Mamma Mia! (2008) PG13 - 3½ Stars

Okay men are going to definitely label this one a chick flick but it really is a fun musical for all. It's playful, Meryl Streep is very good and the movie is done quite nicely. The music is all enjoyable with many good songs I hadn't heard in a while. Sure it's hammy in parts, but it's a musical so everything is over exaggerated. It's not going to make it to my personal collection, but still an enjoyable watch.

Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), is getting married and yearns to have her father walk her down the isle and give her away. Problem is, her mother Donna (Meryl Streep) was a free loving yet rebellious teenager and three different men could fit this bill. Sophie secretly invites the three men, Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Harry (Colin Firth), and Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), to her wedding as guests of her mother. The three arrive and Sophie must hide them, while trying to uncover her true roots, before her mother knows there here. Too late, the cat is out of the bag and Mamma is having to do some double stepping. But eventually all will work out and Donna will learn it's never too late for love.

Universal Pictures
Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Writer: Catherine R. Johnson
Producers: Gary Goetzman, Judy Craymer

I viewed 1/19

Burlesque (2010) PG13 - 3½ Stars

I always love Cher in anything she does and she still looks great and can belt out a tune after all these years. Also starring Christina Aguilera, I've never been one of her biggest fan but this movie gave me new respect for her. That girl can sing her heart out, and dos a pretty good job of acting too. Aguilera plays a girl from Iowa looking for the chance to make it big in Hollywood. She buys a one way ticket to Los Angeles and walks into a Burlesque bar, feeling completely drawn in. So much so, she grabs a tray, starts waiting tables for free, all just to be close to the experience while she dreams of her chance to get up on stage. I love the title song and gotta put this one in my musical category. It's not a musical but it has so many good songs and singing, it's gotta go there. Nicely done.

Ali, (Christina Aguilera), is a small time girl from Iowa working a dead end job in need of a change. She packs up her things and gets a one way ticket to Los Angeles in search of a venue to strut her stuff. She stumbles upon The Burlesque Lounge on the Sunset Strip. Intrigued with the show, she can visualize herself on stage if given half the chance. She feels it so bad, she grabs a tray and begins to wait tables at no charge, just to be close. Club owner Tess,(Cher), sees her persistence and eagerness, and hires her as a waitress. You never know if another girl is needed as one of Tess's best girls Nikki,(Kristen Bell), has been screwing up a lot. The burlesque club is Tess's passion and it's financially struggling to stay afloat. What Tess needs is a miracle.

When Nikki pisses Tess off for the last time, Ali comes aboard to fill her shoes. Surprisingly to all, Ali has a ginormous voice that fills the house. Even Jack, (Cam Gigandet), the engaged bartender, sits up to take notice. But it's a little too much too late and Tess and Ali are forced to put their heads together to save the club before the doors are closed for good.

Awards:
2010 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Original Song

De Line Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing
Director: Steve Antin
Writers: Steve Antin, Susannah Grant
Producer: Donald De Line

I viewed 5/11

Stomp the Yard: Homecoming (2010) PG13 - 2½ Stars

I rented the movie because I have great respect for anyone who can move their feet like some of these actors can. My biggest complaint about this movie is the editing or so called direction. You never get to see the dancers completely perform. I'd like to think it's not because they can't stomp without mistakes OR the director thought it would be clever to jump around instead of staying with the characters. It would have been nice to see one or all performers do a routine all the way through from one angle. I recognized "Nikki" right away from daytime soap opera and I have to say the acting for the most part wasn't too bad.

Truth University has many sorority clubs. The Theta Nus sorority has been working all year on perfecting their techniques for this years Homecoming annual Step Competition. They seem to be a "shoe-in" if they can just get their star performer Chance Harris, (Collins Pennie), aka "Rock Star", to stay focused. But things are falling apart for Chance. Since Chance's mother just died, he's been finding it harder to stay focused on anything but his dancing. He gets himself involved into a rigged dance competition that has a gang of thugs tracking him down for money. He's torn between his current girlfriend Nikki, (Tika Sumpter), and his ex Brenda, (Kiely Williams), and his family restaurant needs his attention. Can Chance bring it together in time to win the competition and becoming the man on campus.

