Kinky Boots

Directed by: Julian Jarrold

Written by: Geoff Deane, Tim Firth

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sarah-Jane Potts

Genre: Drama

Year Released: 2005

Rating: PG-13

When Charlie Price inherits responsibility for his family’s failing shoe factory, he nearly gives up hope. However, with a bright idea from one of his employees and a chance meeting with a drag queen named Lola, Charlie concocts a plan to save the factory. Price’s will now begin production on a wide range of boots for transvestites and drag queens.

The transition from making sensible men’s footwear to designing and producing “kinky boots” is not a simple one for Charlie and his staff. They have their work cut out for them if they are to present their new line of boots at the shoe fair in Milan.

Sarah’s thoughts

In the rather extended (far too extended) time since I last watched Kinky Boots I managed to forget exactly how much adore this film. I could sing the praises of many cinematic aspects for pages and pages – the creative camera angles, the catchy soundtrack, the compelling storyline – but what really makes this movie for me are the characters, most notably, Lola. Of all the drag queens on screen, she is very nearly my favorite (second only to Angel from Rent) and her brilliantly insightful remarks and actions are key in the power of the plot. I respect and admire Lola’s courage and self assurance, even in the face of bigotry and disrespect.

But don’t think that this is entirely a dramatic film. There are certainly some incredibly uplifting moments of romance and humor throughout.

In case it is not apparent, I would highly recommend this film.

Chris’s thoughts

Hey guys. Long time no...blog..entry? Annnyways, I want to apologize again for the lack of blog entries, and we will try our best to keep up with them.

Now, Kinky Boots was a GREAT movie. It was awkward, funny, witty, dramatic, artistic, with amazing dialogue. But that wasn't the only fantastic thing about this movie. Kinky Boots isn't really a huge blockbuster and what it lacks in fame makes up in amazing artistry. The camera angles are splendid and provoke thought and the word "woah".

The plot of this movie grabs you in and makes you laugh, cry and want to punch people all in the same few minutes. I really recommend this to any aspiring filmmaker and just to the general public out there. Well thats all I really have to say about that. PEACE OUT DAWGS!

Hello Once Again

Hello once again. I realize that it has been far too long since last we updated. Real life got in the way of the internet, believe it or not. Funny, isn’t it? Usually it’s the other way around. But no matter. We once again have time to watch movies and pen rants and recommendations. We only ask for your patience a little while longer as we build up a buffer of entries to as to hopefully avoid an obnoxious pause like this again. If all goes well, the next review should be up on Sunday. In the meantime, I hope that you will consider this question for me. What films would you like to see reviewed? Leave your suggestions in the comments (no blogspot account needed) or email them to us at moviejunkies@yahoo.com. Though we will eventually get to all recommendations, movies that we can watch on demand on Netflix or elsewhere on the internet for free (links are appreciated) or can be leant to us (if you are unlucky enough to know us personally) will be reviewed sooner. Yes, Jake. We know that we should watch The Big Lebowski.

Also, if you have any subjects or questions related to movies or television that you want us to address, let us know! Or topics of interest that aren’t necessarily directly related. We’re not picky.

See you Sunday! We look forward to your suggestions and questions.

~Sarah

Cabaret

Good evening everyone. Or morning, I suppose. Or sometime in between. Once again, I see you have returned. For once, I am afraid, my mind is far from the realm of movies. Instead, my head is filled with thoughts of scene changes, light cues and curtain calls. Today is, in fact, the last dress rehearsal for my school’s musical, Cabaret. As with every theater production, this last week – Hell Week, if you will – has been crazy. I’m starting to feel as though I live in our auditorium and awoke this morning thinking I could hear a radio crackling in my ear. Every waking moment has been spent writing cues, running in and out of the light booth (I won’t count up how many times I’ve tripped on those stairs) and trying to solve impossible questions such as “where can we store the bed?” Cues are missed, props are lost (or haven’t arrived yet) and costume changes trip everyone up. As this point in every show, I wonder how we can possibly pull it together. Everyone is so  burnt out that is seems an impossible feat. However, we somehow manage every time and put on a show to be proud of. So I urge you all to drop by and come see Cabaret. Especially for the wonderful opportunity it presents to see Chris dressed as a gorilla. A female gorilla. A female gorilla dancing the tango. If that’s not enough incentive for you, I don’t know what will be.

