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Movie Reviews and Ratings

Karen Posada

By

2012/05/03 at 12:00am

The Avengers

05.3.2012 | By |

The Avengers

The Avengers’ hasn’t even opened in theaters in the United States and it has already made about $260 million worldwide which covers its cost, which was $220 million, this alone describes the craze and buzz this movie has created. It’s hard to deny even not being a part of phenomenon, that this is a great action packed movie. We all like: Superheroes, special effects, alien attack, fights, space ships, saving the world, comedy. The special effects are fantastic, from Iron Man’s suit to The Hulk and the evil aliens. There are many weak points in the storyline, but if you’ve been wanting to go watch this movie more than anything is because of the action it has, I doubt many people want to watch it for its dialogue or depth. One thing this superhero movie does best is shine a light on all the beloved characters, although some or a bit more important than others it is all about team work.   

 

In this comic book brought to life the espionage agency S.H.I.E.L.D. calls in the superheroes after an energy source of unknown potency, tesseract, opens a portal through outer space and the Norse god Loki (Tom Hiddleston) crosses over and steals it, hypnotizing some of the scientist that had been working with the energy source, Clint Barton or Hawkeye (Jeremy Reener) and Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård). At this point Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) has no choice but to go against the government’s wishes and reactivate the Avengers Initiative. So, while the superheroes are gathered we get to see a bit of what each one of them has been up to, with a little background explanation on who each one of them is. We first see Russian spy Natasha Romanoff better known as Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), she is sent to India to get Bruce Banner aka The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) because he might be the only one that can track the tessarct. Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) goes to collect the multimillionaire scientist Tony Stark or Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). Steve Rogers aka Captain America (Chris Evans) is asked to join since the energy source was found in the ocean after his freak accident that made him a superhero. Finally the demigod Thor (Chris Hemsworth) crashes the scene as he’s trying to get his brother Loki to change his mind and leave planet earth alone. All these different personalities, which the government views as freaks, must come together to save the world before alien forces take over the planet.      

 

The movie is 143 minutes long and at times it does start dragging, when the superheroes can’t get along because of their egos, but fortunately the culminating action scenes saves anything that was wrong with the film. Personality wise Iron Man is the most likeable character, because of his calm, funny, and sarcastic views on life and the other characters. It is always awesome seeing a girl kick ass and Johansson does a great job keeping up with these superheroes when she’s basically the only human. There’s an unnecessary and uncharacteristic point where she’s portrayed as being weak, but minutes later she’s ready to kill huge robot like monster aliens. For some reason Captain America becomes the leader, perhaps because of his military background and although many seem to dislike his goodie two shoes personality, however, he’s able to carry out an organized team effort. Thor is just the odd extraterrestrial being, that knows this evil forces good enough and cares for planet earth to be able to give the superheroes and advantage. There’s no denying though that The Hulk is probably everyone’s favorite superhero, it could be because he’s not a thinker but a doer and although he’s hard to control somehow the beast realizes what his place is and when to SMASH.

 

There’s a fierce competition of popularity between Iron Man and The Hulk, they both steal the show and are even more superheroey than most when the situation calls for it. I have to admit that at times there is too much going on at once and some characters seem to be forgotten, while others are sitting around or being chased unnecessarily, but it all comes together so masterfully, ironically enough when disaster breaks out. The 3D effects are not glorious, so save your pennies and watch it on the regular screen; also, make sure to sit around after the movie is over as there are two extra scenes at the end. The Avengers is an unstoppable force that will continue to succeed, there being talks of another Hulk, Iron Man and Avengers 2 movies.     

Karen Posada

By

2012/05/01 at 12:00am

New Year’s Eve

05.1.2012 | By |

 

There’s not much to expect from ‘New Year’s Eve’, unfortunately this movie with so many well known actors doesn’t have much to give; not even entertainment value.  I can’t help but compare it with Garry Marshall’s ‘Valentine’s Day’, the director used the exact same recipe here: tie in about 7 stories and try to use some humor along with drama on the biggest holiday of the year.  It’s tough to get the audience to care about a character with so many things going on and so many stories to follow, you don’t get much of a background on the characters and just when you are starting to get into one of the stories it changes to the next one. The biggest star in the movie is of course New York City, a place where the holidays; New Year’s Eve in particular is like no other.

