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The Maven and The Blonde Review Summer
Movies
Aaron Eckhart and Catherine Zeta-Jones in
Warner Bros. Pictures' No Reservations -
2007 | |
“No
Reservations” There are so many good "food"
reality shows, such as “Top Chef” and anything Gordon Ramsey does,
as well as “Iron Chef,” that it was just a matter of time before a
movie where the main character is a chef would be put onto the big
screen. The beautiful Catherine Zeta-Jones (The “Zorro” movies and
“Chicago”) is Kate, top chef at 22 Bleeker Street Restaurant. She
runs her kitchen with an iron fist and a secret saffron sauce.
Circumstances unexpectedly put her eleven-year-old niece in her lap.
Abigail Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”) plays Zoe, Kate's orphaned
niece. Kate may be a brilliant chef, but she feels out of her
element as a mother. To the rescue comes Nick, played by Aaron
Eckhart (“Erin Brokovitch”). Nick is an easy-going, up-and-coming
chef who wants to work with the brilliant Kate to learn more of his
craft. Unfortunately, the owner of the restaurant is so impressed
with Nick as a chef, she offers him Kate's job. Amidst this drama is
the budding romance between Kate and Nick, as well as Zoe and her
grief of being an orphan. Scott Hicks (“Shine” and “Snow Falling on
Cedars”) directed this film. The Blonde: “No
Reservations” is not only a remake, but an adorable, charming, sweet
film. It was like “Baby Boom” meets “Raising Helen.” This film
reminds us of why we go to the movies. I had such a great time that
I didn’t want it to end. Catherine played such a different role than
usual, and her makeup and wardrobe were less glamorous, too.
Although she is a wonderful actress in all her roles, I found myself
enjoying her performance in this role. Aaron is a hunk and so real
in this character. Abigail is a phenomenal and talented actress who
will, no doubt, enjoy a long career. Okay, I don’t mean to be catty
-- okay, yes, I do – but when did Catherine get her boobs done?
The Maven: Catherine sure looked great. We don’t
actually know if she did for sure, but she certainly has the money
to do what WE wanted to do after WE had our children!
The
Blonde: EXCUSE ME, I didn’t need mine done and still don’t, THANK
YOU VERY MUCH! Speak for yourself!
The Maven: OH YEAH RIGHT!
Anyway, Aaron looked great as well. I didn't feel any sparks,
though. The only time I was moved was when Abigail was on screen.
She is really good! Her face is so expressive. Something was missing
from this movie, however the food looked delicious. That is the
problem with these shows dealing with the preparation of food. I
want to eat what is prepared! My craving for scallops was not
satisfied by my trip to Steak & Shake after the movie.
The Blonde: I wasn't aware that Steak & Shake
served scallops. Couldn't you find a Red Lobster or a Legal Seafood?
The Maven: They don't have a drive-thru window. I
don't like to eat in a restaurant alone. The Blonde:
There is a service called "To Go," you know. The
Maven: I would still be walking into the place alone and ordering a
single meal. The Blonde: Aren't you ordering a single
meal at Steak & Shake drive-thru? The Maven: Yes,
but I am anonymous in my car. Could we please stop discussing
my drive-thru eating habits? The Blonde: Sure! Now a
Starbuck’s drive-thru is heaven and a good topic!
“The Bourne Ultimatum”
Matt Damon in Universal
Pictures' The Bourne Ultimatum -
2007
Amnesiac Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is still
seeking clues about his past and possibly his future. He races
around the globe -- to Moscow, London, Paris and Madrid -- while
being pursued by a mysterious assassin (Edgar Ramirez). The
Maven: I would like to give a thumbs up, on “The Bourne Ultimatum!”
