My favorite Christmas Movies

I did a post on this Last Year, and no new Christmas films have been released this year,but I see some classics on Netflix that I will look at. I doubt there will be changes to my top ten so here posting links to them enjoy. My favorite Christmas movies 5-1
My favorite Christmas movies 10-6

The Next Three Days

Those who know me, know that these aren't my favorite movies to see, I'm never into crime suspense. The next three days however was really good, I went to see this movie @ 12:45 am and I was tired, but I could not sleep. We all know the story from the previews, but I'll give a little synopsis anyway. Crowe's character makes the daring choice of breaking his wife out of prison after she's sentenced to life. What pushes him to make this choice I won't divulge, but his transformation from upstanding citizen to criminal is amazing. The lengths he went to for his family were also great, forced me to think, if I had a husband, would he do something like that for me? Did she, or did she not commit the crime, the movie forces the audience to decide. Crowe's character, regardless of what others said believed his wife was innocent. A thrilling ride, I give it 3 and a half JUICY MANGOES.

Burlesque

The critics really panned this one, but I have to say they were wrong again. I don't know what it is about Christina, but this girl just can't get a break. They were pegging it to be the next Showgirls/Glitter but Burlesque is far from it. This was a fun, and exciting little musical, entertaining from start to finish. Allie (Aguilera) is a small town girl with big city dreams that travels to LA in hopes of becoming a star. She winds up walking into a Burlesque theater and here our movie begins. Seems typical, and it could have been, but this movie's musical numbers and dance sequences makes it more reminiscent of Chicago. Also the big name stars and their excellent performances all helped in shaping this Gem. Only disappointment, was Alan Cumming's small & pointless role wished they had used him more. Christina was especially good in her acting debut, looking forward to more from her. I gave it 4 JUICY MANGOES, I think I'll even see it again.

Faster

This one surprised me, really wasn't interested in seeing it based on the previews, however it turned out to be great. The Rock, stars as an ex-con fresh out of prison with a mission for revenge on a the gang of misfits that killed his brother, and sent him to prison. Sounds pretty cliche, but the main characters in this movie cause it to vary from the ones usually seen in revenge flicks. Each is complex with a number of personal demons tormenting them. At first they may all seem random, but keep on watching they're all connected in some way. Kept my interest from start to finish I gave it 3 JUICY MANGOES.

2011 Great Year for Movies

Some more movies I'm excited to see




Oohh what about this one

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I have to be honest, I wasn't gonna see this movie, I was not impressed with number 6 in fact i slept through it (I know Shocking). I'm sorry I'm not a Pothead, perhaps not reading the books did add to this, but I find them too childish. These last few films, have also especially been dark and Lord knows I hate that. Deathly Hallows however was surprisingly entertaining, which I was shocked to discover since the critics panned it (we all know critics are sometimes VERY WRONG). Glad that they were wrong here, entertaining from beginning to end. These movies can never do bad at the Box-Office, since their followings are always large and loyal so why knock it? (your reviews are not gonna stop anyone from seeing it). Whether it remained true to the book I can't say (maybe a Pothead can give some input here). I think it had to have been, since the movie was split in two and this one was two hours and thirty minutes long. Ignoring profits as a factor (I"m a skeptic) why else would they do that if not but to be detailed as possible, since the film did require memory from previous moments that seemed trivial. Usually the length of these films annoy me, this time it didn't, captivating from start to finish a must see. 4 JUICY MANGOES about to go watch number 6 again and see if my opinion changes.

Tangled

This little gem is a new telling of the classic tale Rapunzel, but Disney really upped the ante this time. I think they're trying to keep up with their competition Dreamworks Animation, whose characters are always enjoyed by both old and young. The movie added more flare and personality to its characters, while maintaining the classic Disney magic which we've grown accustomed to and love. Another important factor that adds to its enchantment, is its 3D feature, please see this version, especially important for the children who'll enjoy it more. Without giving away too much,(the storyline does differ from the tale we grow up with). Rapunzel with her long golden hair is trapped in a tower, with her chameleon, imagination and occasionally her mother as her only companions. She longs to see the outside world & finally ventures out to do so with the help of Flyn Rider (a thief). Together they embark on an action filled, comedic adventure, which will surely warm your hearts. I gave it 4 JUICY MANGOES, definitely a family treat.