 

The film is an analogy to new beginnings, looking back in the past and pushing the rewind button to not make the same mistakes and to accomplish the resolutions we procrastinated on. The only story that has a little substance is that of Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) a woman who has followed the same routine for years and worked endlessly without being appreciated until one day she decides to change it all and we have a little fun with her exploring NYC. We basically follow around the whole cast as they prepare for midnight, some are anxious about their midnight kiss, others are anti-holiday, others are nostalgic about the year that has passed and others are too busy working to care about the holiday. The love stories are predictable and boring, there are some minor twists but not exiting enough to improve the movie. 

 

The audience was surprised with some guest appearances, but we already had enough of a cast for me to find it necessary. The Hispanics in the movie Ava (Sofia Vergara) and Kominsky (Hector Elizondo) have small supporting roles, Vergara plays the exact same character she does in her hit show ‘Modern Family’ with awkward anecdotes and childish behavior, who knows if they’ll ever cast her as something besides a stereotype. Elizondo is always a Marshall aka the help, so no surprise there.

 

A 2 hour-long movie of running around is exhaustingly boring, the movie has a nice (not original) concept but it’s not enough. I’m not sure how I feel seeing Academy Award winners such as Halle Berry and Hilary Swank in such petty roles that seem to be for amateurs. The only thing this movie inspired in me is a curiosity to actually be crazy enough to see the ball drop live in Times Square and I enjoyed recognizing the different sights in NYC, such as Smith Street in Brooklyn towards the end of the film.  

Jack Rico

By

2012/05/01 at 12:00am

DVD Reviews: Haywire, W.E., New Year’s Eve

05.1.2012 | By |

DVD Reviews: Haywire, W.E., New Year's Eve

This week from Miami, on the Enrique Santos Morning Show, Jack Rico reviews the new DVD/Bluray releases: the action film HAYWIRE, Madonna’s new movie W.E., and the end of year romantic comedy NEW YEAR’S EVE.

You can hear our DVD review segment in Miami on the ‘Enrique Santos Morning Show‘ every Tuesday at 7:25 AM and 9:25 AM by Univision Radio ‘MIX98.3FM’ in Miami or the global network by visiting: http: / / www.enriquesantos.com/

Karen Posada

By

2012/05/01 at 12:00am

Tony Awards 2012 Nominations Announced

05.1.2012 | By |

Tony Awards 2012 Nominations Announced

The Tony Awards are celebrating 66 years and are only 40 days away, the ceremony will be held in New York’s Beacon Theater hosted by Neil Patrik Harris.  The Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards are presented every year to professionals in the theater community for their great performances. Today Kristin Chenoweth and Jim Parsons announced all the nominations for the 26 competitive categories. The 2011/2012 eligibility season began April 29, 2011 and ended April 20, 2012. 851 members of the theatrical community voted on all of the 26 competitive categories.

This year ‘Once’ the musical got the most nominations, with 11 under its’ belt.The Lifetime Achievement in Theater Award will be presented to producer Emanuel “Manny” Azenberg. Also, the Tony Awards Administration Committee will bestow two Special Tony Awards this year to Actors’ Equity Association and Hugh Jackman.

Nominations for the 2012 American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards®     

Presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing

 

Best Play

Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris

Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz

Peter and the Starcatcher by Rick Elice

Venus in Fur by David Ives

Best Musical

Leap of Faith

Newsies

Nice Work If You Can Get It

Once

Best Revival of a Play

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

Gore Vidal’s The Best Man

Master Class

Wit

Best Revival of a Musical

Evita

Follies

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

Jesus Christ Superstar

Best Book of a Musical

Lysistrata Jones by Douglas Carter Beane

Newsies by Harvey Fierstein

Nice Work If You Can Get It by Joe DiPietro

Once by Enda Walsh

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Bonnie & Clyde            Music: Frank Wildhorn

                                  Lyrics: Don Black

 

Newsies                      Music: Alan Menken

                                  Lyrics: Jack Feldman

 

One Man, Two Guvnors  Music & Lyrics: Grant Olding

 

Peter and Starcatcher    Music: Wayne Barker

                                   Lyrics: Rick Elice

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

James Corden                           One Man, Two Guvnors

 Philip Seymour Hoffman           Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

