Popcorn & Velvet Seats

Synopsis: After failing to fit in with her family and in lesbian black culture, Alike, finds herself at a crossroads between herself and her family.

Thoughts: Pariah was a sincere film, that touched on taboos within the African- American/black community about homosexuality. The film told a good story with an excellent script and a talented cast that provides moments that will have you laughing and crying.

Reasoning:  One of the most touching and real moments is Alike’s (Adepero Aduye) closing poem that can be heard as narration during the trailer. Other notable aspects about this film is the amazing soundtrack, and the amazing supporting cast. I think my favorite supporting performance is by Pernell Walker as Laura, Alike’s bestfriends, who’s struggling with making ends meet as a disowned young lesbian. Laura has a fairly understated role -compared to Adeperor Oduye’s role as Alike- that’s neatly tucked into the film, but if you’re paying attention you will notice just how wonderful her performance truly is.

Conclusion: Buy The Ticket

salesonfilm:

It was a most excellent adventure film in the old style. Very entertaining—and short. Get in, have a good time, get out. Job well done.

Great Point. 

Synopsis:

IMF is closed after a mission goes wrong in Russia that it’s blamed for. As a result, Ethan Hunt and his new team, have no choice but to clear IMF’s name and to save the world from nuclear warfare. 

Thoughts:

This is what great action movies are made of people! Ghost Protocol has a good looking cast and killer stunts with an actual plot line.

Reasoning:  

Tommy boy looks handsome in this film, and Paula Patton looks absolutely stunning.

It’s a huge pay off knowing that Tom Cuise performed all of his own stunts in the film.

The plot has a great spy espionage vibe going, with random pay phones self destructing ‘n’ all. Plus, Jeremy Renner’s character had nice layers to go along with the mission-gone-terribly-wrong plot line (I can’t say too much about that without giving stuff away though).

Conclusion: Buy The Ticket

Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick, Watson, join forces to bring down Holmes’ arch nemesis Professor Moriarty. 

Thoughts: Great mystery action flick.

Reasoning: This sequel is actually better than the 1st film, because it builds on top of the 1st film and adds a few different elements without having a bunch of extra unnecessary stuff. I really hope Michael Bay takes a page out of Guy Ritchie’s book. Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. still have a great bromance going, which complements Guy Ritchie’s focused vision for the film.

Conclusion: Buy The Ticket (Although, see the 1st movie 1st if you can help it)

Synopsis: A young famous reporter in London, TinTin, finds himself on a mystery treasure hunt with his dog Snowie as a sidekick, and a confused and drunk Captain Haddcock.

Thoughts: This was a great film to see with the family, if you’re just a kid at heart (me) or if you’ve loved the best red head in the universe since you were in grade school (me again).

Reasoning: The dog was cute. The red headed kid was cute. Even the drunken captain was cute. All the characters are loveable. The only thing I didn’t love is when TinTin was lost at sea with Captain Haddcock, they were just lost at sea little too long for my taste. Left me wondering when the storyline was going to pick back up, which is never a good thing in a movie. 

Conclusion: Buy the ticket.

Synopsis:  A young man from a wealthy family attempts to pave his own way in the world by joining the movie industry, on a Sir Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe film, and falls in love with Marilyn Monroe during the filming of the movie.

Thoughts: This was a nice independent film that was really well cast. 

Reasoning: Michelle Williams‘ performance is captivating as Marilyn Monroe, and Eddie Redmayne did a wonderful job as this young love struck man following Miss Monroe around doing his best knight ‘n’ shining armor routine. Dominic Cooper delivered a wonderful supporting performance as Miss Monroe’s handler. Then again, I would watch this man watch paint dry. Yup, I love him like that. Oh and Judi Dench was nice as well. 

Conclusion: Buy The Ticket

Synopsis:  After meeting in college and falling in love, Anna decides to extend her stay in Santa Monica with Jacob, and violates her student visa. As a result, the two spend the next seven years trying to lift her band from the U.S. inorder to be together. 

Thoughts: This was a very organic, truthful and simplistic take on love.

Reasoning: They filmed this movie with a very small budget, and a even smaller crew which is probably why the film felt so natural. I enjoyed the whole idea that once you finally find what you’re looking for, do you still want it? This film pretty much has everything except for romance to accompany Anna’s and Jacob’s love. Yes, there was a few romantic moments at the beginning of the film; however, it did not last more than 30 minutes. Although, that’s why it’s organic, truthful and simplistic.

Conclusion: Buy The Ticket (only if you truly like indies, this isn’t No Strings Attached).

Question: How do you feel about the shower scene (you’ll know what I’m mean once you’ve seen it)?

Synopsis: A young boy, Hugo Cabret, finds himself alone and living in between the walls of a Paris train station after his father is killed by a fire.  Alone, Hugo is desperate to finish repairing an automaton, and to solve its mysterious illustration with his adventure starved sidekick Isabelle.

Thoughts: Simply miraculous.

Reasoning: There hasn’t been many films done this well in a long time. I personally believe it surpasses other films that market themselves as aesthetically pleasing e.g. Clash of the Titans, which we all know was a complete disaster in 3D and 2D. Aside the aesthetics, this film has a wonderful story about a boy and the world of cinema. With a wonderful story, and excellent cinematography, this film has become one of my favorite movies of all time! 

Theater Reaction: The theater was dead silent, everyone in the audience was absolutely captivated by the film. 

Conclusion: Buy The Ticket!