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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Take Me Home Tonight (2011) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
If you’re planning an 80’s party anytime soon, make sure to download the soundtrack to Take Me Home Tonight. The opening montage alone reminded me of everything I loved about the 80’s. It also gave us a glimpse of Matt Franklin’s high school years. Matt, played by Topher Grace, was the kid voted as “Smartest” in his class, one who existed on the outer fringes of high school popularity, who always had his eye on the most popular girl in school, Tori Fredreking, but could never muster up the courage or find that “in” to catch her attention.
Unsure of where his life is taking him, Matt decides to take a break from MIT during the summer of ’88 and ends up working at Suncoast Video. Of course, who should come strolling in to his store one day but Matt’s high school crush herself. Hoping to impress her, Matt ditches his Suncoast nametag, and tells Tori, played by Teresa Palmer (a deadringer for Kristen Stewart, if Kirsten were blond and more animated), that he works for Goldman-Sachs. Tori’s a banker herself, it turns out, and her curiousity is finally piqued and she encourages him to attend Kyle Masterson’s annual Labor Day party.
Matt relies on his twin sister Wendy, played by Anna Faris, and their best friend Barry, an intense Dan Fogler, to help him build on this “in” and finally get Tori’s phone number. But Matt isn’t the only one having to deal with the confusing transition into adulthood. Wendy has to decide if she wants to pursue her Masters or settle down with her boyfriend Kyle, while Barry just got fired from his car salesman job. The three of them decide to attend the end-of-summer party thrown by Wendy’s boyfriend Kyle, played by Parks & Rec’s Chris Pratt, all with the intent of “living in the now.” Apparently living in the now means commiting grand theft auto, experimenting with cocaine, perpetuating a lie and crashing a bankers’ party.
Despite the silly hijinks, Matt isn’t hard to root for, especially given Topher Grace’s signature sympathetic awkwardness. Fogler’s comic foil to Grace’s straight-man dances precariously along the line between funny and WTH? When the movie about Sam Kinnison’s life is ever made, Fogler should be given serious consideration.
There’s good chemistry between the cast and there’s just enough sweet romance to balance out the outrageous situations. Silly, predictable entertainment, made more fun by the nostalgic soundtrack, this movie is tamer than most of the R-rated comedies of recent note. Think any John Hughes movie meets Hot Tub Time Machine.
Unsure of where his life is taking him, Matt decides to take a break from MIT during the summer of ’88 and ends up working at Suncoast Video. Of course, who should come strolling in to his store one day but Matt’s high school crush herself. Hoping to impress her, Matt ditches his Suncoast nametag, and tells Tori, played by Teresa Palmer (a deadringer for Kristen Stewart, if Kirsten were blond and more animated), that he works for Goldman-Sachs. Tori’s a banker herself, it turns out, and her curiousity is finally piqued and she encourages him to attend Kyle Masterson’s annual Labor Day party.
Matt relies on his twin sister Wendy, played by Anna Faris, and their best friend Barry, an intense Dan Fogler, to help him build on this “in” and finally get Tori’s phone number. But Matt isn’t the only one having to deal with the confusing transition into adulthood. Wendy has to decide if she wants to pursue her Masters or settle down with her boyfriend Kyle, while Barry just got fired from his car salesman job. The three of them decide to attend the end-of-summer party thrown by Wendy’s boyfriend Kyle, played by Parks & Rec’s Chris Pratt, all with the intent of “living in the now.” Apparently living in the now means commiting grand theft auto, experimenting with cocaine, perpetuating a lie and crashing a bankers’ party.
Despite the silly hijinks, Matt isn’t hard to root for, especially given Topher Grace’s signature sympathetic awkwardness. Fogler’s comic foil to Grace’s straight-man dances precariously along the line between funny and WTH? When the movie about Sam Kinnison’s life is ever made, Fogler should be given serious consideration.
There’s good chemistry between the cast and there’s just enough sweet romance to balance out the outrageous situations. Silly, predictable entertainment, made more fun by the nostalgic soundtrack, this movie is tamer than most of the R-rated comedies of recent note. Think any John Hughes movie meets Hot Tub Time Machine.
