Movie Review - Verity

Director: Michael Showalter
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 117 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Josh Hartnett, Anne Hathaway
 
Description: Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson), hired to ghostwrite for best-selling author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway), uncovers Verity’s autobiographical notes, and becomes involved in what may prove to be a lethal conspiracy.
 
Review: The film adaptation of a gripping bestseller always comes with sky-high expectations, and the psychological thriller “Verity” was no exception. Directed by Michael Showalter and boasting a star-studded cast featuring Dakota Johnson, Josh Hartnett and Anne Hathaway, this adaptation seemed like a guaranteed success on paper. Unfortunately, the film falls well short on the mark. What should have been a nerve-wrecking ride ends up being a slow and uneven disappointment that never quite manages to capture the tension of the source material.

The film follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling author who is hired by Jeremy Crawford to finish writing the remaining books in a highly successful series. The original author, Jeremy’s wife Verity Crawford, is at home, seriously injured and incapacitated after a severe car accident. Lowen moves in with the family at their secluded estate to delve into Verity’s notes. She soon stumbles upon a hidden, terrifying manuscript in which Verity makes a gruesome confession about the family’s dark secrets. As the attraction between Lowen and Jeremy grows, Lowen becomes entangled in a web of manipulation, and the line between chilling fiction and dangerous reality begins to blur.

Let’s get right to the point: the book, written by Colleen Hoover, is far better. While the novel keeps the reader in a constant stranglehold with psychological paranoia and a suffocating atmosphere, the film adaptations opts for a pace that can only be described as boring. The film drags laboriously from one dialogue scene to the next, with only a few rare, suspenseful moments. As a result, the thrilling Hitchcock-esque suspense that the filmmaker tried to imitate never really comes across.

The film’s biggest stumbling block, however, is the way the acting talent was handled. The casting of the title role, in particular, is a missed opportunity: Anne Hathaway’s role is painfully underutilized. Hathaway is a world-class actress, but here she is reduced to a passive character. Her character never takes on the terrifying, mysterious menace that the story so desperately needs. Although Johnson and Hartnett fo their best to keep the chemistry alive, they cannot save the movie.

“Verity” lacks the much-needed intensity that the book has and gets bogged down in a drawn-out thriller that leaves fans of the book cold.

Rating: 2/ 5

Movie Review - The End of Oak Street

Director: David Robert Mitchell
Genre: Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 99 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella, Christian Convery
 
Description: The Platt family bands together to navigate their new surroundings after a cosmic event transports their neighborhood to someplace unknown.
 
Review: In this adventure film, directed by David Robert Mitchell, the Platt family suddenly finds themselves in an unimaginable situation. It is the 1980s when a mysterious cosmic storm literally rips their American suburb from the ground an transports it to an unknown, prehistoric location.

Mitchell is best known for the indie horror film “It Follow”, but he proves with “The End of Oak Street” that a summer blockbuster budget can be perfectly combined with an original, fresh concept. Forget the CGI-heavy formulas; this film opts for a delightfully nostalgic, no-nonsense approach of the “Jurassic Park” films, with an 80’s and 90s vibe.

The film’s greatest strength is the chemistry within the family. Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor deliver rock-solid performances as concerned yet determined parents. Despite the absurd premise, they give the film a believable and authentic emotional core.

Visually, fantastic choices were made. Instead of fast-paced, chaotic action montages, they opt for impressive, sweeping shots in broad daylight. And despite the PG13/ 12+ rating, they don’t shy away from a few delightfully unsettling, intense moments.

If you want a scientific explanation though, for what is happening, you may be left somewhat unsatisfied.

It’s one of the most enjoyable and original films I have seen this year.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - The Odyssey

Director: Christopher Nolan
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 173 minutes
Year: 2026
Starring: Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, John Leguizamo, Samantha Morton, Elliot Page, Jon Bernthal, Himesh Patel, Lupita Nyong’o
 
Description: After the Trojan War, Odysseus (Matt Damon) faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens and Calypso (Charlize Theron) along the way
 
Review: With the latest adaptation of “The Odyssey”, director Christopher Nolan proves that classical Greek mythology can still be relevant, and , above all, spectacular. The film has become a visual and narrative masterpiece that relentlessly draws the viewer into an emotional battle of attrition for almost 3 hours. The end result is a grand cinematic experience that balances human drama with mythological action.