And to any cast or crew who’ve stumbled upon this, break a leg! 

3D Mania

It seems that every time I turn around, there’s a new movie coming out in 3D. I recall the first 3D movie I ever saw – Spy Kids 3D. At the time, it was the coolest thing ever. It was one of a kind and the 3D effect was incorporated as part of the plot. However, the novelty has now worn off. While 3D does have some upsides, mainly it being cool, I find the film industry’s new obsession with it to be quite ridiculous.

Films such as Avatar that feature frequent action and helicopter shots look fantastic in 3D but for most other movies, Never Say Never for instance, the 3d simply isn’t worth it. Okay, I can’t really say that. I have not seen Never Say Never and, quite frankly, never intend to. However, judging by the genre, it is not a film that can be improved by 3D.

I will admit that the 3D effect can be cool for those who do not suffer from motion sickness. But those glasses? Despite their improvement from the flimsy red and blue things, for those of us who wear normal glasses, they’re just a pain. They slide off your nose, sit awkwardly on your ears and are simply uncomfortable.

For me, the overall experience of most 3D movies is simply not worth it.

Have your own thoughts on the 3D fad? Tell me in the comments! No blogspot account is needed to comment.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Directed by: John Hughes

Written by: John Hughes

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones

Genre: Comedy

Year Released: 1986

Rating: PG-13

When Ferris Bueller decides to go for his 9^th sick day this semester, he also decides to go all out. After convincing his entire town that he is horribly ill, Ferris drags his best friend, Cameron, and girlfriend, Sloane, along for an unforgettable adventure in Chicago.

Sarah’s Thoughts

Now, I must admit, I did not enjoy my first time watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I get far too involved in movies at times so I spent most of the time worrying about Ferris getting caught. However, now that I’ve seen it a few times, I am able to relax and enjoy. And there certainly is a lot about this film to enjoy: the witty dialogue, the fantastic sound track, the memorable quotes, the impossibly perfect timing. Definitely a classic and a must-see.

Chris’s Thoughts

“Not that I condone fascism, or any -ism for that matter. -Ism's in my opinion are not good. A person should not believe in an -ism, he should believe in himself. I quote John Lennon, "I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me." Good point there. After all, he was the walrus. I could be the walrus. I'd still have to bum rides off people.”

I know it’s quite sacrilegious, but this has been the first time I’ve seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. And now that I have seen I wonder why. This movie is hilarious! I mean, Mathew Broderick aside (even though he makes the movie and is friggin hilarious) the script was so very well written, like the quote above. Ism’s do suck. Fascism, Racism, Communism (works in theory, not in practice, thus sucks). Ya know? The dialogue is so well written and each character plays off of each other so freaking well. I especially love the Ferris to Cameron dialogue. It flows and is just wonderful. This is an iconic film, and with good reason. Those who haven’t seen it, must watch it and those who have…well watch it again. Not to sound bossy or any-DO IT RIGHT NOW!v

Disney World!

'Ello once again. Firstly, I feel that I owe an apology to our readers for the delayed posting. As lame of an excuse as it is, I was in Disney World this past week. Now, I fully intended to continue our regular updates while down there, but having fun is exhausting... blogging time turned into nap time.
No worries though. From today on, we will be returning to our regularly scheduled Wednesday and Sunday updates.

In the meantime, since you're here and since I'm awake enough to write, I might as well tell you a bit about my vacation. After all, Disney is very much related to movies. So its even relevant.