James Earl Jones                      Gore Vidal’s The Best Man

Frank Langella,                        Man and Boy

John Lithgow                           The Columnist

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Nina Arianda                          Venus in Fur

Tracie Bennett                       End of the Rainbow

Stockard Channing                 Other Desert Cities

Linda Lavin                            The Lyons

Cynthia Nixon                        Wit

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Danny Burstein                       Follies

 Jeremy Jordan                       Newsies

Steve Kazee                           Once

Norm Lewis                            The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

Ron Raines                             Follies

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Jan Maxwell                            Follies

Audra McDonald,                    The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

Cristin Milioti,                         Once

Kelli O’Hara                            Nice Work If You Can Get It

Laura Osnes                           Bonnie & Clyde

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Christian Borle                       Peter and the Starcatcher

Michael Cumpsty                    End of the Rainbow

Tom Edden, One Man              Two Guvnors

Andrew Garfield                      Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

Jeremy Shamos                      Clybourne Park

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Linda Emond,                          Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

Spencer Kayden                      Don’t Dress for Dinner

Celia Keenan-Bolger                Peter and the Starcatcher

Judith Light,                            Other Desert Cities

Condola Rashad                      Stick Fly

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Phillip Boykin                         The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

Michael Cerveris                     Evita

David Alan Grier                     The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

Michael McGrath                    Nice Work If You Can Get It

Josh Young                            Jesus Christ Superstar

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Elizabeth A. Davis                   Once

Jayne Houdyshell                    Follies

 Judy Kaye                             Nice Work If You Can Get It

Jessie Mueller                         On A Clear Day You Can See Forever

Da’Vine Joy Randolph             Ghost the Musical

Best Scenic Design of a Play

John Lee Beatty                      Other Desert Cities

Daniel Ostling                         Clybourne Park

Mark Thompson                      One Man, Two Guvnors

Donyale Werle                        Peter and the Starcatcher

Best Scenic Design of a Musical

Bob Crowley                           Once

Rob Howell and Jon Driscoll     Ghost the Musical

Tobin Ost and Sven Ortel        Newsies

George Tsypin                        Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark

Best Costume Design of a Play

William Ivey Long                  Don’t Dress for Dinner

 Paul Tazewell                       A Streetcar Named Desire

Mark Thompson                    One Man, Two Guvnors

Paloma Young                       Peter and the Starcatcher

Best Costume Design of a Musical

Gregg Barnes                           Follies

ESosa                                     The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

Eiko Ishioka                            Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark

Martin Pakledinaz                    Nice Work If You Can Get It

Best Choreography

Rob Ashford                            Evita

Christopher Gattelli                 Newsies

Steven Hoggett                       Once

Kathleen Marshall                   Nice Work If You Can Get It

Best Direction of a Play

Nicholas Hytner                      One Man, Two Guvnors

Pam MacKinnon                      Clybourne Park

Mike Nichols                           Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

Roger Rees and Alex Timbers  Peter and the Starcatcher

Best Direction of a Musical

Jeff Calhoun                            Newsies

Kathleen Marshall                   Nice Work If You Can Get It

Diane Paulus                          The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

John Tiffany                           Once

Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre

Emanuel Azenberg

Regional Theatre Award

 The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington, D.C.

Isabelle Stevenson Award

Bernadette Peters

Special Tony Award

Actors’ Equity Association

Hugh Jackman

Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre

Freddie Gershon

Artie Siccardi

TDF Open Doors

Tony Nominations by Production

 Once – 11

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess – 10

Nice Work If You Can Get It – 10

Peter and the Starcatcher – 9

Follies – 8

Newsies – 8

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman – 7

One Man, Two Guvnors – 7

Other Desert Cities – 5

Clybourne Park – 4

End of the Rainbow – 3

Evita – 3

Ghost the Musical – 3

Bonnie & Clyde – 2

Don’t Dress for Dinner – 2

Gore Vidal’s The Best Man – 2

Jesus Christ Superstar – 2

Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark – 2

Venus in Fur – 2

Wit – 2

The Columnist – 1

Leap of Faith – 1

The Lyons – 1

Lysistrata Jones – 1

Man and Boy – 1

Master Class – 1

On A Clear Day You Can See Forever – 1

The Road to Mecca – 1

Stick Fly – 1

 A Streetcar Named Desire – 1

 

Karen Posada

By

2012/05/01 at 12:00am

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

05.1.2012 | By |

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ is charming, I would say even funny at points, but despite of the star-studded cast the story is too feeble to be worth your money at the movies. This film brings together English actors that are considered royalty to many because of their extensive CVs and talent; this alone will make many people want to check out this dramedy. But once more the formula of putting too many stories together in one movie is exhausting and unsatisfying.