“The Odyssey” follows the heroic yet disastrous journey of the Greek king Odysseus, who, after the fall of Troy, tries to find his way back home. While his faithful wife Penelope fights off intrusive suitors at home, Odysseus braves deadly monsters, divine curses, and psychological trials on the raging seas to save his kingdom.

The film excels in its cinematography and set design. The wild, unpredictable seas and the terrifying encounters with mythical creatures are brought to life with a perfect balance of practical effect and CGI. Nolan modernizes Homer’s source material without losing the epic’s authentic, tragic atmosphere.
The prominent American accents of the main cast feels quite out of place in a historical Greet setting at the beginning. The dialect distracted me and felt weird. Fortunately, this was short-lived, after a while it didn’t bother me as much. The performances are so intense and believable that the accent quickly fades into the background.

With this star-studded cast, there is a lot to look for. The performances are very strong and Matt Damon has the difficult task to lead them in this epic adventure film. But he succeeds. But it is Anne Hathaway and Samantha Morton in particular who elevate this film by carrying the emotional core. While the visual spectacle dominates the action, these two actresses provide the much-needed psychological depth and humanity. Anne Hathaway shines thanks to her phenomenal transformation. She commands all the attention with her intense gaze and emotional range. She strikes the perfect balance between royal dignity and the raw, fragile despair of a character tormented by fate. Samantha Morton steals the show with her rock-solid, understated presence. Without resorting to melodrama, she brings a layered gravitas to the screen, in only a single scene. This all shows that “The Odyssey is not just another blockbuster, but also a memorable character-driven drama.

The second part of the film was the strongest. Is focusses more on the character’s internal struggles and the bitter reality of returning home. The cinematography becomes grimmer, the soundtrack gains depth, and the film builds at a perfect pace toward a breathtaking and emotional climax. “The Odyssey” is thus not only a visual spectacle but also a profoundly human epic that leaves an indelible impression.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - Mothers' Instinct

Director: Benoit Delhomme
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 94 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, Anders Danielsen Lie, Josh Charles, Caroline Lagerfelt
 
Description: Alice (Jessica Chastain) and Celine (Anne Hathaway) live a traditional lifestyle with successful husbands and sons of the same age. Life’s perfect harmony is suddenly shattered after a tragic accident. Guilt, suspicion and paranoia combine to unravel their sisterly bond.

Review: Alice and Celine, in addition to being neighbors, are stay-at-home moms and best friends. They live the perfect family life of a family in the 1960s. Married to successful men and mothers of happy sons who also happen to be best friends. Their sweet life takes on a bitter aftertaste when a tragic accident happens to one of the families.

The haunting atmosphere that seeps through everything is tremendously well done. The grief is palpable in all the characters and touches deeply. The terrific acting sets this geeling. Jessica Chastain in particular put on a layered role in which grief, fear and guilt blend seamlessly. Only Anne Hathaway sometimes shoots a little to far, making some scenes a bit over the top.

Extra oppressive is the continues question of where the story is going and whether the various suspicions of the housewives are correct. It’s best to go into this movie with the least amount of info.
The creators of “Mothers’ Instinct” clearly took some inspiration from Hitchcock. The moments of tension and atmosphere can match those of a film by the master of suspense. At other moments it is all just a bit too over the top to be taken seriously. The ending might be a little less credible.

“Mothers’ Instinct” sets up a convincing and exciting story. The set design and costumes contribute to the atmosphere and the intense themes of grief and guilt are very well portrayed in the story. The ending took it a bit too far, but it’s still an amazing movie that I’m surprised not more people are talking about.

