Movie #17 – The Hangover

The Hangover – Sunday, June 28
Date : Holly
Value : $20
Total so far: $289
Location: Bayer’s Lake

It was a rainy day – the perfect day to go see a Sunday Matinee!  Our first attempt to see the 1:00 showing failed after a “Dude, Where’s My Car?” moment from Holly.  She eventually remembered that she left it downtown the night before, and we made it for the 3:30 show.

This movie has been out for a couple weeks now, and I’ve heard a lot of people say how funny it is.  Fortunately, The Hangover did not let me down!  The casting seemed perfect – especially a newcomer to me, Zach Galifianakis.  I’ve since watched some of his stuff on FunnyOrDie.com and it is all pretty funny.

My coworker got to see this movie on the weekend and said she found it a bit lewd, but compared to some of the other comedies that have come out recently (I’m talkin’ about you Superbad) I thought it was fine.  The photos at the end were a bit extreme, but they shouldn’t ruin the whole movie.

There’s not a heck of a lot more to say about the movie without giving too much away (cameos, etc.) so I’d just recommend going to see it if you enjoy a good laugh!

Movie #16 – The Proposal

The Proposal – Wednesday, June 24
Date : Myself!
Value : $9
Total so far: $269
Location: Park Lane

Well I’ve decided that if I want to get real use out of this card, I’m going to have to start going to the movies by myself.  It’s hard to work around your own schedules and everyone else’s.  For example, my sister and I have been planning to go see the Hangover for about two weeks now, and we still haven’t got there.

So yesterday I went to the 3:30 showing of the Proposal – by myself!  It was lovely!  There were only about 15 people in the theatre, and 4 or 5 of them were also by themselves.  I suppose most people are at work at this time of day, but luckily I can leave work just in time to make the late matinee.

This movie has been getting great reviews, and I believe it was #1 at the box office last week.  I’m a fan of Ryan Reynolds (especially enjoyed this week’s Entertainment Weekly with a multitude of hilarious pictures of him), and Sandra Bullock rarely disappoints in the romantic comedy genre.  Then of course, there’s Betty White.  I’m glad this young lady is finally getting some recognition for her comedy greatness!

The movie did not let down, and although there were fewer laughs than I expected, the story was cute and there were some funny moments.  My favourite thing about this movie though, were the clothes!  The bag that Sandra Bullock carries in the first few scenes is gorgeous.  And all of the Louboutin shoes…. *drool*  I like the clothing and accessories in this movie way more than Sex and the City!

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this movie.  I also wouldn’t hesitate to recommend going to a movie by yourself!  (*especially if it is free!)

Movie #15 – Up

Up – Monday, June 8
Date : Holly
Value : $18
Total so far: $260
Location: Bayers Lake

Loved it!  Loved it!  Loved it!

Holly and I went to check out “Up” in 3D, and we were both impressed from the get-go.  First of all, Holly had never seen a 3D movie before, so I enjoyed her first reaction to the special effect.  There was one point where we both jumped out of our seats in fear of being hit by an object flying across the screen.  It was great!

I even enjoyed the short animation at the beginning of the movie.  Not a word was said throughout the whole thing, but it was so endearing and sweet!  Who knew clouds could convey so much emotion?

As for the actual movie “Up” – the story was fantastic, the animation was great, and the characters were capturing.  I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this cute little movie.  Pixar has done it again!

Movie # 14 – Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past – Friday, May 29
Date : Mum
Value : $20
Total so far: $242
Location: Sydney

I’ve been home to Sydney a few times since getting my movie pass, but there never seems to be an appropriate “mum” movie playing.  Even this time, the theatre was filled with animated and superhero/action flicks.  So, for lack of anything better to see, we went and caught Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.

Many females may say that it is worth the price of admission to see Matthew McConaughey on the big screen, and I will agree. That is, if like me, you paid nothing to see the movie.  It just wasn’t very good.  It is every other movie that Matthew McConaughey has been in, plus a little Scrooge.  Yes he’s attractive, yes he may be able to get any woman he wants – I get that.  Time to step up your game Mr. McConaughey, and do something that shows some talent other than looking hot.

I should say that I didn’t hate the movie.  I may have laughed once or twice, and I didn’t look at my watch every five minutes.  But it is definitely not a “must see” – even on video (or dvd or blueray – whatever you kids are watching these days!).

Movie #13 – Angels and Demons

Angels and Demons
Friday, May 15
Date : Shawn
Value : $20
Total so far: $222
Location: Park Lane

Shawn and I went to check out Angels and Demons on opening night.  It was the sequel to the DaVinci Code, and once again starred Tom Hanks as the lead character Robert Langdon.

I first read the DaVinci code while it was in the height of its popularity a few years ago.  I really enjoyed the book, but felt the movie was a bit of a let down.  I often find that with movies based on books, but still go to see them anyway.  My main complaint was believing Tom Hanks as the adventurous, fast thinking Langdon.  He just didn’t seem to fit that role to me.

Fortunately, he was able to change my mind in Angels and Demons.  A slimmed down Hanks played the role much better this time, and I felt that although the story was unbelievable in several parts, it kept my interest and I enjoyed the twists and turns.  Ewan McGregor (*enjoyable to look at, even if he is dressed like a priest), played an innocent and naïve priest very well and was a great addition to the movie!

Movie #12 – State of Play

State of Play – Tuesday, May 5
Date : Shawn
Value : $18
Total so far: $202
Location: Bayers Lake

This movie has a stellar cast : Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Ben Affleck, and my favourite – Jason Bateman!  I find often times when there is such an all star cast, the movie does not live up to my expectations.  I’m still undecided on this one.