Gotta Step 2 Productions, Rainforest Films
Director: Rob Hardy
Writers: Meena Payne, Albert Leon
Producer: William Packer

I viewed 12/10

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009) PG - 2½ Stars

Oh Alvin, You know I love you dearly and have ever since you came out way back in the 60's. I even liked your first animated movie. However, can you tell Dave, to not allow you to make any more like this one. Or maybe I should say I've gotta stop renting anymore of these. I guess the kids might think it's funny as they like things like farting under the covers, and getting into trouble but you're first one needed no sequel much less a squeakquel.

This time Brittany (voice of Christina Applegate), Eleanor (voice of Amy Poehler), and Jeanette (voice of Anna Faris), join Alvin (voice Justin Long), Theodore (voice of Jesse McCartney), and Simon (voice of Matthew Gray Gubler), in a battle of The Chipmunks vs. The Chipettes. There's a cash prize up for grabs for the school as well as bragging rights on who's the better performers. Dave's (Jason Lee), in the hospital so this time the Chipmunks will stay with Toby (Zachary Levi).

Fox 2000, Regency Enterprises, 20th Century Fox Distribution
Director: Betty Thomas
Writers: Glenn Berger, Jonathan Aibel, Jon Vitti
Producers: Janice Karman, Ross Bagdasarian, Jr.

I viewed 4/10

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) R - 3½ Stars

Just looking at the DVD cover you know it's going to be a dark movie. I bought this movie in a 4-$20.00 special at Block Buster. But without reading the box, I thought it was about vampires and just knew it had to be good with Tim Burton at the helm. Well, like a vampire movie, there IS blood and killing and violence but in an awkward way, there's beauty too. Johnny Depp singing in a musical, wow, he's pretty darn good in his role as the master barber. With his partner in crime Helena Bonham Carter, doing a smashing job. I really liked the performance of little Edward Sanders. It's a fun sort of "Little Shop of Horror" type movie, just made me close my eyes through a lot of it.

Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp), has been away from town for 15 years and not by his choice. You see, 15 years ago Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman), was jealous of Sweeney's wife and wanted her desperately. Along with the aid of Beadle Bamford (Timothy Spall), the judge arranged the lock up of Sweeney, sending him far away for a long time. Judge Turpin took Sweeney's wife away and locked his daughter Johanna (Jayne Wisener), out of reach of anyone but himself. But revenge will be sweet as Sweeney moves back into town to make the judge pay. Mrs. Nellie Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter), offers Sweeney the room above her meat pie shop and Sweeney goes to work giving the closest shaves in town. The two help each other become sucessful and befriended by a street boy Toby (Edward Sanders), the family setting seems almost complete. Business if bombing in the eatery, but the beggar woman on the street (Laura Michelle Kelly), keeps an open eye on the customers that go into Sweeney's shop for a shave and never come out.

Awards Include:

2007 - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Costume Design
2007 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Picture - Musical or Comedy
2007 - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Young Actor
2007 - St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association - Best Score
2007 - Washington D.C. Film Critics Association - Best Art Direction

DreamWorks, Paramount Pictures
Director: Tim Burton
Writer: John Logan
Producers: Laurie MacDonald, Walter Parkes, Richard D. Zanuck

I viewed 3/10

Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009) PG - 4 Stars

No matter what you thought of Michael Jackson as a person, no one can ever say he wasn't of our greatest performers. Even with the quirky behavior, accusations of child molestation, numerous rumors of plastic surgeries, I don't know we will ever see another man of his kind bless our planet in the same way. "This is It," is a lovely tribute to the tragic ending of Michael's short life. It gave me a little more perspective into the man and yes he was anal. Anal to the critical aspects of making everything he did, a performance.

Michael wanted every one of his songs to perfectly tell it's magical story the way he intended it. Extreme attention to specific detail is what made his concerts more visual art shows. If you have ever seen him in concert, you'll have to agree with me that it was one of the best concerts you've ever seen. I saw the "Bad" concert series and at first I was embarrassed to tell friends I went to a Michael Jackson concert. After experiencing Michael live, from some pretty great seats, I can home bragging about how awesome it was. The guy sure could dance. Every song took you somewhere, not with just the lyrics, but as he acted out the entire story before your eyes.