Rating: 4/ 5

00s Movie Review - Brokeback Mountain

Director: Ang Lee
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 134 minutes
Year: 2005
Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Randy Quaid, Anna Faris, David Harbour, Kate Mara, Linda Cardellini
 
Description: Ennis (Heath Ledger) and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) are two shepherds who develop a sexual and emotional relationship. Their relationship becomes complicated when both of them married to their respective girlfriends

Review: Happiness sometimes depends on the choices you make in life. Sometimes you wish you did things differently. One word or one touch could make such a difference, but you didn’t do anything. “Brokeback Mountain” also deals with such key moments. 
Even before “Brokeback Mountain” was released, it was one of the most talked about films of the year. Two cowboys, the model of ultimate manhood, that fall in love is obviously a fascinating given. But by just saying it’s about gay cowboys, you’re not doing it justice. It’s not about homosexuality, it’s about love in its purest and simplest form. A story about how people choose to live their lives, about a world that doesn’t really give them a choice, about suppressed feelings and about letting go. 
 The movie tells the story of young cowboys Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, who work together during the summer of 1963 in the mountains of Wyoming. The two develop a close bond which eventually turns into a sexual relationship, much to their own surprise. At the end of the summer, Ennis and Jack both go their own way. Both men get married and start a family, but the memories of their time in Brokeback Mountain are dear to them. When they meet up again after years, it’s still as that last time in Brokeback Mountain. 
 The love between Ennis and Jack is impossible, it’s in a time that the love between two men isn’t accepted. Director Ang Lee could have easily turned it into a melodramatic film, but he managed to find the right tone. I’ve never seen a film where two such rich, complete and complex characters managed to expose the relationship in such an honest, true and sharp way. The pace is slow and so are the developments, but in this film it’s a positive thing. Invest in the characters and you will be rewarded. 
 “Brokeback Mountain” is carried by two great leading actors. Both Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal are fantastic. Ledger shines as the introvert Ennis. He is afraid to choose for what he really wants. Gyllenhaal’s Jack is a bit more complex. He doesn’t want to live in a lie and fantasizes about a life with Ennis. The choices we make have effect on our happiness, that’s something “Brokeback Mountain” shows us. 
 A fantastic, touching and heart felt film, one of my all-time favorites.

Rating: 5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Ocean's Eight

Director: Gary Ross
Genre: Crime/ Comedy
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Awkwafina, James Corden, Richard Armitage, Elliott Gould

Description: Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s yearly Met Gala.

Review: For those who didn’t know it yet: master criminal Danny Ocean has an equally clever sister: Debbie Ocean. And besides the cast being all-female this time, “Ocean’s Eight” has the same set-up as the other films. This is both a reboot and a sequel to the Steven Sodenbergh trilogy.
Director Steven Sodenbergh acts as a producer this time and Gary Ross takes over as a director. The formula has changed very little. The build-up is practically the same as “Ocean’s Eleven”. The opening scene is exactly the same, only it’s not George Clooney, but Sandra Bullock leaving prison.
Debbie Ocean swears that she leaves the criminal life behind her and she wants to live a simple, good life. As soon as she leaves prison, she  finds her friend and partner Lou. Together they plan a jewel heist and they form an all-female team of a hacker, pickpocket, fashion designer, desperate housewife and diamond entrepreneur. The yearly Met Gala is where it will all happen.  
I think that the cast helps to this film’s success. Sandra Bullock is amazing, she is charming as ever and I love her. She is surrounded by a great group of women, that form a powerful team. And I was amazed by the fantastic costume design, which is hardly ever something I pay attention too. But in this film that really stood out.
It never lives up to “Ocean’s Eleven”, but I enjoyed it more then “Ocean’s Twelve” and “Ocean’s Thirteen”. I found there was no dull moment in this film and it was highly entertaining. I’m just not a fan of the other Ocean’s sequels and I did like this one. I think that’s mainly because I like almost everyone in the cast. Okay, it’s not the most original. Because it is very similar to “Ocean’s Eleven”, aside from the all-female cast and that this time it’s a jewel heist instead of robbing casinos. But overall, “Ocean’s Eight” was a good time.

Rating: 3 / 5

00s Movie Review - The Cat Returns

Director: Hiroyuki Morita
Genre: Animation/ Family/ Drama/ Fantasy
Runtime: 75 minutes
Year: 2002
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, Judy Greer, Kristen Bell, Peter Boyle, Elliot Gould, Tim Curry

Description: After helping a cat, the seventeen-year-old Haru (Anne Hathaway) finds herself involuntarily engaged to a cat Prince in a magical world where her only hope of freedom lies with a dapper cat statuette (Cary Elwes) coming to life.

