100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 61: X-Men: First Class

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Genre: Action/ Drama/ Adventure/ Science Fiction

Runtime: 132 minutes

Year: 2011
Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Rose Byrne, Nicholas Hoult, Kevin Bacon, January Jones, Oliver Platt

 

Description: In 1962, the United States government enlists the help of Mutants with superhuman abilities to stop a malicious dictator who is determined to start world war III.

 

Review: “X-Men: First Class” is a so called origin story, that explains how the lead characters from this well-known series became the people they are now. It’s not based on the comics, so the fans might be disappointed.

Like “X-Men”, this films starts in concentration camp Auschwitz. Young Magneto, who then is still Erik Lehnsherr, suffers under the cruel Nazi science of Dr. Schmidt. In another part of the world is telepath Charles Xavier leading a privileged but lonely life. Erik and Xavier meet each other as adults, in the sixties, where they develop a close friendship. They decide to join forces and form a group with young mutants to protect the world from Dr. Schmidt.

“X-Men: First Class” isn’t flawless. It starts out as a clear and solid story about Xaviers idealism versus a cynical Erik. Halfway through subplots develop and supporting characters are added, who aren’t all interesting enough. Take Emma Frost, who is literally a sparkling character but comes off a bit bland.  You only get  a more closer look at Beast and Mystique, who both struggle with their physical appearance.

It’s easy to forgive these shortcomings, because the movie is strong because of its dark humor, action and special effects. Michael Fassbender is cast perfectly as the charismatic and cynical Magneto. James McAvoy is a bit more timid in his performance, but has manpower enough to make Xavier the powerful and charming man that he is. Jennifer Lawrence is also solid as Mystique, who you see change throughout the film.

I really enjoyed “X-Men: First Class”, a good prequel to the series.

 

Rating: 4/ 5

In My Mailbox (148)

Only five postcards this week. These two lovely bears came from Pijnacker, Netherlands

 

 

Sent: may 9th 2014

Received: may 13th 2014

Distance: 141 km (88 miles)

Travel Time: 4 days

 

From St. Thomas, Canada I got an adorable card. I really like this.

 

 

Sent: may 3rd 2014

Received: may 13th 2014

Distance:  6,282 km (3,903 miles)

Travel Time: 10 days

 

Wauw, this wonderful whale came from Seattle, Washington, US. I love this postcard, it's amazing!

 

 

Sent: may 5th 2014

Received: may 13th 2014

Distance: 7,955 km (4,943 miles)

Travel Time: 8 days

 

From Den Haag, Netherlands came a tiger postcard. Beautiful!

 

 

Sent: may 10th 2014

Received: may 13th 2014

Distance: 153 km (95 miles)

Travel Time: 3 days

 

Another whale postcard, this time from Melbourne, Australia. I just think this is beautiful as well! What wonderful animal cards I got this week!

 

 

Sent: may 2nd 2014

Received: may 13th 2014

Distance: 16,495 km (10,250 miles)

Travel Time: 11 days

 

Thanks Elsbeth, Susan, Jan, Marnix & Jolanda and Dianne

Top 5 Thursday: Cameron Diaz Movies

I’ve always liked Cameron Diaz, she is such a beautiful actress and she can act! Both serious as comedic. She has made some great films and here are my favorites.

 

5. Shrek

I have to admit that I didn’t like “Shrek” from the beginning. After watching it another time I came to appreciate it more. 

 

 

4. The Mask

Cameron’s first movie. “The Mask” is so silly, but so much fun. Jim Carrey is just awesome! By the way, Cameron Diaz has a thing from green guys, are you seeing the pattern?

 

 

3. Gangs of New York

A fantastic film by Martin Scorsese. Brilliant performance by Daniel Day-Lewis.

 

 

2. Being John Malkovich

Such an original movie, because it’s so weird. Cameron Diaz looks crazy, Catherine Keener is great and you know how much I love John Cusack.

 

1. There is Something About Mary

Definitely one of the best comedies ever made and Cameron Diaz is one we can thank for that. She is so charming and subtle with her humour. The Farrely brothers really did their best work here. 

 

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: Very Bad Things, My Best Friend’s Wedding

Video of the Week (3)

I was watching "The Graham Norton Show", as I do every saturday, and three lovely gentleman actors where sitting on Graham's red couch: Hugh Jackman, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy, for the promotion of their new "X-Men" movie. Hugh starting talking about Michael, who Always came on set while the song "Blurred Lines" was playing. The three guys decided to show the audience how it looks on set.

 

 

Me & 3 Dave Franco Movies

Without even realizing it, I watched three movies starring Dave Franco in a short period of time. He’s never the main star, yet, but I see a bright future for this guy. Although he isn’t as good as his brother James, and he probably never will, he’s not bad to watch. So here are three movies starring Dave Franco.

 

Now You See Me

Genre: Thriller

Year: 2013

Director: Louis Leterrier

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo, Mélanie Laurent, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine

Description: An FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) and an Interpol detective (Mélanie Laurent) track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.

Opinion: It’s visually an amazing movie, but the director doesn’t have great tricks up his sleave. It’s all very predictable and not all the characters get the attention they deserve.

Favorite character: Alma Dray (Mélanie Laurent)

Most memorable quote: “Whatever is about to follow, whatever this grand trick is, is really going to amaze. Look closely, because the closer you think you are, the less you'll actually see”. –Thaddeus Bradley-

Best scene: The opening scene, where we meet the four horsemen.