Michael wasn't just a great singer and songwriter, but a true professional with a specific ear tuning his songs into remarkable works of art. With a birds eye view, "This is It" gives you front row seats of the preparation it takes to make a great performance. It's a must see, at least one time, for a glimpse into the men we really never knew.

I don't think Michael was the kind of guy to take no for an answer. I think his brain was a turning wheel 24 hours a day making sleep impossible as he articulated and obsessed every detail of his musical life. I'm not a doctor and don't know anything about the drugs Michael was giving inducing his death. I certainly don't condone what Dr. Conrad Murray gave to Michael and yes he should have been a better professional in his field to be able to say no to Michael. But I think the fame and fortune of being involved in Michale's life, got him caught up into loosing his professionalism of doing what was best for his patient, Michael and instead doing what was best for Dr. Conrad Murray. A sad tragedy as Michael was about to take back the stage of his live.

Sony Pictures Releasing, Sony Pictures Releasing International (SPRI)
Director: Kenny Ortega
Producers: Paul Gongaware, Kenny Ortega, Randy Phillips

I viewed 2/10

Hustle & Flow (2005) R - 4 Stars

I can't believe I am saying this but, this has got to be one of the best PIMP / hustler films I have ever seen. The writing for the movie, the acting, the story line, man it's all great!!! You'll actually feel for the pimp and the women that stand behind him. The movie shows how you can have your life long dreams one moment and everything turn around in the next.

Djay (Terrence Howard) is a hustler / pimp / drug dealer living in Memphis, TN. With one girl Shug (Taraji P. Henson), pregnant, Lexus (Paula Jai Parker), with a kid and Nola (Taryn Manning), his bank. Djay isn't happy with the way his life has turned out and yearns to be doing something different. He takes a keyboard for one of his drug deals and starts plunking around on it. It brings back memories of his dad and now that he's about the same age as when his dad died, he takes a good hard look at his life. Djay starts to playing the keyboard to go along with some lines he tries to lay down. As he begins writing "his flow" down in a notebook, things start feeling right for him. While he's scoring some drugs down at the local store, he runs into and old friend from high school, Key (Anthony Anderson).

Key is a happily married man and technical sound engineer, involved in gospel music. He too has been itching to try something new to get his skills taken to the top of the charts. With Key's mixing sound abilities and Djay's rapping, together the two set up a studio in Djay's house complete with egg carton lining for sound. But something is still lacking until they enlist the musical input of a beat maker named Shelby (DJ Qualls).

This unlikely bunch, start producing different beats and lines till they come up with a catchy beat that flows from the soul. Now they just need someone to promote it as they can't even afford to cut a CD. Djay brags that he knows hip-hop star Skinny Black (Ludacris) and how he will meet with him and promote the cassette. At the club, Arnel (Isaac Hayes), the owner arranges Djay to get to Skinny's table. Now he must make his biggest hustle ever, to get Skinny on his side and take his music to the charts.

Awards include:

2005 - Hustle & Flow - Academy - Best Song.
2005 - Hustle & Flow - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Song.
2005 - Hustle & Flow - Sundance Film Festival - American Dramatic Audience Award.

MTV Films
Director: Craig Brewer
Writer: Craig Brewer
Producers: John Singleton, Stephanie Allain

I viewed 6/08

Connie and Carla (2004) - 3½ Stars

What a fun and cute movie full of exuberance, side step, song and dance. Nia and Toni are the perfect duo and easy to relate to their situation. I'm placing this one in musicals as there are many numbers through the show.

Ever since they can remember, best friends Connie (Nia Vardalos) and Carla (Toni Collette) have dreamed of making it big in show biz. The two, as girls in school, preformed in the cafeteria at lunch and finally ended up singing in an airport lounge between passengers flights. It's not the big time, but it makes the girls happy doing what comes naturally for them. Their dream is to some day meet Debbie Reynolds.