Review: “The Cat Returns” is one of Studio Ghibli’s lesser known films, but it is on that the real cat lovers should not skip. And it contains a lot of magic.
Don’t you ever wonder where those cats wander off to, when to go out? Well, in “The Cat Returns” it’s a secret cat kingdom, hidden behind some narrow alleys. Studio Ghibli plays with this idea, very skillfully. Th concept was conceived by Hayao Miyazako himself, but directed by Hiroyuki Morita, who worked on several other anime and Studio Ghibli films as animator.
Haru’s life is not that different from any other teenage girl. She’s regularly late for school and has a crush on one of the classmates, who unfortunately already has a girlfriend. Haru would like her life to have a little more happiness, since everything seems to go well for others but not for her.
Everything changes after she saves a cat. The cat walks on two legs and talks to her, but of course no one believes her. As if that’s not strange enough, a cat parade appears in front of her door at night. The king of the cat kingdom has come in person to thank her for saving his son, the cat prince. The gift that the cat king has brough is also quite strange… she has to marry the prince!
“The Cat Returns” is a witty film which features The Baron, who we met in “Whisper of the Heart”. This character is the star of the film. It’s a fun, magical and adventurous story that will be perfect for the entire family. Visually is looks good and the soundtrack is atmospheric and fitting. It’s not one of Studio Ghibli’s best film, but certainly one to check out.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - Interstellar

Director: Christopher Nolan
Genre: Drama/ Science Fiction/ Adventure
Runtime: 169 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy, Wes Bentley, Timothée Chalamet, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, Topher Grace, Ellen Burstyn, Matt Damon, John Lithgow, David Oyelowo

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2020 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 26: A MOVIE MADE BY CHRISTOPHER NOLAN

Description: A team of explorers travel through a wormhole in space in an attempt to ensure humanity’s survival.

Review: Spaceman Cooper leaves his two children, when he decides to take part in a space mission to find an alternative planet for the decaying Earth. Time is relative, according to Einstein, so a trip to the first planet they visit takes Cooper an hour or three, but in our perception of time more than twenty-three years. Back at the base station, Cooper sees a video of his family. In a few minutes he sees that his family has dramatically changed. Daughter Murp, is as old as him now and son Tom is a father himself. “Interstellar” leans heavily on family ties, which gives it a huge emotional load.
The story is very complex and it is best to just let it take you away. Cooper became a farmer, after a traumatic crash, since Earth is in dire need of food. Another planet offers the only solution, but mankind has stopped space travel. At school they even learn that the mission to the moon was only a clever propaganda move. Cooper’s clever daughter Murphy think’s she is getting signals from her bookcase. What and who is unclear. Martians? Gravity? But Murphy thinks it’s a ghost. However, this silent force and a dust storm lead Cooper and his daughter to a remote space lab.
Christopher Nolan and his writer brother Jonathan are both men with great ideas and an unparalleled ability to transform their vision into images. And you can see that in “Interstellar”. You have to really pay attention or know a bit about physics to fully understand the complicated concept of black holes, wormholes, fourth and fifth dimension and the theory of relativity. Each time you are reassured with the realization that in the end, it is the dramatic aspect that the Nolan brothers want to focus on. Only Christopher Nolan knows how to combine all these difficult angles with compelling drama and spectacular space trips. Surprisingly, they are often very simple principles such as love and loss. “Interstellar” is overall a very ambitious movie. It’s clear that movies like “2001: A Space Odyssey” or “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” were major inspirations for Nolan.
“Interstellar” is anything but a simple space adventure, a film you really have to focus on and let yourself be overwhelmed by. And the soundtrack is one of the best in years. A fantastic film, that doesn’t feel like it’s almost three hours long.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - Dark Waters

Director: Todd Haynes
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 126 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Bill Camp, Anne Hathaway, Mare Winningham, Bill Pullman, Victor Garber

Description: Corporate defense attorney Rob Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes a lengthy history of pollution.

