No One's Gonna Love You (Paul Epworth Mix) - Clean

The Social Network

The Good: This is one of the most riveting, narratively interesting, emotionally driven and overall well done films I have seen in a long time. After walking away from this film, you cannot help but sit and discuss every aspect with the person you went to see it with and as we did, go home and google even more about the Internet genius Mark Zuckerberg. Especially coming from the Facebook generation, it was fascinating to see how this website we practically live our lives through came to life. Each character was cast perfectly and with a script featuring such heavy dialogue, each actor proved their superb talents and delivered each character flawlessly. The character development was crucial to the film and thankfully so was done perfectly. I felt I knew the relationship between each character and the interconnected emotions they experienced with one another. You are completely gripped in the narrative adventure that is the story of Facebook and feel emotionally attached to each character in some way. I felt the cinematography was interesting, the crew race as an example, and the style of dialogue was innovative and interesting. To be honest, the whole film fits in this category of The Good.

The Bad: My only complaint about the film was the opening scene. It was long, dragged out and quite frankly a little confusing. Originally, when it first started I was thinking to myself I might end up walking out. However, after this little blurp at the beginning, the rest of the film makes up for it.

As you soon as you walk out of this movie, you can probably guess what you will go and do next. Sign on to Facebook of course. I give this movie an A+.

Catfish

There was a lot of hype prior to seeing this movie. Watching the trailer, it promises you an emotional journey unlike anything you have ever experienced before. My friends said to expect a dramatic twist at the end that you had no idea was coming. Don't get me wrong, this movie has an absolutely insane story line that is definitely news worthy, however, I didn't think it lived quite up to what I was promised. I will not do a full post on this film because I do not want to ruin the whole point of it which is to be surprised. I think it is a unique story and the characters in the film, Yaniv and his hysterical friends, made the movie into the gripping narrative it was. My only complaint was that there was no dramatic twist truly because you could see it coming. Overall, it was a unique film that you should definitely see and ultimately I believe each person should take their own individual meaning from it. I give this movie a B+.

Easy A

Now heres a movie that has left me confused. Why do you ask? Prior to seeing this movie, I was told it was funnier than Mean Girls and the best teen comedies combined. When I saw advertisements, I was not impressed, however, with such rave reviews how could I not see it? Not only was I fooled by word of mouth but rotten tomatoes gave this movie an 85%. What is wrong with our world today that a shit movie like this gets such great reviews? I'm stuck there. Now that I have explained my confusion when it comes to this movie, its time to break it down.

The Good: I will admit there was a total of 2 funny scenes in this movie. The amazing Stanley Tucci played Emma Stone's dad in the film and he definitely had some great one liners in I think the 2 scenes he had. For example when talking to his adopted black son he asked, "Where do you originate from? The other funny scene was of Emma dancing to a singing card. Other than that folks, thats about it.

The Ugly: Now heres for the ugly...the rest of the movie. It was some of the worst acting (cough cough Amanda Bynes, Cam Cigandet, Alyson Michalka, Lisa Kudrow just to name a few) and a drawn out uninteresting story line. I don't know how this got such great reviews, but I advise all my readers to not waste their money on this comedic flop. I was disappointed to see a cast filled with notable actors do so horribly and I hope Stanley redeems himself with his next film.

I walked out of the theater angry because there were such great movies out and my friends had coerced me into wasting my money on this film tragedy. I give this movie a D.

Glam Gab: The Town's Blake Lively

Tall, Blonde, Skinny, and Gorgeous. This girl could wear anything and look like a million bucks. What has made Blake such a fashion icon for our generation is her ability to look trendy, sexy, and classic at the same time and all without the help of a stylist. Her looks for the “The Town” press tour proved no different.  She opened up her press tour with a stop at Live with Regis and Kelly. Blake showed off her spunky side with a Matthew Williamson embellished jacket and the London- based designers leather pencil skirt. One of my favorite looks from this It girl came in the form of  a red sequined Chanel Couture dress. The floral detail at the hips added that special feminie touch that the house of Chanel is famous for. And leave it to Blake to find the perfect set of  stand-out ruby cocktail rings. Taking a cue from her character on Gossip Girl, Blake hit a high-note in a formfitting Antonio Berardi with peek-a-boo lace detail. While this last look isn’t a part of her press tour, it is just too fabulous! While attending the NYC Fashion’s Night Out Show, Blake looked vivacious in a brightly colored tribal printed Marchesa mini from the house’s resort collection. This look is sophisticated, fun and fashionable, everything that this fashion maven does best!

