Hope Springs

"Work with what you've got" I guess was the mantra during this one. I really expected this to be better. (Colin Firth? Minnie Driver? Mary Steenburgen? Please.) It's never a good indication when I can stop a movie umpteen times and do whatever I just thought of because "now seems like a good time." What a shame. I wouldn't say this was a complete waste of time. It was interesting. Somewhat unbelievable, definitely, but interesting. And it got a little better as it went on. But not much. One very sweet 3 seconds and an actual moment warranting genuine laughter. I guess you can't expect everything to be stellar. This was quirky and a bit weird. But watch-able. If you're patient.

The Village

Many reviews compare M. Night Shyamalan's The Village with The Sixth Sense. I think each of his movies should stand alone. So far, in my opinion, they've all been pretty good. The Village is no exception. You may see what's coming (as they say), but I think that's by design. Rather cleverly paced with the right information given at the right time, this story may or may not keep you guessing. Is it supposed to? Maybe not. Perhaps that's not the point. It might make you appreciate a kind of life lived in simpler times. Where modern day threats were not typically an issue. Where one felt safe in their community so long as they followed the rules.

I found this very intriguing, and very entertaining. It's also somewhat sad. Such incredible sacrifices made. What drastic measures taken to live a pure, somewhat free existence. Brilliant. But with a price, as everything is. I'd definitely see this again.

The Gold Coast by Nelson DeMille

On the cover, it said "Captivating...Addictive...Irresistable!"

Ehh. Not quite. But not bad either.

A departure from the usual type of book I read. Not sure how to classify this one... drama? Comedy? There were amusing moments, and some that should've been dramatic. Maybe it was meant to be both.

I did think about the story at times when I wasn't able to continue reading (I only read on breaks when at work), so that says something. And there were a few times I wished I could've continued reading (you'd think that would be the same thing, but it isn't). Some details stayed with me. And at times, I wondered what would happen next.

This is a peek into the lives of the rich that's told from the main character's P.O.V., and he seems to have little feeling about the details. And considering what the details were, and that they were about his life, I kind of expected.... more. Lot's of history given in a conversational manner and that's pretty much how the entire story is told. As if it were a casual chat with a friend. It's an easy-going style of writing that keeps even the historical details (if you're not particulary interested in those) interesting enough to keep reading.

I liked this enough to read another book by Nelson DeMille (haven't decided which one yet). I guess that's good enough. There have been a few books that I couldn't read more than a few pages of. Just couldn't get into them. And these were books that were made into good movies and I really wanted the more detailed verison, the one you can only get from the book. It feels like I missed out on something. But some books are just hard to read.

This one wasn't. It doesn't grab you right away, but it does whisper it's seductive voice in the back of your mind, and keeps you listening right until the end.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines

A continuation, if not the end of the Terminator franchise. An exceptionally destructive movie. With all the money they put into the effects, they should've saved just a bit for writers to sweeten the plot. There were many inconsistencies, and a stiff performance by most. That said, I still think this was pretty good. Amazing effects, end of the world theme (could it happen? could machines take over, kill off the human race?), Arnold in possibly his last movie. I don't like how it just ends, but it's an incredible ending. And as final (an ending) as it seems, there's a little hint of hope (just to tease us probably) that there might be a T4. As with the other two (T1, T2), T3 is a fast paced ride with lots of edge-of-your seat action. All that's missing (well, one thing I missed anyway) is Linda Hamilton.

Man on Fire

A bit disturbing. The context of the movie, as well as the way it's presented. The plot centers around the kidnappings in Mexico, one specifically. The main character is a run-down, depressed, drunk in the first half of the movie. Then in the second half, he's suddenly a bad-ass bent on revenge. A major turnaround. And a bit difficult to believe the chain of events as they happen. This is a gripping tale with a bittersweet ending. Strange at times, but the ride is worth it. (Dakota Fanning is an excellent actress, despite her age, and her charming portrayal of Lupita actually adds some believability to the major turnaround.) There are some interesting views of Mexico, and at the end of the movie there's a little "thank you" and note that it's a "very special place." After watching this, I think it's safer to admire this very special place from a distance.

The Others

I put off seeing this one because I thought it would be too scary (heh), but I missed out because this would've been great on the big screen. Seeing it at home (ooh, safe there, lots of light), takes away some of the darkness the movie drowns itself in. Nicole Kidman was great in this. The house, it's furnishings, and the characters wardrobe throughout are a testament to its time period. The ending was a real surprise.

Always have questions and there are no answers (unless there's a book this movie was based on, I don't know). Like, how could they only see, hear, or be aware of the presence of "the others" only at certain times? If they were there all the time, wouldn't it have been more obvious? The ending, helped me to understand some things along the way. Quite a surprising ending too.

I wish there was less whispered dialog. It adds to the creepiness and drama of this film, but it was a bit difficult to hear at times and I know I missed a lot because of that. Overall, this was a pretty good movie, and I would definitely watch it again. Especially so I could try and interpret the clues a little better. A scary movie without gore, huge budget, or special effects. A thriller that makes you think. And a good one at that.