Seeing Other People

Relationship drama. One of those "what NOT to do to maintain your relationship" movies. It had some funny moments but overall this one made me feel sad. Stereotypically, I'd expect the man to be restless and want to sow some oats before getting hitched. This time, it's the woman. Interesting twist. But the wife-to-be doesn't seem like the type to do that, and I kept wondering why they thought this worked. Perhaps because it was atypical. This had some amusing moments and it's ending can be interpreted in more than one way. Kind of liked that. Probably safe to assume it was meant to be a happy ending. They just didn't look so happy at the time. Tired and defeated is more like it. Lesson learned!

Cellular

Better than expected. Although I must admit I didn't have many expectations for this one. It starts out kind of slow and you're left to wonder 'why is that happening?' Which is probably the point. As you're watching, you're made to feel there's a very important reason. Some anticipation builds and it seems like the bad guys are going to win. And why not? They're better equipped. So when you finally find out why this family is going through this, and who is to blame, you may, like me, wonder just how they figured an average person could end up saving the day. One of those endings you expect. But what I didn't expect, was to end up liking this movie. It gives hope. Something bad happens and you can maybe find your way out of it. I guess "do the right thing" applies as well. And courage comes in all forms. I liked this one and would see it again.

Kill Bill Volume 2

Definitely not what I expected at all. And a most excellent movie. The first one (Kill Bill, Volume 1) was a total gore-fest, not what I expected either, so I was rather wary about seeing part 2. Had to though, it was just too fantastic (did you see the beginning of part 1? wow) not to see the story's conclusion. (or is it just a prequel to a part 3? hmmm.) Good movie.

Ladder 49

Firefighters (among other public service professions like police and coast guard) put their lives on the line to save our asses every day. I think it's good to be reminded of this from time to time, those of us who go through our lives barely noticing such heroes until we actually need them (or perhaps, until we're in traffic and get annoyed that we need to pull over for a whole minute while the vehicle with the siren races by).

Movies like Ladder 49 do a good job of reminding us about the people behind the sirens. The risks they take, the pain their families go through when a tragedy strikes, the sorrow and solidarity they have as a community. We shouldn't need a national catastrophe or a slew of movies remind us (right?).

As a tribute to firefighters, this movie was pretty good. But over all, it was just "ok." I'd see it again.