By Lauren Wilson 

The Town

I waited quite some time with great anticipation to see this film. If any of you have seen the trailer, it gave the appearance to be action packed, studded with an all star cast and equipped with a narrative twist. I couldn't wait to see how it all played out because the trailer definitely leaves you on a hanger. Also, I was anxious to see Ben Affleck back behind the camera. Not only did he direct the movie but he also co-wrote the script so this was definitely a big one for him. Well, The Town delivered on all levels.

The Good: Featuring an enormous cast, numerous overlapping plots, several car chases and shootouts and even a stickup at Fenway Park, The Town delivers big. I can say this is some of the best work Ben Affleck has done. His directing was natural and riveting. It was fast paced both visually as well as in regards to the narrative. I never looked away and was entirely engrossed in the story and gripped to each new interestingly different action sequence.  And he did not stop there. His role as Doug McRay was flawless. His role was so unique in that it was real and honest. And Ben definitely was not alone in this category. The star studded leading cast included Jon Hamm, Rebecca Hall and Jeremy Renner. Jon Hamm looked like a stud as always and Jeremy Renner did what he does best, the dangerous yet light hearted partner in crime. And who knew the fashionista Gossip Girl could act? Blake Lively has made a profound stride for her career as she came out full force as the cracked out mother doubling as a prostitute. That Boston accent and tense sex scene was her in an entirely new light. This drastic change in character role has made me excited for her next career move. And Rebecca Hall was the perfect choice for this female lead. She is relatively unknown, has natural beauty and oozed a naturally sweet demeanor necessary for the role. The chemistry between her and Ben was titillating.  I think what sets this film apart from all the other action movies out right now was the character development. Not only did this movie have visually amazing action sequences but each of the characters were real. You knew who they were and where they came from. Therefore, you were attached and wanted them to succeed. This movie had a heart to it. For instance, the Blake Lively character might have been removed in other films, however, her role showed the real person Ben was and the background his character had. The monologue of Ben as he sat in the garden with Rebecca was beautifully done describing the compassionate person he had inside himself. And they even developed the relationship between Ben and his father. The film felt complete and left me satisfied in every aspect. Not only was it an action drama but it was filled with comedic quirks. As Jeremy Renner is surrounded by the cops and caught with no way out, the police urge him to come out. He comedically responds, "Fuck you." I could truly go on and on.

Go and see it now! You will stay gripped to the screen and riveted to each character. I give this movie and A+.

Going The Distance

This movie is a laugh out loud true to form comedy that makes this horrible thing known as long distance relationships into something relatable and light hearted. Definitely no oscar contender but in terms of feel good comedy, this is it.

The Good: I can't really think of many movies where I was literally laughing out loud but this movie did it to me. At one particular scene, I had my hand over my mouth because I was laughing so hard. The casting was great, ranging from Garrett's friends Box and Dan to Erin's sister Corinne. It was a fresh take on comedy, nothing overplayed or stupid.  What I loved most about the movie was the amazing chemistry between Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. I'll admit it that when actors are dating in real life and are then leading roles in a love story together, it makes the story so believable. Their performance was so convincing and you fell in love with them as a couple because you knew it was real.

The Bad: Drew's acting was not exactly her best. Her character was supposed to be this outspoken laid back cool chick but at times she was just awkward trying to be this character. In no way am I saying she bombed, however, she just couldn't pull off that character the entire movie. This is for all the people out there that have been in long distance relationships. My friend and I have both been in serious long distance relationships that are now over and certain parts were very hard to watch.  Any time an airport goodbye came on, the water works were uncontrollable. My friend and I were laughing because the two of us were so embarrassing. So just as a caution to anyone who has been in a long distance relationship, it is tough to relive those times again.