Disney World. One of the most iconic vacation spots in the country. Once inside the gates, everyone's inner 8 year old is revealed. I am not ashamed to admit that when we arrived at Magic Kingdom, I started skipping and was absolutely thrilled that we got there in time to count down to the park's opening with Mickey.
Now, Disney may be a large and arguably evil corporation. After all, they gave us Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. However, after a week in Disney World, I am willing to forgive them these atrocities. The parks may be horribly overpriced and commercialized, and if they were any less well run, there is no way that they could get away with it.
My first visit to Orlando came when I was 7 years old. At that age, I thought everything was absolutely magical. I truly believed that the characters walking around had walked right out of my favorite movies and that every ride was a journey to another world. Even now, ten years later, that magic is not lost. Despite the fact that I should know better, I still get lost in Disney World. Flying with Peter Pan, rescuing a dinosaur from the asteroid impact, Soarin' above California, all of this still leaves me grinning like an idiot.
I could go on and on with stories of my vacation, but while I'm typing this, I'm ignoring both Chris and a Doctor Who episode, so I'll leave you with what is probably my favorite moment of my entire trip.
When I got into Magic Kingdom, I immediately noticed that Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from Tangled were available for pictures throughout the day. I cannot possibly describe how excited I was to see this. However, when we first passed the spot, the line was ridiculously long so I decided to be mature and skip it. So we went about our day, riding Space Mountain, helping Buzz Lightyear defeat Zurg and sailing through It's a Small World (I'm STILL singing that song). Afterwards, though, there was still enough time for one more thing. So, being the mature high school senior that I am, I insisted on waiting to see Rapunzel and Flynn. Thankfully my aunt was understanding and wandered off to do some shopping (I really had to twist her arm for that one).
Amazingly, I wasn't the only high school senior in line for this show. Together, my new friend and I waited about an hour and a half to see Rapunzel. And I assure you, it was the most worthwhile wait of the day. Coloring, dancing with the characters, and best of all, pictures!

On that note, I will bid you all farewell and promise to return to our normal pattern on Wednesday.
Embrace the magic!

~Sarah

Doctor Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

Howdy guys. Chris comin' atcha with a mini-view. Which is, of course, the half-breed son between the two words: miniature and review (woah too much munchkin). Now I know we've been doing a lot of musicals, but that's just because they are so stupendous! But I digress.

This mini-view is about Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, which is, by far, one of the greatest things the world has ever known and is known to cure deafness (Yeah, I know, so cool). Dr. Horrible stars How I Met Your Mother's Neil Patrick Harris. Dr. Horrible is about a nefarious and slightly inept villain called Dr. Horrible aka Billy, who is our protagonist. A villainous protagonist?! What?! I KNOW SO COOL! Anywayyyzzz, Billy is totally in love with a girl named Penny played by the stunning Felicia Day (aka Codex) who he meets while doing laundry. The antagonist, played by the amazing TV show Firefly's Nathon Fillion, (I swear by my pretty floral bonnet I will end you), is Captain Hammer an egotistical jerk face (oh yeah I went there) who's only concerns are looking good, getting the girl, and having adoring fans. Dr. Horrible is so serious but so funny, it sucks you in with furry tentacles that suction cup to your soul and never let you go.

Another great fact about this mini-musical (heh I did it again) is that the writer (incidentally my favorite writer) Joss Whedon (writer of Firefly, Dollhouse and Buffy the Vampire Slayer) wrote this show during the writer's strike, trying to show writers that they could still write good material. But when this show went for sale on Itunes it was the number one most downloaded video for a good long while! I recommend this if you are bored and need something to do for the next half hour to hour. Dr. Horrible is a lyrical, musical and artistically awesome film that you will absolutely love.

Well this blog is winding down and....oh...goodenss look at my wrist I gotta go. This is Chris Wharton....signing off. -salute-

Valentine's Day and Romantic Comedies

A Word From Sarah

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, love (or something like it) is on nearly everyone's mind. Planning special dates, buying gifts, lying in bed wallowing in misery over a lack of significant other, we all have our own ways of celebrating this special day. Though many scorn Valentine's Day for its overcommercialization and focus on romantic love, I look at it a bit differently. Valentine's Day is a day to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of every day and recognize the people we care about. Whether its a romantic date, at girls night or taking the time to play a game with your mother, show those you love how much you care tomorrow.

To help set the mood for romance and fun, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite romantic comedies. Though perhaps not the most creative genre, romantic comedies are cute and fun and perfect for everything from a girls night in to a romantic home theater experience.
Guys, don't let your pride get in the way. If you just let yourself relax and enjoy them, romantic comedies can be super fun.