Trailer for the Green Lantern

Coming Attractions

Unstoppable

Denzil Washington has this gift of picking great roles and this was no exception. Unstoppable jumps right in wasting no time getting into the story, which we all know. Him and his partner Pine (new to the job) are both train operators whose lives take an unexpected turn when the unmanned train comes speeding their way. Washington uses his veteran knowledge to try and stop the train, which could potentially lead to a disaster of mass proportions if it crashes into the most populated town in Pennsylvania. An adrenaline ride from start to finish, I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. FOUR JUICY MANGOES.

Morning Glory

McAdams can do no wrong in my eyes, she's one of my favourite actresses so of course I liked this movie. Ford and Keaton were also hilarious in roles as feuding anchors on a dying morning show. McAdams, a young producer is charged in reviving the Daybreak morning show, while doing so she finds love, a family and professional success. Yes very predictable, ending was abrupt, but still a good film. I give it 3 JUICY MANGOES.

Megamind

This was a surprising little gem, was not expecting it to be so good. It is one that adults and children can all enjoy. Ferrell, Fey, Pitt, and Hill were excellent in voicing their characters and the story was great. Megamind a super villain is thrown for a loop when he finally defeats his nemesis Metroman, and has no one to battle. What he comes up with to solve this dilemma was nothing short of disastrous especially when his plans don't turn out as expected. I give it FOUR JUICY MANGOES, definitely a feel good film.

Skyline

One word for this movie TRASH, don't even bother paying to see it, I wouldn't watch even if it was free. How this trash even got into theaters is beyond me, this is a straight to DVD type film. One moviegoer called it a waste of her 2hrs and I agree, I was tempted to leave, but that would have messed up my movie viewing schedule. Had me fooled, the special effect where the people were floating up to the sky lured me in. Let me not get started on the acting and the pointless storyline, horrible just plane ridiculous. This gets NO MANGOES from me.

RED

Not the greatest film, wasn't expecting it to be either, I just found that part where Willis jumps out the spinning car way too ridiculous to be true. While it did have an ensemble cast they did very little to save this movie. Willis's character is a retired CIA agent who finds himself being hunted by his own organization, and he seeks the help of his also retired friends to find out why. I guess the action junkies may love it, I however was not impressed. TWO JUICY MANGOES.

Due Date

I have say I had high hopes for this film, but was severely disappointed after seeing it. While Galifianakis (Hangover) was funny, Downey's character was stiff and not humorous. Most of the funny parts were shown in the previews and what was Jamie Foxx's purpose in this movie?. Galifianakis who's father had just died is traveling to LA to fulfill his dream of becoming an actor, while Downey is trying to get there in time for the birth of his first child. The two get kicked off their plane and decide to road-trip together here begins our movie. While it was entertaining at times, it was not the greatest, I give it Two and a half juicy mangoes.

For Colored Girls

Amazing movie, outstanding cast, brilliant performances a must see for everyone colored, non-colored, male and females. I have to say this is not a Tyler Perry film many seem to be confused, he only directed this movie. This was a play written in 1975 by Ntozake Shange original name 'For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Not Enuf'. It was an off broadway play first, and there is a book and also TV film adaptation all of which I have to see after viewing the theatrical version. The movie basically describes the trials and triumphs of a group of African American women living in New York, whose lives while very different, are all intertwined. Very emotional, thought provoking, moving can't find enough adjectives to describe this film, I was in tears while watching. I might even go as far as saying this was the best movie of the year thus far. FIVE JUICY MANGOES

