Movie Reviews of 2009 (so far)

Here's a listing of the movies I've seen this year, from worst to best. Consider this a favor, so that you know which movies to spend your time and money on. Warning: I may be biased considering any chance I get to see a movie, I am generally in a fantastic mood because it means I'm not studying, so I may be nicer in these reviews than others are. I will do my best to put my circumstantial slant to the side and give honest and fair assessments.  Drum roll please......

7. Bride Wars - Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway join up together in this chick flick that leaves a little to be desired.  Despite a few funny scenes speckled throughout the film, especially when both brides are trying to sabotage each other's weddings, the chemistry between the two ladies was lacking and the ending was a wee bit predictable.  I was too bothered by Hudson's haircut to pay any attention to her lines, and I still can't take Hathaway seriously as an actress (she will forever be the unfortunate high school girl in The Princess Diaries to me).  Would I want to see the movie again?  No.  But I didn't leave frustrated for spending my time or money, so it couldn't have been that bad.  Rating: C

6. Confessions of Shopaholic - Isla Fisher, most known for her role in Wedding Crashers, gets the nod for the lead character in this film that would leave most men contemplating suicide, but most women with a smile.  I guess that's why they call it a chick flick.  Having never read the book I can't compare it to that, but the movie provided for 2 or 3 quality laughs and multiple snickers.  The camera loves Fisher and she does as good as any actress could do in this disenchanting role of Rebecca Bloomwood- a young  journalist who just can't stop spending money she doesn't have on the latest fashions.  What makes this movie from being a complete bust is Rebecca's boss and love interest: Hugh Dancy.  He's scrumptious.  Rating: C+

5. Mall Cop - Paul Blart (played by Kevin James from The King of Queens) is your stereotypical security officer who takes his job very seriously, but you wouldn't want it any other way in this light-hearted comedy.  Mostly slap-stick humor, this good-hearted guy ends up saving the day with the help of a lot of luck.  The romance side of this movie is not tantalizing enough to draw you in, but the ease of laughter throughout is enough to satisfy.  And you have to appreciate the clean-cut jokes and vocabulary that don't leave you feeling guilty for enjoying the movie.  Rating: B-

4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button -  Easily Brad Pitt's best performance of his career thus far.  He plays the role of a peculiar man who is born with a rare disease that makes him get younger as he ages.  This is a film that makes you contemplate life and death, love and heartbreak, and the joys and hardships of life.  My only beef with this film was the length: 2 hours and 45 minutes, making it very slow at points, but it also enabled the viewers to really get to know the heart and soul of Benjamin Button.  At the end, I found tears streaming down my cheeks.  A great movie to rent and watch on a quiet evening in with a quality glass of wine.  Rating: B+

3. I Love You, Man - Looking for a good laugh? It's easily found here. If you are able to put the crude language behind you (excessive use of the F word), you will be laughing uncontrollably from start to finish. I was unable to say what my favorite part of the movie was afterwards, since it's not really the story line that is great (a newly engaged man trying to find a best man for his wedding), but the actors' reactions during awkward scenarios that makes this movie worth seeing. The directors could not have picked a better man than Paul Rudd to play the lead. I imagine that a lot of it was ad-libbed because it was just too natural at points to come from simply memorizing a script. Predictable ending, but hilarious (I was convulsively laughing at points, hitting poor Ed because I couldn't find another manner to get my emotions out). Rating: B+

2. Duplicity - A spy movie that isn't loaded with crazy gadgets or unfathomable stunts - read: it's actually plausible, which makes it that much more appealing. Julia Robers' and Clive Owen's chemistry is convincing enough to keep the females interested, and the cunning script is more than enough to keep the males hooked. The many twists throughout the story may seem confusing at first, but all come to fruition beautifully at the end. There are no holes in the story line, which is a feat because of its complexity. No one is left saying, "but what about this part?". Very enjoyable movie going experience. Dramatic and witty. Rating: A

1. Slumdog Millionaire - I saw it in an old, classic theater that shows the more independent type movies or foreign films before they make it "big" or just die before hitting mainstream theaters. I proudly claim that I saw this movie before anyone had even heard of it. It's unique storyline approach, uplifting message, and surprisingly great acting (no big names) left me on the edge of my seat during its entirety, waiting for the next clue into how this story unfolds. It's not just your regular movie with the good guy winning.  Beautifully written and directed. And you have to love the dancing at the end!  A must see.  Rating: A+