Taken

I have never thought of Liam Neeson as the star of an action/suspense/drama. He's not a Gerard Butler or a Mel Gibson, or even a Russell Crowe...so how does he do in Taken? Very well actually! It didn't take long to make a believer out of me. He is capable of holding the intensity of a scene and building up the plot without seeming out of character. I was pleasantly surprised.
The story was well developed also. A daddy who just wanted to make his little girl happy after years of being kept from her by his career...who, despite his ex-wife's ignorance, wants to ensure that his daughter is always safe...finds himself in his worst nightmare! She's been taken! By whom and for what reason is the really interesting part. The suspense is built even more by the imaginary clock that is ticking away her chances of ever being found again!
It reminds me of a different movie about naive travelers: "Brokedown Palace" (1999). Another good rental!

My opinion: RENT THIS MOVIE!

~Cinema Sampler

Movie-Going Etiquette

Going to the movies is fun. It's meant for everyone to enjoy. So, if you are going to the movies, here are a couple of tips to ensure a happy experience for all:

1. Get there early- if you want great seating arrive early. Don't come in at preview time and ask the couple who were there an hour prior to move down from there chosen seats to make room for you and your guest. That is RUDE. (and, by the way, you're blocking the previews so move along).

2. Pre-movie banter should be kept at a low volume- if you arrive early and are sitting within earshot of another couple, please do not discuss your bathroom activity! I know the movie is not playing but, for real, we don't want to hear that! (p.s. you should try Pepto chewables, portable and effective).

3. Don't smack the snacks- movie snacks are a favorite of a lot of movie-goers. As with anything you consume, do so with your mouth closed as you chew. (Jujubees are dangerous candies)

4. Use the potty before the movie starts- consider the previews your "last call" for a bathroom break...especially if you are in the middle of the row! (slow your roll on that Dr. Pepper buddy)

5. SSSSHHHHH!- every movie-goer should know this one by now...don't talk during the movie! This includes loud, boisterous laughing and yelling at the screen. (hey lady, was it really THAT funny when the guy's head was blown off!?!)

EXTRA TIP~ Everyone goes to the bathroom when a movie is let out. If you know you'll have to go too, look around for bathrooms outside of the theater before you go in. If you're at a mall theater, the restrooms will be easy to locate and MUCH less crowded after the movie :-)

Let's protect our happy place and all of us agree to follow these simple suggestions.

Valentine's Day

Did you see the list of stars in this movie!?! OMGosh there were too many to count! Which usually means there won't be too much depth in any one of their stories. That was the case in this movie; however, they still managed to tell you enough about each of the characters that you weren't bored and you were somewhat invested in the outcomes. The characters who seemed to be at the center of the all-connected stories are Jennifer Garner and Ashton Kutcher. They are so wholesome and sweet in this movie...they will have you rooting for them. The heart-stealer of the movie, though, is the little blonde-haired boy...right up to the last few minutes.
This movie has teenage, make-you-wanna-vomit puppy love, old couple still-surviving-big-storms love, new, my-girlfriend-has-a-gross-job love, man love (nothing physically displayed), "I didn't know I loved you" love, and "I hate love" love, along with some great family love...So, true to it's name, Valentine's Day is full of LOVE.
My suggestion; wait for this to be released on DVD and watch with some girlfriends for a little chuckle and some girl-power moments! Spend the money you save on some yummy chocolates (Jessica Biel's character might make you crave them)!

RENT this movie!
~Cinema Sampler

The Edge of Darkness

I had been waiting for this movie to come out since I saw the trailer play just before "New Moon" in November. The movie had intrigued me for two reasons; 1. I love Mel Gibson as an incredible actor!, and 2. I really enjoy a conspiracy-laced suspense movie.
The plot started out pretty thick with his daughter being murdered within the first 10 minutes. Then you bring in a few shady characters like the officer who is supposed to be his buddy (but there's something amiss there), and the boyfriend/freak, and the mystery man in the backyard...then the questions that lead him to the conspiracy. BUT, that's where the movie gets a little off track. There are some people who die in the movie because of what they know...however, if what they knew was a true threat, why didn't they get killed sooner...I saw some holes in the story there. The significance of the back-yard mystery man was never really defined. Then, at the end of the movie, he does something that is completely unexpected and feels like it doesn't even fit into the movie. Even today, I can't tell you the point of his actions.
But, if you are going to this movie to see Mel Gibson's very talented acting and can overlook a few flaws in his director's judgment, I think you could still enjoy it.
I will call this a good movie, but that is based on the great scenes of the movie that I won't give away! So, check it out!
~Cinema Sampler