Overall, this movie was a feel good comedy with a great message. In terms of romantic comedy I give this movie an A-. 

Eat Pray Love

This was the movie that I had waited all summer to see. Publicity for Eat Pray Love was just about everywhere and  I couldn't wait to see Julia finally staring in a new movie. With an all star cast including James Franco, Javier Bardem and Richard Jenkins, I was expecting big things. With over two hours of visual bliss, Eat Pray Love takes you from Italy to India and finally to Bali.

The Good: As I just said, this movie takes you on a visually gorgeous journey through each of these different countries. Each location and shot was perfectly picked and brought the words that Elizabeth Gilbert wrote in her book to life. Julia was of course amazing as always. Her tearful monologues were passionate and kept you gripped to the screen. And hello Javier Bardem. The role he played was one of a compassionate father who's wife had left him. I don't consider myself a big crier when it comes to movies but in one specific scene where Javier says goodbye to his son who is leaving for school, my water works came rushing out.  Overall each actor had a wonderful performance and each character, even that little Buddha man, was perfect for the part. The basis for the overall narrative: a woman on this epic journey to renew her life and traveling the world, was the perfect meat for an amazing story and overall I truly enjoyed the concept of the narrative. However, the script just did not deliver the story right.

The Bad: I'll admit, I just didn't think the script was good. The narrative was longer than it needed to be to a point of boredom. The things that didn't need to be in the movie were in it and the things that needed to be in it weren't which left me confused at times. For instance, the section of the movie where she travels to India was so dragged on and so long. The things that happened there didn't even really matter except for one specific man she met. During that section of the movie I was checking my phone and quite honestly bored. So when the India part dragged on, certain things like explaining her past or her relationship with her husband were not developed at all and left me confused. For example, they show one night of her going out with her husband in which no real conflict happens between the two of them and later that night she is crying on the bathroom floor begging to get out of her marriage. Why was the relationship so awful? I wouldn't know because it was never explained. Also, the James Franco character was just the same. They were madly in love and the next thing you know she leaves him. What I criticize the most was that the James Franco character was written to be more important to her than her husband. After years of marriage, her husband should have been the one she compared other men too and missed. It just made Julia Roberts character seem cold and immature to value the relationship with a much younger man more than her loving husband. Overall Julia's character was unrelateable These aspects made the movie at times choppy and at other times dragged on.

The Ugly: The entire India part. I will put it blankly, this entire section of the movie was boring and quite honestly uninteresting. What I remember of this part was her sitting in silence, meditating and vowing an oath of silence. Sounds really exciting doesn't it?

Overall, the movie was good in my opinion just not great. The story structure was definitely flawed and I lacked the inspiration I was hoping to get from seeing the film. However, Julia and the cast did their jobs but overall Julia's character was unrelateable. I give this movie a C.

Because of my busy schedule, here is something to enjoy until the next movie :) Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

The Switch

I advise all my readers to stay as far away from this movie as possible. I can't think of a time where I have actually gone to see a movie and have ended up walking out of it. Well everyone, it finally happened. I have never been so bored, seen worse acting and a stupider story plot. It was no question whether or not we should have left the theater because I literally did not care how the movie would end. I give this movie an F.

Charlie St. Cloud

Here is a movie that I was definitely curious to see this summer. Zac Efron shocked us all by doing a great job as Mike in the surprisingly hilarious teen comedy 17 Again. That movie definitely gave Zac some props with me deeming him talented regardless of his teen pop image. My complaint prior to actually seeing the movie was that the trailer showed pretty much the entire movie. However, I gave it a chance and hoped for a secret plot twist that would redeem the advertisement. Don't get me wrong, there was one aspect that was considered to be this plot twist but while watching, it was easy to guess where the movie was going to take you. 

The Good: I have to say Zac did do a great job, however, the movie did not redeem his performance. Looking like a stud as always and bringing the tragic drama necessary to the role, Zac was convincing as the heart broken sibling experiencing the journey of losing a brother. He definitely left me and my friends shedding some tears after his dramatic display during the car accident and funeral. The character who played his Aussie best friend who worked with him at the grave yard was the comedic relief necessary to ease up the constant depression throughout the film. Also, James Franco's, too me identical, brother made his first big role debut in this film and it was fun watching him begin his own career. The site locators for the film did a great job bringing to life the picturesque town where the story takes place. 

