Catching up on my Netflix movies…
Wimbledon (2004)
My Rating: 8/10
I didn’t know anything about this movie except the story revolved around tennis. And what I got was a movie about tennis. But what I also got was a very feel good, romantic (comedy of sorts), movie that really surprised me as a very good movie. It’s been a while where I watched a romance that made me feel good at the end. Like it really really worked for me for some reason. The actors were really good, it was a very simple film with a very simple conflict that complicated things and the overall movie was quite entertaining. For romantic movie buffs, watch it if you haven’t. Kirsten Dunst was very good and looked like a tennis player. Although Paul Bettany played the part of a tennis player well, he sure looked awkward playing tennis. The chemistry between the two really worked and as Roger Ebert says, “What I mostly liked was the warmth between the two leads.” Yes, that’s what I liked the most as well. If there was a category for “The best tennis movie” I guess I’d have to say this is it. Although I can’t really remember any other movie about tennis so it wins by default.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (2005)
My Rating: 9/10
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis, I last read this book (and the series) in 1990. It was my second read of the series after reading it in high school. So I’m 16 years removed from the story. And what I got on film was better than I remembered. I hate to admit it, but I enjoyed this movie more than the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. It was less tedious, yes it was lengthy as well, but it was straight to the point. What I most enjoyed about watching the DVD was watching it in bed with the family. Bella was scared during parts but when Aslan appeared at the top of the mountain during the battle and roared, both the kids sat up and clapped with excitement and relief. It was such a wonderful moment to see both my kids questioning his death. Both saddened and confused. They jumped when Aslan came back alive. And to climax the emotional roller coaster, they were overjoyed when he appeared in battle. What a moment to witness as a father. I loved this movie for inciting the emotion in my kids like it should for everyone – pure, innocent, responsive emotion. There was also something about Tilda Swinton that gave the White Queen this certain edge. She was great in the role as well.
Bad Santa
My Rating: 4/10
Talk about on the nose on the nose on the nose… OK ALREADY… I GET IT! He’s bad! He’s BAD SANTA. It was as if they spent half this movie trying to convince the audience that yes, this Santa is truly bad. You know, like the title suggests. You know, if he cusses at kids, if he drinks a lot and screws women in dressing rooms, and yes, robs the mall, he’s bad. You know, if he cusses at kids, if he drinks a lot and screws women in dressing rooms, and yes, robs the mall, he’s bad. YES I KNOW I REPEATED MYSELF… but it was just like the movie. I kept saying, okay… yeah, he’s bad, so get to the point already. B.F.D. Okay, suspension of disbelief… I know… I get it… I did it… It wasn’t enough. Fat, nerdy kid with a runny nose gets beat up by bullies… okay… I get it. I’ll buy it. No problem. Hot bartender falling for smelly, loser in a Santa costume… uh… NO FRIGGEN WAY. Lauren Graham hooking up with foul mouthed Billy Bob Thorton? Riiiiiight… Come on. Give me something better than that already. He is bad right? Give me a bad girl. Lauren Tom’s character would have been a better choice for the romantic subplot. Seriously!!! But a “Gilmore” girl? Yes, there were parts that were actually funny. Yes, he made a turn to become better than bad… but man, it was like flipping a coin and having Santa say to himself, heads, I’ll be good, tails I’ll be bad. Give me a real epiphany. Not an epiphany just to move the story to the end. Okay yes, there were funny parts and some good scenes as far as acting. Billy Bob is a good actor that’s for sure. And yes, I got most of the rental… I watched “Badder Santa”. But it wasn’t enough. Give me “Elf” any day.
