Summer Movies: Part 1

UPDATE!!!

Not to rub it in to you working stiffs, but I am enjoying being on summer vacation. I do find, however, that I'm having a hard time relaxing. Several times I a day, a sudden mini-panic bursts into my calm mind, gasping: "Huh? What do I need to have ready for tomorrow? What am I supposed to be working on right now?" But, then I take a deep breath and tell myself: "Self, relaaaaax. You're on vacaaaaation. You have nothing to do and all day to do it. Nowhere to go and all day to get there." (Well, until next week when I begin another University of Phoenix online course ... that will keep me busy and out of trouble.)

So, I've been taking myself to the movies quite a bit lately. I thought I would share with you my "movie reviews."

• Star Trek: I'm a bit late writing on this, because I actually saw it back when it first opened in early May. LOVED IT!!!! I'm not necessarily a Trekkie. I watched the original show quite a bit when growing up; but, never could get into the newer shows or the movies. However, this movie is awesome! The plot is very clever: we see the beginning of the original series' careers with Star Fleet and see how the individuals fit into the TV show we know so well. The special effects are phenomenal, too. I put it on a level with Star Wars. My highest praise of a movie is when I would be willing to see it a second time and pay full price. Star Trek is definitely one of those rare movies. 5 of 5 stars

• The Hangover: HATED IT!!!! The only good thing about this movie is watching Bradley Cooper for 2 hours. I don't understand what all the hoopla surrounding this movie. I found the humor very middle school level stupid and gross. OK, I know I shouldn't expect a movie to be high level humor with a plot about 3 friends having a wild bachelor party in Vegas. It could have been the bad mood I was in contributing to my crabby appraisal of it. (I had just gotten back from Germany, having brought back some wonderful chocolate-covered marzipan candies. My dog found them while I was grocery shopping and devoured just about all of them -- foil wrappers included. I was in a really pissed off mood while watching the movie, also worrying a bit about the amount of chocolate my knuckle-head dog had consumed.) Honestly, I got so bored I almost walked out after about 30 minutes. Be warned: it is very crude and raunchy -- something to consider when going to the theater with others, such as kids or your mother. 1 of 5 stars

• The Proposal: Your typical cute date movie. The story is a bit predictable, but I really enjoy the two actors -- Sandra Bullock and cutie pie Ryan Reynolds. Betty White has a fun role as Reynold's grandmother. The best part, besides Reynolds, was the beautiful Alaska scenery. I gotta go!!! 4 of 5 stars

• Up in Disney 3D: Very cute! I paid the extra $2.50 for the 3D glasses. You could just see in in the regular 2D format, but I splurged for the better experience. This is another terrific movie from Pixar/Disney. The animation was beautiful, and the 3D added extra fun. The story was adorable as well -- one that both kids and adults will enjoy. I am amazed at how an animated story can get me a bit choked up. The two main characters, Mr. Frederickson and Russell, are a great mismatch of personality, Russell's cheerful and optimistic cuteness paired up with Frederickson's Walter Mathau-like stodginess. The dogs are hilarious, especially lead dog Doug.
5 of 5 stars

• Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian: I can't really give a decent review of this movie, because I kept falling asleep! (I had just gotten back from Germany, so I was doin' the head-bob off and on due to jet lag. Plus, I had a belly full of yummy Mexican food.) What parts I did see were a bit boring ... so, I'm not inspired to go back when I'm fully conscious and give it a second chance. (No rating, sorry!)

• Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: After posting some mini-movie reviews yesterday, I then went to see "Transformers 2", so I decided to tack this on to the end. The special effects were phenomenal, as to be expected from the great results with Transformers 1 and from its executive director Steven Spielberg. I would, however, caution parents on the PG-13 rating. Given the language and sexual content, I found it inappropriate for audiences as young 6th graders. You don't "see" any sex or nudity; but, there are sexual situations that I think would make some parents uncomfortable. There seemed to be some interesting political messages in the movie ... almost like cheap shots at Obama and those who are weak on national defense. From looking around on the Internet, I read that politics have always been a part of Transformers. (I was "too old" for Transformers when they were popular, so I didn't grow oup with them.) If you're interested, you can go to Free Republic and USAToday (although about the 1st movie) for input about the political messages of the movie.