PLOT 

The film is narrated by a small-time criminal, Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.). He is self-aware and talks to the audience at various times throughout the movie. (See also the theatre concept of the fourth wall and metafiction).Running from police after a botched robbery, Harry runs into a movie audition to escape and, ironically, impresses the producers. He is brought to Hollywood, where he meets homosexual private investigator “Gay” Perry van Shrike (Val Kilmer), who is enlisted to help Harry prepare for his role in the movie.Harry is introduced to Hollywood parties and encounters his dream-girl, Harmony Lane (Michelle Monaghan), a girl Harry has known since childhood. The two childhood friends leave for Harry’s apartment, but budding romance is squelched when Harry proceeds to drunkenly have sex with Harmony’s friend.Following around Perry at his job, Harry stumbles upon evidence of a complicated murder mystery eerily similar to the detective stories that Harry and Harmony grew up reading. The three team up to solve the mystery and encounter a series of seemingly nonsensical problems.

 Review

I was not crazy about his movie. Matt suggested it - but I did not want that to pre-determine how my feelings about the film would be. After watching the movie - I find that it would be something Matt would like more than myself. I thought the characters were well developed but I did not appreciate the absurd manner the story took on or the plain stupidity of the situations. I would classify this as a “stupid-funny” kind of movie and I do not like many in this self appointed genre. I would reccomend you give it a try - but I won’t watch it again anytime soon. I have to give this one just 2 out of 5 kernels.

Not sure where to start on the list or if I will find time to go out and get one of the movies - so I am going to see where I end up and what kind of time I have! Maybe where ever I end up they will have one of the movies on the list - so no assignment for this weekend. Still look for additions if anyone wants to make one! Just leave me a comment under this post and I will add you to the list!

PLOT: 

Two things about Jane: she never says no to her friends (she’s been a bridesmaid 27 times and selflessly plans friends’ weddings), and she’s in love with her boss, George, nurturing dreams of a lovely, romantic wedding of her own. She meets Kevin, a cynical writer who finds her attractive, and that same week her flirtatious younger sister Tess comes to town. Jane silently watches George fall for Tess, a manipulative pretender. Worse, Jane may be called upon to plan their wedding. Meanwhile, Kevin tries to get Jane’s attention and has an idea that may advance his career. Can Jane uncork her feelings?

Review:

I liked this one - the dresses hideous - the comedy subtle - and the romance is not too obvious! I can’t make it a favorite, but I’d watch it again (mainly because through the whole movie I am picturing Dee’s closest of bridesmaid dresses - not 27 but somewhere in the ballpark of at least a dozen). This movie is good for an afternoon with the girlfriends and anyone about to be getting married! Maybe make the bride watch the movie before she sticks you in some hideous bridesmaid dress of your own! I give this one 3.5 out of 5 kernels.

Update movie list: MovieList011909

 I would have to say that this was a good movie. I really like Harrison Ford and am a huge fan of Annette Bening (The American President - loved her in that - and one of my all time favs).

 The Plot:

Henry Turner (Harrison Ford) is a successful Manhattan-based attorney but he’s also a self-absorbed narcissist who has little time for his wife or daughter. But one night when he goes out to buy a pack of cigarettes, he receives gunshot wounds to the head and chest during a robbery, resulting in brain damage. One bullet hit the right frontal lobe, which controls some behavior and restraint. The more serious injury, however, was the bullet to the chest, which hit the sub-clavian artery and caused excessive internal bleeding and cardiac arrest. Henry experienced anoxia,  lack of oxygen to the brain, which caused most of the damage.

Henry survives, but he initially cannot move or talk or remember anyone or anything. He regains movement and speech with help from Bradley, his physical therapist. Henry returns home and discovers that he did not like the person he was before. Henry finds that he has trouble remaining a lawyer, as his firm takes away his old assignments and large office, and essentially assigns him busy work. Henry also forges a new relationship with his wife and daughter and they are all the happier for it.

 Of course there is more but I don’t want to give the whole movie away. It does have a happy (albiet a predictable) ending but happy are the ones I like. I would say this is one to see - especially if you like either of these actors. I give this movie:

 I do have a much more complete list - although I don’t believe I am going to be getting to any of them this weekend. Maybe I will stumble across some spare time but nothing definite for this weekend.

Know that you can still leave a comment and recommend a movie I add to the list OR strongly recommend one already on there! Joe did on the last post and said I need to see Thelma & Louise. It’s now on the list! Just so you know: The ones in YELLOW  are the ones I’ve seen before the resolution, The ones in GREEN have been highly recommended by you, and the PURPLE ones are the ones I’ve managed to watch as part of this resolution! Please let me know if you are keeping up with me and your vote of kernels for the movies - just don’t give away the ending PLEASE! ~ e

Movie List 011609  (PDF format)