by Manuel Marino | Movie Reviews
“Adventureland” (Standard Rating: 7 out of 10) Director: Greg Mottola Screenplay: Greg Mottola Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Kelsey Ford, Margarita Levieva Duration: 1 hr., 47 min. Rating: R (strong language, drug use, and sexual references)
What? What? A film about early-20s youth that refuses to portray the guys as air-headed balls of libidinous ego solely focused on obscenities? And men actually have, what do you call them, “feelings”? This, my friends, is a daring film.
Oh, how refreshing and rare this is. Greg Mottola, the director who brought us the admirably funny and well-made “Superbad,” now presents us with the consistently amusing romantic comedy “Adventureland,” where things unfold in an ingenious manner, naturally and organically, driven by a web of fertile little conflicts.
Clever and intelligent, this film is a worthwhile investment in contemporary filmmaking that shames the numerous schlock screenwriters pandering to the market today. You wouldn’t know that from the cheap marketing hype surrounding this film, where, according to the cynical estimation of American intelligence by the movie studios’ advertising agents, the film must deliver a certain number of cheap laughs or face failure at the box office.
This film has guts and heart. Yes, … ...Read the rest.
““Adventureland” Movie Review”
by Manuel Marino | Movie Reviews
In my ongoing quest to understand the appeal of Zac Efron, I decided to watch the film “17 Again.” The movie revolves around Mike O’Donnell (Matthew Perry), a man who made a life-altering decision as a love-struck 17-year-old and now questions that choice in his present-day life. We meet Mike at a low point, with his career in ruins, his teenage children wanting nothing to do with him, and his wife Scarlett (Leslie Mann) filing for divorce.
Feeling stuck and disillusioned, Mike finds solace in reminiscing about his glory days in high school. Through a series of peculiar events, he is transformed back into his 17-year-old self (played by Zac Efron).
Believing that this is his chance to fulfill his basketball dreams, Mike decides to enroll in high school again. He assumes the identity of his best friend Ned Gold’s son, becoming Mark Gold. However, his plans take an unexpected turn when he discovers that his son is being bullied by the basketball team and his daughter is dating a jerk. His focus shifts from his own happiness to the well-being Philosophy and Music: Twin Pillars of Well-being - The realms of philosophy and music may seem different … ...Read the rest.
“Movie Review – 17 Again”
by Manuel Marino | Movie Reviews
Pixar’s “Up” received highly positive reviews during its theatrical release, positioning itself as a Best Picture contender in the era of expanded awards nominations. Overall, my experience with Pixar films has been enjoyable, with the exception of “A Bug’s Life.” I have found their output to be consistently brilliant, and I am even a self-professed fan of “Cars.” However, I was somewhat surprised that I wasn’t completely enamored with “Up.” While I did like it, I didn’t feel like I was watching an animated masterpiece as I had expected based on the buzz surrounding the film. The characters and narrative seemed slightly weaker compared to many of Pixar’s previous works. I want to clarify at this early stage of the review that I did have a good time with the film, but it just didn’t deliver the mind-blowing family spectacle that had been promised.
“Up” follows the story of Carl Frederickson (voiced by Ed Asner), a grumpy old man whose home is being surrounded by corporate developers who want his property for their project. In the first 10 minutes, we learn about Carl’s past life with his late wife Ellie, and how their house holds sentimental value as … ...Read the rest.
“Movie review ? Up (2009)”
by Manuel Marino | Movie Reviews
I finally had the opportunity to watch the film “Slumdog Millionaire,” and I was absolutely blown away. It took me some time to get around to it because I was afraid of being disappointed. The film had received so much hype that I was worried it wouldn’t live up to my high expectations.
But I had nothing to fear. Within the first ten minutes, I was completely captivated. The story is incredible, the visuals are stunning, and the cast delivers flawless performances. These elements alone are indicators of top-quality filmmaking, but when combined with the talent and vision of director Danny Boyle, they create nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. When the film ended, the word “beautiful” kept resonating in my mind. The remarkable thing is that while the film as a whole is visually stunning, the events depicted are painfully ugly. To create such beauty from such tragedy is an extraordinary achievement.
The story revolves around Jamal, his older brother Salim, and the ever-sweet Latika.
The film is narrated through Jamal’s perspective, played by Dev Patel, as he explains to the authorities how a boy from the slums could excel on the game show “Who Wants to … ...Read the rest.
“Movie Review – Slumdog Millionaire”
by Manuel Marino | Movie Reviews
I honestly don’t understand why critics have criticized this film so harshly. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed “Grown Ups,” and if you’re looking forward to seeing it, I highly recommend watching it and forming your own opinion.
What is it about?
“Grown Ups” tells the story of five childhood friends who reunite at a funeral following the death of their beloved basketball coach. Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and Rob Schneider portray very different characters on screen. Sandler’s character, Lenny, is married to a fashion designer Fashion design guide - Are you a talented fashion designer? If so, hosting a trunk show can be an excellent way to attract new clients. Fashion design trunk shows are always a top choice for dedicated and stylish shoppers. Those looking for unique items to add to their wardrobes attend these shows and place orders. You can use trunk… and is a successful Hollywood agent. Kevin James plays the lovable everyman with a beautiful wife. Chris Rock portrays a hilariously domesticated husband, married to a successful woman who wears the pants in their relationship. Schneider plays an eccentric goofball, married to an even quirkier older woman. These characters are all brought … ...Read the rest.
“Grown Ups Movie Review”
by Manuel Marino | Movie Reviews
This film revolves around Jenny, a kindergarten teacher, and her boyfriend Steve, who plan a romantic weekend getaway. Steve intends to propose and has discovered a picturesque location—a remote lake surrounded by woods that appears to be deserted. However, their tranquility is shattered when a gang of obnoxious kids descends upon their campsite. Enjoying the thrill of taunting the adults, the gang steals their belongings and vandalizes their car, leaving them stranded. When Steve confronts the kids, a heated argument ensues, culminating in a shocking and violent attack. Fleeing for help, Jenny becomes the target of a brutal and relentless cat-and-mouse game as she desperately tries to escape her young pursuers and find her way out of the woods.
Based on the ratings I read about this film, I had higher expectations than what it actually delivered. The movie starts off slowly to establish the storyline and then gradually picks up momentum.
However, once the kids start chasing Jenny through the woods, it becomes somewhat monotonous. One would expect someone with common sense to use the environment to their advantage and seek revenge, but apparently, that’s not the direction the film takes. I noticed at least … ...Read the rest.
“Eden Lake Movie Review”
Manuel is a passionate, driven, and techsavvy AV technician, 
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