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Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated It Stains the Sands Red (2016) in Movies
Jul 7, 2020 (Updated Oct 29, 2020)
While Original In Concept, Fails On Delivery for 3/4 Of The Movie
Contains spoilers, click to show
This movie was a real let down for how it was hyped up by critics and movie reviewers. I mean I don't know why I let myself get excited when the premise is that the main character is dealing with one lone zombie. The main character Molly was also a character that I initially saw as annoying and hard to empathize with so it made most of the movie hard to watch. The special effects or movie makeup for the zombie wasn't that well done either for it being one zombie so that also stopped me from being fully immersed in the movie. There were times where I hated this character for being so stupid and never making good decisions or right choices in her survival. For being in the desert she drinks her water way too fast and never thinks about rationing it, she almost gets bit while stopping to do cocaine, she almost gets bit for going back for a bottle of vodka, and she ultimately gets bit for wanting to keep the zombie with her after she grows attached to it. Still as the movie went on and as the character Molly dealt with her ordeals one after the other, I couldn't help but want to root for her survfival. To me really the film only got better at the end when she gets to the airfield. As the movie had been going she spoke to the zombie and we learned more about her which made it easier to understand her motivations and that she had a child that she abandoned to be raised by her sister. Now that she has been through some things she wants to survive and get to this child so she can protect him. And that's when her attitude changes and she's not going to let anything stop her. To me though it was too little too late and the way the movie ended was a big disapointment as well. Just when it was getting good. I have to give this movie a 4/10. While there were parts that were good and some decent zombie scenes at the end the majority of the movie was a bore as the character monologues to a singular zombie the whole time and eventualyy tames/domesticates it taking away the fear that it's ever going to eat her. Way below average zombie movie.
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Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The Secret of Roan Inish (1995) in Movies
Jan 6, 2021
Not Great Overall
A young girl suspects that her long lost brother might have become a seal living by the sea. I know it sounds farfetched but The Secret of Roan Inish is actually based in Irish folktales.
Acting: 10
Loved all the performances here all around. Jeni Courtney is solid in the lead role as Fiona. She really fleshes out a character you can get behind and root for throughout the duration of the movie.
Beginning: 8
Intriguing start although it didn’t hook me in all the way. I was curious to see more after the first ten minutes, but didn’t necessarily need to. All in all, it was a good setup for the remainder of the story.
Characters: 10
All of the characters involved in the story are fun and full of energy. Fiona was strong for sure. However, I think my favorite character was Eamon played by Richard Sheridan. Fun characters definitely helped the story advance along more smoothly.
Cinematography/Visuals: 3
The cinematics definitely left a lot to be desired. Sadly it took away from the overally enjoyment of the movie. To be fair, it doesn’t seem like the budget was extremely high, but at times it honestly felt like I was watching a PBS show.
Conflict: 3
Entertainment Value: 4
Memorability: 5
Even as I rewatch the movie, I’m struggling to remember parts that really stuck out. It’s not impactful nor does it hit you with any kind of punch. It’s the kind of movie you put on to perhaps keep a fidgety kid occupied. Even then, I’m not sure if kids today would sit still and watch this for long enough.
Pace: 10
Story moves along fairly quickly. Nice blend of exposition and action. It allows you to get attached to the characters while smoothly advancing things. Definitely didn’t feel like 103 minutes.
Plot: 10
Resolution: 3
Wasn’t in love with the resolution as it left me with an actual lack of completion. I wanted more closure of sorts, but it wasn’t to be. Had the ending been slightly better, I could see moving this movie up into C-range.
Overall: 66
Even what little hope I had that The Secret of Roan Inish would be good was dashed. A number of others out there, critics and audience members alike, seem to disagree and I’m ok with that. It’s possible that I missed the mark of what this movie was intended to hit. I won’t apologize for that, I’ll just say it wasn’t my cup of tea and leave it at that.
Acting: 10
Loved all the performances here all around. Jeni Courtney is solid in the lead role as Fiona. She really fleshes out a character you can get behind and root for throughout the duration of the movie.
Beginning: 8
Intriguing start although it didn’t hook me in all the way. I was curious to see more after the first ten minutes, but didn’t necessarily need to. All in all, it was a good setup for the remainder of the story.
Characters: 10
All of the characters involved in the story are fun and full of energy. Fiona was strong for sure. However, I think my favorite character was Eamon played by Richard Sheridan. Fun characters definitely helped the story advance along more smoothly.