Paranormal Activity 2

There were alot of mixed reviews for this one, but I loved it. As I've said numerous times before, horror movies today are not scary, but Paranormal always manages to make me scream (yes I was yelling loudly). I don't wanna give away too much for those that haven't seen it. This is a predecessor for 1st, but it may be best to see the 1st before,or you might not quite get it (preferably on DVD and not the Netflix version). Obviously this time the producers were working with a bigger budget, the special effects were much better in this film. I give 4 juicy mangoes. (crossing my fingers for a part 3)

Case 39

Not at all what I expected from the trailers, & it definitely wasn't a big scare (horror movies rarely impress these days) but still a good film. I don't want to reveal too much from this one since, it has a twist and revealing it would ruin the whole movie. I give it 3 AND A HALF JUICY MANGOES. Zellweger fans will enjoy seeing her in a different genre, (I don't think I've ever seen her in horror) we all know the woman's acting skills are amazing so no critiques there. The only weak link was Cooper, he isn't believable as a psychologist, sorry. Still a good film very entertaining.

You Again

The critics trashed this one, and I almost went with their reviews, going with the intention to sit in it, until the movie I wanted to see started. Well they say always judge for yourself, and I liked this movie. Yes it isn't the most serious and thought provoking film, the ending was predictable, & at times some of the jokes were corny . But I still liked it, and it was very entertaining. I can't knock this movie, it had some wonderful actresses Curtis, White, & Weaver and the plot is one I can relate to. Imagine for those of us that were teased in school, or had enemies (basically everyone)that you return home to find your brother marrying your Arch nemesis. I wouldn't react nicely to that, Bell found herself in this situation, and how she handles it is nothing short of catastrophic. The twist is Curtis & Weaver also find themselves in the same predicament as their younger counterparts, and watching the petty competition between these two women was hilarious. If you're looking for something light and fun, this is your movie 3 JUICY MANGOES.

The Social Network

I was very excited to see this movie, from the time the previews hit the public, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. Eisenberg was phenomenal as Zuckerberg & the movie wasted no time jumping right into the inspiration for his site. Very fast paced using flash back technique, the film vacillates between two different periods when he creates his internet juggernaut and when he faces legal woes from various sources. Each giving their account as to how the idea of Facebook came about and how they contributed to its creation & operation. Some say the film portrayed Zuckerberg as a theif, liar, backstabber and greedy villain, but I didn't get that from it for me he remained lovable (and it's not because I'm addicted to his site). Maybe we can debate on this after you've all seen the movie. FOUR AND A HALF JUICY MANGOES, this must be seen by all.

Let Me In.

Where do I begin with this one, the critics loved it: but like its Swedish counterpart this was dull & uneventful to me. 'Let me in' edges over 'Let the right one in', only because its in English and I can understand what they say. I wish I could have said I loved it,and I guess I must be missing the point of the movie, but it does nothing for me & the story line seems so ridiculous. A lonely boy, who's bullied by schoolmates and abandoned by his parents, finds a friend in this mysterious girl that moves in his complex with her father. With their arrival a string of gruesome, and violent deaths hit this dull community. Leaving Oscar to question, who or what this girl really is, and whether or not he'll be able to live without her. I give it 2 JUICY MANGOES, if you're interested in something different this is definitely one to see.

Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps

I didn't know what to expect with this movie since I didn't see the 1st one, but anything with Shia is always great, and this was no exception. Now 4 those that don't like their plot spoiled DO NOT READ AHEAD, it was great I give it 4 JUICY MANGOES go see it. Those interested in story, I will continue. Shia's character is a hot young investor/ trader (or whatever he does on wall street) who works for a top investment bank. He's engaged to a beautiful girl (Mulligan) who also happens to be Gordon Geko's (Douglas) estranged daughter. All is well until Shia's bank goes under, taking the head of the company and his mentor with it. With the help of Geko, Shia searches for the conspirator that cause the collapse, with a sweet taste of revenge as his motive. But can Geko be trusted, will he succeed with his plans or does he lose it all money & love to WALL STREET??? You'll have to see to find out. Thrilling from start to finish, well acted by all the major players, this movie never falls flat staying current with our present financial crises. FOUR JUICY MANGOES it is a must see. I'm about to search netflix for the prequel, stay tuned for comparison later.

