Thinking

 By: L Jones

Picture is from: http://www.hgd.com/

I just watched the Notorious film and I have to say, it’s about what I thought it would be, an “alright” movie. The reason I say “alright”, is because the film does not tell us anything we didn’t already know about Christopher Wallace’s life. There was no new insight on anything. The movie was very safe.

The character of Biggy Smalls was not very believable. It may have happened exactly the way the film depicted it happening, but like I said before, it seemed a bit safe. It’s almost as if the film makers did not want to ruin his image or tarnish his name. He is known as one of the best rappers to have done it; him being a jerk to woman will not change how people feel about his rapping. Put it in the movie. Make it real. Give us the real.

The actors were ok. The veteran actors and actresses were great. I actually thought the portrayal of Sean Combs was pretty believable. I also liked the Lil Kim character, even though she seems to disagree.  To be honest, I would have rather followed her story. The movie made her character flesh; made her real.

Overall, I’d have to say, in my opinion, that the movie gets a C grade. There was nothing special, besides the story itself, to the movie. I encourage you to go see for yourself and you be the judge. This is just what I think.

Summary of Movie:

NOTORIOUS is the story of Christopher Wallace. Through raw talent and sheer determination, Wallace transforms himself from Brooklyn street hustler (once selling crack to pregnant women) to one of the greatest rappers of all time; THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. Follow his meteoric rise to fame and his refusal to succumb to expectations - redefining our notion of “The American Dream.” Written by Fox Searchlight Pictures

Reviewed by: L Jones

Valkyrie (2008) is a historical thriller film that was made by United Artist. It recently released in 2009 after nearly a year of push backs. The movie takes place in Nazi Germany during World War II. It tells the little known story of the July 20, 1944 conspiracy by German army officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler. The United Artists film was directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie. Tom Cruise portrays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, one of the key plotters of the assassination. Bill Nighy, Eddie Izzard, Terence Stamp and Tom Wilkinson also feature.

WHAT I THINK:

Hello Fellow Thinkers. When I watch a movie, there are a few things that I look for. One thing I expect is a strong story line. Valkyrie is a true story based on the attempts of German officer Colonel Stauffenberg and others to assassinate Adolf Hitler. This movie showed me a side of history that I never knew existed. I didn’t think there were individuals in the German army that opposed Hitler’s leadership or questioned his actions. Valkyrie shows the horrible events that transpired during the dark period of Germany’s history in a different light. It shows the human and moral side of the German army that I did not know existed. It is definitely a story worth knowing.

Another thing I look for in a movie is believable characters. Tom Cruise delivers another magnificent performance. When I watch a movie, I don’t want to see the actor; I want to see the character. It is sometimes difficult to relate to the character, because the star shines too brightly. I never saw Tom Cruise after the initial scene. I was totally engrossed in the character.

One knock that I had with the movie was its slow development of the plot. There was enough suspense in the movie and that’s fascinating, considering we all knew how it would end.

I highly recommend Valkyrie on the merits of the strong story line, believable characters and it’s the little known history lesson that it teaches.

Liam Neeson, one of today’s leading international stars plays Bryan, an ex-spy who will stop at nothing to save his estranged daughter when she is kidnapped in Paris.  Bryan relies on his unique skills, to track down the ruthless gang responsible for her abduction. He launches a one-man war to bring them to justice and rescue his daughter.

Taken is a no-brainer if you are longing for a movie that delivers believable characters, intense action, with an addictive storyline. I really wasn’t expecting much from this movie. I just wanted to pass some time, but I was Taken on a fantastical adventure filled with suspense, action, and emotion. I THINK you’ll love this movie. I watched it twice.

Famke Janssen plays Lenore (the mom)in this movie. She also  starred as Jean in the X-men movies.
Maggie Grace is Kim, the kidnapped daughter. She also stars in Jane Austen Book Club.

This movie is set to hit theaters 30 January 2009. Tell me what you think when you see it.