Cinematography/Visuals: 3
The cinematics definitely left a lot to be desired. Sadly it took away from the overally enjoyment of the movie. To be fair, it doesn’t seem like the budget was extremely high, but at times it honestly felt like I was watching a PBS show.
Conflict: 3
Entertainment Value: 4
Memorability: 5
Even as I rewatch the movie, I’m struggling to remember parts that really stuck out. It’s not impactful nor does it hit you with any kind of punch. It’s the kind of movie you put on to perhaps keep a fidgety kid occupied. Even then, I’m not sure if kids today would sit still and watch this for long enough.
Pace: 10
Story moves along fairly quickly. Nice blend of exposition and action. It allows you to get attached to the characters while smoothly advancing things. Definitely didn’t feel like 103 minutes.
Plot: 10
Resolution: 3
Wasn’t in love with the resolution as it left me with an actual lack of completion. I wanted more closure of sorts, but it wasn’t to be. Had the ending been slightly better, I could see moving this movie up into C-range.
Overall: 66
Even what little hope I had that The Secret of Roan Inish would be good was dashed. A number of others out there, critics and audience members alike, seem to disagree and I’m ok with that. It’s possible that I missed the mark of what this movie was intended to hit. I won’t apologize for that, I’ll just say it wasn’t my cup of tea and leave it at that.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Switch in Books
Jan 7, 2021
A touching look at love and loss
Leena Cotton's way to deal with life is losing herself in her work. But when she's forced to take a two-month sabbatical, her usual focal point is gone. So Leena comes up with a plan: she'll escape to her grandmother Eileen's house, a beautiful little cottage in the lovely, quiet village of Hamleigh, and Eileen will come and stay in Leena's flat in London. To Leena, this sounds perfect; her grandmother, after all, though nearly eighty, is newly single and looking for another chance at love. Where better to find it than in bustling London? But switching places isn't as easy as it seems. In Hamleigh, Leena learns her grandmother's shoes are hard to fill, having to plan a local festival and deal with nosy neighbors. Meanwhile, in London, Eileen has to get up-to-speed with online dating and the hustle and bustle of a busy city. But, all may not be lost for the Cotton women.
Oh this book. It's just absolutely lovely. I wasn't sure if the idea of a "swapping places" book would come across as silly or trite, but in O'Leary's deft hands, it's perfect. She gives us a beautiful story about healing after grief (Leena's sabbatical comes because she blows a presentation as she's dealing with the grief of losing her sister; Eileen, obviously, has lost her granddaughter). But it's also funny, sweet, and romantic. The sadness is woven in with hope and beauty. It's one of those rare books that can make you both cry and laugh.
Eileen and Leena--what can I say about these characters? They are so real! I identified, of course, with workaholic Leena, and you just want to go into the book and save her (though she doesn't need it) as she struggles with her sister's death, feeling abandoned by her own grieving mother after the loss, and getting her life back on track. And Eileen? She's a total trip. Finally free to find love again, she's a wonderful and spunky woman that you cannot help but root for. The supporting cast is absolutely excellent--Leena's friends and flatmates, combined with the townspeople of Hamleigh, make for some of the most memorable supporting cast I can remember in quite some time. They all fit together perfectly in the story.
Overall, I defy you not to fall for this tale. Eileen's quest for love. Leena's quest to find herself again. O'Leary gives us a beautiful gift in THE SWITCH. One of my favorite reads of the year. 4.5+ stars.
Leena Cotton's way to deal with life is losing herself in her work. But when she's forced to take a two-month sabbatical, her usual focal point is gone. So Leena comes up with a plan: she'll escape to her grandmother Eileen's house, a beautiful little cottage in the lovely, quiet village of Hamleigh, and Eileen will come and stay in Leena's flat in London. To Leena, this sounds perfect; her grandmother, after all, though nearly eighty, is newly single and looking for another chance at love. Where better to find it than in bustling London? But switching places isn't as easy as it seems. In Hamleigh, Leena learns her grandmother's shoes are hard to fill, having to plan a local festival and deal with nosy neighbors. Meanwhile, in London, Eileen has to get up-to-speed with online dating and the hustle and bustle of a busy city. But, all may not be lost for the Cotton women.