I'm back

Hi everyone, those who know me, know consistency has never been my thing. However, this is my end of year resolution, I will finish and continue all I set out to do. I love movies, they're my passion, I've still been watching them but I'm to lazy to blog. This is I promise, and guys feel free to call me out on it. I will reopen and consistently update FOXYAYANNA MOVIES. It is my mission to ensure that you never spend another dime on shitty movies ever again. Please Forgive me all

Plenty More to Come

I've seen so many movies, but I've been lazy to blog will try to update as much as possible this week do forgive me

Wolfman

I was anticipating this movie for so long and compared to the two I saw before it, this was a Masterpiece. Without comparisons however, this film did disappoint, I expected a little more. Emily Blunt and Anthony Hopkins were brilliant in their portrayal of the characters. Del Torro was kinda out of place and movie smartly rationalizes this, by making him the prodigal son that returns from America after a family tragedy. His brother was killed by the Wolfman and after investigating he becomes bitten and infected also becoming a Werewolf. I will stop here since the movie has twists and I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I give it 3 juicy mangoes could have been better but still entertaining.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Another silly film, a slight improvement from Valentines Day but still crappy (this was a bad weekend for movies). Its suppose to be following the Harry Potter series, however the likelihood of that happening, with this beginner is slim to none. Percy the half human son of the Water God is accused of stealing the lightning bolt from Zeus and because of this the Gods are on the brink of a war. Its up to Percy and his special friends to find the bolt and prevent a war, which would obviously be greatly disrupting to the world. The all- star cast couldn't save this movie either, Uma Thurman, Peirce Brosnan, Rosario Dawson were all pointless in this film. Some of characters were ghastly, yes I'm talking about the token black, half human half goat sidekick: watching him was painful. 1 and half mangoes I disliked it.

Valentines Day

Its been a long time since updating and I have so much to review so I'll start with this crap fest, that not even its A list cast could save. Pure trash , I won't even try to confuse you with the story line since they're so many characters and they all interlink. It was supposed to be the American version to Love Actually but fails miserably and pales in comparison. From the beginning I was annoyed and had to restrain myself from walking out of the movie. Very bad, no mangoes well maybe 1 for effort but that's it.

My Favorite Romantic Movies

1. Pride and Prejudice is a Jane Austen masterpiece and probably her most famous novel of all. The book I loved, and I also loved all the versions of this movie. I've seen most of them Bride and Prejudice (Indian Version), 1980 version, and even the newest Hollywood version. However the best one (in my opinion) was the BBC version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. This one like the 1980 version was true to the book, but it also vamped up the sex appeal and romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. It's very long and the DVD is divided in two, but I can assure that it will be 4 hrs well spent, trust me its good. The Bennet's are a middle class family with 5 girls growing up in the English 19th century. Where a woman's only hope of survival and success was to marry well to a man who was her equal or higher in society. This was a great distress to their mother whose sole purpose in life was to ensure her daughters became married. What happens in this movie is nothing short of entertaining, as it reinforces the theme of looks and perhaps characters can be very deceiving.



2. Gone with the Wind- Never could I have imagined that there would've been so much sex appeal in a movie that came out in 1939. Overlooking the racial undertones, this is one of my favourite movies, I saw it when I was younger and hated it. It was long and boring, the only thing I liked about it as a child were the pretty dresses. Somehow I ended watching it recently on one of those nights when insomnia was attacking me and I couldn't get enough of Clark Gable (Rhett Butler). They don't make male leads like that anymore, the chemistry between him and Vivian Leigh (Scarlett) was amazing. I kept rewinding the movie to the parts where they were on screen together (my fave movie couple). The movie tells of the time when America was in the civil war and one woman's struggle to survive this trying period. Scarlett O Hara was a beautiful woman that was used to having her way, all her life, but this comes crashing down when Ashley (the man she thinks she loves) marries another woman. She's spends her whole life using her beauty and charms trying to win him back, using and disposing of men along the journey. Not realizing, until she loses him that Rhett Butler was the one she really loved.



