Elizabethtown (2005)

This movie was a really touching story. The main character, Drew Baylor played by Orlando Bloom, is having a really rough time. He was supposed to be this dream child at his job and came up with this really awesome, creative design that turns out to be the biggest failure in his company's history. To add insult to injury, his father passes and he has to go back to the town his dad grew up in. At first it is odd when he goes back to this small town that seems to almost idolize his father and therefore, accepts Drew with open arms. He realizes this is a whole portion of his own history that he never knew. On the way to the town, Drew meets a very friendly, quirky stewardess played by Kirsten Dunst. She is there for him and helps him to realize his life is not over because of his failure and he should take this opportunity to do something great with it. Will he do something bold?

Sidewalks of New York (2001)

This was an interesting film, sort of set up like a documentary about romance, love, and reality. It of course takes place on the streets of New York. Basically it is a tangled web of unrequited love and lust. Sort of like a he loves her, she loves this guy over there and on and on. Stanley Tucci plays a married guy who serially has affairs on his wife played by Heather Graham, she is unhappy and is thinking about possibly sleeping with a client. Really you are wondering why a woman like Heather Graham would be with a guy like her husband. Stanley Tucci's character is not really like able and in the end gets exactly what he deserves which is quite fitting. Watch the movie and decide for yourself.

Me Without You (2001)

This was an interesting story about two girls, Holly (Michele Williams) and Marina (Anna Friel), who are the best of friends from childhood. The story starts in London in the 1970s where the girls are next door neighbors and inseparable and continues through adolescence, college and adulthood. While the girls differences are celebrate and embraced when they are young, the differences become what tries to tear the girls apart. Although I can definitely sympathize with both characters, as Marina gets older she definitely gets less likable. While I think a majority of her issues stem from her family life, selfish mother, on again/off again father, there become a point where you need to rise against the hand you were dealt. Holly's character plays more of the victim in the story which is more relate-able but at the same time you just want her to DO something about it. It seems that Holly is too afraid to take any risks, and if she isn't careful she will end of losing something substantial. I don't think this was the greatest movie but it was definitely entertaining. I think this story illustrates how people grow apart but if you let it you can learn to love the differences in people again.

Gattaca

I know this movie came out in 1997 and it is ridiculous that I am just now getting around to watching it because it was a great movie! As far as science fiction goes, I thought this was a very realistic story. The main theme throughout this movie was how unpredicatable the human spirit is. Even in situations where you have genetically altered a human being's body and mind to be as perfect as it can possible be, fate and will power still need to be taken into consideration. Another amazing aspect of the human spirit is determination. Just because an individual has every disadvantage not to succeed does not mean that you should automatically discount them. This movie tells the story about a man who is so determined to accomplish something even though the odds are stacked against him and he still manages to succeed. I could see how a society such as the one in this story where you have genetically perfect people could eventually make people very lazy. You would have the individuals who weren't perfect or the Invalids that would just give up because they thought it was impossible to make anything of themselves. And then you would have the genetically perfect individuals or the Valids who would never have to challenge themselves because there is no guessing or striving to accomplish anything because it was always possible for them. Also, just because someone is created genetically perfect does not automatically guarantee a happy ending. I thought this movie told the story in great detail and with significant human emotion. Definitely loved it!

A River Runs Through It

This review is dedicated to Jake Hiller! Interestingly enough I just got around to recently watching this movie. If you like Legends of the Fall, I definitely think you would enjoy this movie as well. First of all the scenery throughout this movie is incredible. It definitely made me want to go camping or fishing very soon! This movie follows the story of two brothers growing up together in rural Montana where people consider fly-fishing a religion. Brad Pitt and and Craig Sheffer play the brothers and are both constantly trying to discover who they are and what they should be while trying to live up to their father's, a Baptist minister played by Tom Skerritt, expectations. Brad Pitt plays the younger brother who has always been on a more daring and confident path than his older brother. Brad Pitt does a wonderful job of making the character endearing and full of life. The older brother is much more concerned with how he should live, what his father wants him to do then doing exactly what he wants to do. The movie exemplifies the significant differences between siblings but also how those differences can make those bonds stronger. The older brother definitely disagrees with a lot of the decisions that the younger brother makes but because they are brothers the older brother bails the younger brother out of some situations. This movie is a great movie that shows the love between family and also reminds you of those people you have met that have touched your life. It reminds you that those special people that have touched your life by just being themselves are rare and you should treasure them for as long as you have with them.

Sorry for the lapse in reviews...

I am sorry I haven't been updating this page. I wasn't sure if anyone was reading it or not... I have definitely been watching lots of movies so I have plenty to put on here! Thanks for all the comments!!