Review: Wilbur Tennant is a farmer from Parkersburg, West Virginia, who has been trying to find out for years what keeps killing his cows. It has to do something with the chemical factory nearby, he thinks, but nobody wants to help him in his search for the truth. The factory is part of chemical company DuPont. They’re not only an important employer in the region, but also a generous giver for places like playgrounds and libraries. The company has the people in its power and there is no independent chemist or environmental specialist in the area.
Ultimately Tennant gets help from an unexpected source: Robert Bilott, an attorney at a big company in Cincinnati, Ohio. At first out of common courtesy, because his grandmother is from Parkensburg. Bilott is a corporate defense attorney who normally defends companies like DuPont. He thinks he can do this job quickly, but then he sees Tennant’s cows. Convulsing, agressive and with abnormalities in their teeth and eyes. It becomes clear that he is in a minefield.
And a big one. The DuPont case started in 1999 and is still, to the date, not finalized. And the story is astounding. The billion dollar company had been using a chemical called PFOA since the 50s, to produce Teflon, while their own research showed that the substance was extremely dangerous. The American environmental department didn’t do anything, they started checking since 1976 and only to companies that reported chemicals with a high risk factor.
Actor Mark Ruffalo read about the case in 2016 and initiated filming. As a co-producer he managed to get director Todd Haynes to join him and Ruffalo himself plays the role of Rob Bilott. He has played the role of hero before, as Hulk. But this hero role is a more modest, contained and reluctant version. Without any trace of vanity, Ruffalo depicts Bilott as un inconspicuous, introspective man with a worried look, whose work obsession almost cost him his marriage and health.
Anne Hathaway, at first, seems to have a very thankless role, as the wife of Bilott. But as the story develops her role becomes more important and Hathaways performance has more substance. Bill Camp, as Wilbur Tennant, is also a performance to mention. Very solid and convincing and a man you can really empathize with. And I liked seeing Tim Robbins again, since you don’t see him in many movies these days.
Haynes’ direction is also anything but exuberant. Carefully and without fuss, “Dark Waters” follows the fact. The lack of outward display is probably the reason why this fantastic film has been overlooked by the Academy.
Haynes doesn’t need any fuss to impress. This whistleblower drama is very strong and this chilling thriller is also a very important film. Everyone should see this film, because its conclusion is very disturbing and scary.

Rating: 4,5 / 5

Movie Battle: Interstellar Vs. The Martian

They are very different movies, but both science fiction and also both happen to have Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain in it. I would like to let those two movies go head to head in this battle. Let’s see who wins the battle: “Interstellar” Vs. “The Martian”.

 

 

ACTORS

Interstellar: Matthew McConaughey is the lead and his has proven over the years that he can easily carry a movie. I haven’t been a fan since the beginning, but I’ve come to love McConaughey. Anne Hatahway not so much though, I just never really liked her acting. Jessics Chastain on the other hand is one of my favorites and she is really good in “Interstellar”. And Michael Caine as well.

The Martian: Matt Damon is fantastic in his role as Mark Whatney. Most of the scenes he is in, he is alone. He gives away a great performance, it might even be his best. Jessica Chastain is good as well, very strong and solid.

STORY

Interstellar: It’s a Christopher Nolan directed film, so it’s anything but standard. A group of explorer’s have to travel through a wormhole in order to save humanity. Time is different there, so what’s in space is seven years on earth (or something like that). I didn’t really like the ending.

The Martian: During a mission to Mars, astronaut Mark Whatney is presumed dead and his crew returns. Not knowing that Whatney was actually still alive. Now he is alone on a planet where nothing grows. He has to ‘science the hell out of it’. It’s a great story and so well executed. It was also a lot funnier than I expected it to be.

EFFECTS

Interstellar: If you know Nolan’s work, you know that he is great with effects. Although he doesn’t overuse CGI, it always looks stunning.

The Martian: The movie looks very good, also not overusing any CGI. Just clean and solid.

WINNER

I think “Interstellar” is a bit overrated, so I’m going with “The Martian” which I absolutely loved and it was one of my favorites of 2015.

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 18: Interstellar

Director: Christopher Nolan

Genre: Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Drama

Runtime: 169 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Wes Bentley, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, Topher Grace, David Oyelowo, John Lithgow, Ellen Burstyn, Matt Damon

Description: A team of explorers travel through a wormhole in space in an attempt to ensure humanity's survival.

Review: Christopher Nolan’s movies can be called cold, but certainly have emotion. The (anti) heroes in movies like “Memento”, “The Prestige” and “Inception” are all driven by human emotion like heart ache or jealousy. In “Interstellar” we also meet those characters. That’s not a bad thing though, when they are portrayed by great actors like Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine.

