BRIDESMAIDS -- Review

I have always wondered what would happen if all of the "dirty laundry" us women carry around was aired (or screened) in front of the general public. Not just our moments of madness when it comes to life, work, and dare I say relationships... but what if we all just let it hang out? Well, Bridesmaids does just that and it seems like there is no turning back from where this film takes it.

From the opening scene (which I will not give away) you are immediately introduced into one of the craziest WTF moments. Being about 3-5 minutes of pure uncomfortable awkwardness that you will feel with the character that will have you gasping in shock, and I'm sure that on some level EVERYONE will be able to relate to the events that are being played out, be it in a past relationship or even a current fling, and that alone sets the mood for what the rest of the film will bring you. Kristen Wiig is hilarious as Annie, and every woman in the theater will be able to relate with her and what she is going through. I know so far this sounds like it is a woman's film... and it probably is... but if you want to get a little glimpse into the mindset of us ladies (as I'm sure there are those of you out there still saying "I just don't get women") than this might just help you out a tiny bit. Of course there are moments that will turn your stomach as they are so out there that it's amazing they even made the final cut, but overall this is a down to earch hilarious and sometimes over the top "true" tale of what it's like to be a woman.

From the casting choices, to the typical ass-hole we have all (at some point) fallen for, and ulitmately the female rivalries that these ladies go through will outshine the insanity of Alan, Phil and Stu. Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly) is brilliant on the big screen as Megan (the groom's sister), Kristen Wiig (SNL and Paul) makes for the perfect leading lady as Annie, Rose Byrne (Damages) is hilarious in her uptight and snobby-ness that she brings to Helen as that one friend who likes to take control of everything, and Maya Rudolph (Away We Go) is adorable as as the bride Lilian and Annie's best friend. There is of course one additional actor, Chris O'Dowd (Pirate Radio), who steals the show at times just for just for being the rock that all of these ladies desperately need.

I hate that I enjoyed this film as much as I did, but sadly for me there is nothing better than watching characters that truly feel like real people dealing with things that we deal with and can truly relate to, rather than the picture perfect hollywood lives we usually are force feed in films and tv. Bridesmaids truly is the female response to The Hangover and the shock value of some of the scenes is so outragous that there is no controling the laughter or jaw-dropping reactions. It gives a punch to the stomach and a kick to the groin, but there are also moments that will touch us in unexpected ways.

Bridesmaids is one of those 'R' rated comedies that deserves to get noticed. These ladies are exceptional and if you are looking for something that will make you laugh-out-loud than this is something I recommend you check out. I just hope you all can hold your lunch as there are scenes that will challenge all of your sense. I give Bridesmaids a 3.5 out of 5.

How to Train Your Dragon -- Review

We always seem to go through phases when it comes to popular genres and topics of entertainment.  We have the year of 3D (which I'm still debating as to whether I should actually be excited or not), the year of remakes (that has become YEARS and I wish would seriously end), the year of cheapquels/sequels (which some films have promise and others are straight to DVD quality), and of course the year of the "underdog"/geek(which is by far my favorite).  3 months into 2010 and I already have two favorite films.  I recently noticed that I seem to have a pattern this year and am beginning to fall harder and harder for the "geek", and although one is a much older sense of humor, I also find myself falling harder and harder for Jay Baruchel.  He went from playing a "hard 5" and winning the heart of a "hard 10" to being a very un-viking like viking.  How to Train Your Dragon is based on the characters from a children's series by British author Cressida Cowell which following the adorable Hiccup and Toothless. This film, however paints a very different picture of Toothless in comparison to the children's novel. Regardless, after watching the film I wanted to go out and find some way of adopt Toothless for myself.

How to Train Your Dragon is an adorable family film that is truly a joy for kids of all ages.  From start to finish everyone in the theaters cheered and gasped as Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) discovered the truth behind the dragons and his discovery of friendship with Toothless.  I will confess there were several scenes where I became so wrapped up in the story that I even teared up for the dragons. and his viking companion.  The story of friendship, courage, and determination is one that everyone can relate to no matter your age, or personal goals in life.  It is far more than a story of "don't judge a book by its cover", but a true testament to going out and learning the truth for yourself so you can make an educated decision on whatever you may encounter in life.  Even the relationship between Hiccup and his father Stoick (voiced by Gerald Butler) is relate-able to the real world.

Dreamworks has created an amazing family friendly film that touches the heart of its viewers all the way down to the deepest darkest corner, warming even a bully's heart.  With voice talents of America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) as Hiccup's love interest Astrid, Kristen Wiig(Extract and Whip It) as the female of the twin duo Tuffnut and T.J. Miller(Extract and She's Out of My League) as her male counterpart Ruffnut, Craig Ferguson as the "handy" Gobber, Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Bad-Ass,  Role Models and Superbad) as Fishlegs, and Jonah Hill (Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Superbad) as the "tough" Snotlout you are sure to laugh with their outstanding comedic skills.  The names are enough to send any kid into a fit of giggles, but when you get the characters together on screen, competing for the ultimate bragging right and the chance to kill a dragon in front of the whole village, it's obvious why Dreamworks would take on such an amazing story.  The characters are fun, and the dragons will make even the macho-ist of men  turn a little soft around the edges.  As for the dragons, Toothless is the ultimate family pet.  Everyone will walk out of the theater wanting one of their own.  Even for a dragon that can breath fire, and almost destroy a village, his puppy dog eyes and lovable demeanor will push you right over the edge.

How to Train Your Dragon is a film for kids of all ages who are looking for a good time at the theater this weekend.  You will laugh, you will cry, and you will give three cheers for Hiccup and Toothless.  So if you are looking for a film to catch this weekend, take your kids or kid brother/sister or husband/wife or whomever and check out this film.  You will not be disappointed. I give this film a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

How to Train Your Dragon -- Olympic Sports Spots
Snowboarding

 

Ski Jump

Speed Skating

Bobsled

Medal Ceremony

Trailer