 

In this film 7 British retirees are lured to spend their retirement in exotic India, in what once was a beautiful palace, now a place in ruins for the elderly. They are enticed by the owner of the hotel Sonny Kapoor (Dev Patel) who is the most positive person on earth no matter the circumstances. Evelyn Greenslade (Judi Dench) a recent widow begins to learn how life works, since her husband was the decision maker of the household. Graham Dashwood (Tom Wilkinson) tired of his job, goes into early retirement to relive past memories of his life in India. Douglas & Jean Ainslie (Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton) venture into a cheaper life, where they hope to find peace in their marriage. Muriel Donnelly (Maggie Smith) is a sour woman that has no choice but to go on this trip for health reasons. Norman Cousins (Ronald Pickup) is a helpless romantic, who despite his age is still looking for love. Finally, Madge Hardcastle (Celia Imrie) realizes time is catching up with her and although she’s had various divorces this might be her last chance at finding true love.  

 

There’s no denying that this film is full of warm, heartfelt moments but notwithstanding its length there are many holes in the story and the predictability of it leaves very little mystery behind it. Like most movies that use this formula of trying to tie seven stories into one, it fails because the public can’t connect with any of the characters. Of course these actors are still top notch, their stories are interesting and India is a perfect exotic place because of the noise and the color, but the film tries to embark on too many subjects which makes it hard for it to fulfill even one.  

 

They say, as we get older we go backwards and live over our teenage years and childhood; so at some point in this film these grandparents begin acting like teenagers, which becomes a bit irritating more than it is funny. We get some clichés along the way, that: it’s never too late to start over, a person who risks nothing has nothing, and we all have a fear of making the same mistakes again. The movie hopes to be inspiring and it might touch people that have had to start over at a later age in their lives, but although there are obstacles here it fantasies it all too much and it becomes a Disney movie where the characters are too old and most of their problems have extremely easy solutions. However, if you still feel like catching these actors that have made cinematic history, I suggest doing it from the comfort of your home.  

Karen Posada

By

2012/04/30 at 12:00am

‘Think Like a Man’ keeps the #1 spot!

04.30.2012 | By |

'Think Like a Man' keeps the #1 spot!

‘Think Like a Man’ once more took over the first place with $18 million dollars. Obviously the public agrees that this hilarious romantic comedy should continue headlining the box office.

‘The Pirates! Band of Misfits’ a perfect movie for the whole family follows it, with $11.4 million dollars. Hugh Grant’s first animated film along with other actors like Salma Hayek, has earned this spot because of the intricate details that form this wonderful story.

The romantic movie ‘The Lucky One’ fell to third place with $11.3 million dollars. Leaving ‘The Hunger Games’ in fourth place, which indicates that possibly it will loose a place in the top 10 rapidly.

 

 

 

The Top 10 Movies in the Box Office are:

1. Think Like a Man – $18 mil

2. The Pirates! Band of Misfits – $11.4 mil

3. The Lucky One – $11.3 mil

4. The Hunger Games – $11.3 mil

5. The Five Year Engagement – $11.2 mil

6. Safe – $7.7 mil

7. The Raven – $7.3 mil

8. Chimpanzee – $5.5 mil

9. The Three Stooges – $5.4 mil

10. The Cabin in the Woods – $4.5 mil

Jack Rico

By

2012/04/30 at 12:00am

Incredible… “I Fell Asleep During The Avengers”

04.30.2012 | By |

The article was taken from a Spanish language article we wrote back on May 4th, 2012.

Mientras nos acercamos más a la gran fecha de 4 de mayo, día en que se estrena THE AVENGERS, una de las películas más esperadas en la historia del cine, recibimos una reseña del filme de un anonimo/a ansioso por hablar de que pensó del largometraje.

