Year One, The Ugly Truth, and Movie Challenge

#940-Year One

As a dearly devoted Michael Cera fan, I found it was my duty (and displeasure) to watch this movie. The movie is about two village misfits (Cera and Jack Black), who after causing a fire in their village and eating from the Tree of Knowledge, are banished and head off into the world. Along the way, they run into many a famous Biblical people and places. All of this takes place during the first year on earth, hence Year One.

A poorly executed film, the jokes, characters, story, and even talent fall flat. I think of all the jokes made, I might have giggled once thanks to David Cross (known for Tobias Fünke from Arrested Development). The jokes were either about sex or farting, and while yes, I do still laughing at butt humor, a 90 minute movie of farting is too much. It was even featured in the bloopers during the end credits! You know…just incase we didn’t get enough. Also, I could not overlook the historical inaccuracies. It wasn’t so much the Biblical references as much as the complete disregard for an evolutionary/historical timeline. I understand that it would not be possible to have Cain and Able be in loin cloths and animal pelts, but the quick evolution of clothing REALLY bugged me. Perhaps I just pay a bit too much attention to details. Whether I over-examined the clothing or not, the film was still a complete flop, and general waste of all talent on and off screen. F

I think that’s the first movie I’ve failed!

#941-The Ugly Truth

Another sex movie! Katherine Heigl plays Abby, an uptight tv producer who, like most women, has very high standards with men. In an effort to gain viewers, her show picks up Mike, played by Gerard Butler (YUM!), a man in every sense who has a negative outlook on relationships, to do a segments called “The Ugly Truth”. Naturally, Abby and Mike butt heads. However, Abby soon meets the seemingly perfect man, but in order to get his attention and affection, she must follow Mike’s instruction.

As far as the story is concerned, it’s not original by any means, but is the that doesn’t totally damped the fun of the movie. Abby is what all women are afraid of becoming- neurotic and somewhat hopeless with guys. Mike is how all women see men-sex obsessed. Can’t really say I don’t see some truth to BOTH of these statements, which is probably why we can enjoy this movie. While most of the jokes are all sex related, unlike Year One, they work well and are witty, much in a way that we could imagine ourselves saying them. At least I can. I know someone who is exactly like Mike!

And while the movie is fun, the predictability and surrealness of the situation kind of sets it back. The idea that two people who seem to not get along at all can fall in love so quickly  is one that has been used over and over. This movie also reaffirmed my depressing outlook on relationships-they’re all about sex, not the actual feelings(another rant for another blog). The Ugly Truth is definitely a date movie, but only if you’ve been dating for a while…and there’s nothing better to watch. C+

Movie Challenge-Day 13: Favorite Animated Film

Another toughie! Aladdin is always a favorite of mine and a classic, but I’ve blogged about it a few times, so just to shake things up a bit, I’ll go with Howl’s Moving Castle by…..Miyazaki of course! Studio Ghibli should NEVER be overlooked because they do anime. EVER. These movies are so good, and the art is so detailed, yet simple as well.

Howl’s Moving Castle is based on the book of the same name. Sophie has been cursed with the body of an old woman an what’s worse is that she can’t tell anyone. Thus, she runs away. Along the way, she somehow finds herself at the door of Howl’s castle. It’s a great movie with an outstanding voice cast. You’ll laugh, if you’re a baby like me, you’ll cry, you’ll watch it on loop for 6 days straight[=

Trailer: