Movie Review: Something Borrowed

The first thing that caught my eye when sitting through this movie's opening credits? The film was produced by Hilary Swank, Oscar-winner Hilary Swank. Anyway: I'm not going to lie, I read this movie's literary counterpart (by Emily Giffin) last summer and enjoyed it a little bit — it was nice, light reading. Much like the novel, I can't say that I'm proud of liking this movie for what it is ... but that's how I feel. Surprisingly, Kate Hudson did a lovely job as honest, loud-mouthed, alcoholic, stuck-up Darcy and, unsurprisingly, Ginnifer Goodwin was perfect as pushover Rachel. The true stand-out in this flick, however, was best friend and confidant Ethan, played by John Krasinski (TV's The Office). Something Borrowed deals with some serious relationship issues and doesn't quite develop all of its characters enough to warrant forgiveness for their actions (especially compared to the book), but it is a romantic comedy and it does satisfy its genre to a tee.
Best on-screen moment: Pretty much anytime Ethan attempts to get away from Clare (Ashley Williams) — or tell her a new lie.

Movie Review: Water for Elephants

Though many may hate me after this remark but it's like my friend said as we left the theater, "Who knew Robert Pattinson could act?" That same friend was, of course, referring to the actor's latest flick Water for Elephants and the sheer quality of it in comparison to the Twilight saga. Let's be honest, though, how hard is it to look amazing next to Ms. Reese Witherspoon? Twilight film jokes aside, Water for Elephants is an excellent love story/period piece set with the backdrop of an odd American pasttime — the circus. Based off the New York Times bestselling novel by Sara Gruen, the film had excellent material to work from and was classic entertainment from start to finish. If you're looking for action or something fast-paced, this is definitely not the flick for you; but if you love animals, you love to see the bad guy go down and you love love, we recommend it highly.
Best on-screen moment: When Rosie the elephant pulls her stake out of the ground, walks across the tent, drinks lemonade, walks back and puts her stake back into the ground.

Album Review: Femme Fatale

We all know her. Many of us love her. And some of us hate her. But none of us can deny that the woman knows pop music and is a force to be reckoned with throughout the entertainment industry. Here name? (As if it needs stating) Britney Spears. Spears' latest effort, like all of her albums, takes pop music to the next level and remains ahead of its time. With seven of the 12 tracks hailing from hitmakers Dr. Luke and Max Martin, Femme Fatale was almost guaranteed to bring it ... and that it did. From the club-thumping lead single "Hold It Against Me" to the Eurodisco-inspired (and Ke$ha penned!) "Till the World Ends" to pretty much every other track, Femme Fatale is the first Britney album we've loved from start to finish (well, there may be one or two tracks in there we could do without); a great way to kick off (fingers crossed) summer.
Most notable tracks: "Trouble for Me," "Gasoline"

Movie Review: Scre4m

Ah, the Scream franchise continues, a true classic in the horror genre made even better by the fact that in each flick characters point out horror conventions. Sometimes its hard to tell whether the audience is laughing at or with the Screams but this newest installment brings back everything audiences love about Wes Craven's masterpiece series. When it comes to horror, we don't like to give too much away but we will say that Scre4m brings a hot young cast, classic franchise characters, big twists and turns, and plenty of gore. So ... what's your favorite scary movie?
Best on-screen moment: Gale (Courteney Cox) goes back inside a party to check on her camera and Dewey (David Arquette) is able to watch her attack as it happens.

Movie Review: Blue Valentine

Though not exactly a feel-good story of romance, Blue Valentine is a stunning portrayal of the onset and disintegration of a marriage. The story centers around the lives of modern couple Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams) as well as their daughter Frankie (newcomer Faith Wladyka), jumping back-and-forth between how the couple met and where they're at "now." Cindy's only exposure to marriage before her own came from the awful showing that are her own parents, who constantly fought while she was at home, and the input of her grandmother, who reveals that she's not sure she ever loved her husband near the film's beginning — not exactly a promise for a happy ending in this flick. Though the two fall in love and marry (despite the child not being Dean's), the couple can't seem to stay happy despite everything. If you can handle incredibly honest, completely un-sugarcoated flicks, then you're in for two great performances and a wonderful Hollywood story.
Best on-screen moment: Dean and Cindy embark on their first date, resulting in the two learning each other's hidden "talents" (singing and tap dancing).

Movie Review: Beastly

High school hot-shot/bully, Kyle (Alex Pettyfer), is exiled upon making a spectacle of classmate Kendra (Mary-Kate Olsen) and is forced to reflect on himself and learn to care more about others. Enter Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens) who is destined to teach "the beast" what it means to be selfless. Set to an amazing soundtrack that includes Death Cab's "Transatlanticism" and Jem's "Forever and a Day," Beastly was everything you would expect it to be. The film added a Gothic, artsy, modern (obviously) spin to the classic Disney tale Beauty and the Beast, incorporating a lovely array of characters reminiscent of originals Lumière (Neil Patrick Harris' Will, a blind tutor who made the movie), Mrs. Potts (Lisa Gay Hamilton's Zola, a house maid) and the beautiful enchantress (Olsen — a stellar performance, we might add).
Best on-screen moment: Will and Kyle decide to relieve stress by hitting golf balls off the roof of their "prison," prompting Will to yell "Whassup?!" each time.

