Twilight Saga Eclipse - Movie Review

I saw the Twilight Saga Eclipse last night at midnight, and with all Twilight films I am glad that I went on opening night.  First; it's good to know what everyone is talking about, and second; there is no experience like a Twilight film at midnight, it's electric.

Eclipse so far is my favorite Twilight film to come out.  The acting was better, the directing was better, and the special effects were better.  Everything has just improved so much since the series first hit the big screen.

I was disappointed in a few things.  Bryce Dallas Howard took over in the character of Victoria.  Her acting was cheesy and not very believable.  I'm not sure she was a good fit.  In the action you couldn't tell it was a new person, but in her speaking lines, it was painfully obvious that this girl was not built to be an angry vampire.

The editing had it's moments.  I was not a huge fan of the opening.  I liked the idea of it, but thought it came out rushed and choppy.  This was apparent in other parts that as well.  I think they needed a few more shots to make the sequence work out better.  Along with the editing, some transitions were awkward.  Just a bit forced.

Other than that the film was visually beautiful.  I would see it again just for the prettiness of it all.  The new character of Riley was great.  I wouldn't have minded if he had more face time.  This installment did a good job of providing background to characters other than Edward, Bella and Jacob.  You see the back story to Rosalie and Jasper and scratch a little more of the werewolf surface.

I think I say the rest in my video review below so check that out.

Rating: 3.0★ stars (out of 5)

Recommendation: Twilight fans and those curious about Twilight will love this film.  You can't go into it expecting a cinematic masterpiece or you will be disappointed.  It merely a fun fan movie. There is no need to see this film in IMAX.  It wasn't filmed for IMAX so don't waste your money.

Toy Story 3 - Movie (in 3D)

Hey everyone!  It's been a long time since I have done a legitimate review so I think I will just jump with this amazing movie.

Toy Story 3 is a tear jerking family fun film that tugs at your heart strings from start to finish.  I absolutely had to see this movie, not only because it is the the third film in a series that I love, but because it had such great reviews from everyone who had seen it before me.

In this third installment Andy (the toy's owner) is going off to college and he has to box up and clean his room.  Part of this is deciding whether or not to throw-away, put in the attic or take them to college, while his sister Molly is donating some toys of her own.  Andy bags his toys to be put in the attic, but after some confusion, his Mom puts them on the curb for the trash collector.  The toys decide that instead of ending up in a land fill they decide to donate themselves to the Sunny Side Daycare.  There the toys learn the new meaning of "playtime".

First, I would like to say that this movie is incredible.  The story is really what pulls the whole franchise together.  The characters have grown so much from the first installment was introduced 11 years ago.  There are some very gripping moments towards the end.  There wasn't a single dry seat in the house.  But  for every tear there is a laugh.  This was a very funny movie.  So every audience member is taken on a full emotional roller coaster.

Check out my video for a full review.

Rating: 5.0★ stars (out of 5)

Recommendation: This is a great family film, but anyone will enjoy it.  I recommend that everyone see this movie.  Now I saw it in 3D and it cost me $14.  I don't think it is necessary to see it in 3D.  Things don't fly out at you.  If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't see it in 3D.

Quantum of Solace

Flashes of fancy cars and amazing coastal scenery grace the opening scene as Bond tries to escape assailants.  Traffic, police, and dangerous roads threaten to foil Bond.

Daniel Craig stars as agent 007 for the second time in this 46-year-old franchise.  Can you believe it?  46 years!  Not only that, but Quantum had the highest grossing opening weekend of any bond raking in $70.4 mil.

Originally, Daniel Craig was met with adversity when producers announced that he would be the next Bond, but the dollars show that he is now a welcomed member of the Bond family.

Quantum of Solace has a lack luster plot that is filled with action from start to finish.  The film follows Bond as seeks to find those who were behind the death of his girlfriend Vesper.  In his search he finds the terrorist organization “Quantum”, who aren’t so much terrorists but severely unethical businessmen with scary cronies. The characters aren’t developed the same way that they were in the first film.  Bond is Bond, and M is trying to rein him in, to keep the trust.

The plot, however, can’t take anything away from the action sequences.  Rarely are there back-to-back scenes without some sort of explosion or gunfire.   My friends joked about there being negative dialogue.  That’s when the explosions outweigh the actual dialogue, and they were right.

The new Bond films break away from tradition.  Bond is still smooth in his own way, but he relies less on gadgets and more on his pure awesomeness to get stuff done.  The Craig films are more “real” than their predecessors, and contain more emotion.

Rating: 3.75 ★ Stars (out of 5)

Recommendation:  You don’t have to be a Bond fan to appreciate these new Bond films.  It’s action packed and full of beautiful people.  I think anyone can find enjoyment in this movie.  I say – Check it out!

Until next time…Entertain Your Soul

~ Rachel

PS – I love discussions.  Tell me what you think constitutes someone as being a “Bond Girl”.  Leave a comment with your thoughts.

Here's the trailer