Desconocemos si es una “ella” o “él”. De todos modos, lo que importa aquí es la opinión, una que se ve muy sincera. Vale la pena mencionar, que ShowBizCafe.com no apoya los comentarios siguientes y solo es puesto como nota editorial. Gracias a la anomima o anonimo que nos entregó la nota:

“Tuve la oportunidad de ver la película “The Avengers”  antes de que saliera en cartelera y no la desaproveché. Después de todo, se trata de “una de las películas más esperadas de este año” y aunque no soy un gran fanático de todos los superhéroes, hay algunos que me llaman la atención. Quería ver con qué iba a salir Hollywood esta vez.

Una vez sentado comienza la película. Con todas las ansias y esperando que me sorprendiera, ocurre lo impensable: me quedé dormido en los primeros 5 minutos.

No se si fue que todo empezó muy rápido o, por el contrario, muy despacio que me desconecté de la película. De pronto fue que vi varios superhéroes que no conocía y que son los que se roban gran parte del comienzo. Menos mal fueron unos pocos minutos en los que mis ojos se mantuvieron cerrados.

Una vez que recobré mis cinco sentidos empezaron a aparecer un par de superhéroes que ya conocía y hasta me sorprendí al ver a uno que sigo desde mi niñez.

Ahora si empieza la acción, que está muy buena pero que para mi concepto a veces se torna un poco ruidosa. Tanto que me saca de estar disfrutando la película a pensar que “está como un poco duro el volumen” entre explosión y explosión.

Me gustó mucho la idea de que sea en 3D porque definitivamente hay una diferencia abismal con las pantallas “regulares” que estamos acostumbrados a ver. Lástima que sea a través de unas gafas que personalmente después de unos minutos me comienzan a fastidiar y pienso en quitármelas para descansar así como me quito mis lentes de sol cada vez que me molestan durante el día y me encuentro con que no se puede ver bien la pantalla sin ellas. Miro a mi alrededor y veo a todo el público con unos lentes súper anticuados, como viendo a muchos Woody Allens observando una película. Me parece que ahí falló la tecnología.

Volviendo a la película, por supuesto Hollywood sale triunfador como estamos acostumbrados. Una vez nuestros superhéroes se ven derrotados y casi ya sin fuerzas, salen a relucir aquellas cancioncillas a las que muy bien acostumbrados estamos y que nos recuerdan que ahí no termina todo y que al fin y al cabo ellos son superhéroes y los buenos siempre ganan.

Me entretuve viendo la película excepto por aquellos minuticos en que mis ojos estuvieron ausentes. Tiene mucha acción aunque muy predecible y se la aconsejaría a aquellas personas que de una forma u otra les gusta lo relacionado con superhéroes. De otra manera creo que sólo despertarán cuando escuchen las explosiones.”

Jack Rico

By

2012/04/26 at 12:00am

2 brand new pics from “Twilight: Breaking Dawn 2”!

04.26.2012 | By |

2 brand new pics from “Twilight: Breaking Dawn 2”!

Seven months from the awaited release of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2″, two new pics from Summit Pictures have been revelaed with the three protagonists stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.

In the first still, we see Stewart and Pattinson (dating in real life) looking at yonder. Pattinson looks concerned, while Stewart is on a cheerful note. Is he expecting an attack and is she happy to be a vampire? The second photograph is of Lautner determined and courageous, ready for any situation where he can defend his beloved Stewart. These harmless speculations, will be answered via the new trailer in due time.

The official synopsis of the film the astonishing conclusion to the series, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, PART 2, illuminating the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2″ opens in U.S. theaters on November 16.

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson

Karen Posada

By

2012/04/26 at 12:00am

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

04.26.2012 | By |

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

Here’s another great family adventure, ‘The Pirates! Band of Misfits’ is a fun, clever, colorful and fantastic film for children and adults to enjoy. Aardman Animations executed such a detailed film, which is no surprise seeing that they did ‘Arthur Christmas’, and all the ‘Wallace & Gromit’ films along with director Peter Lord who also did ‘Chicken Run’. This was a great combination of talent that is easily perceived on screen. I had the chance to see the film in 3D and although I think the graphics are beautiful, you can enjoy it just as much on the regular screen. 