Oh this book. It's just absolutely lovely. I wasn't sure if the idea of a "swapping places" book would come across as silly or trite, but in O'Leary's deft hands, it's perfect. She gives us a beautiful story about healing after grief (Leena's sabbatical comes because she blows a presentation as she's dealing with the grief of losing her sister; Eileen, obviously, has lost her granddaughter). But it's also funny, sweet, and romantic. The sadness is woven in with hope and beauty. It's one of those rare books that can make you both cry and laugh.
Eileen and Leena--what can I say about these characters? They are so real! I identified, of course, with workaholic Leena, and you just want to go into the book and save her (though she doesn't need it) as she struggles with her sister's death, feeling abandoned by her own grieving mother after the loss, and getting her life back on track. And Eileen? She's a total trip. Finally free to find love again, she's a wonderful and spunky woman that you cannot help but root for. The supporting cast is absolutely excellent--Leena's friends and flatmates, combined with the townspeople of Hamleigh, make for some of the most memorable supporting cast I can remember in quite some time. They all fit together perfectly in the story.
Overall, I defy you not to fall for this tale. Eileen's quest for love. Leena's quest to find herself again. O'Leary gives us a beautiful gift in THE SWITCH. One of my favorite reads of the year. 4.5+ stars.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Roommate in Books
May 6, 2021
A fun, sexy romance
Clara Wheaton comes from a wealthy family--the well-to-do Wheatons are infamous for many things, but socialite Clara has made a life around pleasing her parents and doing everything just right. But she's breaking out of the mold for the first time: heading across the country to move in (as a roommate) with her longtime childhood crush, Everett. But when Everett picks Clara up at the airport, he breaks the news that he's leaving to tour with his band, and she'll be living with a stranger, Josh. Josh seems friendly enough, but uppity Clara has no intentions of sharing a place with someone she doesn't know. When she researches him on the Internet, she makes a startling discovery about his profession. Clara realizes any association with Josh may turn her into another Wheaton scandal. But the more she gets to know him, she realizes Josh is more than his job. And he has a lot to say about women and sexuality and the power of women deserving better sex.
"Somewhere in her bloodline, a Wheaton had crossed Fate, cursing his descendants to pay the price. That was the only explanation for why, the one and only time Clara had taken a leap of faith, she'd landed with a spectacular belly flop."
THE ROOMMATE was one of those books that seemed to be everywhere for a while. I think if it hadn't been quite so hyped, I would have enjoyed it more. I liked it, but did not love it. Josh and Clara are a good couple, but didn't have that irresistible chemistry and witty banter that takes a romance to the next level.
Clara was too worried about the impression she made on everyone--Josh, her family, strangers, etc. I get that she came from a well-known family, but the fact that she dodged her mom's phone calls for weeks because she was too afraid to tell her she wasn't living with Everett was a bit much. But I could relate to a lot of Clara, and I appreciated her growth process. Josh was an interesting character and certainly not typical of what you see in a lot of romances. Neither seemed fully developed to me, though, and perhaps that's why it was hard to fully root for them.
Still, this is a cute and sexy book. It's a fast read and I enjoyed its push for female sexual empowerment. I'll definitely pick up the next book in the series. 3 stars.
"Somewhere in her bloodline, a Wheaton had crossed Fate, cursing his descendants to pay the price. That was the only explanation for why, the one and only time Clara had taken a leap of faith, she'd landed with a spectacular belly flop."
THE ROOMMATE was one of those books that seemed to be everywhere for a while. I think if it hadn't been quite so hyped, I would have enjoyed it more. I liked it, but did not love it. Josh and Clara are a good couple, but didn't have that irresistible chemistry and witty banter that takes a romance to the next level.
Clara was too worried about the impression she made on everyone--Josh, her family, strangers, etc. I get that she came from a well-known family, but the fact that she dodged her mom's phone calls for weeks because she was too afraid to tell her she wasn't living with Everett was a bit much. But I could relate to a lot of Clara, and I appreciated her growth process. Josh was an interesting character and certainly not typical of what you see in a lot of romances. Neither seemed fully developed to me, though, and perhaps that's why it was hard to fully root for them.
Still, this is a cute and sexy book. It's a fast read and I enjoyed its push for female sexual empowerment. I'll definitely pick up the next book in the series. 3 stars.