Current Movies - Thumbs UP or Thumbs DOWN

[sourland]

"American Hustle" is on our to do schedule for Christmas day. Looks like we sort of felt the same about 'Banks'.

 

[sourland]

A Merry Christmas to all - join the Princess and Sourland at the movies tomorrow.

 

[drumstick diva]

American Hustle was a big disappointment to me. I was really hyped about seeing it. Yet another movie the critics labeled hysterical. I didn't laugh, no one in the audience laughed. A great cast but, I found I didn't really care about them or "buy" into anything they said or did. I expected it to be a great "con" movie like the old "The Sting," with Robert Redford and Paul Newman.
I wish they had re-issued The Sting instead.

Warning: there is a lot of "boobage," on display, frontal and side-l, - I think Gorilla Glue was preventing full fallout. Depending on your feelings toward such ,you will either be thrilled or annoyed that movie studios feel it necessary to market beautiful women in this way.


Sour, I really want to read your review of this.

 

[sourland]

deedee, you just may have talked me into seeing "Wolf of Wall Street".

 

[Arielle]

I'm running way behind but, I saw "The Hobbit,the Desolation of Smaug" last Sunday. If you were disappointed with the Hobbit part 1, you will be ecstatic over part 2. Peter Jackson got his groove back.

The scenery of course is breathtaking, the action fast paced and intense. More time is spent on character development - although I still can't tell several characters apart, too many beards, too many tall and dark haired etc. Again and again Bilbo proves his worth as a necessary companion even though Thorin seems ever to demean him. Some very creative escape plans and of course the introduction of Smaug. Then an abrupt end which I seem to remember occurred with each episode of Lord of the Rings trilogy as well.

I was very satisfied tho ,at times ,when Smaug faced the camera he looked rather cartoonish. I rate it 3 1/2 stars , my brother gives it 4. Part 3, the last installment is slated for Dec.2014.

My kids keep asking to see the movies based on the Hobbits-- but I found the originals disturbing, though of course DH loved them ( but then he has the books). What age is this lastest sequel suitted for? My kids are 10-12-- too young to see this one?

Editing to add they are BOYS--

 

[Arielle]

Saving Mr Banks-- I'm getting that is not a kids movie? Sourland?Drumstick Diva?

Merry Christmas to you both.

 

[drumstick diva]

The Desolation of Smaug carries a PG13 rating which is a stronger parental guidance warning. I don't recall any horrendous activity though the dragon breathes a lot of fire and pursues while filling tunnels with fire. I think todays kids are pretty savvy and have probably seen a lot of violence just in seeing animated kids movies. I know I was appalled at some things that happen in Disney kids fare and I always thought Disney stuff was sensitive to younger audiences. Boy, am I a dreamer.

At any rate the movie is listed as not recommended for audiences under the age of 13. If I knew the children personally I could give a better appraisal. Sorry this is the best I can offer.

 

[drumstick diva]

RE: Saving Mr.Banks - I think children would be bored out of their mind. My brother wanted to see it (63) because he went to Disney Land and Disney world many times and thought it would showcase some of the exhibits. It barely touched on them. There are some scenes that would disturb children when the authoress reveals her childhood. The bulk of the movie is the endless carping and raging against Mr.Disney for wanting permission to make the movie.

 

[Arielle]

THis helps-- my kids have seen a lot of violent material however, it has always been in our home AFTER I have viewed the movie and can adjust some of the viewing as necessary. THese days my boys lok at me and sat : MOm, we've already seen that. I guess I'm dreaming too. My concern is that in a movie theater they/we are held hostage to the unfolding events on the screne and the too loud sound.

Another choice, their choice, is 47 Ronin.

Disney is not suitable to the littlest ones IMO. BY now my kids have seen most episodes of NCIS, a whole season of BONES, DOOM, The Predator . . .

 

[drumstick diva]

Your kids are braver than I am - I gave up NCIS mainly because Ziva left but, I could not stand the violent deaths and autopsies and so on. Too many tv shows from Monk thru CSI, etc etc. always open with a gruesome murder - people fed to hogs, burned to a crisp, etc. etc.

I'm 66 and have seen a lot of graphic violence that I wish someone had warned me about. I saw that movie "DRIVE" I think it was last year. I love Ryan Gosling but, after the scene in the elevator - I check out the movie reviews meticulously for clues of horrific graphic violence and just pass on them.

I think your kids could handle Smaug quite well.