 

Pirate Captain (Hugh Grant) has a crew that idolizes him, even though they are very unsuccessful as pirates. Pirate Captain decides to enter the Pirate of the year Award, one more time despite of having lost various times. His main pirate rivals are: Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven), and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek); these two are great fighters, treasure hunters and mock Pirate Captain and his crew endlessly. Either way Pirate Captain is determined to win the award this year, with his right hand the Pirate with a Scarf  (Martin Freeman) and his comedic crew. He not only has to worry about his fellow pirates, but also for Queen Victoria (Imelda Stauton) who hates pirates and will do anything to see them go extinct. On his journey Pirate Captain will encounter endless adventures and memorable people, but he will learn one of the most valuable lessons of all: how important friendship is.

 

 This is Grant’s first animated film and he told me in our interview that the story and his character itself really attracted him and he felt connected to them automatically; so much so that if they decide to make a second part he won’t allow anyone to take his place. Just seeing the images of this movie you can appreciate all the detail that went into it, for example the ship built for the crew was hand crafted, had 44,569 parts, weighted 770 pounds, was 14 feet long and 15 feet high. The intricate work can be perceived in each scene. In the U.K. the film is called ‘The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists ‘, because wonderfully enough it mixes in some science by having Charles Darwin (David Tennat) be one of its characters. Also, the mascot of the ship’s crew is a dodo bird, Polly that was just adorable!

 

Pirate Captain and his crew entertain easily because of their good nature, innocence and thrill for adventure. Pirates are such an overplayed subject, but somehow they continue to entertain in family films. So, if you are looking for a film that the whole family can enjoy this weekend I recommend this one, for the laughs, story and wonderful images it offers.

Karen Posada

By

2012/04/25 at 12:00am

The Five Year Engagement

04.25.2012 | By |

The Five Year Engagement

My biggest complaint about ‘The Five Year Engagement’ is that it is too LONG! No matter how many cutesy, funny or weird scenes they throw at us; this film doesn’t have enough substance to run for such a lengthy amount of time. Although very little changes throughout these five years, the passing of time is definitely felt and despite of the fact that there are various funny scenes and the characters are so patient the weight of time and tension in the story is easily felt by the public. For people that like romantic comedies and insist on going to the movies this weekend at least this might be a better pick than ‘The Lucky One’, although your money would be better invested in ‘Think Like a Man’.

 

This is the story of Violet (Emily Blunt) and Tom (Jason Segel) who live in San Francisco; he’s a chef and she’s a psychology student. They are madly in love and after a year of being together Tom pops the question, the couple starts to prepare for the event when Violet is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity at the University of Michigan. This complicates things but lovingly Tom supports her by putting the wedding on hold and moving to Michigan with her. In Michigan each one tries to cope with the change and every time they try to restart planning the wedding some other opportunity or obstacle comes up. The couple begins to have many ups and downs, which test their relationship and the whole movie revolves in finding out if their relationship is strong enough to survive and reach the final step or if they will break up.

 

There are countless funny scenes; one my favorite is between Violet and Suzie (Alison Brie) who plays her sister, when they have a serious talk in an Elmo and Cookie Monster voice. Most of the vulgar and strange comments come from Alex (Chris Pratt) who doesn’t seem to have a filter and always lightens the mood. Although there is chemistry between Blunt and Segel some of their conversations felt rehearsed and awkward, but that might have been more of a problem with the script than their acting.

 

The problem with having a five-year relationship on screen is having to live through the drama that’s obvious to appear, although there’s a lot of comic relief through it, when it reaches the lowest point there’s no comedy to save it.  Most of the twists in the movie are pretty predictable, which makes the length even more unnecessary.

 

As a romantic comedy this isn’t a bad film, but it certainly doesn’t stand out from the rest. At the end we are left with some minor questions, that I was okay to not have the answers to, because it might have meant another ten minutes. The biggest lesson this film gives us is very simple: in order for every relationship to work both people must be happy with their lives in order to be happy with each other. Long engagements are not such a rare thing nowadays, which means this movie might have some people curious to see it, but I would say there’s no need to run to the movie theater to catch this film; it might satisfy you a little more in a few months when it comes out in DVD.

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