One night at the lounge at the end of their show, two men appear looking for their boss Frank (Michael Roberds). As Frank slips out the back door, the two girls are encountered by the thugs. As they get away, they go looking for their boss on the roof top only to witness him murdered by a policeman working with the men. As they scream, the thugs now turn their attention to the girls as they are witnesses to their crime. With out knowing what to do, the girls jump in their car and head to California to blend in. They find a shabby apartment to rent and audition for a song and dance show at a local bar. The only problem is, the bar is for gay men and drag queens and Connie and Carla must convince everyone they are men with good voices. They finally start to relax and find there new happiness staring on stage every night with the other Drag Queens, who absolutely adore them.

Business is good and as they help the bar expand to a full serve restaurant, the past will catch up with them. When Connie falls for the brother of one of the boys in her act, they have to decide to keep going on as they are or blow their cover in order to find true love.

Spyglass Entertainment Holdings, LLC, Universal Pictures
Director: Michael Lembeck
Writer: Nia Vardalos
Producers: Roger Birnbaum, Gary Barber, Jonathan Glickman

I viewed 2/09

Schultze Gets the Blues (2003) PG - 2½ Stars

In German with English subtitles, this is a cute little movie about Schultze, a large simple salt mine worker with the love of music. However, I didn't feel the connection with the movie as much as I am sure the director wanted me to. This is one of those movies where I am sure if I understood German, I would have absorbed more from the movie.

Schultze (Horst Krause) has lived and worked his entire life in a salt mine in the former East German state of Saxon-Anhalt. To get to work he rides a old bike and being a larger man, he stands out doing so. Schultze lives a simple life drinking beer with his co workers Jurgen (Harald Warmbrunn), and Manfred Karl (Fred Mueller). They fish together at the local pier and together, they are laid off at the mine. Talk about the blues, Schultze can not find anything in life that brings him pleasure anymore.

When Schultz is going through the radio stations one day, Schultz gets a taste of zydeco music and he is instantly hooked. Just as quickly, Schultz is determined to see the where the roots of this music comes from and plans a trip to America to unleash his new calling.

2003 - Schultze Gets the Blues - Venice International Film Festival - Countercurrent - Special Prize for Directing

Paramount Vantage
Director: Michael Schorr
Writer: Michael Schorr
Producers: Jens Korner, Oliver Niemeier, Thomas Riedel

I viewed 11/08

Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny (2006) R - 3½ Stars

I've loved Jack Black since the movie Orange County so just about anything he is in, I will watch. Jack and Kyle Gass form "the greatest band in the world, Tenacious D", which has always been something Jack has wanted to do in his performing career. But you are either going to really like the movie or hate it. I think you need to be a Tenacious D and Jack Black fan, as the acting is not that great and the story line sort of stupid. The movie does have some pretty funny visual parts to it. It's obscene, silly, stupid, gross, rude and entertaining.

JB (Jack Black), is not getting along well with his strict Christian parents. He's eager to preform his music and after his dad destroys the posters on his wall, he crawls out his window and splits to find himself. He arrives in California and on the coast of Venice Beach. It is here where he meets KG (Kyle Gass) and the two form a strong bond feeling like they both get the music. With their sights set on making it big in Hollywood, the pair set off to share the word of their music.

New Line Cinema
Director: Liam Lynch
Writers: Liam Lynch, Jack Black, Kyle Gass
Producers: Jack Black, Stuart Cornfeld, Kyle Gass

I viewed 3/07

Tyler Perry's - Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2001) NR - 3 Stars

I have this movie under musical but it's actually a play with singing. If you've never seen a Tyler Perry play before, make sure you see at least one of his. Diary of a Mad Black Woman is a comic tale of love lost and life reclaimed and Perry stars in two roles as Daddy Charles and Madea.

Helen and Charles McCarter have been married for 20 years. Charles is filing for divorce so he can marry Helen's best friend. Helen has always been a housewife and never had to take care of herself before. Now she's devastated and wonders how she will be able to live the life style she's become accustomed to. She struggles with feelings of anger, bitterness, jealousy, denial, and revenge but in the end it's her stoned and armed grandmother Madea, that will show her how to heal herself and go on. The story takes some twists and turns when the tables are turned and Charles finds out he really needs Helen.