McConaughey plays the disillusioned widow Cooper, former test pilot for NASA and now a farmer. The film is set in the near future, where the earth is exhausted and producing food is the main priority instead of science. What people don’t know is that secretly NASA is planning a mission to save mankind and move them to another planet, that can be reached through a wormhole. Cooper is asked to investigate the planet, together with a group of fellow astronauts. This means Cooper has to leave his two children and he can’t tell them when or if he will return.

The emotional scenes between Cooper and his daughter Murph are a highlight for me. They are so sincere and you feel it yourself. And although the drama is the heart of the film, Nolan focusses more on the scientific aspect of the story. Nolan likes old school effects, doesn’t use CGI if not necessary. The spaceship décor was build, very detailed and the robots CASE and TARS were all controlled manually.

The first half of the film is much better than the second and after two hours, you start to feel the length of the film. The happenings are randomly piling up and the characters can’t carry the drama anymore. And that ending, I don’t know.

Many say it’s Christopher Nolan’s best, I do not agree. Not even remotely. I think “Interstellar” is slightly overrated, although I can see and understand what Nolan wanted with this film.

Rating: 3/ 5

Video of the Week (35)

This girl, Lauren O'Brien, does some awesome impressions of female celebrities. Really good and really funny. Check it out!

 

Quotables: "Brokeback Mountain"

Such a great movie, I really fell in love with it when I saw it for the first time. What great performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger. Here are some quotes.

Jack Twist: As for our marriage, we can do it over the phone.

Ennis Del Mar: You ever get the feelin'... I don't know, er... when you're in town and someone looks at you all suspicious, like he knows? And then you go out on the pavement and everyone looks like they know too?

Jack Twist: There ain't never enough time, never enough...

Lureen Newsome: He always said he wanted his ashes scattered on Brokeback Mountain, but I wasn't sure where that was. I thought Brokeback Mountain might be around where he grew up. Knowing Jack, it was probably some pretend place, where bluebirds sing and there's a whiskey spring...

Joe Aguirre: You boys sure found a way to make the time pass up there. Twist, you guys wasn't gettin' paid to leave the dogs babysittin' the sheep while you stem the rose.

Jack Twist: Tell you what... truth is, sometimes I miss you so bad I can hardly stand it...

Ennis Del Mar: Bottom line is... we're around each other an'... this thing, it grabs hold of us again... at the wrong place... at the wrong time... and we're dead.

In the Picture: The Characters from "Alice in Wonderland"

Tim Burton alway sknow show to create a wonderful world in all of his movies. He did it again with the classic story of "Alice in Wonderland". I like to put the spotlight on the characters in the film.

Alice Kingsleigh
Played by: Mia Wasikowska
Alice is not who other people expect her to be. She clearly has her own will and doesn't want to marry well. Alice is stubborn, brave and non-girlie.

Mad Hatter
Played by: Johnny Depp
Although the Mad Hatter looks and acts very strange, I think he is just misunderstood. He has all the best intentions and has a vision of the world no one else can picture. Mad Hatter is very creative and loyal.

Iracebeth of Crims aka the Red Queen
Played by: Helena Bonham Carter
The Red Queen is the ruler and everything should go as she pleases. She is easily irritated and quick to anger. She rather wants people to fear her than people to like her.

Mirana of Marmoreal aka the White Queen
Played by: Anne Hathaway
Mirana is Iracebeth's sister and the complete opposite. She also likes the dark side, but is affraid to go in to deep. The White Queen is good hearted and has a better future in mind for her land.

Favorite Character: Iracebeth of Crims aka the Red Queen

The Many Faces of... Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway is a vey gracious woman with a lot of talents. Here are some of her looks.

Face # 1: The Princess Diaries
Role: Mia Thermopolis
Comment: She looks like Hermione Granger...
Rating: 2,5/ 5

Face # 2: Nicolas Nickleby
Role: Madeline Bray
Comment: Cute hat, the looks suits her liek she's really from that time.
Rating: 3,5/ 5

Face # 3: Ella Enchanted
Role: Ella
Comment: See... straight hair does look good. Anne proves it.
Rating: 4,5/ 5

Face # 4: Brokeback Mountain
Role: Lureen Newsome
Comment: Awfull hairdo, blonde isn't her best color.
Rating: 1,5/ 5

