Toy Story 3
Toy Story has been one of those films that I have loved for as long as I can remember. I had my collection of all the toys and my toy story themed birthday party. When I think of my childhood films, these are the ones that come to mind. With that said, I was beyond excited to see the new Toy Story film. I wore my cowboy jacket in homage to my favorite character Woody, and my friend Ventana and I each brought one of our toys. She brought Mr. Potato Head and I brought Woody, of course. Toy Story 3 tells the story of what happens to the toys once they've been "outgrown" by Andy. They are accidentally donated to a day care center, which seems at first to be the answer to all of their prayers. Yet there is a sinister truth beneath the smiles of "Sunnyside." I loved the film. It didn't feel forced or over done as one might expect. It was witty and touching, just as any good Pixar film should be. And the ending didn't feel concrete, but neither did it feel like it needed another film. It was rapped up, but in a softer way. It is definitely one of Pixar's best films. And while watching it, I felt like a little kid again.
A Beautiful Mind
I remember watching the Academy Awards and being upset that this film had bet out Lord of the Rings for best picture. Yet watching it now, I wouldn't have it any other way. This touching story is about genius John Nash and his struggles with schizophrenia. The acting on the part of Russel Crow was phenomenal. He captured the character so well and made him relatible. In my opinion, it is his best performance I have seen. The direction and cinematography were also great. The lighting was wonderful for it seemed to really show the progression of time. In all it was a really splendid film and I highly recommend it.
Erin Brockovich
When my friend My first recommended Erin Brockovich to me, my first thought was of the dancer, Baryshnikov. I had no idea what it was about, only that Julia Roberts was it in. Sometimes I think its better that way, because then you go into it with a really open mind. This film is the remarkable true story of a woman who proved everyone wrong and did what no one expected her to do. The best way to sumarize it is in the tag line on the poster "She brought a small town to it's feet, and a huge company to it's knees." The film is so inspiring because it shows that if you really set your mind on something, the skies the limit. Julia Roberts was great, but I almost feel like, acting wise, the film was a team effort. Everyone was good and thus it made the film more of a whole. The writing was great as well.
When Harry Met Sally
I really enjoyed When Harry Met Sally. It was fun, but not to silly and it had great writing. I thought both Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal were good. Billy Crystal is always so funny that you have to love him. When Harry Met Sally is the story of Harry and Sally whose friendship was began by arguing the differences in men and women. But if they cannot get over those differences, will they ever be happy? I loved all of Sally's odd food quirks. I think that the film is great as a whole because its witty and fun and real to how people act.
The Chorus
I had heard good things about this foreign film and thus I had it on my list of films to see. It was a really beautiful film. The shots and color were so interesting and unusual. It felt very much like looking at old photographs which was really fitting! The Chorus is the story of a man who begins to work at a troubled boys school. He decides to start a chorus, and finds that the way to the boy's hearts is through music. The music in this film is fantastic! The main boy has such a beautiful voice, and it really makes the film. If you haven't seen, you should really check it out. It's definitely worth watching.
The Truman Show
I've been wanting to see the Truman Show for a long time now. I've always thought the idea was really interesting. The Truman Show is about Truman, whose life is a TV show, but he doesn't know it. Everything that has ever happened in his life has been staged. I think that it is one of those films that will hold up for some time. Jim Carrey was great, he was funny as always, but he also showed his serious side. I thought Laura Linney was great to. The concept is so fun and interesting that you can't help but be intrigued.
