I decided to rate this as “not worth consuming” because of its highly objectionable content. Yes, there were several funny parts but even more so, there was an enormous amount of crude humor and cursing (especially the unnecessary use of F*#&@). I thought going into the movie, it would be a cute romantic comedy – I was WRONG. It is really NOT romantic. It is the ridiculously crude tale of a pretty girl dealing with the consequences of having a one night stand with an immature guy. I think the only really like-able character was the husband Pete (Paul Rudd). It is a shame too, as I am quite fond of Katherine Heigl. WATCH AT YOUR OWN RISK.

This was a really excellent book. I wouldn’t say that it was really emotionally engaging, although it is indeed sympathetic, but the story nonetheless was in continuous flux which keeps the reader constantly attentive. It was a really beautiful portrait of history and a sweet story about a young girls role in the regal and yet not-so-regal lives of England’s rulers. It had well written moments of joy, sorrow, and fear. This is a book I would recommend and probably read again myself.

My main motivation for listening to this CD was in fact its inclusion of Justin Timberlake. I had read several negative reviews regarding the album, and a friend of mine who purchased the item shortly after its release was also disappointed. So when she gave me the CD, I wasn’t expecting much other than a small Justin fix. Much to my surprise, I loved the album! It is really more of a collection of collaborations and a showcase CD, but I found the mix of music (from R&B to Indian to Rock) very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this album to people with more eclectic tastes but I will also add that there are perhaps some gratuitous uses of language so please keep that in mind.

1. Oh Timbaland
2. Give It To Me
3. Release
4. The Way I Are
5. Bounce
6. Come & Get Me
7. Kill Yourself
8. Boardmeeting
9. Fantasy
10. Scream
11. Miscommunication
12. Bombay
13. Throw It On Me
14. Time
15. One & Only
16. Apologize
17. 2 Man Show

To sum it up, not as good as the first but better than the second. We all know sequels are hard to pull off but my absolute distaste for the second film (although it is better the second time you watch it) really had me on the fence regarding my expectations for the third. While I would ultimately recommend this movie and say it was enjoyable, with beautiful scenery and non-stop action, the acting was a bit lack-luster and the plot struggled. I thought the multiple Captain Jack’s were odd and very unnecessary addition to the plot; Elizabeth Swan was overzealous in her attempt to be more pirate-like which actually came off more pitiful than encouraging; and the Calypto plot-line was rather abrupt and underdeveloped (it seemed to serve only as the unmotivational-motivation to bring about a resolution-like ending). In fact, it was the less main stage and smaller characters that really shined in this film (Capt. Barbossa, James Norrington, Pintel, Ragetti, Gibbs, Murtogg, Mullroy, and even the monkey and parrot).

The movie is okay, and by that score is perhaps worth watching (but for all intensive purposes is a waste of time). Drew is always adorable and Hugh is always at least semi-entertaining, both of which partially make up for the rather lack-luster chemistry and bad lyrics. But even with their star power, the movie just doesn’t make the cut (onto my DVD shelf).

I wasn’t expecting much when I picked this up at the rental store. I only knew it starred Shiri Appleby and I like her. So my husband and I sat down (he rather grudgingly) to watch the movie and we were both pleasantly surprised. Even while the plot line is simple, and even though Nick Zano’s and Alexandra Holden’s characters are more annoying than they are charming, Shiri Appleby pulls off enough adorableness and Will Friedle enough hilarity to make the film enjoyable and even, dare I say, own-able.

Granted, the movie stars the cute Mandy Moore, and there were a few funny moments, and there is a very adorable leading man (Gabriel Macht as Johnny), but still the movie doesn’t manage to pull itself together. Even more often, there are odd plot sequences (why would Daphne start kissing a complete stranger?) and rather appalling humor sequences (old people sex and dog humping). Keaton’s character is overbearing and overwhelming and Moore’s character is cliche and flaky. Perabo’s character is rather predictable also. The most refreshing character, even if underdeveloped, is Maggie played by Lauren Graham (a nice parting from her Gilmore Girls sarcasm). Overall, the movie is not worth the money, no matter how much you love the actresses or Gabriel Macht (instead rent American Outlaws which is still cheesy but adorable in its own way).

Overall it was a cute-feel-good movie. And although there were a few confusing-plot moments (lack of catalyst for Jude and Cameron’s relationship) and corny-cringe moments (Jude Law’s napkin face), Kate Winslet and Jack Black really made the movie! They were both funny and refreshing, performing naturally, without pushing their relationship overboard. Overall, I would suggest watching this film because if you can get by the initial plot line with Diaz and Law, it will be a charming watch.

A single magazine cover turns unknown dancer Rusty Parker (Rita Hayworth) into a Broadway star overnight and acts as a catalyst for the love conflict between Rusty and her choreographer/part-time boyfriend Danny McGuire (Gene Kelly). With splashy music, dynamic dance numbers, and the usual cheesy love declarations, Cover Girl is worth the watch for classic Hollywood fans. This film also sets the stage for Gene Kelly’s famous ‘Alter Ego’ dance which served as the inspiration for his later and even more famous solo dance and song performance of ‘Singing In The Rain’.

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Pan’s Labyrinth on DVD. Last night of course, my husband and I confidentially purchased the DVD although neither of us had seen it before. We were not disappointed. It was immersed in beautiful cinematography and had lovely tone. There were some rather violent scenes that I hadn’t quite expected and didn’t prefer to watch, but at the same time they provided a sharp contrast between reality and the imaginary. Overall I think the setting (macro and micro) was very complimentary to the plot and really propelled it to an emotional ending. It was, admittedly, a bit slow in terms of dialogue, but I imagine the imagery was supposed to be front and center.