YOUTH AND REVOLT

SUMMARY: Michael Cera plays a lonely teenager named Nick Twisp. He has an interesting way of thinking, and funny taste in movies and music for his age. That intern keeps him a virgin. He lives with his mother who only wants attention, which leads her to picking D- guys as boyfriends. Nick basically has nothing to live for. Till him, his mom, and boyfriend go on a "vacation", he soon after meets the girl of his dreams and to win her over he must get some help. Help from inside himself, the dark side.

ACTING: Michael Cera plays two completely different characters in this movie. That is amazing in itself, if you say Cera cant act, i'll call you a liar to your FACE. Not only that but this movie was a comedy even though no "jokes" were said. The dry humor was like a desert, but the audience were laughing till tears flowed. Also, new comer Portia Doubleday played a great confusing, yet intriguing girl named Sheeni.

SCRIPT: This movie is based off a book, which after hearing the dialogue I REALLY want to read. There is always a subtle town of sarcasm or a joke at someone's expense. Everyone's lines just flowed together so well, I love when its all natural speech.

CINEMATOGRAPHY: The camera placement for each scene was rather good. Most impressive was the use of slow motion for the life changing moments and having epic music playing in the background. Great use of green screen as well.

RE-WATCHABILITY: I actually want this movie on DVD. It gives an interesting perspective on first love, and an out of this world adventure of what you would do to keep it. If you liked Super Bad and have an odd sense of humor then you'd probably want to watch this... repeatedly.

PLOT: The idea of creating an alter ego, and showing what the ego would look like from the creators perspective was very new. Being able to see the "other Nick" made the movie so much better. Especially with them both being on the screen at the same time. I have no idea how parallel the movie is with the book, but either way it was great!

RATING: ☃☃☃☃

SHERLOCK HOLMES

SUMMARY: A more modern day look on the book "Sherlock Holmes" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Directed by the always improving Guy Ritchie, this movie was one of the top of 2009. Even though this was a modern day look on the movie, it was still set in the same time period. The film follows Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Watson, on trying to uncover the truth behind this magician's mysterious resurrection.

ACTING: Robert Downey Jr. at his finest once again. Able to capture such a unique english accent, he makes it impossible to forget his character. Playing the usual witty/asshole keeps the movie funny and interesting. Jude Law (to my surprise) did exceptionally well. Not as useless as the Watson in the actual book but a doctor and ex-military man. More of the normal one he seemed to have his head screwed on straight but also liked danger as well. I saw the characters of the story, not the actors.

SCRIPT: The whole movie was fast pace action and a fast pace story line. So of course the dialogue was the same, quick wit, mixed with even faster retorts. Sherlock and Watson go back and forth through the entire movie. In their english accents they sound quite sophisticated but still have a child like sense of humor.

CINEMATOGRAPHY: ...OMG. Was the thought I had while I was watching the movie. Guy Ritchie made sure to play with the speed of the camera, as well as showing short clips when he "explained" a before scene. Such a visual explanation on how Holme's came to his conclusion, helped the audience piece together and understand the storyline. So, applaud him.

RE-WATCHABILITY: Personally, I've seen this movie three times. Don't ask, but each time, I catch myself still in aw of the fight scenes, laughing at the same jokes, and walk away pleased that I was there for it. Yes, once the mystery is reviled it takes a certain "aw" away from the movie, but now I can watch the other aspects of the film.

PLOT: In the books of Sherlock Holmes, the crimes were much more realistic and earthly. In the movie, how ever, they play with magic and very cool devices. Again, just another twist the seems to ripen the movie instead of taking something from it.

RATING: ☃☃☃☃☃ one of the top 3 movies of 09'.