ryandouglassw Reviews

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

Really, really fun!

[9/10 · 13 February 2010]

Let me just start off my saying I love this book series. It is one of my favorites. When I first heard they were changing the ages of the characters from 12 to 17, I knew the movie wouldn't be completely loyal to the book, so I got over that pretty early on and went into it with an open mind.

And I'm glad I did. The movie was true to the book in many aspects, but many things were changed or left out. And I absolutely LOVED it.

I heard from reviews that book lovers will not enjoy the movie and people who haven't read the book will. But it isn't that simple. Book lovers with open minds will undoubtedly enjoy the movie, because, like I said, it's pretty true to the book in many respects.

Let's just say the things they changed or left out were not changed or left out without purpose, even if it's not entirely clear what that purpose is. I'm glad they upped the ages a bit as well.

Basically, once the book lovers get over the fact that the filmmakers can't fit everything into the movie because it is an entirely different medium, they will love it. If you go in nitpicking about every little thing that was not included or not 'done right', chances are you won't like it much.

And those who haven't read the book will most certainly have a fun, entertaining cinema experience.

The actors were great. Logan Lerman conveyed Percy really well, Alex Daddario pulled through for Annabeth, and though movie Grover was very different from book Grover, I found it hilarious the way Brandon T. Jackson played him! I hope they will continue with these movies, because I'm sure after seeing this, non-book readers will be interested to read the book and hop on the Percy Jackson fan bus.

This movie was fun, action-packed, true enough to the books to please fans with open minds, and just an overall good movie.

9 out of 10 stars! I loved it!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

A bit slow moving at parts, but overall phenomenal film.

[8/10 · 26 December 2008]

I'll start by saying this isn't a movie that will be liked by everyone. If you're a person who generally enjoys feel-good films that will cause you to leave the theater smiling, this isn't the one for you. Not to say the movie is bad; in fact, I'd almost say it's one of the best I've seen all year. Long, yes, but truly captivating.

The movie's length may be a bit hard on a lot of people. It did get a little boring around parts, and some things could have been edited out, but the superb acting kept my attention. All the actors had good performances. The script was well written, and the cinematography was beautiful.

This movie is very, very similar to Forrest Gump, or at least that's what I couldn't stop thinking as I watched it. If you liked that, you will probably like this. The premises are entirely different, but the sequence of events and storyline are noticeably similar.

In conclusion, if you want a good movie that doesn't sanitize reality to make it seem better than it actually is, with an interesting story and good actors, this is the one for you. It does get a little tragic, but never depressing enough to make you break down and sob. I'd say more, but can't in fear I'd give something away.

See this movie on a day when you're ready for something more than a lighthearted comedy.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

Mediocrity in its purest form

[5/10 · 12 December 2008]

I saw this movie on a spontaneous whim, because I happened to arrive at the theater when this film (and few others, which I wasn't very interested in) was about to start. I regret that I chose this movie, and there isn't much to say about it.

I'm not big on the whole cliché unknown-species-crashes-on-earth-so-shoot-at-it-with-big-missiles saga, but I thought this movie looked entertaining. I do like good sci-fi movies with mysterious apocalyptic plots, and the IDEA of this movie is decent, but it never reaches its full potential. It always seemed to stay in that "1951 regime". Just way to simple for 2008, IMHO.

The reason I give it a 5 is because it had enough action and loud noises to keep me awake, but it was still rather boring. I wouldn't say it's the worst movie I've seen this year, because the acting was good enough to keep my attention.

Overall, if you simply MUST see this movie, wait till it comes out on DVD. It just isn't worth the money. If you want a bad attempt at a sci-fi action movie to shake your head down at thinking "they could have done better", go see it, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone expecting greatness.

Hairspray (2007)

Words cannot measure up

[10/10 · 18 December 2007]

When I walked into the theater for this movie I was expecting an up-beat, fun, musical. I wasn't too excited about it until the movie actually started.

It captivated me within the first thirty minutes, and then it got deeper and deeper as it went along. I love the message of the film, that everyone should get a fair chance.

The actors were fantastic. Nikki Blonsky will def. get more roles in the future and John Travolta did great as a woman.

I recommend this to anyone and everyone. This movie is for EVERYONE. You can watch it with the entire family too, and that isn't possible with most musicals. It makes you laugh and cry and just feel good! Sure, there are a few slow parts, but the songs keep you singing and dancing after the credits roll. 4 STARS! A ++!

Jump in! (2007 TV Movie)

Pretty good, but predictable...

[6/10 · 12 January 2007]

I thought this movie was OK... I mean it was everything I would've expected, but from the previews they kind of gave most of it away... the story never left its predictable plot line. The actors... well... they were OK... it wasn't 2007's golden globe nominee performance... if you know what I mean. So there's the whole boxing thing and then he finds his heart in double dutch... yea... OK... and of course they win the competition in the end and everyone's merry or whatever... But you know you can't really expect much from typical Disney movies... I thought it was realistic... at points... and it was a great story... but... shall I say... BORING? Keke Palmer is a great actress... and she was OK in this movie too... but it wasn't her best. Same for Corbin Bleu. Don't get me wrong, the movie was good... non-original... but GOOD... Just WAAAYYY WAAAAAY too predictable. For those of you who haven't seen this yet, you're not in for a mind-boggling story. Ugh, I mean it was decent and enjoyable... I guess... but couldn't they have at least added some twist to it? COME ON!!!

Monster House (2006)

This movie caught me by surprise

[9/10 · 2 August 2006]

Monster House was a perfect combination of kid-friendliness, horror, action and adventure. When I first walked into the theater I thought it would be "kiddy" because I went to see it with my younger cousin. You know how most animated movies are somewhat funny and about teamwork and working together or teaches life lessons or morals but I actually came to find that this movie was more scary than comical or ethical. I actually got into it. I actually ended up liking it more than my cousin. Some of the content is for older kids but it's non-stop action and the momentum of the story line never stops. And the characters seem so real. 2 thumbs up. I definitely recommend it.