Below are the 19 most recent journal entries recorded in ravenreviews' LiveJournal:

Friday, January 5th, 2007
11:23 pm	Children of Men Hey, long time no update. :D Anyway I just got back from seeing this movie and... it was so rediculous and emotional and just aklfjkagfhaf that I felt like I needed to write about it. So I decided to use my long abandoned movie review journal to do it in! Children of Men December 25, 2006 Director: Alfonso Cuarón (who also directed Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban) Starring: Clive Owen (Theodore Faron), Julianne Moore (Julian Taylor), Claire-Hope Ashitey (Kee), Pam Ferris (Miriam), Michael Caine (Jasper Palmer), Danny Huston (Nigel), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Luke), Charlie Hunnam (Patric), Oana Pellea (Marichka) Synopsis: Set in a near future where the human race has lost its ability to reproduce, England descends into chaos when the world's youngest citizen dies at 18. As London is torn apart by violence and warring nationalistic sects, disillusioned bureaucrat Theo (Clive Owen) becomes an unlikely champion of Earth's survival. When the planet's last remaining hope -- lone pregnant woman Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey) -- is threatened, this reluctant activist is forced to face his own demons and protect her from certain peril. Based on the best-selling novel by P.D. James. ( Pictures + Review ) My Rating: 4.5 out of 5. I would give it 5, but there were some brutally violent parts that I can't get out of my head and I really don't think I'd be able to handle it again, so I can't really give it a perfect score, but it was amazing and I'm glad I saw it even if it did kind of emotionally wreck me. Current Mood: indescribable (Comment on this)
Monday, February 27th, 2006
1:18 pm	Brokeback Mountain Brokeback Mountain December 16, 2005 Director: Ang Lee Starring: Heath Ledger (Ennis Del Mar), Jake Gyllenhaal (Jack Twist), Anne Hathaway (Lureen Newsome), Michelle Williams (Alma), Anna Faris (LaShawn Malone), Randy Quaid (Joe Aguirre) Synopsis: The new film from Academy Award-nominated director Ang Lee. An epic love story set against the sweeping vistas of Wyoming and Texas, Brokeback Mountain tells the story of two young men - a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy - who meet in the summer of 1963, and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love. ( Pictures + Review ) My Rating: 5 out of 5. Seriously. It’s brilliant and utterly amazing. It takes your breath away, it makes you giggle, and cry and feel and there are precious few movies out there that can do that these days. From one movie lover to the next, please please see this movie. Current Mood: impressed (6 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, January 29th, 2006
1:18 pm	Rumor Has It Rumor Has It… December 25, 2005 Director: Rob Reiner Starring: Jennifer Aniston (Sarah Huttinger), Kevin Costner (Beau Burroughs), Shirley MacLaine (Katharine Richelieu), Mark Ruffalo (Jeff Daly), Mena Suvari (Annie Huttinger). Synopsis: Jennifer Aniston plays a woman who learns that her family was the inspiration for the book and film "The Graduate" -- and that she just might be the offspring of the well-documented event. ( Pictures + Review ) My Rating: Yeah… 3.5 Ravens out of 5. It was enjoyable, but it wasn’t spectacular. I would still recommend it if you just want a cute romantic comedy though. It does that pretty well. (And Mark Ruffalo.. did I mention that he’s really really hot? Well.. he is.) Current Mood: meh (Comment on this)
1:14 pm	The Family Stone December 16, 2005 Director: Thomas Bezucha Starring: Claire Danes (Julie Morton), Diane Keaton (Sybil Stone), Rachel McAdams (Amy Stone), Dermot Mulroney (Everett Stone), Craig T. Nelson (Kelly Stone), Sarah Jessica Parker (Meredith Morton), Luke Wilson (Ben Stone), Tyrone Giordano (Thad Stone), Brian J. White. (Patrick Thomas) Synopsis: The Stone family unites in common cause when their favorite son brings his uptight girlfriend home for the Christmas holiday, with plans of proposing. Overwhelmed by the hostile reception, she begs her sister to join her for emotional support, triggering further complications. ( Pictures + Review ) My Rating: I’ll give this 3.5 ravens out of 5. It was a little better than mediocre, but nothing amazing. It’s a cute feel good movie (for the most part), but it’s just one in a stream of movies that have disappointed the crap out of me lately. *sigh* Current Mood: okay (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Wednesday, January 18th, 2006