Although the movie was only 127 minutes long, it seemed to go on forever.  There were some exciting moments, but there were also times where I was puzzled and not quite sure what was going on.  I wouldn’t say the plot was overly intricate, but there were a lot of different parties involved and it was sometimes difficult to know who was who.  It did come together in the end, and it wasn’t a bad movie.

I should mention that one of the highlights was in one of the opening scenes, while Crowe’s character was driving to the murder scene.  He was listening, and singing along to “The Night that Paddy Murphy Died” by Great Big Sea.  I know that he and Alan Doyle have become friends over the last couple of years, and it was great to see him include the band in the movie!  Apparently Doyle is currently filming scenes for Crowe’s movie – yet another take on Robin Hood.  I’m sure ticket sales in NFLD for that one will be exceptional!

Movie #11 – Sunshine Cleaning

Sunshine Cleaning – Sunday, April 19
Date : Kim
Value : $18
Total so far: $184
Location: Oxford Theatre

First of all, I love the Oxford Theatre.  There’s nothing like going into an old cinema, climbing up to the balcony to the old standard cinema chairs and stretching your legs out in front of you.  It’s just a different feeling that you get – it’s a real experience.

When I heard Sunshine Cleaning was going to be playing there, I had to go.  I had no idea what the movie was about, but it had Amy Adams and it was from the same people who did Little Miss Sunshine.  I had actually heard some negative reviews before I went.  Someone mentioned that it was just like Little Miss Sunshine, but with a little boy.  I would have to disagree.

Sure, it wasn’t the best movie I’ve ever seen, but I was entertained the whole time.  Amy Adams is just wonderful, and I enjoyed her relationships with her sister (Emily Blunt) and her father (Alan Arkin).  The story was cute – two down and out sisters start their own cleaning business in order to make some cash.  It just happens that they clean up crime scenes.

There were a few good laughs, and it was a touching ending.  What more could you ask for in a chick flick (other than a handsome leading man…although not missed in this movie).

Movie # 10 – I Love You Man

I Love You Man – Wednesday, April 16
Date : Courtney and Kathleen
Value : $18
Total so far: $166
Location: New Minas

My coworkers and I spent a lovely evening in New Minas during our busiest time of the year – competition time!  We decided since there isn’t really a heck of a lot to do in New Minas, we may as well go to a movie!

We all really wanted to see I Love You Man, and we were all really glad we went.  It was hilarious!  I find nowadays people seem to enjoy sick or stupid humour.  Fart and sperm jokes are more prominent than actual smart writing in comedy.  I Love You Man was able to make me laugh, with only making me want to gag once.

I love Paul Rudd, and I LOVE Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother is easily one of my favourite shows on TV right now).  Paul Rudd’s awkwardness throughout the movies reminds me of several people I know (including myself at times) and his character is very charming.

If you want a good laugh, sans gag reflex, check out this movie!

Restaurant Review – Brooklyn Warehouse, Windsor St.

My lovely sister  decided to treat my mother and I to a dinner at the Brooklyn warehouse to thank us for our babysitting duties.  Located across from the Halifax Forum, this location has been the home to many restaurants since I moved to Halifax three years ago.  Unlike it’s predecessors, I feel as if Brooklyn Warehouse may have some staying power based on the amount of buzz I’ve heard from friends from several different social groups.

The atmosphere is great, and the wait staff were fantastic.  The three of us went there with a taste for a great burger, and a great burger is what we had!  A nice, thick, juicy buger on a foccacia bread with bacon, applewood cheddar, onion and tomato was presented along with homemade french fries and red pepper mayo.  I put a little mayo on my burger, and used the rest to dip my fries in – delish!  It was one of those burgers you have to hold with both hands, and prepare for dripping juices over your plate.

This burger is currently in the running for Halifax’s best in the Coast Reader’s Survey, as was demonstrated by the flag in our burger telling us to vote.  I don’t know whether or not it is the best in Halifax, but we left there wanting to vote because of the excellent wait staff.  They were fun, energetic, and made us feel like a vote for their burger would be better than a $100 tip (although I doubt that is actually the case)!

Brooklyn Warehouse is definitely a spot I’d visit again and I hope my prediction for their longevity comes true!

Movie #9 – Monsters vs. Aliens 3D

Monsters vs. Aliens 3D – Saturday, March 28
Date : Chris and Kelly
Value : $0
Total so far: $148
Location: Bayers Lake

My brother was in town for the weekend, and we decided to check out the latest animation by Dreamworks – Monsters vs. Aliens.  A cute movie about a couple of monsters who have been outcast by society and kept under control by the US goverment, Monster vs. Aliens did not disapoint in the “fun” factor.  We decided to check out the movie in 3D, and the effects were great!  I wouldn’t recommend going to see it in any other way.

The plot of the movie is … well… Monsters Vs. Aliens.  When an evil Alien begins his quest to take over Earth, the monsters are called on to save the world.  In the meantime, all of the kiddies watching the film will learn a lesson about beauty being on the inside and monsters are people too.  Well, something like that! haha  It’s really just a fun movie experience though.

My complaint with the movie was that is was “Passes restricted”.  It was opening weekend, and when I went to sign in with my pass I was told I’d only be able to use it if the movie wasn’t sold out, and chances were it would be.  So we ended up paying for the movie, and watching it in an empty theatre with 8 other people.  There was  9:50 screening in a regular theatre, and a 10:10 screening in IMAX.  I have a feeling most chose IMAX, which would explain our nearly empty theatre.  So that did put a damper on this theatre experience, but the movie was still quite enjoyable!