Fright Night

Genre: Horror/ Thriller/ Comedy

Year: 2011

Director: Craig Gillespie

Cast: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, Toni Collette, Imogen Poots, David Tennant, Dave Franco, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Description: Charlie (Anton Yelchin) suspects that his new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell) is a vampire.

Opinion: Definitely not bad for a remake. My brother is a huge fan of the original and was pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s a very enjoyable horror, with little touches of subtle humor in it.

Favorite character: Peter Vincent (David Tennant)

Most memorable quote: “That is a terrible vampire name. Jerry?” –Charlie Brewster-

Best scene: Jerry is asking Charlie if he has some beer for him. By this time Charlie is doubting his friend’s stories, that Jerry is a vampire. While Charlie is getting the beer out of the fridge, Jerry is standing outside. But Charlie doesn’t invite him inside, because if he is a vampire that would give him all access.

Neighbors

Genre: Comedy

Year: 2014

Director: Nicholas Stoller

Cast: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Description: Kelly and Mac (Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen) are settling down in a quiet neighborhood with their newborn child, until a fraternity moves into the house next door.

Opinion: A good comedy that managed to make me cry of laughter. Both verbal and physical humor, great comedic performances by Rogen, Byrne and Efron.

Favorite character: Mac Radner (Seth Rogen)

Most memorable quoteL “He puts his dick in your mouth while you were asleep!” –Pete- “I wasn’t asleep.” –Assjuice- Best scene: The fight between Mac and Teddy.

Favorite of the 3: “Neighbors”

Movie Trailer Sunday (138)

Here are this weeks trailers.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Description: Alexander (Steve Carell) wakes up with gum in his hair, and things just get worse as his day progresses.

Director: Miguel Arteta

Starring: Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Dylan Minnette, Kerris Dorsey, Ed Oxenbould, Megan Mullally, Jennifer Coolidge and Bella Thorne

Trailer: Trailer "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"

Comment: I love Steve Carell, so this is probably very funny

Good People

Description: Tom and Anna Reed (James Franco and Kate Hudson) fall into severe debt while renovating Anna's family home in London. As the couple faces the loss of their dream to have a house and start a family, they discover that the tenant in the apartment below them is dead, and he's left behind a stash of cash, $400,000 worth. Though initially hesitant, Tom and Anna decide that the plan is simple: all they have to do is quietly take the money and use only what's necessary to get them out of debt. But when they start spending the money and can't seem to stop, they find themselves the target of a deadly adversary, the thief who stole it, and that's when very bad things start happening to good people.

Director: Henrik Ruben Genz

Starring: James Franco, Kate Hudson, Tom Wilkinson, Omar Sy

Trailer: Trailer "Good People"

Comment: Kate Hudson is back, I always liked her.

And So It Goes

Description: Oren (Michael Douglas) is a self-centered real estate agent who couldn't care less about anyone else. But Oren's life is turned upside down when his estranged son suddenly drops off a granddaughter (Sterling Jerins) he never knew. Now, with the help of his determined and loveable neighbor, Leah (Diane Keaton), Oren stubbornly learns to care, and unexpectedly, to fall in love again.

Director: Rob Reiner

Starring: Michael Douglas, Diane Keaton, Sterling Jerins

Trailer: Trailer "And So It Goes"

Comment: Rob Reiner always does a good job.

A Short History of Decay

Description: Failed Brooklyn writer, Nathan Fisher (Bryan Greenberg) visits his ailing parents in Florida. His mother (Linda Lavin) has Alzheimer's and his father (Harris Yulin) has recently had a stroke.

Director: Michael Maren

Starring: Bryan Greenberg, Linda Lavin, Harris Yulin, Kathleen Rose Perkins, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Benjamin King

Trailer: Trailer "A Short History of Decay"

Comment: Not a lot of big names, but I would like to see this movie.

The Big Ask

Description: Three couples head to the desert to help their friend heal after the death of his mother. They would do anything for him - except for the one thing he wants.

Director: Thomas Beatty, Rebecca Fishman

Starring: David Krumholt, GillianJacobs, Ahna O'Reilly, Melanie Lynskey, Jason Ritter, Zachary Knighton, Ned Beatty

Trailer: Trailer "The Big Ask"

Comment: Looks funny.

Marry, Kiss, Cliff - Round 1

I saw various people do this item on youtube. You pick three book characters and then you have to decide which of them you marry, kiss or push and a cliff. I want to do this item as well, but I’m going to do this with movie characters. All male off course. I already made a shit load of notes with various characters on it, but I’m excited about the three going head to head with each other every time. You can also suggest characters to me, maybe I can add them to my ‘bucket’ of notes.

Round 1: Frank Abagnale Jr. (“Catch Me If You Can”), Alex (“Good Bye Lenin”) and Hesher (“Hesher”)

Marry: I would most definitely marry Alex. He’s such a sweet guy, he takes good care of his mother. Alex does everything to make sure his mom stays healthy.

Kiss: Altough Frank Abagnale Jr. is a con artist, I would probably kiss him. I would never start a relationship with him, he would leave you anyway because he’s always on the run.

Cliff: Hesher is a weird guy. Good taste in music though, but he’s strange. I don’t think he is boyfriend or husband material.