6:31 pm	Memoirs of a Geisha December 9, 2005 Director: Rob Marshall Starring: Suzuka Ohgo (Chiyo), Togo Igawa (Tanaka), Mako (Sakamoto), Samantha Futerman (Satsu), Thomas Ikedo (Mr Bekku), Li Gong (Hatsumomo), Zoe Wiezenbaum (Young Pumpkin), Michelle Yeoh (Mameha), Ken Watanabe (Chairman), Youki Kudoh (Pumpkin), Ziyi Zhang (Sayuri) Synopsis: In 1929 an impoverished nine-year-old named Chiyo from a fishing village is sold to a geisha house in Kyoto's Gion district and subjected to cruel treatment from the owners and the head geisha Hatsumomo. Her stunning beauty attracts the vindictive jealousy of Hatsumomo, until she is rescued by and taken under the wing of Hatsumomo's bitter rival, Mameha. Under Mameha's mentorship, Chiyo becomes the geisha named Sayuri, trained in all the artistic and social skills a geisha must master in order to survive in her society. As a renowned geisha she enters a society of wealth, privilege, and political intrigue. As World War II looms Japan and the geisha's world are forever changed by the onslaught of history. ( Pictures + Review ) My Rating: I’m going to give this 3 out of 5, again because it was well done, and I didn’t hate it, but it just didn’t strike me as anything amazing enough to warrant 4 or above. Current Mood: blah (Comment on this)
6:30 pm	Just Friends Just Friends November 25, 2005 Director: Roger Kumble Starring: Ryan Reynolds (Chris Brander), Amy Smart (Jamie Palamino), Anna Faris (Samantha James), Chris Klein (Dusty) Synopsis: When he confessed his love for his best friend during their formative high school years ago, Chris was met with a broken heart and a degrading humiliation. Only adding insult to injury was his larger than life frame which became a source of ridicule for cruel classmates. But years later and things having changed, Chris is now a hotshot record producer in Hollywood and the complete physical opposite of himself in high school. He's also got an up and coming act by the name of Samantha James who has a psychotic crush on her producer. When a freak accident occurs on the way to Paris, Chris is forced to return home with her in tow. Little does he know that he would come face to face with the friend that he tried so desperately to forget. With the chance to woo her again, Chris will do what he can despite his client's violent misgivings and a competitive rival suitor against him. No matter the crazy obstacles he must overcome, Chris will do whatever it takes to be more than just friends. ( Pictures + Review ) My Rating: Uh… 0.5 out of 5. Maybe. And that 1 is for hot boys. I always give movies complimentary points if they cast hot actors, because seriously… it’s the only thing saving the movie. So at least you did one thing right, Mr Krumble. I was going to give this movie 1 out of 5, but then I remembered the hideous song they put at the end which was Anna Faris’ character singing the stupidest song in history “Forgiveness” that she sings during the movie. Just thinking about it gets the damn thing stuck in my head. AGH. Negative points for you movie! >:( Current Mood: moody (Comment on this)
5:20 pm	Pride & Prejudice Pride and Prejudice November 11, 2005 Director: Joe Wright Starring: Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Bennet), Rosamund Pike (Jane Bennet), Talulah Riley (Mary Bennet), Jena Malone (Lydia Bennet), Carey Mulligan (Kitty Bennet), Donald Sutherland (Mr Bennet), Brenda Blethyn (Mrs. Bennet), Simon Woods (Mr Bingley), Matthew Macfadyen (Mr Darcy) Synopsis: The story is based on Jane Austen's novel about five sisters - Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia Bennet - in Georgian England. Their lives are turned upside down when a wealthy young man (Mr. Bingley) and his best friend (Mr. Darcy) arrive in their neighborhood. ( Pictures + Review ) My Rating: I would give this 3 out of 5. I good rating in the middle. I don’t have anything really bad to say about it, but as I did have a hard time understanding some bits, and figuring out what was going on and who all the characters were it wasn’t as awesome as I thought it could be. Maybe one day I’ll rent it when it’s on video and give it another shot. Or I’ll see it with my friend Emily, who can probably do a good job of explaining everything to me. Current Mood: content (Comment on this)
Tuesday, January 17th, 2006
4:01 pm	Chronicles of Narnia December 9, 2005 Director: Andrew Adamson Starring: Georgie Henley (Lucy Pevensie), Skandar Keynes (Edmund Pevensie), William Moseley (Peter Pevensie), Anna Popplewell (Susan Pevensie), Tilda Swinton (White Witch), James McAvoy (Mr. Tumnus), Liam Neeson (Aslan – voice) Synopsis: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are deported from London to the house of an eccentric professor during World War II. They find life in the house extremely dull, until Lucy discovers a wardrobe that leads to a magical world called Narnia, where animals can talk and all are ruled over by the wise and benevolent lion Aslan. The others don't believe her at first, but soon all of them go through the wardrobe and discover all is not well in Narnia. The land is being kept in a perpetual winter by the evil White Witch, Jadis, who turns anyone who doesn't obey her into stone. The children join Aslan and the animals loyal to him in an attempt to vanquish Jadis. ( Pictures + Review ) My Rating: 4 ravens out of 5. It was just as movies should be, entertaining*. I wasn’t bored at all and as I said, it was the perfect mix of entertainment, action and some sad parts too. Definitely recommended! * I thought I'd just add a small astrisk to this because I understand that some movies are entertaining and some are there to make a point and to move you and make you think & I really do believe that some movies are much more than entertainment and can really even change your life or your way of thinking. However, since this is Narnia, I would assume it's goal is entertainment and it met it's goal :) Current Mood: cheerful (Comment on this)
