Christmas Cottage

Christmas Cottage (2008)

PG

Directed by Michael Campus

Starring Jared Padalecki, Marcia Gay Herden, and Peter O'Toole

My Rating 6.5/10

Language: A few deity words, and a small handful of other mild words.

Violence: None

Sexuality: a woman poses with bare shoulders for an artist, one man makes a few sexual references, one woman has  cleavage in every shot of her.

Movie Blurb: Returning home from college one Christmas, young artist Thomas Kinkade is dismayed to learn that attempts to promote local tourism have failed and his mother is dangerously close to losing the family cottage to foreclosure. Inspired by his mentor, Glen, a famous artist who lives next door, Thom accepts a job painting a mural of his small, idyllic hometown. With Glen's help, Thom not only discovers his calling as the Painter of Light but also helps the town rediscover the true meaning of Christmas in this nostalgic, humorous, and heartwarming true story that's destined to become a holiday classic.

My review: So, I watched this on Netflix. I think we've had it saved in our Instant Que for quite some time now and have never watched it. We're the kind of family that only allows for anything Christmasy...after Thanksgiving. Don't get us wrong, we are very religious and faithful and know the true meaning of CHRISTmas, so we're ok with having Christ centered lives, but movies and music are out! Once Thanksgiving dinner is over...bring it on! I can handle anything and everything at that point! So...we are finally watching Christmas movies. 

I really enjoyed the movie. It is a low budget film, to be sure. But that didn't change the fact that actors did a great job, and the story was wonderful! It says it's inspired by a true story...I mean we all know who Thomas Kinkade is right? The hard part of movies based on true stories is that you don't know what is true to the letter or what liberties the writers or directors may have taken. This story was beautiful, either way. It taught the lesson of the true meaning of Christmas. I don't just mean giving and sharing and being kind...but of remembering Christ, and who we are really celebrating! There were religious references, and many scenes in the town church house.  But it didn't go so far as to be a hokey religious movie. Make sense? It was touching, and real. 

I enjoyed the array of characters that really did portray a small town of completely different personalities. There were a handful of times in the movie that I laughed! And the actors were chosen well. I think my only complaint was the father. He was creepy...so I hope that's what they were going for. Although, in his defense, he did help save the day in a small way in the end.

My favorite character was the old man/famous artist, Glen (played by Peter O'Toole). He touched my heart in a place that holds my dear grandmother. He was suffering with arthritis and dementia while struggling to produce one more magnificent piece of work. He had spunk too! And a heart of gold. That's what I liked the most.

I must warn you though: if you are a crier in movies, this one'll get ya! My hubby was sound asleep by the end (don't take that as a portrayal of the movie...he can sleep through almost anything!) and I was bawling my eyes out.

Overall, it was a wonderful movie to help me get in the true Christmas spirit. I was happier after having seen the Christmas Cottage.

Would I recommend this movie to a friend? Oh yes! and lend some tissues!

Would I watch this movie again? Yep, next Christmas! ;)

Green Lantern

Green Lantern (2011)

PG-13

Directed by Martin Campbell

Starring Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Peter Sarsgaard

My Rating 7/10

Language: Less than 10 swear words, with most being pretty mild. Some sexual references.

Violence: A lot of fighting. Death is portrayed in several scenes. (It would be frightening for younger children)

Sexuality: A few subtle innuendos. A man and woman wake up in bed together without clothes but are covered by bedding.

Movie blurb: Hal Jordan is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the green lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corp has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris, if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Paralax...he will become the greatest green lantern of all.

My review: Loved it. Sadly it has very poor ratings on the internet. I never let that stop me form watching for myself, because often...very often...I have very differing opinions than the norm when it comes to movies. First off...you cannot go wrong with Ryan Reynolds! That being said, what more could ask for than Ryan Reynolds as a super hero? Right? 

I honestly expected cheesy lines and silly CG...but I was pleasantly surprised! 

Granted, the plot could have been more developed. I feel like more could have happened, and adding a few more minutes to the movie would have done very little harm. You don't get much of a taste for the rest of the green lanterns, and that would have been cool. The ending especially, was a little lackluster and could have been written differently. Now, I don't know anything about the original comic, so I could be trying to make a point that is more than likely moot. BUT...still. As an audience member with very little background in comics, which I would guess a majority of the audience is the same, we could have seen more. 

Character wise, I didn't like the senator. I thought he looked younger than his supposed son. His son, who was one of the villains, could have had more of a role than he did and his ending was a little lame. But he was a very good actor for the part. Greasy and gross. :) 

The typical damsel in distress, Carol Ferris (played by Blake Lively) was so-so. I think I just didn't like the actress playing the part. The character herself was good, but I could have done with someone else. She didn't fit. 

Lastly, Hal Jordan (played by Ryan Reynolds). YES! Is it painfully obvious that I might have a slight celebrity crush here? He was perfect for the role. He did look funny with the mask...but the suit was well...flattering. Your typical ladies man, with no sense of commitment. But gets his butt kicked...literally...into shaping up and acting like the hero that he is.

Overall, great movie. It deserved better ratings than it had. 

Would I recommend this movie to a friend? Yes. Even if you end up not liking it, you need to see it at least once.

Would I watch this movie again? Absolutely! It won't go into my top 10, but it's a keeper!