Chasing Mavericks

I went to see this movie with my Husband the "Boat Captain", one of his crab season deckhands, and that deckhands girlfriend.  The guys wanted to see it because it happens mostly in the ocean, and they spend most of their lives on the ocean. We all saw it also because it was filmed mostly in Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, and we live here. I can say that no matter the reasons why we saw it, none of us were disappointed.
I read reviews of the film before I went to see it. Few we're stellar, but I now don't know why. It was an accurate portrayal of the surfing community, demonstrating why they surf, and why the risks they take to do what they love are completely worth it to them.
I enjoyed most the philosophies that Frosty, played by Gerard Butler, tried to pass on to Jay, played by Jonny Weston. He spoke of all the concepts that are needed to succeed at surfing, and that the physical, the mental, the emotional, and the spiritual all have to be strong. Is that not also true of success at anything in life and relationships?
Some of the acting was less than great, but Elizabeth Shue as Jay's mother, and Abigail Spencer as Frosty's wife were incredible. Also amazing, and completely worth seeing the movie for, were the surfing scenes. The director cast real Half Moon Bay surfers as the "fabulous three" who first surfed Mavericks with Frosty, and that brought yet more authenticity to the experience.
Go see this if you ever wanted to surf, enjoy watching others surf, or if you just want to see a very human story about doing what you love no matter the cost.

"Flight"

As an addict in recovery, parts of this movie were very uncomfortable to watch; familiar, scary and harrowing. As an addict in recovery I can also say that Denzel Washington did a spot-on job of portraying an addict hitting bottom. As an addict in recovery, the gratitude I feel for being clean today was only intensified by seeing this film. Somebody involved in this project knew whereof they spoke.
The supporting cast was nothing less than stellar. Kelly Reilly was especially wonderful as the primary love interest and fellow addict. John Goodman as Washington's dealer was just the right amount of crazy, and Don Cheadle as the lawyer who is forced to be co-dependent was extraordinary. I expect more than one Oscar nomination to come out of this venture.
See this for the crash sequence, but do yourself a favor and don't leave before the miracle happens.

"End Of Watch"

You know that game people sometimes play where you have to name your fantasy dinner guests? Well, I want Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena to be there please.
This film, written and directed by David Ayer would have landed on it's back instead of it's feet had it not been for the cast. Rounded out with Anna Kendrick and America Ferrera supported each other at every turn, somehow even making me, the voyer, feel safe.
This was raw, moving and real. And if you wait for it to come out on DVD you'll be waiting too long. And you won't be invited to my fantasy dinner party.

"Bad Teacher"

Thank goodness the title didn't add up to "Bad Movie". Cameron Diaz, who usually drives me to distraction was far less irritating than she usually is. Jason Segal redeemed himself after the fiasco that was "Jeff Who Lives At Home", and Justin Timberlake was a more expanded version of one of his SNL characters with Andy Samberg. The best firecracker in this display was Lucy Punch, who played Diaz' nemesis, and made me want to act again more than I have wanted to in a long time. I want to play in her sandbox! The rest of the cast,including Phyllis Smith from "The Office" were full of wonderful surprises. Watch this for the pure silliness of it all--oh, and to laugh your ass off!!!

Jeff, Who Lives At Home

Being a person who believes that everything happens for a reason, this movie appealed to me right off the bat. Being that the lead character, played by Jason Segel, is a total pothead made all the more sense to me.
If one looks at the video box and were to choose this movie on cast alone-- Jason Segel, Ed Helms, Susan Sarandon and Judy Greer--you would be spot on...Oh, but for a script that was worth, well...ANYTHING!
The end was a "feel good" if ever I saw one, but it took so damn long to get there that I ended up playing five other GREAT films in my head before it was over (I didn't want to waste my time, after all...)
My advice to you: Do ANYTHING else.

"Rock Of Ages"

Tom Cruise in a time warp. Simply wonderful!
The young members of the supporting cast were the weak link in this ensemble.
The most wonderful gem is Mary J. Blige. Her voice and presence outshone everyone.
Ben and I went with our 20-year-old son and we all enjoyed it.
It ALMOST made me want to pull out my leg-warmers.

50/50

Joseph Gordon Levitt is amazing! Seth Rogan is a camera whore. I

Enjoyed it very much anyway. Watch this and feel your compassion rise . We can all be a support for each other !

The Ides of March

I know, right now you're saying: " Are Ryan Gosling and George Clooney in EVERYTHING right now?" The answer is "Yes". Sir Gosling can do

no wrong right now.

The same cannot be said for Mr. Clooney. The man seriously needs to focus. Just act, my friend. I don't think direction is your forte.

The plot of this film was wonderful. The ending was very

unsatisfying,

Come on Clooney--focus!