Lions Gate Films
Director: Darren Grant
Writer: Tyler Perry
Producers: Tyler Perry, Reuben Cannon, Pamela Green

I viewed 12/06

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) G - 4 Stars

Not taking anything away from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but I think I liked this original from 1971 just a tad bit better. Perhaps it's because with new version I knew what to expect so I was prepared for these children to be brats and get into trouble. Plus I've always loved Gene Wilder and he was great as usual in this movie.

Charlie (Peter Ostrum) and Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson) dream about finding the one of the lucky golden winning wrappers in Willy Wonka's contest. When Charlie finds the last of the five wrappers, he and grandpa are lucky enough to get a peek behind closed doors. The children see magical chocolate fountains and all the goodies their eyes and stomachs can handle. But when the other children become greedy, Augustus (Michael Bollner), Violet (Denise Nickerson), Veruca (Julie Dawn Cole), Mike (Paris Themmen), Charlie will become the chosen one.

Paramount Pictures
Director: Mel Stuart
Writer: Roald Dahl
Producers: Stan Margulies, David L. Wolper

I viewed 11/74

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) PG - 3½ Stars

Johnny Depp is Willy Wonka and his quirkiness is what makes this movie. We've seen this movie before as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971). Basically the same ideas as the original but with more effects and new fun characters.

Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore), comes from a poor but loving family where there is no extra money to indulge in chocolate bars. They live next to Willy Wonkas factory and even though they have never seen anyone go in or out of the building, Charlie dreams of all the wonders that must be inside. The company offers 5 lucky children an opportunity to get inside to see the magic, if they can just find one of the golden tickets in the chocolate bars. Children all over the world begin to flock to stores to purchase their bars in hopes of finding one of the lucky five. Charlie's family can only afford to buy one bar a year for Charlies birthday but it unfortunately it's not the winning bar.

As news starts pouring in, four of the five tickets have been found. Charlie's dreams are soon fading until he finds money on the ground, buys his last chance Wonka Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight, and the golden ticket is produced. Charlie it going to the factory and Grandpa Joe (David Kelly), will go with him.

Charlie and his grandpa join the other winners, Augustus Gloop (Philip Wiegratz), Violet Beauregarde (AnnaSophia Robb), Veruca Salt (Julia Winter), Mike Teavee (Jordan Fry) for their journey inside. From the crews of Oompa-Loompas, chocolate waterfall, and the seemingly impossible glass elevator, the children as fascinated to see almost everything is edible. These other four children turn out to be misbehaved and a bunch of rotten apples making Charlie stand out in a good way. Willy will wonder if he has found the child who could take over the factory.

Awards:

2005 - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Young Actor
2005 - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Score
2005 - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Best Performance by a Child Actor

Warner Bros Pictures
Director: Tim Burton
Writer: John August
Producers:Brad Grey, Richard D. Zanuck

I viewed 12/06

Hairspray The Musical (2007) PG - 3 Stars

At first I didn't care to see this movie with John Travolta playing a woman's role, but he pulls it off as Edna Turnblad. Edna is the mother of Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) an overweight girl who's only dream is to be on the local teen dance television show. Set in Baltimore, Edna does everything possible to keep her daughter from trying out as she doesn't feel she is pretty enough to gain the spot and doesn't want to see her hurt. Tracy's father, (Christopher Walken), encourages his daughter to go after what she wants in life.

Velma Von Tussle (Michelle Pfeiffer) operates the local and extremely white, television show. She feels her daughter Amber (Brittany Snow) is better qualified as she is the prettier one and has he eyes set on the tittle of Miss Hairspray. But Tracy steals the spotlight, while putting the racial tension that exists on the show on hold, when she invites her African American friends to join her on stage. Even mom is proud now.

New Line Cinema
Director: Adam Shankman
Writers: Leslie Dixon, Mark O'Donnell, Thomas Meehan
Producers: Neil Meron, Craig Zadan

I viewed 1/08