by Marlena Elias
May 27, 2004

(Editor's note: Refer to Ethan's movie review to compare and contrast.)

So many movies; so many differing opinions.

Kill Bill Volume 2: Boo yah x 2!

I will agree with Ethan's review of this movie - loved it and we'll own it. I enjoy seeing girls kick ass!

Connie & Carla: Woohoo!

I have no problem admitting that I love this movie because of the musical numbers. After having done plays and musicals during my "yoot", I can appreciate the amount of chutzpah necessary to perform in front of a live audience - let alone dinner theater. I love, love, love this movie and was delightfully surprised by how fabulous Connie & Carla sounded singing together. It was a complete and utter joy to watch - and quite frankly, that's what I'm looking for in a movie.

The Ladykillers: Hmmm.

Eth said it was disposable, I say it was "eh". There were some enjoyable moments and some painfully stupid moments. I don't care for stereotypes and racist comments no matter if the person saying them is the stereotype or the group in question. Ugliness is just ugly. The use of the "N" word killed it for me - the non stop, gratuitous use of the "N" word all but had me getting up out of my seat and leaving. Having said that, there were inspired moments, but for the most part - it was just "eh".

The Triplets of Belleville: Amazing (as in Wonderful)!

Eth took a huge gamble buying this movie outright since we could not rent it nor did we make it to the theater before it left. It's weird, it's wacky, it's goofy, and it's odd. I laughed, I cried, and I scratched my head - all in all, it was a good time. There is no way to explain this experience - it just has to be done.

Dirty Pretty Things: Amazing (as in "oh my god I can't believe this goes on in hotels!).

Most folks do not rent "art house movies" like we do, so not everyone knows what this little "indie" film is about. The basis for the movie is illegal organ transplants done in a hotel in exchange for illegal immigration papers. That's the really short version. You should rent the movie to get the entire feel of the movie and to see the really good-looking man who is the night clerk at the hotel in question. He just happens to be in Love Actually too. ;)

Veronica Guerin: Eh.

Was this the greatest story ever told? No not really, however there was enough meat in the movie to grab hold of the story and stick with it. Eth did not like it, but my reaction is not as erudite as Ethan's. It was just OK, which brings me to my favorite movie...

Love Actually: LOVED IT! OWN IT! ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE CHICK-FLICKS!

For the love of God - can't a man watch a movie and just let the experience "happen"? Why do men feel the need to analyze the crap out of a movie that is lighthearted entertainment? WHY? Why Eth? I enjoyed this film because there was so much going on and each story was unique in the way the characters dealt with love and emotions. Crowded? No, the movie was not crowded; just full-bodied, joyous, passionate, and rollicking good fun. And I have to admit my guilty pleasure of being in love with Hugh Grant. There, I said it.

Shall We Dance: Cute.

This movie shook the very foundation my husband is built on, for me it was just OK. I will see the remake and I'm sure I will enjoy it. I adore my husband - I love him with all of my heart, but the truth of the matter is that he can be like Mr. Spock. How he found this unemotional movie more appealing than the opulence of emotion in Love Actually is beyond me. Oh wait - I guess I just answered my own question - doh! To each his own; better him than me; c'est la vie, vive la France, Kaizen!

Enjoy! <EM>