Face # 5: The Devil Wears Prada
Role: Andy Sachs
Comment: Loving it. Natural and beautiful.
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 6: Becoming Jane
Role: Jane Austen
Comment: She is a believable Jane Austen, perfect look.
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 7: Get Smart
Role: Agent 99
Comment: Very sexy look.
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 8: Rachel Getting Married
Role: Kym
Comment: She looks like a woman with problems.
Rating: 3/ 5

Face # 9: Bride Wars
Role: Emma
Comment: What a beautiful bride.
Rating: 5/ 5

Face # 10: Alice in Wonderland
Role: White Queen
Comment: Classy... royal...
Rating: 4/ 5

Face # 11: One Day
Role: Emma
Comment: Anne also looks great with short hair.
Rating: 4/ 5

Face # 12: The Dark Knight Rises
Role: Selina Kyle/ Catwoman
Comment: Sexiest role ever...
Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Moments: "Brokeback Mountain"

This story touches me everytime and in the end I cry EVERYTIME. This is such a beautiful movie and there are a lot of great moments in it. Here are my favorites.

Moment # 1: Jack and Ennis meet
Jack and Ennis have both applied for a job of herding sheep in Brokeback Mountain. At first they don’t really say anything to each other, but Jack takes the initiative to introduce himself to Ennis.

Moment # 2: The bear
While Ennis is getting food and supplies for the both of them, he stumbles upon a bear. It scares the mule and he runs of, which means losing a lot of the food.

Moment # 3: Ennis talks about his life
Ennis tells Jack about his life with his brother and sister. Afterwords Jack starts laughing because that’s the most Ennis spoke in the past two weeks.

Moment # 4: In the tent
Jack is sleeping in a tent while Ennis is trying to sleep outside. He’s very cold and Jack tells him that he can also sleep in the tent. Jack tries to kiss Ennis, but first he struggles. We all know what happens next.

Moment # 5: It’s allright
After telling Jack that it was only a one time thing, Ennis gives in to his feelings. Jack tells him that it’s allright.

Moment # 6: Lasso
Jack wants to have fun and catches Ennis with a lasso, telling him it’s time to go. Ennis doesn’t want to go and they start fighting.

Moment # 7: Jack and Ennis say goodbye
Jack and Ennis say goodbye to each other and they go their own way. Jack gets in his car and watches Ennis walking away in his rear view mirror. Ennis then hides in an alley, where he realizes that he shouldn’t have left Jack out of his sight.

Moment # 8: Jack asking Aguirre about Ennis
Jack is back for another year of working in Brokeback and he asks Aguirre if Ennis is also coming. Aguirre tells him that he knows what they were doing while they were there the last time and that he doesn’t have a job for Jack.

Moment # 9: The postcard
Ennis receives a postcard from Jack asking to meet up again and saying that this letter is already long overdue. He responds with a simple ‘you bet’.

Moment # 10: The kiss
Jack finally arrives at Ennis’ house. Ennis runs out the door and the guys hug each other. Ennis checks if nobody is watching and pulls Jack behind a wall, where they start kissing, not knowing that Alma sees them.

Moment # 11: Back in Brokeback
Ennis and Jack are in Brokeback again and enjoy their time together. The two of them jump off a cliff while being completely naked.

Moment # 12: “I wish I knew how to quit you”
Jack confesses that he can’t live like this anymore. Meeting each other once or twice a year isn’t enough for him. Ennis leaves and that’s the last time they see each other.

Moment # 13: Ennis finds out Jack died
Ennis checks his mail and gets a postcard he send to Jack. It was returned to sender because Jack died. He calls Lurane, to ask her about his dead. She says he died after a tire exploded in his face and he choked on his own blood. Ennis doesn’t believe it and thinks he was murdered.

Moment # 14: Ennis visits Jack’s parents
After Jack died, Ennis decides to visit Jack’s parents. His mother shows him Jack’s room and that’s where Ennis finds his shirt, the one he thought he’d left at Brokback Mountain the first time they were there. He takes the shirt with him.

Moment # 15: “Jack I swear”
Ennis is in his trailer. He opens the closet and sees Jack’s shirt and says “Jack I swear”. For some reason this scene always touches me and makes me cry a little.

