mtmc5-1 Reviews

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

A pleasant surprise, much better than the book

[8/10 · 16 February 2009]

More and more I choose movies that are a light, comedic diversion to real life and more and more I find myself disappointed and wishing I'd used my hard earned cash to contribute to more corporate jets for another overpaid CEO instead. Romantic comedies are more often than not my choice, but after the recent dirge of bad ones ('28 dresses' comes to mind) I've had to rethink that and return to my DVD stash to watch old faithfuls -'Bridget Jones' series or 'Someone Like You'.

On an impulse, I picked up the book for 'Confessions'. It was simply - AWFUL! The heroine was whiny and her continual lying made you hope she went the mental hospital/intense therapy route - not into a relationship that she could bungle as well. A bare hint of romance doesn't even surface until the last few chapters - the first are spent talking about debt, debt, and more debt. When romance does appear, she has obviously won the wrong guy! After my 13 yr daughter's continual pleading, I agreed to go see the movie anyway. Being PG I hoped for it to at least be age appropriate for her, if nothing else.

The movie was delightful. I found myself laughing out loud several times throughout and my daughter loved it. Isla Fisher is refreshing and enjoyable to watch. Hugh Dancy is believable as her love interest. Kudos to the screen writers who rescued and transformed the characters and plot line into a lovable and salvageable story. I may even buy this one!

What Happens in Vegas (2008)

Surprisingly funny

[8/10 · 16 September 2008]

After reading critic's reviews, I stayed away from the theater but put it on my DVD list. Very few Romantic Comedies surprise me and I expect the same formulaic endings - that's because they are Rom Coms and that is why I enjoy watching them. It's the value of the journey that gets the audience to go along with the expected ending. I'm surprised many panned this film just because it was the same old formula. Did it occur to them that most people going to this genre expect, even desire, to see it play out in the familiar, happy ending way? Well, I do.

Having very low expectations, I watched the film hoping to at least stay awake until it was over. I was delightfully surprised. I found myself laughing out loud several times - something rare in most of the comedies recently produced. I enjoyed the entire movie and watched it again just a day or so later. It was just as funny the second time. I thought there was great chemistry between the leads, the supporting cast was wonderful, and the actors made an improbable story believable.

Thank you! What a great escape!

Failure to Launch (2006)

Fun Chick Flick

[6/10 · 11 March 2006]

No, this won't win any major awards or impress the art world's elite, but it is a funny, delightful diversion on a date night. My husband and I laughed all the way through it - as did the entire theater. I go to movies for a diversion from reality and this met the bill. If you don't expect deep meaningful, life altering messages or commentaries on the deep ills of society you will enjoy the movie.

The performances by the supporting cast were delightful and the best of the movie - especially Kathy Bates and Zooey Deschanel. While the chemistry between the leads was lacking spark, their performances were still fun to watch.

The critics need to relax a little and not expect searing dramatic performances from romantic chic flicks!