiful wide shots of the Northwest landscape. My favorite parts were the interestingly severe camera shots, especially when Edward would take Bella on dates up trees. I definitely say See IT because what’s better than an attractive cast and a great story?

Film Released: November 21, 2008/Runtime: 2 hr. 0 min.

Starring: Rob Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Cam Giganet, Nikki Reed, Taylor Lautner

Rachel Getting Married:

IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base) lists hundreds of movies with Wedding in the title and although this film does not have wedding in its title, in my opinion, it’s the new wedding film of the year. Anne Hathaway’s Oscar-worthy performance as sweet but misguided addict, Kim, is gripping and nail-bitingly real. Her performance in this film makes it one of the best wedding films in recent times as opposed to films, such as Wedding Crashers or The Wedding Singer that seem to trivialize marriage. The tumultuous relationship between Kim (Anne Hathaway) and her sister Rachel (Rosemarie DeWitt) was, at times, hard to watch, but so real and touching. My favorite character in the movie was the overprotective father (Bill Irwin) who always wanted to feed everyone, even to unreceptive guests. The collection of over-the-top characters from the Brazilian street performers at the reception, to the band that performs throughout the film were fun to watch. If you think your family is dysfunctional, wait until you see this film before you file for emancipation. I give it a standing ovation and a big SEE IT.

Film Released: October 3, 2008/Runtime: 1 hr. 53 min.

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Bill Irwin, Tunde Adebimpe, Debra Winger