kotenzekotenze Reviews

Up (2009)

Love this movie!

[9/10 · 16 January 2013]

Many of my friends who saw it said they cried, so I was expecting a real tearjerker. It wasn't as bad (of a tearjerker) as I'd expected, or maybe I was prepared, but in any case, I loved the story!

The boy and dog were really cute, and the storyline and main character made me think about my own life. What is it that I really want to do, and why don't I do it? As this movie reminds us, nothing and no one lasts forever. Whatever you want to do in life, no matter how old you are or how long it's been, do it. What a wonderful, life- affirming message among the slew of dystopic movies about "real life." I love that this movie reminds us that real life can be positive too.

City of Ember (2008)

Good acting, musical score, but...

[5/10 · 27 October 2012]

I read the plot summary with some skepticism, but still hoped I'd be able to suspend my disbelief and enjoy the story, like I've done with other movies.

The acting was good, for the most part, especially from the two main child actors and Bill Murray. The musical score was great, and added tension to an otherwise weak story, which brings me to the nail in the coffin for this movie: as much as I tried, I could not buy into various elements of the story. There were just too many times during the movie that I thought, "This is ridiculous."

Maybe elementary school-aged kids watching this movie would enjoy the mission and tension that the young characters get into, but I was kind of disappointed.

Horrible Bosses (2011)

Unexpectedly but Thoroughly Funny

[8/10 · 20 September 2012]

It's great to see Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Spacey play over-the-top jerks. And Colin Farrell as a sloppy, sleazy guy that most women try to stay the hell away from? Totally unexpected. I didn't even realize it was Farrell until I looked up the cast afterward.

There was, of course, disgusting (but totally warranted and funny) bathroom humor, great lines and plot twists, car chases, and some scenes that literally made me jump. All in all, it was a fun movie! My only issue is that it ended too abruptly. I wish there was a little more at the end, because it felt like a joy ride whose driver suddenly slammed on the brakes.