3. Pretty Woman- A modern (well not today) fairytale about a hooker (Julia Roberts) that falls in love and is rescued by the dashing prince/millionaire (Richard Gere). Totally stereotypical, but I love it all the same Julia was amazing as Vivian the prostitute with a heart of gold who ends up hooking up with a bored millionaire John. Edward Lewis is in LA for 1 week and hooks up with Vivian after getting directions from her, he asks her to stay with him for the duration of his trip paying her $4000. He introduces her to a world she's never known, takes her shopping, wines and dines her, even falling in love with her. She possesses something that he hasn't seen in a long time, she's genuine and innocent, and changes him for the better. This was one of the only films I loved the very first time I saw it at the tender age of 5. Perhaps I was able to recognize that this was a fairytale like all the other ones I loved at that age.



4.The Notebook-I love this movie and its perhaps one of the few romantic movies where the couple actually stays together. Its told in flashback style where Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) two teens from different ends of the economic spectrum fall in love over the summer. However they're torn apart by pressure from her parents who want her to find someone who's in her social and economic status. Her parents succeed for a little while, that is until faith has its way before her wedding and what happens is nothing short of magical. These two give a Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh serious competition in the chemistry department. Theirs was so real that it transferred into an off screen romance that went on for years.



5. Bright Star- This is the saddest movie I've seen in a long time, and its also the only one in my top 5 that's based on reality. The movie describes famous poet Tom Keats's love affair with his "Bright Star" Fanny Brawne and their relationship through out his short life. He's introduced to fashion adoring Fanny and they form an attachment when he teaches her poetry. As it usually went in that time he loved her, but they were unable to marry because he didn't have the money or the means to do so. The two however continued their attachment despite disapproval from family a friends. Their love was one so strong that Fanny wouldn't eat when he was away and suffered emotional breakdowns if he didn't write, or his letters were too short. Eventually he becomes ill and dies and Fanny has a mental breakdown, and for the duration of her life she remains detached from reality carrying their love until her end. It was very depressing, but the story of their love was beautiful.

Legion

What do you get when you mix a bunch of B list actors in a shitty movie, why Legion of course!!. The critics panned this mess, but I had to see it for myself and for once they didn't lie. This movie was ridiculous the movie's storyline was so far fetched and unrealistic and don't get me started on the characters. God has lost faith in all of mankind so he wants to end the world and he send his angel Michael to kill this one girl's baby, because this baby might be the key to saving mankind???? WHATTTT, when I think about it sounds more stupid I didn't think that was possible. However Michael has a change of heart and wants to protect the baby and save mankind, PURE HIGHGRADE TRASH. I can't DO NOT WASTE UR MONEY ON THIS 1 mango for effort and the cast which were all too good for this crapfest, I sense a razzy nomination or 2 for this 1 next year.,

Dear John

Another one from romance specialist Nicholas sparks,this one however does not compare to its predecessors 'A Walk to Remember', 'Nights in Rodante' and most notably 'The Notebook'. While it must have made for a great read, the movie falls flat with its story line. John Tyree (Channing) a soldier on leave and Savannah (Seygfreid)college student meet over spring break at the beach and quickly fall in love in two weeks (eyes rolling). Break is over and the two part, promising to write each other everyday for the 12 month duration of his army contract and this begins a deep romance between the two. Then 9/11 happens and John finds himself unwillingly enlisting for another 3 yrs or however long causing great pain as Savannah is forced to come to terms with a huge time apart from John. While they both did well in their individual roles the chemistry between them was non existent. And the twist and ending was so ridiculous and abrupt, leaving one movie goer to ask loudly "WHAT THE F#*K WAS THAT" I give it 2 juicy mangoes, it was bad, had a lot potential but it was bad.