Saturday, January 14th, 2006
11:50 am	Rent Rent November 23, 2005 Director: Chris Columbus Starring: Anthony Rapp (Mark Cohen), Adam Pascal (Roger Davis), Rosario Dawson (Mimi Marquez), Jesse L. Martin (Tom Collins), Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Angel Dumott Shunard), Idina Menzel (Maureen Johnson), Tracie Thoms (Joanne Jefferson), Taye Diggs (Benjamin Coffin III) Synopsis: This film adaptation of Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning rock opera tells the story of one year in the life of a group of bohemians struggling in modern day East Village New York. The story centers around Mark (Anthony Rapp) and Roger (Adam Pascal), two roommates. While a former tragedy has made Roger numb to life, Mark tries to capture it through his attempts to make a film. In the year that follows, the group deals with love, loss, AIDS, and modern day life in one truly powerful story. ( Pictures + Review ) My Rating: 5 ravens out of 5. Yes, a perfect rating. That being said, you obviously have to have a tolerance for musicals as it’s about 90% full of songs and musical numbers. But if you love theatre and a good love story, definitely check this one out. Current Mood: ecstatic (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, December 4th, 2005
5:20 pm	Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire November 18, 2005 Director: Mike Newell Starring: Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Robert Pattison (Cedric Diggory), Stanislav Ianevski (Viktor Krum), Katie Leung (Cho Chang), Brendan Gleeson (Alastor Moody). Clémence Poésy (Fleur Delacour), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort) Synopsis: Harry's fourth summer and the following year at Hogwarts are marked by the Quidditch World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament, in which student representatives from three different wizarding schools compete in a series of increasingly challenging contests. However, Voldemort's Death Eaters are gaining strength and even creating the Dark Mark giving evidence that the Dark Lord is ready to rise again. In the unsuspecting lives of the young wizard and witches at Hogwarts the competitors are selected by the goblet of fire, which this year makes a very surprising announcement: Hogwarts will have two representatives in the tournament, including Harry Potter! Will Harry be able to rise to the challenge for the Tri Wizard Tournament while keeping up with school or will the challenges along with Voldemort's rebirth be too much for the young hero? The 4 Champions: ( Pictures + Review ) Current Mood: impressed (Comment on this)
5:15 pm	Chicken Little Chicken Little November 4, 2005 Director: Mark Dindal Starring: Voices of: Zach Braff (Chicken Little), Garry Marshall (Buck Cluck), Steve Zahn (Runt of the Litter), Joan Cusack (Abby Mallard), Amy Sedaris (Foxy Loxy) Synopsis: After Chicken Little causes widespread panic--when he mistakes a falling acorn for a piece of the sky--the young chicken is determined to restore his reputation. But just as things are starting to go his way, a real piece of the sky lands on his head. Chicken Little and his band of misfit friends, Abby Mallard (aka Ugly Duckling), Runt of the Litter and Fish Out of Water, attempt to save the world without sending the town into a whole new panic. ( Pictures + Review ) Current Mood: giggly (Comment on this)
5:08 pm	Jarhead Jarhead November 4, 2005 Director: Sam Mendes Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal (Swoff), Peter Sarsgaard (Troy), Jamie Foxx (Staff Sgt. Sykes) Synopsis: Jarhead (the self-imposed moniker of the Marines) follows "Swoff" (Jake Gyllenhaal), a third-generation enlistee, from a sobering stint in boot camp to active duty, sporting a sniper's rifle and a hundred-pound ruck on his back through Middle East deserts with no cover from intolerable heat or from Iraqi soldiers, always potentially just over the next horizon. Swoff and his fellow Marines sustain themselves with sardonic humanity and wicked comedy on blazing desert fields in a country they don't understand against an enemy they can't see for a cause they don't fully fathom. Based on the book by Anthony Swofford. ( Pictures + Review ) Current Mood: okay (Comment on this)
