Colombiana

I'm sorry I haven't been around much! I don't have a job right now, so I haven't exactly had the money to pay for tickets or many opportunities to see them for free. Anyway, I went out last night with some friends to see Colombiana for my best friend's birthday, and I actually enjoyed it! I mean, from the trailer, I wasn't expecting to not enjoy it. How can a revenge movie that combines a bad-ass chick (Zoe Soldana) and lots of action not be good? #guyproblems

The film is definitely a guilty pleasure as the acting isn't top-notch and the dialogue and story borders on cheap and cliche. It definitely is a Luc Besson film, as the highly contrasted and stylized filming with non-stop and graceful action might imply. I really enjoyed the opening exploration of young Catelaya and the origin of her motive for killing all of these people, and the subsequent action scene that involves the young Catelaya as the mobsters chase her through the streets of Bogota. Beyond that, the film offers little in the way of character development, but definitely makes up for it in the action and eye-candy department.

If you want a revenge-fueled movie that offers more depth, look elsewhere - like Hanna from earlier this year, which is more of a character study than an explosion-centric film. However, if you want something mindless, sexy, and fun, Colombiana might be the movie for you. If you know what to expect, you won't be disappointed. I sure wasn't.

Read more!

Hanna

Hanna is one of the movies that I have been most looking forward to seeing this year. I love a good conspiracy, action-thriller movie and Hanna looked like a film that would be able to deliver, and it does for the most part.

The movie, in my opinion, begins rather slowly; I'm assuming to convey a sense of isolation and disconnect from the rest of the world which can't be done in a fast-paced and rushed style. After all, Hanna and her father are hiding away from a ruthless CIA operative for reasons that weren't yet clear to me but are sure enough revealed as the story unfolds. The movie also ends rather abruptly, leaving me questioning, "What happens now?" One commenter on Fandango's Fan Review board states that it isn't what happens at the beginning or the end of the film that is important, but the adventure that takes place throughout the film, and I have to agree.

For me, the most enjoyable scenes weren't those where Hanna was fighting for her life, but those where she was discovering the entirely new world around her, especially in Morocco after escaping the underground hold. The family she befriends and spends quite a bit of time with creates a stark, and often humorous contrast between Hanna's isolated upbringing and the family's eccentric lifestyle.

It really is a delight watching Hanna take in everything. Saoirse's portrayal of the title character makes the film, as well the ever-reliable Cate Blanchett's delivery of menacing CIA Agent Marissa Weigler. Along with the enjoyable performances by the entire cast, the excellent editing and great, though forgettable soundtrack, you should be kept drawn into the film, unwary of the nearly two-hour run time, and left with an overall good movie-going experience.

If you have the chance and are into these kinds of films, I would definitely look into watching it. I certainly enjoyed it!

Read more!