The Holiday - Two women, one in LA and one in England swap houses for two weeks to try to escape failed romances and wind up finding love in unexpected places.
Adorable and sweet with exceptional performances, especially by Jack Black. Its the first time I've ever seen him in a non comedy and I absolutely love it.

Notting Hill - When the owner of a failing travel bookstore runs into a world famous actress (literally) it is the beginning of a romance that neither expected.
I absolutely love Hugh Grant in romantic comedies. Combine him with Julia Roberts and you get one of the best pairs possible. Both a cute and hilarious movie, I admit to watching it over and over again as it contains some of my favorite lines in film.

Love Actually - Follows the stories of eight couples in the weeks leading up to Christmas to show that love actually is all around.
Such a sensational cast. Keira Knightly, Hugh Grant (again), Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, and many others star in one of the most fantastic romantic comedies ever. I love the inclusion of so many different types of people with so many different stories. Definitely a must-see.


Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist - When Norah walks up to Nick in a club and asks him to be her boyfriend for five minutes, it is the start of a night the neither of them will ever forget.
One of the few book to movie adaptations that I actually enjoy. Sure, there's differences but the character and personality of this movie is hard not to fall in love with. I always want to run off and adventure in New York City after watching this.

Ten Things I Hate About You - On his first day at a new high school, Cameron immediately spots the beautiful Bianca. His instant attraction is not dissuaded when he discovers that Bianca is not allowed to date until her overly feminist older sister does. Instead, Cameron sets off to find the perfect guy for Kat and so win Bianca's heart.
I absolutely cannot believe that they remade this. The original was so perfect. I absolutely adore this movie and it never fails to make me smile. Heath Ledger is absolutely amazing (and adorable) in this. Always a fun option.

Music and Lyrics - Alex Fletcher, a washed up 80's pop singer teams up with the woman who waters his plants to write a hit song for the newest big star, Cora Corman.
Yet another Hugh Grant... he really is fantastic in romantic comedies. I absolutely adore the soundtrack to this movie. Combined with the adorable story, it earns a place in my favorite feel good films.

So if you need plans for tomorrow, settle in with a box of chocolates and a blanket. And possibly a cat. They're wonderful movie companions.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tangled

Directed by: Nathan Greno and Byron Howard

Written by: Dan Fogelman

Based on the Fairy Tale by The Brothers Grimm

Top Billed Actors: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy

Genre: Children/Family

Year Released: 2010

Rating: PG

When the infamous thief, Flynn Rider, climbs into a tower in the middle of the woods to hide, he is in for a shock. The tower is home to the beautiful Princess Rapunzel who has been imprisoned there since childhood by the villainous Mother Gothel. When Rapunzel manages to knock Flynn unconscious (frying pans are quite useful like that) and tie him up in her overly long and magical hair, he agrees to help her escape the tower and journey to see the floating lanterns that appear in the sky every year. With that, the pair set off on a musical adventure across the kingdom. They are accompanied by the obligatory animal companions seen in nearly every animated film – Pascal, Rapunzels pet chameleon, and Maximus, a war horse who has been chasing Flynn. As they draw near the center of the kingdom, Rapunzel and Flynn find themselves growing closer, despite Mother Gothel’s attempts to intervene.

Sarah’s Thoughts

Believe it or not, I cannot actually come up with anything that I particularly disliked about this movie. The plot was engaging despite small amounts of cliché, the characters were well developed, the music was both beautiful and singable. I loved every minute of watching Tangled. In fact, I loved it so much that we saw it in the theater twice. Well, we both loved it. But I’m trying not to give away Chris’s section before you get to it… Oops. Too late.