The Bad: The love interest in the movie for Zac is the adventurous sailor girl Tess. The girl they chose to play the part was a bit of a disappointment. She was not exactly the cutest girl which at times unfortunately was a bit distracting and did not convince me into liking her during her performance which was very important for the movie. And man that horn that signaled the meeting time for Zac to meet his brother definitely got annoying as the film progressed.

The Ugly: The story plot overall was choppy, confusing and at times awkward. SPOILER ALERT! After Zac and Tess have dinner, Tess leaves quickly out of no where and all you hear is a creepy whisper saying come find me. This random sequence of events leads to Zac and Tess having sex in a grave yard. Creepy? Definitely. The reason the plot was so choppy was due to the lack of development concerning each character. Zac is so depressed after the loss of his brother, however, prior to his death Zac treats him like an annoyance and you never get to see the special bond they should have shared until after he dies. The development between Zac and Tess is so fast paced that it even further contributes to the confusion of the movie. At the beginning it is apparent that the two went to high school together and Tess had a large crush on Zac throughout highschool, however, he never noticed her at all and out of no where he finally just notices her five years later. It is unrealistic and has the audience feeling a lack of true chemistry between the characters. It is apparent that Tess's sailing coach plays a large role in her life, however, none of their interaction is truly conveyed and at the climax, his involvement seems random. Also, the most bizarre character underdevelopment was the mother. At the beginning of the movie, an ideal family picture is set. A mother who loves her kids and pulls double shifts to provide for her family is represented. After her son dies, however, she is never seen again and leaves Zac all alone in the town to provide for himself. I thought this portrayal was confusing. Overall, the narrative was slow and at times extremely creepy which is definitely not a good thing when describing a dramatic love story.

I give this movie a C. 

Inception

Everyone go out to see this movie now! Inception keeps you on the edge of your seat with an intricate narrative and a cast of amazing actors with comedic yet intriguing chemistry. This movie is one of those that has that great moment where at the beginning the audience is unaware of how certain things make sense and then it all comes together perfectly. The cinematography is unlike anything I have seen before and kept me in awe throughout the entirety of the movie. Go and see the best movie of the summer. I give this movie an A.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

          
I must admit, I am one of those huge fans of the Twilight series. I have read all the books and anxiously await for each new movie to come out. Yes, that means I was at the midnight viewing of the opening of course along with Glam Gab herself. Its my one weird thing and I  have no problem admitting to my obsession. I had so much anticipation for this film and boy did it go above and beyond anything I ever expected. Eclipse is by far the best film of the three so far and leaves all those Twilight fans on the edge of their seats and wanting more. I was nervous about yet another new director for the series, but man did he deliver. Unlike the previous films, it was fast paced, funny, had character development and the best part was that it was exactly according to the book. What more could you ask for?

I have to stay true to form because this blog is my opinion, not one of a major critic who has to analyze films according to a certain set of rules. I am a huge fan of the series and therefore I will be giving my honest opinion on the movie. Obviously the film will not be close to winning any Oscars anytime soon but it fulfilled more than any Twilight fan could ask for.

THE GOOD: The whole movie! Everyone go see it now. And to all those haters, go see it any way because you'll be a new Twihard as soon as you see it. As I said earlier, it is so different than both of the two previous films and the exciting yet compassionate story of Eclipse will keep you interested regardless of your opinion. It was fast paced, funny, had character development and followed the book exactly. And come on, who doesn't love a good love triangle?

THE BAD: Unfortunately, I must admit there was one problem for this movie. The special effects were unrealistic and quite honestly a wreck. SPOILER ALERT! When Victoria is finally killed, her dead corpse had the audience laughing at how fake it looked. And common, Bella wears a T-shirt outside in the middle of a snow storm? There were definitely some flaws in the execution of the production.

Go see it now! I don't want to list all the things specifically about the film because I don't want anything to be ruined and to be honest, theres just to much to list when it comes to why I loved it. I give this movie an A++!