The Holiday (2006)

This is a very satisfying chick flick. The two stories are each interesting, with their own characters and plots. I like all the actors in this fairly well (with the exception of Cameron Diaz, who actually was surprisingly likable here). I will mention, however, this movie unfolds s-l-o-w-l-y. It's 136 minutes long, and because of that, I'm not sure it would hold up to a second viewing because of so much in-betweenness. Also, I felt like the Kate Winslet subplot was slightly underdeveloped in some ways. The ending to her story felt abrupt, which was too bad, because she was the character I was most interested in. Still, a satisfying watch. Recommended if you like romantic comedies. Or perhaps romantic dramas, since this is more dramatic than comedic, although it's somewhat lighthearted. 3.5 stars.

Dead Again (1991)

Ooh, I liked this. People reviewed it comparing it to Hitchcock, and that is absolutely what it was like. A very classy mystery thriller, great atmosphere, great acting... even a few fun twists I didn't actually see coming. The climactic scene, which kept cutting back and forth between past and present (similar to Frequency, although earlier and more interesting), was a great way of holding my attention for a scene I usually would have tuned out of in another movie. Overall, really fun movie. Definitely recommended. 4 stars.

Say Anything... (1989)

This movie is what Sixteen Candles should have been. Funny, sweet, generally charming... small layer of sappiness underneath but it certainly didn't damage the movie too much. John Cusack plays this sort of character so well... lots of coolness points to him. Worth watching as far as these movies go. Nothing deep here, but entertaining. 3.5 stars.

Happy Feet (2006)

This was a thoroughly satisfying movie, although I have no idea why that is. It's not particularly funny. Its themes are not original. Penguins are cute, but so are a lot of CGI creatures. But somehow everything comes together in this movie to create a pretty darn good flick, whether it be for kids or adults. Very enjoyable overall. 4 stars.

Children of Men (2006)

One of the most compelling movies I have ever seen in a genre I am not interested in. The story was interesting, the characters were interesting... and all sorts of little things jumped out at me. Loved the blood splattering on the camera lens, that was just wonderful. The first hour was more interesting than the last, but still a very good movie. I'd certainly recommend it. 4 stars.

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

I'm a Richard Curtis fan. I loved Bridget Jones's Diary, raved about Love Actually... but wasn't at all crazy about this. Although it had some very funny moments and generally likable characters, it had one enormous fault: it felt *bleak* to me. I have no idea how this happened. Love Actually, despite a sad ending or two, felt infinitely more cheerful and happy. I can't pinpoint anything in the movie that felt like this to me, but somehow it did as a whole. Too bad, because it's a nice story (oh, that and it was quite a bit rushed in building the relationship. But oh well). 3 stars.

Rich and Strange (1931)

The movie itself is not very interesting, except for some interesting early directing from Hitchcock. There were a few moments that made me sit up and say, "Ooh, that was interesting." Like much of his early work, definitely more for fans of Hitchcock or the genre. 2.5 stars.