I thought it was very good. Matt Damon is perfect in this
installment. The live action chase scenes were exciting to
watch and I have to mention Joan Allen. She is perfect in the role
of Pamela Landy. I am glad they gave Julia Stiles more to do this
time around. What I really like is that they stay with the story and
don't deviate for a romance. The movie was good from beginning to
the end. The Blonde: This was a total, non-stop action flick! I
don’t agree with the Mav, as there is NOT a lot of story or
dialogue. And although interesting to watch, this two-hour chase it
is NOT a chick flick, but will win points if you sit through it for
your man. I rate it a C+. However, it is a good film and most will
enjoy it. The Maven: Hey Blonde, TALK ABOUT SEEKING ACTION? NOW,
I have to ask if you have been up to your old tricks again! I
recently read that Camilla was upset that Charles had not been
home much. Knowing that you were on a European cruise recently, I
deduced that you spent some time in England. Just because you
CAN do something, does not mean that you SHOULD do something. Those
boys have been through enough. Stay away from Charles. Let go of
that Royal dream of yours! The Blonde: Jealousy looks
so ugly on you, my dear! LET ME JUST SAY, IT IS NO LONGER A DREAM!
The Maven: LET’S GET SOMETHING STRAIGHT RIGHT NOW. I
WOULD NEVER BE JEALOUS ABOUT CHARLIE! YOU CAN SO HAVE HIM!
“Harry Potter and the Order of the
Phoenix”
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry
Potter and Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood
in Warner Bros Pictures' Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - 2007
The Maven:
With “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” the filmmakers
made another hit. The actors have grown into their roles very well.
Having read ALL of the novels now, I can tell you that the next
two films will be great if the filmmakers stay true to the
stories. Even with so much of the book that has to be left out,
the films still tell a good tale. The Blonde: Even
though this episode was not the favorite of most of the Potter fans,
I actually enjoyed it the best so far. It is very entertaining, with
a good storyline. I rate it a B+.
The Maven: Back to “No
Reservations,” I was only mildly impressed. It's a pleasant enough
movie, a good date movie, but no oomph to speak of. I rate it a
C for "come on, let's see something more exciting."
The
Blonde: I thought it had plenty of oomph and rate it a B! You must
have been hungry! “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” The
Blonde: If you are a die-hard Adam Sandler fan, then you will go
with the flow and even enjoy this little, but poignant, film. I rate
it a C. “You Kill Me” The Blonde: Well, the Mav made me see
this when I came to Florida to visit with her because she was dying
to see the new Lindsay Lohan film. After waiting for Lindsay’s grand
entrance for over and hour and a half, we discovered that even the
MAVEN CAN BE WRONG NOW AND THEN! The film she thought we were going
to see was “I Know Who Killed Me!” “You kill Me” was a fun dark
comedy starring Ben Kingsley and Téa Leoni; slow, but entertaining.
I rate this film a C. The Maven: Well, one could see how I made
that mistake. “You Kill Me,” “I Know Who Killed Me”…so close! You
gotta admit, it was fun waiting for Lindsay to show up! I enjoyed
this movie better than the Blonde did, OBVIOUSLY! I would have given
it a B! The Blonde: AND THEY CALL ME THE BLONDE! “I Know Who
Killed Me” The Blonde: AAAHHH, the Lindsay film. I am ashamed of
her mom for even allowing Lindsay to be in this film. No wonder she
wound up back in rehab! This film was probably trying, disturbing
and traumatic for a young girl to film. I rate it a D+. “The
Simpsons Movie” The Blonde: A huge treat for all of the
‘Simpsonatics’! Very, very cute film, but more for grow-up kids and
parents than it is for the little ones. Enjoyable and fun! I rate it
a B. “Hot Rod” The Blonde: Can we just say STUPID!
This “wanna-be” comedy is far fetched, ridiculous and even an insult
for teenagers. I feel embarrassed for poor SISSY SPACEK for being in
this film. What a come-down! I rate this film (if you can call it
that) a D--!
The Blonde: See you next month at the movies!
GO AND HAVE SOME FUN!
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