Favorite Moment: # 15: “Jack I swear”

Academy Awards 2011

I'm one of those people that loves awardshows like this, even though I'm not glamorous at all. And I always like to predict, like I did on my blog after the nominees were announced. Like every year the show has its highlights and its downsides. Here are mine:

{Highlights}

- The opening, where Anne Hathaway and James Franco enter Alec Baldwin's dream and travel through this years nominees. Very funny, especially the dance of the brown duck and the speech Anne gives. I also liked Morgan Freeman's appearance and how Baldwin said 'you got inceptioned'. And their dialogue was also fun, with the lesbian joke and how Franco got nominated and Anne didn't.
- Franco's grandma saying she just saw Marky Mark.
- Christian Bale winning for "The Fighter". I knew he was going to get it, but still. His speech was truly genuine and touching, especially at the end when he tried to thank his wife. Bale finally got recognition for his work.
- Natalie Portman winning for "Black Swan". Also not a surprise but she deserved it.
- Anne's song, about Hugh Jackman who stood her up when she wanted to do another duet with him. Hilarious. And I did like James Franco in drag, when he told us he got a text from Charlie Sheen. For most people that wasn't funny.
- Kirk Douglas presenting, he's still alive!!
- Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law presenting. They are a magnificent duo and so funny. They know how to make people laugh.
- "Inception" winning some awards, that most people will probably forget about, but they did get awards!!
- "Toy Story 3" winning for Best animated feature. You can't ignore Disney.
- Billy Crystal, funny as ever. He kinda stole the show here.
- Sandra Bullock presenting. She just lights up a room.
- Anne Hathaway and James Franco. Although Anne looked a little bit more natural and comedic than James (I don't mind watching him for a couple of hours, no matter what he does. Come on, that smile!), they were a fun duo and they did a good job presenting the Oscars.

{Downsides}

- James Franco not winning for "127 Hours". Well Colin Firth sure knows how to pick his roles. A King with a speaking ability, that's what the academy likes. And lets face it, men under 40 hardly ever get academy awards for their roles.
- "Inception" not winning best picture. I think this movie was to complicated for the academy, because they're probably all like 90.
- "The King's Speech" winning so many awards. It's sure a good movie, but not THAT good.
- The auto-tune montage. Wasn't funny at all and did not make sense.

Oscar predictions 2011

Every year I try to predict the Oscar winners. I'm actually pretty good at it, because last year I guessed all the important ones. So, this year I'm going to do it as well. Here's my list of who would and should win.

Best Motion Picture of the Year
Should Win: "Inception"
Would Win: "The Social Network"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Should Win: James Franco for "127 Hours"
Would Win: Colin Firth for "The King's Speech"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Should Win: Natalie Portman for "Black Swan" or Annette Bening for "The Kids Are Alright"
Would Win: Natalie Portman for "Black Swan"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Should Win: Christian Bale for "The Fighter"
Would Win: Christian Bale for "The Fighter"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Should Win: Amy Adams for "The Fighter"
Would Win: Melissa Leo for "The Fighter"

Best Achievement in Directing
Should Win: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen for "True Grit"
Would Win: David Fincher for "The Social Network"

I'm also looking forward to Anne Hathaway and James Franco hosting. I think they would make a great duo. I saw the promo and it was really funny, so that promises a lot for the show.

Movie Tip #18 - Brokeback Mountain

Director: Ang Lee

Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid, Linda Cardellini, Anna Faris, Kate Mara

Description: In the Summer of 1963 Wyoming, two young men, Ennis (Heath Ledger) a ranch hand and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) an aspiring rodeo bull rider, are sent to work together herding sheep on Brokeback Mountain, and what had otherwise been anticipated to be a rather uneventful venture, will soon turn into an affair of love, of lust, and complications that will spand through 19 years of their lives. Through marriage, through children, and through the mighty grip of societal confines and the expectations of what it is to be a man.

Review: It's a love story that starts out without love and finishes with a love that never ends. "Brokeback Mountain" is so much more than merely a "gay cowboy movie". It perfectly captures what true, unbridled love is all about and this love transcends any issues of sexuality or gender.Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhall are magnificent and if not for them, I think this film would have been a massive disappointment. Instead just thinking of Ennis and Jack's stolen embrace and kiss in broad daylight after being apart for four years is enough to make my heart skip a beat and my stomach lurch. Everything about that scene is perfect. This movie is perfect. It's just a wonderfull movie, that I can watch over and over again.