5:05 pm	The Weatherman The Weatherman October 28, 2005 Director: Gore Verbinksi Starring: Nicolas Cage (David Spritzel), Michael Caine (Robert Spritzel), Hope Davis (Noreen), Gemmenne de la Pena (Shelly), Nicholas Hoult (Mike). Synopsis: Popular Chicago weatherman Dave Spritz (Nicolas Cage) has a shot at the big time when a national morning television show calls him for an audition. Professionally, Dave is on the top of the world, but his personal life is in complete disarray. His painful divorce, his dad's illness and trouble with his kids have him poised on the knife's edge between stability and disaster. The harder he tries to control events, the more he finds life, like the weather, is completely unpredictable. ( Pictures + Review ) Current Mood: confused (Comment on this)
5:01 pm	Elizabethtown Elizabethtown October 14, 2005 Director: Cameron Crowe Starring: Orlando Bloom (Drew Baylor), Kirsten Dunst (Claire Colburn), Susan Sarandon (Hollie Baylor) Synopsis: After causing the Oregon shoe company he works for to lose hundreds of millions of dollars, Drew Baylor is fired for his mistake, and promptly also dumped by his girlfriend, Ellen. On the verge of suicide, Drew is oddly given a new purpose in life when he is brought back to his family's small Kentucky hometown of Elizabethtown following the death of his father, Mitch, as it falls to him to make sure that his dying wishes are fulfilled. On the way home, Drew meets a flight attendant, Claire Colburn(Dunst), with whom he falls in love, in a romance that helps his life get back on track... ( Pictures + Review ) Current Mood: disappointed (Comment on this)
4:58 pm	Domino Domino October 14, 2005 Director: Tony Scott Starring: Keira Knightley (Domino Harvey), Mickey Rourke (Ed Mosbey), Edgar Ramirez (Choco), Lucy Liu (Taryn Miles) Synopsis: A recounting of Domino Harvey's life story. The daughter of actor Laurence Harvey turned away from her career as a Ford model to become a bounty hunter. ( Pictures + Review ) Current Mood: mischievous (Comment on this)
4:44 pm	Wallace and Gromit Wallace & Gromit October 7, 2005 Director: Nick Park, Steve Box Starring: Voices of: Peter Sallis (Wallace), Helena Bonham Carter (Lady Campanula Tottington), Synopsis: It's 'vege-mania' in Wallace and Gromit's neighborhood, and our two enterprising chums are cashing in with their humane pest-control outfit, "Anti-Pesto." With only days to go before the annual Giant Vegetable Competition, business is booming, but Wallace & Gromit are finding out that running a "humane" pest control outfit has its drawbacks as their West Wallaby Street home fills to the brim with captive rabbits. Suddenly, a huge, mysterious, veg-ravaging "beast" begins attacking the town's sacred vegetable plots at night, and the competition hostess, Lady Tottington, commissions Anti-Pesto to catch it and save the day. Lying in wait, however, is Lady Tottington's snobby suitor, Victor Quartermaine, who'd rather shoot the beast and secure the position of local hero-not to mention Lady Tottingon's hand in marriage. With the fate of the competition in the balance, Lady Tottington is eventually forced to allow Victor to hunt down the vegetable chomping marauder. Little does she know that Victor's real intent could have dire consequences for her ...and our two heroes. ( Pictures + Review ) Current Mood: giggly (Comment on this)
2:36 pm	In Her Shoes In Her Shoes October 7, 2005 Director: Curtis Hanson Starring: Cameron Diaz (Maggie Feller), Toni Collette (Rose Feller),. Candice Azzara (Sydelle Feller) Synopsis: Maggie, the consummate party girl, clashes with her head-on-straight sister, Rose (based on book by Jennifer Weiner). ( Pictures + Review ) Current Mood: happy (Comment on this)
11:28 am	Flight Plan Flightplan September 23, 2005 Director: Robert Schwentke Starring: Jodie Foster (Kyle), Peter Saarsgard (Carson), Sean Bean (Captain Rich), Marlene Lawston (Julia), Erica Christensen (Fiona). Synopsis: In this modern retelling of a classic urban legend, a mother finds herself at odds with a unremitting flight crew and her own sanity when her daughter vanishes in the middle of a flight, with only a few clues left behind. She must now challenge the boundaries of her will and her mind in her desperate search. ( Pictures + Review ) Current Mood: annoyed (Comment on this)
11:27 am	Wedding Crashers Wedding Crashers July 15, 2005 Director: David Dobkin Starring: Owen Wilson (John Beckwith), Vince Vaughn (Jeremy Klein), Christopher Walken (William Cleary), Rachel McAdams (Claire Cleary) Synopsis: John Beckwith (Owen Wilson) and Jeremy Klein (Vince Vaughn) are a pair of divorce mediators who spend their weekends crashing weddings in search of Ms. Right… for a night. But when one of them falls for the engaged daughter (Rachel McAdams) of an influential and eccentric politician (Christopher Walken) at the social event of the year, they get roped into spending a wild weekend at the family's palatial waterfront estate and quickly find themselves in over their heads. ( Pictures + Review ) Current Mood: amused (Comment on this)