Album Review: Doo-Wops & Hooligans

A fairly short album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans spans only ten tracks but beautifully showcases the amazing vocal talent of veteran producer Bruno Mars. In his full-length drop, Mars seems to channel the sounds of Bob Marley and Jack Johnson, using light acoustic backing and sweet lyrics. The first two singles from the disc — "Just the Way You Are" and "Grenade" — have quickly become sensations garnering Mars seven Grammy nominations at the end of 2010. Though Mars may not exactly be doing anything new with this effort, he's doing everything right (and might we add has the ability to make women everywhere swoon with his words) and we can't wait for more. Check him out on tour this summer with Janelle Monae.
Most notable tracks: "Marry You," "The Other Side"

Movie Review: No Strings Attached

Though the second scene of the film involves a frat party at University of Michigan and features one of the stars entirely clad in U-M gear, we absolutely adored No Strings Attached. Sure, it has that certain predictable quality of all romantic comedies in that it involves a meet-cute and “happily ever after” ending. At the same time, Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman are so charming and hilarious in their roles and the jokes are so outrageous and unpredictable that this friends-with-benefits story is made worthwhile for those in the mood for something lighthearted. We would like to point out, however, that the plot is similar to November’s Love and Other Drugs (starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway) and this summer’s Friends With Benefits (starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis).
Best on-screen moment: Emma (Portman) gets drunk and flips out—hilariously—on two girl’s at Adam’s (Kutcher) place.

Album Review: Born Free

Kid Rock has one of the greatest voices in the music business and on his latest effort that does not go unnoticed. With Born Free, Kid Rock continues in the vein of his previous release, Rock n' Roll Jesus, tapping into a country-mixed-with-rock musical style. Featuring cameos by Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride, T.I., Bob Seger and Zac Brown (of country's Zac Brown Band) this album is one not to be missed. Not to mention, the music video for album's title track and debut single, "Born Free," was shot entirely at Upper Michigan's Pictured Rocks and on "Times Like These" Kid Rock sings about the current hardships Detroit is facing. If you love Michigan and are a fan of classic artists like Bob Seger or Willie Nelson, you should definitely pick up or order a copy of this fabulous disc (especially since you can't purchase Born Free on iTunes). If you're still skeptical check out Rolling Stone's 30 Best Albums of 2010 list.
Most notable tracks: "Times Like These," "God Bless Saturday"

Movie Review: Country Strong

Country Strong follows the story of fictional singer Kelly Canter (Gwyneth Paltrow) as she leaves rehab and is forced to embark on a revival, "encore," tour by her husband/manager (Tim McGraw), who is sure the tour will save her (and their marriage). If you love country music this is the flick for you. If you are obsessed with the idea of fame and what it can do to people, Country Strong is for you. Not to mention, Paltrow and her co-stars each give great performances, both musically and theatrically. The film also stars Garrett Hedlund (Tron) and Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl). Do not be fooled by the trailer, however, because the flick isn't quite as uplifting as it seems.
Best on-screen moment: Canter pays a visit to Make-a-Wish child, Travis, and sings to him and his classmates.

Album Review: Last Train to Paris

Featuring collabs with artists like Drake, Lil' Wayne, Justin Timberlake, T.I., Chris Brown, Usher and Trey Songz, on top of by fashion's greats (see past post), can Diddy - Dirty Money really go wrong with this latest effort? We don't think so. Many of the tracks are pretty great and the lead single, "Hello Good Morning" with T.I., was a solid comeback piece for the rapper who continues to change his name. If you're still attempting to come up with great stocking stuffers, this album is a solid choice. And it's 19 songs long, not too shabby.
Most notable tracks: "Coming Home," "Loving You No More"

Movie Review: Black Swan

Walking out of the theater as Black Swan "closed its curtain," the audience was noticeably stunned...and for good reason. To say this film is mind-blowing is practically an understatement. Yes, it's that good. Natalie Portman gives the best performance of her career to date--and that's saying something--as her character spirals into literally embodying the ballet she is set to perform. Often terrifying, the flick takes audiences on a whirlwind through the life, and mind, of an insanely dedicated ballerina and the characters in her life. We must note, Black Swan is not for the faint of heart (there's a lot of blood) and is at times quite graphic, but the performances, especially from Portman and Mila Kunis, and the costumes are absolutely breathtaking. This is a film you should not miss (it already has four Golden Globe nominations) and don't be surprised if it is swooping up Oscars come February 2011.
Best on-screen moment: Nina's (Portman) "dark" dance as the Swan Queen.

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I

To sum up the seventh (part one) installment of the infamous Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) film series in two words: absolutely brilliant! If we could give it five kisses, we definitely would. Everything works in this newest flick--the acting, direction, special effects, costuming--and we wouldn't be surprised if it continues to break record after record. Apart from leaving you on the edge of your seat, itching to just watch Part II already, the film is chilling. For lovers of the Potter novels, this is the journey you have been waiting for since turning that last page. Part I brings the books to life in a way that is new and practically unlike what has come before. For those that watch the films without a love for the text, this flick may be just good enough to have you wanting to pick up at least the last novel (if only to know how it ends).
Best on-screen moment: When Hermione (Emma Watson) narrates the wizardly tale of The Three Brothers.