From Paris with Love

John Travolta comes back with a bang as Charlie Wax, a secret service agent in this movie. Jonathan Rhys (King Henry in Tudors)also plays and excellent role as his untrained partner in crime. Rhys is an assistant to the US ambassador in Paris, he has everything a dream job, dream girl and the hope of one day joining the secret service. His hopes comes crash landing in his lap when he's given the job of assisting Wax (Travolta) on his next mission. What happens next is nothing but an adventure as Wax turns his partner's whole world upside down. LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. It was funny & romantic, with thrilling action sequences minus CGI(very refreshing). Famous parts in the movie Wax making it rain cocaine and Asian gangsters. Wonderful movie I give it 4 juicy mangoes

The Lovely Bones

A wonderful movie about a young girl who's coming of age in the 1970s, but her world comes to an abrupt end when she's molested and brutally murdered by a pedophile. She's stuck in a world between heaven and earth as she watches her family and murderer come to terms with her death, while trying to accept this herself. The plot was great and there were excellent performances by all the actors in this movie. The ending was not the greatest for some and it seemed unresolved, nevertheless it was a good film. I give it 3 1/2 juicy mangoes.

Valentines Day

Well I've been looking at a bunch of Romantic films recently and I'll be reviewing some of the classics in honor of Valentines Day. These aren't new ones but old movies that have been around maybe you'll be able to rent them on demand for that special day.

When in Rome

Oh my gosh this movie was filled with romantic cliches and was so lame. I've never seen a movie that was so predictable and cheesy as this one. It was stupid I don't know why I looked at it I somehow expected it to be better. Well as u can tell from the previews Kristen Bell is out of luck when it comes to love and she finds herself in Rome. Well blah blah blah blah I can't even be bothered to go further. It has its cute moments but it was still bad. I gave it 1 mango (it ain't even juicy)

The Book Of Eli

I heard there was so much controversy over this movie and I watched and I couldn't understand why. By no means was this film anti-Christianity in fact in my opinion it reinforces the themes of faith and God's miraculous power. Eli is in a post apocalypse era where humans have become scavengers basically roaming around trying to scrap about for whatever remains of the world is left. As the name suggest he has this book which he's convinced he must carry west and tries his best to prevent anyone from hindering this task. I will stop here because there is a surprising twist at the end which I don't want to ruin. I gave it 4 juicy mangoes it was a good film

The Princess and The Frog

I must say despite all the bad reviews and the negative flack this film got I still loved it. Who cares that our first black princess was a frog for half the film, this very much added to the story line. I believe the film was very realistic to the era and setting in which the story was written for. Fiona is a little girl from two hard working African American parents living in the 1920s era of New Orleans. They teach their little Fiona that she can have all she wants by working for it and so sets the theme of this movie. Which is quite unique and different from the other Disney Films (perhaps as a truth and tribute since black people in America are never handed anything we have to work for all we a achieve). It was a lovely film it took me back to that place when I was young and carefree and it possessed that feel good spirit which all Disney movies have. I gave it 4 1/2 juicy mangoes (even my sister stayed awake and liked this one). Definitely one for the kids especially our kids it our first princess :-).

It's Complicated

A smart film about a woman that finds herself in a severe midlife crises. She's caught between two lovers her ex husband (who cheated on her with his current 20 something wife) and her architect (who's renovating and making her dream home). Meryl Streep did great in this role, this woman can do no wrong and Alec Baldwin was very funny. Its not a film that all may enjoy, (my sis hated it) this is definitely for the older crowd. May be if u wanted to take say your mom out for a lovely entertaining film this would be the one. It was still enjoyable I give it 3 juicy mangoes.

Sherlock Holmes

Sorry guys I saw this movie since last year, but didn't get around to blogging (I've been lazy). Robert Downey jr. gives a lovely performance as Sherlock and so does Jude Law, however I can't say I was completely impressed. It was hyped greatly and I expected more. All the funny parts were shown in the trailer and while the script was believable it still lagged and lulled(I was getting drowsy towards the end). Still a great movie, not the best but entertaining. I give it 3 juicy mangoes.