I urge you to rent or purchase (its worth it) Tangled when it comes out on DVD (March 29^th) If your pride won’t allow you to watch a Disney film alone, borrow (or steal) a child and lose yourself in the magic of the best Disney fairy tale we’ve seen in years. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Chris’s Thoughts

We come back to you with another Disney movie. Stop judging me. Now, I know I have gotten excited over reviews. Hey I love movies. But if I could, I would make these next words pop out of your screen, punch you in the face and then swirl around your head, just so you get the message. Okay..here we go. -takes a deep breath- TANGLEDISTHEGREATESTANIMATED/DISNEYMOVIETHATHASEVERBEENCREATEDBECAUSEITISSOFUNNYANDOMGICAN'TBELIEVEHOWMUCHILOVEITGAHHHHHHHHHHafkj;akdfjakls!!!!!!!!!

-takes a shaky breath- Pardon me. Anyways, Tangled is the epitome of great Disney movies. It beats Aladdin and if you know me, you know how much I LOVE Aladdin. The characters in Tangled are just so real. They have such depth. When you take a look at classics like Snow White the characters are kinda 1 dimensional. Okay so Snow White is pretty and nice and can sing......wonderful. And The Prince....yeah that's his name. THE PRINCE. THE DUDE WASN'T EVEN GIVEN A FRICKEN NAME. They had no personality! But in Tangled the characters are full of it. Full of insecurities and faults. And that's not all! It was so funny! I watched this in the theater with Sarah and was laughing harder than the seven year old kids (still judging?). Even the animals have so much personality! And the songs are so beautiful and more comlex, but yet so simple and catchy. There were a few cliches, but come on its Disney, so who cares? This is another must see. I've seen it twice. So again I wind down another review. Endings are hard to write. At least its not like the Soprano's where it just

The Producers

Directed by: Susan Stroman

Written by: Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan

Top Billed Actors: Nathan Lane, Mathew Broderick and Uma Thurman

Genre: Musical

Year Released: 2005

Rating: PG-13

Max Bialystock is the worst Broadway producer in town. He produces flop after flop while longing for the days of his former glory. However, he still manages to make some money. You see, the IRS doesn’t pay much attention if a few thousand dollars disappears from an unsuccessful show. However, things are about to get even bigger. When Leo Bloom, a neurotic public accountant, shows up to help Max Bialystock with his taxes, he suggests the idea that a Broadway producer could conceivably make a bigger profit on a flop than a hit. The pair team up in a musical attempt to produce the worst show in Broadway history.

Sarah’s Thoughts

I originally consented to watch this movie just so I would know what Chris and his friends kept singing and quoting. As a fan of musicals in general, I do love the songs in The Producers. They’re catchy, fun, and completely fit the spirit of the film.

However, while I’d say that Chris is rather obsessed with this movie, the humor wasn’t as much to my taste. Nearly all of the characters are awkward individuals in one way or another and wind up in even more awkward situations. While I can see the humor in this and can even laugh at it, I just as often find myself painfully embarrassed for the characters.

This is particularly prominent because Nathan Lane’s voice sounds just the same as his character in The Lion King – Timon. And I must say, hearing Timon sing about having sex with little old ladies so they will finance his shows is rather disconcerting.

Despite this, I did enjoy watching The Producers and particularly enjoyed laughing at Chris as he quoted nearly every line along with the actors.

Side Note to Doctor Who and Torchwood fans – Keep and eye out for John Barrowman, AKA Captain Jack Harkness during the production of “Springtime for Hitler.”

Chris’s Thoughts

So remember when I told you that I love musicals. Back when we did Rent? Yeah well, I want to reiterate. I LOVE MUSICALS! And I AM REALLY EXCITED TO DO THIS REVIEW! The Producers is exactly what I love in a movie. Hysterical, offensive, witty, sophisticated and yet so dumb at the same time. This movie "offends peoples of all religions, races, and creeds" but you can't help but laugh. I mean with leads such as Mathew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Will Ferrell and Uma Thermon, how can you go wrong? The songs are witty and hilarious and sometimes even sexy. With singing homosexuals, dancing Nazis, and "aging nymphomaniacs" The Producers is a hit in my book. The camaraderie between Max and Leo is palpable. Lane and Broderick make a great fricken duo and I am absolutely in love with this movie. YOU MUST SEE IT! I'm sure I've said this about the other movies I've reviewed, but I mean it this time. If you don't watch it an evil leprechaun will eat your dreams and leave you with only nightmares! SO DO IT!