I was first introduced to Twilight by a friend from the office. She was quite the rabid reader of serious novels so the day she came to me touting a book called Twilight I was quite surprised. I know, she says almost apologetically, it’s a book about teen angst, high school and…VAMPIRES! She gave me the book and, well, I gobbled it up in two days flat and wanted more! I loved the books and with great agony waited for Twilight the movie to be released. We went as a group from the office the day it premiered. At the conclusion of the movie we found we were split 50/50 as to who liked it and who didn’t. I was in the I LOVED IT camp although to be honest I really cut Robert Pattinson's acting a lot of slack because he was so darn cute.
New Moon
I waited like most Twi-hards for the return of Bella, Edward and Jacob with baited breath. The fact that the best I can say about the movie is that it is…Ok…kills me. Listen, I am not a professional film critic and though there is a lot to like about New Moon for me it was as flat as a pancake. There were great visuals, loved the wolves, the scene in Bella’s bedroom as she watches time pass is great, the Volturi (kind of aristocratic, ruling class vampires) were pretty interesting and it’s no contest that Dakota Fanning (wearing red contacts yet) can out emote Robert Pattinson any day. There is a great supporting cast which we see too little of, maybe that was the problem for me. Go see the movie if you are a Twilight fan, I promise Taylor Lautner’s six-pack is worth it! Apologies for being sexist!
The Volturi (Dakota Fanning in foreground)
The Wolfpack
Team Jacob - yummylicious
A clip from New Moon
A far better movie to recommend is the life affirming, Precious. There is a great story going around that Oprah had contacted Mo’Nique and asked her if she has picked out her dress for the Oscars yet. Yes, she is that good and equally stunning is Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe as Precious. Everyone associated with Precious should go home with an Oscar, the film is that worthy. This is Gabby Sidibe’s awesome fledgling debut and Mo’Nique is better known for her comedy but her gritty portrayal will leave you breathless and her final monologue in the film will stun you. The film is literally and figuratively dark and I winced, grimaced and gasped out loud and surprisingly even laughed a few times. This movie will break your heart but is essentially about the triumph of the human spirit and trust me you will fall in love with it. The film is dedicated to precious girls everywhere.
Gabby Sidibe as Precious
Mariah Carey as the social worker
Lenny Kravitz as Nurse John
Paula Patton as teacher Miss Rain
The Mother of all mothers, and not in a good way, Mo'Nique as Mary Jones
Clip from Precious
Dear Bonnie
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your movie reviews. I saw Twilight and liked it mostly because I like writers who try out new things and the vampire genre needed something new, although I cannot claim to be an avid vamp-book reader. My favorite vampire movie in a long time is the recent Swedish film "Let the Right One in," directed by Tomas Alfredson, from the novel by John Lindqvist. As far as "New Moon" goes, about the only consistent praise for the film I've read about is Taylor Lautner's abs. I think I can wait till DVD. But your review of "Precious" does make me want to see that.
Warmly,
Ruben
Loved your post, Bon. I've heard the murmurs of Precious rising from the ashes and igniting like an Oscar worthy flame. Have definitely put this movie on my "to watch" list when I go home for Christmas. Hopefully, it'll still be in theaters. New Moon for what it is, will con't to garner hype bc of the popularity of the books. The movies will never be Oscar material by any means, so as long as you go in the theaters with that expectation then you'll never be disappointed. I thought little of Twilight the movie, but liked it bc it made me channel the characters better by watching them in action on the big screen. I'll have a similar reaction for New Moon. Annyhooo, I hope you had a great week-end.... and hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie! I love to read your reviews...movies or books...and get your take on what's out there! I haven't done vampires since Anne Rice, and I have to admit that I mostly read those to get to visit New Orleans and Paris...if only by night! lol I've been hearing good things about "Precious" and I am deciding about going to see it. I have a very hard time with sad movies. I'm the one who had to shut myself in the movie theatre bathroom to finish crying at the end of "Edward Scissorhands." lol I hope you are having a great weekend! Here, it is raining...again...and turning colder, but the good news is...the monster hole in my ceiling is now sealed and will be stippled tomorrow. Yaaaah! I think the next book series about powerful people who control the lives of others should star...roofers! No kidding! Happy week to you, Sadie and Kitty!...hugs...Debbie
ReplyDeleteOh Bonnie I am so late in blogging today; I didn't see this movie, but I have been more curious about it with all the publicity. The actors or celebrities in this are worth the look and now that I know you liked it, I really need to see it. How are you my dear one? We have a week off, but I am going to tear into my thesis and try to finish it. I am a little discouraged about teaching at the moment, and I don't "feel" like doing it, but I know better! I am not a quitter. Take care dear one, Anita
ReplyDeleteHi there-great reviews my dear, the Twilight film is not really my cup of tea, my son went to see it and loved it! I would like to see the film Precious, it really does sound good! have a great week ahead!!
ReplyDeleteDearest Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming for a little pink fix! Hey, I did use a white wash on it yesterday with a gold embellishment and WOW what a difference. Dreams can come true! I would love to see some pics of your room, OH PLEASE send me some pictures! Give Sadie and Kitty a squeeze for me...Anita
Two movies I will see in dvd... I hate going to the movie theatre... there is no pause button! LOL
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews,I found it very interesting, your quite good at this! I do want to see Precious, I work with families who are court ordered and I see a lot of that kind of dysfunction but I am always hopeful and love to see a happy ending. Cindy